WIT Podcast Whatever It Takes

On this episode Brandon James and Joey Yak break down the real stages of scaling a business—from the early grind to building a company that can sustain massive growth. They start by unpacking what it actually looks like to go from $3M to $5M, where most entrepreneurs get their first taste of real money—and where a lot of them also get stuck. Brandon shares how easy it is to get comfortable at this level, let ego creep in, and lose sight of how fragile success really is. The conversation then moves into the $10M–$15M range, where brute force and hustle are no longer enough. Brandon explains why this is the stage where systems, structure, and standards become everything—and how failing to build them will eventually break the business. He also dives into the importance of culture, holding a high standard, and why not everyone will make the cut as you grow. As they get into scaling beyond $20M+, the focus shifts to leadership at the highest level. Brandon shares why the game becomes all about developing leaders who can lead other leaders, and how your ability to build and pour into people ultimately determines how far the company can go. Throughout the episode, they emphasize the importance of: Having a clear vision and targets at every stage Tracking real data instead of operating on feelings Reinvesting into the business instead of feeding your ego Building people first, not just chasing revenue   This episode is a blueprint for any entrepreneur—especially in home services—who wants to understand what it actually takes to scale, sustain success, and build something that lasts. If you're in the early stages, trying to break through a plateau, or looking to take your company to the next level, this conversation will give you a clear roadmap of what needs to change—and what it's really going to take. LINKS Apple Podcasts ⤵️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wit-podcast-whatever-it-takes/id1789167910 Youtube ⤵️ https://www.youtube.com/@WhateverItTakesPod Spotify ⤵️ https://open.spotify.com/show/1zzvGZzQh9Lj9VL1DScWRJ Join our free Facebook group ⤵️ https://www.facebook.com/groups/1664694160780709

On this episode Brandon James and Joey Yak break down what leadership actually looks like beyond the title—and why most people never make it past the early stages. They dive into the 5 Levels of Leadership and unpack the difference between having authority vs. earning real influence. Brandon shares how leadership starts with production, but only scales when you learn to develop people, build trust, and truly care about your team beyond just results. The conversation gets real around what holds most leaders back—lack of self-leadership, insecurity, and trying to lead people somewhere they've never been themselves. They also talk about why high standards aren't the problem… but having the wrong people around you is. Joey and Brandon break down practical ways to build trust with your team, how to have hard conversations that actually create growth, and why leadership is ultimately a servanthood position—not a status symbol. If you're trying to grow a team, step into leadership, or figure out why people aren't fully bought in—this episode will give you a clear framework to level up. LINKS Apple Podcasts ⤵️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wit-podcast-whatever-it-takes/id1789167910 Youtube ⤵️ https://www.youtube.com/@WhateverItTakesPod Spotify ⤵️ https://open.spotify.com/show/1zzvGZzQh9Lj9VL1DScWRJ Join our free Facebook group ⤵️ https://www.facebook.com/groups/1664694160780709

On this episode Brandon James sits down with Joey Yak to break down what it actually takes to start, build, and scale a business the right way. They dive into the reality behind entrepreneurship and why social media has made business look easier than it really is. Brandon shares the foundational principles that separate people who start businesses from those who actually grow them — including the importance of having a real "why," mastering sales first, and focusing on personal development before trying to lead others. The conversation also unpacks why hiring "experienced people" too early can hurt your business, how to build from the ground up by becoming great at the core skills yourself, and why leadership is the ultimate factor in scaling anything long term. Joey adds insight into branding and content, breaking down a simple framework for building a personal brand that attracts attention, builds trust, and drives business even if you're just getting started. If you're in the early stages of building a business or trying to break through to the next level, this episode will give you a clear, no-excuses blueprint on what actually matters and what doesn't. LINKS Apple Podcasts ⤵️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wit-podcast-whatever-it-takes/id1789167910 Youtube ⤵️ https://www.youtube.com/@WhateverItTakesPod Spotify ⤵️ https://open.spotify.com/show/1zzvGZzQh9Lj9VL1DScWRJ Join our free Facebook group ⤵️ https://www.facebook.com/groups/1664694160780709  

