PODCAST · business
The TrustBuilt Podcast
by Alan Bennett
The TrustBuilt Podcast is for business owners ready to break free from the daily grind, scale with confidence, and create lasting value *.*Hosted by *Alan Bennett* , a Certified Exit Planning Advisor and business strategist, this podcast tackles the biggest challenge entrepreneurs face—building a business that thrives without their constant oversight.What You’ll Get from Each Episode:🎙 *Expert Conversations* – Insights from top business leaders, exit strategists, and entrepreneurs who’ve built self-sustaining businesses.📈 *Real-World Case Studies* – Stories of business owners who optimized operations and positioned for long-term success.💡 *Actionable Takeaways* – Strategies you can apply immediately to step back, scale up, and build a business that works for you.
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Building Culture That Makes People Love Their Work | Steve Blair
Welcome back to The TrustBuilt Podcast! Host Alan Bennett sits down with culture expert Steve Blair for a deep dive into what it really takes to build and maintain a thriving organizational culture.Steve Blair is a master at culture, people, and community who works alongside leaders and founders to create cultures where the best people can thrive. In this episode, Steve breaks down his powerful "culture stack" framework—revealing the four critical levels where culture either flourishes or falls apart.Whether you're a founder, leader, or manager, this episode will change how you think about building culture in your organization.👉 Learn more about how TrustBuilt helps business owners build trust-driven teams: https://www.trustbuiltsolutions.com/⏱️ Chapters00:25 - Welcome & Meet Steve Blair01:16 - Steve's Mission: Creating Cultures Where People Love Their Work02:36 - Going Deep: The Art vs. Science of Building Culture03:22 - Two Types of Leadership: Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up05:03 - Finding Leaders Who "Get It"06:53 - Creating Heroes: The Power of Mentorship09:50 - Why Culture Can't Be Left to Chance11:12 - The Core Framework: Understanding Culture13:45 - Defining Culture: Values, Behaviors, and Results16:20 - The Anatomy of Culture: Breaking It Down19:30 - The Culture Stack: Four Critical Levels22:15 - Level 1: Vision & Leadership24:40 - Level 2: Organizational Systems & Processes27:10 - Level 3: Managers - The Linchpin of Culture29:45 - Level 4: Teams & Daily Work32:15 - Where Most Culture Initiatives Fail33:18 - Leveraging Tools at the Right Level34:28 - Communication Strategies Across Levels36:17 - Connecting Individual Purpose to Organizational Purpose37:21 - The Danger of Resource Gaps38:33 - Culture You Design vs. Culture You Deserve39:23 - What Resources Really Mean (It's Not Pizza Fridays)40:09 - Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up---Connect with Steve💻 https://www.linkedin.com/in/blairsteve/🌐 https://www.fulcrumcollective.com/
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Building Trust-Driven Nonprofit Boards That Actually Raise Money | Melanie Palmer
When your nonprofit board isn't functioning, everything suffers—fundraising stalls, strategy gets murky, and passionate leaders burn out trying to do it all.In this episode of The TrustBuilt Podcast, host Alan Bennett sits down with Melanie Palmer, founder of M. Palmer Consulting, to explore how nonprofits can build high-performing boards that drive real impact. From victim services to arts organizations, Melanie shares powerful lessons on strategic planning, meaningful board engagement, and why clarity is the foundation of everything.Together, they dig into how to recruit the right board members, the critical role of strategic planning, why CliftonStrengths assessments transform team dynamics, and how to align your board with your mission—not just fill seats.👉 Whether you lead a startup nonprofit or manage a mature organization, this episode will help you see trust and strategic clarity as your ultimate competitive advantage.Learn more about how TrustBuilt helps business owners build trust-driven teams:https://www.trustbuiltsolutions.com/⏱️ Chapters1:19 – Meet Melanie Palmer: From Victim Services to Nonprofit Consulting4:38 – What It Really Means to Be on a Nonprofit Board6:17 – The Non-Negotiable: Passion for Mission (Not Resume Building)11:00 – The Three Questions Every Board Should Ask Before Recruiting15:00 – How CliftonStrengths Unlocks Board Potential22:00 – Why Nonprofits and For-Profits Have the Same Leadership Challenges30:00 – The Hidden Gap: When No One Is Driving the Bus35:00 – How a Strategic Plan Fixes Most Board Dysfunction37:15 – The Fundraising Plan Most Organizations Forget to Create45:13 – Starting with Assessment: Where Is Your Board Now?47:24 – "It's Hard to Read the Label from Inside the Bottle"48:05 – Connect with Melanie Palmer ConsultingConnect with M. Palmer Consulting🌐 https://melaniepalmerconsulting.com 💼 Schedule a free consultation to assess your nonprofit's needsAre you a business owner who is ready to break free from the day-to-day grind & build a self-sustaining company?👉 Set up a time to talk to Alan 🔗 https://app.reclaim.ai/m/alan-trustbuiltsolutions/quick-meeting
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Why Your Team Can't Scale Without This One Leadership Principle | Jim Robinson
What if the secret to building a thriving business isn't just about systems, it's about empathy?In this episode of The TrustBuilt Podcast, I sit down with Jim Robinson, CEO, founder, speaker, and coach with 41 years of business experience. Jim shares the powerful moment that changed everything: realizing he needed a business coach when he thought he had all the answers.What You'll Learn:✅ The difference between empathy and sympathyand why it matters✅ How to validate employees individually while building team alignment ✅ Why making every team member a trainer transforms your business ✅ The exact framework for developing trust in one-on-one and group settings ✅ How to lead teams of 5 to 500+ with the same core principlesLearn more about how TrustBuilt helps business owners build trust-driven teams: https://www.trustbuiltsolutions.com/⏱️ Chapters:01:26 - The Realization That Changed Everything02:02 - From Business Owner to Accredited Business Coach03:33 - What is Leading with Empathy? (Not Sympathy)04:00 - Empathy in the Workplace: Putting Yourself in Their Shoes05:12 - The Power of Emotional Connection with Your Team05:41 - Empathy vs. Sympathy: The Well Analogy06:24 - Why You Shouldn't Anchor Bad Behaviors07:40 - The First Two Weeks: Intentional Onboarding08:09 - How Quick Trust Develops When You Show Up with Empathy09:00 - The Danger of Over-Tasking New Hires10:06 - Creating Purpose & Clarity for Your Team11:17 - Why Small Businesses Fail: The Team Development Gap12:55 - The Mentor Myth: Why You Need the Right Guide15:32 - How to Validate Team Members & Get Their Input17:17 - Why Business Owners Struggle to Let Go19:21 - The Bottleneck Problem: When Everything Runs Through You21:00 - Stop Micromanaging & Start Leading22:27 - How to Develop Leaders Within Your Team23:52 - What Happens When You Don't Develop Your People26:03 - Leading Teams of 5 to 500: The Same Principles Apply27:41 - The Greatest Success: When Your Team Speaks in Your Tone28:09 - Validate Individually, Recognize Publicly29:02 - The Magic Number for Direct Reports & Team Size29:34 - What Happens When Your Team Feels Heard & Validated31:14 - Turning Introverts Into Confident Trainers32:15 - Jim's Monthly Regional Team Meetings: What He Asks33:04 - The Textbook on Purpose in Organizations33:31 - How to Connect with Jim Robinson & CGP ConstructionConnect With Jim📧 Email: [email protected]🌐 Website: www.cgpconstruction.com📚 Upcoming Book: "Lead with Empathy" (Co-authored with Chris Voss)#TrustBuiltPodcast #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessCoaching #TeamBuilding #Empathy #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #LeadWithEmpathy #ScaleYourBusiness #BusinessFreedom #TrustInBusiness #ChrisVoss #TeamDevelopment #CEOInsights
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Why Letting Go Is the Key to Growing Your Business | Stella Rodda
What does it take to build a thriving business at 20 years old out of a converted school bus, with no bank loan, and a product almost nobody was making?In this episode of The TrustBuilt Podcast, host Alan Bennett sits down with Stella Rodda, founder of Zenith Coffee Company, a mobile coffee business built on one bold premise: coffee that's actually good for your body.Together, Alan and Stella dig into what it really means to build a team you can trust, why hiring for personality beats hiring for a résumé, and how systems and vulnerability can coexist in a tiny mobile workspace. Alan also unpacks the three pillars of trust — clarity, connection, and consistency — and how Stella is already applying them without even realizing it.👉 If you're a business owner who's doing everything yourself and wondering how to step back without things falling apart, this episode is for you.Learn more about how TrustBuilt helps business owners build trust-driven teams: trustbuiltsolutions.com⏱️ Chapters0:30 – Welcome & Intro: What Is Zenith Coffee Company?2:25 – The Concept: Coffee That's Actually Good for Your Body3:16 – How She Funded It 8:27 – Alan's Three Buckets11:27 – The Trust Challenge: Handing Your Business Off to Other People13:04 – Understanding Your Behavioral Style as a Leader15:47 – Why Most Hiring Posts Attract the Wrong People21:46 – How Zenith Got 150 Applications in 4 Hours24:11 – Monthly Meetings, Feedback Loops & Leaning Into Strengths26:59 – The Three Pillars of Trust: Clarity, Connection & Consistency28:55 – Why Recognition Can Backfire (and How to Get It Right)33:24 – The Missing Piece in Most Onboarding Processes37:30 – Employee Engagement: Communicating Constraints to Your Team41:29 – How Stella's Team Solves Problems Together44:13 – Exit Planning, Business Value & Reducing Owner Dependence47:26 – Where to Find Zenith Coffee CoConnect with Stella & Zenith Coffee 🌐 https://www.zenithcoffeeco.com/💻 https://www.linkedin.com/in/stella-rodda-a9a440204/
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How to Align Sales and Marketing to Scale Faster | Marc Ensign
Most business owners don’t have a marketing problem.They have a leadership alignment problem.In this episode of The TrustBuilt Podcast, Alan sits down with Marc Ensign, founder of LoudMouse, to unpack what a Fractional CMO actually does, why most marketing agencies fail businesses, and how misalignment between sales and marketing quietly destroys trust and revenue.If you’re spending money on marketing but unsure what’s working—or frustrated by silos between departments—this episode will help you regain clarity, control, and confidence.👉To learn more about how to build a business that runs without you subscribe to The TrustBuilt Podcast⏱️Chapters01:00 – What Is a Fractional CMO? (And Why Small Businesses Need One)04:35 – From Broadway to Business: Marketing Is About Being Heard08:20 – Why Most Marketing Agencies Work in Silos11:20 – Sales vs. Marketing16:04 – The Metrics That Actually Matter22:22 – Marketing KPIs Every Service Business Should Measure28:34 – Client Retention & Trust31:44 – Why Busy Marketing Doesn’t Equal Growth33:18 – Free Marketing Resources & How to Use AI---Connect with Marc & LoudMouse🌐 https://loudmouse.com/💻 https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcensign/
