Business Under Fire

In this episode, we sit down with TikTok creator and entrepreneur Rooster Vance, a guy who’s built a powerful personal brand by leaning into authenticity, alter ego, and real-world business experience. We go deep on what it really takes to turn content into cash, why most people fail at personal branding, and how today’s shifting economy is exposing weak business models.Rooster doesn’t hold back — from calling out fake “views = success” culture to explaining why your offer matters more than your content, this is a no-BS conversation for creators, business owners, and anyone trying to build something real.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Intro & who is Rooster Vance?02:10 – The “Rooster” alter ego vs real life identity05:30 – Why people are afraid to post content06:35 – Stop caring what people think12:40 – Why views don’t actually make you money13:35 – The importance of having a real offer18:50 – Turning attention into actual business21:10 – “Everyone is broke” — what’s happening in the economy22:20 – Real estate, land, and market shifts26:45 – Adapting your business in a downturn30:10 – Employee mindset vs entrepreneur mindset34:00 – Building a brand that actually converts38:20 – Final advice for creators and business owners🔑 Key TakeawaysViews don’t matter if you can’t monetizeYour offer is more important than your contentPersonal branding requires risk and authenticityThe economy is shifting — and weak businesses will struggleAttention is only valuable if you know how to convert it

What separates the entrepreneurs who make it from the ones who burn out? Tommy Bonner has 26 years and 240 employees worth of answers. In this solo episode of Business Under Fire, Tommy gets real about what it actually takes to build and sustain a business — from mowing lawns out of an Acura Integra to owning restaurants, a nursery, and flying private jets. No guest, no filter — just hard-earned lessons and straight talk.⏱️ Timestamps:00:00:19 – Intro & surprise call from Blake Burt (first-ever podcast guest)00:03:11 – Why Tommy recorded a solo episode today00:04:07 – What separates the men from the boys: doing it anyway00:05:00 – Tommy's backstory: 26 years of entrepreneurship, starting at 1900:06:08 – How it all started: a black Acura Integra, a push mower, and $500/week00:08:17 – Lesson #1: The Buck Stops Here — you are the fixer, bulldozer & firefighter00:14:50 – Lesson #2: The Smartest Person Might Not Be the Owner00:18:07 – Lesson #3: The Key to Success Is People — the Beer House hiring story00:27:31 – Lesson #4: Speed Wins — Perfection Kills Momentum00:30:25 – Lesson #5: It's Going to Be Harder and Take Longer Than You Think00:31:17 – The baseball analogy: aim for singles and doubles, home runs will come00:34:19 – What Tommy wants from the podcast & his businesses going forward00:38:36 – The hardest three years of his life — and how they came out the other side00:40:26 – What's next: buying businesses, construction projects & flying00:42:17 – Closing thoughts & restaurant recommendations in Port Aransas📍 Mentioned in This Episode:Beer House – Port Aransas, TXSeafood & Spaghetti Works – Port Aransas, TXBurnt Bean Co. (referenced)📬 Connect with Tommy Bonner:✉️ [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, text or email Tommy directly — he reads them. New episodes dropping regularly on Business Under Fire.

In this episode of Business Under Fire, we sit down with Rob from First Fidelity Wealth Management for a raw, unfiltered conversation about what it really takes to build, grow, and sustain a business over the long haul.From marketing failures and scaling struggles to leadership challenges and personal discipline, this episode dives deep into the realities most entrepreneurs don’t talk about. If you’re a business owner (or want to be one), this is packed with hard-earned lessons you won’t want to miss.

What happens when a 40-year highway construction worker picks up his phone, walks into an African café, and accidentally goes viral? You get Dine with Kent — one of the most authentic food platforms on the internet. Host Tommy sits down with Ken Burns, the Port Aransas-based food influencer behind the massively popular TikTok and Instagram page "Dine with Kent," to talk about his accidental rise to fame, his philosophy of "for me or not for me," and why real people are hungry for real reactions.From small business advocacy to upcoming appearances on the Tamron Hall Show and a feature in the New York Times, Ken's story is proof that passion + authenticity can take you anywhere — even if you started by leaning your phone against a glass of water.

