We had the good fortune of connecting with Jesse Flocken and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jesse, how do you think about risk?
Fear will fail you, Risk will catapult you into never wondering ‘what if…’. Risk is the feeling something beyond your control is about to happen! Keep a close relationship with risk by controlling what you CAN to maximize the outcome of what you CAN’T control. In my life and career alike I have been driven by a quote “Fail trying, don’t fail watching” by Author Bob Goff. There was a common theme throughout my life, when I met my wife she said, ‘i’m flattered, but I am kind of interested in somebody else…’ to which I replied, “great, tell me about him” ….all her red flags came out in verbal processing and ended the conversation with, “well…I guess i’ll just follow your lead haha.” I wasn’t going to fail watching her sail off into a sunset without me. Then my career as a firefighter for 15 years was laced with risk, but it wasn’t the obvious ones. It was the risk of missing family gatherings, opportunities, maybe not meeting my spouse, not pursuing my entrepreneur dreams for a pension, then STILL running straight towards dangerous calls to help others. Later there was a competitive job position with a well known Children’s Hospital where I really wanted to work and on my off days as a firefighter. During the interview they asked about my weakness, to which I replied without hesitation, “well, I guess kids are my weakness…” to which they laughed, smiled and said, “go on, I’ve never heard that one before.” Then I boldly went on to explain how where I lack working with kids in emergency environments I bring outside highly skilled training, a calmness to emergencies, and I will be the hardest working student (and employee) on their team. Finally, after accidentally starting a business, I risked it all and told a Fortune 500 VP, “You don’t have a training problem, you have a customer service problem” and saved them nearly 30 Million in their first year of the program and continued for nearly a decade of working together. I finally left my firefighting career (pension and all) at the FEAR of wondering WHAT IF i didn’t risk it all to dream BIG. Now I get to help businesses, entrepreneurs and other business owners lean into what they were created for, find their purpose in their current (or next) adventure, and provide business coaching to help them make their BIG idea happen. Our performance based growth agency, Clearly Relevant, now has a daily relationship with risk and growth through marketing, web design, branding, ads, digital marketing and business coaching. I will never wonder ‘what if’ because I show up daily pursuing the life and relationships right in front of me that need it the most because every business owner/leader deserves to know how to scale their business.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
So many people have ideas that are actually weighing them down because they either don’t know how to act on it or just are not sure if it’s possible and too far fetch. Sometimes it is all of the above. I am most proud that we make BIG Ideas Happen. We truly have helped people go from an idea, to a plan, to then helping ‘Launch, Market, & Grow’ their business. Was it easy? No, and it still isn’t. We are always learning SO MUCH through the vast array of clients we have, the unique challenges that are currently facing, and the limitations of their options. Then we use those relevant lessons to help others avoid taking the hard route. When people ask what we do, the answer is always the same… A LOT! From ads, SEO, website development, marketing strategy- we refer to ourselves as a performance based “growth agency” since everything we do is designed to help you launch or grow your business.

Growth requires more than just marketing. You need a plan, a strategy, a clear message- We help you put all the right pieces in place, then execute it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a friend was staying a week I would give some daily favorites then a few waypoints to stop by.

First stop would be “The Coffee Shop” in Agritopia in Gilbert. I love the coffee, but more important the people and the vibe. It feels like a daily vacation spot tucked away. Next would be a tour of the surrounding neighborhood and farm and make a half day of it. Then I would visit Downtown Gilbert for some of the fun but low key night life and dinner. There are so many great spots, but I love taking friends to Joe’s BBQ, The food and the outdoor atmosphere is fun for all ages and almost has a Disneyland magic vibe behind it. It transports you to a different era with great music and a beautifully design outdoor environment.

During the trip I would recommend hiking the Hieroglyphic Trail in the Superstition Mountains near where I grew up. You go from mountain desert feel to running water most of the year in less than an hour.

I also love sending people to the Montelucia Resort where it has breathtaking views, top rated day spa, multiple pools with an amazing views, and 5 start food for all meals of the day.

To wrap it all up, I would visit Canyon Lake where you can search for bald eagles, mountain goats, and other wildlife, all while taking in the 200ft+ cliffs that meet the waters edge throughout the canyons. Growing up I never saw the beauty in the desert. Now I see it – especially there.

Last I would invite friends over for dinner by the fire and break out the “Conversation Cards” by Lumitory, and enjoy meaningful and silly conversations at my favorite spot till we could either not breathe from laughing or can’t keep our eyes open because its too late.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First, my wife, she has been a top performing sales rep for over a decade before starting her own business and taking time off to also raise, empower and prepare our kids to impact the world.

Second, I start most of my days reading, praying, practicing gratitude and acquiring biblical wisdom by giving thanks to God for all the blessings and trials alike that are growing me into who I am becoming. One of my favorite speakers, Chad Moore says, “Grow through what you’re going through” and I try to take this perspective and encourage others throughout the day.

Devon Dickinson, is a generous serial entrepreneur that has dedicated a large portion of his life giving away time, talent, finances and guidance to help fuel the entrepreneurship in all of us. His podcast, free course and friendship has helped me and my clients succeed in ways I never thought possible.

The book, Love Does By Bob Goff. This book has inspired my power of availability by saying YES to whatever is right in front of me and has led me on adventures I could never think up. Thanks Bob!

Rudy: long time friend who doesn’t try to tell me what to do, but rather just reminds me of who I am.

Website: https://ClearlyRelevant.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesseflocken

Other: Say Hi! Hello@ClearlyRelevant.com

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Clearly Relevant Growth Agency

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