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On this episode of the builders Podcast, John Busby sits down with David Walker, co-founder of Firestone Walker Brewing Company, to talk about the 30+ year journey behind one of the defining brands in American craft beer. David shares how his background in wine, love of English ales, and belief in California’s craft brewing future helped shape Firestone Walker from the ground up. John and David discuss: 00:00 — Introduction to David Walker and Firestone Walker 01:09 — How Firestone Walker started and why craft beer felt like the next wine movement 04:56 — Bringing European beer culture into California craft brewing 06:19 — How 805 beer became Firestone Walker’s flagship brand 08:48 — The evolution of craft beer marketing and lifestyle branding 12:21 — Scaling Firestone Walker while keeping up with demand 14:46 — Growing without losing culture, quality, or authenticity 18:07 — Building a successful family business and long-term leadership partnership 21:37 — Brewing for Tomorrow: sustainability, solar power, CO2 capture, and water efficiency 25:42 — The state of craft beer and what comes next for Firestone Walker Thanks for listening, and if you liked this episode, be sure to share it with someone building a business or career they don’t have to recover from. 🚀 🚀 Join business.com+: https://www.business.com/tracking/?a=101704&c=114951&s7=Youtube&s8=episodedescription&s9=builders Business.com+ is a free membership program for SMBs that takes the pain out of choosing new business services with 1:1 help from an advisor + exclusive deals on top solutions. 🎧 Listen and subscribe to the builders podcast: https://plinkhq.com/i/1608075598?to=page 📺 Watch more from the builders podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@builderspodcast

On this episode of the builders Podcast, John Busby sits down with Meghan French Dunbar, former CEO and co-founder of Conscious Company Media and author of This Isn’t Working, to talk about the hidden cost of entrepreneurial success and how to build a thriving business without sacrificing your health. Meghan shares her journey from launching a nationally distributed magazine after business school to scaling and exiting the company, all while quietly battling chronic stress, anxiety, and burnout behind the scenes. The conversation explores the difference between normal pressure and chronic stress, why “busy” has become a harmful badge of honor, and how founders can build healthier, more sustainable companies from the ground up. John and Meghan discuss: 00:00 – Introduction  03:10 – The hidden toll of entrepreneurship and “falling apart” behind success 07:10 – Stress vs. chronic stress: how to recognize the warning signs 11:19 – Why glorifying business is dangerous and how to break the cycle 16:14 – The link between financial security, engagement, and performance 20:16 – Practical ways to build healthier, more human-centered organizations 24:20 – Leadership myths: are women actually better leaders? Thanks for listening, and if you liked this episode, be sure to share it with someone building a business or career they don’t have to recover from. 🚀 🚀 Join business.com+: https://www.business.com/tracking/?a=101704&c=114951&s7=Spreaker&s8=episodedescription&s9=builders Business.com+ is a free membership program for SMBs that takes the pain out of choosing new business services with 1:1 help from an advisor + exclusive deals on top solutions. Check out Meghan’s book: This Isn't Working: Overcoming Stress, Guilt, and Overload  🎧 Listen and subscribe to the builders podcast: https://plinkhq.com/i/1608075598?to=page 📺 Watch more from the builders podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@builderspodcast

On this episode of the builders podcast, John Busby sits down with Michael Browning, CEO and Founder of Unleashed Brands, to explore how he built a multi-brand platform focused on helping kids become well-rounded and life-ready. Michael shares his entrepreneurial journey from launching trampoline parks with Urban Air to scaling a portfolio of brands serving over 20 million kids each year. The conversation dives into how he identifies opportunities at the intersection of innovation and scalability, expands through franchising and acquisitions, and builds a mission-driven company centered on character development and meaningful experiences for families. They also discuss how parenting priorities are shifting today, with a growing focus on confidence, resilience, and life skills over traditional metrics like grades. Michael and John discuss: 00:00 - The origin of Urban Air and spotting scalable ideas 08:14 - Navigating risk and uncertainty as an entrepreneur 11:25 - Discovering franchising and scaling beyond one market 15:10 - Expanding into a multi-brand platform and acquiring Sylvan 17:20 - The vision behind Unleashed Brands and youth enrichment 20:30 - How parenting priorities are shifting toward character development 24:20 - Leadership lessons and evolving as a founder Thanks for listening, and if you liked this episode, be sure to share it with someone you want to see leveled-up with you. 🚀 🚀 Join business.com+: https://www.business.com/tracking/?a=101704&c=114951&s7=Spreaker&s8=episodedescription&s9=builders Business.com+ is a free membership program for SMBs that takes the pain out of choosing new business services with 1:1 help from an advisor + exclusive deals on top solutions. 🎧 Listen and subscribe to the builders podcast: https://plinkhq.com/i/1608075598?to=page 📺 Watch more from the builders podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@builderspodcast

