The Business Growth Journey with Nick Termini

What do you do when your industry leaves town and you're suddenly out of a job? If you’re Quinton Lewis, you start an LLC, fly to a conference you’ve never heard of, and build a business from the ground up.   In this episode of the Business Growth Journey, Nick Termini sits down with Quinton Lewis, co-founder of Helios Airborne Solutions. They dive into the "scrappy" early days of aerial survey, the terrifying reality of your first flight lesson at 18, and how a "bias for action" can solve the problem of not having a million-dollar sensor (yet). Key Takeaways: - The transition from employee to business owner. - Overcoming the "fear of heights" (literally and figuratively) in business. - The power of networking: Why showing up is 90% of the battle. - Navigating the high-stakes world of aviation and geospatial data.

Curiosity didn't kill the cat; it built a career. In this episode of The Business Growth Journey, Nick Termini catches up with Northwest Missouri State alum Kim McGownd to trace a journey that goes from the gymnastics mats of a tiny Missouri town to the boardroom of a national pet food distributor. Kim isn’t just a business developer; she’s a "wildly curious" pioneer who helped shape the natural pet food industry long before it was mainstream. She and Nick dive deep into the grit required to build a territory from zero, the transition from being a high-stakes hospitality pro to a high-stakes buyer, and why hitting the "reset" button at age 40 was the best business move she ever made. Highlights of the conversation include: - The "Coach’s Daughter" Mentality: Why being raised in a sports-obsessed small town gave Kim the competitive edge to survive "BD 101." - Reading the Room: Lessons from the Grand Balloon on the Plaza—how high-end networking is the ultimate sales training. - Trailblazing the Pet Space: Navigating the early 2000s movement of premium nutrition and "human-grade" treats. - The Power of the Pivot: Moving back to KC and finding the humility to rebuild a life and a brand during a global "sabbatical."

What happens when you stop forcing life into a box and start letting your vision "cut its own path"? In this episode of the Business Growth Journey Podcast, Nick Termini sits down with Craig Greco, the powerhouse creator behind Greco Paintworks, to discuss the raw, unfiltered reality of turning a sudden spark of curiosity into a premier creative brand. Craig doesn’t just paint; he engineers excellence. From his early days as a 75-pound distance runner with Olympic dreams to his career in law enforcement and juvenile probation, Craig has spent his life finding the "point of no return." He shares the incredible story of sitting at his desk in the Clay County Family Court, seeing a viral email of 3D art, and deciding—right then and there—that he was going to teach himself to draw. Nick and Craig dive deep into: The "River" Philosophy: Why Craig refuses to pigeonhole his business, allowing Greco Paintworks to flow from nursery murals to Super Bowl cleats for the Kansas City Chiefs. Burning the Boats: Why Craig believes a "Plan B" is just an invitation for failure and how he navigated the terrifying leap from a steady badge to a full-time airbrush. The Science of the Surface: A candid look at a high-stakes failure on Monday Night Football that forced Craig to master the chemistry of paint to ensure his work survives the world’s toughest athletes. A Foundation of Faith: How Craig leans on his faith and family to navigate the "feast or famine" cycles of entrepreneurship. From the University of Nebraska’s cancer awareness cleats to custom-painted garage doors and KitchenAid mixers, Craig’s mantra is simple: "If it sits still, I’ll paint it." This episode is a must-listen for anyone needing the grit to push past their comfort zone and the vision to let their own river flow. "I’ve allowed this artwork to be a river of its own... wherever it goes, I just let it lead me." — Craig Greco   Connect with Craig Greco: Website: GrecoPaintworks.com (or KCMuralArtist.com) Social Media: @GrecoPaintworks on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook

Travis Wentworth's path to entrepreneurship is anything but conventional. He started with a PhD in chemical engineering and a relentless pursuit of independence, leading him to discover the four pillars of his business success. In this episode, Travis walks us through: The Mentorship of Failure: How his advisor created the crucial space for him to fail (even after melting a $ 20,000 furnace), which eliminated his fear and enabled him to view Academic Failure as a necessary tool for growth. The Entrepreneurial Leap: The journey from earning a PhD and applying his technical expertise in data analysis and systems thinking to scaling businesses in cybersecurity and dentistry. The Ownership Mindset: The core lesson that drives his success: accepting radical ownership and accountability for all outcomes, which unlocks control over his own fate. Navigating Risk/Reward: Why accepting the Risk/Reward function is the ultimate action step for growth, and how leaders must approach the inevitable setbacks that come with the journey.

