The David Koehn Show

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

What happens when building an eight-figure empire doesn’t make you feel any different?

And you wake up with no idea what to do next?

Join us for a deep dive with Josh Fletcher, founder of Trimac Outdoor, as he shares his journey from humble beginnings wiring houses for $8.50/hour to building an eight-branch, $20M/year landscaping empire, and ultimately orchestrating a successful private equity exit.

Hear firsthand how relentless focus, faith, and refusing to settle for “spray and pray” growth transformed failure into multi-market success, and why the finish line isn’t the end you think it is.

Whether you’re stuck in the trenches or eyeing a major exit, this episode pulls back the curtain on the sacrifices, missteps, and reinventions that go into building a business that lasts, and a legacy that matters.

Discover the frameworks, leadership lessons, and mindset shifts that fuel sustainable growth, maximize business value, and create enduring wealth in the service industry.

If you’re an entrepreneur, service provider, or business builder aiming to scale your company, boost profitability, or plan your exit strategy, this episode is packed with actionable insights: from operations playbooks and team-building, to leveraging technology, optimizing retention, and building a legacy. Plus, learn how faith and purpose ground high-impact leadership.

Subscribe for more episodes and transformative frameworks for service entrepreneurs!

🔗 Bellwether Capital Partners: bellwethercapitalpartners.com

Connect with us on social:

🌐 David Koehn on LinkedIn

🌐 David Koehn on Instagram

Subscribe and turn on notifications for The David Cohen Show – your guide to building, scaling, and exiting a successful service business!

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Welcome to The David Koehn Show, built for entrepreneurs hustling in the service industry!

In this solo episode, David Koehn reveals the two most overlooked keys to scaling your business: organic growth and retention.

Stop chasing quick wins, bolt-on acquisitions, and risky debt.

Learn why building trust, strengthening your team, and keeping your existing clients is the real formula for sustainable, high-profit growth.

Whether you’re in the trenches as an owner-operator or eyeing your next big exit, David Koehn shares actionable frameworks, KPIs to track, and faith-driven principles to sharpen focus, boost profitability, and make your company a powerhouse, even during tough times.

👉 Episode Highlights

• Why organic growth matters more than ever
• The real value of retention—for your clients and your team
• Tracking the numbers that matter for long-term profit
• Avoiding the debt trap and the false promises of “get rich quick” strategies
• How to build a culture and company that attract loyal employees and customers
• Practical tips: creating hot lists, recognition programs, and rebuilding with purpose

If you’re ready to scale without burning out or compromising your values, tune in and transform your business—from within.

Show Notes:

00:00 – Introduction to The David Cohen Show

00:35 – The myth of fast acquisitions vs. the power of staying in your lane

01:38 – Organic growth: What it is and why it matters

03:08 – How organic growth affects your company’s valuation

06:11 – Retention: Keeping clients, revenue, and your team

07:45 – Maximizing profitability through long-term relationships

09:01 – Why high employee retention boosts margins

11:48 – Connecting retention and gross margin for reinvestment

13:05 – David Cohen’s debt-free scaling journey with Cohen Outdoor

15:16 – The importance of tracking KPIs

16:35 – When to rebuild, reset, and accelerate your team culture

19:10 – The “hot list” tactic for proactive retention

20:29 – How to survive in a challenging market

21:33 – Wrapping up: Focus on what you can control

Connect with David Cohen & Resources:

• David Koehn
• David Koehn on LinkedIn

Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on notifications for more expert strategies to scale your service business! Drop your questions and experiences in the comments below—we love hearing from our community!

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

What happens when your business dreams go off the rails, your ego takes a beating, and you're forced to face the toughest truth of all?...

That YOU might be the problem?

In this brutally honest conversation, Andrew Pelfrey, owner of Pelfrey Tree Service, joins David Koehn to rip the shine off entrepreneurship and talk about the real, gritty journey behind growing a business in the service industry. From misguided expansions and cash flow near-disasters to firing a friend on the eve of fatherhood,

Andrew Pelfrey shares his raw lessons, failures, and the personal transformation required to become a better leader.

If you’re ready to hear what it actually takes to scale, survive setbacks, and find the courage to fix yourself before you fix your business, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.

Don't miss the most authentic, actionable advice serious entrepreneurs need right now.

Discover why fixing your business starts with fixing yourself, how to survive the "suck", build meaningful team culture, and what actually drives business value beyond revenue.

