Epic Entrepreneurs

Most people see a finished kitchen and assume the business behind it runs like clockwork. We sit down with Brandon Laney of Progressive Cabinets to talk about what it really takes to run a high-end custom cabinetry company: the late nights, the constant problem solving, and the pressure of knowing your name is on every door, drawer, and install.Brandon shares how he grew up in a cabinet shop, pursued computer networking, then pivoted when the 2008 economy changed what felt “safe” to build a career on. We get into the nuts and bolts of small business growth in the trades, including outsourcing early production, deciding when to bring work in-house, and how a CNC upgrade can expand capacity. Along the way, he explains why word-of-mouth marketing is still the lifeblood of a custom cabinet shop, and why strong relationships with homeowners can be a competitive advantage you can’t copy.We also talk leadership and real-life balance. Brandon breaks down what he hires for (soft skills, reliability, attention to detail), how he keeps morale up by being in the trenches with his team, and why the myth of the “rich business owner with endless vacations” misses the point. He offers honest advice for anyone feeling stuck or overwhelmed: slow down, pray or pause, and call another owner who’s been through the same roller coaster.If you care about entrepreneurship, skilled trades, woodworking, custom cabinets, and building a business that lasts, subscribe for more conversations like this, share the episode with a friend, and leave a review so more builders and owners can find us.Contact info:[email protected] Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

People love to say “just start a service business” like the hard part is buying a ladder and printing a logo. Then the phone goes quiet, the insurance bill hits, an employee calls out, and a commercial client still expects the job done on time. That is why our conversation with Joseph Johnson from JMJ Painting and Maintenance LLC lands so well. Joe is a combat veteran and Chattanooga painting contractor who tells the truth about what it takes to build a legitimate, professional business that can actually last.We dig into the behind-the-scenes costs that customers rarely notice when they compare painting estimates: licensing, insurance, workers’ comp, scheduling risk, and the time it takes to price jobs fairly. Joe walks us through the marketing channels that bring real leads for local home services, including BNI networking, the Nextdoor app, Google Business Profile visibility, social media, and the simple power of finally getting a website. He also shares lessons learned the hard way about hiring, vetting, and adjusting leadership style so a team can meet high standards without burning out.The most eye-opening part is what Joseph hears from customers right now: painters taking large deposits then not showing up, changing numbers, and disappearing. He explains how he protects customer trust by communicating clearly and asking for payment when the job is complete, plus a review and referral discount system that turns great service into steady word of mouth.If you care about small business growth, local SEO, and building a contractor brand on integrity, listen through to the end for what’s next for JMJ and how to connect. Subscribe, share this with a business owner who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.Guest Contact info:Email: [email protected]: jmjpaintingandmaintenancellc.com Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

Jim Box of JWB Building and Remodeling shares his journey from a chemistry career and hazardous waste work into construction, where he has spent the last 25 years building a business around quality craftsmanship, adaptability, and word-of-mouth growth. He talks candidly about the challenges of entrepreneurship, the shift from print to digital marketing, the importance of insurance, planning, and discipline, and why being good at the work helps create your own luck.Guest contact info:[email protected] Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

Daryl Turner shares how Grounds Guys of Boiling Springs, South Carolina has grown into a customer-focused, one-stop landscaping and yard services company built on communication, training, and quality work. He talks about the value of franchise support, hiring reliable team members, staying organized with planning and schedules, and growing steadily without sacrificing service.Guest contact info:[email protected] Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

A health scare, a cross-country move during COVID, and a “side gig” on Rover don’t sound like a business plan, but that’s exactly where Zippy Pets begins. I sit down with Makenzy and Joe Geiger to unpack how they turn early referrals and five-star trust into a scalable pet sitting business in Asheville and beyond, without losing their standards or their sanity. We get real about what scaling a service business actually costs: burnout, hidden expenses, tough calls, and the pressure of leading a team when you’re used to doing everything yourself. Makenzy shares the moment she realises solo work is no longer sustainable, and Joe brings hard-earned leadership lessons from solar sales and managing high-performing teams. We talk emotional intelligence, setting expectations, giving feedback, and why “if it wasn’t said, it’s your fault” can save you years of frustration. We also dig into practical systems you can steal: hiring for responsiveness and critical thinking, building a culture people genuinely buy into, and using weekly Monday motivation calls to keep remote field teams trained, connected, and accountable. Plus, what’s next for Zippy Pets, including in-person events, a new market in Greenville, and how to stay in the loop. If you like honest entrepreneurship stories, leadership advice, and small business growth tactics that actually work, subscribe, share this with a founder friend, and leave a review. What’s the one part of running a business that you wish someone warned you about? Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

🎧Tune in Today!In this episode of the EPIC Entrepreneurs Podcast, we sit down with Parker Knudsen of Rate Mortgage to talk about the real journey behind building a business in the mortgage and real estate world.Parker shares how he transitioned from engineering and teaching abroad into a commission-based mortgage career—facing uncertainty, embracing risk, and learning to take action before feeling fully ready. He opens up about the lessons learned the hard way, including the importance of imperfect execution, setting boundaries, and balancing business with family life.This conversation highlights what truly drives success in today’s market: building trust, simplifying complex information, and using clear, intentional communication to better serve clients. Parker also breaks down common myths about entrepreneurship—especially the idea of “flexibility”—and explains why the early years require more hustle than most expect.If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or someone navigating a career transition, this episode delivers practical insight on growth, discipline, and taking small, consistent steps toward long-term success.If this conversation helped you, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review with your favorite takeaway—we read every one.Guest contact info:Rate.com/[email protected] Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

🎧 Listen in today! 🎧In this episode of the EPIC Entrepreneurs Podcast, we sit down with Mitch Rodell of Terra Futura to explore a powerful vision for building community-driven, sustainable housing in Asheville.Mitch shares his journey from working in restaurants and set design to managing multimillion-dollar home builds—and ultimately finding purpose in creating attainable housing that brings people together. He dives into the mission behind Terra Futura, a unique development focused on building not just homes, but a true “village” where connection, sustainability, and quality of life come first.This conversation goes beyond construction. Mitch opens up about the importance of taking risks, why waiting on the sidelines leads to more regret than failure, and the lessons he learned the hard way about managing both projects and himself. He also highlights the value of culture, collaboration, and designing a business that supports life—not the other way around.If you're passionate about entrepreneurship, real estate, or building something meaningful in your community, this episode offers both inspiration and practical insight.If this conversation helped you, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review with your favorite takeaway—we read every one.Guest contact info:[email protected] Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

Tune in Today.🎧In this episode of the EPIC Entrepreneurs Podcast, we sit down with Andy Hegg and John Stein of Vets Junk Removal & Dumpsters to talk about what it really takes to build a business from the ground up.Andy shares his journey from the Army Reserve and corporate life to taking a leap into entrepreneurship—starting with side jobs, grinding through 16-hour days, and ultimately going all in. Together, they break down the realities most people don’t see: the financial risk, physical demands, and relentless commitment required to grow a service-based business.They also dive into the importance of hiring the right people, building a strong team culture, and why character and coachability matter more than experience. Plus, they offer honest insights on scaling challenges, leadership, and the myth of “freedom” in entrepreneurship.If you’re thinking about starting a business—or are in the thick of building one—this episode delivers real, unfiltered perspective on what it takes to succeed.If this conversation helped you, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review with your favorite takeaway—we read every one.Guest contact info:[email protected] Junk Removal and Dumpster Rentals - Bulk Trash ServiceBlog - VETS Junk Removal & Dumpsters Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

In this episode of the EPIC Entrepreneurs Podcast, we sit down with Kimber King of Moksha Health & Wellness to explore a refreshing approach to health, business, and personal growth. Kimber shares how holistic coaching—focused on lifestyle, nutrition, and community—helps women create lasting transformation rather than quick fixes.Beyond health, Kimber dives into her entrepreneurial journey, including the lessons learned from playing small, the power of authentic messaging, and why niching down changed everything in her business. She offers candid insights on the realities of entrepreneurship, from overcoming fear and burnout to building meaningful connections through community and networking.You’ll also hear about her signature program, Sacred Seasons, and how aligning habits with natural rhythms can lead to sustainable success in both life and business.If you're a driven professional looking to grow your business, protect your energy, and build something meaningful, this episode delivers practical wisdom and real-world perspective you can apply right away.If this conversation helped you, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review with your favorite takeaway—we read every one.Guest contact info:[email protected]://www.facebook.com/mokshayogaavl  Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

