Get Business Smart with Tony Bradshaw

On this episode of Get Business Smart, Tony Bradshaw talks with Melanie Cox, author of You Have to Know and CEO of EMC Property, about the power of words, building wealth through real estate, and the purpose behind her 4,000 acre animal rescue. 

Melanie shares how a health crisis pushed her to write her book, how she approaches multifamily investing, and why she believes business, faith, and stewardship all belong together.We discuss Melanie’s background, her investing frameworks, and the stories behind Blue Oak Rescue, including Bear, the wolf dog who became a ranch guardian. Tony also shares his own lessons on debt, diversification, and raising a large family.

Key topics

• In this episode, Melanie explains how You Have to Know began as a letter to her children during a season of thyroid cancer, exhaustion, and reflection on what her kids needed to survive and thrive in life.
• She describes the book as a practical, faith-based guide built around mindset, truth, and the words people speak over themselves, combining personal stories, Bible references, and supporting studies.
• Tony and Melanie discuss manifestation, but frame it through faith and spiritual alignment rather than a generic self-help formula.
• Melanie shares her belief that words have real power, citing the Bible’s emphasis on speech and the idea that aligning your words with God’s will matters in daily life, business, and purpose.
• Tony reflects on his own experience giving time instead of money during lean years, including free work and his service on the Tennessee Christian Chamber of Commerce board.
• Melanie outlines EMC Property’s focus on larger projects, especially multifamily, commercial, and select single-family opportunities, with most projects sold to investors rather than held as rentals.
• She explains that she occasionally keeps properties when they connect to a deeper purpose, including a 45-unit building in Palm Desert that was repurposed to serve veterans needing alcohol and mental health support.
• Melanie breaks down her broader investment approach, including stock income, triple net leases, tax-advantaged purchases like car washes, single

CONNECT WITH MELANIE COX at https://melaniecox.org/

HIGHER PEAK BUSINESS COACHING
Feeling lost, stuck, or confused in your business?

Wearing too many hats? Stretched too thin? Not sure if you've got the right people in the right seats? Sound familiar?

Through Higher Peak Business Coaching, Tony works with business owners doing one million to fifty million in revenue — helping them turn chaos into clarity, and clarity into growth.

Ready to unlock your full potential? Book a call today at tonybradshaw.com.

In this episode of the Get Business Smart Podcast, Tony talks with John Hewitt about his entrepreneurial journey from founding Jackson Hewitt to Liberty Tax and the leadership, purpose, and systems that helped him build scalable, long-term business success.Discover how John built billion-dollar franchise brands by focusing on mission, values, and execution. He shares practical lessons on perseverance, building strong teams, creating systems that scale, and using franchising as a path to sustainable growth.In this episode, you’ll learn:

 TAKEAWAYS

• Build around a clear purpose and let it guide your decisions
• Create systems that make growth repeatable
• Hire for complementary strengths, not just similarity
• Encourage honest communication so problems surface early
• Focus on long-term value, not just short-term wins

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Finding Purpose Beyond Business
05:59 Education and Entrepreneurship
11:30 Leadership Lessons from Experience
17:32 Hiring for Success
23:24 Franchising vs. Small Business

CONNECT WITH JOHN HEWITT AT [email protected] or loyaltybrands.com.

HIGHER PEAK BUSINESS COACHING
Feeling lost, stuck, or confused in your business?

Wearing too many hats? Stretched too thin? Not sure if you've got the right people in the right seats? Sound familiar?

Through Higher Peak Business Coaching, Tony works with business owners doing one million to fifty million in revenue — helping them turn chaos into clarity, and clarity into growth.

Ready to unlock your full potential? Book a call today at tonybradshaw.com.

On this episode of Get Business Smart, Tony talks with Kraig and Desiree Bougher about building a kingdom based business. Embracing Faith and Recognition in Christian Business Leadership: Insights from Kraig and Desiree Bougher

Learn how faith, recognition, and strategic business practices intertwine in this inspiring conversation with Kraig and Desiree Bougher. Discover how applying biblical principles can transform your approach to leadership, recognition, and marketplace influence.

