Robert Hartline is the Founder and CEO of CallProof, a company that helps B2B sales teams manage their customers using a sales activity reporting system. He has been a member of EO (Entrepreneurs’ Organization) since 2016. He is also a Professional EOS Implementer for EOS Worldwide, where he shares his experience using the EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) to scale a business from $10 million to $100 million within three years. Before CallProof and EOS Worldwide, Robert was the Founder of Absolute Wireless, a wireless retailer with 78 retail locations, which he sold in 2020.

Entrepreneurs often find themselves stuck when their natural sales talent doesn’t easily transfer to the people they hire. Training new salespeople can be frustrating, and many business owners discover their team doesn’t share the same drive or willingness to face rejection. How can leaders build effective sales teams and overcome growth hurdles without burning out?

Sales strategy and software development entrepreneur Robert Hartline started selling cell phones out of his car before growing into franchises, but struggled when his new hires couldn’t match his intensity. He discovered that face-to-face communication is the most powerful sales tool and that tenacity matters more than talent. During hardships, Robert leans on peer learning in EO to overcome the loneliness and stress of entrepreneurship.

In this episode of The Decision, Eric Jackson talks with Robert Hartline, Founder and CEO of CallProof, about building sales teams and leading as an entrepreneur. Robert discusses his legacy and personal growth, why door-to-door sales remain effective, and how AI can prepare salespeople on how to respond to rejection.

John Lavey is the President and CEO of Hammock Inc., a leading B2B content marketing firm. He led a management buyout in 2022, completing a long-term succession plan with Hammock’s founder. As a healthcare journalist, John has spent over 25 years in custom media working for more than 100 healthcare client organizations.

Many leaders eventually face the question of whether they are truly steering their work and life with purpose or simply moving along with old habits. The pressure to grow, evolve, and make decisions about the future can feel daunting, especially when it involves stepping into full ownership of a business or reimagining its direction. How can you navigate this leap while staying true to yourself and your values?

Professional storyteller and leader John Lavey transitioned from being a long-time employee to buying and leading the business he served for decades. He learned that authentic leadership comes not from trying to emulate others but from embracing your own voice. John emphasizes storytelling as a tool for clarity and connection, maintaining that the key to growth is focusing less on self-promotion and more on what matters to the audience.

In today’s episode of The Decision, Robert Hartline and Eric Jackson interview John Lavey, President and CEO of Hammock Inc., about leadership, storytelling, and business growth. John discusses the importance of displaying vulnerability in EO, how he reframed his purpose, and why improv comedy helps him stay present.

Robert Hartline is the Founder and CEO of CallProof, a company that helps B2B sales teams manage their customers using a sales activity reporting system. He has been a member of EO (Entrepreneurs’ Organization) for about eight years. He is also a Professional EOS Implementer for EOS Worldwide, where he shares his experience using the EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) to scale a business from $10 million to $100 million in three years. Before CallProof and EOS Worldwide, Robert was the Founder of Absolute Wireless, a wireless retailer with 78 retail locations, which he sold in 2020. 

Eric Jackson is the Founder and CEO of Element 47, a web design and marketing agency that helps businesses reach their marketing goals and connect to their next customer. Eric has been a member of EO for about 15 years. Before Element 47, he was the Founder and Managing Partner at Keystone Business Solutions and the President of the EO Nashville Chapter.

If you’re an entrepreneur, you’re carrying a story that could change someone’s life — maybe even your own. That late-night challenge that kept you awake, the pivotal decision that shaped your future, or the adversity you barely made it through — those moments matter. Fear and hesitation might tell you to keep it inside, but sharing your story can inspire, connect, and offer hope to others who are walking a similar path. How can your experience serve as a roadmap for others?

Five EO Nashville members open up about pivotal moments in their personal and professional lives. Luke Freeman recounts moving to a new city and instantly finding connections through the EO community. This organization also helped Kedran Brush develop a leadership philosophy built on trust, empowerment, and learning from failure. Kevin Thompson started his law firm during the 2008 recession and built a scalable, fair compensation model. Liza Graves led her business through the pandemic while protecting her team and clients. Despite having a passion for her work, Dr. Leah Cordovez struggled with monetization before finding clarity through EO support. In each case, telling their stories brought these entrepreneurs insight, healing, and connection.

In this episode of The Decision, Robert Hartline and Eric Jackson interview multiple EO Nashville members about why other entrepreneurs should share their stories publicly. They also discuss the role of community in overcoming challenges, the lessons learned from scaling businesses, and how vulnerability fosters stronger leadership.

