Real strength isn’t found in comfort — it’s forged in heat.
Just like steel becomes stronger through fire, pressure, and careful cooling, you and I are shaped by the challenges we face. This isn’t about surviving hardship — it’s about using it to develop the kind of strength, character, and wisdom that success requires.
Whether it’s in business, leadership, or personal growth — the ones who rise are the ones who’ve been tempered.
In my own journey — from working in a steel mill in my 20’s, to teaching some of the most vunerable students late in my teaching career — I learned that choosing the right kind of adversity builds something inside you that comfort never could.
Now I want to help you apply this principle to your own life.

JAMES Finlen
founder & CEO, School Apps Today, llc
Owner at Barn Wellness
15+ years as an entrepreneur, starting from scratch, taught me resilience, clarity under pressure, and the value of systems that scale.
💡 What That Means for You
When you step into this podcast & interview training program, you’re not just getting my experience.
You’re standing on the shoulders of: Proven authors, Master teachers, Habit-builders, Communicators, Entrepreneurs, And everyday students I’ve served who have taught me as much as I taught them.
You’re learning what I’ve field-tested, refined, and battle-hardened through decades of leadership, mentorship, and creation.

testimonial
“Back in high school, Coach Finlen brought a yoga instructor into our basketball practices. At first, I didn’t know what to expect, but it ended up being a game-changer. The flexibility, body control, and mental focus I gained from those sessions stuck with me throughout college and into my pro career. Whether I was competing in the U.S. or overseas in Armenia’s A-League, that foundation helped keep me strong, loose, and ready. Coach Finlen saw the bigger picture—and I’m grateful he introduced me to tools that continue to elevate my game today.” — Derrick Newberry
USA South Conference Champion | 2020 NCAA Tournament Athlete | Professional Basketball Player
beyond the court
“After stepping away from coaching, Coach Finlen built a thriving technology business. He recently helped me bring my vision to life by developing a platform that allows me to train and mentor youth—both on the court and beyond. Take a look at the membership website that he built for me below.
GET IN TOUCH
james@thelocalboom.com
address
Rincon, GA
Text me
+1 (843) 422- 4178
CONTACT US
At School Apps Today, we don’t just build beautiful, functional websites — we design digital platforms that empower your growth.
From the moment we begin working together, I take time to understand your vision, your audience, and the impact you want to make. Whether you’re an educator, coach, business owner, or creative, your website becomes more than a virtual space — it becomes a launchpad for your personal and professional journey.