Where Stories Inspire and Success Takes Flight
Where Stories Inspire and Success Takes Flight
'Above and Beyond: Where Excellence Meets Elevation' is more than just a podcast — it's a platform for visionaries, trailblazers, and everyday leaders striving to make an extraordinary impact. Each episode dives deep into the lives and journeys of business owners, community leaders, and aspiring entrepreneurs who have chosen to rise above challenges and pursue excellence with purpose. We uncover the stories behind the success — the early influences, the pivotal moments, and the personal "why" that fuels their ambition. These conversations are candid, inspiring, and filled with real insights meant to spark growth in listeners who are carving their own paths.
Whether you're a seasoned professional, a passionate dreamer, or someone searching for your next level, this podcast is your space to connect, learn, and elevate. Hosted with authenticity and driven by curiosity, Above & Beyond brings together a diverse array of voices united by a shared commitment to growth and greatness. Our mission is to empower and uplift through storytelling — showing that the journey to success isn't a straight line, but a climb worth taking.
Frank L. Stirpe Jr. is the founder and CEO of Above Par Network (APN), a professional networking group launched in 2019. With a background in education and leadership, he has served as a teacher, principal, and Director of Operations for charter schools across four states. Under his guidance, APN has grown to over 375 members and donates over $75,000 annually to nonprofits. He splits his time between Arizona and South Carolina as the network expands.
Bryan Boutain is a marketing professional and entrepreneur based in Gilbert, Arizona. He is the founder of Social Golf Gear, combining his passion for golf with creative branding to build a lifestyle-focused golf apparel brand.
Andi Ott is an award-winning entrepreneur based in Gilbert, Arizona. She co-founded several Dog Haus Biergarten franchises and later launched The Next Chapter Senior Care Solutions, combining her business acumen with a background in nursing to support seniors with in-home care.
TJ Tillman is a creative entrepreneur based in Mesa, Arizona, known for revitalizing Downtown Mesa through a series of unique hospitality ventures. He co-founded Outcast Doughnuts, Rebel Wine Lounge, Level 1 Arcade Bar, and the hidden speakeasy Alchemy 48. Each concept blends bold flavor, design, and experience, helping transform the area into a lively cultural and culinary hub.
Leticia Barwick, built Meritum on the principles of integrity, personalized service, and long-term relationships. From teaching English in Mexico City at 18 to becoming a respected voice in the payments industry, her journey reflects bold choices and a deep commitment to community. Now based in Arizona, Leticia is not only a seasoned entrepreneur but also a dedicated local leader, actively involved in initiatives that empower women, support veterans, and strengthen small businesses.
Bob Flecken—a devoted family man, seasoned executive, and owner of Best Option Restoration. Bob’s journey from blue-collar beginnings to CEO is a testament to grit, integrity, and the power of real-world experience. Tune in to hear how he built his career brick by brick, led with purpose, and continues to inspire through business, coaching, and faith.
In this episode of Above & Beyond: Where Excellence Meets Elevation, we sit down with C. Andrew John, Vice President of John’s Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. From learning the trade alongside his father to leading an award-winning company rooted in integrity, Andrew shares his journey of legacy, leadership, and community impact. We explore how he’s grown the business, empowered his team, and helped launch initiatives like Elevate to support fellow business owners. Tune in for a powerful conversation on doing things the right way — no matter what.
Meet Rob “Big Rob” Rodriguez—a Puerto Rican powerhouse from New York who’s spent 19 years lighting up comedy stages across every major U.S. market and making history as the only Hispanic comedian to dominate urban comedy circuits nationwide. In this episode, Rob shares his journey from growing up in New York to building a life rooted in laughter, entrepreneurship, and family. A 15-year business owner, father of five, and grandfather to nine, Rob opens up about balancing the stage and the showroom, with homes in both Arizona and Hawaii. Tune in for an unfiltered, inspiring, and often hilarious conversation with a man who's turned hustle into an art form.
In this episode of Above & Beyond, we sit down with Jeff Breid, Chief Operating Officer and Owner/Operator of CarLife Auto Repair. Jeff’s journey from a young gearhead working on classic cars to an ASE Certified Master Technician and successful business leader is nothing short of inspiring. With over three decades in the automotive industry, Jeff has built a reputation for tackling the toughest repairs, mentoring the next generation of technicians, and leading with a commitment to quality, innovation, and integrity. Outside the shop, Jeff is a devoted family man and an avid outdoorsman with a passion for off-roading and custom rifle building. Tune in as we explore Jeff’s story, his lessons in leadership, and the mindset that keeps him — and his business — driving above and beyond.
In this episode of Above & Beyond, we sit down with Tracy Autber — founder of Let’s Go Recovery, author, speaker, and host of the Let’s Go Recovery Podcast. Tracy shares his powerful story of overcoming addiction and finding purpose through faith, community, and service. From personal transformation to leading a movement that helps others rise from trauma and adversity, Tracy opens up about his mission share his journey and how healing begins with one decision: to keep going. This is a conversation about redemption, leadership, and the power of second chances.
From the locker room to the boardroom, Todd Mather’s journey is all about leadership, legacy, and building something that lasts.
Raised in Ridgecrest, CA, he went from delivering milk for the family business to earning a football scholarship, to coaching high school athletes for nearly 20 years. As Vice President of Sales and New Acquisitions at Mather Bros Inc., Todd helped grow the company into a multi-state operation—while also running a tavern and casino for over two decades.
In this episode, we dive into the mindset behind his success, the lessons from the field that shaped his leadership, and the bold move that brought him to Arizona to expand the business once again.
This is a conversation about family, discipline, and going all in.
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