Episoder
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A roofing quote can feel like a black box: one big number, a handshake, and a lot of faith. We wanted to pull that curtain back, so I brought on Will Wellbourne from Roof Revival to explain a model that challenges how most roofing contractors sell, price, and recommend work. His promise is bold: shockingly transparent pricing, plus a mindset that starts with repair first, explores renewal when it makes sense, and saves full roof replacement for when it’s truly necessary.
We also get real about why this approach is showing up right now. Insurance deductibles are rising, more roofs are covered on an actual cash value basis, and homeowners are treating their houses like long term assets. Will walks through how those forces break the “replacement only” script and why itemised pricing matters. He explains how Roof Revival shows materials down to the penny, labor at the installer’s price, and then adds a flat fee that doesn’t change based on shingle choice or add ons, so you can see where every dollar goes.
The conversation goes beyond roofing into the everyday reality of entrepreneurship: the hard lesson that customers care most about what benefits them, the myth that owning a business automatically means easy money, and the systems that let an owner step away without the company stalling. Will shares how they hire for character and integrity, how they stay engaged with their team during stressful seasons, and the “find the gap” advice that guides their next phase of growth across the Upstate of South Carolina and into nearby markets.
If you found value here, subscribe so you don’t miss the next conversation, share this with a business owner who needs a clearer playbook, and leave a review telling us the biggest takeaway you’re putting into action.Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/
All the best!
BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/
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If you think “we’re too small to be a target,” you are exactly who attackers count on. We’re joined by Sheldon D. Mellon of Paladin Business Consulting, an IT consulting and cybersecurity firm serving companies across the Carolinas, to unpack what really happens behind the scenes when compromise attempts hit and why cybersecurity has to live inside your business plan from day one. Sheldon breaks down the practical goals: protect the business, prepare for disaster recovery, and make sure you can get your data back when the worst happens.
We also go beyond tech and talk about the parts of entrepreneurship people do not put on Instagram. Sheldon shares what it feels like to watch the bank account, manage cash flow, and carry responsibility for employees who have families and bills. We dig into work life balance, why late nights become the only quiet time, and how to recognise burnout before it takes you out. If you are building a startup or scaling an established company, you will hear clear lessons on discipline, leadership, and when growth becomes real.
On the sales side, Sheldon explains what moves the needle in cybersecurity consulting today: customer education. Most owners have heard the word “cybersecurity,” but they do not know the true cost of downtime, outages, and lost trust. He shares why face-to-face meetings still win, how to uncover a company’s pain points, and why long-term relationships and recurring revenue are everything in managed services.
If you found this helpful, subscribe, share the episode with a business owner who needs it, and leave us a review so more entrepreneurs can find the show. What is the one security risk you want to understand better this year?
CONTACT INFO:
[email protected]
https://www.paladinbc.net/Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/
All the best!
BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/
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Manglende episoder?
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Discoverability is the make-or-break problem for self-published authors, and it’s rarely about writing talent. We talk with Ivana Sumbundu, founder of the Vana Verse, about what indie authors actually need to grow: visibility, consistent engagement, and a support system that treats publishing like the business it becomes the moment you hit “release.”
Ivana shares how a lifelong love of reading pulled her back in through thrillers and romantasy, then led her into the Bookstagram community where she started meeting indie authors who do everything themselves. That direct connection sparked a bigger mission: become the bridge between readers and writers who would never find each other otherwise. We dig into her “Verse and Voices” events, a four-part format that expands the usual quick signing-table chat into a live interview, audience Q&A, a sample reading, and a meet-and-greet designed to be free, spoiler-free, and welcoming for new readers.
We also get practical about author marketing and entrepreneur growth: why consistency beats bursts of effort, how face-to-face outreach changes outcomes at book events, and how to stay organised when you’re juggling launches, bookstores, and social media as a one-woman show. Vana closes with grounded advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed by invisibility: define your brand, set SMART goals, take the smallest reachable step, and keep going.
If this conversation helps, subscribe, share it with an indie author or reader friend, and leave a review so more people can find it.CONTACT INFO:
[email protected]
Website: https://www.thevanaverse.com/SOCIALS
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vana_verse
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579047062974
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.vana.verseThanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/
All the best!
BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/
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A commercial cleaning company is easy to underestimate until you’re the one responsible for spotless floors, secure access, after-hours crews, and a client who expects perfection every single day. We sit down with James Moore, managing partner and CEO of AMPS Facility Solutions, to unpack what janitorial services and facility solutions really require, and why “just cleaning” is never just cleaning. From day porter service to routine cleaning and floor care, James explains how AMPS helps facility managers stay focused on operations while his team protects the work environment and the client’s brand.
James also shares the personal story behind the business: a retired military veteran with decades in corporate operations who chose a family legacy over a return to a high-paying role. We talk about what people get wrong about entrepreneurship, why subcontracting (subprime) contracts can drive revenue while limiting control, and what it takes to build infrastructure for prime contracts and government contracts. If you care about scalable growth, systems, and reducing risk through diversification, you’ll hear the behind-the-scenes thinking that makes a service business sustainable.
We also go deep on leadership standards: why personalised customer service still matters in an AI-heavy world, why respect is non-negotiable, and how poor communication can wreck relationships faster than almost anything. James brings practical insight on hiring, accountability, and making tough calls when someone doesn’t show up or doesn’t tell the truth. If you’re having a rough stretch as a small business owner, his advice to return to your “why” is a simple reset you can use immediately.
Subscribe for more founder conversations, share this with a business owner who needs momentum, and leave a review if the episode helps you rethink how you lead and scale.CONTACT INFO:
[email protected]
http://ampsfacilitysolutions.comThanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/
All the best!
BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/
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The “set your own hours” dream sounds great until you’re the one solving call-outs at 7am, worrying about payroll, and protecting your reputation one home at a time. We sit down with Kim Brown, owner of Mary Maids of Augusta, to get brutally honest about what franchise ownership and service business leadership really look like behind the scenes and why she still wouldn’t trade it.
Kim shares the moment she knew the business could truly scale, the systems she relies on (like overstaffing and overscheduling), and the mindset shift that helped her stop taking every service failure personally. We also talk through two high-pressure chapters for any residential cleaning company: navigating COVID with safe disinfecting practices and expanding to a second location an hour and a half away. Along the way, Kim breaks down what “five-star service” actually means when your frontline team is the product and the salesforce.
We dig into hiring and culture, including why keeping the wrong people costs more than training new ones, how to coach instead of boss, and when you need to terminate for dishonesty, theft, drugs, or drama. Kim also looks ahead at AI in home services: robots may not clean houses, but automation will change marketing, lead handling, and how cleaning businesses compete online and in the community. If you’re feeling stuck, her advice is simple and hard-earned: take small bites, keep testing, and build a real support network through your franchise community or local groups like BNI.
If you got value from this conversation, subscribe, share it with a business owner who needs a boost, and leave a review so more entrepreneurs can find the show.
CONTACT INFO:
[email protected]
www.merrymaids.com/augusta
https://facebook.com/merrymaidsofaugustaThanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/
All the best!
BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/
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The hardest part of running a small business is not the work you do with your hands. It’s the work that follows you home. Jonathan Lewis, founder of Legacy Quality Craftsmanship in Greenville, Tennessee, joins me to tell the truth about what entrepreneurship actually costs and why he still chooses it anyway.
We get into the freedom myth and the mental load of ownership, then go behind the scenes on how a young remodeling and renovation company finds its footing. Jonathan shares the pivot from furniture restoration to larger home remodels, how realtor relationships can stabilize your leads and also raise the pressure, and what it feels like to learn estimating the expensive way. If you have ever undercharged because “I would never pay that,” this conversation will hit home. We talk job costing basics, pricing confidence, and the moment profitability starts to show up when you understand what a business truly costs to run.
A big thread throughout is culture. Jonathan explains how he leads without micromanaging, why he is willing to let team members learn even when it takes longer, and the standards he sets for trust on a jobsite. He also lays out what creates word-of-mouth marketing in contracting: consistent client care, a team that shows up with the right attitude, and a willingness to slow down to do excellent work. We close with practical advice for any owner feeling stuck in a rough year, plus what’s next for Legacy Quality Craftsmanship, including mold remediation certification and more design support.
Subscribe for more candid founder conversations, share this with a business owner who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.
