Joe opens up about his darkest period in junior high when relentless bullying pushed him toward dangerous friendships and thoughts of self-harm. Just when isolation seemed complete, Jay entered his life - a popular, confident kid who saw past the social dynamics that defined Joe as an outcast. This raw conversation explores how one person's willingness to extend genuine friendship can literally save a life, offering stability and hope when everything else feels broken.

BIG IDEA

"I truly believe that at my lowest point at that time, that's when Jay really came into to be a part of my life and his family and really kind of brought back like hope or fun or you know, whatever as a kid."

Contact us at FeelNorthernAir.com.

Joe shares the raw story of how childhood bullying forged an unshakeable determination to prove doubters wrong, leading him to ignore every professional advisor and buy into Northern Air against unanimous expert advice. What started as a partnership arrangement became a strategic acquisition that grew the company five times its original size within just a few years. This is the candid account of how past pain can fuel future success, and why sometimes the riskiest decisions yield the greatest rewards.

BIG IDEA

"I looked at them and said, are you telling me not to do something? And I really just was like, no, I'm gonna do it and I'm gonna show you all that I can do it and I'm gonna do it better than you ever thought that anyone could do it."

Contact us at FeelNorthernAir.com.

Joe refused to become an employee and instead negotiated a partnership deal that eventually led to full ownership of Northern Air, hammering out the details during late-night conversations in high school football bleachers with his future business partner. The transition from solo entrepreneur to company owner brought unexpected challenges as Joe grappled with the profound responsibility of leading a team and the weight of decisions that affect not just his own future, but the livelihoods of employees and their families. This conversation explores the psychological burden of business ownership and the commitment to creating the best possible workplace in their community.

BIG IDEA

The responsibility that's on you for the people that work for the company, for the reputation of the company and for the longevity and the legacy that the company's going to leave behind weighs on business owners in ways that people don't see.

Contact us at FeelNorthernAir.com.