This week, one of our favorite guests, Paul Long, comes in and asks Brian about common small business themes that have been discussed on the podcast over the last year.  Brian also shares a couple of big announcements regarding a project he has been working on for the last several months.

This week we talk to Brandon Christian who, in 18 months, has already hit some major milestones in his business.  He gives one of the best pointers I've ever heard for recruiting and interviewing candidates.  He also talks about specific things he does in his company to provide a great culture that is constantly striving to build leaders from within.

Merchant services is one of those confusing things that are difficult to get a grasp of.  Listen in as Paul Liddane breaks merchant services down for us.  He also shares the secrets to success that he has learned from running multiple businesses like 'speaking things into existence', 'always saying yes' and 'all you gotta do...'.

One of the key things that drives success (or lack thereof) in a business is culture.  And, 'culture' has become one of those catch phrases that has come to be used as a cliche, often times without any real meaning.  We all know that working for inept, mean or micromanaging leaders or managers is the key reason employees leave.  Devin shares some ideas on how begin creating the culture you are looking for.

What a story Travis Daigle brings into the studio this week.  He went from a 300 pound, 17-year old kid who couldn't swim to a Green Beret in just a few short years.  Between that time, he suffered from massive depression and feeling 'rudderless'.  He talks about his keys to overcoming life's obstacles, how to find one's direction in life and why he feels compelled to share his message with the world.  

Stephanie Prosser from Prosser Construction joins the podcast to talk about the immense benefits she has received from forming powerful strategic alliances, and even a womens' construction related mastermind group.  She also talks about how she maintains balance with employee relations and a few lessons she's learned along the way.  Take a listen!

What a great episode.  Chuck Sweigart from the very well-known and successful Washington Karate, Lakewood Dojo discusses the determination it took to get his business started.  He also talks about how many karate principles and values are directly related to running a business like balance, posture and perseverance.  If you want to know how to be successful, listen to this episode!

Not sure what to do with social media to help grow your business?  Karen Rosenzweig is a social media coach and gives tips on how to use social media and pitfalls to avoid.  She also talks about the knowledge she gained by hiring a business coach, how to detect and maneuver through, "Free advice," conversations and much more.

Mark Robinson comes in and takes us through his unbelievable journey of becoming a very successful business owner after a bit of a rocky start in life.  Mark takes us through the many bumps in his business ownership road, and what got him not just through those obstacles, but to a place of running a thriving business.  This is a 'feel good' story that you won't want to miss, and Mark shares some wisdom we can all learn from.

This week, we hear from Dean Smith, who created the award winning documentary 'Live to Forgive'.  The film captures Dean's journey of forgiving and helping save the life of the man who brutally beat his mother to death when Dean was still in elementary school.  Dean talks about how forgiving others, and yourself, can free up the time and energy needed to propel yourself to the greatness you are capable of and deserve.  This is truly a, "Can't miss," episode.  Check it out to learn how to move past the resentment that is holding you back in your own life.