CONTACT INFO:
[email protected]https://legacyqualitycraft.wixsite.com/legacycraft
https://www.facebook.com/share/18ajc6jJao/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/
All the best!
BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/
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Your home is probably the biggest purchase you’ll ever make, so why do so many buyers settle for an inspection they don’t fully understand? We sit down with Philip Listel from Eight Point Home Inspections to get blunt about what “thorough” really means, how a great home inspection report should read, and why the goal isn’t to scare you, it’s to help you make a clear decision with confidence.
Philip is a retired Navy veteran turned home inspector, and he breaks down the mental shift from military structure to small business reality: setting up an LLC, sorting tax basics, finding the right CPA and bookkeeper, and pushing through the first-year uncertainty when referrals and leads feel unpredictable. We also talk about what freedom looks like for an entrepreneur, including the schedule flexibility that makes family commitments possible without sacrificing professional standards.
We go deep on buyer education and communication. Philip shares the framework he uses to make reports more useful: observation, implication, and recommendation. That structure helps first-time home buyers, experienced buyers, and even investors quickly understand what’s urgent, what can wait, and what to do next. We also touch the real estate side of the industry: building healthy relationships with realtors while reminding buyers they can choose their own home inspector and do their own research, including resources like InterNACHI.
We close with a realistic take on AI in home inspection, where technology can help inspectors learn new systems faster without replacing hands-on judgment in the field. If you like honest talk about trust, referrals, and building a service business that puts customers first, subscribe, share this with a friend buying a home, and leave a quick review so more people can find us.CONTACT INFORMATION:
Website: https://8pointhomeinspectionllc.com/
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/8PointHomeInspections/
https://www.nachi.org/certified-inspectors/phillip-nistal-202352
https://app.spectora.com/home-inspectors/my-inspection-company-f02f5c21ad/sample_reports
https://www.yelp.com/biz/8-point-home-inspections-chesapeakeThanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/
All the best!
BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/
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The fastest way to ruin a service business is to chase growth while cutting corners, and Ben Lyle and Carrie Sampson refuse to play that game. As the owners of Roof Guys of East Tennessee, they share what it actually feels like to run a roofing company day to day: the long hours, the “always on” phone, the stress of slow seasons, and the discipline it takes to keep showing up when jobs fall through and the calendar suddenly looks empty.
We talk through the real mechanics behind their reputation: one of the owners physically touches every job site, they obsess over communication with homeowners, and they treat safety as non-negotiable. They also explain why doing things “the right way” can cost more upfront but saves money long term through less rework, fewer surprises, and stronger trust. If you care about customer experience, contractor accountability, or building a durable local brand, you will recognize a lot of hard-earned wisdom here.
Their most controversial choice might be their sales process. They do not hard close, and they often do not deliver a formal quote on the spot. Instead, they educate homeowners on roof replacement versus roof rejuvenation options and send a detailed proposal later, even if it means waiting weeks or months for the decision. That patience, they argue, is exactly what wins the right customers and supports sustainable growth as they plan expansion toward Western North Carolina.
If you enjoy candid conversations about entrepreneurship, small business systems, and scaling a service business without losing integrity, subscribe, share this with a business owner who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.
Contact Info:
[email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574881502994
https://www.roofguys-tn.com/Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/
All the best!
BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/
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If you’ve ever wondered why “working hard” still isn’t paying off, this conversation gives you the missing piece: nobody pays you to show up. We’re joined by Robbie Gardner of Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group, a mortgage loan officer serving North Carolina and Virginia, to unpack what it really takes to build a durable referral-based business in a market defined by shifting interest rates and constant noise online.
Robbie walks us through the jump from a secure bank role to a commission-driven mortgage career, including the moment COVID-era refinancing dried up and the job turned into daily lead generation. We talk about earning trust with home buyers who are making one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives, partnering with real estate agents, and why communication can matter more than chasing the lowest advertised rate. He also shares how he reverse engineers the numbers, focuses on behaviours over outcomes and uses coaching to stay consistent when motivation dips.
