Building a Business that Lasts

What does it take to build a business that lasts—without losing yourself or your family along the way?Michael Hyatt, bestselling author, speaker, and business leader, joins Jay Owen to share his journey of turning around companies, setting boundaries, and creating a life of intentional success. From leading as CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers to building Full Focus with his daughter as CEO, Michael has lived out the “double win”—winning at work and at home.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why most people “drift” through life—and how to design yours with intentionThe turning point that helped Michael redefine success and protect his familyPractical ways to set boundaries that create freedom, not constraintsHow to navigate parenting through every season, from kids to adultsWhere AI fits in business and life—and how to use it without losing your humanityMichael’s story proves that lasting success isn’t about working more hours—it’s about leading yourself first, setting clear boundaries, and building a legacy that matters.Learn more about Michael’s work at https://fullfocus.co and his new AI newsletter at https://aibusinesslab.ai.Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

What does it take to grow a business from $46K to $16M in just five years?Beth Lachance, founder and CEO of GMVA (Global Medical Virtual Assistants), joins Jay Owen to share her incredible story of rapid growth, purposeful leadership, and how saying “no” to distractions helped her say “yes” to scale.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to rethink your systems for 10X growthWhy imposter syndrome might actually be a strengthHow to build culture with 1,300+ remote workersThe power of niching down—and staying focusedWhat work-life balance really looks like as a founder\Beth’s journey proves that sustainable growth is possible when you combine vision with values—and listen to your gut.Learn more about GMVA at https://gmva.com.Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

The founders of HW Contracting share their 15-year journey from getting laid off to building a successful roofing business together, highlighting the realities of partnership, narrowing business focus, and balancing work with family life.• Started business out of necessity after both being laid off during economic downturn• Initially took on any construction jobs that would pay the bills• Made difficult transition to narrowing focus exclusively to roofing• Learning to say "no" to projects outside their specialty was challenging but transformative• Compared $20k bathroom remodel taking six weeks versus $20k roof installation completed in one day• Hired consultant to help define clear partner roles and responsibilities• Building systems that allow the business to function without the founders' constant involvement • Creating lanes of responsibility prevents conflict and builds clarity• Trust between partners is essential for long-term success• Reject "work-life balance" in favor of a "work-life blender" approach• Being fully present in the moment whether at work or with family• Entrepreneurship provides unique flexibility despite its demandsDo the right thing for the customer every time, and your business will be on solid ground.Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

In the FIRST episode of 2025, Craig Carder from C3 Medical Device joins us to share the raw, unfiltered truth about the struggles and sacrifices of entrepreneurship.We dive into the challenges of letting go, building effective leadership, and creating systems that drive growth. Craig opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped his journey, revealing how resilience and adaptability are key to lasting success.Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

Welcome to another episode of Building a Business that Lasts! In today's episode, we have an insightful conversation with Jay Owen, a successful entrepreneur, about the challenges and triumphs of building an enduring business while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.Join us as Jay shares his personal struggles with email addiction and the steps he takes to disconnect and trust his team while on vacation. We also delve into the importance of personal growth and self-care practices, such as meditation and gratitude, for entrepreneurs.Throughout the episode, Jay and our host, Emily Floyd, discuss the common challenge of facing imposter syndrome as successful business owners. They share their experiences of learning to overcome this by realizing that perfect communication is not always necessary and by seeking support from others.We also explore strategies for acquiring new business, the importance of persistence and learning from failures, and the difficulties of balancing client service with business development. Jay and Emily highlight the challenges of hiring and leading effective leaders, both internally and externally.Emily shares her own inspiring journey of transitioning from working in retail to running a successful pediatric medical billing business in Dallas. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's strengths, surrounding oneself with a supportive team, and achieving significant business milestones while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.Stay tuned as we discuss the cultural belief that entrepreneurs must do everything themselves and the importance of delegating tasks, implementing standard operating procedures, and building a great management team aligned with the same vision.Join us for this engaging conversation filled with valuable insights and practical advice for building a business that lasts!00:00 Transitioned from retail to pediatric billing business.05:10 Fulfillment in business comes from passion.08:18 Need an operator to ensure process compliance.10:18 Hiring based on shared vision and passion.13:42 Improving processes through intentional and clear assignments.18:31 Leading leaders requires a different skill set.22:07 Overcame imposter syndrome, connected with industry leaders.25:50 Trial and error leads to success.29:50 Balancing scalability with doing the unscalable.31:54 Entrepreneur milestones led to finding needed structure.33:45 Entrepreneurs need rest for success and balance.38:39 Asking how to maintain boundaries with clients.41:46 Request password, delegate, prioritize, delegate to team.44:00 Video offers business tips, free resources, subscribe.Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

