CEO Bros - After Hours

CEO Bros is an entertaining weekly podcast hosted by the Balduf Brothers and Matt Croke. Brian and Brad Balduf are successful entrepreneurs and CEOs with hundreds of engaging and insightful stories from the trenches. They talk about everything from the challenges of starting a business, to the exhilaration of growing the business, to the ultimate satisfaction of selling a business. They share real-life stories and lessons in an engaging and candid 'after hours' conversation moderated by Matt Croke, an international entertainer, comedian, and author. Join the guys every Friday afternoon for a new episode. Hear some rants, some ideas, some lessons learned, and some funny anecdotes about the world of running your own company.

Ep 49 Money mistakes entrepreneurs need to avoid 01/23/2026

Ep 49 Money mistakes entrepreneurs need to avoid Brian was bringing on new customers when he ran out of money. Brad knows entrepreneurs who bought boats while their businesses were still bleeding cash. One of Brian's investors would ask him the same two questions every time they met: "How's your wife and what are you driving?" One question's about divorce. The other's about expensive cars that kill businesses before they get off the ground. Your baseline shifts without you even noticing. You start buying things and suddenly your expectations are different. Brad calls it lifestyle creep. This is episode 49. What entrepreneurs get wrong about money. *YOU'LL DISCOVER* • Why 3% profit margin loses to 4% money market • When Brian ran out of money despite growing • How lifestyle creep happens without you noticing • "Never be an expense, be an investment" • Degradation is imminent: employees spend looser than the CEO *WHAT ACTUALLY WORKS* • Build slowly, ramp fast once profitable • One-time vs fixed expenses matter • Set the tone - employees follow your habits • Review financials to catch overspending *WHO THESE GUYS ARE* Brian Balduf co-founded and sold VHT Studios. Brad Balduf runs By Your Side Autism Therapy with 550 employees across 11 centers. Matt Croke keeps it honest and pulls out the chaos. They've been there, survived it, and have the scars to prove it. *THE UNCOMFORTABLE TRUTH* "I've seen businesses growing like crazy that just spent themselves into oblivion. Their gross profit margins are zip." Chasing revenue while ignoring profit? 👇 SUBSCRIBE for new episodes every Friday. Real stories, real disasters, no LinkedIn energy. ———————————— *TIMESTAMPS* 1:10 - Revenue makes you feel good, profit sets you free 6:19 - When they ran out of money 9:34 - The 3% vs 4% money market problem 12:33 - Every $50K hire better have impact 16:02 - Lifestyle creep: boats when business is bleeding 17:23 - The investor who asked "What are you driving?" 21:49 - One-time vs fixed expenses 24:38 - Degradation is imminent ———————————— *ABOUT CEO BROS AFTER HOURS* CEO BROS: After Hours is raw business talk from CEO brothers Brian Balduf (VHT Studios) and Brad Balduf (By Your Side Autism Therapy) with host Matt Croke. Every Friday they share what actually happens building companies: brutal failures, scaling disasters, and the messy truth about leadership. No corporate polish. No LinkedIn energy. Just honest stories from the trenches. 🍸 *WIND DOWN WITH THE BROS: THIS WEEK'S COCKTAILS* Three drinks for three money mistakes. Pick the one that matches your spending habits. 🍸 *THE 3% PROFIT* Brad Balduf - Why investors won't touch you Recipe: • 2 oz vodka • 1 oz dry vermouth • ¼ oz olive brine • 2 olives • Stir with ice, strain into coupe The Vibe: Clean, simple, barely profitable. Brad's point about 3% profit losing to a 4% money market account. This martini's classic but there's barely any flavor margin here. Just like your business when you're chasing revenue and forgetting profit. 🍸 *THE LIFESTYLE CREEP* Brian Balduf - The boat you bought when business was bleeding Recipe: • 2 oz aged rum • 1 oz pineapple juice • ¾ oz lime juice • ½ oz orgeat • Mint sprig • Shake with ice, strain over crushed ice The Vibe: Tropical, expensive-looking, tastes like vacation. Brian's investor always asked "what are you driving?" because entrepreneurs start making money and buy fancy cars. Your baseline shifts without you knowing. One day it's beer and pizza, next it's bottles of champagne at Lowe's hotels. 🍸 *THE BARNABY'S BUDGET* Matt Croke - Beer and pizza while execs drink champagne Recipe: • 2 oz Irish whiskey • 1 oz ginger beer • ¾ oz lemon juice • ½ oz honey syrup • Lemon wheel • Build in rocks glass over ice, top with ginger beer The Vibe: Simple, affordable, gets the job done. Brian ate at Barnaby's with free parking while his execs stayed at Lowe's and valetted at the airport. Degradation is imminent - whatever standard you set as CEO, employees will spend one level looser. This drink proves you don't need expensive ingredients to win. Make all three. Figure out which mistake you're making. Generating revenue with no profit? Buying boats when cash flow's dying? Setting the tone with tight spending? Tag us. *JOIN THE CONVERSATION* https://x.com/CeoBrosAH https://www.instagram.com/ceobrosah/ https://www.facebook.com/CEOBrosAH https://www.linkedin.com/company/ceo-bros #Entrepreneurship #ProfitMargins #BusinessFinance #StartupLife #RevenueVsProfit Music: "Back to Black" by Rockin' For Decades (licensed through Epidemic Sound) /episode/index/show/f03d1885-1419-46c1-8dbc-9f3a328ebd2b/id/39818775

Closing Sales ep 48 01/16/2026

Closing Sales ep 48 Brad asks for exactly 15 minutes. At 14 minutes and 59 seconds, he stands up and leaves. Doesn't matter if they're interested or want him to stay. He asked for 15 minutes, that's what he takes. Most salespeople overstay. Brad walks out while they're still engaged. Next meeting, they already know he respects time. No bracing for a pitch that won't end. This is episode 50. How to actually close deals instead of just talking about closing. *YOU'LL DISCOVER* • Brad's 15-minute rule: leaving on the number gets more second meetings • VHT Studios closed 10,000 units in Jacksonville, Orlando said "we weren't involved" • Why dropping price proves you never conveyed value • Where deals die after you think they're closed *WHAT ACTUALLY WORKS* • Ask for short time, leave exactly when promised • Ask who signs the contract upfront • Never drop price first (shows you don't believe in value) • Stay urgent after verbal yes (time kills unsigned deals) *WHO THESE GUYS ARE* Brian Balduf co-founded and sold VHT Studios. Brad Balduf runs By Your Side Autism Therapy with 550 employees across 11 centers. Matt Croke keeps it honest and pulls out the chaos. They've been there, survived it, and have the scars to prove it. *THE UNCOMFORTABLE TRUTH* "If you resort to price reduction early, you're showing your cards. You've left yourself nowhere to go. You didn't convey value. The deal was already lost." Ever close a deal only to watch it die in legal? Drop your approach in the comments. 👇 SUBSCRIBE for new episodes every Friday. Real stories, real disasters, no LinkedIn energy. ———————————— *TIMESTAMPS* 0:43 - Every employee should take money from customers 4:05 - The three things that make closing work 10:30 - What are all the things that can go wrong? 13:00 - Dropping price is the rookie death spiral 16:02 - The Regional VP disaster (lost half the deal) 20:03 - Orlando region wasn't participating 26:40 - Brad's 15-minute rule (leave on the number) 29:11 - Time kills all deals (urgency after verbal yes) *ABOUT CEO BROS AFTER HOURS* CEO BROS: After Hours is raw business talk from CEO brothers Brian Balduf (VHT Studios) and Brad Balduf (By Your Side Autism Therapy) with host Matt Croke. Every Friday they share what actually happens building companies: brutal failures, scaling disasters, and the messy truth about leadership. No corporate polish. No LinkedIn energy. Just honest stories from the trenches. 🍸 *WIND DOWN WITH THE BROS: THIS WEEK'S COCKTAILS* Three drinks for three closing strategies. Pick your move. 🍸 *THE 15-MINUTE TIMER* Brad Balduf - Leaves at 14:59 every time Recipe: • 2 oz tequila blanco • ¾ oz lime juice • ½ oz agave syrup • 2 dashes orange bitters • Lime wheel • Shake with ice, strain into coupe The Vibe: Brad asks for 15 minutes and leaves on the number. No lingering, no pushing, no overstaying. This drink is clean, crisp, respectful. You asked for a cocktail, here it is, exactly as promised. 🍸 *THE REGIONAL VP* Brian Balduf - Sold 10,000 units to the wrong guy Recipe: • 2 oz dark rum • 1 oz pineapple juice • ½ oz lime juice • ¼ oz Campari • Pineapple wedge • Shake with ice, strain over fresh ice The Vibe: Looks complete, tastes good, then bitterness hits. VHT Studios negotiated for months with Jacksonville. Orlando said "we weren't involved." Only got half. This drink promises more than it delivers. 🍸 *THE RED LINE* Matt Croke - For deals that die in legal review Recipe: • 2 oz Irish whiskey • ¾ oz sweet vermouth • ½ oz Cynar • 2 dashes Angostura bitters • Orange peel • Stir with ice, strain into rocks glass The Vibe: Smooth at first, then unexpected complexity. Deal's done, attorneys redline one thing, business people get involved, three weeks later there's a "major problem." This drink's got layers you didn't see coming. Make all three. Figure out your closing style. Respect time and leave early? Talk to the wrong person for months? Or think it's done before it's signed? Tag us. *JOIN THE CONVERSATION* https://x.com/CeoBrosAH https://www.instagram.com/ceobrosah/ https://www.facebook.com/CEOBrosAH #entrepreneurship #sales #closingdeals #businessstrategy #startuplife Music: "Back to Black" by Rockin' For Decades (licensed through Epidemic Sound) /episode/index/show/f03d1885-1419-46c1-8dbc-9f3a328ebd2b/id/39749060

