The Breakout Bunch

About The Breakout Bunch

Welcome to The Breakout Bunch — where real stories from real entrepreneurs come to life. Hosted by Austen Tucker, this show cuts through the fluff and gets straight to the heart of what makes business owners tick. These are honest, unpolished conversations with self-made founders who are in it for more than just the money — they’re chasing purpose, impact, and something bigger than themselves. Austen knows the grind firsthand. He’s a seasoned mortgage broker leading a division at one of the nation’s largest mortgage companies, helping hundreds of families get into homes across the country. But beyond that, he’s deeply curious — about business, people, and the choices that shape our lives. New episodes weekly!

Publisher

Austen Tucker

Category

business · education · leisure

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

18 Jul 2025

Latest episode

6 Feb 2026

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   6 Feb 2026

   You're Not Selling Rate, You're Selling You - Aaron Kramer

   From getting fired just months into his first mortgage job to building a reputation as the guy clients trust for life, Aaron Kramer’s story is proof that resilience, identity, and intention matter more than any rate sheet. In this episode, Aaron breaks down how he: • Built his career around long-term relationships, not one-time transactions • Learned that the real sale isn’t the rate — it’s you • Differentiated himself instantly in a high-pressure panel interview • Got hired on the spot… then fired three months later • Faced financial rock bottom when COVID hit and retail commissions disappeared • Bet on himself by bringing clients over to the broker side • Funded his first broker deals and completely changed his trajectory • Developed thick skin through repeated setbacks and market downturns • Turned honesty and confidence into a powerful client retention advantage • Expanded beyond mortgage into business financing, credit solutions, and new ventures • Built a personal brand centered on health, wealth, and helping others win • Believes the only way to truly find yourself is to go through hell If you’ve ever struggled through a slow season, questioned your path, or wondered what separates transactional salespeople from trusted advisors — this episode is a masterclass in mindset, persistence, and becoming the person clients never want to leave. Guest: Aaron Kramer — Mortgage Advisor and Entrepreneur 📍 California IG (Personal): @akphysique ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Cold open – “You’re family now” 02:15 Selling trust, not the deal 06:40 The panel interview that changed everything 10:22 “I was fired three months later” 14:05 COVID, rock bottom, and almost losing it all 18:30 Switching to the broker side and funding first deals 23:10 Why clients stay even when rates aren’t the lowest 28:45 Building thick skin through downturns 34:12 Expanding into business credit and new ventures 40:05 “You don’t know who you are until you go through hell” 43:30 Aaron’s mission moving forward 💬 About The Breakout Bunch Welcome to The Breakout Bunch — where real stories from real entrepreneurs come to life. Hosted by Austen Tucker, this show cuts through the fluff and gets straight to the heart of what makes business owners tick. These are honest, unpolished conversations with self-made founders chasing purpose, impact, and growth beyond the paycheck. Austen knows the grind firsthand. He’s a seasoned mortgage broker leading a division at one of the nation’s largest mortgage companies — helping hundreds of families get into homes across the country. But beyond that, he’s deeply curious — about business, people, and the choices that shape our lives. 🎙️ New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

2. 

