Builders of Authority

What does it really take to build a $60 million real estate portfolio starting in your early 20s?In this episode of the Builders of Authority Podcast, Adam McChesney sits down with James Gleeson, a St. Louis real estate investor and serial entrepreneur, to break down how he went from college basketball and mechanical engineering to owning more than 450 rental units.James shares how he built the majority of his portfolio without syndications, using the BRRRR method to create equity, recycle capital, and scale faster.In this conversation, Adam and James discuss:• Transitioning from college athletics into real estate investing• Building a portfolio of more than 450 rental units• How the BRRRR method works: Buy, Renovate, Rent, Refinance, Repeat• Using leverage to grow without constantly putting in new capital• Underwriting deals and understanding net operating income• Why long-term cash flow matters for protecting equity• The tax advantages available to real estate investors• Depreciation, refinancing, and real estate professional status• Vertically integrating construction, property management, lending, and education• Managing the operational chaos that comes with rapid growth• The connection between an athlete mindset and entrepreneurship• Why execution matters more than endlessly consuming informationJames also explains why vertical integration became necessary as his portfolio expanded. By bringing more of the operation in-house, he was able to create greater control across construction, management, lending, and education.The episode closes with a conversation about perseverance, taking action, and why gathering more information means very little if you never execute.🔗 CONNECT WITH ADAM: Facebook  https://bit.ly/3td8PdoInstagram  https://bit.ly/3HmCR3mLinkedIn  https://bit.ly/3hjU4jq🔗 CONNECT WITH JAMES: Website https://bit.ly/4qRpBw2Instagram https://bit.ly/3UzdEPGFacebook https://bit.ly/4x4rd7i✉️ CONTACT:Email  [email protected]  adammcchesney.comBook a call: https://buildauthority.com/contact-us/About me:I’m Adam McChesney: an entrepreneur and marketer who’s spent the last decade building and scaling service-based businesses. I’ve been on both sides of the table: running companies myself and helping other business owners grow through smarter, more disciplined marketing.I’m the founder of Builders of Authority, where I work with service businesses to improve visibility, strengthen their brand, and build marketing systems that actually perform over time. Everything I share comes from real experience, what I’ve tested, what’s worked, and what hasn’t.Today, I create content, speak, and have honest conversations about marketing, growth, and leadership, with one goal in mind: helping business owners stop relying on last-minute tactics and start building something sustainable.Built for the contractors the market keeps overlooking.#BuildersOfAuthority #JamesGleeson #RealEstateInvesting #BRRRRMethod #RealEstateInvestor #Entrepreneurship

What does it really take to grow a family business, build a trusted local brand, and compete in a market full of short-term competitors?In this episode of the Builders of Authority Podcast, Adam McChesney sits down with Angi Hess, Vice President and General Manager of Spas and More, to talk about family business, leadership, marketing, company culture, and the evolution of the health and wellness market.Angi brings more than two decades of retail experience, including 19 years in management focused on human resources, payroll, and P&L management. Around 2016, she transitioned into the day-to-day operations of Spas and More as her father’s health began to decline.Founded by her father in 2006, Spas and More has grown into a three-generation family business serving customers across Missouri, Kansas, and Illinois.In this conversation, Adam and Angi discuss:• Transitioning from retail management into leadership of a family business• Building Spas and More into a recognizable local brand• Shifting the company’s messaging from luxury products to health, wellness, and recovery• Expanding beyond hot tubs into swim spas, infrared saunas, and cold plunges• Competing against fly-by-night companies through trust, consistency, and local service• Using home shows and expos as a major customer acquisition channel• Managing advertising internally to stay connected to performance data• Understanding how economic and political uncertainty can affect consumer buying behavior• Expanding across a large multi-state territory while keeping delivery and service in-house• Creating a family-first company culture with competitive wages and employee benefits• Leading from the front and being willing to do any job required to support the teamAngi also explains why Spas and More made the decision to build its own brand rather than relying exclusively on the Master Spas name. By emphasizing in-house delivery, service, and long-term customer relationships, the company has been able to differentiate itself in a competitive market.She also shares how the business has evolved alongside changing consumer priorities, positioning hot tubs, swim spas, saunas, and cold plunges not simply as luxury purchases, but as investments in physical health, recovery, and mental well-being.🔗 CONNECT WITH ADAM:Facebook: https://bit.ly/3td8PdoInstagram: https://bit.ly/3HmCR3mLinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3hjU4jq🔗 CONNECT WITH ANGI:Facebook: https://bit.ly/3S9KaqBInstagram: https://bit.ly/3TSAcuwWebsite: https://bit.ly/3UtUPNC✉️ CONTACT:Email  [email protected]  adammcchesney.comBook a call: https://buildauthority.com/contact-us/About me:I’m Adam McChesney: an entrepreneur and marketer who’s spent the last decade building and scaling service-based businesses. I’ve been on both sides of the table: running companies myself and helping other business owners grow through smarter, more disciplined marketing.I’m the founder of Builders of Authority, where I work with service businesses to improve visibility, strengthen their brand, and build marketing systems that actually perform over time. Everything I share comes from real experience, what I’ve tested, what’s worked, and what hasn’t.Today, I create content, speak, and have honest conversations about marketing, growth, and leadership, with one goal in mind: helping business owners stop relying on last-minute tactics and start building something sustainable.Built for the contractors the market keeps overlooking.#BuildersOfAuthority #AngiHess #FamilyBusiness #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #LocalMarketing