ep 47 Finding and working with the ideal mentor(s) 01/08/2026

ep 47 Finding and working with the ideal mentor(s) Looking for mentorship but keep finding people who don't actually help? Brian never joined a formal program. He asked questions at lunch. David Robin had just sold Chicago's biggest real estate firm and was stuck in a non-compete. He couldn't work but could advise. Brian kept asking. Robin kept answering. Decades later, they still meet. Brad built his company by admitting "I don't know" while other CEOs fake it. His wise man was Brian, who helped him build everything (but won't accept credit.) This is episode 46. How to find your wise man when programs and LinkedIn don't work. *YOU'LL DISCOVER* • How Brian never sought formal mentors but always found the right ones • The conviction vs stubborn test that keeps you open • How admitting "I don't know" attracts better mentors than faking it • Why the best wise man relationships have no contract *WHAT ACTUALLY WORKS* • Ask questions like your business depends on it • Never waste their time on things you could Google • Stay open to counsel but keep conviction *WHO THESE GUYS ARE* Brian Balduf co-founded and sold VHT Studios. Brad Balduf runs By Your Side Autism Therapy with 550 employees across 11 centers. Matt Croke keeps it honest and pulls out the chaos. They've been there, survived it, and have the scars to prove it. *THE UNCOMFORTABLE TRUTH* "There's a ton of shit I don't know." Most people fake expertise to look strong. The ones who admit ignorance get the real help. Ever found your wise man? Too stubborn to admit you need one? 👇 SUBSCRIBE for real stories about building companies without the corporate polish. *TIMESTAMPS* 0:00 - Dementors vs Mentors (Matt's Harry Potter joke) 2:16 - Brian never sought mentors but always asked questions 3:24 - How Brian met David Robin (the lunch that changed everything) 5:13 - The North Shore real estate legend in non-compete lockup 7:28 - Why this relationship still works decades later 8:23 - Being open to advice beats faking expertise 9:44 - Brad's "I don't know" philosophy (people think it's weakness) 28:53 - Matt learned mentoring through hosting this show 29:57 - Brad admits Brian built his business (the reluctant wiseman exposed) *ABOUT CEO BROS AFTER HOURS* CEO BROS: After Hours is raw business talk from CEO brothers Brian Balduf (VHT Studios) and Brad Balduf (By Your Side Autism Therapy) with host Matt Croke. Every Friday they share what actually happens building companies: brutal failures, scaling disasters, and the messy truth about leadership. No corporate polish. No LinkedIn energy. Just honest stories from the trenches. 🍸 *WIND DOWN WITH THE BROS: THIS WEEK'S COCKTAILS* Three drinks for three wise man strategies. Pick yours. 🍸 *THE RELUCTANT WISE MAN* Brian Balduf - The storyteller who's been there and sold the company Recipe: • 2 oz Irish whiskey • 0.75 oz honey syrup • 0.5 oz lemon juice • 2 dashes Angostura bitters • Lemon twist • Shake with ice, strain into rocks glass The Vibe: Brian says he won't be held accountable for mentoring but built Brad's entire company anyway. This drink's smooth and generous, like advice given without keeping score. The honey makes wisdom easy to swallow. 🍸 *THE THOUSAND QUESTIONS* Brad Balduf - The operator running 550 employees across 11 centers Recipe: • 2 oz vodka • 1 oz St-Germain • 0.75 oz grapefruit juice • 0.5 oz lime juice • Grapefruit peel • Shake hard with ice, strain into coupe The Vibe: Brad asked everything. Never faked knowing what he didn't. This drink's clean and honest, no hiding behind barrel-aging or smoke. You taste exactly what's in it, just like admitting "I don't know." 🍸 *THE INFORMAL ARRANGEMENT* Matt Croke - The host keeping it real and pulling out the chaos Recipe: • 2 oz cognac • 0.5 oz Grand Marnier • 0.5 oz lemon juice • 2 dashes orange bitters • Orange peel • Stir with ice, strain into coupe The Vibe: No contract. No structure. Just lunch meetings that turn into decades of wisdom. This drink's got depth that only comes from time and consistency. No flash, just substance that lasts. Make all three. Are you the reluctant wise man helping anyway? The curious one asking everything? Or building something informal that lasts? Tag us. ———————————— *JOIN THE CONVERSATION* https://x.com/CeoBrosAH https://www.instagram.com/ceobrosah/ https://www.facebook.com/CEOBrosAH https://www.linkedin.com/company/ceo-bros #Entrepreneurship #BusinessMentorship #CEOAdvice #StartupLife #Leadership Music: "Back to Black" by Rockin' For Decades (licensed through Epidemic Sound) /episode/index/show/f03d1885-1419-46c1-8dbc-9f3a328ebd2b/id/39665325

2025 - Highlights 01/02/2026

2025 - Highlights Two CEO brothers. One podcast. Zero filters. 45+ episodes of business stories, lessons, disasters and triumphs you need to hear. Mark Cuban email wars at 2am. Climbing forklifts to reach your girlfriend's window. National hotel chains spending $80K on pool diarrhea warning signs. See some of the more memorable moments when the guys discuss and debate the ups, downs and just plain craziness of business from the perspective only two brothers, each with 35+ years of running different businesses, could share. This is CEO Bros - after hours. The year in review. The moments that made this year: Brad refusing to fall asleep before Mark Cuban did during a 3am email negotiation. Brad's forklift romance climbing to his girlfriend's second-floor window. The hotel chain with $80K fabricated steel signs warning about pool diarrhea. The house squatter who crushed every interview until Brad called references: "Don't you under any circumstance hire that freaking asshole." Between the chaos: real business wisdom. Why founders fudge commitments. Why Brian moved his office next to the exit door. Setting company culture early. Why friction creates better solutions. Zero-based budgeting. Trust in deals. The difference between selling lasagna at a seafood restaurant and solving actual customer problems. This isn't a highlight reel. It's proof that running a business is strategy, chaos, stubbornness, and climbing forklifts when you have to. *WHO THESE GUYS ARE* Brian Balduf co-founded and sold VHT Studios. Brad Balduf operates By Your Side Autism Therapy with 550 employees across 11 centers. Matt Croke keeps it honest. They've been there, survived it, and have the scars to prove it. *THE UNCOMFORTABLE TRUTH* "I'm not going to bed first. He's going to bed first." Sometimes the stubbornness that makes you a terrible negotiator makes you a great CEO. What was your favorite moment from Season 1? 👇 SUBSCRIBE for Season 2. More chaos, more disasters, more truth. *ABOUT CEO BROS AFTER HOURS* CEO BROS: After Hours is raw business talk from CEO brothers Brian Balduf (VHT Studios) and Brad Balduf (By Your Side Autism Therapy) with host Matt Croke. Every Friday they share what actually happens building companies: brutal failures, scaling disasters, and the messy truth about leadership. No corporate polish. No LinkedIn energy. Just honest stories from the trenches. 🍸 *WIND DOWN WITH THE BROS: THIS WEEK'S COCKTAILS* Three drinks for three kinds of moments. Pick the one that matches your year. 🍸 *THE HIGHLIGHT REEL* Brian Balduf - The storyteller who sold the company Recipe: • 2 oz bourbon • 0.5 oz honey syrup • 2 dashes Angostura bitters • Orange peel • Stir with ice, strain into rocks glass The Vibe: Smooth, refined, looks good on camera. Brian's got the wins that make people say "wow, you built that?" This drink's for the moments you screenshot and send to your mentor. Zero-based budgeting. Moving your office next to the exit. The logo sketched on a napkin that actually worked. 🍸 *THE LOWLIGHT REEL* Brad Balduf - The operator who scaled to 550 employees Recipe: • 2 oz mezcal • 1 oz Aperol • 0.75 oz lime juice • 0.5 oz agave syrup • Salt rim • Shake hard with ice, strain The Vibe: Smoky, intense, leaves a mark. Brad's got the disasters nobody warns you about. Forklift romance. 2am Cuban standoffs. Almost hiring a house squatter. This drink's for the moments you can't believe you survived but make the best stories later. 🍸 *THE CHAOS CUT* Matt Croke - The host keeping it real Recipe: • 1.5 oz gin • 0.75 oz elderflower liqueur • 0.75 oz lemon juice • Club soda • Build in glass, top with soda, stir gently The Vibe: Matt's job is asking the questions nobody else will and watching the brothers argue about pool signs, clown college, and whether "nits and nats" is a real phrase. This drink's balanced, refreshing, keeps you honest. For everyone who watched 45+ episodes and thought "I can't believe they said that out loud." Make all three. Figure out which kind of year you had. Highlight reel wins? Lowlight disasters? Pure chaos? Tag us. *JOIN THE CONVERSATION* https://www.linkedin.com/company/ceo-bros #entrepreneurship #startuplife #leadership #CEOpodcast #businessstories Music: "Back to Black" by Rockin' For Decades (licensed through Epidemic Sound) /episode/index/show/f03d1885-1419-46c1-8dbc-9f3a328ebd2b/id/39591350

ep 46 Compensation - The ins and outs of building a successful compensation strategy for your business 12/26/2025

ep 46 Compensation - The ins and outs of building a successful compensation strategy for your business Brad's finance team noticed something weird in the 2026 budget and called the payroll company. The payroll company had no idea what they were talking about. Turns out 2026 has 27 pay periods instead of 26 if you're running bi-weekly payroll, and this hasn't happened in over a decade. It won't reverse itself in 2027 either. If you're not budgeting for that extra paycheck right now, you're heading for a cash crisis in December. Then comes the fun part. Brad has to tell 580 employees their paychecks are getting smaller. They think he's cutting their pay. He's not, it's the same annual salary, just spread over 27 periods instead of 26. But try explaining that math without starting a revolt. This is episode 46. The compensation disasters nobody warns you about. *YOU'LL DISCOVER* • Why 2026 has 27 paychecks and what it costs • Brad's $250K merit increase that tanked morale • The competitor tax scam stealing employees • Why premium pay requires premium pricing *WHAT ACTUALLY WORKS* • Budget 27 pay periods NOW for 2026 • Communicate early about smaller checks (same annual pay) • Show full comp math including taxes and benefits WHO THESE GUYS ARE Brian Balduf co-founded and sold VHT Studios. Brad Balduf runs By Your Side Autism Therapy with 550 employees across 11 centers. Matt Croke keeps it honest and pulls out the chaos. They've been there, survived it, and have the scars to prove it. *THE UNCOMFORTABLE TRUTH* "I spent $250,000 on merit increases during our worst year. Employees said 'that's it?' I'd rather have given zero, kept the cash, and had the same bad morale." Ever given raises that made things worse? Drop a comment. 👇 SUBSCRIBE for real business talk every Friday. No LinkedIn energy. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - The 27th paycheck bomb 2:11 - Why 2026 breaks your budget 7:22 - Brad's $250K merit disaster 16:42 - The competitor tax scam 20:25 - Top 20% pay vs reality *ABOUT CEO BROS AFTER HOURS* CEO BROS: After Hours is raw business talk from CEO brothers Brian Balduf (VHT Studios) and Brad Balduf (By Your Side Autism Therapy) with host Matt Croke. Every Friday they share what actually happens building companies: brutal failures, scaling disasters, and the messy truth about leadership. No corporate polish. No LinkedIn energy. Just honest stories from the trenches. ———————————— 🍸 *WIND DOWN WITH THE BROS: THIS WEEK'S COCKTAILS* Three drinks for three compensation disasters. Pick the one that matches your Friday. 🍸 *THE 27TH PAYCHECK* Brad Balduf - Found the bomb nobody else saw Recipe: • 2 oz Japanese whisky • 1 oz sweet vermouth • ¼ oz maraschino liqueur • 2 dashes orange bitters • Brandied cherry garnish • Stir with ice, strain into coupe The Vibe: Smooth until the surprise hits. Brad's finance team called the payroll company about 2026. They had no clue either. 27 pay periods instead of 26. Happens once a decade. This drink looks elegant until you realize there's an extra layer you didn't budget for. 🍸 *THE MERIT MASSACRE* Brian Balduf - When good intentions wreck morale Recipe: • 2 oz añejo tequila • ¾ oz lime juice • ½ oz agave nectar • ¼ oz Cointreau • Tajín rim • Shake hard, strain over ice The Vibe: Brad gave 1.5% merit increases during the toughest year. Cost $250K the company didn't have. Employees complained anyway. "That's it?" He wishes he'd given zero, kept the cash, had the same bad morale without the black eye. Sometimes the generous move still loses. 🍸 *THE TAX TRAP* Matt Croke - For the employees who got fooled Recipe: • 2 oz silver rum • 1 oz pineapple juice • ¾ oz coconut cream • ½ oz lime juice • Pineapple wedge • Shake hard, strain over crushed ice The Vibe: Competitors promised "$10 more per hour" but didn't withhold taxes. Employees bolted. Brad pulled them into conference rooms with calculators. "You're getting paid less." Some still didn't believe it. This drink looks tropical and sweet until you realize the bill comes later. Make all three. Figure out which disaster you're facing. The hidden paycheck? The raise that backfired? The too-good-to-be-true offer? Tag us. JOIN THE CONVERSATION* #Entrepreneurship #Payroll #CompensationStrategy #BusinessFinance #EmployeeManagement Music: "Back to Black" by Rockin' For Decades (licensed through Epidemic Sound) /episode/index/show/f03d1885-1419-46c1-8dbc-9f3a328ebd2b/id/39534140

