Step It Up Entrepreneur

Welcome back to the Step It Up Entrepreneur Podcast! I’m your host, Tomas Keenan, and today I’m coming to you straight from the home office after a busy morning of high-level conversations with clients. But when I glanced at my calendar and saw today’s guest lined up, I knew we were in for something special. Joining me is James Hurst, a guy who’s made waves in the digital marketing and automation space, particularly in the HighLevel community.

James and I first crossed paths about a year ago at an event. We didn’t know much about each other then, but over time, his name kept popping up—especially in the HighLevel Facebook group. His presence there isn’t just noticeable; it’s influential. He’s the guy offering genuine advice, answering questions, and asking some of his own, sparking conversations that challenge the status quo. What’s clear is James is a giver—someone who provides immense value without expecting anything in return. That’s a mindset I deeply respect and align with.

In this episode, we’ll dive into James’ fascinating journey—his leap from software engineering and the comfort of a stable desk job to becoming a sought-after coach, consultant, and fellow podcast host. We’ll talk about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, lessons learned, and how he’s helping others scale their businesses.

Whether you’re here to learn more about coaching, content creation, or how to grow a business from the ground up, this episode has something for you. So, let’s dive into the conversation and get to know James Hurst a bit better. Welcome to the show, James!

Find more about James at https://www.themarketingshow.com or his socials! 

www.jameshurst.com

https://www.jameshurst.com/plinko 🔥 Stop business self-sabotage by getting clear on your core values now! stepitupacademy.com 👊Are you ready to master the principles and strategies REQUIRED to achieve success and live an extraordinary life? Apply to Mastermind today. https://mastermind.stepitupacademy.com/siua-mastermind-application-6313

Welcome back to the Step It Up Entrepreneur podcast! I'm your host, Tomas Keenan, and today, we're shaking things up a bit. I'm thrilled to have a guest who probably holds the record for the most return appearances on this show. Today, I'm catching up with Zach Babcock—a guy who's been one of the realest voices in the digital marketing space since the start of my journey.

Over the years, Zach and I have worked together on multiple fronts, both in life and business, forging a solid connection built on trust, resilience, and growth. He's had his fingerprints all over the origin of this podcast, as one of the earliest agencies that helped get this show off the ground. Without Zach and his team, who knows if this podcast would have made it this far?

We’ve decided to keep this conversation as raw as it gets. No prep, no scripts—just two friends catching up. We'll dive into life’s highs and lows, how our paths keep crossing, and the unique challenges that have shaped who we are today. Zach’s journey has taken him through some intense experiences, from prison to building a successful business, and today, he’s here to share what he’s learned along the way.

So, let’s get into it and see what wisdom we can uncover together. Welcome back to the show, Zach Babcock!

Find more about Zach at https://www.zachbabcock.com or his socials! Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and Tiktok.

https://urlgeni.us/instagram/zb-home

https://urlgeni.us/youtube/channel/zb-home

https://urlgeni.us/tiktok/zb-home

https://urlgeni.us/facebook/zb-home

🔥 Stop business self-sabotage by getting clear on your core values now! stepitupacademy.com 👊Are you ready to master the principles and strategies REQUIRED to achieve success and live an extraordinary life? Apply to Mastermind today. https://mastermind.stepitupacademy.com/siua-mastermind-application-6313

Welcome back to Step It Up Entrepreneur podcast! I’m Tomas Keenan, your host, coming to you from the home office, and today, I’m excited to introduce Michael Fritz, a fellow entrepreneur and mastermind in the podcasting industry. Fritz and I connected a few months back—starting with a casual chat on Facebook that quickly turned into a genuine and meaningful conversation about business, life, and everything in between.

Fritz has a rich entrepreneurial journey with multiple ventures under his belt, and today, he's zeroed in on making waves in the podcasting world. His company, Podcastify.me, blends his background in tech, automation, and process development to support clients in building impactful, relationship-driven podcasts. Today, we're diving deep into his approach, lessons from his entrepreneurial path, and insights on harnessing podcasts for business growth.

