In this episode of Inside the Box, Andrew sits down with Michael Thomas — Director of Business Development at Express Employment and a leader deeply rooted in the Springfield community.

They cover:

• What it takes to perform at a top level in a competitive national system

• How the workforce is changing (and what employers are getting wrong)

• Why culture, flexibility, and development matter more than ever

• The power of consistency in business and life

• Michael’s journey to 12 years of sobriety — and the mindset shift that made it possible

• The impact of community involvement, leadership, and giving back

This is a conversation about growth — professionally and personally.

If you’re building a business, leading a team, or working on yourself… this one’s worth your time.

On this episode, we welcome David Hilst.
David helped build and sell six La-Z-Boy stores and is now the owner of an American Family Insurance agency. We dive deep into his entrepreneurship journey—what it took to grow, lead, and scale a team, plus the real challenges he faced along the way.
If you're into:
✔️ Entrepreneurship
✔️ Leadership & team growth
✔️ Real-world business challenges
…this one’s for you.
We also break down the insurance industry—what actually matters, what to look for in your policies, and how to make smarter decisions.

In this episode, Luke Luginbuhl, founder and CEO of Legacy Solar and Electric, shares his journey from being a high school physics teacher to starting a solar energy company. He discusses the benefits of solar energy, the importance of understanding incentives, and the future of solar technology, including battery storage. Luke also reflects on the challenges of balancing family life with running a business and emphasizes the significance of networking and partnerships in entrepreneurship. The conversation touches on personal experiences, including family trips and the impact of AI on the energy sector.