PODCAST · business
Built to Finish
by Steven Pivnik
Welcome to Built to Finish! Join host, Steven Pivnik, each week as he explores the journeys of audacious goal setters. This includes experienced Founders, CEOs and entrepreneurs sharing pivotal moments that propelled their success. We'll also be talking with endurance athletes who push the limits of physical and mental ability. This show is brought to you by Acresis — offering tailored, high-impact advisory services to help founders get to their finish line with a strategic acquisition or majority investor recapitalization. To learn more, go to: https://acresis.com/
Episodes
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Bigger Isn't Better: Building a Business Worth Running with Natalie Kaminski
"I may get to a hundred people one day, but it will never be my goal." What happens when the company you're proud to be growing starts pulling you away from the business and life you actually want? Natalie Kaminski, co-founder and CEO of JetRockets, joins Steven Pivnik for a candid conversation...
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Chasing Four: Gene McCarthy on the Mile, Michael Jordan, and Building Iconic Brands
"We don't own this brand. Kids do. We just manage it for them." What does chasing a four-minute mile have in common with building a brand people care about? Gene McCarthy joins Steven Pivnik to tell the story behind Chasing Four: A Personal History of Work and Play. Running gave Gene a path out…
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Your Business Can't Outscale Your Leadership with Parker McCumber
"Your organization is never going to outscale your leadership capacity." Most businesses do not stall because the founder lacks ambition, strategy, or work ethic. They stall because every decision, approval, and problem still depends on the founder. In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven…
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High Performance Without the Hustle with James Laughlin
"High performance does not require hustle. In fact, it requires anti-hustle." What truly separates high performers from everyone else? According to seven-time world champion, bestselling author, and executive coach James Laughlin, it is not working longer, moving faster, or filling every hour of...
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The Unfair Advantage of Reading 1,500 Books with Matt Karamazov
"Motivation gets you started. Discipline sees you through." What separates people who consume information from those who use it to build something meaningful? Matt Karamazov has read more than 1,500 books, but the number is only part of the story. After an early business failure left him…
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Stop Being the Hero in Your Business with Ivan Lightfoot
"Always make decisions that you're going to be proud of 10 years from now." Ivan Lightfoot thought his company was having a great month. Then he looked at the P&L and discovered they had lost $60,000. The former high school math teacher knew how to win clients. Building a profitable business that...
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Three Attempts, Seven Summits, One Final Finish with Louise McEvoy
"Recognize that fear is going to be part of anything new and challenging, and embrace that fear. The more you try and build experience, the more it becomes muscle memory." After two unsuccessful attempts on Denali, Louise McEvoy had every reason not to return. But the senior cybersecurity…
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Your Business Can't Grow If Everything Depends on You with Kim Miller-Hershon
"If nobody can do it as well as you, train people better." Many founders build their success by being the person who solves every problem. But as the business grows, that strength can become its greatest limitation. In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven Pivnik sits down with executive coach,...
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The Exit Tax Mistake That Could Cost You Millions with Brett Swarts
Most founders spend decades building a valuable company but only a few hours preparing for the tax consequences of selling it. Brett Swarts explains why that mistake can cost entrepreneurs millions. He shares how deferred sales trusts work, when founders should begin planning, why estate taxes…
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How to Reinvent Yourself Without Losing Who You Are with Andreea Dragoi
ost people spend their lives trying to fit into one box. This week's guest, Andreea Dragoi, has spent hers proving you don't have to. From leaving Romania at 18 to pursue the American dream, becoming a Division I swim captain, competing in modeling and pageants, earning an MBA in finance, and...
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From Tech CEO to Hollywood Director: Building a Feature Film from Scratch with Nick Wilkinson
"Building a feature film is every bit as hard as building a company." After leading technology companies through billion-dollar operations and successful acquisitions, Nick Wilkinson decided to start over—this time in Hollywood. In this episode, Nick shares the behind-the-scenes story of…
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Healthspan Over Lifespan: The Future of Longevity with Hunter Ziesing
"Don't focus on lifespan. Focus on healthspan." Everyone wants to live longer,but what if we've been asking the wrong question? In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven sits down with longevity entrepreneur Hunter Ziesing to explore the future of healthcare, AI-powered medicine, preventive...
