But First, Principles!

Today’s Guest: Scott Hicks of Ballyhoo
Don’t forget! Like – Comment – Subscribe

Guest Links:
[https://www.linkedin.com/in/dscotthicks/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dscotthicks/)

This Episode:
In this conversation, Scott Hicks, founder of Ballyhoo Digital, shares his entrepreneurial journey, the evolution of his marketing philosophy, and the principles that guide how he builds and leads his company. Scott discusses why your path to success rarely looks the way you expect, why profit shouldn’t be your primary motivator, and how flexibility plays a defining role in entrepreneurship. He dives into the importance of ethical business practices, full transparency in reporting, and the deeper psychology behind effective marketing. Scott also explores the growing impact of AI—predicting it will be as transformative as the internet—and highlights why being able to say “no” to clients is a crucial part of staying aligned with your values. He closes by outlining his vision for Ballyhoo Digital as it expands into new verticals and continues prioritizing people over profit.

Key Takeaways
Your path to success is probably not what you think
Profit shouldn’t be your primary motivator
Flexibility is key in entrepreneurship
Transparency in reporting is crucial
Marketing is about encouraging people to take action
You can discard what society says is the norm
AI will be as impactful as the internet
You can say no to clients—and should
Building a company that treats people well is essential
Do what you like well enough and you’ll get good at it

But First, Principles with Colin Davis
Real stories. Real principles. Real growth for business owners.
Each episode reveals the mindset, systems, and turning points behind small business success so you can grow without burning out.
This season, Season 2, we are featuring innovative entrepreneurs shaping the Richmond region and beyond.

Helpful Links
Want practical tools to build a business that actually works?
Visit: [https://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com](https://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com)

Ready for clarity, structure, and momentum in your business?
Email Colin: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

About Colin
Colin Davis is a business and leadership coach with a background in ministry, psychology, and organizational leadership. A former missionary and monk turned entrepreneur, he helps small business owners create focus, build systems, and achieve lasting growth through First Principles Coaching. He lives in Virginia with his wife and children.

Keywords
Scott Hicks, Ballyhoo Digital, entrepreneurship, marketing, business principles, AI, online marketing, small business, human psychology, business growth

_______

Show Notes:

Keywords

Scott Hicks, Ballyhoo Digital, entrepreneurship, marketing, business principles, AI, online marketing, small business, human psychology, business growth

Summary

In this conversation, Scott Hicks, founder of Ballyhoo Digital, shares his entrepreneurial journey, insights on marketing, and the principles that guide his business. He emphasizes the importance of flexibility, ethical practices, and transparency in business. Scott discusses the impact of AI on the marketing landscape and the future of his company as it expands into new verticals. The conversation highlights the significance of values and principles in achieving long-term success and fulfillment in entrepreneurship.

Takeaways

Your path to success is probably not what you think.
Profit shouldn't be your primary motivator.
Flexibility is key in entrepreneurship.
Transparency in reporting is crucial.
Marketing is about encouraging people to take action.
You can discard what society says is the norm.
AI will be as impactful as the internet.
I can say no to clients and I do.
Building a company that treats people well is my priority.
Do what you like well enough and you're pretty good at it.

Titles

Navigating Entrepreneurship with Scott Hicks
The Principles of Successful Business

Sound bites

"Flexibility is key in entrepreneurship."
"Transparency in reporting is crucial."
"I can say no to clients and I do."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Scott Hicks and Ballyhoo Digital
03:00 Entrepreneurial Wisdom and Controversial Opinions
05:48 Scott's Journey and Background
11:32 The Birth of Ballyhoo Digital
17:34 Marketing Insights and Human Psychology
23:41 First Principles in Business
29:25 The Future of Business and AI
35:20 Conclusion and Future Plans

Today’s Guest: Annie Holland of Mission Made Modern
Don’t forget! Like – Comment – Subscribe

Guest Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-holland9/

This Episode:
In this conversation, Annie Holland, founder of Mission Made Modern, shares her journey into nonprofit marketing and how she helps mission-driven organizations tell their stories online. Annie reflects on her early leadership roles, her formative years in the restaurant industry, and how those experiences shaped her entrepreneurial approach. She opens up about the challenges of balancing multiple responsibilities, the importance of setting boundaries, and why empowering others is at the heart of her leadership philosophy. Annie also discusses the systems and templates she uses to support nonprofits, the value of trial and error in business, and her vision for amplifying mission-driven work through creativity, strategy, and community engagement.