Building a Sales Funnel: The ins and outs of successful sales 12/19/2025

Building a Sales Funnel: The ins and outs of successful sales Brian's Monday ritual for years: write 100 letters by hand, stuff 100 envelopes, stick on 100 stamps, drop them at the post office. Every single week. Not emails. Not LinkedIn messages. Physical letters that landed on decision-makers' desks when everything else got filtered by assistants or spam folders. Most founders won't do this. It's tedious. It's analog. It feels outdated. But Brian's pipeline never ran dry because he did the work nobody else wanted to do. Meanwhile Brad's watching restaurants with incredible food go under in six months because they perfected their menu but nobody knows they exist. This is episode 45. How to build a sales pipeline when you're starting from zero. *YOU'LL DISCOVER* • Why "selling to everybody" means selling to nobody • Brian's 100 letters every Monday (physical mail beats digital shortcuts) • Why restaurants with perfect food fail in six months (awareness crisis) • The pipeline reality: multiply your target number by 10 *WHAT ACTUALLY WORKS* • Define your customer universe before building anything • Hustle beats hoping (mail letters, knock doors, put flyers on cars) • Turn customers into evangelists who sell for you *WHO THESE GUYS ARE* Brian Balduf co-founded and sold VHT Studios. Brad Balduf runs By Your Side Autism Therapy with 550 employees across 11 centers. Matt Croke keeps it honest and pulls out the chaos. They've been there, survived it, and have the scars to prove it. *THE UNCOMFORTABLE TRUTH* "So everybody in the world already has one? Then go. Get out of the office." What's your excuse for not building your pipeline? 👇 SUBSCRIBE for new episodes every Friday. Real stories, real disasters, no LinkedIn energy. ———————————— *TIMESTAMPS* 0:00 - Funnel cakes vs sales funnels 1:31 - Pipeline vs funnel (same thing) 3:27 - "Everybody already has one" (then leave the office) 4:46 - Selling to everybody = selling to nobody 12:40 - Brian's 100 letters every Monday 16:22 - Restaurants dying with perfect menus 19:32 - Raising Cane's grand opening strategy 22:36 - Turn customers into evangelists *ABOUT CEO BROS AFTER HOURS* CEO BROS: After Hours is raw business talk from CEO brothers Brian Balduf (VHT Studios) and Brad Balduf (By Your Side Autism Therapy) with host Matt Croke. Every Friday they share what actually happens building companies: brutal failures, scaling disasters, and the messy truth about leadership. No corporate polish. No LinkedIn energy. Just honest stories from the trenches. ———————————— 🍸 *WIND DOWN WITH THE BROS: THIS WEEK'S COCKTAILS* Three drinks for three pipeline strategies. Pick the one that matches your hustle. 🍸 *THE 100 LETTERS* Brian Balduf - The storyteller who's been there and sold the company Recipe: • 2 oz Irish whiskey • 0.75 oz lemon juice • 0.5 oz honey syrup • 2 dashes orange bitters • Lemon twist • Shake with ice, strain into rocks glass The Vibe: Every Monday, Brian mailed 100 letters to decision-makers. Physical letters that landed on desks. This drink takes effort to make right, just like stamping 100 envelopes. But it works when shortcuts don't. 🍸 *THE GRAND OPENING* Brad Balduf - The operator running 550 employees across 11 centers Recipe: • 2 oz vodka • 1 oz cranberry juice • 0.5 oz lime juice • 0.5 oz triple sec • Lime wheel garnish • Shake with ice, strain into martini glass The Vibe: Raising Cane's gives 200 people free chicken for a year. Makes the newspaper. Creates lines around the block. This drink is bold, visible, impossible to ignore. A launch that demands attention. 🍸 *THE MULTIPLY BY 10* Matt Croke - The host keeping it real and pulling out the chaos Recipe: • 2 oz aged rum • 1 oz coffee liqueur • 0.5 oz vanilla syrup • 2 dashes chocolate bitters • Orange peel • Stir with ice, strain into rocks glass The Vibe: Whatever pipeline number you think you need, multiply it by 10. Most prospects won't close. This drink looks simple, tastes richer than expected. Always assume you need more in the funnel. Make all three. Figure out your move. Mailing letters until your hand cramps? Going big on your launch? Building a pipeline 10x bigger than you think? Tag us. ———————————— *JOIN THE CONVERSATION* https://x.com/CeoBrosAH https://www.instagram.com/ceobrosah/ https://www.facebook.com/CEOBrosAH #Entrepreneurship #SalesFunnel #BusinessGrowth #StartupLife #CustomerAcquisition Music: "Back to Black" by Rockin' For Decades (licensed through Epidemic Sound) /episode/index/show/f03d1885-1419-46c1-8dbc-9f3a328ebd2b/id/39446065

ep 44 Outsourcing: Good or Bad 12/12/2025

ep 44 Outsourcing: Good or Bad Brad refuses to outsource billing even when people ask. When healthcare got hacked, competitors with outsourced teams went bankrupt. Brad walked down the hallway, his team solved it. Brian built VHT by outsourcing everything that wasn't core. He could shut down when season ended. Variable costs kept him alive. Then he got acquired by engineers who refused to outsource anything. Speed died. This is episode 44. Two brothers, opposite strategies, both made money. *YOU'LL DISCOVER* • Why Brad will never outsource billing after the healthcare hack • Brian's survival strategy: turn everything off when revenue stops • The red flag: partners who say "this is how we do it" • How refusing to outsource killed VHT's speed after acquisition *WHAT ACTUALLY WORKS* • Brad's approach: Control beats cost when crisis hits • Brian's approach: Flexibility beats fixed costs (could shut down seasonally) • What they agree on: Partners must adapt to YOUR process • The truth: Both strategies work depending on your business *WHO THESE GUYS ARE* Brian Balduf co-founded and sold VHT Studios. Brad Balduf runs By Your Side Autism Therapy with 550 employees across 11 centers. Matt Croke keeps it honest and pulls out the chaos. They've been there, survived it, and have the scars to prove it. *THE UNCOMFORTABLE TRUTH* Brad: "I never want to depend on somebody outsourced to solve a crisis for me." Brian: "If it's critical but not a core competency, you should outsource it." Two successful CEOs, completely opposite philosophies. Which brother's approach matches yours? 👇 SUBSCRIBE for new episodes every Friday. Real stories, real disasters, no LinkedIn energy *TIMESTAMPS* 1:40 - The brothers approach outsourcing completely differently 2:02 - Brad's philosophy: keep it in-house for control 4:48 - Brian's philosophy: outsource everything that isn't core 6:49 - Brad's crisis: healthcare hack killed competitors with outsourced teams 12:38 - Brian's advantage: variable costs, could shut down seasonally 16:01 - When VHT got acquired by engineers who refused to outsource 17:06 - The speed death: "marketing's backed up three months" 21:06 - The one thing they agree on: rigid partners always fail *ABOUT CEO BROS AFTER HOURS* CEO BROS: After Hours is raw business talk from CEO brothers Brian Balduf (VHT Studios) and Brad Balduf (By Your Side Autism Therapy) with host Matt Croke. Every Friday they share what actually happens building companies: brutal failures, scaling disasters, and the messy truth about leadership. No corporate polish. No LinkedIn energy. Just honest stories from the trenches. ———————————— 🍸 *WIND DOWN WITH THE BROS: THIS WEEK'S COCKTAILS* Three drinks for three outsourcing philosophies. Which strategy matches yours? 🍸 *THE IN-HOUSE OPERATOR* Brad Balduf - Keeps control no matter the cost Recipe: • 2 oz Irish whiskey • ¾ oz honey syrup • ¾ oz lemon juice • 2 dashes Angostura bitters • Lemon peel • Shake with ice, strain into rocks glass The Vibe: Everything under one roof. Healthcare got hacked, Brad walked down the hallway, his team solved it. Competitors with outsourced billing went bankrupt. This drink's about knowing exactly what you control. 🍸 *THE VARIABLE COST KING* Brian Balduf - Outsource everything, survive everything Recipe: • 2 oz vodka • 1 oz espresso • ½ oz coffee liqueur • ½ oz simple syrup • 3 coffee beans • Shake hard with ice, strain into coupe The Vibe: Turn it all off when revenue stops. Brian built VHT on outsourced partners he could scale. Survived lean times because fixed costs were zero. This drink's about flexibility over control. 🍸 *THE PHILOSOPHY CLASH* Matt Croke - Watching the brothers argue Recipe: • 1 oz Irish whiskey • 1 oz vodka • ¾ oz lemon juice • ½ oz honey syrup • Shake with ice, strain into rocks glass The Vibe: Half Brad's control, half Brian's flexibility. Two CEOs, opposite strategies, both made money. This drink combines both approaches because sometimes the answer depends on your business. Make all three. Figure out which brother you are. Keep control in-house? Outsource for survival? Still deciding? Tag us. *JOIN THE CONVERSATION* https://x.com/CeoBrosAH https://www.instagram.com/ceobrosah/ https://www.facebook.com/CEOBrosAH #entrepreneurship #outsourcing #businessstrategy #startuplife Music: "Back to Black" by Rockin' For Decades (licensed through Epidemic Sound) /episode/index/show/f03d1885-1419-46c1-8dbc-9f3a328ebd2b/id/39327630

ep 43 When inside issues get out 12/05/2025

ep 42 Building an elite leadership team for your business 11/28/2025

ep 42 Building an elite leadership team for your business You’re One Decision Away From Becoming a Better Leader Every entrepreneur eventually faces one question that defines their entire company: 👉 Do you surround yourself with highly experienced leaders… or do you develop raw talent into the leaders you want? In this episode of CEO Bros After Hours, two seasoned CEOs break down their completely opposite approaches — and the lessons may surprise you. Brian Balduf, co-founder of VHT Studios, believes in hiring proven leaders with deep experience who can move fast, deliver results immediately, and hit the ground running. Brad Balduf, CEO of By Your Side Autism Therapy Services, believes in spotting potential early, shaping emerging leaders, and building fierce loyalty through investment and mentorship. These two philosophies collide in one of our most insightful (and entertaining) episodes yet. If you’re a founder, leader, manager, or aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation will challenge everything you think you know about leadership, culture, and building an A-team. ⭐ What You’ll Learn in This Episode How to identify the right people to bring into your inner circle The REAL traits CEOs value (hint: it’s not just experience) Why some leaders invest heavily in people — and why some don’t How loyalty, vision, accountability, and emotional intelligence fit together The difference between “retention” and “commitment to the mission” When you must move on quickly from the wrong person Why developing leaders can create deeper buy-in Why hiring experienced leaders can unlock growth faster Real stories on team building, risk, pressure, and scaling a company Join the CEO Bros Community If you love real, unfiltered conversations about leadership, growth, entrepreneurship, and building great companies… 👉 Hit Subscribe 👉 Leave a comment: Which leadership style do YOU follow — develop talent or hire experience? 👉 Share with someone who needs to hear this We’re here to help you build better teams, make smarter decisions, and level up your leadership. #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPodcast #StartupLife #TeamBuilding #CEOAdvice #BusinessLeadership #EntrepreneurMindset #LeadershipDevelopment #CompanyCulture /episode/index/show/f03d1885-1419-46c1-8dbc-9f3a328ebd2b/id/39199040