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Build a Business Buyers Actually Want with John Warrillow
"Your job isn't just to grow revenue. Your job is to build a business that can thrive without you." Most entrepreneurs spend years growing revenue—but very few spend time building a business someone actually wants to buy. In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven sits down with bestselling…
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The Legal Mistakes That Kill Business Exits (And How to Avoid Them) with Matthew Fornaro
"Have the uncomfortable conversation now instead of having the really uncomfortable conversation later." Most founders think about legal protection only after something goes wrong. That's backwards. In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven sits down with business attorney Matthew Fornaro to...
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AI Won't Replace Humans. It Will Expose How We Work with Christa Hill
"The more technology we have at our disposal, the more human we need to be." Everyone is talking about AI tools, prompts, and automation, but few are talking about the human side of transformation. In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven sits down with AI educator, leadership trainer, and…
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Founder Executive Triathlon Retreat with Steven Pivnik
Most founder retreats happen in a conference room.This one starts with an ocean swim. In this special solo episode, Steven Pivnik pulls back the curtain on the Founder Executive Triathlon Retreat and answers the most common questions founders ask before applying. Why combine business strategy…
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Opportunity by Proximity: Building Wealth, Resilience, and a Life That Lasts with Mario Sicari
"Everything that happens every day you wake up, there's going to be a door presented to you. It's either you go through the door or you don't." What separates people who build lasting wealth from those who stay stuck? In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven sits down with Mario Sicari, founder...
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Growth Doesn't Fix Problems, It Exposes Them with Dr. Donna Marino
"Growth doesn't fix problems. It exposes them." In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven sits down with Dr. Donna Marino to unpack the emotional and operational realities of scaling a family-run business. From succession planning and founder dependency to sibling conflict, leadership friction,...
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Why Success Alone Will Never Fulfill You with Scott Lackey
"The more I sacrifice of myself, the more of myself I actually find." In this deeply powerful episode of Built to Finish, Steven Pivnik sits down with combat veteran, entrepreneur, keynote speaker, Ironman athlete, and author Scott Lackey for a conversation about identity, pain, resilience,...
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Built to Scale: From Break-Fix to a World-Class IT Company with Dan Hernandez
"Think about AI as hiring employees. If 30 people are using AI, you now have 60." In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven Pivnik sits down with Dan Hernandez, founder and CEO of PCS Technologies, to unpack what it really takes to build a scalable, resilient business in one of the most…
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From Everest Base Camp: Grit, Failure, and the Power of Focus with Reid Tileston
"Grit is doing difficult things at the exact moment that you do not want to do them." In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven Pivnik sits down with Reid Tileston, author of Grit It Done, professor, entrepreneur, and Everest summiteer, live from Mount Everest Base Camp. Reid shares his…
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What Separates Finishers from Everyone Else with Mark Pattison
"Success leaves clues." What does it really take to finish what you start when the stakes are high? In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven sits down with Mark Pattison, former NFL player, entrepreneur, former Sports Illustrated executive, Seven Summits finisher, Everest climber, speaker, and...
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Why Most Companies Are Behind on AI (And Don't Know It) with Brian Dainis
"The compounding effect of time in your business is incredible. Most of the value gets created at the end of that curve. Just stick with it." In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven sits down with Brian Dainis, Founder and CEO of Curotec, to break down what it really takes to scale a business…
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Relationships Over Transactions: The Trust-Based Selling Blueprint with Todd Duncan
"Transactions will make you a living. Relationships will make you a fortune." What if the key to explosive business growth wasn't more leads, more calls, or more hustle but deeper relationships? In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven Pivnik sits down with three time New York Times bestselling...
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Jim Stryker's Take On Why Founders Lose Millions Without Exit Planning
"The state has a plan for your wealth. If you don't create one, they'll use theirs." Most founders focus on building enterprise value but ignore personal wealth strategy until it's too late. In this episode, Steven sits down with wealth strategist Jim Stryker to break down why exit planning…
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Confidence Comes After Action. The Real Formula for Transformation with Cara Poppitt
"Confidence does not come before change. Confidence comes because you choose to change." What does real transformation actually look like for founders, leaders, and high performers? In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven Pivnik sits down with Cara Moeller Poppitt, three time bestselling…
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The Party Within: Rethinking Social Life and Belonging with Evan Cudworth
"Party isn't something you consume. It's something you create from within." In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven sits down with Evan Cudworth, the world's first "party coach," to challenge everything we think we know about social life, alcohol, and belonging. From his early experiences in...