TAKEAWAYS

• The importance of recognition and appreciation in building culture and relationships
• Integrating faith into everyday business practices without being pushy
• The power of prayer and boldness in workplace settings
• Strategies for promoting Christian conferences and fostering marketplace presence
• The significance of unity among Christian business leaders and churches
• The story of Joseph as a model for connecting people with solutions, regardless of background
• Practical ways to incorporate biblical concepts into business operations
• The upcoming Ignite Kingdom Conference in Nashville and its lineup
• The rising trend of Christian organizations unapologetically engaging in marketplace influence

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction to Craig and Desiree Buyer & their business journey
 02:38 - How recognition strengthens client relationships and company culture
 04:15 - Incorporating faith and prayer into business interactions
 05:53 - Managing recognition and praise to retain employee engagement
 10:20 - Range of promotional products and their strategic purpose
 12:50 - Creative recognition examples impacting team morale
 14:15 - The significance of recognizing employees' unique contributions
 15:40 - Details on the Ignite Kingdom Conference in Nashville
 16:39 - The importance of marketplace influence for Christian leaders
 18:12 - Addressing church division and opportunities for citywide transformation
 20:48 - The Joseph story as a blueprint for divine connections
 22:47 - Tapping into the power of networked influence and unity
 25:05 - Key speakers and program highlights of the upcoming conference
 27:10 - How Christian entrepreneurs are boldly displaying their faith in business
 30:37 - The necessity of unity among churches to transform cities
 36:44 - Practical steps for stewardship and wealth-building aligned with biblical principles
 37:19 - How to connect with Craig and get involved in the Ignite Kingdom Conference

Connect with Craig and Desiree Bougher at Ignite Kingdom Group or xtremerecognitionshop.com

HIGHER PEAK BUSINESS COACHING
Feeling lost, stuck, or confused in your business?

Wearing too many hats? Stretched too thin? Not sure if you've got the right people in the right seats? Sound familiar?

Through Higher Peak Business Coaching, Tony works with business owners doing one million to fifty million in revenue — helping them turn chaos into clarity, and clarity into growth.

Ready to unlock your full potential? Book a call today at tonybradshaw.com.

In this episode of Get Business Smart, Tony talks with Jill Lublin about building your brand through PR. 

Unlock actionable PR strategies from Jill Lublin, a renowned PR expert and author, as she shares insights on building brand awareness, leveraging media, and creating impactful messages that stick. Perfect for authors, entrepreneurs, and business owners looking to elevate their visibility. Jill breaks down public relations into a practical, repeatable system that any creator or business owner can use to get noticed without needing a huge budget. From the “gorilla publicity” mindset to crafting a message that clearly serves the audience, she explains how strong PR starts with relevance, clarity, and consistency. 

Listeners will learn how to use stories, current events, holidays, and media opportunities to make their pitch more timely and compelling. The conversation also explores how different channels — including print, radio, TV, podcasts, blogs, and online media — can work together to build authority and trust. Jill shares why saying yes to media opportunities matters, how logos from reputable outlets can boost credibility, and how confidence helps overcome imposter syndrome when presenting yourself to the world. She also offers practical advice for starting with local media, integrating PR with special dates, and turning visibility into long-term brand growth. 

In this episode: 

• The importance of a clear, focused message tailored to your audience
• Different media channels for effective PR, from traditional to digital
• How to identify current events and holidays for timely media pitches
• The power of stories and application in media outreach
• Strategies for local versus national media placements
• How to leverage logos and media logos for credibility and social proof
• The impact of multi-channel marketing and content formats
• Tips for overcoming imposter syndrome and boosting confidence
• The value of saying "yes" to every media opportunity
• Practical steps to start your PR journey, including tools and programs

Timestamps:

• (00:00) - Intro to Jill Lublin and her PR expertise
• (02:16) - The gorilla publicity approach: resourcefulness without heavy spending
• (04:55) - The significance of a strong core message focused on your audience's needs
• (08:21) - Differentiating social media from traditional PR
• (09:57) - The channels of PR: print, radio, TV, podcasts, blogs, and online media
• (11:20) - The concept of PR as magnetizing, monetizing, and multiplying your message
• (13:02) - The importance of video content in personal branding
• (15:23) - Using logos and media credibility to build authority
• (16:50) - The success of Chicken Soup for the Soul via consistent PR
• (17:48) - The importance of saying "yes" to media opportunities for brand awareness
• (19:33) - Overcoming imposter syndrome through confident messaging
• (22:22) - The difference between paid and free media; the dynamics of pay-to-play
• (25:48) - How relevance and current events can be used in media pitches
• (28:54) - Practical tips for integrating PR with holidays and special dates
• (29:01) - Invitation to Jill’s publicity challenge at jollublin.com/start

Resources & Links:

• Jill Lublin's Website / Publicity Challenge
• Book: Get Noticed, Get Referrals
• Interview Valet - Podcast Booking Service
• The Prophet of Kindness
• Public Relations Mastermind (event/offer)

Additional tips:

• Start with local media appearances to build credibility
• Look for timely opportunities based on current events or holidays
• Develop a simple, compelling pitch tailored to your media target
• Use logos from reputable media outlets to increase trustworthiness
• Embrace every media opportunity to expand your reach

CONNECT WITH JILL LUBLIN at jilllublin.com

HIGHER PEAK BUSINESS COACHING
Feeling lost, stuck, or confused in your business?