On this episode Brandon James breaks down one of the most important—and often overlooked—drivers of success: identity. He dives into why vision, goals, and discipline alone aren't enough if your identity doesn't match where you're trying to go. Brandon shares personal stories from coming home from prison and falling back into old patterns within days, to later building a successful life while still battling the same internal self-image. This episode unpacks how your self-perception can either elevate your life or quietly sabotage everything you're building. Brandon explains why people revert back to old habits, why success doesn't stick for many, and how your level of self-worth ultimately sets the ceiling for your results. He also walks through the exact process that helped him rebuild his identity—from writing out who the facts say he is today, to creating a daily practice of reading it out loud and aligning his actions with the person he needed to become. Brandon dives into the importance of keeping your word to yourself, the concept of "unrequired required work," and why real confidence is built through discipline—not motivation. If you've ever felt stuck, struggled with consistency, or questioned whether you're capable of reaching the next level, this episode will challenge how you see yourself and give you a practical path forward. LINKS Apple Podcasts ⤵️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wit-podcast-whatever-it-takes/id1789167910 Youtube ⤵️ https://www.youtube.com/@WhateverItTakesPod Spotify ⤵️ https://open.spotify.com/show/1zzvGZzQh9Lj9VL1DScWRJ Join our free Facebook group ⤵️ https://www.facebook.com/groups/1664694160780709  

On this episode Brandon James and Jon Paramore break down the truth about AI, technology, and what actually matters when it comes to building and scaling a real business. With so many tools, CRMs, and automation options available today, it's easy to get distracted and focus on the wrong things. Brandon shares how they built their company from the ground up by focusing on the fundamentals first — tracking the right numbers, staying disciplined with the basics, and using technology as a tool, not a shortcut. They dive into how much tech is too much, where automation can actually hurt your business, and why many companies fail because they overcomplicate things instead of focusing on what truly drives results. The conversation also covers the importance of tracking your data, understanding your numbers, building a strong brand through organic social media, and why consistency and execution will always outperform shortcuts. If you're trying to grow your business, improve your systems, or figure out how to actually use tech the right way — this episode will give you clarity on what matters and what doesn't. Apple Podcasts ⤵️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wit-podcast-whatever-it-takes/id1789167910 Youtube ⤵️ https://www.youtube.com/@WhateverItTakesPod Spotify ⤵️ https://open.spotify.com/show/1zzvGZzQh9Lj9VL1DScWRJ Join our free Facebook group ⤵️ https://www.facebook.com/groups/1664694160780709

On this episode of the Whatever It Takes Podcast Brandon James and Jon Paramore dive deep into the power of self-awareness and why it's one of the most important traits a person can develop in leadership, business, and life. The conversation starts with reflecting on a recent event that put a lot of things into perspective and quickly moves into a powerful discussion about radical honesty with yourself. Brandon shares how ego, victimhood, and blame can keep people stuck in the same patterns, and how learning to take ownership of your part in every situation can completely change the direction of your life. They talk about the difference between being self-aware and being self-critical, how to process your past without letting it define your future, and why humility is required if you truly want to grow. Brandon also shares personal experiences from recovery and the process that helped him identify fears, resentments, and character defects — and how that process ultimately set him free. Jon and Brandon also break down why many people know what they need to change but still struggle to actually do it, and why asking for help is often the turning point that allows real transformation to begin. If you've ever struggled with letting go of the past, breaking old habits, or figuring out how to become the person you know you're capable of being, this episode will challenge you to take an honest look in the mirror and start moving forward with clarity and purpose. Apple Podcasts ⤵️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wit-podcast-whatever-it-takes/id1789167910 Youtube ⤵️ https://www.youtube.com/@WhateverItTakesPod Spotify ⤵️ https://open.spotify.com/show/1zzvGZzQh9Lj9VL1DScWRJ Join our free Facebook group ⤵️ https://www.facebook.com/groups/1664694160780709

