Spectruss Speakeasy Podcast

Matt Hullander sold Hullco to private equity in 2021. He walked into the Westin Hotel, signed the papers, introduced his buyer to 72 employees, then went and ate lunch by himself. Five years later, he has built V2 Strategy to help other home service owners avoid the mistakes he made, joined Legacy Dental Group as a partner across 7 practices in North Georgia, ran for mayor of Chattanooga, and is now designing $4M luxury condos.In this episode of the Spectruss Speakeasy, Matt talks openly about the part of the exit nobody prepares you for: the identity loss, why he signed an LOI without shopping the deal, and what an advisor could have done differently.---What we cover in this episode:- Why 75% of business owners report regret or a loss of purpose after selling- How Hullco grew from $4M to over $20M, and what a COVID backlog looked like ($9M in sold-but-not-installed jobs)- How V2 Strategy took one HVAC owner from a $4.7M LOI to an $8.2M close- What private equity actually wants, and what nobody tells you before you sign- Why Legacy Dental's model works: acquire the dentist, run the business, let them treat patients- Matt's plan for luxury condos, and his take on the next chapter for Chattanooga- Running for mayor, and Charlie Kirk's advice he didn't take- The three books every business owner should read before they sell---Connect with Matt🌐 v2strategy.com---Hosted by Spectruss, an award-winning marketing and advertising agency.📍 Based in Chattanooga, TN | Serving businesses nationwide🌐 spectruss.comFor more information, visit our website www.spectruss.com

Most business owners treat banking like a transaction. Ron Jones has spent 40 years watching that mindset quietly limit — and sometimes kill — otherwise good businesses.In this episode of the Spectruss Speakeasy, Sam Silvey sits down with Ron Jones, Regional President of SouthEast Bank, for one of the most practical money conversations we've ever had on this show. Ron has been in commercial banking since 1987 — through First American National, First Volunteer, and now SouthEast Bank — and he brings the kind of perspective you only get from actually being in the room when the decisions get made.We get into the real stuff: why local banking relationships change outcomes, what bankers see beyond your credit score, how AI is reshaping lending speed, and what Chattanooga's business climate actually looks like from someone who sees the numbers every day.If you're a business owner between $5M and $50M and you're not having real strategy conversations with your banker yet — this episode is your nudge.What we cover:Community banking vs. big banks — the practical differenceWhat kills a loan application before it even startsHow to position your business to borrow better 12 months from nowThe Chattanooga market outlook from someone who sees it firsthandAI, M&A, and what the future of banking means for small business ownersThe Spectruss Speakeasy is produced by Spectruss — a full-service marketing and advertising agency in Chattanooga, TN. We help growth-ready businesses between $5M–$50M get real marketing leadership without the overhead. Learn more at spectruss.com.For more information, visit our website www.spectruss.com

In this episode of Spectruss Speakeasy, Ben Brown of Alderman Enterprises joins us to discuss succession, identity, and long-term investing.As the “Silver Tsunami” of retiring Baby Boomer owners builds, many founders are discovering that selling a company is as emotional as it is financial. Ben shares insights from real acquisitions, including a seller who struggled deeply after exiting.We also talk about:Alderman’s long-term private equity approachManaging employees through ownership transitionsWhat due diligence uncoversThe real impact of AI on industrial and white-collar workWhy Chattanooga continues to attract business and talentA candid conversation about building, buying, and sustaining companies for the long haul.Ben Brown is the founder of Alderman Enterprises, a private equity group that has been around for 10 years and owns approximately 6 different companies, mainly in the manufacturing space. Ben was recently featured in a local Business Magazine.For more information, visit our website www.spectruss.com

In Season 7, Isaac completed the challenge and claimed the prize that had eluded every competitor before him. But the win was just one moment in a much longer journey.In this conversation, we sit down with Isaac to talk about what it really took to get there, the years of preparation, the mental game, the physical grind, and the discipline required to compete at that level. We also dive into what life looked like after the win, how it changed him, and where he's headed now.Whether you're chasing a big goal, trying to stay committed to something hard, or just curious about what it takes to win one of the toughest competitions in the world, this episode is for you.For more information, visit our website www.spectruss.com

