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Darren Tompkins on Smart Growth, AI, Hiring and Knowing When Enough Is Enough Are you building a business that supports the life you want, or creating another job that consumes it? In this episode of Simply Business, John Jennings sits down with Darren Tompkins, founder and CEO of Vader Ray Companies, to discuss what it really takes to build a business that grows without sacrificing your freedom. After serving in the U.S. Army and spending years in the oil and gas industry, Darren made the leap into entrepreneurship. Today, his company provides recruiting, engineering and virtual professional services to businesses across multiple industries. But Darren isn't interested in growing simply for the sake of getting bigger. He's focused on building a company that operates efficiently, embraces new technology, develops strong teams and allows him to enjoy life outside the office. In this conversation, John and Darren explore: Smart growth: Why bigger isn't always better and how to avoid unnecessary overhead.AI and efficiency: How Darren uses artificial intelligence to streamline recruiting, identify opportunities and improve productivity.Hiring and leadership: Why putting the right people in the right roles is essential to building a sustainable business.Entrepreneurial challenges: What happens when you leave the corporate world and suddenly find yourself without its support systems.Work-life balance: How to design a business around your personal priorities instead of sacrificing everything for growth.Taking the leap: Why waiting for the perfect moment to start your business might mean never starting at all.Darren also shares lessons from his military experience, the challenges of bootstrapping a company and his approach to building a team that can grow without creating unnecessary complexity. Whether you're considering entrepreneurship, building your first company or leading an established business, this conversation offers practical insights into growing smarter while maintaining control over what matters most. Because building a successful business should help you create a better life. Listen to this episode of Simply Business, subscribe for more conversations with business owners and leaders, and share your biggest takeaway.

How Kris Dehnert Built a $60 Million Business Without Losing Sight of What Matters What good is building a multimillion-dollar business if it costs you your health, happiness and time with the people who matter most? In this episode of Simply Business, John Jennings sits down with Kris Dehnert, CEO and co-founder of Dugout Mugs, to explore what it really means to build a successful business. Kris helped transform a simple idea—turning baseball bats into drinking mugs—into a company that has generated more than $60 million in sales. But his journey hasn't been without challenges, and his definition of success has changed dramatically along the way. After surviving a life-threatening medical emergency, Kris made a decision: his business would support the life he wanted to live, not the other way around. In this candid conversation, Kris shares the lessons behind his entrepreneurial journey, including: Why building for future growth is essential to maintaining momentum.How rapid expansion can undermine profitability and personal freedom.The importance of protecting equity and choosing the right business partners.Why fewer, deeper relationships often create greater opportunities.How clarity about your values makes difficult business decisions easier.Above all, Kris challenges entrepreneurs to reconsider the true cost of success. Whether you're launching your first company, scaling an established business or questioning whether your current path is worth the sacrifice, this conversation offers practical business lessons and a refreshing perspective on entrepreneurship. Because the goal isn't simply to build a bigger business. It's to build a better life. Listen to this episode of Simply Business, subscribe for more conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders, and share your biggest takeaway.

What happens when you finally reach the goal you've been chasing—and immediately start chasing the next one? In this episode of Simply Business, John Jennings sits down with Jeff Swartz, CEO and Founder of Qujam, a hyper-local advertising platform helping businesses access geofencing and location-based marketing. Jeff has spent more than 20 years in marketing and advertising and more than a decade as an entrepreneur. He built and sold his own advertising agency before making the leap from a service business into technology. He's also an adjunct professor at Duquesne University and the author of The Intentional Leap: Lessons and Learnings for Newer Entrepreneurs. Jeff and John talk about preparing financially for entrepreneurship, building with intention, solving real customer problems, and learning to lead a business when you're no longer the expert at everything. But one of the biggest lessons is more personal: there is no finish line. Entrepreneurs are constantly setting new goals, reaching new milestones, and moving the target. Jeff shares why he's learned to focus more on the journey—and to stop long enough to “pop little champagne bottles” and recognize how far the business has already come. They also explore why owners need to get out of the weeds, how to build a long-term vision without becoming trapped by it, and why your best mentor may actually be many different people rather than one person whose playbook you try to copy. If you're building something and constantly asking, “What's next?”, this conversation is a reminder that growth matters—but so does appreciating what you've already built. Listen to the full episode, subscribe to Simply Business, and share it with another entrepreneur who needs to hear it.

