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Jeremy Bennett joins Colby and Levi for a wide-ranging conversation on mindset, resilience, and what it really takes to build something from nothing. From losing his speaking career overnight during lockdowns to building a full-time podcast, Jeremy shares the messy, behind-the-scenes reality of figuring it out as you go.
The conversation goes deeper into anxiety, vulnerability, and the power of consistency—along with practical insights on launching before you're ready, learning through failure, and why mindset ultimately drives everything from personal growth to business success.
Jeremy’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremycbennett/?skipRedirect=true
Books / Resources mentioned
Timestamps
00:01 – Introduction
• Introducing guest Jeremy Bennett
00:53 – Jeremy’s Background
• From speaker to full-time podcaster
02:57 – Starting a Podcast During Lockdowns
• Losing income and pivoting
03:56 – The Power of Consistency
• Why he committed to 100 episodes before evaluating
05:27 – Becoming a Professional Speaker
• Early journey and learning through experience
09:38 – Sharing His Personal Story
• How vulnerability changed his career
11:06 – The Reality of Building a Speaking Business
• Financial uncertainty and learning the hard way
13:51 – Learning Through Failure
• Why messy experience builds resilience
15:01 – Building in Public
• The role of consistency and feedback
16:09 – Launching Before You're Ready
• Why waiting holds people back
17:54 – The Role of Vulnerability
• Building trust through experiences
18:24 – A Defining Moment
• The story that changed his willingness to share
23:30 – The Impact of Sharing Your Story
• Why vulnerability can help others
27:58 – Understanding Mindset
• The difference between conscious and subconscious thinking
28:08 – Thoughts and Reality
• How the brain responds to thoughts
34:52 – “Worry is a Prayer”
• The impact of negative thinking
36:02 – Mindset vs Information
• Why knowledge alone doesn’t create change
38:41 – Mental Health and Personal Growth
• Real-life examples from the hosts
45:47 – Subconscious Mind and Behavior
• Why habits are hard to change
49:08 – Books That Changed His Thinking
• Key influences on mindset and growth
52:30 – Meditation and Mental Clarity
• Practical approaches to improving focus
56:09 – Why Mindset Should Be Taught Early
• Gaps in traditional education
58:35 – The Power of Words
• How language shapes thinking
1:00:39 – Organizational Culture vs Mindset
• Applying mindset principles to business
1:09:25 – Building a Podcast System
• How Jeremy runs his show efficiently
1:13:49 – Monetization Strategy
• Partnerships and growth approach
1:16:40 – Doing Everything Solo
• Systems that reduced workload over time
1:19:08 – Short vs Long Form Content
• Trade-offs in podcast formats
1:23:25 – The Impact of Stories
• How one moment can change everything
1:24:13 – Final Advice: Just Launch
• Why action matters most
1:27:36 – Closing Thoughts
• Reflections on growth and future plans
In this episode of Built to Last, Colby Jardine and Levi Lawrence sit down with Mike LeBlanc for a wide-ranging conversation on entrepreneurship, community, family business, real estate, and the long road behind building something that lasts. Mike shares how his family built Fox Creek Golf Club, why Dieppe means so much to him, and what it’s really like to grow businesses with the people closest to you.
The conversation also dives into Mike’s work in real estate, how the industry is changing, why relationships still matter, and how he thinks about technology, AI, and marketing in a more human business. It’s an honest, thoughtful episode about legacy, adaptation, and building with pride in where you come from.
Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michel-leblanc-36123353/
Fox Creek: https://foxcreekgolfclub.ca/
Iron House Pro: https://www.ironhousepro.com/
Time stamps:
2:23 Meet Mike LeBlanc
4:52 Pride in Dieppe and New Brunswick
8:12 Entrepreneurship Starts Early
14:29 School, College, and Irving
18:40 The Start of the Family Building Business
28:15 Why Golf Was Never the Easy Option
31:58 The Fox Creek Origin Story
41:36 Building With Family
49:58 The First Round at Fox Creek
53:10 The Decision to Go Private
1:02:38 Real Estate as the Main Job
1:17:10 Real Estate, Change, and Technology
1:21:00 Why Real Estate Still Needs People
1:29:05 Marketing Real Estate Today
1:34:45 Building a Real Estate Business
1:44:31 Turning the Tables on Colby and Levi
1:58:20 Outro
In this episode of Built to Last, Colby and Levi sit down with entrepreneur and advisor Joe Testouri for a wide-ranging conversation about building companies, understanding customers, and navigating the realities of scaling a business.