Nick welcomes Laura and Stephen Raines, co-owners of Premier Comfort Heating and Cooling. They open up about starting their business during a time of major life change, evolving from hands-on work to becoming leaders, and the challenges of growing beyond "you just do it and don't explain it." Plus, they offer vital advice on proactive maintenance for both residential and commercial properties, and the rewarding part of being able to support their family and give back to the community.

JB Mason's entrepreneurial journey is a masterclass in preparation and execution. The owner of O'Keeffe and O'Malley (M&A Advisory) shares how his career progression, from the high standards of a high-traffic sandwich shop to the corporate precision of Deloitte Consulting, set the stage for his leap into the startup world.   JB explains why his time at DoorDash was his true "MBA," teaching him how to "roll up your sleeves" and solve problems from first principles, like figuring out why Oklahoma City restaurants wouldn't sign up. This unique combination of structure and hustle prepared him to become a searcher and ultimately acquire his M&A advisory firm.   Hear JB’s insights on the peaks and valleys of buying a business, what the due diligence process really looks like, and why being dialed in on your "why" is the single most important factor for success whether you are buying, selling, or simply looking to grow.

Parker Maher isn't your typical entrepreneur. The former professional soccer player shares his incredible journey from the field to becoming a successful commercial real estate broker and investor. Parker opens up about the relentless drive of a professional athlete and how that same grit led him to tackle the toughest jobs in real estate, learn from the best mentors, and ultimately start his most exciting venture yet: Classy Cans, a luxury restroom trailer business. Hear how Parker learned to navigate the grind, master the art of the cold call, and bet on himself to build a life on his own terms.   About the Business Growth Journey Podcast: The Business Growth Journey Podcast, where entrepreneurial leaders, owner-operators, and subject matter experts share their stories of success and resilience. Hosted by Nick Termini, this podcast features inspiring conversations with business leaders who have faced challenges, navigated obstacles, and triumphed in the world of business. Through real-life experiences and hard-earned lessons, learn how these individuals pushed through tough times, found innovative solutions, and built thriving businesses. Tune in to gain valuable insights applicable to your own journey and learn from those who’ve paved the way. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it. But here, hear what it truly takes to grow and succeed.

Janine Akers, founder of Crackerology, discusses the non-linear path to entrepreneurial success. From her start in sales and a shocking career pivot to Mary Kay, she reveals the raw grit required to build and scale a business. Janine shares lessons on overcoming fear, trusting your instincts, and why a supportive spouse is crucial when you feel like you've made a big mistake.   About the Business Growth Journey Podcast: The Business Growth Journey Podcast, where entrepreneurial leaders, owner-operators, and subject matter experts share their stories of success and resilience. Hosted by Nick Termini, this podcast features inspiring conversations with business leaders who have faced challenges, navigated obstacles, and triumphed in the world of business. Through real-life experiences and hard-earned lessons, learn how these individuals pushed through tough times, found innovative solutions, and built thriving businesses. Tune in to gain valuable insights applicable to your own journey and learn from those who’ve paved the way. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it. But here, hear what it truly takes to grow and succeed. #Resilience #EntrepreneurMindset #GutChecks #StartupLife #BusinessLessons #PodcastForEntrepreneurs #JanineAkers

Cole Sales, founder of Brand Repairman, shares his unique career journey, revealing how a curious and proactive mindset led to success. Drawing on his experience running a high school photography business and working at a major company like Garmin, he emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset, adaptability, and solving problems. Discover why he believes building a career is about continuously seeking challenges and how he turned that philosophy into a business dedicated to providing accessible and effective marketing solutions for other companies.   About the Business Growth Journey Podcast: The Business Growth Journey Podcast, where entrepreneurial leaders, owner-operators, and subject matter experts share their stories of success and resilience. Hosted by Nick Termini, this podcast features inspiring conversations with business leaders who have faced challenges, navigated obstacles, and triumphed in the world of business. Through real-life experiences and hard-earned lessons, learn how these individuals pushed through tough times, found innovative solutions, and built thriving businesses. Tune in to gain valuable insights applicable to your own journey and learn from those who’ve paved the way. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it. But here, hear what it truly takes to grow and succeed.