   12 Dec 2025

   From Door-to-Door Sales to $500K at 25 - Seth Berge

   From growing up on a farm in the middle of nowhere to building multiple seven-figure businesses, Seth Berge’s story is proof that sales, discipline, and timing can completely change your life. In this episode, Seth breaks down how he: • Grew up on a farm in rural North Dakota with no intention of staying small • Discovered sales through door-to-door hustling while still in college • Made his first sale in under 15 minutes — and never looked back • Built a career around commission-only sales and uncapped earning potential • Made over $500,000 a year in his mid-20s through dinner seminar sales models • Learned when to exit industries before they collapsed • Transitioned across multiple industries — home improvement, insurance, annuities, and regenerative medicine • Failed fast, walked away from bad deals, and protected his reputation • Built long-term freedom by mastering marketing systems, not just products • Avoided lifestyle inflation while still enjoying the rewards of hard work • Views business as a competitive sport — and refuses to play it at 60% • Is building legacy-driven businesses with his kids and team in mind If you’ve ever wondered how high earners think, how to pivot industries without starting from zero, or how to balance ambition with fulfillment — this episode is a masterclass in sales, mindset, and entrepreneurship. Guest: Seth Berge — Serial Entrepreneur & Regenerative Medicine Distributor 📍 United States IG (Personal): @sethdberge IG (Business): @regenerativerevival ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Cold open – Growing up in the middle of nowhere 03:11 The first door-to-door sale that changed everything 06:10 Why commission-only sales create freedom 15:25 How money stopped being stressful 22:45 Making $500K+ per year in his mid-20s 26:55 Knowing when to exit before industries collapse 28:26 A business failure that taught a critical lesson 30:36 “Don’t get distracted by the shiny new toy” 32:09 Why Seth believes business is a competitive sport 34:31 Building legacy for his sons 35:22 How to find the right mentor 38:17 Advice for young entrepreneurs starting out 💬 About The Breakout Bunch Welcome to The Breakout Bunch — where real stories from real entrepreneurs come to life. Hosted by Austen Tucker, this show cuts through the fluff and gets straight to the heart of what makes business owners tick. These are honest, unpolished conversations with self-made founders chasing purpose, impact, and growth beyond the paycheck. Austen knows the grind firsthand. He’s a seasoned mortgage broker leading a division at one of the nation’s largest mortgage companies — helping hundreds of families get into homes across the country. But beyond that, he’s deeply curious — about business, people, and the choices that shape our lives. 🎙️ New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

3. 

   31 Oct 2025

   She Got Laid Off... Then Built a 6-Figure Marketing Business - Jessica Kruebbe

   From a surprise layoff to building her own hospitality marketing business, Jessica Kruebbe proves that sometimes losing your dream job is the best thing that can happen to you. In this episode, Jessica breaks down how she: • Went from being Director of Marketing overseeing 15 restaurant locations — to getting laid off overnight • Landed her first client two weeks before the layoff (and turned it into a full-time business) • Built her “Mini CMO” brand helping small restaurant groups scale like pros • Moved across the country — twice — to chase opportunity and growth • Balanced faith, self-doubt, and new beginnings while launching her business • Learned how to price her value, set client boundaries, and say “no” with confidence • Discovered that success isn’t about money — it’s about impact and freedom • Built an internship program and started mentoring young marketers • Is redefining what productivity looks like by rejecting endless meetings • Plans to grow her “nontraditional agency” through collaboration, not corporate chaos If you’ve ever been laid off, scared to start something new, or waiting for the “perfect moment” — this episode will remind you that sometimes, your next chapter begins when the old one ends. Guest: Jessica Kruebbe — Hospitality Marketing Strategist / CEO of Jessica Kruebbe Marketing Strategy 📍 Nashville, TN IG: @jkmarketingstrategy Timestamps: 00:00 Cold open – “I didn’t choose to do this… they laid me off.” 01:14 Why “Mini CMO” brands are changing hospitality marketing 06:10 The layoff that sparked her business 07:33 Finding faith and freedom through entrepreneurship 10:06 What a “Mini CMO” actually does 12:24 Pricing yourself and learning your worth 18:05 Setting client boundaries and learning to say no 20:15 Why social media marketing is her least favorite job 23:53 One year in business — what success really looks like 25:28 Killing meetings and reclaiming productivity 28:04 Why money isn’t the goal — impact is 31:30 Lessons from failure, faith, and new beginnings 33:35 Advice for anyone ready to take the leap Welcome to The Breakout Bunch — where real stories from real entrepreneurs come to life. Hosted by Austen Tucker, this show cuts through the fluff and gets straight to the heart of what makes business owners tick. These are honest, unpolished conversations with self-made founders who are in it for more than just the money—they’re chasing purpose, impact, and something bigger than themselves. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.

4. 

