Call The Damn Leads

In Episode 167, Drewbie sits down with Grant Fuellenbach to break down a hard truth most business owners don't want to hear: You don't have a lead problem. You have a systems problem. Grant shares how he built and sold a drone services company by doing something radically simple: calling the phone numbers on trucks when he had an idea for how they could use drones. No fancy funnel. No complicated pitch. Just curiosity and questions. From there, the conversation dives deep into revenue operations, backend workflows, AI integrations, and why even $10–20M construction companies are still operating on spreadsheets and sticky notes. Grant explains why understanding your client's world is the ultimate sales advantage, how to diagnose a company's true bottlenecks, and why most "marketing problems" are really process breakdowns hiding in plain sight. If you're a sales professional who wants to think like an operator—or a business owner drowning in tasks you "can't" delegate—this episode is your wake-up call.   Episode Highlights 🚚 Calling the phone number on trucks to spark instant sales conversations 🧠 Why speaking your client's language builds trust faster than any script 📊 The real reason most businesses think they have a lead problem 🔍 Full-company diagnostics: people, platform, and process 📉 Why 8-figure construction companies still rely on spreadsheets 🤖 Using AI and CRMs to tighten workflows and increase efficiency 📦 The "delegate, defer, delete, or do" framework 🚩 Why not asking enough questions is a massive sales red flag 📈 How to identify growth bottlenecks before hiring 🧩 Breaking the "I'm the only one who can do this" mindset 🎙 Launching a podcast as a systems experiment 💡 Why success starts with defining what you actually want   Key Takeaways 1. You Don't Have a Lead Problem. Most companies struggle with process breakdowns — not a lack of inbound calls. 2. Curiosity Closes Deals. Asking better questions beats pitching features every time. 3. Learn the Client's World. When you understand how they think and operate, you stop selling and start advising. 4. Diagnose Before You Prescribe. Run a full audit of people, platform, and process before making changes. 5. Delegate with Intention. Use the "Delegate, Defer, Delete, or Do" method to free yourself from low-leverage tasks. 6. Growth Requires Letting Go. If you refuse to hand things off, your business will stay capped at your capacity. 7. Systems Create Freedom. Automation and workflow clarity unlock scale — not hustle alone. 8. Define Success for Yourself. Until you know what winning looks like, you'll constantly negotiate your priorities. 9. Ask More Questions. Sales arrogance kills trust. Curiosity builds it. 10. Don't Quit Too Soon. Consistency compounds — in sales, business, and content creation.     Connect with Grant 🌐 Website: https://gofirstconsulting.com🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantfuellenbach 🎙 Podcast: Beyond the SO Grant specializes in revenue operations, workflow optimization, and helping construction and home service businesses align their tech stack, team, and processes for scalable growth.   Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals — Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: 💡Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. 💡Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. 💡Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. 💡Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights. If you'd like to be a guest on the show, leave your contact information and a brief message telling us why your story needs to be heard: https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

In Episode 166 of Call The Damn Leads, Drewbie sits down with Damon Darnall — better known as The Drone Boss — to break down a powerful truth: Sales isn't about features. It's about positioning. From a baby-faced 20-something landing a $180,000 contract… to a retired Army Colonel rebuilding his health, confidence, and income through sales… Damon shares real-world stories that prove this: 👉 It's not about the drone. 👉 It's not about the script. 👉 It's about confidence, courage, and taking imperfect action. If you've ever overthought your pitch, doubted yourself, or stalled at your current income ceiling — this episode is for you.     Episode Highlights 🔹 How one simple elevator pitch turned into a $180,000 contract 🔹 Why most entrepreneurs fight coaching (even when it works) 🔹 The psychology behind income "glass ceilings" 🔹 Why confidence comes from reps — not theory 🔹 The power of "5 seconds of courage" 🔹 How uncomfortable action creates unstoppable momentum 🔹 The Chinese Bamboo Tree analogy every entrepreneur needs to hear 🔹 Why authenticity beats polished scripts every time     Key Takeaways 1️⃣ Don't Sell Features. Sell Outcomes. Nobody cares about your 4K drone specs. They care about how you help them make money, save time, or create impact. 2️⃣ Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable. Your success is directly tied to how quickly you can lean into the scary thing instead of avoiding it. 3️⃣ Stop Overthinking. Start Acting. Most people prepare for questions that will never be asked. The real growth happens when you move first and refine later. 4️⃣ Your Income Has a Psychological Ceiling. Until you upgrade your identity and belief system, your business will hover around what you subconsciously think you're worth. 5️⃣ Plant the Seed. Always. Every conversation is planting something. Some deals close instantly. Others take two years to sprout.     About Damon Darnall Damon Darnall is a pioneer in the commercial drone space and founder of The Drone Boss network. After launching one of the earliest drone businesses in the 1990s, Damon has trained over 10,000 drone entrepreneurs to build profitable businesses by mastering positioning, confidence, and sales psychology. Learn more at: 🌐Website:https://thedroneboss.com/ 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damon-darnall-709340a3/ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________   Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals — Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: ✨Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. ✨Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. ✨Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. ✨Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights. If you'd like to be a guest on the show, leave your contact information and a brief message telling us why your story needs to be heard: https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

In Episode 165, Drewbie sits down with Kanika Vasudeva to explore one of the most powerful — and vulnerable — journeys ever shared on Call The Damn Leads. Kanika began her career as an engineer with an MBA, checking every box of traditional success: corporate leadership, marriage, kids, house, credentials. But beneath the surface, she felt deeply disconnected from her purpose. After the heartbreaking loss of her stillborn daughter at 31 weeks, everything changed. What followed wasn't just grief — it was awakening. Kanika shares how that life-altering moment led her into energy healing, conscious coaching, and ultimately entrepreneurship. But here's the twist: she loved coaching… and hated sales. Believing sales was "icky" and transactional, she struggled to sign even $100 clients. Until she reframed everything. When she realized that sales is service — and that selling is an act of helping — her business transformed. In one unexpected moment at a hair salon, she confidently shared what she did and had a prospect hand her their number on the spot. This episode dives deep into identity shifts, inner truth, energy alignment, and why the biggest block to profitable sales isn't strategy — it's the disconnect between who you are inside and who you're trying to be outside. If you're an entrepreneur, coach, or sales professional feeling called to something bigger — but stuck in fear, doubt, or judgment — this episode will challenge and expand you.     Episode Highlights 👩‍💼 Walking away from corporate engineering and the "perfect life" checklist 💔 The loss that changed everything — and sparked a spiritual awakening 🔄 From MBA mindset to energy healing and conscious coaching 🤢 Why Kanika believed sales was "icky" — and how that belief cost her money 💡 The mindset shift: Sales is service 💇‍♀️ The haircut conversation that changed her confidence forever 🧠 Why most struggling entrepreneurs aren't blocked by strategy — but by identity 🎭 Letting go of the corporate mask and stepping into a new self-image 😨 Handling judgment from analytical peers and former colleagues 🔥 Wearing your "next-level identity" before the results show up 🪞 Why other people's criticism reflects your internal doubt ✨ The real definition of truth in business and sales 📈 The energetic alignment that turns coaches profitable 🔍 Strategy + Energy: Why you need both to scale     Key Takeaways Sales is service. When you truly believe you're helping people, selling becomes liberating — not transactional. Identity drives income. You cannot outperform the version of yourself you secretly still believe you are. Judgment reflects internal doubt. The criticism you fear from others often mirrors your own unresolved fears. Wear the next-level version of you early. Step into the identity before the results show up. Truth creates expansion. When who you are inside matches who you present outside, business accelerates. Energy impacts sales outcomes. Buyers feel alignment — or misalignment — before they process your pitch. You don't need all the answers. Perfectionism blocks growth far more than inexperience. Strategy without alignment won't scale. Tactical sales training works best when your internal energy supports it. Your pain can become your purpose. Life's hardest moments often initiate your greatest calling. Being seen starts with seeing yourself. Authenticity builds trust faster than any script ever could.     Connect with Kanika 🌐 Website & Quiz: https://artoflifecenter.com/quiz 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kanikavasudeva/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kanikaenergycoach/ Kanika helps conscious coaches and entrepreneurs align their energy with strategy to build profitable, purpose-driven businesses.     Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals — Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: ✨Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. ✨Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. ✨Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. ✨Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights. If you'd like to be a guest on the show, leave your contact information and a brief message telling us why your story needs to be heard: https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads  

What happens when you step on a gel pack… and it explodes all over a VIP guest's $1,000 dress during a high-profile sales presentation? For most people — that's game over. For Randy Gage — it became a masterclass in authenticity, recovery, and professional composure. In Episode 164, Randy joins Drewbie to unpack one of the wildest sales stories you'll ever hear — and then dives deep into what really wins in today's AI-saturated marketplace. If you're trying to out-polish, out-script, or out-automate your competition… you might already be losing. This episode is about why real beats perfect — and how education, positioning, and relevance can outsell pressure every time.     🔥 Episode Highlights 💥 The gel pack disaster that almost derailed a high-stakes presentation 🎭 Why being genuinely human saved the sale 🤖 "Stop Trying to Out-Slop the AI Slop" — what that really means 🎤 Why Randy refuses to use PowerPoint slides on stage 📚 Sales vs. Marketing — and why Randy says he's an educator, not a salesperson 🎯 How to create demand instead of chasing prospects 🧠 The real reason prospects say "I need to think about it" ❌ How over-educating can actually kill momentum ✅ The power of "Take yes for an answer" 💰 The 7-word phrase that moves deals forward: "Here's what needs to happen next." 🔥 Why relevance — not age — keeps you winning in sales 📖 Randy's daily discipline for staying sharp in a changing world     🧠 Key Takeaways for Sales Professionals 1. Authenticity is Your Competitive Advantage In a world full of AI avatars and overproduced content, real connection wins. 2. Stop Reading the Slide Deck If your audience can read it faster than you can say it, you're losing them. 3. Education Beats Persuasion If you believe in your product, your job is to educate — not pressure. 4. Listen for Buying Signals If they're already convinced… stop selling and start closing. 5. Take Yes for an Answer Don't oversell what's already sold. 6. Close with Direction Instead of asking "What do you think?" Say: 👉 "Here's what needs to happen next."     💡 Who This Episode Is For Sales professionals tired of chasing cold leads Speakers and presenters who rely too heavily on slides Entrepreneurs building authority in a noisy digital world Network marketers looking to simplify duplication Leaders who want to stay relevant long-term ___________________________________________________________________________ Connect with Randy 🌐 Website: https://randygage.com/🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randygage/ 📚 Books available on Amazon Randy shares practical, provocative insights on prosperity, marketing, leadership, and staying relevant in a rapidly evolving marketplace.   Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals — Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: 👉Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. 👉Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. 👉Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. 👉Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights. If you'd like to be a guest on the show, leave your contact information and a brief message telling us why your story needs to be heard: https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides

In Episode 163, Drewbie sits down with Christine Valdes to unpack what it really takes to earn authority in high-stakes sales — especially when you have to prove yourself from day one. Christine shares the unforgettable story from her first year in pharmaceutical sales when a physician told her to use her clinical study as toilet paper. Instead of quitting or shrinking back, she leaned in, built resilience, and eventually turned that same physician into a product advocate. But this episode goes far beyond thick skin. Christine delivers a masterclass on sales articulation, ego management, decision-tree preparation, and the nuanced psychology behind elite performance. She breaks down how mastering your product is only step one — mastering how you communicate it is what separates amateurs from professionals. Now leading a large pharmaceutical sales region, Christine also shares how to identify leadership potential, develop high-performing teams, and multiply sales success through confidence, capability, and clarity. If you've ever struggled with authority, articulation, or transitioning from top producer to top leader — this episode is your blueprint.     Episode Highlights 🧻 The "toilet paper" moment that could have ended a sales career 💪 Building thick skin without losing professionalism 👩‍⚕️ Earning respect in rooms where ego runs high 🧠 Why knowing your product isn't enough — articulation is everything 🎯 The power of word placement, tone, and question sequencing 🌳 Creating a sales "decision tree" to handle objections effortlessly 🚪 How to outmaneuver gatekeepers without being pushy 👂 Why listening is impossible until you truly know your material 📚 Studying competitors as deeply as your own product 📈 Transitioning from individual contributor to sales leader 🔁 Confidence + Capability + Clarity = Sales Multiplication 🚩 Green flags that signal someone is ready for leadership 🧩 Why you must test leadership potential with responsibility before promotion 🛠 Leading without authority as the ultimate leadership test     Key Takeaways 1. Resilience is built in moments of discomfort. The objection that stings the most may become your greatest win. 2. Mastery requires articulation. Knowing your product is step one. Communicating it strategically is step two. 3. Sales is nuanced. Word placement, question flow, and tone dramatically impact outcomes. 4. Build a decision tree. Anticipate objections before they happen and prepare responses in advance. 5. Ego exists on both sides. Authority is earned through preparation, humility, and consistency. 6. Listening is a learned skill. You can't truly listen if you're scrambling for your next line. 7. Leadership is multiplication. Great leaders don't create mini-me's — they create capability. 8. Test before you promote. Give small leadership responsibilities before giving big titles. 9. Confidence grows through consistency. Repetition builds belief — in both sales and leadership. 10. The best leaders go vertical. They stay close to the field and roll up their sleeves.     Connect with Christine 🌐 Website: christinevaldes.com 🔗 LinkedIn: Christine Valdes Christine specializes in developing high-performing sales leaders and building teams that operate with clarity, confidence, and measurable results.     Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals — Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights. If you'd like to be a guest on the show, leave your contact information and a brief message telling us why your story needs to be heard: https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

What happens when your primary sales platform vanishes overnight? In Episode 162, Drewbie sits down with Emelie Sanders, who shares the wild story of getting banned from Meta — and how that forced her to completely redesign her sales engine. With recurring revenue on the line and leads drying up instantly, Emelie had to pivot fast. What followed wasn't panic… it was precision. She rebuilt her systems, doubled down on email conversions, leveraged low-ticket offers strategically, and engineered retention that most businesses only dream about. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, conversion optimization, and designing a sales process that works — even when the algorithm doesn't. If you rely on one platform for leads, this conversation is your wake-up call.     🔥 Episode Highlights 💥 Getting banned from Meta and losing a major lead source overnight 📉 Replacing $4,000 in recurring revenue fast — without panic 📧 Why "having an email list" isn't the same as converting from email 🎥 Using video, voice, and face-to-face touchpoints to boost conversions 🧀 The "Caseo Kikies" strategy and how live calls drove massive ROI 💰 Leveraging low-ticket offers to plug revenue gaps quickly 🔄 Designing retention intentionally — not hoping for renewals 🧠 Why conversion rate matters more than traffic volume 📊 Tracking client behavior to increase upsells and timing offers perfectly 🗂 The power of "creepy good notes" inside your CRM 🧩 Why timing is everything in client ascension 🚀 Building a business that doesn't collapse when one platform does     💡 Key Takeaways If all your sales come from one platform, you don't own your business — you rent it. Email only works when it's designed to convert, not just exist. Face + voice = trust. Trust = sales. Don't pour traffic into a funnel that doesn't convert. Fix the bottom first. Retention is engineered through timing and intentional next steps. Track everything. What gets measured gets monetized.     👤 About Emelie Sanders Emelie Sanders is a messaging strategist and email marketing expert who helps entrepreneurs convert more consistently without relying on unpredictable social platforms. Through Pass The Case, she teaches businesses how to build strategic sales systems, improve retention, and increase conversion rates — without chasing vanity metrics. 🌐 Website: https://passthequeso.com/ 📩 Join the newsletter to learn how to sell smarter and convert better.  ______________________________________________________________________________________________________   🎙️ Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals." Each week, Drewbie Wilson—sales vet with 20+ years in the game—brings you real stories, proven strategies, and no-BS conversations to help you win in sales and business. Expect a wild mix of: Real Sales Stories – entertaining, raw, and honest Proven Tactics – fundamentals that actually work Humor & Energy – because sales life is a rollercoaster Expert Advice – from people who've lived it 👉 Want to be a guest? Pitch your story here: https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast     Follow Drewbie 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

In Episode 161, Drewbie sits down with Russell Van Brocklen to challenge one of the biggest limiting beliefs in business: that dyslexia is a disadvantage. Russell shares how being dyslexic didn't hold him back in sales — it gave him an unfair advantage. From hammering mortgage leads that had been called over 100 times… to keeping six loan officers fed with fully completed applications… to handing out his personal cell phone and answering calls at 3AM — Russell built his success on one core principle: 👉 Find your "why." 👉 Care more than everyone else. 👉 Specialize until you dominate. But this episode goes deeper than sales tactics. Russell explains the neuroscience behind dyslexia, why high-level sales is about word analysis and articulation, and how the same brain wiring that makes reading difficult can make communication and persuasion elite. If you've ever felt like you were at a disadvantage in sales — this episode will flip that belief on its head.     Episode Highlights 📞 Calling mortgage leads that had been contacted over 100 times — and still closing them 💥 Leading with blunt honesty: "You're getting screwed" as a pattern interrupt 🧠 Why dyslexia can be a massive advantage in high-level sales 📊 The brain science behind word analysis and articulation 🏦 Why Russell always recommended fixed-rate mortgages (and walked away when it wasn't right) 📱 Giving prospects his personal phone number — and answering at 3AM 🎯 Why sales is not a 9–5 career if you want to dominate 🔍 The power of narrowing everything down to a "universal theme" 🦈 The surprising number of Shark Tank investors who are dyslexic 🚀 How podcasting builds authority faster than traditional speaking gigs 📈 From struggling reader to helping families dramatically improve reading scores in months     Key Takeaways 1. Your "weakness" might be your edge. Dyslexia sharpened Russell's ability to analyze language, process information in real time, and articulate solutions clearly. 2. Honesty closes deals. When you genuinely protect the client's interests — even if it means walking away — trust skyrockets. 3. Specialization beats generalization. If you're not niche, you're invisible. 4. Consistency compounds. Small, focused effort over months creates life-changing results — in sales and in learning. 5. Sales is about processing, not pitching. Ask questions. Listen. Analyze. Adjust. That's elite-level communication. 6. Authority is built intentionally. Podcasting, reviews, and personal branding make you Google-proof and credibility-rich. 7. Care wins long-term. Answering the phone at 3AM may not be scalable forever — but it builds stories people repeat. 8. Find your "why." If it's just about the paycheck, you'll burn out. If it's about purpose, you'll dominate.     Connect with Russell 🌐 Website: https://dyslexiaclasses.com📥 Free Guide & Strategy Call: Available on website Russell helps parents train their children to dramatically improve reading and writing skills — often in a matter of months — using a focused, neuroscience-based process.     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals — Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights. If you'd like to be a guest on the show, leave your contact information and a brief message telling us why your story needs to be heard: https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