On this episode of the builders Podcast, John Busby sits down with Mike Barron, Founder of Ikon Digital Media, to break down how e-commerce brands grow through modern affiliate and creator strategies. Mike explains why success goes far beyond influencers—spanning editorial, media buyers, and community-driven channels—and what makes these programs actually perform, from product-market fit to reviews and trust. The conversation also explores how affiliate strategies impact AI and LLM-driven discovery, along with Mike’s journey from sales leader to founder and the leadership and sales fundamentals behind building a successful business. Mike and John discuss: 04:11 – When a brand is ready to invest in affiliate marketing 08:36 – Creator strategy 101 for brands entering the space 10:52 – Why affiliate marketing now functions like an ecosystem 12:04 – How editorial coverage influences LLM and AI visibility 15:18 – Why diverse traffic sources matter in the customer journey 16:05 – Mike’s decision to go from sales leader to founder 21:41 – Why cold calling and early sales reps still matter Thanks for listening, and if you liked this episode, be sure to share it with someone you want to see leveled-up with you. 🚀 🚀 Join business.com+: https://bit.ly/business-com-plus Business.com+ is a free membership program for SMBs that takes the pain out of choosing new business services with 1:1 help from an advisor + exclusive deals on top solutions. 🎧 Listen and subscribe to the builders podcast: https://plinkhq.com/i/1608075598?to=page 📺 Watch more from the builders podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@builderspodcast

On this episode of the builders podcast, John Busby sits down with Allison Netzer, Founder of BrandThnk.co and a branding expert known for her work with financial institutions, to explore how companies can stand out in increasingly commoditized markets. Allison shares insights from her updated book, Think Like a Brand, Not a Bank, including her Pain, Promise, Proof framework—a practical approach to building deeper, more meaningful connections with customers. The conversation dives into the pitfalls of activity-based marketing, why leading with features often fails to resonate, and how focusing on a single, emotionally compelling promise can cut through the noise, while also introducing the idea of “organizational constellations” as a way to align teams around a shared understanding of the customer problem and brand purpose. Allison and John discuss: 04:20 – What “activity-based marketing” gets wrong 08:20 – Where AI fits into branding, intuition, and taste 10:18 – The Pain, Promise, Proof framework 18:11 – From “north star” to “organizational constellation” 23:18 – Why strong brands focus on what they won’t do 27:01 – A key lesson from a fintech client about competition Thanks for listening, and if you liked this episode, be sure to share it with someone you want to see leveled-up with you. 🚀 👉 Explore Allison’s book, Think Like a Brand, Not a Bank: https://brandthnk.co/book/ 👉 Check out BrandThnk.co’s website: https://brandthnk.co/ 🚀 Join business.com+: https://bit.ly/business-com-plus Business.com+ is a free membership program for SMBs that takes the pain out of choosing new business services with 1:1 help from an advisor + exclusive deals on top solutions. 🎧 Listen and subscribe to the builders podcast: https://plinkhq.com/i/1608075598?to=page 📺 Watch more from the builders podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@builderspodcast

