Killer Growth

In Episode 51, Samuel and Tyler sit down to talk about something they've been practicing, not just preaching - the content engine. It's a topic episode, no external guest, just two people 6 months into building something and reporting back on what they've actually learned.The conversation starts with first principles. A content engine isn't a content calendar or a photo shoot every few months. It's a system - a repeatable process that keeps producing original material and feeds everything downstream: social posts, ads, A/B tests, SEO, the website, and eventually automations. Sam and Tyler's argument is that without a content engine in place, most of the other marketing work is guesswork. You're guessing at hooks, guessing at what resonates, guessing at what the business actually stands for. The engine solves that.They walk through what a content engine can look like depending on the business: before-and-after photo systems for contractors, client-generated content in exchange for a simple incentive, weekly vlogs, how-to videos, a podcast, a newsletter. The specific format matters less than finding one you won't quit. If you're naturally funny, lean into humor. If you like teaching, build how-to content. The content you make when you're motivated is better than the content you make out of obligation, and consistency is the whole game.The episode covers what surprised them about their own podcast 6 months in. Networking was the biggest one - three new clients earlier than expected, including a meeting that came in directly because someone heard the podcast discussed in a group and went to check it out. They also talk through the Opus Clips workflow they landed on for turning long-form recordings into shorts, the RODECaster Video auto-switching setup that removes the need for heavy post-production, and the Friday morning block they've protected like a client commitment.The back half is straight advice for anyone who hasn't started yet: pick a format, block the time, find a partner or accountability structure, and go. You don't need polish on day one. You need reps. The quality follows the consistency.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

In Episode 50, Samuel sits down with Tylen Hall - the Hunter's Helper - for a second try at a conversation that was lost to a technical issue the first time around. Tylen is a hunting consultant based in Kansas who grew up around outfitting, spent years as a journeyman pipe fitter in refineries, lived half the year in a remote fishing village in Mexico, and eventually landed in full-time consulting after a serious injury in 2021 ended his career in the trades.The episode covers a lot of Tylen's background - his father was an outfitter, and Tylen grew up hunting but never had the money for private land leases in his 20s. He went the pipe fitter route, working new construction and traveling for outages while coming home to hunt in the off-season. That changed when a fall at a refinery in 2021 tore his bicep off the bone and damaged his vertebrae. He couldn't go back. So he went all-in on the hunting industry he'd been treating as supplemental income his whole career.Before the injury, there were years spent living in Yalapa, a fishing village on the coast of Mexico accessible only by boat. Tylen co-owned a boat and ran fishing and excursion tours for American and Canadian tourists. He describes the place - mountains with palm trees, a cove 800 feet deep, two rivers meeting and draining into the ocean - as somewhere that felt like home from the first time he saw it. His daughter picked up Spanish so well that locals say she speaks it better than they do.The conversation also surfaces one of the stranger chapters of his life. In 1997, Tylen was the center on an 8-man football team that ran a trick play - he handed the ball to the quarterback under the pretense of a ball mix-up, the quarterback walked to the sideline and then took off running. The play ended up on ESPN's top 10, generated magazine coverage from across Kansas, and eventually got them a limo ride in New York for an appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman. Marv Albert was in the green room. Paul Shaffer was smaller than expected.The back half of the episode gets into foraging. Tylen has been into native plants and mushrooms since his mother taught him as a kid, and he talks through the difference between how morels, oyster mushrooms, and lion's mane work - not just how to find them, but what they're actually doing underground. There's a stretch on mycelium and how fungi respond to stress that gets genuinely interesting, along with some practical notes on why drought years can produce better morel seasons than wet ones.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

In Episode 49, Samuel sits down with Ted Kriwiel — childhood friend, founder of 8 Oaks, and the person behind Honeystack.agency, a software consulting company built specifically to help nonprofits build modern tech stacks. Ted is one of those rare people who found his thing and built everything around it, and this conversation traces exactly how that happened.Ted's path started with entrepreneurship studies at Wichita State, a school supply distribution company he was running out of a trailer while still in college, and an early conviction that he wasn't built for the normal path. But the deeper thread starts earlier, when Ted traveled to Ethiopia with his family during an international adoption and witnessed a mother place her children's hands into his parents' hands and walk away. That moment, and a month-long trip to Ghana at 21 where he met 8 boys brought out of child labor, led him and his wife Ellie to start 8 Oaks — a home for 8 girls living in the same conditions. They were 22. They had no business doing it. They did it anyway. Thirteen years later, those girls are finishing high school, enrolling in college, and building futures that would have been unimaginable without the intervention.That sense of responsibility — of being given a lot and being expected to do something with it — is the engine underneath everything Ted has built professionally. He ran a data analytics company called Lion Graph, merged with Moonbase Labs where he spent four years doing software product and business development, and eventually left to go figure out what was actually true about him. What came out of that was a prolific writing practice, a newsletter for nonprofit leaders, seminars on what nonprofits get wrong about software, and ultimately Honeystack — a company that offers education, consulting, and custom software development, exclusively to nonprofits that are ready to stop letting software happen to them and start owning their tech stack. The name comes from the mutualistic relationship between the honey guide bird and the honey badger: two different species that team up to get something neither could get alone.Ted is clear-eyed about what he's building and what he's not. It's a lifestyle business. It's not going to IPO. And he's completely at peace with that — because he found his people, found his lane, and learned that once you do, what you should do next becomes surprisingly obvious.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

In Episode 48, Samuel sits down with Janelle Wilson, owner of 360 Painting in Wichita and a 32-year veteran of Koch Industries, where she leads a global IT team of 65 people across enterprise technology. Janelle brings a rare combination of corporate discipline and entrepreneurial fire — and she's channeling both into building a franchise business that's redefining what home services should look like.Janelle's path into ownership started with a simple observation: home service companies don't answer the phone, don't follow up, and don't show up with a plan. After years of watching that from the consumer side, she decided she could do better. She and her husband Lance entered the franchising world through a broker-matched process, eventually landing on 360 Painting under the Premium Service Brands umbrella — drawn in by the systems, the support, and Janelle's own lifelong love of painting. They've since added a second franchise, Temporary Wall Systems, serving construction clients across Kansas and Arkansas.The conversation goes deep on what actually moves the needle in a painting business: speed of estimate delivery, subcontractor vetting, high-quality paint (and why the Sherwin-Williams at Lowe's isn't the Sherwin-Williams from Sherwin-Williams), and the slow-burn payoff of SEO over lead aggregators like Angie's. Janelle breaks down the "spray and pray" model that makes platforms like Angie's a necessary evil — and why she's working to grow organic traffic so she can eventually walk away from it.What drives all of it is a mindset Janelle describes simply: never settle. Whether she's managing a global IT team, running two franchises, or sitting in a BNI meeting quietly eyeing the leaderboard, she's always looking for the next domino to set up. She's not wired to stop — and the results show it.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