Profit isn’t what’s left over. It’s a choice you design into your business from day one. That’s the heartbeat of our conversation with Paul Batista, who pairs profit engineering with family systems therapy to help owners break free from the grind. Paul’s story runs deeper than dashboards. Three generations of his family fled authoritarian regimes, and that lived experience shapes a clear-eyed view of incentives, markets, and human behavior. We talk about why small businesses absorb the heaviest pressures, from regulation to lobbying to policy shocks, and how to navigate those forces without losing your edge. Culture takes center stage too, thanks to the therapy component led by his partner: when founders address identity, habits, and goals, process changes finally stick. This is a playbook for owners in the tough middle, $1M to $50M, who feel stuck and overextended. You’ll learn how to set profit targets, calculate overhead absorption, time break-even intelligently, and use premium positioning to strengthen brand and pricing power. Ready to turn profit into a decision instead of a wish? Follow the show, share this with a founder who’s grinding, and leave a review with the one metric you’ll start tracking weekly.For more information, visit our website www.spectruss.com

Want a med spa patients won’t leave for a $1 discount? We unpack the shift from selling units to prescribing outcomes, showing how a clear brand, rigorous KPIs, and year-long treatment plans build loyalty and higher lifetime value. Janice Snade shares what she’s seeing across practices right now: GLP‑1 medications changing faces and hair, teams unsure how to respond, and owners who don’t run the numbers often enough to see where profits leak.We walk through a practical operating system for growth. Start at the top: weekly reports on per-room revenue, consult-to-conversion rates, and margin by service. Replace flash sales with pre-booked toxin cycles and an annual calendar that anchors one aggressive device session, then backfills with RF microneedling, tightening, pigment work, and volumization. Make retail adherence non-negotiable, results are 20 percent in-office, 80 percent at home. Build memberships to smooth cash flow and raise valuation; then train the front desk to capture consults without sliding into price-only conversations.On the clinical innovation front, we explore plant-based secretomes like XOE that accelerate healing and enhance outcomes after lasers, microneedling, and more. By modulating inflammation and pushing tissue into the growth phase faster, patients see less downtime and more collagen, elastin, and natural hyaluronic acid. For hair loss, targeting the inflammatory choke point restores blood flow and sets the stage for healthier growth. Layer these tools with facial balancing principles tailored to GLP‑1 faces, and you’ll convert quick fixes into durable transformations.Throughout, we return to experience: the first click on your website, the scent and lighting in your space, the recovery check-in that turns a misstep into trust. People pay for how you make them feel, and they remember who stood by them after the sale. Ready to build a brand,not a commodity, that grows even in a downturn? Follow, share with a colleague who needs stronger systems, and leave a quick review to tell us your top KPI to implement this week.For more information, visit our website www.spectruss.com

A 1,600-pound animal can read your heartbeat from four feet away, and it won’t lie to you. That’s why we sat down with a therapist who brings horses into the healing process, weaving equine therapy with EMDR to help clients move past trauma, anxiety, and the tech-driven jitters that keep so many of us stuck.From a hilarious origin story involving beer miles to a jaw-dropping barn breakthrough, this conversation follows an unusual path to a clear takeaway: your nervous system is trainable, and your relationships, human and equine, will tell you the truth if you listen.The episode also pulls the curtain back on modern pressures: intermittent reinforcement behind social media, shrinking attention, and the intimacy gap created by dating apps. Whether you’re curious about horses, skeptical of EMDR, or just tired of living in fight-or-flight, you’ll find tools, stories, and a kinder way to align ambition with presence.Enjoyed the conversation? Follow, share with a friend and leave a quick review to help others find the show.For more information, visit our website www.spectruss.com