In Episode 160, Drewbie sits down with Dan Charles to unpack a truth most sales professionals and agency owners learn the hard way: The fastest way to grow… is often saying no. Dan shares his journey from burnout freelancer cold-calling local businesses just to survive, to building a specialized B2B event marketing agency closing six-figure deals with a 60%+ close rate. From sympathy clients and £5-per-hour reality checks to confidently disqualifying prospects and engineering a profitable niche, this episode is packed with real-world lessons on positioning, confidence, and scaling smarter — not harder. If you're stuck working with low-paying, high-maintenance clients… If you're afraid to niche down… If you're grinding but not scaling… This conversation will challenge the way you think about growth.     Episode Highlights Dan's burnout moment that forced him into sales Cold-calling local businesses with zero experience — and landing his first deals Why "sympathy clients" matter early in your career The power of a strong "why" (and how fatherhood fueled the grind) Falling asleep at the desk after 14-hour days — the real cost of early hustle Why taking every client almost killed profitability The scary leap of firing clients to grow How niching down instantly increased profit margins Why saying no made his agency more profitable The shift from 10% close rate to 65%+ Why bigger clients value time over price How networking in the right rooms changes your trajectory The psychology of mirroring higher-level business owners Why low-ticket e-commerce clients drained time and profit The importance of an Ideal Client Profile (ICP) How personalization beats automation in outbound sales Using AI to enhance — not replace — human connection Why specialization creates authority and higher fees     Key Takeaways 1️⃣ Early Wins Build Momentum Those first clients may hire you out of sympathy — but they give you belief. Momentum beats perfection.     2️⃣ Your "Why" Has to Be Bigger Than Rejection Dan's newborn daughter became his fuel. When rejection hits daily, your reason has to outweigh your excuses.     3️⃣ Not All Revenue Is Equal Low-ticket, high-demand clients often produce: More stress Lower margins Longer hours Slower growth Higher-value clients with clearer problems create leverage.     4️⃣ Saying No Is a Growth Strategy Every time Dan narrowed his niche, profitability increased. Clarity improves: Messaging Close rates Client quality Confidence     5️⃣ Bigger Clients Buy Outcomes, Not Hours The wealthier the client, the more they value: Time Certainty Expertise Results If you solve a $2M problem, $100K is logical — not expensive.     6️⃣ Personalization Still Wins in 2026 AI is powerful — but lazy automation blends in. Voice notes. Personalized videos. Handwritten letters. Human touches close deals.     7️⃣ Ideal Client Profile Is Non-Negotiable If you don't define who you serve: You'll serve everyone. And struggle with all of them.     Dan's Scaling Playbook Burn the boats: commit fully when it matters Focus on bigger rooms, not more rooms Mirror the clients you want to attract Specialize until it feels uncomfortable Improve positioning before increasing outreach Personalize beyond what automation can replicate Disqualify aggressively Engineer your calendar instead of reacting to it     Who This Episode Is For Agency owners stuck with low-margin clients Sales professionals wanting bigger deals Freelancers ready to scale Entrepreneurs afraid to niche down Anyone grinding long hours without real leverage Founders looking to improve close rates     Connect with Dan 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancharles 🌐 Website: https://codarity.com Dan specializes in B2B event marketing and helps event service companies generate high-value leads and scale profitably.     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads  

In Episode 159, Drewbie sits down with Darren Padgett for a masterclass in old-school sales fundamentals — listening, reading body language, and genuinely caring about people. From breaking into sales at 18… to closing a monster car deal by grocery shopping with a prospect… to building and scaling a six-figure plumbing company in a town of 10,000 people — Darren shares the raw lessons that shaped his philosophy: 👉 Sales isn't about convincing. 👉 It's about understanding. 👉 And the paycheck is just the byproduct. If you've ever struggled with closing, confidence, or scaling a business, this episode brings it back to the basics — and shows why fundamentals still win in 2026.     Episode Highlights 🚗 How Darren closed a $7,000+ commission deal by grocery shopping with a buyer 🧠 Why body language and non-verbal cues matter more than scripts 💰 The danger of focusing on the paycheck instead of the person 🏗 How he scaled a plumbing company to six figures in a small market 📊 The real fastest path from Point A to Point B (hint: it's experience) 🎯 Why "selling" feels dirty — and how advisory selling changes everything 🔥 The difference between effort vs. entitlement in business 📈 Why ethics, intentionality, and effort drive long-term success     Key Takeaways 1. Care First. Close Second. When you genuinely focus on the buyer's needs, the sale happens naturally. 2. Listen More Than You Talk. Most salespeople talk themselves out of deals. The best closers observe, ask, and respond. 3. The Paycheck Is a Byproduct. The moment you obsess over commission, you lose authenticity. 4. Experience Is the Shortcut. The fastest way from A to B isn't a straight line — it's learning from those who've already walked it.     About Darren Darren Padgett is a business consultant and sales strategist who helps entrepreneurs scale with clarity and structure. After building and scaling his own businesses, he now works one-on-one with owners to improve operations, profitability, and growth strategy. Connect with Darren: 🌐https://dnabusinessco.com/ 📱 https://www.linkedin.com/company/dnabizco/?viewAsMember=true 📱https://www.instagram.com/dnabizco/# ____________________________________________________________________________   🎙️ Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals." Each week, Drewbie Wilson—sales vet with 20+ years in the game—brings you real stories, proven strategies, and no-BS conversations to help you win in sales and business. Expect a wild mix of: Real Sales Stories – entertaining, raw, and honest Proven Tactics – fundamentals that actually work Humor & Energy – because sales life is a rollercoaster Expert Advice – from people who've lived it 👉 Want to be a guest? Pitch your story here: https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast     Follow Drewbie 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads  

In Episode 158, Drewbie sits down with Michael Straza to unpack one of the boldest sales decisions you'll ever hear: Turning down a $2 million contract. Why? Because bad cash flow terms can destroy a profitable company faster than a slow sales month ever will. Michael shares hard-earned lessons from 20+ years of owning, operating, scaling, and acquiring businesses. From navigating seven-figure contracts to helping companies fix broken systems, resolve internal conflict, and align sales with operations, this episode dives deep into what actually builds sustainable growth. If you've ever wondered: When should you walk away from a "big" deal? Should you acquire competitors or invest in marketing? Is diversification smart — or just ego? What does a fractional executive actually do? This conversation gives you clarity. Because in business, more revenue doesn't always mean more profit. Episode Highlights • The $2 million contract Michael walked away from — and why it was the right move • Why becoming "the bank" for your clients can quietly kill your company • How bad contract terms destroy profitability • When sales success creates operational strain • The disconnect between sales, operations, and finance • Why some high-revenue deals actually lose money • How businesses grow fast without systems — and why that's dangerous • What happens when teams aren't rowing in the same direction • Conflict resolution between visionary founders and numbers-driven operators • Should you spend more on marketing or buy your competition? • What due diligence really looks like when acquiring a business • Why buying a business doesn't mean passive income • The danger of chasing diversification too early • When multiple income streams become multiple problems • How fractional leadership helps companies scale without full-time executive overhead • Why sometimes you don't need a new hire — you need clarity Key Takeaways 1️⃣ Not Every Big Deal Is a Good Deal Revenue is meaningless if cash flow suffers. A $2 million contract with 90+ day payment terms can cripple payroll, operations, and growth. Sometimes the smartest move in sales is walking away. 2️⃣ Sales Without Systems Break Businesses You can scale to millions without CRM, process, or alignment — but eventually something snaps. Fast growth without structure creates: Burnout Team conflict Profit leaks Operational chaos 3️⃣ Acquisition Isn't Automatic Freedom Buying a company isn't passive income. Without due diligence, integration planning, and operational improvements, you're just buying someone else's problems. The key question: Can you improve it — or is it already maxed out? 4️⃣ Diversification Can Be a Distraction Multiple businesses sound impressive. But if one company is subsidizing the others, you're not diversified — you're diluted. Focus before expansion. 5️⃣ Fractional Leadership Is a Growth Multiplier You don't always need a full-time CFO or COO. Fractional executives provide: Strategic clarity Systems implementation Financial oversigh Conflict alignment Growth planning Without full-time executive payroll. Who This Episode Is For Sales professionals stepping into ownership Founders scaling past $1M–$10M Business owners considering acquisition Entrepreneurs chasing diversification Companies experiencing internal friction between sales and operations Leaders who need executive-level thinking without full-time cost About Michael Straza Michael Straza is the founder of Straza Consulting and brings over 20 years of experience owning, operating, and advising businesses across multiple industries. He specializes in: Scaling companies through operational clarity Aligning sales, finance, and leadership teams Business acquisition strategy Fractional COO/CFO services Conflict resolution inside growing organizations Michael helps businesses move from reactive growth to sustainable scale. Connect with Michael 🌐 Website: https://strazaconsulting.com 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelstraza/ Michael shares practical insights, growth strategy, and real-world lessons for business owners ready to scale smarter. ______________________________________________________________________ 📣 Call to Action 🎙️ Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals." Each week, Drewbie Wilson—sales vet with 20+ years in the game—brings you real stories, proven strategies, and no-BS conversations to help you win in sales and business. Expect a wild mix of: Real Sales Stories – entertaining, raw, and honest Proven Tactics – fundamentals that actually work Humor & Energy – because sales life is a rollercoaster Expert Advice – from people who've lived it 👉 Want to be a guest? Pitch your story here: https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

In Episode 157, Drewbie sits down with Kelly Lorenzen to break down one of the biggest bottlenecks in entrepreneurship and sales: trying to do everything yourself. Kelly has spent over 20 years building, scaling, and exiting multiple businesses — from real estate to medical practices to product-based companies — and she shares the hard-earned lessons that came from burnout, misalignment, and ultimately discovering the power of delegation. This episode isn't just about sales. It's about sustainability. Kelly reveals why sales doesn't have to feel hard, how follow-up is where most professionals lose money, and why outsourcing isn't a luxury — it's survival. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, stretched too thin, or stuck doing $20/hour tasks as a $100,000+ earner… this episode is your wake-up call.     Episode Highlights • Why sales feels "easy" when you truly believe in what you're selling • The real reason people struggle with asking for the sale • Follow-up and follow-through: where most revenue is lost • Why networking without a system produces zero ROI • How to build simple, repeatable CRM follow-up processes • The emotional side of walking away from a successful business • Recognizing when success is no longer aligned with your values • The mindset shift required to sell yourself as the product • Selling peace of mind instead of selling services • Why outsourcing buys back time, energy, and health • The first 3 things every entrepreneur should immediately delegate • How hiring your first team member accelerates growth • The dangerous cost of burnout in sales and entrepreneurship • Building systems before you "need" them • Why automation, delegation, and elimination are non-negotiables     Key Takeaways 1️⃣ Sales Is About Listening, Not Convincing Kelly's superpower isn't persuasion — it's listening. Sales becomes easier when you focus on identifying needs instead of pushing offers.     2️⃣ Follow-Up Is Everything Networking without structured follow-up is just socializing. Kelly emphasizes: Ask for preferred contact method Send a personal follow-up Offer value (consult link, brain dump session) Add to drip campaign Maintain light but consistent contact The fortune truly is in the follow-up.     3️⃣ You're Not Selling Yourself — You're Selling the Outcome When Kelly transitioned into selling her consulting expertise, she struggled at first. The breakthrough came when she realized: She wasn't selling herself — She was selling: Peace of mind Time freedom Burnout prevention Family vacations Shift the narrative, and selling yourself becomes easier.     4️⃣ If You Don't Delegate, You Will Burn Out Kelly has experienced burnout multiple times — and learned the hard way. Her advice: Hire before you feel ready Delegate bookkeeping immediately Outsource marketing early Automate repeatable tasks Build systems "just in case" Delegation isn't giving away control. It's creating capacity.     5️⃣ Success Must Align With Your Values Kelly walked away from a thriving real estate business when the market crashed because helping clients lose their homes wasn't aligned with her heart. Revenue without alignment leads to exhaustion. Alignment creates longevity.     Who This Episode Is For Sales professionals feeling stretched thin Entrepreneurs doing everything themselves Business owners afraid to hire High performers nearing burnout Anyone ready to scale sustainably     About Kelly Lorenzen Kelly Lorenzen is the founder of KLM and author of Do What You Love and Outsource Everything Else. She helps entrepreneurs scale their businesses by implementing systems, delegation strategies, and sustainable growth models. After building and scaling multiple businesses over two decades, Kelly now focuses on helping others avoid burnout while building profitable, system-driven companies.     Connect with Kelly Website: https://duplicatemyselfklm.com Book: Do What You Love and Outsource Everything Else (available at major retailers & local bookstores) Social: @DuplicateMyselfKLM LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/duplicatemyselfklm/ ____________________________________________________________________________ 🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show, please leave your contact information and a brief message sharing what makes your story worth hearing: https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

In Episode 156, Drewbie welcomes back longtime friend and returning guest Kevin Oneil for a raw, hilarious, and deeply insightful conversation about what actually closes deals—and why discovery will always beat pressure selling. Kevin shares wild, unfiltered sales stories from the trenches of building Take My Boat Test, a niche compliance-driven business inside the watersports industry. From ego-driven assumptions and unexpected rebuttals, to road-dogging cold calls in rural Florida and learning when not to be the closer, this episode delivers real-world lessons you won't find in a script. The conversation evolves into a masterclass on product mastery, operator empathy, and asking better questions, showing how trust, values, and lived experience drive sales far more than tactics ever could. Kevin breaks down how understanding your customer's real problems—and connecting tiny operational details to big business outcomes—creates alignment, confidence, and long-term wins. If you sell anything complex, niche, or relationship-driven—or you've ever felt the tension between hard selling and genuine service—this episode will reshape how you think about discovery, authority, and closing.     🔥 Episode Highlights How Kevin went from full entrepreneur mode back into the sales seat—and why it humbled him The danger of ego in sales and what happens when you assume deals will close "because of who you are" A raw, hilarious breakdown of real-world objections you're never prepared for Why "easy money" offers still get massive pushback—and what that reveals about buyers The difference between relationship-based selling vs hard-close selling What Kevin learned from road-dogging, cold knocking, and watching a true hard seller in action A perfect example of reading the room (or not)—including a jet ski-revving hard no Why most small business owners leave money on the table by not monetizing every touchpoint How knowing your numbers instantly reframes objections and creates clarity The power of being an operator-first seller instead of a surface-level salesperson Why trust, values, and integrity matter more than price in long-term sales relationships How Kevin connects sales decisions to operations, safety, insurance, and profitability Why discovery should always be about understanding, not forcing a close How asking better questions leads to better outcomes—even when the deal doesn't close The mindset shift that turns sales from "closing" into true problem-solving Why some prospects simply aren't a fit—and why that's a win How lifestyle businesses scale when sales, systems, and values align Kevin's philosophy on building businesses that make money while you live your life       Key Takeaways Discovery beats closing. If you're trying to close before you understand, you're already losing. Ego kills sales. Being "the guy" doesn't replace value, clarity, or alignment. People don't buy logic—they buy trust. Even obvious financial wins get rejected when fear shows up. Operators sell better. Lived experience creates instant credibility and connection. Not every founder should be the closer. Sometimes leadership means getting out of the way. Read the room. A hard no saves more time than forced persuasion ever will. Product mastery matters. When you obsess over your product, rebuttals disappear. Small details signal big problems. How someone runs one part of their business reflects everything else. Values move needles. Know-like-trust still wins—especially in niche industries. Sales is service, not pressure. If there's no true fit, walking away is the win.     Connect with Kevin 📘 Book: From Mate to Millionaire (Available on Amazon) 🎙 Podcast: Awkward Water Sports Guys 🌐 Website: https://destinywateradventures.com/ (redirecting soon to gregandkevinlive.com) 🏄 Businesses & Brands: • TakeMyBoatTest.com • DestinyWaterAdventures.com • SlowGlowChristmas.com Kevin shares real-world insights on building profitable lifestyle businesses, scaling niche operations, and turning passion into sustainable income—without sacrificing freedom.     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show, please leave your contact information and a brief message sharing what makes your story worth hearing: https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