In Episode 47, Samuel sits down with Shem Hatfield, founder of Process Elevation — a leadership development coach, certified organizational leader, and someone Samuel has known since they were building theater sets and running Code Teal ops through the hallways of Butler Community College 17 years ago.Shem spent 13 years in a residential school program for neurodiverse youth — starting as frontline staff working with kids with severe behavioral challenges, eventually building and leading the organization's entire learning and development function. That decade-plus in a high-crisis, deeply human environment is the foundation for everything he does today. A little over a year ago, he took the entrepreneurial leap and launched his own coaching and leadership development practice, now doing work he never anticipated — global manufacturing companies, clean energy firms, and senior leadership teams across industries he once thought were completely outside his lane.The conversation goes deep fast. Shem walks through the personality assessment tools he uses — DiSC, OPQ, and Process Communication Model — and why PCM stands out: it doesn't label you as a type, it maps the types that live within you and asks what happens when you're in distress. He unpacks the difference between knowing yourself versus using a tool to analyze others, why the Enneagram can create empathy breakthroughs in personal life but gets messy in organizational settings, and the five-step framework — regulation, mindset, skill set, behavior, tool set — that underlies almost everything he does with clients.Then Samuel becomes the client. In a live, unrehearsed coaching segment, Shem walks him through what's actually going on at KillerGrowth — the virtual team, the fear of leaving people behind while moving fast, the tension between identifying opportunities and staying present long enough to bring people along. What surfaces is real: the pattern of a high-speed filter who genuinely cares but sometimes outruns the room, and the cost of fear and anxiety masquerading as drive.Shem closes with a concept worth sitting with: the difference between homeostasis — getting back to normal — and allostasis, the body's deeper drive to reach a new kind of stability. In a world being reshaped by AI and remote work and constant change, connection and leadership can't just be recaptured. They have to be redefined.Shem is launching Wired Human with collaborator Kyle Harvey — a new venture built at the intersection of human skills development and the tech-driven age. Watch for it.

In Episode 46, Samuel sits down with Andy Waller, CEO of Encore Pavement — an entrepreneur Samuel counts as his second business mentor. Andy's story starts in a Wichita State entrepreneurship program, where a side job sealing a single driveway sparked what would become one of the region's most respected commercial paving companies.Andy didn't follow a straight line. He was a college kid sleeping four hours a night, carrying nice clothes in the back seat to change into for client meetings, printing proposals from a laptop in his truck. He bought his first house three months out of high school, rented out two bedrooms and a pullout sofa just to cover his mortgage and groceries, and built SPS Paving through sheer volume of hustle. When a city project nearly broke him in 2009 — maxing a credit card to $35,000 just to make payroll — he pushed through anyway.What separated Andy wasn't just grit. It was how he thought about every dollar, every relationship, and every opportunity. A single postcard campaign to school districts turned into consistent clients across multiple states. A keen read on real estate during the recession led to 50 or 60 rental properties, eventually sold at the peak of the COVID-era market. Even his foray into retail — buying the Brewski Barn and Anglers Bait and Tackle by the lake — came down to fundamentals: buy right, store product on deep sale, bridge the timelines, and let volume do the work.Andy also went deep on what the transcript of a business life really looks like: the chaos behind a music festival nobody asked him to run, the value of a properly drafted operating agreement before you spend a single dollar with a partner, and the quiet strategy behind rolling SPS into Encore Pavement before getting acquired — then acquired again — then acquired a third time by a private equity platform now spanning 30 paving companies across the country.Later in the conversation, Andy shares something more personal: a recurring "life skills class" he runs for his three boys on a giant whiteboard — covering amortization schedules, compounding interest, credit versus debit, box breathing, addiction science, choosing friends, online safety, and how to give a real handshake. It's practical, direct, and built on the same principle that drove everything else: don't wait until they're old enough to need it.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

Sam sits down with Bill Young — El Dorado, Kansas Mayor and Tharseo IT Chief Strategy Officer — to talk local leadership, community service, and the practical tradeoffs towns face when opportunity meets stewardship. Bill walks through his path from radio and IT to public office and why small‑town civic life matters to him.We dig into the data center conversation head on: what keeps people up at night (power, water, land use, noise, PFAS) and what local leaders can actually do about it. Bill explains why planning, zoning, and special‑use permits exist — how they create the guardrails that let a town evaluate projects on facts instead of headlines, and why developers should pay for the infrastructure their projects require.Bill is clear about tradeoffs: hyperscalers don’t deliver thousands of long‑term factory jobs, but they can materially strengthen a city’s tax base via franchise fees and grid upgrades — if protections are in place so residents don’t shoulder the burden. He also highlights modern technical solutions (closed‑loop cooling, cold‑plate designs) and why communities should insist on them when water or forever‑chemical risks are raised.Beyond policy, this episode is about transparency and civic trust. Bill shares concrete examples of how El Dorado communicates (work sessions, mailed inserts, public forums), why not every loud voice is right, and how citizens — especially younger residents and business owners — can get involved and ask the right questions before decisions are made.Listen for a thoughtful, balanced take from a mayor who says he won’t close doors without understanding the facts, but who also won’t accept proposals that threaten the community’s resources. Practical, local, and full of real stories about what it means to steward a small town’s future.

In this episode, Samuel sits down with Josh Cogan, owner of Cogan's Woodshop in El Dorado, Kansas — a full custom cabinet shop with roots going back to when Josh was sweeping floors at 14 years old.Josh didn't plan on owning a cabinet business. He spent his early career working in a cabinet shop through college, then ran a manufacturing facility for a hydraulic company for six years. When a mutual friend — a common connector in a surprising number of these episodes — called and said a local cabinet shop was for sale, Josh and his wife had an offer in by 4:00 that afternoon. That was the summer of 2019. COVID came months later and kept him busier than he ever expected.The conversation gets into the real mechanics of what custom woodworking actually looks like: why hickory is beautiful but brutal to work with, why maple stains blotchy, why cherry is making a comeback, and what it actually costs to paint cabinets versus stain them (hint: most people have it backwards). Josh walks through his full process — from the first site visit and rough rendering, through material orders and cut lists, to the install — and is honest about where it breaks down: scheduling when only two people are doing everything.He and Samuel dig into the side of owning a business that nobody advertises — the admin, the billing, the tax bill that hits in year one, the 60-hour weeks you thought were temporary but somehow became permanent. Josh caught the Tim Jordan episode and said it hit close to home. He's still working on the freedom part.If you're thinking about custom cabinets, need to find a woodworker in Butler County, or just want to understand how something beautiful gets built from a stack of random-width lumber — this one's worth your time.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

In this episode, Samuel sits down with Chris Waipa, branch manager and loan officer at Neighborhood Loans and creator of Mortgage Punk — the brand that's making mortgages feel less like a root canal and more like a rock show.Chris traded a career in music for a career in mortgages back in 2003, and he's never stopped thinking like a musician. That tension — between what's expected and what feels true — is what eventually gave birth to Mortgage Punk: a name his graphic designer Seth accidentally coined in two words that changed everything.Chris walks through the full journey: from being turned down as a waiter at Applebee's, to landing his first loan officer job through a former bandmate, to spending years quietly building a lending team before finally giving the brand room to breathe. He talks about what it means to build something that's genuinely you — and why chasing 100% of the market is the wrong goal. His version of success sounds more like Happy Gilmore dragging a rowdy, beer-mug crowd onto a golf course.The conversation gets into real territory: AI voice assistants for client intake, the fine line between automating for your business versus actually serving your clients better, the power of a polarizing brand name, and why "bad news travels faster than good news".It ends with a full breakdown of the American Dream Home Buying Conference — happening April 25th at the Hyatt Regency in Wichita — where Chris is bringing together financial planners, real estate experts, local artists, guitar solos, and five-figure giveaways under one roof to make homeownership feel like something worth showing up for.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

In Episode 42, Samuel sits down with Tyler Norris, lifelong El Dorado resident and co-founder of KillerGrowth, for a grounded conversation about one of the most talked-about topics hitting small towns across America right now: data centers.Tyler spent his early career in tech, visiting and working inside colocation facilities like Equinix on the East Coast. He brings firsthand experience to a debate that most communities are navigating with little context — separating the real concerns from the noise, and asking the harder question: under what conditions does a data center actually become a win for a community?They dig into how data centers work, what hyperscalers actually are, and what communities like El Dorado need to think about before any deal gets made — from power cost-shifting protections (Kansas passed landmark regulations in November 2025) to setbacks, noise barriers, and negotiation leverage. They also look at Ashburn, Virginia, home to over 200 data centers and still one of the most desirable places to live near DC, as a real-world case study in what long-term coexistence can look like.The bigger thread running through the whole conversation is about infrastructure, sovereignty, and the AI race reshaping the global economy. Data centers aren't going away. The question is whether communities engage with eyes open or get caught flat-footed when someone comes knocking.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

