On this episode of the iBuild America Podcast, host Byron V. Garrett sits down in Michigan with Dan Stechow, President & CEO of TPOP – The Power of Preparedness—a true renaissance leader whose journey has spanned music, business, digital innovation, and now workplace safety.

Dan shares his remarkable story: from playing 2,000 shows across the world as a touring bassist performing at Bill Clinton’s inauguration, to founding multiple successful tech companies during the dot-com boom, to now leading a mission-driven organization focused on preventing workplace violence and building safer workplaces.

This episode is about more than business or career transitions—it’s about grit, resilience, purpose, and using your talents to build something that matters.

In this conversation, we explore:

— The power of reinventing yourself and following passion over comfort

— How real-world experience can become your greatest education?

— Why culture and respect are critical in every workplace

— How empathy and de-escalation can change outcomes and save lives

— Why “taking the high road” is one of the most powerful tools we have

Whether you’re a student, a parent, an entrepreneur, or someone rebuilding your future, you’ll walk away inspired to use what you’ve learned to help build a stronger America.