In Episode 155, Drewbie sits down with James Hilovsky to pull back the curtain on the realities of franchise sales, lead quality, and what "passive income" actually looks like in practice. James brings a rare insider's perspective from years inside the franchise world—working with restaurant brands, NFL-backed ownership groups, and now as a franchise broker helping people avoid costly, life-altering mistakes. From tire-kicker leads and constant ghosting, to scarcity mindset and unrealistic expectations around money, this episode dives deep into the psychology behind why people say they want freedom—but disappear when it's time to commit. This conversation explores how franchises really work, why most people misunderstand investment and ROI, and why success comes down to fit, effort, and expectations—not hype. James also breaks down emerging franchise trends, semi-passive business models, and what sales professionals should consider when looking to turn commission income into long-term freedom. If you've ever been pitched an "easy investment," struggled with low-quality leads, or wondered whether franchising could be your next move—this episode delivers clarity without the fluff.     Episode Highlights James' real-world "crazy sales story" from the franchise lead trenches Why ghosting is at an all-time high in franchise sales The emotional reason prospects disappear instead of saying "no" Why many franchise leads don't realize money is required The harsh truth behind "business in a box" expectations Why a lead isn't really a lead until there's a conversation Cost per lead vs. cost per conversation breakdown Why portal leads often look good on paper—but fail in reality How sales KPIs reveal where the real breakdown happens James' journey from restaurant executive to franchise broker Lessons learned from owning multiple franchises pre-COVID Why most people should not own restaurants The biggest mistakes first-time franchise buyers make Matching people to businesses instead of "selling" franchises How fear and scarcity mindset kill deals Why effort—not branding—determines success Industries James actively steers people toward (and away from) Why boring franchises often outperform sexy ones Emerging franchise trends heading into 2026 Indoor golf simulators and low-labor business models What "semi-passive" really means in franchising How sales skills translate into long-term freedom     Key Takeaways Ghosting isn't personal. Most prospects disappear because they're confronting fear—not rejecting you. A lead isn't a lead until there's a conversation. Names and emails don't equal intent. Most people underestimate the cost of ownership. Good credit alone doesn't fund a business. Franchises aren't plug-and-play. Every model still requires effort, leadership, and accountability. Restaurants are high-risk for first-time owners. Low margins and high labor crush unprepared investors. Boring businesses win. Home services and recurring revenue models often outperform flashy brands. Passive income is usually semi-passive. Freedom comes from systems and management—not absence. Sales skills create optionality. Commission income can be converted into long-term assets. Fear kills more deals than money. Most prospects walk away before doing the math. Fit matters more than hype. The right business for the wrong person still fails.     Connect with James 🌐 Website: https://thefrandream.com 📩 Email: [email protected] James helps aspiring owners evaluate opportunities, assess fit, and avoid costly franchise mistakes through education-first conversations and personalized guidance.     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals – Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: • Wild Sales Stories – Lessons from the trenches • Proven Tactics – Sales strategies that actually work • Humor – No-BS conversations about selling • Expert Insights – From professionals across industries Perfect for sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and business owners looking to turn income into freedom and build long-term leverage. 👉 Interested in being a guest? Apply here: https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

In Episode 154, Drewbie sits down with Joel Keith, co-founder of ASP Branding, to unpack one of the most dangerous growth traps businesses fall into: relying on a single sales channel. Joel shares a raw behind-the-scenes story from his agency's journey—how rapid growth, strong referrals, and a solid network masked deep vulnerabilities in their sales process. When deals suddenly stalled and revenue collapsed, it forced a hard reckoning around sales diversification, accountability, and leadership ownership. This episode goes beyond lead generation tactics. Joel delivers a powerful masterclass on sales empathy, especially for local service businesses and home service professionals, where sales conversations often happen in high-stress situations. From aligning marketing and sales teams to teaching technicians how to sell without "selling," this conversation is packed with practical insights for business owners, agency leaders, and sales professionals who want sustainable, predictable growth. If you've ever experienced feast-or-famine revenue, blamed "low-quality leads," or struggled to convert opportunities into real revenue—this episode will change how you think about sales systems and human connection.     Episode Highlights Joel's "crazy" sales story rooted in systemic failure—not a single bad deal How a fast-growing agency went from ~$80K months to under $10K MRR Why funneling all sales through one person and one channel is dangerous The hidden risk of relying solely on referrals and networking What happens when KPIs, accountability, and checks & balances are missing The wake-up call that forced diversification of lead acquisition Rebuilding momentum from $45K MRR back toward $75–80K months Why reopening and repairing existing channels should come before adding new ones How referral programs can turn clients into active advocates Using financial incentives to multiply referral volume The challenges of cold outreach and paid ads for agencies Why most businesses ignore the leads they already paid for Aligning marketing with sales instead of blaming "lead quality" The disconnect between lead generation and sales execution Why technicians and service pros struggle with sales conversations How empathy beats pressure in high-stress buying moments Selling preventative solutions instead of transactional fixes Why understanding customer stress changes close rates dramatically The difference between "taking orders" and real selling How leadership framing affects sales team buy-in Why preparation matters more than confidence in the field Small human gestures that build trust and increase AOV     Key Takeaways One sales channel is a liability. No matter how strong it is, relying on a single source of leads puts your business at risk. Fast growth can hide broken systems. Revenue doesn't equal stability—processes and accountability matter. Referrals still matter—but they can't be everything. They should be supported by joint ventures, outbound efforts, and paid channels. Old leads are still leads. Most businesses are sitting on untapped revenue in their existing database. Marketing can't fix broken sales. Lead quality isn't always the issue—conversion often is. Empathy is a sales skill. Understanding customer stress changes how you sell and how you're perceived. People buy trust before solutions. They don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. Sales is not about pressure—it's about positioning. Lowering stress builds confidence and long-term value. Leadership framing determines resistance. Sales teams buy in faster when coaching is positioned as support, not punishment. Preparation beats talent. In stressful moments, people fall back on training—not confidence.     Connect with Joel 🌐 Website: https://aspbranding.com 📩 Email: [email protected] 📱 Social Media: @AtomicSoulsProductions Joel and his team share regular insights, videos, and podcast clips focused on marketing, sales alignment, and sustainable business growth.     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals – Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: • Wild Sales Stories – Real-life lessons from the field • Proven Tactics – Strategies you can apply immediately • Humor – Sales conversations without the fluff • Expert Insights – From professionals across industries Perfect for sales professionals, entrepreneurs, agency owners, and small business leaders looking to improve sales performance, marketing alignment, and long-term growth. 👉 Want to be a guest? Submit your story here: https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

In Episode 153, Drewbie sits down with Michael Podolny to explore one of the most counterintuitive—but powerful—principles in sales and business: give to get. With over two decades of experience in mergers & acquisitions, advisory work, and professional services, Michael shares how his biggest sales wins came not from pitching harder—but from building genuine relationships, serving first, and trusting long-term value creation. The conversation takes a powerful turn as Michael walks through how this philosophy led him into an unexpected mission in Africa—creating real jobs for women exiting sex work by building a Ghana-based virtual assistant business that serves U.S. entrepreneurs and professionals. From breaking scarcity mindset, to building follow-up systems most professionals avoid, to proving that social impact and profitable business can coexist, this episode delivers deep wisdom for sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and purpose-driven leaders alike. If you've ever struggled with networking, follow-up, delegation, or wondering how to build a business that actually matters—this episode will shift how you think about sales forever.     Episode Highlights Michael's "craziest" sales story: winning business without trying to sell Why the give-to-get philosophy outperforms traditional selling How real relationships compound like a "Rube Goldberg machine" Breaking out of scarcity mindset in sales and networking Why doing what you love creates your strongest lead generation engine The difference between giving value and avoiding sales fundamentals Why most professionals hate newsletters—and why they desperately need them How follow-up systems create long-term deal flow Michael's accidental entry into social impact work in Africa Building jobs—not just training programs—as the real solution Turning disadvantaged women into skilled virtual assistants How Theodore Ghana helps solopreneurs buy back their time The role of delegation in scaling income and impact Why AI will never replace real human connection in sales Building a sales engine that supports both profit and purpose     Key Takeaways Giving creates leverage. The more value you give without expectation, the more opportunity finds you. Scarcity kills relationships. Holding too tightly limits growth—abundance attracts it. Sales fundamentals still matter. Giving doesn't replace branding, clarity, or value propositions—it enhances them. Follow-up is where deals are born. Most professionals lose business simply because they disappear. Do what you love—and let curiosity do the selling. Passion builds trust faster than pitches ever will. Training without jobs doesn't create change. Real economic impact requires real employment. Delegation multiplies effectiveness. High-value work belongs with you—everything else should be outsourced. Break-even is a massive win. Sustainability comes before scale. Sales engines create freedom. Systems outperform effort every time. Purpose amplifies profit. When business serves people, everyone wins.     Connect with Michael Podolny 🌐 Nonprofit / Business Incubator:  https://theodoraafrica.com 🌐 Virtual Assistant Services (Ghana): https://theodoraghana.com/ 📩 Email: [email protected] Michael's work bridges the gap between entrepreneurship, ethical outsourcing, and sustainable social impact—proving business can be both profitable and transformational.     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

In Episode 152, Drewbie sits down with Dusty Holcomb for a deep, thoughtful conversation that reframes how sales professionals think about value, leadership, discipline, and long-term success. Dusty shares how his first real exposure to sales started at just 16 years old in a high-end men's clothing store—and how those early lessons shaped every leadership role he's held since, including serving as a CEO and President. Rather than treating sales as persuasion or pressure, Dusty breaks down why sales is really about education, guidance, and value creation. From knowing when to say no to a deal, to building trust through expertise, to applying the mindset of Ironman endurance racing to sales consistency—this episode is a masterclass in what it actually means to sell with integrity and confidence. If you believe sales is something you do to people, this episode will change your mind. If you believe sales is something you do for people, this episode will sharpen your edge.     Episode Highlights Dusty's first sales role at 16 years old—and why it changed everything Moving from stock boy to top salesperson without "selling" Why sales is education, not persuasion The mentor who taught Dusty that sales is something you do for someone Understanding the buyer as the hero—and the salesperson as the guide Why expertise builds trust faster than charm Selling $5 instead of $3 by creating real value How sales principles translate into executive leadership Knowing when to say no to a deal—even when it's easy money The danger of value mismatch between buyer and seller Protecting brand promise over short-term revenue Why great sales professionals are confident enough to walk away Lessons from running five Ironman races The discipline of process over motivation Why consistency beats inspiration Hearing "no" as "not yet" Why the race—and the sale—is the reward     Key Takeaways Everything is sales. Every interaction is about creating value—inside and outside the deal. Sales is not something you do to someone. It's something you do for someone. The buyer is the hero. Your job is to guide them—not be the star. Expertise creates trust. When you understand your product deeply, people invest confidently. Confidence is knowing when to say no. Not all business is good business. Value mismatch kills relationships. If you can't deliver what they truly value, walk away. Protect the long game. Short-term revenue is never worth long-term brand damage. Process beats motivation. Pros do the work even when they don't feel like it. Sales resilience matters. "No" often means you haven't earned the right—yet. The finish line feels best when you've done the work. In sales and in life, the race is the reward.     Sales, Leadership & the Ironman Mindset Dusty draws powerful parallels between endurance racing and selling: You need a plan You trust the process You show up on hard days You execute consistently You don't quit when it gets uncomfortable Just like Ironman training, sales success isn't about bursts of motivation—it's about daily discipline.     Knowing When to Say No One of the most powerful moments in the episode is Dusty's story of turning down a deal—even when the prospect wanted to buy. Why? Because true sales leadership means protecting: The client's outcome Your brand promise Your team's integrity You haven't "arrived" in sales until you can confidently say no—and explain why.     Connect with Dusty Holcomb 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustyholcomb 🎁 Free Resource for Sales Leaders & Sellers: Rules of Engagement Guide A practical workbook to help you clarify expectations, values, and how your team can win together. 🌐 Get it here: https://arcqusgroup.com/ Dusty works with CEOs, executives, and sales leaders to bring clarity, alignment, and speed to their organizations.     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads  

In Episode 151, Drewbie sits down with Ryan Clark, a marketer and sales strategist who shares the raw, behind-the-scenes story of how he went from a struggling entrepreneur working grocery store shifts to building a thriving business that allowed him to move to Rio de Janeiro. Ryan breaks down the pivotal moments that forced him to rethink sales, pricing, and messaging—especially after losing his first business with close friends. What followed was a hard-earned lesson in audience building, low-barrier offers, and why selling small first can unlock massive long-term growth. This episode dives deep into Ryan's Paid Proposal Strategy, his viral Cheetah Method for outreach, and why most funnels fail before they ever have a chance to work. If you sell services, coaching, or marketing solutions—and you're tired of long sales cycles and constant rejection—this episode will change how you approach selling.     Episode Highlights Ryan's painful breakup with his first business partners Working a grocery store job while trying to make entrepreneurship work Building an audience for years with almost no results The conversation that sparked Ryan's first scalable offer How Ryan went from $500 offers to $10K in just weeks Why low-ticket offers close faster than high-ticket pitches The origin of the Paid Proposal Strategy How to structure offers that naturally lead to upsells Why most funnels fail before messaging is clear The "Funnel First Fallacy" and how to avoid it Buyer angles, root cause messaging, and the "big idea" Why targeting matters more than clever messaging The Cheetah Method for DM outreach Starting conversations without sounding salesy Market Leaders vs. Market Messiahs Why trust and likability matter more than ever in the AI era     Key Takeaways Selling doesn't start with a pitch—it starts with a conversation. Low-pressure conversations open more doors than perfect presentations. Cheap doesn't mean weak—when positioned correctly. Low-barrier offers create momentum, trust, and long-term clients. If your funnel isn't converting, it's probably the messaging. Generic language leads to generic results. Targeting beats tactics. Talking to the right people at the right stage matters more than the script. Value first always wins. Give before you ask, and people lean in. People buy people. In a crowded, AI-driven world, trust and personality matter more than ever.     The Paid Proposal Strategy (Simplified) Ryan's core framework focuses on: Solving a front-end problem quickly Offering a low-friction entry point Delivering fast, tangible results Creating a clear 3–12 month roadmap Allowing clients to either DIY or continue working together This removes pressure from the sale and positions the upsell as the obvious next step.     The Cheetah Method (DM Outreach) Ryan's outreach philosophy is built on: Hyper-targeting active, relevant prospects Leading with curiosity, not pitching Introducing a simple, intriguing concept Asking permission before continuing Offering value without pressure The goal: start conversations, not force closes.     Market Leader vs. Market Messiah Market Leaders sell expertise Market Messiahs build movements Messiahs create trust, community, belief, and advocacy—not just transactions.     Connect with Ryan Clark 💼 LinkedIn: Search Ryan Clark (Primary platform for content & outreach)  📍 Bonus: If you're feeling adventurous, Ryan is living in Rio de Janeiro—Copacabana Beach optional. 🇧🇷     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals—Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show, please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads  

In Episode 150, Drewbie sits down with Rachel Allen, an experienced copywriter who's worked across industries—from astrologers to accountants—to unpack what's actually happening in marketing, sales cycles, and buyer trust right now. Rachel shares her unconventional entry into copywriting, including landing her very first client—without knowing what a "nurture campaign" was—and closing a five-figure deal by figuring it out in real time. From there, the conversation dives deep into the intersection of sales, copywriting, psychology, and trust. This episode breaks down why sales cycles have lengthened, why broadcast content is losing influence, and why your marketing might not be converting—even if your strategy "looks good on paper." Rachel delivers sharp insights on AI copywriting, email marketing, unsubscribes, and why the real buying decisions are happening in private conversations, not public comments. If you sell anything high-ticket, relationship-driven, or trust-based, this episode is a must-listen.     Episode Highlights Rachel's first-ever sales call and accidental five-figure close Leaving the U.S. at 22 and starting over in Hong Kong Discovering copywriting through necessity Why copywriting mirrors a real sales conversation The breakdown between marketing promises and sales reality How poor marketing sets sales teams up to fail Why sales teams should drive marketing messaging The truth about AI copywriting and where it actually helps Three foundational questions every piece of copy must answer Why people don't engage with content anymore How trust has shifted to private conversations The real reason your offers aren't converting Why email marketing is not dead How to write subject lines that avoid spam filters The psychology behind unsubscribes (and why not to take them personally) How polarizing your message improves conversion     Key Takeaways Copywriting is sales—written down. If your marketing sounds different from your sales calls, something is broken. Sales teams hold the truth. They hear real fears, objections, and motivations—marketers should be listening. Vibes are not strategy. Clarity beats cleverness every time. Nobody cares about your product—yet. They care about themselves first. Speak to that. Trust has moved offline. People buy based on what their friends say, not what your content claims. If people aren't buying, it's not the algorithm. It's a trust problem. AI separates the good from the great. It replaces "okay" work—but not excellence. Email still works—when done with respect. Bad email marketing ruined email's reputation, not the medium itself. Unsubscribes are not rejection. They're aligned. Strong reactions are better than mild interest. The goal is resonance, not approval.     Rachel's 3 Rules for Better Copywriting Define the exact goal. Not "more leads"—but who, where, why, and at what stage. Make it about the reader. Your perspective doesn't matter until theirs is addressed. Match the level of touch to the price. High-ticket offers require human-to-human connection.     Why Your Content Isn't Converting Rachel explains that modern buyers don't trust broadcast marketing the way they used to. Instead, decisions are made in: Group chats Private messages Emails One-on-one conversations If those people don't trust you—or worse, don't like you—your funnel stalls.     Connect with Rachel Allen 🌐 Website: https://www.boltfromthebluecopywriting.com/ 📧 Email: [email protected] 💼 LinkedIn: Search Rachel Allen – https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelallenwrites/ Rachel helps businesses create human, trust-driven messaging that converts—without gimmicks, pressure, or empty hype.     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show, please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads  

In Episode 149, Drewbie welcomes Joanna Zhang for a deeply reflective and practical conversation about sales, energy, delegation, and what it really takes to scale a business without burning yourself out. Joanna shares her personal evolution—from pushing hard in sales with a transaction-first mindset to shifting into a presence-led, value-driven approach that completely transformed her results. After a personal "soul awakening," Joanna realized that chasing deals from fear and scarcity was blocking growth—not just in sales, but in leadership and life. From there, the conversation expands into one of the biggest challenges sales-driven entrepreneurs face: doing everything themselves. Joanna breaks down how she built a high-performing, specialized operations team, why most business owners become their own bottleneck, and how identifying your zone of genius is the key to sustainable scale. This episode is a must-listen for solopreneurs, founders, and sales leaders who want more time, more energy, and more alignment—without losing control of what they've built.     Episode Highlights Joanna's shift from push-based selling to flow-based sales How intention and energy impact sales outcomes Why transactional selling creates resistance Letting go of scarcity and selling from authenticity Leading teams through energy, not pressure The difference between being busy and being effective Why most business owners resist delegation Building a "genius-focused" operations team How delegating drains less energy than doing everything yourself The hidden cost of control in business growth Becoming a servant leader instead of a controlling one How to stop being the bottleneck in your own business Trust, expectation, and leadership growth Scaling without sacrificing vision or values     Key Takeaways Sales follow intention. Selling from fear repels; selling from presence attracts. Letting go creates momentum. Releasing expectations often unlocks unexpected opportunities. You can't scale while doing everything. Delegation isn't optional—it's foundational. Your energy sets the tone. Teams and clients feel pressure, authenticity, and alignment. Control limits possibility. Trusting others opens doors you can't see alone. There is no perfect person—only a perfect team. Specialization beats self-reliance every time. Sales is a zone of genius for many founders. Protect it by delegating everything else. Leadership is a personal growth journey. Business bottlenecks often mirror internal ones. Delegation is a skill—not a switch. It's learned layer by layer, not all at once. Growth requires courage. You don't need certainty—just the willingness to start.     The Zone of Genius Framework (Shared by Joanna) To identify what to delegate, Joanna recommends mapping your work into four layers: Incompetence – Things you dislike and aren't good at (delegate first) Competence – Things you can do well but don't love Excellence – Things you're great at and enjoy Genius – What's uniquely you and irreplaceable Your goal is to gradually move your time and energy toward the genius zone.     Connect with Joanna Zhang 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhang-joanna/?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app 🎁 Free Resource: How to Feel Less Stuck and Get More Time & Energy Back A practical guide for solopreneurs who do too much themselves and want to scale without burnout. ➡️ (Link to be added in show notes) Joanna helps founders and sales-driven business owners delegate strategically, build specialized support teams, and scale from alignment—not exhaustion.   🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show, please leave your contact information and a brief message sharing what makes your story worth hearing: https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads  

