In this special 200th episode of The Friday Habit, Mark and Ben reunite to celebrate a huge milestone—and to share some big news. After nearly six years as co-hosts, Ben is officially stepping away from the mic (don’t worry, he’ll still pop in from time to time). But before he goes, he’s opening up about what it really took to build, systemize, and sell his business, Knapsack.

From Bro Mountain retreats and podcast dreams to building a business that runs without you, Ben walks through his journey of creating a sellable company—from first hire to final handoff. Whether you’re dreaming of an exit or just want more freedom in your business, this episode is packed with practical lessons, honest reflections, and the kind of wisdom only 200 episodes can deliver.

🧠 Takeaways:

• You don’t need an MBA to sell your business—just solid systems and repeatable processes
• SOPs aren’t helpful if no one uses them—checklists and Loom videos are a better way to train
• Having steady leads and a great reputation increases your business’s value
• A strong niche and recurring revenue model can dramatically increase your valuation
• Financials matter: clean books and clear reports will save you headaches when it’s time to sell
• Think about your exit before you need it—everyone leaves their business eventually
• Processes aren’t about control—they’re about freedom and scalability
• Buyers want turnkey, low-risk operations, not personality-driven businesses
• You can start small: document one process, one checklist at a time
• Reflecting on what’s next can help you build a business with purpose—not just momentum

📌 Learn More
Visit TheFridayHabit.com for show notes, resources, and to download the guide on working on your business instead of in it.

📣 Stay Connected
Subscribe to The Friday Habit for real-world business lessons, candid conversations, and actionable strategies to help you build a business (and life) you love.

👋 And yes—Ben will be back now and then. You can’t get rid of him that easily.

In this episode of the Friday Habit, Nick McEvily shares his journey from design to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of customer interviews and the role of design in business success. He discusses his life in Mexico City, the challenges of the zero to one stage in startups, and the common pitfalls founders face in achieving product market fit. The discussion highlights the necessity of data-driven decision-making and the art of understanding customer needs through effective communication.

In this conversation, Nick McEvily shares insights on the importance of effective listening, crafting open-ended questions for interviews, and the significance of gathering honest feedback from clients. He emphasizes the need for entrepreneurs to validate their ideas quickly and the changing landscape of venture capital, advocating for a more thoughtful approach to business development. The discussion also touches on the value of data in decision-making and the importance of humility in leadership.

Takeaways:

Nick McEvily emphasizes the importance of customer interviews.
Design plays a crucial role in building trust with users.
The zero to one stage is a critical phase for startups.
Delusion can be necessary for founders to succeed.
Many founders do not spend enough time understanding their customers.
Effective design must resonate with the target audience.
Data should back the intuition of CEOs and founders.
Customer feedback can be misleading if not approached correctly.
Surveys are just one tool among many for gathering insights.
Building a strong narrative is essential for fundraising. Good listening skills help decipher unspoken truths.
Facing the truth can lead to stronger confidence.
Crafting a script is essential for effective interviews.
Open-ended questions yield higher quality responses.
Limit the number of questions to maintain engagement.
Finding unbiased participants is crucial for research.
Statistical significance is important in decision-making.
Don't wait too long to present ideas to customers.
Exploration leads to new opportunities and ideas.
The venture capital landscape is evolving towards more validation.

Connect with Nick:
https://www.nickmcevily.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickmcevily

Learn More: 
Visit TheFridayHabit.com for show notes, resources, and to download the guide on working on your business rather than in it. 

Stay Connected: 
Subscribe to The Friday Habit for more real-life business lessons, candid conversations, and actionable strategies to elevate your entrepreneurial journey.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Nicholas McEvily  
01:04 Life in Mexico City and Family  
04:00 Journey into Design and Entrepreneurship  
07:00 The Importance of Design in Business  
10:00 Navigating the Zero to One Stage  
13:04 Common Pitfalls in Product Market Fit  
16:00 Insights from Customer Interviews  
19:11 The Art of Listening and Understanding  
20:37 Crafting Effective Interview Questions  
21:33 The Importance of Open-Ended Questions  
23:14 Navigating Client Relationships  
25:16 Finding Participants for Research  
26:23 The Value of Data in Decision Making  
28:23 The Balance of Confidence and Humility  
30:33 Validating Ideas Quickly  
33:05 Exploring New Ventures and Markets  
35:42 Learning from Failure and Exploration  
37:47 The Changing Landscape of Venture Capital  
39:22 Final Thoughts and Action Items  

In this episode, Mark sits down with Russel Dubree, founder of Performance Faction and former agency owner who built and sold a multi-million dollar creative business. They talk turkey (literally), before diving into the hard-won lessons of entrepreneurship—what it means to grind, the challenges of hiring and leading a team, the highs and lows of partnerships, and what ultimately led to Russel’s decision to sell his agency and pursue business coaching.