Alane Boyd is the Co-founder of Biggest Goal, formerly BGBO Co, an AI-powered systems and automations consultancy that builds workflows in Monday.com, Asana, and ClickUp. As a serial entrepreneur with over three decades of experience in tech, she launched three SaaS ventures and achieved two successful exits. Alane is also a keynote speaker and has been featured in publications, including Entrepreneur, HuffPost, and Fem Founder.

Entrepreneurs often dream of selling their companies and finally enjoying freedom and peace, but the reality can bring unexpected isolation and loss of purpose. After years of intense work, the sudden shift from constant activity to silence can leave many feeling adrift. How can you rediscover meaning and rebuild momentum after a major business exit?

Serial entrepreneur and AI workflow strategist Alane Boyd experienced an intense emotional low after selling her first company. She struggled with isolation, depression, and the realization that she lacked a community outside her business. Through therapy and support from her EO forum, she rebuilt her confidence and embraced AI to create more dynamic and efficient business operations. Alane advises other entrepreneurs to prepare for life after exit, invest in personal support systems, and explore new technologies that fuel purpose and growth.

In today’s episode of The Decision, Eric Jackson and Robert Hartline interview Alane Boyd, Co-founder of Biggest Goal, about rediscovering purpose after a business exit and embracing AI for growth. Alane talks about parenting, building resilient teams, and preparing for future business opportunities.

Grant Rosenblatt is the Founder of Honky Tonk Party Ventures, the country’s fastest-growing tour company, which includes the Honky Tonk Party Express, Bar, Shuttle, and Shop. With over 18 years of experience in B2B and B2C sales, marketing, and event planning, he was the Director of Marketing at Joyride Tours, LLC, a point-to-point on-demand transportation service. Grant has pioneered the “transportainment” industry, which focuses on open-air vehicle concepts and experiences for bachelorette groups, corporate events, and adult-themed tours.

In a rapidly changing market, entrepreneurs must adapt to new regulations and external crises that threaten their business operations. With mounting expenses and a rapidly declining income, how can you navigate the uncertainty and bounce back?

Entertainment and event management expert Grant Rosenblatt found himself in the middle of a crisis when Nashville’s pandemic shutdowns halted his business. During this time, he withdrew from EO but monitored his business closely. By staying connected to his customer base through social media and maintaining a flexible mindset, Grant maintained his business growth. When Nashville reopened, he saw a surge of demand, particularly from bachelorette parties. Despite facing tough city regulations, Grant remained focused on providing a unique customer experience and rejoined EO to share his experiences. He advises entrepreneurs to stay adaptable, remain resourceful, and listen to customers to understand their needs.

In today’s episode of The Decision, Robert Hartline and Eric Jackson speak with Grant Rosenblatt, Founder of Honky Tonk Party Ventures, about how he scaled his tourism business during economic shutdowns. Grant shares how he has embraced AI in his marketing efforts, his future plans for the business, and his professional growth trajectory.

Chris Parker is the Owner of CITY Construction, LLC, a Nashville-based general contracting company specializing in commercial construction projects ranging from restaurant build-outs to large-scale renovations. Under Chris’ leadership, CITY Construction has delivered high-profile projects such as the food court renovations at Bridgestone Arena, while maintaining a reputation for tackling challenging and creative builds that require innovative problem-solving. With nearly 30 years of industry experience, Chris is known for his hands-on approach, deep relationships with subcontractors, and his passion for leaving a lasting mark on the city.

Some entrepreneurs hit a point where the business they once loved begins to feel like a burden. Long hours, constant stress, and the lack of meaningful connections can leave them drained and questioning their path forward. What does it take to reignite your passion for the work and rebuild a business that aligns with your values?

Chris Parker, a seasoned construction professional, shares how joining a peer support community helped him reset during a period of burnout. Through structured, confidential forums, Chris found a safe space to speak openly, gain perspective, and feel less alone in his challenges. He underscores the importance of letting go of tasks that don’t align with your strengths, reconnecting with taking pride in your work, and surrounding yourself with people who both challenge and support you. By reflecting on his values and future goals, Chris found renewed purpose and motivation to grow in a way that would be sustainable.

In this episode of The Decision, Robert Hartline interviews Chris Parker, Owner of CITY Construction, LLC, about rediscovering passion and direction as an entrepreneur. Chris explains how EO forums helped him reconnect with his mission, navigate a stressful business year, and embrace vulnerability as a strength. He also shares insights on growing a small team, handling complex projects, and planning for a future with improved balance.

Adam Rosenberg is the Founder of AGB Real Estate, which revitalizes neglected real estate assets in sought-after neighborhoods. He is also the Co-founder and Advisor of House of Attention, a creative studio that specializes in immersive and interactive experiences. As a multifamily real estate developer, Adam identifies creative ways to convert existing assets into profitable apartment buildings.

