A great piece of furniture tells a story long before it’s finished. We sat down with custom furniture maker with Ansel Ringler Estatoe Woodworks to unpack how he turned a childhood hustle into a sustainable business by pairing creative craft with clear-eyed operations. From first principles planning to a client experience that invites collaboration, Ansel shares the systems that keep his shop profitable, resilient, and fun to follow.

We dive into the early missteps—making whatever seemed exciting and hoping it sold—and the reset that came from stepping away, running the numbers, and rebuilding a product mix around real demand. Ansel explains why custom desks became his flagship: strong margins, repeatable process, and obvious value for buyers who need a perfect fit. He breaks down the hidden hours that crush margins when ignored, the communication loops that reduce revisions, and the simple tweaks that keep projects on schedule.

Marketing for makers can feel like a mystery, so we get specific. Ansel maps how he layered channels—local Facebook groups, Instagram, Pinterest, Etsy, galleries—and let reviews and process videos do the heavy lifting. He talks about building a reputation that travels farther than ads, the discipline to ask for feedback, and why thoughtful hiring unlocks both output and culture. Expect practical takeaways on pricing, scoping, batching similar builds, creating client buy-in, and fostering a shop where craftsmanship and camaraderie go hand in hand.

If you’re a creative entrepreneur, woodworker, or small business owner looking to grow without losing your soul, this conversation offers a blueprint: focus on what sells and scales, count every hour, and tell your story where your customers already gather. Subscribe for more builder-to-business insights, share this with a fellow maker, and leave a quick review to help others find the show.

Guest contact info:

[email protected]

www.estatoewoodworks.com

www.instagram.com/estatoewoodworks

Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/

All the best!
Bill

Please hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

 In this episode, digital marketing expert Jeremy Ashburn of Push Leads shares how he built a 45‑client agency helping small businesses get visible at the top of Google and recommended by AI tools like ChatGPT—without huge loans or big‑budget funding. He breaks down the mistakes he made growing solo, why hiring driven people like his star social media rep Andrea transformed his business, and how documenting processes and delegating (with tools like Loom) unlocked real scalability.

Jeremy and the host dive into resilience, manifesting goals, and why “see a need, fill a need” and “giver’s gain” are the core philosophies behind his success. You’ll hear practical advice on networking in Asheville and online, using content and “inner hidden pages” to rank for profitable keywords, and why business owners must balance workaholism with intentional time offline. Jeremy also previews his next big move: building an AI‑powered SEO “operating system” that blends automation with human oversight to help small businesses win more leads on autopilot.

Guest contact info:

[email protected]

https://link.pushleads.com/widget/bookings/jeremy-ashburn

https://pushleads.com/about-us/

Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/

All the best!
Bill

Please hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

 In this episode, certified financial planner Heather Banks of Willow Tree Wealth Planning shares how she helps individuals define what financial success really means to them and then build a personalized roadmap to get there. Drawing on 20 years of experience, Heather explains why comprehensive, customized planning matters, how relationships and trust drive her business, and why business owners often misunderstand the realities of “flexibility” when you’re the one holding the bag.

Heather talks candidly about giving herself grace as an entrepreneur, setting boundaries to protect family time, and using both in‑person and remote work to create a healthier balance. She discusses the power of surrounding yourself with the right team—financial planner, CPA, attorney, and business coach—and how client relationships and word-of-mouth referrals have fueled record growth for her firm. Listeners will hear practical advice on overcoming fear of success, staying on top of ongoing education, and taking the next step toward a clearer, more confident financial future.

Guest contact info:

[email protected]

www.willowtreewealthplanning.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-a-banks-cfp%C2%AE-chsnc%C2%AE-6a516b33/

https://www.facebook.com/Heather-A-Banks-Financial-Planner-at-Pruco-Securities-LLC-669710856515175/

Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/

All the best!
Bill

Please hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

In this episode, franchise owner Brad Swensen of PMI Soda City shares how he transitioned from 23 years in education and coaching to running a short-term and long-term property management business in Columbia, South Carolina. He talks about why he chose a franchise model, what he would do differently if starting over, and how networking—especially through BNI—has driven more growth than paid marketing.

Brad opens up about work–life balance, designing his business around family time with his young daughter, and setting boundaries with owners and guests so he can be both a great dad and a successful operator. He also discusses lessons learned about efficiency, planning, ongoing education, and the power of “giver’s gain” in networking.

