AJ Dedic, owner of AJ's Cleaning & Restoration, embodies the true immigrant success story. AJ Dedic moved to the U.S. at the age of 14, embracing the challenges of a new country with determination and hard work. After attending college, AJ decided to follow his entrepreneurial spirit, dropping out to start AJ's Cleaning & Restoration. Bootstrapping his business from the ground up, AJ is driven by his commitment to providing top-notch service to his customers. His greatest motivation comes from his son, who looks up to him as a role model for owning and running a successful business, inspiring AJ to continue striving for excellence every day.

Angela Jones is the owner of Sylvan Learning Center in Altoona, Iowa. With a background in marketing, brand strategy, and community engagement, Angela spent over a decade leading initiatives for companies like Jordan Creek Town Center and Glen Oaks Country Club. But when her daughter began struggling in school, everything changed. What started as a personal mission to find the right support turned into an eight-year dream — and eventually a leap into franchise ownership. Angela now leads her Sylvan center with purpose, grit, and a deep passion for helping students grow in both skill and confidence. Her story is one of heart, hustle, and the power of trusting your timing.

Austin Maginnis is the founder of TEAM Builders, a high-performance custom home design-build company with operations in Iowa and Florida. With a background in construction engineering and a passion for his team and leadership, Austin has grown TEAM Builders from side hustles and remodels into a multi-market brand known for craftsmanship, culture, and systems. A former university instructor, he now mentors his team and peers through leadership rooted in faith, vision, and personal growth. Whether it’s developing his team, launching a new territory, or building industry-changing systems, Austin is driven by legacy, impact, and a passion to elevate those around him.

Cade Burke is the co-owner of TD Power Clean, a thriving window cleaning and power washing business based in Iowa. What started as a summer job with his future brother-in-law has grown into a fully booked operation with a reputation for quality and hustle. From knocking doors in high school to closing $8K in jobs off a single Facebook ad, Cade’s story is one of grit, growth, and relentless belief in the process. On this episode of The Hidden Hustle, Cade shares how he built a brand, learned the hard way, and is now scaling beyond just owning a job — he's building a company.

Darson Grantham is a real estate investor and mentor who turned setbacks into success. After getting fired and launching small businesses, he found his calling in real estate, building a thriving career through smart investing, team leadership, and social media marketing. On The Hidden Hustle, Darson shares insights on hiring agents, leveraging cash flow, and experimenting with content marketing and Facebook ads. His no-nonsense approach to business growth makes this episode a must-listen for entrepreneurs and investors alike.

Ethan Montang is an entrepreneur with a passion for real estate and business. From flipping houses and managing rentals to owning Sam's Place Pool Hall and Sports Bar in Ames, Ethan’s success stems from calculated risks, strong teams, and continuous learning.

With global experiences shaping his perspective, Ethan inspires others through his TikTok presence and fearless mindset, guided by his favorite motto: “Sine Metu” - Without Fear. 

Jeff Meiners is the founder and driving force behind Total Truck, a business that has grown from a small startup to a thriving enterprise over nearly 30 years. With a passion for trucks and a dedication to quality, Jeff has built Total Truck into a full-service shop specializing in tires, wheels, lift kits, and commercial van outfitting. His journey in the industry is marked by resilience, innovation, and a commitment to exceptional customer relationships. Beyond Total Truck, Jeff is involved in real estate and keeps a close eye on industry trends. His entrepreneurial spirit and hands-on approach make him a trusted leader and mentor for those entering the world of business. Jeff's story is a testament to the power of hard work and a customer-first mindset.

Jeremiah Evans is the owner of Iowa All Pro Heating & Cooling, serving homeowners and businesses across Central Iowa. A Des Moines native and U.S. Navy veteran, Jeremiah brings over 20 years of experience in HVAC installation, service, and project management. After working in the trades and HVAC sales, he launched All Pro to build a company focused on quality work and great customer service. Today, his team helps clients with heating, cooling, and duct cleaning needs, while Jeremiah continues to grow the business through strong relationships and community networking. 

Jimmy Bach’s journey from the kitchen to remodeling is unconventional. With a background as a chef and culinary business owner, Jimmy crafted experiences—whether through food or functional spaces. Running his catering company, Bach Catering, taught him business management, but the intense lifestyle pushed him toward remodeling.

Starting as a side hustle, remodeling soon became Jimmy’s focus. Just as he mastered cooking, he embraced remodeling with dedication, building Kitchen Refresh by KnoPros into a streamlined, customer-focused service. With culinary precision and entrepreneurial grit, Jimmy makes stylish, affordable renovations accessible to homeowners.

Jo Nauman is one of the owners at Xtreme Roofing and Siding, a family-owned business in Urbandale, Iowa, founded in 1998. Driven by a vision of independence and quality craftsmanship, Jo has helped build a company known for exceptional customer satisfaction and their iconic “Kilroy Was Here” logo.

With over two decades of experience, Jo shares valuable insights on balancing family, business, and legacy, inspiring others with her story of resilience and dedication.

Jordan Graves is a Des Moines-based real estate agent known for his creative approach to marketing and his dedication to helping first-time homebuyers. Leveraging social media, Jordan has built a strong personal brand, using Instagram and engaging content—like his signature “jumping over houses” videos—to connect with clients and make real estate more approachable.

With a relationship-first mindset, Jordan prioritizes trust, education, and long-term connections with his clients. Whether he’s showcasing homes, navigating competitive markets, or planning his next move into commercial real estate, Jordan is always looking for new ways to stand out and provide value.

Nikki Berkus is a Registered Nurse and founder of Wholistic Health Center in Altoona, Iowa. After 20+ years in traditional healthcare, she transitioned into holistic medicine to pursue a more root-cause, functional approach to healing. Fueled by personal health challenges and the loss of her father, Nikki helps clients overcome chronic issues through customized nutrition, detox therapies, and lifestyle support. Her clinic specializes in metabolic weight loss, muscle testing, and personalized coaching. Passionate about education and community, Nikki is now expanding into virtual care and group programs to help more people take control of their health naturally.

Pennie Carroll is the founder of Pennie Carroll & Associates, a top-performing real estate team in Des Moines. From cleaning houses to closing 233 homes in a single year, her journey is a true underdog success story. Starting at a folding table in her basement, Pennie built a 15-agent team rooted in grit, faith, and relentless service. She’s known for her no-excuses mindset, her commitment to her clients, and her passion for helping others grow. Whether mentoring new agents or navigating high-stakes deals, Pennie leads with authenticity and heart.

Ryan Pudenz is the innovative mind behind AIM Kitchen and Bath, a company that has become synonymous with exceptional craftsmanship and customer service in the home remodeling industry. With a focus on creating personalized, high-quality kitchen and bath spaces, Ryan combines a passion for design with years of hands-on experience to help clients bring their dream homes to life. A dedicated entrepreneur and problem solver, Ryan’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the pursuit of excellence. Tune in to hear how he built a business that thrives on trust, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to client satisfaction.