What does it really take to build a custom home brand that stands out, serves clients at a higher level, and creates a healthier business behind the scenes?In this episode of the Builders of Authority Podcast, Adam McChesney sits down with Mark Williams, a third-generation custom home builder from Minnesota with more than 20 years of experience.Mark is the founder of Mark D. Williams Custom Homes, the host of the Curious Builder Podcast, and one of the five founders of the Contractor Coalition Summit. He shares how authenticity, wellness, financial literacy, and collaboration have shaped the way he builds homes and leads his company.In this conversation, Adam and Mark discuss:• Building an authentic brand without trying to appeal to everyone• Creating the Mysa Hus spec-home concept around Scandinavian design, family, and wellness• Using healthier materials, air purification, and thoughtful building practices to attract health-conscious clients• Investing in masterminds and industry events to overcome burnout and transform a business• Shifting from competition to collaboration within the construction industry• Understanding the difference between markup and margin• Structuring contracts around healthier financial targets• Managing cash flow and strengthening the financial foundation of a building company• Hiring and delegating to buy back time and increase capacity• Taking action before everything feels perfect• Creating stronger client experiences through hospitality and connectionMark also explains how the Contractor Coalition Summit changed his mindset and helped him see the value of investing in himself, surrounding himself with the right people, and learning from other builders.He opens up about the financial lessons he wishes he had learned earlier, including the importance of understanding margin, overhead, profit, and the systems required to build a sustainable company.🔗 CONNECT WITH ADAM: Facebook  https://bit.ly/3td8PdoInstagram  https://bit.ly/3HmCR3mLinkedIn  https://bit.ly/3hjU4jq🔗 CONNECT WITH MARK: Website https://bit.ly/4pVho9GInstagram https://bit.ly/45GRAEZLinkedIn https://bit.ly/4bQD29x✉️ CONTACT:Email  [email protected]  adammcchesney.comBook a call: https://buildauthority.com/contact-us/About me:I’m Adam McChesney: an entrepreneur and marketer who’s spent the last decade building and scaling service-based businesses. I’ve been on both sides of the table: running companies myself and helping other business owners grow through smarter, more disciplined marketing.I’m the founder of Builders of Authority, where I work with service businesses to improve visibility, strengthen their brand, and build marketing systems that actually perform over time. Everything I share comes from real experience, what I’ve tested, what’s worked, and what hasn’t.Today, I create content, speak, and have honest conversations about marketing, growth, and leadership, with one goal in mind: helping business owners stop relying on last-minute tactics and start building something sustainable.Built for the contractors the market keeps overlooking.#BuildersOfAuthority #MarkWilliams #CustomHomeBuilder #ContractorBusiness #BusinessGrowth #ConstructionLeadership