In Episode 148, Drewbie flips the script and brings in someone from the other side of the table—professional buyer and sourcing expert Ted Stephany—to unpack what actually happens inside procurement conversations and why most sales professionals unknowingly sabotage their own deals. Ted shares his journey from being a tech sales rep who was taught to "go around procurement" to becoming a procurement leader himself—and why that advice was completely wrong. With firsthand experience on both sides of the deal desk, Ted explains why sales and procurement are far more aligned than most sellers realize. This episode dives deep into negotiation psychology, deal planning, silence, questioning strategies, and how to turn procurement into your internal champion instead of your biggest obstacle. If you've ever lost momentum late in a deal, discounted too fast, or talked yourself out of leverage—this conversation will change how you sell.     Episode Highlights Ted's transformation from seller to procurement leader Why "going around procurement" is terrible advice The biggest misunderstanding sales pros have about buyers How misalignment inside buying teams kills deals Why selling value to only the end user isn't enough Questions every seller should ask sourcing and procurement How procurement can help you shorten the deal cycle Turning buyers into internal cheerleaders Why salespeople talk themselves out of leverage The power of silence in negotiations Why "best and final offer" usually backfires How discounting too early weakens your position Using time as a negotiation lever Planning concessions before the negotiation starts The danger of hedging language ("I think," "maybe," "we'll see") How to get buyers to advocate for your proposal internally Simple negotiation tweaks that create massive results     Key Takeaways Procurement is not the enemy. Buyers and sellers are more aligned than most sales pros think. Sell to the entire buying team—not just the end user. Different stakeholders value different outcomes. Bring procurement in early. Early involvement shortens deal cycles and uncovers landmines. Silence is a negotiation weapon. Six seconds of silence can completely shift leverage. Have a plan before you negotiate. Unplanned concessions lead to unnecessary discounts. "Best and final" often kills collaboration. Negotiation is a conversation, not a shutdown. Confidence beats hedging language. Uncertainty invites pressure and further concessions. Time is negotiable. Deadlines should be engineered—not demanded. Create internal champions. Get buyers to sell your proposal for you. Small tweaks create massive gains. Negotiation mastery is about refinement, not reinvention.     Connect with Ted Stephany 🌐 Website: https://www.tedstephany.com Ted shares insights on negotiation strategy, procurement dynamics, and sales effectiveness—helping sellers and buying teams create better, faster, more collaborative deals.       🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show, please leave your contact information and a brief message sharing what makes your story worth hearing: https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads  

In Episode 147, Drewbie sits down with Billy Sammons to break down one of the most overlooked—and most powerful—sales strategies out there: warm marketing through genuine community engagement. Billy shares his unconventional journey from teacher to real estate professional and how standing out in an oversaturated market forced him to rethink traditional selling. Instead of cold calls and pushy tactics, Billy built his business by helping local businesses shine—creating simple video commercials, podcasts, and content that spotlighted community owners and, in return, positioned him as a trusted local authority. Over the last 15 years, this approach has snowballed into referrals, partnerships, massive local reach, and unexpected opportunities—from charity galas to high-level business relationships—all without being salesy or aggressive. If you've ever struggled with call reluctance, felt awkward following up, or wondered how to grow without burning out on cold outreach, this episode is a masterclass in value-first selling.     Episode Highlights Billy's transition from teaching to real estate and entrepreneurship Why real estate (and sales) is one of the most saturated markets How helping local businesses became Billy's competitive advantage The power of warm marketing vs. cold outreach Why giving without expectation creates long-term leverage Creating video commercials with nothing but a phone, mic, and tripod Using podcasts and interviews to build real relationships Turning local business owners into referral partners How community trust compounds over time Why most people burn out trying to "give" without focus A simple system to get contacts into your CRM in as little as five days Overcoming camera shyness and call reluctance Asking better questions instead of pitching Leveraging YouTube, social media, email, DMs, and text messages Why sharing community content boosts email open rates Niching down to beat big-box competitors How value-based follow-up eliminates the fear of "bothering people" Reframing fear: "They need me" Future-framing ROI for business owners' time Turning one video into multiple pieces of content Why consistency beats perfection in marketing     Key Takeaways Warm marketing beats cold outreach when done intentionally. Helping first builds trust faster than selling first. Community is an unfair advantage. Local relationships compound in ways cold leads never will. You don't need expensive gear to start. A phone, a mic, and a tripod are enough to build authority. Value-first follow-up eliminates sales resistance. People welcome messages that help them, not pitch them. Camera shyness is a competitive edge—for those who push past it. Most won't do it, which means you should. Focus prevents burnout. Giving without intention leads to frustration; systems create results. Sales fear disappears when your motive is service. When you believe you're helping, confidence follows. Content multiplies relationships. One video can create visibility across platforms for weeks. Warm marketing shortens trust-building time. Borrowed credibility accelerates buying decisions. Strong communities create strong businesses. When local businesses win, everyone wins.     Connect with Billy 🌐 Website: https://www.livelocalmoremarketing.com 🎯 Free Resource: Five-Day Warm Marketing Challenge 📚 Content: Blog, LinkedIn, and training resources available on the site Billy helps sales professionals and business owners grow through community-based marketing that builds trust, authority, and long-term relationships—without cold calls or sleazy tactics.     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show, please leave your contact information and a brief message sharing what makes your story worth hearing: https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

In Episode 146, Drewbie sits down with Jonny Holsten, founder of Bridge Selling, to break down one of the most misunderstood truths in sales: great results don't always come from great conversations—they come from great execution. Jonny shares a wild sales story about a "terrible-on-the-phone" rep who shattered company records by hiring a full-time assistant out of his own pocket to handle follow-ups. The story opens the door to a deeper conversation about follow-up, permission-based selling, sales process, and why most reps unknowingly create more work for themselves by skipping fundamentals. From the missing metric in sales execution, to the critical connection between marketing and sales messaging, to why AI won't replace real human conversations anytime soon—this episode is a masterclass in how sales professionals and leaders can shorten sales cycles, increase close rates, and eliminate wasted effort. If you've ever felt busy but not productive, confident dialing but unsure what to do once someone says "yes," or frustrated with inconsistent results, this episode will hit home.     Episode Highlights A record-breaking sales rep who hired his own assistant to handle follow-up Why follow-up works—but shouldn't replace proper call execution The danger of not asking for next steps on sales calls Permission-based sales vs. one-call-close mentality How Jonny transitioned from marketing messaging to sales execution coaching The critical bridge between marketing and sales conversations Why most companies don't actually define what a "good sales call" is The missing metric: scoring sales execution, not just outcomes Why 68% of sales reps go into calls with no plan How process builds confidence and eliminates call reluctance AI in sales: powerful tool or overhyped distraction? Why human conversations will matter more—not less—in the AI era     Key Takeaways Fortune is in the follow-up—but execution comes first. If you don't ask for next steps, you're creating unnecessary work. Sales isn't one-size-fits-all—process creates consistency. Marketing and sales must speak the same language to win. Most "bad leads" are actually mishandled conversations. Define what must happen on every sales call. Confidence comes from knowing exactly what to do when someone says "yes." Shorter sales cycles come from better qualification, not more calls. AI should reduce admin—not replace human connection. The reps who master execution will dominate the next decade of sales.     Connect with Jonny 🌐 Website: BridgeSelling.com 🔗 LinkedIn: Jonny Holsten (Jonny with no "H") Jonny helps sales teams and leaders tighten execution, align marketing and sales messaging, and build repeatable, scalable sales processes that actually work.   🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show, please leave your contact information and a brief message sharing what makes your story worth hearing: https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads  

In Episode 145, Drewbie sits down with Alex Gore—architect, entrepreneur, and co-founder of F9 Productions—to explore what sales really looks like in creative, high-stakes industries where trust, timing, and process matter more than pressure. Alex shares one of his craziest sales stories involving a skeptical client who didn't believe his firm could deliver—until Alex flipped the script and put the entire relationship on the line with a bold, confidence-driven offer. That single decision turned into one of the most successful projects his firm has ever completed. From architecture and construction to business-to-business sales, this episode breaks down why pushing harder doesn't always close deals, why follow-up beats force, and how selling the process—not just the outcome—is often the key to winning complex, high-ticket clients. If you sell to busy decision-makers, creatives, business owners, or anyone who needs to trust you before they buy, this episode will change how you approach sales conversations.     Episode Highlights Alex's wild sales story involving a skeptical modern-home client How removing risk can instantly increase trust Why creatives don't think of themselves as salespeople (but must be) The hidden danger of relying only on word-of-mouth How Alex and his partner learned sales by attending meetings together Why timing—not rejection—kills most deals The biggest mistake B2B sellers make with follow-up Selling to busy owners who don't respond right away Why pushing too hard can permanently kill relationships Permission-based sales and long-term relationship building Understanding the real problem your client is trying to solve Why different clients need completely different sales conversations The power of demonstrating solutions instead of just explaining them Visual, auditory, emotional, and logical decision-makers in sales Why complex problems must be sold as a process, not a promise The "Ferrari engine in a Bronco" analogy for unrealistic expectations Why luxury always has a cost—and shortcuts don't exist Current architectural trends clients keep asking for     Key Takeaways Trust closes deals faster than pressure. Removing risk can outperform aggressive closing tactics. Creatives are in sales—whether they admit it or not. You can't do creative work without selling it first. Timing matters more than talent. A "no" today is often just the wrong moment—not rejection. Follow-up is a competitive advantage. Most sellers lose simply because they stop too early. Sales is about solving their problem—not yours. Clients don't always know how to articulate what they truly need. Different problems require different messaging. Selling a forever home is not the same as selling speed or compliance. Demonstration beats explanation. Showing how you solve problems builds certainty faster than words. People decide differently. Visual, emotional, logical, and auditory buyers all need different approaches. You're often selling the process—not the outcome. Complex results require trust in how you'll get there. Luxury and affordability rarely coexist without compromise. If it were easy, everyone would already be doing it.     Connect with Alex 🏗️ Architecture & Projects: Find F9 Productions on LinkedIn 📈 Coaching for Architects & Engineering Firm Owners: 🌐 https://f9productions.com/ Alex helps firm owners increase profitability while reducing the time and chaos required to run their businesses.     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals – Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings real stories, real strategies, and real conversations about what it actually takes to win in sales. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories Proven Sales Tactics Real-World Lessons Humor & Perspective Expert Insights Across Industries If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who's great at what they do—but struggles to sell it. 🎙️ Want to be a guest? Submit your story here: https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast 📲 Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides 📸 Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads And remember— 📞 Pick up the phone. Call the damn leads.  

In Episode 144, Drewbie sits down with Joel Friedland, a 44-year veteran of industrial real estate who built his career the hard way—door by door, conversation by conversation, rejection after rejection. Joel shares how he got started at just 22 years old during a brutal recession, learned directly from a legendary mentor, and went on to personally knock on thousands of doors across more than 16,000 industrial buildings in the Chicago area. Along the way, he faced extreme rejection—including being physically thrown out of a building—but never stopped showing up. This episode is a powerful reminder that success in sales and investing isn't about shortcuts—it's about reps, consistency, leverage, and long-term thinking. Joel also dives into how he trains interns, builds leaders, invests wisely, and even celebrates big wins through an unexpected passion: gardening. If you're struggling with rejection, prospecting fatigue, or figuring out how to turn sales income into lasting wealth, this conversation will reframe how you look at the grind.     Episode Highlights How Joel landed his first real estate job during a recession with 17% interest rates Why door-to-door cold calling became the foundation of his 44-year career The infamous story of being physically thrown out of a building early on Why rejection loses its power after enough reps How Joel has knocked on every industrial building in Chicago—multiple times Leveraging interns to scale prospecting without losing quality How Joel mentors young salespeople through real-world exposure Role-playing, live field training, and weekly feedback systems Turning intern-found leads into real property acquisitions How syndication works and how investors participate in deals Why not every "no" is permanent The importance of forgiveness and emotional detachment in sales Why numbers never lie—and why consistency always wins Celebrating deals through gardening and long-term growth metaphors The surprising parallel between planting and prospecting Simple, timeless advice on diversification and protecting your earnings     Key Takeaways 1. Rejection is part of the process—not a verdict. Getting rejected thousands of times doesn't mean you're failing; it means you're doing the work. 2. Reps create mastery. Expertise comes from repetition. Joel's success is built on decades of consistent action. 3. Leverage multiplies results. Training interns allowed Joel to scale his prospecting while creating future leaders. 4. Not every "no" is permanent. People who rejected you once often don't even remember it later—show up again. 5. Sales skills compound over time. Cold calling today can lead to ownership, investments, and generational wealth tomorrow. 6. Mentorship accelerates growth. Joel's career was shaped by learning directly from someone who had already succeeded. 7. Celebrate wins in ways that align with your values. Success doesn't have to look flashy—meaningful rewards create lasting fulfillment. 8. Sales and investing follow the same rules. Plant the seeds, nurture them consistently, and give them time to grow. 9. Diversification protects what you've earned. Never risk everything on one deal—spread exposure to reduce downside risk. 10. Simple systems outperform shortcuts. Long-term success is built on fundamentals done well, not gimmicks.     Connect with Joel 🔗 Website: https://britproperties.com🏢 Focus: Industrial real estate investing & property acquisition 📍 Market: Chicago & surrounding areas     📣 Call to Action 🎙️ Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals." Each week, Drewbie Wilson—sales vet with 20+ years in the game—brings you real stories, proven strategies, and no-BS conversations to help you win in sales and business. Expect a wild mix of: Real Sales Stories – entertaining, raw, and honest Proven Tactics – fundamentals that actually work Humor & Energy – because sales life is a rollercoaster Expert Advice – from people who've lived it 👉 Want to be a guest? Pitch your story here: https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast     Follow Drewbie 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

In Episode 143, Drewbie sits down with Anthony Prichard, a seasoned sales and marketing professional who's been in the game since 2000 and has lived through the evolution of digital marketing firsthand. This conversation dives deep into how modern sales professionals and business owners can stop wasting marketing dollars, generate better leads, and build real trust using video, data, and irresistible offers. Anthony shares how a simple $48 loss-leading offer unexpectedly turned into consistent $5,000/month clients, why most businesses fail at online marketing, and how sales pros can take control of their own lead generation by understanding metrics, funnels, and content—without falling for vanity numbers or automation traps. If you've ever boosted a post, trusted a "Google rep," or felt overwhelmed by AI and ad platforms, this episode will help you refocus on what actually works.     Episode Highlights Why every sales professional must learn basic marketing fundamentals The power of an irresistible offer and a proven "proving ground" How a $48 offer turned into recurring $5,000/month clients Why people pay for guidance—not information The critical role of data layers, KPIs, and tracking results Red flags to watch for when hiring marketers or agencies Why video builds trust faster than text or static ads How business owners can start video marketing without fancy equipment The truth about boosted posts, automation buttons, and vanity metrics Why AI and ad platform "shortcuts" often waste money Simple content repurposing strategies using interviews and clips The importance of video testimonials in reducing buyer risk Anthony's proven 3-step video testimonial framework How much businesses should realistically spend on marketing Turning consistency and content into long-term sales leverage     Key Takeaways 1. Sales professionals who generate their own leads control their income. When you understand marketing, funnels, and metrics, you're no longer dependent on anyone else to succeed. 2. Information is free—guidance is valuable. People don't pay for what to do anymore; they pay for someone they trust to guide them through the process. 3. If a marketer can't market themselves, it's a red flag. Always vet practitioners by looking at what they actively do for their own business. 4. Video is the fastest way to build know, like, and trust. Video communicates credibility, personality, and authenticity better than any other medium. 5. Vanity metrics don't pay the bills. Reach, impressions, and views mean nothing if you can't track leads, conversions, and revenue. 6. Automation doesn't replace strategy. One-click "boost" buttons and AI shortcuts often send your ads to the wrong people. 7. Testimonials reduce risk better than any sales pitch. Seeing someone else's experience on video helps prospects move forward with confidence. 8. Simple frameworks beat overthinking. Clear processes—like Anthony's testimonial formula—create consistent results without confusion. 9. Consistent content beats occasional effort. One conversation can fuel a full month of content if repurposed correctly. 10. Marketing spend should be intentional. Starting around 10% of revenue gives businesses a measurable baseline to test, learn, and scale.     Connect with Anthony 🔗 Website: https://wpsprints.com 💻 Offer: $48 WordPress "Quick Fix" – 2 issues repaired in 24 hours or your money back 🎥 Expertise: Video marketing, funnels, paid ads, and conversion optimization     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

