Welcome to the Change Energizer Hot Seat Podcast with your host, Scott Carley, the Trust Energizer!

In this episode, Scott puts Artie Berne of ArTex Funding in the hot seat to reveal the trust x-factor behind commercial lending outside of traditional banking options. Artie is the alternative lender for companies that are either young and growing, cannot qualify for bank financing, or are experiencing financial issues.

The conversation uses Scott's "Trust Credit Score" framework, built on T: motives, R: radiance, U: underlying core values, S: skill set, and T: track record, to explore how clients can rely on Artie's professional service.

In this episode, you will learn:

• High-Stakes Wins: How Artie's quick-turnaround funding saved Round Rock Honey's huge order with Walmart by funding jars, lids, and labels within a week. His team also handles Monday calls to make Friday payroll.

• Asset-Based Lending (ABL) Explained: Artie details how ArTex Funding provides loans using collateral like inventory, equipment, purchase orders (P.O.s), invoices, contracts, or real estate. This method allows for a much faster funding turnaround than banks—typically one day to three weeks.

• The "Bridge" Strategy: Artie's goal is to keep clients on their money for as short a time as possible, acting as a short- to medium-term bridge (one month up to four years) to help companies get back to the bank for cheaper financing.

• Pricing for Risk: Artie is upfront about the costs, which can range from 8% up to 38% for high-risk clients who may have a bankruptcy, low FICO scores, or an IRS lien, but whose business is showing slight profit.

• More Than a Lender: Artie shares how he helps businesses by connecting them with resources like virtual CFOs or CEOs to help them become more profitable and "straighten out the ship."

• Track Record: Last year, ArTex Funding did up to $38 million in non-dilutive debt funding.

Do you have a unique way of building trust in the marketplace? Scott is looking for leaders to put in the Hot Seat on the podcast. If you'd like to share your story, reach out to The Trust Energizer at calltheenergizer.com

Welcome to The Change Energizer Hot Seat Podcast! Host Scott Carley, The Trust Energizer, puts real estate broker and investor Kenn Renner of Renner Realty in the hot seat to uncover the trust principles behind his incredible success: selling over 500 single-family homes since 2020 by specializing in two underserved markets—first-time home buyers and out-of-state investors in the Austin, Texas & San Antonio metro areas.

This episode is a masterclass in market specialization and client education. You'll learn how to approach real estate investment with integrity and why high trust is the number one driver of high-stakes client transactions.

What You Will Get Out of This Episode: - The Power of Niche: Discover why Kenn focuses exclusively on entry-level housing and how he successfully caters to both first-time buyers and investors simultaneously. - The TRUST Pyramid: Get an in-depth look at Kenn's 5-level trust framework—Truth, Respect, Understanding, Security, and Tethering—and how he uses it to build lifelong client relationships. - "Edu Marketing" Strategy: Learn why educating your clients before you sell to them builds deep, lasting trust and is the foundation for an effortless referral network. - Investment Strategy: Understand Kenn's "avatar" for ideal rental properties and how to leverage builder financing incentives to achieve an unheard-of interest rate under 5% for an investment property. - First-Time Buyer Advice: Hear the essential message every first-time home buyer needs to hear about securing their own representation and how the seller/builder typically covers that cost. - The "Eats His Own Cooking" Test: Learn why an investor should only work with a real estate professional who owns investment properties in the same markets they recommend.

If you're ready to unlock the "Trust X-Factor" in your own leadership, business, or company culture, Scott Carley is taking the Hot Seat Live on tour to help you transform your team's results. Get into the Trust Credit Score framework and learn how to pull off legendary wins by connecting with the Trust Energizer today at CallTheEnergizer.com

What is the single biggest factor that separates a transactional IT vendor from a true, long-term business partner? The answer is trust.

In this week's Change Energizer Hot Seat Podcast episode, host Scott Carley (The Trust Energizer) puts Natalie Murphy, Marketing Manager for Hill Country Tech Guys, in the hot seat to explore how a company rebuilds, maintains, and scales trust—both internally and externally. Natalie reveals how Hill Country Tech Guys, a custom-managed IT solutions provider, has woven the principles of Scott's Trust Credit Score Framework (T.R.U.S.T.) into their DNA, helping them mature and deliver legendary wins for clients.

In this episode, you will learn the "Trust X-Factor" behind their success, including:

- The Foundational Core Value of "Geek Out": Discover why the continuous pursuit of learning and certifications is non-negotiable for building genuine expertise and client trust.

