Grow A Small Business Podcast

Our weekly 30 minute podcast helps you, a small business owner with 5 to 30 team members, take your company to the next level. The Grow A Small Business community, weekly cast, blog and leadership email supports leaders get through the pain of growth. With insights, lessons learned, books and tools as well as habits these experienced small business owners suggest you develop, our interviews unearth tremendous value for anyone wanting to grow their business with less stress.

Thais Saenz of Saenz Global: From a $62K Start to a Multiple Seven-Figure Business, Doubling Sales Every Year, Helping a Roofing Client Grow from $3M to $80M & Learning That Growth Starts With Fixing Yourself. (Episode 789 - Thais Saenz) In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast host Troy Trewin interviews , founder of , shares how she built a multiple seven-figure business by specializing in operations for roofing companies. She explains how her company helped a long-term client grow from $3 million to more than $80 million in annual sales. Thais discusses the importance of niching down, building lean teams, embracing technology, and creating systems that support sustainable growth. She also shares lessons on leadership, culture, hiring the right people, and recognizing when team members are no longer the right fit. Most importantly, Thais reveals how personal growth, continuous learning, and taking ownership of problems have been the biggest drivers of her business success. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. . Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Thais Saenz shares that the hardest thing in growing a small business is yourself, explaining that entrepreneurs must move beyond a victim mentality, take ownership of problems, improve their communication, and ensure the right people are in the right roles. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Thais Saenz says her favorite business book is *How to Win Friends and Influence People* by Dale Carnegie. She describes it as her “original gangster” business book, sharing that she has listened to it repeatedly from her early twenties through her late thirties because its lessons on relationships, communication, and influence remain highly relevant and practical today. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Thais Saenz recommends podcasts as a valuable resource for small business growth, particularly *How I Built This* from NPR, which helped her while building her business by showing her that even successful entrepreneurs face challenges and problems. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Thais Saenz recommends having strong systems in place to grow a small business, particularly using ClickUp to create transparency and keep the team organized. She also advises hiring an expert to properly set up the system if needed, sharing that she wishes she had implemented it much earlier in her business. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Thais Saenz advises her day-one self to focus more on profit rather than trying to make everyone feel blessed and taken care of. She says she would have built a leaner business, been more disciplined with raises and expenses, and prioritized taking home profit instead of working extremely hard without paying herself. Book a 20-minute with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Your company can only grow as much as you do – Thais Saenz Success is being able to build a life where you can choose how you spend your time – Thais Saenz If you are not going to help the team win you have to be willing to make the tough decision – Thais Saenz /episode/index/show/growasmallbusiness/id/42369730

Giuseppe Grammatico | The Franchise Guide: From Leaving J.P. Morgan to Building & Selling a Business, Then Helping Entrepreneurs Choose the Right Franchise for Time Freedom & Long-Term Success. (Episode 788 - Giuseppe Grammatico) In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast host Troy Trewin interviews founder of shares how he left J P Morgan to build and successfully sell a building services business before helping aspiring entrepreneurs find the right franchise He reveals why time freedom matters more than money how consistency and leadership fuel sustainable growth and why every business owner should plan their exit from day one while creating a business that can thrive without them. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. . Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Giuseppe Grammatico shares that the hardest part of growing a small business is taking full ownership of every decision and learning to be decisive especially when you have never owned a business before He explains that new entrepreneurs often overthink their choices and second guess themselves but success comes from making confident decisions learning from mistakes and adapting quickly as the business grows. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Giuseppe Grammatico shares that the business book that has helped him the most is Traction by Gino Wickman because it provides a practical framework for building and managing every aspect of a business He also highly recommends The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber for teaching entrepreneurs how to create systems that allow a business to grow beyond the owner. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Giuseppe Grammatico shares that podcasts have become his primary source of learning and he recommends The How of Business by Henry Lopez for practical business ownership advice Profit Comes First by Rocky Lalvani for mastering business finances and cash flow and podcasts by Dan Buettner and Mike Chang for improving health and performance because a healthy entrepreneur builds a stronger business. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Giuseppe Grammatico shares that a powerful CRM like Go High Level is one of the best tools for growing a small business because it automates emails text messages AI phone calls social media and customer follow ups in one place He also recommends Sequence as a valuable financial tool for implementing the Profit First system and automating cash flow management. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Giuseppe Grammatico shares that if he could go back to day one he would remind himself that entrepreneurship is not a straight path and that challenges are part of the journey He advises new business owners to stay focused on their purpose adapt to change develop thick skin and build a business that creates freedom while enjoying the process instead of waiting for the destination. Book a 20-minute with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: The best business decisions come from taking action not waiting for certainty - Giuseppe Grammatico Build a business that creates freedom because success means nothing without time to enjoy it - Giuseppe Grammatico Every challenge in business is an opportunity to learn adapt and grow stronger - Giuseppe Grammatico /episode/index/show/growasmallbusiness/id/42292930

Cheryl Contee (Attentively): From Vision Strategy to a Multi-Million Dollar SaaS Exit | Building a 12-Person Team, Becoming the First Black Female Founder Acquired by a Nasdaq-Listed Company & Advancing Ethical AI. (Episode 787 - Cheryl Contee) In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast host Troy Trewin interviews , founder of , shares how she built a purpose-driven SaaS company serving nonprofits, scaled it to a 12-person team with multi-million-dollar revenue, and achieved a historic exit as the first Black female founder to sell a tech startup to a Nasdaq-listed company. Cheryl discusses the realities of fundraising, hiring, leadership, and planning for a successful exit while emphasizing the power of relationships and reputation. She also explains why she is now helping nonprofits adopt AI ethically through her latest venture. This conversation is packed with practical lessons on resilience, innovation, and building a business that creates lasting impact. Also check Putting Artificial Intelligence to Work for Your Cause, and her appearance on the , where she shares how she built and successfully sold , an AI-powered social listening platform acquired by Blackbaud. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. . Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Cheryl Contee shares that the hardest part of growing a small business is having the confidence to believe in yourself, especially when no one else believes in your vision. Cheryl Contee shares that entrepreneurs must be willing to put in 110% effort and embrace hard work every day. Cheryl Contee shares that self-belief is what keeps founders moving forward through uncertainty and setbacks. Cheryl Contee shares that lasting success comes from combining confidence with consistent dedication and perseverance. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Cheryl Contee shares that her favorite business book is Who Moved My Cheese? because its lessons about adapting to change are even more relevant in today's fast-changing business world. Cheryl Contee shares that entrepreneurs must be willing to follow new opportunities instead of clinging to old ways of working. Cheryl Contee shares that embracing change with the right mindset helps business owners stay resilient and competitive. Cheryl Contee shares that continuous adaptation is essential for long-term business success. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Cheryl Contee shares that she highly recommends Apple News+ for access to trusted publications like The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, The Atlantic, and The Guardian, offering broad and in-depth business insights. Cheryl Contee shares that YouTube has also become one of her favorite learning platforms, especially for independent experts and international news sources. Cheryl Contee shares that exploring multiple perspectives helps business owners make better-informed decisions. Cheryl Contee shares that continuous learning from diverse, credible sources is essential for staying ahead in a rapidly changing world. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Cheryl Contee shares that one of the best tools for growing a small business is a well-crafted pitch deck rather than a lengthy business plan. Cheryl Contee shares that a 10–15 slide pitch deck helps entrepreneurs clearly define their market, customers, competitors, business model, and growth strategy. Cheryl Contee shares that answering these core questions creates clarity and prepares business owners for investors, partners, and opportunities. Cheryl Contee shares that a strong pitch deck is a practical resource for building and scaling a successful business. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Cheryl Contee shares that if she could go back to day one, she would remind herself, "You've got this," and trust her ability to succeed. Cheryl Contee shares that embracing what makes you different allows you to see opportunities others may overlook. Cheryl Contee shares that being authentic and courageous opens the door to creating things that have never been done before. Cheryl Contee shares that believing in yourself from the very beginning is one of the greatest advantages an entrepreneur can have. Book a 20-minute with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: It's okay to be different because different people see opportunities others miss - Cheryl Contee Your reputation is the most powerful marketing tool your business will ever have - Cheryl Contee Plan your exit from day one because successful businesses are built with the end in mind - Cheryl Contee /episode/index/show/growasmallbusiness/id/42219005

Adiel Gorel (International Capital Group): From Hewlett-Packard Engineer to 10,000+ Homes | Building a 42-Year Real Estate Empire, Winning in Recessions & Creating Long-Term Wealth Through Smart Property Investing. (Episode 786 - Adiel Gorel) In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast host Troy Trewin interviews , Founder of , shares how he went from being a Hewlett-Packard engineer to building a 42-year real estate investment business that has helped investors purchase more than 10,000 homes. He explains why long-term thinking, fixed-rate mortgages, and staying calm during market downturns create lasting wealth. Adiel also discusses scaling a business, leading through economic cycles, building the right mindset, and avoiding panic when recessions hit. His journey offers practical lessons on entrepreneurship, resilience, and financial freedom through disciplined investing. Check out Adiel Gorel's book, . In this practical guide, he shares the proven strategies that have helped investors build long-term wealth through rental properties. Whether you're a first-time investor or looking to grow your portfolio, the book offers actionable insights on creating financial freedom through smart real estate investing. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. . Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Adiel Gorel shares that the hardest part of growing a small business is living with uncertainty and accepting that the responsibility ultimately rests on the owner. Unlike a traditional job, there is no guaranteed paycheck, and every decision affects both the business and the employees who rely on it. He emphasizes that entrepreneurs must stay resilient, take ownership, and remain prepared for both opportunities and setbacks. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Adiel Gorel shares that one of the business books he highly recommends is his own, Remote Control Retirement Riches, which reflects decades of real estate investing experience. He also praises Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki for its powerful lessons on wealth creation and financial mindset, noting that its principles have inspired countless aspiring investors and entrepreneurs. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Adiel Gorel shares that while he doesn't regularly follow business podcasts, he spends much of his learning time exploring health and wellness content. He believes maintaining good health gives entrepreneurs the energy, focus, and mental clarity needed to build and grow a successful business over the long term. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Adiel Gorel shares that every business needs a balance between simplicity and effective systems. He recommends using reliable accounting software like QuickBooks to stay organized, manage finances efficiently, and gain a clear understanding of the business's financial health as it grows. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Adiel Gorel shares that he would remind his younger self that business moves in cycles, with both booms and downturns. He advises entrepreneurs not to become overconfident during good times or panic during recessions, emphasizing that patience, preparation, and staying the course are often the keys to long-term success. Book a 20-minute with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: You are not a cog in the machine you are the machine - Adiel Gorel Success comes from staying focused while time and patience do the heavy lifting - Adiel Gorel The biggest mistakes in business happen when fear replaces long term thinking - Adiel Gorel /episode/index/show/growasmallbusiness/id/42145215