This episode, we're joined by Jereme Ragsdale, owner of Sign Design in Lubbock, Texas. Jeremy started his company in 2002 after being let go on a Friday — and was knocking on doors by Monday. Over 23 years later, he's built one of West Texas's most trusted full-service sign and design companies, with a team that's been with him for decades. From vehicle wraps and building signs to becoming the mini ad agency for small businesses all across the region, Jeremy's story is one of grit, craft, and small-town pride done right.

What does the first year of business ownership ACTUALLY look like? In this episode, we sit down with Ian Acosta, owner of Tip Top Cleaners in New Braunfels, Texas, for a brutally honest conversation about his first year running the oldest dry cleaning business in town (established 1942).Ian shares the highs, lows, and hard lessons learned from transitioning from employee to owner. From earning respect as a young entrepreneur to mastering the numbers game, this is essential viewing for anyone considering buying or starting their own business.If you thought business ownership meant instant wealth and freedom... think again. This is the reality check every entrepreneur needs to hear.

In this episode of Business Under Fire, we sit down with Nate and Chance Roberts, the father-son duo behind Practical Metals in Creston, Texas. What started as a whiskey-fueled conversation on a Friday night turned into a thriving metal building company that's defying the odds. Nate brings 25+ years of experience in commercial roofing and steel after serving in the Marine Corps, while Chance went from college baseball player to car salesman to business partner. Together, they've built something special - a company that tripled its revenue goals and continues to push boundaries.This raw, honest conversation covers the reality of entrepreneurship, the unique dynamics of working with family, and why "working smarter" isn't enough if you want real success.

In this episode, we are joined by Justin Shaner, a veteran entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in the automotive and off-road industry.Justin shares the incredible story of building his business, "Off-Road Plays," into a multi-million dollar success and the emotional journey of selling it to a close friend to change their life. But the story doesn't end at the exit. Justin opens up about the depression that followed retirement, his 50-pound health transformation, and why he’s more "fired up" than ever to start his next venture at 48.

In this special year-end episode, host Tommy reflects on the first year of Business Under Fire with surprise guest Matt Wheeler from Lubbock, Texas. After completing nearly 50 episodes in year one, Tommy shares the raw truth about podcasting costs, the unexpected connections made, and the real ROI that goes far beyond download numbers.From spending $3-4K per month on production to being in the top 20% of podcasts with just 100-300 downloads per week, this episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to run a successful business podcast. Tommy also shares two powerful stories that made the entire year worthwhile: how the podcast helped two old friends reconnect before one passed away, and how a guest offered life-changing free treatments to Tommy's friend battling cancer.Whether you're thinking about starting a podcast, looking for business networking strategies, or just want to hear honest reflections on entrepreneurship, this episode delivers authentic insights you won't find anywhere else.

This conversation goes deep into what it takes to build winning organizations, the price of excellence, and why the top 1% think differently. From practicing 2.5 hours in an opponent's gym after a loss to building multiple businesses while staying hungry for more, Coach Burt reveals the mindset and strategies that separate champions from everyone else.Whether you're an entrepreneur, coach, or someone hungry for more, this episode will challenge you to raise your standards and get uncomfortable in pursuit of greatness.

In this episode, we sit down with Mason Steel, founder of Town - a revolutionary software company transforming how restaurants manage their digital presence.At just 25 years old, Mason has already built and pivoted multiple companies, raised capital from investors, and is now servicing over 100 restaurants with his all-in-one platform. From selling health insurance at 18 to throwing massive college concerts, to launching a failed coupon app that taught him invaluable lessons, Mason's entrepreneurial journey is packed with real, actionable business wisdom.Join us as we dive deep into cold calling strategies, fundraising, the harsh realities of startup life, and why cheap lawyers will cost you more in the long run. Mason shares raw, unfiltered insights about what it really takes to build a business - the failures, the pivots, and the grind that nobody talks about.

