Dirt to Sky Business Podcast

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

💬 In this episode of Dirt to Sky Business Podcast, Jordan Hill talks with Josh C., owner of Shadow Protection LLC, a growing Oregon-based security company.Josh opens up about his journey from a tough childhood and military discipline to entrepreneurship and MMA fighting. He shares how his first year of failure revealed his true strength, how faith and resilience shaped his mindset, and why he believes fear is a signal to move forward — not stop.🔥 A raw and inspiring conversation about faith, discipline, and chasing dreams even when doubt screams louder.👉 Watch the full episode and explore more local stories at:https://media.salembusinessjournal.org/FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS!IG AND TIKTOK: DIRTTOSKYPODCAST#EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessStories #OregonBusiness #FaithDriven #Motivation #SmallBusiness #PodcastClip #Leadership #GrowthMindset #InspiringTalk #Business #BusinessPodcast #SmallBusiness #BusinessGrowth

Develop a greater vision with Jordan Hill on the Dirt to Sky Podcast. Bringing on a powerful aray of guest that exclusively features their talents and respective position in their work and community.💰 What does it really take to build wealth and retire early? In this episode, real estate investor Trevor Howard shares how he went from a 9-to-5 engineer to achieving financial freedom at just 24 years old. Trevor breaks down his simple yet powerful strategy: “Buy real estate and wait.” He explains how house hacking, smart partnerships, and disciplined investing helped him build a multi-million dollar portfolio — and what lessons he learned from both wins and setbacks along the way. From living rent-free to co-founding Stack Asset Group with billion-dollar goals, Trevor’s story is packed with insight, honesty, and practical advice for anyone ready to take their first step toward financial independence. 🏘️ Listen now and learn the mindset that could change your future. FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS!IG AND TIKTOK: DIRTTOSKYPODCASThttps://media.salembusinessjournal.org/#Business #BusinessPodcast #SmallBusiness #BusinessGrowth #FinancialFreedom #WealthBuilding #Investing #Entrepreneurship #TrevorHoward #DealJunkies

Develop a greater vision with Jordan Hill on the Dirt to Sky Podcast. Bringing on a powerful aray of guest that exclusively features their talents and respective position in their work and community.🥊 From pop-up boxing camps to one of the only all-female boxing gyms in the U.S., Lisa’s journey is a story of courage, growth, and empowerment. In this episode of the Salem Business Journal Podcast, she shares how Women’s Boxing International was born, the powerful community behind it, and how she’s helping women build confidence — both in and out of the ring. 💪 Tune in and get inspired by a story that proves strength comes from lifting others up. 🎙️ FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS!IG AND TIKTOK: DIRTTOSKYPODCAST#Business #BusinessPodcast #SmallBusiness #BusinessGrowth #SalemBusinessJournal #WomensBoxingInternational #WomenInSports #Empowerment #BoxingForWomen #CommunityDriven #Inspiration

Develop a greater vision with Jordan Hill on the Dirt to Sky Podcast. Bringing on a powerful aray of guest that exclusively features their talents and respective position in their work and community.In this episode of the Dirt to Sky Business Podcast, we sit down with Tommy, owner and chef of Salem’s newest restaurant, PINTXO'S. Tommy shares his journey from working in restaurants as a teenager to choosing bartending over engineering—and ultimately launching PINTXO'S in downtown Salem. With a vision inspired by northern Spain, PINTXO'S brings authentic flavors, fresh ingredients, and a welcoming atmosphere to the local food scene. From patatas bravas and empanadas to Spanish wine and European cocktails, Tommy explains how PINTXO'S offers something for everyone—whether it’s happy hour or a more upscale dining experience. He also talks about the challenges of starting a business, his philosophy on treating employees well, and his passion for creating a positive work culture. 🎙️ Guest: Tommy, Owner & Chef of PINTXO'S 📌 Topics: Entrepreneurship, Restaurants, Spanish Cuisine, Community, Leadership FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS!IG AND TIKTOK: DIRTTOSKYPODCAST#Business #BusinessPodcast #SmallBusiness #BusinessGrowth #DirtToSkyPodcast #PintxosSalem #SpanishFood #SalemOregon #Entrepreneurship #RestaurantLife #BusinessPodcast #AuthenticCuisine