When change hits, even great leaders can lose their footing. Cliff sits down with executive coach and three-time founder Beverly to uncover how to stay steady when roles evolve, markets shift, and the stakes rise. From building and selling a janitorial company to launching an EdTech venture and now coaching high-performing executives, Beverly brings a rare mix of operational grit, financial acumen, and human insight that turns chaos into clarity.We dig into the lessons that actually compound: hire operational muscle early when the work is physical or process-heavy, treat silence from prospects as “not yet,” and build a pipeline with patience rather than panic. Beverly dismantles the myth that entrepreneurship guarantees balance; instead, she shows how self-care and boundaries are daily practices that protect long-term performance. On team building, she shares why character beats credentials, how to invite dissent to spark innovation, and where Radical Candor—challenging directly while caring personally—elevates trust and results.You’ll also get practical tactics you can use today. Beverly’s paper-and-pen reset helps overwhelmed founders translate noise into next steps. Her focus on commitment, discipline, and execution turns good ideas into measurable progress. Looking ahead, she’s rolling out group Enneagram coaching for management teams, giving leaders a shared language for collaboration, conflict, and decision speed—ideal for companies navigating growth and change.If you’re a small business owner, founder, or executive aiming for resilient growth, this conversation delivers clear strategies, mindset shifts, and tools you can put to work immediately. Subscribe, share with a fellow leader who needs steadiness right now, and leave a review to tell us the tactic you’re trying first.Guest contact info:[email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/beverly-jurenko/Instagram: @beverly.coaching Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

Ever wish tough money talks felt lighter, clearer, and a lot more human? We sit down with Christine Virost—financial professional and the mind behind Yellow Lucky Duck—to explore how a memorable brand, simple language, and patient follow-through can turn financial anxiety into confident action. From annuities and insurance to everyday budgeting and long-term goals, Christine shows how to protect the people you love while still living your life today.We dive into the art of persistence without sounding desperate, the real timelines behind a client’s “yes,” and why most deals happen after multiple sincere touchpoints. Christine shares practical lines for follow-ups, how to let prospects opt out gracefully, and a reframing that saves your energy: they’re not ignoring you, they’re busy. She also breaks down the myth of constant competition, making a strong case for collaboration and community among local business owners who share a client-first mindset.On the entrepreneurial side, we get candid about discipline over motivation, launching imperfectly, and hiring for learnability, grit, and honesty. Christine’s approach to work-life harmony is refreshingly realistic—no false emergencies, clear boundaries, and a quick reset ritual for overwhelm that actually works. We round it out with actionable planning tips to align family needs, business growth, and risk protection, plus upcoming community events where Yellow Lucky Duck meets people where they are.If you want a practical playbook for client trust, sustainable growth, and financial protection that respects real life, this conversation delivers. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s building something, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway—we read every one. Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

🎧 Tune in now and tag a trades business owner who needs to hear this!  A layoff at 45 could have been the end of the story. For Chris Rocher, it became the door to Advanced Air Technology of South Carolina—an HVAC company built on discipline, customer experience, and a relentless commitment to follow-through. We talk about what it takes to move from corporate life to hands-on service, how a state retooling program jump-started his skills, and why one bad review can undo months of good will if you don’t design for trust at every step.Chris breaks down the simple systems that compound: organizing parts and finances, writing clear playbooks for calls and visits, and using tools like WAV and House Pro without losing the human touch. He explains the summer grind in the South—phones lighting up from May to October—and how he guards one day a week for family to stay sane and effective. We dig into the growth engines that actually work: word of mouth fueled by proactive check-ins, BI’s vetted networking ecosystem, and a culture that bans negativity and resets between jobs so the next customer gets your best.Hiring is refreshingly straightforward: teach the skills, recruit the character. Chris shares what he looks for in techs, how he recovers from mistakes by owning and fixing them fast, and why your business will mirror who you are, online and off. Then we look ahead to HVAC’s future: Wi‑Fi thermostats, zoned ductwork with smart dampers, and home hubs that tie HVAC, appliances, and security into one app. This is comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind delivered through tech and trust.If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, Chris’s advice is direct: step back, audit the gaps, and seek serious peers even if they cost more—you’ll get it back in time, clarity, and better decisions. Subscribe for more candid conversations on entrepreneurship, share this with a business owner who needs a lift, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway so we can keep raising the bar together.If this conversation helped you, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review with your favorite takeaway—we read every one.📲Guest contact info:[email protected] Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

🎙️In this episode, we pull back the curtain on who Galen Walter really is and how Haven Realty Team grew from a “second income” side gig into a fast-scaling real estate business in Western North Carolina and South Florida. Galen shares how his background in sales and entrepreneurship set the foundation for getting licensed just before COVID and then riding — and surviving — the market surge by simply showing up, staying hungry, and surrounding himself with driven, like‑minded people.You’ll hear the hard lessons he learned about overcomplicating systems, leaning on proven tools instead of reinventing the wheel, and why taxes blindside so many self‑employed agents and business owners. Galen also talks candidly about work‑life balance, what it really takes to unplug as a self‑employed entrepreneur, and how he decides which opportunities are “now,” “tomorrow,” or “not at all.”We dive into the DNA of Haven Realty Team—why he hires first for being likable, adaptable, and trainable, and how he keeps a mostly virtual team connected, positive, and self‑motivated. In a rapid‑fire round, Galen unpacks his real take on education, planning vs. adaptability, inspiration, discipline, and execution, and then closes with honest advice for any business owner feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or wondering if it’s time to pivot.If you’re a small business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or real estate professional looking for a grounded, no‑fluff conversation about building a business that actually fits your life, this episode is for you. If this conversation helped you, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review with your favorite takeaway—we read every one.Guest contact info: Galen at GalenWalter.com  @galen.avl / @galenwalter_. Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

In this episode, Mandy and Richie Caudill share how HandyMandy went from a “happy accident” side gig during COVID to a full-time renovation business serving the Upstate, fueled almost entirely by social media and word-of-mouth. Mandy explains how her background in wedding photography, years of DIY rental and home projects, and a willingness to “learn it on YouTube, then do it right” positioned her to say yes when a friend asked for help—and how one kitchen remodel unlocked a flood of inquiries. She and Richie open up about undercharging in the early days, learning the financial and bookkeeping side the hard way, hiring a business coach to understand true profitability, and why “handyman” does not mean “cheap labor” when you’re supporting a family and bringing real expertise to every project.They also tackle the myth that owning a business means more freedom, talk candidly about 24/7 mental load, and define their ideal clients as people who value their time and want trusted pros to handle the work. Mandy shares how hyper-intentional social media posting in local residents’ groups and consistent networking filled their calendar to the point she now hesitates to post because demand spikes so quickly. For owners feeling stuck or overwhelmed, she offers grounded advice: change what you’re doing, get out of your head, put yourself in new rooms, and stay hungry to learn rather than hiding behind “this is how I’ve always done it.”Looking ahead, Mandy talks about the scary but necessary next step of hiring help—ideally a skilled 1099 contractor who loves the work but not the business side—so they can grow without burning out and reclaim more family time. If you’re a small service-based business or trades professional, this conversation delivers honest perspective on pricing, planning, networking, continuous education, and building a people-first business that clients find—and trust—long before you ever print a business card.If this conversation helped you, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review with your favorite takeaway—we read every one.Guest contact info:[email protected]://www.facebook.com/mandy.caudill@mandyleigh_allthethings Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

🎧Taylor Wright of 828 Builders shares his raw journey from landscaping to building lifetime homes in Western North Carolina—after a $300K lesson on why "contract, contract, contract" is non-negotiable.He gets candid: Ditch investor pressure for values-driven work, take bigger swings if starting over, lead by owning mistakes, and hire for attitude over resumes. Running a business is tougher than a job, but with preparation meeting opportunity (aka "luck"), balance, faith, and team wins, it's worth it.828 Builders is scaling in Hendersonville with custom homes that last generations. Guest contact info:  [email protected] Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