Chris Jacobs didn't have a typical path to success. After losing his mother at 14 and being sent to military school in Alabama, he joined the Army at 17, served multiple tours in Iraq, and eventually found himself back in Texas with just $7 in his bank account. Today, he's one of the highest-producing real estate agents in Texas, co-owns Silo Fit gym in La Vernia, and is developing commercial properties across South Texas.In this episode, Chris shares his raw and unfiltered journey from combat veteran to successful entrepreneur, breaking down the real economics of real estate, the challenges of building multiple businesses, and why he believes accountability is the foundation of success. If you think entrepreneurship is easy or that real estate agents make too much money, this conversation will change your perspective.

Business Under Fire hosted by Tommy Bonner brings you an inspiring conversation with Shawn Castle, a successful entrepreneur who built Hilltop Logistics from the ground up. After 25 years in the oil field as a company man making $2,000+ per day, Shawn made the bold decision to retire and start his own trucking company. Nine years later, he's running a thriving operation and just launched BioWorks of Cibolo, a cutting-edge recovery and wellness center. This episode dives deep into the realities of entrepreneurship, the importance of family over money, and the power of making difficult life changes.

Business Under Fire hosted by Tommy Bonner is back! Episode 37 features professional sales trainer Ronny Tejeda. This powerhouse of a trainer is filled with a passion for coaching others up in order to help them reach their full potential. This is a great pick me up episode for those facing entrepreneurial hardship. 

This week's episode of Business Under Fire is a quick one hour listen featuring guest: Caylon Garnett. This entrepreneur left a six-figure job in the oil field to take a chance on a business idea that others weren't too sure of. Fast forward 10 years down the road, this West Texan has taken over the natural gas industry and has fully retaken control over his own life after missing parts of what mattered the most to him - his family. 

Welcome to Episode 35 of Business Under Fire! In this one hour sit down session, we get short stories from guest Jack Scanio - a land developer in Central Texas who has made millions off of cold calling, hard work and selling a whole lot of dirt. This episode is filled with unique situations and even a couple of billionaires encounters. 

Business Under Fire looks a bit different this week. This episode Tommy Bonner, our usual BUF host is now this week's guest. With the help of Filemon Zamora, Tommy's Business Partner, we get a full business tell all from a commercial pilot who is a business consultant, serial entrepreneur and real estate investor. This episode is filled with trials, tribulations and full instructions on how to keep forecasting for a breakthrough.

Welcome Business Under Fire listeners! This week we get to sit down with Trey Pounds, Sullivan Contracting CEO who explains the changes he made to 'go for more'. In this short hour we get life lessons on faith, family and what it is like to draw up and oversee multiple contracts regularly. 

We have made it to another week of Business Under Fire. In this weeks' episode Javier Villarreal, a self-made entrepreneur who explains the importance of mentors and asking questions. This first-generation American has taken over the construction field and regularly manages contracts worth billions of dollars. Be sure to tune in for the blueprint. 

Welcome to BUF! In this one-hour session we sit down with Josh White, Airforce Pilot gone Entrepreneur. This episode has many stories from Tennessee Native who once got married, ran a marathon and graduated flight school all in one week, and even bought a winery without knowing how to make wine. White stresses the importance of separating yourself and fighting for what you want in life. 

Welcome to Episode 30 of Business Under Fire! In this episode we get to sit down with fifth generation banker and Western Bank CEO, Dan Odom. This Panhandle Texan bought a West Texas bank system worth millions and transformed it to a billion-dollar venture. This is a great episode for those of you wanting to purchase a business or needing advice on how to get a small business loan from a banker himself. 

Welcome to Episode 29 of Business Under Fire. In this week’s listen we have one of the largest Cotton providers in the world, George Hardberger. This Texan Native breaks down how his family has been able to farm for generations and what it is like to contribute to a market that is not always certain. 

Buckle Up Business Under Fire listeners. Episode 28 features guest, Marc McDougal, long time entrepreneur and investor who has taken over West Texas. This sit down session is a blueprint on how to build a long-lasting catalog in real estate ranging from apartments to restaurants and more. 

Episode 27 of Business Under Fire is filled with testimonies from Sebastian Almonte Orosco. This Airforce Aviator explains that if something is hard, it is worth going after. He is a great example of what the true American Dream can look like for someone who practices dedication and perseverance. 