- How to Master Transparency: Natalie discusses why her company is upfront about security risks and limitations—and why telling a prospective customer, "We might not be the right company for you," is the ultimate trust signal.

- Rebuilding Fractured Trust: Learn the language and strategy Hill Country Tech Guys uses to acknowledge past failures and successfully restore high-trust relationships with clients and vendors.

- Creating Clarity and Accountability: How the Trust Credit Score vocabulary facilitates more open, less anxious internal conversations for team debriefs and high-stakes client assignments.

Listen in to discover why Hill Country Tech Guys focuses on being a sustainable, long-term partner committed to your growth, not just selling the next big thing.

Host Scott Carley welcomes wealth advisor Scott Schiller back to the podcast for a candid discussion on one of the most critical elements of any relationship: TRUST

Using the framework of Scott Carley's "Trust Credit Score," Scott Schiller shares unfiltered, real-world examples from his 20 years in financial services, including times when trust was fractured and what it took to rebuild it, as well as when to walk away.

In this episode, you will learn: - The 5 Pillars of the TRUST Acronym: Understand the components of the "Trust Credit Score" that dictate the health of any professional relationship. -The Compensation Conversation: A surprising story of a client who walked away over a typical fee-based model, and the crucial lesson learned about transparency and asking the right questions upfront. -Why Integrity is Non-Negotiable: Hear about the time Scott Schiller chose honesty over a new client by refusing to promise unrealistic double-digit market returns. -Rebuilding from Negative Trust: How patience, actively listening, and letting a client "vent it out" can rebuild a relationship that started with a bad experience from a previous advisor. -The Long Game: Why a financial advisor's career is a lifetime relationship and how a commitment to honesty and the right core values forms the ultimate brand reputation.

Key Takeaways & Additional Information: -The TRUST Acronym: True Motives, Radiance, Underlying Core Values, Skill Set/Expertise, and Track Record. -Scott Schiller advises listeners to never be afraid to ask a financial planner: "How do you get paid?"

Scott Carley will be speaking at the Center for Coaches and Organization (CCO) Summit this April on "Breakthrough Kinetic Leadership." Detail and registration: https://www.centerforcoachinginorgs.com/2026-summit/

Contact Scott Carley, The Change Energizer: https://calltheenergizer.com/

Welcome back to The Change Energizer Hot Seat Podcast! This week, your host Scott Carley puts Ajay Saini, a franchise owner of the family-owned payroll company Payroll Vault, in the hot seat to open up about the "Trust X-Factor" in his industry. Ajay and Scott discuss the world of payroll, revealing why their proactive, personalized approach is a game-changer for small to mid-sized business owners. If you're stressing over payroll errors, tax compliance, or feeling like just a number to a large corporate provider, this is a must-listen episode. In this episode, you will learn: - The Problem with Big Payroll Companies and DIY Software: Ajay breaks down the three main payroll options and explains why a personalized, focused expert is the best choice for small businesses. - The Payroll Vault Difference: Discover their "boutique" service model, where clients work directly with one dedicated, recognizable payroll manager who is the actual expert, eliminating the need for 1-800 numbers and ticket systems. - Compliance is Non-Negotiable: Learn how Ajay's spouse, the head of operations, leverages her 30 years of experience and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification to ensure bulletproof compliance by working at large financial institutions (like City Bank and PWC). - Handling Mistakes: Find out why Payroll Vault guarantees to fix and pay any penalties or fines that result from an error on their part—because "not getting paid is simply not an option." - Scaling with Your Business: Hear how they proactively introduce solutions like timekeeping and guide clients through complex law changes, such as new California retirement plan requirements. - Confidentiality and Security: Ajay explains the internal and external measures, including professional IT security partners, that they use to protect your sensitive employee and executive data (bank details, SSNs, etc.).

See yourself in the Hot Seat? Connect with Scott Carley: To energize your own leaders, contact Scott at calltheenergizer.com

Welcome to The Change Energizer Hot Seat Podcast, where leaders reveal the Trust X-Factor behind their triumphs! Today, host Scott Carley, the Trust Energizer, sits down with Kellee Strople, who specializes in guiding people toward deep healing through faith. Kellee bravely shares her intensely personal journey through immense grief, an MS diagnosis, a difficult divorce, and a powerful, two-year battle to sobriety. This is a high-energy conversation about transforming your greatest pain into a platform of purpose and connecting with your audience through radical, life-changing transparency.

Kellee Strople is a writer whose work is a testament to the healing power of faith. Having navigated immense personal trauma, including the loss of siblings and her mother, a battle with MS, divorce, and a powerful journey to two years of sobriety, Kellee uses her raw, honest story to inspire readers to "grow, never stop growing" and find their own path to redemption.

