Business & Brews with Matt Pierce

SummaryOn this episode of Business & Brews, Matt sits down with longtime friend Josh Etress for a conversation on leadership, career growth, faith, and the power of showing up.Josh shares his journey from ministry to software sales, from operational leadership to executive coaching, and the lessons he learned along the way. From taking bold risks early in his career to navigating major life and career transitions, this episode is full of practical insight for founders, operators, and leaders.Matt and Josh unpack what separates high performers, why solving problems makes you invaluable, how faith can shape major decisions, and why rest is essential for sustainable leadership.Josh also shares the story of how he broke into tech by betting on himself in a way most people would not.If you are building, leading, or trying to figure out your next step, this episode is for you.In this episode:Josh’s path from ministry into businessWhy high performers focus on solving problemsThe advantage of working in a growth-stage companyTransitioning from sales into operationsMoving from Birmingham to NashvilleThe role of faith and patience in career decisionsSabbath and rest as a leadership disciplineBreaking into tech by creating your own opportunityWhat excites Josh about coaching todayLeading with both confidence and honestyKey Takeaways:Solve problems beyond your role to create opportunityEffort and consistency can outpace experience earlyGrowth environments accelerate careersStrong principles apply across any industrySometimes you have to bet on yourselfFaithfulness often comes before clarityRest is critical to long-term performanceGreat leaders operate in truth, not just perception

SummaryIn this episode of Business and Brews, Matt sits down with John Burdett, Founder and CEO of Fast Slow Motion, for a conversation about what it really takes to grow a business beyond the founder stage. John shares his journey from Birmingham startup operator to entrepreneur, along with the lessons he’s learned about leadership, systems, ego, and scaling well.The conversation explores the shift from being the person who does everything to becoming the kind of leader who builds a business that can run without them. John talks candidly about how founders can become the bottleneck in their own companies, why process matters more than most people want to admit, and how defining the right scoreboard changes everything.John also opens up about an incredibly difficult personal season, including a life-threatening health crisis and a cancer diagnosis, and how those experiences tested everything he had built. What he found on the other side was clarity: a business designed the right way can create freedom, resilience, and room for what matters most.This episode is a thoughtful conversation on leadership, identity, and building a company that supports your life instead of consuming it.In this episode, Matt and John discuss:John’s path to founding Fast Slow MotionThe difference between being a founder and being a CEOWhy many entrepreneurs become the biggest obstacle to scalingThe role of ego, humility, and self-awareness in leadershipHow systems and process create freedom over timeBuilding a business that can operate without the founderWhat John’s health challenges taught him about life and leadershipKey TakeawaysA great business is not one that depends on the founder for everything. It is one that can grow, thrive, and create impact while also making room for a meaningful life.

Episode SummaryIn this special solo episode, Business & Brews host Matt Pierce takes a break from guest interviews to talk about financial literacy and why it matters.Drawing on his experience building Immediate, Matt shares a key insight: most people don’t have a money problem, they have a timing problem. When paydays don’t line up with real life expenses, financial stress builds quickly.This episode covers why so many Americans feel financially stretched, how behavior and planning impact money more than income alone, and three simple ways to take control of your cash flow.Key TakeawaysFinancial stress is more common than most people thinkCash flow timing is often the root issueSmall, consistent changes are more effective than perfect plansUnderstanding your behavior is just as important as understanding your budget

In Episode 11 of Business & Brews, Matt Pierce is joined by Phil Goldfeder and Charles Potts of the American Fintech Council for a conversation about responsible innovation, collaboration across the fintech ecosystem, and what it takes to build durable, consumer-first financial products.From Phil’s journey into fintech and the growth of AFC, to Charles’ perspective on standards, trust, and long-term industry success, this episode explores how fintechs, banks, and regulators can work together to move the industry forward the right way.Episode SummaryThis conversation dives into the evolution of the American Fintech Council and how it has grown into a major voice across fintech. Phil and Charles share why AFC has focused so heavily on responsible innovation, pragmatic policymaking, and creating a space where competitors can align on best practices for the good of the broader ecosystem.The episode also highlights earned wage access as a powerful example of what can happen when companies collaborate around shared standards while still competing in market. Matt, Phil, and Charles discuss why governance, transparency, accountability, and compliance are not barriers to growth, but core ingredients for building lasting companies and products.Timestamps00:54 – Charles’ coffee shoutout and entrepreneurial roots01:31 – Phil’s origin story05:40 – How American Fintech Council came together06:35 – AFC’s growth and evolution08:35 – Charles on why AFC’s growth matters11:23 – Navigating fintech, banks, and government12:52 – Responsible innovation and pragmatic leadership16:18 – Mission, optimism, and building with purpose21:26 – Earned wage access as a case study in collaboration25:48 – Building standards, durability, and trust27:44 – Competitors aligning for the good of the industry29:42 – What’s ahead for fintech in the next 9 monthsKey TakeawaysThe American Fintech Council has grown into a major collaborative voice across the fintech ecosystemResponsible innovation requires governance, transparency, and accountability from the startCompliance can be a competitive advantage, not just a requirementEarned wage access is a strong example of how competitors can align around shared standards