SHOW NOTES

00:00 - Opening Quote: "Fix Yourself First"

01:05 - Introduction to Andrew Pelfrey and Real Entrepreneurship in the Green Industry

02:11 - The Leap: Leaving Corporate, Betting On Yourself, and Launching Pelfrey Tree Service

04:27 - Getting Started & The Reality of Building Client Relationships

05:19 - Early Mistakes: Billboards, Hats, and Messy Financials

06:21 - Midlife Entrepreneurship & Managing Fear of Uncertainty

09:25 - Chasing Growth vs. Replacing Income

10:20 - Dreaming Bigger: The Power of Regional Expansion

13:36 - Failing Forward: Market Expansions, Bad Partners, Costly Mistakes

19:10 - Money Woes: Running Out of Cash & Borrowing to the Brink

20:58 - Learning the Hard Way: The Value of Consultants, Systems, and Focus

25:59 - The Humble Pivot: Admitting You’re the Bottleneck

29:02 - Lifestyle Business vs. Value-Building Business: Know What You Want

31:16 - Leadership is Serving: The Ripple Effects of Your Decisions

35:28 - Emotional Toll: Tough Conversations and Letting People Go

37:31 - Core Values, SOPs, and Structuring for Scale

41:00 - Extreme Ownership: Fixing Yourself = Fixing Your Business

45:30 - Building Personal Habits to Fuel Success

52:03 - The Role of Faith and Personal Development in Leadership

57:34 - Real Changes: Doing the Work, Not Just Talking About It

59:04 - How to Choose Growth, Value, and Legacy—Or a Lifestyle Business

01:00:36 - The Power of Proximity: Surrounding Yourself With Winners

01:05:10 - The True ROI of Coaching for Business Owners

01:12:12 - How to Pick the Right Coach for You

01:15:06 - Looking Ahead: Relentless Execution & Real People, Real Results

01:16:06 - Golden Nugget: “Fix Yourself First—The Energy is More Than You Think.”

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Are you holding yourself back from greatness?

In this power-packed solo episode, David Koehn reveals the brutal truths and essential mindsets every entrepreneur needs to break through their limits.

From facing near-bankruptcy and personal struggles to the transformational faith-driven principles that fueled his comeback, David Koehn shows you what it really takes to go ALL IN.

In business, leadership, and life. If you’re ready to overcome any challenge and build a legacy that lasts, this is the episode that will ignite your journey.

Discover how to push past fear, embrace resourcefulness, and develop the unshakable discipline needed to overcome setbacks and scale your company.

David Koehn reveals personal stories of hardship, near-failure, and the mindset shifts that took his business from the brink of collapse to long-term success.

Learn why faith-driven leadership and stewardship are the keys to unlocking true potential and legacy.

Keep Going. Keep Growing. With David Koehn.

If you're searching for growth strategies, faith-based leadership advice, business mentorship, and actionable frameworks for scaling your service business, this episode is for you.

✔️ Subscribe for more: David Koehn Show on YouTube

✔️ Connect with David: LinkedIn Instagram Official Website

Show Notes

• 00:00 – Welcome to the David Cohen Show — for service industry entrepreneurs
• 00:36 – The meaning of going ALL IN: faith, fatherhood, business
• 01:05 – Breaking through personal and business limitations
• 01:33 – Dealing with crisis: payroll, uncertainty, resourcefulness
• 02:36 – The role of faith and surrender in the entrepreneurial journey
• 03:05 – Stewardship: are you managing your blessings well?
• 03:41 – Personal struggles: near-bankruptcies, health, and mental battles
• 04:32 – The moment on the brink: “Don’t throw in the towel!”
• 05:25 – Facing tough business valuations and choosing self-development
• 05:47 – Surrendering stress, asking for wisdom, and becoming a transformational leader
• 06:34 – The power of discipline and intentionality in business
• 08:05 – Dangers of ego and the need for spiritual/business/fitness mentors
• 09:03 – “Discipline is the glue”—what will truly move the needle
• 10:25 – Growing leaders and creating lasting impact
• 11:13 – Challenge: Don’t stay small, GO ALL IN!
• 11:22 – Closing: keep growing, keep going

Ready to break your limits? Hit subscribe and join the movement for faith-driven leadership, business growth, and personal transformation!

For speaking, coaching, or partnership inquiries, visit https://www.davidkoehnofficial.com or DM https://www.instagram.com/david_m_koehn/ on Instagram

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Unleashing Kingdom Leadership: Identity, Surrender, & Legacy with Rob Enge | David Cohen Show

Step into a raw, transformative conversation as David Koehn sits down with Rob Enge:

Founder of Kingdom X, global evangelist, and passionate marketplace leader.

In this episode, journey far beyond business strategy into the roots of authentic leadership.

Rob shares how radical self-assessment, vulnerability, and a rock-solid identity in Christ fuel not just business success, but healing, freedom, and true legacy.

Discover why so many leaders and entrepreneurs feel empty at the top, and what it really means to pour from a full cup.

Learn how practical anchors (spiritual, physical, mental, and identity) can ground you through every high and low of growth, success, and adversity.

David and Rob swap real stories from the trenches: navigating mission work in 50+ nations, the cost of unchecked ambition, overcoming divorce, facing down addictions, and leading teams with integrity and a servant’s heart.