In Episode 41, Samuel sits down with Stephanie Boswell — the creative mind behind Dueling Llamas, the card game that started with cardstock, hand-drawn llamas, and a lot of encouragement from her husband Brian.Stephanie's story doesn't start with entrepreneurship. It starts with writing stories as a kid, falling in love with sewing in high school, designing and producing a full fashion line for a college runway show, and then stepping back from all of it to raise a family. When COVID hit and the world slowed down, an idea showed up — fast. She typed out everything she was thinking, sketched the characters, cut the cards by hand, and started playing with her family. What she built in those early sessions became the foundation of a real product.She walks through the whole journey: why llamas (their pet llama Mike was a protector of their backyard herd and a surprisingly intimidating animal), how her brother became the game's illustrator with almost no creative guardrails, what it felt like to hold a physical box for the first time after years of iteration, and why the hardest part of the process wasn't design or manufacturing — it was believing other people would actually love what she made.The conversation covers the balance between luck and strategy that makes a game genuinely fun, what she learned from debuting at Toy Fair in New York City alongside Mattel and Melissa & Doug, how Dueling Llamas has quietly found its way into coffee shops, assisted living communities, and family game nights all over the country — with over 10,000 units sold including the expansion pack — and where she wants to take it next.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

In Episode 40, Samuel sits down with Dr. Brandon Alleman, co-founder of Antioch Med (Antioch Direct Primary Care) in Wichita — a practice built from scratch with $30,000, no debt, and a conviction that the current healthcare system isn't broken, it's just optimized for the wrong people.Brandon's path to medicine was anything but linear. Math and physics degrees in three years, a Fulbright Scholarship in Eastern Europe, an MD-PhD program at Iowa, and a deliberate choice to enter family medicine — nearly unheard of from that track. He and co-founder Dr. Nick Thompson opened Antioch straight out of residency because they wanted their incentives aligned with their patients, not with insurance billing codes.The conversation gets into what Direct Primary Care actually is and how it differs from concierge medicine, why the traditional fee-for-service model leads to 8-minute appointments and physician burnout, and how a membership-based model at $39–$70 a month can provide labs, medications, same-day visits, after-hours access, and even creatine — all at a fraction of what the standard system charges. Brandon walks through the business model, why growth is a two-sided market matching patients to physicians, and how Antioch has scaled to serve individuals, families, and about 70 businesses in the Wichita area.The deeper thread running through the episode is how the system got this way — why insurance premiums are structurally incentivized to go up, why the ACA's medical loss ratio accidentally made costs worse, why employers are unknowingly proxy-buying healthcare without any idea what they're actually spending it on, and what CFOs and HR leaders could change tomorrow if they wanted to. Brandon's take isn't that there are villains — it's that the rules of the game are bad, and DPC is a small but real attempt to play a different one.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

In Episode 39, Samuel sits down with Tim Jordan, founder of Service Catalyst and a serial entrepreneur who built and exited five companies before his 30s. Tim's journey started at 21 with an SBA loan and a business he found on BizBuySell — and it never really slowed down from there.Tim shares the moment that changed everything: standing frozen in a flower shop on February 13th, 2013, with 300 Valentine's Day deliveries, 300 water-soluble order tickets, and zero systems. That night cost him until 3am. February 15th is when he started building the kind of infrastructure that would eventually let him run businesses without running himself into the ground.He talks through the difference between buying a business and starting one — why acquisition dramatically reduces risk, why there's an enormous opportunity right now with boomers walking away from profitable businesses, and why "growth by acquisition" in an existing market is one of the most underutilized plays for service businesses. He also gets into the story behind Service Catalyst: a chance meeting with a guy named Mike at a hole-in-the-wall brewery, a list of questions, and a year of monthly beers that turned into a peer mentorship community built for the $70/month price point — no upsells, no paywalls.The conversation goes deep on the real bottleneck between $300K and $1M, why spending more on marketing when leads aren't converting is a margin killer, how to think about P&L as percentages instead of raw numbers, and what owner independence actually takes to build — not coaching, not consulting, but systems, culture, and trust.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

In Episode 38, Samuel McVay, co-founder of KillerGrowth, sits down with Mark Sabbagh — serial entrepreneur, founder of Diamond Trading Group, and co-founder of Diamond Appliance Group. Mark grew up on the factory floor of his father's Brooklyn manufacturing business, hustled through the insurance industry in his early 20s, and pivoted his way into building a $30M sourcing and trading operation from a desk and a phone. Today he's building a diversified holding company across trading, appliances, tech investments, and a UK affiliate business.Mark's path wasn't linear. He squeaked through high school, lost his mother at 22, got fired on his last day at a brokerage, and turned every setback into momentum. He sold 100+ life insurance policies a year door-to-door as a 20-year-old, joined and split a family electronics business, then used the chaos of COVID to launch Diamond Trading Group in October 2020. Six years later, DTG has done $30M in sales. His appliance business hit $6M in under two years. The thread running through all of it: relentless networking and an obsession with doing business the right way.• Why network is currency — and how LinkedIn has been the source of 8-figure deal opportunities• The sourcing stack at DTG: manufacturers (5-10%), distributors (40-50%), wholesalers/brokers (the rest)• Why they stopped holding inventory — and why drop shipping keeps them fast• How to identify stolen product, and why Mark has walked away from 5-figure profits to protect customers• The appliance industry roll-up opportunity — and the real challenges in multiples, inventory, and legacy systems• What the AI opportunity looks like in blue-collar service industries (and where Mark got the pitch wrong before getting it right)Mark talks about building a Warren Buffett-style holding company — owning great businesses without operating them. He reflects on how reading changed his trajectory (Blackstone's What It Takes, Good to Great, Think and Grow Rich, 0 to 1, Psychology of Money), how fitness fuels his business performance, and why instant gratification is the biggest threat to the next generation of operators. His closing message: do the right thing, not because it comes back around — but because someone's kids might be eating off that deal.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

In Episode 37 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel sits down with Mike Proctor, founder of StewardRight, to unpack a deeper, more intentional approach to money, investing, and what it actually means to build wealth. From starting his career during the 2008 financial crisis to navigating an identity shift that led him to launch his own advisory firm, Mike shares the real story behind building a values-driven financial practice—and why most people misunderstand their relationship with money.This conversation goes far beyond surface-level investing and dives into:Why money is a tool—not something you ownThe concept of stewardship vs. accumulationHow personal beliefs and experiences shape financial decisionsWhy most advisors settle for “average”—and why that’s a problemRisk, time horizons, and the reality of 30-year retirementsThe role of AI in financial advising and investment strategyHow to think about wealth in a rapidly changing economic futureMike also shares lessons from seasons of financial hardship, including navigating six figures of medical expenses early in his career—and how that shaped his perspective on risk, faith, and long-term planning.If you’ve ever questioned how to balance enjoying money today while planning for the future, this episode offers a grounded, thoughtful framework for thinking about wealth differently.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com__________________________________________This discussion is provided foreducational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, or an offer to buy or sell any security.Any references to investment philosophy, risk management, market behavior, or active management reflectgeneral principles and firm-level perspectives, not guarantees of performance or outcomes. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and investment results vary based on market conditions, client circumstances, and individual objectives.References to expectations, standards, or client experiences are subjective observations and should not be interpreted as promises, guarantees, endorsements, or assurances of future results. No specific investment strategy or approach is suitable for all investors.Leading Edge Financial Planning, LLC (LEFP), doing business as StewardRight, is a Registered Investment Adviser registered in the State of Kansas and the State of Colorado and is registered or exempt from registration in other jurisdictions where conducting business. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.Firm disclosures, including Form ADV, are available upon request or on the firm’s website at www.stewardright.com.Listeners should consult with a qualified financial professional before making any financial decisions.For questions or concerns, please contact Michael Proctor, Chief Compliance Officer, at 316.768.7526 or [email protected].