Feeling lost between hot takes on hormones and the latest weight-loss shots? We brought in Dr. Patricia McLellan, Vanderbilt-trained, Emory-residency, 27+ years in women’s health, to cut through the noise with a calm, practical roadmap. We unpack the six-prong framework she leans on: diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, appropriate supplements, and medical interventions used in the right order.The conversation gets practical fast: protein targets spread through the day, heavy-low-rep training for women, circadian-aware sleep that starts before your second wind, and simple ways to reduce plastic contact and ingredient overload without living at three different grocery stores. If you’re tired of shortcuts that backfire and want a plan you can live with, this episode offers a clear path: relieve what’s urgent, rebuild what’s missing, and refine as you go.Follow us, share with a friend who needs a sanity check on hormones or weight meds, and leave a comment with the one change you’ll start this week.For more information, visit our website www.spectruss.com

When Clay Watson's helicopter plummeted 1,500 feet after losing its tail rotor above a Hawaiian lava field, he had just enough time to begin the Lord's Prayer before impact. That harrowing moment in June 2022 forever changed how the third-generation leader of Mountain View Auto Group approaches both business and life.Whether you're fascinated by family business dynamics, the resilience required to weather economic storms, or seeking inspiration to live more intentionally, Clay's journey offers valuable wisdom earned through both triumph and near-tragedy.For more information, visit our website www.spectruss.com

What if everything you thought you knew about cybersecurity was dangerously wrong? John Anthony Smith, Founder & Chief Security Officer of Fenix24, delivers a wake-up call that will fundamentally change how you think about protecting your organization's digital assets.The hard truth: 86% of organizations don't have a single survivable backup copy, and since January, over 90% of backups examined  didn't survive breaches. "You're never going to be able to prevent a breach," Smith explains. "You will have a breach, period." This isn't fatalism, it's realism from someone who's spent decades on the cybersecurity frontlines.Most breaches aren't sophisticated technical exploits but embarrassingly simple social engineering. The most common attack vector? Calling the help desk, claiming to be an employee, and requesting a password reset with no identity verification. This basic failure has crippled major corporations, including recent high-profile cases that shut down Las Vegas casinos and healthcare systems, resulting in billions in losses.What's truly alarming is the organizational inertia Smith encounters. "We have entities that we've recovered more than three times from breach for the exact same things, over and over again." Leadership often mischaracterizes breaches as random "drive-by shootings" rather than systematic exploitation of known vulnerabilities they've chosen not to address.Drawing from his experience with countless breaches across global organizations, Smith advocates a fundamental shift in approach: accept breaches as inevitable and build resilient recovery capabilities first. This means properly isolated backups, strict identity verification protocols, removing critical consoles from Active Directory domains, and embracing a security-first mindset even when it impacts usability.Ready to transform your organization's approach to cybersecurity? Listen now to discover why prevention alone is a failed strategy and how building true resilience might be the only thing standing between your organization and catastrophe.Visit Fenix24 website at www.fenix24.comFor more information, visit our website www.spectruss.com

In this episode, Sam Silvey sits down with Matt McLelland, VP of Sustainability and Innovation at Covenant Logistics, for a real and honest conversation about the future of freight, green energy, and what it actually takes to move toward sustainable trucking.From the truth behind hydrogen and electric trucks to the economics of clean energy, Matt breaks down what most people get wrong about “going green” in logistics. They also talk about how regulation, public perception, and global supply chains influence the pace of change, and how business realities shape what’s possible today.Plus:* Matt’s 3-day ride-along with a long-haul trucker* The innovation curve: from small steps to disruptive change* Why sustainability isn’t just about the environment — it’s about survival* Outdoor adventures, van life, and hang gliding over Chattanooga* What it’s like selling “green freight” to companies like Starbucks and Target* Why the clean energy conversation isn’t as black-and-white as people thinkWhether you care about clean energy, transportation, or just love hearing from people who are trying to make a real impact, this episode’s packed with insight. 📍 Based in Chattanooga, TN 🎧 New episodes every Thursday 👥 Follow Matt on LinkedIn or @chadthevan on InstagramSubscribe + leave a review to support the show!For more information, visit our website www.spectruss.com

