In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast host Troy Trewin interviews Molly Ruland, founder of Heartcast Media, shares how she rebuilt after closing her first business with $100,000 in debt and launched a profitable podcast production agency in 2018. She grew Heartcast Media

to an eight-person team and over $3 million in business, including a 71% year-over-year growth year. Molly explains how she transformed the business during the pandemic, growing 200% while keeping every employee employed. She discusses the importance of SEO, podcasting, systems, relationships, and understanding your value when scaling a business. She also shares hard-earned lessons on hiring, leadership, company culture, perseverance, and building a business that can operate without you. Check out The Next 100: Hosted by Molly Ruland, a podcast designed to remind listeners that the next 100 days can create meaningful change through small, consistent actions. Molly shares personal experiences, business lessons, motivation, and practical insights to help listeners move from feeling stuck to taking action.

Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Molly Ruland says the hardest thing in growing a small business is perseverance. She compares business growth to the ocean—there are ebbs and flows, so you have to keep going through both the good and bad periods. She also emphasizes staying vigilant by continually checking your offers and reviewing your website/content to make sure everything is still relevant.

2. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Molly Ruland shares that her favorite business book is The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell. She reads it once a year because every time she revisits it, she finds new areas to work on.

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Molly Ruland shares that she is a member of Together Digital, a women-in-marketing digital collective, which she finds to be an excellent resource. She also relies heavily on business books and audiobooks for professional development, treating them almost like mentors.

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Molly Ruland shares that she highly recommends Gamma. She says Gamma can significantly improve proposals, reports, and other business materials, and that it can change the way you work.

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Molly Ruland shares that she would tell herself to "get a therapist." She explains that so much of running a business is a head game and that entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey. Having a strong handle on your mental health can help you navigate the challenges of leadership and avoid problems in the business.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: You just got to keep doing it because sometimes it's going to work and sometimes it's not and that's part of the journey - Molly Ruland

You got to do the stuff you don't like but when you get good at it you might realize that you actually love those things - Molly Ruland

Nobody's coming to save you so understand your systems and how they work and learn how to fix them when they break - Molly Ruland

In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast host Troy Trewin interviews Murray Kent shares how he turned a $40,000 acquisition of Con-ex into a $10M+ business with 35 employees and consistent 15–20% annual growth. He reveals how customer diversification, niche marketing, financial discipline, and an open-book management culture helped drive that growth. Murray explains why reducing owner dependency and building a strong team ultimately increased Conex's value and helped him secure a sale at nearly 6.5× EBITDA. He also discusses managing stress, maintaining work-life balance, and helping employees break through their own limitations. Finally, Murray shares his advice for business owners thinking about their exit, including why you should start building Conex to sell from day one. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Murray Kent shares that the hardest part of growing a small business is managing your own expectations and stress. He explains that stress is a constant part of business ownership, whether it comes from people, finances, or sales. The key is learning to manage it, stay healthy, and remind yourself that difficult periods will eventually pass.

2. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Murray Kent shares that his favorite business book is Built to Sell, which had a major influence on how he approached building his businesses. He says its focus on creating a business with the eventual exit in mind shaped his thinking throughout his journey. Murray believes this approach leads to a stronger, more attractive business for a future buyer.

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Murray Kent shares that he regularly learns from podcasts and books featuring the experiences of other business owners. He recommends Built to Sell Radio and Mark Bouris's Straight Talk, along with Money Café and The Contrarians. Murray values hearing real business stories because they reveal what worked, what didn't, and lessons he can apply to his own experience.

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Murray Kent shares that the most valuable resource for growing a small business is becoming a better coach, encourager, and inspirer of people. He believes business owners should learn how to bring out the best in their team and help employees feel like owners. By developing and empowering people, leaders can create stronger engagement and drive sustainable business growth.