In Episode 36 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel sits down with D. Kellogg, founder of D’s Spot, for one of the most unique—and wild—episodes yet. Joined by multiple reptile guests (including a 14-foot Burmese python), this conversation is equal parts business, mission, and unforgettable experience.After a 35-year career as a truck driver, D’s life took a dramatic turn following a heart attack and multiple surgeries. What started as a personal interest in reptiles evolved into something much bigger: a nonprofit exotic reptile rescue focused on education, rehabilitation, and giving these animals a second chance.In this episode, Samuel and D dive into:Building a nonprofit from scratch (and the reality of getting a 501(c)(3))The difference between rescuing vs. breeding animals—and why D chose oneWhat it takes to care for 200+ reptilesThe economics behind feeding and housing exotic animalsHow D’s Spot is creating hands-on educational experiences for kidsPlans to build a full reptile facility, event space, and community attractionD also shares incredible stories—from rescuing animals across multiple states to transforming neglected reptiles back to health—and explains why his mission isn’t about profit, but impact.This episode is a powerful reminder that sometimes the most meaningful businesses are built out of adversity, passion, and a willingness to serve something bigger than yourself.Hear more at https://killergrowthh.com/podcast

In Episode 35 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel sits down with Dave Shaw, owner of Shaw’s Pest Control, for a conversation that blends blue-collar grit, long-term discipline, and what it really takes to build a business the right way.Dave shares his journey from an 18-year-old answering a newspaper ad to spending 30 years mastering his craft before taking a leap of faith to start his own company. What followed was a complete reset—no customers, a strict non-compete, and the challenge of building a brand from scratch after decades in the industry.The conversation dives into:Why Dave walked away from a 30-year career to start overThe risk of entrepreneurship later in lifeBuilding a service business through reputation and referralsThe importance of customer cooperation in problem-solvingWhy attention to detail is a competitive advantageGrowing from 0 to 1,100+ recurring customersThe difference between doing a job and owning a businessDave also breaks down the realities of pest control—from termites and treatment methods to common DIY mistakes—and shares lessons learned from 40 years in the field.This episode is a masterclass in consistency, humility, and building something that lasts—one customer at a time.Hear more at https://killergrowth.com/podcast

In Episode 34 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel sits down with Dan Kreis, founder of Circle Consulting, for a deep conversation about business ownership, systems thinking, and the difference between owning a job and owning a company.Dan shares his unconventional journey—from dropping out of college and becoming an aircraft mechanic to building and eventually selling a ServiceMaster franchise with 30 employees. Along the way he discovered a simple but powerful truth: most entrepreneurs don’t build businesses… they build jobs with demanding bosses—and that boss is themselves.The conversation explores:- Why most business owners accidentally trap themselves in operations- The difference between consulting and coaching- How asking the right questions can uncover deeper business problems- Why systems and processes are the only way to buy back your time- The “owner outside the box” concept for structuring a real company- Why time is the real product every business sellsDan also explains how his coaching model helps entrepreneurs step out of the day-to-day grind and start building businesses that can operate without them. Through his groups and one-on-one coaching, he focuses on helping owners move from reactionary problem solving to intentional business design.This episode is a thoughtful dive into leadership, identity, and the hard questions every entrepreneur eventually has to face.See more at https://killergrowth.com

In Episode 33 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel sits down with Ryan Murry, CEO of ICI Insurance, to talk about leadership, legacy, and building one of Kansas’ most respected insurance brokerages.Ryan shares his path from El Dorado to Chicago and back again, where he unexpectedly stepped into leadership after the passing of his father, longtime ICI leader Tom Murry. What followed were some of the most challenging years of his life—learning to lead a 22-person company, preserving his father’s legacy, and proving to himself he could carry the business forward.In this conversation, Ryan and Samuel discuss:Taking over a family business under pressureThe “18-month rule” that helped Ryan find his leadership rhythmHow ICI grew from ~20 employees to 75Why consolidation is reshaping the insurance industryThe role of acquisitions vs. organic growthThe hidden world of reinsurance and why insurance premiums spikeWhy specialization is the future for insurance brokersRyan also explains how ICI has completed six acquisitions in eight years, expanded to business in 48 states, and is approaching $100 million in written premium while staying locally owned and community focused.This episode is a deep look into leadership under pressure, strategic growth, and what it takes to scale a professional services firm while honoring the legacy that built it.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

In Episode 32 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel sits down with Matt Carselowey of Walnut Valley Packing to unpack the business of meat processing, retail expansion, and building a vertically integrated brand in rural Kansas.Matt shares how he grew up selling pork at farmers markets in fifth grade, watched his dad purchase a struggling processing plant in 2004, and learned the business from the ground up—boning out beef, cleaning floors, and eventually stepping into leadership.The conversation pulls back the curtain on:What actually happens inside a USDA-inspected processing plantWhy there’s a federal inspector in the building every single dayThe economics of co-packing vs. owning the retail marginHow a Black Friday ground beef sale turned into traffic control chaosWhy a $4.50/lb ground beef strategy transformed their retail modelCreating signature products like the Grizzly BurgerBalancing custom processing, wholesale, and direct-to-consumer salesMatt also opens up about leaving for corporate life, coming back to the family business, tightening systems, and building something valuable enough to sell—even if he never plans to.This episode is a masterclass in operational grit, customer experience obsession, and evolving a blue-collar business into a scalable retail brand.And yes… it ends the right way.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

In Episode 31 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel sits down with Jason Garraway, founder of 316 Health Insurance, for one of the most transparent conversations we’ve had about healthcare, business ethics, and building trust in a broken system.Jason shares his journey from ministry to commission-only insurance sales, and how a pivotal life shift in 2015 reshaped both his faith and his business philosophy. What started as a sales career evolved into a mission: helping families navigate the most confusing industry in America with clarity and advocacy.The conversation unpacks:What’s actually broken in health insuranceThe real impact of the Affordable Care ActWhy premiums spike and subsidies disappearThe five ways individuals can approach coverageHow blended strategies can outperform traditional plansWhy trust is the real currency in businessJason also shares a powerful story of walking alongside a family during a stage-three cancer diagnosis — demonstrating how advocacy, not just policies, can change outcomes.This episode is a deep dive into innovation inside regulation, faith-driven leadership, and what it looks like to build a business that prioritizes people over commissions.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

In Episode 30 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel takes the show to the streets — literally.Standing in the middle of Times Square with a cardboard sign that reads, “Business Owner? Be on my podcast!”, Samuel spends 90 minutes interviewing complete strangers about their businesses, their growth challenges, and the realities of entrepreneurship.What follows is part experiment, part psychology lesson, and part crash course in rejection.From tutoring companies and residential remodelers…To freight networking agencies and barbers building clientele…To electricians, wrestling promoters, and even a knife-recycling startup idea in London…This episode captures raw, unfiltered conversations with real business owners navigating growth in real time.You’ll hear:- The most common growth obstacles entrepreneurs face-Why “just start” keeps coming up- The power of word of mouth- How family involvement accelerates growth- The reality of compliance, payroll, and overhead- And what it feels like to get rejected dozens of times in public :)This is entrepreneurship without the studio lighting. No prep. No polish. Just business owners sharing what they’re building — in the middle of one of the busiest intersections in the world.And maybe the biggest lesson?Rejection gets easier the more you lean into it.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