Listeners will hear practical advice on growing a franchise, building genuine referral relationships, preparing systems so you can travel and still manage properties remotely, and why Brad sees his future in residential and commercial property management—especially the underserved commercial niche.

Guest contact info:

www.pmisodacity.com

[email protected]

Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/

All the best!
Bill

Please hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

In this episode, Asheville-based entrepreneur Benji Burrell, founder and owner of Good People Technologies, joins Cliff to share his journey of building a business that helps organizations choose and implement the right technology tools for efficient operations. Benji reflects on lessons learned over 12 years in business—from the importance of hiring quality people and developing strong sales pipelines to finding balance and preventing burnout as a business owner.

He offers candid advice on leadership, fostering team trust, and the realities of running a business—dispelling myths like “being your own boss means more free time.” Benji also discusses how Good People Tech supports clients across North America, promoting sustainable, resilient businesses through smart systems and community-minded values.

Listeners will gain insights on planning for growth, managing change, and the power of authentic communication. 

Guest contact info 📞

[email protected]

https://goodpeopletech.com/

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/benji-burrell-a0262217/ 

Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/

All the best!
Bill

Please hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

What does it really take to build a service-based business that lasts—without burning out or losing your values along the way?

In this episode of the Entrepreneur Podcast, we sit down with Zach Broch, founder and owner of Secure Roofing, a licensed general contractor serving Western North Carolina since 2017. Zach shares the real story behind growing a reputable roofing company in a highly competitive industry—where the product may be similar, but service, communication, and integrity make all the difference.

Zach reflects candidly on what he would do differently if he started over, including tightening his geographic focus early on and being more intentional with hiring. He dives into the growing pains every entrepreneur faces, the importance of building the right team and culture, and why staying hands-on—even as an owner—is non-negotiable for long-term success.

The conversation explores common misconceptions about entrepreneurship, the personal sacrifices involved, and why business ownership isn’t for the faint of heart. Zach also shares how Secure Roofing has grown through reputation, over-communication, and a concierge-style client experience that builds trust from the first call to final cleanup.

You’ll also hear about:

• How Zach balances business demands with family life and avoids burnout
• The qualities he looks for in employees and how he fosters long-term retention
• Why education, planning, inspiration, and commitment are core pillars of his company
• The launch of innovative roof rejuvenation solutions that save homeowners money
• What’s next for Secure Roofing—including new local partnerships and expansion plans

Whether you’re a local entrepreneur, a contractor, or someone thinking about starting a business, this episode delivers grounded advice, honest perspective, and practical insights on growing sustainably—one decision at a time.

🎧 Listen in and learn how focusing on people, process, and trust can build a business that truly serves its community.

Guest contact info: 

[email protected]

https://secureroofingwnc.com/

Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/

All the best!
Bill

Please hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

Think running your own business means total freedom? Carpenter and home inspector turned contractor, Calvin Denny, brings a grounded view of what it really takes to build a thriving trades business—without bloat, without fluff, and with results clients can feel every day on their decks and porches. We dig into how Atlas Mountain Contractors grew from a one-man shop into a tight collective of independent pros serving the greater Asheville area, specializing in decks, exterior framing, and functional outdoor spaces.

Calvin breaks down the decision that changed everything: adding the right people early to expand capability and quality. He shares why operating as a collective of insured independents keeps overhead low, pricing competitive, and accountability high. We unpack common myths about entrepreneurship—the workday doesn’t end at five, clients are your real bosses, and you don’t always need big startup capital if your model is lean. From quoting at night to respecting house rules on-site, this is the unvarnished playbook for owners who want consistency and referrals.

Networking sits at the center of the growth story. Calvin explains how BNI (Business Network International) delivered a reliable referral pipeline for both home inspections and carpentry, why the dues pay for themselves, and how word-of-mouth compounds when craftsmanship is consistent. We also get practical about balance: scheduling vacations months ahead, building buffers, delegating two-person projects aligned to strengths, and protecting weekends when possible. For hiring, it’s reliability first, then complementary skills—think paint and drywall to round out framing and finish work—supported by a culture where lunch breaks, music, and trust turn hard labor into flow.

Looking forward, Calvin outlines a clear next chapter: flipping houses while continuing client projects. The team’s low-overhead structure and hands-on expertise make full renovations a natural step, pairing market value with the outdoor living features buyers love. If you’re a small business owner or trades professional, you’ll find sharp, actionable tactics on pricing, planning, networking, and culture that you can put to work today.

If this conversation helped you, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review with your favorite takeaway—we read every one.