What separates high performers who thrive under pressure from those who become overwhelmed by it?In this episode of the Builders of Authority Podcast, Adam McChesney sits down with Dr. Erin Shannon, a doctor of clinical psychology who has spent more than 15 years working with elite athletes, Olympians, CEOs, veterans, and other high performers.Growing up in a family of professional athletes gave Dr. Shannon a natural understanding of the pressure that comes with performing at the highest level. She shares how an unexpected opportunity to help a professional baseball pitcher in 2011 led her into the world of sports psychology and performance coaching.In this conversation, Adam and Dr. Shannon discuss:• The mental and emotional pressure behind high performance• Why every game is ultimately a mental game• The difference between making decisions from fear or fire• How fear limits creativity, confidence, and vision• Turning pressure into energy, focus, and a flow state• Why entrepreneurs and athletes face similar psychological challenges• Breaking the stigma around therapy and performance coaching• Using mental health support proactively instead of waiting for a crisis• Simple nervous system regulation techniques, including EFT tapping• The benefits of vagus nerve regulation and morning sunlight• Dr. Shannon’s work with athletes, CEOs, veterans, and prison rehabilitation programsDr. Shannon also explains why mental health professionals should be viewed like family doctors: trusted resources for regular check-ins, personal development, and long-term performance rather than people you only contact when something is wrong.This episode offers practical insights for entrepreneurs, athletes, and leaders who want to manage pressure, strengthen their mindset, and perform at a higher level without sacrificing their mental and emotional well-being.🔗 CONNECT WITH ADAM: Facebook  https://bit.ly/3td8PdoInstagram  https://bit.ly/3HmCR3mLinkedIn  https://bit.ly/3hjU4jq🔗 CONNECT WITH Dr ERIN SHANNON: Facebook https://bit.ly/4fPqv7hLinkedIn https://bit.ly/4w5qimqInstagram https://bit.ly/4x9Y7Uu✉️ CONTACT:Email  [email protected]  adammcchesney.comBook a call: https://buildauthority.com/contact-us/About me:I’m Adam McChesney: an entrepreneur and marketer who’s spent the last decade building and scaling service-based businesses. I’ve been on both sides of the table: running companies myself and helping other business owners grow through smarter, more disciplined marketing.I’m the founder of Builders of Authority, where I work with service businesses to improve visibility, strengthen their brand, and build marketing systems that actually perform over time. Everything I share comes from real experience, what I’ve tested, what’s worked, and what hasn’t.Today, I create content, speak, and have honest conversations about marketing, growth, and leadership, with one goal in mind: helping business owners stop relying on last-minute tactics and start building something sustainable.Built for the contractors the market keeps overlooking. #BuildersOfAuthority #DrErinShannon #HighPerformance #MentalPerformance #SportsPsychology #EntrepreneurMindset #PerformanceCoaching #MentalHealth #LeadershipMindset #FearToFire 

