Founder's Table

Drew and Stefan dive into the middle of the funnel—where top leads turn into real trust and revenue. They explain how to nurture prospects without being “salesy,” using value-packed content, CRM systems, automations, and genuine connections to build relationships that close easier. Perfect for business owners stuck assuming “they know what I do.”#middleoffunnel #leadnurturing #salesfunnel #businessgrowth #crmstrategy #founderstable #clienttrust #valuecontent #businessscaling #prospectnurture

In this episode of Founders Table, Drew and Stefan pull back the curtain on how Elevate approaches sales in one of the least trusted industries: real estate. They walk through the difference between hustling for a commission check and building a professional, system-driven sales business that actually serves people first. You’ll hear how they use CRMs, pipeline building, and long-term reinvestment so their agents aren’t desperate to “force” deals, but free to give honest advice—even when that means telling a client not to move yet.#podcast #inspiredleadership #entrepreneur #investing

Fear doesn’t disappear when you become a leader—it just changes shape. In this episode of The Founders Table, Drew and Stefan kick off Season Two by talking honestly about fear in business: fear of failure, money fears, identity fears, and the quiet anxiety that comes with carrying responsibility for a team and a family. They break down how different seasons of life and leadership shift what scares you, why social media highlight reels make it worse, and how comparison can paralyze even experienced owners.Instead of pretending fear isn’t there, they walk through a practical framework for turning it into courage—leaning on faith, learning, relationships, discomfort, and preparation as tools to move forward instead of freeze. Whether you’re an employee, a founder, or somewhere in between, this conversation will help you name what you’re afraid of, separate what you can and can’t control, and make clearer decisions without letting fear run the show.

Drew and Stefan close out 2025 with a raw year-end recap of their wild ride building Elevate Real Estate Group and Rise Marketing from the ground up. From massive upfront investments and market pivots to stacking marketing wins and hitting six-figure momentum, they break down the real numbers, hard lessons, and breakthroughs that turned chaos into growth.This episode dives deep into what separates short-term hustles from lasting legacy—right teams, transparent leadership, systems that scale without you, and staying laser-focused on the long game even when short-term pressures hit. Whether you’re wrapping your first year or scaling your tenth, get honest insights on activity breeding activity, failing forward, and building businesses that outlast their founders.Perfect timing to reflect, recalibrate, and charge into 2026.

In this special episode, Drew and Stefan pull back the curtain on a wild year of building Elevate Real Estate Group from the ground up. From the initial vision to the hard pivots, big investments, and late-night what-are-we-doing moments, they candidly walk through the wins, mistakes, and lessons learned launching a brand, hiring a team, and creating a culture built for the long haul.This isn’t just a highlight reel—it’s the real story behind the scenes: the burnout, the breakthroughs, the reality checks, and the moments family came first no matter what. Whether you’re a new entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, you’ll find actionable insight in how focusing on systems, team fit, authentic marketing, and steady progress made all the difference. Listen in for honest stories, practical takeaways, and some laughs on what it takes (and what it costs) to build something that lasts.

With Thanksgiving approaching, Drew Sanford and Stefan Bunch unpack one of the most overlooked—and most impactful—tools for business leaders: gratitude. In this heartfelt episode, they dive into why gratitude isn’t just “feel-good” talk, but a real power move for handling stress, reshaping your team culture, and staying grounded when business life gets chaotic.Hear personal stories about leadership, faith, and the unique emotional weight business owners feel at year’s end. Discover how thankfulness can reset your perspective, lighten your load, and actually make you a more present leader at work and at home. If you’re looking for practical, honest strategies to thrive through the holiday season with less stress and more perspective, this conversation is what you need.

As the year winds down, most businesses start to slow—but that’s where the real winners separate themselves. On this episode of The Founders Table, Drew Sanford and Stefan Bunch dive deep into how to own Q4 and build unstoppable momentum that lasts well into the new year. From assessing your wins and losses to sharpening systems, dialing in your team’s goals, and stacking proven growth strategies, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you finish strong.Whether you’re in real estate or any other industry, learn why now is the time to focus, plan, and execute—so you’re not just hoping for a better next year, but actively building one. If you want to defy the holiday slowdown and start 2026 ahead of the pack, you can’t miss this conversation.

This week on The Founders Table, Drew Sanford and Stefan Bunch sit down with CPA Adam Sterling for a candid conversation every business owner needs to hear. If you’re used to wearing every hat—and burning out in the process—this episode is your wake-up call. From startup survival mode to sustainable scaling, the team unpacks when to stop doing it all yourself and start building your business bench.Adam shares stories from his experience with hundreds of owners across multiple industries and reveals the real benefits of bringing in the right professionals—especially a sharp accountant you can truly trust. From practical steps for tracking your numbers, to why delegating to the right people is a growth unlock, you’ll discover the mindset shifts and strategies that turn hustle into a business that actually works.Ready to stop surviving and start scaling? This episode has the insights—and the tough love—you need.

This week on The Founders Table, Drew and Stefan tackle one of the biggest leadership blind spots: unclear expectations. From spinning in circles as visionary entrepreneurs to building structured systems that actually work, this episode is all about turning chaos into clarity.They break down the step-by-step process of defining your company’s mission, vision, and professional standards—and how those guide every role, hire, and decision you make. The duo shares real-life stories from their own business journey, showing how written standards, job roles, and guardrails create culture, boost accountability, and keep every team member rowing in the same direction.If you’ve ever thought, “Why don’t they just get it?”—this episode will hit home. Learn how organized clarity can transform your business from reactive to thriving, one written standard at a time.