Develop a greater vision with Jordan Hill on the Dirt to Sky Podcast. Bringing on a powerful aray of guest that exclusively features their talents and respective position in their work and community.In this episode of the Salem Business Journal Podcast, we sit down with Jesse Peone, owner of the Salem Business Journal. Jesse shares how SBJ has evolved from a traditional print paper into a full-scale media company, with a mission to support small businesses, strengthen the community, and provide a platform for civil discourse. He also discusses the launch of multiple podcasts: the SBJ Podcast, Dirt to Sky Business Podcast, the Spanish SBJ Podcast, and The Native Podcast—each designed to reach new audiences and bring fresh perspectives to the community. 🎙️ Guest: Jesse Peone 📌 Topics: Business Media, Community, Podcasts, Local Growth #SalemBusinessJournal #JessePeone #BusinessPodcast #DirtToSky #LocalMedia #OregonBusiness #EntrepreneurshipFOLLOW OUR SOCIALS!IG AND TIKTOK: DIRTTOSKYPODCAST#Business #BusinessPodcast #SmallBusiness #BusinessGrowth

In this episode, we sit down with filmmaker Chris Fischer to learn more about his journey in the world of film and storytelling. Chris shares insights into his creative process, his experiences working across different projects, and what it takes to bring powerful stories to life on screen. We also dive into the challenges and opportunities of the filmmaking industry, the inspiration behind his work, and a closer look at the exciting projects he is currently developing, including the vision behind All Around Project. Whether you’re passionate about film, curious about the creative process, or looking for inspiration from a storyteller shaping his own path, this conversation offers a unique glimpse into the life and work of Chris Fischer. 🎬 Guest: Chris Fischer – Filmmaker, Director, Storyteller ✨ Topics: Filmmaking, Creativity, Storytelling, Industry Insights, Future Projects 📌 Subscribe for more inspiring interviews with creators and innovators.

Develop a greater vision with Jordan Hill on the Dirt to Sky Podcast. Bringing on a powerful aray of guest that exclusively features their talents and respective position in their work and community.In this episode, we sit down with Matt Budden, co-founder of WORTTTH Advisory, to explore his journey from a Chartered Accountant in South Africa to a visionary leader in relational financial services. Matt shares how WORTTTH blends rigorous financial analysis, bespoke valuation, advisory, and fractional CFO solutions with a deeply relational and sustainability-focused approach.We dive into the core philosophy of WORTTTH – Transform Tomorrow Together – and uncover how their client-centric, community-driven model helps business owners build impactful and enduring ventures. Whether you're an entrepreneur, finance professional, or simply curious about conscious business-building, this conversation is packed with insight, strategy, and inspiration.FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS!IG AND TIKTOK: DIRTTOSKYPODCASTLearn more about WORTTTH: https://worttth.com/about-us/Follow them on Instagram: @WORTTTHSubscribe for more stories with founders and innovators transforming their industries.Like, comment, and share to support the podcast and our guests!#WORTTTH #MattBudden #FinancialAdvisory #SustainableBusiness #RelationalFinance #TransformTomorrowTogether #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPodcast #Business #SmallBusiness #BusinessGrowth

In this episode, we sit down with the founders of Real Accounting to hear the story behind the company. From their personal journeys and the challenges they faced, to how Real Accounting came to life and continues to grow, this conversation offers an inspiring look at the people behind the brand. We talk about their vision, their experiences as business leaders, and what it takes to build a company that values trust, community, and results. Whether you’re interested in entrepreneurship, accounting, or just love hearing stories of passion and perseverance, this episode is one you won’t want to miss. 💼 Learn more about Real Accounting: https://realaccounting.biz📌 Subscribe for more interviews and inspiring stories. FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS!IG AND TIKTOK: DIRTTOSKYPODCAST#Business #BusinessPodcast #SmallBusiness #BusinessGrowth #RealAccounting #Entrepreneurship #BusinessJourney #FoundersStory #AccountingLife #Leadership