Adam Spector is the Founder and CEO of Chore, a startup that helps founders offload back-office operations through fractional chief-of-staff services. As a four-time founder, startup advisor, and investor, he has backed over 100 startups, gaining insight into scaling companies and optimizing operations. Adam hosts the Entrepreneurial Excellence Podcast, which features conversations with some of the world's top founders and investors.

Running a company often means juggling priorities, but not all work carries equal weight. Founders frequently get pulled into operational details that feel necessary but don't actually drive growth. How can you decide what deserves your time and what doesn't?

The answer lies in focus. Adam Spector, an experienced entrepreneur and investor, emphasizes that founders must stay relentlessly centered on what differentiates their business while delegating or outsourcing everything else. He suggests evaluating every task through a simple lens: Can it be automated, handed off, or eliminated? By empowering team members to make reversible decisions and avoiding distractions like administrative minutiae, leaders can preserve their energy for high-impact work. Building a successful company comes down to disciplined prioritization and trusting others to execute.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Susan Kearney talks with Adam Spector, Founder and CEO of Chore, about how founders can stay focused on what drives growth. Adam shares his journey into entrepreneurship, what he learned from scaling and exiting companies, and how AI is reshaping the future of work.

Tim Padgett is the Founder of Pepper Group, a B2B full-service marketing agency that provides branding, lead generation, and sales services. As CEO, he blends creativity with business strategy to help organizations communicate more effectively and drive growth. Tim founded the company in 1994 after beginning his career in the printing and design industry and has since grown it into an award-winning firm serving clients from local manufacturers to Fortune 500 companies.

Building a business often starts with uncertainty — whether it's an unexpected career shift, a market change, or a moment that forces a new direction. Over time, those decisions shape not just the company but the people, culture, and opportunities that follow. What does it take to turn a setback into a sustainable, evolving business?

Seasoned entrepreneur and marketing leader Tim Padgett says it begins with embracing opportunity and staying adaptable. He highlights the importance of understanding clients, employees, and partners before acting and hiring for cultural fit rather than just skill. Tim views marketing as an investment tied to ROI and recommends staying curious as AI reshapes the industry. Growth comes from combining strategic thinking with strong relationships and a willingness to evolve.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Heather Bennett sits down with Tim Padgett, Founder of Pepper Group, to discuss building and evolving a marketing business. Tim shares his journey from job loss to entrepreneurship, how team culture and hiring shaped his company's growth, and his perspective on the future of marketing in an AI-driven environment.

Susan Kearney is the Managing Director, Board Member, and Partner at Newport LLC, a business advisory firm helping middle-market companies grow and exit. Before Newport, she was the COO of Network for Good, where she achieved 40% annual recurring revenue growth, and the Co-founder of Voxant, a digital media company acquired by Blinkx. Susan also held executive positions at Paragren Technologies and IRI Software.

Heather Bennett is the Managing Director and Partner at Newport LLC, where she advises CEOs and business owners on brand marketing, revenue growth, and leadership development. With over 20 years of experience, she has led P&L management for brands with over $100 million in revenue and driven innovation at companies like Kraft Heinz Company, Instant Brands, and Unilever. Heather is also the author of the Amazon bestseller Fun and Fulfilling Careers One Question at a Time and serves on the boards of the Foundation for Hearing & Speech Resources and Slipstream.

Building a business is rarely a straight path. Patterns begin to emerge only after stepping back — through shared stories of growth, setbacks, and reinvention. When founders reflect on their journeys, what lessons consistently rise to the surface?

Business advisor Susan Kearney and growth-focused executive leader Heather Bennett explain that success often comes down to resilience, adaptability, and people. Many founders endure early instability before reaching sustainable growth, often relying on trusted teams and advisors to navigate uncertainty. Opportunity is often unplanned — what matters is the ability to recognize and act on it. A mindset of openness and persistence is critical for long-term growth.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Susan Kearney and Heather Bennett look back on their first year of the podcast. They share early-stage business challenges and near-death moments, stories of accidental entrepreneurs, and how founders expand their impact through leadership, policy, and strategic decision-making.