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The Missing Ingredient in Leadership (Hint: It’s Not Strategy) | Luke Groomer
What do youth sports, coaching, and business leadership have in common?More than you think.In this episode of The TrustBuilt Podcast, Alan sits down with Luke Gromer, founder of RYG Athletics, and operator of Nike Sports Camps across multiple states. What starts as a conversation about youth sports quickly becomes a masterclass on building trust, creating engagement, and developing culture that actually lasts.If you're a business owner trying to build a team that performs without you micromanaging every move, this episode will hit home.If you want your business to grow beyond you, this conversation is required listening.👉To learn more about how to build a business that runs without you subscribe to The TrustBuilt Podcast⏱️ Chapters05:00 – The Leadership Tension Every Owner Faces11:00 – The Foundation of Every High-Performance Culture15:00 – When You Lose the Locker Room (Or the Team at Work)24:30 – Scaling Trust: How to Build a Culture Across Multiple Locations28:00 – The “Secret Sauce”: Connection + Competence = Trust31:00 – Recognition as a Leadership Tool 36:00 – Creating Memorable Moments That Build Loyalty44:00 – How to Design an Experience People Want to Come Back To46:30 – The Legacy Question: What Will Your Team Say About You?---Connect with Luke Gromer💻 https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-gromer/
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The Leadership Lesson Every Business Owner Needs to Hear About Trust | Solomon Burchfield
In this episode, Alan Bennett sits down with Solomon Burchfield, founder of New Beginnings NWA, to explore what business leaders can learn about trust, accountability, purpose, and culture from an organization working with chronically homeless individuals.While Solomon leads a nonprofit, the leadership lessons apply directly to business owners who want stronger teams, deeper buy-in, and a culture that doesn’t collapse without them.⏱️Chapters 02:00 — Understanding Your “Customer”04:20 — The Hidden Cost of Mistrust in Leadership08:10 — Trauma, Behavior, and Why Rules Alone Don’t Work11:15 — “You Don’t Become Homeless When You Run Out of Money”14:45 — Building Trust Before Enforcing Accountability17:00 — The ‘Pennies in the Cup’ Approach to Leadership19:15 — Purpose Drives Engagement 22:40 — Compassionate Accountability That Actually Works26:40 — Leadership as Gardening, Not Controlling30:30 — Horizontal Accountability vs. Top-Down Control34:15 — Recognition, Care, and Why It’s Free but Rare38:25 — What Business Owners Can Learn from Nonprofit Leadership---Connect with Solomon & New Beginnings NWA💻 https://newbeginningsnwa.org/
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Why Successful Business Owners Don’t Trust Themselves (And How to Fix It) | Amanda Horn
What happens when the biggest obstacle to growth isn’t your team, your market, or your systems, but you?In this episode of The TrustBuilt Podcast, Alan Bennett sits down with Amanda Horn to unpack how self-awareness, trust, and emotional regulation directly impact leadership, decision-making, and long-term business sustainability.Amanda shares her powerful personal journey and introduces her GRACE Toolkit, a practical framework leaders can use to interrupt destructive patterns, rebuild self-trust, and lead with steadiness instead of burnout.This conversation is for business owners who feel stretched thin, stuck in reaction mode, and ready to regain control—without hustling harder.⏱️Chapters02:15 – The Moment Everything Breaks: Rock Bottom, Wake-Up Calls & Leadership Growth05:40 – The GRACE Toolkit: A Framework for Breaking Self-Sabotage09:50 – Self-Sabotage at Work: Rationalization, Perfectionism, and Control14:10 – Why Leaders Struggle to Trust Themselves (and How to Rebuild It)18:00 – Perfectionism vs. Progress: Why ‘Good Enough’ Builds Better Businesses23:45 – One Step at a Time: Creating Real Change Without Overhauling Your Life29:40 – Morning Habits, Mental Nutrition, and Leadership Energy35:30 – Emotional Intelligence Is a Perishable Skill (And How to Protect It)41:00 – Helping Leaders Who Don’t Know They’re Stuck YetConnect with Amanda Horn💻 https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-thiebaud-horn/💻 https://www.beewellyoga.com/reiki-yoga-appts
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Why Most Business Owners Think They Have Culture, But Don’t | Beth Tellez & Stacey Bankston
What if the thing holding your business back isn’t strategy… but trust?In this episode of The TrustBuilt Podcast, Alan Bennett is back with therapists and business owners Beth Tellez and Stacey Bankston to unpack one of the most misunderstood leadership challenges business owners face: vulnerability, accountability, and trust inside growing teams.They explore why many owners believe they have a healthy culture—yet still face high turnover, disengaged employees, and a business that can’t run without them. This conversation bridges therapy, leadership, and business ownership to show how trust is built (or broken) in real time—and why it directly impacts scalability, retention, and exit value.If you’re tired of carrying everything yourself and wondering why your team won’t fully step up, this episode is for you.👉To learn more about how to build a business that runs without you subscribe to The TrustBuilt Podcast —⏱️Chapters02:10 — The Hidden Trust Problem in Owner-Dependent Businesses05:28 — How Childhood Conditioning Shapes Leadership Behavior08:58 — Accountability Without Fear: Reframing Leadership Responsibility12:01 — Why Business Owners React Defensively to Accountability16:15 — Psychological Safety: The Missing Link in Team Performance21:00 — Designing a Team Model That Attracts the Right People25:14 — Alignment vs. Misalignment in Partnerships & Teams32:17 — Scarcity vs. Insecurity: What’s Really Driving Control Issues37:21 — Kinship-Based Leadership & Why It Scales Better—Connect with Beth & Stacey🌐 https://www.creativenwa.com/
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How to Build a Team That Doesn’t Depend on You - Kjartan Kennedy
What if building a high-trust team actually made your business move faster—not slower?In this episode, Alan Bennett sits down with Kjartan Kennedy, co-founder of Causeway Studios, to unpack how trust, clarity, and intentional leadership allowed his team to:-Operate fully remote-Eliminate burnout in a high-pressure industry-Launch a major product in one year (instead of 3–5)-Build a culture that doesn’t depend on the founder to surviveThis is a must-watch conversation for business owners who are tired of carrying everything themselves and want to build a team that truly shows up.⏱️Chapters03:10 – From Passion to Business: Building a Studio That Lasts11:58 – The Burnout Trap Most Business Owners Fall Into14:10 – The 4-Day Workweek: Less Time, Better Results17:32 – Remote Teams, Real Accountability (Without Micromanaging)21:26 – Trust as a Leadership System, Not a Vibe27:44 – Shipping Faster by Building Trust First31:02 – Recognition, Purpose, and Why Teams Need to See Impact38:10 – Conflict, Feedback, and Healthy Disagreement47:30 – One Piece of Advice Every Business Owner Needs to Hear—Connect with Kjartan Kennedy & Causeway Studios💻 https://www.linkedin.com/in/kjartankennedy/🌐 https://www.causewaystudios.com/—Feeling stuck carrying everything yourself?TrustBuilt helps business owners build teams they can trust—so the business runs with them, not because of them.👉 Learn more at https://www.trustbuiltsolutions.com/
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Trapped by Your Own Business? How These 2 Things Can Restore Freedom | Cari Kaufman
What happens when you evolve as a business owner, but your business doesn’t?In this episode of The TrustBuilt Podcast, Alan Bennett sits down with Cari Kaufman of Storyteller Wordsmith for a candid, unscripted conversation about purpose, identity, and what happens when successful businesses start to feel misaligned. This episode dives deep into why purpose and accountability are the gateway to trust, how personal life changes inevitably shape business direction, and why building a business that can evolve is critical for retention, leadership clarity, and sustainable growth. If you’re exhausted from carrying everything yourself and wondering how to get your team bought in again, this conversation will hit home.👉 Looking to build a business that runs without you? Visit https://www.trustbuiltsolutions.com/---⏱️ Chapters02:10 – The moment “purpose” changed the conversation03:30 – Feeling trapped by your own brand04:30 – Established businesses hit this wall more than startups05:45 – Alan’s personal pivot: when life demanded change07:05 – Freedom is why most people start businesses (but lose it)08:20 – Work-life balance isn’t real — harmony is09:35 – Building a sellable business makes it easier to run12:45 – Purpose + accountability = the gateway to trust14:05 – Why teams disengage when purpose is unclear16:20 – Purpose isn’t always about the product17:30 – “My purpose is to make money” (and why that’s not enough)20:10 – The danger of choosing a path just because you’re good at it22:00 – When purpose becomes a trap instead of a guide23:40 – Purpose as the front door to everything else25:00 – Communicating purpose so people actually buy in26:20 – Credentials don’t build trust — stories do28:10 – How trust changes decision-making and leadership ease29:30 – External trust matters too (vendors, partners, advisors)31:00 – What most owners miss about their suppliers and advisors33:10 – Trust as a force multiplier in business35:20 – Final thoughts: purpose is the starting point---Connect With Cari 🌐 https://www.storytellerwordsmith.com/💻 https://www.linkedin.com/in/carikaufman/
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How to Lead Under Pressure: SWAT-Level Trust Lessons with Tim Keck