   25 Oct 2025

   Pacemaker Heart of a Champion - Chené Micah Williams

   At 16, doctors told Chené Micah Williams he’d never live a normal life again. Three knee surgeries. A lifelong pacemaker. Every reason to stop. Instead, he turned pain into purpose — becoming Pacemaker Shane, a fitness trainer and heart-health advocate who inspires thousands. In this episode, Chené breaks down how he: • Survived open-heart surgery and learned to live with a pacemaker • Faced three major knee operations before he was 25 • Battled depression, doubt, and identity loss after his diagnosis • Rebuilt his body and mindset through training and faith • Founded the Pacemaker brand — a movement for resilience and awareness • Found purpose in helping others rebuild confidence through health and discipline • Redefined what “strength” truly means when your heart is literally wired to survive If you’ve ever faced setbacks, health battles, or the feeling that life’s odds are stacked against you — this episode will hit home. Guest: Chené Micah Williams — “Pacemaker Shane” 📍 Los Angeles, CA IG: @pacemakerchene (https://www.instagram.com/pacemakerchene) Welcome to The Breakout Bunch — where real stories from real entrepreneurs come to life. Hosted by Austen Tucker, this show cuts through the fluff and gets straight to the heart of what makes business owners tick. These are honest, unpolished conversations with self-made founders who are in it for more than just the money—they’re chasing purpose, impact, and something bigger than themselves.

5. 

   4 Oct 2025

   How Nicholas Stone Turned a $1,500 Basement Café Into a 65-Store Empire

   From professional athlete to investment banker — to founding one of America’s fastest-growing premium café brands. Nicholas Stone’s story is about betting on yourself, building community, and finding purpose through human connection. In this episode, Nicholas breaks down how he: • Went from professional Australian Rules Football to investment banking in New York • Built Bluestone Lane as a side project — starting with a 200-sq-ft basement café and no signage • Opened 12 stores while still working full-time before taking the leap • Turned a $1,500/month Midtown lease into a multi-million-dollar lifestyle brand • Attracted celebrities like Taylor Swift and David Beckham through authenticity, not hype • Used Instagram to fuel early organic growth before “viral cafés” were a thing • Survived COVID by pivoting from office cafés to suburban community hubs • Negotiated over 300 lease restructures and rebuilt stronger than ever • Built a company that prioritizes human connection over convenience in a lonely, digital world • Shares how AI now helps Bluestone Lane analyze reviews and elevate guest experience • Plans to expand across the U.S. — aiming for hundreds of stores while staying true to the brand’s soul If you’ve ever wanted to build something lasting — or wondered what it takes to lead through chaos — this episode is a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and vision. Guest: Nicholas Stone — Founder & CEO, Bluestone Lane ☕️ 📍 Based in New York City IG: @bluestonelane Timestamps: COMING SOON Welcome to The Breakout Bunch — where real stories from real entrepreneurs come to life. Hosted by Austen Tucker, this show cuts through the fluff and gets straight to the heart of what makes business owners tick. These are honest, unpolished conversations with self-made founders who are in it for more than just the money—they’re chasing purpose, impact, and something bigger than themselves. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.

6. 

   27 Sept 2025

   From Burger King to $400K: Carlos Gutierrez’s Door-to-Door Breakout

   Carlos Gutierrez makes $400,000 a year knocking on doors selling solar panels. Five years ago, he was working restaurant shifts for $30K annually. Here's what actually happened between then and now. Carlos moved to the U.S. from Mexico at nine years old. Worked the usual immigrant hustle - Burger King, tire shops, whatever paid. When COVID killed his restaurant job, he tried sales. The twist: he went straight into 100% commission door-to-door solar. No base salary, no guarantees. His family thought he was insane. First year: $78K. Not bad for someone who'd never done sales before. By year five: $400K exactly. (He swears his goal-setting process works, but that's probably luck mixed with skill.) Now he's branching into real estate and coaching other salespeople. Says money isn't everything anymore, which is easy to say when you're making $400K. The interesting parts: How he handles rejection (lots of it in door-to-door) What changed between year one and year five Why commission-only forces you to get good fast His actual daily routine and mindset practices Plans for building wealth beyond just high W-2 income If you've ever wondered what it takes to completely change your income bracket, Carlos broke it down step by step. This isn't another "follow your dreams" story. It's about specific decisions, skills, and a willingness to bet on yourself when everyone thinks you're making a mistake.Welcome to The Breakout Bunch — where real stories from real entrepreneurs come to life. Hosted by Austen Tucker, this show cuts through the fluff and gets straight to the heart of what makes business owners tick. These are honest, unpolished conversations with self-made founders who are in it for more than just the money—they’re chasing purpose, impact, and something bigger than themselves. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.