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From Boardroom to Basecamp: The Ecuador Executive Retreat with Mark Hodges and Griffin Mims
"Mountaineering is very much a game of stepping stones." This week on Built to Finish, Steven Pivnik shares exciting details about his upcoming Ecuador Climbing Executive Retreat — a unique experience designed to bring together founders, business leaders, and aspiring climbers for a powerful…
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From Stand-Up to TEDx: The Blueprint Behind Talks That Actually Convert with Cesar Cervantes
"Real credibility isn't a title. It's delivery." Most speakers think great talks are about talent. They're wrong. In this episode of Built to Finish, I sit down with Cesar Cervantes, former stand-up comedian turned TEDx speechwriter and mentor, who has helped over 300 speakers land and craft...
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From Necessity to 100 Million Views with Christopher Kriel
"I get more done in those three hours than anyone can in 10 hours while being a little bit distracted on the side the whole time." This episode of Built to Finish features Christopher Kriel, a medical student and content creator who has turned a personal financial necessity into a digital...
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Preparation and Stubbornness: From War Zones to Mount Everest with Mike Tobin
"Preparation and stubbornness will get you up any mountain." In this episode of Built to Finish, host Steven Pivnik sits down with veteran journalist and war correspondent Mike Tobin for a gripping conversation on pressure, perspective, and what it really means to keep going when the stakes are...
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The Yes Audit: Where Your Time, Money, and Focus Are Going with Ryan Pink Langford
"Every tiny yes we give away is slowly stealing our life. The most powerful word isn't yes — it's no." In this episode of Built to Finish, host Steven Pivnik sits down with speaker, storyteller, and former serial entrepreneur Ryan Pink Langford for a powerful conversation on focus, purpose,...
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Core Turnaround Strategy — Telling the Truth, Fixing the Core, and Saving Companies with Walter Simson
"If you can't admit you need a turnaround, you're probably not going to make it." In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven Pivnik sits down with Walter Simpson, a veteran business turnaround consultant with 40 years of experience and more than 60 middle-market company turnarounds under his…
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The Magic of CEO Effectiveness: Scaling, Exiting, and Leading at the Next Level with Jim Schleckser
"At a certain point, the business doesn't need a harder-working founder — it needs a more effective CEO." In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven Pivnik sits down with Jim Schleckser, a seasoned entrepreneur, CEO coach, and trusted advisor to hundreds of founders who are scaling companies,...
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Primal Truths: What Evolutionary Psychology Teaches Us About Leadership, Power, and Relationships with Tim Ash
"We are not broken as humans — we're living in a culture that ignores how we actually evolved." In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven Pivnik sits down with Tim Ash, renowned expert in evolutionary psychology, persuasion, and human behavior, for a wide-ranging and unapologetically honest...
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Redefining Wealth Management: A Human-Centric Approach to Financial Success | Lisa Kirchenbauer
In this episode of the Built to Finish podcast, Steven Pivnik sits down with Lisa Kirchenbauer, Founding Partner and Senior Advisor at Omega Wealth Management, to unpack what really happens before and after a liquidity event. Recognized by Newsweek and Money.com, Lisa shares how her firm has...
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Closing the Courage Gap: From Fearful Mind to Brave Heart | Margie Warrell
What if the only thing standing between your current reality and your ultimate potential is a gap you created yourself? In this episode of the Built to Finish podcast, host Steven Pivnik sits down with globally recognized leadership coach and author Margie Warrell to explore the intersection of...
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Recapping a Year of Audacious Goals: Lessons Learned from Everest and TEDx with Steven Pivnik
In this special holiday episode of the Built to Finish podcast, host Steven Pivnik reflects on the past year, expressing immense gratitude to the audience for their support during his first full year of podcasting, which included over 52 released episodes. He shares the personal success he has...
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The Proceeds Waterfall: Mapping Every Penny of Your Business Exit with Steven Pivnik
In this solo episode, Steven tackles a fundamental question for every entrepreneur: "How much should I sell my company for?" He argues that the answer shouldn't start with market valuation, but with a deeply personal assessment of the lifestyle the founder wishes to maintain post-exit. Assuming a...
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From Pioneering Patents to Thinkers360: Nick Evans on the Future of Tech and Thought Leadership
Nick Evans, a world-renowned executive advisor, thought leader, and Founder of Thinkers360, shares insights from his time advising influential organizations like Amazon, NASA, and Intel, highlighting the fun and challenge of diving into different industries as a consultant. He recounts his work...