On this episode of the builders podcast, John Busby sits down with Amy Rasdal, founder of Billable at the Beach, to explore how professionals can launch a successful consulting business without getting stuck in endless planning, branding, or underpricing. Amy shares her journey from Silicon Valley executive to solopreneur, revealing why consulting gave her more freedom, more impact, and more income than the traditional corporate path. She breaks down the practical steps to start fast, identify your superpower, charge what you're worth, and land your first paying client without waiting until everything feels perfect. Amy and John discuss: 02:21 – Amy’s Silicon Valley background and why she left the CEO track 05:43 – How consulting became a higher-income, higher-control alternative 09:50 – How Billable on the Beach grew from advice for friends into a business  12:27 – The first priority: land a client and get paid 15:15 – Finding your “superpower” and shaping a marketable offer 26:47 - Charging what you’re worth and avoiding the biggest pricing mistake Thanks for listening, and if you liked this episode, be sure to share it with someone who’s thinking about making the leap into consulting or fractional work. 👉 Explore Amy’s business, Billable at the Beach: https://billableatthebeach.com/ 🚀 Join business.com+: https://bit.ly/business-com-plus Business.com+ is a free membership program for SMBs that takes the pain out of choosing new business services with 1:1 help from an advisor plus exclusive deals on top solutions. 🎧 Listen and subscribe to the builders podcast: https://plinkhq.com/i/1608075598?to=page 📺 Watch more from the builders podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@builderspodcast

On this episode of the builders podcast, John Busby sits down with Allison Shapira, Harvard lecturer, keynote speaker, and author of AI for the Authentic Leader, to explore how leaders can use AI without losing their voice. As generative AI becomes embedded in everyday communication, Allison explains why liberal arts skills like adaptability, curiosity, and critical thinking are more valuable than ever. She shares research on how overreliance on AI can erode trust, why authenticity is the foundation of strong leadership, and how to create your own Authentic Voice Intelligence blueprint so AI enhances rather than replaces human connection. Allison and John discuss: 04:32 – How AI can erode trust if leaders overuse it 08:25 – Generic AI communication vs. unique human voice 16:39 – Public speaking lessons from opera training 20:39 – Universal truths about human connection across cultures 23:51 – How to ask for feedback and continuously improve as a speaker 26:17 – Why humor matters in leadership communication Thanks for listening, and if you liked this episode, be sure to share it with someone who cares about leading with both innovation and authenticity. 👉 Learn more about Allison Shapira: https://allisonshapira.com/ 🚀 Join business.com+: https://bit.ly/business-com-plus Business.com+ is a free membership program for SMBs that takes the pain out of choosing new business services with 1:1 help from an advisor plus exclusive deals on top solutions. 🎧 Listen and subscribe to the builders podcast: https://plinkhq.com/i/1608075598?to=page 📺 Watch more from the builders podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@builderspodcast

On this episode of the builders podcast, John Busby sits down with Kevin Kong, CEO and founder of Everstar, to discuss the critical role nuclear energy plays in addressing the global energy crisis. As energy demand surges driven in part by AI and data center growth, Kevin explains why nuclear is becoming a key part of the clean energy equation and what must change for the U.S. to scale safely and efficiently. He shares how regulatory complexity, documentation burdens, and industry knowledge loss have slowed nuclear development, and how Everstar is modernizing workflows to accelerate site qualification, permitting, and project timelines. Kevin also reflects on his journey from engineer to entrepreneur and why first principles thinking, confidence, and culture building are essential for tackling massive infrastructure challenges. Kevin and John discuss: 01:10 – The current energy crisis and nuclear’s role in meeting rising demand 05:35 – Nuclear energy’s potential and global comparisons (U.S. vs. China) 07:28 – Everstar’s mission to streamline nuclear project workflows 12:44 – Kevin’s personal journey into the nuclear sector 21:36 – How engineering skills translate into entrepreneurial success 25:27 – Building culture while scaling an energy-focused startup Thanks for listening, and if you liked this episode, be sure to share it with someone you want to see leveled-up with you. 🚀 👉 Check out Everstar’s website: Accelerating Nuclear with AI | Everstar🚀 Join business.com+: https://bit.ly/business-com-plus Business.com+ is a free membership program for SMBs that takes the pain out of choosing new business services with 1:1 help from an advisor + exclusive deals on top solutions. 🎧 Listen and subscribe to the builders podcast: https://plinkhq.com/i/1608075598?to=page 📺 Watch more from the builders podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@builderspodcast