What happens when you've already built a successful company, sold it for $20 million—and decide to start all over again? For Nellie Akalp, the second time was much harder than the first. In this episode of Simply Business, John Jennings sits down with Nellie, CEO of CorpNet, to talk about entrepreneurship, resilience, purpose, and what it really takes to build a business that lasts. Nellie and her husband started their first company with just $100 from their Southern California apartment and eventually sold it to Intuit for $20 million. But retirement wasn't for her. She needed purpose, so they returned to entrepreneurship and built CorpNet. This time, success didn't come easily. Nellie shares what she learned from nearly a decade of struggle, why entrepreneurs have to become comfortable hearing "no," and why failure is very different from giving up. She also explains how CorpNet turned changing market conditions into opportunity, how the company is embracing AI without eliminating the human touch, and why great talent and culture remain critical as a business grows. Perhaps the biggest lesson is also the simplest: you may not know what you're capable of until you're actually in it. If you're building a business, struggling through a difficult season, or sitting on an idea you've been afraid to launch, this conversation is a reminder to keep testing, keep adapting, and keep knocking on doors. Listen to the full episode, subscribe to Simply Business, and share it with an entrepreneur who needs to hear this message.

What happens when you leave the security of a large firm and decide to bet on yourself? In this episode of Simply Business, John Jennings sits down with Steve Wallace, Managing Attorney and Founder of Wallace Law, a multi-state law firm serving clients across Florida, Texas, and New York. With more than 26 years of experience in bankruptcy, real estate, distressed assets, and business law, Steve brings both a legal perspective and the firsthand experience of a longtime small business owner. Steve shares why he chose entrepreneurship over the traditional big-firm path, what it means to operate without a safety net, and why adaptability is essential to building a sustainable business. He and John also explore financial discipline, scaling responsibly, the challenges facing small businesses today, and the importance of knowing when to say no to the wrong client. At the center of the conversation is one simple idea: believe in yourself enough to bet on yourself. Steve also shares why he sees himself as a problem solver and deal-maker—not a deal breaker—and why serving the client's real goal matters more than simply generating billable hours. If you're building a business, considering making the leap into entrepreneurship, or navigating uncertainty in your company, this conversation offers practical perspective from someone who has spent decades doing exactly that. Listen to the full episode, subscribe to Simply Business, and share it with another business owner who needs the reminder that sometimes the best investment you can make is in yourself.

Is entrepreneurship the right next step—or is there a better path? In this episode of the Simply Business Podcast, John Jennings welcomes Patrice Miles, Career Ownership Coach with The Entrepreneur's Source and host of the Journey to Business Ownership – Freedom Friday Podcast. Patrice helps professionals navigate one of life's biggest career decisions by evaluating whether business ownership truly aligns with their goals, personality, financial objectives, and desired lifestyle. Whether someone wants to start a business, buy an existing company, or explore franchise ownership, her process is centered on education, clarity, and confidence. In this conversation, you'll learn: How to know if business ownership is right for youThe differences between starting, buying, and franchising a businessWhy due diligence matters more than excitementCommon misconceptions about entrepreneurshipHow to build a career that creates freedom and purposeIf you're thinking about your next chapter—or simply want a realistic conversation about entrepreneurship—this episode offers practical wisdom that can help you make a better decision. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who's considering becoming a business owner.