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Don't Wait for Perfect: Why Your Personal Brand Needs an Imperfect Start with Matt LeBris
In this inspiring and candid episode, Steven welcomes his first in-person guest, Matt LeBris, host of the globally top 1% ranked Decoding Success Podcast and a Brand Strategist with Brand Builders Group. Matt shares his incredible career journey, beginning with a cold pitch to Shark Tank's Damon...
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Paul Pacun on Capital Velocity and Cash Flow Discipline
Paul Pacun, CEO & Founder of Meiotic and its flagship sales enablement platform Vablet, joins the show to discuss his 26-year journey in tech, starting with taking a company public during the 2000 dot-com bubble. He shares the origin story of Meiotic and its eventual pivot from marketing to...
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The AI Dilemma: Balancing Innovation, Ethics, and Responsible Growth | Dr. Cindy Gordon
Dr. Cindy Gordon, CEO and founder of SalesChoice, joins host Steven Pivnik to discuss her "evolutionary" journey from executive roles at giants like Accenture and Xerox to launching her own tech company. She details how she first joined a venture capital firm to learn corporate finance before...
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From 200-Mile Races to CMO: David Chase on Resilience and Goal Alignment
David Chase, an avid ultra-marathoner and the President at WorkBoard, joins Steven Pivnik to discuss the powerful intersection between endurance sports and business leadership. David shares how his professional rise to CMO coincided with his running journey, which has included multiple 100+ mile...
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The Upside of Down: Rebuilding Life After Catastrophe with John Ulsh
John Ulsh, resilience coach, speaker, and author of "The Upside of Down," discusses the catastrophic car accident that changed his life forever. John shares the harrowing details of the 2007 collision that involved his wife and two young children, leaving him with a less than 3% chance of…
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The Perfect Meal Formula: Unlocking Health with Dr. Anna Pleet
Dr. Anna Pleet discusses a comprehensive and compassionate approach to tackling obesity and improving overall health. Anna emphasizes that weight loss is far more complex than the simple "calories in, calories out" mantra. She explains her patient-centered method, which begins with listening and...
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Hugh Massie on Dreaming Big, Starting Small, and Finishing Strong
Hugh Massie, the Founder and Executive Chairman of DNA Behavior, a globally recognized behavioral AI solutions architect, shares his guiding principle for entrepreneurs: "dream big, start small, and finish big." He encourages founders to think beyond financial metrics and focus on the human…
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Optionality, Risk, and Building for the Long Game with Miles Spencer
Miles Spencer is no stranger to risk, resilience, and reinvention. A multi-exit entrepreneur, investor, and adventurer, Miles has spent decades building companies in digital media, mentoring founders, and even chasing adrenaline in places like Pamplona and the deserts of the Middle East. Now…
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Adam Vernon: From a Pile of Old Skis to a Thriving Outdoor Furniture Brand
Adam Vernon, the Founder and Managing Director of Colorado Ski Furniture, shares his incredible story of how he turned a pile of old skis into a thriving and easily recognized business. With nearly two decades of experience, Adam discusses the evolution of his company, from a weekend stress...
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Flipping the Script for National Podcast Day with Steven Pivnik
In this special bonus episode for National Podcast Day episode, our very own, Steven Pivnik, gets interviewed about his experiences so far hosting the Built to Finish podcast. Steven describes his show as informational, motivational, and entertaining, aimed at audacious goal setters, including...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to Built to Finish! Join host, Steven Pivnik, each week as he explores the journeys of audacious goal setters. This includes experienced Founders, CEOs and entrepreneurs sharing pivotal moments that propelled their success. We'll also be talking with endurance athletes who push the limits of physical and mental ability. This show is brought to you by Acresis — offering tailored, high-impact advisory services to help founders get to their finish line with a strategic acquisition or majority investor recapitalization. To learn more, go to: https://acresis.com/
HOSTED BY
Steven Pivnik
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Built to Finish have?
Built to Finish currently has 95 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Built to Finish about?
Welcome to Built to Finish! Join host, Steven Pivnik, each week as he explores the journeys of audacious goal setters. This includes experienced Founders, CEOs and entrepreneurs sharing pivotal moments that propelled their success. We'll also be talking with endurance athletes who push the limits...
How often does Built to Finish release new episodes?
Built to Finish has 95 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Built to Finish?
You can listen to Built to Finish on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Built to Finish?
Built to Finish is created and hosted by Steven Pivnik.
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