Entrepreneur's Journey - Rory Rubin, CEO of S.I. Container Builds 11/21/2025

Entrepreneur's Journey - Rory Rubin, CEO of S.I. Container Builds Social worker turns 26 million stranded shipping containers into housing. Rory's husband offered a solution to her midlife crisis: "Just buy a sports car." She started a manufacturing company instead. Seven years later, she's built a two-story structure on Lake Michigan. This is episode 41. When the easier path isn't the right one. *YOU'LL DISCOVER* • Why 26 million shipping containers sit in US graveyards • How a clinical social worker became a manufacturing CEO • The Navy Pier project that made Chicago history • Why containers weren't legal for housing until 2018 *WHAT ACTUALLY WORKS* • Purpose beats profit: Impact over the easy sports car • Legal matters: 2018 code changes opened markets • Show don't tell: Navy Pier proved doubters wrong *WHO THIS PERSON IS* Rory Rubin founded S.I. Container Builds after careers in social work and consulting. She's turning an environmental crisis into affordable housing, licensed in all 50 states. S.I. Container Builds is a woman-owned, certified manufacturer creating sustainable steel structures built to code. They combat the housing crisis with economical ADUs and community developments. To learn more, visit *WHO THESE GUYS ARE* Brian Balduf co-founded and sold VHT Studios. Brad Balduf runs By Your Side Autism Therapy with 550 employees across 11 centers. Matt Croke keeps it honest and pulls out the chaos. They've been there, survived it, and have the scars to prove it. *THE UNCOMFORTABLE TRUTH* "My husband said are you sure you don't just want a sports car because that would be a lot easier. Now I look back, maybe that was easier." Ever take the hard path when everyone said there was an easier option? 👇 SUBSCRIBE for new episodes every Friday. Real stories, real disasters, no LinkedIn energy. ———————————— * TIMESTAMPS* 1:42 - The midlife crisis that started a company 4:44 - From social worker to manufacturing CEO 5:24 - 26 million containers and nowhere to go 7:19 - Legal since 2018 (people don't realize that's new) 30:22 - Navy Pier: First transient marina in Chicago history 32:04 - The bros want to build their studio in a container *ABOUT CEO BROS AFTER HOURS* CEO BROS: After Hours is raw business talk from CEO brothers Brian Balduf (VHT Studios) and Brad Balduf (By Your Side Autism Therapy) with host Matt Croke. Every Friday they share what actually happens building companies: brutal failures, scaling disasters, and the messy truth about leadership. No corporate polish. No LinkedIn energy. Just honest stories from the trenches. ———————————— 🍸 *WIND DOWN WITH THE BROS: THIS WEEK'S COCKTAILS* Four drinks for four builders. Pick the one that matches your approach. 🍸 *THE STEEL STRUCTURE* Rory Rubin - Turned scrap into sustainable housing Recipe: • 2 oz silver tequila • 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice • 0.5 oz lime juice • 0.5 oz simple syrup • Pinch of salt • Grapefruit peel • Shake with ice, strain over fresh ice The Vibe: Clean, sharp, repurposed into something better. Rory takes what others throw away and builds something code-compliant. This drink's got structure underneath. 🍸 *THE SPORTS CAR* Brian Balduf - Sold VHT Studios Recipe: • 2 oz cognac • 0.75 oz lemon juice • 0.5 oz honey syrup • Champagne float • Lemon twist • Shake first three with ice, strain into flute, top champagne The Vibe: The easier choice. Looks impressive, costs more, everyone knows what it is. Brian picked entrepreneurial over corporate. Sometimes flashy isn't right. 🍸 *THE GRAVEYARD* Brad Balduf - The operator running 11 centers with 550+ employees Recipe: • 2 oz Irish whiskey • 0.75 oz coffee liqueur • 0.5 oz simple syrup • Orange peel • Stir with ice, strain into rocks glass The Vibe: 26 million containers sitting in shipyards going nowhere. Dark, underutilized, waiting for someone to see the potential. Brad knows what it's like to find value others overlook. 🍸 *THE TRANSIENT MARINA* Matt Croke - The host keeping it real and pulling out the chaos Recipe: • 2 oz vodka • 1 oz blue curaçao • 0.75 oz lime juice • Splash soda • Lime wheel • Shake first three with ice, strain, top soda The Vibe: First of its kind in Chicago. Boaters from Wisconsin and Michigan finally have somewhere to dock. Bold, visible, makes a statement. Make all four. Which one are you? Building from scrap? Taking the flashy route? Finding overlooked value? Creating something that never existed? Tag us. *JOIN THE CONVERSATION* https://x.com/CeoBrosAH https://www.instagram.com/ceobrosah/ https://www.facebook.com/CEOBrosAH #entrepreneurship #manufacturing #startuplife #sustainability Music: "Back to Black" by Rockin' For Decades (licensed through Epidemic Sound) /episode/index/show/f03d1885-1419-46c1-8dbc-9f3a328ebd2b/id/39111040

Productive Friction 11/14/2025

Productive Friction Sales vs. Legal. Operations vs. Compliance. You vs. your Co-founder at 2am. Brad encourages friction. Brian lets it run longer than most CEOs. They both know something most entrepreneurs miss: the uncomfortable tension between departments isn't killing your business. Avoiding it is. Sales wants to close the deal. Legal wants to protect the company. Operations needs flexibility. Compliance needs rules. Most CEOs try to eliminate the friction. Brad and Brian? They promote it. This is episode 40: Let’s Get Ready To Rumbbbbbbbble! *YOU'LL DISCOVER* • Why "copacetic" environments produce lazy decisions and stale thinking • Brian's technique: challenge me, I'm taking my CEO hat off (then he argues anyway) • Brad's rule on healthy friction: if nobody's fighting, nobody cares enough • How friction with clients solidifies deals better than saying yes to everything *WHAT ACTUALLY WORKS* • Tell your team upfront you encourage disagreement (most leaders say this, few mean it) • Push sales to test boundaries while making operations creative with solutions • When the deal closes, everyone gets credit (not just sales claiming victory) *WHO THESE GUYS ARE* Brian Balduf built and sold VHT Studios. Brad Balduf scaled By Your Side Autism to 11 centers and 550+ employees. Matt Croke hosts and asks the questions nobody else will. They've been there, made the mistakes, and lived to tell you about it. *THE UNCOMFORTABLE TRUTH "If everybody's just going to say yes, then we're not really going to get anything. There's a difference between yessing me and providing a good fight." Is your team fighting for their ideas or just nodding along? 👇 SUBSCRIBE for new episodes every Friday. Real stories, real disasters, no LinkedIn energy. ———————————— TIMESTAMPS* 1:37 - Friction in business: healthy vs. toxic (Brad explains why he promotes it) 3:07 - Sales vs. legal: the classic friction point every company faces 5:21 - Brian's confession: "I always pushed sales to do whatever they could" 9:44 - Brad becomes judge and jury when departments collide 11:14 - "Go through walls, go over, go under" (then legal shows up) 14:19 - Brian's stubborn streak: won't accept arguments without pushing back 16:27 - Why "yes people" destroy innovation faster than bad ideas 18:16 - Friction with clients: when pushing back solidifies the deal ———————————— *ABOUT CEO BROS AFTER HOURS* CEO Bros After Hours is a weekly podcast with three entrepreneurs: Brian Balduf (VHT Studios), Brad Balduf (By Your Side Autism Therapy), and Matt Croke (host). Every Friday, they share real business challenges, failures, and wins with humor. From disasters to scaling strategies, they deliver actionable insights while mixing cocktails. ———————————— 🍸 *WIND DOWN WITH THE BROS: THIS WEEK'S COCKTAILS* Three drinks for three friction styles. Pick your approach. 🍸 *THE STEAMROLLER* Brian Balduf - "Do whatever you can" (legal will clean it up later) Recipe: • 2 oz dark rum • 1 oz Aperol • 0.75 oz grapefruit juice • 0.5 oz cinnamon syrup • 2 dashes Angostura bitters • Shake with ice, strain over large cube The Vibe: Brian tells sales to go through walls. Operations figures out how. Legal fixes the mess. This drink barrels forward with bold flavors that somehow work together despite looking like a disaster on paper. 🍸 *THE JUDGE AND JURY* Brad Balduf - Encouraging friction then deciding who wins Recipe: • 2 oz Irish whiskey • 1 oz coffee liqueur • 0.5 oz maple syrup • 0.25 oz cream • Orange peel • Shake first three with ice, strain, float cream, express orange The Vibe: Brad lets departments fight it out, then makes the call. This drink looks refined but has competing elements. Sweet, bitter, smooth, sharp. Someone has to decide how it all comes together. 🍸 *THE COPACETIC DISASTER* Matt Croke - For every CEO who thinks friction is the enemy Recipe: • 2 oz vodka • 0.75 oz elderflower liqueur • 0.75 oz lemon juice • 0.5 oz simple syrup • Splash soda • Build over ice, stir gently, top soda The Vibe: Smooth, easy, everyone agrees. Also boring. No tension means no innovation. This drink is pleasant but forgettable, just like companies where nobody pushes back. Make all three. Figure out your friction style. Do you steamroll? Play judge? Or avoid conflict entirely? Tag us. ———————————— *JOIN THE CONVERSATION* https://x.com/CeoBrosAH https://www.instagram.com/ceobrosah/ https://www.facebook.com/CEOBrosAH #entrepreneurship #businessconflict #salesvslegal #departmentalfriction #leadership Music: "Back to Black" by Rockin' For Decades (licensed through Epidemic Sound) /episode/index/show/f03d1885-1419-46c1-8dbc-9f3a328ebd2b/id/39025885