Key Takeaways
Mission Made Modern helps nonprofits share their stories online
Leadership should not have an age requirement
Empowering others is a key goal in leadership
Balancing multiple roles is a common challenge for entrepreneurs
Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining work-life balance
Systems and templates help nonprofits market effectively
Trial and error are essential to learning in business
Focus on the main objectives of your work
Creativity and strategy can successfully coexist
Amplifying mission-driven organizations is Annie’s priority

But First, Principles with Colin Davis
Real stories. Real principles. Real growth for business owners.
Each episode reveals the mindset, systems, and turning points behind small business success so you can grow without burning out.
This season, Season 2, we are featuring innovative entrepreneurs shaping the Richmond region and beyond.

Helpful Links
Want practical tools to build a business that actually works?
Visit: [https://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com](https://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com)

Ready for clarity, structure, and momentum in your business?
Email Colin: [email protected]

About Colin
Colin Davis is a business and leadership coach with a background in ministry, psychology, and organizational leadership. A former missionary and monk turned entrepreneur, he helps small business owners create focus, build systems, and achieve lasting growth through First Principles Coaching. He lives in Virginia with his wife and children.

Keywords
Mission Made Modern, nonprofit marketing, leadership, entrepreneurship, small business, storytelling, social media, community engagement, personal growth, work-life balance

Today’s Guest: Geoffrey Giraud of Karahiyo
Don’t forget! Like – Comment – Subscribe

Guest Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffreygiraud/

This Episode:
In this conversation, Geoffrey Giraud, founder of Karahiyo, shares insights into his entrepreneurial journey in the beverage industry and the creation of his signature espresso martini product. He discusses the importance of focusing on your strengths as a founder, the central role of networking, and why sales must remain the top priority in any business. Geoffrey also highlights the power of hospitality in creating memorable experiences, the challenges and setbacks entrepreneurs inevitably face, and how perseverance and perspective can shape a company’s future. He outlines his vision for Karahiyo’s growth and emphasizes how community engagement and strong relationships lead to meaningful opportunities.

Key Takeaways
Focus on what you do best as an entrepreneur
Networking is crucial for business success
Sales are the number one priority in business
Creating memorable experiences is essential for hospitality
It’s important to step back and take perspective on your business
Building relationships can lead to unexpected opportunities
Challenges in business are common, but perseverance is key
Entrepreneurship involves continuous learning and adaptation
A strong vision can guide a business toward success
Community engagement is vital for growth and connection

But First, Principles with Colin Davis
Real stories. Real principles. Real growth for business owners.
Each episode reveals the mindset, systems, and turning points behind small business success so you can grow without burning out.
This season, Season 2, we are featuring innovative entrepreneurs shaping the Richmond region and beyond.

Helpful Links
Want practical tools to build a business that actually works?
Visit: https://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com

Ready for clarity, structure, and momentum in your business?
Email Colin: [email protected]

About Colin
Colin Davis is a business and leadership coach with a background in ministry, psychology, and organizational leadership. A former missionary and monk turned entrepreneur, he helps small business owners create focus, build systems, and achieve lasting growth through First Principles Coaching. He lives in Virginia with his wife and children.

Keywords
Karahiyo, espresso martini, entrepreneurship, networking, hospitality, business challenges, product development, personal journey, relationships, future vision

Today’s Guest: Sandra Myers of Select Date Society
Don’t forget! Like – Comment – Subscribe

Guest Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-boccia-myers/

This Episode:
In this conversation, Sandra Myers, co-founder of Select Date Society, shares her insights into elite matchmaking, entrepreneurship, and building a business rooted in integrity and high-touch service. She discusses the execution challenges that all entrepreneurs face, the importance of choosing the right business partner, and how adaptability, especially during the pandemic, helped her company thrive. Sandra also reflects on starting a business later in life, building a strong team, and creating fun, meaningful experiences for clients, particularly high net worth individuals with unique dating needs. Her journey offers inspirational and practical lessons for anyone growing a business or navigating major transitions.

Key Takeaways
Execution is the hard part of entrepreneurship
Not all entrepreneurs are great people managers
Being nimble and adaptable is crucial for success
Choosing the right partner shapes your success
Building a strong team is a major accomplishment
Integrity and supporting others are essential values
Planning matters, but flexibility is everything
Success starts with a positive mindset
Creating a fun, engaging dating experience is vital
High net worth individuals face unique dating challenges

But First, Principles with Colin Davis
Real stories. Real principles. Real growth for business owners.
Each episode reveals the mindset, systems, and turning points behind small business success so you can grow without burning out.
This season, Season 2, we are featuring innovative entrepreneurs shaping the Richmond region and beyond.