Joe shares lessons from working with companies at different stages of growth, explaining why many founders struggle to truly understand their customer, how sales maturity impacts strategy, and why honest conversations are often the most valuable ones in business. The discussion explores everything from market positioning and relationship-building to the mindset required to grow sustainably. For entrepreneurs navigating growth or trying to sharpen their strategy, Joe offers thoughtful insights grounded in real-world experience.
Connect with Joe - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joetestouri/
Show Notes:
00:00 – Introduction
• Levi and Colby welcome Joe.
01:20 – Meet Joe Testouri
• Joe shares his background and work.
04:20 – Knowing Your Customer
• Why many businesses misidentify their customer.
08:18 – Joe’s Ideal Clients
• The companies Joe typically helps.
12:30 – Sales Maturity
• How sales changes as a business grows.
17:00 – Founder Growth Challenges
• Why founders struggle to step back.
21:00 – Entrepreneurship and Lifestyle
• Travel, business, and balance.
26:30 – Hard Conversations
• Why honest conversations drive growth.
33:00 – Strategy vs Execution
• Why execution matters more than planning alone.
40:00 – Market Positioning
• Standing out by defining your niche.
48:30 – Patterns in Growth
• What Joe sees in successful founders.
56:00 – Business Relationships
• Why trust matters long term.
1:04:00 – Advice for Founders
• Joe’s guidance for navigating growth.
1:15:00 – Building to Last
• The mindset behind durable businesses.
1:22:00 – Closing Thoughts
• Final reflections on growth and entrepreneurship.
Antonio Lennert’s story is a masterclass in reinvention, personally and professionally. He shares how a major life move, a creative career, and an unexpected obsession with Great Lakes surfing led to building Surf the Greats: not just a shop, but an ecosystem built around education, inclusion, and community. Along the way, we get a real look at what it takes to build something niche, and make it viable.
The conversation then turns inward: burnout, purpose, and the kind of personal work that doesn’t fit neatly into a business playbook. Antonio reflects on what it means to lose direction, how support systems can change outcomes, and why partnership alignment is one of the most underestimated leadership challenges. It’s honest, grounded, and full of insights for anyone building while also trying to stay human.
Connect with Antonio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoniolennert/
Antonio's coaching business: https://www.theridein.com/
Time stamps
00:00 – Welcome + why this conversation matters.
01:59 – Antonio’s background.
03:59 – Three major pivots: leaving Brazil, burning out in design, finding purpose in surfing.
09:12 – Identity, belonging, and why surfing became more than a sport.
14:56 – “Surfing in Toronto?” Great Lakes waves, tech shifts, and surf culture inland.
20:09 – Not about money: building an inclusive community and a full surf ecosystem.
31:59 – The inner-work phase: burnout recovery / 10-day silent retreat.
47:23 – Loss, grief, and leadership.
58:57 – Becoming a coach.
01:15:10 – What “change” means now.
01:25:10 – Looking forward: what’s most exciting now (purpose, momentum, and the next chapter)
In this episode of Built to Last, Colby and Levi sit down with Affan Chowdhury, an entrepreneur, marketer, and the founder of Notionhive, a digital agency based in Bangladesh. Affan shares his unique journey from Bangladesh to North America, explaining how he navigated business culture shifts between countries and industries.
Affan’s story is full of valuable insights on building relationships, embracing vulnerability, and balancing business growth with personal well-being. From adapting to Canadian business culture to building strong networks and navigating the challenges of running a global business, Affan’s perspective offers a fresh view on entrepreneurial success.
