Brian SmithEvery podcast appearance, updated as new ones drop

Notre Dame recruiting is operating at an elite level as Marcus Freeman continues to stack blue-chip talent, the Irish battle Oregon for four-star defensive tackle Brayden Parks, and the 2027 recruiting class continues to build national championship potential. Tyler Wojciak, the host of Locked on Irish, joins Brian Smith, the host of The Portal, for a crossover episode to break down the significance of the Brayden Parks decision, compare Notre Dame's loaded 2027 defensive line class to the elite 2026 defensive back haul, discuss the most exciting defensive line prospects in the class, examine where the Irish should expand their recruiting footprint...

This week on the Momentum Ministry Partners Podcast, Eric sits down with Brian Smith and Ed Uszynski for a follow up conversation on youth sports, discipleship, and the role parents play in shaping their athletes beyond the game. Building on their previous discussion, this episode shifts the focus directly to parents, unpacking the pressures of modern sports culture, the weight of expectations, and the tension many feel between competition and spiritual growth. Brian and Ed share from both experience and honesty, offering a fresh perspective on how sports can become a powerful space for discipleship rather than distraction. From navigating identity and performance, to recognizing when sports begin to take a place they should not, this conversation challenges parents to rethink what success really looks like and how to lead their kids with intentionality, humility, and faith. This episode will challenge the way you view sports, encourage you in your role as a parent, and give you practical ways to turn everyday moments into opportunities for discipleship. Athletes in Action ⛹🏻‍♀️ Away Game Link 📕 Away Game Resources Another great way to discover who we are? Check out THIS PODCAST 🎙️ Follow Momentum Ministry Partners on: Instagram: @MomentumMinistryPartners Facebook: @MomentumMinistryPartners YouTube: @MomentumMinistryPartners Subscribe and be sure to leave us your rating & review!

This week on the Momentum Ministry Partners Podcast, Eric sits down with Brian Smith and Ed Uszynski to talk about a challenge many churches feel but rarely address head-on, how to navigate sports culture in a way that actually builds the Kingdom. In this conversation, this episode explores how pastors and ministry leaders can begin thinking more intentionally about sports as a space for discipleship. From teaching a theology of play to equipping parents to showing up in the stands, Brian and Ed highlight practical ways churches can meet people where they already are and turn everyday moments into ministry opportunities. This conversation will challenge the way you think about sports in your church, encourage you to lead with a new perspective, and give you practical ways to leverage what is already in front of you for the gospel. Athletes in Action Resources 🏀 Get the "Away Game" Book! 📕 "Away Game" Resources 🔗 Check out www.buildmomentum.org to learn more about our organization and how we seek to partner with local churches in order to equip today's young Christian leaders for tomorrow's opportunities. Another great way to discover who we are? Check out THIS PODCAST 🎙️ Follow Momentum Ministry Partners on: Instagram: @MomentumMinistryPartners Facebook: @MomentumMinistryPartners YouTube: @MomentumMinistryPartners Subscribe and be sure to leave us your rating & review!

How should Christian parents think about youth sports—and what role should it play in discipling our kids? In this episode, I’m joined by Brian Smith and Ed Uszynski, co-authors of Away Game , to talk about the opportunities and challenges youth sports create for families. From packed schedules to competing priorities, sports can shape our kids in powerful ways—for better or worse. We discuss: The hidden pressures and pitfalls of youth sports culture How sports can compete with (or support) your child’s faith What it looks like to disciple your kids in the midst of busy sports seasons Practical ways to keep what matters most at the center If your family is involved in youth sports—or you’re trying to decide how it should fit into your life—this conversation will help you think more clearly and intentionally. 📚 Resource mentioned: Away Game by Brian Smith and Ed Uszynski Questions, comments, or feedback? Click Here!

Youth sports can be one of the greatest gifts—or one of the deepest sources of pressure and pain—for families today. In this honest and deeply personal conversation, Justin sits down with Brian Smith and Ed Uszynski, co-authors of Away Game , to unpack the reality of the modern youth sports culture—and how it’s shaping not just our kids, but us as parents. With over 50 years of combined experience working with athletes, Brian and Ed pull back the curtain on what they call the “Youth Sports Industrial Complex”—a multi-billion-dollar system that often prioritizes performance over people and pressure over play. This episode is equal parts eye-opening and freeing. You’ll hear real stories of regret, growth, and redemption as Justin reflects on his own parenting journey, including the unintended pressure he placed on his sons. Together, they explore how fear, identity, and parental expectations can quietly take over—and how the gospel invites us into a different way. If you’ve ever felt the tension between wanting the best for your child and wondering if it’s all too much…this conversation is for you. Links and Resources Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports by Brian Smith & Ed Uszynski The Christian Athlete (articles and resources for parents, coaches, and athletes) Athletes in Action (sports ministry organization)

