American Operator

Patrick Courtney took an unconventional path—leaving a career in law to build and operate small businesses. In this episode of The American Operator Podcast, host Joseph Cabrera dives into Patrick’s journey from the courtroom to pest control and moving companies. They discuss the power of business partnerships, the challenges of scaling, and why trust is the real currency in business. Whether you’re thinking about acquiring a business or making a career shift, this episode is packed with real-world insights.

🔹 The moment Patrick knew law wasn’t for him
🔹 Why bad business operations create big opportunities
🔹 The key to successful partnerships and business growth
🔹 How to spot hidden value in everyday industries

📢 Subscribe for more stories from real operators building America’s backbone!

#AmericanOperator #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #Podcast

Join the Movement
Tactical insights and behind-the-scenes stories from America’s operators:

• Website: www.americanoperator.com
• AO In Action: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanOperator
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theamericanoperator
• Newsletter: https://americanoperator.substack.com
• Locally Owned and Operated: https://www.locallyownedandoperated.org/

In this episode, JC sits down with Riley Siddoway, the ultimate "operator's operator," at the headquarters of Uphill Pursuits in Bozeman, Montana. From his early days exploring mountain peaks to a decade as a mountain guide, Riley shares the lessons learned in leadership, grit, and decision-making at high altitudes—both literal and figurative. 🏔️

Riley dives into his entrepreneurial journey, offering insights on building businesses that can thrive beyond their founders, the importance of sticking to the process, and why balancing risk is key to success. Whether it’s navigating a treacherous summit or acquiring a business, Riley’s philosophy stays consistent: “Getting to the top is optional. Getting back down is mandatory.”

If you’re passionate about adventure, small business ownership, or just love hearing real stories about perseverance and purpose, this episode is for you. 🌟

🔗 Watch or listen now and join the conversation about what it truly means to be an operator in life and business. #AmericanOperator #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #MountainLife

Join the Movement
Tactical insights and behind-the-scenes stories from America’s operators:

• Website: www.americanoperator.com
• AO In Action: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanOperator
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theamericanoperator
• Newsletter: https://americanoperator.substack.com
• Locally Owned and Operated: https://www.locallyownedandoperated.org/

In this episode of American Operator, JC sits down with Travis McAshan, founder and visionary leader of Glide Design, a trailblazing marketing and design firm based in Austin, Texas. Travis shares his entrepreneurial journey, from leaving the corporate grind to creating a company centered on “beauty and results.” Together, they dive deep into the power of user-centered design, the importance of continuous improvement, and the mindset needed to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success.

Travis reveals his personal and professional philosophies, including how writing daily “Be" statements has transformed his life and leadership style. He also opens up about the messy reality of entrepreneurship, sharing insights from his 21-year journey of running a business, overcoming burnout, and reconnecting with his purpose.

Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom and inspiration to help you define your purpose, lead with integrity, and navigate the challenges of business ownership. #operatorinsights #operatorlife #acquisition #buyabusiness

Join the Movement
Tactical insights and behind-the-scenes stories from America’s operators:

• Website: www.americanoperator.com
• AO In Action: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanOperator
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theamericanoperator
• Newsletter: https://americanoperator.substack.com
• Locally Owned and Operated: https://www.locallyownedandoperated.org/

In this special team room session of The American Operator, JC goes behind the curtain with Judd Goodrich, Head of Capital Markets, to explore the world of small business ownership, investment, and operations. Whether you're an aspiring owner-operator or a seasoned entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable insights and candid advice.

Judd shares his journey from Minnesota to the startup world, offering lessons learned from supporting thousands of business founders and operators. Together, they discuss the challenges and rewards of taking over small businesses, from managing labor-intensive industries to balancing growth with sustainability. With an emphasis on the human element, Judd reveals why empathy and respect for a business’s history are critical for success.

Listeners will gain valuable tips on:

• Navigating the complexities of small business acquisitions.
• Building trust with employees and stakeholders.
• Setting achievable goals to drive sustainable growth.
• Leveraging the right support networks and investors.
• Why starting small often leads to big successes.

This conversation is full of real-world examples, practical advice, and engaging stories from the frontlines of small business operations. Whether you’re buying your first business, managing a growing portfolio, or just curious about what it takes to succeed, this episode delivers honest and relatable insights for every stage of the journey.

Join the Movement
Tactical insights and behind-the-scenes stories from America’s operators:

• Website: www.americanoperator.com
• AO In Action: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanOperator
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theamericanoperator
• Newsletter: https://americanoperator.substack.com
• Locally Owned and Operated: https://www.locallyownedandoperated.org/

In this episode of The American Operator, we sit down with Evan Ransome, a serial entrepreneur with a wealth of experience in consulting, startups, and leadership. From his unique childhood split between Ohio and Tokyo to his journey through the challenges of entrepreneurship, Evan shares valuable lessons on culture, team building, and maintaining work-life balance.

