Grind Design

Your best year in business starts before January.

In this episode, Mike and Mandi discuss how to prepare for 2027 now—from building better systems and setting realistic priorities to planning time off you can actually enjoy.

They explore why business owners get stuck in the cycle of getting busy, stopping lead generation, and starting over—and how consistent systems can help break that pattern. Plus, they share how they approach 12-week planning, accountability, delegation, and recognizing when a task doesn’t deserve a spot on your calendar.

The takeaway: do less, better. Build a business that supports the life you want, and start putting the pieces in place today.

Subscribe for more honest conversations about business, growth, and creating a life by design.

In this episode we talk with Valerie about her journey from chemical engineer to financial services entrepreneur and why she decided to pursue her business full time at 60.

Valerie shares her passion for helping families understand money, reduce debt, and prepare for the unexpected. We discuss the shame that can keep people from asking for financial help, the importance of financial education, and the challenges of building a business centered on serving others.

She also shares insights on growing through existing client relationships, starting a new chapter, and building a legacy one family at a time.

📚 Valerie’s Book Recommendation
Outgrow — a book about growing your business through existing client relationships.

📲 Connect with Valerie
Find Valerie on Facebook

Summary

Amy Benedetti shares her journey from banking to mortgage, her entrepreneurial mindset, and how she balances her business, fitness, and family life. This episode offers insights into building resilience, continuous learning, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people.

Keywords

entrepreneurship, mortgage, banking, fitness, leadership, resilience, continuous learning, work-life balance


key  topics

Amy's transition from banking to mortgage
The importance of continuous learning and adaptation
Balancing entrepreneurship with fitness and family
Building a supportive team and surround yourself with the right people
Overcoming fear and embracing failure as part of growth
The value of humility and knowing what you don't know
Strategies for staying motivated and challenged
The role of mental models and systems in success


Takeaways

Surround yourself with people who excel in areas you are less strong in.
Failure is a natural part of growth and doesn't diminish your value.
Always be learning from experts and peers to stay ahead.
Balance is a myth; focus on being all-in and adaptable.
Taking risks and embracing failure leads to greater resilience.


Chapters

00:00 Introduction and guest background
01:56 Amy's journey from teller to mortgage expert
03:53 Transitioning from banking to brokerage
06:02 Balancing business, fitness, and family
07:59 Lessons learned from entrepreneurship
09:58 The importance of continuous learning
11:49 Building a support team and collaboration
14:11 Overcoming fear and embracing failure
15:58 Amy's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
17:58 The value of humility and self-awareness
20:06 Amy's future plans and passions

Where to reach Amy: 

Instagram

In this episode, John Goodpaster shares insights from his extensive experience in the mortgage industry, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, leadership, and mindset in building a successful and sustainable business. Mandy Henriod explores lessons learned from managing large teams and fostering a community-oriented approach.

Keywords

mortgage industry, leadership, collaboration, entrepreneurship, business growth, support systems, mindset, community, self-employment, innovation

Key  topics

The importance of support systems in large organizations
Leadership and communication in a growing business
The mindset of self-employment and entrepreneurship
Building a community over competition in the mortgage industry
Lessons learned from industry downturns and recovery
The role of technology and innovation in mortgage success
The value of collaboration and shared knowledge
Personal growth and leadership development

Takeaways

Support systems are crucial for managing large teams effectively.
Leadership involves listening, supporting, and treating everyone equally.
Entrepreneurship is about managing your own fate and embracing responsibility.
Collaboration and community are more powerful than competition.
Success often comes from learning through failures and adjusting.

Sound bites

"Support systems protect you from blind spots."
"Collaboration beats competition every time."
"Imagine if everything was possible."


Chapters

00:00 Introduction and guest background
03:10 Learning from failures and the entrepreneurial spirit
06:48 The importance of learning from mistakes
10:27 Adapting to industry changes
13:34 Leadership lessons and personal growth
16:02 Sharing knowledge and collective success
17:21 The importance of specialization and experience
18:48 Breaking down industry barriers
20:30 The social experiment of independence
22:21 Understanding people and leadership style
24:43 Improving communication and articulating vision
26:02 Overcoming challenges and self-worth
28:15 Treating everyone equally and kindness
30:03 Navigating change and building trust
32:37 Advice to younger self and future leaders
33:03 Recommended resources and inspiration
35:52 Manifestation and the power of belief
37:47 Mel Robbins and the importance of visualization
38:38 Connecting and mentorship in leadership
39:55 Closing remarks and call to action

Reach John: 

Instagram

https://whyjohngoodpaster.com

https://arborfinancialgroup.net

John's current favorite books/podcasts

- Any book by Mel Robbins 

- Designing your perfect life (Podcast)

Summary

Melissa Schwartz shares her inspiring journey from real estate to mortgage success, emphasizing the importance of relationships, resilience, and continuous growth in business and life.

