Business Owners Tell All

In this episode of Business Owners Tell All: What It Takes, Jaya Iyer shares her journey from growing up in India to building a purpose-driven fashion brand in the United States. With a Ph.D. in Fashion Merchandising and experience in both academia and the apparel industry, Jaya combined her knowledge, personal experiences, and motherhood to create Svaha USA—a brand designed to challenge gender norms and inspire learning through clothing.What began as a simple frustration—being unable to find a space-themed shirt for her daughter—turned into a powerful business idea. Through smart business planning, including launching with a Kickstarter campaign, Jaya validated her concept with minimal risk and built a brand rooted in education, empowerment, and curiosity.Throughout the conversation, Jaya emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and staying connected to customers. She highlights how failures, operational challenges, and unexpected events like COVID forced her to pivot, reinforcing that flexibility is one of the most critical skills a business owner can develop.Her approach to business goes beyond profit—Svaha is designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and create meaningful conversations through everyday products. Ultimately, Jaya’s story is a testament to the power of learning, resilience, and building something that truly matters.🧠 Key Takeaways & Notes🚀 Origin Story & Business PlanningThe idea for Svaha came from a real-life problem: lack of STEM-themed clothing for girlsStarted with just 5 t-shirts and ~$500 investmentUsed Kickstarter to validate demand before scalingIdentified a clear market gap + emotional connection📌 Lesson: Start small, validate early, and let the market guide you🎓 Learning as a Competitive AdvantageAcademic background helped with:Consumer behavior understandingProduct development knowledgePricing and inventory strategyStrong emphasis on listening to customers📌 Lesson: Knowledge reduces risk and increases decision quality🔁 Learning Through Failure & AdaptabilityFaced unexpected challenges (e.g., COVID, production issues)Learned the importance of:Pivoting quicklyDouble-checking executionAccepting and correcting mistakes📌 Lesson: Experience doesn’t eliminate mistakes—adaptability does🧩 Building a Learning-Driven BrandClothing designed to:Spark curiosityEncourage conversationsReinforce identity and confidenceProducts act as “learning tools” in everyday life</stro

In this episode, Santosh Kaveti, Founder & CEO of ProArch, shares his journey of building a global technology company and the evolving mindset required to lead in times of rapid disruption.From embracing uncertainty as a first-time entrepreneur to navigating today’s unprecedented AI-driven transformation, Santosh highlights that success in business isn’t just about strategy—it’s about learning how to think, decide, and adapt under pressure.The conversation dives deep into decision-making as a learned skill, the importance of building aligned teams, and how leaders must continuously unlearn, relearn, and evolve to stay relevant.Santosh also reveals how ProArch is shifting from a traditional IT services model into an AI-driven organization—demonstrating how businesses must act quickly or risk becoming obsolete.🧠 Key Takeaways1. Decision-Making Is a Learnable SkillFounders aren’t born with great decision-making abilitiesIt develops through experience, failure, and reflectionLeaders must train themselves to handle ambiguity2. Clarity Drives ResultsTeams cannot perform without clear directionA leader’s job is to synthesize complexity and articulate it simplyMisalignment often comes from lack of clarity—not lack of effort3. Your Team Is EverythingYou cannot scale aloneSuccess comes from aligning:Individual passionsCompany purposeTrue growth happens when teams are emotionally connected to the mission4. Unlearning Is Just as Important as LearningGrowth requires letting go of old ways of workingBreaking down silos is essential for innovationCollaboration across functions creates stronger outcomes5. Disruption = OpportunityAI is changing business faster than any previous technology waveCompanies must adapt quickly or risk becoming obsoleteLeaders must embrace change instead of waiting to react6. Mentorship Accelerates GrowthGreat mentors help sharpen thinking and communicationLearning from others shortens the trial-and-error cycleExposure to different perspectives strengthens decision-making7. Business Planning Must EvolveEarly-stage: vision-driven and experimentalGrowth stage: structured, strategic, and team-drivenToday: requires constant iteration due to rapid change💬 Memorable Quotes (Polished for Impact)Here are some strong pull quotes you can use for social, promos, or show notes:🔥 On Leadership & Clarity“Clarity is what drives results. If your team doesn’t have clarity, they can’t execute.”🔥 On Decision-Making“Decision-making isn’t something

This episode dives into how Jesse Jackson built a fast-growing automotive repair business from zero to eight figures in just four years — without prior industry experience.Her journey highlights a core truth: business growth is a direct reflection of personal growth.Jesse shares how she leveraged:Continuous learningStrategic mentorshipAcquisition-driven scalingLetting go of control…to evolve from operator to enterprise-level leader.She also gives a raw, unfiltered look at balancing seven kids + eight businesses, emphasizing that success isn’t about balance — it’s about embracing constant pressure and growth.🧠 Key Takeaways & Notes1. Entering an Industry Without Experience Can Be an AdvantageJesse didn’t come from automotive — and that helped her question outdated normsShe saw opportunity where insiders saw “the way things have always been done”Identified a massive market shift: 60% of shop owners retiring → wealth transfer opportunity👉 Insight:Outsiders often innovate faster because they’re not conditioned by industry habits2. Growth Forces Personal Evolution“You’re not ready for the goal — but you grow into it”Jesse describes herself evolving from “Jesse 6.0 to Jesse 8.3”Rapid scaling forces leadership development whether you’re ready or not👉 Insight:You don’t wait to become capable — you become capable by pursuing bigger goals3. Mentorship Accelerates EverythingKey turning point: learning from Roland Frasier (acquisition strategy)Mentors helped her compress years of learning into monthsEventually turned mentor into investor👉 Insight:Proximity to the right people shortcuts trial-and-error4. Letting Go of Control is Required to ScaleEarly stage: doing everything (HR, finance, marketing, payroll)Breaking point at 5 locations → forced to hireBiggest growth unlock = hiring people better than her👉 Insight:You are the bottleneck until you replace yourself5. Decision-Making: Speed vs. StrategyJesse shares a powerful metaphor:Entrepreneurs either:❌ Stand in the airport (paralyzed, miss opportunities)❌ Jump on every plane (bad decisions, misalignment)Her evolution:From fast decisions → to intentional, strategic decisions with consequences in mind👉 Insight:Scaling requires upgrading your decision-making, not just making more decisions6. Learning Comes From Pressure, Not Just BooksYes: books, mentors, progra

In this milestone episode of Business Owners Tell All, Jamie Seeker officially transitions out of the host seat and hands it over to Tom Irvin—marking a powerful moment of leadership in action.The conversation begins with Tom sharing his vision for helping business owners move from growth to scale by getting out of their own way and focusing on what truly drives results. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, understanding the “why” behind actions, and using data to guide development and performance.Midway through the episode, the roles reverse. Tom steps in as host and interviews Jamie as a business owner, uncovering the real story behind building Seeker Solution. Jamie shares how she carved her own path, learned to let go of control, and evolved from doing everything herself to leading through others.Together, they explore what it really takes to grow a business—highlighting resilience, clarity, and the discipline to keep moving forward, even when the path isn’t clear.🧠 Key Takeaways1. Business Owners Must Get Out of Their Own WayTom highlights a common growth barrier—owners becoming the bottleneck. Scaling requires stepping back and allowing others to step up.2. Learning & Development Never StopsGrowth isn’t a one-time event. It’s continuous, incremental, and requires commitment at every level of the business.3. “Why” Drives Performance More Than “How”Training without context leads to disengagement. When teams understand why something matters, they perform with purpose.4. Data & KPIs Are Non-NegotiableYou can’t manage what you don’t measure. Effective businesses reverse-engineer goals and train based on key metrics.5. Delegation Is a Turning PointJamie shares that real growth began when she stopped doing everything herself and removed herself as the bottleneck.6. There’s No One “Right Way” to Build a BusinessJamie built her company by rejecting traditional norms and creating a model aligned with her values.7. The Journey Matters More Than the DestinationSuccess isn’t just about reaching goals—it’s about how you grow along the way.🔥 Memorable QuotesHere are standout, highly quotable lines from the episode:💬 On Growth & Business Ownership“Business owners just kind of get in their own way.”“Helping business owners move from growth to scaling… and really just watch them grow.”💬 On Learning & Development“How do you eat a piece of cake? One bite at a time.”“We are always going to be students.”💬 On Training & Leadership“They teach them how without them understanding why.”“If you don’t measure it, you can’t manage it.”💬 On Delegation & Scaling“Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.”“I’m the one t

In this episode of Business Owners Tell All: What It Takes, Jamie Seeker interviews Mike Farrell, Founder and CEO of Landscape Management Group in Columbus, Ohio. Mike shares how he started in 2008 by knocking on doors with a push mower, wheelbarrow, and handmade business cards to pay for college, then gradually turned that hustle into a multi-city landscaping business.The conversation centers heavily on business planning, but from a real-world founder perspective rather than a textbook one. Mike explains that while he did create a business plan early on and even won a college business plan competition, he quickly learned that “nothing goes to plan.” His core lesson is that planning matters, but adaptability matters just as much. He repeatedly emphasizes the need for business owners to “zig and zag,” stay resilient, and keep moving through constant change.Mike also talks about the company’s rebrand from Mike’s Landscaping to Landscape Management Group, explaining that the shift was both strategic and practical. He realized that naming the company after himself kept him trapped as the center of every function. Rebranding helped position the business for growth and became part of a larger commitment to marketing, which he now sees as a major growth lever for small businesses.A major highlight of the episode is Mike’s framework for annual planning. He breaks down how he works backward from revenue goals using average contract value, lead volume, close rates, and marketing cost per lead. His message is that business planning can often be simplified into math, as long as leaders also remain ready for disruptions like staffing changes, failed jobs, legal issues, and operational breakdowns. Planning sets the destination, but execution and adaptation determine whether you get there.The episode also dives into financial discipline, with Mike candidly sharing his mistakes. He explains that he has swung between being overly detailed and not detailed enough, eventually landing on a more balanced approach: real annual forecasting, monthly budget-versus-actual reviews, and close attention to percentage-of-income analysis during growth phases.On the people side, Mike is especially direct. He discusses how not every employee grows with the company and says that sometimes leaders must “clean the room” to move the business forward. He shares that after letting go of six managers, the company actually improved. His broader point is that growth depends on having the right people, strong leadership, and a compelling vision. He now sees recruiting and “selling the vision” as one of his most important jobs as CEO.The conversation closes with tactical advice around SOPs and KPIs, which Mike says too many owners talk about but fail to implement. He stresses the importance of c

