What if everything you thought you knew about cybersecurity was dangerously wrong? John Anthony Smith, Founder & Chief Security Officer of Fenix24, delivers a wake-up call that will fundamentally change how you think about protecting your organization's digital assets.

The hard truth: 86% of organizations don't have a single survivable backup copy, and since January, over 90% of backups examined  didn't survive breaches. "You're never going to be able to prevent a breach," Smith explains. "You will have a breach, period." This isn't fatalism, it's realism from someone who's spent decades on the cybersecurity frontlines.

Most breaches aren't sophisticated technical exploits but embarrassingly simple social engineering. The most common attack vector? Calling the help desk, claiming to be an employee, and requesting a password reset with no identity verification. This basic failure has crippled major corporations, including recent high-profile cases that shut down Las Vegas casinos and healthcare systems, resulting in billions in losses.

What's truly alarming is the organizational inertia Smith encounters. "We have entities that we've recovered more than three times from breach for the exact same things, over and over again." Leadership often mischaracterizes breaches as random "drive-by shootings" rather than systematic exploitation of known vulnerabilities they've chosen not to address.

Drawing from his experience with countless breaches across global organizations, Smith advocates a fundamental shift in approach: accept breaches as inevitable and build resilient recovery capabilities first. This means properly isolated backups, strict identity verification protocols, removing critical consoles from Active Directory domains, and embracing a security-first mindset even when it impacts usability.

Ready to transform your organization's approach to cybersecurity? Listen now to discover why prevention alone is a failed strategy and how building true resilience might be the only thing standing between your organization and catastrophe.

Visit Fenix24 website at www.fenix24.com

For more information, visit our website www.spectruss.com

What if everything you thought you knew about cybersecurity was dangerously wrong? John Anthony Smith, founder and Chief Security Officer of Conversant Group, delivers a wake-up call that will fundamentally change how you think about protecting your organization's digital assets.

The hard truth: 86% of organizations don't have a single survivable backup copy, and since January, over 90% of backups examined  didn't survive breaches. "You're never going to be able to prevent a breach," Smith explains. "You will have a breach, period." This isn't fatalism, it's realism from someone who's spent decades on the cybersecurity frontlines.

Most breaches aren't sophisticated technical exploits but embarrassingly simple social engineering. The most common attack vector? Calling the help desk, claiming to be an employee, and requesting a password reset with no identity verification. This basic failure has crippled major corporations, including recent high-profile cases that shut down Las Vegas casinos and healthcare systems, resulting in billions in losses.

What's truly alarming is the organizational inertia Smith encounters. "We have entities that we've recovered more than three times from breach for the exact same things, over and over again." Leadership often mischaracterizes breaches as random "drive-by shootings" rather than systematic exploitation of known vulnerabilities they've chosen not to address.

Drawing from his experience with countless breaches across global organizations, Smith advocates a fundamental shift in approach: accept breaches as inevitable and build resilient recovery capabilities first. This means properly isolated backups, strict identity verification protocols, removing critical consoles from Active Directory domains, and embracing a security-first mindset even when it impacts usability.

Ready to transform your organization's approach to cybersecurity? Listen now to discover why prevention alone is a failed strategy and how building true resilience might be the only thing standing between your organization and catastrophe.

For more information, visit our website www.spectruss.com

In this episode, Sam Silvey sits down with Matt McLelland, VP of Sustainability and Innovation at Covenant Logistics, for a real and honest conversation about the future of freight, green energy, and what it actually takes to move toward sustainable trucking.

From the truth behind hydrogen and electric trucks to the economics of clean energy, Matt breaks down what most people get wrong about “going green” in logistics. They also talk about how regulation, public perception, and global supply chains influence the pace of change, and how business realities shape what’s possible today.

Plus:
* Matt’s 3-day ride-along with a long-haul trucker

* The innovation curve: from small steps to disruptive change

* Why sustainability isn’t just about the environment — it’s about survival

* Outdoor adventures, van life, and hang gliding over Chattanooga

* What it’s like selling “green freight” to companies like Starbucks and Target

* Why the clean energy conversation isn’t as black-and-white as people think

Whether you care about clean energy, transportation, or just love hearing from people who are trying to make a real impact, this episode’s packed with insight.

 📍 Based in Chattanooga, TN
 🎧 New episodes every Thursday
 👥 Follow Matt on LinkedIn or @chadthevan on Instagram

Subscribe + leave a review to support the show!

For more information, visit our website www.spectruss.com

Seth Cathy, grandson of Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy, joins us for an incredible conversation that spans three generations of entrepreneurship, adventure, and staying grounded despite massive success.

We explore the remarkable origin story of Chick-fil-A - from Truett's Depression-era childhood where "the only toy he had was his brother's loose tooth" to selling Coca-Cola bottles at age 8, and the tragic plane crash that nearly ended it all. Seth shares how his grandfather's stewardship philosophy shaped one of America's most successful family businesses.

But this isn't just a business story. Seth takes us through his own unexpected journey - from studying history and running a pottery studio on Chattanooga's Main Street to discovering 120 acres on Lookout Mountain that became his motorcycle paradise. We dive into his passion for vintage Honda collecting, epic multi-day motorcycle adventures through Arizona, and how he's building community through dirt bike events.

Plus, hear about his encounters with skateboarding legends Tony Hawk, Bam Margera, and Ryan Sheckler, the truth about Chick-fil-A's "secret menu," and why the family believes they're just stewards of something much bigger than themselves.