Seth Cathy, grandson of Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy, joins us for an incredible conversation that spans three generations of entrepreneurship, adventure, and staying grounded despite massive success.We explore the remarkable origin story of Chick-fil-A - from Truett's Depression-era childhood where "the only toy he had was his brother's loose tooth" to selling Coca-Cola bottles at age 8, and the tragic plane crash that nearly ended it all. Seth shares how his grandfather's stewardship philosophy shaped one of America's most successful family businesses.But this isn't just a business story. Seth takes us through his own unexpected journey - from studying history and running a pottery studio on Chattanooga's Main Street to discovering 120 acres on Lookout Mountain that became his motorcycle paradise. We dive into his passion for vintage Honda collecting, epic multi-day motorcycle adventures through Arizona, and how he's building community through dirt bike events.Plus, hear about his encounters with skateboarding legends Tony Hawk, Bam Margera, and Ryan Sheckler, the truth about Chick-fil-A's "secret menu," and why the family believes they're just stewards of something much bigger than themselves.For more information, visit our website www.spectruss.com

In this episode of Spectruss Speakeasy, Sam sits down with Austin Webster, third-generation president of The Barn Nursery, to explore how a humble $1,500 roadside fruit stand grew into one of the top nurseries in the country. Austin shares fascinating insights about the plant industry—from seven-year topiary growing processes to managing over a million plants annually—and reveals how Chattanooga's unique biodiversity creates the perfect environment for their business to thrive.Austin takes us behind the scenes of running a 60-year family business, including how they pivoted during COVID (turning challenges into unexpected efficiencies), their approach to customer service, and why small businesses can outmaneuver corporate giants. He also discusses The Barn's deep community roots through their nonprofit work with Lana's Love, supporting families affected by childhood cancer.Whether you're a plant enthusiast, business owner, or Chattanooga local, this conversation offers valuable lessons on growth, adaptation, and the power of staying true to your roots while embracing change.For more information, visit our website www.spectruss.com

In this episode of Spectruss Speakeasy, Sam Silvey sits down with John Wiygul, founder and president of High Point Climbing and Fitness. From explaining what rock climbing even was to skeptical bankers 12 years ago to now operating eight facilities across three states, John shares the remarkable journey of building the Southeast's premier climbing gym brand.A lifelong climber who used to skip elementary school to hit the rocks with his older brother, John discusses how he transformed his passion into a thriving business while maintaining an authentic, non-corporate culture with over 150 employees. He reveals the challenges of the early days, the strategic partnerships that fueled growth, and his vision for High Point's continued expansion.Beyond business, John opens up about his competitive triathlon career, training alongside Olympians, and how he balances intense athletic pursuits with running a growing company. Whether you're an entrepreneur, climber, outdoor enthusiast, or simply curious about building a lifestyle business around your passion, this conversation offers valuable insights into turning what you love into what you do.#RockClimbing #Entrepreneurship #OutdoorBusiness #Triathlon #ChattanoogaBusinessFor more information, visit our website www.spectruss.com

In this episode of Spectruss Speakeasy, Sam Silvey sits down with Jonathan Bragdon, founder of Capacity Ventures, to explore the contrarian approach to venture capital in today's economy. Jonathan shares his journey from building and exiting companies to launching a venture fund focused on capital-efficient businesses in the Southeast.With decades of experience as both founder and investor, Jonathan offers invaluable insights on the relationship between founders and capital. He challenges conventional wisdom with his "hiring money" philosophy—the idea that founders should view fundraising as bringing on a partner rather than chasing validation.The conversation covers the psychology of entrepreneurship, the importance of T-shaped team members, and why economic downturns create the perfect environment for startups. Jonathan also explains why raising less money and maintaining optionality often leads to better outcomes for founders.Whether you're a founder looking to raise capital, an investor seeking better returns, or simply curious about the venture world, this episode provides a refreshing perspective on building successful companies in today's rapidly changing landscape.#VentureCapital #Entrepreneurship #Startups #BusinessGrowth #InvestingFor more information, visit our website www.spectruss.com

