Michael O’Hearn quit skiing for 3 years after losing one of the most important people in his life. Then he came back. Then he made Team USA. Sometimes success isn’t about talent. Sometimes it’s about deciding to keep going. Watch Now: youtu.be/NmNG_OF7PQo #TeamUSA #Resilience #Podcast #MythOfTheOvernightSuccess @Paralympics @USParalympics @USParaAlpineSki @USParaNordic @usparasnowboard @Nike

“I didn’t see capacity. I just saw opportunity.” Michael O’Hearn’s story is not really about skiing. It’s about grief. Identity. Resilience. Choosing ambition over adversity. One of the most powerful conversations I’ve had on this podcast. #Leadership #Motivation #Paralympics #Podcast @Paralympics @USParalympics @USParaAlpineSki @usparasnowboard

Doctors told Michael O’Hearn’s parents he may never walk. He learned to ski before he could walk. Years later, after surgeries, grief, thousands of hours of physical therapy, and tearing his ACL weeks before competition…He represented Team USA. This conversation will stay with you. #Paralympics #TeamUSA #Resilience #MythOfTheOvernightSuccess

Some guests make you rethink what words like resilience, gratitude, and perseverance actually mean. Mikey O'Hearn, PLY is one of those people. When I started this podcast, the whole point was to explore what success really looks like behind the scenes. The years nobody sees. The sacrifices, setbacks, failures, and moments where people could have quit but didn’t. Michael’s story might be one of the purest examples of that idea that I have had on this podcast. Mikey was born with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC), a rare condition that left doctors telling his parents he may never walk. What happened next is difficult to even comprehend. Thousands of hours of physical therapy. Surgeries. Braces. Rehabilitation. Learning to navigate a world that was not built for him. And then somehow, before he could properly walk, he learned to ski. What makes this conversation powerful is that it is not really about skiing. It is about identity. It is about choosing resilience when resignation would be easier. It is about grief, purpose, and rebuilding yourself when life forces you to start over. We talk about losing one of the most important people in his life and stepping away from the sport completely. We talk about what brought him back. We talk about what it feels like standing at the top of a Paralympic course after tearing your ACL weeks before competing for Team USA. But more than anything, we talk about perspective. Mickey has this incredible way of describing life that honestly stayed with me long after we stopped recording. He talks about turning adversity into ambition. About refusing to let limitations define your future. About creating a life that feels fulfilled instead of simply surviving. This episode is not just for athletes. It is for anyone who has ever questioned themselves, felt behind, struggled with grief, or wondered if the difficult season they are living through will eventually make sense. Tune in to hear one of the most honest conversations I have had on this podcast. Mickey’s story is proof that sometimes the biggest limitations we face are the ones we accept. And if there is one thing this conversation reinforced for me, it is this: Success is rarely overnight. But resilience can change everything. Watch Now: youtu.be/NmNG_OF7PQo #Leadership #Resilience #TeamUSA #GrowthMindset #PersonalDevelopment #Mindset #Paralympics #AdaptiveAthlete #Podcast #Success #TheJonSchultzPodcast #MythOfTheOvernightSuccess

Gretchen Wilcox was rejected multiple times while trying to fund her business. Then after leading a charity event, the same banker who kept saying no walked up and offered her the loan. The lesson? Relationships, generosity, and showing up for others matter more than most people realize. That’s how real success is built. Watch Full Episode here: youtu.be/4vfXlEfxL1w

One of the themes that comes up again and again on this podcast is that the people who accomplish extraordinary things usually have to overcome someone else’s limitations before they can reach their own potential. When Gretchen Wilcox wanted to take the next step in her career, she was told something that would stop a lot of people. “You’re a woman. This is a man’s business. I just don’t think you can do it.” Instead of accepting that narrative, she went out and proved them wrong. What I love about Gretchen’s story is that she didn’t waste time arguing. She let her results do the talking. She helped grow a servicing portfolio from $70 million to $700 million through her own efforts, and then went on to build a legacy that has impacted an entire industry. If you’ve ever been underestimated, doubted, or told you don’t belong, this conversation is for you. The best response to doubt isn’t words. It’s execution. Watch Now: lnkd.in/dYcBc4Ty #MythOfTheOvernightSuccess #TheJonSchultzPodcast #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #WomenInCRE #CommercialRealEstate #FounderStory #BusinessLeadership #SuccessMindset #LeadershipLessons #PodcastClip #BusinessGrowth #NeverGiveUp

