Grow With Purpose

When your best worker becomes a new leader, the transition isn’t always smooth. In Part 1 of the From Laborer to Leader series, Joey and Mike break down the leadership paradox facing small businesses today—why technical excellence doesn’t automatically translate into leadership success, and what it truly costs when that gap goes unaddressed. Drawing from real client stories and years of field experience, they unpack the hidden impact on production, team morale, the business owner’s bandwidth, and the individual who suddenly feels in over their head. This episode highlights the critical need for intentional equipping, clear expectations, and leadership development if you want your people—and your company—to grow with purpose.

In this episode of Grow With Purpose, Joey Brannon talks with Skip Stanton, CEO and co-owner of Aqua Plumbing & Air, about leading with faith, integrity, and character. Skip shares his journey from a truck and $5,000 to leading over 180 employees, and the lessons he’s learned about building people first, mentoring leaders, choosing kindness without lowering expectations, and creating a legacy rooted in faith rather than private equity offers. A must-listen for business owners and leaders who want to build a company that lasts and reflects values beyond the bottom line.

Joey revisits OG Mandino’s timeless books The Greatest Salesman in the World and Part II: The End of the Story to explore how leadership evolves from chasing success to living with significance. Discover what it means to lead with purpose, faith, and service — and finish the race well.

In Part 3 of our Axis Series, Joey Brannon and JoAnna Kelso dig into what clean financials actually unlock for business leaders—real insights that inform better decisions. From understanding the balance sheet, to managing depreciation and taxes, to shifting from reactive bookkeeping to proactive financial strategy, this episode reveals why outsourced accounting with Axis isn’t just about numbers—it’s about confidence, clarity, and growth. Plus, learn how Axis and Axiom work hand-in-hand to help business owners not only survive, but thrive with purpose.

In Part 2 of the Axis Series, Joey Brannon sits down with JoAnna Kelso, President of Axis Outsourced Accounting, to explore why outsourcing your accounting department delivers more than bookkeeping. From reducing the mental load of hiring and turnover, to leveraging weekly dashboards and cutting-edge tools, JoAnna explains how outsourcing transforms accounting into a strategic advantage. Learn how vendor and customer management, consistent categorization, and real-time clarity give business owners confidence and space to focus on growth.

Accounting is the language of business — but too often, financials are inconsistent, late, or misleading. That false story leads to frustration, costly mistakes, and missed opportunities.

In this episode of the Grow With Purpose Podcast, Joey Brannon sits down with JoAnna Kelso, President of Axis Outsourced Accounting, to unpack why clean financials matter more than perfection. From avoiding “bank balance decisions” to preparing for long-term growth or a business exit, JoAnna explains how consistency in the numbers builds confidence in every decision.

Discover the hidden costs of messy books, the value of having a trusted advisor instead of a reactive bookkeeper, and how weekly clarity empowers leaders to move faster, make better choices, and build a stronger business.

What does it take to scale a business without losing your core values? In Episode 163, Vince Virga of PFS shares how conviction, belief, and systems helped him move from chaos to clarity. Joey Brannon and Cameron Earhart unpack the leadership principles behind his journey — from letting go of control to empowering a culture of accountability and growth.

This candid conversation offers entrepreneurs practical tools and timeless wisdom for scaling with intention.

Leadership can be one of the loneliest callings. In this episode of Grow With Purpose, Joey Brannon sits down with C12 Chair Doug Poll to explore why accountability, faith, and community transform the way leaders grow. Discover how C12 challenges business owners to lead with transparency at work and at home — and why true growth happens when leaders stop going it alone.

If your team can’t move without you, you’re the bottleneck.
Most business owners don’t suffer from a lack of effort—they suffer from underdeveloped leadership within their teams. In this episode of Grow With Purpose, Joey Brannon and Mike LoBue unpack what Tier 2 leadership development looks like in real-world businesses—and why it delivers the highest ROI you’re probably overlooking.

They’ll dive into the real signs of leadership struggle (like nonstop fire drills and exhausted managers), the differences between professional and leadership development, and how to multiply your team's capacity without hiring anyone new.

Key Takeaways:

Why the “I’ll just do it myself” mindset kills momentum

The connection between time management and effective leadership

How to spot and support emerging leaders already on your team

The difference between skilled professionals and actual leaders

Why the best businesses run better when the owner steps away

Whether you’re leading from the field or the boardroom, this conversation gives you the tools and mindset shifts needed to move your business forward—by building leaders who can carry it without you.