Scott Markman is the Founder and President of MonogramGroup, a global brand consultancy and marketing agency. With nearly 45 years of experience, he has worked with private equity firms and portfolio companies to develop brand strategies that drive growth and differentiation. Scott is a recognized thought leader in branding and hosts the Beer Stories for Private Equity podcast.

Growth often comes with uncertainties like limited resources, evolving strategies, and constant pressure to adapt. How can founders navigate these challenges while positioning their companies for long-term value?

According to branding and private equity expert Scott Markman, it starts with persistence, disciplined decision-making, and a willingness to evolve. He emphasizes the importance of leveraging flexible talent early on, maintaining strong cash flow management, and continuously refining your positioning as your business grows. Additionally, brand strategy is a powerful driver of value creation, especially in competitive markets.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Heather Bennett talks with Scott Markman, Founder and President of MonogramGroup, to discuss building and scaling a brand-driven business. Scott shares his early entrepreneurial journey, how he entered private equity, and why branding is a critical lever for value creation.

Jim Fitzgerald is the Co-founder and CEO of Paycile, a fintech company that provides real-time payment reconciliation and API-driven solutions for insurance premiums and claims processing. As a seasoned entrepreneur, he has decades of experience building and scaling businesses, including Taradel, a marketing technology company that grew into a multi-time Inc. 5000 honoree. Jim has also built strategic partnerships with Fortune 500 brands.

Building a business is rarely a straight path. Leaders are constantly forced to adapt, make decisions with incomplete information, and navigate internal and external challenges. What separates those who sustain growth from those who stall when conditions change?

For serial entrepreneur Jim Fitzgerald, the answer lies in taking action and treating every outcome as a learning opportunity. He emphasizes making decisive moves rather than overanalyzing, using successes and failures as data points to guide future strategies. Jim also highlights the importance of building a cohesive culture by hiring people who align with your values and fostering trust during difficult times. His approach centers on adaptability, continuous learning, and creating an environment where teams can respond effectively to change.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Susan Kearney talks with Jim Fitzgerald, Co-founder and CEO of Paycile, about entrepreneurship and scaling businesses. Jim shares his approach to decisive action and learning from failure, how culture supports teams through challenges, and his advice on preparing early for a smooth business exit.

Brookelyn Avila is the Owner of Van Sharks, a family-owned business that designs, builds, and services custom conversion vans for businesses, travelers, and fleet operators. As an entrepreneur with a background in communications, she has launched several ventures. Brookelyn is known for her visionary leadership and commitment to excellence.

Starting a business in an unfamiliar industry demands adaptability, discipline, and a willingness to learn quickly. Entrepreneurs often face uncertainty when stepping into new markets, yet many find ways to build momentum and grow. What does it take to navigate risk, scale a young business, and stay focused through the challenges?

According to entrepreneur and business owner Brookelyn Avila, growth in a new industry begins with mastering the fundamentals of business rather than the technical details of the field. She emphasizes the importance of generating consistent demand, building strong partnerships, and understanding every aspect of your operation — especially in the early stages. Brookelyn also advises entrepreneurs to keep fixed expenses low and preserve cash whenever possible, giving the business room to learn and adapt without excessive financial pressure. Growth becomes manageable when founders remain hands-on and continuously refine their processes.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Heather Bennett chats with Brookelyn Avila, Owner of Van Sharks, about building and scaling a company in a new industry. Brookelyn shares how she entered the van conversion market, the impact of becoming a certified Mercedes-Benz Expert Upfitter, and why standardizing products can help growing businesses scale more efficiently.

Gabriel Arguello is the Founder and CEO of Rent 2 Own Trailers, which provides food trailers with flexible, low‑cost ownership options for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Under his leadership, Rent 2 Own has grown into a national resource for customized mobile business solutions. Before founding Rent 2 Own, Gabriel built and scaled a candy business, insurance and financial advisory agencies, and restaurants.

Starting a business comes with challenges ranging from securing funding to maintaining steady growth. How can entrepreneurs navigate these obstacles and scale their ventures?

