In this episode, we sit down with Mark Midkiff, Vice President of Architextures, to trace an extraordinary 45-year journey in specialty construction. From transforming a modest family business into a leader in acoustic wall systems, Mark shares pivotal moments—from breakthrough projects to the delicate art of delegation and succession planning. Hear how a father-son handoff and a heartfelt philosophy of kindness have helped shape a resilient, respected brand in the Pacific Northwest and beyond....
Jun 25, 2025•25 min•Ep. 123
After 13 years as “bizmktg.com,” we finally secured the name that always felt like ours—BizMarketing. In this episode, Peter and Emily share the behind-the-scenes story of our rebrand, what prompted the change, the near-miss with "Get BizMarketing," and why sometimes it’s better to be clear than clever. If you're a business owner thinking about a rebrand—or even just refining your brand—this episode offers practical insight. We break down what triggered our change, the process we followed, lesso...
Jun 19, 2025•11 min•Ep. 122
Peter sits down with Stephen Steers, author of " Superpower Storytelling ," to explore the power of storytelling in sales and business. Stephen, who combines his experience as a sales consultant and stand-up comedian, shares his journey from near-death construction worker to successful entrepreneur, and reveals his proven frameworks for effective storytelling in business. Stephen shares the three hidden stories every business possesses—and how to use them to win customers. He also details his "M...
Oct 31, 2024•32 min•Ep. 121
Peter showcases how he used Google’s NotebookLM, an AI tool that simplifies podcast creation. The first part explains the process of generating a podcast episode using NotebookLM, where he pulled information from various sources, including YouTube videos. He highlights how the tool synthesizes content based on specific prompts. The second part features the podcast created by NotebookLM, centered on Allan Dib's book, The 1-Page Marketing Plan . Peter discusses key marketing strategies for small b...
Oct 22, 2024•19 min•Ep. 120
In this episode of Biz & Life Done Well, Peter sits down with Michael Thompson, author of "Shy by Design: 12 Timeless Principles to Quietly Stand Out." Michael shares his journey from a shy, stuttering child to a successful career coach and author. Key topics they discussed: - Michael's background and motivation for writing "Shy by Design" - The power of curiosity in personal and professional growth - Building meaningful connections through small, intentional actions - Embracing one's natura...
Sep 20, 2024•37 min•Ep. 119
Standing out from the competition can feel like an uphill battle. Whether you're struggling to craft the perfect sales pitch or wondering how to position yourself as a trusted advisor rather than just another vendor, listen up! Join Peter Wilson, President of bizmktg.com, and Chris Goldman, Marketing Strategist and Business Coach, as they reveal the secrets to creating sales pitches that not only resonate but win. Peter and Chris dive into April Dunford’s must-read book *Sales Pitch: How to Craf...
Sep 05, 2024•31 min•Ep. 118
Peter sits down with Paul Sanneman, founder of Contractor Staffing Source. Paul shares his expertise on solving one of the biggest challenges facing the construction industry today: finding and retaining quality employees. Key takeaways from this episode include: - The importance of continuous recruitment in the construction industry - Debunking common hiring myths that hold contractors back - Leveraging AI and modern tools to streamline the hiring process - Creating compelling job ads that attr...
Aug 29, 2024•31 min•Ep. 117
🚨 Attention Business Owners: Don't Fall for Domain Listing Scams! 🚨 In this episode, we expose a recurring scam targeting businesses - domain listing services that solicitation letters that look like invoices. Learn how to protect your company from unnecessary expenses and misleading offers. Key topics covered: Recent examples of domain listing scams (Domain Listings, LLC and Domain Directory, LLC) How these scams operate and why they provide little to no value Red flags to watch out for in su...
Aug 23, 2024•7 min•Ep. 116
Becoming A Self-Reliant Leader with Author Jan Rutherford Peter sits down with Jan Rutherford, a former Green Beret turned executive coach and author, to discuss his new book "Becoming a Self-Reliant Leader: How Grit and Discipline Forge Indomitable Teams." Rutherford shares his unique journey from military service to the corporate world, emphasizing how his experiences shaped his leadership philosophy. He introduces the concept of "crucible expeditions," intense outdoor leadership experiences t...
Aug 15, 2024•32 min•Ep. 115
In this behind-the-scenes look, Peter Wilson, host of the “Biz and Life Done Well” podcast, walks you through the tools and processes used to create podcast episodes. Peter showcases powerful software solutions including Descript for transcription and editing, Auphonic for audio processing, and AI tools like Claude for content analysis. Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, this video offers valuable insights into streamlining your podcast production workflow, from recording ...