Welcome to Episode 26 of Business Under Fire, in this episode we get the truth behind what it is like to be traveling musician, Ryan Spivey. This one-hour listen is great for business owners who wear all hats when it comes to running a business and how to set your brand up for success. 

Welcome to Episode 25 of Business Under Fire! In this one-hour episode we get to sit down with the Captain of Port Aransas, otherwise known as Randy Laurrell. This East Texan found his way to the coast and lives out his childhood dreams through his business Red Tag Guide, a fishing guide service in a Texas vacation town. This is a great listen for those who are wanting to combine their passions with entrepreneurship.

Welcome to Episode 24 of Business Under Fire! In this episode we get a very heartfelt sit down with Social Media Expert, Ali Schneider. This entrepreneur embraces the "Bounce Back" mentality, and it has taken her places, and she is just getting started. This episode is filled with loss, life and the greatness that comes with the hustle mindset.

In Episode 23 of Business Under Fire we have guest Clint Fiore, CEO of Bison Business and Dealonomy. This Texas broker has helped entrepreneurs all over the nation buy and sell their businesses while helping them understand that regardless of revenue earnings, your business can be worth zero dollars. Tune in for an exclusive first look at this Central Texans next business adventure he just launched two weeks ago- that could make you millions. 

In episode 22 of Business Under Fire, we are lucky enough to have the one and only Angela Twitero. This entrepreneur is here to tell her legendary stories as a retired NFL cheerleader and now the most recognizable professional sports cheer and dance outfitter WORLDWIDE for thirty years. This 45 minute listen is great for those of you aspiring niche business owners who want to dominate your good or service line. 

Welcome to Episode 21 of Business Under Fire! In this episode host, Tommy Bonner gets to sit down with a former employee of his, Nate Shelton owner of Lone Star Relating. This entrepreneur went from living in a small town in Texas to flipping and owning millions of dollars in real estate all across the state. This one hour listen is great for aspiring real estate investors, potential house flippers and those who feel you cannot beat the cards you were dealt. 

The guest of the 20th episode of the Business Under Fire podcast is the one and only ERNEST SERVANTES, also known as the 'Pope of BBQ'. Just two weeks ago his restaurant in Seguin, Texas won NUMBER ONE BBQ JOINT IN TEXAS and here on Business Under Fire we get the exclusive look at details, trial and error have gotten his restaurant Burnt Bean on the map with Brisket Lovers WORLDWIDE.

Episode 19 of Business Under Fire is a one hour listen full of very valuable answers to very important questions asked by aspiring business owners and veteran entrepreneurs who feel they are at a standstill. In this episode guest Ferris Mycue, gives us the truth behind his biggest regrets as an entrepreneur, the results of price increases and how he has been able to hold business in Austin, Texas since 2007.

Welcome to yet another episode of Business Under Fire! In Episode 18, Brandon Brown gives us his full story on what it was like from going from an employee who clocks in to an entrepreneur who bought a very well-known established business. This determined entrepreneur gives us the inside on what the true recipe for buying and selling a business truly is. 

Welcome to Episode 17 of Business Under Fire. This week's guest is Alex Draghici, a contributor to Soba, the largest privately owned Rehabilitation Center in the country. Tune into this feature for the unfiltered truth behind working with clients who face abuse and addiction.  This is a great listen for business truths, triumphs and tribulations for those who currently run a business or are wanting to start one.

Welcome to Episode 16 of Business Under Fire! This week's feature is Dentist, Janice Weinman. Though she has been practicing dentistry since the 80's, it was in recent years she decided to peruse her own practice. If you are not familiar why this is a big deal, Dentist are not given the tools to understand ownership of practices. Everything this Central Texan learned about how to run a business was from shadowing colleagues and trial and error. 

Welcome Business Under Fire listeners, in this week's episode Aaron Cornish, gives us the reality of what it is like to finally take that step and start your own business even with little to no money. In this one hour listen we get the story on how he has transformed his dreams from one location to multiple store fronts in less than 10 years. Be sure to tune into this hour listen for lessons on self-doubt and perseverance. 

