In this episode, Linda shares her journey from selling books in the 1970s to becoming one of the first women to manage and lead in Southwestern’s history. She talks about her first summer selling in Jackson, Mississippi, the nerves, the first door, the first sale, and the moment she almost quit — but didn’t. That decision shaped everything that came after.
Linda recalls becoming a stockbroker after leaving Southwestern, realizing it wasn’t for her, and returning to the company with new purpose. She later joined Family Heritage, where she recruited and trained a team that remains successful decades later. From there, she became a certified trainer, teaching Integrity Selling and goal-setting programs that helped people learn how to sell and believe in themselves.
She describes attending Tony Robbins’ early live events, walking through fire, and spending ten life-changing days in Hawaii that shifted how she viewed goals, family, and purpose. That experience led to years as a professional speaker, trainer, and coach, helping others find clarity and motivation.
Linda also shares how COVID pushed her to take her work online, how she learned to sell virtually, and how she now works with women creating retreats and online programs. Her story includes raising a family, moving across the country, mentoring others, and rediscovering herself through each chapter.
Along the way, she talks about being one of the only women at sales school, learning to get indoors in the South, recruiting over 100 people, leading teams, and the friendships that have lasted over 50 years — friendships that still make her laugh until she cries.
By the end, Linda reflects on a lifetime of lessons about rejection, confidence, attitude, and how a single summer job can change the trajectory of a life.
This one has been on our “Mount Rushmore” list from the very beginning. Hans Schlegel finally joins the show, and it’s everything we hoped for.
From his roots on a family farm in northwest Ohio to eight summers selling books, Hans brings stories of go-kart racing, marching band, zoology, bird study, saving a man’s life with the Heimlich, and building a family with his wife Laura and their five kids.
We dive into his first summer in Joplin, Missouri, those early “canon events” on the book field, the challenges of finding HQs, the grind of first days, and what made him stick it out. Hans also shares the beginnings of traditions, wild Sizzler lore, and even the origin story of the legendary “Speedo Amigos.”
And on top of it all, we talk about the momentum building today around Southwestern alumni — with Hans spearheading the company’s official network and Pony Tales launching its independent community. Two networks, two vibes, one mission: bringing book people back together.
Scroll down for links to pre-register for the Southwestern Alumni Network, to join the Pony Tales “Neighborhood,” and more.
00:00 – Intro & why Hans was a “Mount Rushmore” guest
02:06 – Who is Hans Schlegel? Farm life, go-karts, marching band, zoology, and saving a life
04:14 – Selling books for eight summers & family background
05:37 – First big conversation: were we in a cult?
10:12 – Early book memories & friendships
11:07 – Launching alumni networks: corporate & independent
22:20 – Why two networks make sense
25:15 – Canon events: the shared Southwestern experience
31:51 – Family legacies and alumni kids
36:00 – Quitting thoughts, turning points, and growth
41:50 – Community, accountability, and why alumni networks matter
46:00 – How to connect with Hans and the Southwestern alumni group
52:40 – What’s next: timeline and goals
1:12:00 – Rewinding the clock: Hans’ first summer in Joplin
1:20:00 – First doors, first customers, first day alone
1:28:00 – Struggles, breakthroughs, and record weeks
1:43:30 – Highlights of that rookie summer
2:05:00 – Heimlich maneuver story: saving a life
2:18:00 – Traditions, lore, and GRS costumes
2:37:00 – Favorite turf, states, HQs, and rapid-fire favorites
3:13:00 – The Speedo Amigos legacy
3:28:00 – Closing thoughts & links to alumni networks
In this episode of the Pony Tales Podcast, we sit down with Ben Fisher, a two-summer bookman with the FORCE organization (2011–2012) who now lives in California. Ben attended Concordia University in Nebraska and is the author of the children’s book Scribbaloo and the Color Cruncher, available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle, with more than 175 five-star reviews. He’s also the Ben behind the classic “I sell books and I love it” video many alumni remember from Sales School.
This conversation is filled with reflections, laughs, and lessons: from the opening line of “Were we in a cult?” to stories from the book field, publishing a children’s book, and the practical side of decision-making. Ben shares how the simple act of narrowing choices became a powerful tool, and he comes back again and again to the lessons learned selling books — persistence, resilience, and how to talk to people.
