Build Boldly with Pat Rodgers

Thinking about expanding your business? In this solo episode of Build Boldly, host Pat Rodgers breaks down the key factors every business owner should consider before growing into new markets or locations. From analyzing market demand and matching demographics to weighing the pros and cons of leasing versus buying commercial property, Pat shares actionable strategies to reduce risks and maximize growth potential.

You’ll learn how leasing impacts cash flow and financial flexibility, why many companies are moving away from property ownership, and how to build accurate financial models to project revenue and expenses. Pat also compares flex spaces versus traditional office spaces, explaining which model works best for businesses needing warehousing, storage, or combined operations. Whether you’re a small business owner eyeing your first expansion or a seasoned operator ready for the next step, this episode will help you make smarter, more strategic decisions about your growth.

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Connect with Pat Rodgers on LinkedIn
Learn more about RISE Commercial District Website | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

Build Boldly is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co. 

Signing a commercial lease can make or break your small business, but too many owners rush in without understanding the true costs and risks. In this solo episode of Build Boldly, host Pat Rodgers breaks down the five biggest mistakes business owners make when leasing commercial property and how to avoid them.

From hidden costs in triple net, modified gross, and gross leases to overlooked zoning restrictions, Pat covers the fine print that could cost you thousands. You’ll learn how to negotiate better terms, plan for growth, assess building condition, and protect yourself with a solid exit strategy. Whether you’re opening your first location or expanding to a new space, this episode will help you evaluate commercial lease agreements like a pro - and avoid costly surprises down the road.

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Connect with Pat Rodgers on LinkedIn
Learn more about RISE Commercial District Website | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

Build Boldly is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co. 

What happens when a disaster strikes and you need a recovery team that can move fast, but also understands the local landscape? In this episode of Build Boldly, Pat Rogers sits down with Mike Bowman of BMS CAT, a national leader in restoration and reconstruction services. Mike shares how BMS CAT has built a powerful operational model that blends centralized leadership with local branch autonomy, creating a seamless response system that serves clients across industries nationwide.

From emergency response coordination to regional expertise and internal communication systems, this conversation unpacks how BMS CAT delivers rapid, professional service while supporting their branch teams to lead with confidence. If you're interested in scaling your service business or exploring smart acquisition models, this is one you won’t want to miss.

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Connect with Pat Rodgers on LinkedIn
Learn more about RISE Commercial District Website | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

Build Boldly is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co. 

Commercial leases can make or break a growing business, and yet too many entrepreneurs walk into them blind. In this solo episode of Build Boldly, host Pat Rodgers pulls back the curtain on the most common misconceptions around commercial leasing and shares the real-world advice small business owners wish they knew before signing on the dotted line.

From unexpected hidden costs to the myths about needing a realtor, Pat outlines the critical questions every founder should ask from square footage and lease terms to flexibility for future growth. You’ll learn why the sticker price isn’t the full story, how to avoid getting trapped in the wrong space, and what to prioritize if you want your space to scale with your ambition.

If you're thinking about leasing commercial property or leveling up your workspace, this episode is your essential guide to making a smart, strategic move.

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Connect with Pat Rodgers on LinkedIn
Learn more about RISE Commercial District Website | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

Build Boldly is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co. 

What does it take to bet on yourself and build a business from scratch? Especially one that powers the live shows of Post Malone, 21 Pilots, and hundreds of touring artists? In this episode of Build Boldly, host Pat Rodgers sits down with TJ Beechill, founder of NEAT Audio, to unpack his remarkable journey from Sweetwater sales engineer to co-owner of a nationally recognized tech company in the live music space.

TJ shares how a cold DM and a single opportunity turned into a full-blown enterprise, providing critical playback redundancy systems to over 300 national touring acts. You’ll hear how he navigated leaving a full-time job, scaled operations out of his garage, and built a partnership with Sweetwater that transformed his business.

If you are a creative entrepreneur or a tech founder-in-the-making, this episode is packed with tactical insights on calculated risk-taking, work-life balance, strategic growth, and the power of betting on yourself.

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Connect with Pat Rodgers on LinkedIn
Learn more about RISE Commercial District Website | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

Build Boldly is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co. 

