Built Without a Net

Steve Greenspon is a three-time entrepreneur who has built and sold companies across the consumer goods and building materials industries. His expertise spans retail, logistics, warehousing, finance, product development, executive leadership, and team building, skills honed over decades of running and scaling businesses, including his most recent company, which he successfully exited earlier this year. Steve has led organizations through rapid growth, global expansion, and major industry shifts, earning a reputation for transparent leadership and strong operational discipline. Outside the boardroom, Steve is an avid marathon runner and triathlete, and he occasionally takes the stage as an open-mic stand-up comedian.

In this episode, Brad and Steve discuss:

• Steve’s early exposure to entrepreneurship through his family business and the lessons he learned working for his father
• How he scaled LDR Industries from $30M to $85M in revenue in just five years
• Why entrepreneurs need to understand risk, diversification, value creation, and what buyers truly look for
• The realities of owning a business, including burnout, risk, leadership challenges, and knowing when it’s time to exit
• How relationships, transparency, and treating people well shaped his leadership philosophy

Key Takeaways: 

• Entrepreneurship is fueled by relationships. Steve credits much of his success to treating people respectfully, vendors, customers, employees, and delivery drivers, and explains how seemingly small interactions compound over time into business-changing opportunities.
• Scaling a business requires relentless learning. Even after decades of building companies, Steve repeatedly found that “every time I thought that I had made every single mistake… I found a way to make more mistakes.” Continuous learning is part of the journey.
• Future buyers want stability, scalability, and low risk. Whether strategic or private equity, buyers evaluate customer concentration, product diversification, strong management teams, and the sustainability of future growth.
• Entrepreneurship demands sacrifice and realism. Steve shares candidly about the personal toll of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of balancing ambition with family and personal well-being.
• Success is not linear. Even with three exits, Steve stresses that luck, timing, preparation, and resilience all matter: “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.”

“And sometimes, if you take a minute to really evaluate your surroundings and to refocus by maybe reaching out to your support group and help having people help you think things through, you can discover that it's not quite as bad as you think it is.” - Steve Greenspon

Connect with Steve Greenspon: 

Website: https://www.newair.com/, https://adhomegoods.com/, https://www.keelerbrasscompany.com/belwithkeeler, https://roq-innovation.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greenspon/

Connect with Brad Foley:

Website: https://www.hrvaluepartners.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfoley/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Jenny Weeden is the President and Partner at Accelity, a Milwaukee-based marketing agency that helps scaling companies across North America accelerate growth through clear messaging, strong operations, and strategic marketing execution. With nearly a decade at Accelity, Jenny’s expertise spans operations, people/HR, and building high-performing teams, all with a focus on creating a culture where employees can thrive and businesses can scale sustainably. She is also a co-founder of Women’s Entrepreneurship Week (2019 & 2020), championing women leaders and founders in her community. Outside of work, Jenny enjoys public speaking, supporting local food pantries, traveling with her husband, and cheering on Wisconsin sports teams.

In this episode, Brad and Jenny discuss:

• Jenny’s unique path from corporate sales to becoming a partner and president of a growing agency
• How Accelity transformed its culture and reduced turnover through transparency and anonymous feedback systems
• How Jenny shifted from doing the work to building systems, leading people, and shaping long-term strategy
• Why clarity, consistent marketing, and realistic expectations are essential for small business growth
• The importance of mindset, feedback, and accountability in leadership development

Key Takeaways: 

• Leadership growth often happens when someone transitions from doing day-to-day work to thinking in terms of strategy, operations, and organizational health. Jenny’s shift toward “50% working on the business” marked a turning point in her career.
• A culture of transparency requires safe spaces for honest feedback. Accelity’s anonymous annual survey revealed tough truths that inspired meaningful leadership changes and a dramatic improvement in retention.
• Marketing is not instant; it’s an engine that compounds over time. Businesses that delay brand, website, and digital strategy often struggle later to meet growth goals.
• Clear messaging beats clever messaging. Most websites fail because visitors can’t understand what a company actually does or what to do next.
• Leadership begins with personal growth. Jenny’s transformation, especially around receiving feedback and embracing change, directly influenced Accelity’s success, culture, and stability.