Ashley Stahl (Wise Whisper Agency): From CIA & Counterterrorism to a $5M Speaking Business | 10M-View TED Talk, Building a 25-Person Team, and the Good, Grit & Gift Leadership Formula. (Episode 785 - Ashley Stahl) In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast host Troy Trewin interviews, , founder of , shares her journey from working in national security and counterterrorism to building a thriving speaking and coaching business. She reveals how her TEDx talks, including one with over 10 million views and ranked among the Top 100 TED Talks, transformed her career and inspired her to help others craft powerful talks. Ashley discusses scaling Wise Whisper Agency from a small team to around 25 people and growing revenue from $700K in its first year to an expected $4–5M, while emphasizing the challenges of building a sales team, hiring with integrity, and creating a soulful company culture. The conversation is packed with insights on leadership, personal growth, resilience, and the importance of helping people share ideas that can genuinely change lives. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. . Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Ashley Stahl shares that the hardest thing about growing a small business is managing your energy. She explains that there are days when you work incredibly hard and wonder how you'll do it all again tomorrow, but what keeps her going is her deep belief in Wise Whisper Agency, the impact it has on helping people craft powerful talks, and the mission of getting their ideas onto major stages, including TEDx. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Ashley Stahl shares that it's been a while since she read a traditional business book, but if she had to name one influence, she would point to Alex Hormozi's work. She says she loves his approach because it's “all protein and no fat,” meaning he gets straight to the tactical, practical advice without unnecessary fluff, and she finds that direct, actionable style especially valuable for building and growing a business. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Ashley Stahl shares that one of her favorite podcasts for professional development is Diary of a CEO. She says host Steven Bartlett does an excellent job interviewing remarkable people and exploring topics with a level of depth that many other shows don't, making it a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and anyone looking to grow a small business. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Ashley Stahl shares that the one tool she would most strongly recommend for growing a small business is paid advertising. She believes that many entrepreneurs are held back by fear of running ads, but once you learn how to use them effectively, paid ads can become a powerful and scalable way to consistently attract leads, grow revenue, and expand your business. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Ashley Stahl shares that if she could go back to day one of starting out in business, she would tell herself that the journey will become much bigger than she ever imagined. She says that building a business is about far more than making money or helping people; it's ultimately a path of personal growth that teaches you how capable, resilient, and powerful you truly are. Book a 20-minute with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: When you have a team working for you, they don't work for you; you work for them — Ashley Stahl Learn the rules so that you can break them like an artist — Ashley Stahl This is about so much more than building a business or making money; it's about learning how capable you are — Ashley Stahl /episode/index/show/growasmallbusiness/id/42049635

Conrad Ruiz, Founder of Well Aware: From $2,500 Revenue and 3 Years of Struggle to Scaling a 50+ VA Team, Building a Fast-Growing Fractional COO Business, Reaching $600K+ Revenue, and Pursuing the $1M Milestone. (Episode 784 - Conrad Ruiz) In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews , founder of , shares his journey from earning just $2,500 in his first year and struggling through three challenging years to building a thriving virtual assistant and fractional COO business. He discusses the importance of time management, customer delight, and persistence in overcoming uncertainty and growing a company. Conrad reveals how Well Aware expanded to a network of more than 50 virtual assistants while staying focused on helping business owners reclaim their time. The conversation also explores leadership, team building, accountability, and his ambitious goal of scaling the business beyond $1 million in annual revenue. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. . Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Conrad Ruiz shares that the hardest part of growing a small business is persisting through uncertainty when results are not guaranteed. He reflects on the challenging early years, where survival, self-doubt, and ambiguity were constant realities. Conrad emphasizes that entrepreneurs must learn to navigate discomfort daily and keep moving forward until they transition from simply surviving to building a business that can truly thrive. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Conrad Ruiz shares that the business book that has helped him the most is Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals. Although it is not a traditional business book, he believes it should be treated as one because it offers powerful lessons on time, priorities, and making the most of a limited life. The book helped shape his perspective on managing time effectively while building and growing a business. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Conrad Ruiz shares that he is not a heavy podcast listener, but recommends learning from high-quality newsletters, blogs, workshops, and industry experts. He highlights the content from as a great example, noting that its blog provides practical lessons on cold email outreach and copywriting. Conrad also encourages business owners to stay curious, network with knowledgeable people, and continuously learn from real-world experiences, mentors, and hands-on problem-solving. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Conrad Ruiz recommends having an extra pair of hands to help you grow, specifically a virtual assistant. He explains that business owners often spend too much time on tasks that can be delegated, limiting their ability to focus on growth. By bringing in the right support, entrepreneurs can free up valuable time, increase productivity, and concentrate on higher-value activities that drive the business forward. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Conrad Ruiz shares that if he could speak to himself on day one, he would say, “You’re an idiot, but it’s okay—there’s so much you’re going to figure out.” He reflects on how much learning comes through experience and mistakes. Drawing on advice from his 99-year-old father, Conrad emphasizes one simple lesson above all: take your time, trust the process, and allow yourself the space to grow as an entrepreneur. Book a 20-minute with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth ‘/?journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Don’t obsess over anything other than creating value for the well-being of others — Conrad Ruiz The hardest part of entrepreneurship is persisting through uncertainty when you don’t know if it will work — Conrad Ruiz Take your time—growth comes from experience, mistakes, and the lessons you learn along the way — Conrad Ruiz /episode/index/show/growasmallbusiness/id/41968065

Founder of Big Heart Breeders | From a Family Pet to a $700K+ Business, Scaling to a Team of 10, Building a Leading Mini Golden Retriever Breeding Company, Mastering Google & SEO Marketing, and Leveraging AI for Growth. (Episode 783 - Heather Gibson) In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast host Troy Trewin interviews , founder of , shares how a family’s love for pets evolved into a thriving business generating over $700,000 annually with a team of 10. She discusses her journey from solopreneur to business owner, the challenges of hiring and delegation, and the importance of building the right team. Heather also reveals how Google marketing, SEO, and AI tools have fueled her growth. The conversation explores lessons in leadership, work-life balance, and creating a meaningful impact through pet breeding, nutrition, and education. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. . Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Heather Gibson shares that the hardest part of growing a small business is staying consistent and having the grit to keep going when results are not immediate. She explains that while some businesses appear to achieve overnight success, most growth comes from years of steady effort and learning. Heather believes that persistence, the right mindset, and showing up every day are what ultimately create opportunities for breakthrough growth. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Heather Gibson shares that the business book that has helped her the most is Who Not How by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy. She explains that the book transformed her mindset around hiring and delegation, teaching her that business success comes from finding the right people to help achieve goals rather than trying to do everything yourself. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Heather Gibson shares that she enjoys learning from a variety of podcasts and online resources that focus on business growth, mindset, and practical implementation. She specifically mentions the Grow A Small Business podcast as a valuable resource and emphasizes the importance of continuously learning from experienced entrepreneurs, coaches, and industry experts to stay ahead in a rapidly changing business environment. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Heather Gibson recommends AI as one of the most powerful tools available to small business owners today. She highlights tools like Claude for copywriting, Gemini for image creation, and ChatGPT for a wide range of business tasks. Heather believes AI can dramatically improve productivity, provide valuable business insights, and help small businesses compete more effectively while saving both time and money. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Heather Gibson shares that if she could give advice to herself on day one, she would say, “Buckle in and get ready for a wild ride.” She never imagined her business would grow to its current size and emphasizes that entrepreneurship comes with both difficult and rewarding seasons. Her advice is to stay resilient during the tough times, enjoy the successful moments, and always plan ahead for future challenges. Book a 20-minute with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: My hires don’t have to do things exactly the way I do—if they can do it 80% as well, that’s a great hire — Heather Gibson Success isn’t about the numbers; it’s about the value you create and the lives you impact — Heather Gibson The biggest breakthroughs in business come from consistent effort, continuous learning, and the courage to keep going — Heather Gibson /episode/index/show/growasmallbusiness/id/41855580