🎙️In this episode, Brian Thompson shares the behind-the-scenes story of taking over the LVP Warehouse of Asheville, a specialty luxury vinyl plank (LVP) supply house serving contractors and homeowners in Western North Carolina.What began as a situational opportunity quickly became a full commitment. Brian talks openly about the transition from treating the business like a side hustle to going all in — and how that shift in focus sparked real growth. As part of a growing franchise network under Case Flooring, the LVP Warehouse model is built around a streamlined concept: specialize in one high-quality product, keep overhead lean, and deliver exceptional service.But Brian makes one thing clear — there’s no such thing as passive income.From broken forklifts and lease negotiations to navigating steep mountain deliveries in Asheville, he shares the “unknown unknowns” of small business ownership. He dives into the myth that entrepreneurship is glamorous or automated, emphasizing instead the daily problem-solving, flexibility, and commitment required to succeed.Key themes in this episode include:Why focus and full commitment accelerate growthThe advantage small businesses have over big-box competitorsHigh highs and low lows of entrepreneurshipThe power of word-of-mouth and customer experienceStaying disciplined without getting too high or too lowBalancing flexibility with executionBrian also explains how being a smaller, local business allows him to cut through red tape and provide a level of accessibility and service that national chains simply can’t match. Whether it’s meeting a contractor after hours or scouting a tricky mountain delivery site, flexibility is part of the value.Looking ahead, Brian plans to expand showroom availability and grow the team to better serve retail and contractor clients.This episode is a grounded, honest look at what it really means to run a small business — not flashy, not passive, but personal, adaptable, and built on commitment.If this conversation helped you, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review with your favorite takeaway—we read every one.Guest contact info:[email protected]://www.lvpasheville.com/ Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

🎙️In this candid and refreshingly honest episode, Tim Young, founder of AAA Extreme Comfort, shares the unfiltered reality of building an HVAC business from the ground up.With decades of experience in heating and air, Tim started his company after witnessing poor workmanship and inflated pricing practices in the industry. Frustrated by customers being misled and underserved, he set out to create a company built on transparency, quality installs, and doing the job right the first time. His passion? Protecting homeowners and business owners from costly mistakes and delivering honest, dependable service.But this episode goes deeper than technical expertise.Tim opens up about the challenges of entrepreneurship — financial missteps, lack of working capital, learning business literacy the hard way, and the reality of still being “in the trenches” five years in. Unlike many polished success stories, Tim speaks from the middle of the journey — not the finish line. He shares lessons about taxes, structuring finances properly, building systems, and why knowing your trade isn’t the same as knowing business.Key themes in this episode include:Why integrity and quality workmanship still matterThe myth of “get rich quick” entrepreneurshipThe importance of planning, discipline, and executionLimiting risk and making calculated movesThe power of business coaching and mentorshipRebranding and repositioning for growthTim also discusses the upcoming rebrand of AAA Extreme Comfort and his vision to scale with better structure, stronger branding, and a more strategic foundation.This episode is for business owners who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or still grinding it out. It’s a reminder that success isn’t always glamorous — sometimes it’s about staying committed, educating yourself, and executing better each time around.Real. Transparent. In progress.“If this conversation helped you, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review with your favorite takeaway—we read every one.”Guest contact info:[email protected] Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

🎙️ In this powerful episode, Jay Schumpert, founder of No Worries Painting and Pressure Washing in Columbia, South Carolina, shares his raw and inspiring journey from hardship to entrepreneurship. What started in 2012 as a way to make ends meet after a devastating leg injury has grown into a thriving residential, commercial, and light industrial painting and remodeling company — now operating at 70% painting and 30% remodel work.Jay opens up about the realities of business ownership — the sleepless nights, the responsibility of making sure his team’s families are taken care of before his own, and the myth that entrepreneurship is all glory and ease. He credits his growth not to flashy marketing, but to integrity, faith, and deep relationship-building. For Jay, business isn’t transactional — it’s personal. From mentoring employees who’ve gone on to start their own companies to treating his crew like family, his leadership philosophy is rooted in loyalty, discipline, and doing the right thing even when it’s hard.He also discusses:Why integrity matters more than resumesThe challenge of stepping away from your businessBuilding a team you can trustThe risks and rewards of entrepreneurshipAdvice for business owners who feel overwhelmedNow a proud grandfather, Jay shares how faith, family, and service continue to drive his mission forward. If you’re a business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or leader looking to grow the right way — this episode is a reminder that success built on character lasts.If this conversation helped you, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review with your favorite takeaway—we read every one.”Guest's contact info:[email protected]://www.facebook.com/noworriespainting/ Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

A great piece of furniture tells a story long before it’s finished. We sat down with custom furniture maker with Ansel Ringler Estatoe Woodworks to unpack how he turned a childhood hustle into a sustainable business by pairing creative craft with clear-eyed operations. From first principles planning to a client experience that invites collaboration, Ansel shares the systems that keep his shop profitable, resilient, and fun to follow.We dive into the early missteps—making whatever seemed exciting and hoping it sold—and the reset that came from stepping away, running the numbers, and rebuilding a product mix around real demand. Ansel explains why custom desks became his flagship: strong margins, repeatable process, and obvious value for buyers who need a perfect fit. He breaks down the hidden hours that crush margins when ignored, the communication loops that reduce revisions, and the simple tweaks that keep projects on schedule.Marketing for makers can feel like a mystery, so we get specific. Ansel maps how he layered channels—local Facebook groups, Instagram, Pinterest, Etsy, galleries—and let reviews and process videos do the heavy lifting. He talks about building a reputation that travels farther than ads, the discipline to ask for feedback, and why thoughtful hiring unlocks both output and culture. Expect practical takeaways on pricing, scoping, batching similar builds, creating client buy-in, and fostering a shop where craftsmanship and camaraderie go hand in hand.If you’re a creative entrepreneur, woodworker, or small business owner looking to grow without losing your soul, this conversation offers a blueprint: focus on what sells and scales, count every hour, and tell your story where your customers already gather. Subscribe for more builder-to-business insights, share this with a fellow maker, and leave a quick review to help others find the show.Guest contact info:[email protected]/estatoewoodworks Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

 In this episode, digital marketing expert Jeremy Ashburn of Push Leads shares how he built a 45‑client agency helping small businesses get visible at the top of Google and recommended by AI tools like ChatGPT—without huge loans or big‑budget funding. He breaks down the mistakes he made growing solo, why hiring driven people like his star social media rep Andrea transformed his business, and how documenting processes and delegating (with tools like Loom) unlocked real scalability.Jeremy and the host dive into resilience, manifesting goals, and why “see a need, fill a need” and “giver’s gain” are the core philosophies behind his success. You’ll hear practical advice on networking in Asheville and online, using content and “inner hidden pages” to rank for profitable keywords, and why business owners must balance workaholism with intentional time offline. Jeremy also previews his next big move: building an AI‑powered SEO “operating system” that blends automation with human oversight to help small businesses win more leads on autopilot.Guest contact info:[email protected]://link.pushleads.com/widget/bookings/jeremy-ashburnhttps://pushleads.com/about-us/ Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

 In this episode, certified financial planner Heather Banks of Willow Tree Wealth Planning shares how she helps individuals define what financial success really means to them and then build a personalized roadmap to get there. Drawing on 20 years of experience, Heather explains why comprehensive, customized planning matters, how relationships and trust drive her business, and why business owners often misunderstand the realities of “flexibility” when you’re the one holding the bag.Heather talks candidly about giving herself grace as an entrepreneur, setting boundaries to protect family time, and using both in‑person and remote work to create a healthier balance. She discusses the power of surrounding yourself with the right team—financial planner, CPA, attorney, and business coach—and how client relationships and word-of-mouth referrals have fueled record growth for her firm. Listeners will hear practical advice on overcoming fear of success, staying on top of ongoing education, and taking the next step toward a clearer, more confident financial future.Guest contact info:heather.banks@prudential.comwww.willowtreewealthplanning.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-a-banks-cfp%C2%AE-chsnc%C2%AE-6a516b33/https://www.facebook.com/Heather-A-Banks-Financial-Planner-at-Pruco-Securities-LLC-669710856515175/ Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

In this episode, franchise owner Brad Swensen of PMI Soda City shares how he transitioned from 23 years in education and coaching to running a short-term and long-term property management business in Columbia, South Carolina. He talks about why he chose a franchise model, what he would do differently if starting over, and how networking—especially through BNI—has driven more growth than paid marketing.Brad opens up about work–life balance, designing his business around family time with his young daughter, and setting boundaries with owners and guests so he can be both a great dad and a successful operator. He also discusses lessons learned about efficiency, planning, ongoing education, and the power of “giver’s gain” in networking.Listeners will hear practical advice on growing a franchise, building genuine referral relationships, preparing systems so you can travel and still manage properties remotely, and why Brad sees his future in residential and commercial property management—especially the underserved commercial niche.Guest contact info:[email protected] Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

