Dirt to Sky Business Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of the Dirt to Sky Business Podcast, John Safi takes us through an incredible journey that began in a small Afghan village and led him through years on the front lines as a U.S. military combat interpreter. Shot in combat and shaped by unimaginable challenges, John later immigrated to the United States, rebuilding his life in Texas, Massachusetts, and now Oregon — the place he proudly calls home.Today, John is a senior in college, an author with two published books, and the founder of Rakistan Security LLC, providing federal wildfire security services across the Northwest. He also serves as an employment coordinator with Salem For Refugees, helping newcomers build a future in America.John shares powerful stories from combat, cultural misunderstandings, and lessons in resilience, gratitude, and courage — reminding us that “life is a chance” and we’re capable of far more than we think.His third book, A Thousand Miles to Freedom, is coming soon.📌 Connect with John: Instagram, Facebook & X under Nerola John Safi📘 combatinterpreter.com🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://salembusinessjournal.org/podcast/FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS!IG AND TIKTOK: DIRTTOSKYPODCAST#Business #BusinessPodcast #SmallBusiness #BusinessGrowth

In this episode of the Dirt to Sky Business Podcast, Tim Rist from Discover Oregon Real Estate shares how vision, humility, and service can redefine success.From starting college at 15 and running a business at 17, to helping the City of Corvallis address homelessness, Tim’s story is one of grit, gratitude, and purpose. His upcoming book “Find Your Place” explores how he turned personal challenges — including a time of voluntary homelessness — into a lifelong mission to end homelessness of both body and spirit.Tim also discusses the Curiosity Collective, a movement encouraging people and businesses to give 1% of their income to causes that matter. For Tim, generosity isn’t just charity — it’s a catalyst for growth and transformation.✨ Learn how big goals, humble leadership, and small acts of giving can create lasting change.👉 Watch the full episode and explore more inspiring Oregon stories at:https://media.salembusinessjournal.org/#Leadership #RealEstate #PurposeDriven #OregonVoices #Homelessness #CommunityImpact #FaithInAction #SalemOR #HumanityFirst

🎩 Meet Finn— a professional magician, mentalist, and emerging leader in the Pacific Northwest performance scene. In this episode of Dirt to Sky Business Podcast, Finn joins host Jordan Hill for a conversation about growing up with a gift for performance, finding community as an entertainer, and building a career rooted in magic, mentorship, and creative risk.

From mind reading to building confidence on stage, Finn shares how he went from curious kid to one of the most recognizable entertainers in Oregon. Whether you're building something new or leveling up what you’ve already started, you're in good company here.

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In this episode of the Dirt to Sky Business Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Kristine Medyanik — aka Dr. K — founder of Shattered Glass Leadership, leadership coach, and college professor.Dr. K. shares her powerful journey and dives into what it really takes to lead in today's evolving workplace — especially for women balancing career and life during the pandemic.💡 What You’ll Learn:The four leadership styles in her "Ways to Lead" assessment: Nice Way, Fun Way, Right Way, My WayHow self-awareness, diversity, and community shape effective leadershipGen Z in the workforce and the future of onboardingCommon leadership blind spots and how to fix themWhether you're managing a team or leading without a title, this episode will shift how you think about influence, growth, and real leadership.📲 Connect with Dr. K:🌐 shatteredglassleaders.com📱 @ShatterglassLeadership on Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more inspiring conversations!#LeadershipDevelopment #WomenInLeadership #DrK #DirtToSkyPodcast #GenZWorkforce #TeamDynamics #EmotionalIntelligence

In this episode, Alex shares his story—from growing up in Salem and playing basketball to building a successful insurance agency rooted in family legacy. He talks about the values that drive his work, how his team builds community through branding (yes, including those iconic Jeeps), and how personal branding plays a role in business growth.We also dive into his “5 Fs” framework: faith, family, finance, fun, and fitness, and how he and his wife plan their goals with intention. Plus: AI in marketing, real estate investing, and how fitness and discipline impact every part of life.