Most people see the success. They rarely see the pressure that came before it. In this clip, Gretchen Wilcox shares the moment she decided to bet on herself and start her company. What struck me most wasn’t the business strategy or the risk-taking. It was the reason behind it. She wasn’t chasing a title or trying to build an empire. She was a young mother with two kids, facing the unimaginable reality of her husband being diagnosed with a terminal illness. Starting her company wasn’t just a business decision—it was a decision to fight for her family’s future. Stories like this are exactly why I created this podcast. Behind every so-called “overnight success” is a season of uncertainty, sacrifice, and courage that most people never see. Take a listen to Gretchen’s perspective. It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes our greatest opportunities are born out of our hardest circumstances. Watch Now: youtu.be/4vfXlEfxL1w #MythOfTheOvernightSuccess #TheJonSchultzPodcast #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #BusinessOwner #FounderStory #Resilience #WomenInBusiness #CommercialRealEstate #BusinessLeadership #SuccessMindset #PodcastClip #Motivation #Inspiration

Some guests walk into a conversation and quietly rewrite everything you thought you knew about grit, timing, and what it really means to bet on yourself. Gretchen Wilcox is one of those guests. I have known Gretchen Wilcox for decades, and she is a true trailblazer in our industry. She is the first, and to this day, the only female-founded commercial real estate mortgage banking firm in the United States. Think about that. In one of the largest industries in the world, she is still standing alone at that distinction more than thirty years later. On the surface, this is a story about business, growth, and long-term success. But underneath all of that, it is really a story about pressure, belief, family, loss, and the choices that define who we become when life forces us to act. What makes this conversation so powerful is the honesty. Gretchen doesn't sugarcoat the moments that nearly broke her. There's the raw reality of launching her company with six months of runway, a second mortgage on her home, a husband battling a terminal illness, and two young kids depending on her. She didn't start her company chasing glory; she started it to survive, and what she built from that moment of pure necessity is nothing short of extraordinary. This episode covers a lot of ground, building a business from nothing, surviving COVID, and now watching her own children carry the company forward. Tune in to hear one of the most honest and hard-earned stories I have had on this podcast. Gretchen’s story will stay with you. Whether you are building a business, leading a team, or standing at a moment in your own life where the safe choice is not the right one, there is real value in this episode. Watch Now: youtu.be/4vfXlEfxL1w #CommercialRealEstate #RealEstateFinance #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #WomenInCRE #FounderStory #RealEstate #Finance #CRE #BusinessInsights #MythOfTheOvernightSuccess #TheJonSchultzPodcast #NewEpisode #Podcast @GSWilco1

Before the boardrooms… there was a train station. 🎙️ At just 8 years old, George Gellert was selling newspapers— and competing to outsell everyone around him. That drive didn’t just show up later in life… it started early. At 12, he was taking buses, trains—even sitting in a sauna just to give himself a competitive edge. Different level of commitment. Success doesn’t start when you get your first job. It starts with how you show up when no one’s watching. Watch Episode Now: youtu.be/c7rLKU7KPCI #JonSchultzPodcast #CareerAdvice #StartFromTheBottom #SuccessMindset #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #WorkEthic #BusinessGrowth #LevelUp #PodcastClips

He didn’t start at the top. He started in the mailroom. Picking people up from the airport. Working alongside the team in the warehouse. 🎙️ George Gellert’s advice after 60+ years in business: Don’t skip steps. Don’t fear hard work. Ask questions. Learn everything. That’s how real careers are built. Watch Now: youtu.be/c7rLKU7KPCI #JonSchultzPodcast #CareerAdvice #StartFromTheBottom #SuccessMindset #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #WorkEthic #BusinessGrowth #LevelUp #PodcastClips

