In this inspiring episode, Bart Berkey sits down with Gavin Mlinar, CEO of Blacklisted Consulting and author of Yes, Your Way to Success. Why Don’t You? Gavin shares the remarkable story of how his upbringing, mindset, and resilience have driven him to negotiate billion-dollar contracts, become an endurance athlete, and launch his own company—all through one key trait: decisiveness.

Together, they unpack what it takes to keep going when most people quit, and how to act with confidence even when conditions aren’t perfect.

Major Takeaways / Learnings:

1. Most People Don’t Ask… But Gavin Does. Gavin landed on this podcast simply by reaching out with authenticity and persistence—something most people don’t do.

2. Rejection is Practice. Cold-calling 100 people a day at Merrill Lynch taught Gavin to normalize “no.” He reframed rejection as part of the process, not a signal to stop.

3. Decisiveness Is a Superpower. According to his book coach (also a therapist), Gavin is one of the most decisive people they’ve ever met—and that’s what makes him different.

4. Forget Perfect—Take Action. Waiting for the perfect moment or perfect plan often leads to stagnation. Gavin encourages forward momentum over perfectionism.

5. Two Steps to Progress: 1) Research and validate through resources and conversations. 2) Make a decision, take action, and adjust along the way.

6. Ask for Help. Often. Most people don’t ask—but most people are predisposed to help when asked. Gavin encourages breaking through that hesitation.

7. Effort + Attitude = Progress. Gavin teaches his kids—and lives himself—by these two values. You don’t need perfection, just consistent energy and a positive mindset.

Memorable Quotes:

1. “Most people don’t ask for help. But most people are predisposed to help when asked.” – Gavin Mlinar

2. “There are very few things in life that are final. Failure is just learning in disguise.” – Gavin

3. “You get to wake up early. You get to catch that flight. That shift in mindset is everything.” – Bart Berkey

4. “Most people don’t… say yes.” – Gavin Mlinar

Why It Matters / How to Use It:

Listeners will walk away with practical tools to become more decisive, more resilient, and more open to opportunities. Gavin’s approach—research, then act—can be applied to anything from writing a book to launching a business, asking for a promotion, or learning how to surf.

His mindset of saying "yes" before conditions are perfect is a challenge to the perfectionist in all of us and his emphasis on attitude and effort is a reminder that consistency and courage can unlock extraordinary results.

Resources & Links:

• Gavin Mlinar on LinkedIn: Click here
• Yes Your Way website: www.yesyourway.com
• Bart Berkey: MostPeopleDont.com | LinkedIn

Fill in the Blank:

Most people don’t…

" say yes. "

Frank Guengerich’s journey is one of grit, grace, and doing the work—often in silence. A former Division I tennis player and national bodybuilding champion, Frank has spent decades building a career in health, wellness, and leadership. Now the President and CEO of HWLS, he shares how his upbringing shaped his values and how he built a boutique consulting firm that thrives on personal attention and a proven track record.

Bart and Frank dive into what separates those who simply dream from those who do. Frank's reflections on responsibility, accountability, and the importance of meaningful leadership resonate deeply. His lessons aren’t just for fitness pros—they’re for anyone who wants to build something with integrity and impact.

Top Takeaways:

• Work Without Applause: Most people don’t do the work in silence. Frank did—and still does.

• Leadership Anchored in Values: Kindness, empathy, rigor, and reliability are non-negotiables.

• Responsibility vs. Accountability: Responsibility is a personal gift. Accountability is cultural.

• Build Smart, Then Scale: Success in the fitness and wellness world depends on business acumen just as much as heart.

• Success Is Simple (But Not Easy): Friendly staff. Clean facilities. Functioning equipment. Consistency.

Best Quotes:

“Most people don’t do the work in silence. They don’t fully commit with passion and patience when no one is watching.” — Frank Guengerich

“Love people and use money. Don’t use people and love money.” — Frank Guengerich

“Responsibility is the gift you give yourself. Accountability is what you give your organization.” — Frank Guengerich

Bart’s Reflections:

Bart shares his own story of career transformation after a health scare and how Frank’s values echo the Most People Don’t mindset. The episode becomes a masterclass in purpose-driven work, sharing how helping others leads to lasting success—and not the other way around.

Resources & Links:

• Frank Guengerich on LinkedIn: Click here

• HWLS Website: www.HWLServices.com

• Bart Berkey: MostPeopleDont.com | LinkedIn

Fill in the Blank:

Most people don’t…

“…do the work in silence. They don’t pursue goals with passionate consistency. They wait for permission or praise. But when you do the work anyway—especially when no one’s watching—you win.” — Frank Guengerich

(Live from the Moody Center with Mr. Casey Paulson, Project President/Regional Vice President, Discovery Land Company & Elexa Ruth, GM Driftwood Golf and Ranch Club, Austin, TX)

Special thanks to Rachel Reap, Director of Premium Service at the Moody Center in Austin for her hospitality in hosting this podcast event.

📍Description:

Recorded live at the Moody Center, this heartfelt episode features Discovery Land’s Casey Paulson and Driftwood Golf & Ranch Club’s Elexa Ruth. Bart Berkey guides an intimate conversation exploring how small actions, deep care, and personal responsibility create unforgettable premium experiences. From handwritten Father's Day cards to spotting fallen signage, this episode is a powerful reminder that Most People Don’t… but YOU Do.

💡Major Takeaways / Learnings:

Responsibility often begins early and becomes a lifelong motivator. For Casey, becoming a father at 20 shaped his relentless drive and sense of accountability.

Leadership is about consistency in doing the right thing, even when no one is watching — or helping.

Noticing is a superpower. Elexa’s attention to detail comes from genuine care, cultural consistency, and high standards.

“See something, do something” isn’t just a phrase—it’s a leadership practice.

Creating magic for others requires preparation. From branded Yetis to personalized cards, it’s about having tools on hand to surprise and delight.

Hiring for care matters more than hiring for skill. You can train technical abilities, but you can’t teach heart.

Follow-up builds emotional loyalty. A simple “thank you” can leave a lasting impression that most overlook.

Even the smallest act—like a hummingbird’s drop of water—can start a movement.

💬Memorable Quotes:

“Most people don’t think they can make a difference.” – Casey Paulson

“You just have to grind through it… Just keep being better.” – Casey Paulson

“We don’t want our members to have to think of anything when they walk into our little bubble.” – Elexa Ruth

“Magic happens when someone spends a little more time than someone reasonably would expect.” – Elexa Ruth (quoting Teller of Penn & Teller)

“Most people don’t follow up.” – Bart Berkey

“You can't nurture care.” – Elexa Ruth

✨Why It Matters / How to Use It:

This episode is a playbook for elevating any experience—whether in hospitality, leadership, or everyday life. If you lead a team, serve clients, or want to build culture through care:

Hire for heart, not just resume.

Notice. Then act.

Prepare your team to surprise and delight with simple, thoughtful tools.

Remember that follow-up builds trust—and it only takes seconds.

You don’t need a title or budget to make a difference. Be the hummingbird.

More about these companies and their locations:

https://discoverylandco.com

https://driftwoodgolfclub.com

https://moodycenteratx.com

https://mostpeopledont.com