Frank Semo, COO of Oakwood Dental, reveals his unique approach to leadership in the dental industry. Drawing on his psychology degree and diverse career, he emphasizes managing personalities, honing soft skills (even with young kids!), and building trust. Discover why he believes profitability comes from deeply understanding and serving both his team and patients, fostering a culture of conscious growth.   About the Business Growth Journey Podcast: The Business Growth Journey Podcast, where entrepreneurial leaders, owner-operators, and subject matter experts share their stories of success and resilience. Hosted by Nick Termini, this podcast features inspiring conversations with business leaders who have faced challenges, navigated obstacles, and triumphed in the world of business. Through real-life experiences and hard-earned lessons, learn how these individuals pushed through tough times, found innovative solutions, and built thriving businesses. Tune in to gain valuable insights applicable to your own journey and learn from those who’ve paved the way. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it. But here, hear what it truly takes to grow and succeed. #ConsciousLeadership #SoftSkills #BusinessCulture #PsychologyInBusiness #TeamDevelopment #PatientExperience #FrankSemo #PodcastForEntrepreneurs #GrowthMindset

Ben Cummings, founder of Blog With Ben, reveals his masterclass in turning passion into a profitable digital career. From playing multiple instruments to self-teaching web design and content creation, Ben outlines his philosophy of building a platform that provides value. Learn how he selects affiliate partners, why quality and authenticity are paramount, and how embracing new tech like AI helps accelerate his journey toward a million YouTube subscribers. 🎙️ About the Business Growth Journey Podcast: The Business Growth Journey Podcast, where entrepreneurial leaders, owner-operators, and subject matter experts share their stories of success and resilience. Hosted by Nick Termini, this podcast features inspiring conversations with business leaders who have faced challenges, navigated obstacles, and triumphed in the world of business. Through real-life experiences and hard-earned lessons, learn how these individuals pushed through tough times, found innovative solutions, and built thriving businesses. Tune in to gain valuable insights applicable to your own journey and learn from those who’ve paved the way. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it. But here, hear what it truly takes to grow and succeed.

Get ready for an inspiring story of defying expectations! Alexis Anderson, CEO of Anderson Asset Property Group, candidly shares how being told she was "overqualified" early in her career fueled her ambition. She recounts the intense three-week sprint to launch her own company after a sudden job loss, acquiring 23 properties, and now leading a firm known for its groundbreaking work in co-op management and industry-leading REAC scores.   About the Business Growth Journey Podcast: The Business Growth Journey Podcast, where entrepreneurial leaders, owner-operators, and subject matter experts share their stories of success and resilience. Hosted by Nick Termini, this podcast features inspiring conversations with business leaders who have faced challenges, navigated obstacles, and triumphed in the world of business. Through real-life experiences and hard-earned lessons, learn how these individuals pushed through tough times, found innovative solutions, and built thriving businesses. Tune in to gain valuable insights applicable to your own journey and learn from those who’ve paved the way. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it. But here, hear what it truly takes to grow and succeed. #CEOJourney #PropertyManagement #BusinessLaunch #EntrepreneurialMindset #CoOpManagement #RealEstateInvesting #AlexisAnderson #PodcastForEntrepreneurs #DefyExpectations

Andrew Potter, founder of RoKC Climbing Gyms, sits down with Nick Termini to share his journey from a dedicated military career to building a business rooted in passion and purpose. He opens up about the intense personal sacrifices (like construction nights until 2 AM!) involved in building his gyms, and how he also built and successfully sold a software company. Discover the pivotal decision to prioritize family, and how his experience with PTSD inspired him to create a nonprofit supporting veterans and first responders.   About the Business Growth Journey Podcast: The Business Growth Journey Podcast, where entrepreneurial leaders, owner-operators, and subject matter experts share their stories of success and resilience. Hosted by Nick Termini, this podcast features inspiring conversations with business leaders who have faced challenges, navigated obstacles, and triumphed in the world of business. Through real-life experiences and hard-earned lessons, learn how these individuals pushed through tough times, found innovative solutions, and built thriving businesses. Tune in to gain valuable insights applicable to your own journey and learn from those who’ve paved the way. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it. But here, hear what it truly takes to grow and succeed. #PurposeDrivenBusiness #Leadership #VeteranEntrepreneur #PTSDAwareness #FamilyFirst #ROKCClimbing #BusinessJourney #AndrewPotter #PodcastForEntrepreneurs

Cooper Saunders is more than just a digital marketing expert; he's a master of business growth. In this episode, the founder of Wise Guys Digital Marketing shares his innovative approaches to sales (asking "What's your problem?"), scaling a 7-figure agency (growing 50% year-over-year), and developing leaders (shifting from "scoreboard" to "gentle parenting"). Discover why he believes "success leaves clues" and how humility fuels accelerated growth.   About the Business Growth Journey Podcast: The Business Growth Journey Podcast, where entrepreneurial leaders, owner-operators, and subject matter experts share their stories of success and resilience. Hosted by Nick Termini, this podcast features inspiring conversations with business leaders who have faced challenges, navigated obstacles, and triumphed in the world of business. Through real-life experiences and hard-earned lessons, learn how these individuals pushed through tough times, found innovative solutions, and built thriving businesses. Tune in to gain valuable insights applicable to your own journey and learn from those who’ve paved the way. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it. But here, hear what it truly takes to grow and succeed. 