Trevor G. Blake Serial Entrepreneur • Author • Sales & Business Development Strategist ____________________________________________________________________________ Episode Summary In Episode 142, Drewbie sits down with Trevor G. Blake, a serial entrepreneur known for building and selling multiple successful companies, to uncover how sales skills can transform not just your career, but your entire entrepreneurial journey. Trevor shares his remarkable path from a trainee pharmaceutical sales rep—where he thought he'd fail—to becoming VP of Commercial Development in just seven years. He dives into the mindset shifts, practical strategies, and authentic approaches that helped him scale businesses and now teach others how to do the same. From mastering the art of listening over talking, handling performance pressure, to creating proof-of-concept products and building companies with the right systems and contractors, Trevor provides actionable insights for sales professionals and entrepreneurs who want to take control of their careers and businesses. If you've ever struggled with sales, leadership, or building a business that lasts, this episode will equip you with the tools, mindset, and strategies to get ahead without losing authenticity. Episode Highlights Trevor's humble start as a terrified trainee sales rep The pivotal role of listening more than talking in sales success Overcoming performance anxiety and burnout by focusing on quality over quantity Action closes: How to leave every interaction with an opportunity Lessons from climbing the corporate ladder before going entrepreneurial Why the "hub model" can save time and free entrepreneurs to focus on customers Avoiding corporate bad habits in startups The importance of proof-of-concept and customer-driven product development "Get big fast": Adapting to a competitive and rapidly evolving business world Creating authentic personal development products that deliver real results How sales experience directly translates to entrepreneurial success ____________________________________________________________________________ Key Takeaways Listen more than you talk. Real insights come from understanding your customer. Quality beats quantity. Fewer meaningful conversations yield more success than many rushed calls. Don't leave opportunities empty-handed. Always secure a next step or referral. Sales experience is a launching pad for entrepreneurship. Skills transfer more than you realize. Proof-of-concept matters. Test, refine, and adapt with real customer feedback. Hire smart, not just more. Contractors and vendors can free your time to focus on growth. Authenticity sells. Offer real tools and solutions, not hype or false promises. Be fearless in taking action. Waiting too long or overplanning kills momentum. The customer's perspective is your guide. Build around their needs, not assumptions. Systems and processes amplify success, but personal interaction drives real results. Connect with Trevor 🌐 Website:https://www.trevorgblake.com/Trevor provides free resources, chapters, webinars, and actionable tools to help sales professionals and entrepreneurs scale with confidence and authenticity. ____________________________________________________________________________ 🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show, please leave your contact information and a brief message sharing what makes your story worth hearing: https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads  

Stewart Ervin Founder, Bracket Management • Business Turnaround & Growth Strategist   Episode Summary In Episode 141, Drewbie sits down with Stewart Ervin, founder of Bracket Management, to unpack what really separates struggling businesses from scalable, profitable companies. Stewart specializes in business turnarounds, and this episode pulls back the curtain on how he helps owners diagnose problems, align teams, and create sustainable growth through numbers, playbooks, and leadership clarity. From Stewart's early "sell-yourself-out-of-your-own-job" sales story, to deep dives on financial metrics, pricing strategy, cash flow, and operational alignment, this conversation is packed with real-world wisdom for business owners who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or capped by a growth ceiling. If you've ever felt like your company is running you instead of the other way around—or you know your business should be more profitable than it is—this episode will give you the frameworks and mindset shifts you need to start turning the ship.     Episode Highlights Stewart's wild early sales story that launched his turnaround career Why numbers tell the truth when everything else lies The first place Stewart looks when diagnosing a struggling business Identifying misalignment between sales, operations, and finance The most important financial metrics every business must track Why cash flow—not revenue—is what kills growing companies The real difference between branding, marketing, and sales Why not every dollar is a good dollar Breaking business segments down by margin, not just revenue "Revenue is for vanity, profit is for sanity" How pricing increases and cost reductions impact the bottom line Why chasing revenue without margin leads to burnout The danger of scarcity mindset decision-making What business playbooks actually are (and why most companies don't have them) Stewart's 6 core playbooks for building a scalable business Why small, consistent improvements beat big "home run" changes When founders hit growth ceilings—and why it happens The hard truth about outgrowing early team members Why every company must clearly define its "why" How purpose beyond profit drives alignment and growth     The 6 Business Playbooks Stewart Breaks Down Communication – Mission, vision, values, and clarity internally & externally Forward Planning – Annual planning instead of reactive hindsight Sales Funnel – Maintaining a 2–3x pipeline to avoid feast-or-famine cycles Monthly Review – Aligning sales, operations, and forecasts in real time People & Accountability – Roles, KPIs, incentives, and expectations Value Creation – Pricing strategy, cost control, and new business growth     Key Takeaways 1. Numbers don't lie. If something is broken in your business, it will show up in the financials. 2. Not every dollar is a good dollar. High-revenue, low-margin work can quietly destroy your company. 3. Cash flow is king. Growing too fast without cash planning is one of the fastest ways to fail. 4. Alignment beats hustle. Sales, operations, and finance must move together—or everything breaks. 5. Playbooks create freedom. Clear processes turn chaos into predictability and scale. 6. Small improvements compound fast. A few percentage points across pricing, cost, and growth add up quickly. 7. Growth requires hard conversations. What got you here won't get you there—especially with people. 8. Leadership ceilings are real. Most founders hit them before they realize it. 9. Purpose fuels performance. A "why" beyond profit rallies teams through tough seasons. 10. Systems build businesses—heroics burn them down.     Connect with Stewart 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stewartervin/ 🌐 Website: https://bracketmgmt.com📩 Newsletter: Available via LinkedIn Stewart shares practical, no-fluff insights designed to help business owners stabilize, scale, and increase enterprise value.     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads  

David Aferiat – Co-Founder (Exited FinTech), Executive Coach, Leadership Strategist, The Avid Group     Episode Summary In Episode 140, Drewbie sits down with David Aferiat, a seasoned entrepreneur who spent 20 years building and scaling a FinTech software company before successfully exiting—and now helps founders and leadership teams navigate growth, culture, and scale without breaking themselves in the process. David shares the behind-the-scenes reality of landing massive enterprise deals with companies like E*TRADE, TD Ameritrade, Schwab, and Interactive Brokers—and why closing the deal is often the easy part. The real challenge? What happens after you win. This conversation goes deep into leadership identity, scaling pains, values-driven decision-making, and why every time you double your business, you break it—and why that's actually a good thing. From redefining perseverance, to building meetings that don't suck, to reframing leadership as a guide on the hero's journey, this episode is a masterclass for founders, sales leaders, and executives navigating growth.     Episode Highlights Selling and licensing FinTech software to major enterprise platforms Why landing big clients forces you to rebuild your company from the inside out "Every time you double your business, you break it" — and why that matters The shift from one-to-one selling to one-to-many decision-makers How enterprise sales change customer service, product development, and staffing Managing identity after a successful exit from a 20-year business Why anchoring identity in values—not roles—is critical for leaders Redefining perseverance as daily rituals toward a better future version of yourself Designing meetings that create momentum instead of draining energy The danger of endless one-on-one meetings and weak leadership structures Building mutual accountability through team-based problem solving The "toothbrush test" for leadership alignment and daily focus Why employees—not customers—are the real heroes of the business Leadership as a guide, not the hero, in the organization How values become the filter for hiring, promoting, and firing Using assessments to uncover hidden friction in sales, marketing, and operations Simplifying, prioritizing, executing, and communicating as leadership fundamentals     Key Takeaways 1. Scaling always breaks the company—and that's normal. Every growth stage requires rebuilding systems, roles, and processes from scratch. 2. Big deals don't just change revenue—they change everything. Customer service, R&D, staffing, and accountability all shift at scale. 3. Your identity must outlive your title. Founders who anchor identity to roles struggle after exits or transitions. 4. Values are revealed through decisions, not websites. Real values show up in how leaders hire, fire, promote, and prioritize. 5. Perseverance is not burnout—it's intentional daily rituals. Success comes from designing habits aligned with a future version of yourself. 6. Meetings should build momentum, not resentment. Well-run weekly leadership meetings drive clarity, accountability, and speed. 7. Weak leaders hide in one-on-ones. Strong leaders build alignment and accountability in the group. 8. Your team are the heroes—you are the guide. Leaders exist to empower others to win, not to be the star. 9. Psychological safety unlocks execution. When teams trust each other, problems surface faster and solutions follow. 10. Simplify → Prioritize → Execute → Communicate. Leadership doesn't have to be complicated—but it must be intentional.     Connect with David 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidaferiat/ 🏢 Company: The Avid Group 📍 Atlanta, GA David regularly shares leadership insights, growth frameworks, and reflections on the hero's journey for founders and executives. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

In this episode of Call The Damn Leads, I sit down with my guy Ethan Dowie, founder of Indigo and one of the sharpest minds in the branded-merch game. Ethan didn't come into the industry with experience, money, or a fancy network… he came in with a cell phone, a notebook, and the willingness to make 500 cold calls. And on call #496, everything changed. That single outreach — one conversation with a buyer at Zappos — turned into hundreds of thousands of dollars in orders and opened the door to a multi-six-figure merch company built on systems, relationships, and high-touch service. Ethan and I break down what it really takes to win in sales when you're starting from scratch, how to use merch the right way as a growth tool, and why quality > quantity in every part of your business. If you've ever doubted yourself, if you've ever been tempted to quit before you hit that breakthrough, or if you're trying to figure out how to scale a brand from "one good client" to a real business — this episode is your sign.     Episode Highlights 💥 Cold Call #496 — The One That Changed Everything Ethan went 0 for 400+ calls before landing Zappos. One swing changed the trajectory of his company — and proved the power of persistence. 📈 Slow, Steady, and Systematized Growth Before scaling, Ethan became the only employee he needed — learning everything himself, documenting the process, and turning each lesson into SOPs. 🎨 Why Most Merch Fails (And How to Fix It) Ethan shares why brands get merch wrong: they start with the product, not the outcome. Reverse engineer the purpose, then design with intention. 🎁 Merch as a Sales Tool, Not a Vanity Project Done right, merch builds brand equity, creates unforgettable customer experiences, and keeps you top of mind long after the interaction. 🛠️ Consultative Merch Strategy (Not Transactional Orders) Ethan's team doesn't just take orders — they ask questions, uncover goals, and design campaigns that amplify the experience and ROI. 💡 Trade Show Secrets for Higher Traffic Don't just hand out random bags. Create interactive experiences at your booth — games, challenges, giveaways — and watch traffic triple. 💸 Quality Over Quantity — Every Time One high-quality item beats 1,000 cheap ones that no one wants. People remember the feel, the fit, and the experience. 🤖 How Indigo Uses AI (The Smart Way) AI helps Ethan's team ideate, avoid mistakes, and improve efficiency — but it doesn't replace high-touch service or human-level communication. 🤝 Service Is the Sales Advantage Ethan trains his team to "advance the position" with every interaction — stay positive, build connection, and play the long game. 🎯 The One Thing Every Brand Should Implement: A Thank You Program A thoughtful, well-designed welcome gift or first-purchase surprise can instantly elevate your experience and improve customer retention.     Key Takeaways ▪️Persistence Pays Off You might be one call away from everything changing. Keep dialing. ▪️Reverse Engineer Your Merch Start with the outcome, not the item. ▪️Quality Wins Long Term Cheap merch hurts your brand. Premium merch builds loyalty. ▪️Experience | Item What people feel matters more than what they wear. ▪️Ask More Questions Great merch companies — and great salespeople — uncover the story behind the order. ▪️AI Elevates Ideas, Not Execution Use it to think bigger, not to replace the human touch. ▪️Relationships Build Revenue Play for 10-year clients, not one-project payouts.     How to Connect with Ethan Dowie 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethandowie/   📱LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethandowie/ 💬 Message him the word "MERCH" for a free 20-minute consult 🏢 Company: Indigo — premium branded merch built with strategy, intention, and unmatched customer experience.     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads  

Lidia Axe – Business Coach for Solopreneurs, Sales Mindset Strategist, Author, Host of "Conversations That Convert" In this episode, Drewbie is joined by the fiery, hilarious, and deeply insightful Lidia Axe, a former corporate director turned business coach who helps solopreneurs overcome the mindset blocks stopping them from selling with confidence. Lidia shares her transformational sales story—how a kids club turned into a boutique gift shop, and how her passion for the products helped her understand one of the most important principles in sales: 👉 If you deeply believe in the value of what you sell, selling becomes easy. The conversation dives into the emotional and ego-driven struggles of coaches and consultants, why so many hide behind certifications, and why starting the conversation is the most important (and most avoided) step. From pitch-slapping, to ego death, to corporate conditioning, to the "discotheque problem," Lidia breaks down exactly why so many solopreneurs avoid outreach and how to fix it with a mindset shift that puts the buyer—not the seller—at the center. This episode is LOADED with real talk, practical reframes, and a refreshing perspective every coach, consultant, or new business owner needs to hear.     Episode Highlights Why Lidia once believed she would "never be good at sales" How passion for her products turned her into a natural salesperson The boutique kids shop that accidentally taught her the truth about selling Why believing in your offer eliminates fear, sleaze, and pressure The trap of waiting "to be picked" in business (the discotheque analogy) Why most solopreneurs lack a sales problem—they have a conversation problem The pitch-slap epidemic: leading with an offer before you know the person Why certifications become a socially validated form of procrastination How corporate conditioning keeps coaches stuck collecting acronyms Ego death: why transitioning from corporate to solopreneurship is so emotionally hard The danger of hiding behind endless learning instead of client acquisition Why clients don't care about your certifications—they care about their problem How to reframe your fear of judgment and shift to a service-led approach Why "coaching" is not the business—it's simply one tool in your toolbox How to stay human, start conversations, and build real relationships     Key Takeaways 1. Selling is easy when you believe in the value. Passion and certainty make conversations natural—not salesy. 2. Stop waiting to be picked. If you don't start the conversation, you're standing in the corner of the discotheque forever. 3. Certifications do not replace clients. You are not in corporate anymore. You don't need 19 letters after your name—you need conversations. 4. Learning is safe. Outreach is scary. Most coaches bury themselves in training to avoid rejection. 5. Shift the focus OFF yourself. When you focus on the person you're helping, selling becomes service, not pressure. 6. Clients don't care about your tools. They care about whether you can fix their problem. Tools ≠ value. Results = value. 7. Ego death is part of becoming a business owner. Letting go of identity, titles, and corporate validation is essential. 8. Start with a normal human conversation—not a pitch. No one likes a pitch-slap. Build the relationship first. 9. Your offer is not about you—it's about the job it does for the client. People buy outcomes, not methodologies.     Connect with Lidia 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lidia-chmel/ 🌐 Website: https://www.skool.com/a-zone/about 💬 Sends DMs, welcomes conversations—but NO pitch-slapping!     📣 Call to Action CALL THE DAMN LEADS "By sales professionals, for sales professionals." Each week, host Drewbie Wilson brings real-world sales wisdom, humor, and high-energy conversations designed to help you become a better communicator, closer, and leader. Expect a powerful mix of: 🔥 Real Sales Stories 🔧 Proven Sales Tactics 🎙️ Expert Interviews ⚡ Humor, Mindset & Motivation 📈 Practical, usable strategies you can implement today Whether you're a salesperson, coach, consultant, or entrepreneur—this show will sharpen your skills, boost your confidence, and help you close more deals by simply… 👉 Calling the damn leads. Want to be a guest? Share your story here: 👉 https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast     Follow Drewbie 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads  

Dr. Chris Gray – Consumer Psychologist, Founder of The Bycologist, Behavioral Marketing Expert In this episode, Drewbie sits down with world-renowned consumer psychologist Dr. Chris Gray, whose three decades of experience in marketing, psychology, and behavioral science have helped brands decode how customers actually think, feel, and buy. Dr. Gray shares an unbelievable story from early in his career—a sales meeting gone wrong that turned into one of the most transformative projects of his life. What began as a devastating rejection ended with multimillion-dollar partnerships, a groundbreaking "Shopper Passport" experience, and a deep truth he carries into every project today: 👉 Experience is undeniable. Through the power of curiosity, psychological insight, and immersive customer empathy, Dr. Gray helps businesses understand their buyers better than their competitors ever will. This episode is PACKED with wisdom on consumer behavior, emotional decision-making, customer journeys, and the psychology behind why people choose one brand over another. If you want to sharpen your marketing, elevate your sales conversations, and truly understand your customers' inner world… this episode is a masterclass.     Episode Highlights The shocking sales meeting meltdown that almost ended his career How a single bad experience shaped a pharmaceutical exec's explosive reaction Why consumer psychology became Dr. Gray's differentiator The creation of the "Shopper Passport" immersive research program What happens when you make executives live their customers' struggles Running a 700-person nationwide consumer immersion with 17 retailers Why experience is undeniable when trying to understand your customers How curiosity drives great salespeople The danger of assuming you "already know your customer" Why avatars & journey maps alone aren't enough Intellectual humility as a competitive advantage Why the ability to ask "What don't I know?" opens more sales doors How Dr. Gray sells without "selling"—teaching, value, and insight Why deep customer understanding creates an unfair advantage     Key Takeaways 1. Immersive experience beats assumptions. When you feel what the customer feels, your strategy changes forever. 2. Curiosity is the salesperson's secret weapon. If you're not asking "What don't I know?" you're already falling behind. 3. Consumer behavior changes constantly. The moment you assume you know everything, you stop learning—and stop selling. 4. Intellectual humility creates better customer insights. Let go of certainty. Replace it with questions. 5. The best sales conversations start with empathy. Understanding emotional tension, constraints, motivations, and trade-offs leads to deeper connection. 6. Teaching is selling. The more value you share, the more people want to work with you. 7. Whoever understands their customer best… wins. Wins the sale. Wins loyalty. Wins lifetime customers. 8. The psychology of buying is a competitive advantage. Understanding how and why people decide is more important than what you sell. 9. Experience is undeniable. You can't argue with what you've lived. Neither can your customers.     Connect with Dr. Chris Gray 🔗 Website: https://thebycologist.com 📰 Newsletter: Monthly deep dive into consumer psychology & application ✍️ Substack: The Bycologist – Consumer behavior, insights & strategy 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drchris (handle: Dr. Chris)     Call to Action CALL THE DAMN LEADS "By sales professionals, for sales professionals." Each week, Drewbie Wilson brings humor, heart, and real-world sales wisdom from 20+ years in the game. Expect a wild mix of: 🔥 Real Sales Stories — entertaining, relatable, and packed with lessons 🔧 Proven Tactics — practical, repeatable strategies for better sales 😆 Humor & Energy — because sales should be fun 🎤 Expert Interviews — gain insights from pros across industries Whether you're in sales, an entrepreneur, or scaling your business, these conversations will help you grow. Want to be a guest? Pitch your story here: 👉 https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast   Follow Drewbie 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