Key Takeaways:

- The Trust X-Factor of Transparency: Kellee's willingness to share her darkest struggles—from functional alcoholism and divorce to profound loss—creates immediate, authentic trust that leaders can leverage to deepen client and team relationships.

- Grow, Never Stop Growing: The core mission for her readers is continuous personal and spiritual expansion. A powerful call to action for any high-performing leader seeking non-traditional growth strategies.

- Filling the Void with Clarity and Beauty: When moving away from unhealthy habits or old routines, fill the resulting time and space with positivity, devotional writing, and faith to maintain a path of higher energy and focus.

- The Power of 'The Shift': Listen for the holy discomfort that whispers, "You can't stay here." This is an invitation to move, grow, and surrender as God gently disrupts what's comfortable to guide you to the next, greater season.

- Trauma as Authenticity: Your deepest pain and "bruises" are what make your message authentic, adding "weight and understanding" that resonates far more powerfully than any 'ivory tower' approach.

- Healing is Daily Victory: Sobriety is an exchange of time and sorrow for spiritual clarity, moving from feeling "stripped naked" to being "loved and protected" with renewed purpose.

If Kellee's story resonated with you, imagine the breakthroughs waiting when you focus on the Trust X-Factor in your own business. Get in touch with Scott Carley, the Trust Energizer, to schedule an appointment or book him for a conference or event at calltheenergizer.com.

Welcome to The Change Energizer Hot Seat Podcast, where this time we're doing things a little differently! As a renowned speaker, serial entrepreneur, and author of Can I Trust You, Scott shares a powerful framework he presents to leaders worldwide: Reputation Retool. This is not a talk about soft skills; it's a methodical look into the invisible currency of trust that determines your influence, your deals, and your ultimate success. Prepare to discover the five non-negotiable areas you must master to achieve a high Trust Credit Score and unleash your next level of impact and income.

This episode was recorded live at Kingdom Entrepreneurs in Austin, Texas. This dynamic networking group is on a mission to expand the kingdom of God in the marketplace by connecting, inspiring, and equipping like-minded Christian businesspeople. Their focus on integrity and purpose perfectly aligns with Scott's message on the Trust Credit Score, making this a powerful and timely conversation for all leaders who see their work as an act of worship and a platform for positive influence.

5 Key Takeaways:

- Trust is Your Invisible Currency: "Trust is the invisible currency that either accelerates or stalls our success." Understand how this currency is measured not by feeling, but by measurable, repeated behavior, just like a financial credit score.

- Reputation is Post-Exit Feedback: Your reputation is truly defined by "what people say after you've left the room." This simple truth demands intentional behavior that is congruent with your desired legacy.

- The Power of Vetted Trust: Vetted trust is built on your repeated actions, not just your words. If you have fractured trust, remember: "You can't talk your way out of a problem you have behaved yourself into, but you can behave yourself back into trust."

- Eliminate "Commission Breath": Your Motives are a critical accelerator of trust. To build long-term relationships and avoid "commission breath," your intention must be clearly aligned with helping others, not just making a sale.

- Ascend to Mastery with Receipts: To maximize your Trust Credit Score, you must demonstrate Expertise and Receipts (track record). This means actively pursuing certifications, designations, and publicly acknowledging your achievements—only a master gets the permit.

Ready to master the "Trust X-Factor" and transform your personal and professional reputation? We challenge you to identify two areas of your Trust Credit Score to intentionally work on this week. Get in touch with Scott Carley at calltheenergizer.com to schedule an appointment for executive coaching or to book him to speak at your next conference or corporate event. For more actionable content from Scott on leadership and business growth, find his book Can I Trust You on all major online retailers.

Welcome to The Change Energizer Hot Seat Podcast! This is where top leaders are dropped into the hot seat to open up about high-stakes wins and reveal the "Trust X-Factor" behind their triumphs.

In this episode, host Scott Carley puts Kyle Jones, an agency owner and expert broker at Goosehead Insurance, in the Hot Seat to answer the trust-based questions every client is silently asking about their insurance professional.

Kyle, an agent with nearly 20 years of experience, peels back the curtain on the insurance industry, explaining the crucial difference between a captive agent and an independent broker and why he's willing to lose commission to ensure his clients have the absolute best coverage.

🔑 Key Takeaways & Discussion Highlights:

• 01:13 - Who Kyle Jones Serves: The core of the Goosehead business (home and auto) and the expanded protection for boats, motorcycles, investment properties, and umbrella coverage.