Pros and Cons of Remote Work ep 39 11/07/2025

Pros and Cons of Remote Work ep 39 Remote work introduced problems offices never had. Dogs barking. Contractors arriving. Kids at the door. Cameras off or multitasking? Working in PJs or logging extra hours? Brad thinks remote work kills his 550-employee culture. Brian cleaned out VHT's fridge in March 2020 and never came back for two years. COVID forced the experiment. Some companies stayed remote. Others are dragging people back. AT&T doesn't have enough parking spaces. Microsoft's thriving. Brad can't imagine meetings with cameras off. This is episode 39. Remote versus in-office, and why nobody's figured it out. You'll discover: • Why Brad forces therapists into offices but can't justify leaders working from home • Brian's refrigerator story that explains VHT's accidental two-year remote experiment • The logistical nightmare: marketing spread across 5 states, now sitting with IT guys • Why cameras-off meetings signal you're not actually engaged • Brad's equity problem when some groups get remote work and others don't Brian hired people from Idaho, Nebraska, Canada, Japan. Brad runs 550 employees across 11 therapy centers where hands-on work requires showing up. Different businesses, different answers. WHAT ACTUALLY WORKS: • Prove productivity remotely before earning the privilege • Cameras on shows you're present • Don't force marketing to sit with IT because they're in the same city • Hybrid works when rules are clear *WHO THESE GUYS ARE* Brian Balduf co-founded and sold VHT Studios. Brad Balduf runs By Your Side Autism Therapy with 550 employees. Matt Croke keeps it real. *THE UNCOMFORTABLE TRUTH* "If you're going to have people in that meeting, there should be nothing else going on. No multitasking. If you're not engaged, why are you there?" Where do you stand? Cameras on or off? Drop a comment. SUBSCRIBE for new episodes every Friday. Real stories, real disasters, no LinkedIn energy. ———————————— *TIMESTAMPS* 0:46 - COVID Hit: The Fridge Cleanup Story 4:06 - Blizzard Forced VHT Remote (Before COVID) 5:04 - Brad's Philosophy: Productivity Loss is Real 9:25 - Brian's Pro-Remote Argument: Hire Anywhere 12:00 - Matt's Experience: Remote Killed Connection 16:17 - The Post-COVID Hiring Problem: 5 States, One Office 18:08 - We're Literally on Zoom in the Same Bar 20:37 - Jamie Dimon vs Elon Musk Approaches 23:24 - Brad: Cameras On, No Multitasking 25:31 - Brian's Brown M&M's Segment 26:27 - Book Rec: Apple in China (Supply Chain) 28:07 - YouTube's New AI Tools (Dancing Parakeet) ———————————— *ABOUT CEO BROS AFTER HOURS* Three entrepreneurs share real business failures and successes over drinks every Friday. Brian Balduf (VHT Studios), Brad Balduf (By Your Side Autism Therapy), and Matt Croke (host). Real stories, real disasters, no LinkedIn energy. ———————————— 🍸 *WIND DOWN WITH THE BROS: THIS WEEK'S COCKTAILS* Three drinks for three work setups. Pick yours. 🍸 *THE FRIDGE CLEANUP* Brian Balduf - Left the office March 2020, never came back Recipe: • 2 oz bourbon • 0.75 oz lemon juice • 0.5 oz honey syrup • 2 dashes Angostura bitters • Lemon twist • Shake with ice, strain into rocks glass The Vibe: Clean out that fridge, you'll be gone two years. This drink is what you make on that last Friday thinking it's just two weeks. Smooth, practical, gone before you know it. 🍸 *THE ZOOM CUBICLE* Brad Balduf - 550 employees, cameras better be on Recipe: • 2 oz rye whiskey • 1 oz sweet vermouth • 0.25 oz Benedictine • 2 dashes orange bitters • Orange peel • Stir with ice, strain into coupe The Vibe: You're in a meeting. Camera's on. No multitasking. If you're not engaged, why are you even here? This drink demands your full attention. Complex layers you miss if you're distracted. 🍸 *THE IDAHO HIRE* Matt Croke - Hired from anywhere, worked with no one Recipe: • 2 oz gin • 1 oz elderflower liqueur • 0.75 oz lime juice • Club soda • Build in highball, top with soda The Vibe: Brian hired people from Idaho, Nebraska, Canada, Japan. Never would've worked if they had to be in Chicago. This drink's light, flexible, works from anywhere. Just like that perfect remote hire. Make all three. Figure out where you stand. Still going to the office? Fully remote? Sitting with IT guys you don't work with? Tag us with your drink choice. ———————————— *JOIN THE CONVERSATION* https://x.com/CeoBrosAH https://www.linkedin.com/company/ceo-bros #RemoteWork #OfficeLife #WorkFromHome #HybridWork #BusinessPodcast #Leadership Music: "Back to Black" by Rockin' For Decades (licensed through Epidemic Sound) /episode/index/show/f03d1885-1419-46c1-8dbc-9f3a328ebd2b/id/38911810

Intuitive vs Analytic decision making ep 38 10/31/2025

Intuitive vs Analytic decision making ep 38 Making decisions fast? Making them careful? Or just frozen between the two? Brian spent three months analyzing a new product line nobody in the industry had ever done. Endless scenarios that led nowhere. He finally said screw it and pulled the trigger anyway. Now people ask him how he decided to do something nobody else can replicate. Brad runs the opposite problem. His team moves so fast they don't think through consequences. This is episode 38. How to know when to trust your gut and when to slow down. In this conversation, you'll discover: • The two questions that determine instinct versus analysis: How much time do you have and what happens if you're wrong • Why "I don't know" is a legitimate answer when your boss asks you something • How to tell if someone's instinctual or just impatient This isn't startup theory. Brian sold his company after making gut calls nobody else would touch. Brad runs 550 employees and watches young leaders freeze or rush daily. *WHAT ACTUALLY WORKS* • The timeline test: Before any decision, ask when it's actually due. Most people rush decisions that could wait. • The consequence check: Walk through what happens if you're wrong. If damage is minimal, make the call now. *WHO THESE GUYS ARE* Brian Balduf co-founded and sold VHT Studios. Brad Balduf runs By Your Side Autism Therapy with 550 employees across 11 centers. Matt Croke keeps it honest and pulls out the chaos. They've been there, survived it, and have the scars to prove it. *THE UNCOMFORTABLE TRUTH* "If you over-rotate one direction or the other, it will have negative consequences. Someone that is too instinctual is typically impulsive and doesn't follow through." Which one are you? Stuck analyzing or moving too fast? 👇 SUBSCRIBE for new episodes every Friday. Real stories, real disasters, no LinkedIn energy. ———————————— * TIMESTAMPS* 1:18 - Instinctual vs Analytical: What We're Actually Talking About 2:31 - The Three-Month Analysis That Led Nowhere 3:23 - "Analysis Paralysis" Finally Shows Up 4:27 - When Brian Said "I Don't Care, We're Doing This" 8:40 - Brad's Problem: Leaders Who Don't Think Through Consequences 11:00 - The Two Questions That Determine Every Decision 13:26 - Why You'll Never Have 100% of the Information 16:51 - When Data Becomes a False Security Blanket 18:29 - Brad's Reverse Problem: Too Much Impulse, Not Enough Thinking 21:36 - How to Interview for Decision-Making Without Caring What They Decide 24:12 - The Instinctual Hire: Why They Didn't Interview 10 More Candidates ———————————— * ABOUT CEO BROS AFTER HOURS* CEO Bros After Hours is an entertaining weekly podcast hosted by three entrepreneurs: Brian Balduf (co-founder of VHT Studios), Brad Balduf (CEO of By Your Side Autism Therapy), and Matt Croke (host and entertainer). Every Friday, they share real business challenges, failures, and successes with vulnerability and humor. From customer onboarding disasters to scaling strategies, they deliver actionable insights for entrepreneurs and business leaders while mixing cocktails and keeping it real. ———————————— 🍸 *WIND DOWN WITH THE BROS: THIS WEEK'S COCKTAILS* Three drinks for three decision-makers. Pick yours. 🍸 *THE PARALYSIS PROOF* Brian Balduf - The storyteller who finally pulled the trigger Recipe: • 2 oz bourbon • 0.75 oz lemon juice • 0.5 oz honey syrup • 2 dashes Angostura bitters • Shake with ice, strain over cube The Vibe: Three months analyzing got nowhere. Sometimes you just make the call. Simple, direct, doesn't overthink it. 🍸 *THE CONSEQUENCE CALCULATOR* Brad Balduf - The operator coaching his team to slow down Recipe: • 2 oz rye whiskey • 0.75 oz sweet vermouth • 0.5 oz Aperol • 2 dashes orange bitters • Stir with ice, strain into coupe The Vibe: Brad's team moves fast without thinking through tomorrow. This drink makes you pause and appreciate balance. 🍸 *THE ASSUMPTION AUDIT* Matt Croke - The host calling out bad data Recipe: • 1.5 oz gin • 0.75 oz Aperol • 0.75 oz lime juice • 0.5 oz simple syrup • Club soda • Shake, strain, top with soda The Vibe: Everyone's trusting data built on assumptions nobody checked. Trust your gut when the spreadsheet feels wrong. Make all three and figure out which decision-maker you are this week. Tag us. ———————————— *JOIN THE CONVERSATION* #entrepreneurship #decisionmaking #startuplife #leadership #smallbusiness Music: "Back to Black" by Rockin' For Decades (licensed through Epidemic Sound) /episode/index/show/f03d1885-1419-46c1-8dbc-9f3a328ebd2b/id/38803925

ep 37 Budgeting - It's a 10/24/2025

ep36 What got us here Wont get us where we need to go next 10/17/2025

ep36 What got us here Wont get us where we need to go next What got us here, won’t get us where we are going next. The guys discuss the business philosophy that "What got us here won't necessarily get us there." The conversation focuses on the evolution of a growing business, emphasizing the need for change in leadership, systems, processes, and people to reach the next level of success. Both CEOs share personal examples. Ultimately, they conclude that bold, sometimes unpopular decisions are necessary for a company to scale effectively. This discussion centers on a fundamental challenge faced by every growing business: the skills, strategies, and systems that fuel initial success are often insufficient to propel the company to its next stage of growth. The core maxim of the conversation is a powerful reminder that evolution is not optional. "What got us here won't necessarily get you there." This concept applies to every facet of a business, forcing leaders to constantly re-evaluate their leadership style, their team's capabilities, the operational systems they rely on, and the very processes that define their workflow. 1. The Ultimate Test: Evolving Leadership 2. Building the Right Team for the Right Time The principle that past performance doesn't guarantee future success applies to every member of the team. As a company evolves, the required skill sets for key roles change dramatically. 3.. Upgrading the Engine: Adapting Systems and Processes Beyond personnel, a company's growth is dependent on the evolution of its internal infrastructure. The software, systems, and core processes that work for a small startup will inevitably buckle under the weight of a larger, more complex organization. Key areas of system and process change discussed include: • Operational Systems: • Proactive Technological Adoption: • Mindset Shifts: 4. The Leader's Playbook for Driving Change Successfully navigating these transitions requires a specific set of actions from leadership. It involves recognizing the triggers for change, communicating the vision clearly, and making bold, sometimes unpopular, decisions. Regardless of the trigger, clear communication is non-negotiable. A CEO must articulate when the company is at an "inflection point" (11:36). This helps employees understand the reasoning behind disruptive changes, reducing confusion and fostering buy-in for the new direction. While making these decisions is one of the hardest parts of leadership, they are often the catalyst for the company's greatest breakthroughs. 5. The Positive Outcomes of Necessary Disruption While these evolutions are challenging, they are a prerequisite for growth and often lead to unexpectedly positive results. The disruption caused by changing people, processes, or systems creates new opportunities for the entire organization. The key positive outcomes of embracing necessary change include: • Unlocking Hidden Talent: • Enabling a Major Leap: • Creating Space for Growth: The final takeaway for aspiring leaders is a clear and direct message: to elevate your company, you will inevitably face situations where the right decisions are not the most popular ones, but they are essential for reaching the next level. /episode/index/show/f03d1885-1419-46c1-8dbc-9f3a328ebd2b/id/38567825

ep 35 Do the Little Things Really Make or Break a Business? 10/10/2025

ep 35 Do the Little Things Really Make or Break a Business? A spirited discussion about the critical importance of attention to detail in business. The guys share anecdotes, including a story about an easily forgotten rental car in Las Vegas and an example of poorly implemented office doors, to illustrate the consequences of overlooking small details. A central theme is the contrasting perspectives on leadership, with Brad emphasizing the need to "inspect what you expect" and Brian trusting employees to handle details, and they explore how details significantly influence the customer experience and overall business success, citing examples like the famous "no brown M&M's" rider and effective property management touches. The conversation also clarifies the difference between paying attention to necessary details and micromanaging employees. The Strategic Importance of Details in Business Operations This discussion from the CEO Bros covers the critical and often underestimated role of details in business leadership and operational success. The central argument is that meticulous attention to detail is not about engaging in minutiae but is a fundamental aspect of effective management, serving as a powerful diagnostic tool for overall competence, a key differentiator in customer experience, and a crucial safeguard against significant project failures and financial loss. The conversation highlights two distinct CEO philosophies: a hands-on, inspection-based approach versus a trust-based delegation model. It firmly distinguishes the strategic inspection of outcomes ("inspect what you expect") from the tactical anti-pattern of micromanagement. Ultimately, the successful management of details involves a three-part process: ideation (thinking through details), execution (implementing them), and verification (inspecting the results). 1. The Dichotomy in Leadership Approaches to Detail The discussion reveals a fundamental difference in how leaders approach the management of details, contrasting two distinct CEO styles. • Proactive Immersion): • Delegation with Strategic Intervention : 2. Details as a Diagnostic Tool for Competence A core theme is that a minor detail can serve as a powerful proxy for an organization's overall quality and reliability. The discussion extensively references the "No Brown M&Ms" rider from the band Van Halen as a quintessential example. • The M&M Test: • Indicator of Larger Failures: 3. The High Cost of Overlooked Details Ignoring details, or pushing them to the end of a project, can lead to severe and wide-ranging negative consequences. The speakers provide numerous anecdotes illustrating these costs. 4. Leveraging Details for Competitive Advantage Proactive attention to detail can be a powerful differentiator that elevates the customer experience and builds loyalty. The discussion highlights that in a competitive market, these "small things" are often what separate successful businesses from the rest. • Enhancing the Customer Experience: ◦ Anticipating Product Needs: • Creating Process-Based Differentiation: Details can be built into a core business process to create a distinct competitive advantage. ◦ "Promote Customer Laziness": • The Three Stages of Detail Management: 1. Ideation: 2. Implementation: 3. Inspection: • Distinguishing Details from Micromanagement: A crucial distinction is made to counter the common aversion to so-called "micromanagers." ◦ Micromanagement ◦ Attention to Detail . • Separating Signal from Noise: Effective leaders must differentiate between critical details and simple "minutia, noise, [or] clutter." The focus should be on details that are important to the success of a program, the integrity of a product, or the quality of the customer experience. /episode/index/show/f03d1885-1419-46c1-8dbc-9f3a328ebd2b/id/38497860