In this episode, Drewbie welcomes the brilliant and authentic Melanie Gorman, a trained mental health therapist turned powerhouse sales strategist and business builder. Melanie shares her unconventional path—from therapist and bartender to selling for John Gray (Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus) and eventually launching her own company, Crownsville Media. She breaks down how relationship psychology gives you an unfair edge in sales, why authenticity dissolves pressure, and how slowing the conversation creates more sales opportunities—not fewer. Melanie dives into the real fears entrepreneurs face when leaving a stable job, how she built her business by doing every role herself, and how evidence-based confidence helps you grow faster without burning out. If you're a sales professional, coach, consultant, or therapist wanting to sell without feeling "salesy," this episode is your blueprint.     Episode Highlights How Melanie transitioned from therapist → bartender → relationship-focused salesperson Working with John Gray at the height of Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus Why authentic conversations outperform aggressive scripts How to slow down the sales process to reduce anxiety on both sides Why people will refer you even when they don't buy The moment Melanie realized she needed to build her own business How she grew Crownsville Media by mastering every role before delegating Building confidence through evidence, not emotion Why leaders should share goals, limitations, and expectations transparently The 80% rule: perfection isn't required for success Marketing as a "pie chart"—do what fits your time, budget, and energy How to stay ahead of your competition through constant learning Using content, SEO, and strategy to be found by the right clients Why unique naming matters for branding (like Crownsville Media!)     Key Takeaways 1. Sales anxiety drops when you remember the buyer is more anxious than you. Lead with compassion and curiosity. 2. Authentic conversations are more memorable than perfect scripts. People buy from people who make them feel understood. 3. Confidence grows from evidence. Keep your wins visible—your brain needs reminders. 4. A "no" today can still become a referral tomorrow. Good relationships outlast individual transactions. 5. You don't need a massive team—just a clear vision. Align your people, define expectations, and support them. 6. Marketing is long-term—not a one-and-done task. Websites, content, SEO, and messaging must all work together. 7. Stay educated to stay valuable. If you stop learning, you stop growing.     Connect with Melanie 🔗 Website: https://crownsvillemedia.com 📅 Consultation: Book a call directly through her site 📘 Specialty: Websites, SEO, and marketing systems for therapists & service providers     Call to Action CALL THE DAMN LEADS "By sales professionals, for sales professionals." Each week, Drewbie Wilson brings humor, heart, and real-world sales wisdom from 20+ years in the game. Expect a wild mix of: 🔥 Real Sales Stories — entertaining, relatable, and packed with lessons 🔧 Proven Tactics — practical, repeatable strategies for better sales 😆 Humor & Energy — because sales should be fun 🎤 Expert Interviews — gain insights from pros across industries Whether you're in sales, an entrepreneur, or scaling your business, these conversations will help you grow. Want to be a guest? Pitch your story here: 👉 https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast     Follow Drewbie 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads  

In this episode, Drewbie sits down with podcast strategist and agency owner Virginia Elder, whose entire career in podcasting started by accident—thanks to debt, diapers, and financial podcasts that gave her hope during tough times. Virginia shares how she paid off $80,000 of debt on a modest household income, started a financial podcast to fill a gap she saw in the market, and unexpectedly built a thriving podcast production agency serving financial professionals, coaches, and business owners. From how to use a podcast to land clients, stay top-of-mind, build authority, and create "forever content," to avoiding the biggest mistakes beginners make, Virginia breaks down the strategy, psychology, and practicality behind launching a podcast that actually drives business growth. If you're a sales professional, business owner, or creator who's been thinking about starting a show—or struggling to be seen—this is your sign.     Episode Highlights How a forgotten LinkedIn connection turned into a powerful reminder: people don't remember what you do unless you TELL them Virginia's wild origin story—financial crisis → podcasts → financial coaching → full-time podcast agency owner The real reason people forget what you offer (and why it's not personal) How podcast listeners form parasocial relationships—and why that's gold for business Why niching down your podcast actually attracts more clients, not fewer The power of hyper-specific episodes that speak to your ideal client's actual pain points Why your podcast episodes can continue generating leads years after they're recorded How to design an intentional listener journey that leads to sales Why your CTA must be "two seconds simple"—or people won't do it How personal hobbies can become wildly effective podcast angles (gardening + finances? yes.) Why most people quit at seven episodes—and how to make sure you don't What "sustainable podcasting" looks like for real-world business owners Why you don't have time not to have a podcast   Key Takeaways 1. You must remind people what you do—frequently. Even people who love you forget. Visibility is not bragging; it's clarity. 2. The riches are in the specifics. Your episode titles and topics should match the exact searches, pains, and desires of your ideal client. 3. Podcast content is "forever content." Unlike social media, your episodes live and work for you for years—even while you sleep. 4. Your listener journey must be intentionally designed. One clear CTA. Easy to find. Easy to click. Easy to convert. 5. Your show doesn't need to be about your industry. It just needs a strategic bridge from your topic → to your offer → to your ideal audience. 6. You don't need time—you need sustainability. Start with a format you can maintain: weekly, biweekly, or even monthly. 7. Showing up consistently builds trust at scale. Your voice becomes mentorship—and that connection creates clients. 8. Just start. Adjust later. Momentum beats perfection. Every podcaster improves with reps.     Connect with Virginia 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginiaelder/ 📘 Free Podcast Resources: podcastabundance.com/resources 🎙️ Podcast Strategy, Consulting, Production & More     📣 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals." Each week, Drewbie Wilson, a sales vet with 20+ years in the game, brings you humor, real-world stories, and powerful strategies to help you excel in your sales career. Expect a wild mix of: Real Sales Stories: Tales that entertain and inspire Proven Tactics: Practical tips for boosting your sales game Humor and Energy: Fun takes on the ups and downs of sales life Expert Advice: Learn from seasoned pros across different fields Whether you're in sales, an entrepreneur, or just looking to grow your business skills, don't miss out on these invaluable lessons and entertaining stories. Want to be a guest? Pitch your story at 👉 https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

In this week's Call The Damn Leads, I sit down with Chad Link, real estate veteran and co-founder of Swÿvvl.com — a revolutionary new platform built to disrupt the traditional real estate industry. Chad's been in the business for nearly two decades, training hundreds of agents and helping more than a thousand clients buy and sell homes. After seeing firsthand how much money was being siphoned off by giant real estate tech platforms like Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com, he decided to build a better way — one that gives power (and money) back to agents, buyers, and sellers. In this episode, we talk about how Swÿvvl is changing the game by eliminating the massive referral fees, reducing transaction costs, and giving real estate professionals more control over their lead generation and client experience. If you're a real estate agent tired of handing over 40–50% of your commission to big tech — this one's a must-listen.     Episode Highlights 🏡 The Birth of Swÿvvl: Chad shares how frustration with the current real estate model inspired him to build a platform that empowers agents and clients — instead of draining their profits. 💰 Breaking Free from Big Tech: Learn how Swÿvvl's flat-rate membership model puts thousands of dollars back in agents' and buyers' pockets — without the massive referral fees. ⚙️ Nationwide MLS Access: How Chad and his team fought through two years of red tape to secure one of the most robust property search feeds in the nation, rivaling the biggest players in the market. 🤝 Turning Conversations into Opportunities: Why being "out there" — attending events, shaking hands, and talking to people — is still the most powerful way to grow your business. 🚀 Built by Agents, for Agents: Unlike the tech giants, Swÿvvl was designed by real estate professionals who actually understand the grind — not Silicon Valley coders chasing margins. 📉 Why Most Agents Fail: 87% of agents leave the business within five years. Chad breaks down why that happens — and how tools like Swÿvvl can change the game for those who stick it out. 💡 The Early Adopter Advantage: How brokerages and teams joining Swÿvvl early are securing exclusive territories and positioning themselves as market leaders before the next wave of disruption hits. 🔄 Disrupting Tradition: The "monkey experiment" analogy — how the real estate industry has stayed stuck in its old ways and why it's time to evolve.   Key Takeaways Real Estate's Biggest Problem: Massive referral fees and corporate middlemen are robbing agents and buyers of their hard-earned money. Simplicity Wins: Swÿvvl offers a clean, transparent model — flat monthly rate, no backend fees, and total control over your own leads. Opportunity Comes from Action: Whether you're selling homes or building a company, success comes from getting out there and talking to people. Industry Change Requires Courage: Disruption isn't easy, but innovation comes from those willing to question "the way it's always been done." Homeownership Should Be Attainable: By cutting unnecessary costs, Swÿvvl helps make homeownership more accessible in a market where prices continue to climb. Be an Early Adopter: Agents and brokerages that move fast can claim territory, save money, and grow alongside this new model. Value Over Vanity: The future of real estate isn't about flashy apps — it's about real people, real relationships, and fair transactions.     How to Connect with Chad Link & Swÿvvl 🌐 Website: www.swyvvl.com 📧 Email Chad: [email protected] 📧 Email Rob (CTO): [email protected] ✅ Start searching for homes today, connect with agents, and learn how Swÿvvl is changing the real estate game for everyone involved.     📣 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals." Each week, Drewbie Wilson, a sales vet with 20+ years in the game, brings you humor, real-world stories, and powerful strategies to help you excel in your sales career. Expect a wild mix of: Real Sales Stories: Tales that entertain and inspire Proven Tactics: Practical tips for boosting your sales game Humor and Energy: Fun takes on the ups and downs of sales life Expert Advice: Learn from seasoned pros across different fields Whether you're in sales, an entrepreneur, or just looking to grow your business skills, don't miss out on these invaluable lessons and entertaining stories. Want to be a guest? Pitch your story at 👉 https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

Audrey Wiggins – "The Tech Diva" Digital Marketing Strategist • Show Host • Brand Builder Episode Summary In Episode 133, Drewbie sits down with digital marketing powerhouse Audrey "The Tech Diva" Wiggins to break down what it really takes to stand out, get noticed, and stay consistent in a crowded online marketplace. From how the iconic nickname Tech Diva was born, to why so many entrepreneurs still look unprofessional online in 2025, Audrey brings wisdom, humor, and straight talk to the conversation. Together, Drewbie and Audrey unpack branding fundamentals, content creation, digital professionalism, and the costly mistakes business owners continue to make—especially when it comes to tech, tools, and subscriptions. This episode feels like a masterclass wrapped in laughter, as Audrey explains why branded email is non-negotiable, why video is still king, and how consistency beats complexity every time. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by marketing, confused by trends, or stuck creating content that doesn't convert, this conversation will help you simplify, refocus, and show up with confidence. Episode Highlights How the nickname "Tech Diva" came to life—and why it stuck Why digital marketing became more exciting once analytics became accessible The #1 branding mistake Audrey still sees everywhere (and why it drives her crazy) Why using a personal email hurts your credibility, SEO, and authority How branded emails instantly elevate professionalism Standing out in a noisy online marketplace without being everywhere Why video content still dominates in 2025 How to create content daily without burnout "Pick a theme, pick a routine" — the consistency strategy that works How algorithms learn your posting habits Why posting inconsistently kills reach The truth about trends vs. recurring marketing cycles Why entrepreneurs are drowning in unused software subscriptions Audrey's $2,500 tech mistake (and what it taught her) Avoiding duplicate AI tools built on the same foundation The danger of being "trained out" instead of taking action Why every business needs a tech and systems audit Building simple marketing flows that actually convert Why content is still the fastest way to build trust and visibility Key Takeaways 1. Professionalism starts with small details. A branded email is not optional—it signals trust, authority, and legitimacy instantly. 2. Consistency beats perfection every time. You don't need every platform. You need repetition where it matters. 3. Capture content when inspiration hits. If you don't record the idea in the moment, it's gone. 4. Algorithms reward predictable behavior. Posting on a routine trains both the platform and your audience. 5. Video still wins. Authentic, simple video builds connection faster than polished ads. 6. Stop chasing shiny tools. More software does not equal more success—clarity does. 7. Audit your tech stack regularly. Subscriptions add up quickly and often overlap. 8. AI is powerful—but not unique everywhere. Many tools use the same foundation; don't pay for duplicates. 9. Don't let training replace execution. Learning feels productive—but action is what makes money. 10. Keep your marketing flow simple. Attention → Value → Next Step. No hacks required. Connect with Audrey 🌐 Website: https://altogether.biz 🎙️ Podcast: Tech, Marketing & Digital Strategy Conversations 📲 Brand: Altogether Digital Marketing Audrey is known for making tech and marketing simple, approachable, and actionable—without the fluff. 🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads  

In this episode of Call The Damn Leads, I sit down with Keith Kakadia, the founder and CEO of Socially In, one of the top social media agencies in the country. With more than 14 years in sales and digital marketing, Keith's built a powerhouse team that helps brands dominate online — all while staying true to the fundamentals of human connection. We dig deep into what really works in modern sales and social media. From losing a $60,000 deal over one extra page in a proposal to mastering AI tools and automations that streamline client relationships, Keith shares the hard lessons and smart systems that every sales professional needs to know. If you've been trying to do "all the things" online or wondering how to blend sales, marketing, and automation without losing the personal touch — this conversation is for you.     Episode Highlights 💥 A $60K Lesson in Attention to Detail: Keith shares the story of losing a massive deal over a one-page mistake — and how it reshaped his sales process forever. 💻 Social Media Strategy Simplified: Why you don't need to be everywhere — and how focusing on LinkedIn and X (Twitter) can 10x your B2B pipeline. 🧠 The Power of the ICP: How to define your Ideal Client Profile and create content that speaks directly to the decision makers you actually want to sell to. 🎥 Content that Converts in 2025: Educational + personal = unstoppable. Keith reveals why posting about your hobbies, travel, or even your wedding can be the secret to attracting business. 🤖 AI-Incorporated Sales: How Socially In uses custom GPTs, automation, and AI note-takers to boost efficiency — without losing the human touch. 🔄 Seamless Sales-to-Service Handoff: Why salespeople should stay involved in onboarding to improve retention, referrals, and long-term revenue. 📋 The Personal CRM Advantage: Build your own "Rolodex" outside of the company CRM to maintain your relationships for life. ⚙️ Automation Meets Authenticity: How AI tools can prep your calendar, research your prospects, and keep your schedule tight — so you can focus on real conversations.     Key Takeaways Details Matter: The smallest mistake can cost the biggest deal. Slow down and double-check everything. Less Is More in Marketing: Focus on one or two platforms, master them, and show up consistently. Engagement > Posting: Don't just post — connect. Comment, DM, and engage to build real relationships. Be Human: Mix personal stories with professional insight. People buy from people they relate to. Play the Long Game: Social selling takes time. Consistency compounds results — stay patient. AI Is a Tool, Not a Replacement: Use it to automate the boring stuff, not replace the conversations that close deals. Sales Never Ends at the Close: Stay involved after the deal to build trust, drive referrals, and grow lifetime value. Protect Your Network: Build a personal CRM and treat your connections like gold. Relationships are currency.     How to Connect with Keith Kakadia 📱 LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook: @KeithKakadia 🌐 Website: www.sociallyin.com 💼 Company: Socially In – Full-service social media agency specializing in B2B marketing and content strategy. Keith's an open book and always happy to talk sales, marketing, or AI strategy — don't hesitate to reach out!     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads  

In this explosive episode, Drewbie sits down with world-class salesman and internationally bestselling author Chris Smith, creator of The Conversion Code, to break down the true science of sales and why most people overcomplicate what should be simple. Chris shares his outrageous first week selling for boy-band mogul Lou Pearlman, what he learned from boiler room "Wolf of Wall Street" environments, and how he turned those fundamental lessons into a multi-7-figure career, award-winning companies, and one of the most respected sales frameworks in the world. From sales psychology to KPIs, personal branding, AI, appointment setting, and why "conversations create customers," this is a masterclass for anyone who wants to sell more—today.     Episode Highlights Chris' INSANE first week in sales—half the room fired, chaos everywhere, and the lesson he never forgot Why "the box on the spreadsheet is only big enough for the number" The simple sales formula Chris learned early: Get people more excited than the cost during the time you have their attention Why enthusiasm is the #1 sales tool most people overlook The four-word mantra every salesperson must adopt: I AM SOLD MYSELF The difference between elite salespeople and everyone else Why most real estate agents—and most salespeople—struggle with "call reluctance" How Chris built massive credibility through content, books, blogs, podcasts, and social media Why inbound marketing + outbound prospecting = the winning formula today The real reason AI won't replace salespeople (but WILL replace low-level appointment setters) The future of sales: AI analysis, real-time coaching, and the huge gap between the good and the mediocre Why personal brand + consistent content = easier sales calls and faster closing cycles Why the best companies separate appointment setting from selling How to figure out what's broken in your sales machine (marketing, systems, or sales)     Key Takeaways 1. Sales is simple—but most people complicate it. If you can make someone more excited than the cost before they lose attention, you win. Focus on enthusiasm, clarity, and energy. 2. Conversations create customers. Dials don't matter. Contacts don't matter. Conversations matter. Know your metrics and trust them like math—not emotion. 3. Lead conversion is a 3-part system: Sales, Marketing & Tech. If one piece is broken, your results will always flatline. You need: Strong content + brand Solid automation, routing & follow-up systems A real sales process that works consistently 4. Call reluctance is real—but optional. You're not afraid of the phone. You're afraid of calling strangers. Chris' advice: detach from dials and anchor to conversations and outcomes. 5. Inbound + outbound beats everything else. You should be creating content that attracts leads and dialing outbound like a pro. Not either/or—both. 6. AI will not replace salespeople—but it will widen the gap. Great reps will become phenomenal. Mediocre reps will get crushed. Appointment setters are the first to go. 7. People buy from people, not funnels. Your personal brand—how you show up online—determines the warmth of every sales conversation. 8. Compensation matters. If you want great salespeople, pay them well for performance. Period.     Connect with Chris Smith 📘 Book: The Conversion Code — theconversioncode.com 📱 Instagram: http://conv.codes/ig 🐦 Twitter/X: http://conv.codes/twitter     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads  