Ryan Estes, Founder of KitCaster | From Losing 95% of Clients During COVID to $2M Annual Revenue in 18 Months, Building a Leading Podcast Booking Agency, Scaling to 25 Employees, Exiting Successfully, and Thriving in the AI Era. (Episode 782 - Ryan Estes) In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast host Troy Trewin interviews , co-founder of , shares his remarkable journey from losing 95% of his digital agency clients during COVID to building a thriving podcast booking agency that reached a $2 million annual run rate within just 18 months. Ryan discusses how KitCaster scaled from 3 to 25 team members, the lessons learned from rapid growth, and the strategies that helped the company stand out in the podcasting industry. He also opens up about successfully exiting the business, navigating the impact of AI, and building a company designed for acquisition. This conversation is packed with valuable insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, resilience, and creating long-term business success. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. . Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Ryan Estes, a former musician and serial entrepreneur, co-founded Kit Caster in 2019 — a podcast booking agency that places startup founders and executives on top podcasts worldwide. When COVID wiped out 95% of his digital marketing agency's clients, Ryan doubled down on Kit Caster, riding the pandemic-era podcasting boom to hit a $2 million annual run rate within just 18 months of launch. The company grew from 3 to 25 employees at its peak, but has since scaled back to around 8–9 as AI-driven efficiencies reduced staffing needs. Ryan credits strategic early-stage lending and a repeatable sales process as key drivers of their rapid growth. Beyond revenue, Ryan defines success by having built a business that allowed him and his wife to be fully present for their children — and remains a strong believer that podcasting, as a medium for human connection and storytelling, will continue to thrive. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Ryan Estes gave a quick and clear answer — "Traction" by Gino Wickman. This book, which focuses on the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), clearly resonated with Ryan as a founder who valued building structured, scalable operations. Given Kit Caster's rapid growth and their goal of building a business to sell, the frameworks in Traction around team alignment, processes, and goal-setting would have been especially relevant. It's a fitting choice for an entrepreneur who emphasized repeatable systems as a key driver of his success. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Ryan Estes shares that his top recommendation is his own podcast — "AI for Founders" (aiforfounder.co) — where he interviews founders who are building AI companies or building with AI. With around 47,000 subscribers and growing quickly, the show covers not just business metrics and KPIs, but also the emotional side of navigating the AI era as a founder. Beyond his own podcast, he also recommends the "All In" podcast to stay updated on what top investors and billionaires are thinking. He additionally highlights the content from Alex and Leila Hormozi — early Kit Caster clients — praising their mastery of podcasting and the phenomenal growth they've achieved. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Ryan Estes shares that his top tool recommendation to grow a small business is Quad Code. He is enthusiastic about its potential, particularly in the context of AI, and advises small business owners not to feel overwhelmed or behind when it comes to adopting AI tools. He humorously uses a baseball analogy, suggesting that the early adopters will do the hard work of figuring it out, and that within the next six months or so, it will become much more accessible for everyone to simply step in and benefit from it. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Ryan Estes shares that the advice he would give himself on day one of starting out in business is simple yet powerful — "You can do it." He repeats this twice with conviction, reflecting a deep belief in self-confidence and self-trust as the foundation of any entrepreneurial journey. This straightforward but heartfelt message speaks to the self-doubt that many founders face at the beginning, and suggests that believing in yourself is the most important mindset a new business owner can carry with them from day one. Book a 20-minute with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Cash is king, but being present for your family is the greatest award you'll never receive — Ryan Estes If you're really interested in scaling and going for the gold, don't fail to act — indecision can be the most costly choice — Ryan Estes Podcasting is the exemplar of human connection — it's people talking to each other the way we have around a campfire forever — Ryan Estes /episode/index/show/growasmallbusiness/id/41717245

How Michèle Hecken Grew Alpha Translations into a Global Leader Serving Top Law Firms, Built Systems That Ran Without Her, Anticipated the AI Revolution Early, and Achieved a $6M All-Cash Exit at 6.7x EBITDA . (Episode 781 - Michèle Hecken) In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast host Troy Trewin interviews shares how she built into a global business serving top law firms while raising two young children after moving from Germany to Canada. She explains how creating systems and empowering her team allowed her to work just 4–10 hours a week for 15 years. Michèle reveals how her company was building early large language models long before today's AI boom and why she chose to sell instead of reinventing the business. She discusses the challenges of surviving the 2008 financial crisis, rebuilding stronger, and creating a company that could run without her involvement. Listeners will learn valuable lessons on leadership, delegation, mindset, business exits, and designing a business that supports the life they truly want. is a practical guide for entrepreneurs aiming to move away from day-to-day operations and create a business that runs independently. It focuses on the power of intentional delegation and structured exit from daily tasks to unlock greater freedom, focus, and sustainable growth. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. . Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Michèle Hecken, the hardest thing in growing a small business is cash flow. She explains that even when a business appears successful, owners constantly face decisions about where to invest money, whether new initiatives will generate returns, and how to maintain enough cash reserves to navigate uncertainty. Michèle believes that managing consistent cash flow is critical because it gives business owners the flexibility to experiment, survive challenges, and continue growing without putting the company at risk. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Michèle Hecken's favorite business book is Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott. She says the book had a significant impact on how she led her business, particularly in the areas of communication, feedback, and team culture. Michèle values its practical approach to having honest conversations, addressing issues early, and giving constructive feedback effectively. The book influenced her so much that she referenced some of its concepts and tools in her own book about helping entrepreneurs build businesses that can run without them. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Michèle Hecken recommends learning from a variety of sources rather than relying on a single resource. One podcast she particularly enjoys is the The Mel Robbins Podcast, praising Mel Robbins for her practical insights on mindset and personal growth. She also highly recommends John Warrillow and his podcast Built to Sell Radio, which features valuable lessons from business owners who have successfully scaled and exited their companies. Beyond podcasts, Michèle emphasizes continuous learning through books, coaching, entrepreneurial communities, and implementing what you learn, noting that the real value comes not from consuming information but from applying it to your business. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Michèle Hecken shares that the number one tool to grow a small business is your mindset. She believes that without the right mindset, even the best tools and strategies will fail you. She also highly recommends Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott for building honest communication and a strong team culture. Above all, she encourages every entrepreneur to trust themselves and filter every resource through the lens of what truly works for their own business. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Michèle Hecken shares that the advice she would give herself on day one of starting out in business is to trust yourself because you already know what the right thing is to do. She reflects that even though everyone told her she was crazy for doing things differently, her instincts always led her in the right direction. She also emphasizes giving yourself permission to be courageous and not spending too much money on consultants who may not always know your business better than you do. Book a 20-minute with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Success means having the freedom to choose how I want to live my life, who I want in it, and having the financial means to go after my dreams — Michèle Hecken Don't wait till you exit — exit yourself from your business so it can run without you and you can enjoy your life — Michèle Hecken If you're doing all the work, it's not a business, it's a job that pays you well — Michèle Hecken /episode/index/show/growasmallbusiness/id/41641355

Tim Rexius went from pizza delivery driver to entrepreneur, rebuilding after the GFC to create Rexius Nutrition, grow 3 gyms, expand Omaha Protein Popcorn to 30,000 stores in 16 countries, and pursue a $500M snack empire. (Episode 780 - Tim Rexius) In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast host Troy Trewin interviews shares how he lost nearly everything during the GFC, delivered pizzas at night, and sanded floors to fund the launch of . He reveals how relentless networking, smart risk-taking, and a commitment to learning helped him grow multiple businesses, including three successful gyms. Tim also explains how Omaha Protein Popcorn evolved from a struggling idea into a global brand stocked in over 30,000 stores across 16 countries. Along the way, he discusses leadership, marketing, building a strong team culture, and why entrepreneurs must remain lifelong students. This inspiring conversation is packed with lessons on resilience, growth, and creating opportunities from adversity. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. . Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Tim Rexius, the hardest thing in growing a small business is access to capital. He believes many entrepreneurs have great ideas and the willingness to work hard, but securing funding is often the biggest challenge. Tim notes that borrowing money has become increasingly difficult, and when funding is available, the interest rates and repayment terms can be tough. He advises business owners to find creative ways to generate income while building their business so they can cover overhead costs and avoid making poor decisions under financial pressure. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Tim Rexius says one of the business books that has helped him the most is Think Big, Shut the F Up and Work. He also credits Masters of Selling by Tony Robbins as a life-changing book that helped him understand communication, sales, and human behavior. Tim believes that learning how to sell effectively is one of the most valuable skills an entrepreneur can develop because it influences every aspect of business growth and success. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Tim Rexius shared invaluable entrepreneurial wisdom across several platforms, including his standout appearances on The Management Blueprint Podcast, The Deep Wealth Podcast, and the Phat Muscle Project Podcast, where he breaks down real-world scaling strategies and leadership frameworks. His home base at timrexius.com also offers direct access to Rexius Business Consulting, where he mentors entrepreneurs globally on franchising, retail expansion, and building strong team cultures. For broader small business growth, the Grow a Small Business Podcast hosted by Troy Trewin — the very show Tim featured on — delivers weekly deep-dives with founders tackling the same challenges. You can also follow Tim on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn at @timothy_d_rexius for ongoing, no-BS business insights from someone who built a $50M brand from nothing. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Tim Rexius shares that the most powerful tool for growing a small business is building genuine relationships, as he personally visited three gyms every day for three years to meet potential customers, proving that consistent human connection outperforms any paid marketing strategy. He also emphasizes leveraging social media to level the playing field, noting that a strong personal brand and winning attitude can make a C-class location just as successful as an A-class one, which he demonstrated by growing Omaha Protein Popcorn to over 30,000 stores across 16 countries. For direct mentorship and structured business guidance, Tim offers Rexius Business Consulting at timrexius.com, where he coaches entrepreneurs on scaling, franchising, and turning employees into entrepreneurial partners using his proven Entrepreneur Creation Framework. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Tim Rexius would tell his day-one self to stop waiting for the perfect moment and instead start hustling immediately, because delivering pizzas at night and sanding floors on weekends while building his first store taught him that grit and relentless action will always outwork privilege and perfect timing. He would also remind himself that it is far easier to turn customers into friends than friends into customers, so invest every ounce of energy into showing up, meeting people, and projecting a winning attitude — because the right mindset attracts the right opportunities. Book a 20-minute with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: It's a lot easier to turn customers into friends than friends into customers — Tim Rexius You can have a C-class location but an A-class person, and still build a wildly successful business — Tim Rexius People really want to be surrounded by winners, so put on a winning attitude and watch the right opportunities find you — Tim Rexius /episode/index/show/growasmallbusiness/id/41565555