If you're navigating change, especially across cultures or industries, this episode is a must-listen. Affan’s journey will inspire anyone looking to scale thoughtfully and authentically.
Connect with Affan https://www.linkedin.com/in/affanmahmud/
Shownotes:
01:00 | Introduction to Affan
03:00 | Moving to North America
06:00 | Business Culture in Different Regions
09:30 | Building Relationships through Networking
12:00 | Vulnerability in Business
16:00 | Overcoming Slow Periods in Business
20:00 | Handling Change and Growth
24:00 | Health and Entrepreneurship
28:00 | Productizing Your Service
33:00 | Finding Consistency in Business
36:00 | Building a Sustainable Business Model
40:00 | The Importance of Giving Back
45:00 | Navigating Difficult Conversations
49:00 | The Future of Business and AI
53:00 | Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts
1:06:00 | The Changing Role of AI in Business
1:06:00 | Balancing Ambition with Realism
1:16:00 | Creating a Healthy Business Environment
1:20:00 | Looking Ahead: Future Goals and Growth
Colby and Levi sit down, just the two of them. Reflecting on their first season of Built to Last. A 15-episode journey exploring the messy, real, and transformative experiences of entrepreneurs.
They revisit standout moments from guests, and also share how these conversations shaped their own business journey at Iron House Pro, and how both the podcast and their company are evolving toward a clearer mission: helping organizations navigate change.
If you’ve ever questioned your next step, wrestled with growth, or needed space to hear real talk from fellow builders. This episode is for you.
Links & Resources:
00:00 – Season Wrap-Up & Why It Matters
03:00 – What We Learned from Our Guests
11:30 – The Power of Real Conversations
17:00 – Evolving Iron House Pro’s Focus
25:00 – Why We’re Doubling Down on Change
36:00 – Culture, Communication & Shared Language
41:00 – Season 2: A New Focus
In this episode of Built to Last, Colby and Levi sit down with entrepreneur and self-described “chaotic builder” Mihai (Michael) Petrovici. Whose journey from a Walmart manager to a multi-business owner in Bathurst, NB is equal parts inspiring and cautionary. With 7 businesses, 50+ employees, and a distillery now under his belt, Michael opens up about what it really takes to build something from scratch in a small town.
From tight payroll weeks to the pride of seeing a packed café you helped create, Michael doesn’t sugarcoat the highs or the lows. Whether you’re considering launching a product, scaling operations, or just surviving the chaos of entrepreneurship, this episode will leave you feeling less alone and more equipped for the journey!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpetrovici/
https://www.nbdistillery.ca/
https://www.aubootlegger.com/
Segment Breakdown:
00:00 | From Romania to New Brunswick
• Michael shares how his early life and family journey brought him to small-town Canada.
02:00 | Landing in Bathurst (By Accident)
• A temporary relocation becomes permanent—and unexpectedly sparks entrepreneurship.
05:00 |Au Bootlegger: The First Business
• Opening a craft beer bar without restaurant experience, and learning everything on the fly.
08:30 | Applying Walmart Systems to Small Biz
• How Michael brought structure, operations, and process to his bar using corporate tools.
11:00 | Starting Caffeine Café
• Launching a low-risk coffee concept that filled a local gap—and quickly gained traction.
14:30 | Buying a Bookkeeping Business
• His entry into service-based business and how automation changed the model.
17:00 | Growth vs. Sustainability
• Why Michael resists the pressure to scale for the sake of it—and what he focuses on instead.
20:00 | When Payroll Gets Tight
• A close call with cash flow and the lessons learned about forecasting and responsibility.
23:30 | Building the Distillery
• The personal passion and strategic thinking behind launching NB Distillery.
26:30 | Forecasting Gone Wrong
• The reality check that came from overestimating product demand—and underestimating risk.
29:30 | Juggling 7 Businesses
• How Michael manages chaos, team dynamics, and leadership across multiple ventures.
32:00 | A Brutal Winter in Business
• One of the toughest seasons yet—and what it revealed about resilience.
35:00 | Marketing vs. Product Quality
• The challenge of competing in a crowded liquor market where flash often beats substance.