“When we give space for people to own their mistakes instead of being defensive, we get things done a lot faster.” - Jenny Weeden

Connect with Jenny Weeden: 

Website: https://accelitymarketing.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifernweeden/ 

Connect with Brad Foley:

Website: https://www.hrvaluepartners.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfoley/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Mark Alan is the founder of Legato Leadership Coaching, where he helps leaders strengthen their business development strategies with a focus on product markets and new product innovation. With 23 years of senior management experience at companies including Charter Wire, Chicago Faucets, and Inpro Corporation, Mark brings a deep understanding of how products, people, and markets intersect inside growing organizations. After retiring from corporate leadership, he launched Legato Leadership Coaching in 2023 to support executives in making more aligned, well-informed decisions. Outside of his work with business leaders, Mark is a dedicated classical pianist who finds inspiration in music, an influence that shapes his thoughtful, connected approach to coaching.

In this episode, Brad and Mark discuss:

• How Mark transitioned from a music career into manufacturing and senior leadership roles
• Connecting the dots across product development, sales, marketing, and operations is essential for business success
• The challenges companies face when trying to innovate within saturated or highly competitive markets
• How fear of failure and resistance to change can stall organizational growth
• The role of Paranet and leadership circles in helping business owners gain perspective

Key Takeaways: 

• Growth requires alignment across all functions, manufacturing, sales, marketing, logistics, and leadership must move in sync. When leaders break down silos and connect the dots, small changes can unlock major opportunities.
• Fear of failure often prevents companies from launching new products or trying new strategies. Leaders must balance risk with research and push their comfort zones to stay competitive.
• Many organizations struggle not because of a lack of effort, but because “they don’t know what they don’t know.” Bringing in an outside perspective helps identify blind spots and uncover new possibilities.
• The most common challenge among leaders is the belief that they’ve already solved the problem. Coaching helps them step back, ask better questions, and see options they hadn’t considered.
• AI, supply chain dynamics, and competitive intelligence are rapidly reshaping business. Leaders who monitor the horizon and adapt early will be best positioned for the future.

“So I had a system a wide breadth of experience, and during the course of that, lots of opportunities to make mistakes, make errors, and learn from them along the way.” - Mark Alan

Connect with Mark Alan: 

Website: https://paranetgroup.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-alan-83154822/ 

Connect with Brad Foley:

Website: https://www.hrvaluepartners.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfoley/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Larry Wright is the owner of The Green Pet Shop, a company he leads alongside his son, Brian. With a BSBA in Accounting from the University of Denver and two decades of experience as a commodities trader on the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Larry brings a breadth of knowledge and a grounded leadership style to his work. He doesn’t claim expertise, preferring instead to stay curious, learn continuously, and guide his team by motivating them to be their best. Outside of business, Larry’s passions include animals, martial arts, golf, reading, history, sports, and philanthropy, reflecting a life rooted in discipline, generosity, and lifelong growth.

In this episode, Brad and Larry discuss:

• Larry’s journey from commodities trading to building a family-run business
• Transitioning from solo entrepreneur to leading a growing team
• Balancing family relationships and business dynamics
• Overcoming setbacks, including betrayal and financial risk
• Building trust, delegating, and empowering team members

Key Takeaways: 

• True leadership requires humility, a willingness to delegate, and surrounding yourself with people who have strengths you lack. Larry emphasized the importance of learning from others and letting go of ego to build an effective team.
• Building a successful business is as much about overcoming setbacks and adapting as it is about initial ideas. The conversation highlighted how perseverance through challenges shapes long-term success.
• Navigating the complexities of working with family requires patience, communication, and separating personal from professional roles. Larry shared how balancing being a father and a business partner demanded mutual respect and clear boundaries.
• Long-term success comes from trusting and empowering your team and letting go of micromanagement. By creating an environment where people feel ownership and responsibility, the company has been able to grow and thrive.
• Carefully managing risk, being properly capitalized, and working harder than your competitors are critical for new entrepreneurs. Larry stressed the value of calculated risk-taking and relentless effort as foundations for sustained business growth.