Amber Sheikh joins Jamie Seeker for a powerful conversation on what it truly takes to lead — not just a business, but a mission. As the founder and CEO of SHEIKH / Impact, Amber supports nonprofit organizations across California by strengthening their fundraising, leadership, and strategic planning. But her journey to ownership was anything but linear.In this episode, Amber shares how her early work in poverty alleviation abroad revealed a major gap in nonprofit operations, ultimately leading her into fundraising, consulting, and eventually ownership. She opens up about buying her firm during the pandemic while navigating divorce, single motherhood, and financial uncertainty — all while trusting an intuitive vision she had been building for years.Together, Jamie and Amber explore business planning as a leadership discipline, particularly in the nonprofit space: why scarcity thinking limits growth, how planning horizons should be realistic, and why founders must intentionally make time to step away in order to think clearly. The conversation closes with a deeply honest reflection on identity, leadership, and what it takes to sit in the owner’s seat.🧠 Key Notes & Takeaways🌱 Origin Story & PurposeAmber’s career began with international poverty alleviation work in Delhi, India.She realized many nonprofits were strong on mission but weak on operations, planning, and sustainability.This insight pulled her “one step away from the front line” into administration, fundraising, and eventually consulting.She spent 10+ years at a consulting firm before purchasing it and relaunching it as SHEIKH / Impact.Key insight: Mission alone doesn’t sustain organizations — strategy does.💼 Becoming a Business Owner (During Crisis)Amber bought the firm during the pandemic while finalizing a divorce and raising two young children.She had $400 in her pocket at the time of purchase.There was no backup plan — execution became a necessity, not a choice.Clients and staff followed her, reinforcing trust and shared vision.Lesson: Sometimes commitment — not certainty — is what drives success.🧭 Business Planning in the Nonprofit SectorCommon mistakes:Not planning at allPlanning too far ahead without knowing variablesAmber recommends 2–3 year strategic plans instead of rigid 5‑year plans.Nonprofits often operate in scarcity due to systemic pressures — language, funding models, and expectations.Organizations must allow themselves to think in terms of abundance and sustainability, not survival.Key belief: Nonprofits must “run in the black” to serve their mission long-term.📊 Growth, Strategy & ScalingS

Michael shares his journey from a 14-year-old working at a produce stand to a CIA-trained chef who hit burnout and reinvented his career. That pivot led to the creation of Food, Fire, and Knives — a private chef platform that now serves clients across the country, bringing restaurant-quality dining into homes. What began as side gigs turned into a full-scale business that empowers chefs to regain control of their careers.This episode dives deep into:His unconventional founder storyBuilding a nationwide team of chefsHR systems and culture buildingLeadership lessonsAnd of course, what it really takes to run a business🧠 Key Takeaways & Notes🚀 Origin Story: From Burnout to BreakthroughMichael fell in love with food early, working at a produce stand, then in fast-casual kitchens.Dropped out of law enforcement school to pursue culinary school.Moved to Charleston to “live on vacation” before marriage — but after a personal breakup, he doubled down on building something new.Started picking up private chef gigs and built a simple website.After getting double-booked, he brought in another chef — and a business model was born.“I just thought… what if I go on the other side of this — hire chefs and help them leave the grind too?”👨‍🍳 The Business Model: Platform for Chef EmpowermentFood, Fire, and Knives provides autonomy, income, and exposure for chefs.It offers clients custom, in-home dining experiences with vetted chefs in 48 states.Michael intentionally built a platform that helps chefs exit the restaurant rat race, especially as many face burnout and physical wear.📋 HR Deep Dive: Hiring, Training, and TrustHiring strangers to represent your brand is scary — but essential.Trust was built slowly through personal referrals and clear expectations.Created unique interview questions like:“Tell me your favorite kitchen story” to assess both skills and personality.Focused on soft skills: can chefs cook and engage with customers?Developed automated HR systems, background checks, and orientation workflows.Relies heavily on Slack for daily communication with contractors to build a sense of team.“You’re trusting people you don’t know to handle your baby.”“If they can talk to me, they can talk to a client.”🌍 Culture & Connection — Even Without a Physical OfficeMichael hosts bi-weekly "Coffee Chats” with chefs to keep the team motivated.Maintains culture through constant communication and peer support in S

In this episode, Jamie sits down with Seva Ustinov, a serial entrepreneur and the founder of Elly Analytics — a performance marketing company reimagined with an internal AI Operating System at its core.Seva shares his 20-year journey from founding a marketing agency in Russia to scaling a tech company in the U.S., and how the chaos of managing large teams led him to create a unified AI-powered “company brain.”But what sets this conversation apart is the focus on HR, team dynamics, and operations — not just tech. Seva breaks down how automation and intelligent agents have drastically reduced meeting bloat, onboarding time, and internal interruptions — while still empowering human teams.Jamie and Seva dive into how AI is changing the people side of business, and how any founder (technical or not) can begin building a smarter, more autonomous company.📌 KEY TAKEAWAYS“Professional services is a constant rollercoaster.” Seva scaled a 100+ person agency, then started over in tech, learning each level of leadership and operations by doing.Internal AI Operating System: Elly uses AI agents and shared company memory to automate everything from onboarding to sales support and product feedback loops.Hiring Tip: One of Seva’s first hires was a head of operations (aka “Chief of Everything Else”), relieving him from all the stress-inducing "other" problems most founders try to juggle.AI-Driven HR: Elly’s system reduces Slack clutter and meeting overload by giving team members AI access to every piece of company knowledge — from past emails to product roadmaps.True Automation Wins: A non-technical team member used their internal AI tool to build a complete customer sentiment dashboard in 6 hours — something that previously required entire teams.💬 MEMORABLE QUOTES"Everything else is always your personal problem — unless you hire someone to own it."– On the role of a head of operations"Your past experience often doesn’t help with the next level. You have to unlearn and rebuild."– On leveling up as a founder"Our company brain is always learning. It sits in on every meeting, remembers everything, and makes everyone smarter."– On the power of an internal AI system"It took me 5 minutes to generate a custom sales email from tran

In this dynamic and honest conversation, Jamie Seeker sits down with visionary entrepreneur Chaz Wolfe and serial integrator Jake Isaacs, co-founders of Gathering The Kings, to unpack what it really takes to build and lead a high-performing team.Set in the context of HR and people strategy, the episode dives deep into how business owners transition from doing everything themselves to leading others effectively, and how culture, clarity, mindset, and courage are critical ingredients to scaling with purpose.Their Kansas City-based mastermind is more than a business growth engine — it’s a movement built around helping entrepreneurs and their families win in all areas of life.🔑 Key Themes & Insights1. Early HR StrugglesJake: Nothing replaces real-world experience. Books and podcasts help, but learning to manage people starts with hard conversations.Key advice: Be curious. Ask your team what they really want from their job — not everyone’s motivated by the same thing.2. From Generalists to SpecialistsChaz: Early hires were trusted generalists. As the business matured, they had to hire specialists with clear KPIs.“When expectations and results didn’t match, we realized it wasn’t the people — it was lack of clarity.”3. Operational ClarityJake: “People don’t show up trying to suck at their job.” Poor performance often stems from unclear expectations or lack of direction.4. Empathy vs. AccountabilityChaz: “Empathy is honesty.” Being real and clear is the kindest thing you can do.Jake: Tie accountability to what motivates each person. Understand their why, then use that to drive expectations.5. Culture Across TeamsCulture isn’t one-size-fits-all — it’s an extension of the leader.Be authentic in hiring and onboarding so the people you bring in actually align with the real culture.6. Mindset MattersChaz: “Your people will never rise above the leader.” The founder’s growth ceiling is the company’s ceiling.Invest in yourself first — books, events, mentors — to lead others effectively.7. Hiring A-PlayersDon’t settle for C-players due to budget constraints.Jake: “A-players pay for themselves — if you get out of their way.”The biggest problem? Founders not willing to let go.💬 Memorable Quotes"Clarity i

In this episode, Jamie sits down with Eli Igra Serfaty to unpack how startup founders can transform LinkedIn from a passive platform into an active hiring and branding engine. Drawing from his background in venture capital and his journey building MAIA Digital — Israel’s top LinkedIn marketing agency — Eli shares frameworks, case studies, and tactical tips to optimize founder presence, build employer brands, and attract better talent.📝 Show NotesTopics Covered:Why most founders underestimate LinkedIn’s power for hiringFirst impressions on LinkedIn — and why profile optimization matters as much as a websiteThe psychology of scroll-stopping content and how emotional framing attracts talentEmployer branding through employee advocacy on LinkedInThe ROL (Return on LinkedIn) framework and how it reduces hiring costsHow LinkedIn helps founders scale trust before the first conversationEli’s insights from MAIA’s client work — including one case where two employees brought in 600+ CVsTactical Takeaways:✅ Optimize your LinkedIn headline — lead with value, not your job title✅ Get buy-in from leadership — culture starts at the top✅ Activate your employees as brand ambassadors✅ Use your personal profile to show the human side of your company✅ Commenting daily builds visibility and familiarity, even before posting content✅ Commit to 90 days of consistent engagement: add, comment, and post🔖 Memorable Quotes"Your LinkedIn profile is your new landing page."— Eli Igra Serfaty"Most founders sleep on their employees. That’s their biggest missed opportunity on LinkedIn."— Eli Igra Serfaty"It’s not about fluff, it’s about framing."— Jamie Seeker, echoing Eli’s philosophy"Hiring is hard enough as it is — but the right positioning builds trust before the interview even starts."— Jamie Seeker"We had two employees generate over 600 CVs in a year — just by being active on LinkedIn."— Eli Igra Serfaty"You can join the conversation before leading it. Comments warm up your profile fast."— Eli Igra Serfaty"If you love who you work with and who you work for, it shows in everything you do."— Eli Igra Serfaty (in response to “What does it take to be a business owner?”)Final Segment – What It TakesJamie’s Signature Question:"What does it take to be a business owner?"Eli’s Answer:“Belief in yourse

Hank shares his unconventional path into IT leadership — beginning with time on Capitol Hill, renewable energy work at the Department of Energy, military service as an infantry officer, oil transitioned to oil & gas afterward.Moved into private equity via a search fund (buy → grow → sell).Relocated to Kentucky for family.Found the NetGain CEO role on LinkedIn, which becomes a running joke throughout the episode.2. HR & Hiring in TechHiring in cybersecurity is very difficult and highly competitive.Strategy:Grow from within whenever possible.Prioritize culture fit over skills (“You can learn any skill”).Hire people who can “talk like humans” since everyone is client-facing.Avoid rushing to fill seats — get “the right people in the right seat.”3. Culture & RetentionNetGain maps traits of their top 5 employees to guide hiring.Strong mentoring mentality at all levels.Exit interviews help refine their retention strategy.Leadership’s philosophy: treat people like family, build trust, coach them.4. Onboarding & Employee DevelopmentDeveloped a structured onboarding journey with HR and managers.After 60 days, Hank personally meets with every new hire to get feedback.Uses fresh eyes to identify broken or outdated processes.Employees appreciate clarity, KPIs, and knowing what their day looks like.EOS provides organ