On this episode, Brandon James and Jon Paramore discuss complacency, pressure and staying ready with a special guest today: MLB World Series Champion + former St. Louis Cardinal Matt Adams — aka "Big City." In this episode, we cover: The "Big City" nickname How it started in spring training Why it stuck for 10+ years Where it all began Starting baseball at 3–4 years old Small-town Pennsylvania upbringing + early love for the game The setback that fueled him Losing the University of Pittsburgh opportunity Going D2 at Slippery Rock with a chip on his shoulder The money + travel ball reality Not having the resources for all the "prep / travel circuit" stuff Betting on: "If I'm good enough, they'll find me" Manifestation before it was "cool" Practicing his autograph in class Visualizing success as a teenager without even realizing it Minor leagues → fast track to the show Rookie ball → A-ball → Double-A → Triple-A → debut Getting drafted 23rd round and being told he was a "roster fill"… then proving everyone wrong What it takes to climb when you're NOT the top prospect Why most guys don't make it Complacency after getting drafted Taking the foot off the gas Expecting things to be given instead of earned The "Cardinal Way" culture The obsession with doing the little things right Practicing fundamentals daily (even bunting when you're a big bat) Low tolerance for ego / selfishness How leaders are built, not bought Playing with legends + learning the standard Being around Pujols / Yadi / Tony La Russa Mentors like Jon Jay & Daniel Descalso How winning environments feel different World Series moments you can't script Fenway Park as a rookie (pinch-me stuff) The emotional chaos of a Game 7 moment Winning a championship and realizing: "We're grown men celebrating a kid's game" St. Louis as a baseball city Why Cardinals fans are different Respecting great baseball… even from visiting players Getting love on the road because Cardinals fans travel The hard truth: keeping your spot is harder than earning it The pressure of always having someone coming for your job Why role players have to stay ready at all times Life after the league Independent ball grind + still chasing the dream Coaching, media, and what his next chapter could look like What he wishes he told his younger self: don't take a day for granted Quick notes: If you've got little ears in the car, heads up: we drop a little salty language sometimes. Help us get this episode out: ✅ Like / Comment / Share ✅ Subscribe on YouTube (channel is live — go run it up) ✅ If you're on Apple Podcasts: thumbs up + subscribe ✅ Anywhere else you listen: leave a quick review

In this episode, Brandon James and Jon Paramore talk about a major gap in sales and entrepreneurship: Too many leaders teach people how to make money… Almost nobody teaches them how to keep it. We break down: The "Joe" effect — tripling income and still ending up broke Why quick success can destroy undisciplined people The importance of financial literacy in leadership Building emergency funds and reverse engineering goals Creating real freedom instead of seasonal success We also discuss: Social media outrage culture Protecting your focus Choosing how you show up daily Not sacrificing integrity for clicks or conflict If you want sustainable success — personally and professionally — this episode hits.

In this episode, Brandon James and Jon Paramore break down what it really means to live in alignment — and the real price you pay when you don't. From entrepreneurship to personal discipline, faith, leadership, and relationships, we explore how small daily compromises slowly erode self-trust and confidence. Topics include: Turning vision into reality (16 months instead of 6 years) Why discipline feels like a fight at first Reprogramming yourself through daily action Losing the choice to quit The mental toll of avoiding hard decisions Accountability, ownership, and radical honesty Grace vs. perfectionism If you've been carrying "that thing" around for months (or years), this episode is your wake-up call. Write it down. Get honest. Get accountable. Stay started.

In this episode, Brandon James and Jon Paramore dive into one of the biggest hidden reasons people stay stuck—and how subtle habits, beliefs, and daily decisions quietly hold them back. This is an honest, reflective conversation about growth, discipline, and the mindset shifts required to move forward. If you've been feeling frustrated, unfulfilled, or like you're capable of more but don't know what's blocking you, this episode will challenge you to look inward and rethink how you approach progress. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a professional, a student, or someone simply trying to improve their life, this discussion will push you to evaluate what needs to change so you can finally step into your next level.

In this episode of the WIT Podcast, Brandon and the team answer real questions from business owners inside the Whatever It Takes community—covering leadership development, hiring systems, growth strategy, and how to scale without losing control They break down how to intentionally build a growth-driven culture, why personal development must be baked into company systems, and how weekly leadership meetings, book studies, and accountability structures create teams that thrive. You'll hear how DISC assessments are used in hiring, what questions actually reveal character and coachability in interviews, and why most companies put the right people in the wrong seats. The conversation also dives into navigating busy seasons, setting aggressive yearly targets, creating roadmaps for long-term growth, and knowing when to shift from working in the business to working on it. Brandon shares his journey from sales rep to building toward a $100M vision—and why learning every role matters before delegating. They wrap up with practical insights on pricing strategy, controlling demand, fixing bottlenecks through systems rather than shortcuts, and why January and February can be the biggest separation months of the year for high performers. If you're building a team, hiring leaders, or trying to break through your next ceiling—this episode is packed with real-world playbooks.