“Surround yourself first of all with people who are smarter than you. Get rid of your ego. Surround yourself with people who've done it, who are smarter than you, and who could teach you.” - Larry Wright

Connect with Larry Wright: 

Website: http://Thegreenpetshop.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-wright-22099520/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGreenPetShop/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegreenpetshop/ 

Connect with Brad Foley:

Website: https://www.hrvaluepartners.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfoley/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Liz Kaminski is the founder of LK Marketing and has been a successful business owner for more than 25 years. Specializing in scheduling B2B sales appointments, she built her company as a fully remote operation long before remote work became mainstream. Liz has grown her business without taking a single loan, proving that with discipline, consistency, and smart decision-making, a company can thrive while remaining debt-free. Today, she enjoys the comfort and stability she created through perseverance and a commitment to doing business on her own terms.

In this episode, Brad and Liz discuss:

• How Liz transitioned from the restaurant industry to industrial sales and eventually entrepreneurship
• The pivotal moments and mentors that pushed her to take bold career risks
• The creation and evolution of LK Marketing into a flexible, remote inside-sales model
• The challenges of running a business without debt, contracts, or external funding
• The value of perseverance, mentorship, and support systems in building a meaningful career
• How work ethic, empathy, and personal connection still matter in an age of automation and AI

Key Takeaways: 

• Success often comes from seizing imperfect opportunities rather than waiting for perfect conditions. Taking action, even when afraid, can change the entire trajectory of your life.
• Building a debt-free business takes patience and consistency, but it also creates freedom, stability, and lasting trust with clients and employees.
• Mentors and support systems, whether family, friends, or business peers, are vital for resilience and long-term success.
• Technology may change how business is done, but genuine human connection and clear communication will always be key to building strong client relationships.
• Leadership means treating people with respect while maintaining high standards. Rewarding hard work builds loyalty and motivation that no algorithm can replace.

“Don't wait, you know? Because you can always try again. Life is full of experimenting on what works for you and what doesn't work for you in personal life and in business.” - Liz Kaminski

Connect with Liz Kaminski: 

Website: https://lkmkt.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lkmkt/ 

Connect with Brad Foley:

Website: https://www.hrvaluepartners.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfoley/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Carl Kutsmode is a serial entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in executive recruiting, leadership coaching, and career transition. He has built and sold two successful firms and now leads B2B-VIP Executive Alliance, a firm dedicated to serving the leadership talent needs of high-growth mid-market and PE/VC-backed companies. Through a unique three-tier ecosystem of executive search, leadership coaching, and a curated executive network, Carl helps senior executives and organizations thrive in times of transformation.

In this episode, Brad and Carl discuss:

• How Carl transitioned from management consulting to executive recruiting and entrepreneurship
• The story behind building and selling two successful recruiting firms and launching a third
• Why focusing on relationships, not transactions, drives long-term business success
• How clarity, mentorship, and focus helped him avoid common entrepreneurial missteps
• His advice for starting a business, cultivating trust, and leading with integrity

Key Takeaways: 

• Success in business comes from clarity of purpose and the courage to focus on what truly matters. When you stop trying to be everything to everyone, you make room for real growth.
• Relationships are the engine of business success. Investing in people, not transactions, builds trust and long-term opportunity.
• Passion and purpose should drive your venture, not just profit. If you chase the work that fulfills you, money and success will follow.
• Surround yourself with mentors and trusted advisors. Their feedback helps you stay grounded, focused, and resilient in difficult times.
• Take calculated risks, maintain integrity, and never sacrifice reputation for short-term gains. It’s your most valuable business asset.