Aug 02, 2024•11 min•Ep. 114
Peter Wilson is joined by Emily Caddell, the director of marketing at bizmktg.com. They dive into real-world business challenges shared by their listeners and offer insightful solutions to help take their businesses to the next level. Peter and Emily address the following listener challenges: Ken - shares his struggle with maintaining a positive attitude amidst daily monotony. Peter offers strategies for breaking the routine, setting new goals, professional development, and the importance of del...
Jul 25, 2024•32 min•Ep. 113
Join Peter Wilson as he sits down with Kirk and Donna Gronvold, the husband and wife team behind Blue Water Design Build, a Seattle-based design-build firm specializing in home renovations and remodels. In this engaging episode, Kirk and Donna share their passion for transforming outdated homes into beautiful, functional spaces that families love. Discover the origin of the Blue Water name and how Kirk's love of fishing inspired it. Learn about the couple's design-build philosophy, which focuses...
Jun 13, 2024•33 min•Ep. 112
Peter interviews Jake Flothe, in-house counsel for Resource Transition Consultants (RTC), a company specializing in receivership services. Jake explains the concept of receivership, an alternative to bankruptcy that involves either turning around distressed businesses or liquidating their assets. Jake highlights the cost-effectiveness and streamlined nature of receivership compared to traditional bankruptcy. He shares insights into the process, including voluntary and involuntary receiverships, ...
May 30, 2024•20 min•Ep. 111
Peter interviews Lillyan Hendershot, the Art Director and Co-Founder of The Branding Iron. In this episode, Peter and Lillyan reminisce about their shared history, from their early days working together to the growth of their respective businesses. Discover how Lillyan transitioned from a fine arts background to graphic design and entrepreneurship, and learn about the diverse range of services The Branding Iron offers. This episode is filled with insights on networking, the importance of a physi...
May 14, 2024•30 min•Ep. 110
Step into a world of transformation with this episode of 'Biz and Life Done Well.' Peter sits down with Todd Goodwin, a seasoned hypnotist who unlocks the deeper potential of the human mind. Todd shares fascinating insights into how hypnosis can gently guide us through our inner landscapes to heal past traumas and reshape our lives. Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety, or just looking for a new way to approach life's challenges, this conversation offers practical solutions for personal g...
May 09, 2024•32 min•Ep. 109
Join us as we explore Allan Dib's groundbreaking approach in his new book, "Lean Marketing." Building on the success of his bestselling "The 1-Page Marketing Plan," Allan introduces the concept of streamlining marketing efforts to maximize efficiency and minimize waste, similar to lean manufacturing principles. Throughout the webinar, he highlights the importance of avoiding "random acts of marketing" by implementing a focused strategy that aligns closely with business goals. Allan shares person...
May 03, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 108
Peter's guest is JC Fawcett, President of Defensive Driving School, the largest driving school in Washington State. In this episode JC details the foundational narrative of his business, from acquiring a faltering driving school to navigating complex challenges and regulatory landscapes to foster growth and stability. This discussion delves into JC's business philosophies, his proactive approaches to overcoming operational challenges, and his commitment to exceptional customer service. Gain insi...
Apr 18, 2024•37 min•Ep. 107
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Chris Rafoth of Lyons Creek Dental Care, located at the edge of Seattle and Shoreline. Dr. Rafoth shares his unexpected journey from studying marine biology to becoming a passionate dentist, the influences that shaped his career, and his commitment to patient care. He discusses the importance of technology in modern dentistry, his personal interests in outdoor activities, and how these experiences enrich his approach to dental care. Dr. Rafoth also touches on th...
Apr 05, 2024•22 min•Ep. 106
In this episode, Peter is joined by Natalie Foskey, owner of Key Choice Commercial Real Estate, and Chris Goldman from bizmktg.com. Natalie shares her unique path from her family's farm in Canada to leading a commercial real estate business in Lynnwood, Washington. She discusses the pivotal moments of her career, including purchasing and rebranding the company to better reflect its values and direction under her leadership. Hear about the challenges and successes of running a commercial real est...
Mar 29, 2024•38 min•Ep. 105
"Beyond the Pickle Part 2 - More Stories of Exceptional Customer Care" explores the depth of customer service through real-world anecdotes. Peter and Emily share insightful stories illustrating how businesses can significantly impact their customers with thoughtful gestures. Emily recounts her experiences at a Boston brew pub that recognized her and her husband by name, creating a sense of belonging and community. This personal touch included customized mugs for regular patrons, underscoring the...