ep 34 He said what? The essentials of business presentations 10/03/2025

ep 34 He said what? The essentials of business presentations Public Speaking for Business Leadership This episode of ‘CEO Bros - after hours’ synthesizes key insights on public speaking as an essential leadership skill, derived from a discussion among business leaders and a communications expert. The central argument is that while public speaking is a common and significant fear, it is a non-negotiable and masterable competency for anyone in a leadership role. Effective speaking hinges on three pillars: meticulous preparation, controlled delivery, and a relentless focus on a clear, memorable message. Key strategies include knowing the audience, structuring content around a maximum of three core ideas, practicing out loud, and using body language and vocal tone to convey confidence and passion. The discussion emphasizes that the ultimate goal is not a flawless performance but the successful transfer of information, making the message—not the speaker—the central focus. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Inevitability and Fear of Public Speaking Public speaking is identified as one of the top five or ten biggest fears people have. Despite this, it is presented as an unavoidable requirement for professional advancement and leadership. A leader must be prepared to address a wide variety of audiences, each with different expectations and needs. Key Audiences for Leaders: • Employees (at company-wide meetings) • Investors and potential investors • Banking and financial partners • Industry peers at events and conferences • Business partners • Media (radio, television interviews) Personal Journeys with Public Speaking The discussion highlights two contrasting personal experiences that illustrate the path to competency. • Brian's Transformation: • Brad's Reluctance: Core Principles of Effective Presentation The dialogue outlines a clear framework of best practices for preparing and delivering impactful presentations. 1. Preparation and Structure • Know Your Audience: • Structure for Retention: • Practice Out Loud: • Strategic Use of Notes: • Body Language: • Pacing: • Breathing Technique: • The Power of Storytelling: • Focus on the Message, Not the Self: • The "Tell 'Em" Framework: 2. Managing Visual Aids and Common Pitfalls #publicspeaking #givingspeeches #communication #businesscommunications #businesspresentations #presentations #tellthem #storytelling #innovation #leadership #entreprenuers #startups /episode/index/show/f03d1885-1419-46c1-8dbc-9f3a328ebd2b/id/38459945

Did minimum wage policies kill entry level jobs? 09/26/2025

Did minimum wage policies kill entry level jobs? 5 Surprising Ways Raising the Minimum Wage Can Backfire, According to Two CEOs The Well-Intentioned Policy with Hidden Costs Raising the minimum wage is often seen as a direct and compassionate solution to help low-income workers. The logic seems simple: pay people more, and their quality of life will improve. However, for business leaders on the front lines of managing payrolls and profit margins, the reality is far more complex. They argue that this well-intentioned policy is fraught with hidden costs and unintended consequences. One CEO bluntly describes the policy as a "big heart, small mind" approach—a feel-good measure whose consequences are rarely thought through. In a candid conversation, two experienced CEOs pulled back the curtain on the economic chain reactions they see unfold every time a wage hike is mandated. Here are five of their most surprising and counter-intuitive perspectives on why raising the minimum wage can backfire. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. The Foundational Flaw: Confusing a Starting Wage with a 'Livable Wage' 2. The Economic Boomerang: How Higher Wages Create Higher Prices 3. The Survival Response: Forcing a Choice Between Robots and Layoffs 4. The Broken Ladder: Erasing the First Rung of Work Experience 5. The Neighborhood Toll: How Wage Hikes Can Create 'Food Deserts' -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Conclusion: A Problem More Complex Than a Simple Pay Raise The conversation with these two CEOs makes one thing clear: the issue of fair wages is far more complex than it appears on the surface. From a business owner's perspective, a mandated wage hike is not a simple solution but a trigger for a series of difficult economic choices involving price increases, automation, job cuts, and even leaving a community altogether. While the goal of helping people earn more is laudable, these leaders argue that the method can produce counter-productive results. If a mandated wage hike is a flawed tool, the conversation must then shift: How can we build a system—through targeted job training, apprenticeships, and skill development—that helps every worker increase the value they bring, ensuring their earning potential is built on a foundation more stable than a political mandate? /episode/index/show/f03d1885-1419-46c1-8dbc-9f3a328ebd2b/id/38340430

New Client Experience - Make or Break 09/19/2025

New Client Experience - Make or Break Many businesses focus on a single question: How do we get new clients? However, a more critical question is how you keep them once you have them. This episode opens with a comical but eye-opening story about a truly terrible first-time experience at a dentist’s office. Despite spending a lot on advertising to attract new patients, this practice had a disorganized, impersonal process that left the patient confused, disrespected, and unsure about what procedures were even being performed. This is a powerful lesson for any business: a first impression, especially for a new client, is not just a polite gesture; it's a make-or-break moment that decides whether they will ever come back. The guys discuss how a poor client orientation process can undo all the hard work and money spent on marketing and sales. They point out that in today's market, where customers have many choices, providing a thoughtful, structured welcome is essential. By contrast, they share positive experiences from some local businesses. These businesses actively anticipated client needs, providing clear explanations and setting proper expectations from the start. They centralized their intake process and created a blueprint to guide new clients, ensuring every step was simple and easy. This proactive approach builds trust and reduces confusion, preventing future problems. The CEO Bros explain that a well-designed onboarding system is not just about being nice; it is a strategic advantage. It builds a loyal customer base, saves time by preventing future issues, and creates brand advocates who will refer others. The discussion emphasizes that businesses must consistently "inspect what you expect," ensuring the entire team follows the new client process. They recommend businesses "eat their own dog food" by acting as a secret shopper to test their own systems and see the customer experience firsthand. This dedication to consistency and customer empathy is the true secret to scaling a business and ensuring long-term success. 00:00 - The Worst New Client Experience: A Visit to the Dentist 05:40 - Why A Business's Welcome Process is Crucial 07:45 - Vet Studios' Onboarding Evolution 10:45 - By Your Side's Client-First Philosophy 19:20 - Making the "Easy Button" for Customers 23:05 - Scaling a Consistent Customer Experience /episode/index/show/f03d1885-1419-46c1-8dbc-9f3a328ebd2b/id/38272930

ep 31 Mastering Marketing - With Matt Tompkins 09/12/2025

ep 31 Mastering Marketing - With Matt Tompkins Marketing Simplified: Strategies for Business Growth In this Episode, they guys and guest Matt Tompkins, CEO of Two Brothers Creative, discuss effective marketing strategies for businesses. The conversation starts with the common pitfalls of expensive, complex marketing automation platforms that businesses often fail to utilize properly due to a lack of understanding or setup. A central theme is the importance of understanding return on investment (ROI) for marketing efforts, moving beyond superficial metrics like "impressions" to focus on conversions and paying customers. Tompkins emphasizes the need to simplify marketing by first defining a target customer persona, understanding their needs, and then strategically selecting one or two key platforms—like YouTube or Google Business Profile for local businesses—for concentrated effort, rather than spreading resources thinly across many. The discussion concludes by stressing that successful marketing is more of a science based on data and audience understanding than a pure art, advocating for a focused, relationship-driven approach to connect with ideal customers. "Marketing for Startups and Established Businesses" I. The Disconnect Between Marketing Investment and ROI A recurring theme is the common struggle businesses face in accurately measuring the return on investment (ROI) for their marketing efforts. Expensive Tools, Unused Potential: Focus on Vanity Metrics: The "Science, Not Art" of Marketing: II. Simplifying Marketing: The Core Principles Matt Tompkins advocates for simplifying marketing down to its core components, making it less overwhelming and more effective. Marketing at its Core: "Marketing in its… at its core is really simple. The "Why" Behind Marketing: Three Key Focus Areas (for Solopreneurs): One Thing at a Time: III. The Foundation of Effective Marketing: Knowing Your Customer The most critical and often overlooked step in marketing is a deep understanding of the target customer. The Relationship Analogy: Defining the Buyer Persona: "Our Product is for Everybody" is a Lie: Solving a Problem for a Specific Person: Persona for B2B: IV. Strategic Platform Selection and Utilization Once the customer persona is established, the next step is to strategically choose and leverage marketing platforms. Focus on One Platform First: Platform Purpose Matters: YouTube: Pinterest: Prioritizing for Local Businesses: Google Business Profile: YouTube: AI Search (ChatGPT, etc.): Put Yourself in the Customer's Mind: V. The Value of Expert Guidance and Continuous Learning The conversation also highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and guidance in the complex marketing landscape. Learning from Experience: Building Trust Through Honesty: Accessibility of Knowledge: In conclusion, this episode emphasizes that effective marketing, particularly in today's evolving digital landscape, requires a thoughtful, data-driven approach that prioritizes understanding the customer, strategically selecting platforms, and measuring tangible ROI, rather than blindly investing in complex tools or chasing vanity metrics. /episode/index/show/f03d1885-1419-46c1-8dbc-9f3a328ebd2b/id/38199350

ep 30 Brand and Branding - Hits and Misses 09/05/2025

ep 30 Brand and Branding - Hits and Misses The Enduring Power of Brand and Branding This Episode of ‘CEO Bros - after hours’ centers on the critical importance of branding and brand identity for businesses, ranging from startups to established corporations. The hosts explore how a company's core essence (brand) differs from its outward communication (branding), using examples like Seven Up's logo change and Cracker Barrel's controversial modernization efforts. They also consider the challenges and strategies involved in rebranding, debating whether companies should adapt to stay relevant or remain true to their foundational values, citing cases such as Apple's evolution and Dunkin's shift away from an exclusive focus on donuts. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes that a strong, well-conceived brand and consistent branding are vital for long-term success and customer loyalty. Branding and Business Longevity: I. The Fundamental Distinction: Brand vs. Branding A central theme of the discussion is the critical difference between "brand" and "branding." II. Case Studies in Branding and Rebranding The discussion explores several real-world examples to illustrate the complexities and potential pitfalls of branding efforts. A. Cracker Barrel: The Danger of Drifting from Core Identity B. Dunkin' (Donuts): A Strategic Compromise C. Apple: Successful Brand Transformation III. The Importance of Thoughtful Brand Conception for Entrepreneurs The episode strongly emphasizes that brand and branding are not afterthoughts but fundamental to a business's long-term success. Don't Take It for Granted: Long-Term Vision: Personal Connection: Beyond the Logo: The “long” Process: IV. Strategic Foresight and Adaptation: Essential for Longevity A significant portion of the discussion is dedicated to the importance of anticipating future challenges and strategically pivoting the brand. Proactive Planning: Netflix as a Case Study: Rental Car Companies and the Future: Staged Transition: AI and Emerging Technologies: The Mall Train Example: V. The Power of Taglines Taglines are presented as a powerful element of branding, capable of instantly conveying a company's essence or aspiration. Instant Recognition: Aspirational Messaging: Bose's tagline Strategic Positioning: Avis's "We try harder" The discussion concludes by reiterating the foundational importance of brand and branding. Entrepreneurs and established companies alike must approach these aspects with serious consideration, long-term vision, and a willingness to adapt strategically to an ever-changing landscape. Overlooking the deliberate crafting and maintenance of a brand and its communication can lead to a lack of "staying power" and ultimately, business failure. /episode/index/show/f03d1885-1419-46c1-8dbc-9f3a328ebd2b/id/38106190