In this episode, Asheville-based entrepreneur Benji Burrell, founder and owner of Good People Technologies, joins Cliff to share his journey of building a business that helps organizations choose and implement the right technology tools for efficient operations. Benji reflects on lessons learned over 12 years in business—from the importance of hiring quality people and developing strong sales pipelines to finding balance and preventing burnout as a business owner.He offers candid advice on leadership, fostering team trust, and the realities of running a business—dispelling myths like “being your own boss means more free time.” Benji also discusses how Good People Tech supports clients across North America, promoting sustainable, resilient businesses through smart systems and community-minded values.Listeners will gain insights on planning for growth, managing change, and the power of authentic communication. Guest contact info 📞[email protected]://goodpeopletech.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/benji-burrell-a0262217/  Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

What does it really take to build a service-based business that lasts—without burning out or losing your values along the way?In this episode of the Entrepreneur Podcast, we sit down with Zach Broch, founder and owner of Secure Roofing, a licensed general contractor serving Western North Carolina since 2017. Zach shares the real story behind growing a reputable roofing company in a highly competitive industry—where the product may be similar, but service, communication, and integrity make all the difference.Zach reflects candidly on what he would do differently if he started over, including tightening his geographic focus early on and being more intentional with hiring. He dives into the growing pains every entrepreneur faces, the importance of building the right team and culture, and why staying hands-on—even as an owner—is non-negotiable for long-term success.The conversation explores common misconceptions about entrepreneurship, the personal sacrifices involved, and why business ownership isn’t for the faint of heart. Zach also shares how Secure Roofing has grown through reputation, over-communication, and a concierge-style client experience that builds trust from the first call to final cleanup.You’ll also hear about:How Zach balances business demands with family life and avoids burnoutThe qualities he looks for in employees and how he fosters long-term retentionWhy education, planning, inspiration, and commitment are core pillars of his companyThe launch of innovative roof rejuvenation solutions that save homeowners moneyWhat’s next for Secure Roofing—including new local partnerships and expansion plansWhether you’re a local entrepreneur, a contractor, or someone thinking about starting a business, this episode delivers grounded advice, honest perspective, and practical insights on growing sustainably—one decision at a time.🎧 Listen in and learn how focusing on people, process, and trust can build a business that truly serves its community.Guest contact info: [email protected]://secureroofingwnc.com/ Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

Think running your own business means total freedom? Carpenter and home inspector turned contractor, Calvin Denny, brings a grounded view of what it really takes to build a thriving trades business—without bloat, without fluff, and with results clients can feel every day on their decks and porches. We dig into how Atlas Mountain Contractors grew from a one-man shop into a tight collective of independent pros serving the greater Asheville area, specializing in decks, exterior framing, and functional outdoor spaces.Calvin breaks down the decision that changed everything: adding the right people early to expand capability and quality. He shares why operating as a collective of insured independents keeps overhead low, pricing competitive, and accountability high. We unpack common myths about entrepreneurship—the workday doesn’t end at five, clients are your real bosses, and you don’t always need big startup capital if your model is lean. From quoting at night to respecting house rules on-site, this is the unvarnished playbook for owners who want consistency and referrals.Networking sits at the center of the growth story. Calvin explains how BNI (Business Network International) delivered a reliable referral pipeline for both home inspections and carpentry, why the dues pay for themselves, and how word-of-mouth compounds when craftsmanship is consistent. We also get practical about balance: scheduling vacations months ahead, building buffers, delegating two-person projects aligned to strengths, and protecting weekends when possible. For hiring, it’s reliability first, then complementary skills—think paint and drywall to round out framing and finish work—supported by a culture where lunch breaks, music, and trust turn hard labor into flow.Looking forward, Calvin outlines a clear next chapter: flipping houses while continuing client projects. The team’s low-overhead structure and hands-on expertise make full renovations a natural step, pairing market value with the outdoor living features buyers love. If you’re a small business owner or trades professional, you’ll find sharp, actionable tactics on pricing, planning, networking, and culture that you can put to work today.If this conversation helped you, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review with your favorite takeaway—we read every one.Guest contact info:[email protected]://atlasinspectionservices.com/ Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

In this week’s Epic Entrepreneurs episode, guest host Cliff McRea from ActionCOACH Business Growth Partners sits down with Bryson Lanier, owner of Little Bird Roof Company, to explore the story behind one of Western North Carolina’s most trusted roofing businesses.Bryson shares how his background as a subcontractor and military veteran inspired him to build a company focused on craftsmanship, integrity, and customer education. From historic homes to complex slate and cedar shake projects, Little Bird takes on the jobs others avoid—backed by meticulous planning, strong communication, and a commitment to doing things right the first time.Listeners will hear insights on:Building a reliable, growth-minded teamThe power of customer education and communicationLessons learned from scaling during post-storm rebuildingHow trust, balance, and reputation fuel long-term successBryson also opens up about leadership, work–life balance, and his desire to use business as a force for good—through community engagement and supporting wildlife research led by his operations manager.If you’re a business owner striving to grow with purpose and integrity, this conversation is a masterclass in doing just that.🎧 Listen now to discover how Little Bird Roof Company is raising the standard, one roof—and one relationship—at a time.Guest contact info:[email protected]://www.facebook.com/share/1Di9AdpbYL/?mibextid=wwXIfrhttps://www.instagram.com/littlebirdroofcompany?igsh=NTFweXg0eTVwano5&utm_source=qr Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

How does forensic accounting uncover hidden or missing assets in both personal and business situations, including fraud, divorce cases, employee theft, and vendor misconduct?Dr. Gabrielle Juba shares candid lessons from launching her firm, including the importance of having a clearer vision early on, building backend systems, and learning to balance structure with flexibility as a business owner. She challenges the misconception that a website alone brings clients, emphasizing instead the critical role of networking, relationships, and word-of-mouth referrals—crediting groups like FABA, Incredible Business Networking, and the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce as key to her growth.The conversation also explores how Gabi manages vacations, sets boundaries with clients, and intentionally balances business demands with personal time. She attributes her growth to personal drive, a strong professional network, and continuous education, including her advanced business degrees and ongoing learning through classes and podcasts.Looking ahead, Gabi discusses her vision for scaling Juba Forensics into a multimillion-dollar firm, hiring employees starting in 2026, and building a fully remote team with strong compensation, education, and culture. She closes with advice for entrepreneurs: don’t quit too early, be willing to pivot, and stay committed long enough for the work to pay off.Listeners can connect with Dr. Gabrielle Juba here:[email protected]/in/gabriellejubahttps://www.youtube.com/@JubaForensics Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

What if the smartest way to grow is to do less, better? That question sits at the heart of our conversation with chiropractor and acupuncturist Christopher Wolcott, who left a bustling, insurance-heavy clinic in Chicago to build a focused, mornings-only, referral-powered practice in Asheville. His story is equal parts strategy and sanity: combining chiropractic, acupuncture, soft tissue work, and rehab into longer visits; setting firm boundaries around vacations and mental health; and trusting instincts to guide both clinical choices and business pivots.We trace the decisions that shaped his new model, from selling everything and spending two years in an RV with his family to choosing Asheville for proximity to loved ones and a lifestyle that rewards presence over hustle. Chris breaks down the myths of being your own boss, explaining the real costs of no benefits and no paid time off, and why he now closes the clinic rather than running coverage roulette. He shares the hiring signals that matter—timeliness and genuine bedside manner—and how leading by example creates a resilient, low-drama culture. We also dig into his rebrand from Sunrise Wellness to Wolcott Wellness, why market habits should guide your schedule, and how honesty—turning away cases he can’t help—built a reputation that fuels consistent word-of-mouth.Looking ahead, Chris sketches a practical vision for corporate wellness: on-site maintenance care, accessible acupuncture points, and quick adjustments for teams at craft manufacturers and blue-collar workplaces. It’s prevention-forward, relationship-rich, and an authentic extension of the approach that made his clinic thrive. If you’re craving sustainable growth, clearer priorities, and a business that truly fits your life, you’ll find hard-won insights and actionable steps here. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review—we love hearing what landed for you.Guest contact info:[email protected]  Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