Welcome to another week of Business Under Fire! In this week's episode we get to sit down with a small business entrepreneur who has potentially seen it all. Through triumphs and tribulations, this Illinois native gives us the story on how she ended up in a small town in Texas and how she has been able to build a staple for locals and travelers for over a decade.

Welcome Business Under Fire Listeners! In this week's one hour listen we get the story on Daniel Gomez, an Award-Winning motivational speaker who's dealt with debt in his pockets, doubt in his faith and drought in his success. This Texas Native talks about the importance on being hungry yet humble.

Welcome to another week of Business Under Fire! Tune into Episode 12 with Martin Dinh. This Chevy and Ford Dealership Owner answers all the golden car questions we are all wanting to know: Is fast money a trap? How long did you complain before doing something about it? Is the customer always right? How do you go from employee to partner? All these are answered in this week's feature. 

Let's buckle up for Episode 11 of Business Under Fire with Wellness Guru, Dodge Feeler. This quick one-hour listen is filled with self-reflection, and life journeys from two business owners who have dealt with life changing ups and downs to get them to where they are today. This episode includes life stories on divorce, overcoming childhood trauma, negative body image and of course the pursuing of self-owned business. 

We have hit double digits in episodes released! Welcome to the official 10th episode of Business Under Fire with your host Tommy Bonner giving young Ian Acosta advice and clarity that he is on the right track. This is a great episode to tune into if you are just starting out or wanting to know where to begin when it comes to building residual income. 

Welcome to episode nine of Business Under Fire. In this week's episode, Rooster Vance gives us the secrets to making millions in real estate without having to buy and flip houses. This is a short 30-minute listen that can take you from working for someone to working for yourself. 

Welcome to episode eight of Business Under Fire. In this week's sit-down session, Brian Strange gives us a testimony to what it is really like to own and operate a Family Business, once started by his grandparents. He explains how he was able to take his expertise all the way from San Antonio to The White House. 

Episode Description: Welcome to episode seven of Business Under Fire. In this week's episode we get an insightful look at John Battagline's journey from broke college student to worldwide video game engineer and owner of 247 Games. Tune into this episode for textbook explanations on key business activities. 

Welcome to another episode of Business Under Fire. In this week's episode we get the insane story on how Ryan the Lion became one of the most successful lawyers in the country by consistently practicing the art of betting on himself, this is not a cliche story. Be sure to tune into this sit down session to see the repercussions of setting yourself apart in oversaturated markets even if it means draining your savings more than once. 

Welcome to the fifth Business Under Fire Episode. We finally get the full story on how host, Tommy Bonner became a successful Multi-Business owner in less than six years with the help from long time partner Filemon Zamora. These two show us how an idea can change your life for the better, you are going to want to buckle up for this one. 

Welcome to this week's episode of Business Under Fire. This week's feature is Javier Treviño, a designer known Worldwide for this 'Guayabera's'. This Texan Native has dressed celebrities out of his San Antonio storefront for years and gives us full insight on how this is more than a brand, it is a 'Cultural Connection.' Check out this episode for lessons on life, love, and where you could get one of a kind custom threads made to last. 

Welcome to the Second Episode of Business Under Fire. In this tell all, Tommy gets the life story on how Blake Flanagan went from clocking in everyday to owning multiple business locations in a not so traditional trade. This Power Sport Expertise goes in depth to how his endeavors have stretched all the way to Mexico and even flips the script and interviews host Tommy Bonner. 

Welcome to the first EVER Business Under Fire Episode. In this first sit down session Tommy gets the truth behind being a woman in the real estate industry from multi-business owner: Kendra Wray. Be sure to tune in for her journey as to how she ended up in the Lone Star State and is currently one of the biggest relators in Central Texas. Funny enough we get an inside scoop to why Wray is publishing a book called: "50 Reasons to NOT be a Realtor." Be sure to follow Business Under Fire on all Social Media Platforms. Links are located in our Bio.

And just like that, a podcast is born. In this First Season of Business Under Fire, Tommy Bonner will meet with 52 business owners of all walks of life ready to share their business tips and tricks as well as their trials and triumphs.First Episode is now available through your preferred streaming services and follow Business Under Fire on all Social Media Platforms. Links are located in our Bio.