In this conversation, Russel shares the real story of growing a business from nothing—starting with a $500 credit card charge and a dream, all the way to a $5M agency with 16 employees. He opens up about poor hiring decisions, burnout, navigating family and business, and the wake-up call that helped him redefine success. Now, as a coach, he helps agency leaders find their purpose, build resilient teams, and grow with clarity and intention.

Takeaways:

1. Early business lessons often come through trial by fire.
2. Good partnerships require alignment, clarity, and tough conversations.
3. Hiring slow (and right) is one of the most important decisions in growing an agency.
4. Don’t build to the price—price to the value.
5. Growth without process can create chaos, not success.
6. Purpose—not profit—will keep you going long term.
7. Leadership means owning your shortcomings and creating a culture that retains top talent.
8. Time with family can’t be an afterthought. Balance comes with communication.
9. Saying "no" is often more important than saying "yes."
10. Success doesn’t mean burnout—it means building something meaningful, on purpose.

Connect with Russel:

performancefaction.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/russeldubree

Learn More: 

Visit TheFridayHabit.com for show notes, resources, and to download the guide on working on your business rather than in it. 

Stay Connected: 

Subscribe to The Friday Habit for more real-life business lessons, candid conversations, and actionable strategies to elevate your entrepreneurial journey.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:34 Welcome to The Friday Habit 
01:14 Guest Introduction: Russel Dubree 
01:48 Thanksgiving Turkey Talk 
09:57 Balancing Business and Family 
10:56 Entrepreneurial Beginnings 
23:10 Starting a Web Development Company 
29:34 Pricing and Early Challenges 
33:15 Hiring and Growing the Business 
36:58 Reflecting on Early Growth and Challenges 
38:23 Learning from Industry Experts 
41:20 Defining Moments and Major Projects 
44:39 Improving Processes and Team Dynamics 
49:18 Finding Passion and Purpose 
54:40 Deciding to Sell the Business 
58:53 Post-Sale Reflections and Future Plans 
01:14:23 Final Advice and Closing Thoughts

In this episode, Mark and Data Coach Gravy discuss the significance of data in business, exploring Paul's journey from an accidental entry into the data world to becoming a successful entrepreneur. They delve into the lessons learned from the dot-com boom, the importance of data ownership, and the challenges businesses face in managing their data across various platforms. The conversation emphasizes the need for companies to recognize data as their most valuable asset and to take control of it for better decision-making and growth. 

In this conversation, Data Coach Gravy discusses the importance of data ownership and how leaders can simplify their approach to data management. He emphasizes that data is a company's most valuable asset and should be treated as such. The discussion also covers the evolution of data storage, the impact of AI on business, and the significance of being a data-driven leader. Gravy shares insights on leading remote teams effectively, the role of faith in leadership, and how personal relationships can enhance team dynamics. He concludes with practical advice for leaders to start integrating data into their decision-making processes.

Takeaways:

Data can drive growth and success for businesses.

Paul's journey into data was accidental but transformative.

The dot-com boom provided unique opportunities for young entrepreneurs.

Learning from mistakes is crucial in business.

Data ownership is essential for companies to thrive.

Partnerships can complicate business dynamics.

Bootstrapping allows for greater control and vision.

AI is increasingly reliant on data for effectiveness.

Companies must integrate their scattered data for better insights.

Understanding data as an asset is vital for modern businesses. Who you are as a company is your data.

Data is incredibly simple: strings, dates, and numbers.

Leaders must take ownership of their data.

SaaS systems are proliferating and are here to stay.

AI is integral to the future of business.

Love your team to foster better leadership.

Success is defined by the love and respect of those who know you best.

Having a moral compass simplifies decision-making.

Challenges often indicate you're on the right path.

Start replacing assumptions with data-driven questions.