So, without further ado, let's get into it. 

Find more about Fritz at https://podcastify.me or his socials! Facebook and LinkedIn.

https://linkedin.com/in/theofficialfritz 

https://facebook.com/michael.fritzius  

🔥 Stop business self-sabotage by getting clear on your core values now! stepitupacademy.com 👊Are you ready to master the principles and strategies REQUIRED to achieve success and live an extraordinary life? Apply to Mastermind today. https://mastermind.stepitupacademy.com/siua-mastermind-application-6313

Welcome back to the Step It Up Entrepreneur Podcast! I’m your host, Tomas Keenan, coming to you with another exciting episode. Today’s a bit different—this is a last-minute solo recording, but that’s how it goes sometimes. It's October 22nd, 2024, and I’m here in Dallas, getting this episode ready to roll out for you bright and early tomorrow morning.

For those of you who've been longtime listeners, thank you! Your support means the world to me. We’re celebrating five years of this podcast, and according to ListenNotes, we’re ranked in the top 1.5% of podcasts globally! That blows my mind, but it’s all thanks to consistency and your incredible support.

In today’s episode, I’m diving into some real-time updates and lessons learned, including recent events and some thoughts on how important it is to get out of your home office, connect with others, and keep learning. Whether you’re a business owner or someone looking to elevate your game, I think you’ll find value in today’s show.

Before we jump in, remember: if you enjoy the podcast, please leave us a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us reach even more listeners and keeps this community growing.

Now, let’s get into it!

Find more about Tomas https://www.stepitupacademy.com/ or his socials! Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and Youtube. https://www.facebook.com/tom.keenan.988   https://www.instagram.com/theintegratorcoach/   https://www.tiktok.com/@theintegratorcoach  https://www.youtube.com/@SIUAPodcast       🔗 Don’t Miss Out on Our Upcoming Webinar! Reserve your spot at https://events.stepitupacademy.com/sbs-webinar       🔥 Stop business self-sabotage by getting clear on your core values now! stepitupacademy.com  👊Are you ready to master the principles and strategies REQUIRED to achieve success and live an extraordinary life? Apply to Mastermind today. https://mastermind.stepitupacademy.com/siua-mastermind-application-6313

Welcome back to the Step It Up Entrepreneur Podcast! I'm your host, Tomas Keenan! In today’s episode, I sit down with entrepreneur Joe Rare to discuss his journey of building successful, VA-driven businesses.

During the episode, Joe shares how his family’s relocation to Montana during the COVID-19 pandemic inspired a shift in both his personal life and entrepreneurial approach. Drawing inspiration from Tim Ferriss' The 4-Hour Workweek, Joe has managed to scale multiple businesses using virtual assistants (VAs). He dives into the challenges many entrepreneurs face when it comes to delegation, particularly with personal tasks like email management, and provides practical tips on how to ease into outsourcing by starting small and building effective systems.

Together, Joe and Tomas explore the essential tools and strategies for managing remote teams, emphasizing the importance of communication, setting expectations, and establishing solid workflows. They discuss the power of using tools like Slack, ClickUp, and Asana to streamline business operations and how integrating VAs into your business can transform productivity, both in professional and personal life.

Joe also opens up about his company’s evolving mission—shifting focus from solely prioritizing clients to ensuring the well-being of VAs, creating a sustainable, impact-driven business model that benefits entire communities. Finally, Joe shares his entrepreneurial philosophy, encouraging aspiring business owners to embrace failure as part of the journey, test ideas quickly, and scale with intention—all while maintaining a work-life balance that puts family first.

Let’s dive into this insightful conversation!