We close with a fun rapid-fire round, covering favorite turf (New York vs. Maine), territory types, and more. Ben also shares where you can find his book and connect with him.
Chapters:
00:00 – Intro (California, two summers, FORCE org, Concordia)
01:32 – “I sell books and I love it” video
03:18 – Scribb Aloo and the Color Cruncher (Amazon; 175 five-star reviews)
04:00 – “Were we in a cult?”
38:26 – Writing and publishing a book
53:04 – Decision-making trick by narrowing options
1:12:27 – Lessons from the book field
1:15:29 – Rapid-fire round begins
1:16:16 – Favorite territory, turf type, and more
1:29:39 – Closing thanks and where to find Ben’s book
Subscribe to Pony Tales Podcast for more conversations with alumni and the stories that connect us all.
Coming Soon.
Lester Crafton and John Carey back to Pony Tales for nearly three hours of straight-through conversation. They start with the job that first put them on doorsteps and finish in the middle of a national-grid debate, showing—step by step—how those early summers shaped everything that came after.
Lester explains the moment he realised energy was the thread connecting almost every modern problem and why he left residential solar to focus on utility-scale projects. John walks through the hard lessons of appointment setting, the day a remote firmware update shut off power to his own house, and the reason rural co-ops care more about peak-demand penalties than slick marketing. Together they break down how portable “energy trailers” can back up disaster zones, soak up excess midday solar and even feed power back to transformers that would otherwise overload at five p.m.
The conversation drifts—from the first time either of them heard the phrase “grid security,” to an early field test where three kinds of solar modules were bolted to the same roof just to see what would survive a Carolina summer. Along the way they trade stories: a cash quote so high a homeowner laughed out loud, a USDA grant that sat frozen for a year, and the drone-monitored micro-grid they built as a sandbox for every new inverter they could find.
By the last hour the talk shifts to leadership and culture: why commissions alone never keep a team together, how emotional intelligence shows up in metrics-driven sales, and the simple coaching habits—borrowed straight from the book field—that still anchor their companies today.
It is equal parts technical deep-dive and field-tested mindset, and it shows exactly how two former door-to-door reps ended up solving problems that touch the U.S. power grid. Stream the full episode to see how it all connects.
Big thanks to our sponsors over at Cardinal Senior Insurance — and shoutout to everyone who's been supporting the show!
Get a sit down with their leadership and schedule an Interview with Cardinal Senior Benefits
Get info about BIZZLER in Greece here: cassandra@travodyssey.com
Welcome to The Pony Tales Podcast, where we dive into the inspiring stories and unique experiences of Southwestern Advantage alumni. Each episode features candid conversations with former book-sellers, exploring how their time selling books shaped their personal and professional lives. From incredible career journeys to valuable life lessons, our guests share the habits, mindset, and challenges that led them to success. Whether you’re a former book-seller or just looking for some motivation and wisdom, you’ll find something to relate to and learn from in every episode.
Victoria Varberg works in conservation now — specifically raising money to help protect rhinos at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. In this episode, she talks about how she got into that world, what it’s really like working in international fundraising, and how much of what she learned from selling books still applies.
She also tells the story of her craziest week on the book field — a stretch that included a cult, a broken-down car, and one of her biggest sales weeks ever.
Big thanks to our sponsors over at Cardinal Senior Insurance — and shoutout to everyone who's been supporting the show!
Get a sit down with their leadership and schedule an Interview with Cardinal Senior Benefits
Get info about BIZZLER in Greece here: cassandra@travodyssey.com
Welcome to The Pony Tales Podcast, where we dive into the inspiring stories and unique experiences of Southwestern Advantage alumni. Each episode features candid conversations with former book-sellers, exploring how their time selling books shaped their personal and professional lives. From incredible career journeys to valuable life lessons, our guests share the habits, mindset, and challenges that led them to success. Whether you’re a former book-seller or just looking for some motivation and wisdom, you’ll find something to relate to and learn from in every episode.
Eric Hampton is an AE and RevOps Manager at Lemony.ai, and he’s carved out a career in one of the fastest-moving industries out there: AI startups.