SummaryIn this episode of Business & Brews, Matt Pierce sits down with John Bowman, founder and CEO of Sure Med, to explore the realities of building a company from the ground up. John shares lessons from early failures, the importance of preparation, and what it takes to scale a business through constant pivots.They also dive into the evolving overdose epidemic and how SureMed is working to equip physicians with better data and tools to make safer decisions for patients.Show NotesJohn’s early journey: military, boxing, and entering healthcareLessons learned from his first business and why preparation mattersThe shift from “winging it” to operating with discipline and strategyThe role of mentorship and surrounding yourself with the right peopleNavigating years of pivots to find product-market fitScaling challenges: growing fast without losing focusUnderstanding the overdose epidemic beyond prescription opioidsHow SureMed helps physicians make more informed, lower-risk decisionsBuilding a mission-driven business rooted in purpose and faithKey TakeawaysPreparation creates confidence and better decision-makingThere is no single path to building a successful companyGrowth often looks like chaos — constant pivots are part of the processThe people and inputs you surround yourself with matter deeplyYou have to survive long enough to figure out what works, then scale itSolving meaningful problems requires both persistence and adaptability

SummaryIn this episode of Business & Brews, Matt Pierce sits down with Kelsey Weaver, Partner at Castle Creek Launchpad, for a wide-ranging conversation on banking, fintech, venture capital, creativity, and innovation. Kelsey shares her unconventional path into the banking world, from real estate and media to founding FinXTech and ultimately joining Castle Creek Launchpad. She discusses why fintech and banks are stronger together, what makes a great investor-founder partnership, and why she is especially excited about the future of tokenization in banking. The conversation also takes a lighter turn with stories about doodling, publishing illustrations, and unexpected brushes with Hollywood.Key TakeawaysKelsey’s career path has been anything but traditional, shaped by grit, curiosity, and strong conviction.She believes fintech and banks are most effective when they operate as complementary partners rather than competitors.Community banks play a vital role, while fintechs help expand access, efficiency, and innovation.At Castle Creek Launchpad, hands-on support and trusted guidance matter just as much as capital.Kelsey is especially excited about tokenization and its potential to improve transparency, portability, and trust in banking.Visual thinking, doodling, and creativity can be powerful tools for communication and learning.Chapters00:00 Welcome and introductions00:20 Kelsey’s travels and coffee shoutout01:27 Kelsey’s early career journey and unconventional path03:49 Discovering banking through Bank Director and launching FinXTech05:04 Do fintechs compete with banks or strengthen them?07:25 Why banks and fintechs work better together08:29 Lessons from Castle Creek Launchpad and the venture world12:10 What founders should look for in investment partners14:07 Kelsey’s published illustrations and creative process17:03 Doodling, note-taking, and visual learning22:00 Side hustles, acting, and a Hollywood detour30:56 What Kelsey is watching in banking for 202631:09 Why tokenization could reshape financial services34:59 Final thoughts on banking innovation and customer needs

SummaryRick Elmore shares his inspiring journey from NFL athlete to successful entrepreneur, highlighting the power of problem-solving, discipline, and innovation in business. Listen in to learn how handwritten notes and AI are transforming customer engagement and business growth.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Rick Elmore's Background01:37 Rick's Athletic Career and Transition to Business04:01 Lessons from NFL and Corporate Career08:18 The Power of Handwritten Notes in Business09:34 Building Simply Noted: Challenges and Milestones16:53 Innovating with Robotics and Print Automation20:29 Problem Solving and Growth in Entrepreneurship26:12 Future of Business, AI, and AutomationResourcesSimply Noted: https://simplynoted.com/University of Arizona Eller Business School: https://eller.arizona.edu/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickelmore/