We dig into the real day-to-day of pre-approval conversations, credit and income realities, “not today” guidance that turns into future yeses, and how technology and AI can support the process without replacing the human touch. If you’re a small business owner trying to scale without burning out, this one is packed with practical mindset shifts and repeatable habits. Subscribe, share it with a friend building something, and leave a review. What’s one daily behaviour you know would move your business forward if you did it consistently?Contact Information:
[email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/robbiegardnermortgage/
https://www.atlanticbay.com/robbiegardner/Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/
All the best!
BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/
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Silence kills trust faster than bad pricing, and Nathan Roach has seen it from both sides. We’re joined by Nathan, co-owner of Floor Coverings International in Chattanooga, to unpack what it really takes to build a dependable local service business when you’re no longer protected by a corporate safety net. From day one, their goal is simple to say and hard to execute: do what you say you’ll do, call people back, and fix problems the right way when installs don’t go perfectly.
Nathan walks us through their mobile showroom model, where flooring samples come to the customer’s home for an in-home consultation that actually fits the space and the light. We also get honest about the messy startup phase: testing marketing channels, learning which lead sources create quality jobs, and tightening Google and zip-code targeting after wasting money early. If you care about small business profitability, customer acquisition, and creating a seamless flooring installation experience, you’ll hear the real trade-offs behind the numbers.
We go deeper into leadership and mindset too: checking your ego, staying disciplined with planning and weekly meetings, and building a team you can trust without micromanaging. Nathan shares how referral networking with realtors and local partners starts compounding over time, why he now shuts work down after 7 pm to protect family life, and what’s next for the company, including epoxy garage floors and concrete finishings.
If you got something from this conversation, subscribe for more founder stories, share it with a business owner who needs a reset, and leave a quick review telling us what principle you’re focusing on this week.Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/
All the best!
BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/
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Most people think entrepreneurship starts with a big idea. Armando Garcia’s story starts with something more grounded: taking damaged surfaces and making them look new again, then deciding to bet on himself and buy the Miracle Method franchise. We sit down and talk through that shift from technician to owner, what changed in his mindset, and why the support and training of a nationwide franchise can be the bridge between being great at the craft and being solid at running the business.
We also get honest about the parts nobody glamorizes. Armando breaks down the “you own a business so you must be rich” myth, the reality that it takes money to make money, and the business skills he wishes every new owner learned sooner, especially bookkeeping, accounting basics, and financial management. From there we go into the day-to-day pressure of leadership: how to plan a vacation when you’re still essential to operations, how to mentally shut down at night, and how faith and family help him keep stress in check without losing momentum.
If you care about building a team that customers trust, this conversation delivers. Armando explains why work ethic beats a polished resume, what professionalism looks like in a customer-facing trade, and how he keeps a positive, motivated culture by treating mistakes as fixable and treating the team like family. We also look at what’s next for Miracle Method Charlotte, including bath safety upgrades for elderly and handicap customers, cabinet refacing, and the sustainability benefit of restoring instead of replacing and sending materials to landfills.
Subscribe for more real small business growth stories, share this with an owner who needs a push, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway. What’s one myth about business ownership you want to see retired for good?Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/
All the best!
BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/
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Some businesses win by going bigger. Punchlist Pros wins by going smaller and doing it with care. We sit down with Cameron Fagula to talk about building a family-owned handyman service in Asheville that focuses on the in-between home repair projects most contractors don’t want, like deck board replacement, drywall repair, carpentry fixes, ceiling fan installs, and quick bathroom upgrades that improve quality of life without the pain of a full remodel.
We get into the real engine behind small business growth in Western North Carolina: relationships. Cameron explains how networking, coffee meetings, and community connections turned a slower launch season into a pipeline of referrals as the busy spring and summer months arrive. If you’re trying to grow a local service business, you’ll hear practical ideas for building trust, finding the right rooms, and staying consistent long enough for momentum to compound.
You’ll also hear the parts people leave out: the scheduling puzzle of running multiple small jobs, the myth that ownership automatically means freedom, and the challenge of stepping away when customers and crews need answers. Cameron shares what he looks for when hiring, why customer service matters as much as trade skills, and how a “buttoned up” team presence can be a competitive advantage in the home services market.
If you enjoy candid, tactical conversations about entrepreneurship, home services, and operations, subscribe for more, share this with a business owner who needs a boost, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show.Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/
All the best!
BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/
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Most people think a print shop makes money by “just printing shirts”. The truth is a lot more human and a lot more useful if you’re trying to grow a business without betting everything on one giant client. I’m joined by Eliza Webster, Sales Director at Cotton Street Apparel, a Winston-Salem, North Carolina screen printing and embroidery shop that helps everyone from local events to nationwide organisations build merch lines, uniforms, and promotional products that actually get worn.
We talk about how Cotton Street evolved from band merch roots into a professional custom apparel company, and what they’d do differently starting from scratch: tighter SOPs, clearer team standards, and better early conversations with customers. Eliza shares how asking “Where are we going with this?” turns a once-a-year order into steady, predictable revenue, and why chasing a single “white whale” account can quietly put your cash flow at risk.
Eliza also breaks down one of the biggest myths in custom T-shirt printing: markups aren’t about yachts and Bugattis, they’re about skill, equipment, quality control, and getting the details right when it matters. We get into outreach and sales habits like cold calling, planning with a printing-specific CRM (Sales Inc.), and building relationships across the industry instead of treating everyone like a competitor. You’ll also hear a simple mindset reset for overwhelmed leaders, plus what’s next for Cotton Street, including their community partnership with Camel City Goods and upcoming local events.
If you got value from this, subscribe, share it with a business owner who needs steadier growth, and leave a review so more entrepreneurs can find the show. What part of the merch and sales process do you want to improve first?Contact info:
[email protected]
https://www.cottonstreetapparel.com/
https://www.instagram.com/cottonstreetapparel/Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/
All the best!
BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/
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Most people see a finished kitchen and assume the business behind it runs like clockwork. We sit down with Brandon Laney of Progressive Cabinets to talk about what it really takes to run a high-end custom cabinetry company: the late nights, the constant problem solving, and the pressure of knowing your name is on every door, drawer, and install.
Brandon shares how he grew up in a cabinet shop, pursued computer networking, then pivoted when the 2008 economy changed what felt “safe” to build a career on. We get into the nuts and bolts of small business growth in the trades, including outsourcing early production, deciding when to bring work in-house, and how a CNC upgrade can expand capacity. Along the way, he explains why word-of-mouth marketing is still the lifeblood of a custom cabinet shop, and why strong relationships with homeowners can be a competitive advantage you can’t copy.
We also talk leadership and real-life balance. Brandon breaks down what he hires for (soft skills, reliability, attention to detail), how he keeps morale up by being in the trenches with his team, and why the myth of the “rich business owner with endless vacations” misses the point. He offers honest advice for anyone feeling stuck or overwhelmed: slow down, pray or pause, and call another owner who’s been through the same roller coaster.
If you care about entrepreneurship, skilled trades, woodworking, custom cabinets, and building a business that lasts, subscribe for more conversations like this, share the episode with a friend, and leave a review so more builders and owners can find us.Contact info:
progressivecabinetsllc.com
[email protected]Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/
All the best!
BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/
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People love to say “just start a service business” like the hard part is buying a ladder and printing a logo. Then the phone goes quiet, the insurance bill hits, an employee calls out, and a commercial client still expects the job done on time. That is why our conversation with Joseph Johnson from JMJ Painting and Maintenance LLC lands so well. Joe is a combat veteran and Chattanooga painting contractor who tells the truth about what it takes to build a legitimate, professional business that can actually last.
We dig into the behind-the-scenes costs that customers rarely notice when they compare painting estimates: licensing, insurance, workers’ comp, scheduling risk, and the time it takes to price jobs fairly. Joe walks us through the marketing channels that bring real leads for local home services, including BNI networking, the Nextdoor app, Google Business Profile visibility, social media, and the simple power of finally getting a website. He also shares lessons learned the hard way about hiring, vetting, and adjusting leadership style so a team can meet high standards without burning out.
The most eye-opening part is what Joseph hears from customers right now: painters taking large deposits then not showing up, changing numbers, and disappearing. He explains how he protects customer trust by communicating clearly and asking for payment when the job is complete, plus a review and referral discount system that turns great service into steady word of mouth.
If you care about small business growth, local SEO, and building a contractor brand on integrity, listen through to the end for what’s next for JMJ and how to connect. Subscribe, share this with a business owner who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.