7. 

   20 Sept 2025

   From Repo to Pelican Crest: How Doran Andry Bought His Freedom

   From having his car repossessed at 22 to writing a $250,000 check for a mentor in his early 30s (the equivalent of ~$800K today), Doran Andry proves that the boldest bets are the ones you place on yourself. In this episode, Doran breaks down how he: • Grew up with little money but massive vision—thanks to a dad who “expanded the mind” early • Failed his first business in 6 months (and reframed it as tuition) • Found a millionaire mentor and executed 30-day KPI plans until it clicked • Paid $250,000 for a peak-performance coach—and why it was “money well spent” • Hit $1M+ in passive income by 30 and built an 18,000-sq-ft dream home in Pelican Crest • Shifted from money goals to impact—philanthropy, family, and leading thousands • Uses a simple “ultimate success formula” (vision → why → massive action → measure → adjust) • Treats health as wealth so he can enjoy the life he built If you’ve ever wondered whether mentorship, mindset, and relentless execution really move the needle—this conversation is your blueprint. Guest: Doran Andry — Serial Entrepreneur & Investor Welcome to The Breakout Bunch — where real stories from real entrepreneurs come to life. Hosted by Austen Tucker, this show cuts through the fluff and gets straight to the heart of what makes business owners tick. These are honest, unpolished conversations with self-made founders who are in it for more than just the money—they’re chasing purpose, impact, and something bigger than themselves. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.

8. 

   13 Sept 2025

   From Bertucci’s Waiter to $400K Before 30 — Kyle Regan’s Mortgage Come-Up

   From failing grades and scooping ice cream to running one of the top mortgage teams in Massachusetts — Kyle Regan’s comeback story is proof that the right mentor, mindset, and grind can change everything. In this episode, Kyle shares how he: • Grew up watching his dad in sales at WB Mason and caught the “professional friend-maker” bug early • Struggled with school, grades, and depression, feeling counted out and underestimated • Worked in warehouses, scooped ice cream, and waited tables — until one regular at Bertucci’s changed his life forever • Got pulled into mortgages by a mentor who taught him mindset, real estate, and discipline • Went sober at 24, putting down alcohol and drugs to give himself the best shot at success • Built a half-a-billion-dollar branch, recruited 60+ people, and cleared $400K+ annually before age 30 • Rode the refi boom, sold the company, and faced his toughest years when rates spiked and his mom passed away • Dug back into the fundamentals — cold calls, networking, goal sheets — and came back with his best purchase year ever • Built a portfolio of multifamily properties and learned the power of real estate for long-term freedom • Shares raw advice for anyone stuck in the “safe” route but hungry for more: find a mentor, ask better questions, and don’t let fear run your life Guest: Kyle Regan — Mortgage Loan Officer 📍 Groton, MA IG: @mortgageswithkyle Welcome to The Breakout Bunch — where real stories from real entrepreneurs come to life. Hosted by Austen Tucker, this show cuts through the fluff and gets straight to the heart of what makes business owners tick. These are honest, unpolished conversations with self-made founders who are in it for more than just the money — they’re chasing purpose, impact, and something bigger than themselves. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.

9. 

   6 Sept 2025

   How I Went From $0 To Over $500K In A Year!