38:00 | Why He Still Believes in Local
• Despite the setbacks, Michael shares why community-driven business still matters.
41:00 | The 5-Story Project
• A new residential build, how it came together, and why it’s more than just real estate.
45:00 | Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
• Why he recommends building cautiously—and keeping your day job early on.
50:00 | Would He Do It Again?
• Final reflections on pride, risk, and what drives him to keep building.
Colby and Levi sit down with Gina Mollicone-Long Author, speaker, coach, and founder of the Greatness Group, for an energizing conversation about personal transformation, belief systems, and the real meaning of success.
Gina shares her path from a high-achieving corporate career to launching multiple businesses rooted in systems thinking, personal development, and high-performance leadership. From stories about charging her first client triple her salary to reflections on parenting, family dynamics, and failure, Gina brings humor, honesty, and clarity to every topic.
Ginas Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginamollicone/
Website: https://ginamollicone.com/
00:00 – Welcome
Colby shares how he met Gina and why this conversation needed to happen.
03:00 – Mind Meets Matter
Gina introduces her work and obsession with systems, performance, and transformation.
06:00 – ESP & Engineering
From asking for psychic school at 10 to earning an engineering degree—Gina shares her start.
11:00 – The Leap Out of Corporate
Leaving Molson wasn’t a plan—it was survival. Gina shares what it really felt like to quit.
15:00 – The $300/hr Moment
Why doubling her rate changed everything—and what it taught her about self-worth.
20:00 – People Reflect What You Expect
How your self-perception shapes how others respond to you.
23:00 – Systems > Symptoms
Gina unpacks how systems thinking applies to both business and personal growth.
27:00 – Adversity Unlocks Potential
From immigrant roots to inner resilience—how Gina’s family history shaped her mindset.
32:00 – Building The Greatness Group
A look behind the business: training, team building, coaching, and scalable delivery.
36:00 – Pandemic Pivots
How 2020 forced Gina and her husband to adapt every aspect of their business—and home.
41:00 – Discovering NLP by Accident
The unexpected way she stumbled into NLP—and how it transformed her approach.
45:00 – Updating the Program
Why holding onto outdated beliefs is like running Word 95 on a modern system.
51:00 – Clearing the Mental Clutter
How Gina helps people release limiting beliefs and make room for change.
56:00 – Growing Past Your Circle
What to do when your growth outpaces your environment—especially with family.
1:02:00 – Oxford & Neurotheology
Why she’s going all-in on a PhD—and how it connects science and spirit.
1:07:00 – Breaking Family Patterns
Why families function like systems—and how to shift deep-rooted dynamics.
1:14:00 – When Growth Feels Like Rejection
Levi reflects on how personal growth can be misunderstood by loved ones.
1:19:00 – Letting Go to Grow Up
Why rejection is often needed for independence—whether you’re a kid or a founder.
1:25:00 – The Gift of Failure
Reframing failure as fuel for transformation—not something to avoid.
1:30:00 – You vs. The Wall
A marathon story that unlocked a belief: you can do more than you think.
1:38:00 – The Filter Is the Problem
Why we only see a sliver of reality—and how to take control of your lens.
1:43:00 – Debugging Beliefs
How bad logic and flawed data create limiting beliefs—and how to shift them.
1:49:00 – If You Could Install One Belief…
The belief Gina would help people unlock—and why it’s always personal.
1:57:00 – Toboggan Tracks & Possibility
A metaphor about repetition, ruts, and what it takes to change direction.
2:00:00 – Wrap-Up
A record-breaking conversation closes with reflections
Challenging common leadership mantras with wisdom, wit, and real-world stories.
In this episode of Built to Last, Levi and Colby are joined by leadership expert, award-winning author, and jazz bassist Pierre Battah. What begins as a nostalgic reconnection turns into a candid, insightful exploration of leadership, organizational culture, and the future of work. Pierre shares personal stories from his transition from HR executive to independent consultant and speaker, lessons learned through tough client calls, and his approach to reshaping culture from fear-based to learning-oriented environments.