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Murray Kent shares that he would remind himself that everything is going to be okay and encourage himself to take the leap. He believes it is important to consider the worst that could happen, but also think about the regret of not taking the opportunity. His advice is to have a plan, take the risk, and trust yourself to make it work.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Success is having the freedom to live life on your own terms — Murray Kent

Build a business that can grow without being dependent on you — Murray Kent

If you want to take a leap, think about the worst that can happen, but also think about what you might regret if you do not do it — Murray Kent

In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast host Troy Trewin interviews Thais Saenz, founder of Saenz Global, shares how she built a multiple seven-figure business by specializing in operations for roofing companies. She explains how her company helped a long-term client grow from $3 million to more than $80 million in annual sales. Thais discusses the importance of niching down, building lean teams, embracing technology, and creating systems that support sustainable growth. She also shares lessons on leadership, culture, hiring the right people, and recognizing when team members are no longer the right fit. Most importantly, Thais reveals how personal growth, continuous learning, and taking ownership of problems have been the biggest drivers of her business success.

Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Thais Saenz shares that the hardest thing in growing a small business is yourself, explaining that entrepreneurs must move beyond a victim mentality, take ownership of problems, improve their communication, and ensure the right people are in the right roles.

2. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Thais Saenz says her favorite business book is *How to Win Friends and Influence People* by Dale Carnegie. She describes it as her "original gangster" business book, sharing that she has listened to it repeatedly from her early twenties through her late thirties because its lessons on relationships, communication, and influence remain highly relevant and practical today.

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Thais Saenz recommends podcasts as a valuable resource for small business growth, particularly *How I Built This* from NPR, which helped her while building her business by showing her that even successful entrepreneurs face challenges and problems.

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Thais Saenz recommends having strong systems in place to grow a small business, particularly using ClickUp to create transparency and keep the team organized. She also advises hiring an expert to properly set up the system if needed, sharing that she wishes she had implemented it much earlier in her business.

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Thais Saenz advises her day-one self to focus more on profit rather than trying to make everyone feel blessed and taken care of. She says she would have built a leaner business, been more disciplined with raises and expenses, and prioritized taking home profit instead of working extremely hard without paying herself.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Your company can only grow as much as you do – Thais Saenz

Success is being able to build a life where you can choose how you spend your time – Thais Saenz

If you are not going to help the team win you have to be willing to make the tough decision – Thais Saenz

In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast host Troy Trewin interviews Giuseppe Grammatico founder of The Franchise Guide shares how he left J P Morgan to build and successfully sell a building services business before helping aspiring entrepreneurs find the right franchise He reveals why time freedom matters more than money how consistency and leadership fuel sustainable growth and why every business owner should plan their exit from day one while creating a business that can thrive without them. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Giuseppe Grammatico shares that the hardest part of growing a small business is taking full ownership of every decision and learning to be decisive especially when you have never owned a business before He explains that new entrepreneurs often overthink their choices and second guess themselves but success comes from making confident decisions learning from mistakes and adapting quickly as the business grows.

2. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Giuseppe Grammatico shares that the business book that has helped him the most is Traction by Gino Wickman because it provides a practical framework for building and managing every aspect of a business He also highly recommends The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber for teaching entrepreneurs how to create systems that allow a business to grow beyond the owner.

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Giuseppe Grammatico shares that podcasts have become his primary source of learning and he recommends The How of Business by Henry Lopez for practical business ownership advice Profit Comes First by Rocky Lalvani for mastering business finances and cash flow and podcasts by Dan Buettner and Mike Chang for improving health and performance because a healthy entrepreneur builds a stronger business.

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Giuseppe Grammatico shares that a powerful CRM like Go High Level is one of the best tools for growing a small business because it automates emails text messages AI phone calls social media and customer follow ups in one place He also recommends Sequence as a valuable financial tool for implementing the Profit First system and automating cash flow management.