Find more about Joe https://www.level9virtual.com/ or his socials! LinkedIn, Facebook, Youtube, Instagram, Twitter and Tiktok.  http://www.linkedin.com/in/joerare  https://www.facebook.com/joerare/  https://www.youtube.com/user/joerare1  https://www.instagram.com/joerare/  https://www.twitter.com/joerare  https://www.tiktok.com/@joerare     🔥 Stop business self-sabotage by getting clear on your core values now! stepitupacademy.com 👊Are you ready to master the principles and strategies REQUIRED to achieve success and live an extraordinary life? Apply to Mastermind today. https://mastermind.stepitupacademy.com/siua-mastermind-application-6313

Welcome back to the Step It Up Entrepreneur Podcast! I'm your host, Tomas Keenan! Today, we’re diving deep into the power of patience, perseverance, and the importance of playing the long game in business and life. After a brief hiatus, I’m reflecting on what’s been going on behind the scenes—balancing business, family, and personal commitments—and why my usual system of keeping the podcast running hit a speed bump.

In this episode, I share a recent on-site consultation with a car audio retail business in Oklahoma, where my partner Kathryn and I uncovered a $55,000 profit boost through a strategic pricing adjustment. We’ll talk about the value of in-person consulting, the impact it has on business growth, and why building long-term relationships with clients is the key to lasting success.

I’ll also touch on some of my experiences from industry events like the Mobile Electronics Association Knowledge Fest and how a connection made five years ago finally turned into a paying client. We’ll cover valuable lessons on consistency, growth, and why success isn’t about quick wins but about showing up day after day—even when you feel like you’re making little progress.

So, if you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or just someone looking to stay motivated on the road to success, this episode is packed with insights to help you stay the course and build something truly meaningful. Let’s get started!

Find more about Tomas https://www.stepitupacademy.com/ or his socials! Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and Youtube.

https://www.facebook.com/tom.keenan.988   https://www.instagram.com/theintegratorcoach/   https://www.tiktok.com/@theintegratorcoach  https://www.youtube.com/@SIUAPodcast   

 🔥 Stop business self-sabotage by getting clear on your core values now! stepitupacademy.com  👊Are you ready to master the principles and strategies REQUIRED to achieve success and live an extraordinary life? Apply to Mastermind today. https://mastermind.stepitupacademy.com/siua-mastermind-application-6313

Welcome to the Step It Up Entrepreneur Podcast! In today’s episode, we have an inspiring conversation with Tony Whatley, a seasoned entrepreneur, coach, and car enthusiast. Tony is the mastermind behind the 365 Driven community and is widely recognized for his success in building and selling multi-million dollar automotive businesses, including ls1tech.com and performancetrucks.net.

Join host Tomas Keenan as he dives deep into Tony’s journey from a middle-class upbringing to a high-paying career in the oil and gas industry and his bold decision to pursue entrepreneurship full-time. They discuss Tony's passion for cars, his beloved 1969 Camaro, and how he transformed his love for the automotive world into a thriving business empire.

This episode isn’t just about business; it’s about the pursuit of a balanced, fulfilling life. Tomas and Tony explore themes of personal growth, the importance of family, and the path to healthier living. You’ll also gain insights into how Tony creates unique, experiential business events that blend networking with adventure and fun.

If you're looking for motivation, tips on building a successful business, or ways to stand out and create genuine connections, this episode is packed with valuable lessons. So, get ready to step it up with us as we dive into Tony Whatley’s journey of success, passion, and growth!

Find more about Tony https://www.365driven.com/  or his socials! Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. https://www.facebook.com/365driven  https://www.instagram.com/365driven   https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonywhatley/  https://www.twitter.com/365_Driven  

🔥 Stop business self-sabotage by getting clear on your core values now! stepitupacademy.com 👊Are you ready to master the principles and strategies REQUIRED to achieve success and live an extraordinary life? Apply to Mastermind today. https://mastermind.stepitupacademy.com/siua-mastermind-application-6313

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Step It Up Entrepreneur Podcast! Today, we’re diving into the world of fitness marketing with our guest, Zach Colman, a branding expert who’s carved out a niche in the fitness industry. Zach’s journey took him from working with major corporations like the Phoenix Suns and Pearson Education to building his own marketing business, all while rediscovering his passion for fitness.

In this episode, Zach shares how he overcame burnout, refocused his efforts, and developed two distinct marketing offerings to serve gyms of all sizes. Whether you're a small gym just starting out or a multi-location fitness enterprise, Zach’s insights into customized marketing strategies will resonate with you. He and our host, Tomas Keenan, also explore practical marketing tips, like leveraging local partnerships and Google My Business, and the importance of balancing work and life as a business leader.

