Venture with us on a financial odyssey where Nik and I crack the code on staying buoyant in the service industry's sea of unpredictability. We're diving headfirst into real-deal strategies that have steadied our own ships through stormy economic climates. From engineering a six-month financial safety net to the ingenious addition of holiday light installations, we share the secrets that allow us to thrive, not just survive. Our candid conversation promises to equip you with tools for building resilience against the headwinds of inflation and the unpredictability of election years, ensuring your business sails smoothly through even the toughest seasons.

The journey doesn't stop at money management; it extends to the core of entrepreneurial grit. Revisit the roots of marketing mojo with us, from the power of the human voice carrying our brand to new heights, to navigating the corporate labyrinths of LLCs and S-corps. Listen in as we unfold the layers of financial foresight needed when personal life throws a wrench in the works, like unexpected injuries, and how community support becomes the life raft in times of need. This episode isn't just a talk; it's a treasure map for service industry captains determined to chart their course to financial security and business success.

Embark on a voyage through the tempestuous seas of business expansion with your seasoned navigators, Seth Mills and Nik Dawson. We tackle head-on the reality that an employee's dedication is often not a mirror image of an owner's—unveiling strategies to bridge this gap and foster a culture of commitment. Through our personal encounters, we dissect the pros and cons of commission versus hourly wages and how these financial frameworks can impact the quality of work from your team. Plus, we share our own struggles with entrusting new team members with the pillars of our businesses, and how to scout for that rare gem of a hire who can elevate your company to the next stratosphere.

As the captains of our respective ships, we chart the course through the choppy waters of small business expansion, where every decision can feel like a gamble on the high seas. We exchange tales of navigating treacherous pay rate negotiations and the siren call of investments that promise growth. With a firm hand on the wheel, we confront the dilemma of delegation versus control, steering through the complex process of putting trust in the hands of new hires when it comes to company assets. From tackling payroll discrepancies to the importance of accountability tracking, this episode is a treasure trove of insights and strategies for entrepreneurs ready to hoist the sails and catch the wind of business success.

Have you ever questioned how to keep your friendships afloat or kindle romance when the entrepreneurial seas get rough? Seth Mills, alongside our co-host Nik Dawson, swap stories from the trenches, shedding light on the art of maintaining personal connections while helming the entrepreneurial ship. It's a candid look at how we've each grappled with setting boundaries, and the role mutual respect for time plays in relationships. We delve into the awkward moments of revealing your entrepreneurial life to a new date and the undeniable value of a partner who gets the grind.

As we navigate through the episode, the conversation moves to the evolution of our social circles and the strategic cultivation of business relationships. We reflect on the delicate balance of personal relationships with work commitments, and how a supportive network is essential when ambitions steer you toward uncharted business territories. You'll hear how entrepreneurship can reshape family ties and alter friendships, with takeaways on communicating expectations and managing the equilibrium of life's demands. Tune in for an episode that not only uncovers the intricacies of networking in competitive waters but also serves as a compass for steering through the personal challenges that come with business ownership.

When Harry Gordon Selfridge proclaimed "the customer is always right" over a century ago, he couldn't have imagined the lively debate it would spark on our show. My co-host, Nik Dawson, and I dissect this service industry commandment with a mix of storytelling and analysis. We take you behind the scenes of customer service, where the lines between respect, boundaries, and tough love are as intricate as the inner workings of a pool filter. From business owners to the corners of retail, our experiences shed light on why setting limits is as vital as the service itself. If you've ever questioned the delicate dance of customer interactions, you'll find camaraderie and enlightenment in our candid discussion.

Dealing with thorny pricing scenarios and tricky client relations is the bread and butter of many service industries. We dive into the deep end of valuation, customer confrontation, and the art of holding your ground, all while maintaining the grace of a swan on the water's surface. Hear our personal tales of clients who've pushed boundaries and how we've navigated the murky waters of late payments and discount demands without sinking. Whether you're wrestling with your own customer relations or simply crave an insider look at the service industry's dynamics, join us, Seth Mills and Nik Dawson, for an episode that's as refreshing as a plunge into a cool, clear pool.

Who says success only comes with a degree? I'm Seth Mills, a business administration student who zig-zagged through different majors before finding my passion. And, joining me is Nik Dawson, a entrepreneur who traded traditional schooling after 10th grade for the thrilling rollercoaster of starting his own company. Together, we dig into our unique paths, debunking the notion that success only comes via traditional routes. Hear our personal experiences in education and the importance of adaptability in the age of readily available information.

Ever wondered about the trials and tribulations of starting a new business? We shed light on our entrepreneurial journeys, revealing the challenges, the triumphs, and even the less glamorous aspects of business like dealing with difficult clients and the significance of clear terms and conditions. We swap stories from our own experiences - me navigating the complexities of the pressure washing industry, and on being blacklisted from companies. Seth's also honest about the pressures of striking a balance between running multiple businesses while keeping up with full-time college commitments.

As for the future, we're not just daydreaming. We discuss our plans for growth and investment, considering hiring additional help, reinvesting in our ventures, and keeping our audience engaged. We also tackle the hurdles of residential customers and explore strategies for targeting commercial clients. Listen in as we share our candid insights and plans for the future on the AstroCraft Grow, Influence, Invest podcast. Our stories are testament to the idea that success isn't always a straight path, and the journey matters just as much as the destination.

Ever wondered what it's like to operate a service-based business in the unpredictable climate of Texas? Join your hosts, Seth Mills and Nik Dawson, as they expose the gritty realities of being on-call 24/7, navigating the high seas of self-employment, and busting the myth of passive income.

We kick off the conversation by sharing our first-hand experiences of managing work calls outside typical working hours. You'll hear us discuss our survival strategies and how we've harnessed technology to streamline communication and operations. We then engage into a conversation about being a contractor who underscores the importance of nurturing relationships with manufacturers to drive mutual business growth. But brace yourself for a reality check, as we debunk the myth of a truly passive income source. You might be eyeing passive income as the golden ticket, but we're here to tell you that success still demands serious effort and engagement.

But our journey doesn't stop there. We take a detour to share our past experiences at Best Buy, spilling the beans on the toxic work environment, the relentless pressure of meeting sales targets, and the high employee turnover. You'll get a glimpse of the colossal markups on items and our experiences with employee discounts. Finally, we dig into the concept of success, exploring different routes to it. As a high school dropout and a college student, we have some unique stories to tell about our path to where we are now. Tune in if you're ready for an enlightening discussion on running a service-based business, the reality of passive income, and the pursuit of success.