Ever wonder what happens when leaders truly trust their teams? Jake Jeffcoat, Kiln Meridian Director, joins Nick Bonniksen at St. George Kiln to explore how authentic leadership transforms coworking communities.

The conversation dives into what makes Kiln stand out in the coworking landscape. Beyond the stunning aesthetics is a deeply intentional design philosophy. From strategically placed plants throughout each location to circular light fixtures specifically chosen because "circles promote creativity," every element serves a purpose. This attention to detail extends to member interactions, where the focus isn't on selling office space but building meaningful relationships.

Jake shares a powerful story about how his team supported a member who lost his mother by gifting him a vinyl record of "Oklahoma"—his mother's favorite musical—instead of conventional flowers. The member was so moved he mentioned it during his mother's eulogy. "We're not in the office business," Jake explains, "we're in the people business."

Listen now to discover why sometimes the most powerful leadership move is simply asking: "What can I do to help you?"

[00:00:00] Leadership Philosophy and Adaptability
[00:02:13] Exploring Kiln St. George vs. Meridian
[00:07:23] Tech Communities in Different Markets
[00:11:10] What Makes Kiln Special
[00:16:12] Leadership Through People-First Approach
[00:24:03] The Two-Week Vacation Test
[00:26:20] Final Thoughts on St. George

Ashly Stone shares her remarkable journey from heroin addiction to becoming co-founder and Chief Growth Officer of Encyrcle, a tech company revolutionizing how treatment centers support recovery through AI-powered text communications. Her transformation from living in drug houses to leading a mission-driven company demonstrates how personal struggles can become powerful catalysts for creating solutions that help others.

• From addiction to entrepreneurship: Ashly's 8-year battle with heroin addiction included 15+ treatment centers before finding recovery in 2013
• Faith as a foundation: Reconnecting with her church community provided crucial support for Ashly's  recovery journey
• Meeting her husband in recovery: Both now serve as missionaries in the LDS addiction recovery program after meeting there years ago
• The turning point: "When the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the pain of change, that's when you'll change"
• Birth of Encyrcle: Recognizing ineffective manual follow-up methods in treatment centers from her own experience

Find The Come Back Podcast here:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/come-back-podcast/id1641798510

Find Encyrcle here:
https://www.encyrcle.com/

Find Kiln here:
https://kiln.com/

Find Blue Form Media here:
https://blueformmedia.com/home

[00:00:00] Intro and welcome
[00:04:40] From Addiction to Redemption
[00:09:10] Finding Sobriety Through Faith
[00:13:38] When Pain Prompts Change
[00:17:48] Birth of InCircle: Solving a Problem
[00:22:37] Building a Team With Purpose
[00:27:37] Growth Through Challenges and Vision

What happens when you strip away the stereotypical sales tactics and focus entirely on solving problems for people? In this eye-opening conversation with Rocky Bunker, VP of Sales at PayPro, we discover how authentic connection transforms transactions into relationships.

Rocky's journey from construction worker to solar salesperson to payment processing innovator reveals a consistent thread—genuine service creates success. "For me it's not chasing like the specific result," Rocky explains. "When I first started, I'm like I just want to make money. And I found out real quick, if you do that, you're going to be miserable and you're not going to be successful."

The most fascinating revelation? Rocky's favorite customers during his solar sales days were those who initially rejected him most aggressively. Rather than becoming discouraged, he recognized their frustration as a sign of a genuine problem he might solve. This counterintuitive approach helped Rocky create what he calls a "magnetic field"—an authenticity that naturally attracts opportunities rather than chasing them.

Now at PayPro, Rocky is revolutionizing payment processing by representing businesses rather than processors. The traditional model leaves many businesses feeling "handcuffed" to their payment processors, unable to navigate complex contracts or integrate with their software. PayPro serves as a "wedge" between processors and businesses, allowing their clients to access better rates and service without the usual headaches. The results are remarkable—one client saved over $2 million in the first year alone.

Whether you're in sales, considering entrepreneurship, or simply want to become a better connector, Rocky's insights on transparent business practices and genuine relationship-building offer valuable lessons for success in any field. His simple but powerful mantra—"don't try, just be"—might just transform how you approach both business and life.

Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Intro
[00:07:14] Rocky's Journey from Construction to Sales
[00:11:20] Dealing with Rejection in Sales
[00:13:20] The Master Connector's Approach
[00:18:17] PayPro: Revolutionizing Payment Processing
[00:24:05] The Future of Payments and Industry Disruption

What does it take to build genuine community in a coworking space? In this revealing conversation with Paige Curry, Member Experience Manager at Kiln, we pull back the curtain on the thoughtful design and deliberate strategy that powers meaningful connection in shared workspaces.

At the heart of Kiln's philosophy is being "human at the core," and nowhere is this more evident than in their approach to food and events. What began as simple snack offerings has evolved into an elevated experience strategically designed to create natural collision points where diverse members can connect. These daily interactions have sparked unexpected collaborations and friendships that transcend typical professional networking.