Sandy Wolff | AgVenture Feed & Seed: From Grief to Growth—How Sandy Took Over a Debt-Ridden Animal Feed Business, Grew Revenue from $1M to $8M, Built a Lean Team, and Successfully Exited After 18 Years. (Episode 779 - Sandy Wolff) In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast host Troy Trewin interviews shares her remarkable journey of taking over after the unexpected loss of her husband, despite having no prior experience in the industry. She reveals how she transformed a debt-laden, cash-negative business into a thriving company, growing annual revenue from $1 million to $8 million while maintaining a lean team through smart outsourcing. Sandy discusses the importance of continuous learning, building a business with an exit mindset, and balancing growth with quality of life. She also shares valuable lessons on leadership, resilience, mentorship, and preparing a company for a successful sale. The conversation is packed with practical insights for business owners looking to scale sustainably and create long-term value. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. . Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Sandy Wolff shares that the biggest challenge today is keeping up with larger competitors while having fewer resources. She explained that technology is becoming more expensive, hiring great people costs more than ever, and small businesses must find a unique reason for customers and employees to choose them over bigger companies. She said that creating this unique advantage was something that kept her awake at night. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Sandy Wolff has shared that one of the business books that helped her the most was Built to Sell. She credits it with shaping her mindset around building a business that could operate independently and eventually be sold. She also highly recommends The 4-Hour Workweek, which influenced her thinking on outsourcing, creating systems, and reducing reliance on the owner, helping her build a more scalable and efficient business. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Sandy Wolff recommends listening to a wide variety of podcasts and learning resources rather than relying on a single source. She specifically mentioned the Built to Sell Radio and other CEO-focused business growth podcasts that focus on scaling companies. She also follows podcasts on leadership, personal development, time management, influence, metaphysics, and spirituality, noting that some of her biggest business insights have come from outside traditional business content. Sandy believes continuous learning through podcasts, online courses, workshops, AI tools, peer groups, and business coaching is one of the most valuable habits a small business owner can develop. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? According to Sandy Wolff, one tool she would recommend to help grow a small business is ChatGPT. She believes AI is at a pivotal stage, much like computers were years ago, and that business owners who embrace it can save significant time, improve efficiency, and focus more on serving clients. Sandy uses ChatGPT extensively in her own business and encourages entrepreneurs to leverage AI while also seeking advice from experienced mentors and advisors who can provide valuable outside perspectives. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? According to Sandy Wolff, the advice she would give herself on day one of starting out in business is to enjoy the journey more and not become overly focused on the end goal of selling the company. While having an exit strategy is important, she learned that the real value comes from embracing the day-to-day experience, the lessons, the relationships, and the growth along the way. Looking back, she wishes she had spent less time worrying about the eventual sale and more time appreciating the 18-year journey of building and leading the business. Book a 20-minute with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Success is never about arriving because the moment you think you have made it you stop growing – Sandy Wolff The belief that we must do things the way they have always been done is the death knell of any company – Sandy Wolff The belief that we must do things the way they have always been done is the death knell of any company Sandy Wolff /episode/index/show/growasmallbusiness/id/41484840

Chris Van Dusen on Building & Selling 3 Businesses, Scaling a CBD Brand to 120 Employees, Managing $400M+ Investments & the Biggest Lessons on Consistency, Capital, Leadership and Growth for Entrepreneurs Worldwide. (Episode 778 - Chris Van Dusen) In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast host Troy Trewin interviews from shares his journey from being unexpectedly laid off in 2009 to building and selling three successful businesses. He reveals how he scaled a CBD company to over 120 employees, navigated the pressures of rapid growth and business exits, and now helps deploy more than $400M in investments through Solico Capital. Chris also breaks down the importance of consistency, leadership, culture, and having enough capital to survive tough business phases. The conversation is packed with real-world lessons on entrepreneurship, resilience, AI, scaling teams, and preparing a company for acquisition. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. . Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Chris Van Dusen shares that the hardest thing in growing a small business is maintaining consistent output while managing capital wisely, as many business owners underestimate how much funding and sustained effort it truly takes to keep a business growing long term. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Chris Van Dusen shares that some of the business books that have helped him the most are Principles by Ray Dalio, Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss, and Loonshots, which helped him think differently about innovation, negotiation, and finding asymmetrical opportunities in business. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Chris Van Dusen recommends listening to podcasts like The Diary of a CEO for valuable business insights and leadership perspectives. He also shares that platforms like TikTok can be surprisingly useful for discovering short clips from business podcasts, helping entrepreneurs find new ideas, guests, and strategies before diving deeper into full episodes and long-form learning content. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Chris Van Dusen recommends using Anthropic’s Claude and other AI tools to help grow a small business, explaining that AI can act like additional team members by improving efficiency, automating repetitive tasks, analyzing customer data, and helping business owners make faster and smarter operational decisions. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Chris Van Dusen advises that if he could go back to day one of starting out in business, he would tell himself to embrace the hardship, lean into difficult challenges instead of avoiding them, and trust that the tough moments are part of the journey that ultimately leads to growth and success. Book a 20-minute with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Never underestimate how much capital it's going to take to get you where you need to go – Chris Van Dusen Find asymmetrical areas of growth – don't compete just like everyone else does – Chris Van Dusen Money doesn't buy you happiness, it buys you freedom – Chris Van Dusen /episode/index/show/growasmallbusiness/id/41407315

Alex Davids, Next Evolution Performance: Psychology Grad Who Built a Global Neuroscience Coaching Firm, Scaled to 40 Coaches in 15 Countries, Helping CEOs Crush Burnout & Achieve Sustainable High Performance. (Episode 777 - Alex Davids) In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews Alex Davids, founder of Next Evolution Performance, built a global neuroscience coaching business across 15 countries helping CEOs and executives achieve sustainable high performance and prevent burnout. Starting with a psychology background, she identified a gap where executives had no real support beyond being told to "take time off." After scaling to 40 coaches, she made the bold decision to step away, allowing a licensee to buy the business before rebuilding it stronger and more sustainably. Alex shares powerful insights on growing through referrals, genuine LinkedIn outreach, and the importance of daily self-review in both business and life. Her parting advice to every business owner — keep it fun, remember why you started, and trust that you can do it. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. . Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Alex Davids shares that the hardest part of growing a small business is staying in it, believing you can do it, and trusting that it is worth it — a feeling most business owners would deeply relate to. The grind is invisible to the outside world; customers see the success but nobody sees the early mornings, cash flow stress, and lonely decisions that come with building something from scratch. Most people quit too early, not because their idea was bad, but because self-doubt becomes louder than the vision, making belief a daily choice every entrepreneur must consciously make. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Alex Davids shares that her favourite business book is "4000 Weeks" by Oliver Burkeman, a profound read that sits on the edge of business, productivity, and life. The book's core message is that humans have on average 4,000 weeks to live, and every time we find tools to become more productive — from microwaves to AI — we simply backfill that saved time with more work rather than reclaiming it for what truly matters. Alex found this deeply relevant to her work with executives, as it challenges the endless productivity chase and forces the reader to ask the most important question of all Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Alex Davids shares that one of her favourite podcasts is Tim Ferriss, whom she has followed since before podcasting was even a big deal, appreciating how he has evolved from the hardcore "Four Hour Work Week" mindset to exploring what truly matters in life and business. She also highly recommends Consulting Success, a community and resource platform out of Canada specifically designed to help consultants build successful businesses, offering incredible tools, community support, and a critical eye on growth strategies. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Alex Davids shares that the one tool she would recommend right now is Whisper Flow, an AI dictation tool that she describes as absolutely game changing for small business owners. It allows you to think out loud and dictate your thoughts into anything, turning spoken ideas into polished and meaningful content with ease. Beyond tools, she strongly recommends finding a group, team, or community that provides regular reflection and review support, specifically highlighting Consulting Success out of Canada as an incredible resource that has delivered huge value to her own business through its tools, community, and structured approach to helping consultants grow successfully. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Alex Davids shares that the advice she would give herself on day one of starting out in business is beautifully simple yet deeply powerful — keep it fun, remember why you started, and trust that you can do it. After 19 years of building a global business, stepping away, rebuilding, and navigating every challenge that comes with entrepreneurship, she believes that staying connected to your original purpose and maintaining a sense of joy in the work is what ultimately keeps you going through the toughest moments. It is a reminder that success is not just about the destination but about enjoying and believing in the journey every single day. Book a 20-minute with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: It's only a difficult conversation if you choose to see it that way — otherwise it's just helping people understand points of view — Alex Davids If you can't hand on heart say you can run this business and feel energized without burning out, then you're not doing a great job — Alex Davids Your thoughts become all the habits you have, all the ways you show up, and all the things you deliver — so make them count — Alex Davids /episode/index/show/growasmallbusiness/id/41324720

How Gulliver Moore & Oliver Clubb Scaled Sunday Treat from a Director/DP Duo to a £2M Creative Agency | AI, Viral Video Marketing, Google & Disney Clients, Hiring Secrets, Leadership Lessons & 20% YoY Growth Strategies Tips! (Episode 776 - Gulliver Moore In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews shares how he scaled alongside his co-founder from a freelance director/DP partnership into a £2M creative agency serving global brands like Google, Disney, and Revolut. In this episode, Gulliver reveals how consistent 20% year-over-year growth, smart hiring, strong company culture, and high-performing video marketing helped the agency expand to a 14-person team with clients across the US and Europe. He also explains how Sunday Treat is adapting to AI, building viral content strategies, and maintaining creativity while scaling fast. Gulliver shares honest lessons about leadership, delegation, difficult management decisions, and why founders should never delegate hiring. The conversation is packed with insights on business growth, branding, team building, and creating a sustainable agency in today’s competitive digital landscape. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. . Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Gulliver Moore shared that the hardest part of growing a business is consistently delivering on big promises while maintaining quality and trust with clients. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Gulliver Moore said his favorite business book is Radical Candor because it deeply influenced how he manages people, gives feedback, and builds an honest company culture. He also highly recommended The Making of a Manager for its practical advice on leadership and team management. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Gulliver Moore recommended podcasts like Hard Fork, The Vergecast, and Today in Focus to stay updated on technology, AI, and current events. He also emphasized learning through experimentation, especially with AI tools, social media content creation, and hands-on business experience rather than relying heavily on formal coaching or consultants. During the conversation, host Troy Trewin additionally recommended Marketing School, Uncensored CMO, and Everyday AI for marketing and business growth insights. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Gulliver Moore recommended using for brainstorming, strategy, copywriting, and improving workflows with AI. He also highlighted as a powerful CRM and project management system for organizing teams and client work, while was his preferred platform for creating visually engaging presentations and creative assets. He emphasized that combining strong systems, consistency, and AI tools can significantly improve productivity and business growth. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Gulliver Moore said he would tell himself to trust the process, stay patient, and focus on consistently hiring great people. He emphasized that long-term success comes from building a strong team culture, trusting your instincts during hiring, and sticking with the journey even when growth feels slow or uncertain. Book a 20-minute with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Hiring the right people is the most important investment you can make in your business — Gulliver Moore You don’t need to control everything — great teams do amazing work when you trust them — Gulliver Moore Consistency in your process will eventually create the growth you’re looking for — Gulliver Moore /episode/index/show/growasmallbusiness/id/41241000