Join Nick Termini as he sits down with Blair Messina, co-founder of Wildflower Montessori, for an inspiring conversation. Blair shares her remarkable journey from managing "organized chaos" in the classroom to building a beloved school, and then expanding her impact by launching Wildflower Wellness, a non-profit dedicated to making life more accessible for children with disabilities. Discover how her passion for nurturing young minds evolved into a powerful force for community change.

Prepare for an intensely honest conversation about grit and survival. Andrew Haddadi details the near-catastrophic challenges he faced – from a pandemic property purchase to crippling financial loss and personal despair – all while striving to establish Cuddle Up Pup. Discover how he rebuilt his mindset, leveraged wisdom from "buried mentors" on YouTube, and forged an "unbreakable" spirit to grow Cuddle Up Pup into a tremendous success, now managing over 70 employees across two locations. 🎙️ About the Business Growth Journey Podcast: The Business Growth Journey Podcast, where entrepreneurial leaders, owner-operators, and subject matter experts share their stories of success and resilience. Hosted by Nick Termini, this podcast features inspiring conversations with business leaders who have faced challenges, navigated obstacles, and triumphed in the world of business. Through real-life experiences and hard-earned lessons, learn how these individuals pushed through tough times, found innovative solutions, and built thriving businesses. Tune in to gain valuable insights applicable to your own journey and learn from those who’ve paved the way. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it. But here, hear what it truly takes to grow and succeed.

This episode goes beyond the balance sheet as Marquita Miller-Joshua, CEO of Five Star Tax and Business Solutions, discusses building a business rooted in authenticity and purpose. From navigating economic "storms" with unwavering faith to learning the crucial lesson of being present for family, Marquita reveals the mindset shifts that propelled her growth and her team's success. Learn how she prioritizes peace, joy, and organization to serve clients and community.

Mike Tiehen sits down with Nick Termini to discuss what it truly takes to build value in real estate. As the head of The Tiehen Group, Mike explains his unique perspective on property management, from understanding construction quality at Pulte Homes to simplifying complex deals. He shares how his mission to positively impact employees, clients, and community drives every decision, and why finding creative ways to add value to properties is his ultimate passion.   About the Business Growth Journey Podcast: The Business Growth Journey Podcast, where entrepreneurial leaders, owner-operators, and subject matter experts share their stories of success and resilience. Hosted by Nick Termini, this podcast features inspiring conversations with business leaders who have faced challenges, navigated obstacles, and triumphed in the world of business. Through real-life experiences and hard-earned lessons, learn how these individuals pushed through tough times, found innovative solutions, and built thriving businesses. Tune in to gain valuable insights applicable to your own journey and learn from those who’ve paved the way. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it. But here, hear what it truly takes to grow and succeed.

What started as a simple idea sparked by a podcast became one of Kansas City's most unique ways to explore the city. In this episode, Lisa Peña shares how she launched Urban Hikes Kansas City, a business that blends walking tours with local art, hidden gems, and powerful storytelling. From running routes through alleyways to building a team of guides and hosting over 500 five-star reviewed hikes, Lisa opens up about what it takes to turn curiosity into a company. We talk resilience, growth, and how getting people outside has brought them closer to their city and each other.

Leaving a stable paycheck behind to start a law firm isn’t for the faint of heart. But for Devin Mirfasihi, it was the only path forward. In this episode of The Business Growth Journey, host Nick Termini chats with Devin about his decision to walk away from corporate comfort and go all-in on entrepreneurship. You’ll hear about the awkward firsts, the financial lows, and the steady climb to building a client-focused law firm with staying power. Devin’s story is proof that your most valuable asset in business is being willing to start before you’re ready.

Host Nick Termini dives deep with Jake Shirk of Shirk Media on the art of creating genuine connections through video. Jake shares his personal journey, from a diverse career background to his passion for helping small businesses tell their stories authentically. Learn how to move beyond transactional content and build lasting relationships with your audience through relatable video.

Join Nick Termini as he tees off with Chad Doyle, the founder of Shooters Golf Shop and the 19th Hole Private Club. Hear Chad's inspiring journey from launching his business out of his garage to establishing a thriving retail space and a unique private club within the golf community. He shares the crucial role of family support, the power of networking, and the hard-won lessons in business growth that have driven his success in the Parkville area.

