The Pagel Uncensored Podcast

From Hotels to Hardscapes - Ep. 206

In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Clayton Rajek, owner of Elite Hardscapes LLC out of Cadet, Wisconsin, for a candid conversation about what it really means to take control of your future. Clayton shares how leaving behind the hotel stays and duffle-bag lifestyle led him to build a business not just for himself—but for his family. Tired of seeing the same faces every day and fed up with working under someone else’s rules, Clayton made the leap into entrepreneurship, fully owning the process as a self-proclaimed control freak. We dive into the mindset behind the move, the sacrifices, the wins, and how building a business from the ground up brought new purpose to his life. Whether you’re in the trades, thinking about starting your own business, or just looking for some raw motivation—this one’s for you. 🌐 Website: https://www.ehcurbs.com 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Elite-Hardscapes-LLC/61551456921423/

Grit, Growth, and Second Chances - Ep. 205

In this raw and revealing episode, we sit down with Nicolas Reetz, founder of All Seasons Services based in Clinton Township, Michigan. Nicolas opens up about the struggles, setbacks, and pivotal moments that shaped his path from hitting rock bottom to building a respected business empire in the landscaping and snow removal industry. With unfiltered honesty, he shares what it took to rebuild his life, create opportunity from adversity, and hustle his way into entrepreneurship. Whether you're grinding in the trades, rebuilding your story, or just hungry for inspiration, this is the episode you don’t want to miss. 🔗 Connect with Nicolas Reetz: * 👤 Personal: facebook.com/nick.reetz.7 * 🧰 Business: facebook.com/allseasonsmi * 🌐 Website: allseasonsservicesmi.com * 📺 YouTube (All Seasons Services): youtube.com/@AllSeasonsServices * 📺 YouTube (Nick's Odd Jobs): youtube.com/@Nicksoddjobs

Juggling Multiple Businesses is Nothing to Her - Ep. 204

In this episode, we sit down with the unstoppable Jeni Oyen-Reed, a dynamic entrepreneur who wears multiple hats with ease. Based in Lancaster, Wisconsin, Jeni is not only the owner of Alternative Recycling, a local business redefining how rural communities handle waste and sustainability, but she also thrives as a real estate agent, helping clients navigate the housing market with insight and care. We dive deep into how Jeni balances these two very different ventures, what drives her work ethic, and the strategies she uses to stay organized and motivated. From the challenges of running a recycling operation in a small town to the unpredictable world of real estate, Jeni shares candid stories and powerful lessons that will resonate with anyone trying to do more than one thing at once. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with a true multi-business powerhouse. LINKS: http://www.altrecycle.org https://www.facebook.com/alternativerecycling/ 👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with real people doing big things.

No Money, Just Balls – How He Built a Business From Nothing – Ep. 203

In this episode, we sit down with Dakota Stramka, the owner-operator of Riverview Property Management out of Illinois. Dakota shares how he went from working long hours as an employee to running his own successful property management and landscaping business.
We dive into:
* His early days in the industry
* What pushed him to make the leap to ownership
* The challenges no one talks about when starting out
* How he built a crew he can trust
* Lessons learned managing clients, equipment, and stress If you're thinking about making the move from the job site to the business side, this one’s for you.
📱 Connect with Dakota Facebook (Personal): facebook.com/dstramka Facebook (Profile): facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089456011334 Facebook (Shared Page): facebook.com/share/15JkXjKmju YouTube: @riverratmafia4832

No Woman. No Kids. 100 Percent Business – Ep. 202

In this episode, we sit down with Zach Texley, owner of S&T Companies, a garbage collection service based in Ramsey, Minnesota. Zach lives a life most people don’t even think is possible—no wife, no kids, and a schedule filled with freedom. We talk about everything—from life philosophy and personal freedom to the ins and outs of running a business in a gritty, blue-collar industry. Whether you're into entrepreneurship, alternative lifestyles, or just curious about how others are living, this one's got something for you. 🔗 Website 🌐 stcompaniesmn.com 📱 Connect with Zack Facebook: facebook.com/zacktexley953 Instagram: @zacktexley94 TikTok: @zacktexley953

The Nicest Boss in America. Is It Working??? - Ep. 201

In this first episode of Pagel Uncensored, we sit down with Ryan Rands, owner of Midwest Builders in Southwest Wisconsin — and one of my closest friends. Ryan shares what it’s really like running a blue-collar construction business, the lessons he’s learned as a small business owner, and how work and life come together in the trades.
We talk about the challenges of being an entrepreneur in today’s world, the pride of building something with your own hands, and why the blue-collar mindset matters now more than ever.
Guest Links:🌐 Website: midwestbuilderswi.com📱 Facebook: facebook.com/MidwestBuildersInc
Follow Pagel Services:🔗 YouTube: youtube.com/@pagelservices📱 Instagram: instagram.com/pagel_services