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Welcome to Epic Entrepreneurs! What does it take to build a real and thriving business in today’s world? As entrepreneurs and business owners, we went into business to have more freedom of time and money. Yet, the path of growing a business isn’t always filled with sunshine and rainbows. In this chart-topping show, host Bill Gilliland; author of the best-selling book “The Coach Approach” leverages his decades of experience coaching proven entrepreneurs to make more money, grow the right teams, and find the freedom of EPIC Entrepreneurship.
183 Episodes
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Erik Fabian transforms everyday sourdough challenges into innovative kitchen solutions with Sourhouse, born from his own bread-baking frustrations during the pandemic. What makes this entrepreneurial story particularly compelling is Eric's thoughtful approach to business building. Rather than rushing to market during the initial COVID sourdough craze, he spent two years perfecting his product. This patience positioned Sourhouse to capture sustainable growth rather than riding a tempora...
What happens when a musician's frustration transforms into a thriving video production business? Ben's transition to filmmaking began when he noticed videographers missing key musical moments during performances. Taking matters into his own hands, he started directing his own music videos, discovering that his musical background translated perfectly to visual storytelling. Beyond technical skills, Ben credits his success to two key elements: following his passion and cultivating genuine relat...
Two Jons with a trailer, a walk-behind mower, and absolutely zero business education decided to start a landscaping company. Seven years later, they're maintaining the grounds at Amazon's Asheville facility and transforming backyards into community-building spaces. This is the refreshingly honest story of Smith & Lloyd Landscaping. Jon Lloyd pulls back the curtain on the entrepreneurial journey with disarming candor. "We should have charged more," he admits, reflecting on years of underv...
Waska Finkelstein joins the Epic Entrepreneurs podcast to share his remarkable 40-year journey through professional video production and personal transformation. At the heart of our conversation is Arthur Ashe's powerful quote that guides Waska's philosophy: "From what we get, we can make a living. From what we give, however, makes a life." This perspective has shaped how Waska approaches his video production business, integrating service, authenticity, and community connection into ev...
Dustin from Junkernaut shares how his Asheville-based junk removal company transforms spaces and lives through compassionate cleanup and crisis management. His business philosophy centers on addressing the root causes of clutter while ensuring environmental responsibility by finding the highest purpose for removed items. • Junkernaut specializes in hoarding situations and helping clients dealing with trauma, physical limitations, or complicated personal histories • The true work often involv...
Mitch Roedel from Boxwood Homes shares how his construction company pivoted their "Our Plans Your Land" program to support hurricane victims while maintaining their core business of building pre-designed homes across Western North Carolina. He offers valuable insights on navigating the contracting business, managing customer expectations, and finding work-life balance in an industry known for demanding schedules. • Boxwood Homes operates across Western NC • Hurricane Helene response includes...
What one metric could transform your business? In Continental Airlines' remarkable story, a new CEO took the company from ranking 20th in customer satisfaction to becoming a top performer by focusing exclusively on improving on-time departures. This powerful example demonstrates how finding the right measurement can completely change your business trajectory. In this episode, Bill talks about how to incorporate four distinct types of metrics: leading indicators (activities that predict futur...
Unlock the secrets to construction business growth with Greg Junge of Junge Construction, as he shares his journey and expertise in our latest episode. Discover how Greg, a second-generation general contractor, transitioned from remodeling to high-end new construction, emphasizing the importance of strong client relationships and strategic networking. Explore effective business growth strategies by understanding the art of managing client expectations through clear communication and well-de...
Join us as we sit down with the inspiring April Nash from the Western Women's Business Center, who shares her journey from a budding entrepreneur to a pivotal community leader in Western North Carolina. If you've ever wondered how to transform a business idea into a viable opportunity, this episode is a treasure trove of insights. April discusses the ample resources available to entrepreneurs, from business planning and marketing to financial strategy and capital access. Her personal story of...
