Self Made Is a Myth: How Business Owners Get Out of the Day-to-Day and Scale

Most businesses don’t stall because of a lack of strategy.They stall because execution keeps pulling the owner back into the day-to-day.In this episode of Self-Made Is a Myth, Coach Tim Campsall sits down with David Karandish, founder of Capacity, to unpack what happens when hiring decisions ignore values and why that mistake quietly caps growth.David shares how misaligned hires forced him back into the weeds, the personal cost of carrying execution himself, and the shift that allowed Capacity to scale without breaking culture. If your business works but still depends too much on you, this conversation will feel uncomfortably familiar.⸻What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• Why hiring for talent alone creates long-term execution drag• How unclear values pull owners back into daily decisions• The hidden cost of “good people” who are the wrong fit• What it takes to translate strategy into action without owner dependency⸻Looking To Scale Your Business:Did you know that only 9% of businesses make it to $1,000,000 in revenue and less than 1% get to $5,000,000. The reason is that the hustle and grind that got you to $1,000,000 needs to shift to scaling strategies to go beyond. Book a Discovery Call now to learn how our ActionCOACH Business Operating System (ABoS) and coaching helps you to get unstuck and thrive to realize your personal and dreams and business goals. https://tbcactioncoach.com/discovery-zoom-call/Sign up for our weekly business tips https://tbcactioncoach.com/resources/email-signup/⸻Timestamps:(00:00) When growth starts slowing without warning(02:05) Hiring skilled people who don’t share values(04:00) The personal cost of misaligned hires(05:10) Defining values before scaling the team(07:45) Why “good people” can still stall growth(09:40) Translating strategy into execution(12:00) Complexity, priorities, and owner dependency(14:30) Selecting the right problems to solve(16:55) Escaping the messy middle without working harder(20:00) Why self-made is a myth in real scaling⸻David Karandish is Founder & CEO of Capacity – an enterprise SaaS company headquartered in St. Louis, MO. Capacity is a support automation platform that uses AI to deflect emails, calls, and tickets so internal and external support teams can spend more time doing their best work.Prior to starting Capacity, David was the CEO of Answers Corp. He and his business partner Chris Sims started the parent company of Answers in 2006 and sold it to a private equity firm in 2014 for $960m.David sits on the boards of Create a Loop (a computer science education non-profit tackling the digital divide by teaching kids to code). David was also an early investor and board member at Nerdy (NYSE: NRDY), an on-demand, real-time learning platform in the ed tech space.David lives in St. Louis with his wife, Erin and four kids. When not working, he enjoys spending time with his family and playing ukulele.

Growth can look healthy on paper while quietly draining the owner behind the scenes.In this episode of Self-Made Is a Myth, Coach Tim Campsall sits down with Nicole Smith, Franchise Owner of DOXA Talent Center City, to unpack what happens when growth accelerates without focus, structure, or clear leadership accountability.Nicole shares how saying yes to the wrong clients created complexity, exhaustion, and constant reactivity, even as the business appeared to be gaining momentum. As the company grew, decisions, interruptions, and progress kept flowing back through her, pulling her deeper into the day-to-day instead of forward as a leader.This conversation explores what it really costs when owners hold on too tightly, why working harder never fixes structural issues, and how intentional client focus, delegation, and leadership systems create space for sustainable growth.If your business works but still depends on you, this episode will feel uncomfortably familiar.⸻What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• Why saying yes to the wrong clients slows growth instead of accelerating it• How lack of leadership structure pulls owners back into daily operations• The hidden personal cost of constant reactivity and decision overload• Why delegation fails when owners abdicate instead of lead• How building leaders, not just systems, creates long-term scale⸻Looking To Scale Your Business:Did you know that only 9% of businesses make it to $1,000,000 in revenue and less than 1% get to $5,000,000. The reason is that the hustle and grind that got you to $1,000,000 needs to shift to scaling strategies to go beyond. Book a Discovery Call now to learn how our ActionCOACH Business Operating System (ABoS) and coaching helps you to get unstuck and thrive to realize your personal and dreams and business goals. https://tbcactioncoach.com/discovery-zoom-call/Sign up for our weekly business tips https://tbcactioncoach.com/resources/email-signup/⸻Timestamps:(00:00) The growth problem Nicole could no longer ignore(01:30) Why growth kept pulling her into the day-to-day(03:00) Letting go of the belief that owners must touch everything(04:30) When growth looks healthy but feels exhausting(06:00) The personal cost of constant reactivity(07:45) Why leadership and accountability structures matter(09:00) Systems vs people, and why both are required(11:00) Delegation vs abdication(13:00) The belief that keeps owners stuck doing it alone(15:45) What Nicole would tell her younger self⸻Nicole Smith is a purpose-driven leader and DOXA Talent franchise owner, with a passion for building high-performing global teams that reflect her values of equity, empowerment, and excellence. With a background in organizational development and a deep commitment to uplifting others, Nicole helps small and mid-sized businesses scale ethically and efficiently through remote talent. Her leadership philosophy centers on unlocking potential—in people, in systems, and in culture.