In Episode 29 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel sits down with Andy Brickley, owner of AJ Services and Lighthouse Drilling, for a deep dive into the realities of the Kansas oil field.A fifth-generation oilfield operator, Andy shares how he started a pipe testing business straight out of high school, grew it through trial and error, and expanded into roustabout services, production ownership, and eventually drilling rigs. He breaks down how an oil well is drilled, completed, produced, and maintained—along with the hard lessons learned from equipment failures, volatile oil prices, and managing crews in one of the toughest industries in America.The conversation covers:The full lifecycle of an oil wellWhy drilling is “the hardest way to make a buck”How global oil prices affect small operatorsThe difference between Kansas fields and Texas horizontalsWhy production ownership is his real passionAnd the leadership philosophy behind AJ Services: Faith, Family, FinancesThis episode is a masterclass in grit, long-term thinking, and building something durable in a boom-and-bust industry.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

In Episode 28 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel sits down with Kristin Bogner of Learning Lab Wichita to explore one of the most important and debated topics in America today: how we educate our kids.Kristin shares her journey from earning a journalism degree to teaching high school for 12 years, launching a healthy vending startup, and ultimately stepping into nonprofit leadership in the education innovation space. Now part of a first-of-its-kind learning hub in Wichita, Kristin helps support multiple education models—public school partnerships, private schools, homeschool groups, and microschools—all under one roof.The conversation dives into:Why traditional education hasn’t changed in decadesThe rise of homeschool and hybrid modelsThe impact of AI and technology on young brainsPersonalized learning vs. one-size-fits-all classroomsPublic-private partnerships in educationWhy staying “in the room” with different perspectives mattersKristin also reflects on entrepreneurship, mentorship, and how her late father’s influence shaped her approach to leadership and innovation.This episode is a thoughtful, balanced look at the future of K–12 education and why innovation, flexibility, and community collaboration may be the key to helping the next generation thrive.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

In Episode 27 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel sits down with Noah Sims for one of the most intense and unconventional conversations we’ve ever recorded.Noah shares his story from growing up in Georgia to working brutal factory jobs, managing a Cold Stone Creamery, going through culinary school, and eventually becoming a Top 4 finalist on MasterChef. But what happens after reality TV fame is not what anyone expects.Noah explains how disaster relief work in the Bahamas became the turning point that shaped his life, eventually leading him to Ukraine—where he has spent years helping refugees, feeding civilians, supporting humanitarian operations, and working alongside major organizations in active war zones.The episode dives into Noah’s firsthand experiences in Ukraine, including food truck missions, drone warfare realities, living under air raid sirens, and his belief that supporting Ukraine is both a moral responsibility and a broken promise the West made decades ago.This episode contains strong language, raw emotion, and bold opinions—but it also contains something rare: a real look into sacrifice, conviction, and what it means to live a life of purpose when comfort is no longer the goal.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

In Episode 26 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel sits down with Dustin Stanfield, owner of Stanfield Roofing and El Dorado Building Systems, to talk about leadership, commercial construction, and what it really takes to grow a blue-collar company without losing your standards.Dustin shares his journey from training cutting horses across multiple states to working feedlots, riding pens, and eventually stepping into the family business in 2008. He explains how Stanfield Roofing began as a spray coating company, how the commercial roofing industry has evolved over the last two decades, and why customer service and quality workmanship are what separate long-term companies from low-bid contractors.The conversation dives into commercial roofing systems like TPO, insulation requirements, the importance of roof maintenance programs, and why most roofing failures happen in the details—not the field membrane. Dustin also shares lessons from taking over ownership from his father in late 2024, the steep learning curve of business operations and legal compliance, and why implementing new software systems is one of the biggest growth levers in front of the company today.They also discuss the acquisition of El Dorado Building Systems, building massive red iron structures, and how Dustin is thinking about scaling intentionally—growing the business while protecting culture, service, and trust.This episode is a grounded look at ownership, operational maturity, and building something that lasts in a tough industry.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

In Episode 25 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel sits down with Miguel Johns, founder of Milton AI, for an inspiring deep dive into entrepreneurship, fitness, and building a real software product through years of trial, pivots, and persistence.Miguel shares how a career-ending college football injury forced him to rethink his future, leading him into health science, entrepreneurship, and eventually the mission of helping prevent chronic disease through scalable technology. He walks through the early days of launching KingFit, pitching at 1 Million Cups, raising capital, and learning painful lessons as a non-technical founder trying to build an AI-driven health platform before the technology was ready.The conversation then shifts into the creation of Milton AI—an app designed to make nutrition tracking radically easier for everyday people and far more valuable for coaches. Miguel explains how Milton works, why simplicity drives adherence, how generative AI changed the game, and why coaches and trainers are the key to real accountability and long-term results.They also discuss product development, SaaS strategy, monetization, scaling challenges, and Miguel’s vision for building an intelligence layer that empowers health professionals—not replaces them.This episode is a masterclass in grit, founder growth, and building a tech product that actually solves a real-world problem.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

In Episode 24 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel sits down with Troy Trussell, founder of Trussell Media and host of the Strategic Motion podcast, for a practical conversation on content creation, video production, and why trust is the real currency in marketing.Troy shares his journey from graduating with a graphic design degree to unexpectedly stepping into video production when his agency bought cameras and put him in charge. From filming commercials to shooting weddings for over 20 years, Troy explains how his passion for storytelling evolved into a full-time business helping brands communicate clearly and professionally.The conversation dives into the realities of podcasting and video as a marketing tool: why consistency matters more than perfection, why audio quality is non-negotiable, and how businesses can use podcasts to build a content engine, create networking opportunities, and generate trust at scale. Troy also breaks down what makes testimonial videos powerful, how to keep them authentic, and why AI will reshape content production while still leaving room for real people and real stories.This episode is packed with insight for business owners, creators, and marketers who want to build a brand that feels human—and earns attention the right way.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

In Episode 23 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel sits down with Syndee Scribner, co-owner of Scribner Property Management, to explore what it takes to build a scalable, trust-based service business in the real estate world.Syndee shares her path into property management, how Scribner Property Management grew from a small operation into a multi-market firm, and why systems, communication, and people matter more than any single deal. She breaks down the realities of managing owners, tenants, maintenance teams, and expectations—all at the same time.The conversation covers leadership development, hiring, creating consistency across properties, navigating difficult client situations, and the emotional weight that comes with managing homes that represent people’s biggest investments. Syndee also reflects on partnership dynamics, long-term vision, and what sustainable growth actually looks like in a service-heavy industry.This episode offers a grounded look at entrepreneurship built on reliability, process, and doing the right thing—especially when it’s hard.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

In Episode 22 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel sits down with Kaytlan Berry, owner of BrewCo Coffeehouse, to unpack what it really takes to build and sustain a local, independent coffee business in a small-town market.Kaytlan shares her journey from studying entrepreneurship at Wichita State to launching Dilly Deli, expanding into BrewCo Coffeehouse, and eventually opening BrewCo To Go to meet changing customer expectations around convenience. She explains how the business evolved through multiple locations, ownership structures, and seasons of growth—while staying rooted in quality, community, and consistency.The conversation dives into the operational realities of food and beverage businesses: inventory management, staffing, systems and procedures, owning vs. renting real estate, navigating competition from national chains, and why independent businesses must innovate without losing their identity. Kaytlan also reflects on leadership, burnout, motherhood, and the discipline required to run a business for more than a decade.This episode is a practical and honest look at long-term small business ownership, community-driven growth, and why doing the basics well—every single day—still wins.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

