Advertise on podcast: Real Business Owners

If you are ready to level up personally and professionally, go to joinrbo.com Starting a business is one thing. Building one that actually makes money, survives hard times, and eventually runs without you is a completely different game. In this episode of The Real Business Owners Podcast, Rick Trimmer answers real questions from entrepreneurs about hiring, sales, managing finances, and the critical decisions that determine whether a business succeeds or fails. Drawing from his own experiences of losing everything during the recession and rebuilding his companies, Rick shares the lessons he's learned about overcoming setbacks, making smarter business decisions, and creating long-term financial freedom. From knowing when to hire your first employee to understanding when it's time to walk away from a failing idea, this episode gets into the practical side of entrepreneurship that every business owner needs to understand. In This Episode, You'll Learn: The biggest mistakes new business owners make When to hire your first employee and start building a team Why sales should be your number one priority How to pay yourself without sacrificing business growth The financial numbers every business owner needs to track When to keep pushing and when to walk away from a failing idea How to grow a business with limited capital Why finding the right mentor can save you years of mistakes Building a successful business takes more than hard work. It takes smart decisions, financial discipline, and the ability to adapt when things don't go according to plan.

If you are ready to level up personally and professionally, go to joinrbo.com Most people don't fail because they lack ability. They fail because they aren't willing to do what success requires. In this solo episode of The Real Business Owners Podcast, Trevor Cowley breaks down why so many people fall short of their potential, challenging the victim mentality and exposing the excuses that keep people stuck. He explains why one of the hardest parts of building a successful business isn't solving the problems around you—it's confronting the person responsible for them. From tolerating poor employee performance to abandoning personal commitments when things get uncomfortable, the problems you complain about may be the very problems you're allowing to continue. If you want better results, you need to stop negotiating with yourself, raise your standards, and prove your commitment through action. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why your business problems often reflect your own leadership and standards How to recognize when you're making excuses to avoid discomfort Why discipline is built when things get hard, not when things are easy How facing discomfort builds resilience and changes your identity Why tracking streaks creates undeniable evidence of consistency How to stop playing the victim and take responsibility for your results Why your daily decisions must align with the goals you claim to want Stop complaining about the results you're getting and start taking responsibility for the decisions that create them.

If you are ready to level up personally and professionally, go to joinrbo.comPersonal growth starts when you're willing to confront the parts of yourself you'd rather hide.In this episode of The Real Business Owners Podcast, Rick Trimmer sits down with Ryan Michler for a raw conversation about personal failure, accountability, leadership, and what it actually takes to become a better man.Ryan opens up about the struggles that forced him to reevaluate his life, including alcohol abuse and divorce, and explains why being honest about your failures can have a greater impact than pretending you have everything figured out. Together, they discuss showing grace without abandoning accountability, learning from other people's mistakes, and building the kind of character that holds up when life gets difficult.The conversation also explores consistency, financial discipline, identity beyond business, and why real growth often comes from surrounding yourself with the right people and taking action instead of endlessly consuming information.In This Episode, They Cover:Why sharing your failures can help others more than presenting a perfect imageHow humility changes the way you lead, coach, and handle conflictThe balance between showing grace and holding people accountableWhy consistency and the boring basics produce lasting resultsHow lifestyle inflation and spending to impress others can hold you backWhy your identity should be built around your values, not just your job titleHow live events, meaningful friendships, and the right community can change your lifeWhy listening to advice isn't enough if you're unwilling to take actionReal growth requires more than knowing what to do. It requires the humility to admit where you're falling short and the discipline to do something about it.

If you are ready to level up personally and professionally, go to joinrbo.com What happens when the excitement of entrepreneurship wears off and all that's left is the grind? In this episode of The Real Business Owners Podcast, Trevor Cowley, Rick Trimmer, and AJ Cappuccitti get into what it actually takes to move a business forward when things get difficult. AJ came to Utah from Canada to surround himself with people further ahead, and the conversation quickly expands into a deeper discussion about entrepreneurship, loneliness, scaling, team building, and the importance of changing your environment when you've outgrown it. They break down: Why getting around people ahead of you can completely change your perspectiveWhat to do when business starts feeling like an uphill battleHow successful entrepreneurs can become the go-to person for everyone else's problemsThe difference between being lonely because you're starting out and being selective because you've grownHow to scale a remodeling business without letting overhead crush youWhy you might be playing in the wrong "field" without realizing itHow to build a company that can operate without the ownerCreating a clear path for employees to earn more responsibility, profit sharing, and equityWhy finding good people isn't the hardest part of building a teamKnowing when to stop consuming information and start putting what you've learned into actionThe bigger takeaway: You don't need to know everyone. You need to become the kind of person worth knowing.