In this episode of the Dirt to Sky Business Podcast, we sit down with Jackie—entrepreneur, cleaning company founder, and membership manager at the Salem Chamber of Commerce.From launching Jackie’s Natural Cleaning Inc. to helping local businesses thrive, Jackie shares real, unfiltered insights on:✅ Starting and scaling a service business✅ Learning from client feedback✅ Building strong business networks (BNI & Chamber)✅ Managing teams + staying legally protected✅ Defining your version of success✅ Collaborating with the competition✅ Finding ideal clients & handling rejectionWhether you’re in the cleaning industry, a small business owner, or just getting started, Jackie’s story is packed with practical lessons and inspiration.🎧 Powered by: SMI Real Estate & Collier Law🔗 Connect with Jackie: ‪@jackiesnaturalcleaninginc6666‬ #CleaningBusiness #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #SalemOregon #BusinessTips #Networking #BusinessPodcast #JackiesNaturalCleaning #SalemChamberFOLLOW OUR SOCIALS!IG AND TIKTOK: DIRTTOSKYPODCAST

Join us on the Dirt to Sky Business Podcast as we sit down with country music artists Nick and Ty Talbot of the Talbot Brothers! Discover their journey from Imperial, Nebraska to making waves in the music industry, with a special stop in Eugene, Oregon.In this episode, the brothers share invaluable advice on treating your passion like a business from day one. They reveal the "best advice" they ever received: forming an LLC at just 19 years old, and how this foundational business decision shaped their success.Sponsored by: Collier Law & Smi Real EstateFOLLOW OUR SOCIALS!IG AND TIKTOK: DIRTTOSKYPODCAST

🚀 Want to build a business and a life rooted in fitness, fulfillment, and freedom?Join Jordan Hill as she interviews Jon Moore, a performance physical therapist and founder of The Physical Therapy Project, on how to redefine success beyond just business.In this episode, Jon shares:💡 His unique approach to physical therapy and long-term health🔓 How he broke free from the traditional healthcare model🤝 The power of community, vision, and intentional living🏅 Lessons from sports that apply to entrepreneurship and personal growth👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 How to build a thriving business while prioritizing family and self-care🔍 What You’ll Learn:🎯 How to identify your ideal client📱 Modern marketing strategies for health & wellness professionals❤️ Why community and connection are key to success⚖️ How to balance business, family, and personal fulfillmentWhether you're a physical therapist, health entrepreneur, or someone looking to live more intentionally, this episode is full of real, actionable insight.Follow Jon Moore and The Physical Therapy Project:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thephysicaltherapyproject/FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS!IG AND TIKTOK: DIRTTOSKYPODCAST#Business #BusinessPodcast #SmallBusiness #BusinessGrowth

Brandon Hartt is a country music artist that lives in Oregon. The conversation delves into Hartt's journey in the music industry, from his early exposure to music through his mother and the impact of Waylon Jennings, to his current career as a songwriter, producer, and artist. Hart discusses his songwriting process, the challenges he's overcome, and his perspective on the spiritual and energetic aspects of music.He shares his experiences with collaborations, the importance of authenticity in his music, and his vision for the future, including his desire to use his platform to make a difference in the world by addressing issues like water scarcity and the high cost of concert tickets.Go follow @bharttmusic on Instagram and support his music!

Join us in this episode as we sit down with the amazing Jenny , also known as Girl Gone Brond, owner of the stunning Salon Abode! Jenny shares her incredible journey from a small-town girl with a passion for hair to a successful two-time salon owner and business guru.We dive deep into:

• Building a killer marketing funnel that actually works!

• Mastering your business finances like a pro - no more fear of the P&L sheet!

Understanding your target audience and speaking their language. Tips to stay innovative and ahead of the curve.Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiring insights to take your business to the next level. Get ready to be motivated and empowered!👉 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell so you don't miss out on future episodes