Use this link to let Bryan know your thoughts about this episode In this episode of 'Win the Week,' Vice President of Retail Sales for the East Division, Bryan Wright, interviews Brian Smith, celebrating Smith's birthday by discussing his journey in the mortgage industry. They talk about the importance of consistency, the value of coaching, and strategies for maintaining focus and motivation during challenging times. Smith shares personal anecdotes, including his entry into the mortgage business, overcoming struggles, and the pivotal role of coaching programs like PCP in achieving success. The conversation emphasizes the significance of daily disciplines, the impact of having a supportive team, and the power of building strong relationships in the industry. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:12 Guest Introduction: Brian Smith 00:44 Purpose of the Show: Win the Week 01:13 Reflecting on Past Guests 01:41 Special Guest: Brian Smith's Journey 06:09 Brian Smith's Career Beginnings 15:58 Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles 20:56 The Importance of Team and Support 26:34 The Power of Focus and Positive Thoughts 29:49 The Significance of Daily Disciplines 32:57 Effective Sales Tactics and Strategies 38:43 The Importance of Coaching and Mentorship 49:08 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Building a brand is about more than having a great product—it’s about getting people to believe in it. Brian Smith, founder of UGG, knows this firsthand. What started as a niche surf product exploded into a globalphenomenon, but the real challenges came with scaling, staying ahead of competitors, and making the tough call to sell. In this episode, Brian shares the behind-the-scenes realities of growing a brand, navigating financial hurdles, and adapting to industry shifts. He unpacks the unexpected marketing move that changed everything, how he handled rapid expansion, and why the Oprah effect took UGG to an entirely new level. KEY TOPICS Why fast-growing companies constantly need more money and how to prepare for it. How to build customer loyalty so strong that people market your product for you. The key decision that helped UGG stay ahead of copycats. How Brian Smith knew it was time to sell UGG. CHAPTERS 00:00 – Intro: Defeating Bad Decision-Making in Life & Business 06:15 – Brian Smith Returns: The Founder of UGG 07:50 – How UGG Started: From Accountant to Entrepreneur 10:12 – The First Sales Strategy That Completely Flopped 12:31 – Struggles of Selling a New Product 14:50 – The Sales Tactic That Changed Everything 17:16 – Building Customer Loyalty 19:12 – How Branding Decisions Can Make or Break a Business 21:32 – Authentic Marketing: Why It Works 23:48 – Expanding Beyond Surf Shops: Finding New Markets 26:10 – How UGG Became a Status Symbol 28:34 – What Most Business Owners Get Wrong About Growth 30:55 – Why Scaling Almost Destroyed UGG 33:19 – The Reality of Raising Capital 35:45 – Managing Investors & The Cost of Business Growth 38:08 – Learning from Richard Branson: The Endless Need for Capital 40:36 – Preparing to Sell UGG: The Decision to Exit 42:59 – Negotiating the Sale: Finding the Right Buyer 45:18 – Toxic Business Partners 47:45 – Corporate Takeover: What Happens After You Sell 50:02 – The New Broom Syndrome: When a Brand Loses Its Identity 52:28 – The Oprah Effect: UGG’s Biggest Growth Moment 53:27 – Brian’s Top Decision-Making Tip for Business Owners 55:59 – Where to Connect with Brian Smith 56:13 – Key Takeaways 57:53 – Message from the Producer SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER CONNECT WITH US ⁠www.decidedlypodcast.com⁠ Watch this episode on YouTube Subscribe on ⁠ YouTube Join us on ⁠ Instagram ⁠ : @decidedlypodcast Join us on ⁠ Facebook ⁠ Shawn’s ⁠ Instag