Helpful Links
Want practical tools to build a business that actually works?
Visit: [https://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com](https://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com)

Ready for clarity, structure, and momentum in your business?
Email Colin: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

About Colin
Colin Davis is a business and leadership coach with a background in ministry, psychology, and organizational leadership. A former missionary and monk turned entrepreneur, he helps small business owners create focus, build systems, and achieve lasting growth through First Principles Coaching. He lives in Virginia with his wife and children.

Keywords
matchmaking, entrepreneurship, business growth, team building, personal development, pandemic challenges, virtual dating, company culture, sales philosophy, mentorship

Today’s Guest: Steven Sadler of REVA & Allegiancy
Don’t forget! Like – Comment – Subscribe
Guest Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-sadler-696676a/
---
This Episode:
In this conversation, Steven Sadler, CEO of REVA, shares the principles that have guided his career in real estate and entrepreneurship. He talks about building a business on integrity, staying focused during economic disruptions, and leading with value. Steven also highlights the importance of family balance, strong sales skills, and committing fully to your purpose. His journey offers clear and practical insights for anyone working to grow a resilient business while staying grounded.
---
Key Takeaways
Integrity is a key competitive advantage
Community support makes business stronger
Family balance matters for long term success
Sales skills are essential for entrepreneurs
Success requires consistent effort
Operational focus is critical during downturns
Always deliver more value than you consume
---
But First, Principles with Colin Davis
Real stories. Real principles. Real growth for business owners.
Each episode reveals the mindset, systems, and turning points behind small business success so you can grow without burning out.
This season, Season 2, we are featuring innovative entrepreneurs shaping the Richmond region and beyond.
---
Helpful Links
Want practical tools to build a business that actually works?
Visit: [https://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com](https://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com)
Ready for clarity, structure, and momentum in your business?
Email Colin: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
---
About Colin
Colin Davis is a business and leadership coach with a background in ministry, psychology, and organizational leadership. A former missionary and monk turned entrepreneur, he helps small business owners create focus, build systems, and achieve lasting growth through First Principles Coaching. He lives in Virginia with his wife and children.
---
Keywords
entrepreneurship, integrity, real estate, business principles, family balance, sales skills, financial crisis, COVID-19, value creation, community impact

🎙️ Today’s guest: Justin Bajan of Familiar Creatures (Part 2)

Don’t forget! Like - Comment - Subscribe

Guest Links

https://www.familiarcreatures.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinbajan/

This Episode

In Part 2 of our conversation with Justin Bajan, co-founder of Familiar Creatures, we uncover how this small agency not only survived a turbulent time but used it to grow and innovate. Justin breaks down how the agency held revenue steady during COVID and uses AI as both a creative and strategic business tool. We explore the "small but mighty" advantage, why trust and authenticity are crucial, and how AI is changing the creative process. Whether you're an agency owner or a creative leader, this episode offers real-world insight on navigating crisis, building culture, and staying future-ready.

💡 Key Takeaways

Small agencies can win by moving faster, staying authentic, and building deep client relationships.
COVID lowered barriers, creating space for more small-agency innovation and growth.
AI is transforming strategy, but human insight, taste, and judgment remain irreplaceable.
Trust and strong relationships are critical differentiators in an AI-assisted world.
Agencies that lead with values and transparency build greater resilience and loyalty.
Creativity is about execution, listening, and solving real business problems.
The future belongs to those who blend technology with humanity.

About the Podcast: But First, Principles with Colin Davis

Real stories. Real principles. Real growth for business owners. Each episode reveals the mindset, systems, and turning points behind small-business success so you can grow without burning out. This season features innovative entrepreneurs shaping the Richmond region and beyond.

Helpful Links

Want practical tools to build a business that actually works? Visit:https://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com
Ready for clarity, structure, and momentum in your business? Email Colin: [email protected]

About Colin

Colin Davis is a business and leadership coach with a background in ministry, psychology, and organizational leadership. A former missionary and monk turned entrepreneur, he helps small-business owners create focus, build systems, and achieve lasting growth through First Principles Coaching. He lives in Virginia with his wife and children.