   From $10/hour snack bars to $558,000 a year in solar sales — Daniel Snow proves discomfort is the real path to growth. In this episode, Daniel breaks down how he: • Worked under the table at 13 and learned the grind early • Butchered his first sales job selling golf clubs (to his dad’s friend) • Chased a jewelry passion all the way to New York — only to realize passion without profit doesn’t work • Moved across the country with nothing but a suitcase (and got lost on day one) • Pivoted into college, landed at Boston University, and wrote his admissions essay on poker • Dropped out to chase solar sales — and turned door-to-door rejection into a $300K first year • Battled burnout, haters, and self-doubt while building resilience • Learned the “Ready, Fire, Aim” method that helped him flip a property for $70K profit in nine months • Set his sights on boring-but-bulletproof wealth: storage facilities and real estate plays • Found passion in building people, running a 60-person sales team, and proving doubters wrong If you’re sitting on the couch overthinking your next move, this episode will push you to just do it. Guest: Daniel Snow — Solar Sales Leader 📍 Boston, MA IG: @daniel__snow Timestamps: 00:00 Cold open – “What’s your name, age, and what do you do?” 00:45 Early hustle — snack bar and first sales job 05:10 Jewelry dreams & moving to New York with nothing 11:30 From BU admissions essay on poker to finance major 17:20 Quitting college, proving friends wrong, and starting solar 23:50 First $300K year and mindset shifts 32:15 Burnout, haters & gamifying rejection 41:40 Real estate flips, “Ready, Fire, Aim,” and storage facility dreams 50:25 Building people vs. chasing money 57:10 Advice for anyone stuck on their parents’ couch Welcome to The Breakout Bunch — where real stories from real entrepreneurs come to life. Hosted by Austen Tucker, this show cuts through the fluff and gets straight to the heart of what makes business owners tick. These are honest, unpolished conversations with self-made founders who are in it for more than just the money — they’re chasing purpose, impact, and something bigger than themselves. Austen knows the grind firsthand. He’s a seasoned mortgage broker leading a division at one of the nation’s largest mortgage companies, helping hundreds of families get into homes across the country. But beyond that, he’s deeply curious — about business, people, and the choices that shape our lives. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.

10. 

    30 Aug 2025

    Super Bowl Champion Loses Everything… Then Rebuilds Bigger Than Ever

    From the NFL to foreclosure to building a life-changing coaching empire — Setema Gali’s story is proof that you can rebuild from rock bottom. In this episode, Setema (ex-Super Bowl Champion with the Patriots) breaks down how he: • Grew up in a Polynesian family in Utah and learned hustle from his first paper route at age 10 • Found his knack for sales doing commission-only phone jobs before the NFL • Made it to the Patriots, won a Super Bowl, then lost it all within two years • Transitioned into mortgages and real estate — then lost everything in the 2008 crash • Went from living in an 8,000 sq ft house to a 900 sq ft apartment • Rebuilt his life through the most humbling job imaginable: door-to-door sales • Learned to listen when God told him it was time to pivot • Launched a coaching and speaking business from scratch, investing six figures in mentors • Built his company into a global movement, helping entrepreneurs solve “expensive problems” • Redefined wealth and purpose as impact: changing lives, not chasing dollars If you’ve ever faced a setback, felt stuck, or questioned your next step — this episode will hit you hard. Guest: Setema Gali — Super Bowl Champion, Entrepreneur, Coach 📍 Las Vegas, NV IG: @setemagali Host: Austen Tucker 🎙️ The Breakout Bunch — real, unpolished conversations with founders who made it anyway. Welcome to The Breakout Bunch — where real stories from real entrepreneurs come to life. Hosted by Austen Tucker, this show cuts through the fluff and gets straight to the heart of what makes business owners tick. These are honest, unpolished conversations with self-made founders who are in it for more than just the money — they’re chasing purpose, impact, and something bigger than themselves. Austen knows the grind firsthand. He’s a seasoned mortgage broker leading a division at one of the nation’s largest mortgage companies, helping hundreds of families get into homes across the country. But beyond that, he’s deeply curious — about business, people, and the choices that shape our lives. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.

11. 