Keywords

Mortgage, Real Estate, Business Growth, Relationships, Leadership, Personal Development, Success, Entrepreneurship

Key  topics

Melissa Schwartz's journey from real estate to mortgage
The importance of relationships in business success
Lessons learned from managing and growing a team
The significance of resilience and adaptability
Strategies for personal growth and self-awareness
Innovative approaches to client engagement
The role of mindset and mental models in entrepreneurship

Valuable Takeaways

-Every no is one step closer to a yes, and persistence is key.
-Building genuine relationships creates lifelong clients and advocates.
-Managing your weaknesses and embracing mistakes fosters growth.
-Aligning with the right team and mentors accelerates success.
-Self-awareness and patience are crucial for personal and professional development.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Melissa Schwartz's background
01:49 Melissa's journey from real estate to mortgage
04:06 The story of how Melissa met her husband
05:56 Transitioning from real estate to mortgage and lessons learned
08:54 Managing teams and personal growth
11:50 Building a successful mortgage business
14:58 Innovative client engagement strategies
18:08 The importance of relationships and relational business
21:03 The mindset of persistence and handling rejection
23:55 Lessons from business challenges and failures
27:03 Future goals and personal aspirations
29:58 The significance of self-awareness and patience
32:59 Recommended books and resources
36:00 How to connect with Melissa Schwartz 

Where to connect with Melissa

Instagram

Facebook

Linkedin

Books Mentioned

by John G. Miller

by Will Guidara

In this episode, Emily Brace shares her journey from hospitality management to successful real estate entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of authentic branding, networking, and embracing risk to build a business true to oneself.


 keywords

real estate, entrepreneurship, branding, networking, risk-taking, business growth, personal development


 key  topics

Emily's transition from hospitality to real estate
The importance of authentic branding and personal identity
Networking as a key to business growth
The challenges and rewards of being a solo entrepreneur
Managing work-life balance and boundaries in a flexible career
The significance of taking risks and overcoming fear
Financial lessons including taxes and payroll for entrepreneurs
Building a client base through deliberate relationship management
The role of continuous learning and self-improvement
The impact of supporting systems and community in business


 sound bites

"My goal in life is to rescue dogs and have them forget about their past."
"Referrals are truly your greatest source of income."
"Most people think success is about the money, but it's really about the joy."


Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Emily Brace and her background
02:02 Emily's journey from hospitality to real estate
03:52 The importance of authentic branding and personal identity
06:06 Transitioning from team to solo agent and building independence
07:54 Managing work-life boundaries and setting boundaries with clients
09:59 The significance of networking and referral relationships
12:05 Lessons learned about taxes and financial management
13:56 The challenges of client acquisition and self-promotion
16:00 Building a business that aligns with personal values
17:54 The realities of being an entrepreneur and the behind-the-scenes work
19:59 Balancing flexibility with professionalism and boundaries
21:53 The importance of continuous learning and self-growth
24:00 Support systems, team dynamics, and independence
26:00 Surprising lessons and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
28:00 The power of networking and giving back
29:49 Final thoughts on success, authenticity, and building a legacy

Summary

Brandy Price shares her inspiring journey from a health scare to becoming a certified nutrition and gut health coach. She discusses the importance of authentic marketing, building a personal brand, and focusing on what truly matters in health and business.

Keywords

nutrition, gut health, entrepreneurship, personal branding, health journey, business growth, social media, email marketing, authenticity, wellness

Brandy's health journey and diagnosis
The shift from construction to health coaching
Building a personal brand and business
The role of social media and email marketing
The importance of owning your data and relationships
Challenges of marketing and visibility
Balancing multiple business roles
The value of authenticity and passion in business
Future plans for expanding her health coaching
Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and health coaches


Sound bites

"What you eat has an effect on your brain"
"Your business is your database"
"When you don't know, you don't know"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and guest background
00:23 Brandy's health scare and initial diagnosis
01:45 Discovering the impact of diet on health
03:14 Transition to becoming a health coach
04:31 Balancing construction business and health coaching
05:28 Starting Beyond the Plate in 2023
06:04 Getting ducks in a row before launching
07:12 Wrapping up construction business
08:32 Challenges of marketing and visibility
10:06 The importance of owning your data
12:04 Building an email list and content strategy
17:25 Hardest challenges in business growth
19:06 Conveying value and connecting with clients
22:17 Future plans and expansion
24:17 The impact of nutrition on health across life stages
27:31 Advice to younger self and embracing authenticity
30:24 Recommended resources and books
33:13 Where to find Brandy online 

Reach Brandy Here

www.beyondtheplateinhc.com 

Summary

Hannah Lopez shares her journey from working for the Utah State Tax Commission to starting her own accounting firm, Lopez and Associates. She discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of networking, and practical tips for new business owners, especially around sales tax and financial planning.