Most business owners pride themselves on being capable, dependable, and self-reliant. Early on, that mindset fuels growth. Eventually, it becomes the very thing that stalls it.In this episode of Self-Made Is a Myth, Coach Tim Campsall sits down with Monty Anderson, owner of RTM, a fast-growing marine sales, service, and storage company. Monty shares how relying too heavily on himself quietly capped growth, strained culture, and pulled him deeper into the day-to-day.Monty walks through the real shift that had to happen, letting go of “no one can do it as well as me,” investing in training, tools, and time, and learning how leadership and management must evolve as a company scales. With nearly 80 team members across multiple locations, Monty explains why delegation without systems is chaos, and why systems without training fail just as fast.If you are an owner who feels buried in decisions, frustrated by team performance, or worried the business would stall without you, this conversation will hit close to home.⸻What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• Why self-reliance eventually becomes a growth ceiling• The real cost of skipping training, tools, and time• How poor delegation quietly damages culture and profitability• What it actually takes to build a business that can run without you⸻Looking To Scale Your Business:Did you know that only 9% of businesses make it to $1,000,000 in revenue and less than 1% get to $5,000,000. The reason is that the hustle and grind that got you to $1,000,000 needs to shift to scaling strategies to go beyond. Book a Discovery Call now to learn how our ActionCOACH Business Operating System (ABoS) and coaching helps you to get unstuck and thrive to realize your personal and dreams and business goals. https://tbcactioncoach.com/discovery-zoom-call/Sign up for our weekly business tips https://tbcactioncoach.com/resources/email-signup/⸻Timestamps:(00:00) Why self-reliance quietly stalls growth(02:10) Seeing the opportunity in a broken industry(05:20) The danger of “no one can do it better than me”(07:30) Why training, tools, and time are non-negotiable(10:40) Delegation without systems creates chaos(13:00) The real difference between leadership and management(16:10) How self-sabotage shows up for owners(19:00) What happens when growth outpaces structure(22:10) Building a business that works without you(27:30) Why sellability is the true test of success⸻Monty Anderson was born and raised in Indianapolis. Married 15 years to my beautiful wife Alena. Grew up in the family business building custom homes and land development. Now only focuses on instilling boating culture and experiences to my customers.

Most business owners know technology matters, but many delay the decision because of cost, fear, or not knowing where to start. The result is usually the same, the owner stays buried in the day-to-day while growth stalls.In this episode of Self-Made Is a Myth, Tim Campsall sits down with Brad Shields, owner of Shields Windshields, to unpack how resisting technology upgrades quietly limited growth, created bottlenecks, and kept too much responsibility on the owner’s shoulders.Brad shares the real story behind building a high-performance manufacturing business, navigating a family business transition, and making the leap from manual processes to automation, systems, and leadership depth. He also opens up about the mindset shifts required to let go, trust a growing team, and build a company that can scale beyond the founder.If you are a business owner who knows your business cannot keep growing the way it is currently run, this conversation will hit close to home.⸻What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• Why delaying technology investments often costs more than making them• How being the bottleneck slows growth even when demand is strong• The hidden leadership shift required to let go without losing control• Why “having the best product” is not enough to scale• How building the right team and management structure creates freedom⸻Looking To Scale Your Business:Did you know that only 9% of businesses make it to $1,000,000 in revenue and less than 1% get to $5,000,000. The reason is that the hustle and grind that got you to $1,000,000 needs to shift to scaling strategies to go beyond. Book a Discovery Call now to learn how our ActionCOACH Business Operating System (ABoS) and coaching helps you to get unstuck and thrive to realize your personal and dreams and business goals. https://tbcactioncoach.com/discovery-zoom-call/Sign up for our weekly business tips https://tbcactioncoach.com/resources/email-signup/⸻Timestamps:(00:00) Why avoiding technology quietly stalls growth(02:20) Escaping low-margin work and rethinking the business model(04:00) Running everything manually and wearing every hat(06:30) The fear behind investing in automation and equipment(08:05) The personal cost of being stuck in the day-to-day(10:55) Why the best product alone does not scale a business(14:40) The mindset shift required to let go without losing control(18:00) Building leadership, management, and accountability(22:50) Installing systems to prepare for future expansion(26:50) Why self-made success is a myth and who helped most⸻