In this episode, we talk about what it’s actually like working in tech after the book field — how sales cycles are different, how to position yourself to get hired, and how to figure out which startups are worth jumping into (and which are a dumpster fire in stealth mode).
We also get into a story from his first summer that involves a totaled car, a Pontiac Trans Sport van, and more than one person assuming he was absolutely up to no good.
This one’s a mix of strategy, career advice, and a little chaos — just how we like it.
Get info about BIZZLER in Greece here: cassandra@travodyssey.com
IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST EPISODE:
Welcome to The Pony Tales Podcast, where we dive into the inspiring stories and unique experiences of Southwestern Advantage alumni. Each episode features candid conversations with former book-sellers, exploring how their time selling books shaped their personal and professional lives. From incredible career journeys to valuable life lessons, our guests share the habits, mindset, and challenges that led them to success. Whether you’re a former book-seller or just looking for some motivation and wisdom, you’ll find something to relate to and learn from in every episode. Tune in and be inspired!
Get info about BIZZLER in Greece here: cassandra@travodyssey.com
Get ready for a marathon episode with Ella Roach!
As the daughter of a book-seller, Ella brings a perspective we don’t hear often — what it’s like growing up around Southwestern and then going through the experience yourself. In this conversation, we talk about what it means to stay coachable while also advocating for yourself, learning who you are, and holding onto your independence.
If you know Ella, you already know you’re in for bold opinions and unfiltered takes. And if you don’t? You will by the end of this episode.
Big thanks to our sponsors over at Cardinal Senior Insurance — and shoutout to everyone who's been supporting the show!
Get a sit down with their leadership and schedule an Interview with Cardinal Senior Benefits
Welcome to The Pony Tales Podcast, where we dive into the inspiring stories and unique experiences of Southwestern Advantage alumni. Each episode features candid conversations with former book-sellers, exploring how their time selling books shaped their personal and professional lives. From incredible career journeys to valuable life lessons, our guests share the habits, mindset, and challenges that led them to success. Whether you’re a former book-seller or just looking for some motivation and wisdom, you’ll find something to relate to and learn from in every episode. Tune in and be inspired!
Get info about BIZZLER in Greece here: cassandra@travodyssey.com
In this episode of The Pony Tales Podcast, we chat with Joe, who sold books for three summers in the 1980s and went on to build a remarkable career. Joe is the author of Habits Driven is the Game Changer, where he shares how the habits he developed during his book-selling days paved the way for his success in business. He’s now a consultant for Live Better Financial in California, specializing in Reverse Mortgages and Divorce Lending, a unique niche in the mortgage industry. This episode offers a fascinating look into Joe’s career journey and the impactful lessons he’s learned along the way. Tune in—you won’t want to miss it!
A big thanks to our sponsors over at Cardinal Senior Insurance.
Get a sit down with their leadership and schedule an Interview with Cardinal Senior Benefits
IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST EPISODE:
Welcome to The Pony Tales Podcast, where we dive into the inspiring stories and unique experiences of Southwestern Advantage alumni. Each episode features candid conversations with former book-sellers, exploring how their time selling books shaped their personal and professional lives. From incredible career journeys to valuable life lessons, our guests share the habits, mindset, and challenges that led them to success. Whether you’re a former book-seller or just looking for some motivation and wisdom, you’ll find something to relate to and learn from in every episode. Tune in and be inspired!
In this episode of The Pony Tales Podcast, we sit down with Emma, a true champion of the book-field. Growing up in a family of successful book-sellers, Emma shares what it was like to be surrounded by such a high-achieving alumni family. She opens up about the pressures of living up to their success and how she learned to let go of her ego and the need for recognition. By embracing a mindset of self-improvement, she hit her biggest goals yet.
A big thanks to our sponsors over at Cardinal Senior Insurance.
Get a sit down with their leadership and schedule an Interview with Cardinal Senior Benefits
Get info about BIZZLER in Greece here: cassandra@travodyssey.com
Monette Howell is a 7-summer book girl who sold in the late-70s/early-80s at a time when not many women were on the bookfield. During the COVID shutdown, Monette started her own weekly podcast, Mornings with Monette. She and Andres talk about the origins of her podcast and the learning curve that comes with an audio platform. Monette had a star-studded career on the bookfield and she talks about how she was a student of the game, what she did to bring a 20-man team, and so much more. Be sure to check out her show via the links below!