    23 Aug 2025

    The Comeback Realtor: From Zero to 27 Homes in One Year

    You don’t need a perfect start — you just need to show up. In this episode, Jon Ladas shares how he: • Grew up in Boston and watched real estate from the sidelines before jumping in • Dropped out of college, worked dead-end sales jobs, and hit rock bottom • Lost his car, walked 45 minutes to work, and rebuilt from literally nothing • Leaned on faith, structure, and consistency to find his footing • Got licensed in real estate and went all-in, even when it didn’t make sense on paper • Closed 27 deals in his first year — all from relationships, not cold calls or ads • Built a brand around trust, storytelling, and showing up every day • Learned to mentor others, pour into community, and keep perspective on wealth • Stays grounded by balancing business drive with family, faith, and service If you’re stuck, starting over, or just need proof that consistency compounds — this one’s for you. Guest: Jon Ladas — Realtor, eXp Realty 📍 Massachusetts IG: @list_with_ladas Host: Austen Tucker 🎙️ The Breakout Bunch — real, unpolished conversations with founders who made it anyway. Timestamps 00:00 Cold open — “I had no car, no money, and two shirts to my name” 02:01 Boston roots & early family influence 05:16 First jobs & bouncing between sales roles 09:46 Finding faith & mentors who shifted his path 13:31 Breaking into real estate with nothing 18:21 Closing 27 deals in his first year 23:11 Why relationships beat cold calls & ads 29:01 Building a brand through authenticity and trust 34:41 Mentoring new agents & giving back 40:21 Lessons from market swings & staying disciplined 46:01 Balancing hustle with life and family 51:11 Community, service, and faith as anchors 57:01 Final advice — “Show up. Give God the glory.” Welcome to The Breakout Bunch — where real stories from real entrepreneurs come to life. Hosted by Austen Tucker, this show cuts through the fluff and gets straight to the heart of what makes business owners tick. These are honest, unpolished conversations with self-made founders who are in it for more than just the money — they’re chasing purpose, impact, and something bigger than themselves. Austen knows the grind firsthand. He’s a seasoned mortgage broker leading a division at one of the nation’s largest mortgage companies, helping hundreds of families get into homes across the country. But beyond that, he’s deeply curious — about business, people, and the choices that shape our lives. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.

12. 

    16 Aug 2025

    Losing It All Was the Best Thing That Ever Happened

    From six figures at 19 to losing it all — Nick Pletke proves that real freedom is built, not bought. In this episode, Nick breaks down how he: • Made over $100K before most people pick a major — and lost it all • Rebuilt from scratch by learning how to wholesale, market, and sell without shortcuts • Avoided the pressure to niche down — and built multiple verticals instead • Learned hard lessons about partnerships, boundaries, and trust • Embraced detachment from money, social validation, and surface-level success • Builds with the long game in mind — decades, not dopamine • Practices presence, purpose, and balance — even while scaling • Believes real wealth is about ownership, not income • Lives by one rule: stay grounded and keep building If you're reinventing yourself, exploring multiple paths, or refusing to settle into one box — this episode is a reminder that you don’t need permission to go your own way. Guest: Nick Pletke — Entrepreneur & Founder 📍 Orange County, CA IG: None listed Timestamps: COMING SOON Welcome to The Breakout Bunch — where real stories from real entrepreneurs come to life. Hosted by Austen Tucker, this show cuts through the fluff and gets straight to the heart of what makes business owners tick. These are honest, unpolished conversations with self-made founders who are in it for more than just the money — they’re chasing purpose, impact, and something bigger than themselves. Austen knows the grind firsthand. He’s a seasoned mortgage broker leading a division at one of the nation’s largest mortgage companies, helping hundreds of families get into homes across the country. But beyond that, he’s deeply curious — about business, people, and the choices that shape our lives. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.

13. 

    9 Aug 2025

    How to build for need and dominate a niche

    Everyone talks about success. Almost no one talks about the in-between. Welcome to The Breakout Bunch — where real stories from real entrepreneurs come to life. Hosted by Austen Tucker, this show cuts through the fluff and gets straight to the heart of what makes business owners tick. These are honest, unpolished conversations with self-made founders who are in it for more than just the money — they’re chasing purpose, impact, and something bigger than themselves. Austen knows the grind firsthand. He’s a seasoned mortgage broker leading a division at one of the nation’s largest mortgage companies, helping hundreds of families get into homes across the country. But beyond that, he’s deeply curious — about business, people, and the choices that shape our lives. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.

14. 

    2 Aug 2025

    Your company closed 4.6 Billion Dollars??