ep 29 Avoiding the three biggest unforeseen pitfalls in starting a business 08/29/2025

ep 29 Avoiding the three biggest unforeseen pitfalls in starting a business Entrepreneurial Misconceptions: Money, Time, and External Forces The guys emphasize the critical importance of financial preparedness in starting a new business, discussing the challenges of managing cash flow, especially with fluctuating pay periods and seasonal business models. They highlight the necessity of having personal savings to sustain oneself during the initial, revenue-scarce phases of a startup. Furthermore, they stress the importance of being "all in" and realistic, acknowledging that failure is often a part of the entrepreneurial journey and that plans inevitably encounter external disruptions requiring adaptation. The conversation concludes by advising new business owners to consider money, time, and external influences when developing their strategies. The discussion highlights the often-overlooked challenges and misconceptions that can lead to business failure, emphasizing the importance of preparation, financial prudence, and adaptability. I. The Reality of Cash Flow: Beyond Revenue A significant misconception for new entrepreneurs is the sole focus on revenue without understanding the impact of cash flow. Example: Three Pay Periods in a Month: Bridge Loans and Short-Term Solutions: "I've seen many successful businesses go out of business because you run out of cash... When you're out of cash, game's over. It's like running out of gas in your car." II. Personal Financial Preparedness and Self-Compensation A critical, yet frequently overlooked, aspect of entrepreneurship is the founder's personal financial situation and the timing of their own compensation. The "Stash" and Moonlighting: Investor Expectations (Shark Tank Example): Family Discussions: III. The Myth of "Get Rich Quick" and the Importance of Due Diligence The podcast strongly refutes the prevalent social media narrative of overnight success, stressing the need for hard work and realistic expectations. Social Media Deception: Hard Work and Due Diligence: Commitment and "All In": IV. Time as a Finite Resource and the Concept of "Runway" Time is another critical resource that entrepreneurs often mismanage or underestimate. Limited Timeframe: The "Runway" Concept: Commitment vs. Thinking: Components of Runway Calculation: V. External Influences and the Necessity of Pivoting Entrepreneurs often focus solely on their product or service, neglecting the significant impact of external factors and the need for adaptability. 50% External Factors: Unforeseen Challenges: "No Plan Survives Contact with the Enemy": Mental and Financial Preparation: Agility and Nimbleness: Employee Turnover: VI. The Inevitability and Value of Failure Failure is presented not as a definitive end, but as a crucial learning experience on the entrepreneurial journey. High Failure Rates: Failure as a Teacher: Calling It Early: The value of Objective Third Parties: Avoiding Blind Optimism: In conclusion, becoming a successful entrepreneur requires a deep understanding of financial realities, personal sacrifice, unwavering commitment, strategic planning for contingencies, and the flexibility to adapt to unforeseen challenges. The journey is rarely a straight line, and learning from setbacks is an integral part of growth. /episode/index/show/f03d1885-1419-46c1-8dbc-9f3a328ebd2b/id/38024745

ep 28 Customer Experience - the good the bad and the ugly 08/22/2025

ep 28 Customer Experience - the good the bad and the ugly The Art of the Client Experience This episode of ‘CEO Bros - after hours ‘captures an unplanned debate among three hosts, initially sparked by a minor disagreement about culinary terms like "gravy" versus "sauce." The discussion quickly shifts to a critical examination of customer experience, primarily using Chipotle as a case study. The hosts explore issues such as inconsistent food portions for online versus in-store orders, the impact of private equity firms on service quality, and the challenge of maintaining customer satisfaction across different ordering methods (in-person, phone, online). They emphasize the importance of valuing every customer equally and the need for businesses to adapt operations to changing consumer behaviors. The conversation ultimately highlights that small details in client interaction can significantly influence brand loyalty and overall business success. Core Theme: The central theme running through the provided discussion excerpts is the critical importance of a holistic and consistent "client experience" for businesses in today's evolving market. The guys, through their debate on Chipotle and other examples, underscore that neglecting any aspect of customer interaction, no matter how small, can lead to significant brand damage and lost revenue. While the discussion initially veered towards "pivoting" in business strategy, it consistently returned to the fundamental need for businesses to adapt and excel in their customer service delivery across all channels. Key Ideas and Facts: Chipotle's Client Experience Challenges: Inconsistent Food Portions: Inefficient Online Order Integration: Lack of Dedicated Online Order Processing: Perception of Quality Degradation post-PE Acquisition: Historical Food Contamination (E.coli): The "Tip" Acronym and Customer Service History: The Equivalence of All Customers: The Need for a Dedicated Client Experience Owner: Proactive Communication: "Fast Lane" for High-Value Customers (VHT Studios Example): The Importance of "Little Details": The discussion frequently returns to the idea that seemingly minor details can significantly impact the customer experience. Examples include McDonald's' focus on the strength of plastic forks and the width of milkshake straws, or the disheveled appearance of Burger King's flame-grilled burgers. Brian stresses that business leaders and founders should personally experience their products and services to identify and fix issues. This episode serves as a robust reminder for entrepreneurs and business leaders that a superior client experience is non-negotiable for sustained success. The shortcomings of Chipotle in managing their online ordering system highlight the consequences of failing to adapt operational strategies to new customer behaviors. The guys advocate for a comprehensive approach where every customer is valued, operational efficiencies are implemented without sacrificing quality, and meticulous attention is paid to every detail of the customer journey. The ultimate takeaway is that an excellent client experience is not merely a competitive advantage, but a fundamental requirement for business survival and growth. /episode/index/show/f03d1885-1419-46c1-8dbc-9f3a328ebd2b/id/37920740

ep 27 Entrepreneur's journey - grit determination and skin care - Sarah Fraggis CEO of Filterless Era 08/15/2025

ep 27 Entrepreneur's journey - grit determination and skin care - Sarah Fraggis CEO of Filterless Era From Struggles to Skincare Empire: The Sarah Fraggis Story Episode 27 of the CEO Bros - after hours podcast features an interview with Sarah Fraggis, the CEO of Filterless Era, a skincare company specializing in natural products like a gua sha tool. Fraggis shares her entrepreneurial journey, including her struggles with conventional education and corporate jobs, her initial venture into network marketing, and the inspiration behind starting her own business due to personal financial constraints and a desire for natural beauty solutions. The discussion also touches upon her upcoming book, "The Last Paycheck," her new supplement company, Viva La Vida, and her philosophy on authenticity and resilience in business. The hosts, Brian Balduf and Brad Balduf, offer a male perspective on skincare and entrepreneurship, engaging in playful banter and contrasting their experiences with Fraggis's. Sarah Fraggis is a serial entrepreneur, CEO of Filterless Era (skincare) and co-founder of Viva La Vida (supplements), and an upcoming author. Her journey is characterized by a strong entrepreneurial drive from a young age, a challenging personal life including a divorce and financial struggles, and a deep-seated desire for authenticity and self-belief. She advocates for natural beauty and health, drawing on ancient practices like Gua Sha and modern biohacking principles. Fraggis emphasizes the importance of conviction, resilience, and providing genuine value to customers, a philosophy born from her experiences in network marketing and overcoming personal and professional hurdles. Key Themes & Ideas Entrepreneurial Spirit and Origin Story: Innate Drive: Pivot from Adversity: Book Title: Her upcoming book, "The Last Paycheck," will delve into this experience and her personal story of building her company through hardship. Filterless Era: A Natural Approach to Beauty: Gua Sha as Core Product: Personal Transformation & Passion: Natural vs. Injectables: "Beast Mode" Selling: "Royal Flush" Collection: Viva La Vida: Simplifying Health & Beauty Supplements: Investor-Backed Expansion: Target Audience & Products: Personal Philosophy: Entrepreneurial Mindset & Challenges: Conviction and Self-Belief: Resilience to Criticism: Authenticity: Work-Life Balance & Burnout: Juggling Responsibilities: Success Metrics: Biohacking and Health: Conclusion Sarah Fraggis presents as a dynamic and driven entrepreneur who has leveraged personal challenges and a deep belief in natural health solutions to build successful businesses. Her journey underscores the importance of authenticity, unwavering self-belief, and the resilience to overcome skepticism and hardship in the pursuit of one's vision. She embodies the "beast mode" approach to entrepreneurship, advocating for both leading innovation and providing genuine value, particularly in the health and beauty space. /episode/index/show/f03d1885-1419-46c1-8dbc-9f3a328ebd2b/id/37836825

#26 Growing your company through acquisitions 08/08/2025

#26 Growing your company through acquisitions 26 Acquisitions - featuring the hosts Brian Balduf, Brad Balduf, and Matt Croak. The discussion primarily centers on business growth strategies, specifically contrasting organic growth (internal expansion) with inorganic growth (acquisitions). The hosts share their diverse experiences and perspectives on the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, including financial implications, market dynamics, and the critical challenge of integrating acquired companies, covering aspects like culture, processes, and technology. 1. The Art and Science of Sales: Beyond Being "Pushy" This 'Episode of CEO Bros - after hours' podcast begins with a brief but important reflection on sales, stemming from a previous episode (# 18) The hosts emphasize that effective sales are not about being pushy, but rather about "helping someone come to a conclusion, using their thoughts and their answers to help them make decisions." Key ideas on sales: Common Misperception: True Nature of Sales: Avoiding the "Pushy" Pitfall: Authenticity: 2. Organic vs. Inorganic Growth: Two Distinct Paths to Expansion The core of the episode revolves around two primary growth strategies: organic and inorganic. Organic Growth (De Novo): This refers to growth "from within" – opening new locations from scratch, adding customers from your existing base. Characteristics: Takes longer, generally less capital intensive upfront (operating expenses like sales, marketing, customer service). Prerequisite: Essential to start with organic growth to "prove out the model" before considering acquisitions. Inorganic Growth (Acquisition): Expanding the scope of a business through acquiring other companies, often competitors or others in the same field. Characteristics: Can offer speed, immediately accretive to the P&L (profit and loss), and can be structured without significant upfront capital. 3. The Appeal and Challenges of Acquisitions Speed: Acquisitions Immediate P&L Impact: Eliminating Competition: Capital Structure Flexibility: Leveraging Existing Infrastructure: 4. Key Considerations and Risks in Acquisitions Despite the benefits, acquisitions come with significant challenges and risks: Valuation: Integration (The Biggest Challenge): Culture Clash: Processes: Customer Retention: Cost of Acquisition vs. Integration Cost: Distraction to Core Business: 5. Industry-Specific Considerations for Acquisitions Labor-Intensive Businesses: Rule of 40: Market Barriers to Entry: National Account Capabilities: In conclusion, the episode provides a compelling argument for inorganic growth as a strategic tool for rapid expansion and P&L improvement, provided the acquiring company has a robust integration strategy and acknowledges the multifaceted risks involved. It emphasizes that while organic growth proves the model, acquisitions can accelerate market dominance and profitability when executed thoughtfully. #acquisitions #buyingacompany #leadership #podcast #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #organicgrowth #mergersandacquisitions #mergers /episode/index/show/f03d1885-1419-46c1-8dbc-9f3a328ebd2b/id/37733885