• 03:04 - How Brokers Choose Products: Using top-notch technology to shop the entire market and find a tailored solution, not just the easiest or cheapest option.

• 05:30 - Working for the Client, Not the Carrier: Kyle explains the "negotiation table" analogy that defines an independent broker vs. a captive agent. He also shares why their model removes agent bonuses, eliminating incentives to favor one company over another.

• 08:53 - Availability After the Sale: The long-term approach to client relationships and the service team backing Kyle up for day-to-day policy needs.

• 11:31 - Handling Premium Increases: The proactive strategy of re-shopping the market to offset statewide rate increases, a key benefit of using a broker.

• 14:43 - Evaluating Client Needs & Risk: Proactively identifying liability exposures like pools, teenage drivers, investment properties, and regional risks (wildfire, hail, flood) to ensure clients have an umbrella policy for complete protection.

• 20:14 - The Claims Support Process: Why you should call your agent before filing a claim, the impact claims have on your record, and how the team advocates for clients with the carrier's licensed claims adjusters (especially in cases of "ghosting").

• 23:49 - Keeping Policies Current as Life Changes: Making sure policies are updated when a home becomes a rental property and how a "dashboard" alerts the agency to abnormal rate increases.

• 31:20 - The Broker Mindset: The difference between being an "order taker" and an "insurance advisor" who curates the right, non-negotiable coverage for the client.

Connect with Guest Kyle Jones (Goosehead Insurance):

• Direct Line: 512-851-1198

• Office Line: 512-572-6772

• Email: [email protected]

• Website/Quote: goosehead.com/kyle-jones

Connect with The Change Energizer Scott Carley:

• Book a call with Scott: calltheenergizer.com

In this Hot Seat Podcast episode, host Scott Carley, the Trust Energizer, sits down with Michelle Villalobos, the Superstar Activator, to unpack the strategy behind building a stable, high-income coaching business. Michelle reveals her "Big Backend" model—how to monetize your genius and create steady recurring income through transformative, high-ticket group coaching programs instead of exhausting one-off sales. They explore how success is rooted in more than just tactics, focusing on the internal work of alignment and trust. Michelle shares her philosophy that "energy precedes outcomes," detailing daily practices like meditation to cultivate the frequencies that magnetize clients and build a high "trust credit score." The discussion covers essential topics for leaders, consultants, and coaches, including niche definition, value-based pricing, and avoiding burnout through intentional, seasonal shifts. Learn how to turn client self-doubt into a "portal to new possibility" and why an "elite high trust team" is non-negotiable for scaling a profitable and sustainable enterprise.

For more insights into elevating your trust culture and maximizing your leadership impact, be sure to check out other episodes of the Change Energizer Hot Seat Podcast. You can also explore Scott Carley's transformative book, Can Trust You, to continue your journey toward becoming a truly trustworthy leader.

In this episode of the Change Energizer Podcast, host Scott Carley, The Trust Energizer, puts Ralph Peterson, the unapologetically pro-manager, in the hot seat. Ralph, a management development coach and process engineer, challenges the most widely accepted leadership wisdom, arguing that a manager's commitment to responsibility is the real game-changer.

Ralph cuts through the noise on critical industry issues:

• Pro-Manager Stance: Discover why Ralph believes the common phrase "employees don't quit organizations, they quit bad bosses" is "BS," and why great managers are desperately needed and far outnumber poor employees.

• The Customer's Priority: Learn Ralph's controversial take on why the customer, especially in long-term and end-of-life care, is the single most important person in any business, ahead of employees.

• Staffing is a Process Problem: Ralph reveals why "short-staffed" is a misnomer, arguing that healthcare facilities face a process problem, not a staffing problem. Find out how to create multiple job routines to navigate unexpected call-outs without chaos.

• Culture & Hygiene Theory: Get a masterclass on organizational culture, where Ralph breaks down Frederick Herzberg's Hygiene Theory to explain why perks like PTO and bagels will never create high-performing employees.

• Creating a Safe Culture: Understand the Manager's True Job: To act as the "police officer" who enforces organizational values—the "rules of the road"—to maintain a safe, high-trust environment where the organization's mission can thrive.

• Ralph's 5 Rules for Managers: Hear the non-negotiable rules Ralph gives to his clients to ensure managers are leading by example.

This conversation offers a raw, evidence-based insight into what it takes to build a truly accountable and effective leadership team, especially for nursing home administrators and senior living executives navigating compliance and caregiver burnout.

Don't forget to like this video, subscribe to The Change Energizer Podcast, and share this with a manager who needs to hear this message!