Most business owners don’t lead in life-or-death situations…but they feel like they do.In this episode of The TrustBuilt Podcast, former police chief, SWAT commander, executive coach, and leadership trainer Tim Keck breaks down what crisis leadership teaches us about building engaged, reliable teams in everyday business. Tim shares unbelievable real-world stories — including the moment he put his life in the hands of his team — to illustrate what trust really means. And more importantly, how business owners can build that level of confidence, discipline, and buy-in inside their own culture.If you’re a leader who’s tired of carrying everything yourself, this conversation will help you breathe again. You’ll walk away with simple tools to lower stress, increase employee engagement, and create a culture that scales because people are aligned, accountable, and trusted.👉 Want a team that can run the business without you? Learn more at https://www.trustbuiltsolutions.com/---⏱️ Chapters00:00 — The Rule of Responsibility: Why You Can’t Do Everyone’s Job00:20 — Meet Tim Keck: Police Chief, SWAT Commander & Leadership Coach01:49 — What Crisis Teaches About Leadership03:07 — The Team-Building Exercise That Hit the New York Times04:12 — Stress vs. Crisis: Why Leaders Misread Their Own Bodies06:24 — How Stress Sabotages Decision-Making (and What to Do Instead)07:55 — Tactical Breathing: A Tool Every Leader Should Learn10:15 — Emotional Intelligence: The Four Skills Every Owner Needs14:18 — Why Most Leaders Mislabel Their Emotions17:12 — Managing Conflict Without Escalation20:14 — The Hidden Cost of Wanting to “Win the Argument”21:05 — How Your Emotions Affect Your Team (Read the Room)25:11 — Why High-Performing Teams Need Someone “Watching Their Six”26:44 — SWAT-Level Trust: Doing Your Job So Others Can Do Theirs34:07 — What Business Owners Can Learn from Real-Life Training37:41 — Purpose, Clarity, and Why Most Teams Row in Different Directions41:30 — The Story: Putting His Life in His Team’s Hands45:18 — Final Lessons on Trust, Vulnerability, and Leadership Freedom---Connect with Tim💻 https://www.linkedin.com/in/timkeck/🌐 https://www.safehavensecuritygroup.com/🌐 https://www.gobulletproof.com/
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The #1 Reason Your Business Stalls | Calvin Smith
Building a business that doesn’t depend on you isn’t about grinding harder — it’s about learning to trust your people, lead with vulnerability, and build a culture that can stand on its own.In this conversation with longtime entrepreneur and EOS implementer Calvin Smith, we dig into what really holds business owners back: fear, control, burnout, and the belief that “no one will ever care as much as I do.” Calvin shares lessons from 20+ years of entrepreneurship — the wins, the mistakes, the dumb tax — and how leaders can finally break the cycle of doing everything themselves.We talk about building trust, creating alignment, getting honest about your own limitations, and how systems and processes (done right) actually create freedom rather than restrict it. If you’re tired of carrying the whole business on your back, this episode shows a better path forward.👉 Want a team that’s engaged, accountable, and capable of running the day-to-day?Visit https://www.trustbuiltsolutions.com/---⏱️ Chapters00:00 — Why Trust Starts With the Leader01:00 — Corporate vs. Entrepreneurship Mindset02:30 — The Passion Problem: Why Entrepreneurs Burn Out03:45 — Defining Your Personal “Why” Before You Build Your Business05:10 — When Your Team’s Why Doesn’t Match Yours06:40 — The Power of Vulnerable Leadership (A Story That Changed Everything)08:00 — Why Trust Backfires When You Hold Too Tightly10:45 — Culture Reality Check: Are You Living What You Say You Value?12:05 — Hiring People Who Actually Care About the Work14:10 — The 90-Day Culture Pulse: Keeping Your Team Aligned17:00 — Commitment, Discipline, and Trusting Yourself First18:40 — How Your Personal Life Mirrors Your Business Performance23:00 — Letting Go as You Scale: Why Leaders Must Evolve33:00 — Systems & Processes: Why They Create Freedom (Not Rigidity)41:00 — The Horror Story of an Owner-Dependent Business45:00 — How to Help Employees See That Their Work Matters48:00 — The Books That Changed Calvin’s Leadership Journey---Connect with Calvin💻 https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvin-smith/🌐 https://calvinsmith.co/
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How Stress Destroys Your Team (and How to Fix It) | Eliz Greene
Stress doesn't just wear you down. It silently erodes trust, engagement, and team performance.In this episode of The TrustBuilt Podcast, Alan sits down with Eliz Greene, stress researcher, author, and resilience expert, to unpack why so many small business owners feel constant pressure and what that stress is really doing to their teams.Together, Alan and Eliz break down the science behind stress, why your brain shuts down under pressure, and simple, practical steps to regain control, reduce cortisol, and make better decisions. If you’re a business owner drowning in responsibility, struggling with turnover, or trying to build a team that truly steps up, this conversation offers a roadmap to relief.👉 Want a team that runs the business with you — not one that drains you? Learn more at https://www.trustbuiltsolutions.com/⏱️ Chapters01:10 – Eliz Greene’s Backstory: A Life-Changing Heart Attack02:52 – Parenting Twins & Early Lessons in Stress06:05 – What Stress Really Is (and Why It Builds Up)07:40 – The Physical Side of Stress: Cortisol & Health Risks08:58 – Recognizing Your Body’s Stress Signals11:04 – Why We Crave Control (and Why It Backfires)12:52 – A Simple System: What Can I Control? What’s Possible?15:30 – How to Physically Reduce Stress in the Moment17:49 – Making the Unpredictable More Predictable19:48 – Leaders Letting Go: Discipline vs. Rigidity24:02 – The Power of Feeling Seen and Valued at Work29:27 – Stress, Turnover, and Why People Really Quit42:34 – Eliz’s One Message to Every Leader—Connect with Eliz🌐https://elizgreene.com/💻https://www.linkedin.com/in/theelizgreene/—
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The 3 Types of People That Shape Your Company Culture | Steve Blair
What happens when a once-thriving company culture starts to slip?Chief People Officer Steve Blair knows firsthand what it takes to rebuild trust, re-engage employees, and restore a sense of ownership in fast-growing organizations.In this episode, Steve joins host Alan Bennett to talk about:The real cost of culture drift and disengagementWhy employee surveys—when done right—can be the most powerful trust-building tool in your organizationHow to identify culture creators, keepers, and consumers (and what to do when the ratio gets out of balance)How vulnerability and consistency are the two key ingredients of authentic leadershipWhether you’re leading a team of 10 or 100, this episode offers a clear path to creating a culture where people want to stay, contribute, and grow.👉 Ready to build a team that runs with you, not just for you? Visit https://www.trustbuiltsolutions.com/ to learn more about building systems and teams that scale through trust.⏱️ Chapters 02:00 – Rebuilding Culture After It’s Been Lost 03:30 – The Real Cost of Turnover and Disengagement 06:00 – How Growth Changes Culture (and How to Keep It Healthy) 08:00 – Culture Creators, Keepers, and Consumers 11:00 – How to Spot and Support Culture Keepers 13:00 – The Simple Framework to Measure Engagement and Trust 14:00 – W.A.L.A. Method: Wonder, Ask, Listen, Act 18:00 – The Flywheel That Builds Organizational Trust 20:00 – What Trust Really Means: Consistency + Vulnerability 22:00 – Creating Safe Feedback Loops That Build Engagement 25:00 – The Role of Recognition and Care in Employee Growth 30:00 – Giving Feedback That Builds Instead of Breaks 34:00 – The Power of “Buy-In Based” Feedback 38:00 – Coaching the What vs. the How 40:00 – Using Assessments Responsibly to Strengthen Teams 44:00 – Steve’s Top 3 Books on Leadership and Growth---Connect with Steve💻 https://www.linkedin.com/in/blairsteve/🌐 https://www.fulcrumcollective.com/
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The Overlooked Skill That Builds Trust Faster Than Strategy | Danielle Keller
In this episode of The TrustBuilt Podcast, host Alan Bennett sits down with Danielle Keller, owner and Editor-in-Chief of Peekaboo Magazine and co-host of the People of Northwest Arkansas Podcast. Danielle shares her journey of reviving a beloved community magazine and how storytelling has become her way of building trust, connection, and compassion across Northwest Arkansas.If you’ve ever felt burnt out or unsure how to reconnect your team—or your business—to its purpose, this conversation will remind you why authentic stories matter.👉 Learn how TrustBuilt helps business owners build teams that run without them: https://www.trustbuiltsolutions.com/⏱️ Chapters1:00 – Meet Danielle Keller & the Return of Peekaboo Magazine3:00 – The Origin Story of Peekaboo and Its Legacy5:00 – From Burnout to Balance: What Sparked Danielle’s Entrepreneurial Leap7:00 – The Power of Connection in Community Media9:00 – Why Trust Starts with Empathy and Compassion12:00 – How Vulnerability Builds Trust and Belonging15:00 – The Challenges of Reviving a Legacy Brand18:00 – Pricing, Partnership, and Rebuilding Advertiser Trust20:00 – The Emotional Side of Print: Why People Smell Magazines24:00 – Nostalgia, Tangibility, and the Need for Connection26:00 – How Storytelling Strengthens Communities and Teams29:00 – Giving Families a Voice Through Peekaboo32:00 – Vulnerability: The Fastest Way to Build Trust34:00 – Representation and Why Every Story Matters36:00 – How Small-Town Roots Shape Great Storytellers40:00 – Purpose and Vocation: Living Out Your Calling45:00 – The Art of Being Present as a Leader and Podcaster48:00 – Where to Find Peekaboo Magazine and People of NWA---Connect with Danielle & Peekaboo🌐 https://peekaboomagazine.com/🌐 https://podcast.peopleofnwa.com/💻 https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielles-keller/
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How Courage and Compassion Build Successful Businesses | Alex Andrews
In this episode of The TrustBuilt Podcast, Alan Bennett sits down with Alex Andrews, Co-Owner of Storyteller Wordsmith and Founder of Change Creative Co., to talk about the courage it takes to create something new — even when you’re nervous. Alex shares her journey from designer and implementer to visionary entrepreneur, building a business that helps nonprofits tell their stories and connect through compassion and trust.They explore the emotional intelligence behind effective leadership, how clarity and connection shape culture, and why partnerships thrive on understanding and self-awareness. Whether you’re leading a small team or dreaming up a new idea, this episode will remind you that progress doesn’t require perfection — just the willingness to start. 👉 Learn more about building trust-driven businesses at https://www.trustbuiltsolutions.com/⏱️ Chapters01:30 — From accidental designer to entrepreneur03:00 — Launching Change Creative Co. for nonprofits04:40 — Learning to lead: from implementer to visionary06:00 — The moment she decided to “just start”07:15 — First client success: when purpose meets opportunity08:40 — How trust starts with shared passion and compassion10:30 — Resourcefulness vs. selflessness in leadership12:30 — Dreaming up a creative coalition for good14:20 — How theater shaped emotional intelligence17:00 — Translating emotional awareness into better client work19:00 — Connection, empathy, and listening as leadership tools21:30 — Building clarity before branding: why alignment matters25:00 — The power (and pitfalls) of business partnerships27:00 — How trust supports conflict and friction in teams30:00 — Why connection matters more than clarity in marketing34:00 — Advice for new marketers: do it scared, serve with trust36:00 — Where to find Alex and Change Creative Co.—Connect with Alex🌐https://www.storytellerwordsmith.com/🌐https://www.changecreativeco.com/💻https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-andrews-65993b158/leadership growth, building trust, small business culture, nonprofit branding, team connection, business partnerships, leadership freedom