Dive into the architecture of community as Paige explains the Mastermind Series – intimate 12-person gatherings focused on Finance, Marketing, Tech, and Sales where members share challenges and solutions in a supportive environment. Learn how these carefully timed 40-minute sessions deliver maximum value while respecting members' busy schedules.

We also explore Kiln's innovative approach to offsite events, combining Southern Utah's natural beauty with turnkey professional spaces to create seamless retreat experiences for visiting companies. From executive boardrooms to local adventure partnerships, these packages represent a fresh approach to corporate gatherings that blend productivity with exploration.

Ever wondered what happens before the doors open at a premium coworking space? Discover the detailed morning checklists, thoughtful provisioning, and constant refinement that ensures every member experience remains consistent and frictionless. The magic happens when members can focus entirely on their work and connections without worrying about logistics.

Whether you're a coworking member, space operator, or simply curious about the evolution of workplace community, this episode offers valuable insights into how intentional experience design creates the foundation for genuine human connection in professional environments.

Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Intro
[00:08:30] The Strategy Behind Elevated Snack Time
[00:12:25] Masterminds: Creating Value for Members
[00:16:40] New Event Packages for Offsite Companies
[00:21:40] Behind the Scenes: Daily Operations
[00:24:40] Upcoming Events and Member Perks

What happens when your identity becomes completely wrapped up in the business you've built? For Jacob Amundsen, selling his successful marketing agency triggered an existential reckoning that changed everything about how he approaches entrepreneurship.

Jake never set out with grand ambitions to become an entrepreneur. With a creative background and an eye for design, he simply found himself questioning inefficient processes at companies where he worked. "I was probably the problem employee," he admits with a laugh. This natural instinct to improve systems eventually led him and his wife to realize they were essentially running operations at their respective companies without proper compensation. With two clients already lined up, Jake made the leap into freelance graphic design.

Recognizing Southern Utah lacked comprehensive marketing agencies, Jake founded Venture Creative Studios, which over seven years grew to a team of 15 people serving local governments, resorts, and growing businesses. Their reputation was built entirely on referrals—no advertising, no sales team—just consistent delivery of quality work with remarkable speed. While competitors might take nine months to build a website, Venture promised turnaround in 30-40 days.

But success came with unexpected costs. "Our relationship was very much defined by what we were doing with work," Jake recalls of conversations with his wife. As his family grew, burnout set in, and structural issues in the business became apparent. The decision to sell Venture in April 2023 brought both financial freedom and a profound identity crisis. "Who am I now?" he found himself wondering at family gatherings where he'd always been "the business guy."

During a summer of reflection, Jake had a profound realization: "My value doesn't come from my entrepreneurism. Work is work is work... it's way more important to just be a decent human being, serve people, help people out, build relationships."

This perspective shift changed everything. After a brief stint as marketing director for The Piano Guys (complete with tour bus adventures), and a rollercoaster experience with algorithmic Forex trading, Jake found himself drawn back to entrepreneurship—this time with clearer purpose.

When Venture unexpectedly closed its doors, former clients reached out in panic. With former colleague Sam, Jake launched Klatch, a marketing agency that differentiates itself through strategy-first approach. Before any logos are designed or websites built, Klatch conducts 30-day strategy intensives, interviewing stakeholders and developing comprehensive marketing playbooks.

Ready to rethink your marketing approach? Visit weareklatch.com to learn how strategy-first thinking could transform your business growth.

Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Intro
[00:02:11] Finding Creative Purpose Beyond Architecture
[00:05:37] Taking the Leap into Agency Ownership
[00:09:58] Building Venture Creative Studios
[00:13:45] The Emotional Journey of Selling a Business
[00:21:45] Life on Tour with The Piano Guys
[00:29:18] The Forex Trading Rollercoaster
[00:34:27] Rebuilding After Venture's Closure
[00:36:54] Klatch: Strategy-First Marketing

Blake Norton, co-founder of Blue Form Media, shares his journey from military service to podcasting entrepreneur, revealing how his team-oriented mindset shaped his business approach. His candid discussion illuminates the challenges and rewards of building a media company with his wife Mallory while exploring the long-term value proposition of professional podcasting.

• Transitioned from Marine Corps infantry to sales before finding his entrepreneurial path
• Discovered that environment shapes discipline and success through military and door-to-door sales experiences
• Co-founded Blue Form Media with his wife Mallory, turning their home into podcast studios before eventually expanding
• Manages approximately 14 different podcasts with a team of six employees
• Views podcasting as "growing an orchard" for clients—a long-term investment that produces organic leads and brand recognition
• Challenges hustle culture's absolutist thinking by advocating for work-life balance and different paths to success
• Recently moved to a commercial studio space with enhanced capabilities for photography, videography, and production
• Plans to expand services to potentially collaborate with major productions in St. George

If you're thinking about starting a podcast or need consulting on content strategy, check out Blue Form Media. They're also developing simplified solutions for Kiln members, coming in the next few months.