What if rebuilding your career didn’t start with ads or a perfect website, but with a simple question: who do I need to help first? That’s the heartbeat of our conversation with mortgage lender and real estate investor, Haley Gant, who moved from Houston to Western North Carolina, weathered Hurricane Helene’s fallout, and rebuilt by doubling down on people, process, and patience.We dig into the decisions that matter when money is tight and time is short: why a CRM is the first real investment, how “boots on the ground” weekends at open houses create authentic partnerships, and the difference between being seen and being useful. Haley opens her playbook on local networking in Hendersonville and Asheville—from FABA and the Chamber to Hive—and shares why hosting meetups and classes can change your trajectory faster than buying leads. Along the way, she explains how buying a Brevard cabin as a short-term rental shaped her approach to lending, wealth-building, and advising first-time buyers and investors to ignore headlines and act on their own timelines.This episode is packed with practical tactics and a clear mindset: commit to the long game, set weekly learning goals to master complex loan products, and plan your entire year so life experiences land on the calendar before everyone else’s priorities do. If you’re launching a local service business, growing a mortgage practice, or trying to restart after a setback, you’ll leave with a simple, repeatable blueprint for momentum built on real relationships.If this conversation helped you think differently about growth, subscribe, share it with a friend who’s building something, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway so we can keep bringing you more founder playbooks.Guest contact info:Email: [email protected]: www.EliteMountainMortgage.com  Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

What if your grind isn’t a discipline problem but a design mismatch? We sit down with Rachel Buckley of the Wellbeing Project to rethink success from the inside out, trading vague self-care for a practical framework that meets both body and being. Rachel’s story moves from New York sales floors and network marketing calls to single parenting in Asheville and hard-won spiritual clarity. Along the way, she discovered something that changed everything: she’s a wisdom teacher, not a traditional founder. That shift reframed “lack of follow-through” as misalignment—and opened the door to work that fits.We unpack the seven core concepts of her Wellbeing Project, built to be universal and accessible with free online courses and weekly conversations. Think structure like AA but content for everyone: clear, human-centered language, no jargon, and a focus on what all people need to thrive. Rachel shows how “tending” replaces performative self-care. Instead of optimization, you get rhythms: consistent sleep, real food, movement, and the inner nutrients of connection, inspiration, and knowledge. She shares simple rituals that make life feel livable now—like a weekly, agenda-free gathering that keeps community strong without the performative networking.We also get into common entrepreneurial myths. Ownership isn’t automatic freedom; freedom comes from fit. Rachel explains why keeping her business small on purpose protected her values and season of life, and how partnering let her stay in her genius as a teacher. Then we explore the Being Blueprint, a living personal manual that uses AI to synthesize insights from multiple modalities into practical, everyday guidance. It’s not about labels—it’s about decisions you can trust.If you’re craving a humane path to growth, this conversation offers tools and language you can use today. Listen, share with someone who’s running on fumes, and tell us what part you’ll tend first. Subscribe for more conversations that put human thriving at the center of work and life. Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

What if a wedding could cost less and mean more? That’s the question we explore with Jon-Paul Brown, the founder of Elope Asheville, who’s spent sixteen years guiding couples to mountaintops, waterfalls, and wild overlooks for intimate ceremonies that trade spectacle for story. He shares how a simple promise—full wedding experience at a fraction of the price—became a resilient business anchored in trust, stunning photography, and adventure.We dig into the practical playbook behind his growth. Jon-Paul argues that marketing is the job, and social media is the most reliable engine when you remove friction from discovery to booking. He breaks down the profile-to-DM-to-contract flow, why clarity beats cleverness, and how watching trends without chasing fads keeps the brand consistent. He’s blunt about entrepreneurship’s weight: long days, real stress, and the responsibility of your team’s livelihood. Yet he shows how to build a culture that works—hire for writing and storytelling, treat emails like craft, and give great people room to operate.The conversation turns raw when Jon-Paul recounts a partnership that imploded into lawsuits, missing funds, a hacked website, and a full stop. In 2024 he regained control and rebuilt from zero, a forced reset that sharpened his priorities: rigorous financial oversight, honest pricing, and fast, human communication. We also talk fair fees versus profit maximization, why couples deserve to start married life without debt, and how field research (yes, even in a powder-blue Vegas tux) fuels better processes. He closes with what’s next: spring bookings, local tips, and The Elope Asheville Insider, a new weekly show spotlighting events, eats, stays, and wedding planning advice around town.If you care about building a brand on integrity and results—whether you run weddings or any service business—this conversation will give you tactics and a spine. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s scaling a service, and leave a quick review to tell us what lesson hit home.Guest's contact info: [email protected]  or 828-301-2959Facebook: @elopeashevilleInstagram: @elopeashevilleTikTok: Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

Fires are meant to be comforting, not chaotic. We sit with Ben Seidman, owner of Flue Fighters Chimney Company in Asheville, to explore how modern chimney and fireplace work blends science, education, and leadership to keep homes truly safe. From full-camera inspections and roof waterproofing to code-heavy decisions inside the firebox, Ben explains why an “education-first” approach turns a service call into a clear plan homeowners can trust.The conversation goes deeper than soot and ladders. Ben opens up about getting laid off, launching a business in 2023, and then getting hammered by Hurricane Helene right as peak season should have started. Calls dried up, layoffs followed, and he stepped away for National Guard activation. When the phones finally roared back, he rebuilt with intention—sending techs for CSIA certification, investing in continuing education and NFPA knowledge, and creating a culture where reviews, good or bad, are shared as lessons. The result is a team that thinks three steps ahead about scaffolding, permits, seasonality, and safety, not just the job at hand.We talk candidly about common small business misconceptions, the myth of instant profit, and why taxes, overhead, and weather can stretch even the best plans. Ben shares how he hires for grit, communication, and problem-solving, then teaches the technical skills needed for high-stakes work on roofs and in crawl spaces. He outlines what’s next—adding a technician and an office manager, securing a building for training and meetings, and refining systems so the company scales without compromising safety.If you care about home safety, trades professionalism, or how real small businesses survive shocks and grow stronger, this story will land. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s renovating or building, and leave a quick review to help more listeners find these practical, behind-the-scenes conversations. What part of home safety are you reconsidering after this one?Guest Contact Info:[email protected]://flue-fighters.com/ Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

The story of Allied Home Inspection isn’t about finding a hack. It’s about learning where trust is built, then building there on purpose. Kimi McBurney joins us to share how a Google listing wasn’t enough in a referral-driven market and why the real leverage came from relationships with real estate agents, consistent social content, and showing up where decisions get made. From a single service start to a multi-service operation offering radon testing and mitigation, water and well testing, and septic inspections and pumping, Kimi walks through the choices that turned a technical skill into a steady pipeline.We dig into the hard parts most owners gloss over: the pressure of payroll, the myth of flexible hours, and the challenge of taking a real vacation when you’re the linchpin. Kimi lays out how she hired and trained six inspectors, set up remote-first admin, and created clean processes so the business runs when she steps away. Her rule of thumb is simple and bold: hire for people skills, then teach the technical. In a high-stakes moment like a home inspection, clarity and calm matter as much as accuracy, and that culture becomes a competitive edge.You’ll also hear how coaching communities and cross-market peers accelerated growth by sharing pricing models, marketing tactics, and service-line playbooks. Kimi's approach to balance is pragmatic: engineer your day, protect deep work with early mornings, and use systems to keep promises to clients and family. If you work in home services, real estate, or any referral-heavy field, you’ll leave with practical ideas for network marketing, trust-building, and team empowerment that actually scale.Enjoy the conversation, then tell us your favorite takeaway. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a fellow entrepreneur, and leave a quick review so more builders can find it.Guest contact Info:[email protected]/alliedhomeinspector_ashevill Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

Some businesses are built on pitch decks; others are forged in kennels at dawn. We sit with Kris Morrill, founder of Revolutionary Canine, to explore how a former gym owner scaled a two-location dog training company by betting on discipline, education, and a relentless focus on results that stick in real homes. The conversation ranges from the harsh summers of South Georgia to brisk Carolina mornings, and how climate, staffing, and live-animal care shape daily operations and culture in ways most entrepreneurs never see.Kris breaks down the industry’s overlooked truth: great trainers fail when they can’t teach people. His growth came from mastering canine behavior and then translating it into clear steps owners can repeat under pressure. That owner education, paired with obsessive attention to detail, created consistent outcomes, fewer callbacks, and a steady stream of referrals. You’ll hear why he invests heavily in ongoing learning, how he hires for patience and punctuality, and why dogs demand calm, unemotional handling that reads their signals long before problems escalate.We also dig into leadership and lifestyle. Holidays don’t pause for kennels, so Kris models the standard by filling gaps and keeping welfare first. He shares why he chooses passion over rigid plans, how he “backchains” from outcomes, and the story behind his “It will work” moment at the bank that set his trajectory. If you care about small business, pet training, or building a team that owns the mission, this story will give you practical takeaways on service, culture, and consistency.If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s building something demanding, and leave a quick review to help more entrepreneurs find us.Guest contact info: [email protected]  Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