On this episode of the builders podcast, John Busby sits down with Jordan McDonough, co-founder of Somerled Designs, to discuss how interior design has become a critical business strategy in today’s competitive short-term rental market. Jordan shares why design is no longer optional for Airbnb owners and how guest expectations, market research, and intentional experiences drive bookings and ROI.Jordan also shares the story behind Somerled Designs, from spotting a gap in the STR market to scaling a 100% remote service-based business, and explains how understanding your target audience, amenities, and systems fuels both property performance and company growth. Jordan and John discuss: 02:55 – Designing for differentiation in a crowded market 07:52 – The origin story of Somerled Designs 12:21 – The process of working with STR clients 19:06 – Scaling a service-based business 22:32 – Building and maintaining a remote work culture Thanks for listening, and if you liked this episode, be sure to share it with someone you want to see leveled-up with you. 🚀 👉 Explore more of Somerland Designs: Somerled Designs - Specializing in Vacation Rentals 🚀 Join business.com+: https://bit.ly/business-com-plus Business.com+ is a free membership program for SMBs that takes the pain out of choosing new business services with 1:1 help from an advisor + exclusive deals on top solutions. 🎧 Listen and subscribe to the builders podcast: https://plinkhq.com/i/1608075598?to=page 📺 Watch more from the builders podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@builderspodcast

On this episode of the builders podcast, John Busby sits down with Atiba de Souza, entrepreneur, marketing expert, and author of The Delegation Trap, to talk about what matters most in marketing in 2026 and beyond. Atiba explains how moments of truth in the buyer journey have changed, why human connection and community are winning in B2B, and why video is now central to search and engagement. The conversation also explores Atiba’s 30 year business journey, including launching a search engine before Google, the thinking behind turning doers into thinkers through better delegation, and the cultural and practical benefits of living and working in the Philippines. Atiba and John discuss: 00:45 – Atiba’s background and focus on modern marketing 03:37 – Moments of truth and the role of community in B2B 07:40 – The rise of video marketing and video search 14:33 – Atiba’s journey from search engines to video strategy 21:47 – The Delegation Trap and the CASE method 32:27 – Living and working in the Philippines Thanks for listening, and if you liked this episode, be sure to share it with someone you want to see leveled-up with you. 🚀 👉 Explore Atiba de Souza’s book, The Delegation Gap: https://thedelegationtrap.com/ 🚀 Join business.com+: https://bit.ly/business-com-plus Business.com+ is a free membership program for SMBs that takes the pain out of choosing new business services with 1:1 help from an advisor + exclusive deals on top solutions. 🎧 Listen and subscribe to the builders podcast: https://plinkhq.com/i/1608075598?to=page 📺 Watch more from the builders podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@builderspodcast

On this episode of the builders podcast, John Busby sits down with Paul Sippil, a registered investment advisor and 401(k) forensic consultant, to unpack how retirement plans really work, and why most employees and employers are paying more than they should. Paul explains what a 401(k) actually is, how fees quietly erode long-term savings, and why transparency in plan design and advisor compensation matters more than most people realize. The conversation also explores investment strategies beyond traditional index funds, best practices for early and mid-career investors, and Paul’s broader mission to bring transparency to complex systems. Paul and John discuss: 01:26 – What a 401(k) really is (and how it differs from an IRA) 05:43 – How to tell if you have a good or bad 401(k) plan 09:58 – Advisors, administrators, and where hidden fees come from 14:50 – Paul’s path to becoming a 401(k) forensic consultant 19:55 – Best practices for early-career investors 31:22 – Paul’s community dining initiative and food system transparency Thanks for listening, and if you liked this episode, be sure to share it with someone you want to see leveled-up with you. 🚀 👉 Explore Paul’s website: www.paulsippil.com 🚀 Join business.com+: https://bit.ly/business-com-plus Business.com+ is a free membership program for SMBs that takes the pain out of choosing new business services with 1:1 help from an advisor + exclusive deals on top solutions. 🎧 Listen and subscribe to the builders podcast: https://plinkhq.com/i/1608075598?to=page 📺 Watch more from the builders podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@builderspodcast