Most business owners do not struggle because they lack ideas. They struggle because they have too many priorities competing for their attention.In this episode of Self-Made Is a Myth – Make a Difference Together, Coach Tim Campsall sits down with Brian of Indiana Business Advisors and Sunbelt Business Brokers to unpack how chasing too many opportunities, relying on referrals alone, and lacking a consistent lead generation system quietly pulls owners back into the day-to-day.Brian shares how shiny object syndrome, revenue-first thinking, and wearing too many hats cost him peace of mind, focus, and leverage. He also explains why building systems that allow the business to run without the owner is not just about growth, but about long-term value, freedom, and exit readiness.This conversation is especially relevant for owners who feel busy, successful on the surface, but stretched thin and reactive behind the scenes.⸻What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• Why having too many initiatives creates hidden chaos inside the business• How chasing revenue without structure hurts profit and valuation• The real cost of relying only on referrals for growth• Why consistent lead generation systems protect owner time and focus• How stepping out of the day-to-day increases both freedom and business value⸻Looking To Scale Your Business:Did you know that only 9% of businesses make it to $1,000,000 in revenue and less than 1% get to $5,000,000. The reason is that the hustle and grind that got you to $1,000,000 needs to shift to scaling strategies to go beyond. Book a Discovery Call now to learn how our ActionCOACH Business Operating System (ABoS) and coaching helps you to get unstuck and thrive to realize your personal and dreams and business goals. https://tbcactioncoach.com/discovery-zoom-call/Sign up for our weekly business tips https://tbcactioncoach.com/resources/email-signup/⸻Timestamps:(00:00) Why too many priorities stall growth(01:00) Losing freedom after starting the business(03:35) Shiny object syndrome and scattered focus(06:00) The real cost of being pulled in every direction(07:30) Revenue growth does not fix broken structure(09:10) Profit, peace of mind, and owner leverage(11:00) Why buyers avoid owner-dependent businesses(14:00) Exit planning starts earlier than most owners think(16:00) The danger of relying only on referrals(18:30) Why consistent marketing systems matter(22:00) Defining success beyond growth and hustle(25:00) Why self-made success is a myth

Many business owners work harder every year, yet growth still slows. Often, the real issue is not effort, talent, or demand. It is accountability.In this episode of Self-Made Is a Myth, Coach Tim Campsall sits down with Mary Grace, owner of Pingoy Portrait Studio, to unpack what happens when a creative business grows faster than its systems, leadership structure, and accountability.Mary Grace shares how her business evolved from a passion project into a fast-growing studio, and why letting go of control, building the right team, and holding people accountable became critical to sustaining growth. She opens up about hiring challenges, culture breakdowns, and the hard lessons that came from trusting without structure.This conversation is especially relevant for owners who feel stuck between doing everything themselves and trusting a team that is not yet performing at the level required for the next phase of growth.⸻What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• Why lack of accountability quietly slows business growth• How early hiring decisions impact culture and performance• The hidden cost of avoiding hard leadership conversations• Why sales roles are often the hardest to replace• What it takes to step out of the day-to-day without losing control⸻Looking To Scale Your Business:Did you know that only 9% of businesses make it to $1,000,000 in revenue and less than 1% get to $5,000,000. The reason is that the hustle and grind that got you to $1,000,000 needs to shift to scaling strategies to go beyond. Book a Discovery Call now to learn how our ActionCOACH Business Operating System (ABoS) and coaching helps you to get unstuck and thrive to realize your personal and dreams and business goals. https://tbcactioncoach.com/discovery-zoom-call/Sign up for our weekly business tips https://tbcactioncoach.com/resources/email-signup/⸻Timestamps:(00:00) Why growth slows despite hard work(02:15) Turning a passion into a real business(05:30) Learning the business side the hard way(08:10) Letting go of control to scale(10:45) When trust replaces accountability(13:30) Culture breakdowns and leadership lessons(16:50) Why sales roles stall growth(19:40) Limiting beliefs that cap business size(22:30) What must change to grow smarter(24:45) Building a business that does not rely on you⸻Mary Grace is a mom of 6 kids and wife of 18 years to her husband Ray, whom she met and fell in love with during their time as Catholic youth missionaries, serving in countries all over the world, and their faith continues to be the driving force of their lives. Mary Grace is an internationally recognized, award-winning photographer, and owner of the leading Fine Art Portrait Studio in NW Indiana. By her third year of opening the studio she grew her business to 7 figures. While regular photo studios focus soley on photos, Pingoy Portrait Studio creates unique works of art that families are proud to hang in their homes. The studio offers specialized sessions for families, children, and pets and prides themselves on a 5-star experience for every family they are blessed to serve. Mary Grace has frequently been featured on numerous outlets such as ABC, WGN, Good Morning America, WTTW, and Parents Magazine.