In Episode 21 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel sits down with Tyler Norris, COO and strategy lead at Killer Growth, for a deep, reflective conversation on building businesses, learning the hard way, and staying adaptable across decades of technological change.Tyler shares his journey from growing up around entrepreneurship to building websites in the late ’90s, launching early agencies, winning a Microsoft small business contest, and attempting to build an underground data center in rural Kansas long before “the cloud” was a household term. He opens up about what went wrong, what he learned, and why walking away from certain ideas was just as important as pursuing others.The conversation traces Tyler’s path through agency life, freelancing, failed and successful partnerships, and ultimately co-founding Killer Growth. Along the way, they explore the shift from freelance work to building real systems, the importance of quality over volume, and how Tyler’s role today focuses on operations, strategy, and creating a better client experience.They also dive into the rapid evolution of AI—how it’s reshaping web design, content, SEO, and software development—and why Tyler sees today’s “AI slop” as a familiar phase that mirrors the early internet. The episode closes with reflections on legacy, faith, perseverance, and modeling a life of thoughtful risk-taking for the next generation.This is an honest, long-view conversation about entrepreneurship, technology, and building with intention over time.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

In Episode 20 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel sits down with Zach Dinicola, aka "Mr. Mixer," to explore what happens after internet fame—and how to turn attention into a sustainable, values-driven business.Zach shares the story behind his rise through viral content, what it’s like navigating sudden visibility, and the pressure that comes with building a brand in public. He opens up about consistency, creative discipline, audience trust, and the difference between chasing views and creating something meaningful that lasts.The conversation covers content strategy, brand identity, monetization pitfalls, and why many creators burn out before they ever build real leverage. Mr. Mixer also reflects on staying grounded, protecting creativity, and aligning business decisions with personal values instead of algorithms.This episode offers a thoughtful look at modern entrepreneurship in the creator economy—and what it takes to build something real after the spotlight hits.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

In Episode 19 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel sits down with BJ Hunt, co-founder of Walnut River Brewing Company, to unpack what it really takes to build a craft brewery from the ground up—and keep it thriving for more than a decade.BJ shares his personal journey from early missteps in college to running a family business, earning his MBA, and eventually betting on himself to start a brewery without knowing how to brew. He explains how Walnut River began with a two-barrel system in a flea market, why El Dorado’s water quality shaped the company’s future, and how smart partnerships helped the business scale responsibly.The conversation dives deep into the realities of the brewery business: distribution economics, bootstrapping, branding decisions, equipment costs, investor relationships, contract brewing, and the risks of growing too fast—or in the wrong direction. BJ also shares candid lessons about leadership, mentorship, staying true to your values, and building a company that serves its community, not just its bottom line.This episode is a masterclass in long-term thinking, authenticity, and building something that lasts—one batch at a time.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

In Episode 18 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel sits down with Timothy Shenk, General Manager of Egg Cart’n, to explore the intersection of entrepreneurship, regenerative agriculture, and designing products that actually last.Timothy shares his unconventional path—from teaching and earning a music degree to helping run a family manufacturing business focused on high-quality chicken tractors built for backyard families and small homesteads. He walks through how Egg Cart’n began, what went wrong early, and how the business has evolved through trial, burnout, and hard-earned clarity around roles, ownership, and leadership.The conversation dives deep into what makes Egg Cart’n different: predator-proof construction, durable materials, ease of movement, and why most people quit raising chickens—not because they don’t care, but because their systems fail. Timothy explains how better design leads to healthier animals, better nutrition, improved soil, and a more realistic way for families to reconnect with where their food comes from.They also discuss pricing psychology, shipping large products nationwide, marketing to first-time buyers, and why not everyone needs to be a hardcore homesteader to make a meaningful impact on food quality and sustainability.This episode is a thoughtful look at building a mission-driven product, balancing family dynamics in business, and creating systems that help people follow through on good intentions.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

In Episode 17 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel sits down with Brian Boswell, owner of Reliable Dirt Works and Sunflower Plumbing, to unpack one of the most honest and hard-earned entrepreneurial journeys on the show.Brian shares how he went from trade school and refinery shift work to restaurant ownership, product invention, service-based entrepreneurship, and eventually building a multi-entity operation spanning excavation, plumbing, and rural water district management. Along the way, he opens up about shutting down Jacob’s Well, inventing and scaling BBQ Hack, surviving major revenue drops, and working seven days a week when failure wasn’t an option.The conversation dives deep into the realities of blue-collar business growth:Cutting income in half to bet on yourselfAsset-heavy scaling decisions most founders underestimateWhy knowing when to shut something down is just as important as gritManaging hundreds of miles of water infrastructureAcquiring Sunflower Plumbing and unlocking operational leverageThe cost of growth on family life—and why legacy still makes it worth itBrian also reflects on leadership, resilience, learning outside traditional education, and the importance of having trusted peers when the pressure is highest. This episode is a raw look at what it really takes to build something lasting from the ground up—without shortcuts or hype.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

In Episode 16 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel sits down with Tyler Brickley, Chief Brand Officer at Killer Growth and founder of The Kindness Mob, for a candid, funny, and deeply meaningful conversation about creativity, content, and building something that actually makes the internet better.Tyler shares his unconventional journey—from dropping out of college after six weeks, to car sales, restaurant ownership, video production, and eventually shaping brands through content. Along the way, one theme never changes: a compulsion to create and make things meaningful, even when there’s no clear business outcome.The conversation centers on the origin and evolution of The Kindness Mob, a social movement that mobilizes thousands of people to leave positive comments on overlooked videos online. Tyler explains how the idea was born, why kindness momentum matters, what it’s like to sustain a daily creative habit, and how practicing kindness at scale has changed him personally.They also dive into the realities of content creation—burnout, inconsistent growth, algorithm swings, and the tension between impact and metrics—as well as what it really takes to start a movement online and stick with it long enough for it to matter.This episode is an honest look at creativity without ego, leadership without domination, and what happens when someone decides to build something good simply because it should exist.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com#podcast #podcaster #marketing #thekindnessmob

In Episode 15 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel sits down with Vince Haines, principal architect at Gravity Works Architecture, for an in-depth conversation on architecture, leadership, and long-term community impact.Vince shares his journey from growing up in El Dorado to discovering architecture almost by accident, studying at KU, and eventually returning home to help lead and grow one of the region’s most respected architecture firms. He walks through what architects actually do—from early concept and schematic design to construction documents, bidding, and contract administration—and why architecture is equal parts art, science, and stewardship.The conversation explores how technology has transformed the profession over the last 30 years, from hand drafting and watercolor renderings to CAD, 3D modeling, and AI-assisted research. Vince explains where technology truly adds value, where it falls short, and why architects are still essential problem-solvers in the built environment.Beyond architecture, Vince reflects on leadership, firm succession, and why Gravity Works has intentionally stayed rooted in El Dorado while still taking on major regional projects. He also shares stories from his time as Mayor of El Dorado, his passion for economic development, classic cars, and the responsibility of giving back to the community that shaped him.This episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how thoughtful design, steady leadership, and long-term vision can shape not just buildings—but entire communities.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