SummaryIn this episode, Matt Pierce interviews Keith Melton, Senior VP of Product Commercialization at The Clearing House, to explore the evolution of payment systems, the impact of real-time payments (RTP), and future innovations in financial technology.Key TopicsThe history and mission of The Clearing HouseHow RTP differs from ACH and traditional paymentsUse cases and benefits of RTP for consumers and businessesThe role of governance and ownership in payment networksFuture trends and innovations in payment technologyChapters00:00 Introduction and Background04:13 The Clearing House and Its Unique Structure06:58 Understanding RTP: Real-Time Payments13:58 Comparing RTP and ACH: Use Cases and Characteristics18:50 Innovation in Banking: Perspectives from Community to Big Banks22:05 Future of Payments: Trends and Innovations26:06 Conclusion and Personal Reflections

SummaryIn this episode of Business & Brews, host Matt Pierce speaks with Carey Ransom, Managing Director of BankTech Ventures. They discuss Carey’s journey from growing up in a family business to becoming a successful entrepreneur and investor in the banking technology sector. The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation for community banks, the importance of building strong relationships with entrepreneurs, and a strategic approach to investing in companies that enhance banking services. Carey emphasizes the need for banks to adapt to changing market conditions and the value of supporting founders throughout their journeys.TakeawaysCarey grew up in a family business, shaping his understanding of entrepreneurshipHe transitioned from operating roles to investing in technology startupsBankTech Ventures aims to help community banks navigate digital transformationCarey believes in treating each bank as a unique customerUnderstanding market conditions is critical for banks’ long-term growthCarey’s investment strategy focuses on companies that improve banking servicesHe values long-term relationships with both banks and entrepreneursCarey promotes the philosophy of “no founder left behind”Banks must adapt or risk becoming obsoleteCarey’s journey reflects a deep commitment to supporting community bankingChapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Background02:45 Journey into Technology and Entrepreneurship06:44 The Birth of BankTech Ventures10:31 Navigating Digital Transformation in Banking18:51 Investment Strategies and Company Selection25:31 Building Relationships and Supporting Entrepreneurs

Summary In this episode of Business and Brews, host Matt Pierce interviews Adam Pennybaker, CEO of Milo's Hamburgers. Adam shares his journey from a background in furniture to leading a beloved restaurant brand. The conversation explores the importance of people in business, the legacy of Milo's commitment to 'a little something extra,' and the financial wisdom that guides their operations. Adam discusses his leadership superpowers and the significance of teamwork in achieving meaningful success. As Milo's approaches its 80th anniversary, Adam reflects on the brand's history and its impact on the community. Takeaways Adam's journey to CEO was influenced by his family's restaurant background. The importance of showing up and caring in the workplace. Milo's mission is to give a little something extra in all they do. Financial advice should align with personal integrity and values. Leadership is about being a good steward of your gifts. Building relationships is key to success in business. Milo's has been around for 80 years, celebrating a rich legacy. Teamwork is essential for meaningful success in business. The stories of customers and employees are what make Milo's special. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Milo's Hamburgers and Adam Pennybaker 01:34 Adam's Journey to CEO of Milo's Hamburgers 09:37 People-Centric Leadership and Employee Development 13:01 Milo's Hamburgers: A Legacy of Quality and Service 14:38 Financial Wisdom and Life Principles 17:39 Identifying Superpowers in Leadership 27:33 Looking Ahead: Celebrating 80 Years of Milo's

SummaryIn this episode of Business and Brews, Matt and Kaitlin Pierce discuss the emotional and financial challenges of being married to an entrepreneur. They share their personal experiences navigating early marriage, parenthood, and the complexities of finances while balancing work and family life. The conversation emphasizes the importance of communication, support, and transparency in a relationship, especially when one partner is pursuing entrepreneurship.TakeawaysThe emotional toll of entrepreneurship can be significant.Open communication about finances is crucial in a marriage.Creating a budget together can alleviate financial stress.Support systems are essential for managing family responsibilities.Teaching kids about money helps them understand financial realities.Transparency in spending fosters trust in a relationship.Balancing work and family life requires intentional planning.It's important to recognize the emotional weight carried by entrepreneurs.Learning when to listen versus when to give advice is key.Entrepreneurship is not for everyone; it requires deep commitment.Chapters00:00 The Emotional Toll of Entrepreneurship02:44 Navigating Early Marriage and Parenthood04:42 The Financial Struggles of Entrepreneurship07:27 Communication and Support in Marriage09:45 Finding Work-Life Balance12:34 Budgeting and Financial Planning as a Couple15:10 Best Practices for Family Finances17:39 Teaching Kids About Money20:19 The Importance of Transparency in Finances22:04 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs23:44 Final Thoughts on the Entrepreneurial Journey