What does it really take to build a business from scratch? In this episode of the Simply Business Podcast, John Jennings sits down with Ben Engel, owner of JBT Cleanout, to discuss the realities of entrepreneurship, building momentum, and creating opportunities through action. Ben shares how he launched his company, the lessons he's learned along the way, and why networking, continuous learning, and surrounding yourself with the right people have become the foundation of his success. They also discuss: Starting a business without waiting for perfect timingBuilding confidence through experienceMarketing through relationships and social mediaGrowing multiple businessesLeading people while continuing to learn yourselfDeveloping the mindset to overcome criticism and setbacksWhether you're launching your first company or looking to grow the one you already have, this conversation offers practical advice and genuine encouragement from someone building it in real time. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another business owner who would benefit from the conversation.

In this episode of Simply Business, we sit down with Jesse Bray, CEO of Quantum Enterprises, to talk about what it really looks like to step into ownership of an existing business. This isn’t a startup story — it’s something different. Jesse shares his experience of acquiring a company he was already familiar with — and how quickly things change when the responsibility becomes yours. We dive into the shift from employee to owner, the pressure of making decisions without a fallback, and the challenge of leading a business with its own history, team, and expectations. This is a candid conversation about ownership — not in theory, but in practice — and what it demands from you as a leader. 👉 If you’re considering buying a business or stepping into a larger leadership role, this episode gives you a real-world perspective on what that transition requires.

What does it really take to leave corporate life and build something of your own? In this episode of Simply Business, John Jennings sits down with Doug Gardner, owner of City Wide Facility Solutions of Louisville, to talk about entrepreneurship, calculated risk, and the realities of building a company over the long haul. Doug shares his journey from finance and medical sales into business ownership, why he chose the franchise route, and what he learned after nearly 14 years of growth. Inside this conversation: ✔ Taking the leap from employee to entrepreneur ✔ Why franchising isn’t the “easy button” ✔ The importance of capital planning ✔ Delayed gratification in business growth ✔ Building systems and strong teams ✔ Growing brand recognition and planning for the next decade Doug’s message is refreshingly simple: Business success isn’t instant. It takes risk. Patience. Sweat. And the willingness to bet on yourself. If you’re thinking about entrepreneurship—or already in the middle of the journey—this episode delivers practical wisdom and encouragement. Subscribe, listen, and join us for more conversations that simplify business.

Have you ever looked up in June or July and thought, "We've been busy this year... but what have we actually accomplished?" In this solo episode of Simply Business, John Jennings explores a challenge that many business owners and leadership teams face at the halfway point of the year: mistaking activity for momentum. Most organizations begin the year with clear goals and a focused strategy. But as the months pass, new opportunities emerge, customer requests increase, priorities multiply, and urgent issues demand attention. Before long, teams are working hard, calendars are full, and everyone is busy—but meaningful progress can begin to stall. John discusses what he calls the "illusion of momentum," the hidden dangers of overcommitting, and why leaders often struggle not with bad ideas, but with too many good ideas arriving at the wrong time. He also explores how urgency can quietly take control of an organization, pulling attention away from strategic priorities and creating a cycle of constant reaction instead of intentional leadership. As part of your own midyear review, John offers two powerful questions to consider: • What are we doing today that seemed important three months ago, but no longer moves the business forward? • If we could only accomplish three things between now and the end of the year, what would they be? The businesses that finish the year strong aren't necessarily the busiest. They're the ones with the discipline to protect focus, align their teams, and make meaningful progress on what matters most. Listen in for practical leadership insights that can help you regain clarity, sharpen priorities, and build momentum for a strong finish to the year. Subscribe to Simply Business for more conversations and ideas that help business owners simplify leadership, strengthen strategy, and grow healthier businesses.