From AI, cybersecurity, to MSP strategy, IT has the ability to make or break your business. In this episode of Build Boldly, host Pat Rodgers is joined by Marcus Livers, Director of RISE Connect and resident IT expert, for a crash course in building a secure, scalable, and tech-savvy business. They break down the role of Managed Service Providers (MSPs), cybersecurity and ransomware protection to cloud solutions, communication platforms, and AI tools like ChatGPT.

Marcus shares practical strategies for choosing the right software, avoiding outdated tech bottlenecks, implementing mobile device management (MDM), and future-proofing your business with scalable IT infrastructure.

Whether you’re a solo founder or managing a growing team, this episode offers real-world insights into protecting your digital assets, improving internal operations, and leveraging technology to drive growth. If you're ready to stop patching problems and start planning for the future, this conversation is your IT playbook.

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Connect with Pat Rodgers on LinkedIn
Learn more about RISE Commercial District Website | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

Build Boldly is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co. 

After a costly misstep with the wrong web development partner, host Pat Rodgers from RISE sits down with the person who helped turn it all around, Bradley Givens, CEO of Expedition. In this episode of Build Boldly, they dive into what really makes a high-performing website, how to avoid vendor pitfalls, and why investing in the right partner is critical for long-term business growth.

Bradley shares how Expedition helps service-based businesses optimize their websites for conversion, not just aesthetics. They break down why low-cost solutions can cost more in the long run, how to identify the right time to move beyond DIY platforms like Squarespace, and what business owners should demand from their web vendors. Plus, learn how Expedition’s new pricing transparency tool is changing the game for business owners who want clarity and control in their website projects.

Whether you’re planning a new website or trying to fix a broken one, this conversation is packed with real-world insights, hard-earned lessons, and tactical advice for building a digital presence that drives results.

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Connect with Pat Rodgers on LinkedIn
Learn more about RISE Commercial District Website | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

Build Boldly is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co. 

What happens when it all goes sideways? In this special solo episode of Build Boldly, host Pat Rodgers shares a raw, behind-the-scenes look at a major misstep: a website launch that went completely off the rails. What started as a promising project quickly unraveled into missed deadlines, poor communication, and a steep drop in leads that threatened the business’s momentum.

Pat, CRO of RISE Commercial District, walks through the full story, from trusting the wrong development partner to recovering lost ground, and shares hard-earned lessons about documentation, vendor selection, and why transparency and ownership are non-negotiable in business. If you’ve ever made a costly decision or felt the sting of a project gone sideways, this episode is your blueprint for how to fail fast, fix faster, and build back stronger.

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Connect with Pat Rodgers on LinkedIn
Learn more about RISE Commercial District Website | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

Build Boldly is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co. 

Print is far from dead. In this episode, host Pat Rodgers sits down with Blaine Yoquelet, the dynamic owner of Fort Wayne Printing, to explore the evolution of this 120-year-old family business into a modern print powerhouse. Blaine discusses his journey of acquiring the company, the pivotal role of succession planning, and how he’s navigating the shift between digital and traditional print media.

You'll learn how Fort Wayne Printing blends old-school trust with new-age strategies, utilizing QR codes for tracking and leveraging joint ventures to enhance flexibility and reach. Blaine also shares insights on the unique trustworthiness of print in today’s digital world.

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Connect with Pat Rodgers on LinkedIn
Learn more about RISE Commercial District Website | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

Build Boldly is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co. 

For Justin Ressler, military precision translated into entrepreneurial success. In this episode of Build Boldly, host Pat Rodgers sits down with Justin, founder of Lite Comm, a veteran-owned business specializing in FAA lighting compliance within the telecom industry. Justin shares how the principles of discipline and relationship-building learned in service have been pivotal in navigating the complex world of telecom compliance and insurance.

Justin talks through the growth trajectory of Lite Comm, from overcoming imposter syndrome to mastering the art of strategic hiring and diversification. He emphasizes the importance of a robust support system, both professional and personal, and the critical role of training and compliance in ensuring the safety and efficiency of telecom operations.

Tune in to learn from Justin's journey of translating military precision into entrepreneurial success and discover how building the right team and embracing continuous learning can propel your business forward in a competitive industry.

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Connect with Pat Rodgers on LinkedIn
Learn more about RISE Commercial District Website | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

Build Boldly is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.