In this episode, Jamie sits down with Laura Woodard, known as the Medical Marketing Maven, to talk about something all business owners face: how to build a team that really works. Laura shares how her personal journey caring for family members at the end of life inspired her to launch GrassRoots Medical Marketing — a Tampa-based agency helping private medical practices grow through ethical, effective marketing.But the heart of the conversation is about HR — how she hires, trains, supports, and builds a remote culture with intention. From her background in tech and corporate life to her deeply empathetic leadership style, Laura offers a transparent and practical look at how to lead with purpose in a service-based business.🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways🧠 Empathy in ActionLaura’s why is deeply rooted in personal experience, which shapes how she hires and leads her team.Empathy isn’t just a buzzword — it’s in her hiring decisions, onboarding process, and daily leadership style.“I really lead with the fact that I've been through trying desperately to find great doctors to help my mother and my aunt.”👥 HR Practices That Set You ApartLaura uses a situational interview style, asking “Tell me about a time when…” to assess thought process and alignment.Onboarding includes clear expectations, written roles, PTO policies, and 30/60/90-day plans.She runs a small but mighty team of 5, emphasizing quality culture over flashy perks."Most small businesses sort of wing it when they hire… I have everything written down, so there's no questions."🔒 HR in Healthcare = Compliance FirstMarketing for doctors isn’t just creative — it involves serious HIPAA compliance most people overlook.Her team undergoes HIPAA training, and she educates clients about what's legally safe in advertising."You can’t even put tracking info on a doctor’s website... a lot of people aren’t aware of the HIPAA regulations in regards to marketing."🧰 Tools & SystemsLaura constantly evaluates tools to support her team — emphasizing that the right tools change over time.Her approach to tech: “Try, test, and adapt.”"Technology’s not my easy fix, but I keep trying. That’s what it takes — being a lifelong learner."🤝 Building Culture RemotelyEven though the team is mostly remote, they stay connected through frequent Zooms, in-person lunches, and intentional check-ins.They’ve committed to flyin

In this episode of Business Owners Tell All: What It Takes, Jamie sits down with Kasandra Murray, founder of Unlucky Umbrella, a marketing and operations consultancy based in Columbus, Ohio. Kasandra offers a refreshing people‑first perspective on how businesses can grow sustainably by aligning marketing, operations, and HR.Kasandra shares how most organizational issues stem from broken processes—not broken people—and explains why focusing on documentation, hands‑on training, and open dialogue creates healthier, more resilient teams. Drawing from her experience in the manufacturing industry, she reveals how shifting to process‑first systems increased employee retention from the industry norm of six months to three to five years.Throughout the conversation, Kasandra breaks down her “Operations Improvement Funnel,” the pitfalls of poor onboarding, and how to develop high‑performing trainers who elevate entire teams. She also discusses the importance of being open‑minded as a leader, remaining flexible, and truly listening to employees at all levels.This episode is a must‑listen for business owners who want to grow without burning out their teams — and who believe that the best systems are the ones built for humans.🗒️ KEY EPISODE NOTES1. People-First OperationsKasandra emphasizes that 95% of problems come from broken processes, not people.Companies often mistakenly blame individuals first instead of examining the systems they were placed into.Cultural shift comes from asking: “What does the process look like?” instead of “Who did this?”2. Documentation as a LifelineGrowing companies often skip documenting how work is done — leading to frustration, inefficiency, and burnout.Even imperfect documentation saves time and reduces mental load.Employees experience better quality of life when they aren't left guessing about expectations.3. Burnout, Turnover h

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, host Jamie Seeker welcomes Laura Moore, a powerhouse entrepreneur and founder of Moore Injury Funding, a boutique legal funding firm based near Atlanta, Georgia. Laura opens up about her personal journey from injury and financial stress to building a purpose-driven company that helps others bridge the financial gap between injury and justice.The episode centers around a key question: How do you run a people-first business in a high-stress industry—and keep your team engaged, aligned, and supported?Laura shares her real-world HR challenges, the importance of strong company culture, and how her personal values show up in her leadership and hiring strategies. With just five employees and a nationwide reach, Laura proves that small teams can still make a massive impact—if you build them right.💬 Memorable Quotes“Money shouldn’t be a barrier to your healing.” – Laura Moore“Hiring isn’t just about filling a seat. It’s about protecting the mission.” – Laura Moore“One miscommunication can drop morale across the whole company. So I had to learn how to lead through clarity.” – Laura Moore“If you don’t have the tools internally—get help. There’s no shame in that.” – Jamie Seeker“You’ve got to ask yourself: Do I want to do this every single day? Is this my life’s purpose? If the answer’s yes, then you’re on the right path.” – Laura Moore🧠 Topics CoveredThe personal accident that inspired Laura’s businessWhat it’s like building a small but mighty teamHR lessons learned the hard way—and what Laura changedWhy internal communication systems are everythingCreating training programs from scratch (and whe

In this episode, Jamie Seeker sits down with Greg Gillespie, the Co-Founder of Collectiv — a fast-growing data and AI consulting firm that’s made the Inc. 5000 list three times. Greg shares his journey from being laid off in 2016 to building a 30-person firm helping mid-sized and enterprise businesses operationalize AI, Power BI, and data strategies across their organizations.But this isn’t a tech-heavy episode — it’s all about what really makes businesses grow sustainably: process, people, and leadership.Greg opens up about the hard lessons he’s learned from micromanaging, hiring too fast, and what it took to build a values-driven team that could scale smartly. From moving from all-1099 contractors to a W-2 team, to implementing EOS and culture-based hiring practices, he shares a masterclass in business growth through intentional people strategy.📌 Key Takeaways:AI success starts with process — not just tools. You need systems in place before layering in automation.Micromanaging is a trap for founders. Greg shares how "Delegate & Elevate" helped him shift his leadership style.Hiring for values > hiring for skills. Skills can be taught, but shared values and cultural fit are foundational.Invest in employee growth. Greg shares how their internal training paths are built to elevate team members from day one.Rapid hiring = real risks. Scaling without systems can cost more in the long run — both financially and culturally.💬 Memorable Quotes:🗣️ “I didn’t know how to build a team at first. I did everything myself. I was a micromanager because I felt like I had to be.” – Greg Gillespie🗣️ “We started with all contractors. It sounded great in theory — but when no one’s bought into the culture, things start slipping.” – Greg Gillespie🗣️ “If these core values don’t mean something to me, how can I expect anyone else in the company to live them out?” – Greg Gillespie🗣️ “You don’t realize how much it costs to hire the wrong person — until you do it a few times.” – Greg Gillespie🗣️ “If you’re gonna do this — build a business — you do it all the way or don’t do it at all. You’ve gotta commit.” – Greg Gillespie🗣️ “Eventually you plow through that wall and go, ‘Why was that so hard?’ But you only get there if you’re committed.” – Greg Gillespie🧠 Topics Covered:Greg’s entrepreneurial origin story — from layoff to leadershipBuilding a business around Microsoft’s Power BI & FabricHow EOS and “Delegate & Elevate” transformed his leadershipCultur

In this inspiring conversation, Jamie Seeker sits down with Derek Taussig — Army veteran, ultra-marathoner, and CEO of Taussig Landscape — to unpack what it really means to build a business with heart. Derek shares how mowing lawns as a teen evolved into running a full-service landscaping company with a powerful mission: enriching lives through the outdoors.From battlefield lessons in leadership to business systems and employee development, Derek walks us through the gritty and transformative path of entrepreneurship. He opens up about the emotional weight of being a business owner, how he stepped out of the “it only works if I’m in it” mindset, and the three pillars that helped him grow: trust, training, and hiring.📝 Show NotesEarly Roots: Derek talks about how his entrepreneurial drive started with a desire for a new bike and turned into a lawn-mowing business — with help and encouragement from his parents.Military Mindset: His service as a U.S. Army combat medic shaped not just his discipline, but his deep understanding of team dynamics and leadership — including what not to do.Business Evolution: Derek describes how he scaled from a solo operator to leading multiple teams by responding to demand and building a culture that values excellence.Stepping Out (Sort of): He shares the moment he thought he was out of the business — only to realize he was just in a different role. A local executive development course became a turning point.Building Systems: Derek emphasizes solving problems permanently through systems, handbooks, and clear expectations so the business doesn’t rely solely on him.Project Flow: We get a peek into the logistics of running a landscape design-build company, and how Derek’s team manages the entire process using specific software and defined job roles.Key Growth Lessons: The move from “everyone does everything” to hiring for specific skill sets was critical to sustainable growth.Leadership Philosophy: Derek breaks down his core principles: hire the right person, train them well, and build trust by giving them ownership — even when mistakes happen.Real Talk: Derek gets honest about burnout, doubt, and the emotional toll of business ownership — and why grit kept him going when things got tough.💬 Memorable Quotes“If you want nice things, you gotta work hard to go get them.” — Derek Taussig“I thought I was working on my business… but really, I just had a low-paying job for the hours I worked.” — Derek Taussig“If you have a problem, figure out how to make sure you never have that problem again. That’s how you scale.” — Derek Tau

In this episode of Business Owners Tell All: What It Takes, host Jamie Seeker sits down with Óscar Rubio, Founder and CEO of Lodgerin, a Madrid- and Miami-based proptech company redefining international mobility.What started as Óscar’s personal struggle to find housing in the UK evolved into a global digital ecosystem that now manages over 90,000 rental units worldwide — connecting universities, companies, and property owners with tenants seeking mid-term housing across continents.Óscar shares how early mistakes and manual work paved the way for Lodgerin’s smart automation and process excellence. From digitalizing relocation management to centralizing complex systems across multiple countries, he reveals how building strong processes — and a caring culture — became the backbone of his company’s success.This conversation dives into the process behind the growth, the balance between tech and human touch, and what it really takes to be an all-in founder in a global business.🧭 Key Takeaways💡 Start with the problem you’ve lived: Óscar’s journey began from personal frustration — he experienced the housing challenge first-hand, which gave him deep empathy for his customers.⚙️ Process is power: Lodgerin’s success came from systemizing every manual process — from PDF proposals to a fully digital, automated ecosystem.🧠 Automation + Empathy: True innovation lies in combining digital tools with proactive human support.🌍 Global doesn’t mean generic: Despite operating across Spain, Dubai, and the U.S., Óscar says relocation needs are universal — the key challenge is building the right supply and partnerships.❤️ “We Do Care” as a business model: Caring isn’t just for customers — it’s how Lodgerin treats its employees, partners, and shareholders too.🚀 Trust and delegation: Scaling requires building a team you trust — people who combine skill with commitment to the vision.🕰️ All-in commitment: Entrepreneurship demands complete alignment between your business, family, and life — or it simply doesn’t work.🗣️ Memorable Quotes“If a company for a small amount of money could help with relocation, I would totally hire them. That was the idea that started everything.” — Óscar Rubio“We’re not building space rockets — we’re solving a problem people are willing to pay for.” — Óscar Rubio“We do care isn’t just about the customer — it’s how we execute everything in the company.” — Óscar Rubio“You can have thousands of tools online, but if you d

🎙️ Episode SummaryIn this episode of Business Owners Tell All: What It Takes, host Jamie Seeker sits down with Dina Shanowitz, mother of five and founder/CEO of Zomee, a maternity and baby care brand based in Florida.Dina shares how her difficult first breastfeeding journey — exclusively pumping for a NICU baby with an outdated, inconvenient pump — inspired her to design a better solution. Zomee was born from that mission to create customizable, hospital-grade pumps and products that put moms’ needs first.She walks us through the courage it took to order her first shipment of pumps right after giving birth to her second child, the sleepless nights and fears she faced, and the determination to push forward when failure wasn’t an option.The conversation dives deep into process management and strategy, highlighting the systems Dina built to scale from a one-woman show to a global brand, while keeping empathy and innovation at the heart of Zomee’s operations.📝 Key Themes they’re more like sisters.”“As an entrepreneur, you have to take that jump. Sometimes things don’t make sense, but you have to believe and move forward.”“Building a business is not glamorous — it takes persistence through all the hiccups.”🔖 Notes for Promotion & S