SummaryIn this episode of Business and Brews, Matt Pierce interviews Jennifer Ryan, co-founder and CEO of Croux. They discuss Jennifer's unconventional journey from banking to entrepreneurship, the challenges she faced during the pandemic, and how she identified a gap in the restaurant industry that led to the creation of Croux. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, mentorship, and leveraging AI in business operations. Jennifer shares her excitement for the future of Croux and the impact they aim to make in the industry.TakeawaysJennifer's journey from banking to entrepreneurship was unconventional.Self-awareness and reflection are crucial for making informed decisions.Mentorship and support systems are vital for success.AI can streamline business operations and enhance decision-making.Flexibility in work is increasingly important for employees.The culture of a company is shaped by daily actions and values.It's okay to change your mind about career paths.Building a strong team is essential for executing business goals.Optimism and confidence are key traits for entrepreneurs.Planning for the future while being adaptable to change is important.Chapters01:58 Jennifer's Journey: From Banking to Entrepreneurship04:26 The Birth of Crew: Identifying Gaps in the Industry09:43 Self-Awareness and Reflection in Decision Making10:41 The Importance of Mentorship and Support18:42 Leveraging AI in Business Operations30:33 Looking Ahead: Goals for Croux in 2026

In this episode of Business & Brews, host Matt Pierce talks with Thor Hunter, Head of Sales and Partnerships for RedeApp. Matt and Thor discuss Thor’s journey from construction work to enterprise software sales, the importance of emotional intelligence in business, and innovative strategies for engaging clients at conferences. Thor shares insights on the mission of RedeApp, the role of AI in business (and life), and the significance of resilience in sales. The conversation wraps up with a look ahead to 2026 and the exciting developments on the horizon for RedeApp.Key TakeawaysBourbon is a great icebreaker at conferences.Emotional intelligence is crucial in sales and leadership.Consistency in efforts leads to success over time.Understanding client needs is key to solution selling.Resilience is important in overcoming challenges in sales.AI is transforming business operations and personal productivity.Building relationships is essential for long-term success.The frontline workforce is vital for organizational success.Innovative strategies can enhance client engagement.Future developments in AI will revolutionize data insights.Chapters02:50: Conference Strategies and Networking06:00: Thor’s Journey to RedeApp11:52: Understanding RedeApp’s Mission14:51: Leadership Lessons and Emotional Intelligence20:05: Sales Stories and Resilience24:08: The Role of AI in Business and Life30:07: Future Plans for RedeApp

In this episode of Business & Brews, host Matt Pierce introduces mentor Mason Beard, discussing the evolution of Immediate, insights into the financial sector, challenges faced, the impact of AI, and personal health practices. They explore the changing landscape of consumer expectations and the importance of accessibility in financial services, while also looking forward to the opportunities that 2026 holds.TakeawaysImmediate addresses the needs of those living paycheck to paycheck.The shift from B2B to direct-to-consumer models is significant.Consumer expectations are evolving, especially in the gig economy.Accessibility in financial services is a major challenge.AI is enhancing productivity across various sectors.Health practices like sauna use and cold plunges can improve well-being.The importance of understanding consumer perceptions in finance.2026 is anticipated to be a year of growth and opportunity.Investment trends are showing increased optimism in the market.Chapters02:22 The Journey of Immediate03:25 Investor Insights and Market Trends09:56 Challenges in the Financial Sector16:10 Harnessing AI for Growth24:56 Health and Longevity Insights35:25 Looking Ahead to 2026

Welcome to Season 2 of Business & Brews with Matt Pierce!Today's episode features a conversation with Will Yarbrough, CSO of Arcoro, covering his journey into sales, the characteristics of successful salespeople, the use of AI in sales, and Will's superpower and excitement for 2026. Key TakeawaysCuriosity and becoming an expert are key to successful sales.Trust and rapport with prospects and team members are crucial for success in sales and leadership.AI can be used for research, training, and as a knowledge base for the sales team.Key Chapters00:00 Introduction & Launch of Season 205:37 Arcoro's HR SaaS Solutions and Impact on Construction Industry18:00 Characteristics of Successful Salespeople and Interview Process24:25 Utilizing AI in Sales Enablement and Skill Sharpening33:12 Evolution of Superpower and Building Trust in Sales and Leadership

Business & Brews with Matt Pierce is back with real business talk and insightful conversations. This podcast is designed for bite-sized, insightful conversations centered on leadership, growth, and the stories that make business worth talking about! Stay tuned for Season 2, Episode 1!