If you’re ready to learn how to tailor your services for clients at different growth stages, all while keeping things practical and affordable, this episode is for you. Stay tuned for an engaging conversation packed with actionable advice!

Find more about Zach https://creatitive.com/author/zcolman/ or his socials! Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube, Facebook and Podcast.  https://www.instagram.com/creatitive    https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-colman   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHHOVBghX_ENHwg2QhYUzlQ   https://www.facebook.com/creatitive/  https://creatitive.com/podcast/   🔥 Stop business self-sabotage by getting clear on your core values now! stepitupacademy.com 👊Are you ready to master the principles and strategies REQUIRED to achieve success and live an extraordinary life? Apply to Mastermind today. https://mastermind.stepitupacademy.com/siua-mastermind-application-6313

Welcome to another episode of the Step It Up Entrepreneur Podcast! I’m your host, Tomas Keenan, and today we’re diving into an engaging conversation with Blake Elsner, Vice President of Elsner Real Estate. With a decade of experience in the real estate industry, Blake offers a wealth of knowledge, despite starting his career with a degree in criminal justice. In this episode, Blake and I discuss the highs and lows of real estate, from complex transactions to managing challenging clients.

Blake emphasizes the importance of communication, relentless hustle, and continuous learning in achieving success. We also touch on the value of perseverance, the role of podcasts in building personal brands, and the impact of mentorship. Drawing an analogy to waiting in long lines at Disney World, Blake shares his insights on patience and the importance of enjoying the journey.

Beyond real estate, our conversation extends to the current market climate, the potential of solar energy, and strategies for personal and business growth. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you step up your game. Let’s jump in!

Find more about Blake https://www.bradagent.com/ or his socials! Facebook, Instagram, Youtube. https://www.facebook.com/AgentElsner?mibextid=LQQJ4d   https://www.instagram.com/elsner_real_estate?igsh=eGlvenpncXdseWUy  https://www.youtube.com/@blakeelsner/featured  https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-elsner-a04396b5    🔥 Stop business self-sabotage by getting clear on your core values now! stepitupacademy.com 👊Are you ready to master the principles and strategies REQUIRED to achieve success and live an extraordinary life? Apply to Mastermind today. https://mastermind.stepitupacademy.com/siua-mastermind-application-6313

Welcome back to another episode of the Step It Up Entrepreneur podcast! Today’s episode is a special one, as our host, Tomas Keenan, joins us live from his home office, bringing a fresh and more personal vibe to the show. He's joined by returning guest Kaitlyn, a social media strategist and founder of Social Media Doctor. Together, they dive into their collaborative journey, reflecting on how they've supported each other in growing their businesses by sharing strategies, tools, and insights.

In this episode, Kaitlyn shares her inspiring journey from working at Walmart to becoming the CEO of her own social media agency. She emphasizes the power of mindset work in overcoming challenges and achieving success. Recently, Kaitlyn and her husband made a significant move to Texas, driven by prayer, meditation, and hard work. Alongside host Tomas Keenan, they discuss the importance of balancing business with personal priorities, building a supportive community, and leveraging proximity for business growth. They also express excitement about future collaborations, engaging with local business owners, and creating content in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable insights on personal growth, networking, and the power of visualization. So tune in, get inspired, and let's step it up together!

Find more about Kaitlyn https://www.smdoctor.com or his socials! Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. https://www.facebook.com/socialmediadoctorllc  https://www.instagram.com/kaitlyn_young_official/   https://www.threads.net/@kaitlyn_young_official  https://www.youtube.com/@socialmediadoctorllc    🔥 Stop business self-sabotage by getting clear on your core values now! stepitupacademy.com 👊Are you ready to master the principles and strategies REQUIRED to achieve success and live an extraordinary life? Apply to Mastermind today. https://mastermind.stepitupacademy.com/siua-mastermind-application-6313