What does it really take to rebuild your business, reputation, and confidence after losing almost everything?In this episode of the Builders of Authority Podcast, the tables are turned as Adam McChesney steps away from the host’s chair and is interviewed by Builders of Authority COO Alejandra during her visit to the St. Louis office.Adam shares the complete story behind his entrepreneurial journey, from working in corporate medical device sales and learning digital marketing through an online course to building his first performance-based marketing website and eventually launching an agency.He also opens up about one of the most difficult periods of his life: the collapse of a previous business partnership in early 2024. Adam discusses the legal and financial consequences, the mental burden of feeling like a failure, and the decision to start over when quitting would have been easier.In this conversation, Adam and Alejandra discuss:• Transitioning from corporate medical device sales into entrepreneurship• Learning digital marketing and building his first website• Navigating the legal and financial impact of a failed business partnership• Overcoming the mental burden and identity crisis caused by professional failure• Rebuilding Builders of Authority from a small team into an agency of approximately 50 employees• Scaling a company rapidly without following a traditional agency growth model• Prioritizing committed, high-quality people instead of replacing teams with AI tools• Creating long-term client relationships by deeply serving the people who trust you• The pressure entrepreneurship can place on marriage, family, and personal health• Evolving individual skills and leadership abilities at the same rate the company growsAdam also speaks candidly about the personal cost of rebuilding a business. He reflects on struggling to remain mentally present at home, the pressure placed on his wife, Delaney, and the responsibility he feels as a father to his son, Murphy.He closes the conversation with a direct message for entrepreneurs experiencing failure and advice for his internal team on what it takes to grow alongside a rapidly scaling company.🔗 CONNECT WITH ADAM: Facebook  https://bit.ly/3td8PdoInstagram  https://bit.ly/3HmCR3mLinkedIn  https://bit.ly/3hjU4jq✉️ CONTACT:Email  [email protected]  adammcchesney.comBook a call: https://buildauthority.com/contact-us/About me:I’m Adam McChesney: an entrepreneur and marketer who’s spent the last decade building and scaling service-based businesses. I’ve been on both sides of the table: running companies myself and helping other business owners grow through smarter, more disciplined marketing.I’m the founder of Builders of Authority, where I work with service businesses to improve visibility, strengthen their brand, and build marketing systems that actually perform over time. Everything I share comes from real experience, what I’ve tested, what’s worked, and what hasn’t.Today, I create content, speak, and have honest conversations about marketing, growth, and leadership, with one goal in mind: helping business owners stop relying on last-minute tactics and start building something sustainable.Built for the contractors the market keeps overlooking.#BuildersOfAuthority #Entrepreneurship #AgencyGrowth #BusinessLeadership #DigitalMarketing #AdamMcChesney

What does it take to leave a stable career, build a real estate portfolio, and create a personal brand that generates consistent opportunities?In this episode of the Builders of Authority Podcast, Adam McChesney sits down with Matt Kresko to discuss his journey from recruiting and talent acquisition to becoming a full-time real estate investor and capital raiser.Matt shares how he started with house hacking, grew to 25 rental units, managed multiple flips, and navigated seven months without a paycheck after interest rates shifted and a business partnership ended.In this conversation, Adam and Matt discuss:• Transitioning from a W2 career into real estate• Building relationships without immediately pitching• Using consistent content to generate referrals and partnerships• Growing a rental portfolio and managing flips• Creating authentic content from real experiences• Partnering with contractors to avoid construction bottlenecks• Matt’s goal of completing more than 100 deals per year🔗 CONNECT WITH ADAM: Facebook  https://bit.ly/3td8PdoInstagram  https://bit.ly/3HmCR3mLinkedIn  https://bit.ly/3hjU4jq🔗 CONNECT WITH MATT: Instagram https://bit.ly/4hEkiNZFacebook https://bit.ly/44WbR9oLinkedIn http://bit.ly/4hyIAcc✉️ CONTACT:Email  [email protected]  adammcchesney.comBook a call: https://buildauthority.com/contact-us/About me:I’m Adam McChesney: an entrepreneur and marketer who’s spent the last decade building and scaling service-based businesses. I’ve been on both sides of the table: running companies myself and helping other business owners grow through smarter, more disciplined marketing.I’m the founder of Builders of Authority, where I work with service businesses to improve visibility, strengthen their brand, and build marketing systems that actually perform over time. Everything I share comes from real experience, what I’ve tested, what’s worked, and what hasn’t.Today, I create content, speak, and have honest conversations about marketing, growth, and leadership, with one goal in mind: helping business owners stop relying on last-minute tactics and start building something sustainable.Built for the contractors the market keeps overlooking.#BuildersOfAuthority #MattKresko #RealEstateInvesting #RealEstateInvestor #PersonalBranding #CapitalRaising #HouseHacking #RentalProperties #RealEstateNetworking #ContentMarketing #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth

What does it really take to scale a general contracting business from a solo operation into a full-service machine that dominates the market? In this episode of the Builders of Authority Podcast, Adam McChesney sits down with Bryson Kinkade, owner of Kinler Services, to unpack his journey from Army infantryman to leading a growing, full-service restoration company. Bryson shares how Kinler Services helps property owners recover from storm, fire, wind, and hail damage while handling everything from concrete and roofing to complete restoration projects.Bryson shares how he transitioned from doing it all himself to building the team and systems needed for sustainable growth. In this conversation, Adam and Bryson discuss:• Mastering the insurance landscape as a market differentiator• Navigating insurance claims to better serve clients• Transitioning from solo operator to team-led scaling• Managing remote partnerships and production teams• Key lessons from five years of business growth• Acting as a liaison for homeowners vs. adjusters• Strategies for expansion and hiring in-house crews• The resilient mindset needed to never give upBryson also opens up about the challenges he faced while building his company and explains how mastering the nuances of insurance claims transformed his service model, creating trust and authority in a competitive field.🔗 CONNECT WITH ADAM: Facebook  https://bit.ly/3td8PdoInstagram  https://bit.ly/3HmCR3mLinkedIn  https://bit.ly/3hjU4jq🔗 CONNECT WITH BRYSON: Website https://bit.ly/4vEpuoCFacebook https://bit.ly/4w9DmZ3LinkedIn https://bit.ly/4fgCx9u✉️ CONTACT:Email  [email protected]  adammcchesney.comBook a call: https://buildauthority.com/contact-us/About me:I’m Adam McChesney: an entrepreneur and marketer who’s spent the last decade building and scaling service-based businesses. I’ve been on both sides of the table: running companies myself and helping other business owners grow through smarter, more disciplined marketing.I’m the founder of Builders of Authority, where I work with service businesses to improve visibility, strengthen their brand, and build marketing systems that actually perform over time. Everything I share comes from real experience, what I’ve tested, what’s worked, and what hasn’t.Today, I create content, speak, and have honest conversations about marketing, growth, and leadership, with one goal in mind: helping business owners stop relying on last-minute tactics and start building something sustainable.Built for the contractors the market keeps overlooking.#BuildersOfAuthority #ContractorMarketing #HomeServiceBusiness  #brandbuilding #BrysonKinKade #KinlerServices

What does it really take to turn years of hands-on experience into a content brand with nearly two million followers?In this episode of the Builders of Authority Podcast, Adam McChesney sits down with Travis Collins, better known online as Tools by Design, to discuss his journey from finish carpenter and custom automotive shop manager to full-time content creator.Travis shares how Tools by Design started with content about renovating a 1941 home and eventually grew into a trusted source for tool news, reviews, remodeling projects, and practical advice.In this conversation, Adam and Travis discuss:• Why authenticity matters more than perfectly polished content• How consistency helped Travis build a loyal online audience• The personal investment and risk required to grow a content brand• How he chooses brand partnerships without losing credibility• The pressure of balancing contracts, creativity, and audience trust• Why imperfections and personality stand out in an AI-driven world• How delegation can help entrepreneurs focus on their highest-value work• Why creators and business owners need to stop overthinking and start publishingTravis also opens up about the criticism he faced when professionals did not initially take content creation seriously and explains how playing the long game ultimately created opportunities with some of the biggest brands in the tool industry.🔗 CONNECT WITH ADAM: Facebook  https://bit.ly/3td8PdoInstagram  https://bit.ly/3HmCR3mLinkedIn  https://bit.ly/3hjU4jq🔗 CONNECT WITH TRAVIS: Facebook  https://bit.ly/4w3k5s6Instagram  https://bit.ly/4pAYCVbYoutube  https://bit.ly/4gvO07rTikTok  https://bit.ly/4gSGCTV✉️ CONTACT:Email  [email protected]  adammcchesney.comBook a call: https://buildauthority.com/contact-us/About me:I’m Adam McChesney: an entrepreneur and marketer who’s spent the last decade building and scaling service-based businesses. I’ve been on both sides of the table: running companies myself and helping other business owners grow through smarter, more disciplined marketing.I’m the founder of Builders of Authority, where I work with service businesses to improve visibility, strengthen their brand, and build marketing systems that actually perform over time. Everything I share comes from real experience, what I’ve tested, what’s worked, and what hasn’t.Today, I create content, speak, and have honest conversations about marketing, growth, and leadership, with one goal in mind: helping business owners stop relying on last-minute tactics and start building something sustainable.Built for the contractors the market keeps overlooking.#BuildersOfAuthority #ContractorMarketing #HomeServiceBusiness  #brandbuilding