Nate Hybl is on a mission to do what some would say is impossible: make healthy food - and fast. Check out this week's B&B with the founder of gusto, and order some fresh food here: https://whatsyourgusto.com/

“Entrepreneurship is partially a mindset. You have to learn the discipline of staying hungry and always being a little bit unsatisfied.”Dr. Patrick Murphy was recruited from Chicago to build a world-class Entrepreneurship Program at UAB and Matt got the chance to sit down with him to hear about his story and vision for Birmingham.Learn more about the program here: https://www.uab.edu/business/home/entrepreneurship

(Part Two) Zane Tarence of Founders Advisors believes exceptional people create exceptional results. Join Matt and Zane as they discuss leadership and what it takes to become a great leader on this week’s episode of Business & Brews.To provide securities-related services discussed herein, certain principals of Founders Advisors, LLC are licensed with Founders M&A Advisory, LLC, member of FINRA & SiPC. Founders M&A Advisory is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Founders Advisors. Neither Founders M&A Advisory nor Founders Advisors provide investment advice.

Zane Tarence of Founders Advisors believes exceptional people create exceptional results. Join Matt and Zane as they discuss leadership and what it takes to become a great leader on this week’s episode of Business & Brews.To provide securities-related services discussed herein, certain principals of Founders Advisors, LLC are licensed with Founders M&A Advisory, LLC, member of FINRA & SiPC. Founders M&A Advisory is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Founders Advisors. Neither Founders M&A Advisory nor Founders Advisors provide investment advice.

CerFlux is on a mission to crush cancer. CEO Karim Budhwani’s passion and excitement give us a hopeful perspective in honor of #worldcancerday.Learn more about CerFlux here: https://www.cerflux.com/

In this very special (and slightly unhinged) episode of Business & Brews, Matt sits down with himself for an honest, unscripted conversation about leadership, building Immediate, lessons learned the hard way, and the questions he’s asked everyone else—but has conveniently avoided answering himself… until now.Learn more about Immediate: http://joinimmediate.com/

We're excited to kick off Business & Brews ATL with the brilliant Morgan J Ingram. If you're in sales (let's be honest, we all are), then this one's for you!

Meet the inspiring Darlene Wilson: A third-generation entrepreneur who founded RAM Firm simply to have the flexibility to be present with her son. Darlene's various titles, board positions, and involvement in the community are endless. To say we are grateful she calls Birmingham home is an understatement. Learn more about RAM Firm: https://ramfirm.com/ Connect with Darlene: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darlene-wilson-89991723/

After Therapy Brands sold for $1.2B, Shegun Otulana started Harmony Venture Labs. His hope? To create an economic impact in Birmingham that is 100 times the impact of Therapy Brands. HVL is on a mission to make a positive impact on communities by building startups and supporting those building technology products. Check out HVL here: https://harmonyventurelabs.com/

While Shegun Otulana doesn't prefer to be considered a business unicorn, he became one when Therapy Brands sold to KKR for $1.2B. On this special Unicorn Edition of Business & Brews, Shegun and Matt discuss business, priorities, and values.We couldn't pack all the golden nuggets into one video so we're posting Part 2 to see what he's up to now.

When Liz Read experienced an unexpected family challenge with drug use dependency - she took to her phone to find an app that monitored drug tests with secure results and educational tools - but it was nowhere to be found.So she set out to develop the solution her family so desperately needed as they navigated their new normal. And ClearMIND was born.Watch for good conversation and great advice on this week’s episode of Business & Brews! Big thanks to Red Cat Coffee for a fabulous outdoor spot and great coffee.ClearMIND: https://withclearmind.com/Red Cat: https://theredcatcoffeehouse.com/

"Sports are a very powerful thing. Name another place in the world where some random thing can happen in a stadium and you slap fives or hug a complete stranger. I tell people all the time: sports are the great unifier."We got the chance to sit down with Michael Eady, President of Knight Eady to hear how he has navigated his sports marketing agency through the highs and lows of starting a company to learning through the pandemic and beyond. Check out Knight Eady here: https://knighteady.com/Thanks to Monday Night Brewing for the hospitality!https://mondaynightbrewing.com/visit/social-club/

Del Smith’s genetic predisposition says he won’t live to see his 50th birthday. With three boys of his own, Del set out on a journey to find health solutions to beat the odds before him.What Del discovered led him to start Acclinate, a digital health company educating diverse individuals to make better and informed decisions as it relates to their health.Learn more about Acclinate: https://www.acclinate.com/Whiskey of choice: Uncle Nearest, https://unclenearest.com/premium-aged-whiskey/

We're excited to sit down with Delphine Carter, Founder and CEO of Boulo Solutions. Boulo connects innovative companies and women seeking jobs with flexible schedules. Check Boulo out here: https://boulosolutions.com/ A BIG thanks to Little Professor in Homewood, Alabama for great coffee and good vibes! https://littleprofessorhomewood.com/