Wearing too many hats? Stretched too thin? Not sure if you've got the right people in the right seats? Sound familiar?

Through Higher Peak Business Coaching, Tony works with business owners doing one million to fifty million in revenue — helping them turn chaos into clarity, and clarity into growth.

Ready to unlock your full potential? Book a call today at tonybradshaw.com.

In this episode of the GET BUSINESS SMART Podcast, Tony talks with Michele DeFilippo of 1106 Design about the world of publishing. Dive into the world of book publishing with Michelle DeFilippo, owner of 1106 Design, as she shares her insights from helping over 4,000 authors bring their books to life. Whether you're an aspiring author or an experienced writer, learn practical tips on publishing, marketing, and maximizing your book’s impact. 

TAKEAWAYS

• Michele's journey helping authors publish and the importance of choosing the right publishing path
• The financial realities of traditional publishing versus self-publishing on Amazon
• How authors can avoid common pitfalls and red flags in the publishing industry
• The process of producing different formats: print, ebook, audiobook
• Effective marketing strategies and realistic expectations for new book releases
• The role of hybrid publishers and how to assess their value
• The impact of AI tools like ChatGPT and AI-generated audiobooks in modern publishing
• What to look for in a trusted author services company
• How to distribute your book widely using platforms like KDP and IngramSpark
• Tips for building an author career with consistent book releases

TIMESTAMPS 
00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Michele DeFilippo 

02:10 - Michelle's long-standing experience in publishing since the 1970s 

04:20 - The realities of book sales and author expectations 

05:45 - Impact of publishing choices on earnings 

09:12 - Understanding traditional vs. self-publishing models 

12:52 - Effective marketing budgets and strategies for new books 

14:01 - The comprehensive publishing services offered by Eleven Six Design 

16:42 - The role of editing and managing the publishing process 

18:31 - Insights into ghostwriting and AI-assisted writing 

21:38 - Producing and licensing audiobooks 

22:49 - Best practices for audio narration and production 

25:02 - Common industry red flags and scams authors should watch for 

28:24 - Distributions platforms to maximize reach 

29:15 - The future of bookstores and online vs. in-store buying 

30:39 - How to connect with Michele and access free resources

Resources & Links:

• Publish Like the Pros - Free Guide

CONNECT WITH MICHELE DEFILIPPO at 1106 Design | 1106Design.com

HIGHER PEAK BUSINESS COACHING
Feeling lost, stuck, or confused in your business?

Wearing too many hats? Stretched too thin? Not sure if you've got the right people in the right seats? Sound familiar?

Through Higher Peak Business Coaching, Tony works with business owners doing one million to fifty million in revenue — helping them turn chaos into clarity, and clarity into growth.

Ready to unlock your full potential? Book a call today at tonybradshaw.com.

Discover the ins and outs of franchising with Chris Hilgers, a 15-year industry veteran, as he shares insights on why franchises offer a higher success rate compared to startups. Learn about the process of choosing the right franchise, understanding investments, and the support structures that help franchise owners thrive.

TAKEAWAYS

• The success disparity between franchise owners (80%) and startups (90% failure over 10 years)
• Why starting in the second base (franchise) is smarter than starting from scratch
• The importance of validation and talking to existing franchise owners
• The comprehensive process of screening, discovery, and measuring fit before investing
• How to evaluate franchise investment costs: from service businesses to brick-and-mortar options
• The role of support structures, including training, marketing, and real estate guidance, in franchise success
• Tips on assessing a franchise’s differentiation in the marketplace
• The significance of choosing a business aligned with personal interests and lifestyle goals
• Resources for continuous growth and learning, including Tony Robbins and Darren Hardy

TIMESTAMPS

 00:00 - Introduction to franchise success rates and why they matter

 00:40 - Comparing startups versus franchise success and starting at second base

 01:17 - The value of validation and talking to current franchise owners

 03:02 - The franchise selection process: screening and personal modeling

 04:48 - How to determine the right type of franchise for your skills and lifestyle