In this episode, Tom Nassr dives into how business owners can think differently about process management, workflow design, and automation — not just for efficiency, but to unlock their team’s creativity and focus. Tom shares his evolution from philosophy major to design agency founder to automation strategist. With practical stories and frameworks, he offers a refreshing, human-first take on how to streamline operations without losing your soul to tech.📌 Key Notes flexibility comes from how you handle non-standard situations.Build systems that adapt, not ones that try to control every possible edge case.🧪 Real-World Example – COVID Impact Story:XRay.Tech helped a medical

In this episode of Business Owner Tell All: What It Takes host Jamie Seeker sits down with Dr. Connor Glass, Founder & CEO of Phantom Neuro, based in Austin, Texas. Connor shares his journey from aspiring military officer to medical researcher to startup founder, ultimately creating a neurotechnology company that’s revolutionizing how prosthetics connect with the human body.With Phantom Neuro’s recent $19 million Series A raise, Connor opens up about the strategies, pivots, and process decisions behind building a company at the cutting edge of science. From learning to “translate science into business” to choosing the right partners and investors, Connor tells all about what it really takes to survive and thrive in deep tech entrepreneurship.📌 Show NotesTopics We Covered:The Origin Story: From ROTC to Johns Hopkins research to founding Phantom Neuro.From Lab to Market: The difference between academic “proof of concept” and a real business model.Process vs. Passion: How Connor balances chaotic startup life with regulatory demands.Building the Right Circle: The role of family, friends, and strategic advisors in shaping his path.Fundraising & Strategy: Lessons from raising nearly $30M in venture capital.Partnerships & Credibility: Why aligning with organizations like Ottobock and Johns Hopkins was crucial.Process Management: How Phantom Neuro thrives in the chaos by prioritizing people and adaptability.The Founder Mindset: Why survival and relentless belief are the essence of entrepreneurship.💡 Memorable Quotes“What we were really seeing in those flashy YouTube videos was proof of concept, not commercial reality. Creating a product takes an entirely different mindset.”“So much amazing innovation just sits on the shelf in academia because nobody takes the risk to commercialize it.”“At the end of the day, it’s just sheer grit, trial and error, and waiting for something good to happen—getting a whole lot of no’s before you get a single yes.”“Neurotech is hard to explain—you can’t just give someone a slice of bread like my brother did with his startup.”“You are who you surround yourself with. I’ve abided by that fully in building this company.”“Wherever there’s red tape and process, I try to optimize it to keep the company alive while still pushing forward.”“What it takes is a relentless belief in what you’re doing—a desire to rather die than not succeed.”“There’s no playbook. It’s about staying alive long enough for something good to happen.”“In order to survive, you have to sprint

In this episode, Jamie Seeker talks with Dr. Damodar “Damo” Sahu, a global tech leader and philanthropist who’s turning AI into a force for good. Based in Northville, Michigan, Data Safeguard Inc. is an AI-powered data privacy and synthetic fraud prevention company helping enterprises protect digital identities before cybercriminals can exploit them.Dr. Sahu shares his journey — from growing up in a small town in Odisha, India, to leading digital transformation at Wipro, to co-founding a company built on responsible and ethical AI. He explains why privacy is the first line of defense, how process management fuels rapid innovation, and why partnerships are key to long-term growth.The conversation covers the staggering global cost of cybercrime, the danger of synthetic fraud, and the mindset it takes to run a business that’s driven by both mission and impact. Along the way, Dr. Sahu drops wisdom on aligning your “why” before your “what,” treating every stakeholder as a partner, and leading with purpose.📝 Show NotesKey Topics Discussed:Purpose to Privacy: Dr. Sahu’s personal and professional journey into AI-driven data protection.The founding of Data Safeguard and the vision for AI with a conscience.Why privacy matters more than ever in preventing fraud and protecting identities.The role of process management and strategy in scaling innovation in a fast-moving tech space.How privacy can shift from a “checkbox” to a business enabler that builds trust.The importance of aligning diverse teams and partners around a mission.The partner ecosystem approach — why building with intent matters more than selling quickly.The staggering financial cost of cybercrime and the silent threat of synthetic fraud.Future goals: scaling to a $1B valuation, advancing fraud prevention tools, and establishing a global center for ethical AI.Signature Question: What it really takes to be a business owner.Resources & Links:Website: www.datasafeguard.aiLinkedIn: Dr. Damodar SahuInstagram: @dr.damodarsahu (dance videos included!)💬 Memorable Quotes from Dr. Sahu"Privacy is the first line of defense. Security comes later.""From purpose to privacy — that’s my journey. And I want privacy to be a global mission, not just a product feature.""The moment you look at everyone — investors, customers, colleagues — as a partner, the game changes.

In this episode of Business Owners Tell All: What It Takes, Jamie Seeker speaks with Seth Kamens, founder of Kamens & Associates, a full-service accounting and consulting firm based in Livingston, NJ, just 30 minutes outside New York City.Seth’s career path wasn’t straightforward—after stints in Washington, D.C., recovering from a serious illness, and working at powerhouse firms like Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, Deloitte, and Cohn, he realized he hated working for others in environments that didn’t value people. In 2012, he launched Kamens & Associates with just six clients, a partner, and a small office. Today, the firm serves clients worldwide, from billionaires to solopreneurs.In this candid conversation, Seth shares why CPAs should be more than tax preparers—they should be proactive strategic partners. He unpacks why regular check-ins, process simplification, and realistic growth planning are essential for entrepreneurs who want to avoid costly mistakes and scale successfully. He also highlights the emotional and professional support business owners need to thrive.📌 Key TakeawaysProactive > Reactive – Meeting with your CPA twice a year can save you from costly missteps in taxes, entity structure, and cash flow.Relationships Over Transactions – People remember responsiveness and respect, not page 120 of a tax return.Process Simplification Matters – Basic systems (QuickBooks, separate accounts, monthly check-ins) prevent financial chaos.Growth Requires Strategy – The bigger the goal, the more you need back-office and advisory support.Emotional Support is Critical – Confidence from partners, family, and peers can carry you through the hardest early years.💬 Memorable Quotes"No one’s going to know what’s on page 120 of a tax return. They’re going to know if you call them back.""I’m not going to bill you for a 5-minute phone call—it just creates a negative connotation.""If you want to go from $100K to $500K in three years, you’re going to need help.""The idea is not to be perfect—it’s to get you in the ballpark.""I see myself as an entrepreneur who happens to be a CPA.""You need three or four people you intuitively trust, who will tell you no.""You need guts, emotional support, and a basic business background to succeed."🗒 Notable Moments to HighlightSeth’s unconventional path into accounting, including his illness and early challenges.The Facebook and LinkedIn outreach campaign that landed his first six clients.Why he targets underserved soloprene

In this powerful episode, Jamie Seeker sits down with Jim Parrish, founder of Parrish Law Firm, PLLC, based in Northern Virginia. Jim shares how he built a multi-million-dollar personal injury practice rooted in values and client trust—all on a contingency-fee model where the firm only gets paid if clients win.Drawing from his early days inside the insurance industry, Jim now uses that knowledge to fight for accident victims in car and commercial trucking crashes. But what really sets him apart is his commitment to process, strategy, and community—from internal AI-powered systems to giving away bikes and coats through his community programs.He talks about hiring ahead of the curve, managing high-stakes deadlines, and staying true to the mission—even when no one’s watching. This episode is packed with takeaways for entrepreneurs navigating risk, growth, and purpose.🧠 Key Takeaways & Notes🎯 Business StrategyJim started his firm just two weeks before the birth of his first child—leaning on faith, grit, and strategy to make it work.His contingency-fee model means his firm doesn’t get paid unless the client wins—so case selection, risk management, and internal process are critical.Selective intake is a must in Virginia due to the harsh “contributory negligence” law, which bars recovery even if the victim is just 1% at fault.⚙️ Process Management & GrowthThe firm has developed a detailed procedural manual and leverages AI and KPIs to monitor internal performance.Jim meets regularly with case managers to proactively stay ahead of deadlines—citing “be early” as a business and life principle.Delegation and trust are essential for scale—especially in high-risk businesses where mistakes are costly.💡 Team BuildingJim hires and trains based on shared values first, skills second.He leads internal scenario-based training sessions to prepare staff for insurance company tactics.💛 Community ImpactCommunity service began with time (volunteering and coaching) and evolved into financial giving as the firm grew.Signature initiatives:Wild Summer: Kids at Play – Gifting bikes and outdoor gear500 Coat Drive – Providing warm clothing for local familiesScholarships – Funding students entering college💼 Leadership & What It TakesHard work is non-negotiable.Delegation, trust, and building a values-aligned team are keys to sustainable leadership.Giving back isn’t a phase—it’s a mindset from day one.💬 Memorable Quotes"I'm not a gambler in my personal life, but in business,

Tammy Lisi, affectionately known as The Unicorn Chemist, joins Jamie Seeker to share her unconventional journey from chemistry intern to neurophysiology researcher to co-founding Formulate Robotics, a tech-powered contract manufacturing company operating out of rural Iowa. In this deeply authentic episode, Tammy opens up about breaking into male-dominated STEM fields, the emotional weight of fundraising, lessons learned from hiring missteps, and the quiet tenacity it takes to lead in science, business, and innovation.Tammy’s story is a reminder that innovation doesn't only happen in big cities or corporate labs — and it’s proof that your background doesn’t box you in; it equips you to lead.📝 Episode Notes🔬 From Molecules to MachinesTammy started her career in veterinary chemistry and moved into neurophysiology research at the University of Iowa, where she worked for over a decade and published peer-reviewed articles.After leaving academia, she renovated a horse property, reassessed her path, and eventually launched a consulting lab, Unicorn Chemist.🤝 The Power of PartnershipCo-founded Formulate and later Formulate Robotics with Osmaan Shah, combining her science background with his expertise in robotics and coding.The company developed an automated manufacturing platform to solve pain points for brands in personal care and pharma.💼 Business & Financial LessonsTammy shares a candid story about hiring too early and hiring the wrong fit — a quality chemist rather than a creative R&D thinker — which hurt the business for years.Eventually pivoted to working with experienced freelance chemists instead of a traditional in-house team.👩‍🔬 Women in STEMOften the only woman in a room full of men — even early in her career on a 14-person science team.Faced moments of exclusion and being underestimated, like being told to “call the real chemist.”Tammy emphasizes that becoming the recognized expert in your space shifts the power dynamic.🧠 Inner Doubt and ResilienceAdmits to still second-guessing herself, even decades into her career.Encourages young women to work hard, stay humble, and trust their ability to grow into confidence.📍Rural InnovationOperates her robotics lab from rural Iowa, proving that cutting-edge science and scalable solutions can be built anywhere.💬 Memorable Quotes“I got my internship at Mallinckrodt by helping someone. That

