Kris Duncan doesn't just inspect homes—he examines life through a lens few could imagine. As owner of Absolute Inspection Services in Northern Kentucky, Chris brings extraordinary perspective to his work, shaped by a journey that defies medical probability and showcases remarkable human resilience.

The path to becoming a home inspector wasn't straightforward for Kris. After years as a master electrician and time in the corporate world, his life took a dramatic turn when he fell down an elevator shaft while working in a commercial building. This accident led to the discovery of a brain tumor nestled between his brain stem and spinal cord. Six years of monitoring culminated in brain surgery, followed by a challenging recovery that would later serve as preparation for even greater challenges.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kris faced cascading health crises: liver failure requiring a transplant, followed by kidney failure necessitating dialysis. When searching for a kidney donor, the most unlikely match emerged—his wife Claudia, born and raised in Nicaragua, proved to be the perfect donor. This miracle, as Kris describes it, "proves we're all the same on the inside." His medical journey continued recently with surgery to remove a tumor wrapped around his spinal cord.

Throughout these extraordinary challenges, Kris maintained an unwavering faith that transformed his perspective. "Stop telling God how big your problems are and start telling your problems how big your God is," he shares, revealing the spiritual foundation of his resilience. Rather than asking "why me," Kris views each challenge as preparation for what lies ahead and focuses on finding purpose through adversity.

This profound life experience shapes how Kris approaches home inspection. He rejects the "deal killer" label sometimes applied to inspectors, focusing instead on providing objective information about safety and functionality. His goal is to help buyers and sellers make informed decisions while planning for future maintenance and repairs.

Listen to Kris's powerful story of survival, faith, and finding purpose through seemingly insurmountable obstacles. His journey reminds us that with the right mindset, anything is achievable—whether facing health crises or tackling life's everyday challenges.

Ryan Harvey isn't your typical Northern Kentucky realtor. As both a licensed real estate agent and mortgage lender, he offers clients a comprehensive approach to home buying and selling that few professionals can match. This unique combination allows him to guide clients through the entire process with expertise that spans beyond just finding the right property.

During our conversation, Ryan shared a refreshingly honest assessment of the current Northern Kentucky market. While many regions struggle, our area remains exceptionally strong, with Boone County and particularly Union seeing continued growth driven by major employers like Amazon, DHL, and Kroger. The challenge? Record low inventory creating a persistent seller's market where demand continues to outpace supply.

What struck me most was Ryan's practical wisdom about interest rates - a topic causing anxiety for many potential homebuyers. He provided valuable perspective that today's rates around 6-7% are actually moderate when viewed historically. His key insight: "You can always change your interest rate, but you can never change the purchase price of your home." This challenges the common mindset of waiting for "perfect" market conditions that rarely materialize.

Beyond business talk, we discovered Ryan's deep community connections as a 15-year Union resident. Married for nearly 20 years with two teenage daughters active in sports, his life revolves around family, neighborhood connections in Triple Crown, and a genuine love for the area he represents. His passion for Union came through clearly: "I don't think you can beat Union at all. This is home."

Ready to explore Northern Kentucky's real estate opportunities with a knowledgeable local guide? Connect with Ryan directly at 859-640-2106 or find him on social media. Whether you're considering buying your first home, upgrading to something new, or just curious about your options, Ryan's combined expertise in both real estate and mortgages makes him uniquely qualified to help you navigate the journey.

What happens when a 20-year corporate veteran decides to trade his comfortable career for a chance to build something entirely new? Craig Blevins, founder of DumpStor of Cincinnati, joins Mike Murphy to share his unexpected journey into the dumpster rental business and the freedom he's found as an entrepreneur.

Craig describes himself as "the lazy junk guy," delivering clean, professional-looking green dumpsters to homes and businesses throughout Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. With a straightforward business model and a focus on exceptional customer service, he's carving out a niche in an industry dominated by larger, less personal companies.

The conversation reveals fascinating insights about the waste management industry, including how dumpster rentals connect with restoration companies, roofing contractors, and property renovations. Craig's innovative "DumpStor Pro" dumpster—featuring lockable storage compartments for contractors' tools—demonstrates his forward-thinking approach to solving customer problems.

Beyond the business details, this episode explores the personal side of entrepreneurship. Craig shares how working alongside his wife Stacey has strengthened their relationship, and how leaving corporate America has allowed him greater control over his life and schedule. His powerful message resonates throughout the conversation: "You have more control over your life than you think."

Whether you're contemplating your own entrepreneurial leap or simply need a dumpster for your next home cleanout project, this conversation delivers practical insights and genuine inspiration. Learn how one man's decision to follow his instincts is transforming both his life and the waste management landscape in Greater Cincinnati.

Meet Chris Eckstein, a combat medic turned entrepreneur who's transforming the window cleaning industry in Northern Kentucky. After eight years of military service including two tours in Iraq, Chris discovered an unexpected passion that would become Freedom Window Cleaning.

The spark for his business came from disappointment. When hiring professionals to clean windows at his previous workplace, Chris was let down by streaky results and leftover tape. Taking matters into his own hands with just a bucket and squeegee, he discovered not only a natural talent but a genuine passion. Neighboring businesses started requesting his services, and a lightbulb moment occurred – this could be his calling.

What sets Freedom Window Cleaning apart isn't just technical expertise, but Chris's comprehensive approach to service. While many competitors focus solely on glass, he delivers a "full service package" including interior and exterior windows, tracks, screens, and frames. Using a specialized three-stage filtration system, he removes oxidation that causes windows to dirty quickly after rain. This attention to detail reflects the discipline and thoroughness instilled during his military service.