Versatile entrepreneur Gabriel Arguello emphasizes the importance of thoroughly researching your business idea before diving in. He advises entrepreneurs to build strong relationships with customers and the local community to foster lasting trust. Gabriel also stresses the value of setting up efficient systems from the start and keeping your team engaged. Planning, persistence, and people are essential for long-term growth.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Heather Bennett sits down with Gabriel Arguello, Founder and CEO of Rent 2 Own Trailers, to discuss how to scale a business while building strong customer relationships. Gabriel shares insights on overcoming financial challenges, maintaining quality control through vertical integration, and using servant leadership to inspire teams.

Davis Anderson is the Founder of The Manufacturers' Collective, an advisory practice dedicated to supporting family-owned American manufacturing companies through strategic planning and generational succession. As a third-generation manufacturing leader, he has over 40 years of experience in family-owned business ownership and management. Davis is also the author of Sustaining a Family Jewel, which details effective succession planning.

Many family-owned business owners eventually face the decision to pass their companies to the next generation. How can you ensure the next leader steps up seamlessly? What is involved in family succession planning?

Succession planning advisor Davis Anderson emphasizes the importance of starting succession discussions early. Family members should be involved in these talks regularly, even if they feel uncomfortable. Planning shouldn't wait until the transition is imminent; it requires preparing both the business and the family for a smooth changeover. By taking proactive steps, family-owned businesses can ensure long-term success and avoid the pitfalls that arise when succession is rushed or neglected.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Heather Bennett sits down with Davis Anderson, Founder of The Manufacturers' Collective, to discuss generational succession in family-owned businesses. Davis shares the lessons he learned from his leadership role, the importance of early succession planning, and advice for navigating difficult family discussions.

Doug Tatum is the Chairman of Newport LLC, a business advisory firm helping middle-market companies grow and exit. He is also a member of the teaching faculty at the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship at Florida State University. Before his current roles, Doug was the Chairman and CEO of Tatum LLC, a national professional services firm he helped grow to over 1,000 professionals across 30 offices before its acquisition by Spherion in 2010. He is also the author of No Man's Land: Where Growing Companies Fail, a critically acclaimed book that has won four national Best Business Book awards.

Private company owners are operating in a market that's drastically different from a decade ago. Capital is abundant, private equity firms are more aggressive, and even smaller companies are fielding acquisition calls. How can founders focus on daily growth and navigate capital markets?

According to Doug Tatum, an expert in capital markets and emerging growth companies, the shift is structural, not temporary. With massive private equity funds seeking deals, founders must decide whether to build a scalable platform or position themselves as a strategic add-on — a choice that affects valuation, control, and long-term upside. Doug encourages owners to prepare for the capital market early by understanding how deals are structured, investing in their businesses, and aligning strategy with long-term wealth goals.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Susan Kearney talks with Doug Tatum, Chairman of Newport LLC, about capital market readiness for emerging growth companies. Doug talks about the rise of private equity add-on deals, the differences between platform and tuck-in strategies, and why founders must shift from an operator to an investor mindset to protect and grow their wealth.

Arlin Sorensen is the VP of Ecosystem Evangelism for IT Nation at ConnectWise, a software company that develops IT management tools and community platforms for managed service providers (MSPs) and IT solution businesses. In his role, he facilitates ecosystem engagement and thought leadership across the IT Nation community while advising business leaders through consulting and peer groups. With over three decades of experience as an IT leader and entrepreneur, Arlin founded and grew Heartland Technology Solutions and HTG Peer Groups (now IT Nation Evolve), a global community fostering leadership and collaboration among MSP owners, which was acquired by ConnectWise.

As business owners scale their companies, they often encounter bottlenecks in leadership, decision-making, and growth. How can entrepreneurs navigate these hurdles while ensuring sustainable growth?

According to seasoned tech entrepreneur Arlin Sorensen, the key lies in creating a solid foundation, making informed decisions, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Having a strong support system, especially during acquisitions, can guide critical decisions and help avoid costly mistakes. Arlin also recommends maintaining transparency and inclusivity with employees to build loyalty and trust. These steps can transform a company's trajectory and make leadership more manageable over the long term.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Heather Bennett sits down with Arlin Sorensen, VP of Ecosystem Evangelism for IT Nation at ConnectWise, to discuss effective growth strategies for businesses. Arlin shares his experience on building loyal teams, handling acquisitions, and the importance of life planning post-exit.