Pete Bernard’s journey spans from launching firmware startups in high school to leading major innovations at Microsoft and now reshaping the global conversation around Edge AI. In this conversation, Pete breaks down the mindset behind product innovation, why timing and customer clarity matter more than features, and how conviction, collaboration, and education play critical roles in staying ahead in fast-evolving tech landscapes.From financial planning in billion-dollar product teams to bootstrapping startups, Pete offers a transparent, practical look at decision-making across business models. And at the heart of it all? A commitment to empowering people—with knowledge, with access, and with the courage to lead.🧠 Show Notes / Talking Points🔹 The JourneyStarted building software in high school in New JerseyMoved from Boston to Silicon Valley for early tech roles and startupsJoined Microsoft, where he spent nearly 20 years building products like Zune, Windows Phone, and Azure IoTNow leads the EDGE AI Foundation, formerly tinyML, based in Seattle, WA🔹 Innovation & Product BuildingGreat products aren’t just cool—they solve real, specific problems for real people.Timing in the market is often more critical than the tech itself.Microsoft taught him to think at scale: “If it’s not a billion-dollar business, it’s not worth doing here.”🔹 Leadership & ConvictionConviction in the vision is essential: “That conviction permeates the whole organization.”Leadership means making the hard financial and strategic decisions early—and not waiting for someone else to do it.🔹 Education & Access in AIPete’s vision for the EDGE AI Foundation: “Not just about accelerating business, but empowering people through knowledge.”The Foundation supports scholarships, education programs, and global tech community-building.🔹 Financial Planning LessonsStartup mode: Focused on smart capital allocation, high growth expectations.Corporate innovation: Every project had to justify billion-dollar ROI and high margins.Nonprofit mode: Still solving problems and creating value, just for a different kind of “customer.”💬 Memorable Quotes“You kind of know where things are heading—you just don’t know when. That’s the hardest part.”“Don’t fall in love with your product. Fall in love with the problem you’re solving.”“The timing is now. There’s never been a bet

In this episode of Business Owners Tell All: What It Takes, Brett Swarts, founder of Capital Gains Tax Solutions, shares how financial loss, faith, and family values shaped his mission to help others exit wisely. After watching a client (and his own family) lose everything due to poor financial planning, Brett made it his life’s work to educate high-net-worth individuals on the power of the Deferred Sales Trust (DST). He opens up about building his business from zero during the 2008 crash, living with family, and working nights at the Cheesecake Factory — all while refusing to quit.The episode explores faith-based entrepreneurship, redefining ROI as Return on Time and Return on Impact, and creating a business that enables life on your terms.📝 Key Themes borrowed $5,000 to stay afloat.This experience grounded his long-term mission to build something lasting.“We were flat on our back financially… but that season gave us clarity and grit that shaped everything.”🔁 Transformational Case: "Steve"Client Steve lost $50M, his marriage, and time with his kids.Inspired Brett to find a better exit strategy for families to preserve wealth and unity.Sparked the mission to serve “the Steves of the world.”“I want to dedicate the rest of my working career to helping those kinds of families.”💰 The Deferred Sales Trust (DST)A legal installment sale using a trust to defer capital gains taxes.Works for real estate, business sales, Bitcoin, and more.Creates flexible, passive income streams without 1031 constraints.“It’s about freedom — liquidity, diversification, and peace of mind.”🧠 Key Concept: ROT = Return on TimeHelped client trade the “3 T’s — toilets, trash, termites” for time with his twin daughters.Reframed value beyond just ROI — it’s about lifestyle alignment and values.“He realized he was trading time with his daughters for trash and termites.” “Our job is to help people unlock time and freedom, not just wealth.”🧭 Family-First Planning & LegacyBrett and his wife created a goal: 1,000 extraordinary days in 100 unique places before their kids turn 18.Built a business around flexibility and purpose.Encourages families to define mission, vision, and values<

In this candid and deeply relatable conversation, Gregory Vetter, co-founder of Tessemae’s and current CEO of Alta Fresh Foods, joins What It Takes to talk about the real cost of entrepreneurship—with a focus on financials. Drawing from his honest and hilarious book Undressed, Greg shares his multi-phase “Money Quest” journey, including investor pitfalls, oil spills, media hype, board takeovers, and ultimately, how bankruptcy led to personal freedom and a renewed vision.Now with Alta Fresh Foods, Greg has taken those hard-earned lessons and created a profitable, purpose-driven business that prioritizes transparency, efficiency, and solving real problems in food manufacturing. He’s also paying it forward through HomeGrown Brands, helping other founders build smarter.💡 Key Takeaways & Themes:🔸 Financial Growth & Missteps:Fundraising felt like validation early on—but came with major consequences.“Move fast and break things” doesn’t work when you’re shoveling up oil with kitty litter.The emotional desire to be seen and validated by investors led to avoidable decisions.The Money Quests in his book represent different stages of growth, failure, and learning—essential financial storytelling for entrepreneurs.🔸 Alta Fresh Foods:Designed to reduce food waste and labor inefficiencies in retail food assembly.Won Sam’s Club Supplier of the Year through radical transparency and over-communication.Differentiated by eliminating co-packers and controlling the process in-house.No outside investors—complete ownership and freedom in decision-making.🔸 The Board Takeover & Chapter 11:Despite having the evidence, the board’s control and court battles forced Greg into bankruptcy.He describes it as his “freedom moment,” where every fear was exposed, and faith was found.The hardest moments led him to his personal transformation—and a deeper connection to God, family, and purpose.📌 Memorable Quotes:“If you don’t laugh, you’re gonna cry.”“You cannot half-ass any part of growth.”“I thought that if I won Entrepreneur of the Year, that was gonna mean something big. And it didn’t.”“Hype is ego.”“What are you pretending to not know about the situation?” (credit to Dr. Jonathan Fader)“Every fear that I’ve ever had—all was exposed in the journey.”“The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.” (Joseph Campbell)“There are four things money can’t buy: your health, your soul, your time, and your children’s love. If you keep those four t

In this episode, Jamie Seeker talks with Matthew Neill Davis, founder of Davis Business Law—a firm that has scaled to nine locations across the Midwest and South, making the rare leap onto the Inc. 5000 list. Matthew shares how he built a multi-office law firm from Enid, Oklahoma, his philosophy behind the "Strong Protected Business System," and real-world lessons in preventing disaster before it strikes.A heavy metal guitarist and author of The Art of Preventing Stupid, Matt opens up about how he's helping entrepreneurs think ahead, avoid legal pitfalls, and scale with confidence. From emotional client stories to candid advice on financial planning, this episode is packed with insights for business owners who want to protect what they're building.📌 Key Takeaways & Notes🏢 Scaling a Law FirmExpansion started with opening an office in Oklahoma City and continued organically to 9 offices including Denver.Growth was often opportunistic—“We were just too dumb to know we couldn’t do it.”🛡️ The Strong Protected Business SystemDeveloped in response to seeing clients make preventable mistakes.Encourages businesses to identify vulnerabilities before they become liabilities.Focuses on three key areas:CatastrophesIgnorance (what you don’t know)Ineptitude (what you know but don’t do)💥 Memorable Story: Insurance Saved the BusinessClient with a major oil field company upgraded insurance after Matthew intervened.A tragic accident involving one of their trucks could have bankrupted the company—but didn’t, because of that decision.“He asked, ‘What about the company?’ and I said, ‘We’re fine—because we had that conversation.’”💰 Financial Blind SpotsMany businesses lack adequate insurance coverage.Legal risk often underestimated, especially in high-liability sectors like trucking or healthcare.“Your capabilities are your lid. If you're not constantly improving, you're holding your company back.”📈 Growth & Profit MarginsMiddle stages of business (e.g., $5M in revenue) are the toughest: you need leadership infrastructure but haven’t hit high-revenue efficiency.Growing too fast without planning can squeeze margins and overwhelm systems.📊 When to PlanLegal and financial planning should scale with the business’s growth stage.Davis Business Law offers a free resource outlining legal best practices by revenue/employee count on their website.👥 Leadership & CultureLeading a professional services firm is li

In this mind-expanding episode, Jamie Seeker sits down with Ajay Malik—CEO of StudioX-AI, futurist, inventor, and former tech exec at Google, Cisco, HP, and Motorola. Now based in San Jose, California, Ajay shares how his obsession with innovation led to 100+ patents and the founding of StudioX, an AI platform built to democratize predictive insights for businesses.Ajay discusses the ethics of AI, financial planning with machine learning, and how to make AI not just a tool—but a co-founder. This episode is a masterclass in what it takes to lead with vision and values in an increasingly AI-driven world.🗒️ Episode Notes / Key Takeaways:Ajay’s Origin Story: Left cushy tech jobs for 120-hour weeks—by choice. “I have to have that freedom to build and create.”Patents as Motivation: He calls the recognition of unique innovation “addictive.”Why StudioX Exists: To give businesses AI tools once only available at places like Google.On AI & Ethics: Warns of “intellectual property pollution” in large language models—like using stolen code unknowingly.Financial Planning with AI: “Skill is no longer a differentiator. Everyone has an employee now—it's called AI.”Business Advice: Make AI usage mandatory in your company. “Every founder should be prompting together with their team.”💬 Memorable Quotes:“I don’t have a lot of skills—but my AI assistant does. That’s all I need.”“Stop treating AI as an assistant. Use it as your co-founder.”“AI is like a buffet—it’s easy to grab everything, but one day, you’ll pay the price if you’re not careful.”“The next big feature isn’t on your phone. It’s you—how you interface with AI.”“Make AI mandatory. Before someone asks a question, I say: show me the prompt you tried first.”

In this episode, she unpacks how authenticity, strategic financial planning, leadership evolution, and bold branding helped her business not just survive—but scale. From creating “Stoplight Reports” to empowering global teams, Arielle offers practical advice with raw honesty and high energy.📝 Key Interview Notes🔥 Startup StoryArielle didn’t start with Marketing 411—she had several businesses that didn’t make it.The breakthrough came from a chance meeting with her future business partner in the roofing space.They combined forces to meet a pressing market demand for marketing services in contracting.💡 “Oh Crap” & “Aha” MomentsRealized no business—even those making hundreds of millions—has it all figured out.Shifted from feeling “I must be doing it wrong” to “everyone’s figuring it out.”💸 Financial Planning & StrategyInitially didn’t understand financial metrics beyond basic awareness.Introduced weekly financial reviews (instead of monthly) using Stoplight Reports.“Most companies look at their financials 12 times a year. We look 52 times.”Key advice: “There’s no financial problem in your business that more sales can’t fix.”📊 Tactical TakeawaysKnow your numbers: P&L ≠ bank balance.Start with financial awareness, then make strategic changes.Reverse engineer growth: start with the vision, then identify the systems, tools, and people needed.👩‍💼 Women in LeadershipBeing female in a male-dominated space is an advantage, not a limitation.“I get to use this to my advantage and make it a reason to excel forward, not be behind.”🌎 Leadership LessonsBiggest hurdle: herself.Used techniques like the “Bring a Solution, Not Just a Problem” model and the 10/80/10 rule.“I was my biggest hurdle. I had to break old habits to become a better leader.”💬 Signature Question – What It Takes?“I have ‘whatever it takes’ tattooed on me. This is a you-versus-you game. You’re in a lifelong game of Monopoly. And you gotta be ready to do whatever it takes.”💬 Memorable Quotes“If you’ve never hit multi-7 figures, you won’t know how to act like one. You learn as you go.”“Marketing systems should not just bring in leads—they should bring in the right ones.”“Being a business owner means you never arrive. You’re always on the move.”“You are in a lifelong video game. It's you versus you.”“Don’t cage your people—let them fly. That’s when the magic happens.”