Most business owners assume growth stalls because of sales or marketing. In reality, the biggest constraint is often talent.In this episode of Self-Made Is a Myth, Coach Tim Campsall sits down with Lee, owner of Stratus Building Solutions of Indiana, to unpack the real challenges that surface once a service business reaches stability and starts pushing for its next phase of growth.After spending more than 30 years in corporate leadership, Lee made the leap into entrepreneurship and built his business from the ground up. Along the way, he discovered that hiring decisions, people development, and systems have a far greater impact on scalability than simply working harder or chasing top-line revenue.This conversation dives into what most owners underestimate about building teams, why hiring for talent matters more than experience, and what it truly takes to build a business that can grow without depending on the owner for everything.⸻What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• Why talent gaps quietly stall service business growth• How early hiring decisions affect cash flow and scalability• Why hiring for talent beats hiring for experience• The role systems and accountability play as the business matures• What it really takes to build a business that runs without you⸻Looking To Scale Your Business:Did you know that only 9% of businesses make it to $1,000,000 in revenue and less than 1% get to $5,000,000. The reason is that the hustle and grind that got you to $1,000,000 needs to shift to scaling strategies to go beyond. Book a Discovery Call now to learn how our ActionCOACH Business Operating System (ABoS) and coaching helps you to get unstuck and thrive to realize your personal and dreams and business goals. https://tbcactioncoach.com/discovery-zoom-call/Sign up for our weekly business tips https://tbcactioncoach.com/resources/email-signup/⸻Timestamps:(00:00) Why growth stalls even when revenue increases(02:30) Leaving corporate leadership to start a business(05:20) Early cash flow realities(07:45) Why people decisions matter more than owners expect(10:15) Hiring for talent instead of experience(14:40) The mindset shift every growing owner faces(18:00) Why marketing becomes unpredictable at scale(22:10) Systems, accountability, and team alignment(27:00) Why doing nothing is the biggest risk(31:00) Building a business that runs without you⸻Lee Putman was born and has lived his life in the midwestern United States. He graduated high school in Goshen, IN and attended Indiana University Kelly School of Business. He has been married to his wife Sheri for the past sixteen years. They have a blended family of six adult children now sprinkled across the US and one currently living in London, and two grand children in NW Indiana. Lee Spent 33 years in corporate America working in the medical device space, including 23 years with Johnson & Johnson and 8 years in a venture start up. In his corporate career he worked in a number of sales and marketing roles and led several large sales organizations. In 2016 he was asked to relocate to Austin, TX and made the decision to stay here in central Indiana which left him looking for what was next. At 55 years old he decided he no longer wanted to be employed by others and chose to start his own company. Nine years later he and his wife have built a successful commercial cleaning company. They now spend their time between their homes in Noblesville, IN and Southwest, FL.

Most business owners do not hit a wall because they lack effort. They hit it because the way the business makes money no longer supports the next phase of growth.In this episode of Self‑Made Is a Myth, Coach Tim Campsall sits down with Eric Bey, owner of Shades Industrial, a forklift and equipment service company built through family, faith, and persistence.Eric shares the moment he realized the business model that got them this far was no longer sustainable. Cash flow swings, owner distraction, and inconsistent revenue were slowing everything else down. What stood out was not a lack of demand, but the absence of predictable, recurring service revenue.The conversation explores the hidden cost of avoiding structure, why hiring the right team took years longer than it should have, and how focus, not effort, became the real constraint. Eric also explains why building service plans with recurring revenue is the single most important priority for the next year and what happens if it does not get solved.If you are running a service business, carrying too much yourself, and feeling the pressure of uneven cash flow, this episode will feel uncomfortably familiar.⸻What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • Why profitable businesses still struggle with cash flow and what actually causes it • How recurring service plans stabilize revenue and reduce owner stress • The mistake many owners make by avoiding hiring and how it quietly limits growth • Why focus and distraction, not effort, are the biggest threats to scaling • How shifting from reactive repairs to planned service changes the business model⸻Looking To Scale Your Business:Did you know that only 9% of businesses make it to $1,000,000 in revenue and less than 1% get to $5,000,000. The reason is that the hustle and grind that got you to $1,000,000 needs to shift to scaling strategies to go beyond. Book a Discovery Call now to learn how our ActionCOACH Business Operating System (ABoS) and coaching helps you to get unstuck and thrive to realize your personal and dreams and business goals. https://tbcactioncoach.com/discovery-zoom-call/Sign up for our weekly business tips https://tbcactioncoach.com/resources/email-signup/⸻Timestamps:(00:00) Why growth creates new problems(01:00) Eric’s path into the family business(05:00) The hidden cost of avoiding employees(08:00) Hiring team members who align with vision(12:20) The cash flow problem holding everything back(14:30) Why recurring service revenue matters(18:00) The mindset shift around wealth and support(22:15) Focus as the real growth lever(26:00) Eliminating distractions as an owner(29:10) Final advice for overwhelmed business owners⸻

Most business owners start with a passion for their craft, then slowly realize the business depends on them for everything. Sales, operations, people, decisions. The weight adds up, and eventually something has to change.In this episode of Self-Made Is a Myth, Coach Tim Campsall sits down with Heath, owner of Madison Cabinets, to unpack a 20+ year journey of leading a multi-generation, family-owned business and confronting the limits of doing it all himself.Heath shares the moment he realized managing sales, operations, and people alone was no longer sustainable. He explains how learning to truly understand the numbers changed how he makes decisions, why delegation was harder than he expected, and how leadership development became the key to scaling without constant firefighting. From rapid pandemic growth to intentionally pulling back for stability, this conversation offers a practical look at building a business that works without burning out the owner.This episode is for business owners who feel stuck between working harder and growing smarter, and know the business cannot keep relying on them for everything.⸻What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• Why understanding your numbers is essential to protecting profit• How delegation and leadership development remove the owner bottleneck• The mindset shift required to stop doing $20/hour work• What it takes to build a team that can run the business day to day⸻Looking To Scale Your Business:Did you know that only 9% of businesses make it to $1,000,000 in revenue and less than 1% get to $5,000,000. The reason is that the hustle and grind that got you to $1,000,000 needs to shift to scaling strategies to go beyond. Book a Discovery Call now to learn how our ActionCOACH Business Operating System (ABoS) and coaching helps you to get unstuck and thrive to realize your personal and dreams and business goals. https://tbcactioncoach.com/discovery-zoom-call/Sign up for our weekly business tips https://tbcactioncoach.com/resources/email-signup/⸻Timestamps:(00:00) When doing it all becomes unsustainable(01:00) Taking over a family business(03:40) Why knowing the numbers matters(06:00) Using financial clarity to make better decisions(09:15) Delegation, trust, and letting go(11:00) Scaling fast during the pandemic(13:15) Leading family members at work(15:00) The one issue holding back future growth(18:40) Hiring for culture and leadership(23:45) Advice for owners feeling overwhelmed