Ever wondered how a serendipitous surplus of cigars could spark an unconventional entrepreneurial journey? Join us on the Business Growth Journey podcast as Nick Termini welcomes Maxx Krueger, the owner of the Kansas City Cigar Company, in an episode titled "Beyond the Smoke: Maxx Krueger's Journey Building a Premium Cigar Experience in Kansas City." Maxx unveils his fascinating path, from his tech and finance background to building a distinctive brand centered around high-end, memorable experiences that go far beyond just the cigars themselves. In this episode, discover: How Maxx leveraged diverse skills and a surprising cigar accumulation to establish his unique company. The pivotal moment when a suggestion from his wife shifted his perspective on the potential of Kansas City-themed cigars. The initial challenges of sourcing premium tobacco and navigating the complexities of the cigar industry, including international calls and ATF regulations. The creative process behind developing the Kansas City Cigar Company brand and the unexpected hurdles in creating high-quality labels. How Maxx transitioned from giving away cigars to strategically offering a high-end, personalized experience at exclusive events. The significance of the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl win and the serendipitous story of KC Cigars making their way into the locker room celebration. The evolution of the Kansas City Cigar Company into a sought-after experience vendor for weddings, corporate events, and other high-profile gatherings. Maxx's philosophy of "doing rad things" and focusing on creating memorable moments for his clients, proving the business is truly beyond the smoke. Maxx's story is a testament to the power of curiosity, resourcefulness, and the courage to carve out a unique niche, demonstrating that his brand offers far more than just a product. Whether an entrepreneur seeking inspiration or simply intrigued by an unconventional business journey, this conversation offers valuable insights into building a brand that's about more than just a product – it's about crafting experiences that linger long after the smoke clears.   🔗 Connect with Maxx Krueger & Kansas City Cigar Company: Website: https://www.kccigarco.com/   🎙️ About the Business Growth Journey Podcast: The Business Growth Journey Podcast, where entrepreneurial leaders, owner-operators, and subject matter experts share their stories of success and resilience. Hosted by Nick Termini, this podcast features inspiring conversations with business leaders who have faced challenges, navigated obstacles, and triumphed in the world of business. Through real-life experiences and hard-earned lessons, learn how these individuals pushed through tough times, found innovative solutions, and built thriving businesses. Tune in to gain valuable insights applicable to your own journey and learn from those who’ve paved the way. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it. But here, hear what it truly takes to grow and succeed.

Ever wondered what it takes to build a successful cosmetic dentistry practice? Join us as we sit down with Dr. Philip Gordon, a leading expert in dental implants and cosmetic dentistry, on the Business Growth Journey podcast. Dr. Gordon shares his incredible journey, from his early days in dental school to owning and scaling his own practice. In this episode, you'll discover: The challenges and rewards of acquiring and growing a specialized dental business. The importance of building a strong team and finding the right management. Strategies for creating an exceptional patient experience. The mindset needed to navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. How to balance professional growth with personal life. Dr. Gordon's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, vision, and a commitment to excellence. Whether you're in the dental field or any other business, you'll find valuable lessons in this insightful conversation. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Philip Gordon: Website: https://www.gordondentalimplantsandcosmetics.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GordonDentalImplantsandCosmetics 🎙️ About the Business Growth Journey Podcast: The Business Growth Journey Podcast, where entrepreneurial leaders, owner-operators, and subject matter experts share their stories of success and resilience. Hosted by Nick Termini, this podcast features inspiring conversations with business leaders who have faced challenges, navigated obstacles, and triumphed in the world of business. Through real-life experiences and hard-earned lessons, you'll hear how these individuals pushed through the tough times, found innovative solutions, and built thriving businesses. Tune in to gain valuable insights you can apply to your own journey and learn from those who’ve paved the way. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it. But here, you'll hear what it truly takes to grow and succeed.

Welcome to The Business Growth Journey Podcast, where entrepreneurial leaders, owner-operators, and subject matter experts share their stories of success and resilience. Hosted by Nick Termini, this podcast features inspiring conversations with business leaders who have faced challenges, navigated obstacles, and triumphed in the world of business. Through real-life experiences and hard-earned lessons, you'll hear how these individuals pushed through the tough times, found innovative solutions, and built thriving businesses. Tune in to gain valuable insights you can apply to your own journey and learn from those who’ve paved the way. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it. But here, you'll hear what it truly takes to grow and succeed. Join us for each episode, and be part of the Business Growth Journey!