Shelton and Joe from the Wrong Way River Lodge share their incredible journey through adversity after Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on their business. With resilience and strategic planning, they quickly restored their operations and emphasized the importance of partnerships, preparation, and community engagement. • Outlining the origin story of Wrong Way River Lodge • Sharing experiences of facing Hurricane Alene and flooding • Highlighting the importance of financial preparedness and insu...
Russ's story is one of resilience and reinvention, especially in the face of a natural disaster that devastated the business. Undeterred, Russ and his team, supported by the community's goodwill, demonstrated remarkable determination to rebuild and relocate. This episode sheds light on the realities of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the dedication, energy, and strategic planning required to overcome adversity and keep a business thriving. Tune in for a captivating discussion filled with lesso...
Discover the inspiring journey of Ben Colvin, co-owner of Devil's Foot, as he shares how dissatisfaction with overly sweet cocktails led to the birth of a craft ginger beer brand that champions quality non-alcoholic options. From the humble beginnings of homebrewing in a garage to distributing over a million cans annually, Ben opens up about the transition from his conservation nonprofit work to entrepreneurship. This episode promises insights into the early days of Devil's Foot and the lesso...
Professional photographer Carol from Asheville joins us for a conversation filled with resilience and creativity. She opens up about the daunting challenge of rebuilding her business after Hurricane Helene, turning adversity into an opportunity for rebranding in 2025. Carol’s journey from her high school photography days to a successful career in concert photography is inspiring, and her current focus on bringing out the unique personality of businesses through comprehensive branding packages...
Tim and Leslie Grotenhuis join us for a remarkable exploration into the world of race directing and entrepreneurship. After moving to Asheville in 2005 and immersing themselves in the running community, this passionate pair transformed their volunteer work into Kick It Events, a flourishing business birthed in 2014. They reveal how Leslie's production coordination skills and Tim's web design expertise paved the way for their success, and how they turned the challenge of directing races such a...
Imagine transforming your passion for craftsmanship into a thriving business. That's exactly what Houston Trim did, and today, he's sharing his inspiring journey from the workshop to founding Innovex Renovations in Asheville. We promise you'll glean priceless insights as Houston recounts his transition from working with his father in the trades to mastering the nuances of running a business. He candidly reveals how his move to Asheville, spurred by his wife’s career, became a turning point th...
Unlock the secrets to transforming your organization's visibility and credibility through the power of public relations with insights from our guest, Kyle Parks of Parks PR. From Asheville, NC to the Tampa Bay area, Kyle shares his expertise on how PR has evolved beyond traditional media, utilizing platforms like social media and e-newsletters to craft impactful strategies tailored to any budget. Whether you're navigating the B2B or B2C landscape, discover how understanding your unique value ...
This episode centers on the innovative design agency 40 Hearts, exploring its founders' collaborative approach to overcoming challenges in the design industry. The conversation emphasizes the significance of community, work-life balance, and how their unique business model redefines success beyond traditional hustle culture. • Overview of 40 Hearts and its founding partners • The importance of community engagement in design projects • Challenges and opportunities in transitioning...
In this episode, we sit down with Adam Knapp, founder of Knapp Creative Coaching, to explore how you can unlock your full potential through personal and professional transformation. Adam shares his inspiring journey from decades as an educator, implementing holistic and collaborative teaching methods, to becoming a transformational coach. We dive into the Five Elements of Transformation – communication, accountability, clarity, awareness, and action – which form the foundation of his work. Ad...
In this podcast, we explore key business insights from Jay Baer’s impactful presentation at BizX. As a 7th-generation entrepreneur and marketing expert, Jay outlines six actionable strategies to harness speed as a competitive advantage in business. Whether you're looking to improve customer satisfaction or streamline operations, these tactics can transform how you run your business and meet customer demands. Discover how to: -Conduct a "Got It Audit" to improve response times. -Answer custo...
In this podcast, we’re diving into the concept that you are your best equipment and why it’s essential to treat yourself as your most valuable asset. Just as you wouldn’t skip maintenance on crucial tools, your own self-care can’t be overlooked if you want to reach and sustain your goals. We’ll cover three key areas for self-investment: physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Physically, it’s about fueling yourself with good nutrition, staying hydrated, exercising, and getting enough slee...
