In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey sits down with Rick Geiser, a teacher, co-athletic director, and head girls’ basketball coach at Waynedale High School, to talk about leadership that lasts far beyond the court. With more than 30 years of experience in teaching and coaching, Rick has built a culture grounded in consistency, accountability, and care.

From implementing “RFD” (Run From Drama) as a team core value to helping players see their worth beyond wins and losses, Rick shares how relationships form the foundation of every successful classroom, team, and community. He also discusses the power of feedback, celebrating growth, and creating a space where both coaches and students can learn through failure.

In this episode, you’ll hear:
• Why strong relationships are the key to effective leadership
• How Rick helps players see value in themselves, and in others
• The role of culture in reducing drama and building unity
• How he teaches students to embrace feedback and accountability
• The leadership lessons that extend beyond sports and into everyday life

It’s a conversation full of heart, humor, and hard-won wisdom from a leader who’s shaped generations of students and athletes through purpose, patience, and positivity.

In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey sits down with Wes Keim, owner and CEO of Grand View Exteriors, to talk about the highs, lows, and lessons of building a business from scratch. Wes shares how trial, error, and resilience shaped his path as an entrepreneur, from staining gazebos at 19 to leading a growing exterior systems company today.

Wes opens up about early mistakes that taught him lasting lessons, the leap from roofing coatings to full exterior systems, and why setting values early on makes all the difference in business growth. He also dives into personal development, the importance of thinking time, and how leaders can avoid letting money or busyness become their guide.

In this episode, you’ll hear:
• How Wes transitioned from side jobs to running a full-time company
• Lessons from mistakes that shaped his leadership style
• Why values and not profits should guide decision-making
• How personal growth fuels professional growth
• The role of vision and authenticity in leading a team

It’s an honest, practical, and inspiring conversation for leaders who want to grow businesses with purpose and bring their best to the table every day.

In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey sits down with real estate professional Joe Chupp to talk about what it really takes to succeed in a tough, fast-changing market. With a background in construction, development, and investment, Joe brings more than 25 years of hands-on experience to the table, and he’s not afraid to roll up his sleeves for his clients.

Joe shares how grit, connections, and a willingness to “knock on doors” have shaped his approach to real estate. He also offers candid advice for business owners considering investing in property, and for young buyers trying to break into today’s market.

In this episode, you’ll hear:
• Why every step of Joe’s career, from plumbing ditches to development projects, prepared him for real estate
• How he built early success by leaning on his network and embracing awkward conversations
• The unique challenges and opportunities for business owners who buy vs. lease
• Advice for first-time buyers trying to save and strategize in today’s market
• What’s next as Joe builds the Chupp Group for the next generation of clients

It’s a conversation packed with practical advice, honest stories, and a look at the persistence it takes to thrive in real estate and business today.