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The Secret to Long-Term Client Trust and Team Loyalty | Stacie Jacob
When trust becomes your foundation, your business can weather anything — markets shift, teams evolve, and leadership transitions.In this episode of The TrustBuilt Podcast, host Alan Bennett sits down with Stacie Jacob, Chief Strategist at Solterra Strategies, to explore how trust drives long-term success in business, leadership, and life. From her roots in rural Nebraska to leading PR and marketing for wine country brands, Stacie shares powerful lessons on building loyal teams, managing transitions, and creating a legacy that lasts.Together, they dig into how emotional connection fuels engagement, why transparency matters more than perfection, and how clarity, consistency, and communication turn clients into lifelong partners.👉 Whether you lead a small team or run a legacy brand, this episode will help you see trust as the ultimate competitive advantage.Learn more about how TrustBuilt helps business owners build trust-driven teams: trustbuiltsolutions.com⏱️ Chapters 1:00 – Meet Stacie Jacob: From PR to Wine Country Leadership 2:15 – What Moving to Paso Robles Taught Her About Roots and Growth 3:30 – Midwest Work Ethic and the Power of Small-Town Values 5:40 – How 4-H and Public Speaking Built Her Storytelling Skills 8:00 – The Link Between Commitment, Connection, and Trust 9:00 – The Importance of Doing What You Say You’ll Do 10:30 – How Leaders Build Trust Through Transparency 12:00 – Building Culture in Wine Country: Passion and Purpose 14:30 – Storytelling That Differentiates Brands 15:30 – Building Trust with Clients (and Quick Wins That Matter) 18:20 – How Introverts and Extroverts Build Trust Differently 19:00 – What “Legacy” Really Means (and Why It Changes) 22:00 – Handling Ownership Transitions and Team Fear 24:00 – The Role of Communication During Change 26:00 – Culture Alignment and Knowing When to Let Go 27:00 – The Four C’s of Trust: Clarity, Commitment, Connection, Consistency 28:00 – The 80/20 Rule of Trust and Innovation 29:00 – Why Stacie Reads Articles, Not Books (and Who She Follows) 31:00 – Emotional Intelligence, Wine, and Building Human-Centered Brands 32:30 – Final Thoughts: How Trust Shapes Legacy---Connect with Stacie Jacob & Solterra Strategies🌐 https://solterrastrategies.com/💻 https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacie-jacob-802b98/
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The Secret to Scaling Without Losing Your Sanity | Dustin Murphy
What happens when you trade corporate comfort for entrepreneurial chaos?In this episode of The TrustBuilt Podcast, host Alan Bennett sits down with Dustin Murphy, founder of Pitch Retail, to talk about how he went from working for corporate giants like Walmart, PepsiCo, and Disney to leading a small but mighty team that helps suppliers break into Walmart the right way.Dustin shares how he turned career uncertainty into ownership, the lessons he learned about trust and communication from his business partner, and what it really takes to build a growing team that doesn’t burn out. From hiring and delegation to leadership maturity and client trust, this conversation is packed with insight for business owners who are scaling fast and trying to stay sane.If you’ve ever wondered how to keep your people engaged while your business grows—or how to build a partnership that doesn’t implode—this one’s for you.👉 Learn more about building a trust-driven, engaged team: trustbuiltsolutions.com⏱️ Chapters00:00 – The Question Every Leader Should Ask Their Team00:30 – Introducing Dustin Murphy & Pitch Retail 01:00 – What Pitch Retail Actually Does02:00 – Growing Up in a Walmart Family03:40 – From Intern to Industry Expert05:00 – Climbing the Corporate Ladder (Rubbermaid, PepsiCo, Disney)06:00 – The Leap: Leaving Corporate for Entrepreneurship08:00 – Taking Control of Your Own Exit09:30 – Buying Out the Business: How Pitch Retail Began11:00 – Getting Clients and Building Early Trust13:00 – From Scrappy to Structured: Learning to Lead a Team14:00 – Why Partnerships Work (When They’re Built on Trust)16:00 – Learning to Communicate Like a Mature Leader18:00 – Growing Pains: When to Hire and How to Scale20:00 – Removing Bottlenecks and Empowering Employees22:00 – Letting Go: From Doer to Leader24:00 – The 80/20 Rule and What Really Moves the Needle25:00 – How Reflection Fuels Growth27:00 – Lessons from Working with Walmart29:00 – The “Hug of Death” and Managing Growth Wisely32:00 – Defining Real Success: It’s About Sell-Through34:00 – Be Careful What You Ask For (Alan’s Catering Story)35:00 – Who Pitch Retail Serves and How They Help36:30 – How to Connect with Dustin Murphy----Connect with Dustin Murphy🌐 https://www.pitchretailsales.com/💻 https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustin-m-84828470/
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How Trust Drives Growth in Business | Windy Elstermeier
What happens when trust becomes the through-line of everything you build—your team, your brand, and your business partnerships?In this episode of The TrustBuilt Podcast, host Alan Bennett sits down with Windy Elstermeier, CEO of Pivotal Solutions and founder of Jane Wick, to talk about the power of connection, compassion, and trust in leadership.From her days leading teams at Walmart to launching a women-led gun range bag brand, Windy shares how learning to serve first, build meaningful relationships, and trust others (and yourself) can completely transform how you lead and grow.You’ll hear:✅ How authentic connection fuels both team engagement and customer loyalty✅ The difference between facilitating and leading through storytelling✅ What it takes to build partnerships rooted in mutual trust✅ How serving others first can multiply business opportunities✅ Why compassion is the hidden superpower in every strong cultureIf you’ve ever wondered how to move from doing it all yourself to building through people, this conversation is for you.👉 Learn more about building a business that runs on trust (not stress): www.trustbuiltsolutions.com⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Spotting a Gap: How Jane Wick Was Born01:00 – From Training to Keynotes: Building Confidence on Stage04:00 – The Role of Trust—In Yourself and Your Audience07:00 – Connection and Compassion: The Core of Leadership10:00 – Turning Speaking into Service: Adding Real Value14:00 – Storytelling, Authenticity, and Lessons Learned19:00 – Building Jane Wick: Trusting Partners Across Borders28:00 – Community, Reciprocity, and the Power of Connection---Connect with Windy🌐 https://pivotalsolutions.co/🌐 https://janewick.com/💻 https://www.linkedin.com/in/windy-elstermeier/---team engagement, building trust, leadership compassion, small business growth, culture that scales
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Why A Strong Business Culture Will Help Build Your Team | with Steve Toth
What does it take to move from carrying your business alone… to building a team that’s engaged, trusted, and thriving?In this episode of The TrustBuilt Podcast, host Alan Bennett sits down with Steve Toth of Crestline Leaders to explore the foundations of team building, culture, and engagement.Steve shares his journey from scrappy solopreneur to leading teams inside Fortune 500 companies and startups, and what he’s learned about:Why purpose and vision matter for keeping teams aligned.How personal values shape company culture (and why that attracts A-players).The link between accountability, trust, and employee engagement.What happens when leaders stop delegating and start abdicating—and how to fix it.Why a flourishing team is the real key to scaling any business.If you’re tired of carrying your business on your shoulders and want a team that buys in, sticks around, and thrives—this conversation is packed with practical insights you can apply right now.👉 Ready to build a team you can trust? Learn more at https://www.trustbuiltsolutions.com/.⏱️ Chapters00:00 Why maximizing value also maximizes employee happiness01:00 How Alan & Steve met at a family business event02:30 Steve’s entrepreneurial beginnings: lawn mowing & Volkswagens07:00 Lessons learned from W-2 roles and building trust through relationships09:20 From solopreneur to team builder: why “just me” doesn’t scale13:20 The People & Culture Model: why culture is the foundation15:20 Flipping over rocks: uncovering hidden issues in organizations20:00 Vision: how clarity drives team alignment23:00 Building sticky, authentic values that attract A-players26:00 Purpose as the driver of passion and culture29:00 Why accountability is “purpose’s first cousin”30:30 How purpose + accountability fuel employee engagement33:10 Prioritization, scaling, and the “triangle model”36:00 Enterprise value: why engaged teams grow business value42:00 The tipping point of trust: what happens when it clicks45:00 Where to connect with Steve Toth---Connect With Steve Toth🌐 https://www.crestlineleaders.com/💻 https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-real-steve-toth/team engagement, building trust at work, company culture, employee retention, small business leadership
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Building Teams That Lead Themselves | Jonathan Brooks on Employee Engagement & Extreme Ownership
