On this episode, I talk to Tom Rossi, Co-founder of Higher Pixels (Creators of BuzzSprout which runs this podcast and several other apps). For over two decades, Tom has lead a technology company from client services to their own products. He’s transitioned from a sole business owner to having multiple partners. From million dollar deals to really tough days and back again, Tom’s story is one that will encourage you and help you build a business that lasts. Send us a text Support the show Listen ...
Jan 02, 2018•41 min•Season 1Ep. 19
After decades of experience in the corporate world, Marc Hutto set off to start Reveal Global. Using purpose-driven recruiting, Reveal helps companies acquire the right people for the right seats. We talk about the transition from the corporate world, working with clients of all sizes, establishing core values and the vision that keeps a company on track for the long run. Books Mentioned on Episode: Remote: Office Not Required The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What t...
Dec 12, 2017•31 min•Season 1Ep. 18
It may seem unlikely that a guy with dyslexia, who didn’t graduate high school, would become a successful business owner of over a decade—but Dave Gill proved those odds wrong. With his commitment to taking care of the customer, hard work, and an awesome wife as his partner, Dave has grown Julington Creek Carpet Care since 2006. Hear his story of overcoming the odds and learn how he keeps his business with 100% positive reviews online. Send us a text Support the show Listen to other episodes and...
Dec 05, 2017•37 min•Season 1Ep. 17
We live in a world of constant hustle. Everywhere around us, it’s hustle, hustle, hustle! But if we think of the story of the tortoise and the hare, sometimes slow forward progress is better than fast. It’s OK to grow a business slowly, and on this special episode, Jay shares some ideas from his new book on growing a business consistently, but gradually, in a way that builds long-term success. Send us a text Support the show Listen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildi...
Nov 14, 2017•10 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Andi Graham is the founder, CMO and managing partner of Big Sea, a digital marketing agency started in 2005 in St. Petersburg, FL. Big Sea works with clients of all types, helping entrepreneurs and organizations build and grow their businesses. We navigate through her entrepreneurial journey, from Big Sea’s early stages to running one of the most successful marketing companies in Florida. Like me, she was encouraged to go outside her comfort zone and leave her old job to start running her own bu...
Nov 07, 2017•42 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Tom Morrison and I go back almost 20 years ago to when I was 18 and Design Extensions was in its early stages. Tom has been a big influence on my life and the lives of many others as well. He was the CEO of the Florida Automotive Industry Association in the ‘90s and now serves as CEO of the Metal Treating Institute. He has also written two books and speaks to business owners and entrepreneurs all over the world. We discuss the importance of networking, faith, and learning to plan ahead to achiev...
Oct 31, 2017•41 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Today’s podcast features Dusty Gulleson, CEO of eResources, Orca Network and IT On-Demand. This multi-talented entrepreneur started eResources, his main company, the same year as Design Extensions in 1999. We both used our passion for new technologies to establish companies that help others grow and maintain their business. Dusty sheds light on working with distributed teams, building a culture of loyalty, and what it takes to keep growing as a company. Send us a text Support the show Listen to ...
Oct 24, 2017•45 min•Season 1Ep. 13
This week’s interview is with Heather and Andrew Vreeland, co-owners of Occasions Media Group. Their successful media publishing company operates two popular magazines, Celebration Society and St. Augustine Social. Heather and Andrew share their unique story of how they got into the industry, and together we shed some light on starting a new business during the rise of social media. We also highlight the tricky process of starting and maintaining multiple businesses without prior experience in t...
Oct 17, 2017•52 min•Season 1Ep. 12
In this episode, I meet with Dr. Jason Lewis, owner of Bartram Dental Center. Dr. Lewis started the office in 2005, with the goal of operating a little differently than the typical medical practice. While dental care is their passion, the staff also emphasizes doing fun things and enjoying life together. Jason and I go in depth on his beginnings in the dental industry and how he overcame the stresses of managing a new practice. We also examine how family and fun are such important components of ...