If you are ready to level up personally and professionally, go to joinrbo.com What would you do if you had to start over tomorrow? In this episode of The Real Business Owners Podcast, Rick Trimmer answers questions submitted directly by business owners in the Real Business Owners community. He covers everything from getting started in real estate and finding the right business to buy, to rebuilding after losing everything, understanding the numbers that actually matter, choosing business partners, and the advice he would give his 25-year-old self. Rick gets into the practical decisions behind building wealth, recovering from failure, and creating businesses that give you more freedom. He also shares lessons from his own mistakes in real estate, partnerships, and business—and why ultimately, nobody is coming to save you. In This Episode: How to get started in real estate and Airbnb What to look for when buying your first rental property How to find the right business when you don't know what to pursue Why you don't need to be passionate about your business to build wealth What Rick would do if he lost everything tomorrow How cutting expenses and increasing income can accelerate a comeback How much luck actually matters in business The three numbers every business owner should know The biggest mistakes Rick has made in real estate How to identify the right business partner Why Rick uses a "dating period" before entering partnerships The advice Rick would give his 25-year-old self Why taking responsibility for your situation is the first step toward changing it

If you are ready to level up personally and professionally, go to joinrbo.com In this episode of The Real Business Owners Podcast, Rick Trimmer sits down with Trevor Farnes to talk about what happens when everything falls apart—and what it takes to rebuild from nothing. Trevor shares the story of losing nearly everything during the 2008 crash, starting over, building Mountain Ops from the ground up, eventually selling part of the company, and learning when to step away from something he had spent years building. The conversation goes beyond business, diving into failure, faith, marriage, mentorship, delegation, and the responsibility that comes with finding success after going through hard times. Trevor explains how some of his biggest lessons came from the moments when he had the least control and why rebuilding isn't just about creating another successful business—it's about becoming the person capable of sustaining it. Key Takeaways: What losing nearly everything in 2008 taught Trevor about resilience How to keep moving when the original plan completely falls apart Why the people around you can make or break your ability to rebuild How to build a company around a mission instead of just a product Knowing when it's time to give up control and hand over the reins Why delegation is necessary if you actually want freedom How personal hardship can become an opportunity to serve others The role faith, family, and mentorship played throughout Trevor's journey What rebuilding from failure can teach you about business, leadership, and life

If you are ready to level up personally and professionally, go to joinrbo.com Most people want the result, but they don't want to live the process required to earn it. In this episode, Trevor Cowley breaks down what it actually means to get lost in the process, why focusing too heavily on the end goal can become a distraction, and how comfort and complacency can quietly pull you away from the life you're trying to build. Using examples from elite athletes and his own experiences, Trevor explains why the people who consistently perform at the highest level are obsessed with honoring the day, keeping their commitments, and constantly putting new challenges in front of themselves. The goal isn't to become obsessed with the finish line. It's to become obsessed with doing what the day requires. Key Takeaways Why wanting a result means nothing if your daily actions don't align with it. The difference between chasing an outcome and becoming obsessed with the process. Why every day has a scoreboard—you either made the deposit or you didn't. How comfort and complacency can destroy momentum after you've already achieved success. Why elite results require eliminating distractions and unnecessary options. How to stop negotiating with yourself when things get difficult. Why constantly setting new challenges can keep you from falling back into old habits. The importance of surrendering to whatever the process requires. Why your behaviors today—not your intentions—ultimately determine what your life looks like.

If you are ready to level up personally and professionally, go to joinrbo.com Most entrepreneurs think growth means starting something new. Sometimes, the fastest way to grow is to buy what's already working. In this solo episode, Rick Trimmer breaks down the 19 businesses he has started, bought, acquired, merged, or invested in throughout his career—and the lessons each one taught him about building wealth, scaling companies, and finding new opportunities. From starting his first service business at 25 to building a portfolio of companies operated by multiple CEOs, Rick explains why he increasingly turned to acquisitions to gain customers, equipment, inventory, capabilities, and—most importantly—great people. Rick also shares what he learned from losing everything at 31, why business owners choose to sell, how acquisitions can create win-win outcomes for buyers and sellers, and the importance of structuring partnerships correctly from the beginning. If you're interested in acquiring businesses or building a portfolio that doesn't require you to run every operation yourself, this episode is packed with lessons worth paying attention to. In This Episode You'll Learn: Why buying an existing business can be smarter than starting from scratch. The lessons Rick learned from losing everything at 31. How acquisitions can help you enter new markets and accelerate growth. Why the people you acquire can be more valuable than the business itself. How to identify struggling businesses that could become growth opportunities. Why business owners may sell because they want support—not because they want to walk away. The importance of clearly defined agreements when entering partnerships. How to structure businesses so you aren't trapped running the day-to-day operations. Why due diligence and accurate valuation can make or break an acquisition. How to build a portfolio of businesses without becoming the bottleneck in every company.

