The Builders

Hey everyone, welcome back to "The Builders" podcast, Episode #143. Today, we delve into the nitty-gritty of business challenges and the transformative power of understanding your numbers with Colin Sanburg. Colin is not just a business owner; he's a business turner-arounder. He's navigated the complexities of financial difficulties, made tough calls, and ultimately emerged stronger. This episode is packed with wisdom as Colin shares his journey from facing challenges in manufacturing to becoming an investor with a keen eye for numbers. We discuss the importance of strategic accounting, not just for number-crunchers but for every business owner. Whether you're in digital or traditional sectors, understanding your numbers is key to overcoming challenges and ensuring profitability and cash flow. We're all about actionable insights here on "The Builders." So, if you're in the business of better living through business savvy, you know what to do—hit that subscribe button and let's keep the conversation going!

In this episode of #TheBuilders, we dive deep into the journey of transitioning from an operator to an owner in your business. If you've ever felt stuck in the daily grind, handling every detail yourself, this episode will offer you actionable insights to break free and elevate your role.We discuss the importance of systems, processes, and clear communication within a team. You can't expect your team to read your mind, so we tackle the pitfalls of not having a well-defined process and how it hampers growth. Whether you're struggling with outsourcing or keeping your team aligned, we cover it all here.Don't miss out on this episode if you're aiming to work "on" your business rather than "in" it. We get into the nitty-gritty of making your business more sellable and freeing up your time, all while it continues to grow and profit. Tune in now!

In this episode, I delve into a weekend getaway that turned into an unexpected business troubleshooting adventure. As entrepreneurs, we often find ourselves in situations where business challenges don't respect our personal time. This weekend was no exception. As I was enjoying a Frank Lloyd Wright tour, the tranquility was punctuated by client emergencies that needed my immediate attention. But being prepared has always been my mantra, and this scenario tested my readiness and responsiveness against unforeseen business hurdles. Equipped with my trusty laptop and the essential tools of my trade, I navigated through client and partner issues, ensuring that business continuity was maintained even in my absence. I share how the ability to stay connected, having a reliable team back at base, and maintaining open channels of communication with clients and partners can make a huge difference in managing unexpected business issues. It's about striking that delicate balance between addressing critical business needs and enjoying a well-deserved personal break, showcasing the life of an entrepreneur in its true, unpredictable form. Join me in this candid narrative as I unfold the events of that weekend, share the lessons learned, and the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. Whether you're on a weekend getaway or simply away from your desk, the business world continues to spin, and how we respond to these unforeseen challenges defines our entrepreneurial journey. It's a blend of preparation, rapid response, and maintaining a calm demeanor amidst the chaos that keeps the entrepreneurial spirit resilient and ready for whatever comes next.

Welcome to another eye-opening episode of "The Builders" podcast. Today, I'm thrilled to bring you an enlightening conversation with Kris Ward, a visionary entrepreneur and author who knows a thing or two about work-life balance. In this episode, we delve into how you can build a business that enhances your life instead of draining it—because let's face it, who wants to be a slave to their business? Kris started her entrepreneurial journey 14 years ago, navigating from exhaustive 12-hour workdays to a liberating 6-hour schedule without compromising the growth of her business. She even managed to step away for two years without causing a blip on her company's radar. How did she do it? By focusing on what truly matters and implementing strategies that align her business goals with her personal aspirations. We also explore the "3 D's" that could be damaging your business, why a $5/hour help could be a game-changer for you, and how changing lives across the globe can simultaneously elevate your business. Join us as we uncover valuable insights for entrepreneurs who dream of a life that's about more than just business. Buckle up, Builders; this episode is a game-changer.

Hey there, Builders! Welcome to Episode #139 of "The Builders" podcast. This episode is an absolute treasure trove for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, AI, and business growth. I had the pleasure of diving deep into a conversation with Jonathan Green, an expert in AI and ChatGPT technologies. We explored everything from the setbacks that fueled our entrepreneurial journeys to the strategies that have helped us succeed.In this episode, Jonathan shares invaluable insights on the practical aspects of entrepreneurship, such as attracting clients, learning from experiences, and the necessity of taking massive actions. We also got into the nitty-gritty of AI, discussing how to best interact with it to streamline business operations. If you've ever been curious about how AI can be a game-changer for your business, you won't want to miss this.But it's not just all technical talk. Jonathan and I get personal, discussing our own setbacks, learnings, and how we've evolved our businesses over the years. You'll hear about the importance of personal branding, pricing strategies, and even how to "fire" clients that are not a good fit.So tune in, take notes, and get ready to build a smarter, more efficient business. Don't forget to hit that subscribe button for more insights and stories from the trenches of entrepreneurship!