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, many businesses in Western North Carolina face unprecedented challenges. In this video, we dive into essential strategies for business recovery and resilience that you can implement today. Learn how to communicate effectively with your team, customers, and community, manage cash flow wisely, and prioritize strategic planning to navigate this difficult period. We'll explore actionable steps like securing funding, negotiating with suppliers, and leveraging ...
In this, we sit down with Tyler West, a seasoned entrepreneur who has balanced running a successful construction business while pursuing his passion for cycling. Tyler shares his journey from working in the cycling industry to taking over his family business, and how he learned that your passion and your profession don’t always have to be the same. Discover valuable insights on entrepreneurship, finding balance, and why every business deal should be a win-win. Tune in for inspiring stories an...
In this week's episode, Bill Gilliland hosts Justin Powell from Valor Private Wealth for an insightful discussion on driving business growth and financial planning. Justin shares valuable insights on working with business owners, highlighting the importance of aligning personal goals with business growth. He explains Valor Private Wealth's detailed financial planning process, emphasizing the significance of quarterly meetings and annual reviews. A key topic of the discussion is exit plannin...
In today's episode, your host Bill Gilliland sits down with Brett Halsey from Halsey Media Group to dive deep into the upcoming Asheville Business Summit. Join us as we discuss: -The wide range of local publications by Halsey Media Group and their impact on Western North Carolina. -The significance of the Asheville Business Summit for local business leaders and decision-makers. -How Halsey Media Group connects businesses with their target audiences through innovative marketing strategies....
Today we have an enlightening conversation with Meredith Switzer from All Souls Counseling Center. In this episode, we dive into the incredible work being done by All Souls Counseling Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing quality mental health counseling to uninsured and underinsured individuals in Western North Carolina. Meredith shares the mission and impact of the center, emphasizing the importance of normalizing conversations around mental health and the extensive servi...
Join us in this insightful episode where we dive into the inspiring journey of Jeff Makey, founder of CLearn. Discover how Jeff transitioned from a career in construction to finding his true calling in education and training design. In this video, Jeff shares his experiences and lessons learned along the way, including the importance of niching in business, the power of continued education, and the role of passion in achieving success. Whether you're an entrepreneur, educator, or simply look...
In this episode, we're excited to be joined by Dave Kaverman from Acuity Mergers and Acquisitions. Dave shares his journey into the business of buying and selling companies, sparked by his own experience with selling a bookstore he started in 1992. He dives into the common mistakes business owners make when trying to sell their businesses, such as overestimating their value and not keeping the business running smoothly during the sale process. Dave also provides valuable insights for potent...
In this week's episode of Epic Entrepreneurs, join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Brad Currin. After a diverse career, Brad takes a bold step into entrepreneurship by acquiring and running a franchise in Western North Carolina. Discover the strategic insights and valuable lessons he's learned from moving to a new town, starting a business, and making a significant impact in the service industry. Tune in to gain valuable insights from Brad's experiences that can inspire and...
Welcome to this week's episode. I'm your host, Bill Gilliland. In this episode, we're excited to feature Kensley Hendrix from Christie's Lighting. Join us as Kensley shares her unique journey into Christie's Lighting, where she now thrives in business development. Discover how she transitioned from a neighboring business to becoming an integral part of Christie's Lighting, a company known for its diverse product offerings and exceptional service in the building industry. In This Episo...
Welcome to this week's episode of Epic Entrepreneurs, brought to you by Action Coach Growth Partners. I'm your host, Bill Gilliland, and in today's episode, we have a special guest, Holly Fisher, the first repeat guest on our show! Holly Fisher, owner of Fisher Creative Marketing and a StoryBrand Certified Guide, joins us to share valuable marketing tips. She explains the StoryBrand framework, a powerful tool based on classic storytelling principles that helps businesses clarify their ...