In this episode, Laura dives into her growth strategy, from starting her firm in her living room to making intentional hiring decisions and scaling while staying mission-driven. She also breaks down how she approached financial planning, cash flow, and the importance of knowing when to ask for help. Her perspective on balancing business with empathy, motherhood, and personal leadership makes this episode especially empowering for women and minority entrepreneurs.🔑 Key Notes & Topics🎯 Founding StorySurvivor of a serious injury at age 3 (German shepherd attack).Channeled that trauma into a passion for justice and advocacy.Initially practiced defense law, then transitioned to plaintiff representation after discovering her true alignment.📍 Austin as Her BaseFell in love with Austin during law school internships.Returned to build her practice after starting her career in South Texas.💼 Scaling to 8-FiguresStarted her firm solo, working from her living room.Grew intentionally by hiring based on mission-alignment, not just skill.First hire: a college student she trained personally.Growth was strategic, beginning with part-time help and building toward a full legal team.💰 Financial PlanningKnew personal injury inside out from her work in other firms.Understood case value, staffing needs, and time to resolution.Recognized her financial knowledge limits—brought in experts, including her husband and bookkeeping help early on.Emphasized not abdicating financial oversight, even when delegating.💡 Mindset & StrategyAdvocates for mission-driven leadership.Prioritized collaboration and culture fit over quick hiring.</

In this insightful episode, Randy Lorensen shares his unexpected journey from poker pro to national franchise founder. He talks candidly about starting Premium Cabinets with no background in design or construction, and how his drive for continual growth led him to systematize the business for national scalability. Randy also dives deep into financial mindset, offering practical tips for business owners, and previews his upcoming book aimed at transforming the way people understand money.This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs looking to gain control of their finances, scale smart, and adopt an abundance mindset.📝 EPISODE NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS🔧 Business Journey:Originally moved to Texas during the dotcom boom and played poker professionally for 8 years.Got into the cabinet business with no prior experience—learned everything from scratch.Started Premium Cabinets with the idea to build and sell it quickly, but ended up falling in love with the business.Gained traction by creating systems, training materials, and a proprietary CRM platform that supports dealers nationwide.Grew the company through word of mouth—now operates in 35+ markets.💰 Financial Mindset:Advocates strongly for financial literacy and believes it's a foundational pillar of personal freedom.His upcoming book Demystifying Money uses fiction storytelling to make complex financial concepts approachable and engaging.Believes that most people underestimate the role money plays in shaping life decisions, yet don’t understand how money really works.💡 Practical Business Tips:Hire a bookkeeper: Most entrepreneurs aren’t built to manage finances—and that’s okay.Never stop marketing: “Advertising should be the last thing you cut.”Know your numbers: Cash flow and tax planning are essential to business survival.Invest in yourself: Randy regularly took sales courses, analyzed h

In this episode of Business Owners Tell All: What It Takes, host Jamie Seeker sits down with Jonathan Raymond, the founder and CEO of Ren AI, a coaching technology company based in San Diego, California. With a background that spans law, tech entrepreneurship, and nonprofit leadership, Jonathan shares how he discovered the missing link in leadership: authentic, emotionally intelligent conversations.We dig into:Why leaders struggle with hard feedbackHow personal development collides with business resultsThe myth of “soft skills” in the workplaceWhy culture is the biggest driver of financial outcomesCommon financial missteps leaders make while scalingPlus, Jonathan delivers a powerful answer to our signature question—what it really takes to be a business owner in today’s world.🧠 Key Themes & Takeaways🧭 Origin StoryJonathan realized in his first CEO role that driving results wasn’t enough—he lacked the ability to develop people.Despite personal training in therapy and mindfulness, he couldn’t translate those skills into the workplace. That gap sparked the creation of Good Authority and eventually Ren AI."I suck at this… and I think I'm a pretty well-intentioned person. Maybe this is a bigger problem than I think."🧠 Emotional Intelligence is a Business StrategyLeaders often confuse vulnerability with weakness. In fact, acknowledging fear or anxiety fosters trust and deepens engagement.Authenticity is not a luxury—it’s a productivity tool.“We grow our businesses at the pace we grow our willingness to tell the truth.”💸 Financial Planning & Leadership BehaviorThe disconnect between culture and financial outcomes is a major issue in growth-stage businesses.Jonathan breaks it down: poor metrics aren’t a product problem—they’re a people and

In this candid and energizing episode, Julie Cole shares the story of how she left a career in law to co-found Mabel’s Labels, all while raising six kids and navigating the challenges of early entrepreneurship. From launching in a basement with her sister and two friends to growing into a business with a 20,000 sq. ft. facility and 50+ employees, Julie walks us through the grit, risk, and reality behind building a brand parents trust.She dives into how thoughtful business planning, strong partnerships, and a culture of shared accountability powered their growth — and how managing both a family and a startup required perspective, planning, and humor. Julie also opens up about the role of privilege in entrepreneurship and why it’s important to name it.📝 Key Notes it's long hours, risk, and sacrifice.📈 Business Planning InsightsDespite starting with modest expectations, they treated the business seriously from day one.Had structured business planning, took meeting minutes, and developed a long-term growth mindset.“It’s a living document” — business plans were revisited regularly as the company scaled.💡 Bootstrapping & PartnershipsMabel’s Labels was bootstrapped — no outside funding.Sharing financial and mental load among co-founders was a key to early survival.Strong communication, clear expectations, and a shareholder agreement were crucial.📊 Strategic Growth & LeadershipJulie stresses the need to eventually step back and let managers lead.<span class=

In this episode, Jamie Seeker sits down with self-made entrepreneur Yousef Benhamida, who turned a one-bedroom apartment and a few hundred dollars into Humboldts Secret Supplies—now one of the top-selling plant nutrient brands in the U.S.Yousef opens up about how success came not just through hustle, but from rock bottom moments, personal loss, and radical discipline. From taking stimulants to stay awake through 16-hour workdays to losing it all after reaching a false peak, he shares the real story behind what it takes—not just to build a business, but to rebuild a man.🔑 KEY THEMES & TAKEAWAYSYour First Win Might Not Be the Big One: Yousef thought he "made it" when he hit early revenue milestones, only to later realize his vision had been too small. True business ownership came with hard-earned wisdom.Pain as a Catalyst: From heartbreak and burnout to financial collapse, Yousef believes his greatest breakthroughs came through personal pain. He sees setbacks as vital inflection points.Discipline > Motivation: For Yousef, the turning point was shifting from chasing success to building consistency. He cut out distractions, toxic habits, and false validation to gain long-term focus.Business Planning Without Formal Tools: With no roadmap or degree, Yousef learned by doing. Trial, error, and iteration replaced traditional strategy.What It Really Takes: It’s not about flashy goals like a Ferrari or a million dollars—it’s about whether you can survive the storm and stay in the game when everything goes sideways.📌 MEMORABLE QUOTES“Champions do whatever it takes. Literally.”“I got it all — the money, the girl, the car — and then I lost it all. And the question became: was it even worth chasing?”“Most people don’t get stuck because they don’t know what to do. They get stuck because of the things they refuse to stop doing.”“I learned that the pain is what pushes you forward. It’s not the plan. It’s not the wins. It’s the pain.”“You want to know what it takes to be a business owner? A big stomach. You have to stomach the swings — emotionally, financially, and mentally.”“At some point, you stop being controlled by money. You stop being afraid of the numbers. You realize… it’s just a number on a screen.”🎯 WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR<li data-list=

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Business Owners Tell All: What It Takes, Jamie Seeker sits down with Kyle Bachus, co-founder of Bachus & Schanker, LLC in Denver, Colorado. From his early inspiration as a 17-year old arguing in a mock Supreme Court, to founding one of the most respected personal injury law firms in the region, Kyle shares what it really takes to build a values-driven business — one rooted in justice, service, and heart.But this episode goes far beyond business. When Kyle’s own mother was tragically killed in a crosswalk accident, the work he had done for decades suddenly became deeply personal. That loss redefined how he practiced law, inspired his bestselling book Unthinkable, and drove him to create a victim-centered approach that supports families through grief — legally, emotionally, and practically.Through humor, humility, and incredible insight, Kyle opens up about taking risks, betting on himself, and building a team culture grounded in empathy and excellence.📝 Show Notes & ThemesGuest: Kyle Bachus Organization: Bachus & Schanker, LLC Location: Denver, Colorado Website: kylebachus.com🔑 Topics Discussed:The moment a teenage Kyle realized law was his callingLaunching a law firm with $13,800 and a handshake at a Denver barEarly business planning decisions (and the creative hustle behind them)Betting on yourself: entrepreneurship without a safety netStaying grounded in your “why” through rapid firm growthExperiencing personal tragedy and the impact it had on his practiceWriting Unthinkable and redefining client advocacy in wrongful death casesThe power of empathy in law and leadershipKyle’s perspective on legacy, service, and what it truly takes to be a business owner💬 Memorable Quotes“I had $13,800 from a home equity loan. We wrote the deal on a napkin at a bar and I got paid $500 a month for the first six months. That’s how we started.” – Kyle Bachus<blockquot

In this episode of Business Owners Tell All: What It Takes, Jamie Seeker sits down with Juan Cruz, founder and managing attorney of JCA Law, PLLC, a Texas-based education law firm with offices in Laredo, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi. With nearly 30 years of legal experience and a track record that includes a win before the Texas Supreme Court, Juan shares the grit, strategy, and heart it took to build a respected firm from scratch.Juan opens up about:Walking away from big law to follow his own visionBuilding a niche firm in education lawBalancing courtroom advocacy with smart business planningExpanding across Texas without taking on debtThe power of kindness and trust in leadershipWhy it’s vital to know your lane — and stay in itWhether you're a legal professional, business owner, or aspiring entrepreneur, Juan’s journey is packed with real talk, hard-won lessons, and pragmatic wisdom for anyone navigating leadership under pressure.🎧 Intro (Polished Version for Read-Aloud or Episode Description)Welcome back to What It Takes, the podcast where we dig into the real stories behind successful businesses — and the bold people who built them.Today, we head into the high-stakes world of education law with someone who’s been in the legal trenches for nearly 30 years: Juan Cruz, founder of JCA Law, PLLC. From winning before the Texas Supreme Court to advising school districts across the state, Juan’s journey is one of courage, clarity, and calculated risk.With offices across Laredo, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi, Juan shares how he built a thriving firm without debt, how he earns trust in a politically charged landscape, and why true leadership shows up in the storm — not just the sunshine.🎤 Outro (Spoken-Style Version)Juan, thank you for sharing so much with us — not just the wins, but the values that guide how you lead. Your story is a reminder that what it takes to run a business isn’t just strategy or ambition — it’s trust, clarity, and yes, a whole lot of hard work.To learn more about Juan and his firm, visit jca-law.com and follow @jcalaw on Instagram and Facebook — we’ll link everything in the show notes.And he