Guest Contact info:Email: [email protected]
Website: jmjpaintingandmaintenancellc.comThanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/
All the best!
BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/
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Jim Box of JWB Building and Remodeling shares his journey from a chemistry career and hazardous waste work into construction, where he has spent the last 25 years building a business around quality craftsmanship, adaptability, and word-of-mouth growth. He talks candidly about the challenges of entrepreneurship, the shift from print to digital marketing, the importance of insurance, planning, and discipline, and why being good at the work helps create your own luck.
Guest contact info:
Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/
All the best!
BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/
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Daryl Turner shares how Grounds Guys of Boiling Springs, South Carolina has grown into a customer-focused, one-stop landscaping and yard services company built on communication, training, and quality work. He talks about the value of franchise support, hiring reliable team members, staying organized with planning and schedules, and growing steadily without sacrificing service.
Guest contact info:
Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/
All the best!
BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/
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A health scare, a cross-country move during COVID, and a “side gig” on Rover don’t sound like a business plan, but that’s exactly where Zippy Pets begins. I sit down with Makenzy and Joe Geiger to unpack how they turn early referrals and five-star trust into a scalable pet sitting business in Asheville and beyond, without losing their standards or their sanity.
We get real about what scaling a service business actually costs: burnout, hidden expenses, tough calls, and the pressure of leading a team when you’re used to doing everything yourself. Makenzy shares the moment she realises solo work is no longer sustainable, and Joe brings hard-earned leadership lessons from solar sales and managing high-performing teams. We talk emotional intelligence, setting expectations, giving feedback, and why “if it wasn’t said, it’s your fault” can save you years of frustration.
We also dig into practical systems you can steal: hiring for responsiveness and critical thinking, building a culture people genuinely buy into, and using weekly Monday motivation calls to keep remote field teams trained, connected, and accountable. Plus, what’s next for Zippy Pets, including in-person events, a new market in Greenville, and how to stay in the loop.
If you like honest entrepreneurship stories, leadership advice, and small business growth tactics that actually work, subscribe, share this with a founder friend, and leave a review. What’s the one part of running a business that you wish someone warned you about?Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/
All the best!
BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/
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🎧Tune in Today!
In this episode of the EPIC Entrepreneurs Podcast, we sit down with Parker Knudsen of Rate Mortgage to talk about the real journey behind building a business in the mortgage and real estate world.
Parker shares how he transitioned from engineering and teaching abroad into a commission-based mortgage career—facing uncertainty, embracing risk, and learning to take action before feeling fully ready. He opens up about the lessons learned the hard way, including the importance of imperfect execution, setting boundaries, and balancing business with family life.
This conversation highlights what truly drives success in today’s market: building trust, simplifying complex information, and using clear, intentional communication to better serve clients. Parker also breaks down common myths about entrepreneurship—especially the idea of “flexibility”—and explains why the early years require more hustle than most expect.
If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or someone navigating a career transition, this episode delivers practical insight on growth, discipline, and taking small, consistent steps toward long-term success.
If this conversation helped you, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review with your favorite takeaway—we read every one.
Guest contact info:
Rate.com/parkerknudsen
Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/
All the best!
BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/
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Tune in Today.🎧
In this episode of the EPIC Entrepreneurs Podcast, we sit down with Andy Hegg and John Stein of Vets Junk Removal & Dumpsters to talk about what it really takes to build a business from the ground up.
Andy shares his journey from the Army Reserve and corporate life to taking a leap into entrepreneurship—starting with side jobs, grinding through 16-hour days, and ultimately going all in. Together, they break down the realities most people don’t see: the financial risk, physical demands, and relentless commitment required to grow a service-based business.
They also dive into the importance of hiring the right people, building a strong team culture, and why character and coachability matter more than experience. Plus, they offer honest insights on scaling challenges, leadership, and the myth of “freedom” in entrepreneurship.
If you’re thinking about starting a business—or are in the thick of building one—this episode delivers real, unfiltered perspective on what it takes to succeed.
If this conversation helped you, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review with your favorite takeaway—we read every one.
Guest contact info:
VETS Junk Removal and Dumpster Rentals - Bulk Trash Service
Blog - VETS Junk Removal & Dumpsters
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BillPlease hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/
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