If there is one person who truly embodies the theme of this podcast, it is George Gellert. We talk a lot about the myth of the overnight success, and George is the living, breathing proof that the "top" is built on decades of grit, early mornings, and a level of drive that most people just aren't ready for. George is an absolute titan in the food industry, but his story starts way before the global boardrooms. We dive into his childhood in upstate New York, where he was already a seasoned entrepreneur by age eight. You’ll hear about the wild lengths a twelve-year-old George went to to gain a competitive edge in track, and how milking cows before sunrise shaped the relentless work ethic that he still carries today. We also get into his legendary time at Cornell, where he wasn't just a student; he was running multiple businesses and making more money than he did in his first "real" job as a lawyer for the SEC. George opens up about the friction of working in a family business, the intense risks of being one of the first Americans to trade with China during the Cold War, and the mindset required to navigate massive setbacks, from being hacked for millions to surviving a battle with B-cell lymphoma. But the real magic in this episode isn't just about the money or the scale; it is about the loyalty. George shares how he built a massive empire in food, real estate, and finance through relationships that have lasted over fifty years. Whether you are a young entrepreneur starting in the mailroom or a veteran leader looking to build a multi-generational legacy, George’s wisdom on why you must "start from the bottom" is something you cannot afford to miss. 00:00 – Intro: The Reality Behind “Overnight Success” 00:45 – Early Hustle & Work Ethic (From Age 8 to Farm Life) 05:45 – Cornell Years: Entrepreneurship, Athletics & Education 10:00 – Early Career: SEC, Army & Global Exposure 12:00 – Joining the Family Business (And Taking a Different Path) 18:30 – Leadership Challenges & Taking Over the Business 22:00 – Scaling the Business: Risks, Politics & Major Obstacles 25:00 – Building Culture: Loyalty, Family & Long-Term Success 28:00 – Taking Big Risks: China & Global Expansion 30:00 – Personal Adversity: Battling Cancer & Staying Strong 33:30 – Sustaining a Family Business Across Generations 41:00 – Final Advice: Start at the Bottom & Outwork Everyone 44:00 – Outro Jon on Socials: IG: @thejonschultzpodcast X: @JonSchultzPod LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-jon… jonschultz.com

Hearing Mike share this reminded me what real leadership looks like. He had a mentor who wrote 50 handwritten notes every Friday—long before “marketing” was even a thing. That simple habit touched thousands of people. But the part that hit me most? When his mentor sat him down, asked what he wanted from his life, and then actually helped him get started in real estate. Moments like that shape entire careers—and it’s powerful to hear Mike reflect on his. Don’t miss the latest episode—packed with lessons on risk, timing, and the relationships that shape success. Watch the episode: youtu.be/4iE_v7wMvWU #RealEstate #CRE #CapitalMarkets #DebtMarkets #BridgeLending #PrivateCredit #BlueLightCapital #HFF #JLL #Leadership #Founders #SecondAct #Career #Mentor #Networking #DealMaking #Risk #MarketCycles #Business #PodcastEpisode

Mike Tepedino went from Brooklyn roots to HFF to a $2B sale to JLL, then chose to start again. We talk risk first, thinking from loan workouts, the habits that compound, the call that changed his path, and why small notes still build big relationships. Tune in to this episode of my podcast for practical takeaways you can use today. You wouldn't want to miss this. Watch the full episode here: youtu.be/4iE_v7wMvWU #RealEstate #CRE #CapitalMarkets #DebtMarkets #BridgeLending #PrivateCredit #BlueLightCapital #HFF #JLL #Leadership #Founders #SecondAct #Career #Mentor #Networking #DealMaking #Risk #MarketCycles #Business #PodcastEpisode BL Next Blue Light Capital

I sat down with Mike Tepedino for a real look at building, rebuilding, and choosing to start again. We cover the shoebox of quotes, the handwritten note that opened a door, the Chinese restaurant meeting that helped spark HFF, leading through 2009 when revenue hit zero, the $2B sale to JLL, and why he stepped away to build again. Tune in to the latest episode of my podcast for clear lessons on risk, timing, and relationships. Watch the episode: youtu.be/4iE_v7wMvWU #RealEstate #CRE #CapitalMarkets #DebtMarkets #BridgeLending #PrivateCredit #BlueLightCapital #HFF #JLL #Leadership #Founders #SecondAct #Career #Mentor #Networking #DealMaking #Risk #MarketCycles #Business #PodcastEpisode