In Episode 130, Drewbie sits down with Miriam Schulman—artist, entrepreneur, and sales strategist for creatives—to break down one of the hardest sales challenges out there: selling your creativity without losing your confidence or your integrity. Miriam shares her unconventional journey from Wall Street to full-time artist, and how learning to sell personal training packages gave her the exact skills she needed to finally make a living from her art. Together, Drewbie and Miriam unpack why creatives struggle so much with pricing, confidence, and marketing—and how those struggles mirror challenges faced by sales professionals in every industry. From luxury pricing psychology and the danger of undercharging, to the overlooked belief that truly closes deals—believing in your customer—this episode is packed with mindset shifts and tactical insights that apply whether you're selling paintings, coaching, real estate, or high-ticket services. If you've ever doubted your price, felt uncomfortable "selling," or wondered how to generate leads without selling your soul, this episode will completely reframe how you think about sales.     Episode Highlights Why art is one of the hardest things in the world to sell Miriam's transition from Wall Street to full-time artist How selling Pilates training taught Miriam how to sell art The biggest pricing mistake creatives and entrepreneurs make Why charging less actually hurts your credibility "Reassuringly expensive" pricing and luxury buyer psychology Why people buy status, identity, and meaning—not products The Rolex and Chanel examples every salesperson should understand The third belief most sales professionals miss Why believing in your customer closes more deals than believing in yourself The "Pretty Woman" sales lesson most people get wrong How self-doubt silently sabotages sales conversations Why offering cheaper options can be disrespectful to your buyer The myth of needing a massive Instagram following Shocking Instagram engagement stats vs. email marketing Why email marketing is far from dead How creatives should think about lead generation Treating marketing as a creative act—not a chore Why sales is an art form (and always has been)     Key Takeaways Pricing communicates value. Low prices don't feel generous—they feel suspicious. Luxury buyers want reassurance, not discounts. People paying premium prices want exclusivity, not bargains. Believe in your customer. Sales close when you believe they deserve what you're offering. Self-doubt is felt, not heard. Prospects can sense uncertainty even if you never say it. Don't pre-qualify people out of your best offer. Offering cheaper options too soon kills trust and confidence. Art, sales, and creativity are inseparable. Selling is simply another form of creative expression. Instagram doesn't build businesses—relationships do. A small email list beats a large disengaged audience every time. Email marketing still wins. It remains one of the highest-leverage tools available. Marketing should feel playful, not painful. Creativity belongs in promotion just as much as production. Sales is about identity, not transactions. People buy what reinforces who they believe they are.     Connect with Miriam 📘 Book: Artpreneur (HarperCollins) 📖 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schulmanart/ 🎙️ Podcast: The Inspiration Place Podcast 🌐 Website: https://www.schulmanart.com/ Miriam helps artists and creative entrepreneurs build profitable businesses without sacrificing their values, confidence, or creativity.     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals – Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories – Real-life experiences from the field Proven Tactics – Practical strategies you can use immediately Humor – Because sales should be fun Expert Insights – Lessons from top performers across industries Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives looking to grow revenue, confidence, and freedom—this show is for you. 🎧 Want to be a guest? Submit your story here: https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast 📲 Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides 📸 Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads  

In this episode, Drewbie sits down with marketing powerhouse and former TV news anchor Katie Wagner, who has spent 16+ years helping businesses master digital marketing, lead generation, and trust-building in an AI-saturated world. Katie shares her infamous 16-month handwritten-letter prospecting strategy, what salespeople get wrong about marketing, how AI is rewriting the sales funnel, and why middle- and bottom-of-funnel content now matters more than ever. If you're a business owner, marketer, or sales professional looking to generate better leads, convert at a higher rate, and build trust in a time when trust is at an all-time low—this is the episode you need.     Episode Highlights Katie's wild 16-month handwritten-card campaign that turned a dream client into a longtime customer Why today's buyers don't need your top-of-funnel content—and what they DO need How AI has shortened the buying cycle and disrupted traditional lead generation The death of cold outreach (and how to warm up every conversation with intent data) Why trust online is at an all-time low—and how to become the type of person your prospects trust instantly How to use account-based marketing like a sniper instead of a shotgun Website IP tracking + CRM = the closest thing to mind-reading in sales Why you must treat yourself like a micro-celebrity if you want to increase inbound leads Why co-created content and nearbound marketing is outperforming outbound and inbound The #1 mistake companies make after generating leads (and how to never waste a lead again)     Key Takeaways 1. Trust is now your biggest competitive advantage. AI and misinformation have created a trust recession. Buyers want proof, specificity, case studies, and conversations with real humans—not fluffy marketing. 2. Buyers are coming in hotter than ever. They've already researched you through AI, social, and your website. If they click or reach out, they're warm, and you either confirm their trust—or lose them instantly. 3. The funnel has changed forever. Top-of-funnel content matters less. Middle and bottom-of-funnel content now closes deals: Specific solutions Comparisons Processes Case studies Proof of results 4. Account-Based Marketing is mandatory now. Pick your ideal customers and go all-in on intentional, personalized outreach that creates familiarity before you make contact. 5. IP tracking + targeted ads = unfair advantage. Knowing who is on your site and what they viewed allows you to call with perfect timing and perfect context. 6. You must embrace the "local celebrity" effect. Sales professionals and founders must show up like micro-influencers—just like old-school news anchors. Visibility = credibility. 7. Lead generation fails without a follow-up system. Most businesses hire marketers… then completely drop the ball when leads start coming in. You need: A clear follow-up sequence Prepared messaging Case studies ready Content ready A plan before you launch a single campaign     Connect with Katie Wagner 🔗 Website: https://kwsmdigital.com 🔗 LinkedIn: Just search Katie Wagner – KWSM Digital (she's highly active)     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads  

Episode 128 is a special Christmas Day solo episode where Drewbie steps away from interviews and tactics to deliver a heartfelt message directly to the Call the Damn Leads community. Recorded for Christmas morning 2025, this episode is all about gratitude, reflection, and appreciation for the listeners, readers, and supporters who make the Call the Damn Leads movement possible. Drewbie shares what this year has meant to him and his family, reflects on the growth of the show and the community, and reminds listeners that the real win in sales isn't just revenue—it's the life you're building for yourself and the people you love. To top it off, Drewbie gives listeners a Christmas-only gift as a thank-you for showing up—even on a holiday. This episode isn't about calling leads today. It's about remembering why you do it every other day of the year.     Episode Highlights A personal Christmas message from Drewbie to the Call the Damn Leads community Gratitude for listeners, readers, and supporters of the movement Reflecting on an incredible year of podcast growth and impact Celebrating thousands of copies sold of Call the Damn Leads Why the listener is the real "greatest gift" of the year A reminder that sales is a vehicle to a better life—not the destination Honoring all holidays and traditions, not just Christmas The importance of pausing to appreciate progress A Christmas-only giveaway for loyal listeners Why consistency—even in personal growth—creates better holidays year after year Setting the tone for an even bigger 2026 When not to call the damn leads (today only!)     Special Christmas Gift 🎄 🎁 FREE Call the Damn Leads T-Shirt Drewbie's Christmas gift to you for being a loyal listener. How it works: Use code: CHRISTMASTEE Valid ONLY on Christmas Day Expires at midnight Christmas night You pay shipping — the shirt is on Drewbie 👉 Grab yours at: https://callthedamnleads.com     Key Takeaways 1. Gratitude matters. Success feels different when you take time to acknowledge the people who helped you get there. 2. Sales is a tool—not the goal. The real reward is the life you're creating for your family. 3. Consistency compounds. Listening, learning, and showing up—even on holidays—adds up. 4. Community creates momentum. Movements don't grow alone—they grow together. 5. Reflection fuels growth. Pausing to appreciate progress makes future wins even bigger. 6. Holidays are about people, not pipelines. Today is for family. Tomorrow, we're back to work. 7. You're never "just a listener." You're part of the Call the Damn Leads movement.     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads     Follow Drewbie 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads  

In this episode of Call The Damn Leads, I sit down with the down-to-earth and wildly authentic Jody Durand — a lifelong farmer turned sales pro and author of Country Boy Soul. From growing up on "Walton Mountain" to literally sitting next to Zig Ziglar on his very first flight (without even realizing it), Jody's story is a masterclass in grit, humility, and the power of influence. We talk about how a life of hard work on the farm shaped his sales approach, why saying no is one of the most powerful words in sales, and how old-school relationship building still wins in a high-tech world. Jody's got decades of experience in agriculture sales and business, and he brings raw honesty and humor to every story. If you've ever doubted your ability to sell, this conversation will remind you that true sales success comes from caring deeply, staying curious, and being willing to get your hands dirty — figuratively and literally.     Episode Highlights 🚜 From Farm Life to Sales Life: How Jody's roots in agriculture taught him the value of consistency, preparation, and patience — lessons every sales pro can learn from. ✈️ The Day He Met Zig Ziglar: A once-in-a-lifetime meeting that planted the seeds of a career he didn't even know he'd have. 💥 The Power of Hitting Rock Bottom: Losing everything taught Jody the drive and discipline to sell with purpose and passion. 🧠 Influence Over Sales: Why the best salespeople don't "sell" — they influence by connecting and caring. 🙌 The "No" That Opens Doors: How to reframe rejection as a tool for growth instead of a setback. 💡 Sales Lessons from the Barnyard: Jody's analogy between farming and selling — preparing, planting, nurturing, and harvesting. 🧩 End-User Thinking: Why great salespeople start with the end result in mind and build backward from the customer's perspective. ❤️ Vulnerability Sells: How being open and authentic creates deeper trust and longer-lasting relationships.     Key Takeaways Influence Beats Information: Sales isn't about talking the most — it's about asking the right questions and listening with intent. Rejection is a Gift: A "no" is not the end — it's an opportunity to understand your customer better and get closer to "yes." You Don't Need Fancy Words: If a sixth grader can't understand your pitch, you're overcomplicating it. Keep your message clear, relatable, and direct. Sales is Farming: Plant seeds (relationships), water them consistently (follow up), and be patient — your harvest will come. Hard Work Never Goes Out of Style: No shortcut beats good old-fashioned effort, consistency, and genuine care for the people you serve. Build Trust by Being Real: People buy from people — especially those who are honest about their flaws and open about their journey. Focus on the End User: Think like the person or product you're helping. When you understand what they truly need, your pitch becomes effortless.     How to Connect with Jody Durand 💻 LinkedIn : Jody Durand 📘 Book: Country Boy Soul available on Amazon and Audible ▶️ YouTube: Country Boy Soul Channel 💬 "If you want to connect, hit me up on social or throw up the bat signal — I'll find you."     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads  

In this epic episode of Call The Damn Leads, Drewbie Wilson sits down with creative powerhouse Paul Pape, the self-proclaimed "Santa for Nerds," to talk about how gaming principles can transform your business, boost creativity, and make entrepreneurship actually fun. Paul spent two decades designing custom collectibles for clients like Disney, Universal, and Nickelodeon before founding Gamify Business, a coaching platform that helps creatives and entrepreneurs build stronger, more successful businesses—by turning their real-world goals into a live-action role-playing adventure. From character sheets to "boss fights," Paul breaks down how you can translate gaming strategy into business mastery. Whether you're a lifelong gamer or a sales pro looking to bring more creativity and energy into your process, this episode is packed with practical magic.     🔥 Episode Highlights 🎮 Santa for Nerds: How Paul built a 20-year career creating custom collectibles for major brands and fans around the world. ⚔️ Gamify Your Business: The origin story of "Dungeons & Dragons: Business Edition" and how it helps creatives understand sales and entrepreneurship. 🧙‍♂️ Build Your Character Sheet: How to identify your strengths and weaknesses to create a balanced "party" (aka your business team). 💡 Sell Yourself, Not Your Stuff: Why storytelling and personal branding will always beat a hard sales pitch. 🪄 Speak the Language: How Paul translates complex business terms like ROI and CTA into gaming analogies that actually make sense for creatives. 👥 Find Your Party: Why you shouldn't try to "solo" your business journey—and how to find teammates who fill your gaps. 🧩 Defeat Imposter Syndrome: Turning weaknesses into opportunities through playful, data-driven self-awareness. 💰 Speedrun Your Success: How to turn passion into profit by focusing on your "seed"—the unique twist that sets you apart. 🚀 Laser Focus for Creatives: Why it's better to be a specialist sniper than a scattershot marketer when building your brand. 📘 Free Resource: Grab the first two chapters of The Creative Player's Handbook to Business at GamifyBusiness.com.     💡 Key Takeaways 1. Creatives Are Entrepreneurs Whether you design art, write code, or sell products, creativity is the engine of innovation—and you can build a business that reflects that. 2. Sell the Story, Not the Stuff People don't buy products; they buy people. When you tell your story authentically, you make it easy for customers to connect and commit. 3. Build Your "Party" Wisely You don't need to be great at everything. Identify your weak spots and recruit others whose strengths complement yours. 4. Translate Business into Play If words like ROI and KPI make your eyes glaze over, reframe them in language that fits you. Gamifying the process keeps you engaged and consistent. 5. Find Your Unique "Seed" Your "seed" is the one thing that makes your creative work different from everyone else's. Build your brand around that and success follows. 6. Focus Like a Sniper, Not a Shotgun Don't try to appeal to everyone. Target your ideal customers with precision and consistency—they're the ones who will become your raving fans. 7. Speedrun the Process—But Follow the Map Overnight success is a myth, but with strategy, consistency, and the right party members, you can level up faster than you think.     💬 Connect with Paul Pape 🌐 Website: gamifybusiness.com 🎁 Free Download: The Creative Player's Handbook to Business — First two chapters free when you sign up on the site. 🎨 Other Projects: paulpapedesigns.com 📺 YouTube: Paul Pape Designs     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads  

In this episode of Call The Damn Leads, Drewbie Wilson sits down with Jason VanDevere, fourth-generation car dealer turned purpose-driven entrepreneur, to talk about stepping away from comfort, chasing passion, and the reality of building something that truly lights you up. From hilarious car lot stories (including a test drive that sounded like a shootout!) to a powerful four-step framework for success, Jason shares how he transitioned from his family's auto empire into creating Goal Crazy, a brand built on helping others design dream-driven lives. This one's packed with inspiration, real talk, and tactical steps for anyone looking to reinvent themselves, grow their business, and call their damn leads.     🔥 Episode Highlights From Balloons to Boom: Jason's wildest sales story — how a test drive full of exploding balloons turned into a closed deal. Breaking Family Expectations: Why Jason walked away from a secure legacy in the car business to chase something more meaningful. The Power of Sales Confidence: How mastering the art of selling became the foundation for every business venture he started afterward. The Four-Step Framework for Growth: Jason breaks down his proven process for success — Seek Expert Counsel, Set a 90-Day Goal, Execute Relentlessly, and Reflect Intentionally. The Real Meaning of "Call the Damn Leads": Why persistence, not perfection, builds your dreams. Building Without a Budget: How to create meaningful collaborations with influencers and communities without spending a dime. Start Small, Win Big: Why your first audience doesn't have to be huge to make a big impact. Purpose Over Pressure: Jason's mindset on how a powerful dream can help you overcome fear, rejection, and imposter syndrome. Free Resource: How to access Jason's free "Find Your Dream" course that's helped over 40,000 people discover their purpose.     💡 Key Takeaways 1. Sales is the Foundation for Every Dream If you can sell, you can do anything. The ability to communicate, persuade, and solve problems is the most transferable skill in life and business. 2. Seek Expert Counsel Find someone who's already done what you want to do and ask how they did it. Mentorship and modeling shorten the distance between where you are and where you want to be. 3. Set a Focused 90-Day Goal Clarity creates momentum. Identify one goal that, if accomplished, makes everything else easier or unnecessary — and commit to it. 4. Execute and Reflect Action beats ideas every day of the week. But reflection turns activity into growth. Ask yourself regularly: What's working? What's not? What do I need to change? 5. Build Relationships, Not Just Revenue When you reach out to influencers or potential partners, lead with value. Serve their audience first — that's how you earn collaboration, credibility, and trust. 6. Start Small, Stay Consistent Don't wait for perfection. Whether you're pitching podcasts or running workshops, start small, make mistakes, learn, and grow from every opportunity. 7. Dream Bigger Than Your Fear When your vision is clear and your "why" burns bright, rejection and setbacks lose their power. A big enough dream makes every challenge worth facing.     💬 Connect with Jason VanDevere Website: goalcrazy.com Free Course: goalcrazy.com/course — Find your dream and reignite your drive Book: Dream Driven – Available now on Amazon     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads  

