In The Treehouse

In this episode of In The Treehouse, Coach Mike Conner sits down with Nick Ford, founder of Transparent Staffing, to explore the winding path from college baseball dreams to launching a business built on integrity. 

Nick shares how a cold call turned into his first big break, the business lessons passed down from his grandfather, and why being upfront with both clients and candidates has become the cornerstone of his success.

With a ...

 This episode of In The Treehouse with Coach Conner brings you the inspiring journey of Teressa Ruspi, a former Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader turned mental health advocate and founder of LRJ Foundation and TR Healthy Bites. 

Teressa shares her deeply personal motivation behind launching a nonprofit after losing her brother to suicide and discusses the power of early mental health education, workplace wellness, and how gut health s...

In this week’s episode of In The Treehouse, host Michael Conner sits down with Tom Viera, a former corporate professional turned franchisee, as they explore his journey of transitioning from a career in the corporate world to owning a business. 

Tom shares his experiences, challenges, and the lessons he's learned along the way. His story serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to make the leap into entrepreneurship.

• Embr...

After 12 incredible guest conversations, In The Treehouse took a moment to pause no guests this time, just host Michael Conner reflecting on what’s been learned so far. 

In this solo episode, Mike shares the key themes that have echoed across all the stories told in the treehouse. If you’ve missed an episode or are new to the show, this is a perfect entry point.

Here are the 4 standout lessons drawn from 12 raw, inspiring journeys of...

In this episode of In The Treehouse, host Michael Conner welcomes Jason Bair, owner of Blue Sky Systems, for a deep dive into his entrepreneurial journey. 

Jason shares how his early days building treehouses and riding BMX bikes evolved into a career in electrical work, IT, and ultimately, launching his own low-voltage contracting company. 

They discuss the challenges of scaling a business, the importance of staying ahead in technolo...

In this episode of In The Treehouse, host Michael Conner sits down with Alex Hodge, founder of J-Hodge Enterprises. From starting out as a UPS driver to building a thriving excavation and site development company.

Alex shares his inspiring journey of entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and scaling a business with a competitive mindset.

1. From Side Hustle to Full-Fledged Business

Alex started his career at UPS, earning a solid income ...

In this powerful episode of In The Treehouse, host Michael Conner sits down with Brandon Lee, an entrepreneur, community leader, and advocate for personal growth. 

They dive deep into Brandon’s journey—his struggles, triumphs, and the lessons that have shaped him. 

From overcoming addiction to building businesses and serving his community, Brandon shares an authentic and raw perspective on life’s opportunities and challenges.

1. The P...

In this episode of In The Treehouse, host Michael Conner welcomes Kirk Driskell, an entrepreneur, community leader, and founder of Vision Warriors, a faith-based recovery community. 

Kirk shares his entrepreneurial journey, personal struggles, and passion for helping others find purpose beyond addiction. 

His story is one of resilience, accountability, and unwavering faith, inspiring listeners to embrace challenges as opportunities f...

In this episode of In The Treehouse, host Michael Conner sits down with Greg Santini to discuss his unconventional career shift from corporate accounting to running a business that helps families find quality senior care. 

Greg shares the challenges of making a mid-life career change, the importance of following your passion, and how his ministry work led him to a business that truly fulfills him.

• The Transition from Corpora...

In this episode of In The Treehouse, host Michael Conner sits down with Kyle Gilman, founder of Integrity Design Build, to discuss his unconventional journey from a military school cadet to a successful home builder in North Georgia. 

Kyle shares his experiences in construction, repo work, private investigation, and how each chapter shaped his entrepreneurial mindset. 

His story is one of resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pu...

In this episode of In The Treehouse, host Michael Conner sits down with Joseph Powell, founder of Bubble Rock Advisors, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey from aspiring baseball player to accountant and business owner. 

Joseph shares his story of shifting dreams, finding his competitive drive in unexpected places, and his passion for helping small businesses navigate their finances.

1. Small Wins Build Big Momentum...

In this episode of In the Treehouse, host Michael Conner sits down with Enrique Dent and Joslyn Dent, the powerhouse couple behind Dent Tires. 

They share their journey from humble beginnings to building a seven-figure tire business, all while redefining what it means to chase dreams, embrace purpose, and leave a lasting legacy. 

• Start Small, Dream Big

The Dents launched Dent Tires with just $300 in cryptocurrency. ...

This episode of In the Treehouse features Joe Wargo, founder of Summerfield Mortgage, who shares his inspiring journey from his roots in a steel town in Pennsylvania to establishing his own mortgage brokerage.

Host Michael Conner dives into Joe’s personal history, the lessons he’s learned in the mortgage industry, and his passion for mentoring others. 

• Humble Beginnings and Blue-Collar Roots

Joe Wargo ref...

In this insightful episode of In The Treehouse, host Michael Conner sits down with Steve Beecham, owner of Hometown Mortgage and Georgia Home Heating and Air. 

Steve shares his entrepreneurial journey, his failures, and his philosophy that true success stems from helping others achieve their goals.

• The Power of Reciprocity

Steve’s breakthrough moment came when he helped a client find employment for her husband....

In this episode of In The Treehouse, host Michael Conner welcomes the dynamic duo of Sean Johnson and Big Jay Nelson—both Rock and Roll Hall of Famers and longtime members of Little Richard's legendary band. 

Their stories take us through decades of unwavering dedication to their childhood dreams, extraordinary musical journeys, and the business ventures that have followed.

• Childhood Dreams That Ignited a Lifelong ...

In this episode, Coach Michael Conner talks with Brett Morton, co-owner of Fake Grass pros., a company that specializes in synthetic grass for residential and commercial spaces. 

They discuss Brett’s journey from dreaming of becoming a baseball player as a child to starting his own business. 

Brett shares how faith, strong relationships, and determination have shaped his entrepreneurial path. 

He also off...

In this first-ever episode of In The Treehouse, I, Michael Conner, introduce you to the vision and purpose behind the show—a space for dreamers and risk-takers to share their stories, challenges, and successes. 

Broadcasting from my literal treehouse, I share my own journey of taking risks, embracing failures, and chasing big dreams across multiple careers, from being a pastor to starting my own business coaching practice....