What does it look like to run a business as a ministry? Is it possible in today's complex political climate? In this episode, Mike Sharrow, CEO of C12, talks through that topic along with other strategies to help leaders and entrepreneurs build a business without being stressed out, worn out, and ready to quit. C12 if a Christian business forum that meets monthly all over the world to help leaders build a great business for a greater purpose. Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

Getting the right sales strategy in place is more important than ever. On this episode, I talk to Amanda Holmes, CEO at Chet Holmes and daughter of the author of The Ultimate Sales Machine. A framework used by thousands of businesses around the world to double their business.    https://chetholmes.com/ch4/Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

What’s the difference between a vendor and a partnership? Why should you care about your ROI or LTV in marketing — what even are those? How do you transition from traditional marketing to digital marketing? We talk about all these things and more on this episode.Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

Listen into my interview on the 904Now internet show where I talk about business growth, teams, vision, passion, and future. Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

Hustle, run, charge ahead, and pull yourself up by your bootstraps! So much of entrepreneurship is like this, but if we're not careful, we can end up mentally unwell faster than we think. When that happens it affects everyone around us. It's easy to end up in a place where our past and false stories are crafting the narrative of our life that isn't helpful or healthy. In this episode, I talk with Dr. John Delony from Ramsey Solutions about how we can own our past and change our future. This conversation will create value for all leaders, owners, and entrepreneurs. Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

A lot of people are looking for different kinds of apps for their business. Every now and then people think, “I can’t find an app that does what I need. I need to build a custom app". Along the way, I’ve seen people do that really well and not really well. I’d like to give you a few tips that will help you build an app successfully. If you are thinking about building an app, there are 5 things you need to know before you start.Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

Lots of folks want to know where to put their marketing dollars. After all, they're limited and we want them to be effective. Ultimately, your marketing should help you get attention and acquire customers. If it's not doing that, it's just a massive waste of time and money. But where should you focus those efforts? Traditional or Digital?In this episode, I interview Ali Guy, the Senior Marketing Account Manager to explore that question and what she's learned through years in the business that can help you.   Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

We are usually talking to for profit businesses, but creating a non-profit from scratch has a lot of similarities. You need a mission, you need to get people on board, you need systems and processes, and so much more. On this episode, I talk to Sherri & Dean Porter who have distributed over 13 MILLION meals to kids here in Florida over the last 9 years at Hunger Fight.Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

Most business leaders and owners find themselves stuck in the whirlwind of business. The path out of that is with a clear business playbook that outlines your systems and processes in a way that others can follow. In this episode, I talk to the CEO of Trainual.com and author of The Business Playbook, Chris Ronzio. He gives practical strategies on how to finally get systems and processes that work for you and your business. Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

This internal team member interview is with our Coaching Operations Manager, Hannah Evans. She started in one role, is in a totally different one now, has led major live events, and deals with my chaos. We talk about how to delegate well, how to work with an assistant, what it's like to plan a major event, and how to pivot into new roles and opportunities — oh, and Lightning the hamster. We hope this interview gives you inside insights that help you and your team grow.Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

There's a big blue ocean of opportunity out there and on this episode, I talk to fellow agency owner, Jon Tsourakis. We talk about how he was fired from the family business at a young age, he once increased a product cost from $500/mo to $3500/mo overnight and much more.Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