Most business owners believe working harder will eventually create freedom. But for many, that belief becomes the very thing that holds the business back.In this episode of Self-Made Is a Myth, Coach Tim Campsall sits down with Leticia Snared, founder of MSIL Staffing & Packaging, to unpack her 25-year journey building a people-first staffing and packaging company in Indianapolis.Leticia shares how she started the business in 2001 as a single mom, grew through multiple industries including automotive, manufacturing, and logistics, and navigated some of the hardest moments of ownership, including a partner split that forced her to rebuild the company from the ground up.The conversation explores why long-term success requires trusting others, building culture intentionally, and learning how to let go as the business grows. Leticia also reflects on the importance of hiring the right people, surrounding yourself with smarter talent, and adapting to change, including how she is now leaning into technology and AI to support the next phase of growth.This episode is for business owners who feel stretched thin, know they cannot do it all forever, and are ready to build a business that grows beyond them.⸻What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• Why owners often become the bottleneck as their business grows• How culture and trust drive long-term scalability• Lessons learned from rebuilding after a partner split• Why hiring smarter people than yourself is essential• How letting go creates growth instead of risk• What 25 years of staffing teaches about people, leadership, and resilience⸻Looking To Scale Your Business:Did you know that only 9% of businesses make it to $1,000,000 in revenue and less than 1% get to $5,000,000. The reason is that the hustle and grind that got you to $1,000,000 needs to shift to scaling strategies to go beyond. Book a Discovery Call now to learn how our ActionCOACH Business Operating System (ABoS) and business or executive coaching helps you to get unstuck and thrive to realize your personal and dreams and business goals. https://tbcactioncoach.com/discovery-zoom-call/Sign up for our weekly business tips https://tbcactioncoach.com/resources/email-signup/⸻Timestamps:(00:00) Why self-made is a myth in business(01:05) Leticia’s journey starting MSIL as a single mom(03:30) Learning every role before leading others(05:00) How MSIL evolved across industries(07:30) Crisis management and rapid scaling moments(09:05) The challenge of a partner split(10:55) Rebuilding with the right team in place(12:05) Hiring smarter people than yourself(14:25) Letting go as the business grows(16:00) Why owners become the bottleneck(19:45) Adapting to technology and AI(22:35) The people who shaped Leticia’s success(25:00) Advice for owners who feel stuck(26:45) Final lessons on leadership and growth

Most business owners know AI is moving fast. What many do not realize is that adopting tools without structure, focus, and people in mind often creates more chaos than clarity.In this episode of Self-Made Is a Myth, Coach Tim Campsall sits down with Travis, a serial entrepreneur who has been part of more than a dozen startups, including successful exits and hard-earned failures.Travis shares lessons from building companies across industries, why surrounding yourself with the right team matters more than individual brilliance, and how chasing too many ideas can quietly stall progress. He explains how visionary founders often become the bottleneck by jumping from idea to idea without execution discipline.The conversation also dives into the realities of AI adoption inside growing businesses. Travis unpacks why most AI initiatives fail, how shadow AI creates hidden risk, and what leaders must do to implement AI responsibly without overwhelming their teams or damaging culture. He introduces Adopt OS, a free platform designed to help organizations assess readiness, align people, and implement AI with clarity and direction.This episode is for business owners and leaders who want to leverage AI without losing focus, protect their culture as they scale, and build systems that support sustainable growth.⸻What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• Why most AI initiatives fail without structure and leadership• How visionary founders become distracted by shiny objects• The hidden risks of shadow AI inside organizations• Why people and process must come before tools• How focus and execution drive sustainable growth⸻Looking To Scale Your Business:Did you know that only 9% of businesses make it to $1,000,000 in revenue and less than 1% get to $5,000,000. The reason is that the hustle and grind that got you to $1,000,000 needs to shift to scaling strategies to go beyond. Book a Discovery Call now to learn how our ActionCOACH Business Operating System (ABoS) and coaching helps you to get unstuck and thrive to realize your personal and dreams and business goals. https://tbcactioncoach.com/discovery-zoom-call/Sign up for our weekly business tips https://tbcactioncoach.com/resources/email-signup/⸻Timestamps:(00:00) Welcome to Self-Made Is a Myth(01:00) Travis’ startup journey and early lessons(03:20) Why teams matter more than individual talent(05:10) Burnout and trying to do everything alone(07:30) Shiny objects and loss of focus(09:00) Why most AI initiatives fail(11:00) The danger of shadow AI(13:30) Building structure around AI adoption(16:00) Delegation, trust, and execution(18:15) Continuous learning as a growth lever(22:50) Mindset shifts for sustainable leadership(25:30) Scaling AI without overwhelming the team(31:30) Advice for owners who feel stuck