Brian Smith is the Founder of UGG Australia, a renowned footwear brand that has evolved into a billion-dollar global icon. Born in Australia with a passion for surfing, Brian's journey in business began as a chartered accountant. He furthered his education at the UCLA Graduate School of Management and, with a modest start-up capital of $500, founded UGG Imports to introduce sheepskin footwear to America. Over 17 years, he grew the brand to $15 million in sales before selling it to Deckers Outdoor Corporation. The brand's valuation has since surpassed the billion-dollar mark multiple times. A celebrated innovator and entrepreneur, Brian has established himself as one of the country’s most sought-after business leaders and speakers. His expertise extends to team building, company culture, and addressing growth challenges, often incorporating a spiritual perspective on modern business practices. Brian is also the author of Birth of a Brand , where he narrates his own entrepreneurial journey with UGG, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of building a successful brand. In this episode… In the fiercely competitive world of entrepreneurship, how does one transform a simple idea into a billion-dollar global brand? According to Brian Smith, the Founder of the iconic UGG Australia brand, the journey from conception to global recognition is a testament to perseverance, innovative marketing, and understanding your audience. Brian's story, as shared in this engaging conversation, is riddled with challenges and breakthroughs. From his initial struggles to introduce sheepskin boots in the US market to the pivotal moments that skyrocketed UGG's popularity, Brian provides invaluable insights into the entrepreneurial process. He emphasizes the crucial role of authenticity in marketing, the importance of being in tune with consumer needs, and how seizing the right opportunities can define a brand's success. In this episode of America Open for Business , host Cameron Heffernan welcomes Brian Smith, the visionary behind UGG Australia. They delve into the origins of the UGG brand, Brian's innovative approach to overcoming marketing hurdles, and the pivotal role of influential endorsements in brand growth. This conversation is an inspiring blueprint for entrepreneurs aiming to leave a lasting mark in the business world.

From Sheepskin Boots to Billion-Dollar Success with Brian Smith DealQuest Community, I am so grateful to each of you for allowing the DealQuest Podcast to grow over the last few years. We’ve had so many incredible guests since day one, and we’ve learned a lot along the way. This is why I’ve chosen to remaster many of our older episodes into new life… And what better way to do that than with the story of Brian Smith, Founder of the internationally icon brand UGG®? Brian is so much more than his UGG® brand, however — he is the entrepreneurial success story. A SURFING DREAM INTO A REALITY While surfing in California, it struck Brian that there was a notable absence of easily accessible sheepskin boots in the United States. This led to his first deal with an Australian manufacturer, despite initial reluctance. Luck played a significant role in sealing this pivotal deal. His vision was to create a brand that every American would eventually embrace. With the manufacturer lined up, Brian and a friend realized they needed capital to buy 500 pairs of boots as samples. A fortunate encounter with a roommate's office colleagues resulted in a $20,000 investment, equivalent to about $70,000 today. This investment set the stage for UGG®'s initial business operations. LUCK DOESN’T MEAN EASY The road to success was far from smooth. In the early days, retailers in California were hesitant to embrace sheepskin boots. Despite having high hopes for sales, they encountered resistance. Brian highlights a valuable lesson: Everyone may show interest in your idea… until it’s time to make a commitment. The initial capital they raised lasted a couple of years, but the company struggled to gain traction. When they ran out of money, Brian decided to bring in another investor, diluting their ownership from 50% to 25%. This infusion of cash allowed them to keep the business afloat. Brian's resilience shone through during these challenging times. He continued to work tirelessly, building the UGG brand one sale at a time. His ability to adapt, pivot, and find creative solutions was instrumental in his journey. AUTHENTICITY IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP Throughout his story, Brian emphasizes the importance of listening to one's inner wisdom and staying true to oneself, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. Here are key lessons for authenticity in entrepreneurship: * Different Objectives, Not Bad Intentions: In negotiations, diverse objectives reflect varying goals and perspectives, rather than indicating bad intentions. Recognizing this is crucial for trust-building in business relationships. * The Power of Customer Loyalty: Brian's customers' unwavering loyalty, even in the face of counterfeit products, highlights the importance of exceptional customer service and authentic connections. * Staying the Course Amid Challenges: Brian's persistence and belief in UGG® boots' potential kept him going through challenging moments, showcasing the resolve of authentic entrepreneurs. * Trusting Your Inner Wisdom: Brian relied on his inner wisdom, accessed through meditation, for pivotal decisions in his entrepreneurial journey. * Authenticity as a Guiding Principle: Authenticity isn't a buzzword for Brian; it's a guiding principle that shapes his product, brand, and relationships with partners and customers. Brian Smith's entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the transformative power of authenticity and trust. By staying true to his vision, trusting his inner wisdom, and forging genuine connections, he transformed a simple idea into a globally recognized brand. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and a reminder that authenticity and trust are the cornerstones of long-lasting success in any business venture. Trust your inner wisdom, stay authentic, and let it guide you on your entrepreneurial journey. FOR MORE ON BRIAN SMITH: <a href="http

Our guest for this episode Brian Smith is founder IA Business Advisors and best-selling author of Individual Influence: Find the “I” in Team. Listen in as Brian answers the question: What is individual influence? When asked the definition of leadership Brian stated: Leadership is non hierarchical, you don’t have to be the CEO to be a leader. Brian also shares the adage slow down to go further and tips for removing distractions in life, plus many more leadership insights. Please subscribe and share this podcast with others. https://vflcommunity.com brianb@buildcs.net https://iabusinessadvisors.com