Is your business actually growing if you can’t step away from it? In this episode, I’m getting real about the "Entrepreneurial Paradox": we build businesses for freedom, yet most of us struggle to truly disconnect and enjoy that freedom when it counts.I share the unfiltered story of a recent family trip to Disney that turned into a work nightmare, contrasted with how a subsequent trip to Mexico became a genuine turning point. If you’re constantly checking Slack, drowning in emails, or feeling like the only person who can solve your business's problems, this is for you.  We break down how to stop creating self-imposed chaos, why entrepreneur burnout prevention isn’t a luxury but a requirement, and the tactical steps you need to take to finally master the art of stepping away.In this video, you'll learn:- The "Vacation Trap": How your own habits and lack of planning keep you tethered to work during your time off.- Delegation Secrets: How to stop being a "solopreneur" and start acting like a CEO by empowering your team.- Strategic Boundaries: Practical ways to set expectations with your team and clients so your vacation remains a vacation.- The Science of Recovery: Why taking time away is actually the fastest way to accelerate your work-life balance for entrepreneurs and long-term performance.If you are ready to reclaim your time, build a system that runs without you, and avoid the burnout cycle, this conversation is your roadmap.✉️ CONTACT:Email  [email protected]  adammcchesney.comBook a call: https://buildauthority.com/contact-us/About me:I’m Adam McChesney: an entrepreneur and marketer who’s spent the last decade building and scaling service-based businesses. I’ve been on both sides of the table: running companies myself and helping other business owners grow through smarter, more disciplined marketing.I’m the founder of Builders of Authority, where I work with service businesses to improve visibility, strengthen their brand, and build marketing systems that actually perform over time. Everything I share comes from real experience, what I’ve tested, what’s worked, and what hasn’t.Today, I create content, speak, and have honest conversations about marketing, growth, and leadership, with one goal in mind: helping business owners stop relying on last-minute tactics and start building something sustainable.Built for the contractors the market keeps overlooking.#BuildersOfAuthority #ContractorMarketing #HomeServiceBusiness  #brandbuilding  #CEOlifestyle

Mark Steiniger, CFO and partner at Keil Excavating, discusses his transition from public accounting to leading his family's heavy civil contracting business. He provides insights into the complexities of inter-family business transitions, the strategic reasoning behind diversifying into commercial plumbing to derisk from earthwork volatility, and the importance of earning respect from long-term employees. This episode serves as a practical guide for business owners considering succession planning and those looking to grow through acquisition rather than starting from scratch.🔗 CONNECT WITH MARK: Facebook  https://bit.ly/3QVtuCKInstagram  https://bit.ly/4vNnmeYLinkedIn  https://bit.ly/448xDGwWebsite  https://bit.ly/4xZZGFx

Kira Andersen’s life took a drastic turn when her husband, Kyle, was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer shortly after the birth of their third child. Refusing to accept a grim prognosis, Kira leveraged her background in medical and pharmaceutical sales to advocate for experimental treatments, securing "compassionate use" for a promising inhibitor. This intervention, now known as the "Kyle Anderson Regimen," granted their family an extra year of life together and is now saving other stage four patients. Today, Kira honors his memory by hosting the "Yes We Can" podcast and continuing a relentless mission to raise the final $1 million of a $3 million goal for targeted research at Siteman Cancer Center.🔗 CONNECT KIRA:DONATE: https://bit.ly/4oXPARLFacebook: https://bit.ly/4eTfwcjInstagram: https://bit.ly/4vJ7fPqLinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4eZzT7TWebsite: https://bit.ly/4xZRKnXYoutube: https://bit.ly/4wlog22