In this powerhouse episode of Call The Damn Leads, I sit down with Marc Pickren, a turnaround CEO who has led massive sales organizations through chaos, COVID, and corporate comebacks. Marc has managed over 450 sales reps and taken companies that were bleeding cash — including one burning $400,000 a month — and turned them into multi-million-dollar profit machines. How? Through leadership, accountability, and understanding that productivity isn't about working harder — it's about working intentionally. From dealing with the remote-work crisis during the pandemic to redefining what productivity looks like in a distracted, AI-driven world, Marc brings an unfiltered perspective on what it takes to rebuild trust, performance, and profitability in sales teams today. If you lead a team, work in sales, or just want to learn how to transform chaos into clarity, this one's a masterclass.     🔥 Episode Highlights 💰 From $42 Million in Losses to 4.9 Million in Profit Marc shares how he took a company that had torched over $42 million in invested capital and was losing half its customers every year — and turned it into a profitable, thriving organization. His secret? A relentless focus on accountability, measurable productivity, and repurposing talent instead of wasting it. 📞 The 6.7-Hour Rule for Sales Success Through deep analysis, Marc's team discovered that 6.7 hours of productive activity per day was the magic number for reps to hit and exceed their goals. By structuring each salesperson's day around high-value activity, performance skyrocketed — proving that structure creates freedom. 🧩 The Power of Smart Redeployment When faced with layoffs, Marc didn't just cut people — he repurposed talent. Underperforming sales reps who understood customer value were moved into customer success roles, transforming potential losses into stronger retention and better client relationships. ⚙️ Accountability vs. Micromanagement Many leaders fear being "too controlling," but Marc breaks down the difference between accountability and micromanagement. Accountability is clarity. It's measurable. And it's what separates high-performing teams from those drowning in mediocrity. 💥 Life in the AI Super System Marc explains how we've evolved from the internet age to the mobile age — and now, to the AI age. He warns that we're all being trained as "nodes on the machine," distracted hundreds of times a day by digital noise. His solution? Get intentional. Reclaim your focus. Use AI to enhance human productivity, not replace it. 🧠 How to Compete in the Age of AI AI isn't coming for your job — complacency is. Marc shares insights from The End of Average, explaining that those who cooperate with AI will thrive, while those who compete with it will get left behind. Your new competitive edge is problem-solving, curiosity, and adaptability. 🔗 Build the Bridge Between Sales and Product Marc reveals one of the biggest untapped advantages in sales: feedback loops. Sales and marketing are on the frontlines with real customer insights — and when they feed that back into product development, innovation explodes. If you're not sharing what your customers are saying, your company's building in the dark.     💡 Key Takeaways Accountability drives results — you can't improve what you don't measure. Reallocate talent before you replace it. Skills can evolve with the right coaching. Structure your day around productivity, not busyness. AI is a tool, not a threat. Learn to work with it, not against it. Human connection still wins. Authenticity, empathy, and transparency are irreplaceable. Feedback is fuel. Great companies listen to their salespeople.     💬 How to Connect with Marc Pickren 💼 LinkedIn: Marc Pickren 🌐 Website: https://marcpickren.com/ Check out over 100 short, high-value clips on sales, leadership, and AI strategy. 💬 Message him directly: Marc's always open to questions — no pitch, just value. 🎥 Keep an eye out for his upcoming Sales Vibe Reel showcasing the high-energy environment that built his legendary sales culture.     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

In this episode of Call The Damn Leads, I sit down with Jennifer Gligoric, founder of the Super Clinic Project, to talk about ethical sales, overcoming imposter syndrome, and how AI is reshaping the way we connect and sell. From being homeless as a teenager to becoming a respected consultant for healthcare professionals, Jennifer's story is a masterclass in resilience, purpose, and people-first selling. She shares her personal evolution in sales — from early days working in her mother's staffing firm, to high-pressure roles in the dating industry, and finally finding her mission helping entrepreneurs and doctors ethically scale their businesses. If you've ever questioned whether sales can be done with both heart and hustle, this episode is for you.     🔥 Episode Highlights 💼 From Homeless Teen to Sales Pro Jennifer opens up about how she went from being homeless to building a successful career in sales — proving that sales is one of the most powerful paths to personal freedom. Her story shows how the right mindset, discipline, and belief in what you sell can change everything. ❤️ The Power of Belief in What You Sell Jennifer shares how working for a dating company taught her one of the hardest lessons in sales: when you stop believing in what you sell, you stop closing deals. Authenticity isn't just a nice-to-have — it's the heartbeat of long-term success. 🧭 Ethical Entrepreneurship & Divine Purpose Jennifer emphasizes aligning your work with your purpose. If what you sell doesn't align with your core values or your view of doing good in the world, it's time to pivot. Sales should serve both your client and your conscience. 🧠 Imposter Syndrome in High-Achievers Even the most successful people — doctors, lawyers, business owners — battle feelings of "not being enough." Jennifer explains how to reframe imposter syndrome as a sign that you're growing, not failing. 🤖 How AI Can Supercharge Your Sales Process Jennifer and I dive into the tools that are changing the game for sales pros and business owners. From AI-generated follow-up sequences to sales presentation tools, she breaks down how she's using 12 different AI systems to maximize productivity without losing authenticity. 📈 Four Core Areas Every Salesperson Should Master Jennifer lays out four fundamentals that every salesperson and entrepreneur should live by: Learn the Script – Know your framework and don't skip the basics. Talk Less, Listen More – True connection comes from curiosity. Be a Lifelong Learner – Always sharpen your skills. Follow Up Like Crazy – The fortune's still in the follow-up. 🎥 Building Trust with Long-Form Content Jennifer breaks down why long-form content is king — especially video. Whether it's answering objections, sharing testimonials, or offering real advice with no strings attached, transparency builds authority and converts better than pushy sales tactics ever will.   💡 Key Takeaways You can sell anything if you truly believe in it — and you'll lose every sale the second you stop. Ethics and empathy are your biggest competitive advantages in a world flooded with automation. AI isn't here to replace you — it's here to make you more human in your sales process. Lifelong learning keeps you relevant and valuable, no matter how much the marketplace evolves. Give away real value freely — the clients who need you will always come back for more.   💬 How to Connect with Jennifer Gligoric 🌐 Website: https://superclinicproject.com 📅 Book a Free 15-Minute Challenge Call: Click Jennifer's photo on the site to bring your biggest sales or business challenge — no sales pitch, just real help. 📧 Email: (Available through her site contact form)     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads  

"You don't have to shove people into your product. You just have to listen, personalize, and solve their real problem." – Darren Fields   🚀 Episode Overview In this episode of Call The Damn Leads, I sit down with Daren Fields, a veteran sales strategist, keynote speaker, and author of Apex 8, to talk about how AI is changing the sales landscape forever. With four decades of sales experience, Daren's seen it all — from multimillion-dollar enterprise deals to scrappy startup wins. But what sets him apart is his belief that the best salespeople are listeners first and problem solvers second. We dive deep into how to combine AI tools, trust-based discovery, and genuine transparency to win deals faster, serve clients better, and build lifelong relationships that go way beyond the sale. If you're a sales pro, team leader, or entrepreneur trying to navigate this new AI-driven marketplace — this one's a masterclass.     🔑 Episode Highlights The "Log Optimizer" Story: How Daren saved a lost deal from the jaws of defeat by listening to what the client really wanted and building a creative solution overnight. The Future of Discovery: Why traditional "what keeps you up at night?" questions are dead — and how to use AI to uncover your client's biggest pain points before the first call. Hyper-Personalization Wins: How leveraging tools like Gamma, Canva, and ChatGPT lets you design custom, validated solutions in minutes, not months. Answer Engine Optimization (AEO): Forget SEO — Daren breaks down how AI is reshaping how buyers find, trust, and choose you online. Radical Transparency: Why honesty and vulnerability will win more business in the AI era than old-school persuasion ever could. Orbit Thinking: Stop obsessing over quotas and start building your "sales orbit" — a network of collaborators, partners, and clients who lift each other up. AI for Leadership Training: How top sales pros can use AI to teach and train others by systemizing their knowledge.   💥 Key Takeaways Sales is About Solving, Not Selling: The magic happens when you ask the right questions and truly listen to what the client needs — not just what you want to sell. AI Gives You Superpowers: Use it to research, create, present, and personalize — but never forget that empathy and human connection close the deal. Transparency Builds Trust: Be honest about what you can and can't do. Refer when needed. Your integrity will build long-term value and referral business. Stop Thinking in Funnels — Start Thinking in Orbits: Success in sales today is about collaboration and ecosystems, not isolation and competition. Master the Long Game: Play for reputation and relationships, not just revenue. AI will expose anyone faking it — authenticity wins.   💡 How to Connect with Daren Fields 📘 Get Daren's book: apex8book.com 💼 Visit his advisory site: apex8advisory.com 💌 Email him directly: [email protected] (Mention Call The Damn Leads for a free ebook copy!) 🎤 Follow Daren on LinkedIn for more sales and leadership insights.     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

Too many salespeople try to fit into someone else's mold—and end up wondering why their results don't measure up. In this episode, I sit down with Justine Beauregard, sales coach, trainer, and founder of Sell with Justine, to talk about breaking free from scripts, discovering your unique selling style, and turning objections into effortless conversations. From her first big "aha moment" on a fundraising call at age 20, Justine realized that sales isn't about fitting into a box—it's about leaning into who you are and serving the buyer in a way that feels natural. Since then, she's helped countless sales pros and entrepreneurs close more deals by simplifying sales into repeatable frameworks and building confidence around authentic connection. If you've ever felt stuck behind a script or struggled with endless objections, this episode will help you break through and start selling on your terms.     🔥 Episode Highlights The fundraising call that changed everything: How Justine learned to ditch the script and start closing authentically. The Peter Principle in sales: Why top producers don't always make the best sales leaders—and what to do instead. Sales & marketing must get married: The simple way to eliminate objections before they even hit the call. Misconceptions about sales: Why it doesn't have to take forever to build rapport or close a big deal. Everyone has their own sales style: How to discover yours and stop trying to copy someone else's playbook. Handling objections with ease: The "big three" (money, time, belief) and how to reframe them into value-based conversations. Follow-up that works: How to ditch the "just checking in" messages and replace them with authentic, value-driven outreach.     💡 Key Takeaways Sales works best when you sell like you. Stop trying to be the loudest rep in the room. Lean into your own strengths. Frameworks create freedom. Breaking your process down into repeatable steps gives you confidence and consistency. Sales and marketing aren't rivals. Sharing objections and insights across teams can make everyone more effective. Objections aren't roadblocks. Often they're just comments. Validate, pause, and redirect the conversation to value. Follow-up is advocacy. Reaching back out isn't desperate—it's ensuring prospects get the best solution. Practice > theory. Reading books and listening to podcasts is great, but real growth comes from doing the work. Personalization wins. Simple pattern interrupts in follow-up messages can separate you from every other salesperson.     🔗 How to Connect with Justine Beauregard 🌐 Website: https://justinebeauregard.com/ 🎥 Free Training Series: standoutseries.com 📱 LinkedIn : https://linkedin.com/in/justinejbeauregard/     📣 Call to Action This conversation is packed with gems—whether you're brand new to sales or a seasoned closer, Justine's approach will help you reframe objections, connect authentically, and sell more confidently. If you found value, share this episode on social media, tag us, and maybe even send it to that one person you know who needs to hear it. (Remember: you don't have to tell them they suck at sales—just send them the link. 😉) And if you've got a crazy or inspiring sales story of your own, head over to callthedamnleads.com/podcast and pitch it. We'd love to have you on.     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

In this special Thanksgiving 2025 episode, Drewbie steps behind the mic solo to share a heartfelt message of gratitude with the entire Call The Damn Leads community. With tens of thousands of listeners, thousands of store supporters, and hundreds of readers grabbing his books every month, Drewbie reflects on the growth of the movement, the impact of embracing the CTDL mindset, and the personal blessings that sales has provided for his family. This is an episode filled with appreciation, reflection, and a powerful reminder of how gratitude and consistency are the keys to winning—not just in sales, but in life. Whether you're spending Thanksgiving with family, friends, or catching a quiet moment to yourself, this uplifting message will inspire you to slow down, celebrate the present, and gear up for the biggest buying season of the year.     Episode Highlights A heartfelt thank-you to the entire CTDL community Why gratitude has been one of the most transformational tools in Drewbie's life How small moments of kindness from others can have massive impact The Thanksgiving origin story & the parallel to sales (connection + understanding) Encouragement to reach out and thank someone today—no matter how small the gesture The reminder that even mentors need mentors A peek behind the curtain into how much this movement means to Drewbie and his family Why Thanksgiving is the perfect time to regroup before the biggest buying season of the year A lighthearted nod to insurance professionals preparing for the annual "fried turkey disasters" Why embracing gratitude makes you a better sales professional The mindset difference between comfort and commitment A challenge to use the holiday season as a competitive advantage Announcing the Black Friday – Cyber Monday CTDL Store Sale (40% Off Select Items!) Encouragement to share the show, join the movement, and become a guest The reminder you always need: Relax today… and call the damn leads tomorrow.     Key Takeaways 1. Gratitude fuels growth—personally and professionally. Drewbie shares how embracing gratitude has shaped his life, his sales career, and his mindset. 2. People forget… so say the words. Take time today to tell someone how thankful you are for them. Don't assume they know. 3. Enjoy the holiday. Sales will be there tomorrow. Today is for family, food, and reflection. 4. The biggest buying season of the year starts now. Thanksgiving leads straight into Black Friday and Christmas—now is the time to prepare. 5. Success comes from using time others waste. Most people shut down through the holidays. You don't. That's why you're here. 6. Small steps now = massive momentum in 2026. Every action taken between Thanksgiving and New Year gives you a head start. 7. Your community matters. Whether you buy a book, share an episode, rock some CTDL swag, or simply listen—you're part of the movement. 8. Rest with intention. Grind with purpose. Take today to fill your cup so you can pour into your goals tomorrow.     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads  

What does it take to build an eight-figure business, lead with integrity, and still bring more energy at 62 than most 30-year-olds? In this episode, I sit down with Larry G. Dix II—entrepreneur, keynote speaker, author, and lifelong sales pro—to unpack the habits, mindset, and principles that have guided him through decades of wins and losses in the sales game. Larry shares his first sales call (and the punch in the nose that came with it), the hard lessons of entrepreneurship, and why he believes customer service—not shortcuts—is the future of business. He also breaks down his "Four D's of Success," why discipline is the true driver of motivation, and how his 5 a.m. routine keeps him sharper than ever. If you're in sales, leadership, or just trying to level up your discipline and consistency, this episode is a masterclass in longevity, resilience, and doing what's right.     🔥 Episode Highlights The first big lesson in sales: why knowing your product inside and out can turn "your price is too high" into a closed deal. Old school meets new school: what Larry learned from Zig Ziglar tapes and how it applies in today's AI-driven marketplace. Do What's Right: how Larry built a company culture rooted in urgency, integrity, and customer service. The power of morning routines: Larry's disciplined 5 a.m. ritual that fuels his energy, focus, and leadership every single day. Born or Made?: why hard work, not Lamborghinis and shortcuts, is the real story behind entrepreneurial success. Motivation vs. Discipline: why consistency beats hype every time—and how discipline creates motivation. Sales as the great equalizer: why human interaction, attention to detail, and genuine relationships will always outperform shortcuts and AI.   💡 Key Takeaways Know your product better than anyone else. Confidence and credibility come from preparation. Sales isn't new, but it is evolving. Stay sharp and keep learning—or get left behind. Customer service is the true differentiator. People crave human connection and urgency, not excuses. Discipline fuels success. From waking up early to honoring commitments, discipline creates momentum and motivation. Entrepreneurship isn't glamorous. Behind every "overnight success" are years of stress, sacrifice, and hard decisions. There are no shortcuts. Building wealth is about long-term strategy, not get-rich-quick plays. Culture starts with leadership. The way you show up sets the standard for your entire team. Sales solves problems. When in doubt? Pick up the phone and call the damn leads.   🔗 How to Connect with Larry G. Dix II 📖 Book: Born or Made: Fear is a Liar, Defeat is Overrated (C-Suite Bestseller) 🎙️ Podcast: Born or Made Podcast - https://pod.link/1751356472 🌐 Website: https://www.larrygdix.com/     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

What happens when one small automation error wipes out 20,000 leads overnight? Most people would quit. But this week's guest, Ivan Mana, turned that nightmare scenario into fuel for building a smarter, more sustainable online marketing business. Ivan shares how he went from working at a bank to becoming a ClickBank Platinum Award-winning affiliate marketer, and how his journey taught him that the real key to success isn't just running ads—it's about building strong systems, leveraging free channels, and creating funnels that actually maximize every opportunity. If you've ever struggled with email lists, traffic, or just trying to turn clicks into cash, this episode will give you a roadmap to doing it right.     🔥 Episode Highlights The day Ivan lost 80% of his email list – and the lessons he learned about focusing on engaged leads. From skeptic to success – the three "nudges" that finally pulled him into affiliate marketing. The truth about paid ads – why creativity, copywriting, and psychology matter just as much as the tech. Why sustainable products win long-term – the power of SaaS tools and recurring revenue streams. The real ROI of time – how Ivan shifted from chasing quick wins to building lasting systems. Funnels explained – lead magnets, upsells, downsells, bump offers, and why you're leaving money on the table without them. Free traffic strategies – why posting consistently on social media, YouTube, and blogs is more effective than most paid ads. The mindset shift – why selling isn't "pushy" when you're offering real solutions.     💡 Key Takeaways A smaller, engaged list will always beat a giant, unresponsive one. Sustainable products (like SaaS tools) create long-term recurring revenue. Paid ads are a last resort—start with free content, guest posts, and organic reach. Funnels with upsells and downsells dramatically increase average order value. ROI isn't just money—it's the return on your time, energy, and focus. Don't be afraid to sell—if your product solves a problem, sharing it helps people. Consistency wins: one post a day on your platform of choice can snowball into massive reach.     🔗 How to Connect with Ivan Mana 📺 YouTube: Ivan Mana – 700+ free videos on affiliate and online marketing strategies. 🌐 Website: IvanMana.com – grab Ivan's free 7-Day Marketing Starter Plan.     📣 Call to Action If you're tired of spinning your wheels with ads, losing leads, or struggling to figure out funnels, this episode is for you. Ivan breaks it down step by step—what actually works, what doesn't, and how to build a business that keeps paying long after the first click. Know someone who's trying to figure out online marketing but keeps making mistakes? Share this episode with them—it might just save them thousands of dollars and years of frustration. And if you've got a wild sales or marketing story of your own, I'd love to feature you. Pitch your story at callthedamnleads.com/podcast.     📣 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals." Each week, Drewbie Wilson, a sales vet with 20+ years in the game, brings you humor, real-world stories, and powerful strategies to help you excel in your sales career. Expect a wild mix of: Real Sales Stories: Tales that entertain and inspire Proven Tactics: Practical tips for boosting your sales game Humor and Energy: Fun takes on the ups and downs of sales life Expert Advice: Learn from seasoned pros across different fields Whether you're in sales, an entrepreneur, or just looking to grow your business skills, don't miss out on these invaluable lessons and entertaining stories. Want to be a guest? Pitch your story at 👉 https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads