When Vick Tipnes launched Blackstone Medical Services, it was the worst possible moment: newly divorced, broke, and with two young kids. For years, he operated in survival mode, managing a business that lost money month after month. Instead of giving up, Vick's resilience became the driving force that turned a tiny, run-down $500 office into one of the fastest-growing sleep testing companies in the U.S. In this episode, Vick opens up to Ilana about the sacrifices, powerful mindset shifts, and relentless drive that transformed his company from the brink of collapse to industry leadership. Vick Tipnes is the founder and CEO of Blackstone Medical Services, a leading provider of home sleep testing. Under his leadership, the company has earned recognition five times on the Inc. 5000 list. In this episode, Ilana and Vick will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:03) Growing Up with an Entrepreneurial Father (04:35) Leaving College To Chase Entrepreneurship (06:32) Losing Both Parents and Transitioning to Healthcare (10:45) Exiting the Radiology Business with Almost Nothing (15:34) Being Divorced, Broke, and Starting All Over (19:30) Building Blackstone Medical Services from Scratch (23:27) Achieving Success After Years of Losing Money (31:27) How Vick Manages His Career Without Burning Out (33:07) Investing in Identity and Personal Growth (36:06) Addressing Sleep Issues and Health Solutions (38:18) The Power of Tenacity and Refusing To Quit Vick Tipnes is a self-made entrepreneur, author, and mentor, best known as the founder and CEO of Blackstone Medical Services, a leading provider of home sleep testing. Under his leadership, the company has earned recognition five times on the Inc. 5000 list. Vick is also the founder of Tipnes Capital and Tipnes Health and the author of Did You Sell Your Soul?, where he shares insights on overcoming obstacles, staying focused, and achieving life goals. Connect with Vick: Vick’s Website: vicktipnes.com  Vick’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vicktipnes  Vick’s Instagram: instagram.com/vicktipnes  Resources Mentioned: Vick’s Book, Did You Sell Your Soul?: It's Never Too Late to Change Your Story: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1662903766  Leap Academy:LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life. 📍 San Jose, CA 📅 Feb 26–28, 2025 If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment. 👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon