Growing 10X: Building a Business That Feels Small at Scale
Business Owner Tales from the Trenches
Release Date: 06/19/2025
Blending Profit and Purpose: A Coffee Entrepreneur's Tale
Business Owner Tales from the Trenches
In this episode, David Paparelli discusses his entrepreneurial journey, focusing on the founding and growth of his coffee business, M-Cultivo. From his early inclination toward entrepreneurship, through various mentorships, to his unique approach to starting and scaling his company, David shares valuable insights. He explains how he identified a gap in the specialty coffee sector and used a mix of technology and customer engagement to fill it. David talks about the challenges of bootstrapping a tech-driven business, the importance of staying close to the customer, and how to balance purpose...
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The 95% Rule: Building a Culture of Accountability with Todd Stanton
Business Owner Tales from the Trenches
💡 Episode Summary What if 5% of your employees are creating 95% of your problems? This week, Cannon and Claudia sit down with Todd Stanton, founder of Stanton Law and author of The 95% Rule: 29 Employment Law Axioms for Owners, Execs, and HR. While the title suggests employment law, this conversation goes much deeper — into the heart of leadership, ownership, and building a culture of accountability. Todd explains how a victim mentality in both leaders and employees erodes company health — and how reclaiming agency and responsibility leads to a high-performing, self-led team. He...
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Reflections on a Successful Business Sale: Insights from Cannon
Business Owner Tales from the Trenches
What does it really take to sell a business without regret? In this anniversary conversation, Cannon Carr shares his experience of leading his firm through a major transition—what went as expected, what surprises hit hardest, and how preparation years in advance made all the difference. From the importance of clean books and solid processes, to setting non-negotiables, to navigating the emotional toll of the deal, Cannon gives a candid look behind the curtain of mergers and acquisitions. He also unpacks his Three R’s Framework—Reward, Reinvest, and Repurpose—and why values are just as...
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The Power of Clarity and Health in Entrepreneurship
Business Owner Tales from the Trenches
In this episode, hosts Cannon and Claudia discuss the importance of health as a competitive advantage for business owners with guest Justin Roethingshofer, founder of Own It Coaching. Justin shares his transformation journey, driven by his experiences in the NHL and his personal health challenges. He offers insights into his high-performance health consultancy, which focuses on individualized health optimization for business leaders. Listeners are encouraged to consider key questions about their purpose, energy use, and risk management to ensure peak performance in their business endeavors....
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Growing 10X: Building a Business That Feels Small at Scale
Business Owner Tales from the Trenches
How do you grow a business 10X—without losing the personal touch that made it special in the first place? In this episode of Business Owner Tales from the Trenches, EP Wealth Co-Founder Brian Parker unpacks the art of scaling with intention. Brian shares the real-life challenges of growing a boutique firm into a national powerhouse—while preserving the human element, internal culture, and client intimacy. Whether you're a startup founder, seasoned executive, or aspiring entrepreneur, this is a masterclass in leadership, growth strategy, and sustainable scaling. ➡️ Learn...
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Ep 32: Navigating Transitions and Why Your Story Matters with Michelle Prince
Business Owner Tales from the Trenches
Changing careers can be a scary and often necessary move as your needs, interests, goals, and skills transform over time. In this episode, you’re going to hear about how you can succeed as an entrepreneur in your SECOND career. You will also hear about how to differentiate yourself from other people while building trust at the same time. You can find show notes, resources and more at:
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Ep 31: Leading through Periods of Rapid Growth, Change and Uncertainty with Chris Walters
Business Owner Tales from the Trenches
Entrepreneurs can learn a lot from leaders who’ve run public companies and large divisions of private companies. Do you know how to lead a team through high growth, high uncertainty and periods of high change? In this episode featuring Chris Walters, CEO of Pluralsight, you will learn how to handle some of the most tricky and important moments your business will experience. You can find show notes, resources and more at:
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Ep 30: From Corporate to Entrepreneur in Retail Beverage: A Playbook for the First Four Years With Leslie Danford
Business Owner Tales from the Trenches
If you’ve been in the corporate world and are looking to become an entrepreneur, today’s episode will give you a solid look at what to expect in those first few years. Leslie Danford, founder and CEO of Vitaminis, joins the show to talk about her transition from corporate to starting her own retail beverage business. Her account of her experience and the insight she shares will give you inspiration and reassurance as you embark on your own journey. Listen in to hear about what she calls the “risk aversion dance” that happens at the beginning stages, as well as how she was able to gain...
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Ep 29: Reflections on a Founder's 35th Anniversary: A Journey of Conviction with Tom Quinn
Business Owner Tales from the Trenches
Today we have the opportunity to hear from someone who has founded and run a business for over 35 years. Tom Quinn, founder of CornerCap, joins us to share his journey from where he started in the industry and what brought him to founding a successful firm. Don't miss his powerful insights into the importance of being able to adapt, the kind of team you want to build, and more. You can find show notes, resources and more at:
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Ep 28: What I Wish I Knew When Starting My Business with Scott Regan
Business Owner Tales from the Trenches
Today we sit down with Scott Regan, Founder of LeadWorks, LLC, to hear about his experience and what he wishes he knew when starting his entrepreneurial journey. Scott reflects on how he would have set up his business differently if armed with the knowledge he has now, lessons that are crucial for business success, and more. Listen in for actionable tips to propel your business forward and avoid common pitfalls along the way. You can find show notes, resources and more at:
info_outlineHow do you grow a business 10X—without losing the personal touch that made it special in the first place? In this episode of Business Owner Tales from the Trenches, EP Wealth Co-Founder Brian Parker unpacks the art of scaling with intention.
Brian shares the real-life challenges of growing a boutique firm into a national powerhouse—while preserving the human element, internal culture, and client intimacy. Whether you're a startup founder, seasoned executive, or aspiring entrepreneur, this is a masterclass in leadership, growth strategy, and sustainable scaling.
➡️ Learn how to:
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Build systems without creating bureaucracy
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Retain your team’s “small company” mindset
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Scale services while staying client-focused
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Navigate rapid growth without breaking your brand
Tune in for actionable insight, candid stories, and lessons from the trenches of 10X growth.
https://www.cannon-carr.com