From Idea to 100+ Resorts: Arielle Moody of MAMA SOL Shares How She Built a Fast growing Beauty Brand While Pregnant, Bootstrapped with Family Funds, Scaling to 15+ Team Members with 10X Growth & Consistency. (Episode 775 - Arielle Moody) In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews shares how she built from a personal need into a rapidly growing business stocked in over 100 high-end resorts. She discusses the importance of consistency, trusting your instincts, and having a clear point of difference in a competitive market. Arielle also highlights the challenges of managing cash flow, scaling sustainably, and learning to delegate as the team grows. Her journey shows that success is an ongoing process rather than a final destination, requiring resilience and adaptability. Listeners can also enjoy 20% off at their website using the code Smallbusiness20. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. . Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Arielle Moody, the hardest thing in growing a small business is managing cash flow. She emphasizes that when a business starts scaling, you constantly need enough money to cover inventory, operations, and growth, and if cash flow isn’t handled properly, it can quickly become the biggest risk to survival. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? According to Arielle Moody, her favorite business book is "The Science of Scaling" a book by Dr. Benjamin Hardy. She mentioned that this book provides an evidence-based framework for scaling a business faster and more effectively, and it had a strong impact on how she thinks about growth and expansion. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? According to Arielle Moody, she recommends podcasts like How I Built This with Guy Raz for real stories and lessons from successful entrepreneurs, and Confessions of a Female Founder for insights into how female founders grow and scale their businesses, as these resources provide practical learning and inspiration from real-world experiences. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? According to Arielle Moody, the one tool she highly recommends for growing a small business is Klaviyo. She emphasizes that email marketing is often underrated but extremely powerful, and platforms like Klaviyo help businesses build and grow their email list, automate marketing, and drive consistent revenue. This tool allows you to create personalized campaigns, automate customer communication, and turn subscribers into loyal customers, making it one of the most effective growth channels for small businesses. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Arielle Moody would tell herself on day one to trust her instincts much earlier and not rush into decisions just to keep momentum. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s better to pause and reassess rather than push forward and fix mistakes later. She’d also remind herself that moving slower and more intentionally can actually lead to better outcomes, helping avoid unnecessary setbacks while building a stronger foundation for growth. Book a 20-minute with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Trust your instincts early—moving fast means nothing if you’re moving in the wrong direction - Arielle Moody Consistency and passion will carry you through the hardest days in business - Arielle Moody Build with intention, not urgency, because rushed decisions create bigger problems later - Arielle Moody /episode/index/show/growasmallbusiness/id/41133945

From Spare Room to $5M Success: Michael Harvey of MDH Accounting on Building a 25+ Team, Mastering Fractional CFO Growth, Navigating AI Disruption, and Why Deep Client Relationships Became His Ultimate Business Advantage. (Episode 774 – Michael Harvey) In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews , founder of , shares how he grew his business from a spare bedroom startup into a multi-service firm with 25+ team members and nearly $5 million in annual revenue through steady, organic growth and smart hiring. He explains the power of networking, word-of-mouth referrals, and staying close to clients to build long-term trust and consistent growth. The conversation highlights how developing people, supporting flexible work, and focusing on team strengths became key drivers of sustainable success. Michael also reflects on major challenges, including scaling teams, adopting new technology, and adapting to the rise of AI in accounting and advisory services. Ultimately, he emphasizes that true business success comes from continuous learning, strong relationships, and helping other small business owners achieve their wins. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. . Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Michael Harvey believes one of the hardest parts of growing a small business is managing the transition from having just a few employees to building a larger team, where hiring, training, and paying wages can feel stressful and uncertain. He also highlights that opening new branches and handling different team cultures adds unexpected complexity. Another major challenge he faced was keeping strong client relationships while adopting new technology, as efficiency can sometimes reduce the personal touch that customers value most. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Michael Harvey says his favorite business books that helped him the most are Good to Great by Jim Collins, along with The Five Dysfunctions of a Team and The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni. He shared that Good to Great was an early revelation for him, while The Advantage is a book he regularly revisits because of its strong focus on culture and team success in business. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Michael Harvey recommends tuning into the podcast The Imperfects, even though it isn’t strictly business-focused. He says he listens to it regularly because of the inspiring guests and meaningful topics, particularly those connected to The Resilience Project, which motivates him indirectly as a business owner. He also highlights that much of his learning comes from networking with other professionals and learning from real conversations, rather than relying only on formal online tools. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Michael Harvey recommends using a simple one-page planning tool, where you summarize your key business goals and priorities onto a single page to stay focused. He believes the real value comes from cutting through unnecessary details and clearly identifying the number one issue your business needs to solve. This approach helps business owners stay clear, decisive, and action-oriented instead of getting lost in too much information. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Michael Harvey says that if he could go back to day one, he would remind himself to enjoy each moment and celebrate milestones along the way instead of always chasing the next goal. He admits he was so driven early on that he often missed the joy of progress. His advice is to enjoy the journey, stay humble, and build a business that you genuinely enjoy rather than feeling trapped in it. Book a 20-minute with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Growth becomes easier when you focus on solving the one problem that matters most — Michael Harvey Technology can speed up your business, but relationships are what keep it alive — Michael Harvey A simple, clear plan beats a complicated strategy that never gets used — Michael Harvey /episode/index/show/growasmallbusiness/id/41022450

Katrina “Kat” of Artemis Factor: From Pharma Layoff to Building a 50+ Team Success, Bootstrapped Growth, Hiring Impacted Talent, Mastering Delegation & Turning Complex Pharma & Biotech Problems into Simple Actionable Solutions. (Episode 773 - Kat High In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews shares her journey from being laid off in the pharma industry to co-founding , a strategic consulting firm serving pharma and biotech clients. She explains how the business grew from three founders to a team of more than 50 people through bootstrapping and strong industry relationships. Kat highlights the importance of delegation, building the right support systems, and not trying to do everything alone. A unique part of her approach is hiring talented professionals impacted by layoffs and helping rebuild their confidence and careers. She also discusses balancing fast growth, maintaining company culture, and focusing on meaningful impact on employees and patients. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. . Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Katrina “Kat” High, the hardest thing in growing a small business is dealing with external factors that you cannot anticipate, because business owners often face unexpected changes in the market, economy, or industry that are outside their control. She emphasized that since you never fully know what challenges are coming, the key is to stay prepared by maintaining strong cash flow, building a reliable team, keeping clear communication with employees, and working closely with advisors so you can handle whatever situation arises. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Katrina “Kat” High shared that one of her recent favorite resources that has helped her is content around money mindset, particularly the “Let Them” concept discussed on the Mel Robbins podcast, which she found useful for handling challenges in her current stage of business. She mentioned that instead of sticking to one all-time favorite book, she prefers reading books and listening to podcasts that match the specific season or challenges she is facing, so the advice feels practical and relevant to her situation at that time. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Katrina “Kat” High recommends tapping into a mix of practical and mindset-focused resources, including project management and AI-focused podcasts to stay current with industry trends, alongside investing podcasts to build broader business awareness. She also highlights the value of continuously learning through audiobooks and physical books depending on your season of business, and mentions mindset-driven content like the The Mel Robbins Podcast as helpful for navigating challenges. Overall, her approach is to consistently expose yourself to diverse learning channels—audio, reading, and niche podcasts—so you can grow both your technical skills and decision-making as a small business owner. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Katrina “Kat” High recommends implementing a strong Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system as a foundational tool to grow a small business, emphasizing that having a centralized way to track client interactions, manage leads, and maintain relationships is critical for sustainable growth. A good CRM helps streamline sales processes, improves communication, and ensures no opportunities fall through the cracks, allowing business owners to stay organized while scaling. She suggests choosing a CRM that fits your business needs and using it consistently, as it becomes a key driver in building long-term client relationships and making smarter, data-informed decisions. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Katrina “Kat” High would tell herself to just get started and not wait for everything to be perfect, because clarity and confidence come from taking action, not overplanning. She emphasizes that you won’t be able to map everything out from day one, and that’s okay—what you learn along the journey will guide your next steps. Instead of striving for perfection, focus on progress, stay adaptable, and trust that each experience will give you the insight needed to grow and make better decisions as your business evolves. Book a 20-minute with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: You cannot do it all yourself learn to ask for support early – Katrina “Kat” High Progress beats perfection just get started and figure it out along the way – Katrina “Kat” High Stay adaptable because what you learn today shapes your success tomorrow – Katrina “Kat” High /episode/index/show/growasmallbusiness/id/40928545

From 3 to 1,400 employees: Nicolas Bivero of Penn Brothers reveals how to scale global teams, build a remote workforce, and grow a BPO business over 12 years while adapting to AI, COVID changes, and worldwide client demand. (Episode 772 - Nicolas Bivero) In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews , founder of , shares how he built a global outsourcing company that grew from just three employees in 2014 to over 1,400 team members today. He explains how their employer-of-record model helps businesses hire and manage Filipino talent while ensuring compliance, payroll, and support. Nicolas discusses the impact of COVID on remote work adoption and how AI is reshaping roles while creating new opportunities. He highlights the importance of listening to clients and employees, continuously improving systems, and prioritizing strong processes as the business scales. The conversation also explores leadership lessons, resilience, and the mindset needed to sustain long-term growth in a fast-changing industry. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. . Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Nicolas Bivero, the hardest thing in growing a small business is prioritization. He explained that when a business is growing, there are always many things that need attention, but limited time, money, and people to handle them. The real challenge is deciding which tasks matter most at the moment and focusing on those instead of trying to do everything at once. He also mentioned that priorities change over time, so business owners must regularly shift focus to the next most important area to keep the business moving forward. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Nicolas Bivero said he doesn’t read many business books, but he mentioned two books that stood out to him as particularly interesting. He highlighted a book by Bob Iger, describing it as a very interesting leadership journey. He also mentioned a book about a U.S. Army four-star general responsible for logistics, noting how managing massive global operations offered valuable leadership and organizational insights. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Nicolas Bivero recommended the Acquired podcast as a valuable learning resource for small business owners. He shared that he listens to it occasionally because it explores the history of major companies and explains how they grew over time. He mentioned that while it’s not strictly a professional training resource, it provides deep insights into real business journeys. He especially enjoys episodes that analyze well-known brands, as they offer lessons that can be applied to growing a small business. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Nicolas Bivero recommends using a good accounting system as one of the most important tools to help grow a small business. He explained that having an accounting system tailored to your business saves significant time, reduces stress, and prevents costly mistakes. He emphasized that businesses survive only when their financial records are accurate and cash flow is properly managed. In his view, a reliable accounting system is critical because it helps maintain control over finances and supports long-term growth. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Nicolas Bivero said that if he could give himself advice on day one of starting his business, it would be to be patient and understand that growth takes time. He explained that business success is not a quick sprint but more like a long marathon that requires steady effort. He also mentioned that patience became easier over time through experience, coaching, and personal development. His key message was that lasting results come from staying consistent and allowing things the time they need to grow. Book a 20-minute with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Growing a business is a marathon, and patience is the fuel that keeps you moving forward — Nicolas Bivero A strong accounting system is not just a tool, it’s the backbone of a stable and growing business — Nicolas Bivero Learning from the journeys of successful companies can give small businesses the clarity to make smarter decisions — Nicolas Bivero /episode/index/show/growasmallbusiness/id/40820095