Beyond the business itself, we get to know Chris as a devoted family man married to Katie for nearly 19 years, and father to Wyatt and Reagan. His family story – from confidently telling his friend "I'm going to marry that girl" across a room to their enduring partnership – reveals the character behind the company. It's this same genuine care and commitment that customers experience when hiring Freedom Window Cleaning.

For those considering professional window cleaning, Chris offers valuable advice: stop spraying your windows with a hose (it causes hard water stains!), and please stay off ladders for your safety. Ready to experience the Freedom Window Cleaning difference? Contact Chris at 832-681-6489 or visit freedomwindowcleaning.net – and discover what truly clean windows can do for your home and view.

Discover the intricate world of real estate through the eyes of Rob Courts, a dedicated realtor making waves in Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati. Join us as Rob, a pivotal figure at Platinum Partners Home and Property with EXP Realty, unveils the highs and lows of guiding first-time buyers and sellers. With support from his diligent team, including Cylee Morrison, Caylee Auer, and transaction coordinator David Maines, Rob shares the rewarding moments of witnessing clients achieve their real estate dreams. You'll learn the value of having seasoned professionals by your side to navigate the unpredictable terrain of real estate transactions, making those complex processes smoother and more manageable.

In our conversation with Rob, we also explore the unique challenges realtors face, such as managing probate in estate sales and ensuring seamless client experiences. Rob provides a vivid analogy of real estate agents as ducks, calm on the surface but working tirelessly beneath. He praises local mortgage experts like Ken Prost, Tim Eickhoff, and Corey Grace, who play crucial roles in successful property deals. Wrapping up, Rob opens a window into how his community involvement and family life are intertwined with his professional journey, offering a personal touch to the narrative. Whether you're a seasoned buyer or just getting started, Rob’s insights are sure to resonate with anyone interested in the real estate sphere.

What happens when a compassionate nurse discovers a passion for reducing anxiety through decluttering? Join us as we hear from Jaimie Bubb, the inspiring force behind Urge to Purge, a business born from a deeply personal mission. Jaimie's journey began in the midst of a family crisis, where she found solace and purpose in helping her brother create a calm, organized space. With her unique blend of nursing skills and a knack for organization, Jamie has turned her personal experience into a transformative service aimed at bringing peace to others' lives.

As we explore the complexities of balancing family life with entrepreneurship, the conversation dives into the dynamics of working alongside family members. My nearly 20-year marriage with Terry, who seamlessly supports the business with his marketing expertise, serves as a testament to the power of complementary strengths. Navigating the whirlwind of family obligations and business challenges together, we share insights into the rewarding yet demanding journey of raising three energetic children while nurturing our professional endeavors.

From emotional attachments to household items to the logistics of finding space for client consignments, Jaimie offers practical guidance on managing clutter with empathy. We discuss innovative solutions for preserving memories without the physical burden, and highlight the heartwarming "Grinch and Give" initiative, a community-driven effort to support local organizations with gently used toys. Jaimie's passion for making a positive community impact shines through, as we look forward to expanding this initiative with partners like Big Blue Moving. Tune in for an episode filled with meaningful stories and actionable tips for creating a more serene living environment.

At just 19 years old, Xavier Owens is not your average entrepreneur. From mowing lawns at age 12 to founding his own flourishing business, American Spirit Lawn and Landscape, Xavier's journey is both inspiring and insightful. We sit down with this impressive young business owner from Walton, Kentucky, as he shares how the unexpected twists of the COVID pandemic turned into a catalyst for his growth, and how guidance from his mentor, Scott Good, helped shape his entrepreneurial path. Xavier opens up about the vital role his family’s entrepreneurial values have played in his success and the profound mental health benefits he finds in the satisfaction of physical work.

Listeners will be captivated by how Xavier manages the balancing act of business and personal life, drawing inspiration from his mother’s creative career in interior design. Discover his passion for expanding into hardscape projects and learn about the strategies he employs to maintain excellence in customer service. From the art of crafting detailed outdoor living spaces to blending both residential and commercial work, Xavier offers a fresh perspective on innovation and the importance of surrounding himself with a capable team. Join us for an engaging conversation that promises to leave you motivated and informed, with a glimpse into the promising future of American Spirit Lawn and Landscape.

What happens when a logistics expert and a banker team up to run an insurance agency? Meet Jeff Martin and Sami Went, the powerhouse duo steering Wethington Insurance in Walton, Kentucky. Listen as they recount the agency's journey from its inception in 1985 by Bill Wethington to Jeff's leadership takeover in 2021. Jeff reveals how his experience at Toyota molded his approach to the insurance business, while Sami shares her transition from the world of banking to becoming a dedicated insurance agent. Together, they prioritize customer service, offering a balanced mix of commercial and personal insurance lines with a keen eye on serving contractors, habitational properties, and light manufacturing clients.

You'll gain valuable insights into why maintaining an honest and human touch is crucial in the insurance industry. Jeff and Sami candidly discuss the importance of transparency and how it contributes to building trust and ensuring comprehensive coverage. They tackle the challenges of insuring youthful drivers and the common mistake of not disclosing all drivers within a household. By fostering open communication and asking the right questions, they strive to safeguard clients from claim denials and unnecessary expenses. Through their stories, discover how addressing difficult topics head-on can provide peace of mind and lead to better outcomes for everyone involved.