What if your employees didn’t just “do their job”… but felt empowered to lead, make decisions, and act in the company’s best interest without waiting to be told?That’s the culture Jonathan Brooks has built at Warehouse on Wheels, where his team scaled from 2 locations to 37,000 trailers in just a few years.In this episode of The TrustBuilt Podcast, host Alan Bennett talks with Jonathan about how he shifted from a CFO mindset to a culture-first leader—and why employee engagement is the true engine behind growth.You’ll learn:✅ Why he gives every new hire The Ultimate Expectation letter to empower ownership from day one.✅ How Gallup’s Q12 framework measures engagement and drives action.✅ Why Extreme Ownership training became the backbone of their leadership culture.✅ The role of learning & development in retaining top talent.✅ How trust, empowerment, and equity create buy-in at every level.If you’re a business owner looking to scale without burning out—or want your employees engaged like owners instead of clock-punchers—this conversation will change how you think about team building.🎙️ Subscribe for more real-world stories of building businesses that run without the owner 👉 www.youtube.com/@trustbuiltpodcast⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Why trust matters in leadership01:00 – Jonathan Brooks’ career path from CFO to CEO04:00 – Building culture with Gallup Q12 surveys06:00 – Learning emotional intelligence as a leader08:00 – Launching a learning & development department10:00 – The Ultimate Expectation: empowering employees from day one12:00 – Hiring for attitude vs. aptitude16:00 – Ritz-Carlton service at the Hampton Inn price18:00 – Scaling through acquisitions & greenfield markets20:00 – Onboarding with Extreme Ownership23:00 – Field training exercises for leadership development26:00 – Equity & rewards that drive buy-in30:00 – Scaling easier with systems of trust33:40 – Local market CEOs & agility at scale35:20 – Trust + culture = engaged employees & loyal customers37:00 – Succession planning & running without the owner42:00 – Owner dependence kills deals (and how to avoid it)---Connect With Jonathan & Warehouse on Wheels🌐 https://wowtrailers.com/💻 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jnbrooksiv/---Are you a business owner who is ready to build your team, encourage employee engagement, & ensure your business can run without you?👉 Set up a time to talk to Alan 🔗 https://www.trustbuiltsolutions.com/contact
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Why Trust & Transparency Are the Keys to a Business That Runs Without You | Steven Schmitt
Do you ever wonder if your business could run without you?In this episode of The TrustBuilt Podcast, host Alan Bennett interviews Steven Schmitt of Willow Financial, about building a trust-driven business that thrives even when the owner steps away.Steven shares his real-world experience of going from sleepless nights as a solo founder to creating a team and systems that allow his firm to grow without constant oversight. From how to trust your team, to creating business systems that work, to succession planning and exit strategies, this episode is packed with insights for business owners who want freedom from the daily grind.Whether you’re looking to scale your company, prepare it for sale, or simply take a real vacation without everything falling apart—this conversation will give you practical strategies to build a self-sufficient, owner-independent business.🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations on how to build a business that runs without you.📌 Chapters:00:00 – Radical Trust: Why Willow Shares a Company Inbox02:42 – From Solo Founder to Building a Scalable Firm05:22 – Creating “Light Bulb” Moments for Clients09:41 – Sleepless Nights and Entrepreneur Pressure11:26 – Hiring Your First Team Member (and Lessons Learned)13:05 – Planning for Succession & Exit Strategy15:02 – Building Trust with Clients and Teams17:17 – Why Transparency Builds Business Value21:27 – Onboarding Clients with Clarity23:24 – Helping Owners Face Estate & Succession Planning27:21 – What the “Right Client” Looks Like29:31 – Passion, Purpose & Trust Beyond Yourself31:17 – What Steven Would Do Differently32:10 – How Willow Uses AI as a Business Thought Partner34:53 – How to Connect with StevenAre you a business owner who is ready to break free from the day-to-day grind & build a self-sustaining company? 👉 Set up a time to talk to Alan 🔗 https://www.trustbuiltsolutions.com/contactbusiness that runs without you | how to trust your team | business systems and processes | succession planning small business | owner independent business
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From Hustle Culture to Purpose-Driven Leadership with Jessica Crum
If you're an entrepreneur craving freedom, purpose, and a team you can trust, this episode is for you. Jessica Crum, founder of Silverlake Design Studio, shares her incredible journey from the high-pressure world of Los Angeles fashion to building a thriving marketing agency in Arkansas.In this inspiring conversation Jessica opens up about career pivots, the real struggles behind entrepreneurship, building a mission-driven brand, and stepping away from hustle culture to create a sustainable, impact-driven business.---🔗 Connect with Jessica & Silverlake Design Studio🌐 https://silverlakestudio.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-crum/-----Are you a business owner who is ready to break free from the day-to-day grind & build a self-sustaining company? 👉 Set up a time to talk to Alan 🔗 https://www.trustbuiltsolutions.com/contact
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The Courage to Leave Corporate and Build a Business That Works | Windy Elstermeier
Thinking about leaving corporate life to build your own business? In this episode of The TrustBuilt Podcast, host Alan Bennett sits down with Windy Elstermeier to talk about the courage, risk, and strategies it takes to step out of a steady paycheck and create a business that can thrive on its own.Windy spent 17 years at Walmart before making the leap into entrepreneurship. She shares the hard lessons she learned—like managing cash flow, setting up systems, and facing the reality of risk—as well as the wins of scaling, hiring, and eventually selling her first business.If you’re a business owner dreaming of freedom, or if you’re stuck in the grind and wondering if your company could ever run without you, this episode will give you practical tools and inspiration.🎙️ Subscribe for more stories of entrepreneurs building trust-driven, self-sufficient businesses.📌 Chapters00:00 – Leaving Corporate After 17 Years at Walmart02:14 – The Spouse Conversation: Getting Buy-In at Home04:50 – Doing the Due Diligence: Numbers, Franchises & P&Ls06:22 – Taking the Leap: Fear, Excitement, and Risk08:45 – The Obstacle of Cash Flow and Bookkeeping Mistakes11:26 – Adjusting from Paychecks to Revenue Fluctuations13:17 – Lessons on Hiring and Managing Crews15:27 – Why Every Day as an Entrepreneur Involves Risk16:14 – Big Wins: Family in the Business & Hitting Sales Goals19:12 – Selling the Painting Company & Discovering Consulting22:34 – Finding Passion in Solving Business Problems23:55 – Launching Jane Wick: Spotting a Market Gap for Women28:09 – Pitch Competitions, Mentors, and Validating Ideas33:00 – The Importance of Multiple Mentors in Business Growth36:10 – Preparing for Investors & Writing the Next Book38:06 – Advice to Her Younger Self About Entrepreneurship----🔗 Connect with Windy & discover Jane Wick🌐 https://janewick.com/🌐 https://pivotalsolutions.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/windy-elstermeier/-----Are you a business owner who is ready to break free from the day-to-day grind & build a self-sustaining company? 👉 Set up a time to talk to Alan 🔗 https://www.trustbuiltsolutions.com/contactleaving corporate for entrepreneurship | build a business that runs without you | how to start a small business after corporate | risk and trust in business | scaling and selling a business
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How Social Impact Fuels Startup Success with Deme Yuan of FR8relay
What happens when a social worker takes the leap into the logistics tech world? Deme Yuan, co-founder and COO of Freight Relay, shares her unlikely path from nonprofit leadership to revolutionizing long-haul trucking. In this episode of the TrustBuilt Podcast, host Alan Bennett explores how Deme's passion for social equity fuels innovation in an industry ripe for disruption. This is a story of mission-driven entrepreneurship, family partnership, and grit.⏱️ Chapters:00:00 – Why Not All Feedback Is Equal01:00 – Meet Deme Yuan & the Freight Relay Mission03:00 – From Social Work to Startups: Deme’s Unexpected Journey05:45 – A Book That Sparked a Business Idea08:00 – Angel Funding, India, and Building a Dev Team from Scratch10:00 – Startup Accelerator Life & First Traction12:00 – Bentonville, AR: A Logistics Hub in Disguise13:00 – Pivoting During the Pandemic14:00 – Winning Federal Grants (SBIR, DOE, USDA, NSF)16:00 – How a Nonprofit Background Prepared Her for Startup Life17:00 – Starting a Business with Your Spouse: The Real Talk20:00 – Changing Her Mindset Around Business & Impact21:00 – The Role of Mentorship & Discernment25:00 – Serving Truckers, Communities & a Bigger Mission31:00 – Work-Life Balance for Drivers: What Equity Looks Like34:00 – Busting the Myths of Small Business Ownership37:00 – The Cost of “Letting Off the Gas” as a Founder39:00 – Sustainability vs. Hustle: Building for the Long Game40:30 – A Letter to Her Younger Self (Wise Words!)42:40 – Where to Find Deme & Freight Relay Online-----🔗 Connect with Deme Yuan🌐 https://freightrelay.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/demeyuan/-----Are you a business owner who is ready to break free from the day-to-day grind & build a self-sustaining company? 👉 Set up a time to talk to Alan 🔗 https://www.trustbuiltsolutions.com/contact
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A Masterclass in Values-Based Leadership with Sam Russell, Co-Founder of The Buttered Biscuit
Whether you're leading a team, building a brand, or trying to step out of daily operations, this episode is a masterclass in values-based growth!In this episode of The TrustBuilt Podcast, Alan sits down with Sam Russell, co-founder of the thriving breakfast spot The Buttered Biscuit. What started as his wife’s idea has grown into a purpose-driven business with 200+ employees and 10,000 guests served weekly. Sam shares how culture, consistency, and care have powered their growth—not just in biscuits, but in impact.From training future doctors in the kitchen to creating second chances for the underestimated, Sam opens up about the kind of leadership that builds trust and changes lives.⏱️Chapters:01:16 – From Corporate to Biscuits: How It All Started02:00 – The Real Founder Behind Buttered Biscuit04:01 – Building Through Community Connection05:03 – Food, Trust & the Power of the Table07:10 – Consistency in Business and Biscuits08:25 – The Five Core Values Driving the Company11:00 – Culture as a Living, Breathing System13:04 – Hiring for Flourishing, Not Just Filling Roles15:04 – Recognizing Employees & Building Confidence19:03 – Systems That Support Human-Centered Leadership22:28 – Avoiding the “Dish Pit Trap” as a Business Owner25:51 – Why Every Entrepreneur Needs a Refill Point26:18 – Project Biscuit: Serving the Underestimated30:30 – Confidence, Second Chances & Accountability34:32 – A Real Story of Redemption and Career Growth36:09 – Accountability as Empowerment37:41 – Why Mastery Builds Confidence (and Opportunity)42:02 – Final Thoughts on Leadership & Listening44:00 – Book Recommendations for Leaders & Families46:52 – Locations, Catering, and What’s Next-----🔗 Connect with Sam Russell & The Buttered Biscuit 🌐 https://thebutteredbiscuit.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebutteredbiscuit/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smjrussell/-----Are you a business owner who is ready to break free from the day-to-day grind & build a self-sustaining company? 👉 Set up a time to talk to Alan 🔗 https://www.trustbuiltsolutions.com/contact
