A Thousand Miles to Freedom: John Safi’s Unbelievable Journey
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
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29:42
Purpose Over Pride: What he learned from losing everything
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
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Pushing Through Fear: Josh’s Journey
💬 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
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Spend Less, Make More, Invest the Difference: The Trevor Howard Mindset
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
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🥊 Knocking Out Limits: Lisa’s Journey to Empower Women Through Boxing
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