Many entrepreneurs end up feeling burnt out and that often takes a toll on their marriage and family. In this episode, I share a special Q&A my wife and I did at a recent event we hosted on the topic of Business, Family, and Marriage. We answer specific questions about what's worked (and not worked) for us to not only have a thriving business but a thriving marriage after nearly two decades.Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

On this episode I talk to Travis Sutphin, Director of Development at Business Builders. Travis started here 6 years ago as a developer and today runs the entire development department. We talk about his move from WV to FL, the transition from developer to director, our systems and processes, and the tension required to propel an organization forward.Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

A lot of people spend a lot of money on marketing that doesn't work. Is your marketing plan making you money or draining your resources? In this episode, I talk about the 5 key elements you need to be successful in marketing for your business. Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

Many business leaders obsess over their competition. On this episode, I interview a "competitor" in our space because we both believe that collaboration is more valuable than competition. We talk about how to build an agency (or any business) over time, what pitfalls we've run into, and how to care well for those around you as a leader. Tyler Pigott, founder of Lone Fir Creative is my guest on this episode.    Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

Every year, we set resolutions, personally and professionally. Unfortunately, we often fail to actually get to those goals. In this episode, I share practical advice on how to stay on track and on a mission so that you can live your life and build your business on purpose. When you're making intentional progress, it gets you out of the whirlwind and makes you feel a sense of meaning in life.Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

If there is one thing that Jay gets the most questions about from other entrepreneurs, it’s this subject - Work Life Balance. He’s raised five kids while building a business so he has learned a lot over the years. This is a special episode that walks through stories and tips that Jay believes will help you build a business that lasts without being stressed out, worn out, and ready to quit but, more importantly, without sacrificing family and friends. Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

Every wondered if you should or should not hire family? Me too! I struggled with the idea for years, but today, one of my sisters works on our team at Business Builders. On this episode, I talk to her (Kari Keil) about working with family, transitioning roles, & dealing with change. If these are things you've struggled with, you'll enjoy this behind the scenes conversation.Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

Most businesses are started in order to create more freedom, make more money, or follow a passion. Unfortunately most businesses aren't successful at making that happen. Many business leaders end up feeling worn out, stressed out, and ready to quit. On this episode I share the four foundations of business that have helped our team at Business Builders grow year over year for over 23 years. Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

Many people talk about core values or building principles, but very often, they just become letters on a wall at most. In this episode, we unpack how Guiding Principles have made decisions clear for building one of the most successful Ford & Lincoln Dealerships in the country. Letti & Bo Bozard are known in the community for how much they care for St. Augustine, how much they care for their team, and how driven they are to be the absolute best. We unpack how that has worked for them through family business transitions from generation to generation.Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

Chris Webster is the President of Business Builders  but has been in almost every role in the business leading up to this point. Jay and Chris discuss the journey the company has been on and what lead to the company name change after over 20 years. Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

This special episode was recorded originally for the Path for Growth podcast with Alex Judd and shared here with a new intro with special details about the future of the Building a Business that Lasts Podcast. We talk about the 6 core human needs, how they apply to personal growth, business growth, and life as a whole. Both Jay & Alex are on a mission to help leaders and companies grow in a healthy way. Want to grow a healthy business without crashing your life at the same time? This is your episode.Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

Behind every great success is a great story. Mike McDerment is the founder, board chair, and executive at FreshBooks, the #2 small business accounting software in the US. In this episode, he shares his experience, thoughts, and best advice on how to approach life as a busy entrepreneur. Notes: “Accidental founder” (started the business to solve a problem)Started #1 accounting software in the cloud for self-employed professionals and their teams; #2 in AmericaRunning a small design firm; saved over an invoiceCustomer-centric software Quotes: “The best deals come through referrals.” 30:59“I think of how I work as a lifestyle choice.” 40:08“You’re learning what’s best for you along the way, and that can change over time.” 42:12Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