“You can't be everything to everybody, so it gets back to focus. So clear vision with a focus, communicate that to your employees and or clients early and often, and then focus your time and energy on creating memorable, positive experiences for your clients and employees.” — Carl Kutsmode

Connect with Carl Kutsmode: 

Website: https://b2b-vip.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlkutsmode/ & https://www.linkedin.com/company/b2b-vip-executive-alliance/?viewAsMember=true 

Connect with Brad Foley:

Website: https://www.hrvaluepartners.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfoley/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Damian Buchman is the founder of The Ability Center (TAC) and a passionate advocate for universal accessibility and inclusive recreation. A two-time childhood bone cancer survivor, Damian turned his personal story into a lifelong mission to ensure that people of all abilities can play, move, and connect together. Under his leadership, TAC is transforming Greater Milwaukee into a national model for inclusive spaces—where every child, parent, and friend can participate side by side. His work has earned numerous community awards and national recognition for advancing diversity, equity, and accessibility. A devoted father of three, Damian continues to inspire change through his belief that no one should ever be left on the sidelines.

In this episode, Brad and Damian discuss:

• How Damian’s journey as a two-time childhood cancer survivor led him to create The Ability Center
• The challenges and realities of running a nonprofit like a business on limited resources
• What “universal accessibility” really means and how design can erase disability barriers
• The importance of inclusive recreation spaces that allow everyone to play together
• How the Ability Center’s initiatives, like adaptive sports and the Universal Park, are transforming communities nationwide

Key Takeaways: 

• Running a nonprofit requires the same business discipline as any company, but with far fewer financial resources. It’s about strategy, trust, and maximizing every dollar to create impact.
• Inclusive design can remove barriers that disable people when environments are built for everyone; disabilities often disappear.
• Universal accessibility benefits entire families, not just individuals with disabilities. Designing for inclusion brings social and economic rewards for communities.
• The Ability Center’s mission goes beyond disability. It’s about bringing people together through shared play, movement, and connection.
• The future of accessibility lies in collaboration: when governments, donors, and communities invest in inclusion, everyone wins.

“You are disabled by the environment, and if you create environments that are inclusive and accessible, the disability almost disappears.” - Damian Buchman

Connect with Damian Buchman: 

Website: https://tacwi.org/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tacwi/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damianbuchman/ & https://www.linkedin.com/company/theabilitycenter/ 

Additional Resource: http://www.universalpark.org 

Connect with Brad Foley:

Website: https://www.hrvaluepartners.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfoley/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Matt Kemblowski is the founder of MJK Connections LLC, where he helps small and midsize companies find the right people through thoughtful, relationship-driven recruiting. With more than 20 years of experience, Matt believes the best hires come from truly understanding what makes people happy and motivated at work. His approach combines strategy, process, and genuine connection to create meaningful results for both candidates and employers.

In this episode, Brad and Matt discuss:

• The personal story behind Matt’s 20-year recruiting career and founding MJK Connections LLC
• Why building authentic relationships matters more than resumes in recruiting
• How small and mid-sized businesses can find the right talent despite market challenges
• The evolving mindset of today’s candidates and how job hopping has changed post-pandemic
• Why genuine communication, especially during rejection, creates lasting trust

Key Takeaways: 

• Recruiting is about problem-solving, not just filling jobs, and understanding the “why” behind each hire is key.
• Candidates today prioritize happiness, flexibility, and meaningful work over salary alone.
• Consistent communication and empathy can transform the candidate experience and strengthen employer brands.
• “Job hopping” often reflects growth, not instability. Context and motivation matter more than tenure.
• True success in recruiting comes from staying authentic, following through, and valuing people as individuals, not transactions.

“We can’t be all things to all people. We can't solve every business's problem, but understanding who we want to serve, how we want to serve them, and then go all in on that.” - Matt Kemblowski

Connect with Matt Kemblowski: 

Website: https://www.mjkconnections.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kemblowski/ 

Connect with Brad Foley:

Website: https://www.hrvaluepartners.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfoley/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Lisa Canning is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience helping small business owners build and grow their ventures. Her leadership and innovative approach have garnered significant recognition, including being named one of the top 500 female founders by Inc. Magazine in 2025 and earning a spot on their fastest-growing Midwest list.

Lisa's commitment to cultivating a positive workplace culture was further highlighted when she received the Culture Breakthrough Award from Hyer.co in 2025, a testament to her dedication to fostering a supportive and empowering environment for her team. 