Mar 07, 2024•13 min•Ep. 104
In this brief episode we slice into the story of a unique steak restaurant that takes customer appreciation to the next level. Following the customer service mantra coined by Bob Farrell, "give them the pickle," this restaurant engraves the names of their repeat customers on a steak knife, offering a personalized touch that turns dining into a memorable experience. Join us as we explore how this innovative gesture not only celebrates customer loyalty but also sets a new standard in creating last...
Mar 01, 2024•5 min•Ep. 103
Peter sits down with David Willoughby, a driving force at the intersection of technology and high school sports. David has been involved with Washington state high school athletics and programs since 2007 with the WPA Network. He is currently with Playon! Sports, a nationwide company that is revolutionizing high school sports and activities by introducing advanced solutions for scheduling, marketing, digital ticketing, and live streaming. David shares his journey from capturing the spirit of hig...
Feb 15, 2024•37 min•Ep. 102
In this episode, Peter reviews Bob Farrell's story of transforming a customer's disappointment into a legacy of exceptional service with a simple pickle. This story isn't just about pickles; it's about those little extras that make customers do the happy dance. Key Takeaways: The Essence of Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor: A place of joy and nostalgia, where the excitement was palpable, and the ice cream bowls were legendary. The Pickle Incident: A regular customer's request for an extra pickle led t...
Feb 08, 2024•8 min•Ep. 101
In the 100th episode of the “Business and Life Done Well” podcast, Peter reflects on key lessons learned through the journey of producing 99 episodes. He shares insights on starting before feeling fully ready, the importance of listening over speaking, and the transformative power of editing. The episode highlights the diverse range of topics covered, from marketing to personal stories of entrepreneurs, emphasizing the value of persistence, accountability, and continuous learning. One of Peter’s...
Feb 02, 2024•21 min•Ep. 100
Peter's guest is Erich Meltvedt of Integrity Media. Together we delve into why video marketing is more crucial than ever for businesses in 2024. We discuss how video, with its dynamic storytelling capabilities, significantly enhances customer engagement and brand recall. The video also addresses emerging trends and techniques, providing valuable strategies for businesses to effectively adapt and thrive in the digital era. Join us to understand the transformative power of video in today's competi...
Jan 25, 2024•19 min•Ep. 99
In this episode of "Biz and Life Done Well," Peter dives into the unexpected value of small clients, whom he affectionately calls 'squirrels.' He shares his personal experiences to illustrate how these smaller clients are essential to a business's long-term success and might even become 'buffalos.' The episode emphasizes the importance of appreciating every client, big or small. Now, we want to hear from you! We're looking for stories about your business experiences - the successes, the challeng...
Jan 19, 2024•6 min•Ep. 98
In the third installment of our “Getting Started With The 1-Page Marketing Plan” Peter continues his conversation with Anne Garing of Anne Garing Coaching. In this episode we explore content strategies for capturing and nurturing leads for her leadership coaching business. Their conversation delves into the power of client success stories, interactive content like webinars, and the importance of authentic engagement. They emphasize the significance of seasonal offers and personal gestures, like ...
Jan 12, 2024•26 min•Ep. 97
In this conversation with SEO expert Paul Lee, he challenges traditional beliefs about SEO, emphasizing that rankings are only part of the story, not the end goal. He suggests focusing on 'organic conversion optimization' rather than just search engine optimization, advocating for creating content that leads to actual conversions and customer engagement. The discussion, peppered with Paul's in-depth knowledge and experience, offered a fresh perspective on what SEO means for businesses today and ...
Jan 04, 2024•22 min•Ep. 96
In this second installment of our series on "The 1-Page Marketing Plan" by Allan Dib, we're joined by Leadership Coach, Anne Garing and Chris Goldman, a Marketing Messaging Expert and Certified 1PMP Coach. The focus is on tailoring communication to resonate with young professionals and leaders. This episode strips away the jargon to offer genuine, actionable advice based on Dib's principles, highlighting the power of effective messaging in both personal and professional growth.
Dec 15, 2023•18 min•Ep. 95
🎙️ In this episode of 'Biz and Life Done Well,' we dive deep into the world of a passionate and dedicated leadership coach, Anne Garing, who's on a mission to redefine her marketing strategy. 🤔 Feeling at her wits' end and craving authenticity, Anne grapples with the challenge of doubling her client base. Her tool of choice? The groundbreaking "1-Page Marketing Plan" (1PMP) by Allan Dib. Join us for the first episode of this series as we conduct a detailed audit of her business, exploring her ...
Dec 06, 2023•35 min•Ep. 94
