In this Business Blast Podcast episode, host Tyler Wagner interviews Don Oswald, a top sales leader at Nelson Printing and Ironman triathlete. Don shares his personal transformation from an unfocused, unfit lifestyle to competing in the Ironman World Championships, emphasizing perseverance and daily incremental action. He outlines his sales philosophy—going the extra mile, authenticity, and providing real value—and offers broader business advice centered on taking meaningful risks, consistent actions, celebrating small wins, and surrounding oneself with bigger thinkers. Don reflects on advice he would give his younger self about stepping out of comfort zones and embracing resistance. He discusses his keys to happiness—gratitude, serving others, health—and recommends the book "High Performance Habits" by Brendon Burchard, highlighting its six deliberate habits for peak performance. Don shares his favorite Steve Jobs quote about loving your work and provides his online contact details (LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, email). The conversation blends personal storytelling with actionable insights for sales, business growth, and personal development.
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Welcome to the Business Blast Podcast. I'm your host, Tyler Wagner. This episode is brought to you by Authors Unite. Authors Unite provides you with all the resources you need to become a successful author. You can learn more about Authors Unite and join the free community at authorsunite.com. Now let's jump into the episode. Alright everyone, welcome back to another episode of the Business Blast Podcast. I'm your host Tyler Wagner, and today I have Don Oswald with us. He's the king of sales at Nelson Printing and an Ironman triathlete. So welcome to the show, Don.
Hey, thanks Tyler, appreciate it.
Of course, thanks for joining us, and we'll dive right in. The first question that I have for you is, what's the best story from your life that has an underlying valuable message?
Good question. I think the best story from my life is that I went from not being physically fit, living a life that had no direction, no purpose, to completing the— to competing and racing in the Ironman World Championships 2 years ago. And, uh, the underlying message in that is do not give up on your dreams and you can do more than you think is possible. Keep pushing yourself to be better, to do better, and just take one small action every day to get you closer to your ideal life and destination.
And what's the most valuable piece of information we should know that's within your expertise or industry?
I think be willing to go the extra mile for your clients, um, and to be authentic, give real value, and truly care about the outcome, and also be a valuable resource, uh, for others.
And what's your best piece of overall business advice, so not necessarily industry-specific?
Yeah, I think progress requires risk, but that risk really has to mean something to be worthwhile for you personally. And I think your behaviors and actions are what really is going to move the needle and cause the results that you want. And I think the one thing that I'm trying to develop, and I think is great business advice, is to spend time with people who think bigger than you do. So, and I guess that there's 4 things that I kind of live by. It's like, celebrate the small wins, take action, however small or imperfect it might seem, and break free from your self-imposed limits and go all in.
And if you could give your younger self— it might tie in— if you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would that be?
Yeah, um, if I could talk to my younger self, it would be, don't be so afraid to step out of your comfort zone. You know, be brave enough to face and don't be afraid of the resistance because I think the resistance tells you that you're going in the right direction, that you're on the right path. And I think I would tell myself that you deserve extraordinary success just as much as anyone else.
And in your opinion, what's the key to happiness?
That's a good question. My keys to happiness are being grateful each day for all you have and really serving others from your heart. To eat well, exercise often, and be a blessing to others. And I think that really is key to my happiness anyway.
And what's the best book that you've read and what was the number one thing you learned from that?
Honestly, the book that I'm reading now, it's called High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard. You know, he talks about 6 deliberate habits that top CEOs, world-class athletes, and ordinary people do to just give them the edge. In life and in business. And, you know, it's about being the best version of you possible and living on purpose. And so I really have enjoyed that book, and I'm still kind of diving into it, but it's been a great resource for me.
And what's your favorite quote and why?
My favorite quote is from Steve Jobs, and it's a long one, but I really like it. It says, "Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work, and the only way to do great work is to love what you do." And if you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know it when you find it. And honestly, I'm still on that journey of finding what great work means to me, but I'm getting closer.
Yes. Thank you so much for coming on, man. Um, the last question I have, uh, for you before we let you go is where's the best place for people to find you online?
Um, yeah, I'm on LinkedIn, Don Oswald, O-S-W-A-L-T. Instagram is Don Oswald. Uh, Twitter is Don Nelson Print. And you may can reach out to me by email. It's don@nelsonprint.com if they have any questions or want to say hi.
Perfect, man. Thank you again for coming on. We appreciate it.
All right, Tyler, I really appreciate it. Thanks. The podcast you just heard was recorded with Anchor. If you want to make your own, download the Android or iOS app completely free from anchor.fm/podcast. That's anchor.fm/podcast.