Sales Maven specializes in collaborating with organizations that prioritize the development of strong marketing and sales teams through emotionally intelligent strategies. By focusing on authentic connections with clients and their target markets, Lisa helps transform visions into actionable strategies that drive significant results while promoting a culture of growth and empowerment. Through her extensive experience and expertise, Lisa continues to inspire and lead others toward success.

In this episode, Brad and Lisa discuss:

• How Lisa transitioned from a professional clarinetist to a multimillion-dollar business owner.
• The role of creativity, discipline, and emotional intelligence in building successful teams.
• How small businesses can overcome inconsistent growth through structure and strategy.
• The challenges of scaling with limited resources and leveraging fractional talent effectively.
• The growing impact of AI on marketing, authenticity, and human connection in business.

Key Takeaways: 

• Sustainable growth starts with defining roles, setting clear lanes, and fostering trust within teams.
• Small businesses often struggle with “doing it all,” but delegation and structure create real momentum.
• Marketing and sales are not luxuries; they’re essential investments that insulate businesses during downturns.
• Fractional and outsourced experts can offer high-level strategy at accessible costs for small enterprises.
• Authenticity will become a key differentiator in an AI-driven marketplace, and human connection still matters.

“Sales and marketing are not nice to have, but they’re essential and the trick is to figure out how to effectively manage them at a price you can manage long-term.” — Lisa Canning

Connect with Lisa Canning: 

Website: https://www.salesmaven.io

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisacanning/ 

Pillars of Performance Podcast: https://pillarsofperformancepodcast.com/ 

Additional Resources:  https://www.thinkherrmann.com/whole-brain-thinking-methodology

Connect with Brad Foley:

Website: https://www.hrvaluepartners.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfoley/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Randolph Pitzer is a seasoned communications leader with over 30 years of experience driving high-impact public relations campaigns across enterprise technology, telecommunications, and industrial B2B sectors. A former journalist turned PR strategist, he began his career with the St. Louis Public Schools, earning recognition from the National School Public Relations Association and a local Emmy. Randy later held key roles at global agencies such as Edelman, Ketchum, and Ogilvy, and led communications for SPSS (IBM) and Spyglass during their IPOs. A graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, he combines strategic precision with storytelling mastery to help brands strengthen reputations and achieve measurable business impact.

In this episode, Brad and Randolph discuss:

• The journey from journalism to public relations and lessons learned along the way
• The role of storytelling and strategy in effective brand communication
• Challenges of running a solo PR business and managing cash flow
• The impact of AI on communications and how to use it as a productivity tool
• Overcoming imposter syndrome, taking smart risks, and the mindset of “just doing it”

Key Takeaways: 

• Align communications with business goals, not vanity metrics. True PR success isn’t about how many impressions you make — it’s about creating measurable business impact and strengthening a brand’s bottom line through purposeful storytelling.
• Cash flow remains one of the toughest challenges for entrepreneurs. Building strong relationships, maintaining persistence, and consistently nurturing your network can help sustain momentum even during lean seasons.
• AI can be a powerful ally when used with intention. It enhances productivity, sharpens writing, and accelerates workflows — but it should complement human creativity and strategy, never replace them.
• Imposter syndrome is more common than most admit. The best antidote is forward motion — keep working, stay grounded, and trust that progress builds confidence faster than perfection ever will.
• “Just do it” isn’t just a slogan — it’s a mindset. Preparation and strategy matter, but nothing replaces taking action. Success often begins the moment you decide to move, even when the path isn’t fully clear.

“When we got on the JUST DO IT thing, and how simple that message is, but how meaningful it is, I would impart it to any small business person or any person trying to think about and going into business. Be smart about it. Be prepared. But at the end of the day, if you don't do it, it's not going to get done. So, you just have to do it. And if you fail, you just pick yourself up and try it again.” - Randolph Pitzer

Connect with Randolph Pitzer: 

Website: https://pitzerrelations.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randolphpitzer/ 

Connect with Brad Foley:

Website: https://www.hrvaluepartners.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfoley/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.