If you are ready to level up personally and professionally, go to joinrbo.com Most people have an idea of the life they want, but very few actually build a plan that gets them there. In this episode, Trevor Cowley and Rick Trimmer break down what real planning looks like and why saying you want something means nothing if your daily actions aren't aligned with it. They discuss how to design your life around long-term goals, turn massive ambitions into measurable daily actions, make sacrifices in the present for a better future, and create non-negotiable standards that eliminate the need to constantly make decisions. They also dive into the mindset behind Trevor's pursuit of a world record and why pushing yourself beyond what's comfortable can reveal what you're actually capable of. From business and finances to fitness and personal growth, this conversation is about creating a life by design instead of leaving your future to chance. In This Episode You'll Learn: Why success has to happen by design, not by accident. How to turn massive goals into specific daily actions and measurable benchmarks. Why "want" shows up in conversation, but commitment shows up in action. How small expenses, habits, and compromises can quietly destroy long-term progress. Why extraordinary results require doing more than what is ordinary. How non-negotiable standards can eliminate decision fatigue and keep you on track. Why humility, mentorship, and proximity to the right people can accelerate your growth. How to recognize when your current habits aren't producing the life you say you want. Why every season of life eventually requires a new goal and a new challenge. How to build a business that serves the life you want instead of simply building a bigger business. The question isn't whether you want more. The question is what you're willing to change to get it.

If you are ready to level up personally and professionally, go to joinrbo.com The people you surround yourself with can either accelerate your growth or hold your business hostage. In this solo episode, Rick Trimmer breaks down one of the biggest challenges business owners face: building the right team. He explains why keeping the wrong people can cost you far more than money, how to identify the right employees, and why sometimes the best decision you can make is moving someone into a different seat—or helping them find a different bus entirely. Rick also shares how he has built teams capable of operating without him, why giving employees a path toward ownership can help you retain your best people, and why building a great team requires thinking far beyond the next 90 days. In This Episode You'll Learn: Why keeping the wrong employee can be more expensive than replacing them. How to qualify potential employees faster and identify the right people. The difference between having the right person and having them in the right seat. Why great employees need opportunities to grow. How to identify the people who belong on your personal bus. Why your team should be built around where you want to be 10 years from now. The four questions every business owner should ask about their team. How ownership can help you attract and retain high-level employees. Why building your team is an ongoing process, not a one-time decision. When it's time to make difficult changes to protect the future of your business. Your business is only as strong as the people helping you move it forward. Get the right people on the bus, put them in the right seats, and stop being afraid to make changes when something isn't working.

If you are ready to level up personally and professionally, go to joinrbo.com Most opportunities don't come when you're ready. They come when you're willing to become ready. In this episode of The Real Business Owners Podcast, Rick Trimmer sits down with Kayla Brown, the newly appointed CEO of Real Business Owners. After spending more than four years helping build RBO behind the scenes, organizing events, supporting members, and strengthening the community, Kayla is stepping into a much bigger role and taking ownership of the organization's future. This conversation goes beyond business leadership. Rick and Kayla discuss what it takes to step into an opportunity before you feel fully qualified, overcome self-doubt, delegate effectively, and balance ambitious goals with family and personal responsibilities. They also explore why relationships and community can become some of the most valuable assets you build along the way. In This Episode You'll Learn: Why the biggest opportunities often come before you feel ready. How Kayla went from working behind the scenes to leading Real Business Owners. The importance of recognizing the value you bring to the table. Why delegation and trusting your team are essential to effective leadership. How to balance motherhood, marriage, and building something meaningful. Why relationships and community are critical to long-term success. How to overcome fear and self-doubt when stepping into a bigger role. Why growth often requires saying yes before you have everything figured out. How taking ownership can change the trajectory of your career and life. Why becoming the next version of yourself starts with taking action before you feel ready. Whether you're building a company, leading a team, raising a family, or preparing for your next big opportunity, this episode is a reminder that you don't have to feel ready to take the next step. You just have to be willing to take it.