#25 A CEO's Journey - Russ Cofano - Leadership 08/01/2025

#25 A CEO's Journey - Russ Cofano - Leadership Leadership; Trust, Decision making, Principals, Transparency, Management, and Accountability I. Executive Summary This episode features an interview with Russ Cofano, a multi-time president and CEO, on the "CEO Bros After Hours" podcast. The discussion primarily revolves around leadership, management, and the nuances of the CEO role, with a strong emphasis on the foundational importance of trust. Cofano shares personal anecdotes and insights gained from his extensive career, covering topics such as navigating challenging financial situations, building and inheriting teams, the concept of "Radical Candor," and the post-CEO transition. II. Key Themes & Main Ideas A. The Centrality of Trust in Business Dealings and Leadership: Russ Cofano unequivocally states that trust is the foundational element for successful deals and effective leadership. He recounts how pre-existing trust with Brian Balduf (from VHT Studios) allowed them to close a complicated acquisition deal in just 60 days, avoiding extensive legal complexities. Building Trust: Trust Continuum: Trust in Organizations: B. The Intertwined Nature of Leadership and Management: Cofano strongly refutes the "meme" that management is a "four-letter word" or that it's separate from leadership. He argues that leadership and management are "inextricably intertwined" and essential for a CEO's success. "Push Me Pull You" Analogy: Leadership (Pull You): Management (Push Me): Desire to be Managed: Radical Candor: C. Essential CEO Qualities and Approaches: Optimism and Perseverance: Transparency: Competence and Decisiveness: Belief in Your Team's Success: Leadership Styles (Strategic vs. Tactical): Cultural Leadership: D. The Post-CEO Transition: Cofano shares his personal experience with life after selling his last company and stepping away from the CEO role. Loss of Identity and Purpose: Finding New Purpose: III. Conclusion Russ Cofano's insights offer a practical and principle-driven approach to leadership and management. His emphasis on trust, transparency, and the complementary nature of leading and managing provides a robust framework for current and aspiring CEOs. His personal experiences, particularly regarding navigating financial challenges and the post-exit identity shift, offer relatable and encouraging perspectives for entrepreneurs at all stages of their journey. /episode/index/show/f03d1885-1419-46c1-8dbc-9f3a328ebd2b/id/37625210

#24 Coldplay - CEO Incident: Surviving a company crisis at Astronomer 07/25/2025

#24 Coldplay - CEO Incident: Surviving a company crisis at Astronomer CEO Insights: Navigating Business Scandals and Public Trust This ‘CEO Bros - after hours’ episode presents a discussion featuring two CEOs and a host who address the recent scandal involving a company's CEO and CPO at a Coldplay concert. The hosts use this incident as a springboard to examine broader issues related to corporate leadership, employee trust, and the impact of social media on personal and professional reputations. They explore the company's swift response to the scandal, contrasting it with the long-term challenges the former CEO faces in rebuilding his character and career. The conversation also touches on managing employee behavior outside of work and the risks associated with company events involving alcohol. Analysis of CEO Scandal and Public Perception in the Digital Age The guys use a very recent scandal involving a CEO and CPO caught in a public indiscretion at a Coldplay concert as a springboard for a broader discussion on leadership, trust, public perception, and corporate responsibility in the digital age. While the specific details of the "Coldplay incident" are not exhaustively dissected, it serves as a case study for analyzing how companies and individuals navigate crises in an era of pervasive social media and constant surveillance. Main Themes and Key Insights: The Pervasiveness of Online Presence and Public Scrutiny: Core Idea: The most prominent theme is that individuals, especially those in leadership positions, are constantly "online" and under public scrutiny due to ubiquitous cameras and social media. Private lives can easily become public spectacles. Key Quotes/Facts:Brad Balduf emphasizes, "your life is virtually online and it's on social media all the time. I mean, there are cameras everywhere." Corporate Response to Crisis: Swiftness, Transparency, and Value Alignment: Core Idea: When a crisis involving a leader erupts, immediate and transparent action is crucial for the company to distance itself from the individual's behavior and re-establish its values. The Irreparable Damage to Trust and Integrity for Individuals: Core Idea: While companies can recover from scandals through swift action, individuals, especially leaders, often face a much longer and more difficult road to repair their personal character and trust, particularly when integrity and ethics are compromised. Distinction Between Recoverable and Unrecoverable Mistakes: Challenges of Employee Conduct and Corporate Culture in the Social Media Age: Core Idea: Companies struggle with balancing employee privacy in their personal lives against the potential negative impact of their actions on the company's brand and culture. Navigating Internal Crises and "Short Memories": Core Idea: While public memory can be short, managing internal "fabricated drama" and emotional turmoil requires transparency, direct communication, and time for emotions to cool. T he Unique Pressures on CEOs and Leadership: Core Idea: CEOs are under constant pressure to uphold company values, lead by example, and make difficult, swift decisions during crises, often sacrificing their own enjoyment or personal life. Conclusion: This impromptu virtual session of ‘CEO Bros - after hours’ provides a candid discussion among business leaders about the profound impact of individual actions on corporate reputation in the highly visible digital landscape. It underscores that integrity, trustworthiness, and ethical conduct are non-negotiable for leaders, and any public perceived breach can necessitate swift and decisive action from a company's board to protect its values and future. While public memory may be short for the details of a scandal, the immediate and transparent response of the organization is paramount for its survival and continued success. For the individual leader, however, the path to redemption after such a public fall from grace is significantly more challenging and protracted due to the deep-seated nature of trust and character. /episode/index/show/f03d1885-1419-46c1-8dbc-9f3a328ebd2b/id/37539415

#23 Getting Deals Done - Guest: Linsey Cohen, Managing Partner, Gould & Ratner 07/18/2025

#23 Getting Deals Done - Guest: Linsey Cohen, Managing Partner, Gould & Ratner Special guest Linsey Cohen, a managing partner at Chicago-based law firm Golden Ratner, provides expert insights based on her 25 years of deal-making experience. The hosts, Brian Balduf, Brad Balduf, and Matt Croke, discuss Linsey's journey into law, her specialization in transactional real estate, and her approach to client relationships. The conversation highlights common misconceptions about attorneys, the importance of legal counsel for entrepreneurs as their businesses grow, and the value of a lawyer understanding a client's business. Linsey emphasizes her role as a dealmaker, not a deal-breaker, and the firm's commitment to building trust and providing comprehensive services to early-stage to middle-market companies across various legal areas. I. Linsey Cohen: A Distinguished Legal Professional Linsey Cohen is a highly experienced and bright managing partner at Gould & Ratner, a Chicago-based law firm. With "more than 25 years of dealmaking experience," her clientele includes "national brands, investors, developers with interest throughout the US," who depend on her ability to "navigate complex transactions with confidence." A. Early Career and Path to Real Estate Law Early Aspirations: Blank Slate Approach: Unique Starting Point: B. The Value of Mentorship Cohen credits her early mentors with instilling crucial qualities that she now exhibits as a mentor herself: "patience, open-mindedness, empathy." She appreciated their willingness to answer her frequent questions, recognizing her lack of experience. This highlights the importance of supportive guidance for new professionals. II. The Attorney-Entrepreneur Relationship: A Partnership for Success A central theme of the discussion is the dynamic and often misunderstood relationship between attorneys and entrepreneurs. A. Attorneys as Dealmakers, Not Deal Breakers Beyond "Cannot Do": Facilitating Deals: Understanding Business Context: B. Timing of Legal Engagement for Entrepreneurs Early Consultation is Key: Importance of Written Agreements: When to Seek Professional Legal Help: C. Addressing Entrepreneurial Mindsets Balancing Optimism with Reality: The "Worst Thing That Could Happen": Trust and Reliability: III. Misconceptions and Realities of Legal Practice A. Billing and Deal Expediency Dispelling "Churn": Valuing Relationships Over Billable Minutes: Intellectual Product: B. Specialization and Constant Adaptation Ongoing Legal Changes: Every Deal is Unique: Legal Expertise Beyond the Obvious: IV. Golden Ratner: A Full-Service Partner for Growth A. Comprehensive Services and Client Profile Full-Service Offering: Client Focus: Network for Niche Needs: B. Client Engagement and Firm Structure Understanding the Business: Direct Engagement with Decision Makers: Size and Reach: Reaching Out: V. Concluding Thoughts The podcast emphasizes that a strong attorney-client relationship is built on trust, clear communication, and a shared understanding of business goals and risks. Linsey Cohen's insights highlight the evolving role of legal counsel from mere "deal breakers" to strategic "dealmakers," indispensable partners for entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of starting, growing, and operating a business. /episode/index/show/f03d1885-1419-46c1-8dbc-9f3a328ebd2b/id/37458020

#22 Evolution of a podcast pt 2 07/11/2025

#22 Evolution of a podcast pt 2 The hosts, Brian and Brad Balduf, along with their host Matt Croke and producer Amber, discuss their strategies for growing viewership and subscribers. They cover four key areas: self-promotion, ad spending, interviewing guests, and appearing on other podcasts. The discussion also touches upon the technical challenges of producing the show, the importance of consistency, and their approach to monetization through advertising and potential premium content, all while sharing their own trial-and-error experiences. I. Core Strategies for Podcast Growth and Viewership The hosts outline four primary strategies they are employing to drive viewership and subscribers, emphasizing that success takes time and consistent effort. Self-Promotion (Grassroots Marketing): Paid Advertising (Google Ads Experimentation): Guest Interviews (Subject Matter Experts & Unique Perspectives): Guest Spots on Other Podcasts (Cross-Promotion): II. Production & Operational Aspects The podcast is still in an "incubator stage" (4:17), constantly trialing and developing its "product." (4:24) Technical Setup for Remote Guests: Editing and Consistency (Amber's Role): Consistency is paramount: Editing Process: Team Collaboration: III. Monetization and Challenges The ultimate goal for the podcast is monetization, though they acknowledge this could take a long time. Revenue Streams: Advertising Revenue: Paid Subscriptions/Premium Content: Challenges: Content Uniqueness: Patience for Growth: IV. Vision and Future Outlook The CEO Bros are committed to the long-term development of their podcast as a business. Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Introducing "Point-Counterpoint" Segment:. Continued Engagement with Audience: Conclusion: The CEO Bros After Hours podcast is approaching its evolution as a business with a clear, albeit developing, strategy. They understand the importance of consistent content, diversified growth tactics (self-promotion, paid ads, guesting, and guest interviews), and long-term monetization goals through advertising and potential premium content. Despite humorous challenges like Brian's brand critiques, the team demonstrates a commitment to quality production and a willingness to adapt and learn on their entrepreneurial podcasting journey. #titos #metalica #sandman #ACDC #insidebaseball #monetizingapodcast #buildingapodcast #NewGlarus #spottedcow #Bluesbrothers #airlines #Simpsons #LasVegas #Amtrak #ProTools #CapCut #PlantersPeanuts #HeatMizer #ColdMizer #MotherNature #ProblemChild #CheezWhiz /episode/index/show/f03d1885-1419-46c1-8dbc-9f3a328ebd2b/id/37377210

#21 Entrepreneurs Journey - Frank DeGrassi - Mamma Onesta's 07/04/2025

CEO Bros - After Hours

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