In this episode of Spectruss Speakeasy, we're diving skin-deep with Emily Brewer, founder of The Derm Center in Chattanooga and host of the upcoming Derm Expert Podcast. With 17 years in dermatology, Emily shares her journey from accidental discovery to passionate provider, her patient-first philosophy, and the psychology behind skincare. We talk real skin struggles—from rosacea to melanoma—and why education, empathy, and less-is-more treatment approaches matter. Plus, get a sneak peek at her new podcast and hear practical springtime skin tips that go beyond SPF.Visit: thedermcentertn.com Coming soon: The Derm Expert Podcast (Launching June 1st)For more information, visit our website www.spectruss.com

For 140 years, Fowler Brothers Home & Patio has been more than just a business—it’s been a legacy. In this episode of Spectruss Speak Easy, Carter Fowler shares what it takes to keep a fifth-generation family business thriving when less than 1% make it this far. From honoring tradition to embracing change, Carter dives into the power of consistency, branding, and building trust with customers over generations.We’ll explore the evolution of Fowler Brothers, from hand-drawn newspaper ads to cutting-edge marketing, and how staying dynamic in a shifting industry has been the key to success. Plus, Carter shares some behind-the-scenes stories, including a moment of childhood mischief that once shut down an entire store!If you’re passionate about business, legacy, and the art of making things happen, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Tune in now!For more information, visit our website www.spectruss.com

Podcast Description:In this episode of Spectruss Speakeasy, we sit down with Genesis the Grey Kid, a multidisciplinary artist, poet, and creative entrepreneur, to explore the intersection of art, music, business, and culture. From Chattanooga’s creative scene to navigating the music industry, Genesis shares raw insights on staying authentic in a world driven by algorithms. We discuss his transition from hip-hop to fine art, his thoughts on competition in the creative space, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. Plus, we dive into Chattanooga’s evolving art and business landscape, the realities of monetizing creativity, and what’s next for Genesis.Tune in for an inspiring, unfiltered conversation about creativity, entrepreneurship, and breaking industry molds.🎨 Follow Genesis the Grey Kid: @genesisthegreykid📍 Learn more about Spectruss: www.spectruss.comFor more information, visit our website www.spectruss.com

In this episode of Spectruss Speakeasy, we’re throwing superstition out the window—screw unlucky 13, we’re making it lucky! 🚀 Sam Silvey, founder of Spectruss, sits down with longtime creative director Justin Aragon to reflect on 13 years of building brands, wild pivots, and design that made waves.From sleeping on a futon in a one-room office to crafting iconic brands like Hutton & Smith Brewing and Fowler Brothers, they break down the Mad Men moments, creative risks, and unexpected wins that shaped Spectruss.🔥 Did Justin really ditch his job after just two days?🔥 What Chattanooga brand still owes them money?🔥 How do you go from free projects to award-winning work?Grab a drink, hit play, and get ready for part one of this deep dive into Spectruss history. 🥃✨For more information, visit our website www.spectruss.com

This episode dives into the personal journey of Sam Silvey, owner and founder of Spectruss, who transitioned from professional cycling to building an award winning, full service marketing and advertising company. Key themes include embracing change, learning from setbacks, and the importance of a strong foundation in entrepreneurship.• The decision to drop out of school for cycling • The challenges faced during a professional bike race • Early career experiences with website development • The origin and meaning behind Spectrus • The significance of adaptability in business • The journey of learning through successes and failuresFor more information, visit our website www.spectruss.com

A deep dive into the passion, history, and behind-the-scenes moments of Spectruss Racing. Hosted by Sam and Zach, this podcast explores the journey, challenges, and stories that built Spectruss Racing from the ground up.For more information, visit our website www.spectruss.com