What does it really take to turn a hands-on trade into a trusted local brand? We sat down with Bret Wooten of Heaven’s Best Carpet Cleaning to trace the path from employee to owner and uncover the simple, repeatable habits that drive customer loyalty, strong teams, and steady growth. Brett’s journey is grounded in purpose and proof: commit to quality tools, follow the system, finish every job right, and give clients a little more than they expected.Brett explains how he broke free from early decision paralysis—agonizing over ads, vendors, and offers—by acting faster and treating mistakes as “expensive education.” We dig into how this shift powers everything else: hiring coachable people, maintaining high standards without shortcuts, and turning first-time clients into recurring customers. You’ll hear how he builds a calm, productive crew culture where feedback is direct, respectful, and focused on outcomes. We also explore the real economics of ownership, dispelling the myth of instant riches and highlighting the true reward: dependable freedom built on consistent execution.Beyond carpets, Heaven’s Best handles upholstery, leather, tile and grout, area rugs, hardwood floors, stretching and repairs, plus HVAC ducts and dryer vents. Brett shares how the franchise’s ongoing innovation keeps quality high while keeping processes simple. He walks through practical growth plans across Western North Carolina into neighboring Tennessee and Virginia, using a radius approach anchored by travel time and reliable staffing. Along the way, we talk planning routines, vacation coverage, and why family time and faith keep him grounded through busy seasons and quiet spells.If you want a candid blueprint for service business success—systems over guesswork, people over ego, commitment over shortcuts—this conversation will stick. Subscribe for more stories from owners who build the right way, leave a review to help others find the show, and share the episode with a friend who’s ready to grow.Guest contact info: [email protected] Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

Emergencies don’t wait for office hours, and neither does Howard Jones. As the owner-operator of Healthy Home Environmental, he steps into flooded rooms and damp crawl spaces with a simple promise: fast response, straight talk, and work done the right way. We explore what that looks like behind the scenes—where planning, education, and trust separate real pros from rushed jobs.Howard explains why there’s no such thing as an ironclad mold guarantee and why honest post-job testing is the only responsible way to talk about spore counts. He lays out the operational playbook that keeps clients calm and projects on track: staging materials ahead of time, moving quickly to prevent microbial growth, and staying personally involved on site. Instead of pouring money into ads, he invests in relationships with realtors, homeowners, and adjusters. That network, built over decades, powers a steady flow of referrals and five-star reviews without the hype.We also get real about leadership and lifestyle. Hiring for punctuality and grit, Howard leads by example and isn’t afraid to crawl where the work demands. He shares why staying small by design helps maintain quality, how a single bad job can dent years of goodwill, and what it takes to keep boundaries when the phone never stops ringing. There’s heart here, too—family as inspiration, pride in a son’s successes, and the quiet discipline of showing up even when it’s hard.If you care about building a service business that lasts, you’ll find practical lessons on reputation management, client education, moisture and mold best practices, and the power of doing the simple things well. Subscribe, share this with a fellow owner, and leave a quick review to help more listeners find stories that cut through the noise. Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

A five-star review doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built on numbers, people, and promises you keep. We sit down with Dennis Koval of FixnCarolina Pro Handyman Service to unpack how a local home services company scales with profit discipline and a people-first mindset. From job-level cost tracking to a satisfaction guarantee that holds final payment until the client is truly happy, Dennis shares an operating system any service business can adapt.We start with the real problem a pro handyman solves: all the small but critical tasks homeowners don’t know who to call for. Dennis explains why tracking materials, labor hours, and target gross profit per job is non-negotiable, and how quietly stacking $19.99 subscriptions can bleed cash if no one audits the tools. He walks through the playbook for clear communication—owning setbacks, explaining fixes, and leaving homes cleaner than they were found—so the only visible change is the improvement. That discipline turns one-time visits into repeat business and over eighty five-star reviews.The conversation turns to culture. Dennis treats employees as the first customers, hiring for openness, friendliness, cleanliness, and attention to detail. He shows how that approach drives rapport with homeowners, fewer callbacks, and a calmer schedule. We also talk boundaries: setting work hours, planning vacations with coverage, and resisting the urge to reply from the beach. The quick-fire segment hits education, planning for the worst while hoping for the best, and drawing inspiration from family and local founders. We close with practical advice for owners: invest in your team, obsess over service, keep learning, and build peer circles that keep you out of the weeds.Ready to turn small jobs into big wins? Listen now, subscribe for more conversations with builders and owners, and share the one change you’ll make this week. If this helped, leave a review so others can find the show.Guest info: [email protected]://www.facebook.com/fixncarolina/ Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

What happens to a mountain home when the owner is a thousand miles away and a sudden freeze cracks a pipe? We sat down with Nick Gomez, founder of Mountain Vantage Properties, to explore how a home watch and property caretaking company protects vacant luxury homes across Asheville, Hendersonville, Weaverville, and Black Mountain—and what it really takes to build trust in a niche that runs on discretion and reliability.Nick shares why he would invest in marketing first if he could start over, even with a career rooted in operations and engineering. We unpack pricing for a luxury market, the risk of being “the cheapest,” and how to reach a tiny, hard-to-find audience by building relationships with realtors, trades, and clubs where seasonal owners actually spend time. The conversation goes deep on integrity-first hiring—what it means to vet people who can walk into a five-million-dollar home and do the right thing—plus the systems that keep field work calm and decisive when a leak or storm hits.We also get practical about work-life integration: ruthless calendar blocks, weekly non-negotiables for content and outreach, and the role of a supportive spouse when entrepreneurship stretches the schedule. Mentors show up as force multipliers—pushing clear goals, reframing setbacks, and keeping the long game in focus. Looking ahead, Nick outlines a shift to think like a marketing company that does home watch, along with a growing project management arm that coordinates vetted vendors so owners handle less while outcomes improve.If you care about building a recurring revenue business on trust, or you own a second home and wonder how to make it worry-free, this conversation delivers concrete tactics and candid lessons. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s scaling a service business, and leave a review to let us know the one takeaway you’ll put into practice this week.Guest contact info:Website: mvpwnc.comPhone: (828) 585-4889Email: [email protected]: [email protected] Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

Storms don’t just hit mountains—they hit companies. We sat down with Ryan Ducker, CEO of Ducker Land Management in Western North Carolina, to explore how a contractor that repairs landslides, builds engineered retaining walls, and crafts complex hardscapes built a culture that runs toward the storm and comes out stronger. Ryan’s operating system is simple and demanding: hire hungry, humble, and smart people; resolve problems immediately; and keep the wheelhouse staffed with leaders who can steady the ship when conditions change fast.We get practical about money and growth. Ryan shares the early mistakes of buying shiny equipment too soon, why renting strategically protects cash flow, and how clear positioning—hardscape, slope stabilization, and concrete, not mowing or mulch—attracts the right jobs. He opens up about marketing that fits their terrain, from geofencing target areas to refining a website that signals “heavy hardscape and landslide repair” at a glance. Underneath the tactics is a people-first strategy: build a business that grows employees from unskilled to skilled to operator to foreman, and clients will feel the difference on every job walk.Purpose sits at the center. Ryan credits his faith for keeping the focus on service, character, and long-term decisions that outlast any contract. He admits balance is hard, so he uses a monthly “balance wheel” and invites his wife to grade family time, then schedules it like mission-critical work. Expect candid advice for owners: don’t try to pay your way out of culture problems, coach fast, remove bad fits when needed, and give your best leaders real authority so they carry the weight with you. We also preview what’s next: a dedicated large-project crew, a tighter org chart, and smarter media that meets ideal clients where they are.If you care about building teams that can handle tough sites, tougher markets, and the toughest conversations, this conversation will sharpen your playbook. Listen, share with a fellow builder or founder, and leave a review to tell us your biggest takeaway.Guest Info:[email protected] Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

Growth isn’t luck; it’s a set of choices made on clear numbers, the right people, and the right capital. Cliff sits down with Roberta McCullough, COO of Institute Capital, to unpack how a Community Development Financial Institution helps founders in Western North Carolina and beyond move from hustle to healthy scale. Roberta breaks down what CDFIs actually do, why pairing money with technical assistance changes outcomes, and how grants can complement loans when communities are recovering, including businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene in Asheville.We get practical about finances. Roberta explains why looking at your books once a year is too late, how a simple quarterly spreadsheet can reveal true profit, and when “good debt” makes sense for equipment, a second location, or inventory that drives measurable returns. The conversation dives into team building: hiring for cultural fit as much as skill, finding people who thrive in your operating style, and using delegation to make the business stronger than any single person. You’ll hear candid insights on boundaries, rest, and the calendar habits that keep leaders sharp.If you’re aiming to double revenue, this conversation shows how to map the path: validate demand, model margins, align capital to productive assets, and tap free support many owners overlook. With a downtown Asheville office and bilingual outreach, Institute Capital is building access for entrepreneurs across WNC while pursuing additional grant funding to speed recovery. Listen for actionable steps, local resources, and a mindset shift that turns growth into a plan you can execute.If this conversation helps you think differently about finance, hiring, or scale, follow the show, share it with a founder who needs it, and leave a quick review so others can discover it.Guest info:Phone: (919) 956-8889, X3320Email: [email protected]  Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

Old homes aren’t just charming—they’re built with materials and methods that can outlast anything at the big-box store. We sit down with craftsman and founder Alex Nebe of Retune Restoration to explore how careful preservation and thoughtful upgrades can give pre-1950s houses a second life without stripping away their soul. From window and door restoration to wainscoting and period details, Alex explains why saving original fabric is often the smartest, most sustainable choice.We dive into the realities of running a one-person shop: wearing every hat, pricing complex work, and educating clients about the time and technique true restoration requires. Alex shares the lessons he’d apply if starting over—investing earlier in relationships and a values-driven culture—and why he’s launching an apprenticeship to grow skills locally. Quiet leadership shapes his approach: do what you say, communicate early, and adapt to different people and situations. That mindset, forged through years of travel and sailing, helps him guide clients through surprises that older homes inevitably reveal.Looking ahead, Alex plans to expand into larger renovation projects with a focus on healthy, joyful living spaces. We talk practical boundaries for small business owners—vacations, expectations, and making room to breathe—while keeping standards high. If you care about sustainability, craftsmanship, and community, this conversation offers a clear blueprint for balancing quality with growth and turning heritage into an everyday advantage.Enjoy the episode, then subscribe, share with a friend who loves old houses, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. Interested in working with Alex or learning the trade? Visit the site or connect on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn and keep an eye out for January hiring updates.Guest Contact Info:Email: [email protected]: www.retunerestalexoration.com IG https://www.instagram.com/retune_restoration/ Facebook Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

What if the strongest growth lever in home services isn’t ads, but trust? We sit down with Zeke Seaton of Solid ARM Solutions and Carolina Radon to explore how a healthy-home mission—mold remediation, crawl space encapsulation, moisture control, and radon mitigation—scaled on the back of clean execution and steady referrals. Zeke walks us through the early days as a licensed home inspector, the pivot to specialized services, and the moment he realized billboards and flashy logos could not compete with word of mouth from inspectors, contractors, and tight-knit BNI groups.You’ll hear the real texture of the trade: crawling tight spaces, dealing with fiberglass, facing spiders and the occasional snake, and still showing up with PPE, tucked shirts, and a respectful tone in customers’ homes. Zeke shares how professionalism on the messiest jobs earns more than five-star reviews—it earns repeat recommendations. We dig into hiring for a hard, hazardous role with clear pay, bonuses, tools, and culture, plus the traits that matter most when the work gets tough and the crawlspace gets tighter.We also tackle the head game of entrepreneurship. Zeke does not romanticize the grind: you do not just work for yourself, you work for everyone who trusts you. He protects his evenings by shutting down phones at six, manages vacations with short morning check-ins, and credits a skilled virtual assistant in the Philippines for reclaiming time by handling calls, Facebook, website updates, and outreach. Planning the night before keeps materials and steps dialed in, and with the calendar booking months out, he is adding techs and another van to shorten lead times without sacrificing quality.Enjoy the conversation, share it with a fellow builder or inspector, and if it helps you, leave a review and subscribe so you never miss an episode.Guest contact info:Email: [email protected] Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

Want a behind‑the‑scenes blueprint for growing a creative business without burning out? We sit down with Kateri, founder of Kateri Jane Designs, to unpack the practical playbook that powers her interior design studio: flexible systems, honest communication, and boundaries that actually hold. No fluff—just the exact moves that turn chaotic days into smooth client experiences.We start with the foundation: how choosing a malleable CRM like Dubsado transformed inquiry to contract with one‑click automations, clean scheduler links, and customizable templates. That operational backbone reduces back‑and‑forth, prevents mistakes, and gives clients a consistent, professional journey from discovery call to install. From there, we dive into hiring in a field everyone wants to join. Katiri shares how she finds self‑starters, trains by learning style, and builds a culture where questions are welcomed and initiative is expected. The payoff is a team that adapts fast, communicates clearly, and keeps projects moving when plans change.Then we tackle the owner myths. There’s no “free time” windfall when you run a studio—there’s admin, insurance, payroll, and vendor wrangling. The antidote is delegation and transparency. By outsourcing bookkeeping and installs, and by telling clients the truth about budgets, timelines, and trade‑offs, she earns steady referrals and protects her creative focus. The theme that ties it all together is boundary setting: no interior design emergencies after 5 p.m., weekends reserved for life, and workload caps that keep quality high. Those lines don’t scare clients; they attract the right ones.If you’re a service‑based founder, designer, or creative entrepreneur looking to scale with sanity, you’ll leave with actionable steps: implement a client‑friendly CRM, hire for initiative, document your processes, delegate non‑core tasks, and guard your calendar. We wrap with quick hits on growth, continuous learning, planning without rigidity, finding inspiration everywhere, and committing through daily small steps. Enjoyed the conversation? Follow the show, share it with a builder who needs better boundaries, and leave a review so more entrepreneurs can find us.Guest Contact info:[email protected]: https://www.katerijanedesigns.com/ Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

Want a candid look at how a working musician turns raw talent into a real business without losing the joy? We bring on violinist and violist Mari Hashimoto to share the unglamorous truth behind dreamy ceremonies and flawless gala sets—boundaries, pricing with confidence, airtight planning, and relationships that actually move the needle. If you’ve ever wondered why some creatives thrive while others burn out, this conversation lays out the blueprint.Mari traces her journey from saying yes to everything to building a sustainable operation that respects her time and elevates the client experience. We unpack the most common misconceptions about performance work, then dig into the systems that make it run: clear proposals, contracts, repertoire planning, coordinator communication, invoicing, and tax readiness. As an introvert, she learned to network in a way that feels natural—listening first, following up thoughtfully, and collaborating with other musicians and local business owners to drive referrals and repeat bookings.We also explore the EPIC framework that keeps her grounded: bring energy that lifts the room, keep learning so you never get stuck, plan in detail so the show feels effortless, stay inspired by a purpose bigger than yourself, and commit when it’s tempting to coast. Mari talks openly about balancing long drives between North and South Carolina, protecting rest days, and hiring the right help—an assistant today, a CPA onboard, and a bookkeeper next—to build a stronger foundation for growth. Along the way you’ll hear practical advice on knowing your worth, setting workload limits, and charging fairly so the art stays joyful.If you’re a creative entrepreneur, event professional, or small business owner who wants sustainable growth without losing heart, this one is for you. Subscribe for more conversations on craft, systems, and the mindset that keeps your work alive—and share your top takeaway or boundary you’re ready to set. Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

Start with one truck. Add a bankruptcy, a marriage, a few core subs, and a vision for building big. Nathan and Jen Dockery share how Dockery Group went from reset to rapid growth by anchoring every decision in values, stewardship, and service—and why general contracting pays for the development habit that fuels their creativity.We get candid about the rebuild: hiring slowly, defining a clear customer avatar, and hunting with a rifle instead of a shotgun. They walk through the multi-step hiring process—yes, including the dinner test to see how candidates treat servers—and how that filter creates a team clients trust so much they often become investors. We look at the hard math of scaling: keeping cash in the business, resisting flashy purchases, and expecting systems to break at each revenue tier before you rebuild them better. Along the way, faith shapes culture and action, from quarter‑million‑dollar community projects to running the company with an open hand that attracts partners and opportunities.There’s a human side too. As a married founder duo, they invest in performance coaching, set boundaries with mandatory date nights, and practice presence—purpose is where you’re standing. Connections come from living fully in their circles: church, car clubs, the gym, and local networks. That visibility pairs with a deliberate online presence because most buyers are deep into research before the first call. Looking ahead, they’re breaking ground on multiple developments, including mixed‑use districts and retail centers with rooftop bars and food courts—proof that patience, principle, and people can compound into momentum.Subscribe for more founder stories and practical playbooks. If this resonated, share it with a builder in your network and leave a quick review to help others find the show. Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