Explore how Kingdom principles like stewardship, confession, and community can transform your business, your family, and your future. Whether you’re wrestling with anxiety, striving for the next milestone, or longing to build a lasting impact, this conversation is the wake-up call and the roadmap.

If you’re ready to trade surface-level wins for a calling that scales eternity, this is the episode you can’t afford to miss.

Subscribe, like, and share to join a movement of faith-driven entrepreneurs rewriting the story of success!

Show Notes / Key Topics Covered:

Links & Resources:

Kingdom X Official Website: https://kingdomxofficial.com

Follow Rob Enge on Instagram: https://instagram.com/robinge3

Learn more & register for Kingdom X Ground Zero Event: https://kingdomxofficial.com

Connect with David Koehn: https://www.davidkoehnofficial.comQuestions, prayer requests, or want to join the Kingdom X movement? Drop a comment below or DM us!

#leadership #kingdomX #entrepreneurship #faithandbusiness #christianbusiness #identity #legacy #servantleadership #personalgrowth #podcast

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

What happens when you have everything?

A $20 million home, supercars, an amazing family, but still feel empty inside?

On this episode of The David Koehn Show, join us for a raw and intimate conversation with Garrett White as he reveals his journey from material success to true fulfillment.

Hear how a late-night Netflix binge, an unexpected text, and a personal wrestling match with faith led him to transform thousands of lives.... And his own.

If you’ve ever wondered if it’s possible to have it all and still feel lost, this episode will challenge your notion of success and inspire you to find something deeper.

Don’t miss these 20 minutes of vulnerability, wisdom, and real talk.

⭕ Subscribe for more unfiltered interviews on faith, business, leadership, and personal transformation!

Key Topics:

• [00:00] Introduction – Life at the top and what’s still missing
• [01:25] Garrett’s pivotal moment: Wealth, emptiness, and the call to Christ
• [02:43] The Vikings Netflix series, baptism, and a non-traditional path to faith
• [04:06] Wrestling with understanding Jesus and authentic surrender
• [05:19] The difference between believing in Christ and truly abiding
• [06:41] How business stress can lead to destructive behaviors—and the path to healing
• [09:00] The Wake Up Warrior framework: "If the king doesn’t rise, the kingdom dies"
• [10:45] Daily practices: Bible stacking, prayer, and the battle for surrender
• [13:14] The role of mentorship, coaching, and pouring into the next generation
• [14:57] Selling a business, loss of identity, and the search for fulfillment
• [16:10] The Called Council—building a movement at the intersection of business and purpose
• [17:35] Guidance for entrepreneurs: Bringing Christ into the business world
• [18:54] Closing thoughts—The real impact of business as a force for good

Connect with Garrett White:

• Wake Up Warrior Website
• Garrett J. White on Instagram

Connect with David Cohen:

• The David Cohen Show Podcast
• David Cohen on LinkedIn

Guests & Mentions:

• John Gordon – Twitter | Website
• Bedros Keuilian – Instagram | Website
• Dave Van Hoose – Website

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Ready to break through the barriers holding your business back?

In this power-packed solo episode of The David Koehn Show, David dives deep into transformative leadership strategies that every entrepreneur in the service industry needs to know.

Discover proven frameworks, faith-driven principles, and real-world tactics to become the leader your business, and your team, deserve.

Whether you're struggling to scale, facing leadership "lids," or just eager to grow....

This episode is your blueprint for success. Tune in and learn how leading yourself first is the cornerstone to building high-performing teams, establishing a winning culture, and unlocking sustainable, profitable growth.

Watch, Learn, and Lead:

• Proven business and leadership frameworks
• Faith-driven strategies for entrepreneurs
• How to transfer belief and vision to your team
• Practical tips from top leadership books
• Overcoming the fears that stunt business growth

Keep Goin. Keep Growing. With David Koehn.

Subscribe for new episodes and expert insights every week!

Connect with David Cohen

• Website
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Apple Podcasts

— SHOW NOTES & CHAPTERS

00:00 – Welcome to The David Cohen Show

00:20 – Why Leadership Is the Ultimate Business Multiplier

01:03 – The Law of the Lid: Your Business Won’t Outgrow Your Leadership

02:01 – Leading Yourself First: The “Caught, Not Taught” Principle

03:00 – Seeking Mentors and Proximity to Greatness

04:13 – Weekly Self-Reflection for Leaders

05:30 – The Real Impact of Conferences and Training

06:20 – Time Blocking and Intentional Leadership Growth

07:09 – The Power of Mentorship and Continuous Learning

08:01 – Creating More Leaders: The Transfer of Belief

09:17 – Training Your Replacement & Overcoming Fear of Letting Go

10:22 – Leadership vs. Management: The Crucial Difference

11:38 – Lessons from 10 Years: Becoming the Leader Your Business Needs

12:11 – Top Leadership Books (Teaser for Upcoming Episode)

12:54 – The Takeaway: Growth Starts with You

13:20 – Subscribe, Share, and Keep Growing!