    Everyone talks about success. Almost no one talks about the in-between. In this episode, Sam Hijazin breaks down how he: • Left behind a stable engineering career to become a loan officer — and hated every sales call • Took a 3-hour application call with a Hawaii client… just to keep him on the phone • Leveraged his engineering mindset to write the cleanest files in the industry — and got promoted fast • Lost everything when the lender he worked for collapsed — PTO, options, and six years of grind • Took the biggest risk of his life: betting on himself instead of chasing “safe” offers • Built his real estate portfolio from nothing, paid off his parents’ house, and put his brother through med school • Redefined wealth as security — not status — and treats gratitude as a daily discipline • Uses money as a tool to build culture, give back, and create meaning for others • Now mentors his team with one goal: build something that lasts — and do it with people who matter If you’ve ever questioned the traditional path, wrestled with financial insecurity, or wanted to build a business rooted in purpose — this one will hit home. Guest: Sam Hijazin — Mortgage broker and co-founder, E Mortgage Capital Location: Newport Beach, CA

15. 

    26 Jul 2025

    Can You REALLY Make Six Figures As A Hairstylist?

    Everyone talks about success. Almost no one talks about the in-between. In this episode, Emma (27) breaks down how she: • Left Indiana during COVID, moved to California in six weeks, and rebuilt her entire clientele from scratch • Worked 7 days a week, did Instacart and Amazon Flex to survive, and filled her books in 18 months • Used free hair as a marketing play — what worked, and what she’d never do again • Fought burnout (three kinds), set boundaries, and learned to listen to her body • Redefined wealth as freedom — “How long can I go without working and still maintain my lifestyle?” • Is pivoting to ownership — real estate license, salon suites, and building a brand that runs without her • Learned to stop caring what people think, and only take advice from people who’ve actually done it If you’re building something from scratch, wrestling with burnout, or trying to turn a service hustle into a real business — you’ll feel this one. Guest: Emma — Salon owner & color/extension specialist 📍 Rancho Santa Margarita, CA IG: @emmalewishair Welcome to The Breakout Bunch — where real stories from real entrepreneurs come to life. Hosted by Austen Tucker, this show cuts through the fluff and gets straight to the heart of what makes business owners tick. These are honest, unpolished conversations with self-made founders who are in it for more than just the money — they’re chasing purpose, impact, and something bigger than themselves. Austen knows the grind firsthand. He’s a seasoned mortgage broker leading a division at one of the nation’s largest mortgage companies, helping hundreds of families get into homes across the country. But beyond that, he’s deeply curious — about business, people, and the choices that shape our lives.

16. 

    18 Jul 2025

    I Did My First Big Deal at 24!

    From party promoter to mortgage mogul — Joe Shalaby proves it’s not about where you start, but how relentless you are. In this episode, Joe breaks down how he: • Started promoting hookah lounges with belly dancers and DJs at 14 • Built a personal brand before it was a buzzword — all through nightlife and word-of-mouth • Left acting and graduated early, then jumped into mortgages with zero safety net • Got burned by shady employers who withheld commissions — and bounced back • Launched his own brokerage at 24 with flyers, hustle, and a “boots on the ground” mentality • Scaled fast by partnering with a systems-minded operator (Sam) • Built a content-driven brand in an old-school industry using social media and AI • Embraced discomfort, challenged norms, and stayed authentic — even online • Balances family, business, and legacy projects (books, AI products, and more) If you're starting over, building a brand, or trying to find your voice in a traditional industry — this episode is a blueprint. Guest: Joseph Shalaby — Founder, E Mortgage Capital 📍 Orange County, CA IG: @josephshalaby Welcome to The Breakout Bunch — where real stories from real entrepreneurs come to life. Hosted by Austen Tucker, this show cuts through the fluff and gets straight to the heart of what makes business owners tick. These are honest, unpolished conversations with self-made founders who are in it for more than just the money — they’re chasing purpose, impact, and something bigger than themselves. Austen knows the grind firsthand. He’s a seasoned mortgage broker leading a division at one of the nation’s largest mortgage companies, helping hundreds of families get into homes across the country. But beyond that, he’s deeply curious — about business, people, and the choices that shape our lives.

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