Most business owners do not fail because they lack passion. They struggle because the systems that support growth are never built early enough.In this episode of Self-Made Is a Myth, Coach Tim Campsall sits down with Paul, founder of Hoosier Shooting Academy, to unpack his journey from PE teacher and basketball coach to business owner.Paul shares the personal turning points that pushed him into entrepreneurship, becoming a first-time father, losing his mother, and navigating his daughter’s cancer journey. Those moments reshaped how he thought about purpose, leadership, and the cost of drifting without structure.The conversation explores how early success can create complacency, why the owner often becomes the biggest bottleneck, and how a lack of SOPs, accountability, and clear goals slowly pulled the business off course. Paul also opens up about learning sales later than expected, breaking free from discounting, stepping into the role of being the face of the business, and rebuilding momentum through execution and systems.This episode is for owners who started as technicians or coaches, feel the weight of carrying everything themselves, and know the next phase of growth requires structure, discipline, and leadership.⸻What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• Why early success can hide deeper operational issues• How owners unintentionally become the bottleneck• The real cost of discounting and undervaluing your work• Why SOPs and accountability matter more than motivation• How execution and systems unlock sustainable growth⸻Looking To Scale Your Business:Did you know that only 9% of businesses make it to $1,000,000 in revenue and less than 1% get to $5,000,000. The reason is that the hustle and grind that got you to $1,000,000 needs to shift to scaling strategies to go beyond. Book a Discovery Call now to learn how our ActionCOACH Business Operating System (ABoS) and coaching helps you to get unstuck and thrive to realize your personal and dreams and business goals. https://tbcactioncoach.com/discovery-zoom-call/Sign up for our weekly business tips https://tbcactioncoach.com/resources/email-signup/⸻Timestamps:(00:00) Welcome to Self-Made Is a Myth(01:00) From coach to business owner(03:00) Fatherhood, loss, and choosing a different path(05:00) What youth basketball reveals about business systems(08:20) Early success and the slow drift(10:00) The owner as the bottleneck(12:00) Missing systems, sales, and clarity(15:50) Learning to sell and communicate value(18:00) Why discounting hurts growth(21:00) Rebuilding with SOPs and accountability(27:00) Mentors and hard feedback(31:40) Advice for owners who feel stuck(40:00) Final thoughts on execution and leadership

Most business owners spend years building a company they are proud of. Fewer pause to ask what the next phase of growth should look like once the business is stable, respected, and proven. In this episode of Self-Made Is a Myth, Coach Tim Campsall sits down with Heather Leslie of Studio 3 Design to unpack her 20-plus-year journey building an integrated architecture and interior design firm and how she approached growth at a pivotal moment. Heather shares how her background in interior design evolved into leading a commercial firm serving healthcare, multifamily, corporate, and hospitality clients. She opens up about starting the business with zero clients, navigating long stretches without pay, and the ongoing challenge of staffing and talent development in a smaller professional firm. The conversation explores why growth is never linear, how leaders must continually evaluate when to push forward versus pivot, and what changes when a business matures. Heather also reflects on the decision to merge with a larger firm, not as an exit, but as a strategic move to gain support, preserve culture, and unlock the next phase of growth. This episode is for business owners who have built something meaningful and are asking themselves what comes next. ⸻ What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • How mentorship shaped Heather’s confidence as a business owner • The real staffing challenges small professional firms face • When to push forward and when to pivot • What growth looks like after 20 years in business • How mindset shifts open new opportunities • Why success is never achieved alone ⸻ Looking To Scale Your Business: Did you know that only 9% of businesses make it to $1,000,000 in revenue and less than 1% get to $5,000,000. The reason is that the hustle and grind that got you to $1,000,000 needs to shift to scaling strategies to go beyond. Book a Discovery Call now to learn how our ActionCOACH Business Operating System (ABoS) and coaching helps you to get unstuck and thrive to realize your personal and dreams and business goals. https://tbcactioncoach.com/discovery-zoom-call/ Sign up for our weekly business tips https://tbcactioncoach.com/resources/email-signup/ ⸻ Timestamps: (00:00) Welcome to Self-Made Is a Myth (01:00) Heather’s path into design and architecture (02:40) Starting a firm with zero clients (05:45) Early projects and credibility (08:55) Staffing challenges (13:05) Growth mindset shifts (14:30) Considering a merger (17:15) Defining the next growth phase (21:20) Advice for owners navigating growth