Keywords

business, agency, AI, creativity, entrepreneurship, innovation, crisis, growth, values, marketing, strategy, human-first, branding, resilience, future, technology

🎙️ Today’s guest: Justin Bajan of Familiar Creatures 

Don’t forget! Like - Comment - Subscribe

Guest Links

https://www.familiarcreatures.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinbajan/

This Episode

In Part 1 of our conversation with Justin Bajan, co-founder of Familiar Creatures, we explore what it takes to build a successful creative agency without falling into the hustle trap. Justin reveals why patience is the real superpower in entrepreneurship. He explains how challenger brands win by being nimble, bold, and unapologetically different. We dive into what marketing actually works for growing service businesses, sharing practical insights around self-marketing, budget benchmarks, SEO, and the overlooked opportunities on LinkedIn. If you're building a brand or scaling a service business, this episode drops actionable wisdom for the long game.

💡 Key Takeaways

Patience, not constant hustle, is the key to sustainable business growth.
Challenger brands win by being nimble, strategic, and bold.
Agencies compete through differentiation and clarity, not massive budgets.
Familiar Creatures helps clients "punch above their weight" using creativity and positioning.
Consistency in marketing (especially through SEO and LinkedIn) matters more than going viral.
Budgeting for marketing is critical; businesses must plan and invest.
Small agencies can attract large clients by leading with authenticity and expertise.

About the Podcast: But First, Principles with Colin Davis

Real stories. Real principles. Real growth for business owners. Each episode reveals the mindset, systems, and turning points behind small-business success so you can grow without burning out. This season features innovative entrepreneurs shaping the Richmond region and beyond.

Helpful Links

Want practical tools to build a business that actually works? Visit:https://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com
Ready for clarity, structure, and momentum in your business? Email Colin: [email protected]

About Colin

Colin Davis is a business and leadership coach with a background in ministry, psychology, and organizational leadership. A former missionary and monk turned entrepreneur, he helps small-business owners create focus, build systems, and achieve lasting growth through First Principles Coaching. He lives in Virginia with his wife and children.

Keywords

business, patience, marketing, challenger brands, strategy, entrepreneurship, agency, growth, SEO, LinkedIn, branding, positioning, communication, small business, creativity

We hope you enjoyed this episode. Like and subscribe to never miss a new episode!
Colin and the But First, Principles team.

Connect with Colin Davis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-davis-1stprinciples/
Visit the First Principles Coaching website here: http://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com/

Listen to But First, Principles! on these podcast platforms: 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5lfyftqBqzqQOfv9QgrvZa
Apple Podcasts: 
Amazon Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/but-first-principles/id1793156303https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6eb3cb0e-000d-4774-a0df-9cdf8b39089b/but-first-principles

#newseries #newpodcast #principles #challenges #industryinsights #customerfirst #foryoupage #Entrepreneurship #BusinessSuccess #PropertyManagement #StartupLife #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #storytelling #purpose #mediaforchange #valuesdriven #socialimpact #butfirstprinciples
But First, Principles with Colin Davis is a podcast for leaders, entrepreneurs, and curious minds who want to dig deeper into how things really work. Each episode explores a timeless principle or mental model that drives exceptional decision-making, leadership clarity, and strategic thinking. With guests from business, tech, academia, and beyond, Colin helps listeners peel back the noise and return to what really matters: the principles that stand the test of time. 
business, marathon, AI, communication, growth, adaptation, marketing, PR, future, technology

Today’s guest: Jonathan Rhudy of Rhudy & Co. Strategic Communications

Don’t forget! Like - Comment - Subscribe

Guest links: https://www.rhudy.biz,

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-rhudy-apr-2838434/

This Episode: From driving the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile to guiding companies through media storms, Jonathan shows how perseverance, optimism, narrative mastery, and integrity shape a career, and how entrepreneurs can apply the same mindset today.

💡 Key Takeaways
Running a business requires a marathon mindset, not a sprint.

AI is profoundly affecting the way we work across all industries.

Adaptation to AI is crucial for sustained success in business.

Communicators must actively integrate AI into their strategies.

The widespread fear of being completely replaced by AI is overstated.

Long-term planning is key for business resilience and sustainability.

AI isn't eliminating roles; it's changing how we perform them.

Successful businesses will be those that embrace technological changes.

The communications sector must evolve alongside AI advancements.

Future growth is fundamentally dependent on adaptability and innovation.

But First, Principles with Colin Davis

Real stories. Real principles. Real growth for business owners.

Each episode reveals the mindset, systems, and turning points behind small-business success: so you can grow without burning out.

This season, Season 2, we’re bringing another awesome group of entrepreneurs on the show from the Richmond region.