What happens when an entrepreneur leaves the corporate technology world and joins a family business dedicated to caring for seniors? In this episode of Simply Business, John Jennings sits down with Marcus O'Malley, Owner and Director of Caring Excellence Northern Kentucky. Marcus shares his journey from software development and corporate leadership into the world of senior home care, where he now helps families navigate one of life's most important challenges—caring for aging loved ones. Marcus discusses how personal experiences, including the loss of his mother, gave him a deeper appreciation for the needs of seniors and their families. He also explains how Caring Excellence has grown into a unique family-operated organization expanding across Kentucky while maintaining a commitment to personalized, compassionate care. The conversation explores entrepreneurship, family business dynamics, leadership, AI in small businesses, and the importance of building trust through exceptional service. In this episode, you'll learn: • How personal experiences can shape meaningful business opportunities • The realities of leaving corporate life to become an entrepreneur • Why family businesses can be powerful growth platforms • How AI can improve operations without replacing human connection • What it takes to build trust in a service-based business • Why senior care remains one of the most important and resilient industries today If you're an entrepreneur, business leader, caregiver, or someone considering a leap into business ownership, this conversation offers valuable insights and inspiration. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could benefit from Marcus's story.

What if therapy wasn’t about fixing people—but helping them become mentally stronger? In this episode of Simply Business, John Jennings sits down with Chris Morandi, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Mainspring Wellness, to explore the intersection of entrepreneurship, mental health, and community impact. Chris shares how Mainspring evolved from an early side project into a growing wellness-focused practice serving Northern Kentucky communities. Along the way, they discuss: ✔ The difference between mental illness and mental wellness ✔ Why everyone can benefit from therapy and “mental fitness” ✔ The realities of building a business inside healthcare ✔ Insurance, Medicaid, and accessibility challenges ✔ Loneliness, social connection, and the importance of “third places” ✔ Why the future of mental health may depend on rebuilding human connection Chris also shares his philosophy for entrepreneurs and therapists alike: stay in the game, love the process, and play the long game. If you’re a business owner, leader, parent, therapist, or someone thinking deeply about wellness and community, this conversation offers both practical insight and inspiration. Subscribe, share, and join us for more conversations that simplify business—and life.

In this episode of Simply Business, we sit down with Lauren Brown, co-owner of Mishalis Events, to talk about what it really looks like to build and sustain a business over time. What started as a retail food and wine store evolved — through necessity, market shifts, and major disruptions like 9/11 and COVID — into one of Kentucky’s only full-service event production companies. Lauren shares how her family adapted at every stage, why reinvention has been critical to survival, and how they used one of the toughest periods in their industry to launch an entirely new business line. This is a conversation about resilience, creativity, and the reality that most successful businesses don’t follow the plan — they evolve into it. 👉 If you’re navigating change or uncertainty in your business, this episode will challenge how you think about growth and adaptation.

In this episode of Simply Business, we sit down with Vas Abramov, President of Occam Design, to talk about a principle that’s often overlooked in business — simplicity. Vas shares how his approach to business and design is rooted in cutting through complexity and focusing on what actually works. Rather than overbuilding or overthinking, he emphasizes learning through experience and refining systems in real time. We explore why so many businesses struggle by making things more complicated than they need to be, and how a simpler, more focused approach can lead to better outcomes. This conversation is a practical look at how clarity is built — not in theory, but through doing the work and continuously improving it. 👉 If you find yourself overcomplicating your business, this episode will challenge you to simplify.

What does it look like to build a business that creates both profit and purpose? In this episode of Simply Business, John Jennings sits down with Kurt Reynolds, Owner and President of ReGadget, to explore how a $7,000 bet on a personal credit card turned into a fast-growing company making a real difference. ReGadget is on a mission to keep technology out of landfills and into the hands of people who need it most—bridging the digital divide for students, veterans, and underserved communities. Kurt shares how his team refurbishes and redistributes electronics while navigating major industry challenges, from operating system shifts to rising component costs driven by AI demand. But this conversation goes beyond business strategy. It’s about resilience, culture, and leadership. Kurt opens up about building a team that believes in the mission, hiring for work ethic over experience, and staying grounded through the inevitable ups and downs of entrepreneurship. If you’re an entrepreneur—or thinking about becoming one—this episode is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t require perfection. It requires belief, effort, and the courage to start. 👉 Listen now and discover how simple ideas, executed well, can create extraordinary impact!