Keywords

entrepreneurship, sales tax, accounting, networking, business startup, financial planning, IRS enrolled agent, business growth, self-employment, Utah business


Key  topics

Hannah Lopez's background and transition from government to business
The importance of sales tax knowledge for small businesses
Networking strategies for entrepreneurs
Financial planning and saving for business startups
Challenges and lessons learned in the first year of business


Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hannah Lopez and her journey
00:17 Hannah's background working for the Utah State Tax Commission
00:55 Difference between enrolled agents, CPAs, and auditors
01:51 Why Hannah decided to start her own firm
02:45 The value of her government experience in her business
04:55 Lessons learned from starting her business
06:05 Networking strategies and finding clients
07:07 Hiring her first employee and managing growth
08:24 The process of planning her transition from government to entrepreneurship
10:13 Determining her financial runway and savings
12:02 Networking on Facebook and building relationships
14:05 Mentorship and support from industry professionals
16:12 Handling challenges and unexpected bumps in the road
20:59 Books and resources that inspire her
21:55 Overcoming shyness and building confidence
23:50 How to connect with Hannah and her services

Resources

Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty
Lopez and Associates website 

Instagram - LopezAssociates

Summary

In this episode, Michael shares insights from his journey from aspiring cop to successful entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of discipline, consistency, and flexibility in achieving success. Mandy and Michael explore topics like time management, goal setting, and the value of having a coach to challenge and grow you.

Keywords

discipline, consistency, time management, goal setting, entrepreneurship, coaching, personal growth, real estate, marathon running, mental toughness

Key  topics

Michael's journey from police aspirant to entrepreneur
The role of discipline and consistency in success
Time management and calendar discipline
The importance of setting and breaking goals
The value of coaching and accountability
Lessons from marathon running applied to business
Balancing flexibility and structure in life
The impact of mental toughness and endurance

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and overview of Michael's journey
02:08 Michael's early aspirations and career path
03:56 Discipline and calendar management
06:52 Flexibility and evolving with life
10:45 Lessons from marathon running
15:01 Balancing work, family, and personal growth
19:51 The importance of goals and persistence
24:52 Morning routines and habits for success
30:08 Handling setbacks and discomfort
34:52 The role of coaching and accountability
40:11 Legacy and the importance of follow-through
45:02 Final thoughts and advice for listeners

Summary

In this episode, Vanessa and Rich share their entrepreneurial journeys, personal growth, and big dreams for the future. They discuss overcoming failures, the importance of purpose, and how vulnerability and connection fuel their success.


Keywords

entrepreneurship, personal growth, business partnership, healing, manifestation, leadership, self-care, success stories

Key  topics

Overcoming business failures and learning from them
The organic development of their partnership and business ventures
The role of manifestation and big dreams in their journey
Balancing self-care, healing, and entrepreneurship
The importance of vulnerability and connection in growth
Lessons learned from working in blue-collar environments
The significance of intention and service in business
The impact of personal trauma and near-death experiences on their purpose
Strategies for building sustainable and scalable businesses
The value of continuous learning and mentorship


Takeaways

Failure is a stepping stone to success and resilience is key
Authentic connection and vulnerability foster growth and opportunities
Dream big and trust the process without obsessing over the how
Balance self-care with business ambitions to sustain long-term success
Sharing personal stories can inspire and create meaningful impact
Always ask for guidance and mentorship to accelerate growth
Focus on small, consistent actions that build towards big goals
Prioritize intention and service over money to create lasting value
Embrace discomfort as part of growth and innovation
Celebrate progress and milestones 



Chapters

00:00 Introduction and guest introductions
00:27 Vanessa and Rich share their individual businesses
01:21 Lessons from a failed cab business
02:17 Current businesses and collaboration in relationship
03:17 Organic growth of their relationship and business ideas
04:16 Vanessa's massage therapy journey and entrepreneurial start
05:24 Meeting organically through a book club
06:30 Manifesting each other and their big dreams
07:13 Balancing conservative and adventurous spirits in partnership
08:11 The quick start to building something together
09:02 The desire for freedom and purpose in their lives
10:01 Their vision for healing centers and community impact
12:01 Vanessa and Rich's strengths and complementary skills
14:00 Support, encouragement, and balance in their partnership
15:53 Future goals: studios, retreats, and expansion
18:48 Rich's near-death experience and purpose driven life
22:05 Healing, self-love, and societal change
25:10 The importance of vulnerability and sharing stories
27:10 Lessons learned: intention, mentorship, and perseverance
30:02 The value of systems, planning, and asking for help
33:53 Resources for entrepreneurs: books and podcasts
37:00 The significance of small actions and consistency
38:01 The reality of hard work and sleepless nights
43:01 Balancing self-care and avoiding burnout
50:04 Leadership, growth, and continuous learning
54:59 Living authentically and following passions
59:56 The power of connection and community
01:01:49 Encouragement to start and keep moving forward

Where to reach Vanessa and Rich: 

Instagram