Super Unemployable

In this episode, I sit down with Barry Hartman, co-founder and CEO of 505-Junk, one of Canada's fastest-growing junk removal companies. Barry's journey is anything but conventional. From taking odd jobs in the fast food and restaurant industry to becoming a professional snowboarder, Barry's path to entrepreneurship is inspiring and motivational.
Barry shares candid stories about his early work experiences, including how drinking one too many milkshakes led to his first firing and how a chance conversation during a recovery from a busted ankle inspired him to buy a junk removal truck. We delve into the concept of being "Super Unemployable," discussing what it means to Barry and how it has shaped his entrepreneurial spirit.
Throughout the episode, Barry talks about the importance of family, balancing work and personal life, and his aspirations for 505-Junk. He also opens up about the challenges he faced, including financial missteps and the pivotal decision to pivot from a franchise model to a corporate growth strategy.
Join us for an inspiring conversation filled with valuable insights on strategic planning, the role of mentorship, and the importance of aligning business growth with personal values. 

I am thrilled to have JP Holecka join me on the podcast today. He is the CEO and founder of Power Shifter Digital and a personal friend and mentor.
In this episode, JP discusses his experiences with ADHD, the pivotal moments that shaped his career, and the importance of mentorship. He also delves into the challenges of being super unemployable, balancing personal and professional life, and the concept of leading by example.
This is a show you won't want to miss.
 
Show notes:
The study regarding ADHD and entrepreneurship can be found here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/dalearcher/2014/05/14/adhd-the-entrepreneurs-superpower/
The study regarding lump sums of money and what people do with them can be found here: https://www.npr.org/2023/12/05/1217437174/people-can-do-more-with-lump-sum-of-money-than-payments-experiment-in-kenya-sugg

Working in women's retail taught me so much about life, leadership, friendships and integrity.  Honestly, this was one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever had and it has guided so much of my future decisions as an entrepreneur.
I honestly believe that everyone should work in retail before starting a business.  Have a listen to the podcast and I will tell you why.

Hey there! Ever wondered what it’s like to dive into the working world at 15? Join me, Dean, as I take you back to the mid-nineties for a wild ride through my very first job as a telemarketer. Spoiler alert: it’s a rollercoaster of smoke-filled offices, chain-smoking bosses, and a hilarious mix of rejection and unexpected connections.

In this episode, I share the valuable life lessons learned from getting hung up on, dealing with colorful characters, and fighting for a paycheck to buy that dream bike. Whether you’re reminiscing about your first gig or looking for some entrepreneurial inspiration, this story is sure to give you a good laugh and a fresh perspective on building resilience.

So grab your headphones, settle in, and let’s chat about how a tough job can give you the thick skin you need to succeed. And hey, I’d love to hear your own thick skin stories too! Connect with me on LinkedIn and let’s keep the conversation going. Cheers!

I spent my university years serving at a local restaurant. My boss was Jillian Harris.  What I can say is that I wasn't very good at the job but it did teach me a lot about myself and it did help me learn more about my super unemployable self.
 
What is your serving story?  Share with me on the podcast. Find me on LinkedIn - Dean Horsfield.

Today, we're taking a slight detour from our usual antics. Guess what? Tomorrow's my birthday, and I'm turning the big 4-2!
Birthdays always get me in a reflective mood, making me ponder over the past year and my entire 42-year journey. Do you ever find yourself questioning everything around this time too? Maybe it's a "super unemployable" syndrome—never really satisfied, always pushing for more.
To celebrate, I want to dive into the life of one of my favorite super unemployables: Howard Schultz, the mastermind behind Starbucks. Inspired by his story on the "Acquired" podcast, we'll explore how a mere "three" in a job review propelled him to greatness.
So, grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and let's chat about the highs, lows, and endless pursuit of fulfillment. Oh, and if you have a story to share, I'd love to hear it! Reach out to me on LinkedIn—I'm Dean Horsfield, and I'm eager to connect with fellow super unemployables. 🎙️
Here's to all of us with birthdays on the horizon—may we find happiness and growth in our journey. Thanks for tuning in!

My girlfriend gave me an ultimatum that she was going to Europe, with or without me.
Luckily, I am the Supe Unemployable and the decision to ditch my prestigious job at Best Buy and go backpack Europe for the months was a super easy one to make.
 

In this week's edition of The Super Unemployable Podcast, I talk about my experience working at a Vancouver based tech company - Contac Services. 
Arguably one of the worst CEOs I have ever encountered.  However, it taught me a lot about how to focus, how to be responsible with cash flow and it was the job where I came up with my groundbreaking theory called The Tree of Granularity.

Being super unemployable is not easy, it's not even really a choice, it is essentially just the way you were born.  Constantly sabotaging good jobs, bouncing from employer to employer and choosing to work for terrible people just because you know that will make it easier to quit.
 
Ultimately you will either end up starting a company or find yourself in jail.  For me, it could have gone either way, but I found my way out.
 
Welcome to the Super Unemployable.