More about Blue Form Media:
https://blueformmedia.com/

More about Kiln:
https://kiln.com/

Ryan Kohler takes us on a captivating journey from his beginnings on a dairy farm to building ApplicantPro into a powerhouse with 10,000 clients and 280 employees. With refreshing candor, he dismantles the Silicon Valley myth perpetuated by stories like "The Social Network," revealing how such overnight success narratives represent perhaps a one-in-ten-thousand chance while obscuring the thousands of failed startups we never hear about.

The conversation pivots to a revolutionary perspective on AI that challenges conventional thinking. While many approach artificial intelligence as a technology that competes with humans (thanks to the Turing test's framing), Kohler advocates for a collaborative approach where AI amplifies human capabilities rather than replacing them. "It's not to replace humans, it's to extend it in places where you couldn't afford to do it," he explains, offering examples like providing one-on-one mentorship to students when teachers can't possibly mentor 40 students around the clock.

Ryan's insights on entrepreneurship are equally refreshing – rather than building products first and hoping for customers, he recommends deeply understanding customer pain points before creating solutions. This customer-first approach significantly reduces risk and increases chances of success. He shares fascinating stories about creating AI-generated stories for children in Costa Rica and training chatbots with psychological nuance, demonstrating how AI implementation is "much more art than science." Throughout the conversation, his philosophy of generous knowledge-sharing and community-building shines through, reminding us that in rapidly evolving fields like AI, learning happens fastest when we collaborate openly.

If you're navigating the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, or AI, this conversation offers both practical wisdom and inspiring perspective from someone who's built successful ventures by challenging conventional wisdom at every step.

What if the money in your HSA account could do more than just pay for doctor visits? MedPaid co-founders Destry and Isaiah are pioneering a revolutionary approach to wellness by making it affordable through pre-tax dollars.

The young entrepreneurs behind MedPaid have created a marketplace where consumers can purchase doctor-vetted wellness products using their HSA/FSA funds—products that traditionally wouldn't qualify without a Letter of Medical Necessity. From supplements to workout equipment, even Apple Watches, their platform is expanding what's possible with your health savings.

"Health is the true version of wealth," shares Destry, whose personal health journey following a serious leg injury reinforced the mission behind MedPaid. The company doesn't just connect consumers with products; they thoroughly research each item and ingredient before it reaches their platform. Their team of doctors ensures everything meets strict quality standards, rejecting 50-60% of products during their vetting process.

With 67 partner brands including Goli, Ancient Nutrition, and Kevin Hart's Vita Hustle, MedPaid negotiates exclusive deals that often beat retail prices. Their expansion plans include a practitioner program allowing doctors to create virtual dispensaries, telehealth services, and integrated lab testing—creating a comprehensive ecosystem where consumers can track how products affect their health metrics.

Currently serving 20,000-30,000 monthly visitors and aiming for hundreds of thousands by year's end, MedPaid is putting wellness back in consumers' hands. Visit MedPaid.com to discover how your pre-tax dollars can fund preventative health and finally make wellness affordable for everyone.

The St. George Kiln team shares how their diverse backgrounds and intuitive hiring processes brought them together to create an exceptional workspace experience for members.

• Paige brings experience managing a large music academy with 1,400 students and 55 instructors
• Reagan's background in marketing and social media management helps create community engagement
• Sonia's journey from pattern designer to tech startup employee provides valuable perspective on entrepreneurship
• The team prioritizes creating "elevated" experiences beyond basic workspace amenities
• Members form valuable business connections during daily programming and "snack collisions"
• Wellness offerings like yoga and massage help entrepreneurs maintain balance while building their businesses
• The space fosters "creative collaboration" where businesses solve problems through unexpected connections
• The team measures success by watching members adopt the same supportive attitude toward fellow entrepreneurs

Experience firsthand what makes Kiln special.

[00:00:00] Intro
[00:01:11] Meet the Saint George Team
[00:12:19] Finding the Right People Through Instinct
[00:19:10] Daily Programming and Elevated Experiences
[00:26:10] Business Collisions and Member Connections
[00:30:42] Launch Party and Beyond

Josh Taylor, founder of ProductEvo, reveals the crucial middle step most entrepreneurs miss between having a great idea and bringing a successful product to market. We explore how proper product development methodology transforms companies by helping them avoid costly mistakes and create products that actually sell.

• The danger of jumping straight from idea to production without market validation
• Why personal experience with the problem you're solving is critical for product success
• How entrepreneurs often lose touch with their market as they grow their businesses
• The complex post-design process that turns concepts into manufacturable products
• Real-world success stories including Blender Bottle, Yakima, and Blendtec
• A new product coaching program to help early-stage entrepreneurs avoid $30,000 mistakes
• The value of entrepreneurial communities like Kiln for fostering innovation

Subscribe to Kiln Conversations for more interesting talks with successful business owners and entrepreneurs.