In this episode, Drew and Stefan dive into the crucial difference between giving a handout and offering a hand up in business and leadership. They explore how truly empowering your team—by showing them the why and how behind the work—creates ownership, drives growth, and fuels scalability.From building solid systems and clear processes to helping team members own their niches and become leaders themselves, this conversation offers practical guidance for anyone looking to scale their business while cultivating a culture of trust and value. Whether leading sales, admin, or core teams, this episode breaks down how investing in your people and giving them the tools to succeed is the ultimate game-changer.If you’re ready to go beyond quick fixes and build a lasting, thriving business, this episode is packed with insights to help you lead with intention and impact.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to bet on yourself, build from zero, and still show up for your family—you’ll want to hear this one. Drew and Stefan bring on local legend Aaron Owens for a deep dive into the gritty, honest, and sometimes hilarious side of entrepreneurship.From childhood hustle and wild risks to major wins and honest failures, Aaron opens up about driving growth in business without burning out your values. Discover the real story behind launching Alpha Brokerage, why culture beats hype every time, and how gratitude, faith, and a little bit of stubbornness can shape a legacy worth having.Packed with sharp insights, practical wisdom, and a vibe that’s part mastermind, part campfire chat, this episode is a must-listen for anyone building something that matters.

On this episode of Founders Table, Drew Sanford and Stefan Bunch dive deep into the real conversations and hard-earned lessons that drive business growth. Whether you’re just launching your dream or scaling an empire, you’ll hear practical stories, honest mistakes, and strategies you can implement right away.This week, the focus is on “the gap”—that critical space between where you are and where you want to be. Drew and Stefan discuss how to break down big goals, stay resilient through ups and downs, and use micro wins and discipline as fuel for progress. They share the importance of consistent systems (like a CRM), building a strong team, and always keeping your North Star in view.If you want actionable advice and motivation for building a lasting, scalable business—while keeping life, family, and faith at the center—pull up a chair and join the journey at Founders Table.

In this powerful episode, Drew and Stefan tackle one of the most critical challenges for growing business owners: how to scale and expand without compromising the core values and soul of your company. They explore the delicate balance between letting go and maintaining control, and how to keep your guiding North Star clear amid the chaos of growth.Listeners will hear candid conversations about setting guardrails, building a strong culture, and protecting what truly matters—your vision, your family, and your faith. This episode is packed with practical insights on leadership, team dynamics, and staying true to your purpose while your business evolves into its own living entity.Whether you’re an entrepreneur ready to grow or struggling to hold onto your original passion, this conversation offers invaluable lessons on leading with integrity and intention.

Scaling Beyond Yourself: Building Teams, Growing Faith, and Leading with VisionIn this insightful episode, Drew and Stefan reflect on the journey from wearing every hat as a small business owner to building a team that truly scales with you. They revisit powerful concepts like the 80/20 Rule, time management through the Positive/Neutral/Negative framework, and the critical importance of clear vision and values when bringing employees on board.Listeners will hear practical advice on how to find your lane as a leader, empower your team to make decisions, and create a sustainable business that works—not just for you—but alongside your faith, family, and personal growth. Through candid conversation, they explore how leadership requires intentionality, momentum, and community both in business and life.Tune in for a blueprint on putting the right people in the right roles and embracing the growth mindset needed to build something that lasts.

In this episode, Stefan and Drew open up about the real struggles and wins of growing a business and building a team. Whether you’re bringing on your first employee or scaling an established company, they dive deep into the messy reality—family hires, tough conversations, tight budgets, and messy transitions. Drew shares lessons learned from managing teams large and small, and both hosts walk through setting clear expectations, crafting strong job descriptions, and creating guardrails so everyone knows their role.They answer: • How do you set the right culture and vision as your team grows? • Why does knowing your employees’ “why” make all the difference? • How do you have those hard talks—and when is it time to let someone go?Packed with actionable insights, real stories, and practical management frameworks, this is essential listening for small business owners ready to lead teams that thrive—with clarity and purpose.

In this episode, Drew and Stefan tackle a challenge every entrepreneur and real estate agent faces: feeling busy but not productive. They break down how to audit your time using a simple yet powerful framework—dividing your activities into Positive, Neutral, and Negative buckets—and why understanding this split can dramatically shift your results. With real-world stories and practical tips, they also discuss how intentional calendar management and time blocking can turn slow seasons into growth opportunities. If business feels stuck or your schedule feels overwhelming, this episode is your roadmap to getting traction and achieving sustainable success.

In this special bonus episode of Founder’s Table, Drew and Stefan sit down with guest Brendon Illum to unpack what’s really happening in today’s lending world. From shifting mortgage rates to market trends and practical strategies, Brendon brings valuable insights every entrepreneur and real estate professional needs to understand. Whether you’re buying, selling, or advising clients, this conversation will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the financial side of real estate with confidence and clarity.

In this episode of Founder’s Table, Drew and Stefan break down the power of the 80/20 Rule—the principle that 80% of results come from 20% of actions. They explore how entrepreneurs and real estate professionals can apply this mindset to focus on what truly drives growth and cut out the noise. But it doesn’t stop with business. Drew and Stefan dive into how prioritizing the right 20% can help you bring your best energy, focus, and presence home to your family, creating balance, fulfillment, and a legacy that lasts.