Built to Grow: The Small Business Playbook

What separates a $1M business from a $10M business?In this episode, Ryan Naylor sits down with Kayden Muzila, founder of Musilla Creative, to break down what actually changes as companies scale—especially when it comes to branding, creative strategy, and understanding your audience.Kayden shares his journey from creative director in the Hollywood film and advertising world to building a fast-growing agency from scratch after multiple layoffs forced a reset in his career.Together, they explore:Why most brands fail to scale their messaging past $1MThe shift from “what we like” to “what the audience actually wants”How delegation becomes the real bottleneck in growthWhat hiring and trust look like inside a scaling creative businessHow content strategy should actually be structured for results, not just viralityWhy authenticity beats trends in social media marketingIf you’re building a business, leading a team, or trying to break through your next revenue ceiling, this conversation is packed with real-world insight from both the agency and operator side.Follow Kayden Muzila on IG: https://www.instagram.com/kayhaos/Follow Ryan on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ryan.nylr/Follow our Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/built.to.grow.podcast/Learn more about AvaHR and get a free trial of our ATS: www.avahr.comWatch the live Interviews on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avahrsoftware

In this episode, Ryan sits down with Katie Shive to break down what AI actually means for small business owners—not in theory, but in execution.From building AI agents that act like personal assistants to creating scalable content systems, Katie shares how businesses can start leveraging AI today to save time, increase efficiency, and stay competitive.They dive into: What’s really coming in the next 18 months with AI  How to use AI agents to automate daily tasks and decision-making  Why most businesses are using AI wrong (and how to fix it)  How to build a brand voice that doesn’t sound like “AI wrote it”  The role of personal branding in a world with less trust and more automation This episode isn’t about replacing people—it’s about amplifying what great operators can do with the right systems.If you’re a business owner trying to figure out where AI actually fits into your day-to-day… this is your playbook.Follow Katie Shive on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heykatieshive/Follow Ryan on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ryan.nylr/Follow our Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/built.to.grow.podcast/Learn more about AvaHR and get a free trial of our ATS: www.avahr.comWatch the live Interviews on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avahrsoftware

In this episode of the Built to Grow Podcast, Ryan sits down with Tiffany Rosenbaum—entrepreneur, business owner, and advisor—to break down what it actually takes to scale a business the right way.From starting with nothing during the 2008 crash to building a fast-growing company, Tiffany shares the real, behind-the-scenes lessons most entrepreneurs learn the hard way.They dive into: The biggest misconception small business owners have about scaling  Why your team—not just your strategy—is the real growth driver  How to build systems that actually support growth  The importance of hiring slow and building the right culture  Why stepping out of the day-to-day is critical for long-term success  And the uncomfortable truth about what’s really holding most entrepreneurs back Tiffany also shares how implementing an advisory board helped her scale over 100% in a year—and why surrounding yourself with the right people can completely change your trajectory.If you’re feeling stuck in your business, still wearing too many hats, or struggling to grow beyond your current level—this episode will challenge the way you think about leadership, systems, and scale.Follow Tiffany on IG: https://www.instagram.com/tiffanymrosenbaum/Follow Ryan on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ryan.nylr/Follow our Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/built.to.grow.podcast/Learn more about AvaHR and get a free trial of our ATS: www.avahr.comWatch the live Interviews on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avahrsoftware

In this episode, Ryan sits down with Charles Drown, owner of Square One Home Inspections, to break down the real, unfiltered journey of building a small business from the ground up.Charles shares what most people don’t talk about...like the constant pressure of ownership, the early days of struggling to find customers, and why not all work is good work. From cold starts and stacks of unused business cards to building a referral engine through social media, he walks through the exact strategies that helped him grow.They dive into:How to use Instagram to build real business relationships (not just followers)Why giving away free value is the fastest path to long-term growthThe biggest mistakes new business owners make with pricingWhen to raise your prices—and when not toSystems and tools that save time and scale your operationsThe mindset shift from technician to business ownerCharles also shares blunt advice for anyone thinking about starting their own business: you don’t need permission, you just need to start.If you're a small business owner (or want to be one), this episode is packed with practical strategies, honest insights, and a no-BS look at what it really takes to grow.Follow Ryan on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ryan.nylr/Follow our Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/built.to.grow.podcast/Learn more about AvaHR and get a free trial of our ATS: www.avahr.comWatch the live Interviews on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avahrsoftware