 06:12 - The importance of focusing and filtering options, not shotgun approaches

 07:10 - The FTC regulations and the disclosure process for franchisees

 08:33 - Benchmarking and evaluating franchise performance metrics

 09:02 - Scalability and long-term sustainability of franchise businesses

 09:28 - Validating franchise success and challenges with existing owners

 10:25 - The significance of visiting headquarters and discovery days

 11:28 - Franchise options: the variety of companies and opportunities available

 12:44 - Investment ranges in franchises: low vs. high cost options

 13:45 - Types of service and brick-and-mortar franchises, with examples

 15:08 - Support structures: training, marketing, real estate, and peer networks

 16:23 - The value of choosing franchises with well-developed support programs

 17:16 - The importance of business differentiation in competitive markets

 18:13 - Aligning franchise choices with personal fulfillment and interests

 21:13 - Support systems for franchise owners: ongoing training and infrastructure

 27:35 - Recommended resources for ongoing personal and business growth

 29:08 - How to connect with Chris and explore franchise opportunitiesResources & Links:

CONNECT WITH CHRIS HILGERS AT peakfranchising.com and podcast.peakfranchising.com

HIGHER PEAK BUSINESS COACHING
Feeling lost, stuck, or confused in your business?

Wearing too many hats? Stretched too thin? Not sure if you've got the right people in the right seats? Sound familiar?

Through Higher Peak Business Coaching, Tony works with business owners doing one million to fifty million in revenue — helping them turn chaos into clarity, and clarity into growth.

Ready to unlock your full potential? Book a call today at tonybradshaw.com.

Alan Lazaros, co-founder of Next Level University, joins Tony Bradshaw for a candid conversation on what it really takes to build a thriving business and podcast from the ground up. From leading by example to tracking the right metrics, Alan shares the systems and mindsets that have helped him grow an engaged online community — and how you can apply the same principles to your own journey.

TAKEAWAYS

Consistency is key — keep evolving and never stop showing up.

Lead by example. Be willing to do what you ask of your team.

Track your metrics daily to stay aligned and avoid operational chaos.

Focus on high-value activities and let technology do the heavy lifting.

Build a community that values genuine human connection over automation.

TIMESTAMP

00:00 Introduction to Alan Lazaros and Next Level University

02:52 The challenges of starting a business

05:39 Leading by example in business

08:24 Managing a virtual team effectively

11:21 Tracking metrics for success

14:03 Building a cohesive business model

17:10 The value of community in podcasting

19:04 Starting your podcast journey

22:25 Building a personal brand through podcasting

25:06 Framework for success: goals and metrics

28:25 Embracing hard work and discipline

32:00 Recommended resources for growth

CONNECT WITH ALAN LAZAROS AT nextleveluniverse.com

HIGHER PEAK BUSINESS COACHING
Feeling lost, stuck, or confused in your business?

Wearing too many hats? Stretched too thin? Not sure if you've got the right people in the right seats? Sound familiar?

Through Higher Peak Business Coaching, Tony works with business owners doing one million to fifty million in revenue — helping them turn chaos into clarity, and clarity into growth.

Ready to unlock your full potential? Book a call today at tonybradshaw.com.

Discover the secrets to buying, selling, and growing successful businesses with veteran broker Matt Uhler. Learn how to evaluate business value, structure deals, and diversify income streams for long-term financial resilience.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The importance of exit strategies for small business owners
• How business valuation works, including key metrics like EBITDA and seller's discretionary earnings
• Steps to prepare a business for sale to maximize its market value
• The role of multiples in business valuation and typical ranges
• Funding options for acquiring a business, emphasizing SBA loans
• Strategies for diversifying income through business ownership
• The impact of market disruptions, such as COVID-19, on business operations
• Building a portfolio of multiple businesses for risk mitigation and income stability
• The psychology of wealth and the significance of mindset in financial success
• Book recommendations: Think and Grow Rich and Rich Dad Poor Dad

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Matt Euler, business broker with 28 years of experience
 02:30 - What happens to businesses that don't transition to the next owner
 05:00 - Why business owners often leave their businesses to die or close
 08:20 - How to prepare a business for sale for better valuation
 10:45 - Understanding business valuation: EBITDA and seller's discretionary earnings
 14:00 - The importance of asset condition and risk factors in valuation
 16:30 - Funding sources: SBA loans and typical down payments
 21:00 - Business multiples: typical ranges and how they’re calculated
 24:00 - Managing a portfolio of multiple businesses for diversification
 28:00 - Monthly oversight: analyzing financials and operational health
 32:00 - The significance of income streams for financial security
 36:00 - Risks in business ownership and lessons from market disruptions
 39:00 - The psychology behind wealth building and mindset shifts
 41:00 - Recommended books for developing wealth mindset

Resources & Links:

• Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
• Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

CONNECT WITH MATT UHLER AT ampedsuccess.com

HIGHER PEAK BUSINESS COACHING
Feeling lost, stuck, or confused in your business?