How Danielle Hendon of Four Corners CFO traded opera for a six-figure fractional CFO firm. Learn her hard truths on beating burnout, the trap of hiring "mini-mes," and mastering delegation to grow a team of four. (Episode 771 - Danielle Hendon) In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews of shares how she transitioned from an opera singer to launching a successful fractional CFO firm during the pandemic. She discusses hitting six figures in her first year and scaling to a small team while learning the challenges of hiring and delegation. Danielle highlights the importance of marketing, trusting your instincts, and selling team members effectively. She also opens up about burnout, work-life balance, and how reducing her workload to 30 hours improved both business and family life. Her journey emphasizes that taking care of yourself is just as critical as managing finances to sustain long-term business success. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. . Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Danielle Hendon shares that the hardest thing in growing a small business is learning to trust your gut, especially when the numbers or circumstances don’t fully support the decision. She explains that many moments require believing in your instincts and moving forward with confidence, even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Danielle Hendon shares that her favorite business book recommendation is Profit First, which she often suggests to business owners who are just starting out because it provides a simple and practical approach to managing cash flow and building financial discipline in a business. She also mentions that Eat That Frog has been especially helpful for her personal productivity and staying focused on important tasks. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Danielle Hendon shares that while she doesn’t rely on one specific podcast for all learning, she recommends consuming as much valuable information as possible and adapting it to your own situation. She highlights the Jason Daily podcast as a useful resource, especially for those in accounting, as it covers topics like AI and industry insights. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Danielle Hendon shares that one of the most valuable tools she recommends is the Profit First system because it helps business owners better manage cash flow and stay financially organized. She also strongly advises outsourcing bookkeeping early so business owners can focus on what they do best instead of getting stuck in technical financial tasks. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Danielle Hendon shares that if she could go back to day one, she would tell herself that she is going to love the journey far more than she ever imagined, encouraging new business owners to stay committed and trust that the experience will be both rewarding and fulfilling. Book a 20-minute with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Burnout can shut down your business just as fast as bankruptcy if you don’t take care of yourself — Danielle Hendon Trusting your gut is often the difference between staying stuck and moving your business forward — Danielle Hendon You can’t grow a business alone forever — learning to delegate is what unlocks real scale — Danielle Hendon /episode/index/show/growasmallbusiness/id/40737460

Dr. Michael Filosi of Fullarton Park Dental: From 2 Chairs to Adelaide’s Largest Dental Practice with 18% Annual Growth, Building Strong Habits, Leading Teams, and Selling the Business Successfully in 2025 Exit Mastery. (Episode 770 - Dr. Michael Filosi In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews , founder of , shares how he transformed a small two-chair clinic into the largest dental practice in Adelaide through consistent growth and disciplined leadership. He explains the importance of building strong habits, developing a clear business identity, and gradually stepping away from daily clinical work to focus on leadership. Michael discusses the challenges of managing teams, maintaining culture, and handling stressful staffing situations while scaling operations. He also highlights the power of customer reviews, mentorship, and continuous learning in driving long-term success. The episode concludes with insights on preparing a business for sale and successfully exiting after years of strategic growth and dedication. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. . Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Dr. Michael Filosi believes the hardest thing in growing a small business is managing people and relationships.He explains that as a team grows, the number of relationships increases rapidly, making communication, alignment, and culture more complex. Staff management, maintaining motivation, and handling conflicts can become overwhelming, especially when team members are not aligned with the business vision. He also notes that unlike other investments, a business requires constant effort just to maintain performance because staff, customers, systems, and equipment naturally decline over time if ignored. Overall, he emphasizes that people are both the greatest asset and the greatest challenge in building a successful business. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Dr. Michael Filosi mentioned that several business books helped him, but the ones that stood out the most were The Checklist Manifesto, The E-Myth Revisited, and Built to Sell 📚 Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Dr. Michael Filosi recommended listening to the podcast How I Built This as one of the best resources to help grow a small business. He shared that this podcast was especially valuable because it features founders of well-known companies explaining how difficult it was to build their businesses from scratch. Hearing real stories—from brands like Airbnb and founders such as Sara Blakely of Spanx—helped him stay motivated and realize that business growth is always challenging, even for highly successful companies. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Dr. Michael Filosi recommends investing in business books as the most powerful tool for growing a small business. He explains that instead of chasing expensive courses or trendy tools, consistently reading high-quality business books provides massive knowledge at a low cost. He believes that simply sitting down and reading valuable content can take a business much further than any “hot new gadget.” What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Dr. Michael Filosi says that if he could go back to day one, his advice would be to hang on and enjoy the ride, because business growth is full of ups and downs. He emphasizes that there is no single shortcut or magic tip—success comes from persistence and learning through the journey. His message is to stay strong during tough times and be ready for challenges, because the ride can be bumpy but rewarding. Book a 20-minute with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Success in business comes from staying consistent even when progress feels slow – Dr Michael Filosi Persistence and patience are often more powerful than talent alone in building success – Dr Michael Filosi Growing a small business is a journey with ups and downs so enjoy the ride – Dr Michael Filosi /episode/index/show/growasmallbusiness/id/40658835

Starting a Business at 50 From a Happy Hour Idea: Alesha Henley of A Dose of Insight on Leaving the 9-5, Doubling Revenue in 4 Years and Why Clients “Entrust Me With Their Babies” — Consistency Lessons for Service Businesses. (Episode 769 - Alesha H In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews , founder of , shares how she launched her marketing business at age 50 after a simple happy hour conversation turned into her very first client with 30 years of marketing experience, she successfully doubled her revenue within four years and built a team of four after leaving her secure 9-5 job. Alesha explains how consistency in marketing and truly understanding your ideal client became the backbone of her business success. One standout moment she shares is how clients “entrust me with their babies,” describing the deep trust business owners place in her to grow their brands. Her journey highlights the power of believing in yourself, taking opportunities when they appear, and staying dedicated even when the path feels uncertain. 🌟 Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. . Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Alesha Henley of A Dose of Insight said that the hardest thing in growing a small business is getting help and relinquishing control, explaining that it took her a long time to hire people because she felt nobody could do the work exactly like her, but she eventually realized that team members don’t need to copy her style—they just need to deliver quality results, and once she learned to trust others and let them use their own expertise, it became freeing and allowed her business to grow more effectively. 🚀 What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Alesha Henley of A Dose of Insight shared that her favorite business book is Work It by Carrie Kerpen, which resonated with her as a woman entrepreneur because it helped break down mental blocks and shift her mindset, especially through the powerful idea of not comparing your behind-the-scenes struggles to someone else’s highlight reel, a message that strongly influenced her confidence and approach to business growth. 📘✨ Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Alesha Henley of A Dose of Insight mentioned that she does not have any specific podcasts or online learning resources that she consistently recommends for growing a small business, explaining that while she occasionally listens to different materials from time to time, there isn’t any particular show or platform that stands out as a regular learning source for her professional development. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Alesha Henley shared that the most important tool to grow a small business is marketing, emphasizing that even the best product or service will not succeed if people don’t know it exists, so consistently promoting and communicating your value is essential for attracting customers and driving growth. 🚀 What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Alesha Henley shared that if she could go back to day one, she would tell herself to believe in yourself, explaining that confidence in your own abilities is critical because when you truly believe in what you can do, others will also trust you and support your business journey. 🌟 Book a 20-minute with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Consistency in marketing is what turns effort into real results — Alesha Henley People don’t need to do things your way, they just need to deliver quality work — Alesha Henley Believe in yourself first, and others will follow your lead — Alesha Henley 🚀 /episode/index/show/growasmallbusiness/id/40579175

From $50/hr consultant to building a $2M agency. Phil Risher grew Flash Consulting with a remote team of 18 by productizing services, mastering content & AI search, and adopting the mindset for 20%+ annual growth. (Episode 768 - Phil Risher) In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews , founder of , shares how he transformed from charging $50 per hour as a consultant into building a $2M digital marketing consulting business serving home service companies. He explains how niching down, productizing services, and focusing on solving real customer problems helped drive consistent 20% annual growth. Phil also discusses the mindset shift from hustler to leader, hiring and building an 18-person remote team, and buying back his time to scale the business. The conversation dives into why content and AI-driven search are becoming critical for modern marketing. Phil also shares practical lessons on leadership, systems, and thinking bigger when building a successful business. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. . Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Phil Risher, the hardest thing in growing a small business is balancing growth with building the right team. As more clients come in, business owners must hire and train employees quickly enough to maintain service quality, but hiring too early can create cash-flow pressure while hiring too late can overwhelm the team. This constant challenge of managing new client demand, onboarding capable team members, and keeping finances stable at the same time is one of the most difficult parts of scaling a small business. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? According to Phil Risher, the business book that helped him the most is Profit First by Mike Michalowicz. He says the book had a major impact on how he manages finances in his company because it teaches business owners to prioritize profit first instead of treating profit as what is left after expenses. The system helps entrepreneurs control spending, improve cash flow, and build a financially healthy business by allocating money into specific categories like profit, taxes, and operating expenses. He also highly recommends Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell, which focuses on delegating tasks and buying back the founder’s time so they can focus on leadership and scaling the business. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? According to Phil Risher, some of the best resources for learning how to grow a small business are podcasts, YouTube, and books, especially content that teaches practical strategies. He specifically recommends learning from Alex Hormozi on YouTube because his videos break down business growth, marketing, and sales in a clear and practical way. Phil also emphasizes not relying on just one learning format—he suggests combining podcasts, books, and videos because different formats help you understand ideas better and apply them faster in your business. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? According to Phil Risher, two tools he strongly recommends for growing a small business are Asana and Slack. He explains that Asana helps business owners organize tasks, projects, and workflows so everything is tracked in one place instead of scattered across emails or spreadsheets, while Slack creates a centralized communication hub for teams to collaborate efficiently, especially as the company grows beyond a few employees. Together, these tools help improve productivity, transparency, and coordination within a growing team. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? According to Phil Risher, the advice he would give himself on day one of starting a business is to think much bigger from the start. He explains that when he first began, he was focused on small goals like making $100,000, but over time he realized the opportunities were far larger than he imagined. His lesson is that entrepreneurs often limit themselves by thinking too small, while the real potential of a business can grow far beyond what they initially believe is possible. Book a 20-minute with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Success comes from taking information breaking it down and executing on it quickly - Phil Risher The biggest mistake entrepreneurs make is thinking too small about what their business can become - Phil Risher Stop chasing money and start solving real problems and the money will follow - Phil Risher /episode/index/show/growasmallbusiness/id/40490220