In this insightful and candid episode, Joseph Nagle, Head of Strategy at Pando Electric, shares how his team is disrupting the EV charging space by simplifying the tech, targeting underserved communities, and building a resilient, mission-aligned company culture.From securing a $5.4 million state grant to pioneering smart outlet charging that cuts costs and maintenance, Joseph walks us through what it takes to build a scalable and meaningful solution in an emerging industry—while also opening up about leadership, hiring, and the importance of persistence.📝 EPISODE NOTES🚀 Startup Journey & Industry InsightsPando Electric’s innovation: A smart outlet solution for EV charging in multifamily buildings—cheaper, easier to install, and far less prone to vandalism than traditional chargers.Why outlets over chargers? “It’s a more simplistic product. People already know how to use an outlet.”Impact of the California Energy Commission Grant: $5.4M to install 1,600+ outlets across California, primarily in disadvantaged and underserved communities.💼 Human Resources & CultureHiring Philosophy: Look for people who are hungry, creative problem-solvers, not just technically proficient.Interview Tactics: Open-ended questions and unexpected prompts to assess thinking, creativity, and how candidates handle uncertainty.Onboarding Strategy: New hires start with hands-on learning and eventually take on a “capstone project” to identify and address a real gap in the business.Retention Approach: Equity-based incentives and alignment with the company mission over prestige or big-name offers.🧠 Leadership & Personal LessonsJoseph’s biggest takeaway from years in EV startups?“Patience and persistence. Every project will have something go absolutely horribly wrong.”He stresses the importance of seeking help and building community around your venture:“Even if you’re the smar

In this episode, Jamie sits down with Jake Malott, the founder of Whitestone DCI, a Los Angeles-based consulting firm that specializes in preconstruction project management and land use consulting. From giving Segway tours and dressing as a pineapple to breaking through LA’s regulatory red tape, Jake’s journey into business ownership is anything but conventional.He shares how persistence, creativity, and valuing his own work were key to launching and sustaining his company — all while building a team, learning on the fly, and reinventing his pricing model in an ultra-competitive, bureaucratic environment.Whether you’re in real estate or just trying to figure out how to charge what you’re worth, Jake’s story is packed with insight and hard-won wisdom.📌 Key Takeaways & Notes🎯 Getting Started with NothingJake moved to LA without a job and followed a trail of seven connections to land his first role in the preconstruction space.He literally said, “I’ll dig a ditch, just get me into this industry,” to show how badly he wanted the opportunity.💡 Finding a NicheHe entered an obscure, specialized field (land use consulting) most people haven’t heard of unless they’re already deep in development.Recognized a gap and built Whitestone to serve clients big firms passed over.💸 Undervaluing Himself at FirstInitially nervous to send even a $500 invoice.Over time, he realized:“If it takes me an hour to do something, it's because it took me years to get to being able to do it in an hour.”🛠️ Building a Business from the Ground UpUsed creative compensation strategies (like profit-sharing with consultants) because he couldn’t afford to pay salaries.Created a pricing model around “blocks of work” instead of traditional hourly rates to improve clarity and client buy-in.👥 Team Building & CultureFocuses on hiring people with emotional intelligence and curiosity — not just technical skill.Built a culture that reflects his creative, liberal arts background, with a workspace that feels inspiring a

In this episode, Dr. Lauren Jones, a veterinarian and Director of Veterinary Medicine at Shepherd Veterinary Solutions, shares her deeply personal and powerful journey from childhood dreams of vet med to burnout, evolution, and bold leadership. Now based in Phoenix, Arizona, Lauren owns and leads the Animal Hospital of Chester County remotely, while serving the broader industry through tech and advocacy work. She opens up about the mental toll of veterinary work, the importance of human-centered leadership, and how embracing team input and streamlined software radically improved her practice and quality of life.📌 Key Notes & Takeaways:🐾 Her Origin Story & Pivot to OwnershipKnew she wanted to be a veterinarian since age 6.Bought her first practice five years out of school and a second shortly after.Life shifted during COVID when her family relocated from Philadelphia to Phoenix, prompting her to sell one hospital and lead her practice remotely.🔥 Burnout & Mental HealthExperienced intense burnout working 80-hour weeks while raising young kids.Describes the emotional rollercoaster of vet med (from puppy visits to euthanasia in minutes).Calls attention to staggering mental health stats in the industry — up to 3x the national average for suicide and depression.🌟 “Reclaiming Joy” as a MissionStepped into a thought leadership role at Shepherd Veterinary Software to promote joy and sustainability in the profession.Uses her platform to speak out on destigmatizing burnout and creating meaningful support systems.👥 HR Philosophy & Leadership LessonsEarly mistake: trying to separate team from business decisions — now deeply values team buy-in.HR game-changer: explaining the “why” behind every change, from software rollouts to operations.Learned the hard way that even small changes (like phone systems) can disrupt workflow and morale without proper onboarding or communication.

In this insightful episode of Business Owners Tell All: What It Takes, host Jamie Seeker talks with Justin Tollefson, Principal at Pearson Design Group, a boutique architecture firm based in Bozeman, Montana known for designing stunning, story-driven homes. Justin opens up about his 20+ year journey with the firm, how his leadership style has evolved, and what it really takes to run a design-focused business with heart. From building creative culture and hiring for character to developing young talent and navigating the less glamorous parts of leadership, this conversation gets real about the human side of architecture.Whether you're leading a team, managing creatives, or just trying to build something meaningful, this episode is full of grounded insights and wisdom for business owners in any industry.📋 Show Notes:Guest: Justin Tollefson, Principal at Pearson Design GroupLocation: Bozeman, MontanaInstagram: @pearsondesigngroupWebsite: pearsondesigngroup.comTopics Covered:Justin’s evolution from young designer to firm principalHiring for character and training for skillBalancing creativity with accountability in a team environmentWhy patience is critical in the architecture worldDeveloping people when you were never formally trained to do soThe leadership shift from “me” to “we”The dream of pushing sustainable architecture furtherWhat it truly takes to run a business with creative integrity💬 Memorable Quotes:“The older I get, the more I realize leadership isn’t about proving yourself—it’s about listening, synthesizing, and supporting others.” — Justin Tollefson“You can want to design a cool building, but if you lose sight that it’s for real people, you’ve missed the point.” — Justin Tollefson“You don’t really know if someone’s a fit until they’re in it—

In this inspiring episode, Jamie Seeker sits down with Dr. Michael Remson, President and CEO of KeyNote, home of the San Diego Youth Symphony, located in San Diego’s historic Balboa Park. Michael shares his powerful journey from growing up in musical theater in New York City to becoming a nationally respected nonprofit arts leader. He dives into how music shaped his life from a young age, how early access to arts education builds future-ready skills in children, and why cradle-to-college programming is the future of inclusive arts access. He also opens up about the challenges of managing 80+ staff, recruiting talent in an expensive city, and the delicate balance between passion and business in nonprofit leadership. Producer NotesThemes:The transformational power of music in childhoodNonprofit innovation and leadership in arts educationBuilding programs with real, measurable community impactChallenges of staffing, HR, and sustainability in high-cost urban areasRebranding and restructuring to create lasting organizational clarityFlow & Structure:Michael’s artistic roots and personal journey into musicTransition from composer to nonprofit leader (AFA in Houston)Founding and scaling cradle-to-college programming at KeyNoteDetailed overview of early childhood programs (Chimes, Music Discovery)HR philosophy and challenges (hiring for heart and skill)Vision for community outreach and equity in arts accessLeadership insights, rebranding to unify mission and identityFinal reflections on what it takes to succeed in business and nonprofit leadership💬 Memorable Quotes"I’ve seen okay musicians who are amazing teachers—and great musicians who aren’t. Teaching is its own calling." – Michael Remson"If we’re just sitting in Balboa Park wai

In this episode of Business Owners Tell All: What It Takes, Jamie Seeker sits down with Shay Wheat, Certified Event Producer™ and CEO of Grace & Ease Productions. Shay shares her powerful journey from managing apartments and doing network marketing to producing multi-million dollar events for powerhouse names like Dr. Oz and Lisa Nichols.We dive into how events became her ultimate business-building tool, how she pivoted to virtual when the world shut down, and what it really means to lead a business with grace and ease. Shay opens up about the backstage chaos that taught her the importance of building a team, as well as the strategies behind events that truly convert — not just inspire.If you’ve ever wondered how to scale your impact through live or virtual experiences, this episode is a goldmine.📝 Show Notes / Topics Covered:How Shay stumbled into event production — and landed her first gig through a chance conversationWorking on Dr. Oz’s nonprofit event and Maria Shriver’s Women’s ConferenceWhy the most successful events are reverse-engineered from the end goalThe pivotal moment she transitioned from “planner” to Certified Event Producer and strategistThe “authority illusion” — and how expertise alone isn’t enough to convertPivoting to virtual during COVID (including nearly 600 attendees cancelled days before)How to recreate emotional, sensory, and communal experiences virtuallyImportance of intention for both host and attendeesThe role of energetics, healing, and intuition in Shay’s businessHer breaking point — crawling on the floor in heels during a virtual event mishap — and the wake-up call to scale smarterWhy entrepreneurs shouldn’t white-knuckle their businesses💬 Memorable Quotes from Shay:“We’re not meant to do life alone, and we’re not meant to do business alone.”“Events are a bridge. They're the fastest way I know to build trust, connection, and transformation — if you do them with intention.”“I wasn’t going to keep building a busi

In this episode of Business Owners Tell All: What It Takes, Jamie Seeker sits down with Miguel Adao, CEO of Voler Systems, to explore what it means to be a truly global leader. With a career that’s taken him across eight countries, five languages, and leadership roles at Pepsi, HP, VMware, and more, Miguel shares how cultural intelligence has shaped his leadership philosophy and career path.Now based in Sunnyvale, California, Miguel leads Voler Systems with a unique mix of engineering expertise, marketing savvy, and global perspective. He dives into the lessons he’s learned working with teams across the world, how to build trust across time zones, and the human side of scaling a tech company.Whether you’re growing a startup or managing a team that spans continents, this conversation is full of takeaways on connection, adaptability, and leadership without borders.🧠 Key Takeaways:Cultural adaptability is a leadership superpower. Living and working in diverse environments taught Miguel to listen first, communicate clearly, and lead with empathy.Leadership doesn’t look the same everywhere. Miguel explains how expectations vary — and why self-awareness and flexibility are crucial.Language matters — but so does intent. Speaking five languages has helped Miguel connect, but he says tone and body language often speak louder than words.Trust is built differently across cultures. From hierarchical to collaborative dynamics, Miguel shares how to tune in and meet teams where they are.Leading a tech company today requires a mix of global awareness, humility, and curiosity.💬 Memorable Quotes:“You don’t lead the same way in Tokyo as you do in Toronto — and that’s not a challenge, that’s the gift of global leadership.”“Language gets you in the door. But listening gets you the trust.”“Every country I’ve lived in has taught me something about patience, people, and the pace of business.”“Leadership without borders is about being comfortable with what you don’t know — and hungry to learn it.”“What does it take to be a business owner? Resilience, curiosity, and the ability to take the hit and keep going. Every. Single. Day.”🔖 Suggested Tags / Topics:Globa