If growth feels random and networking feels like wasted donuts, this conversation will reset your playbook. We sit down with home inspector Michael Van Hall of Blue Mountain Home Inspections, a builder-turned-inspector who shows how stacked hands-on skills and structured outreach can turn a solo service into a reliable book of business. From farm fixes to framing houses with a master carpenter, Michael explains how real-world construction experience translates into sharper inspections and calmer clients—and why that credibility matters to realtors who need clarity, not drama.We get specific about what actually moves the needle. Michael contrasts unstructured meetups with BNI’s weekly cadence, one-to-ones, and trackable referrals, sharing how accountability turns a room into a sales force. He breaks down a high-converting tactic any service pro can use: offer short, useful presentations at realtor offices. When agents see your process and hear your communication style, you stop being another card on the desk and start being the inspector who makes deals smoother. We also talk systems—online scheduling, easy payments, clean reports—and how lowering friction increases repeat business and word of mouth.Lifestyle and resilience round out the playbook. Michael highlights the flexibility and strong hourly economics of home inspection, how to pause for life events without losing momentum, and how to use slow markets to sharpen messaging and deepen relationships. Anchored by the Be EPIC mindset—bring energy, pursue education, plan with intent, fuel inspiration through small wins, and commit—this episode gives service entrepreneurs a clear path: get in front of the right rooms with value, make working with you effortless, and keep showing up long enough for compounding to kick in.Enjoy the conversation? Follow the show, share it with a friend who’s building a service business, and leave a quick review to help others find it.Guest contact info: info@bluemountainhomeinspections.combluemountainhomeinspections.com Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

What does it take to come back from losing every single truck overnight? We sit down with Brendan Hogan of Asheville Area Movers to unpack a hard-won playbook for rebuilding stronger: bold branding that makes phones ring, smart technology that shrinks overhead, and a people-first culture that turns stressful move days into positive stories customers tell their friends.Brendan shares the moment he saw water over the trucks, the three-day low that followed, and the switch that flipped when he realized the crisis could be a reset. From commissioning local artists to turn each truck into a rolling landmark to moving the yard to higher ground, the strategy blended community roots with pragmatic risk control. We dig into Google Local Services Ads, why they’re expensive yet indispensable, and how consistent offline visibility—yard signs, print, uniforms—keeps the brand top of mind long after a search ad disappears.On the operations side, we break down how a mover-specific CRM handles scheduling, bill of lading, payments, and customer history, enabling a two-person office to coordinate 35 movers without drowning in paper. Brendan is candid about hiring in a tough labor market: punctuality trumps everything, attitude beats experience, and paying above market plus clear upsell incentives creates buy-in. We talk stress management, the myth of entrepreneurial free time, and the power of an operations partner who can swap in when life happens.Looking ahead, Brendan explains the decision to expand into Atlanta with a trusted team member at the helm and the plan to centralize support in Asheville to create better local jobs. If you’re a founder navigating setbacks, wondering whether to invest in brand, or debating the ROI of LSAs and industry-specific software, this story delivers practical steps you can apply this week. Enjoy the conversation, then subscribe, share with a builder who needs a boost, and drop a review with your top takeaway. Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

What if you could spot disruption weeks before it hits and turn it into momentum? That question drives our conversation with Wendy White, co-founder and CEO of Continuum Consulting Services, whose 30-year path runs from ropes courses and catamarans to culture design, change management, and multi-sector collaboration. We unpack how a single signal from a pharma client led her team to scenario-plan early for COVID, pivot their services online, and meet clients where they were—proving that curiosity, speed, and small reversible bets can outpace chaos.We open up the toolbox leaders need right now: a futurist’s habit of scanning the horizon, practical routines for identifying weak signals, and 90-day strategic cycles that keep vision steady while tactics flex. Wendy explains why diversification across industries cushions shocks, how risk tolerance separates founders from spectators, and what it takes to build teams that bring energy without burning out. Instead of chasing balance, she champions integration—protecting health, pursuing inspiration beyond work, and using “geographical resets” to refresh perspective and creativity.We also dive into Crossroads Collaboratories, Continuum’s live, transformational gatherings designed to tackle “gnarly” challenges like climate resilience and the future of healthcare. By convening scientists, youth leaders, Indigenous voices, and change-makers, these sessions move beyond doom narratives to shared action. Alongside this is Let’s Choose Love, a nonprofit funding grassroots projects with coaching support, turning business into a vehicle for community impact. If you’re navigating uncertainty, rethinking planning, or searching for a more human way to lead, this conversation offers a clear, proven path forward.Enjoy the episode? Follow and share it with someone who’s steering through change. Subscribe for more conversations with builders and innovators, and leave a review to tell us which signal you’re watching next.Guest contact info: [email protected] - Continuum Consulting Services Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

Moving day can feel like a storm. We sat down with Anne Smith of College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving in Asheville to unpack how her team turns chaos into calm through mindset, leadership development, and community-rooted service. From the moment they step on-site, their mission is simple: reduce stress. Anne explains why HUNKS—Honest, Uniformed, Nice, Knowledgeable, Service—is more than a catchy acronym; it’s the operating system for hiring, training, and customer experience.We get real about entrepreneurship: launching mid-pandemic, learning to protect energy, and building a support network that actually supports. Anne shares why good networking is about being a resource, not working a room, and how partnerships with Homeward Bound, Habitat for Humanity, and Asheville Tool Closet turn junk into impact. She also highlights a powerful brand initiative—free moves with domestic violence shelters in October—that reframes what service businesses can do for their cities.Inside the operation, Anne hires for coachability and empathy, then grows leaders through clear paths from wingman to captain. Morning huddles, gratitude routines, and continuous education make the culture tangible. We walk through the EPIC framework: bring energy with intention, prioritize education, plan with the flexibility to pivot, and live commitment through core values that stick. Along the way, Anne debunks myths about business ownership, talks boundaries, and shares how mindset shapes every job and every customer interaction.If you want practical insight on reducing client stress, building a values-driven team, and growing through relationships, this conversation delivers. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s planning a move, and leave a review with your best tip for staying calm on moving day.Guest Contact Info:[email protected]://www.collegehunkshaulingjunk.com/https://www.facebook.com/CollegeHunksHaulingJunkandMoving/https://www.instagram.com/collegehunks/https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-hunks-hauling-junkhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-zo_ofBvBf5jTrjpvit_owhttps://twitter.com/CollegeHunks Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

What does it really take to turn a two-person hustle into a durable, people-first business? We sit down with Maja, co-founder of Carolina Outdoor Lighting, to trace the arc from answering irrigation clients’ lighting requests to building a design-led brand known for craft, culture, and steady growth. From the first two-day crash course to a recent acquisition in Brevard, Maya shares the decisions that mattered most—and the ones she’d make sooner if starting over.We get practical about hiring early, even when it dents short-term profit, and why the right attitude beats prior experience in a niche trade like landscape lighting. Maja walks us through the company’s weekly LIONS rhythm—last week, issues, opportunities, next week—and how it keeps projects moving while opening space for personal vision work. You’ll hear how she and Jason divide roles—she leads operations and people; he leads field design and technical excellence—to reduce context switching and keep both the business and the craft moving forward.If you’ve ever believed the myth that running a business means more freedom, Maja offers a grounded counterpoint: responsibility grows with the team, which is why planning, process, and values matter. We dig into core values like integrity, excellence, and creative innovation, plus the tangible tools that lift morale—ongoing education, certifications, and simple recognition rituals that make good work visible. We also explore the lessons from acquiring a competitor: gaps you only discover mid-integration, the questions to ask next time, and why fear, when paired with a solid plan, can be a reliable compass for bold moves.Looking to grow your company without losing your soul? This conversation delivers a clear playbook: hire sooner, plan before you implement, teach constantly, and let your values steer the hard calls. If the next step still feels scary after you’ve planned it, that might be your signal to go. Subscribe, share this with a builder in your life, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway—we’d love to hear what you’ll try next. Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/