Discover the story behind Golden Home Management and how Evan combines business with a deeply rooted sense of family values and generosity. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a business leader, or simply curious about how to navigate the complexities of building a career while staying true to your core values, this conversation is packed with insights and inspiration.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!

Topics Covered:

Navigating cultural differences and their impact on leadership
Building and scaling businesses with integrity
Balancing entrepreneurship with family life
Why team culture is critical for business success
Lessons learned from failures and triumphs in entrepreneurship
#owneroperator #interview #podcastforsmallbusinessowners #podcastclips #entrepreneur #acquisition

Join the Movement
Tactical insights and behind-the-scenes stories from America’s operators:

• Website: www.americanoperator.com
• AO In Action: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanOperator
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theamericanoperator
• Newsletter: https://americanoperator.substack.com
• Locally Owned and Operated: https://www.locallyownedandoperated.org/

In this special American Operator episode, JC goes behind the scenes with Cameron Scoresby, head of Operator Development at Mainshares. They discuss the journey Cameron’s taken from New Jersey to Texas, his early experiences with alternative education at Praxis, and what it means to build a career that balances independence with community. Cameron shares insights on the value of building a strong, supportive network, especially for aspiring business owners and operators. Tune in for Cameron’s advice on creating accountability, finding the right people, and taking the first steps into business ownership.

Join the Movement
Tactical insights and behind-the-scenes stories from America’s operators:

• Website: www.americanoperator.com
• AO In Action: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanOperator
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theamericanoperator
• Newsletter: https://americanoperator.substack.com
• Locally Owned and Operated: https://www.locallyownedandoperated.org/

In this episode, JC talks with Dr. Daniel Brinchman, owner of Optometric Associates of Texas, about what it means to step into someone else’s legacy — and make it your own. After acquiring an established practice, Dr. Brinchman had to learn quickly how to lead without ego, manage with intention, and honor the work that came before him.

This conversation dives into:
- The difference between managing and truly leading a business
- The myth of passive income — and the real work behind ownership
- Why humility is the most underrated tool in any operator’s belt
- How to buy a business without burning it down

If you're thinking about acquiring a business or stepping into leadership, this episode pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes.

Join the Movement
Tactical insights and behind-the-scenes stories from America’s operators:

• Website: www.americanoperator.com
• AO In Action: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanOperator
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theamericanoperator
• Newsletter: https://americanoperator.substack.com
• Locally Owned and Operated: https://www.locallyownedandoperated.org/

In this episode, JC sits down with Tom Hough, owner of Fit Body Boot Camp in Richardson, TX, to talk about what it really takes to start — and stick with — your own business. Tom shares how some of the toughest chapters in his life gave him the edge he needed as an operator.

This is a conversation about:

• The courage to walk away from comfort
• How adversity builds the mindset for ownership
• Practical lessons from launching a fitness business
• Why leadership is more earned than taught

Whether you're on the edge of a leap or already deep in the grind, Tom's story is a reminder that the hard things often shape the best operators.

Join the Movement
Tactical insights and behind-the-scenes stories from America’s operators:

• Website: www.americanoperator.com
• AO In Action: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanOperator
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theamericanoperator
• Newsletter: https://americanoperator.substack.com
• Locally Owned and Operated: https://www.locallyownedandoperated.org/

After walking away from college in California, Patrick Pullan moved to Texas with one goal: control his own future. What started as a bold leap turned into Blue Ribbon — a growing plumbing, HVAC, and electrical company built on grit, skill, and serious pride in the trades.

In this episode of American Operator, Patrick shares:

• Why he left the classroom for the jobsite — and never looked back
• How he acquired and scaled his first plumbing business
• What it takes to build a life of freedom through skilled labor
• Why the trades aren’t a fallback — they’re a way forward

Whether you’re in the trades, on the fence about college, or ready to own your future — this one’s for you.

Subscribe to AO's Newsletter 
 Watch more stories from Operators on YouTube 
 Follow us on Instagram: @TheAmericanOperator 
Connect with Joseph Cabrera on LinkedIn 

Join the Movement
Tactical insights and behind-the-scenes stories from America’s operators:

• Website: www.americanoperator.com
• AO In Action: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanOperator
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theamericanoperator
• Newsletter: https://americanoperator.substack.com
• Locally Owned and Operated: https://www.locallyownedandoperated.org/

In this debut episode of American Operator, JC sits down with William Fry, founder of Mainshares, to discuss the mission behind Mainshares and the Operator Network. They explore why keeping businesses in the hands of local owners benefits communities more than selling to large private equity firms, and they share insights into the future of American small businesses. Discover the power of local ownership and what it means for the next generation of American Operators. 

Join the Movement
Tactical insights and behind-the-scenes stories from America’s operators:

• Website: www.americanoperator.com
• AO In Action: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanOperator
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theamericanoperator
• Newsletter: https://americanoperator.substack.com
• Locally Owned and Operated: https://www.locallyownedandoperated.org/