In Episode 14 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel sits down with Conor Adler, Capital & Investor Programs Lead at Nexus (Nextus.io), for an in-depth conversation on startups, venture capital, and why the Midwest is far more important to the innovation economy than most people realize. Conor shares his unconventional path—from growing up outside Chicago, studying finance, working in early-stage startups, and grinding through underpaid roles—to landing in Wichita and helping founders raise capital, scale responsibly, and decide whether venture funding is even the right path for their business.The conversation breaks down how Nexus actually works behind the scenes: - What an entrepreneurial support organization (ESO) is- How angel investing and SPVs function in practice- Why customer traction matters more than pitch decks- Common red flags founders don’t realize they’re waving- How founders should think about growth capital before raising moneyThey also explore Conor’s work building next-generation investors through Future Funders, the realities of angel investing timelines, managing investor expectations, and why not every business should chase VC dollars.Along the way, Conor opens up about creativity, vulnerability, and balance—sharing stories about bartending while working startups, building in public on Twitter, playing in a band with his brothers, and his long-term dream of opening an Irish pub with live music.This episode is a must-listen for founders, operators, investors, and anyone curious about how real startup ecosystems are built—far from Silicon Valley hype.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

In this episode of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel sits down with Brad Demo, fifth-generation owner and president of Demo Distributors, Inc., to unpack one of the most misunderstood yet essential businesses in America: beverage distribution.Brad walks through his family’s journey from early-1900s produce and ice operations to becoming an Anheuser-Busch distributor after Prohibition—and how that legacy has evolved into a modern, multi-category distribution business spanning beer, wine, liquor, energy drinks, and non-alcoholic beverages across Butler County and Southeast Kansas.The conversation dives deep into how the three-tier alcohol system actually works, why distributors exist, how territories and franchise agreements function, and where the real margins live in beer, wine, and spirits. Brad explains inventory risk, forecasting months ahead, routing logistics, and the realities of holding millions of dollars in product that must move fast.Samuel and Brad also explore major industry shifts:The decline of legacy light lagers and the rise of ready-to-drink cocktailsThe explosion of non-alcoholic beverages and functional drinksWhy THC beverages remain a legal gray area in KansasHow brands like Pickle Shot, Sparkling Ice, and Form Energy scale through distributionThe impact of grocery chains, law changes, and consolidation on independent retailersBeyond the business mechanics, Brad shares lessons from stepping into leadership, managing people, succession planning, and balancing a 100+ year family legacy with modern growth. He also opens up about coaching high school wrestling for 15 years and why investing in people—inside and outside the business—matters most.This episode is a masterclass in distribution, legacy entrepreneurship, and how unglamorous infrastructure businesses quietly power entire industries.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

In this episode of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel sits down with Baylor Parker, owner of Prairie Pots, to talk about what it really takes to buy, grow, and modernize a blue-collar service business—yes, even one built around portable toilets.Baylor shares his unconventional path from college baseball to duck-hunting guide, utility shift work, and ultimately taking a leap into business ownership by purchasing Prairie Pots, a 30-year-old company started out of necessity for a local festival. The transition wasn’t smooth: key partners passed away during the handoff, inventory was tracked on scraps of paper kept in someone’s pocket, and Baylor quit his job before the deal was even finalized.Since then, he’s scaled the business from roughly 100 units to over 250, hired employees, learned digital marketing from scratch, leaned into Google Ads and referrals, and recently acquired his only local competitor, effectively doubling the business overnight.Samuel and Baylor dig into the realities of the portable restroom industry—routing, servicing, vandalism, events vs. job sites, pricing, margins, customer retention, and why reliability and cleanliness beat being the cheapest option. They also explore bigger themes: escaping income ceilings, building legacy, partnering with family, managing burnout, and finding pride in doing unglamorous work exceptionally well.This episode is an honest, surprisingly fascinating look at entrepreneurship in a business most people never think twice about—but absolutely can’t live without.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

In this episode of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel sits down with Phil Anderson, Co-Founder of KillerGrowth, to break down how local service businesses should really think about digital marketing—without hype, guarantees, or gimmicks.Phil shares his 10+ year journey in digital marketing, from teaching himself Facebook ads to helping scale a Boston agency from $50K/month to nearly $900K/month, and eventually co-founding Killer Growth. From there, the conversation turns practical and tactical.Together, Samuel and Phil unpack the core marketing framework Killer Growth uses with service businesses:Google Ads for capturing existing demandMeta (Facebook & Instagram) Ads for creating demandSEO for owning demand long-termPhil explains common mistakes businesses make with each channel, why most Google Ads fail, why Facebook leads go cold so fast, how follow-up systems matter more than ad spend, and why SEO is often misunderstood—but still the strongest long-term growth lever when done correctly.They also dive into attribution, landing pages, content strategy, AI’s role in SEO, and why most “cheap SEO” offers don’t work. The episode closes with clear advice for business owners about to spend their first marketing dollar—what to start with, what to avoid, and how to build confidence without gambling their business.This episode is a must-listen for HVAC, plumbing, roofing, cleaning, and other local service business owners who want clarity, not confusion, when it comes to digital marketing.https://killergrowth.com

In this episode of the Killer Growth Podcast, Sam McVay sits down with David Dillner, City Manager of El Dorado, Kansas, for a rare behind-the-scenes look at how a city actually operates—and why running a city isn’t all that different from running a business.David breaks down the structure of city government, explaining the role of a city manager as the CEO of a municipal organization, the responsibilities of mayors and commissioners, and how decisions are really made. From budgeting and long-term planning to infrastructure, tax policy, and economic development, this conversation offers clarity on a system most people interact with daily but rarely understand.This episode explores:How cities are structured and governedWhere city revenue actually comes from (property taxes, sales tax, utilities, and franchise fees)How municipal budgets are built 18 months in advance amid economic uncertaintyThe balance between maintaining aging infrastructure and investing in transformational projectsWhy growing the tax base is harder—and slower—than most people realizeHow cities think about reserves, debt, and financial sustainabilityThe role of technology and AI in improving city efficiencyHow cities balance being business-friendly while protecting community interestsWhy collaboration—not confrontation—is the best way for business owners to work with local governmentDavid also shares one of his proudest accomplishments during his nine years in El Dorado: renegotiating the city’s lake water debt to save future taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars—a reminder that thoughtful leadership can quietly create massive long-term value.This episode is essential listening for business owners, developers, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants to better understand how local government decisions shape the communities where businesses grow and people live.Learn more at killergrowth.com

In this episode of the Killer Growth Podcast, Sam McVay sits down with Logan Shrag, founder of Diamond Spring Ranch and the Cowboy Experience, for a wide-ranging conversation about entrepreneurship, risk, faith, and building something truly unique in the middle of Kansas.Logan shares how a lifelong entrepreneurial mindset, early business failures, and a deep love for horses led him to create what he jokingly calls a “fast-food ranch experience”—a place where people can slow down, disconnect, and experience a taste of the cowboy way of life without traveling across the country. From trail rides and horseback lessons to a two-story luxury treehouse, covered wagon stays, and curated dinner experiences, Logan breaks down how each part of the ranch came to life step by step.This episode explores:- Turning passion into a sustainable business- Building experiential destinations in non-traditional markets- Taking calculated risks without having everything figured out- Creating community, not just transactions- Faith, obedience, and trusting the process when challenges arise- Why people are craving slower, more grounded experiences- Lessons learned from scaling, reinvesting, and refining the offering over timeLogan also opens up about leadership, responsibility, and why respecting people—and animals—sits at the core of everything they do at the ranch. From buying mustangs through prison rehabilitation programs to hosting families, corporate groups, and couples looking for a memorable escape, this conversation is a powerful reminder that meaningful growth often comes from doing things differently.Whether you’re building a business, dreaming up a destination concept, or simply looking for inspiration to take the next step, this episode offers a grounded, thoughtful look at what it means to build with purpose.Learn more at killergrowth.com

