Christopher Gersch is the CEO of Verde Solutions, a leading clean energy firm that specializes in commercial solar, battery storage, and EV development projects across the United States. Under his leadership, Verde Solutions and sister companies like Navigate Power have completed more than 2,800 projects in 48 states for major clients such as DHL and Southwest Airlines, earned repeated Inc. 5000 recognition, and served over 100,000 customers nationwide. Christopher is a serial entrepreneur who has founded more than a dozen businesses, serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Chicago, and was named one of Crain's Chicago Business 2023 Notable Leaders in Sustainability; he also holds an executive MBA from Northwestern and a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from the University of Illinois. With a passion for both innovation and storytelling, Christopher brings a unique perspective on how personal experiences and business challenges can inspire action — whether in the classroom, on national news, or through the many companies he's built.

Some people seem to have an endless supply of energy, curiosity, and ideas, turning their passions into thriving businesses across multiple industries. But what does it take to not only start companies, but to build a network of ventures that support each other — and still have time left for family, teaching, and storytelling? How do you bounce back when your best-laid plans go awry, and what makes the stories of your journey truly memorable?

Christopher Gersch demonstrates how strategic vision, resilience, and authentic storytelling can transform setbacks into springboards for success. Drawing inspiration from his entrepreneurial mother, Chris built twelve businesses before age forty, cleverly linking them through a parent holding company to maximize synergy and minimize risk. He shares his journey from humble beginnings, through early failures — including a hedge fund collapse — to a thriving portfolio in clean energy, trading, and technology. Chris reveals the importance of taking action in the face of fear, finding and trusting the right partners, and reinvesting in growth rather than succumbing to complacency. His approach is rooted in self-awareness, transparency, and the humility to learn from both success and failure.

In this episode of Sticky: Stories That Stick, Amelia Forczak talks with Christopher Gersch about building interconnected businesses and the art of impactful storytelling. They draw out practical wisdom on entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal growth. Listeners will discover how Chris structures his companies for efficiency, hedges against business volatility, and cultivates strong teams by empowering 'lieutenants' to drive ventures forward. The conversation explores how teaching and media appearances sharpen his storytelling skills, and why the most powerful stories are those that capture both triumphs and pivots. Amelia and Chris delve into the value of peer groups for leaders, the necessity of action over hesitation, and the power of vulnerability in creating stories that truly stick. Whether you're a founder, creative, or aspiring storyteller, this episode offers actionable ideas and inspiration to help you navigate crooked roads — and share the lessons learned along the way.

Andy Weins is the Founder of Camo Crew Responsible Junk Removal, a veteran-owned business based in Butler, Wisconsin, that specializes in eco-friendly junk removal, hauling, and demolition services. Under Andy’s leadership, Camo Crew has gained notable recognition, including features on The Morning Blend, and has become a leading force in its industry, while Andy himself is a sought-after keynote speaker and author. A fourth-generation entrepreneur and 20-year military veteran, Andy is passionate about sustainability, financial literacy for small business owners, and the power of intentional language.

If you’ve ever wondered how to transform your unique experiences into stories that captivate and drive action, you’re not alone. Many people struggle to find focus amid their varied interests, talents, and life chapters, making it tough to zero in on what stories will resonate most powerfully. Is there a secret to identifying the “sticky” themes that can shape not only your narrative, but your future career?

Andy Wines, a fourth-generation entrepreneur, seasoned military veteran, and keynote speaker, shares how he found clarity through storytelling — despite juggling multiple successful ventures. Working with a coach, Andy discovered that his attention to language and word choice was the common thread connecting all his pursuits, leading to his signature keynote, The Language of Leaders. He reveals his journey from being a jack-of-all-trades to a focused thought leader, explaining how writing forced him to distill his experiences into actionable insights. Andy delves into the ways he helps business owners confront the intimidating world of finances, using accessible frameworks like “hillbilly math” to make data-driven decisions less daunting. His stories demonstrate that small, simple changes — rather than sweeping overhauls — can spark dramatic results for entrepreneurs and leaders alike.

In this episode of Sticky: Stories That Stick, Amelia Forczak talks with Andy Wines, Founder of Camo Crew Responsible Junk Removal, about harnessing the power of words and numbers to build a lasting legacy. They explore why language matters so deeply and how shifting your internal dialogue can lead to real-world transformation. Listeners will learn practical strategies for reframing limiting beliefs, rooting business decisions in data, and developing confidence by facing uncomfortable truths — whether it’s through cleaning up your business finances or rewriting your mental scripts. Amelia and Andy’s dynamic conversation is packed with actionable wisdom and memorable sayings, making this a must-listen for anyone ready to write their own sticky story.

Darren Pleasance is the President and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the world's largest aviation membership organization, which advocates for and supports pilots and aviation enthusiasts around the globe. Under his leadership, AOPA represents hundreds of thousands of members and over 80 international affiliates, and Darren is also a recognized author and speaker, having released his 2024 book, True North: A Handbook for Inspired Living. Darren's own journey is remarkable: he has flown private jets for celebrities, landed planes on Alaskan glaciers, worked for leading organizations like Nike and Google, and, alongside his wife Lisa, runs a horse farm in central Oregon. Passionate about inspiring others to live fulfilling and intentional lives, Darren brings unique insights from both the cockpit and the boardroom to conversations about personal growth, career pivots, and storytelling that truly sticks.

Feeling stuck in a professional rut, or wondering if it's too late to chase your true passion, can leave you questioning everything. What does it look like to build a life around what actually lights you up, even if it means changing course multiple times? And how can you transform your personal journey into stories that inspire others to do the same?

Darren Pleasance shows exactly how he solved those dilemmas, weaving his love of aviation through a career that spans flying celebrities and landing planes on glaciers to executive roles at global companies like Google and McKinsey. He explains how discovering what excites you — and making it a non-negotiable part of your weekly routine — creates a virtuous cycle of energy and excellence. He shares frameworks from his book True North, such as auditing your 168 weekly hours to prioritize meaningful pursuits, and recounts pivotal moments when choosing "the option that makes for a better story" led to bold, fulfilling transitions. Darren delves into the power of intentional trade-offs, the importance of surrounding yourself with inspiring people, and how even midlife pivots can result in a more inspired, rewarding path.

In this episode of Sticky: Stories That Stick, Amelia Forczak talks with Darren Pleasance, President and CEO of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, about overcoming perfectionism, speaking up, and building a life that blends success with personal joy. They explore storytelling, balancing ambition with happiness, and making courageous choices that lead to "better stories." Whether you're starting fresh or seeking inspiration, this episode offers tools to help you chart your own true north.