In this episode of Built to Grow, host Ryan Naylor sits down with former Markus Wheaton, a standout wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who’s now tackling an entirely new arena: small business ownership.Ryan asks the question everyone wants to know:“What’s harder… the NFL or running a small business?”Markus’ answer sets the tone for a raw, honest, and inspiring conversation about transitioning from elite athletics to entrepreneurship.Markus opens up about:🔸 Living in the moment at Oregon State and never assuming the NFL was guaranteed🔸 Draft-night doubts and the mindset that kept him “always on the rise”🔸 How he built Western Skies Landscaping from the ground up🔸 Early challenges: HOA battles, permits, hiring, sub-contractors, quality control🔸 What he brought from the locker room into business leadership: accountability, ownership, and culture🔸 How working out, connecting with others, and staying curious protect his mental health🔸 The loneliness of entrepreneurship and how to fight it🔸 The transparent leadership style he learned from coach Mike Tomlin🔸 His next chapter: scaling to $4M and building a home-services investment portfolioThis episode is packed with wisdom for small business owners, athletes in transition, and anyone trying to grow personally and professionally. Markus’ mindset, humility, and hunger make this one unforgettable.Follow Markus on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taewheaton/Western Skies Landscaping: https://www.instagram.com/westernskieslandscaping/Follow Ryan on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ryan.nylr/Follow our Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/built.to.grow.podcast/Learn more about AvaHR and get a free trial of our ATS: www.avahr.comWatch the live Interviews on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avahrsoftware

Jason Payne went from making $12.50 an hour to running a multi-million-dollar roofing company and he did it by asking better questions, building better people, and never settling. In this episode, Jason and Ryan Naylor discuss how to hire hungry talent, fire based on values, delegate like a CEO, and reverse-engineer your growth. If you’re a business owner serious about scaling, leadership, and legacy, this episode is a must-listen.Follow Jason Payne: https://www.instagram.com/jasontheroofer/Follow Ryan on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ryan.nylr/Follow our Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/built.to.grow.podcast/Learn more about AvaHR and get a free trial of our ATS: www.avahr.comWatch the live Interviews on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avahrsoftware

In this episode of The People Ops Playbook, host Ryan Naylor sits down with Chloe Street, an expert in the human side of business and former HR leader at Meta, Credit Suisse, and Morgan Stanley. Together, they unpack what it really means to put the “human” back in human resources.From fighting workplace isolation to creating cultures rooted in trust and genuine connection, Chloe shares practical tools for leaders... like her “90-second rule” and connection formula of Presence, Curiosity, and Trust, that can transform how teams communicate and thrive.If you’ve ever wondered how to build a team that feels seen, heard, and inspired, this episode is your playbook for leading with empathy and depth in today’s disconnected world.💡 Key Takeaway: Connection isn’t a grand gesture, it’s built in 90-second moments of presence.Follow Chloe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloestreet1/Follow Ryan on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ryan.nylr/Follow our Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/built.to.grow.podcast/Learn more about AvaHR and get a free trial of our ATS: www.avahr.comWatch the live Interviews on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avahrsoftware

Ryan sits down with HR tech veteran William Tincup to unpack what’s really changing in HR and what never will. They dive into payroll, compliance, the rise of agentic AI, and how HR leaders can adapt without losing the human touch. William shares insights from his decades in recruiting, his work with WorkDefined, and why hyper-personalization and real human connection still matter in talent acquisition.Follow William on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/Follow Ryan on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ryan.nylr/Follow our Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/built.to.grow.podcast/Learn more about AvaHR and get a free trial of our ATS: www.avahr.comWatch the live Interviews on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avahrsoftware