Guest contact info:

[email protected]

https://atlasinspectionservices.com/

Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/

All the best!
Bill

Please hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

In this week’s Epic Entrepreneurs episode, guest host Cliff McRea from ActionCOACH Business Growth Partners sits down with Bryson Lanier, owner of Little Bird Roof Company, to explore the story behind one of Western North Carolina’s most trusted roofing businesses.

Bryson shares how his background as a subcontractor and military veteran inspired him to build a company focused on craftsmanship, integrity, and customer education. From historic homes to complex slate and cedar shake projects, Little Bird takes on the jobs others avoid—backed by meticulous planning, strong communication, and a commitment to doing things right the first time.

Listeners will hear insights on:

• Building a reliable, growth-minded team
• The power of customer education and communication
• Lessons learned from scaling during post-storm rebuilding
• How trust, balance, and reputation fuel long-term success

Bryson also opens up about leadership, work–life balance, and his desire to use business as a force for good—through community engagement and supporting wildlife research led by his operations manager.

If you’re a business owner striving to grow with purpose and integrity, this conversation is a masterclass in doing just that.

🎧 Listen now to discover how Little Bird Roof Company is raising the standard, one roof—and one relationship—at a time.

Guest contact info:

[email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Di9AdpbYL/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://www.instagram.com/littlebirdroofcompany?igsh=NTFweXg0eTVwano5&utm_source=qr

Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/

All the best!
Bill

Please hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

How does forensic accounting uncover hidden or missing assets in both personal and business situations, including fraud, divorce cases, employee theft, and vendor misconduct?

Dr. Gabrielle Juba shares candid lessons from launching her firm, including the importance of having a clearer vision early on, building backend systems, and learning to balance structure with flexibility as a business owner. She challenges the misconception that a website alone brings clients, emphasizing instead the critical role of networking, relationships, and word-of-mouth referrals—crediting groups like FABA, Incredible Business Networking, and the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce as key to her growth.

The conversation also explores how Gabi manages vacations, sets boundaries with clients, and intentionally balances business demands with personal time. She attributes her growth to personal drive, a strong professional network, and continuous education, including her advanced business degrees and ongoing learning through classes and podcasts.

Looking ahead, Gabi discusses her vision for scaling Juba Forensics into a multimillion-dollar firm, hiring employees starting in 2026, and building a fully remote team with strong compensation, education, and culture. She closes with advice for entrepreneurs: don’t quit too early, be willing to pivot, and stay committed long enough for the work to pay off.

Listeners can connect with Dr. Gabrielle Juba here:

[email protected]

www.jubaforensics.com

www.linkedin.com/in/gabriellejuba

https://www.youtube.com/@JubaForensics

Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/

All the best!
Bill

Please hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

What if the smartest way to grow is to do less, better? That question sits at the heart of our conversation with chiropractor and acupuncturist Christopher Wolcott, who left a bustling, insurance-heavy clinic in Chicago to build a focused, mornings-only, referral-powered practice in Asheville. His story is equal parts strategy and sanity: combining chiropractic, acupuncture, soft tissue work, and rehab into longer visits; setting firm boundaries around vacations and mental health; and trusting instincts to guide both clinical choices and business pivots.

We trace the decisions that shaped his new model, from selling everything and spending two years in an RV with his family to choosing Asheville for proximity to loved ones and a lifestyle that rewards presence over hustle. Chris breaks down the myths of being your own boss, explaining the real costs of no benefits and no paid time off, and why he now closes the clinic rather than running coverage roulette. He shares the hiring signals that matter—timeliness and genuine bedside manner—and how leading by example creates a resilient, low-drama culture. We also dig into his rebrand from Sunrise Wellness to Wolcott Wellness, why market habits should guide your schedule, and how honesty—turning away cases he can’t help—built a reputation that fuels consistent word-of-mouth.

Looking ahead, Chris sketches a practical vision for corporate wellness: on-site maintenance care, accessible acupuncture points, and quick adjustments for teams at craft manufacturers and blue-collar workplaces. It’s prevention-forward, relationship-rich, and an authentic extension of the approach that made his clinic thrive. If you’re craving sustainable growth, clearer priorities, and a business that truly fits your life, you’ll find hard-won insights and actionable steps here. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review—we love hearing what landed for you.

Guest contact info:

[email protected]

www.wolcottwellness.com 

Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/

All the best!
Bill

Please hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at [email protected] or at https://billgilliland.biz/