On this episode of the iBuild America Podcast, host Byron V. Garrett sits down with insurance professional, entrepreneur, mentor, musician, and family man Yonni Castillo—a multi-talented leader whose story proves that purpose, passion, and perseverance truly can coexist.

Yonni opens up about his unconventional path—from growing up in Michigan, to a 20-year career with State Farm, to relocating across the country with his family, to now leading a thriving agency in Arizona. He shares how mentorship, faith, hard work, and family shaped every chapter of his journey.

This conversation dives deep into:

— Why mentorship matters at every stage of life

— The importance of financial protection and generational stability

— Leaving comfort zones to create new opportunities

— How music, business, and family can coexist with purpose

— The responsibility to lift others as you climb

— Why faith, empathy, and perseverance matter now more than ever

It’s honest, personal, and deeply human.

🎧 Whether you’re a student, entrepreneur, parent, or simply navigating life transitions—this episode reminds us to “keep it moving,” stay focused, and never stop building toward the life you’re meant to live.

Connect with Yonni below!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yonni-castillo-7b9452a8/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/110548224911532

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yonnifromstatefarm/

X: https://twitter.com/YonniStateFarm

Website: https://yonnicastillo.com/

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.

On this episode of the iBuild America Podcast, host Byron V. Garrett travels to the Detroit Job Corps Center to sit down with two powerful voices shaping the future of the workforce: Jordan Dent, an 18-year-old electrical student transforming his life one step at a time, and George Collard, a retired Chrysler professional turned Job Corps instructor who now dedicates his life to building the next generation “one student at a time.”

What unfolds is one of the most honest, inspiring, and eye-opening conversations we’ve had yet.

Jordan shares why he left home, chose independence, and committed himself to finishing his high school diploma and electrical trade — not for quick money, but to create a different future for himself and his family.

Mr. Collard reveals how Job Corps changed his life as a young man, and why he now pours everything back into students like Jordan. His stories — including graduates earning six figures and lifting their entire families out of generational struggle — are nothing short of transformational.

This episode dives into:

— What Job Corps really is in 2025 (and why it works)

— Why trades like electrical demand leadership, discipline, and real responsibility

— The independence, confidence, and purpose students gain on campus

— How Job Corps is changing entire families — not just individuals

— The truth about today’s workforce: young people do care about their future

This conversation is raw, real, and full of hope.

Whether you're a parent, a young adult, an educator, or simply someone rooting for the next generation, this episode will move you.

Connect with George Collar and the Detroit Job Corps Center

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-collar-94947179/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/detroit-job-corps-center/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wbl_detroitjobcorps/