Helpful Links

Want practical tools to build a business that actually works?
Visit: https://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com

Ready for clarity, structure, and momentum in your business?
Email Colin: [email protected]

About Colin

Colin Davis is a business and leadership coach with a background in ministry, psychology, and organizational leadership. A former missionary and monk turned entrepreneur, he helps small-business owners create focus, build systems, and achieve lasting growth through First Principles Coaching. He lives in Virginia with his wife and children.

Find Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-rhudy-apr-2838434/

We hope you enjoyed this episode. Like and subscribe to never miss a new episode!

Colin and the But First, Principles team.

Connect with Colin Davis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-davis-1stprinciples/
Visit the First Principles Coaching website here: http://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com/

Listen to But First, Principles! on these podcast platforms: 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5lfyftqBqzqQOfv9QgrvZa
Apple Podcasts: 
Amazon Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/but-first-principles/id1793156303https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6eb3cb0e-000d-4774-a0df-9cdf8b39089b/but-first-principles

#newseries #newpodcast #principles #challenges #industryinsights #customerfirst #foryoupage #Entrepreneurship #BusinessSuccess #PropertyManagement #StartupLife #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #storytelling #purpose #mediaforchange #valuesdriven #socialimpact #butfirstprinciples
But First, Principles with Colin Davis is a podcast for leaders, entrepreneurs, and curious minds who want to dig deeper into how things really work. Each episode explores a timeless principle or mental model that drives exceptional decision-making, leadership clarity, and strategic thinking. With guests from business, tech, academia, and beyond, Colin helps listeners peel back the noise and return to what really matters: the principles that stand the test of time. 
business, marathon, AI, communication, growth, adaptation, marketing, PR, future, technology

💼 Build the Dream Without Quitting the Day Job
Marshall proves you don’t have to “burn the boats” to build a business. While working in cybersecurity, he runs a real estate portfolio, a mobile detailing company, and now Finstrike—a growing SaaS platform tackling teen financial literacy.

💡 Financial Education for the Next Generation
Finstrike fills the massive gap in teen and parent financial education, teaching real-world skills like savings rates, mindset, and financial agency. No fluff—just practical tools for long-term independence.

⚙️ Automation over Overwhelm
With a laser focus on systems, Marshall has automated his businesses to stay lean and sustainable—allowing him to scale smart, not chaotic. His secret? Bootstrap first, validate fast, and grow with purpose.

🎷 Richmond’s Rising Jazz Hub
Tom Illmensee, founder of Orbital Music Park, is building a world-class jazz venue in Richmond modeled on the intimacy and energy of legendary clubs like Ronnie Scott’s and Blue Note. He’s creating not just shows, but experiences — spaces where musicians and audiences lock into the same moment.

🌱 From Corporate Strategy to Community Sound
After years in UX and product strategy — including roles at Prezi and in Fortune 500 teams — Tom returned to Richmond to blend his startup mindset with his musical roots. He’s applying lean startup methods to physical space, designing a venue around feedback loops, flow states, and human connection.

🎶 A Space Where Music Leads the Way
With Grammy-nominated artists already performing, Orbital is more than a venue — it’s a proving ground for creative community. Tom’s long-term vision includes rehearsal and collaboration spaces, global expansion to solve the “sound-making” space problem, and a new model of listening-based leadership built around silence, presence, and play.

We hope you enjoyed this episode. Like and subscribe to never miss a new episode!

Colin and the But First, Principles team.

Connect with Colin Davis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-davis-1stprinciples/
Visit the First Principles Coaching website here: http://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com/

Listen to But First, Principles! on these podcast platforms: 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5lfyftqBqzqQOfv9QgrvZa
Apple Podcasts: 
Amazon Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/but-first-principles/id1793156303https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6eb3cb0e-000d-4774-a0df-9cdf8b39089b/but-first-principles

#newseries #newpodcast #principles #challenges #industryinsights #customerfirst #foryoupage #Entrepreneurship #BusinessSuccess #PropertyManagement #StartupLife #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #storytelling #purpose #mediaforchange #valuesdriven #socialimpact #butfirstprinciples
But First, Principles with Colin Davis is a podcast for leaders, entrepreneurs, and curious minds who want to dig deeper into how things really work. Each episode explores a timeless principle or mental model that drives exceptional decision-making, leadership clarity, and strategic thinking. With guests from business, tech, academia, and beyond, Colin helps listeners peel back the noise and return to what really matters: the principles that stand the test of time.