In Memory of Jim Spuller
We’re saddened to share that Jim Spuller, a long-time insurance industry leader and former Gibson sales coach, passed away on July 16, 2025. Jim had more than 40 years of experience in sales, leadership, and coaching—and he brought that expertise to Gibson in a meaningful way after retiring from Marsh. He had an unmatched ability to see potential in others and push them to grow. Many on our team benefited from his mentorship, and his legacy continues to shape the way we lead and serve.

In honor of Jim, we’re republishing this post written by Tim Leman in 2013—a heartfelt tribute to a remarkable mentor and friend.

Are you a good mentee?

Maintaining Your Network

Having good mentors and a strong network can make or break you. But have you ever taken the time to consider whether or not you are a good mentee?

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been disappointed on a number of occasions when someone I’m trying to help never follows up to let me know how things turned out. Or, they asked for my assistance, and I willingly gave it, only to find they never took advantage of what I did for them.

In this episode of The Edge, Tim Leman sits down with Ryan Rans, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Great Lakes Capital, a real estate development firm. Ryan shares insights on leading strategy for a billion-dollar portfolio, the unique advantages of building a business in the Midwest, and how relationships drive opportunities in real estate development. They discuss the value of peer groups for entrepreneurs, the passion behind team building, and Ryan's journey working alongside his wife in business. Ryan also opens up about his boxing experience at Notre Dame and reveals how fly fishing helps him disconnect from the constant demands of entrepreneurship.

In this episode of The Edge, Tim Leman sits down with Steve Canty, Agent/Owner of Steve Canty Insurance Agency, to discuss his journey from marketing professional to insurance entrepreneur. Steve shares how a chance meeting in 2016 sparked a major career change in his 50s, proving it's never too late to pursue entrepreneurial aspirations. They explore the power of mentorship, the importance of diverse perspectives in the insurance industry, and how transferable skills from corporate America prepared him for business ownership. Steve also reflects on his time at Indiana State University and the influential relationships that shaped his career path.

In this episode of The Edge, host Alex Rodriguez sits down with Orus Guerra, CEO of Southwest Labs based in Albuquerque, to discuss leadership, entrepreneurship, and the power of recognizing opportunities. Orus shares his journey from sales and marketing to founding multiple successful businesses, highlighting how his natural curiosity and willingness to take calculated risks have shaped his career. They explore the importance of building strong teams, fostering open communication, and creating a culture where ideas are valued and welcomed from all levels of the organization.

In this episode of The Edge, Tim Leman sits down with Jeff Shuck, Founder & Principal of Plenty, a consulting firm that helps conscious leaders and organizations grow. Jeff discusses learning to love what you do, the importance of eliminating ego, and how purpose often "finds you" rather than the other way around. Jeff also offers insights on creating abundance in your organization and reveals his personal leadership philosophy that has guided his journey.

In this episode of The Edge, host Courtney Montfort sits down with Amber Fields, Chief Culture Officer at trueU, and Stephanie Neale, CEO of Blind Zebra, for a dynamic conversation about leadership, sales, and work-life integration. They explore how these three successful women have created their own "board of directors" to support each other professionally and personally. The conversation dives into goal setting, mentorship, maintaining authenticity in leadership, and the challenges of balancing career ambitions with family responsibilities. Along the way, they share personal insights on what gives each of them their unique edge in business and life.

In this episode, Tim Leman sits down with Dr. Mike Godard, President of Indiana State University, to discuss leadership, mentorship, and creating a culture of care. Dr. Godard shares his journey from first-generation college student to university president, highlighting the importance of building authentic relationships and maintaining a student-centered approach. They explore the synergy between the university and the Terre Haute community, the impact of social media on campus engagement, and what gives Indiana State its distinctive edge in preparing students for success.

On this episode of The Edge, co-host Taylor Covey sits down with Cory Tanner, President & Founder of Exit IQ based in Salt Lake City. Cory shares his entrepreneurial journey from his first venture in the green energy space to founding Exit IQ with his father. Throughout the conversation, they explore how Cory's competitive mindset shaped his business approach, the lessons he learned from both successes and failures, and the importance of putting people in positions where they can win. Cory also discusses how he finds harmony between work and family life while maintaining meaningful relationships that drive his success.

In this episode, Tim Leman sits down with Laura Langehaug, a Vistage Chair based in Salt Lake City, to explore the power of empathetic leadership. Laura shares her journey from an HR professional to an executive coach, highlighting the importance of fostering a safe space for business leaders to grow, connect, and navigate the challenges of leadership.

On this episode of The Edge, host Tim Leman sits down with Ashley Bontrager Lehman, Founder & CEO of Ember Recreational Vehicles. Ashley shares her journey from growing up in a family deeply rooted in the RV industry to forging her own path as an entrepreneur. She opens up about launching a business during the pandemic, the power of branding, and navigating family dynamics in business. They also discuss leadership, team culture, and the intentionality that drives her success.