In Episode 8 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Sam McVay sits down with Jeff Baker, owner of The Grounds Guys of Wichita, for a deeply honest conversation about leadership, risk, people, and what it really takes to build a business that lasts.Jeff shares his unconventional path into entrepreneurship—walking away from a 13-year career in law enforcement to start a landscaping franchise with no prior business background. What began as mowing yards on days off turned into a long-term journey of discipline, hard decisions, and personal growth. Along the way, Jeff opens up about the realities of scaling too fast, learning to make difficult people decisions, and why indecision is often more dangerous than making the wrong call.This conversation goes far beyond landscaping. Jeff talks candidly about servant leadership, retaining great employees in a demanding, seasonal industry, and why he believes employees don’t work for business owners—business owners work for their employees. He also shares one of the most personal moments of his life: a health crisis that forced him to step away from work, confront his own limits, and redefine how he carries fear, control, and responsibility.Listeners will hear insights on:- Leaving a stable career to bet on yourself- Why the franchise model accelerated Jeff’s business maturity- Hiring for attitude and training for skill- Retaining employees through care, consistency, and trust- The danger of growing too fast without infrastructure- Leadership under pressure and learning to release control- Balancing ambition, family, faith, and personal healthThis episode is a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship isn’t just about strategy or success—it’s about endurance, humility, and learning how to lead people well when the stakes are high.https://killergrowth.com

In Episode 7 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Sam McVay sits down with economic developer Sarah Hoefgen to discuss what it really takes to drive economic growth by attracting major businesses and investment into a region.Sarah shares practical insight from the front lines of economic development—covering how communities position themselves to win large employers, the strategy behind business attraction, and the long-term planning required to create sustainable economic momentum. This conversation goes beyond theory, offering a real look at how economic developers compete for jobs, capital, and growth in today’s market.This episode explores:- How regions attract large businesses and outside investment- The infrastructure, workforce, and policy factors companies evaluate before choosing a location- The role of economic developers in shaping long-term regional growth- Balancing speed, incentives, and sustainability when landing major projects- What communities must get right to stay competitive for future developmentLearn more about El Dorado, Inc. at https://www.eldorado-inc.com/killergrowth.com

In Episode 6 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Sam McVay sits down with Ryan Locke, a multi-generation Kansas cattleman whose life revolves around faith, family, land, and the relentless realities of the ranching business. From calving seasons to droughts, from volatile markets to generational transition, Ryan gives a raw and deeply grounded look into what it takes to build—and sustain—a ranching legacy. Ryan shares the Locke family story going back decades, including how his father rebuilt the operation from leased grass and custom grazing, and how the family recently made a bold move to sell their long-time ranch and expand into a new era together. He breaks down the entire cattle lifecycle in a way anyone can understand—calving, weaning, grass season, wheat pasture, feed yards, markets, risk, and the day-to-day realities most people never see.This episode dives into:How the Locke family rebuilt their ranching legacy from nearly nothingThe economics of cattle: markets, margins, volatility, drought, and riskWhy Kansas is one of the best places on earth for raising cattleThe emotional and financial weight of generational transitionThe harsh realities of calving storms and drought yearsWhat "sustainable ranching" really means for land and waterHow Ryan balances cowboy tradition with modern efficiencyThe challenges of leadership, growth, and raising the next generationHis investment group and how outsiders can (carefully) invest in cattleRyan also opens up about fatherhood, community, accountability, and the quiet, spiritual beauty he finds in gathering cattle at sunrise with his boys—a reminder that ranching is more than business; it’s a way of life worth preserving.If you’ve ever wanted to understand the cattle industry, Kansas ranch culture, or the heart of a true cattleman, this is one of the most insightful episodes yet.killergrowth.com

In Episode 5 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Sam McVay sits down with Jeremy Sundgren of Sundgren Realty & Auction, a second-generation business owner whose story is rooted in family legacy, hard work, and a deep love for the people and land of Kansas.Jeremy opens up about growing up in the auction world, becoming an auctioneer at just 15, and eventually buying into the family business. He shares honest insights into what’s changed in the real estate and auction landscape over the past two decades—from the rise of online auctions to navigating major economic shifts.This episode dives into:The origins of Sundgren Realty & Auction and how Jeremy stepped into ownershipWhy Kansas land is undervalued—and why Jeremy believes it’s one of the strongest assets you can ownHow auctions reveal the true market value of landThe importance of community, connection, and branding in a crowded real estate spaceJeremy’s philosophy on hiring, leadership, and finding the right peopleThe power of authenticity in marketing and why Sundgren’s in-house social strategy worksStories from decades of auctions, mentors, and unforgettable charactersFrom business transitions to life lessons, from rare Coca-Cola collections to the fast-changing world of land sales, this episode is full of wisdom, humor, and heart. Jeremy’s perspective on people, trust, and long-term thinking is a refreshing reminder of what really drives growth.If you’re an entrepreneur, a real estate mind, or someone who just loves a good Kansas story — you’ll find a ton of value here.killergrowth.com

Welcome to Episode 0 of the Killer Growth Podcast. I’m your host, Sam McVay, and in this introductory episode I share the heart behind why this podcast exists and what you can expect moving forward.After 13 years of building and helping build businesses—wins, failures, long nights, bad advice, good advice (and everything in between) I’ve realized something simple: business is deeply human. Behind every company is someone taking a risk, betting on themselves, and pushing through fear.This podcast isn’t about marketing or pitching services. It’s about the real stories of entrepreneurs, founders, small business owners, and builders of every kind. You’ll hear honest conversations about the hard days, the personal sacrifices, the breakthroughs, the messy middle, and the moments that remind us why we chose this path.My hope is to build trust, create meaningful relationships, and give you at least one nugget of wisdom in every episode—something that strengthens your mindset, challenges your thinking, or helps you grow on your own journey.If you’re building something of your own, or dreaming about starting, this is for you. Welcome to Killer Growth.

In this powerful episode of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel sits down with Levi Parker, founder of The Gnarbell, one of the most unique and culture-rich gyms in the Midwest.Levi shares the full story — from playing college baseball, to conquering a fear of heights as an ironworker, to the morning he turned his truck around and walked away from a steady union job because something in his chest told him there was more.What began as a basement gym and a handful of clients has become a full-blown movement: a private, culture-first, no-sign-on-the-door, earn-your-way-in training sanctuary built on discipline, consistency, and community.Levi opens up about burnout, imposter syndrome, the moment he nearly quit, and how seeing other people win — youth athletes, dads, competitive lifters — kept him going.From 4 A.M. crews to 10x bodyweight totals, from moving elephants at the zoo to spotting 1200-pound squats, to building a brand with a three-headed wolf at its core—this is the story of a man strengthening a small town and inspiring lifters around the world.killergrowth.com

Samuel welcomes longtime HVAC pro and local legend Tom Storrer to the Killer Growth Podcast for one of the most entertaining conversations you’ll ever hear about running a service company.Tom talks about starting HVAC work at age 12, taking over the family business in dramatic fashion, learning the business side of business the hard way, and the importance of knowing what you don’t know.He also shares wild on-the-job stories—from animals stuck in equipment to getting literally blown up on a call—and how those experiences shaped the leader he is today.Along the way, Tom drops gold-level advice on hiring, managing growth, building trust, networking with competitors, and staying rooted in your community.Plus: his second life as an actor, writer, voice artist, and aspiring guitar hero.A perfect blend of humor, honesty, and hard-earned wisdom.killergrowth.com