The Durable Small Business

Entrepreneurship stories usually focus on the wins. This conversation focuses on the part that rarely gets discussed. In this episode, Chase Murdock of Durable sits down with three operators who have lived through some of the hardest moments a business owner can face: Caroline Chapdelaine (CEO of North Star Photonics), Andrew Heer (former CEO of Summit Mountain Cleaning), and Damon Chlarson (former owner of Pacific Installation Supply). Together, they share candid stories about what it's like when a business begins to unravel — losing key customers, navigating crushing financial pressure, managing employees through uncertainty, and confronting the emotional toll that comes with it. The conversation explores the isolation many owners feel during difficult times and why those struggles often go unspoken in entrepreneurial circles. The group also reflects on where they are today: rebuilding, closing chapters, and finding perspective after the dust settles. For anyone building a company — or considering buying one — this episode offers an honest look at the realities of ownership and the lessons that only come from going through the hard parts.

Behind every successful business acquisition is a process most people never see. In this episode, Chase sits down with four experienced business brokers working across Utah's Main Street and lower middle market: Adam McMurtrey (XP Business Brokerage), Rick Krebs (Business Sales Group), Diane Hartz-Worsoff (Transworld Business Advisors), and John Dudash (MTA Advisory Partners). Together, they unpack how Utah's small business M&A ecosystem actually works — from deal flow and buyer credibility to the mistakes that cause transactions to fall apart. The conversation covers what a "typical" deal looks like in today's market, how brokers help sellers prepare their businesses for exit, and why many first-time buyers struggle to close acquisitions. The group also shares practical advice for searchers trying to stand out with brokers and sellers in an increasingly competitive market. If you're thinking about buying or selling a business in Utah, this episode offers a candid look at what really happens behind the scenes of a deal.

You've probably heard of GetOutPass — or even used it. But what you don't know is the wild business story behind one of Utah's most recognizable family brands. In this long-overdue (but worth-the-wait) episode of The Durable Business Podcast, host Chase Murdock sits down with Kyle Poll and TC Krueger to tell the full, untold story of GetOutPass: from local startup to $30M+ juggernaut through a surprise merger with its top competitor, Pogo Pass. This episode dives into: How a scrappy Utah startup grew from nothing to 30+ markets nationwide  The hidden complexities of running a two-sided marketplace at scale  Surviving COVID when your entire product relies on in-person fun  Kyle's leap from LinkedIn and Gympass to acquiring GetOutPass — the business his family used  The behind-the-scenes of a complex merger: multiple failed deals, rivalries, and the eventual turning point  This is more than just a local feel-good story. It's about building trust, merging cultures, and unlocking a new growth chapter in an overlooked industry. If you love great Utah business stories, and want a rare look at the business behind the brand, this one's for you. Recorded a couple months ago. We've been busy. But we're thrilled to finally share it. 

What does it take to build a beloved, multi-location coffee brand in one of the toughest industries around? Missy Greis, founder of Publik Coffee, joins Chase Murdock to share the remarkable story behind one of Utah's most iconic local brands. From buying a dilapidated building in Salt Lake's Central Ninth district to launching four thriving businesses (coffee roastery, cafe, restaurant, and event space), Missy walks us through how Publik came to life—and why it has stayed deeply rooted in community, hospitality, and craft. In this candid conversation, Missy talks about: The unlikely origins of Publik and why it began with real estate, not coffee Building a business that feels intimate, even as it scales to 70+ employees Why she's never made a latte, and why that's the point Navigating the chaos of COVID, earthquakes, and inflation—and coming out stronger Her philosophy on leadership, delegation, and staying passionate after a decade in the game Whether you're a coffee lover, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone figuring out how to grow without losing your soul, this episode is packed with hard-won lessons, real talk, and inspiration from someone who's done it. Learn more about Durable on our website.