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Giuseppe Grammatico shares that if he could go back to day one he would remind himself that entrepreneurship is not a straight path and that challenges are part of the journey He advises new business owners to stay focused on their purpose adapt to change develop thick skin and build a business that creates freedom while enjoying the process instead of waiting for the destination.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: The best business decisions come from taking action not waiting for certainty - Giuseppe Grammatico

Build a business that creates freedom because success means nothing without time to enjoy it - Giuseppe Grammatico

Every challenge in business is an opportunity to learn adapt and grow stronger - Giuseppe Grammatico

In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast host Troy Trewin interviews Cheryl Contee, founder of BrightWorks AI, shares how she built a purpose-driven SaaS company serving nonprofits, scaled it to a 12-person team with multi-million-dollar revenue, and achieved a historic exit as the first Black female founder to sell a tech startup to a Nasdaq-listed company. Cheryl discusses the realities of fundraising, hiring, leadership, and planning for a successful exit while emphasizing the power of relationships and reputation. She also explains why she is now helping nonprofits adopt AI ethically through her latest venture. This conversation is packed with practical lessons on resilience, innovation, and building a business that creates lasting impact. Also check Cheryl Contee's book, AI for Nonprofits: Putting Artificial Intelligence to Work for Your Cause, and her appearance on the Built to Sell Radio podcast, where she shares how she built and successfully sold Attentive.ly, an AI-powered social listening platform acquired by Blackbaud. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Cheryl Contee shares that the hardest part of growing a small business is having the confidence to believe in yourself, especially when no one else believes in your vision. Cheryl Contee shares that entrepreneurs must be willing to put in 110% effort and embrace hard work every day. Cheryl Contee shares that self-belief is what keeps founders moving forward through uncertainty and setbacks. Cheryl Contee shares that lasting success comes from combining confidence with consistent dedication and perseverance.

2. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Cheryl Contee shares that her favorite business book is Who Moved My Cheese? because its lessons about adapting to change are even more relevant in today's fast-changing business world. Cheryl Contee shares that entrepreneurs must be willing to follow new opportunities instead of clinging to old ways of working. Cheryl Contee shares that embracing change with the right mindset helps business owners stay resilient and competitive. Cheryl Contee shares that continuous adaptation is essential for long-term business success.

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Cheryl Contee shares that she highly recommends Apple News+ for access to trusted publications like The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, The Atlantic, and The Guardian, offering broad and in-depth business insights. Cheryl Contee shares that YouTube has also become one of her favorite learning platforms, especially for independent experts and international news sources. Cheryl Contee shares that exploring multiple perspectives helps business owners make better-informed decisions. Cheryl Contee shares that continuous learning from diverse, credible sources is essential for staying ahead in a rapidly changing world.

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Cheryl Contee shares that one of the best tools for growing a small business is a well-crafted pitch deck rather than a lengthy business plan. Cheryl Contee shares that a 10–15 slide pitch deck helps entrepreneurs clearly define their market, customers, competitors, business model, and growth strategy. Cheryl Contee shares that answering these core questions creates clarity and prepares business owners for investors, partners, and opportunities. Cheryl Contee shares that a strong pitch deck is a practical resource for building and scaling a successful business.

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Cheryl Contee shares that if she could go back to day one, she would remind herself, "You've got this," and trust her ability to succeed. Cheryl Contee shares that embracing what makes you different allows you to see opportunities others may overlook. Cheryl Contee shares that being authentic and courageous opens the door to creating things that have never been done before. Cheryl Contee shares that believing in yourself from the very beginning is one of the greatest advantages an entrepreneur can have.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

It's okay to be different because different people see opportunities others miss - Cheryl Contee

Your reputation is the most powerful marketing tool your business will ever have - Cheryl Contee

Plan your exit from day one because successful businesses are built with the end in mind - Cheryl Contee

In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast host Troy Trewin interviews Adiel Gorel, Founder of International Capital Group, shares how he went from being a Hewlett-Packard engineer to building a 42-year real estate investment business that has helped investors purchase more than 10,000 homes. He explains why long-term thinking, fixed-rate mortgages, and staying calm during market downturns create lasting wealth. Adiel also discusses scaling a business, leading through economic cycles, building the right mindset, and avoiding panic when recessions hit. His journey offers practical lessons on entrepreneurship, resilience, and financial freedom through disciplined investing. Check out Adiel Gorel's book, Remote Control Retirement Riches: How to Change Your Future with Rental Homes. In this practical guide, he shares the proven strategies that have helped investors build long-term wealth through rental properties. Whether you're a first-time investor or looking to grow your portfolio, the book offers actionable insights on creating financial freedom through smart real estate investing. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Adiel Gorel shares that the hardest part of growing a small business is living with uncertainty and accepting that the responsibility ultimately rests on the owner. Unlike a traditional job, there is no guaranteed paycheck, and every decision affects both the business and the employees who rely on it. He emphasizes that entrepreneurs must stay resilient, take ownership, and remain prepared for both opportunities and setbacks.

2. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Adiel Gorel shares that one of the business books he highly recommends is his own, Remote Control Retirement Riches, which reflects decades of real estate investing experience. He also praises Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki for its powerful lessons on wealth creation and financial mindset, noting that its principles have inspired countless aspiring investors and entrepreneurs.

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Adiel Gorel shares that while he doesn't regularly follow business podcasts, he spends much of his learning time exploring health and wellness content. He believes maintaining good health gives entrepreneurs the energy, focus, and mental clarity needed to build and grow a successful business over the long term.

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Adiel Gorel shares that every business needs a balance between simplicity and effective systems. He recommends using reliable accounting software like QuickBooks to stay organized, manage finances efficiently, and gain a clear understanding of the business's financial health as it grows.

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Adiel Gorel shares that he would remind his younger self that business moves in cycles, with both booms and downturns. He advises entrepreneurs not to become overconfident during good times or panic during recessions, emphasizing that patience, preparation, and staying the course are often the keys to long-term success.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: You are not a cog in the machine you are the machine - Adiel Gorel

Success comes from staying focused while time and patience do the heavy lifting - Adiel Gorel

The biggest mistakes in business happen when fear replaces long term thinking - Adiel Gorel

In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast host Troy Trewin interviews, Ashley Stahl, founder of Wise Whisper Agency, shares her journey from working in national security and counterterrorism to building a thriving speaking and coaching business. She reveals how her TEDx talks, including one with over 10 million views and ranked among the Top 100 TED Talks, transformed her career and inspired her to help others craft powerful talks. Ashley discusses scaling Wise Whisper Agency from a small team to around 25 people and growing revenue from $700K in its first year to an expected $4–5M, while emphasizing the challenges of building a sales team, hiring with integrity, and creating a soulful company culture. The conversation is packed with insights on leadership, personal growth, resilience, and the importance of helping people share ideas that can genuinely change lives. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Ashley Stahl shares that the hardest thing about growing a small business is managing your energy. She explains that there are days when you work incredibly hard and wonder how you'll do it all again tomorrow, but what keeps her going is her deep belief in Wise Whisper Agency, the impact it has on helping people craft powerful talks, and the mission of getting their ideas onto major stages, including TEDx.

2. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Ashley Stahl shares that it's been a while since she read a traditional business book, but if she had to name one influence, she would point to Alex Hormozi's work. She says she loves his approach because it's "all protein and no fat," meaning he gets straight to the tactical, practical advice without unnecessary fluff, and she finds that direct, actionable style especially valuable for building and growing a business.

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Ashley Stahl shares that one of her favorite podcasts for professional development is Diary of a CEO. She says host Steven Bartlett does an excellent job interviewing remarkable people and exploring topics with a level of depth that many other shows don't, making it a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and anyone looking to grow a small business.

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Ashley Stahl shares that the one tool she would most strongly recommend for growing a small business is paid advertising. She believes that many entrepreneurs are held back by fear of running ads, but once you learn how to use them effectively, paid ads can become a powerful and scalable way to consistently attract leads, grow revenue, and expand your business.

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Ashley Stahl shares that if she could go back to day one of starting out in business, she would tell herself that the journey will become much bigger than she ever imagined. She says that building a business is about far more than making money or helping people; it's ultimately a path of personal growth that teaches you how capable, resilient, and powerful you truly are.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

When you have a team working for you, they don't work for you; you work for them — Ashley Stahl

Learn the rules so that you can break them like an artist — Ashley Stahl

This is about so much more than building a business or making money; it's about learning how capable you are — Ashley Stahl

In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews Conrad Ruiz, founder of Well Aware, shares his journey from earning just $2,500 in his first year and struggling through three challenging years to building a thriving virtual assistant and fractional COO business. He discusses the importance of time management, customer delight, and persistence in overcoming uncertainty and growing a company. Conrad reveals how Well Aware expanded to a network of more than 50 virtual assistants while staying focused on helping business owners reclaim their time. The conversation also explores leadership, team building, accountability, and his ambitious goal of scaling the business beyond $1 million in annual revenue.

Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Conrad Ruiz shares that the hardest part of growing a small business is persisting through uncertainty when results are not guaranteed. He reflects on the challenging early years, where survival, self-doubt, and ambiguity were constant realities. Conrad emphasizes that entrepreneurs must learn to navigate discomfort daily and keep moving forward until they transition from simply surviving to building a business that can truly thrive.

2. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Conrad Ruiz shares that the business book that has helped him the most is Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals. Although it is not a traditional business book, he believes it should be treated as one because it offers powerful lessons on time, priorities, and making the most of a limited life. The book helped shape his perspective on managing time effectively while building and growing a business.

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Conrad Ruiz shares that he is not a heavy podcast listener, but recommends learning from high-quality newsletters, blogs, workshops, and industry experts. He highlights the content from Lavender AI as a great example, noting that its blog provides practical lessons on cold email outreach and copywriting. Conrad also encourages business owners to stay curious, network with knowledgeable people, and continuously learn from real-world experiences, mentors, and hands-on problem-solving.

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Conrad Ruiz recommends having an extra pair of hands to help you grow, specifically a virtual assistant. He explains that business owners often spend too much time on tasks that can be delegated, limiting their ability to focus on growth. By bringing in the right support, entrepreneurs can free up valuable time, increase productivity, and concentrate on higher-value activities that drive the business forward.

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Conrad Ruiz shares that if he could speak to himself on day one, he would say, "You're an idiot, but it's okay—there's so much you're going to figure out." He reflects on how much learning comes through experience and mistakes. Drawing on advice from his 99-year-old father, Conrad emphasizes one simple lesson above all: take your time, trust the process, and allow yourself the space to grow as an entrepreneur.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth '/?journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Don't obsess over anything other than creating value for the well-being of others — Conrad Ruiz

The hardest part of entrepreneurship is persisting through uncertainty when you don't know if it will work — Conrad Ruiz

Take your time—growth comes from experience, mistakes, and the lessons you learn along the way — Conrad Ruiz

In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast host Troy Trewin interviews Heather Gibson, founder of Big Heart Breeders, shares how a family's love for pets evolved into a thriving business generating over $700,000 annually with a team of 10. She discusses her journey from solopreneur to business owner, the challenges of hiring and delegation, and the importance of building the right team. Heather also reveals how Google marketing, SEO, and AI tools have fueled her growth. The conversation explores lessons in leadership, work-life balance, and creating a meaningful impact through pet breeding, nutrition, and education. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Heather Gibson shares that the hardest part of growing a small business is staying consistent and having the grit to keep going when results are not immediate. She explains that while some businesses appear to achieve overnight success, most growth comes from years of steady effort and learning. Heather believes that persistence, the right mindset, and showing up every day are what ultimately create opportunities for breakthrough growth.

2. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Heather Gibson shares that the business book that has helped her the most is Who Not How by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy. She explains that the book transformed her mindset around hiring and delegation, teaching her that business success comes from finding the right people to help achieve goals rather than trying to do everything yourself.

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Heather Gibson shares that she enjoys learning from a variety of podcasts and online resources that focus on business growth, mindset, and practical implementation. She specifically mentions the Grow A Small Business podcast as a valuable resource and emphasizes the importance of continuously learning from experienced entrepreneurs, coaches, and industry experts to stay ahead in a rapidly changing business environment. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Heather Gibson recommends AI as one of the most powerful tools available to small business owners today. She highlights tools like Claude for copywriting, Gemini for image creation, and ChatGPT for a wide range of business tasks. Heather believes AI can dramatically improve productivity, provide valuable business insights, and help small businesses compete more effectively while saving both time and money.

4. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Heather Gibson shares that if she could give advice to herself on day one, she would say, "Buckle in and get ready for a wild ride." She never imagined her business would grow to its current size and emphasizes that entrepreneurship comes with both difficult and rewarding seasons. Her advice is to stay resilient during the tough times, enjoy the successful moments, and always plan ahead for future challenges.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

My hires don't have to do things exactly the way I do—if they can do it 80% as well, that's a great hire — Heather Gibson

Success isn't about the numbers; it's about the value you create and the lives you impact — Heather Gibson

The biggest breakthroughs in business come from consistent effort, continuous learning, and the courage to keep going — Heather Gibson

In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast host Troy Trewin interviews Ryan Estes, co-founder of KitCaster, shares his remarkable journey from losing 95% of his digital agency clients during COVID to building a thriving podcast booking agency that reached a $2 million annual run rate within just 18 months. Ryan discusses how KitCaster scaled from 3 to 25 team members, the lessons learned from rapid growth, and the strategies that helped the company stand out in the podcasting industry. He also opens up about successfully exiting the business, navigating the impact of AI, and building a company designed for acquisition. This conversation is packed with valuable insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, resilience, and creating long-term business success.

Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.

Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Ryan Estes, a former musician and serial entrepreneur, co-founded Kit Caster in 2019 — a podcast booking agency that places startup founders and executives on top podcasts worldwide. When COVID wiped out 95% of his digital marketing agency's clients, Ryan doubled down on Kit Caster, riding the pandemic-era podcasting boom to hit a $2 million annual run rate within just 18 months of launch. The company grew from 3 to 25 employees at its peak, but has since scaled back to around 8–9 as AI-driven efficiencies reduced staffing needs. Ryan credits strategic early-stage lending and a repeatable sales process as key drivers of their rapid growth. Beyond revenue, Ryan defines success by having built a business that allowed him and his wife to be fully present for their children — and remains a strong believer that podcasting, as a medium for human connection and storytelling, will continue to thrive.

2. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Ryan Estes gave a quick and clear answer — "Traction" by Gino Wickman. This book, which focuses on the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), clearly resonated with Ryan as a founder who valued building structured, scalable operations. Given Kit Caster's rapid growth and their goal of building a business to sell, the frameworks in Traction around team alignment, processes, and goal-setting would have been especially relevant. It's a fitting choice for an entrepreneur who emphasized repeatable systems as a key driver of his success.

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Ryan Estes shares that his top recommendation is his own podcast — "AI for Founders" (aiforfounder.co) — where he interviews founders who are building AI companies or building with AI. With around 47,000 subscribers and growing quickly, the show covers not just business metrics and KPIs, but also the emotional side of navigating the AI era as a founder. Beyond his own podcast, he also recommends the "All In" podcast to stay updated on what top investors and billionaires are thinking. He additionally highlights the content from Alex and Leila Hormozi — early Kit Caster clients — praising their mastery of podcasting and the phenomenal growth they've achieved.

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Ryan Estes shares that his top tool recommendation to grow a small business is Quad Code. He is enthusiastic about its potential, particularly in the context of AI, and advises small business owners not to feel overwhelmed or behind when it comes to adopting AI tools. He humorously uses a baseball analogy, suggesting that the early adopters will do the hard work of figuring it out, and that within the next six months or so, it will become much more accessible for everyone to simply step in and benefit from it.

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Ryan Estes shares that the advice he would give himself on day one of starting out in business is simple yet powerful — "You can do it." He repeats this twice with conviction, reflecting a deep belief in self-confidence and self-trust as the foundation of any entrepreneurial journey. This straightforward but heartfelt message speaks to the self-doubt that many founders face at the beginning, and suggests that believing in yourself is the most important mindset a new business owner can carry with them from day one.

Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Cash is king, but being present for your family is the greatest award you'll never receive — Ryan Estes If you're really interested in scaling and going for the gold, don't fail to act — indecision can be the most costly choice — Ryan Estes Podcasting is the exemplar of human connection — it's people talking to each other the way we have around a campfire forever — Ryan Estes