On the podcast, I asked Michael Johnson, Ph.D., about his journey from scientist to author — and what struck me most was why he wrote this book. He’s seen firsthand how young fathers, especially millennials, are struggling in silence. The pressures are higher, community feels thinner, and comparison makes it worse. Instead of ignoring it, @MichaelJoh82712 decided to tackle it head-on — writing a book about how to balance all the dimensions of life and truly excel. As a host, I love when a guest brings not just insight, but a mission. This is one of those conversations. Watch Here: youtu.be/AcBFmooB9n0?si=Q3Bo… #TheJonSchultzPodcast #Fatherhood #Leadership #Growth #Fatherhood #Resilience #Balance #Growth #Podcast #Leadership #MichaelJohnson #Entrepreneurship #StartupLife #BusinessGrowth #Resilience #FounderStories #Innovation #BusinessStrategy #LifeLessons #SuccessMindset #RealEstate #CRE #BusinessInsights #MythOfTheOvernightSuccess #TheJonSchultzPodcast #NewEpisode

What turns a kid from Brooklyn into a leader who builds and rebuilds big businesses, then starts over again by choice? Meet Mike Tepedino, Founder and Managing Partner of Blue Light Capital, whose path runs from six gritty years in loan workouts on the “what can go wrong” side of real estate became the foundation for everything that followed. We get into the leap to brokerage, the Chinese-restaurant meeting that set up HFF’s rise, and the 2019 sale to JLL for about $2 billion, where scale brought new tools and reach but also a fresh look at purpose and timing. Now Mike is building again with Blue Light Capital, stepping into an underserved middle-market bridge space in the roughly $15 to $50 million range, and pairing that with BLNext, a nonprofit that trains college and pro athletes for real estate careers with 150 hours of Excel and Argus plus one-to-one mentors who have walked the path. If you care about discipline, people, and timing, this conversation delivers hard lessons and practical wisdom with zero fluff. Watch the full episode to hear how Mike thinks about focus, why small habits like handwritten notes still matter, and what it takes to start again when everyone thinks you are done. Watch the full episode here: youtu.be/4iE_v7wMvWU #RealEstate #CRE #CapitalMarkets #DebtMarkets #BridgeLending #PrivateCredit #BlueLightCapital #HFF #JLL #Leadership #Founders #SecondAct #Career #Mentor #Networking #DealMaking #Risk #MarketCycles #Business #PodcastEpisode

Everyone hears that little voice of doubt: “Who am I to do this? What if no one cares?” It's not about whether it shows up; it always does. The difference is whether you listen to it. Instead of letting anxiety eat him up, @MichaelJoh82712 , shared how he takes a stoic, practical approach: -> Journaling his fears -> Writing out possible solutions -> Asking, “What’s the worst that could happen?” -> Choosing a path forward Looking back on those journal entries doesn’t just solve the problem in the moment—it builds a resilience muscle for the future. How do you quiet your inner critic? Watch now: youtu.be/C6S45l-C-o0 #Mindset #Resilience #Leadership #Growth #Podcast #Leadership #MichaelJohnson #Entrepreneurship #StartupLife #BusinessGrowth #Resilience #FounderStories #Innovation #BusinessStrategy #LifeLessons #SuccessMindset #RealEstate #CRE #BusinessInsights #MythOfTheOvernightSuccess #TheJonSchultzPodcast #NewEpisode

What if the call that could change your life came from a number you didn’t recognize? Michael Johnson almost ignored @NASA's call. That moment led him from small-town New Jersey to science labs, to building a multimillion-dollar startup from a basement, to leading innovation for an entire state. In this episode, we talk about the grit it takes to keep going, the moment he knew it was time to sell, and the lessons behind his new book 1% Dad. Watch here: youtu.be/C6S45l-C-o0 #Podcast #Leadership #MichaelJohnson #Entrepreneurship #StartupLife #BusinessGrowth #Resilience #FounderStories #Innovation #BusinessStrategy #LifeLessons #SuccessMindset #RealEstate #CRE #BusinessInsights #MythOfTheOvernightSuccess #TheJonSchultzPodcast #NewEpisode @RutgersU @MichaelJoh82712