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The #1 Way to Build Trust With Your Team with Ben Cashion
In this conversation, Ben Cashion—CEO coach, startup veteran, and former licensed counselor—dives deep into what it really takes to build trust as a leader in today’s skeptical world.We explore the emotional weight of leadership, why trust is so hard to come by (and so valuable when you earn it), and how founders can create lasting impact through clarity, compassion, and confidence.Whether you're a startup founder, scaling CEO, or just feeling the pressure of leading people and making payroll, this episode offers real-world insights for building a business that works—and a leadership style that earns trust.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Trust is Broken… So Now What?01:15 – Ben’s Unusual Path: Counselor Turned CEO Coach03:10 – How Therapy Training Enhances Coaching05:00 – Coaching vs. Consulting: What’s the Difference?07:00 – Finding Your Voice and Style as a Leader09:15 – Trust Starts with Competence and Confidence12:00 – Startup Scars and Founder Wisdom15:00 – The Hidden Weight Founders Carry17:30 – How to Build Trust Through Shared Perspective20:00 – Teaching Your Kids (and Team) Compassion22:30 – Clarity: The Antidote to Ambiguity25:00 – When Emotion Shows Up in the Boardroom28:00 – Knowing When to Lead with Space vs. Direction30:00 – Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence33:00 – Coaching Leaders Through Conflict36:00 – The Power of Preparing for Hard Conversations39:00 – Layering EQ into Business Strategy41:15 – Why Every Leader Needs to Script Hope42:30 – Ben’s Top Book Picks for Leaders44:00 – Why Building Trust Is Your Business Advantage-----🔗 Connect with Ben Cashion🌐 https://www.cornerstoneco.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-cashion-5703a5b8/-----Are you a business owner who is ready to break free from the day-to-day grind & build a self-sustaining company? 👉 Set up a time to talk to Alan 🔗 https://www.trustbuiltsolutions.com/contact
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How To Stop Chasing Content & Build a Brand That Connects with Bryan Fittin
In this episode of The TrustBuilt Podcast, Bryan Fittin pulls back the curtain on how he built a video content agency that helps business owners build trust, lead with clarity, and scale their companies without burning out. From hiring the right people to maximizing the ROI of content, Bryan shares the mindsets and systems that make Go Rogue Studio thrive. If you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or leader who wants to grow your influence while reclaiming your time, this conversation is for you.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Why empathy matters in content creation 02:13 – Bryan’s origin story & Go Rogue Studio overview 04:00 – Why video builds trust and connection faster 06:20 – That one trade show moment that changed everything 08:00 – Helping clients get comfortable on camera 10:30 – How to think beyond the script: Serve the person, not the lens 13:20 – From podcast to content engine: Why structure matters 14:45 – Using content for onboarding, training & team clarity 16:20 – Don’t just make content—maximize it 18:00 – Cajun cooking, gumbo, and getting more from what you already have 20:00 – Creating content with strategy, empathy, and the end in mind 22:00 – Scaling the team: hiring for will, not just skill 24:00 – The “Buy Back Your Time” mindset shift 26:00 – Hiring mistakes, attitude over aptitude, and building culture 30:00 – Coaching, winning moments, and chasing clarity 34:00 – What if everything goes right? A mindset shift for leaders 37:00 – People-first processes and strengths-based leadership 40:00 – Clients as friends: the power of trust-driven business 43:00 – Pricing conversations and value alignment 48:00 – Final thoughts on trust, growth, and meaningful work-----🔗 Connect with Bryan Fittin🌐 https://goroguestudio.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fittin/-----Are you a business owner who is ready to break free from the day-to-day grind & build a self-sustaining company? 👉 Set up a time to talk to Alan 🔗 https://www.trustbuiltsolutions.com/contact
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Leadership Burnout & the Lies We Believe About Hustle with Bryan Yates
If you're exhausted from grinding in your business, this episode is your wake-up call.Coach and leadership expert Bryan Yates joins The TrustBuilt Podcast to challenge the hustle mindset and explore what it really takes to build a self-sustaining business. Bryan unpacks the hidden leadership habits that cause burnout—and how to break free.Whether you're looking to exit your business, build a stronger team, or stop white-knuckling your way through entrepreneurship, this episode offers clarity, courage, and practical tools to lead differently.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Why You’ll Never Exit Without Empowering Others00:22 – Meet Bryan Yates: From Athlete to Leadership Coach01:15 – Grit vs. Flow: Redefining What It Means to Push Through04:46 – The Grind Trap: Why Business Owners Burn Out08:35 – Building Mental Fitness to Push Past Resistance13:41 – What Your Body Language Reveals About Your Mindset15:39 – The Role of Self-Awareness in Great Leadership22:13 – Motivation & Intentions: What Drives Your Actions?30:33 – When It’s Time for a Team Member to Move On32:16 – Clarity, Impact, and Why Your Vision Matters-----🔗 Connect with Bryan Yates🌐 https://locomotivcoaching.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanyates/📰 Sign up for Bryan's newsletter: Shift Happens-----Are you a business owner who is ready to break free from the day-to-day grind & build a self-sustaining company? 👉 Set up a time to talk to Alan 🔗 https://www.trustbuiltsolutions.com/contact
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The Sales Playbook That Makes Your Business Scalable with Justin Gallo
If you’re a business owner who feels chained to the sales process, this episode is your roadmap out.Justin Gallo of 360 Consulting joins the show to break down how to build sales systems that don’t just boost revenue they boost valuation. Whether you’re thinking about selling in 3 years or freeing up your time in 3 months, this conversation is packed with practical advice on reducing owner-dependency, increasing predictability, and building trust with your team and your buyers.🚨 Spoiler alert: A fancy sales strategy doesn’t mean a thing if it only lives in your head.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – The Baseball Card Theory of Sales01:05 – Meet Justin Gallo & the 360 Consulting Origin Story02:15 – Why Most Sales Stories Fail (and How to Fix Yours)05:35 – Why "Done-for-You" Sales Consulting Actually Works08:10 – The Problem with One-Size-Fits-All Sales Strategies10:20 – What Is a Fractional VP of Sales?13:00 – Why Sales and Marketing Must Stop Competing17:05 – The 4 Pillars of a Scalable Sales Operation22:00 – How Clarity Creates Sales Momentum26:30 – The Danger of Owner-Dependent Sales30:00 – From Chaos to Predictability: Building Your Sales Dashboard33:00 – Why Predictability = Freedom36:00 – The Hidden Costs of Poor Discovery39:15 – Qualifying Leads the Right Way42:00 – Why Some Reps Struggle to Close (and How to Coach Them)44:00 – How to Build a Sales Culture That Scales Without You-----🔗 Connect with Justin Gallo✉️ [email protected] you a business owner who is ready to break free from the day-to-day grind & build a self-sustaining company? 👉 Set up a time to talk to Alan 🔗 https://www.trustbuiltsolutions.com/contact
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How One Entrepreneur Scaled a Business by Solving a Hidden Problem with Holly Skinner
In this episode of the TrustBuilt Podcast, host Alan Bennett sits down with entrepreneur Holly Skinner, founder of Skinner Solutions. Holly shares how she identified a major gap in private practice healthcare and turned it into a thriving business. Whether you're in healthcare or just tired of doing everything yourself, this episode offers powerful lessons in delegation, emotional intelligence, and building a business that lasts.📌 Subscribe to The TrustBuilt Podcast for more insights from top business leaders, exit strategists, and entrepreneurs who’ve built self-sustaining businesses. ⏱️ Chapters:00:00 – Meet Holly Skinner & Her Entrepreneurial Roots01:00 – Spotting a Business Opportunity in Healthcare02:30 – Bridging the Gap Between Care and Admin05:00 – Starting the Business While Working Full-Time06:30 – Quitting the Day Job: The Leap to Full-Time08:00 – Building Confidence & Betting on Herself09:30 – Growing Through Trust & Referrals10:30 – COVID’s Surprising Role in Her Growth11:00 – Building a Team With Complementary Skills13:00 – Why She Hires for Fit, Not Just Credentials15:00 – Navigating Obstacles with Emotional Intelligence18:00 – Trust as a Foundation for Team and Client Success21:00 – Separating Feedback from Personal Identity24:00 – Embracing Authenticity Through a Rebrand25:00 – Building Support for Clinicians Who Can’t Yet Afford Full Services27:00 – What She’d Tell Herself Before Starting Out-----🔗 Connect with Holly🌐 https://www.hollyskinner.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollygiblin/-----Are you a business owner who is ready to break free from the day-to-day grind & build a self-sustaining company? 👉 Set up a time to talk to Alan 🔗 https://www.trustbuiltsolutions.com/contact
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Why Believing in Your Idea Matters More Than Being the Smartest with Turner Tomlinson
What do chicken farms, carbon capture, and Miracle-Gro have in common? CFO Turner Tomlinson joins Alan Bennett to share how Carbon Chicken is turning poultry litter into a high-performing soil amendment that’s not just natural—it’s revolutionary. From startup stories to soil science, this episode is a must-watch for entrepreneurs and eco-innovators alike.📌 Subscribe to The TrustBuilt Podcast for more insights from top business leaders, exit strategists, and entrepreneurs who’ve built self-sustaining businesses. ⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Intro: Meet Turner Tomlinson, CFO at Carbon Chicken02:12 – What is Carbon Chicken and how does it work?05:40 – What’s biochar and why it matters08:33 – The problem with chicken litter12:00 – Ancient origins: Terra Preta and Amazonian farming techniques15:22 – Building the founding team and defining roles19:15 – From spreadsheets to seed funding23:00 – Trust, startup culture, and hiring philosophy27:12 – Mindset, motivation, and perseverance in entrepreneurship30:00 – Advice for aspiring founders31:30 – Where to learn more about Carbon Chicken-----🔗 Connect with Turner & Carbon Chicken🌐 https://carbonchicken.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/turnerjtomlinson/-----Are you a business owner who is ready to break free from the day-to-day grind & build a self-sustaining company? 👉 Set up a time to talk to Alan 🔗 https://www.trustbuiltsolutions.com/contact