Most business owners believe that if they just work harder, everything will eventually click. For many, that belief is exactly what keeps them stuck. In this episode of Self-Made Is a Myth, Coach Tim Campsall sits down with Josh Millard, founder of Millard Financial Group, to unpack what really breaks when a business grows beyond what the owner can personally handle. Josh shares his journey from machine repair to financial services, the leap into commission-based entrepreneurship, and the moment he realized his biggest constraint was not effort, but capacity. They explore the hard decisions around hiring, letting go, building systems, and why knowledge trapped in the owner’s head quietly caps growth. If you are working long hours, feel maxed out, or constantly thinking it is just easier to do it myself, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership, delegation, and scaling without losing control. ⸻ What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why hard work stops working once you hit real capacity How businesses stall when systems live only in the owner’s head The difference between a lifestyle practice and a scalable business Why delegation and documentation create freedom, not chaos ⸻ Looking To Scale Your Business: Did you know that only 9% of businesses make it to $1,000,000 in revenue and less than 1% get to $5,000,000. The reason is that the hustle and grind that got you to $1,000,000 needs to shift to scaling strategies to go beyond. Book a Discovery Call now to learn how our ActionCOACH Business Operating System (ABoS) and coaching helps you to get unstuck and thrive to realize your personal and dreams and business goals. https://tbcactioncoach.com/discovery-zoom-call/ Sign up for our weekly business tips https://tbcactioncoach.com/resources/email-signup/ ⸻ Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Self-Made Is a Myth 01:00 Josh’s background and early career 02:30 Leaving machine repair and taking a risk 05:00 Commission-based work and family support 07:00 What Millard Financial Group does 08:40 Ending a partnership and reassessing goals 10:00 Lifestyle business vs. growth business 11:50 Hitting true capacity as an owner 13:00 When the system is just what the owner knows 15:00 Delegation, profitability, and owner value 19:30 Mindset shifts around employees 22:15 Marketing growth outpacing capacity 30:00 Why figuring it out alone sets owners back 35:00 Final advice and closing thoughts

Many business owners believe that deep expertise alone will carry them through entrepreneurship. For many, that belief becomes a blind spot once they step outside the structure of a large organization. In this episode of Self-Made Is a Myth, Coach Tim Campsall sits down with Phil Hipskind, founder and CEO of Lgenia, to explore the transition from a successful 30+ year career at Eli Lilly into building a mission-driven biotech company from the ground up. Phil shares the realities of earning credibility, navigating funding, recruiting rare talent, and learning business skills in real time. If you are carrying the weight of responsibility, operating in a complex or specialized industry, and feeling the pressure of growth without clear systems or support, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership, learning, and building a business that makes an impact without burning you out. ⸻ What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • Why strong foundations matter more than speed in both science and business • How asking questions and seeking mentors accelerates growth • The hidden challenge of recruiting highly specialized talent • How to lead calmly when pressure, uncertainty, and chaos show up • Why purpose-driven companies attract better people and better outcomes ⸻ Looking To Scale Your Business: Did you know that only 9% of businesses make it to $1,000,000 in revenue and less than 1% get to $5,000,000. The reason is that the hustle and grind that got you to $1,000,000 needs to shift to scaling strategies to go beyond. Book a Discovery Call now to learn how our ActionCOACH Business Operating System (ABoS) and coaching helps you to get unstuck and thrive to realize your personal and dreams and business goals. https://tbcactioncoach.com/discovery-zoom-call/ Sign up for our weekly business tips https://tbcactioncoach.com/resources/email-signup/ ⸻ Timestamps: (00:00) Welcome to Self-Made Is a Myth (01:10) Phil’s background and path from Lilly to entrepreneurship (02:06) What it means to “collect hobbies” and why curiosity matters (06:03) Starting Legenia and learning business as you grow (09:06) What Legenia does and why early-stage drug discovery matters (13:13) Credibility, funding, and earning trust (16:02) The challenge of finding and keeping the right talent(21:09) Asking questions and getting help sooner (24:10) Leadership mindset during uncertainty (28:18) Recruiting without damaging culture (33:08) Mentorship advice for founders who feel stuck(36:05) Gratitude, reflection, and redefining retirement 

John Wiley began installing vehicle graphics in 1982 at the dealership level, quickly emerging as a trailblazer in the CAD industry as computerization first entered the signage world. Between 1988 and 1995, he sold, installed, and trained teams at more than 150 locations on cutting-edge computer graphic design systems—placing him firmly among the first generation of innovators in the modern sign industry. During this time, John recognized a major shift: as businesses transitioned from paint to graphics, many lacked the creative expertise needed to produce designs with strong marketing impact. The marketplace became saturated with repetitive, uninspired work, leaving a significant gap—especially within the small-business sector. Seeing this unmet need, John founded his own company in 1995 with a singular mission: to elevate small-business marketing through high-quality, strategically designed vehicle graphics. He believes that true excellence comes from dedicated focus, and that specialization is the key to delivering superior service and powerful results for every client.