In this episode of Business Owners Tell All: What It Takes, Jamie sits down with Bryce North, founder and CEO of Don’t Be A Little Pitch, a bold media and branding company headquartered in Manila, with global reach. Bryce shares how he went from startup founder to media magnet — landing deals on Dragons’ Den, scaling companies across 40+ countries, and raising over $600K through crowdfunding — all by mastering the power of storytelling and PR.The episode dives into the tactical side of visibility — how to create media-worthy stories, build credibility from scratch, and stand out in a noisy startup world. Bryce unpacks how a sharp brand voice, smart PR moves, and relentless storytelling helped him build a movement, not just a company.Whether you're an early-stage founder or scaling your business, this episode offers actionable insights on how to grab attention and keep it.🔑 Key Takeaways & Notes:Storytelling is the strategyBryce emphasizes that PR isn’t luck — it’s layered storytelling. Every pitch, every interview, and every campaign should reinforce your core message.Brand boldness builds trustThe unapologetic name Don’t Be A Little Pitch isn’t just about being edgy — it’s about cutting through noise and showing people you mean business.Media success starts with clarity“If you can’t explain what you do in a tweet, you’re not ready to pitch it to the press,” Bryce shares.DIY PR still works — if done rightFounders don’t need a giant budget to get featured. Bryce explains how personalized outreach, timing, and relevance can land press — even for early-stage companies.Dragons’ Den was a launchpad, not the end goalThe offers were great, but Bryce shares that the real win came from the exposure — and how he leveraged it to build long-term brand equity.💬 Memorable Quotes:“If you’re not telling your story, someone else is — and they probably won’t get it right.” – Bryce North“The m

In this episode of Business Owners Tell All: What It Takes Jamie sits down with Daniel Woodroffe, the visionary behind dwg., a landscape architecture firm based in Austin, Texas (and now London) that's on a mission to reshape urban environments through art, ecology, and purpose-driven design.Daniel shares his journey from growing up in England to launching a globally respected firm that transforms overlooked and often toxic urban sites into vibrant, biodiverse public spaces. He opens up about the challenges of leading a creative business, the battles fought to get meaningful projects like Springdale Green off the ground, and why landscape is never just the leftover space between buildings.This is a conversation for anyone who’s ever tried to do work that matters, especially when it means pushing back against the status quo.📝 EPISODE NOTES & TAKEAWAYS🌿 On the vision behind dwg.:“I didn’t just want to make beautiful spaces. I wanted to make spaces that give back—spaces that heal.”Daniel launched dwg. with the goal of creating landscapes that are functional, resilient, and inspiring—not just decorative.His firm specializes in “performative landscapes”—spaces that actively restore ecosystems and foster human connection.🛠️ On building bold projects like Springdale Green:“We took a brownfield that no one wanted and turned it into a living, breathing campus full of life and diversity.”The transformation of Springdale Green is a powerful case study in how design can address environmental damage and bring communities together.Daniel explains how ecological restoration, art, and infrastructure must work in harmony to achieve meaningful change.🧠 On creativity + business:“Running a design firm means holding the vision and the budget at the same time—and not letting either drop.”He talks about the balancing act of being both an artist and a business owner, especially in a field that’s often undervalued.Hiring, mentorship, and firm culture are just as important to the work as the drawings and designs.🌍 On global perspective:“Working in London and Austin has shown me that cities may look different, but people want the same thing: places that feel alive.”His international experience gives him a unique lens on urban placemaking and what it takes to get bold ideas approved and built across different systems.💬 Signature Question – What It Takes to Be a Business Owner:“No one tells you how personal it gets. You’re not just building a business—you’re building a belief system, a culture, a place peop

In this episode of What It Takes: Business Owners Tell All, Jamie sits down with Claude Burns, Founder and CEO of Office Libations, to unpack his journey from serving in the U.S. Navy to building one of the fastest-growing companies in workplace hospitality. Claude shares how the lessons learned aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln and his experience with elite Navy teams shaped his leadership style and business values. From launching craft beer ventures to pivoting during the COVID-19 pandemic, Claude opens up about the ups, downs, and smart pivots that led Office Libations to the INC 5000 list three years in a row.Listeners will gain insight into how workplace culture can be built bite by bite, why thoughtful service wins, and what it truly takes to build a business with heart, resilience, and strategy.📝 Producer's Notes:Themes:Military-to-entrepreneur transitionMission-driven leadershipWorkplace culture it’s designedGrowth requires relentless focus on both the people you serve and the people you work withTransitioning between sectors is tough but rewarding — especially with a service mindsetBuilding a strong team culture internally reflects in customer experience externally💬 Memorable Quotes:“I went from briefing admirals on military operations to figuring out how many LaCroix cases an office needed. Leadership doesn’t change — just the setting does.”“Culture is in the small things — the coffee that’s waiting, the snack that feels personal. That’s what makes people feel cared for.”“The military taught me that mission comes first — but taking care of your people makes the mission possible.”“When COVID hit, it was like someone pulled the plug on our industry. But we didn’t fold — we adapted. That’s what entrepreneurship is.”“You don’t grow just by selling more — you grow by serving better.”“Being a business owner is like being on a ship in rough seas. You don’t control the storm, but you do control how your crew moves through it.”

In this episode of What It Takes: Business Owners Tell All, host Jamie Seeker sits down with Ryan Teicher, CEO of REDCOM Design & Construction, to explore the unique path he’s taken across family business, corporate leadership, and now steering a legacy company into a more sustainable and scalable future. With over 25 years of experience in the construction and real estate world, Ryan shares candid insights into what it takes to lead with humility, balance innovation with tradition, and earn trust while driving change.From sweeping floors on job sites in his teens to leading infrastructure projects for global brands, Ryan’s story is one of grounded leadership and thoughtful evolution. He discusses the challenges of integrating sustainability in a traditionally structured industry, why safety and efficiency are at the core of his leadership, and how listening first has been his most valuable strategy for growth.This is a conversation full of wisdom for anyone leading a legacy brand—or anyone stepping into business ownership with big vision and respect for where things began.🔑 Key Themes & TakeawaysLeadership in Transition: Ryan opens up about stepping into REDCOM with a legacy already in place and how he approached it with deep respect, choosing to listen first before initiating change.Sustainability & Safety: He talks about the economic challenges of sustainable building and how safety became a top priority—a legacy he hopes to leave at REDCOM.Corporate vs. Family Business: Ryan reflects on the lessons learned in both environments, blending corporate structure with small business agility.Client Empathy Through Experience: With a background as a builder, project manager, and owner’s rep, Ryan brings a 360-degree understanding of client needs.Humility as Strength: The episode closes with a powerful reminder that humility, paired with respect and authority, is not weakness—it’s a leader’s greatest asset.💬 Memorable Quotes“My first job was assistant to the laborer. I wasn’t even allowed to carry tools—just a broom.” — Ryan Teicher“I saw REDCOM as a place to combine the best of both worlds—family business values with corporate structure, without the bureaucracy.” — Ryan Teicher“You’re never done learning.” — Ryan Teicher (on what it takes to be a business owner)“Legacy isn’t something to protect—it’s something to grow.” — Jamie Seeker (Host)“A fresh set of eyes helps. It’s not about eliminating people—it’s about putting them in the right seats.” — Ryan Teicher“Humility is

In this episode of What It Takes: Business Owners Tell All, host Jamie Seeker sits down with Evan Williams, CEO and Co-Founder of Riverview Systems Group, Inc., a Silicon Valley-based live event production company with a 38-year track record of staging unforgettable experiences for major global brands like Google, Apple, and Cisco.Evan shares the unlikely blend of theater and accounting that led to his success, how he kept his team intact during the pandemic by pivoting to virtual production, and why empowering people is the secret to creating extraordinary events—and lasting culture. He also talks about co-founding the Rhythm Academy of San Jose, mentoring the next generation of industry talent, and what he’s learned across four decades in business.This one’s packed with heart, hustle, and hard-won wisdom.🔑 Topics Covered:Adapting to change in the live event industryThe power of culture in business longevityThe transition from analog to digital productionLeading through crisis with empathy and creativityMentorship, education, and community impactEntrepreneurship across industries💬 Memorable Quotes from Evan Williams:“There was never an idea in 1987 that we’d become a $20 million company. We just wanted to provide a service nobody else was offering.”“Patience is one of the most important things. Being willing to listen, and not being stuck on your own ideas—that’s how you grow.”“Our best work is done under NDA.” 😄 (A lighthearted but telling nod to high-stakes production work)“The team chose to take a cut in salary rather than see any coworkers laid off. That speaks to the culture here.”“I’ve always tried to empower people to do what they’re passionate about. That’s how careers grow—and how teams stick together.”“We didn’t have a plan during the pandemic, but we had the right mindset: be flexible, pivot fast, and do the next right thing.”“If you want to be successful as a business owner, you're in it 24/7. It's a commitment, not a shortcut.”“There’s such a joy in watching someone you’ve mentored succeed—even if they don’t work for you anymore. That’s impact.”🔗 Guest Links:🌐 Website: www.riverview.com 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/RiverviewSystemsGroup 📺 YouTube: @riverviewsystemsgroupinc4339<

In this episode of What It Takes: Business Owners Tell All, host Jamie Seeker talks with award-winning architect and sustainability leader Scott Rodwin. From starting his firm after spontaneously quitting a job in 1999 to building a nationally recognized design/build company, Scott shares how community, collaboration, and bold thinking have shaped his journey.He opens up about:The early days of hustling for projectsHow he built two thriving businesses in tandemThe philosophy behind taking full responsibility for the client experienceLessons from surviving economic downturnsWhy teaching, service, and advocacy are part of his business DNAScott’s insights are a blueprint for what it means to build with both purpose and precision.🧱 Key Themes & Takeaways🔨 Starting from ScratchScott left a job without a plan but found his first client through a neighbor — and his next through a friend in the community. These early, small projects became award-winning and launched his firm.“I didn’t have a plan. It was totally spontaneous and accidental… but I had a community, and that’s what saved me.”🧰 Design-Build PhilosophyScott explains why his firm embraces the architect-led design/build model — to ensure quality, reduce risk, and give clients a single point of responsibility.“We take full responsibility for everything. Our clients love the idea of single-point responsibility — and in our industry, that’s unusual.”“In 25 years of doing business, we’ve never been sued. That’s practically unheard of in this industry.”🌱 Green Building from the Ground UpScott has been a sustainability advocate since before “green building” was a common term. His first project used straw bale construction and earned national awards.“We didn’t call it green building then. We just did it because it felt right.”🤝 The Power of Team & PartnershipFrom hiring a seasoned construction expert to partnering with a younger team member with drive, Scott shares how complementary skills build strong businesses.“The most important thing when looking for a partner is not finding someone like you. It’s finding someone who complements your weak areas — and who you trust.”“We call it peanut butter and jelly. Very different, but it works.”🧭 Community & Industry LeadershipScott’s service as AIA Colorado President and as a teacher and speaker stems from his belief in lifting others up.“We all do better when we share knowledge. Scarcity and fear have no place in our industry.”“One of our competitors said, ‘We’ve learned so much from you over