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Built a Rock-Solid Career Without a Four-Year Degree
Forget the college debt hamster wheel, there’s another way to climb to the top.
Chris (Loogie) Luger
November 07, 2025
Shoppers are adding to cart for the holidays
Over the next year, Roku predicts that 100% of the streaming audience will see ads. For growth marketers in 2026, CTV will remain an important “safe space” as AI creates widespread disruption in the search and social channels. Plus, easier access to self-serve CTV ad buying tools and targeting options will lead to a surge in locally-targeted streaming campaigns.
Read our guide to find out why growth marketers should make sure CTV is part of their 2026 media mix.
Drive, relationships, and curiosity can out-perform a diploma
Breaking the “College = Success” Myth
Not everyone’s path to success runs through ivy-covered walls. This week on The Extreme Personal Finance Show, Chris sits down with Brian Dolan, Worldwide Technical Advocacy Lead, to talk about how he built a powerhouse career without a four-year degree.
Brian’s story is proof that drive, relationships, and curiosity can out-perform a diploma any day of the week. From washing cars and delivering Pepsi to leading global tech teams, his career is a masterclass in real-world learning.
“I wasn’t a great student. It wasn’t that I didn’t understand, I just didn’t apply myself.
But that’s where my story really started.”
Real Skills Beat Fancy Titles
After earning his associate’s degree in Digital Media, Brian jumped from the creative world into the technical one by learning on the fly, fixing what was broken, and saying “yes” to opportunities before he felt ready.
He didn’t climb the ladder by checking boxes. He built relationships.
He listened.
He showed up.
The message is clear: it’s not about how many letters you’ve got after your name. It’s about the value you bring and the people who believe in you.
“Relationships matter more than anything else. Build them, foster them, and they’ll pay dividends for life.”
The Rise of Trade Schools & Technical Programs
In an age of crushing student debt, Brian reminds us there’s another route. Technical schools, associate’s programs, and trade careers can build financial freedom and career satisfaction faster than ever.
Electricians, HVAC pros, welders, mechanics are not just making a living. They’re building lives, homes, and legacies.
Success, Brian says, isn’t measured by degrees or desk space, it’s measured by happiness and impact.
“You don’t have to be a white-collar office worker to be successful. The trades, the hands-on jobs. They’re not just necessary; they’re vital.”
Grit. Patience. Perseverance.
There’s no shortcut.
Brian is honest about that. Without a degree, you might have to work twice as hard, but that grind builds unmatched strength and self-reliance.
And while you’re climbing, never underestimate the power of mentors and proximity. Get around the people doing the work you want to do. Offer to help. Ask questions. Build trust.
Because sometimes, your network becomes your net worth.
“Take things incrementally. Focus on the next small step. Over time, you’ll move mountains.”
The old playbook is dead. You can build a successful, fulfilling, and financially powerful life without following the traditional script. Whether you’re in tech, trades, or carving your own path, what matters most is passion, persistence, and purpose.
So crank up the volume, and start building your version of success.
Other Episodes
Thanks again for following along! Keep those Horns Up, my friend 🤘 🤘 And please share this newsletter with those you think would find value!