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From Counseling Side Hustle to Scalable, Values-Driven Business With Beth Tellez & Stacey Bankston
Whether you're a therapist dreaming of starting your own practice, or a business owner figuring it out as you go, this one’s packed with insight, warmth, and hard-earned wisdom! 📌 Subscribe to The TrustBuilt Podcast for more insights from top business leaders, exit strategists, and entrepreneurs who’ve built self-sustaining businesses. Licensed Clinical Social Workers Beth and Stacey didn’t set out to become business owners—but when their careers intersected at a group practice, they discovered a shared vision for what therapy could be: compassionate, connected, and deeply human.⏱️ Chapters:00:00 – Meet Beth & Stacey: From social work to entrepreneurship02:00 – Why therapists aren’t taught to run a business04:00 – Learning the hard way: Google, grit, and 2 AM calls06:30 – Building a practice rooted in connection and culture09:00 – Creating a clinic that feels safe—for clients and clinicians11:00 – Trust, teamwork, and finding the right business partner14:00 – Structuring the business for clarity and protection17:00 – Boundaries, autonomy, and honoring the contractor model20:00 – Work rhythms, admin systems, and burnout prevention23:00 – Bringing holistic care back into the counseling center26:00 – Self-awareness, therapy, and emotional sustainability29:00 – Why social workers make scrappy, strategic business owners-----🔗 Connect with Beth & Stacey🌐 https://www.creativenwa.com/-----Are you a business owner who is ready to break free from the day-to-day grind & build a self-sustaining company? 👉 Set up a time to talk to Alan 🔗 https://www.trustbuiltsolutions.com/contact
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What Every Business Owner Can Learn from This Small Bookstore with Courtney Smith
If you’re a business owner who wants to build something meaningful and community-driven, this conversation will both challenge and encourage you!📌 Subscribe to The TrustBuilt Podcast for more insights from top business leaders, exit strategists, and entrepreneurs who’ve built self-sustaining businesses. In this episode of the TrustBuilt Podcast, Alan Bennett sits down with Courtney, co-founder of Underbrush, a cozy and community-focused indie bookstore in Rogers, Arkansas. From launching her first business nine months out of college to creating a thriving space during a pandemic, Courtney shares her unconventional journey into entrepreneurship, the heart behind her business, and why passion and compassion—not just profit—drive long-term success.⏱️Chapters[02:20] – How Underbrush Bookstore began[05:45] – Building community through books[08:50] – The role of authenticity[13:50] – Book clubs that welcome disagreement[15:25] – Why Courtney chose entrepreneurship[19:20] – Passion, resilience & hard days[23:00] – Redefining retail as a third space[27:05] – Competing with Amazon & evolving tech[30:50] – Niching down for customer loyalty[33:05] – Collaboration over competition[36:25] – Real-world advice for new entrepreneurs[39:15] – Sharing struggles builds community-----🔗 Connect with Courtney & Underbrush Books🌐 https://underbrushbooks.com/👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-ulrich-smith-211683107/-----Are you a business owner who is ready to break free from the day-to-day grind & build a self-sustaining company? 👉 Set up a time to talk to Alan 🔗 https://www.trustbuiltsolutions.com/contact
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15
This Entrepreneur Built a Beef Brand on Trust: How To Scale With Integrity with Gabe Orr
Whether you're a business owner looking to scale, an investor curious about food innovation, or someone who wants to learn how to build a brand on values—this one’s is for you.In this episode of The TrustBuilt Podcast, Alan sits down with Gabe from Plainview Beef to unpack the business behind the beef. From launching a regenerative farming operation to building a vertically integrated brand, Gabe shares how Plainview was designed from day one with clarity, scalability, and trust at the center.📌 Subscribe to The TrustBuilt Podcast for more insights from top business leaders, exit strategists, and entrepreneurs who’ve built self-sustaining businesses.⏱️ Chapters[00:00] – Intro & Gabe’s Unconventional Path to Ranching[01:30] – From Global Ventures to U.S. Startup[04:00] – Starting Plainview: Mission Meets Market Gap[06:30] – Building a Transparent, Health-Driven Brand[09:00] – What Makes Their Beef (and Business) Different[11:30] – Using Tech & Data to Monitor Cattle Health[14:00] – Regenerative Agriculture as a Strategic Edge[16:00] – Branding, Marketing & Direct-to-Consumer Growth[18:00] – Scaling the Right Way (Without Losing Integrity)[21:00] – Building a Trust-Driven Team[24:00] – Where to Buy + Final Thoughts on Purpose-Driven Business-----🔗 Connect with Gabe & Plainview Beef🌐 https://www.plainviewbeef.com/👉 https://www.instagram.com/plainviewbeef👉 https://www.facebook.com/PLAINVIEW.BEEF.C0-----Are you a business owner who is ready to break free from the day-to-day grind & build a self-sustaining company? 👉 Set up a time to talk to Alan 🔗 https://www.trustbuiltsolutions.com/contact
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14
Lessons Every Business Owner Can Borrow From Real Estate with Cameron Clark
In this episode of The TrustBuilt Podcast, business coach Alan Bennett sits down with real estate developer Cameron Clark to unpack the messy middle of entrepreneurship—figuring it out as you go, trusting your instincts, and staying flexible as things evolve.⏰ Chapters[01:45] Learning by Doing: Investment, Renovation, and Self-Education[04:20] Finding His Niche: Commercial Development with a Creative Twist[06:30] Building Trust with Tenants and Partners[10:30] When Compassion and the Math Clash[13:15] Why Vision-Aligned Teams Win[15:50] Casting Vision Without the Sales BS[18:30] Growing a Business with Purpose📌 Subscribe to The TrustBuilt Podcast if you're ready for more insights from top business leaders, exit strategists, and entrepreneurs who’ve built self-sustaining businesses.-----🔗 Connect with Cameron Clark🌐 https://cjc-development.com/💼 LinkedIn: Cameron Clark-----#businessgrowth #businesstipsforsmallbusinessowners #entrepreneurship #exitstrategies #businesstips #entrepreneur #smallbusiness
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13
Clarity vs. Confusion in Sales & Marketing with Brad Alexander
If you're a business owner struggling with messaging, lead flow, or clarity on next steps—this is a must-listen! In this episode, host Alan Bennett sits down with Brad, a former pastor-turned-marketing strategist, to unpack the surprising overlap between ministry and business—and why clarity is the most underrated business advantage.⏱️ Chapters:[00:35] From Ministry to Marketing -Brad’s Story[03:30] Why Character Still Wins in Business[08:45] When Things Go Wrong: The Refund Story[13:35] Why Clarity Always Wins[17:00] Fixing the Real Problem in Your Sales Process[22:30] Earning Trust Without Pitching[27:00] Farming, Fishing & Hunting: Understanding Your Marketing Mix[33:00] What to Do When You Attract the Wrong Clients[36:00] Raising Prices Without Losing Loyalty[45:00] The Messy Process of Getting Clear🔗 Resources Mentioned:The 1-Page Marketing Plan by Allan DibBrad’s Diagnostic Tool: “Clarity First Diagnostic” — reach out via https://clarityalwayswins.com/ ✅ Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to:👍 Like🔔 Subscribe💬 Drop a comment—what part hit home for you?#TrustBuiltPodcast #MarketingClarity #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #StoryBrand #LeadershipDevelopment #ClarityAlwaysWins #SmallBusinessSupport
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12
Leaving a Steady Job to Start a Business: Brad’s Story of Risk & Reward
If you've ever wondered "Can I really start my own business & be successful?"This episode is for you! In this episode, Alan sits down with Brad Alexander—former pastor turned marketing strategist—to explore what it really takes to build a business from scratch when your back's against the wall.⏱️ Chapters:00:00 – Brad’s First Hustle: The Mint Toothpick Story00:26 – Meet Brad Alexander + How Entrepreneurship Found Him03:00 – From Ministry to Marketing: A Risky Career Pivot09:53 – Building a Business with No Safety Net15:10 – The Deadline That Changed Everything20:04 – Brad’s First Big Win (and What Made It Work)25:17 – The Power of Mentorship and Community29:10 – Innovation, Value, and Doing Work You Actually Like34:35 – Real Talk: Misconceptions About Entrepreneurship39:11 – What Brad Would Tell His Younger Self-----🔗 Connect with Brad Alexander🌐 https://clarityalwayswins.com/💼 LinkedIn: Brad Alexander📧 Book a no-pressure clarity call via the site-----Connect With Alan🌐 https://www.trustbuiltsolutions.com/
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11
Trust Over Control: How to Lead a Self-Sustaining Business with Stan Zylowski
If you’re an entrepreneur, executive, or team leader focused on growth without losing your purpose, this is a must-listen.In this episode of the TrustBuilt Podcast, host Alan Bennett sits down with entrepreneur and leadership expert Stan Zylowski, co-founder of Movista.We talk...[00:00] Stan's Origin Story & Early Hustle[20:00] Leadership, Feedback, and Company Culture[38:00] Execution Over Ideas & Communicating Value[44:00] Serial Entrepreneurship & Finding Your Role[51:00] Final Lessons on Trust, Culture, and Growth🔗 Resources and Links Mentioned:Learn more about TrustBuilt and the TrustBuilt Podcast: https://trustbuilt.solutions/podcastTake the Free Business Freedom Assessment: https://businessgrowth-alanbennett.scoreapp.comLearn more about Movista: https://www.movista.com#businessgrowth #entrepreneurship #businesstips
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10
How to Build a Self-Sustaining Business with Russ Collins
Feeling trapped by your business? In this episode of the TrustBuilt Podcast, host Alan Bennett sits down with entrepreneur Russ to talk about how business owners can finally break free from daily operational chaos.We talk...✅ What owner dependency looks like (and how to recognize it early)✅ Why building trust in your team is non-negotiable for growth✅ The hidden costs of being the bottleneck✅ Real examples of delegation and scalable systems in action✅ How business freedom leads to higher company value✅ Transition planning tips for long-term successResources and Links Mentioned:🔥 Download the FREE Guide:https://www.trustbuiltsolutions.com/resources🎯 Learn More About TrustBuilt: https://trustbuilt.solutions📖 Recommended Read: The 8 Key Drivers of Company Value (Available on request via TrustBuilt)#businessgrowth #entrepreneurship #businesstips
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The Truth About Service Businesses: It’s Not Tech, It’s Trust with Jason Robinson
