Christine spent eight years at Northern Trust managing billion-dollar philanthropic portfolios. Adam helped steward 400-year-old legacy brands in the music industry.

But when COVID hit, something shifted. They needed a change. T

hey both cashed out their 401ks, sold their house, and bought a 50-year-old ski shop in Northern Michigan.

My conversation with Christine Donovan and Adam Weems covers their leap from corporate comfort to business ownership and what it means to steward a legacy brand.

Key takeaways:

→ The power of having a partner who says "I got you"

→ Why worst-case-scenario thinking actually reduces fear

→ The question "how much is enough" is a powerful question

0:00 Intro 2:00 The 50-Year Legacy of Bahnhof Ski Shop

3:45 Christine's Journey: From Flutist to Finance

8:17 Adam's Path: Grocery Stores to Zildjian Drums

16:08 Purpose-Driven Work and the Question of "Enough"

25:10 The Leap: Why Fine Careers Weren't Enough

29:04 "You're Not Fun Anymore"

36:35 Finding the Listing on New Year's Day

44:04 Cashing Out Everything for Retirement

46:42 What "I Got You" Really Means

55:02 Building Kindness Into a Specialty Shop

1:00:03 Keeping a Legacy Brand Alive

1:06:56 What Surprised Them Most About Running a Ski Shop

1:12:32 The Moment the Switch Flipped

1:21:02 You Belong Here

~~~ This episode is brought to you by Auxiom Find out more: https://auxiom.com/

From ICU rooms to the boardroom, Lori Lancaster’s story is one of reinvention, resilience, and fearless leadership.

Lori Lancaster Vice Chair at Dakkota Integrated Systems joins Matt Loria, CEO of Auxiom, to share how she went from critical care nursing to leading multi-million dollar manufacturing and mobility companies, including her latest bold move with Emotiv Mobility, set to debut at CES 2026.

In this episode, you’ll hear about: - Her unconventional career path through healthcare and tech - Scaling operations and pivoting through supply chain crises - Launching new tech in mobility — from smart transformers to flying vehicles - Building culture through compassion and high performance - And why she believes change is always worth the risk

This one is packed with lessons for entrepreneurs, operators, and future-focused leaders.

Let’s dig in!!

#Leadership #MobilityTech #WomenInBusiness #Manufacturing #AutomotiveIndustry #SmartTech #FemaleFounders #Innovation #BusinessPodcast #CareerReinvention #BLTnTPodcast

In this episode of the BLTnT Podcast, Matt Loria, CEO of Auxiom, sits down with Jay Hawreluk, founder of AcuMax, a cutting-edge assessment platform that helps organizations hire better, lead smarter, and build teams that functions.

With decades of experience helping private companies — from startups to multi-million-dollar enterprises — Jay shares how understanding a person’s natural wiring can completely shift how leaders build trust, reduce friction, and drive performance.

Matt and Jay dig into:

· Why most assessments fall short — and how AcuMax is changing the game

· What “natural wiring” really means, and how it affects leadership, hiring, and culture

· Real stories from the field: marriages saved, bad hires avoided, and trust rebuilt

· How to scale a company without losing your people in the process

Whether you’re a founder, a team leader, or just someone who wants to lead with more clarity — this conversation will change the way you think about trust and performance.

Let’s dig in!!

On this episode of the BLTnT Podcast, Matt Loria, CEO of Auxiom, sits down with Guy Gordon — a legendary Detroit broadcaster, journalist, and radio host who’s spent four decades helping people make sense of the world around them.

Guy’s voice is iconic — but his perspective is even more powerful.

Now stepping into the next chapter of life and leadership, Guy reflects on the state of the media, the evolution of trust, and the responsibility that comes with having a microphone.

Episode Highlights:

Media in Crisis – Why shrinking newsrooms, political echo chambers, and economic pressures are eroding public trust—and what we can do about it.

The Power of Principled Voices – Guy opens up about the importance of listening across divides and why he believes centrist thinking is a dying but vital skill.

A Life in Service, Not Spotlight – From breaking news to political interviews, Guy shares what he’s proud of—and what he wishes he did differently.

If you care about journalism, leadership, or simply what it means to leave things better than you found them — this conversation is for you.

Let’s dig in.

#BLTnTPodcast #GuyGordon #MediaMatters #LeadershipLegacy #DetroitVoices #Journalism #BusinessPodcast

On this episode of the BLTnT Podcast, Matt Loria talks with Corinne Hancock Scott—globally recognized leadership consultant, former CEO, TEDx speaker… and current Peace Corps volunteer living in rural Namibia.

No car. No electricity. No WiFi. But what she’s learning about human performance, trust, and leading through real chaos? It’s priceless.

In this conversation:

· The mindset shift of stepping out of the comfort zone

· How to lead teams when you're not in control

· Why the best leaders are systems thinkers, even in survival mode

· What burning the boats actually looks like in practice

If you're rethinking what success really means, this is a must-listen.

Let’s dig in!!

#BLTnTPodcast #LeadershipDevelopment #MindsetShift #PeaceCorps #BusinessWithPurpose #CorinneHancock #Transformation

On this episode of the BLTnT Podcast, Matt Loria, CEO of Auxiom, sits down with Chuck Edwards — founder of Solutions to Live By.

Chuck has spent years walking with people through addiction, burnout, and grief — including CEOs and high performers who look great on paper… but are quietly breaking inside. His message is raw, redemptive, and deeply relevant for anyone leading in today’s high-pressure world.

Episode Highlights:

You Can’t Outperform Your Wounds – Chuck explains why unresolved pain will always catch up with leaders — and how healing becomes the key to growth.

A Story of Radical Return – From addiction and academic dismissal to founding a thriving practice built on grace, Chuck shares the honest path to real transformation.

Business Built on Trust – No contracts, no ads, just word of mouth. Learn how Chuck built a powerful coaching model through human connection — not traditional metrics.

This conversation will challenge how you think about performance, identity, and leadership — and it might just be the one you needed to hear.

Let’s dig in!!

#BLTnTPodcast #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #HealingInBusiness #ChuckEdwards #MentalHealthAtWork #LifeAndTransformation

This week on the BLTnT Podcast, Matt Loria sits down with Doug Mans, 4th-generation CEO of Mans Lumber and Millwork, a 125-year-old, family-run, highly successful business that's still growing strong — and still growing smarter.

From duck blinds to boardrooms, Doug brings a down-to-earth, deeply personal perspective on leadership, legacy, and the kind of growth that doesn't forget where it came from.

In this episode they cover:

- The power of family-first culture in business

- Why AI isn't just for tech firms anymore

- Stewardship, succession, and building something that lasts

If you lead a team, run a business, or just believe work can still have soul — this one’s for you.

Let’s dig in!!

#FamilyBusiness #LegacyLeadership #BLTnTPodcast #BusinessTransformation #DougMans

In this powerful and emotional episode, host Matt Loria sits down with:

Senator John Damoose, Michigan’s 37th district

Israel Hernandez, former Deputy Assistant to President George W. Bush

Lt. Col. Robert Darling (Ret.), U.S. Marine and White House Military Officer on 9/11

Together, they share firsthand stories from the White House, the Pentagon, and Ground Zero—offering rare insight into the chaos, courage, and clarity that defined September 11th, 2001.

From near misses to critical national decisions, these stories aren't just history—they're reminders of unity, sacrifice, and the importance of never forgetting.

Watch or listen now and take time to reflect, remember, and recommit to what truly matters.

Let’s dig in!!

#NeverForget #September11 #911Anniversary #BLTNT #Leadership #Honor #Unity #AmericanHeroes #Podcast