— Relevant Links for Entrepreneurs

• "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership" by John Maxwell
• "Extreme Ownership" by Jocko Willink
• "Good to Great" by Jim Collins

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

What does it really take to scale your business? And yourself as a leader?

On this episode of The David Koehn Show, Ben Sorrells, shares how he translated a 27-year military career into launching High Ground Coffee Company, a veteran-driven brand built on honor, strength, and servant leadership.

Ben reveals the leadership frameworks and hard-won wisdom that have fueled both battlefield missions and entrepreneurial ventures.

From his battle-tested “four pillars” of leadership to the power of debriefs that turn failures into massive growth, Ben Sorrells unpacks actionable strategies for anyone who wants to lead with more clarity, integrity, and purpose. Plus: hear what inspired his leap from military service to launching a mission-driven coffee brand, High Ground Coffee Company, rooted in service, story, and relentless execution.

Explore actionable strategies like transformative debriefs, empowering team autonomy, and building a culture that’s more than just transactional. If you want to create lasting impact, elevate your leadership, and grow with intention, this is the episode you can't afford to miss.

If you’re ready to lead your team to victory, build a culture that lasts, and learn how to “lose the battle to win the war,” this is the episode you can’t afford to miss.

***Our Host, David Koehn, referenced Mr Sorrells as an active Air Force member. His intention was that Mr. Sorrells is still serving in Uniform. Of Note, Mr. Sorrells is currently drill status squadron commander with the National Guard, and Holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.***

Links & Resources: High Ground Coffee Company Website: https://highgroundcoffeecompany.com

Follow High Ground Coffee Company on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highgrdcoffeeco

Jocko Willink - Extreme Ownership Book: https://jocko.com/books/

John Gordon – Positive Leadership: https://jongordon.com/books/

Connect with David Cohen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-koehn-a5b3b6b0/

Learn more about Travis Manion Foundation: https://www.travismanion.org

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Are you running your business on your own strength?

What if the key to breakthrough leadership, stronger teams, and true success is surrender?

Not strategy?

On this episode of The David Koehn Show, David reveals the surprising power of faith in business.

Discover the four faith-driven principles that transformed his approach to leadership, built resilience, and created a culture of gratitude and growth.

Ready to let go, invite God into your business, and unlock your next level?

Press play and find out what happens when you let the ultimate CEO lead the way.

Keep Goin' - Keep Growin' - With David Koehn

For more inspiration and actionable guidance, subscribe and follow us for weekly episodes that empower you to thrive — in business and in life!

https://www.davidkoehnofficial.com

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

What if the true purpose of your business wasn't just building an empire?

But transforming lives and leaving a lasting legacy?

On this episode of The David Koehn Show, David sits down with spiritual mentor and Founder of Sacred CEO, Doc Farris, to uncover how faith-driven leaders can shift from striving for success to thriving in deeper purpose.

Hear raw stories of hitting rock bottom after business wins, the powerful impact of abiding in faith, and why the next great revival might just start in your boardroom.

If you're ready to discover the connection between spiritual fulfillment and exponential business growth, this episode is your wake-up call.

Discover why so many top entrepreneurs and CEOs are battling burnout and brokenness, despite their earthly empires, and how embracing faith, redefining purpose, and leading with heart are revolutionizing organizations and lives.

Learn about the groundbreaking Abide Now movement, practical strategies to transform your company culture, the power of intentional routines, and why operating from value, not for value, is the real game-changer.

Whether you're a Christian business leader, faith-driven entrepreneur, or seeking more meaning in your everyday hustle, this episode is loaded with actionable truths to take your leadership, relationships, and impact to the next level.

Subscribe now and turn your business into a legacy of lasting significance!

SacredCEO: https://www.sacredceo.io

David Koehn: https://www.davidkoehnofficial.com

Show Time Stamps:

00:00 Launching a church and meeting business leaders

05:00 Unexpected acquisition offer

08:37 Focusing on God's plan daily

13:13 Cortisol and emotional imbalance

13:53 Balancing work success and relationships

16:48 Caring for employees' personal lives

21:19 Addressing HR concerns in Christian companies

24:59 Finding Purpose Beyond Work

29:34 Understanding Value and Self-Worth

32:46 Faith-driven personal mission statement

35:08 Balancing business and ministry work

39:35 Reflecting on spiritual safety

42:13 Integrating faith in business leadership

44:28 Trusting Jesus as the source

48:13 Spiritual growth and community connection

51:16 Self-awareness and personal growth

54:02 App's powerful Bible study features

58:45 Prayer for purpose-driven leadership

59:50 Closing prayer and gratitude