Jimmy Vreeland is a West Point graduate, former Army Ranger, and full time real estate investor with a portfolio built through discipline, private money, and some hard lessons learned the expensive way.In this episode Jimmy walks through his journey from buying his first houses while deployed overseas to scaling to 120 properties and hitting a wall that forced him to rethink everything. He covers the four pillars of real estate wealth, who the ideal investor profile actually looks like, and why personal transformation is always at the center of business growth.Whether you're just getting into real estate or already scaling and feeling the cracks, Jimmy's story will give you both perspective and a practical framework to keep moving forward.🔗 Connect with Jimmy:https://ibuystl.com/Facebook: https://bit.ly/4oNeRh6Instagram: https://bit.ly/43ZX2SCLinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4g19o4b

Ashley Burkeen is a serial entrepreneur with 12 years in general contracting, a regional Master Networks franchise, short-term rentals, a holistic skincare line, and a book to her name. In this episode she gets real about what it actually takes to build across multiple industries without losing yourself in the process.From networking and personal branding to failure, delegation, and self-awareness, Ashley brings a refreshingly honest perspective on entrepreneurship that goes way beyond hustle culture.If you're building something and feeling like you have to fit a mold that was never made for you, this one's worth your full attention.🔗 Connect with Ashleah:Facebook: https://bit.ly/4uTYZuMInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/abauthentically/Tiktok:https://www.tiktok.com/@authenticallyab

Brandon Fuchs brings over 20 years of construction experience and $100 million in managed projects to this conversation. As the founder of the Elite Builder Society, he's on a mission to cut the contractor failure rate by tackling the root cause: fear and a lack of business fundamentals.In this episode we cover why so many skilled contractors stay stuck, how AI is transforming the front end of construction businesses, and what a real sales framework looks like when you lead with authority and confidence.Whether you're just starting out or trying to scale past a ceiling you can't explain, Brandon's perspective will challenge how you think about your business and yourself.🔗 Connect with Brandon:https://ebsworks.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561208851660Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_contractorcoach/

Most people use a pandemic as an excuse to wait. Jeremy Wolf used it to launch. In March 2020, with the world shutting down, he started Stay Cool Climate Control from scratch and turned it into one of the most recognized HVAC brands in St. Louis.In this episode, Jeremy breaks down how he built a standout brand in a crowded market, made the shift from technician to business owner, and learned to trust a team so the business could grow without him. If you own a service business or work in the trades, this one is worth your time.Book a FREE marketing audit for your business: https://buildauthority.com/contact-us/Apply to be a guest on the podcast:https://buildauthority.com/learning-hub/contractor-marketing-podcast/

Most contractors stay stuck swinging a hammer for 90 hours a week because they never make the jump from operator to owner. Trant, a third-generation carpenter based in Nottingham, New Hampshire, almost did. Then his wife told him they were having a kid, and everything changed.In this episode of the Builders of Authority Podcast, host Adam McChesney sits down with Trant to break down exactly how he went from solo contractor to building a custom deck and outdoor living company on track to hit $20M in annual revenue, and why niching down to decks (instead of being a master of all trades) was the single biggest unlock.What we cover:– Why niching down to decks streamlined his estimating, SOPs, and office operations– The mindset shift from contractor to business owner — and the audiobooks and mentors that drove it– How becoming a dad forced him to build a company that could run without him on every job site– The marketing stack that built the brand: vehicle wraps, Google Ads, Google Business Profile, and targeted neighborhood mailers– Why hiring a virtual assistant was one of the highest-ROI moves he made– His 5-year plan: $20M in revenue and a dedicated outdoor living design center– How to delegate the tasks outside your expertise so you can focus on growth🔗 CONNECT: Facebook  https://bit.ly/3td8PdoInstagram  https://bit.ly/3HmCR3mLinkedIn  https://bit.ly/3hjU4jq✉️ CONTACT:Email  [email protected]  adammcchesney.com