Wearing too many hats? Stretched too thin? Not sure if you've got the right people in the right seats? Sound familiar?

Through Higher Peak Business Coaching, Tony works with business owners doing one million to fifty million in revenue — helping them turn chaos into clarity, and clarity into growth.

Ready to unlock your full potential? Book a call today at tonybradshaw.com.

In this episode, Tony talks with Bruno Cignacco, author of The Art of Compassionate Business, about how integrating compassion into the workplace can boost profits, improve employee retention, and transform company culture. Discover practical ways to foster human-oriented leadership, develop strong relationships, and create sustainable, successful businesses through kindness and empathy.

TAKEAWAYS

• The true resource behind business success: humans, not just technology or capital
• How compassion fosters cooperation, psychological safety, and innovation
• The importance of understanding employees' emotional, mental, and social needs
• Practical strategies for building compassionate workplaces (e.g., cross-departmental meetings, social events, feedback culture)
• The scientific basis and measurable results of compassionate leadership
• The role of humility and active listening in fostering human-oriented leadership
• How aligning company mission with human and environmental values shapes culture
• The impact of compassion on employee turnover and company profitability
• Practical resources for adopting compassionate business principles

CONNECT WITH BRUNO CIGNACCO AT brunocignacco.com

HIGHER PEAK BUSINESS COACHING
Feeling lost, stuck, or confused in your business?

Wearing too many hats? Stretched too thin? Not sure if you've got the right people in the right seats? Sound familiar?

Through Higher Peak Business Coaching, Tony works with business owners doing one million to fifty million in revenue — helping them turn chaos into clarity, and clarity into growth.

Ready to unlock your full potential? Book a call today at tonybradshaw.com.

What if your book could open doors that no business card ever could? In this episode of Get Business Smart with Tony Bradshaw, publishing expert and bestselling author Wiebke Tasch reveals the strategy, craft, and savvy behind turning an idea into a book that actually sells — and builds your brand for years to come.

Wiebke shares her fascinating journey from working as a PR professional in Germany to becoming a bestselling author and helping other entrepreneurs and thought leaders do the same. Her story is proof that writing a book isn't just a creative endeavor — it's one of the smartest business moves you can make.

The conversation dives deep into the mechanics of successful publishing: how to position your book in the right market, why your cover design can make or break your sales, and the critical importance of those first five days after launch on Amazon. Wiebke also tackles the modern author's toolkit, explaining how AI can be used to sharpen your manuscript without losing your voice, and why the layout stage is far more important than most first-time authors realize.

Beyond the tactics, Wiebke shares a powerful mindset shift — your book isn't the product, it's the calling card. It's the credibility builder that attracts clients, speaking gigs, and opportunities that no amount of advertising can replicate. For entrepreneurs and aspiring authors ready to stop overthinking and start publishing, this episode is required listening.

TAKEAWAYS

• Strategic positioning matters before you write a single word — understanding your market and niche determines whether your book finds its audience or gets lost in the noise.
• Cover design is a science, not just art — genre conventions and buyer psychology should drive every design decision.
• The first 5 days on Amazon are make or break — having a launch strategy in place before publication is non-negotiable.
• AI is a powerful editing assistant, not a replacement for a human editor — use it to catch what you miss, not to write what you feel.
• Your book is a long-term asset — a well-published book continues generating leads, credibility, and income long after launch day.

CONNECT WITH WIEBKE TASCH AT digital-authors.com

HIGHER PEAK BUSINESS COACHING
Feeling lost, stuck, or confused in your business?

Wearing too many hats? Stretched too thin? Not sure if you've got the right people in the right seats? Sound familiar?

Through Higher Peak Business Coaching, Tony works with business owners doing one million to fifty million in revenue — helping them turn chaos into clarity, and clarity into growth.

Ready to unlock your full potential? Book a call today at tonybradshaw.com.