<p>This one has been on our “Mount Rushmore” list from the very beginning. Hans Schlegel finally joins the show, and it’s everything we hoped for.</p><p>From his roots on a family farm in northwest Ohio to eight summers selling books, Hans brings stories of go-kart racing, marching band, zoology, bird study, saving a man’s life with the Heimlich, and building a family with his wife Laura and their five kids.</p><p>We dive into his first summer in Joplin, Missouri, those early “canon events” on the book field, the challenges of finding HQs, the grind of first days, and what made him stick it out. Hans also shares the beginnings of traditions, wild Sizzler lore, and even the origin story of the legendary “Speedo Amigos.”</p><p>And on top of it all, we talk about the momentum building today around Southwestern alumni — with Hans spearheading the company’s official network and Pony Tales launching its independent community. Two networks, two vibes, one mission: bringing book people back together.</p><p>Scroll down for links to pre-register for the Southwestern Alumni Network, to join the Pony Tales “Neighborhood,” and more.</p><p><br /></p><p>00:00 – Intro &amp; why Hans was a “Mount Rushmore” guest<br />02:06 – Who is Hans Schlegel? Farm life, go-karts, marching band, zoology, and saving a life<br />04:14 – Selling books for eight summers &amp; family background<br />05:37 – First big conversation: were we in a cult?<br />10:12 – Early book memories &amp; friendships<br />11:07 – Launching alumni networks: corporate &amp; independent<br />22:20 – Why two networks make sense<br />25:15 – Canon events: the shared Southwestern experience<br />31:51 – Family legacies and alumni kids<br />36:00 – Quitting thoughts, turning points, and growth<br />41:50 – Community, accountability, and why alumni networks matter<br />46:00 – How to connect with Hans and the Southwestern alumni group<br />52:40 – What’s next: timeline and goals<br />1:12:00 – Rewinding the clock: Hans’ first summer in Joplin<br />1:20:00 – First doors, first customers, first day alone<br />1:28:00 – Struggles, breakthroughs, and record weeks<br />1:43:30 – Highlights of that rookie summer<br />2:05:00 – Heimlich maneuver story: saving a life<br />2:18:00 – Traditions, lore, and GRS costumes<br />2:37:00 – Favorite turf, states, HQs, and rapid-fire favorites<br />3:13:00 – The Speedo Amigos legacy<br />3:28:00 – Closing thoughts &amp; links to alumni networks</p>