What separates companies that scale from those that stall? In this solo episode, Brandon unpacks the philosophy behind creating a "culture of leaders who create leaders." He shares real-world lessons from years of building his business — including early hiring mistakes, leadership bottlenecks caused by ego, and why accountability multiplies as you move up. You'll hear Brandon discuss how caring for your people, developing them personally and professionally, and being willing to pass the spotlight are essential for long-term growth. Topics include: • Leadership equity and trust • Why service matters more than authority • Developing talent from inside your organization • Letting others shine as a founder • Vision casting and belief • Why companies plateau without leadership development • Building systems that grow people If you're serious about scaling a team the right way, this episode delivers the mindset every leader needs.

This episode of the WIT Podcast is a deep conversation about growth, humility, and what it really takes to scale a business without stalling out. Brandon James and Jon Paramore focus on the idea that most people stop growing not because they lack opportunity, but because they overestimate what they know and underestimate what the next level requires. The episode repeatedly returns to the theme that every new level demands new skills, new systems, and a new version of the leader. Key ideas include: Why success at one level doesn't qualify you for the next The danger of shiny object syndrome when growth gets uncomfortable Staying narrow and deep instead of wide and distracted Why curiosity, coachability, and humility matter more than confidence The importance of systems, structure, and people development Why leaders must continually "fire themselves" from old roles How real scaling comes from building people, not just revenue They also break down real-world examples from roofing, private equity, and leadership transitions, emphasizing that companies don't rise to their success — they fall to their systems. The conversation highlights why developing leaders at every level is the only sustainable way to grow without breaking culture or quality. This episode is about becoming the person capable of carrying the next level, not chasing shortcuts.

In this episode of the WIT Podcast, Brandon James and Jon Paramore open up about the real reason they never slow down.  After recently speaking inside a prison he once lived in, Brandon shares what it felt like to walk back into a cell — not as an inmate, but as a man with freedom, purpose, and perspective. That experience reignited what he calls "the burn": the internal fire that comes from knowing exactly what you're running from and what you're running toward. This conversation dives into: Why success should become your new floor, not your ceiling How owning your past turns pain into fuel Why discipline beats motivation every time The danger of living in results instead of controlling what you can How secrecy keeps you stuck — and ownership sets you free Why everyone has a "prison," even if they've never been locked up If you've ever wondered why some people keep pushing while others tap out — this episode will force you to look inward. This isn't about hype. It's about ownership, discipline, and refusing to go backward.

In this episode of the WIT Podcast, Brandon James and Jon Paramore sit down for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about the lessons that shape us—both personally and professionally. From upbringing and discipline to leadership, work ethic, and the impact of mentors along the way, this episode dives into what really molds character over time. Brandon and Jon explore how sports, family values, hard seasons, and intentional quiet moments play a critical role in growth, perspective, and long-term success. This isn't a highlight-reel conversation—it's a real one. The kind that reflects on mistakes, humility, and the habits required to keep moving forward when motivation fades. If you're someone who cares about personal development, leadership, and becoming better in the areas that actually matter, this episode will hit home. Topics covered include: How upbringing and early influences shape leadership The role of discipline, humility, and work ethic Learning from mentors and life experiences Creating space for clarity, creativity, and growth Why consistency matters more than motivation 🎧 Tune in and get grounded in what it really takes to build a meaningful life—on and off the field.

In this episode Brandon James and Jon Paramore warn against the danger of becoming complacent after achieving initial goals. Many people stop growing because they compare where they are to where they started, rather than where they could potentially be. 

On this episode Brandon James and Jon Paramore go into what winning looks like beyond the surface level. How to turly live on your own terms and not just for a season. 

Brandon James and Jon Paramore dive into what to do when the money starts coming in. Brandon emphasizes a core principle: short-term sacrifice for long-term gain. The conversation breaks down why financial discipline matters more than income, how lifestyle creep destroys stability, and why taxes, planning, and structure are unavoidable if you want lasting success.

In this episode, Brandon James and Jon Paramore dive into a full Q&A based on the questions you've been submitting. They break down Brandon's transition from working in the field to stepping into leadership, including how he decided it was time to hire and build a team. Tune in for real, practical insight on growth, leadership, and leveling up both personally and professionally.

On todays episode Brandon James and Jon Paramore deep dive what it means to truly surrender. How relasing the control of everything to god and having faith in the plan has dramaticaly changed Brandons life.