In this episode of The People Ops Playbook, Ryan Naylor sits down with Sana Walker, founder of HR Girlfriends, to explore how HR leaders can move from reactive problem-solvers to strategic partners. They discuss the importance of setting boundaries, aligning with CEOs, and building trust with leadership. Sanaa shares actionable advice on being solution-oriented, leveraging data to drive decisions, and navigating relationships with CFOs and executives to ensure HR drives real business impact.If you’re an HR professional looking to elevate your influence, or a business leader wanting to understand the true value of HR, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.Follow Sana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanarasul/Follow Ryan on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ryan.nylr/Follow our Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/built.to.grow.podcast/Learn more about AvaHR and get a free trial of our ATS: www.avahr.comWatch the live Interviews on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avahrsoftware

In this episode, Ryan Naylor sits down with Kim Rohrer, an HR veteran with a background that spans VP of People, talent strategy, and - surprisingly -community theater. Kim reveals how her theater experience fuels her HR “superpower”: storytelling. They explore how every stage of the employee journey, from job postings to onboarding to performance reviews, is an opportunity to craft meaningful narratives that connect people to your company’s culture.Kim shares practical insights on:-Turning organizational changes and challenging news into stories employees understand and trust-Codifying and aligning company culture with real behaviors and decisions-Balancing the human side of HR in an AI-driven world-Improving candidate experience from first glance to the first 90 daysWhether you’re an HR leader, people ops professional, or small business owner, this episode shows how thoughtful storytelling and strategic planning can transform the way your employees experience work.Follow Kim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimrohrer/Follow Ryan on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ryan.nylr/Follow our Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/built.to.grow.podcast/Learn more about AvaHR and get a free trial of our ATS: www.avahr.comWatch the live Interviews on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avahrsoftware

In this episode of The People Ops Playbook, Ryan Naylor sits down with HR leader and author Tim Sackett to debunk the biggest myths holding small businesses back from successful hiring. From the misconceptions around “buying” vs. “building” talent, to the realities of retention, culture, and the actual work of recruiting, Ryan and Tim break down what business owners need to know to compete for top talent. Packed with practical insights and real-world stories, this conversation challenges the status quo and gives small business leaders a fresh perspective on how to hire smarter, retain longer, and grow stronger teams.Follow Tim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timsackett/Follow Ryan on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ryan.nylr/Follow our Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/built.to.grow.podcast/Learn more about AvaHR and get a free trial of our ATS: www.avahr.comWatch the live Interviews on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avahrsoftware

Join Ryan Naylor and Enrique Rubio as they dive into the evolving world of HR, exploring how traditionally “lonely” HR roles can become powerful drivers of business strategy. This episode unpacks the latest in HR tech, AI, and people operations, while highlighting the power of building community, connecting with peers, and staying relevant in a fast-changing workplace. Whether you’re an HR professional, business leader, or curious about the future of work, this podcast gives you actionable insights, fresh perspectives, and real-world stories to transform your approach to HR.Follow Enrique on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rubioenrique/Following HackingHR on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hacking-hr/Follow Ryan on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ryan.nylr/Follow our Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/built.to.grow.podcast/Learn more about AvaHR and get a free trial of our ATS: www.avahr.comWatch the live Interviews on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avahrsoftware

In this fireside chat, Ryan Naylor sits down with HR leader and entrepreneur Robynn Storey to tackle some of the hottest topics shaping hiring today - from AI-generated resumes to building a personal brand that actually works.They dive into the resume chaos that HR teams are facing, exploring whether AI tools are helping or hurting the search for top talent, and how hiring teams can spot the real stars hidden among AI-polished applications. Robynn shares her best advice for job seekers using AI...where it adds value, and where it crosses into hype.The conversation then shifts to the balance between tech and the human touch in HR. Robynn breaks down which processes should never be automated, which tools actually make life easier, and where HR teams should draw the line with technology.Finally, Ryan and Robynn get personal about entrepreneurship and leadership. Robynn opens up about her journey from idea to thriving business, the myths she’s constantly debunking about being an entrepreneur in the HR space, and the truths no one tells you until you’re living it.If you care about hiring smarter, keeping HR human, and leading with purpose, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Follow Ryan on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ryan.nylr/Follow our Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/built.to.grow.podcast/Learn more about AvaHR and get a free trial of our ATS: www.avahr.comWatch the live Interviews on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avahrsoftware