For more information, visit our website www.spectruss.com

In this episode of Spectruss Speakeasy, Sam sits down with Austin Webster, third-generation president of The Barn Nursery, to explore how a humble $1,500 roadside fruit stand grew into one of the top nurseries in the country. Austin shares fascinating insights about the plant industry—from seven-year topiary growing processes to managing over a million plants annually—and reveals how Chattanooga's unique biodiversity creates the perfect environment for their business to thrive.

Austin takes us behind the scenes of running a 60-year family business, including how they pivoted during COVID (turning challenges into unexpected efficiencies), their approach to customer service, and why small businesses can outmaneuver corporate giants. He also discusses The Barn's deep community roots through their nonprofit work with Lana's Love, supporting families affected by childhood cancer.

Whether you're a plant enthusiast, business owner, or Chattanooga local, this conversation offers valuable lessons on growth, adaptation, and the power of staying true to your roots while embracing change.

For more information, visit our website www.spectruss.com

Luke, founder of Big Sky Landscapes, shares his journey from personal training to running an Inc 5000 landscaping company, exploring how taking risks and maintaining high standards drove his remarkable five-year growth.

• Found success by exceeding the industry's low expectations – simply returning calls and showing up when promised
• Began with just two part-time helpers and has grown to over 40 full-time employees
• Implemented a performance review system giving employees multiple opportunities per year to earn raises
• Secured a major client through extraordinary persistence – following up 12-15 times over a full year
• Learned to expect challenges and embrace conflict as evidence of having high standards
• Created a culture that rewards effort – even celebrating employees who "face plant" trying to carry extra mulch
• Transitioned from residential lawn maintenance to commercial contracts and installation projects
• Made the Inc 5000 list by refusing to "pull off the throttle" at convenient stopping points
• Values people over financial gain, a lesson learned from previous mentors and bosses
• Only regret is not taking bigger risks sooner – "once you take that risk, just freaking swing"

In this episode of Spectruss Speakeasy, Sam Silvey sits down with John Wiygul, founder and president of High Point Climbing and Fitness. From explaining what rock climbing even was to skeptical bankers 12 years ago to now operating eight facilities across three states, John shares the remarkable journey of building the Southeast's premier climbing gym brand.

A lifelong climber who used to skip elementary school to hit the rocks with his older brother, John discusses how he transformed his passion into a thriving business while maintaining an authentic, non-corporate culture with over 150 employees. He reveals the challenges of the early days, the strategic partnerships that fueled growth, and his vision for High Point's continued expansion.

Beyond business, John opens up about his competitive triathlon career, training alongside Olympians, and how he balances intense athletic pursuits with running a growing company. Whether you're an entrepreneur, climber, outdoor enthusiast, or simply curious about building a lifestyle business around your passion, this conversation offers valuable insights into turning what you love into what you do.

#RockClimbing #Entrepreneurship #OutdoorBusiness #Triathlon #ChattanoogaBusiness

For more information, visit our website www.spectruss.com

In this episode of Spectruss Speakeasy, Sam Silvey sits down with Jonathan Bragdon, founder of Capacity Ventures, to explore the contrarian approach to venture capital in today's economy. Jonathan shares his journey from building and exiting companies to launching a venture fund focused on capital-efficient businesses in the Southeast.

With decades of experience as both founder and investor, Jonathan offers invaluable insights on the relationship between founders and capital. He challenges conventional wisdom with his "hiring money" philosophy—the idea that founders should view fundraising as bringing on a partner rather than chasing validation.

The conversation covers the psychology of entrepreneurship, the importance of T-shaped team members, and why economic downturns create the perfect environment for startups. Jonathan also explains why raising less money and maintaining optionality often leads to better outcomes for founders.

Whether you're a founder looking to raise capital, an investor seeking better returns, or simply curious about the venture world, this episode provides a refreshing perspective on building successful companies in today's rapidly changing landscape.

#VentureCapital #Entrepreneurship #Startups #BusinessGrowth #Investing

For more information, visit our website www.spectruss.com

In this episode of Spectruss Speakeasy, we're diving skin-deep with Emily Brewer, founder of The Derm Center in Chattanooga and host of the upcoming Derm Expert Podcast. With 17 years in dermatology, Emily shares her journey from accidental discovery to passionate provider, her patient-first philosophy, and the psychology behind skincare. We talk real skin struggles—from rosacea to melanoma—and why education, empathy, and less-is-more treatment approaches matter. Plus, get a sneak peek at her new podcast and hear practical springtime skin tips that go beyond SPF.

Visit: thedermcentertn.com
Coming soon: The Derm Expert Podcast (Launching June 1st)

For more information, visit our website www.spectruss.com

For 140 years, Fowler Brothers Home & Patio has been more than just a business—it’s been a legacy. In this episode of Spectruss Speak Easy, Carter Fowler shares what it takes to keep a fifth-generation family business thriving when less than 1% make it this far. From honoring tradition to embracing change, Carter dives into the power of consistency, branding, and building trust with customers over generations.

We’ll explore the evolution of Fowler Brothers, from hand-drawn newspaper ads to cutting-edge marketing, and how staying dynamic in a shifting industry has been the key to success. Plus, Carter shares some behind-the-scenes stories, including a moment of childhood mischief that once shut down an entire store!

If you’re passionate about business, legacy, and the art of making things happen, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Tune in now!

For more information, visit our website www.spectruss.com