The conversation dives into the nuances of facilitation, performance psychology, and the evolving employer-employee relationship. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, or emerging leader, this episode offers practical wisdom and plenty of inspiration.
Links and Resources Mentioned
Pierre Battah –https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierrebattah/
Pierre Battah’s website and book https://www.pierrebattah.com/
Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (CAPS) https://www.canadianspeakers.org/
David Allen – Getting Things Done https://gettingthingsdone.com/
Quotes Worth Sharing
“It’s not about being happy—it’s about being engaged.”
“I didn’t set out to be an entrepreneur. I set out to be independent—and then got hooked.”
“Culture isn’t ‘people first.’ It’s results through people.”
“Safety isn’t soft. It’s the foundation for productivity.”
“Not all things that are curious are part of the work.”
Segment Breakdown
07:00 – Changing the Employer-Employee Relationship
Reframing leadership in the age of talent scarcity.
From “you’re lucky to have a job” to “we’re lucky to have you”
Why culture change is harder than culture theory
14:00 – People First? Not Quite.
Why “people first” can be misleading
The importance of balancing empathy with high standards
Creating cultures that are challenging, not coddling
20:00 – Breaking the Culture of Fear
A real-world example of cultural fear at a successful company
Transitioning to a learning culture: the power of debriefs, safe space, and senior-level self-awareness
Why some leaders need to step back for progress to happen
27:00 – When to Walk Away from a Client
Recognizing misalignment, even when you're hired
Ethics and candor in advisory roles
When great work isn’t the right fit
33:00 – Craft of Facilitation & Speaking
Pierre’s journey from comfortable speaker to certified pro
Learning the science behind storytelling, delivery, and adult education
The blend of edutainment and real impact
41:00 – Writing a Book & Building Credibility
The surprising reason Pierre decided to write Humans, Resourced
Behind the scenes of hybrid publishing and distribution
Why a book may not be a business—but it can still build one
61:00 – Advice for Young Professionals
Stop chasing passion—start with what you’re good at
The unexpected journey from engineering to agriculture
Why trying and failing early matters
68:00 – The Future of Work & Leadership
The two biggest trends to watch: AI and patterns in your own business
Importance of white space and strategy time
Why being surrounded by big thinkers matters
75:00 – The Limits of Psychology in Change Work
Behavior change vs. emotional diagnosis
Organizational coaching and habit adoption
The role of incentives in leadership development
83:00 – Levi & Colby Reflect on Resistance
Why meaningful change often starts with organizing your data
The resistance to long-term investment when ROI isn’t immediate
Why “working with” instead of “working at” is a mantra at Iron House
In this wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation, we sit down with Justinus Adriaanse—a South African-born entrepreneur whose life journey spans tech startups, social impact, and the pursuit of a more just world. From launching and scaling one of South Africa’s leading real estate platforms to founding a tuition-free coding academy for underserved youth, Justinus shares a remarkable story of transformation shaped by adversity, leadership, and an evolving worldview.
We explore the cultural forces that shaped his early assumptions, the inflection points that shifted his path, and the lessons learned from business success, personal hardship, and moving his family across continents. With honesty and clarity, Justinus reflects on growing as a leader, learning to code at 30, building inclusive organizations—and why happiness might just come down to expectations (and a good meal at Nando’s).
Links and Resources
Quotes Worth Sharing
Chapter Breakdown
02:50 – Growing Up in Apartheid-Era South Africa.
07:00 – Building & Scaling Private Property
20:00 – Turning It Around
28:00 – A New Life in Canada
35:00 – Tommy Gun’s & Canadian Business
40:00 – Tech for Opportunity: WeThinkCode
52:00 – Reframing Identity Through an MBA
69:00 – Partnership Conflict & Crucial Conversations
77:00 – Coding, AI & Problem-Solving
83:00 – Buying vs. Building a Business
88:00 – Entrepreneurial Cultures: SA vs. Canada
94:00 – Long-Term Focus & Leadership Growth
103:00 – On Happiness, Health & Perspective
Finding joy in the simple—Nando’s included.
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