Trent Mano is all-in on Utah. As co-founder and general partner at Convoi Ventures—and the force behind Utah Tech Week—Trent is investing in the next generation of breakout startups and reshaping what early-stage venture looks like in the Mountain West. In this episode, Chase Murdock sits down with Trent to explore his unlikely path into venture capital, from struggling through college to launching a VC fund without a billion-dollar exit or Ivy League pedigree. Trent shares how his obsession with community and long-term relationships paved the way to Convoi Ventures, how he defines "freak founders," and why he's so bullish on Utah's next chapter. They dive deep into: The gap in early-stage venture capital in Utah—and Convoi's thesis to fill it What makes a founder truly exceptional (hint: it's not just intelligence) How to spot product-market fit before the product even exists The underrated power of honest communication and trust in failure The birth of Utah Tech Week and what it signals about the state's growing ecosystem Whether you're a founder navigating the early innings, an investor looking to spot future unicorns, or simply bullish on what's next for Utah, this episode is packed with insight, humility, and heart. Learn more about Durable on our website.

Blake Harber knows how to scale — but he also knows how to struggle. At HireVue, Lucid, and Workstream, he helped take SaaS companies past $100M in revenue. Then he left the high-growth tech world for small business, trading venture-backed chaos for steady, cash-flow-driven businesses. But the transition wasn't easy. The J-Curve was real. One of his companies shrank 65% in his first year, a curveball that tested everything — his resilience, his stress limits, and his ability to adapt. It forced him to figure out what he was really made of, seek therapy, and rethink what success looked like outside of tech. Today, Blake runs a portfolio of unconventional businesses, from managing 23 vending machines across Utah to acquiring Appleton Electronics Group, a company specializing in sourcing hard-to-find electronic components. He also hosts the Routine Revenue podcast, where he explores small businesses and side hustles often dismissed as boring — but brimming with opportunity.  In this episode, we dig into the reality of jumping from tech to small business, the difference between building with a team versus going solo, and what happens when your company shrinks before it grows. If you've ever wondered what it really takes to transition from tech and corporate to small businesses, this one's for you. Learn more about Durable on our website.

Paul Henderson has seen it all — from high-powered roles at Apple, Goldman Sachs, and GE Capital to leading High Times Magazine. Now, he's breaking new ground in Utah's emerging and controversial cannabis industry. As CEO of Pure UT Processing and co-founder of Beehive Farmacy, Paul is at the forefront of Utah's medical cannabis ecosystem, navigating cultivation, patient access, and the unique challenges of operating in one of the nation's most conservative markets. In this episode, Paul shares his journey from corporate boardrooms to cannabis farms, offering a behind-the-scenes look at building businesses in an industry full of red tape and skepticism. He dives into the bold steps it takes to innovate in uncharted waters, lessons learned from scaling ventures, and how reinvention has defined his career. Whether you're curious about the cannabis industry, inspired by career reinvention, or simply looking for sharp insights from an entrepreneur thriving against the odds, this conversation is packed with value. Learn more about Durable on our website.

What does it really take to buy a small business and make it thrive? Will Smith, founder of Acquiring Minds, has spent years uncovering the answers by interviewing the most successful searchers and operators in the game. In this live AMA, hosted by Chase Murdock of Durable, Will dives deep into the world of entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA). From the thrill of finding the perfect deal to the tough lessons learned along the way, Will shares stories that bring the ETA journey to life. You'll hear how savvy searchers navigate the deal pipeline, overcome challenges, and transform small businesses into thriving operations. Will also sheds light on the power of community among searchers and how the landscape of ETA is evolving for a new generation of entrepreneurs. Originally recorded live via our Durable Slack Community, this episode captures the energy of a dynamic conversation with one of the leading voices in small business acquisitions. Whether you're dreaming of your first acquisition or looking to sharpen your strategy, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration to guide your journey. Learn more about Durable on our website.

In this can't-miss debut episode, Chase Murdock of Durable hosts a live AMA with Brent Beshore—one of the most respected voices in small business and long-term investing. Known for his no-nonsense approach and impressive track record of building and acquiring companies across industries, Brent shares his hard-earned insights with our listeners. This candid conversation dives into portfolio strategy, scaling businesses, creating long-term value, and Brent's reflections on his best businesses and favorite investments. He also offers a rare glimpse into how he balances the demands of work and life, with actionable advice for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Originally recorded live via our Durable Slack Community, this episode captures the energy and depth of a unique opportunity to connect with one of the industry's leading minds. If you're serious about acquisitions, scaling, or building a business that stands the test of time, this episode is for you.  Learn more about Durable on our website.