As cities grow and housing costs rise, working-class individuals are often forced to relocate farther away from jobs, transportation, and essential services. Simultaneously, underserved populations struggle to find safe, stable housing, and the systems meant to support them are underfunded or fragmented. How can developers balance profitability with purpose to create housing for those who need it most?

Affordable and workforce housing developer Adam Rosenberg focuses on speed, partnerships, and support systems. Having transformed motels into high-quality workforce apartments, Adam emphasizes rapid development, on-site case management, and cultivating purpose for tenants through access to training and jobs. He also works closely with nonprofits and public agencies to provide wraparound services, like healthcare and transportation, ensuring tenants have the tools to stabilize and grow. By exceeding minimum housing requirements and leveraging underused housing vouchers, developers can drive meaningful change.

In this episode of The Decision, Eric Jackson and Robert Hartline interview Adam Rosenberg, Founder of AGB Real Estate, about building scalable housing solutions with social impact. Adam explains how his team rapidly redevelops properties, why partnerships with nonprofits are essential, and how he navigates public funding shifts.

Greg Lemon, CPA, is the Senior Consultant at Blankenship CPA Group, PLLC, one of the largest accounting firms in Middle Tennessee. With experience in accounting and consulting, he provides strategic financial guidance to clients across various industries. Greg is also the Founder and former Principal of Greg Lemon, CPA, PLLC.

Navigating personal upheaval while leading a business can feel overwhelming. Divorce, sobriety, and business exits are difficult on their own, but when navigating them simultaneously, how can an entrepreneur rebuild personally and professionally?

Seasoned CPA and consultant Greg Lemon leaned into community support through EO, finding mentorship that helped him maintain sobriety and emotional resilience. He made strategic decisions to prioritize his well-being, including stepping back from a business under duress and acquiring a new company that aligned with his future goals. By shifting from professional services to a blue-collar workforce model, he gained leadership insights and renewed purpose. Greg maintains that extensive EO involvement reaps greater benefits. 

In today’s episode of The Decision, Robert Hartline and Eric Jackson talk with Greg Lemon, Senior Consultant at Blankenship CPA Group, about rebuilding after personal and professional upheaval. Greg talks about his sobriety journey, how he navigated his divorce, and how he shifted leadership styles after transitioning industries.

Jolene Tate is a Franchise Owner of HireQuest Direct, a women-owned staffing agency with 14 locations across Tennessee, Arizona, and Indiana. Over the past 20 years, she has expanded her business from a single Nashville office into one of the top-performing franchises in the HireQuest network. Jolene is also the Founder of the Women in Networking Construction group, which supports women in the industry. 

Entrepreneurs often find themselves stretched thin, managing rapid growth, navigating toxic partnerships, and sacrificing personal well-being for business survival. When the hustle culture starts to cost more than it delivers, how can business owners scale without burning out or compromising their values?

After enduring a difficult partnership breakup, personal bankruptcy, and a divorce, experienced franchise owner Jolene Tate rebuilt her business from the ground up. Embracing entrepreneurial peer support, building systems for multi-location oversight, and redefining her leadership style helped her regain control. Jolene advises leveraging employee referrals for recruitment, researching franchise markets, and hiring outside traditional markets to bring deeper meaning and resilience to your company culture. 

In this episode of The Decision, Robert Hartline and Eric Jackson interview Jolene Tate, Franchise Owner of HireQuest Direct, about building a franchise business with resilience and heart. Jolene shares how skydiving helped her rediscover personal balance, how EO forums build trust, leadership, and growth, and her approach to building an internal culture.

Will Wilson is the CEO of Tennessee Cheesecake, which crafts custom desserts for the food service industry. He grew up in the business after his mother founded it in 1981. For over 15 years, Will has led Tennessee Cheesecake from a product-centric to a service-oriented company, focusing on team development and adaptability.

Many entrepreneurs find themselves stuck in chaos juggling growth, operations, and team management without stepping back to assess the emotional pulse of their company. How can you rebuild a thriving business culture when you realize it’s broken, and you might be the reason why? 

For second-generation business leader Will Wilson, the turning point in his company came when he recognized that his team was struggling under a culture he didn’t realize had gone sour. He transitioned from a problem-solver to a servant leader focused on empowering others. After navigating a chaotic manufacturing environment, Will built a culture rooted in accountability, improvement, and trust. He credits EO and EOS for helping him prioritize team growth, create strategic clarity, and break seasonal cycles by reinvesting in his people and processes.

Join Robert Hartline in today’s episode of The Decision as he sits down with Will Wilson, CEO of Tennessee Cheesecake, to discuss how he transformed his leadership and company culture. Will talks about developing his team, overcoming burnout cycles, and finding strength through EO.