Mornings with Monette
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mornings-with-monette/id1513242698
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rR1IPEADGAAJvD913SdtF
Book link: Habits Driven is the Game Changer
https://www.amazon.com/Habits-Driven-Game-Changer-Siau/dp/1951797949
Key Moments and Chapters:
00:00:00 - Start
00:03:30 - Was it a Cult?
00:06:00 - Having one of your kids go sell books
00:09:20 - Mornings with Monette
00:18:50 - Top Series of the Podcast
00:21:30 - Content creation process
00:31:34 - SW Origin Story
00:36:30 - Being good at selling is different than being a good manager
00:40:15 - Managing women?
00:48:20 - The Firsts - and without a car
00:59:30 - The Power of Belief
01:08:00 - How to leave your territory in pristine condition
01:16:10 - Recruiting lessons
01:23:00 - The Famous Off Schedule Rodeo Encounter
01:26:00 - Rapid Fire
01:50:00 - Moonshine Capital of the World
01:53:20 - 20th Man on the 20-Man Team
02:00:00 - Pony Tales
At the time of this recording, Theo is the Head of Business Enablement for Google in the Asia-Pacific region. In this episode, we discuss his career journey from books to Google, his accomplished public speaking career, and, of course, how he holds the record for experienced dealers and the best day ever—literally.
You can connect with Theo regarding his latest career move on LinkedIn.
A big thanks to our partners over at Cardinal Senior Benefits. If you want more information about them, here’s the link.
Schedule an Interview with Cardinal Senior Benefits
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Chapters and Key Moments -
00:00:00 Start
00:07:30 What Theo has been up to
00:13:25 Finance to SW Consulting
00:19:27 Working at google
00:28:00 Hackathon
00:44:45 Day to day at google
00:54:42 Public speaking career
01:06:54 How did you get into SW?
01:14:11 First Sale
01:15:48 BIGGEST DAY RECORD
Being curious, a better listener, less judgmental, and letting go are just some of the topics we shared in this hour long Executive Exercises episode. Let us know what habits you’ve learned since leaving the bookfield that you are proud of!
Also, here is the video of the door-to-door pizza guy.
Books mentioned:
Adam, a nine-summer bookman, hops on the show for a shorter episode with Andres. Oddly enough, Adam had multiple encounters with Filipino families while on the brookfield, and has some great stories to accompany them. Since his time selling books, Adam has worked with Southwestern Consulting and launched the student consulting branch of the group for middle and high school students.
UPCOMING: Adam is part of a new non-profit venture to take the student coaching model to kids aging out of the foster care system. September 19 at 5:30 pm at the Company Headquarters in Nashville, they’re hosting a social fundraiser for the non-profit, Kindness for Kids. If you are interested in supporting this worthy effort, connect with Adam through the website!
Check out Adam’s other podcasts:
Inside Great Minds :https://www.instagram.com/insidegreatmindsadam/
The Action Catalyst: https://www.instagram.com/actioncatalystpodcast/
Key Moments and Chapters:
00:00:00 - Start
00:04:30 - RAPID FIRE Questions
00:10:50 - Filipino Breakfast Spot - “You Book Man!”
00:17:00 - Redefining belief barriers - the mom who refinanced her home to buy the books
00:20:00 - The Universe conspiring on your behalf
00:25:00 - Recruitment into Southwestern, impressed by Lester
00:29:00 - Living with a Filipino Mr. Miyagi
00:31:25 - “First Door” had no door
00:33:38 - Origin of SW Student Coaching program
00:41:00 - Andres’ soccer coaching philosophy
00:44:25 - “Tremendous change starts with the education of the populous.” JFK
00:46:00 - Tina Outland, field hockey club
00:48:15 - PONY TALES - What you’re doing now will change your life
00:52:20 - Kindness for Kids Social Fundraiser, September 19, @5:30 pm
00:58:30 - Aiden says hi - I am Brave, I am Strong, I am Kind!