Rob Ellinger is the President and Co-Founder of Ellinger Riggs Insurance Agency, a rapidly growing independent insurance firm headquartered in Noblesville, Indiana. Born in Germany and raised across the United States in a military family—his father served in the U.S. Army for 23 years—Rob developed a deep appreciation for adaptability, integrity, and service from an early age. Rob has spent 26 years in the insurance industry, beginning his career with American Family Insurance before moving to an independent agency and ultimately launching his own firm. Under his leadership, Ellinger Riggs Insurance has expanded from a single location in Noblesville to 11 offices, approaching $7 million in annual revenue. The agency provides a full suite of insurance solutions, including Home, Auto, Business, Farm, Life, and Health insurance. As an independent agency, ERI offers clients a broad selection of carriers and specialized niche products tailored to their unique needs. Today, Rob focuses primarily on large, complex commercial accounts, where his expertise and consultative approach deliver significant value to business clients. Beyond ERI, Rob is also an investor and owner in several other ventures, including commercial real estate, a logistics company, and various B2C businesses. Family is central to Rob’s life. He has been married to his wife, Erin, for 26 years, and together they have three children—Trey, Lauren, and Aubrey—and recently welcomed their first grandchild, Liam, born to Trey and his wife, Lindsey. Lauren and Aubrey both attend Hope College in Holland, Michigan, where they are student-athletes on the women’s soccer team. In his spare time, Rob enjoys spending time with his family on the lake, traveling with Erin, and watching his daughters compete. Rob is also committed to giving back to his community and currently serves on the boards of Hoosier FC and the Indianapolis Opera.  

Doug Heath was born and raised in Cincinnati and is the youngest of 6 kids. He comes from a military family with his father and three brothers also serving in the Army. Doug Heath’s dream for Bravia Services began as an 18-year-old kid who dropped out of college because of lack of money and was working as the fish department manager at a pet store. Doug joined the National Guard 6 days before the start of the Gulf War. After spending almost a year on active duty, Doug returned home and despite multiple deployments, with the help of the Montgomery GI Bill, was able to graduate with an Engineering Degree from the University of Cincinnati. Doug began as an engineer and quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a partner, Senior Executive, and Chief Operating Officer at a consulting firm. Under his leadership, the company expanded its footprint across the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia, serving clients in pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, consumer products, banking, retail, and more. His work focused on scaling operations, driving efficiency, and delivering transformative growth. Motivated by his lifelong commitment to the veteran community and inspired by the idea of building a company that serves those who served America, Doug founded Bravia Services. His vision was to create an organization grounded in integrity, opportunity, and service—one that uplifts veterans, service-disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and their families. Today, Bravia Services operates as a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and Disabled Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE) offering consulting and staffing, construction and engineering, and procurement services across multiple industries. With more than 135 years of combined leadership experience, Doug and his team provide onsite, cost-effective, engineering-led solutions while maintaining an unwavering commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and community impact. Bravia Services has quickly grown into a global organization serving clients across the United States and India. Outside of Bravia, Doug remains deeply engaged in service and civic leadership. His contributions include board and committee roles with the Indianapolis 500 Festival. He has also been involved in coaching youth sports, veteran organizations, and other community initiatives. Doug’s dedication to supporting service members has earned him multiple honors from the U.S. Department of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) program, including the Patriot Award and the Above and Beyond Award. He is also recognized on the American Legion Wall of Fame at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  

Theresa Goodwin is the CEO and founder of Boldthink, a brand advisory and marketing agency she launched in 2011. She has spent more than twenty years helping organizations strengthen their reputation, communicate their value, and drive measurable growth. Her work spans higher education, nonprofits, industrial companies, and service-based organizations, with a focus on helping leaders turn their brand into a real business asset. Born in Chicago and raised in Indiana, Theresa built her career by blending strategic thinking with creative problem solving, a combination that has guided hundreds of clients through brand transformations, marketing campaigns, and revenue challenges. She has mentored founders, guided executives, and shaped strategies for companies ranging from local organizations to national brands. Her background includes multiple certifications in brand strategy and brand architecture, and she earned her MBA from Butler University with a focused track in entrepreneurship and innovation. Theresa leads Boldthink with a commitment to clarity, momentum, and practical execution. The agency’s work centers on brand value optimization, helping clients attract the right customers, activate their brand across the buyer and customer journey, and create lasting loyalty. Boldthink partners with companies that want to grow with intention, strengthen their market presence, and build brands that endure. Learn more at https://boldthinkcreative.com

Chad Frazell was born and raised in the Indianapolis-area. He is an ambitious and driven sales professional, investor and entrepreneur from Zionsville, IN. Graduating from Purdue University in 2007 (Boiler Up!), he moved to Indy shortly thereafter to cut his teeth in the business world. Chad quickly found the corporate lifestyle unappealing after period of time is a stock broker and joined The Web Guys, where he's been since. He's spent more than 17 years helping grow The Web Guys marketing agency into a digital marketing power house, serving as Sales Executive, Digital Strategist, Director of Sales, General Manager and currently President. The most rewarding aspect for Chad is building relationships with phenomenal people on a daily basis, while providing a service that truly impacts and improves the lives of their partners. Chad is an advocate of all things Indianapolis; from sports, entrepreneurship to community-focused growth and improvement. This has lead him to be involved in various endeavors including small-business start-ups, transportation companies, real estate, leasing/flips/development and community development. Chad is married to his beautiful and amazing wife Holli (8 years) and is the proud Dad of Alexandra “Alex” (6) and Jackson “Jack” (5), and best-good-dog “Kash”. Chad offers complimentary digital marketing strategy sessions to help small business owners grow their business, brand and impact via digital avenues.