Hey everyone, it's Matt Levenhagen! In this special episode of "The Builders," I sit down with an incredible guest, Joel Salomon, who shares his remarkable journey from starting to pursue his dream job in money management in 1992 after finding a roadmap to follow to eventually launching his own hedge fund by 2012. But the didn't end up being all smooth sailing; just as he thought he had it all figured out, his initial investors pulled out, throwing a curveball his way. Learn how 'act as if' and manifestation played a role. I was truly inspired by how he took this setback as a chance for personal growth. In December 2015, he listened to a speaker who was dishing out bad financial advice to his audience. That led him to a pivotal moment of clarity, realizing his ultimate goal and purpose: to help others achieve financial freedom. We also dive deep into the world of self-publishing. My guest has penned three impactful books, one of which became a bestseller in its first week! He shares invaluable insights for anyone looking to publish their work. We wrap up the episode by exploring one of the most potent rules from his best-selling book—Belief. So, grab your favorite cup of joe, and let's jump right into this inspiring tale!

Hey everyone, Matt Levenhagen here, and welcome to episode #137 of The Builders podcast. In today's episode, I'm giving you an agency update on Unified Web Design — the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Over the past year, we've been scaling like never before. While growth is exciting, it's also packed with challenges that I can't wait to share with you. We've been investing heavily in our team, our systems, and new initiatives. I'll be diving into some key operational changes we've made, how we are overcoming obstacles, and the new exciting projects we've taken on. The journey of entrepreneurship is never linear, and that's what makes it both thrilling and, at times, nerve-wracking. So, sit tight and get ready for an insider's view of our growing agency. If you're an entrepreneur, a web designer, or someone who's interested in the behind-the-scenes of business growth, you'll find tons of actionable insights in this episode. And for those of you who've been following our journey, you'll get a fresh perspective on what's been happening at Unified Web Design. I'm excited to share this journey with you, so let's get started!

In this latest episode of The Builders podcast, I have the pleasure of chatting with Amy Foley, the co-founder of Inbound Backoffice. We get into the nitty-gritty of her journey from working solo at home to heading a thriving business. We discuss how she scaled her team to handle growing demands and share valuable pointers on networking and referrals—essential tools for any entrepreneur. If you're a freelancer on the rise or an established business owner, this episode is loaded with gems for you. We don't stop there, though. Amy delves into her tactical strategies for forming key business relationships and successful agency partnerships. She's got a passion for helping others and a knack for getting things done—qualities that shine throughout our conversation. I also weigh in with my two cents on how advancements in AI and chatbots are poised to disrupt the way businesses operate and how we can think about it. You'll want to hear this part. Last but not least, we spotlight HubSpot's robust features. It's not just a CRM; it's evolved into a comprehensive marketing solution. Amy and I break down its myriad capabilities, from email marketing to website development, and discuss why it's become a cornerstone for many modern marketers. So buckle up for a jam-packed episode that takes you through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, tactical networking, and the future of business tech. Trust me, you won't want to miss it.

In today's enlightening episode of "The Builders," we sit down with Tyler Pigott, a seasoned marketer and entrepreneur, to delve deep into the art of crafting a compelling vision for your business. But we don't stop there. Tyler shares his perspective as a generalist vs a specialist (someone going into a business being 'known' for a specific craft) . Ever wondered what fuels long-term decision-making? Tyler spills the secrets. Plus, we discuss the invaluable experience of having a mentor or coach by your side and the tremendous impact it can have on your business trajectory. I even share my own entrepreneurial experience, shedding light on the strategy behind adding products to Unified Web Design's service-based model—always with an eye on the long game. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a business owner rethinking your current approach, this episode promises actionable insights that you can apply immediately to up your game.

Entrepreneurs, get ready to dive into the world of servers, growth, and security without a hint of techy jargon (or a minor hint). In this episode, I'm sharing my personal journey from the trenches, revealing how I've navigated the complexities of servers and growth strategies without the tech overwhelm. Discover the actionable insights I've gleaned from the front lines of my own server experience. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or seasoned veteran, these tips are tailored for those who prefer plain English over technical lingo. Join me as we explore the roadmap to robust servers, sustainable growth, and secure online ventures. Tune in to episode 134 of "The Builders" and empower your entrepreneurial journey with no-nonsense advice. Together, we'll demystify the technical aspects of growing your online business in a way that's both engaging and easily digestible.