On this episode of the builders podcast, John Busby sits down with Scott Stirrett, founder of Venture for Canada and author of The Uncertainty Advantage, to talk about what it really takes to build a meaningful career in an era defined by rapid change. Scott breaks down why young professionals must learn to embrace uncertainty, take smart risks, and focus on developing adaptable, useful skills rather than chasing rigid career plans. He also opens up about his mental health journey, how travel builds adaptability, and why pursuing multiple ventures can be a strength, not a distraction. Thanks for listening, and if you liked this episode, be sure to share it with someone you want to see leveled-up with you. 🚀 👉 Get Scott’s book The Uncertainty Advantage: https://www.amazon.com/Uncertainty-Advantage-Launching-Career-Change/dp/1459753224👉 Follow Scott’s Substack: https://substack.com/@scottstirrett 🚀 Join business.com+: https://bit.ly/business-com-plus Business.com+ is a free membership program for SMBs that takes the pain out of choosing new business services with 1:1 help from an advisor + exclusive deals on top solutions.🎧 Listen and subscribe to the builders podcast: https://plinkhq.com/i/1608075598?to=page📺 Watch more from the builders podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@builderspodcast

On this episode of the builders podcast, John Busby sits down with Jason Weinberger, Co-Founder & CRO of Mother Bear Agency, to talk about what it really takes to scale a brand in 2025. Jason breaks down why an integrated, holistic approach to marketing outperforms one-off tactics. He also shares his journey from copywriter to leading major campaigns, the lessons he’s carried into building Mother Bear, and how AI is transforming the way modern marketing teams operate. The conversation covers everything from performance creative to data-driven PR to the challenges marketers face in an era of platform changes and signal loss. Thanks for listening, and if you liked this episode, be sure to share it with someone you want to see leveled-up with you. 🚀 👉 Explore Mother Bear Agency: https://motherbear.agency/ 🚀 Join business.com+: https://bit.ly/business-com-plus Business.com+ is a free membership program for SMBs that takes the pain out of choosing new business services with 1:1 help from an advisor + exclusive deals on top solutions. 🎧 Listen and subscribe to the builders podcast: https://plinkhq.com/i/1608075598?to=page 📺 Watch more from the builders podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@builderspodcast

On this episode of the builders podcast, John Busby sits down with Paul Laudanski, Director of Security Research at Onapsis and a leading cybersecurity expert, to explore the evolving world of digital security, from zero day vulnerabilities and ERP attacks to the growing impact of AI and offensive research. Paul shares insights from his extensive career, discussing how both businesses and individuals can strengthen their defenses, make smart cybersecurity investments, and stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated threats. Thanks for listening, and if you liked this episode, be sure to share it with someone that you want to see leveled-up with you. 🚀 🚀 Join business.com+: https://bit.ly/business-com-plus Business.com+ is a free membership program for SMBs that takes the pain out of choosing new business services with 1:1 help from an advisor + exclusive deals on the best solutions. 🎧 Listen and subscribe to the builders podcast: https://plinkhq.com/i/1608075598?to=page 📺 Watch more from the builders podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@builderspodcast

On this episode of the builders podcast, John Busby sits down with Dr. Candace Steele Flippin, author, researcher, and corporate leader, to talk about leadership, generational change, and the evolving workplace. Dr. Flippin shares her journey from studying art history to leading in marketing and communications, and how intentionality, networking, and adaptability have shaped her career. The conversation explores the challenges facing women and Gen Z professionals, from pay transparency and flexible work to building empathy across generations. Dr. Flippin also shares practical advice on leadership development, career advancement, and creating workplaces where everyone can thrive.  Thanks for listening, and if you liked this episode, be sure to share it with someone that you want to see leveled-up with you. 🚀 Explore Dr. Candace Steele Flippin’s book, Get Your Career in SHAPE, to learn more about empowering career growth: https://candacesteeleflippin.com/shop/ 🚀 Join business.com+: https://bit.ly/business-com-plus Business.com+ is a free membership program for SMBs that takes the pain out of choosing new business services with 1:1 help from an advisor + exclusive deals on the best solutions. 🎧 Listen and subscribe to the builders podcast: https://plinkhq.com/i/1608075598?to=page 📺 Watch more from the builders podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@builderspodcast