In this episode, Jay shares his journey from a small 600-square-foot office to a rapidly expanding business licensed in South Carolina. Discover how Jay and his team have grown from 6 to 24 members and the leadership lessons they've learned along the way. Jay dives deep into the importance of team culture, the shift in his leadership philosophy, and how focusing on team empowerment has driven their success. We also discuss practical tips on finding great team members, the impact of marine tr...
Welcome to this week's episode of Epic Entrepreneurs, brought to you by Action Coach Growth Partners. Your host, Bill Gilliland, introduces an exciting opportunity for business owners and leaders in the Asheville area: The Asheville Business Summit. Join Beth Lemmel, she shares the journey and vision behind the Asheville Business Summit, set to take place on August 19-20 at the stunning Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown. This event is designed for business owners, manag...
Welcome to this week's episode of Epic Entrepreneurs, brought to you by Action Coach Growth Partners. I'm your host, Bill Gilliland, and in today's podcast, we're diving into the world of entrepreneurship with insights from real entrepreneurs to help you on your journey. In this episode, we meet June Thomas, the owner of a boutique graphic design firm in Nashville, North Carolina. June shares her experience of running a small, close-knit team that provides both print and digital design servi...
In this episode of Epic Entrepreneurs, host Bill Gilliland engages in a profound discussion with Guitze Messina, an organization dedicated to enhancing profits for distributors and manufacturers. Together, they unravel the essence of recurring sales and the pivotal role of understanding customer behavior. Guitze shares invaluable insights into the five key questions entrepreneurs must ask to unlock opportunities for recurring revenue, emphasizing the significance of genuine assistance in buil...
Welcome to another captivating episode of Epic Entrepreneurs hosted by Bill Gilliland. Join us as we dive deep into the world of business with special guest Jessica Whitmire, co-owner of Headwaters Outfitters. In this episode, Jessica shares invaluable insights gleaned from her journey in the outdoor recreation industry, offering a wealth of knowledge to entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts alike. Discover the secrets to success as Jessica discusses the importance of effective communication...
Bill Gilliland, the host of the Epic Entrepreneurs podcast, welcomes Brad Sugars, a visionary entrepreneur and founder of one of the world's largest business coaching companies. In this engaging and informative episode, Bill delves into Brad's entrepreneurial mindset, exploring his journey from youth to building a global empire in business coaching. Brad begins by defining what an entrepreneur is: someone who turns an idea into a profitable organization. He shares his own journey, recal...
In this episode of Epic Entrepreneurs, Bill Gilliland interviews Mike Bosworth, a seasoned sales trainer and founder of Story Seekers. Mike shares his journey from reluctant beginnings in sales at Xerox in the 1970s to becoming a leading influence in sales training and engagement strategies through storytelling. He emphasizes the importance of building trust and genuine emotional connections with customers to drive business success. After his experience at Xerox, Mike founded Solutions and S...
Join host Bill Gilliland in this insightful episode featuring Heather Moreland, founder of Lakeside Accounting, as they discuss Heather's journey into entrepreneurship and her mission to provide financial clarity for small businesses. Heather shares her background, starting from her accounting studies at Covenant College to her corporate career at Southern Champion Tray, where she discovered her passion for accounting and leadership. Heather delves into the pivotal moment when she was diagnos...
Welcome to Epic Entrepreneurs, brought to you by Action Coach Growth Partners. I'm your host, Bill Gilliland. In this podcast, we delve into the world of entrepreneurship, offering listeners real stories from real entrepreneurs that will inspire and guide you on your own entrepreneurial journey. Each episode provides valuable business tips aimed at helping you scale up faster, along with practical coaching advice to help you achieve real-world results and become the best entrepreneur you can ...
Welcome to Epic Entrepreneurs, the podcast where we delve deep into the journeys of remarkable entrepreneurs who have charted their own paths to success. I'm your host, Bill Gilliland, and today we have a special guest, Louise Bijesse, founder of Up Talent Consulting and Up Talent Search, based in Fairview, North Carolina. Louise shares her inspiring story, from her beginnings as a chef to her transition into HR and talent acquisition. With over 25 years of experience in the industry. Throu...