Is your life profitable? Not just in money, but in everything else: family, friends, hobbies — the things that really matter and bring you the most happiness. That’s what Adii Pienaar is focused on. A published author and 3x company founder of Cogsy, Conversio, and WooCommerce, Adii has learned what it truly means to have a meaningful, fulfilling life as an entrepreneur, and he’s here to share just a few things he’s discovered along the way. Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

Conversations are the cornerstone of every relationship, and human connection matters more than we may think. Thom Singer is a growth leadership speaker who has acted as a “human connection catalyst” for more than a decade, and he’s here to share about business, relationships, and the importance of human connection.  Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

You’re going to leave your business one of two ways: one, because you chose to leave it, or two, because you died. When you’re gone, what will happen to your business? You need to have a plan. The President and CEO of SHG Planning, Steven Goodman helps people preserve their legacies through estate and business succession planning. It’s a hard conversation to have, but something critical to think about and plan for today because tomorrow is never promised.Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

Our experiences help shape us and guide us toward our futures, and this is true even for business owners. Dave Will is currently the CEO and co-founder of PropFuel, an engagement platform, but his journey into the business world started long before then. Over time, he’s only learned what works for business, but also what really matters in life. This conversation gets deep, so join us as we talk authenticity, business moves, family, and so much more.Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

How did you start your business, and where is it today? Bryan Clayton founded one of the largest landscaping companies in the state of Tennessee, and then sold it. Now, he’s the CEO of GreenPal, an online marketplace that connects homeowners with local lawn care companies and helps those same companies run their businesses more efficiently. A co-founder, mentor, and real estate investor, Bryan’s got real-world experience and real-world advice that every entrepreneur should hear. Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

If you could attend fewer meetings, would you? These days, we have access to so many different tools that allow us to work in a more productive way, and the right ones can change the way we work. Josh Little is a 4x founder whose passion for entrepreneurship has led him to create Volley, a video recording tool that replaces your meetings and frees up your schedule. Drawing from his experience and expertise, Josh shares wise counsel every entrepreneur should hear. Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

Have you ever seen a business have a total communication fail, either internally or externally? All business is built upon relationships, but many times, we miss the mark. Darin Dawson is the President & Co-founder of BombBomb.com, a company whose mission is to rehumanize the planet. His video email software helps people break through the digital noise to build human connection and get a “yes” faster and more often. For business owners, sincere, personalized communication with your team, customers, and everyone else is a good place to start. Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

Getting leadership right is hard work, and developing leaders can be even harder. However, it’s this work that can revolutionize your organization to build a strong culture and propel you toward success. Dean Hallett has provided leadership at the highest levels, including as EVP/CFO at Disney and Senior EVP at 20th Century Fox. Now, he helps organizations just like yours develop their leadership teams for happier, better organizations that thrive in a world of continual disruption.   Find out more about Dean Hallett:  hallettleadership.comSend us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

People and personalities matter when it comes to hiring, building a trusted team, and working toward success in your business. Ira Wolfe is an expert in these things, including best practices in hiring and succession. If you want to build a strong, healthy team that helps your business succeed, then you have to understand — and apply — this formula. https://www.facebook.com/irawolfehttps://twitter.com/HireAuthoritySend us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

In order to elevate your business and focus on the parts of it that you love, there are some things you need to do first. Chris Prenovost is a professional EOS implementer who helps business leaders fall back in love with their businesses by learning about — and implementing — EOS, the Entrepreneurial Operating System. When you learn what it is, how it works, why you need it, and then implement it in your business, you can achieve incredible results. Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

What does it take to get out of the frustration zone in business, and how do you find the resilience to get through it? Tony Guarnaccia is a business founder, strategist, and consultant who helps small businesses grow and succeed by teaching them exactly what to do and how to do it. Find out what he discovered while working with market leaders across hundreds of niches and learn how you can apply his knowledge to your business. https://www.facebook.com/guarnacciahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyguarnaccia/https://www.instagram.com/tony.g.guarnaccia/https://twitter.com/tony_guarnacciaSend us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