Quitting a stable paycheck to build something of your own is the hardest decision most future business owners ever make. In this episode of the Builders of Authority Podcast, host Adam McChesney sits down with Michael Schieffer, a former commercial loan officer who spent 10 years inside the banking world before walking away in April 2023 to build three businesses of his own.Today Michael runs a real estate flipping operation (16+ flips and counting), an Exit Factor franchise that helps business owners increase valuation and step out of the operator seat, and a Two Maids cleaning franchise in St. Charles that he runs as an owner, not an operator. That distinction is the entire point of this conversation.What we cover:– Why "golden handcuffs" keep so many high earners stuck in jobs they've outgrown– What 10 years of writing commercial loans taught Michael about why businesses fail– The owner vs. operator framework — and how to structure a business so it doesn't depend on you– How Michael completed 16+ real estate flips while still holding down a W2– Why "time freedom" became the real driver behind leaving banking– The 80/20 content rule for building authority without becoming a full-time creator– How to position your business for a higher exit valuation 5+ years before you sellIf you've been sitting at a desk wondering if it's time to make the jump, or you're already running a business and trying to step out of the day-to-day, this episode lays out the mindset and the mechanics.🔗 CONNECT: Facebook  https://bit.ly/3td8PdoInstagram  https://bit.ly/3HmCR3mLinkedIn  https://bit.ly/3hjU4jq✉️ CONTACT:Email  [email protected]  adammcchesney.com

After years of adding complexity, multiple agencies, multiple locations, a lawsuit — I'm done overcomplicating things.In this video I'm walking you through my new office setup at Adventure Unknown, why I made the move, and the exact way I've structured my environment to do better work in less time.I'll walk you through:👉 Why I traded a 10-minute commute for a 30-minute one — and why it was still the right move👉 How I structured one space to handle daily work, YouTube, and podcasting without reinventing my setup every day👉 Why batching content changed everything for my output👉 The case for simplifying your business before adding anything newIf you're a business owner who feels like your days are running you instead of the other way around, this one might hit home.🔗 CONNECT: Facebook  https://bit.ly/3td8PdoInstagram  https://bit.ly/3HmCR3mLinkedIn  https://bit.ly/3hjU4jq✉️ CONTACT:Email  [email protected]  adammcchesney.com

Most contractors think social media is a waste of time. John McDonald proved them wrong, with 400K followers on Facebook, 315K on Instagram, and a multi-million dollar business that grows because of his personal brand, not in spite of it.Adam McChesney sits down with John McDonald, founder of Fab Tech Solutions, to break down how a Navy vet who started with $4,000 in the bank built a massive personal brand and a thriving business — without ever chasing viral trends or following a content playbook.What we cover:- How John went from the Navy to running a multi-million dollar machinery business- Why his content about a barndominium and a pond exploded — and what contractors can learn from it- How a personal brand acts as a silent sales rep that builds trust for years before a follower becomes a client- The "fire yourself" framework — how to delegate so your business can scale without you- Why being great at a trade doesn't mean you should own the business- The content habit every contractor should build before worrying about algorithmsIf you're a contractor who thinks personal branding isn't for you — John McDonald's story will change your mind.🔗 CONNECT: Facebook  https://bit.ly/3td8PdoInstagram  https://bit.ly/3HmCR3mLinkedIn  https://bit.ly/3hjU4jq✉️ CONTACT:Email  [email protected]  adammcchesney.com

If your painting business can't run without you, you don't have a business. You have a job.Adam McChesney sits down with Chris Moore, founder of Elite Business Advisors, to break down exactly how painting contractors go from overwhelmed owner-operators to running a scalable business with a real leadership team and hitting $1M+ in revenue without being on every job site.Chris has coached painting contractors across North America since 2018, released 250 straight weeks of podcast episodes, and built a firm with 8 advisors. He knows exactly where contractors get stuck — and how to fix it.What we cover:- How to systematize your painting business so it runs without you- The leadership team every contractor needs to break past $1M- Why a 50% gross profit margin is the benchmark — and how to hit it- Sales and estimating strategies that close more jobs faster- The coaching framework that pays for itself within 90 days- How to transition from residential repaints into commercial work🔗 CONNECT: Facebook  https://bit.ly/3td8PdoInstagram  https://bit.ly/3HmCR3mLinkedIn  https://bit.ly/3hjU4jq✉️ CONTACT:Email  [email protected]  adammcchesney.com