Ever felt like the building industry could use a serious boost in customer service standards? We've got the blueprint for success, and it's all about trust and punctuality. This week on Epic Entrepreneurs, we delve into the concrete strategies that contractors and subcontractors can employ to stand out in a crowded market. It's not just about wearing the right clothes or showing up on time – it's a comprehensive approach to professionalism that can make or break your business. And the best pa...
Discover the transformative power of meticulous hiring to unlock the freedom and flexibility you've been dreaming of as a business owner. This week's conversation is all about ditching the lazy approach to recruitment, sparked by my own eye-opening adventure in seeking a marketing manager. Through my experience, we'll dissect the crucial steps to attract stellar candidates and why the common "post-and-pray" method falls short. We'll navigate the art of marketing your open positions, handling ...
Unlock the secret to marketing that doesn't just reach people, but resonates with them. This week on Epic Entrepreneurs, we're cutting to the chase with some hard truths about why your marketing might be falling flat and how to inject it with the dynamism it desperately needs. Prepare for a paradigm shift as we confront the modern consumer's preference for minimal human contact and dissect the evolving 'seven touches' theory that's now become a game of 28 touches—or an immersive six hours of ...
Unlock the secret to business relationships that not only last but thrive—discover why Theodore Roosevelt's wisdom holds the key to winning hearts in the corporate world. This episode peels back the layers of what it means to truly care about your clients and customers, a quality that speaks volumes beyond any product pitch or sales strategy. We're not just highlighting how to be more than order takers or product pushers; we're championing the change to become professional problem solvers.&nb...
Can happiness be a constant companion in our entrepreneurial voyage? This week's 'Always Be Happy' episode challenges the notion with a blend of wisdom from Bobby McFerrin's "Don't Worry, Be Happy" and actionable advice to light up your days. We dissect the 80/20 rule of happiness, revealing that while life's waves may rock our boat, setting sail towards contentment 80% of the time is a voyage worth taking. I share stirring anecdotes and Dale Carnegie's insights that intertwine the dance of h...
Ever received a business gift that genuinely made you feel valued? That's the power of thoughtful gifting we're unpacking on this week's Epic Entrepreneurs. We take you through an array of personal tales highlighting the ripple effect of well-chosen corporate gifts, from the practicality of a branded flashlight that saved me in a pinch, to a cunning puzzle that left me scratching my head but smiling. It's more than just swag—it's about cementing relationships, expressing genuine gratitude, an...
Do you ever wonder why the most successful people are often the most disciplined? Hold that thought because in this week's episode of Epic Entrepreneurs, we're dissecting discipline - the one attribute that distinguishes the good from the great, the mediocre from the epic. Get set to unravel the two types of discipline: external discipline, think parents, bosses, or coaches, and the often more challenging, self-discipline. We bring you the wisdom of Coach John Wooden of the UCLA Bruins...
Imagine being 1% better every day. Sounds simple, right? Well, on this week's episode of Epic Entrepreneurs, we explore the extraordinary power of making small, manageable steps toward your larger goals. Taking inspiration from Matthew McConaughey's desire to meet the person he becomes in 10 years, we dive into how we grossly underestimate what we can achieve in a decade. Using James Clear's 'Atomic Habits' as our guide, we delve into the phenomenal transformation of the British cycling team...
Do you want to do more with your life and business? If so, start by becoming different! I share some powerful insights from my time working with Joe, a successful salesperson who mastered the art of asking. We will unpack the different types of questioning, including asking for information, for help, for what's next, and for directions. Most importantly, we delve into the importance of asking for the sale and for referrals. Remember the golden rule, “ask and you shall receive”. As we m...
Have you dreamt of stepping away from the humdrum of corporate life and delving into entrepreneurial ventures of your own? Well, our guest today, Stacy Fields, did just that. With her family, she embarked on a journey of transforming a raspberry farm in Fletcher, North Carolina into a successful business venture, despite having no prior farming experience. Stacy's story is a masterclass in the power of hard work, research, and understanding the industry and its customer base. Her insights on ...
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