Listen to today's episode for a limited-time promo code to get a big discount on your ticket for Business Builders Live in March!Without the right knowledge, you can get stuck as an entrepreneur. I’m here to teach you how to build a business that lasts and grows regardless of the environment, including the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

People need to know their life has meaning. If you know that what you do for work makes a difference, your whole life changes. Lisa McLeod is a strategy consultant, executive coach, and keynote speaker who helps people just like you find meaning in their work and get money from it at the same time (yes, it’s really possible). Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

Do you make decisions based on your mission, vision, and values? Do your employees? What about your family? And yourself? These things don’t just apply to businesses — they apply to families and individuals, too. When you know what your mission, vision, and values are, then you have a framework in place to help you better make decisions in life. UpCoach CEO and veteran entrepreneur David Henzel has some powerful counsel and wisdom about these things that are truly worth hearing. Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

Sometimes the best way to start a new business is to see something you don’t like in the world, think, “I can make that better,” and then do just that. When Christine Blackledge had a personal experience that prompted her to reinvent home health care, she went for it. Now, her business has gone international and she teaches others to do what she once did herself: start nursing agencies and healthcare businesses. If you need inspiration or encouragement, don’t miss this heartfelt conversation with a passionate, thoughtful business leader. Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

Have you ever wondered how to take a traditional business, like law or accounting, and convert it into something that’s more scalable from a profitability standpoint and more sustainable from a personal standpoint? An accountant, an author, and a true professional, Tatiana Tsoir has turned her agency into something that works for her, her life, and her team. Find out how you can do the same (and get some good accounting tips as a bonus). Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

Have you ever thought about writing a book but haven’t done it because you don’t have the time? If you have thought about it, have you ever considered using a ghostwriter to help you tell your story? Ghostwriting isn’t cheating because it’s still your ideas, your thoughts, and your words — you’re just getting a little help putting those things down on paper. Laura Gale is a ghostwriter who helps entrepreneurs and business owners write, publish, and market powerful, profitable books that transform their businesses. In this episode, she shares incredible insight about book development and how it can help entrepreneurs grow their businesses. Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

Some people like to say, “Business isn’t personal.” But that’s not true. If you’re a person, it’s personal — and that includes business. For business leaders, there’s so much more to your day-to-day operations than work because life can change in an instant, and those life changes can have a big impact on your business. Lori Hibma is a skilled CEO who knows all too well how life can affect work. It’s always personal, and if you’re a business leader, this is one enlightening conversation you need to hear. Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

Have you ever considered running a franchise, or franchising your existing business? Franchises are great because they provide an opportunity where there’s already a proven platform in place so you’re more likely to succeed. ION Franchising Founder & CEO Lance Graulich runs a franchise consulting firm that helps people build businesses that last. If you’ve ever thought about franchising in any capacity, you don’t want to miss out on this valuable information from a franchise pro! Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

These days, we send a lot of emails. When we automate those emails, it gives us space to focus on other important aspects of our businesses. Tom Kulzer, founder of AWeber, knows the value of email automation because he runs one of the most successful email automation systems in the nation. Every day, he helps small businesses communicate well by email with a powerfully-simple email marketing solution. In this episode, Tom shares his best advice about scaling your business, overcoming roadblocks, and using successful email strategies. Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

As a leader, there’s a lot you need to know about growing your business. Veronica Sagastume is a business strategist and consultant who helps businesses successfully grow their revenue, increase their gross margin performance, and build infrastructures that help them handle their substantial growth. You don’t have to feel frustrated, overwhelmed, and confused when it comes to growing your business. When you’re armed with the right strategy and knowledge, you can confidently scale your business online. Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com

Have you ever wondered if you can achieve more by doing less? Good news — you can. Crista Grasso helps business owners do just that through her lean out method, a combination of strategic planning and lean business practices that help business owners focus on what matters most so they can achieve more by doing less. If you want to drive maximum value for your customers and maximum profits for your business without overworking and overwhelming yourself, then this conversation is for you.Send us Fan MailSupport the showListen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com