“Culture trumps everything."In this episode of The TrustBuilt podcast, host Alan Bennett sits down with Jason Robinson, co-founder of IntegraTech, to discuss his journey from corporate IT to entrepreneurship.He opens up about the challenges of running a service-based business, the importance of trust and relationships, and how he’s building a company culture that aligns with his values.📌 Resources & Links Mentioned:Jason Robinson’s Company: IntegraTechBook: The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. GerberLearn more about Strength Assessments for Teams: Gallup StrengthsFinder🔗 How to Connect with Jason:Website: https://integritech.io/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinsonjas/
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Why You Shouldn’t Hire Based on Skills Alone with Roxanne Martino
The Secret to Better Teams, Higher Retention, and Real Growth? Core Values.In this episode, we sit down with Roxanne Martino to discuss the power of hiring based on core values. Beyond technical skills, finding team members who align with your company’s mission and culture leads to stronger collaboration, better retention, and a thriving workplace. Key Topics Covered:✅ The importance of hiring for values alignment, not just skills✅ How to craft interview questions that reveal a candidate’s core values✅ The role of trust and communication in workplace culture✅ Practical strategies for fostering a positive, high-performing team✅ The long-term benefits of prioritizing culture in business growth📌 Resources & Links Mentioned:Gallup StrengthsFinder – Discover and develop your team’s strengthsThe Pros of Positive Work Culture – Related blog post on how culture impacts the bottom lineBuilding a Team That Embodies Your Values – Nurture email on hiring beyond the resumeThinking Outside the Financial Box: Three Ways to Measure Success – Free resource for redefining business success
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How to Build a Business That Speaks For Itself with Cari Kaufman
if you're tired of cookie-cutter marketing and looking to reconnect with your ‘why’—this one's for you!In this episode of the TrustBuilt Podcast, host Alan Bennett sits down with Cari Kaufman, founder of Storyteller Wordsmith, to unpack how storytelling, authenticity, and trust can transform a small business’s marketing strategy. 👇 CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Welcome & Introducing Cari Kaufman 00:12 - The Story Behind "Storyteller Wordsmith" 01:52 - What Is Copywriting (and Why It Matters)? 03:00 - What Most Business Owners Miss About Marketing 05:00 - Storytelling as Business Therapy 07:04 - Why Connection to Your 'Why' Changes Everything 10:22 - Helping Business Owners Overcome Fear 13:25 - Defining a Unique Marketing Message 16:00 - Building Custom Marketing Strategies 18:52 - Compassion, Connection & Competency in Business 21:00 - The Launch Phase: From Vision to Visibility 23:20 - Why Analytics + Storytelling = Smart Marketing 26:44 - Preventing Stagnation with Content Ecosystems 30:20 - Understanding Business Owner Personality Types 33:20 - Building Trust Across Styles (Visionaries vs. Analysts) 37:50 - When Cari Says "No" (and Why That Builds Trust) 41:40 - How Cari Defines a "Touchdown" Win 44:50 - Final Takeaway: Great Marketing Honors Your Story✅ Connect with Cari Kaufman: Website: https://storytellerwordsmith.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carikaufman
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From Creative Sparks to Business Success with Bea Apple
What does it take to turn creativity, resilience, and a bold vision into a successful business? In this episode of The TrustBuilt Podcast, Bea Apple, founder of Hillfolk, shares her unconventional journey from engineering to entrepreneurship, building a thriving craft business that’s about to launch in 1,500 Walmart stores nationwide.Key Takeaways from This Episode:✅ Entrepreneurship is a mindset, not just a business model. ✅ You don’t need a perfect plan—just the courage to start. .✅ Your business should solve a real problem. ✅ Scaling a small business requires innovation. ✅ Great businesses don’t just serve customers; they build communities. ✅ Authenticity builds trust. ✅ A business must evolve to survive. Resources & Links Mentioned:📌 Hillfolk (https://hillfolk.com/) – Bea’s craft store and creative community 📌 Hillfolk Craft Kits at Walmart (Launching soon!) 📌 The Ideal Team Player by Patrick Lencioni – A must-read on hiring the right people 📌 The E-Myth by Michael Gerber – Understanding why small businesses fail and how to build a scalable system
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Why Business Success Requires Vision, Adaptation, and Continuous Iteration with John Shrewsbury
If you want a business that grows instead of stalls, you have to embrace vision, iteration, and adaptability. In this episode of The TrustBuilt Podcast, John Shrewsbury, co-founder of Gen Wealth Financial Advisors, shares his journey from working out of the trunk of his car to building a financial firm managing nearly $1 billion in assets.Key Takeaways from This Episode:✅ Vision isn’t optional.✅ The businesses that fail aren’t the ones with bad ideas.✅ Small, strategic changes (not massive reinvention) drive lasting success. ✅ Hiring the right team is the secret to scaling. ✅ Change isn’t just necessary—it’s survival. ✅ Leading a business means balancing vision and execution. ✅ The best advice John ever received: "Sometimes you have to go slow to go fast." Resources & Links Mentioned:📌 Gen Wealth Financial Advisors 📌 The Ideal Team Player by Patrick Lencioni 📌 The E-Myth by Michael Gerber🎧 Subscribe to never miss an episode!
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4
Building a Business that Doesn't Own You with Amy Pierce
In this episode host Alan Bennett sits down with Amy Pierce, founder of Bank Strategic Solutions, a firm dedicated to helping banks streamline operations, navigate mergers & acquisitions, and improve efficiency.If you’re a banking professional, entrepreneur, or business owner looking to scale effectively, this episode is packed with real-world strategies on leadership, problem-solving, and process improvement.Key Topics Covered:✅ How Amy transitioned from a banking executive to a successful entrepreneur.✅ The challenges banks face with mergers & acquisitions and efficiency.✅ Why community banks struggle with operations—and how to fix it.✅ The power of mentorship and how accountability groups shape business growth.✅ Lessons learned from taking risks and betting on yourself.✅ How data science is changing the way banks operate.✅ The importance of core values, flexibility, and workplace culture.Resources & Links Mentioned:🌐 Bank Strategic Solutions Website: https://bankstrategic.com/💼 Connect with Amy Pierce on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-pierce-gnaadvisors/
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Resilience, Leadership, and Building a Business That Lasts With Brett Goode
In this episode of The TrustBuilt Podcast, host Alan Bennett sits down with Brett Goode, former professional football player turned entrepreneur. Brett shares how the discipline, resilience, and structure of his 10-year football career laid the foundation for his transition into business ownership.Key Topics Covered:✅ How football prepared Brett for the challenges of business ownership.✅ The importance of mindset in overcoming setbacks.✅ Why entrepreneurs must learn to block out negativity and keep moving forward.✅ The power of mentorship and accountability in building a business.✅ How to create a positive team culture and develop strong leadership skills.✅ The reality of taking the leap into entrepreneurship—and why Brett wishes he had done it sooner.✅ How innovation and adaptability keep businesses relevant.Resources & Links Mentioned:🏈 Follow Brett Goode’s Business Journey: https://www.mosquitosquad.com/north-west-arkansas/📢 Connect with Brett on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-goode-a37bb569/]📖 Recommended Reads on Leadership & Mindset:📖 The Score Takes Care of Itself – Bill Walsh(Lessons from an NFL coach on leadership, building a winning culture, and staying focused on the long game.)📖 Extreme Ownership – Jocko Willink & Leif Babin(How taking full responsibility for your team and decisions leads to lasting success in business and leadership.)
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Unlocking Entrepreneurial Success with Scott Bowen
In this episode of the TrustBuilt Podcast, Alan Bennett interviews Scott Bowman, a seasoned entrepreneur with a fascinating background spanning the military, Walmart, and consulting. Scott shares his entrepreneurial journey, from his early days in the Army to creating innovative business solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises. This episode is packed with wisdom on risk-taking, self-discipline, and building a business that thrives in challenging markets.Scott’s journey highlights the importance of adaptability, self-awareness, and leveraging unique skills to create a thriving business. His candid recounting of setbacks and triumphs offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs navigating challenges and seizing opportunities in competitive markets.
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Creating A Business That Makes An Impact In 2025 With Michael Marsh
In this episode of the TrustBuilt Podcast, Alan Bennett sits down with Michael Marsh, founder of CRNA Locum Jobs, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey from CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) to business owner. Michael shares how his company addresses the critical shortage of anesthesia providers in rural and urban healthcare, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and his vision for innovation in healthcare staffing.Key Topics Covered:Michael’s career path from CRNA to entrepreneur.The origins of CRNA Locum Jobs and its role in healthcare staffing.Challenges of transitioning from employee to business owner.The critical demand for CRNAs and its impact on rural healthcare.How company culture and values drive success.Insights on adapting to change and fostering innovation in healthcare.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The TrustBuilt Podcast is for business owners ready to break free from the daily grind, scale with confidence, and create lasting value *.*Hosted by *Alan Bennett* , a Certified Exit Planning Advisor and business strategist, this podcast tackles the biggest challenge entrepreneurs face—building a business that thrives without their constant oversight.What You’ll Get from Each Episode:🎙 *Expert Conversations* – Insights from top business leaders, exit strategists, and entrepreneurs who’ve built self-sustaining businesses.📈 *Real-World Case Studies* – Stories of business owners who optimized operations and positioned for long-term success.💡 *Actionable Takeaways* – Strategies you can apply immediately to step back, scale up, and build a business that works for you.
HOSTED BY
Alan Bennett
CATEGORIES
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