Oct 10, 2017•37 min•Season 1Ep. 11
The construction industry is one that constantly changes depending on the state of the economy. It’s important for a construction company to be able to adjust to the fluctuating market in order to stay afloat and stand the test of time. Today’s interview is with Richard Hardy, owner of The Hardy Group. His company has been around for more than 30 years, and continues to be one of Northeast Florida’s most successful builders. Richard and I discuss running a business and what it’s like to survive ...
Oct 03, 2017•34 min•Season 1Ep. 10
A CPA firm isn't the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to innovative, distributed team, but that's exactly the case with Jody Grunden from Summit CPA. They took a simple idea of helping businesses with their finances to growing into a virtual CFO company that services all types of companies around the country. Did I mention that one of their core values is humor? If you ahve a remote team or are interested in things like core values and people, you don't want to miss this episode. Sen...
Sep 26, 2017•43 min•Season 1Ep. 9
It's hard to imagine going through another hurricane within less than a year, but that's what's happened in St. Augustine, Florida this week, home of Herbie Wiles Insurance. This interview was recorded before Hurricane Irma but provides valuable insight into growing a business that lasts through all types of storms, economies, and business environments. Send us a text Support the show Listen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com...
Sep 19, 2017•40 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Allan Branch is the co-founder of Less Everything (lesseverything.com) — along with a lot of other side ventures. He's done everything from software design to videography, to conferences and more. His early conferences included speakers like Jason Fried and Gary Vaynerchuk before they were "huge." In this episode we talk about the fact that business doesn't need to be whatever everyone else says, we talk about charting your own course and living a life that fits your dreams, not the dreams of ot...
Sep 12, 2017•43 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Matt Baker is the President and CEO of ThompsonBaker Agency in St. Augustine, Florida. They have been in business for nearly a century! Matt started with the agency in 1998 and became partner in 2002. We talk about working into a business with family roots, growing a business through all seasons, and recovering from Hurricane Matthew (as we prepare for the possibility of Hurricane Irma). Send us a text Support the show Listen to other episodes and see videos of the podcast at http://buildingabus...
Sep 05, 2017•41 min•Season 1Ep. 6
On this episode, Richard Banfield shares his decades of business experience in all kinds of areas including growing a team while maintaining culture, understanding how internal disruptions in your company can create growth, and what's learned from going through sessions of working with your cell phone on your pillow. Richard Banfield is the CEO and Co-Founder of Boston-Based User Experience Agency Fresh Tilled Soil and Author of multiple books including Design Sprint, Product Leadership, and Des...
Aug 29, 2017•38 min•Season 1Ep. 5
This episode mixes things up a bit by bringing two guests into the discussion. We stray a bit from the typical business conversation and talk more about marriage, children, and how family fits into growing a successful career. The "work/life balance" seems to be a constant question for people building businesses and this episode does a lot to hit on those areas of interest. Beth & Tracy Upchurch both have hugely successful careers, not to mention having four grown children and a marriage tha...
Aug 22, 2017•41 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Todd Neville is the Managing Partner at Neville Wainio CPAs and the Vice-Mayor of St. Augustine, Florida. Todd shares his insights on growing into a firm, becoming a partner, hiring the right team members, and preparing your business to survive the toughest of situations — even a hurricane! We even spend some time talking about "working with millennials" and what we really think about the next generation in the work force. Send us a text Support the show Listen to other episodes and see videos o...
Aug 15, 2017•37 min•Season 1Ep. 3
On this episode, I talk with Brad Layland, CEO of The Focus Group and Endless Summer Realty. Brad shares unique stories of entrepreneurship that range from a bubble gum business, to how Donald Trump and The Apprentice gave him a revelation about the real estate business. Brad also shares personal stories on how he's worked to arrange his life around priorities like Faith and Family in a way that could have a great impact on others. One of the key books he mentions in this interview is Living For...
Aug 08, 2017•38 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Have you ever wondered what it takes to last almost 30 years in business? Listen in as Sherry Davidson, from Davidson Realty, shares stories, tips, and insights from 28 years in business. Davidson Realty is a family business with a community focus. Make sure sign up for our e-mail list at http://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com to enter to win 3 free months of audible and also receive the next podcast episode one day early. Send us a text Support the show Listen to other episodes and see videos of...
Aug 01, 2017•30 min•Season 1Ep. 1