Scaling from COVID Layoff to a Global Agency: How Sacha Awwa Built Sacha Awwa Marketing Group into a High-Growth Firm Securing $2.5K–$10K Monthly Retainers through Expert Strategy for Small Business Success. (Episode 767 - Sacha Awwa) In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews founder of Group explains how her agency helps small businesses avoid wasted marketing spend by focusing first on strategy and then execution. By combining go-to-market planning with tactical implementation, her agency now charges monthly retainers ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, helping companies grow through targeted and efficient marketing. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. . Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Sacha Awwa shares that patience is one of the hardest things in growing a small business. She explains that many entrepreneurs feel pressure from society to constantly achieve the next milestone, which makes it difficult to pause and recognize the progress they have already made. Learning to slow down, reflect on success, and avoid rushing every stage of growth is a key challenge for many founders. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Sacha Awwa shares that one of the business books that has helped her the most is Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller. She appreciates how the book teaches businesses to communicate clearly with their audience and structure their messaging in a way that makes customers understand the value of their products and services. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Sacha Awwa shares that she has learned a lot from listening to Ed Mylett’s podcast. She finds his interviews and conversations with entrepreneurs from different industries very valuable because they provide real insights into the challenges and mindset required to build and grow a successful business. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Sacha Awwa shares that using a strong project management tool is essential for keeping a business organized and efficient. She currently recommends Motion, which helps automate planning and task management using AI, allowing teams to stay organized and improve productivity. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Sacha Awwa shares that the advice she would give herself on day one is simply to relax. She explains that starting a business can feel overwhelming, but learning to stay calm, trust the process, and focus on steady progress makes the entrepreneurial journey much healthier and more sustainable. Book a 20-minute with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Patience is the foundation of real business growth because success takes time to build – Sacha Awwa If you lose your connection with customers while scaling, you lose the heart of your business – Sacha Awwa Strategy without understanding your audience is just noise in the marketplace – Sacha Awwa /episode/index/show/growasmallbusiness/id/40359485

From Pro Ironman to 125+ Stockists: Daniel McDonnell’s Maple Movement Revolution – How Gut Issues Sparked a Natural Energy Gel Brand Scaling to $500K, 70K Months & National Growth Without Big Investors. (Episode 766 - Daniel McDonnell) In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews co-founder of , shares how severe gut health issues during his professional Ironman career led him to discover the power of maple syrup as a natural fuel source and launch Maple Movement. What began as a house-deposit gamble quickly evolved into a fast-growing gut-friendly energy gel brand now stocked in 125+ stores across Australia and New Zealand. Daniel opens up about bootstrapping the business, learning margins from scratch, managing rapid growth from his living room, and transitioning to a 3PL. He dives into brand positioning, organic content strategy, subscription revenue, and building a lean, aligned team. It’s a raw, practical story of turning personal pain into a scalable FMCG business with purpose and momentum. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. . Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Daniel McDonnell, the hardest part of growing a small business is keeping up with rapid growth before scalable systems are fully in place, especially during big sales months when demand spikes beyond operational capacity. He shared how he and his wife were packing nearly 95 orders a day from their living room while trying to maintain a personal brand touch, highlighting that the real challenge wasn’t generating sales but managing growth sustainably while building the right infrastructure to support it. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Daniel said his favorite business book that’s helped him the most is “Built to Sell” by John Warrillow — a practical guide about structuring and scaling a business so it’s not dependent on the founder and becomes sellable. He’s mentioned it shaped how he thinks about systems, value creation, and building something that can run beyond him. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? According to Daniel McDonnell, one podcast he highly recommends for small business growth is Chew the Fat by the Greive brothers, where they share real, relatable stories after building and exiting Realbase. He values listening to founders who have scaled and exited businesses, as their practical lessons help avoid costly mistakes. Daniel also emphasizes learning directly from experienced mentors and operators rather than figuring everything out the hard way. For him, real-world business conversations and founder-led insights have been the most impactful learning resources. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Daniel McDonnell would point to a tool that helps you systemize and scale without chaos, and one he personally recommends is Notion — it’s where he organizes products, SOPs, content calendars, order processes, and more in one place so nothing slips through the cracks. He also emphasizes tools for automating the parts of your business that don’t need manual work, like Mailchimp or Klaviyo for email automation, and Shopify + a good 3PL integration to handle orders cleanly as volume grows. For analytics and ads, basic dashboards like Google Analytics and Facebook/Meta Business Suite help you make smarter decisions instead of guessing. The key, he says, isn’t having every tool under the sun — it’s picking the ones that actually save you time and help you standardize your processes so the business can scale. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? According to Daniel McDonnell, on day one he would tell himself to raise far more capital than he thinks he needs, understand margins and cash flow from the start, and build scalable systems early—because growth can come fast, but without enough cash and structure, it becomes far more stressful than it needs to be. Book a 20-minute with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Solve a real problem and the market will pull you forward - Daniel McDonnell When the team wins in their own lane the whole brand moves faster - Daniel McDonnell Build systems early because growth exposes every weakness - Daniel McDonnell /episode/index/show/growasmallbusiness/id/40272610

From Fired to $25K Per Speech: Gail Kasper of Gail Kasper LLC Reveals the Real Secrets to Business Success, $600K Contracts, Authentic Leadership, Sales Mastery & Scaling from Solo to a Powerful Team of 5. (Episode 765 - Gail Kasper) In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews , founder of , shares her journey from being fired and starting with no money to building a thriving speaking and training business. She reveals how authenticity became her competitive edge and how mastering professional sales transformed her income from free gigs to $25,000 keynotes and $600K contracts. Gail breaks down the power of referrals, structured sales systems, and strong core values in scaling sustainably. She also opens up about leadership lessons, hiring mistakes, and the mindset required to handle setbacks. This conversation is packed with practical insights for entrepreneurs who want real business success without losing who they are. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. . Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Gail Kasper of Gail Kasper LLC, the hardest thing in growing a small business is dealing with failure and having the resilience to keep going despite repeated setbacks. She explains that as an entrepreneur you get “hit in the face” many times through failed projects, wrong decisions, or ideas that don’t take off, and the real challenge is not letting those moments stop you. Instead of quitting, she believes the key is to keep pushing forward, learn from mistakes, take action, and stay committed even when things feel uncertain or discouraging. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? According to Gail Kasper, her favorite business book that has helped her the most is Atomic Habits by James Clear. She values its focus on small, consistent disciplines rather than just chasing big end goals, emphasizing that daily incremental improvements create real momentum. For Gail, the book reinforces that tiny wins build confidence, strengthen habits, and ultimately drive long-term business success. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? According to Gail Kasper, she recommends podcasts and learning resources that strengthen mindset, sales, and brain-based performance, including Huberman Lab for its science-backed insights on stress and peak performance, and The Ed Mylett Show by Ed Mylett for its focus on growth, vulnerability, and high-level thinking. She values resources that blend psychology, communication, and practical application, believing that understanding how people think—especially in sales and leadership—gives small business owners a strong competitive edge. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? One highly recommended tool that Gail Kasper often points small business owners toward is HubSpot CRM, because it helps organize leads, track sales activity, automate follow-ups, and manage customer data in one place — all without needing a big tech team. Gail emphasizes that having a system that captures conversations, schedules reminders, and analyzes what’s working versus what’s not can dramatically improve consistency in sales and client relationships, which is essential for growth. If you’re just getting started, HubSpot’s free tier gives you powerful CRM basics, and you can scale into its marketing and automation tools as your business expands. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? According to Gail Kasper, the advice she would give herself on day one of starting out in business is simple: move and take action. When she was suddenly on her own with no money in the bank, she learned that inaction is the real danger, not mistakes. She would remind herself to stay logical instead of emotional, keep pushing forward even when uncertain, and allow herself to fall and learn along the way, because consistent action is what ultimately creates momentum and success. Book a 20-minute with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Authenticity is the foundation of confidence and the gateway to real growth - Gail Kasper Failure is not the signal to stop, it is the signal to adjust and move forward - Gail Kasper Failure is not the signal to stop, it is the signal to adjust and move forward - Gail Kasper /episode/index/show/growasmallbusiness/id/40192060

Nevada Matthews of Cube Loans: The Incredible Journey from Sweeping Floors at 16 to Leading a $300M Mortgage Business — Scaling with Systems, Community Marketing, and a High-Performance Team. (Episode 764 - Nevada Matthews) In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews from shares his inspiring journey from leaving school at 16 to becoming a co-owner of a fast-growing mortgage brokerage in Brisbane. He explains how the business scaled from $86M to $300M in annual settlements, growing the team from 6 to 18 members in just five years. Nevada highlights the shift from working long hours to focusing on strategy, systems, and hiring the right people for sustainable success. He also reveals powerful marketing wins through local community groups and partnerships with aligned businesses. This episode is packed with practical lessons on culture, balance, and building a thriving small business without burnout. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. . Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Nevada Matthews of Cube Home Loans, the hardest thing in growing a small business is getting the balance right between having enough resources and capacity to support growth while also managing cash flow. He explains that you want extra team support to maintain great customer service, but paying for those resources at the right time is the real challenge. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Nevada Matthews said his favorite business book that has helped him the most is “The E-Myth Revisited” by Michael E. Gerber — because it shifted his thinking from working in the business to building systems and processes that help the business run without him. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? According to Nevada Matthews of Cube Loans, two of the best podcasts he recommends for growing a small business are Grow A Small Business Podcast and My First Million, as they provide practical insights and real entrepreneurial lessons. He also shares that most of his professional development comes from consistently listening to business podcasts and reading books that help improve strategy, systems, and leadership. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Nevada Matthews recommends tools that help small business owners systemize, manage leads, and improve communication — the kind that take work off your plate so you can focus on growth. One tool he highlights is HubSpot CRM, because it’s easy to use, helps you track customers and marketing in one place, and scales with your business needs. He also suggests using project management tools like Trello or Notion to keep teams aligned and workflows organized, which can be a game-changer as you grow. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? According to Nevada Matthews of Cube Loans, the advice he would give himself on day one is to enjoy the process and the stage you’re in, rather than always rushing toward the next milestone. He shares that business growth can feel stressful and uncertain, but it’s important to stay calm, trust that you’re heading in the right direction, and appreciate the journey as much as the outcome. Book a 20-minute with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Growth isn’t about working harder forever, it’s about building better systems. – Nevada Matthews Consistency in the important things is what separates thriving businesses from struggling ones. – Nevada Matthews Hire for character and attitude first, skills can be developed over time. – Nevada Matthews /episode/index/show/growasmallbusiness/id/40117020