This might be the best Executive Exercises episode ever. (Say that four times fast. It had disagreements, laughs, and feet.
Phil hops on as our second Varberg to grace the show (Peter is #215). From growing up in the Philippines, Phil heard all about selling books from his dad, and knew this was the path for him. He and Andres talk about the twists and turns of life after the bookfield and his journey with Inspire Benefits, before digging into some wild stories of the days slingin’ books. Phil sold for 7 summer and has the stories to prove it. If you’re watching, around the 90-minute mark, take a peek at the photos Phil shares! Enjoy this episode that is FRIEEED WEEELLLL.
Executive Exercise link:
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ee-when-to-fire-someone/id1550828313?i=1000660581150
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/1O23O6pLuxsNv1g0vMkRnQ?si=Yje1xY6KRpmSOE1gDASaTg
Key Moments and Chapters:
00:00:00 - Start
00:03:06 - A Varberg Family History
00:11:30 - Manifestation of Goal Setting
00:22:45 - Inspire Benefits
00:25:00 - Pursuing the Shadow of my Dad
00:33:20 - Recognize that life is a vapor
00:42:30 - Getting into SW
00:48:00 - First Door, First Summer
00:51:50 - Trailer Park Pony
00:56:00 - Missionary Kid Experience
01:10:00 - Dodge Caravan Incident
01:22:50 - Must. Sell. More.
01:31:00 - Photo Reel!
01:35:50 - Rapid Fire
01:52:30 - PONY TALE
In this episode Pat, Alecia, Lee and Andres discuss when it is time to quit. How do you know if the career path you are on is not working out? Have you been at your role too long? Are you getting paid enough? Do your values align? These are the questions we address and more. Enjoy!
Ian Brown hops on the show from Tampa, Florida after selling for 7 summers. Ian hit some great numbers in his time on the bookfield, and shares with Andres how his time as a track athlete set him up for success and a “fast” start. From Honky Tonk Badonkadonk, to Jesus PR, to Retail Leasing, these two have a great time catching up - all the way to Pound Town!
Key Moments and Chapters:
00:00:00 - Start
00:04:05 - Rapid Fire
00:07:47 - POUND TOWN
00:23:55 - Honky Tonk
00:27:50 - Stocking piling the car
00:33:55 - Best Sales Day
00:46:20 - Recruited by Cousin Shaina
01:02:50 - Track teaching FLOW and getting to 10k summer
01:14:00 - Keys to a Fast Start
01:26:45 - Why leave then?
01:30:00 - Commercial Real Estate vs. Retail Leasing
01:38:50 - PONY TALE
PART 2 OF: Elliott Alexander (IG: @Ezander15) sold with the FORCE organization for three summers. Now with Family Heritage, Elliott shares some insight into what makes this endeavor unique from the bookfield experience. He wasn’t always the most “on schedule” bookman, and he and Andres share some fantastic stories of those off schedule shenanigans, complete with finding all of his HQ out on the lawn! Enjoy!
Elliott Alexander (IG: @Ezander15) sold with the FORCE organization for three summers. Now with Family Heritage, Elliott shares some insight into what makes this endeavor unique from the bookfield experience. He wasn’t always the most “on schedule” bookman, and he and Andres share some fantastic stories of those off schedule shenanigans, complete with finding all of his HQ out on the lawn! Enjoy!
Key Moments and Chapters:
00:00:00 - Start
00:01:52 - Elliott Intro
00:03:30 - Catch Up!
00:08:30 - What IS Family Heritage?
00:12:15 - Going Business to Business - a different approach
00:17:40 - Managing the Gatekeepers
00:21:15 - Long term with Family Heritage?
00:24:30 - The “Sales” Stigma
00:27:40 - Andres’ big news!
00:30:00 - Southwestern Origin Story - all started in PSYC 101
00:44:00 - First Summer in New Hampshire
00:48:00 - “My living room is in a different town”
00:52:10 - FIRSTS
01:03:00 - Panic Attack - first week in Maine
01:14:45 - Off Schedule Stories
01:25:15 - “I never intentionally went looking for weed”
01:30:00 - I gained the tools i needed to learn