If you are ready to level up personally and professionally, go to joinrbo.com Everyone wants freedom. Very few are willing to pay the price for it. In this solo episode, Rick Trimmer shares the complete story behind how he went from losing everything during the 2008 recession to retiring just six years later and spending the next nine years traveling the world with his wife and four kids. This isn't a story about luck. It's about math, sacrifice, discipline, and building businesses that create freedom instead of dependency. Rick breaks down the exact mindset, decisions, and financial strategy that made it possible—and why almost anyone can do the same if they're willing to commit. If you've ever wondered what it actually takes to build a life on your own terms, this episode gives you the blueprint. In This Episode: * How Rick recovered from $640,000 in debt * The 10-year plan that became a 6-year reality * Why passive income starts with disciplined spending * The role mentors played in changing his life * Building businesses that don't depend on you * The sacrifices most people refuse to make * Why financial freedom is simply a math problem * How to design a life around freedom instead of retirement

If you are ready to level up personally and professionally, go to joinrbo.com Everyone wants elite results, but almost nobody is willing to pay the price that comes with them. In this solo episode, Trevor Cowley shares lessons from his world-record running journey to explain why discomfort isn't the enemy—it's the path. Whether you're building a business, improving your health, or pursuing a bigger vision for your life, the obstacles you face aren't roadblocks. They're the training ground that prepares you for the results you say you want. Trevor breaks down why motivation is unreliable, why consistency always wins, and how embracing the process transforms not only your results, but your identity. If you're tired of looking for shortcuts or wondering why you keep starting over, this episode will challenge you to stop avoiding the hard things and start becoming the person capable of achieving extraordinary outcomes. In This Episode You'll Learn: Why meaningful growth always requires discomfort. The difference between chasing results and committing to the process. How consistency builds confidence and reshapes your identity. Why discipline—not motivation—is the true foundation of success. The mindset shift that makes difficult challenges easier over time. How daily habits compound into extraordinary results. Why resistance is often a sign that you're moving in the right direction. How to stop relying on motivation and build lasting momentum. The connection between personal standards and long-term achievement. Why the person you become is more valuable than the goal you accomplish. The people who achieve extraordinary results aren't the ones who avoid discomfort—they're the ones who learn to embrace it every single day.

If you are ready to level up personally and professionally, go to joinrbo.com Everyone wants the results, but very few people are willing to pay the price. In this episode, Trevor Cowley sits down with longtime friend Andrew Ammons for a candid conversation about discipline, suffering, consistency, and what it actually takes to build a life most people only talk about. They discuss why success isn't reserved for the most talented—it's earned by those who are willing to embrace discomfort, honor their commitments, and show up every single day. From endurance challenges and personal standards to faith, family, business, and leadership, Trevor and Andrew share how the hardest moments often become the greatest catalysts for growth. If you've been waiting for motivation to strike or for life to get easier, this episode is a reminder that the path to becoming your best self starts by doing what others won't. In This Episode You'll Learn: Why discomfort never goes away—you simply become stronger. The difference between wanting success and earning it. How consistency builds confidence more effectively than motivation. Why your daily standards determine your long-term results. The importance of keeping promises to yourself. How suffering develops stronger leaders, parents, and entrepreneurs. Why discipline creates freedom in every area of life. The role faith and purpose play in navigating difficult seasons. How focusing on today's actions builds tomorrow's opportunities. Why extraordinary results require ordinary actions repeated over time. The life you want isn't built by avoiding hard things—it's built by becoming the kind of person who willingly embraces them.

If you are ready to level up personally and professionally, go to joinrbo.com Most business owners want freedom, but very few build companies that can actually run without them. In this episode, Rick Trimmer sits down with his longtime business partners—Nick Rosato, Joshua Woodbury, and Spencer Brooksby—to share the story behind building multiple successful companies together and creating partnerships that go beyond traditional employer-employee relationships. They discuss why ownership creates a different level of commitment, how to identify the right people to grow with, and why trust, alignment, and shared values matter more than individual talent. From navigating difficult conversations to transitioning employees into owners, this conversation reveals the mindset and strategies required to build businesses that can scale beyond the founder. If you're trying to grow a company, build a leadership team, or create a business that gives you back your time, this episode will challenge the way you think about ownership and partnership. In This Episode You'll Learn: Why the right business partner can be more valuable than owning 100% yourself. How to recognize when someone is ready for ownership. The biggest mistakes founders make when giving away equity. Why ownership changes the way people think, operate, and lead. How trust and shared values create stronger partnerships. Why accountability is the foundation of successful teams. The importance of having a shared vision for long-term growth. How to build a business that doesn't depend entirely on the founder. Why trying to do everything yourself can limit your company's potential. What it takes to create freedom through strategic partnerships. Great businesses aren't built by one person doing everything. They're built by finding the right people and building something bigger together.