Amanda Daering of Newance Shares How She Built a Thriving Recruitment Firm — Turning a Difficult 2024 Loss Into a Remarkable 2025 Comeback With 12% Sales Growth, 25% Cost Cuts, and a Lean, High-Performing 6-Person Team. (Episode 763 - Amanda Daering) In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews , co-founder of , shares how she built a successful recruitment and fractional HR firm after becoming frustrated with traditional agencies. She reflects on navigating a tough hiring market and experiencing the company’s first loss in 2024. Amanda explains how Newance achieved a strong turnaround in 2025 with 12% sales growth while cutting costs by 25%. She discusses the importance of candid leadership, sustainable culture, and hiring for mindset over resume. This episode offers valuable lessons on resilience, clarity, and building a thriving small business with a lean, high-performing team. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. . Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Amanda Daering shares that the hardest part of growing a small business is not getting distracted by being busy, but instead focusing on the few key activities that truly create leverage and move the business forward. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Amanda Daering shares that her favorite business book is the classic "High Output Management" by Andy Grove. She values it because Grove views business through the lens of systems, which aligns with how she likes to lead and advise others. She pairs this systematic approach with a deep sense of empathy for the humans operating within those systems. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Amanda Daering recommends using AI as a thought partner for online learning, specifically by using prompts to have AI "polish" ideas or identify flaws in a plan. Regarding podcasts, she frequently listens to Esther Perel’s "Where Should we Begin?" and finds value in attending conferences outside her industry—such as those focused on therapy or human behavior—to understand how human trends impact the workplace. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Amanda Daering recommends a weekly clarity meeting as the most essential resource for growing a small business. Rather than searching for complex technology, she believes the real "unlock" is a simple, consistent check-in where leaders face reality and look at the actual numbers. She emphasizes that without this core rhythm and clarity, any additional technology or tools piled on top will not be effective. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Amanda Daering's advice to her "day one" self, from over seven years ago, is to let it feel easier. While she emphasizes maintaining a strong sense of hard work and discipline, she suggests doing so without the heavy pressure and weight often associated with entrepreneurship. She reflects that she was originally missing the fact that she was actually having fun along the journey. Book a 20-minute with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Balance realism with optimism, because growth becomes easier when you can see both risk and possibility clearly – Amanda Daering Let entrepreneurship feel lighter, because the journey is meant to be enjoyed, not just endured – Amanda Daering Being candid and honest builds more trust than trying to sound polished or perfect – Amanda Daering /episode/index/show/growasmallbusiness/id/40037100

Success in Business by Working Smarter, Not Harder with Sam Carpenter (Centratel) — How Systems Thinking Built a $7M Call Center, 25–30% Profit Margins, Total Freedom, and the “Work the System” philosophy. (Episode 762 - Sam Carpenter) In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews , founder and CEO of , shares how he built a $7M emergency call center business by focusing on systems instead of hustle. Sam opens up about working 80–100 hour weeks, hitting burnout, and the mindset shift that changed everything. He explains his “Work the System” philosophy and how documenting processes created freedom, profit, and scale. The conversation dives into pricing courage, delegation, and building a business that runs without you. A powerful lesson on achieving real success in business through clarity, structure, and smart leadership. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. . Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Sam Carpenter, the hardest thing in growing a small business is enduring the long hours and mental pressure while trying to balance relationships and personal life. Early on, business consumes your mind 24/7, which can strain health, family, and focus. He explains that most owners feel overwhelmed because they see the business as chaos instead of separate systems. The real challenge is learning to step back, stop reacting emotionally, and work on the business mechanically. Once you shift that mindset, growth becomes manageable and sustainable. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Sam Carpenter’s favorite business book — the one he says helped him the most — is “The E-Myth Revisited” by Michael E. Gerber. He often credits it with shifting his mindset from working in the business to working on the business by building systems. It deeply influenced his “Work the System” philosophy and helped him see how to structure processes so the business can run without burning out the founder. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? According to Sam Carpenter, he doesn’t really rely on podcasts or fancy online learning platforms for growing a small business; instead, he believes the most powerful resource is reading books deeply and consistently. He prefers learning through focused reading and real-world application rather than consuming endless content. Sam emphasizes using simple, reliable tools like email and basic software, avoiding distractions, and developing long attention spans through reading, clear thinking, and systems-based learning rather than chasing trends or tools. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? One tool Sam Carpenter would recommend for growing a small business is a process documentation system — it doesn’t have to be fancy, just something that gets you thinking in systems rather than chaos. Many business owners use tools like Notion, Evernote, or Google Docs to write down and organize standard operating procedures, workflows, and checklists. Sam’s whole philosophy is about capturing how your business actually works so you can improve it, delegate it, and scale it. The power isn’t in the software itself — it’s in consistently writing, refining, and using your documented processes to free up time and create predictable results. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Sam Carpenter says that if he could advise himself on day one, he’d say: stop running the business emotionally and start running it mechanically. Instead of seeing the business as chaos, he’d focus on breaking it into separate systems, fixing the biggest problem first, and documenting everything early. He believes years of stress could have been avoided by working on the business instead of being trapped in it. The core lesson: face reality, build systems, and don’t try to be the hero. Book a 20-minute with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: A business isn’t chaos — it’s a collection of systems, and the moment you see that, everything changes — Sam Carpenter Freedom in business comes from documentation, delegation, and discipline — Sam Carpenter Stop trying to be the hero and start building a machine that works — Sam Carpenter /episode/index/show/growasmallbusiness/id/39954925

From Concrete to $15M Online Sales: Matthew Stafford of Build Grow Scale on E-Commerce Growth, CRO+, Scaling Teams, Cash Flow Challenges, and the Real Mindset Behind Long-Term Business Success. (Episode 761 - Matthew Stafford) In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews , founder of , shares his journey from running a commercial contracting business to generating over $15M in e-commerce sales. He explains how data, analytics, and user experience—not just CRO—drive predictable growth. Matthew opens up about cash flow stress, scaling teams, and hard lessons from rapid growth. He also dives into mindset, self-belief, and why the business owner is often the real bottleneck. A must-listen for entrepreneurs serious about sustainable, long-term success. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. . Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Matthew Stafford shares that the hardest thing in growing a small business is staying resilient and persistent, as every stage of growth brings new challenges and the business owner often becomes the biggest bottleneck. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Matthew Stafford shares that his favorite business book is The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson, which focuses on the power of small, consistent daily habits and long-term improvement. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Matthew Stafford shares that he recommends podcasts and learning resources like The Operators podcast and newsletter, where experienced entrepreneurs openly discuss real growth challenges, wins, and failures. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Matthew Stafford shares that the most valuable tool for growing a small business is Google Analytics along with Google Tag Manager, as they provide clear insights into customer behavior and data-driven decision-making. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Matthew Stafford shares that the advice he would give himself on day one is to commit for the long term, stay patient, and not quit too early, because success often comes right after the hardest phase. Book a 20-minute with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Most business problems aren’t strategy issues—they’re mindset issues hiding in plain sight — Matthew Stafford The entrepreneurs who win are rarely the smartest—they’re the ones who don’t quit — Matthew Stafford If your business is stuck, look in the mirror first—that’s usually where the real work begins — Matthew Stafford /episode/index/show/growasmallbusiness/id/39871665

From earning $35 a week to leading a thriving salon, owner of Hairport One reveals insights on consistency, leadership, Facebook ads, team growth, and scaling a hair and beauty business through lockdowns and rapid expansion. (Episode 760 - Maya Khoweiss) In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews , owner of , shares her journey from earning just $35 in a week to building a high-performing salon with a large, dedicated team. She talks about the power of consistency, personal growth, and stepping into the role of a true business leader. Maya explains how understanding your audience and smart use of Facebook ads helped scale her business. She also opens up about navigating COVID lockdowns, managing rapid growth, and leading through uncertainty. The episode is packed with real lessons on resilience, culture, and sustainable business growth. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. . Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Maya Khoweiss shares that the hardest thing in growing a small business is building the right mindset and resilience. Showing up every day, staying consistent, and having faith in what you’re building—even during tough times—is often the biggest challenge. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Maya Khoweiss shares that her favorite business books that helped her the most are Think and Grow Rich, The E-Myth, and How to Win Friends and Influence People, as they shaped her mindset, systems thinking, and ability to build strong relationships. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Maya Khoweiss shares that great podcasts and learning resources she recommends are Diary of a CEO and The Queen of Confidence by Erica Kramer, which have helped her grow in leadership, confidence, and personal development. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Maya Khoweiss shares that the most valuable tool to grow a small business is being crystal clear on your vision and goals, because clarity makes decision-making faster, easier, and more aligned. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Maya Khoweiss shares that the advice she would give herself on day one is to stay focused, stay consistent, and make decisions based on strong values, vision, and mission to reach success faster. Book a 20-minute with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Success isn’t one big win, it’s built by showing up and staying consistent every single day — Maya Khoweiss Real success is having freedom while your business runs without you — Maya Khoweiss Clarity in your vision makes every business decision easier and faster — Maya Khoweiss /episode/index/show/growasmallbusiness/id/39775965

Grow A Small Business Podcast

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