Connect with Paul: 

https://www.thedatagroup.cloud/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgraeve

Learn More:
Visit TheFridayHabit.com for show notes, resources, and to download the guide on working on your business rather than in it. 

Stay Connected: 
Subscribe to The Friday Habit for more real-life business lessons, candid conversations, and actionable strategies to elevate your entrepreneurial journey.

Join hosts Ben and Mark on 'The Friday Habit' as they welcome Chris Ronzio, founder and CEO of Trainual, a leading SaaS platform for small business training and onboarding. They delve into discussions about organizational charts, systems, and processes essential for business scalability. Chris shares insights from his journey, including his consulting background, the development of Trainual, and his entrepreneurial roots. 

He also talks about his book 'The Business Playbook,' which serves as a comprehensive guide for creating effective business systems. Packed with valuable advice and humorous anecdotes, this episode provides a deep dive into the world of small business management and optimization.

Key Takeaways:

1. Chris Ronzio shares his entrepreneurial journey from childhood side hustles to founding a successful SaaS company.
2. Trainual began as a simple internal tool within Chris’s consulting business before evolving into a platform used by 7,000+ companies worldwide.
3. Chris bootstrapped his first real business—a youth sports video production company—at just 14 years old and ran it for over a decade.
4. His transition into consulting exposed him to 150+ businesses, helping him identify scalable patterns in operations and onboarding.
5. The decision to pivot fully from consulting to launching Trainual as a SaaS company was driven by a desire to solve deeper business problems with greater impact.
6. Creating role clarity, documenting systems, and defining responsibilities are essential for building scalable businesses—even in teams as small as five people.
7. Chris emphasizes the importance of productizing services and standardizing internal processes to reduce chaos and boost efficiency.
8. His bestselling book, The Business Playbook, offers a practical guide for building a scalable operations manual and aligning your team.
9. The culture at Trainual prioritizes clarity, thoughtful onboarding, and enabling every team member to thrive in their roles.
10. Success often starts with giving generously—Chris built trust, reputation, and opportunity through offering free help before monetizing his expertise.

Connect with Chris: 

Website: trainual.com

LinkedIn: Chris Ronzio

Learn More: 

Visit TheFridayHabit.com for show notes, resources, and to download the guide on working on your business rather than in it. 

Stay Connected: 

Subscribe to The Friday Habit for more real-life business lessons, candid conversations, and actionable strategies to elevate your entrepreneurial journey.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:06 Meet Chris Ronzio: Founder and CEO of Train

01:17 Fun Icebreaker: Unlimited Service for a Year

02:20 The Importance of Relaxation and Meditation

04:07 Chris Ronzio's Background and Early Life

07:08 Entrepreneurial Spirit: Early Ventures

10:28 Transition to Consulting and New Challenges

18:06 The Birth of Train: From Consulting to SaaS

21:41 The Challenges of Starting a Podcast

22:38 From Consulting to Equity Projects

23:28 The Leap to SaaS

26:34 Adapting Team Roles for SaaS

30:22 The Importance of Clear Roles in a Company

33:44 Writing and Marketing 'The Business Playbook'

38:56 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

In this episode of 'The Friday Habit,' Mark Labriola and Benjamin Manley are joined by Kayvon Kian, an entrepreneur, teacher, and senior advisor at McKinsey & Company, to discuss his latest book, 'What Is Wisdom?' The conversation covers various philosophical approaches from ancient thinkers such as Socrates, Nietzsche, and Hippocrates, and how their wisdom can guide business decisions. Kayvon shares personal anecdotes, discusses the importance of skeptic capital, and emphasizes strategies for dealing with uncertainty, making better decisions, and focusing on values. The episode concludes with practical advice on preparing for 2022, highlighting the significance of controlled thinking, surrounding oneself with diverse perspectives, and making intentional decisions. 

Key Takeaways:

1. Skeptic Capital Matters: Kayvan encourages building “skeptic capital”—surrounding yourself with people who challenge your assumptions and help prevent costly mistakes.
2. Ask the Wisdom Question: When facing tough decisions, ask: “What would a wise person do in this situation?” This reframes the decision-making process through timeless values.
3. Use Philosophers as a Thought Board: Kayvan introduces the concept of using historical thinkers (like Socrates, Nietzsche, and Hippocrates) as an advisory board to gain diverse perspectives on modern challenges.
4. Socrates – Embrace Healthy Skepticism: Question your assumptions. Ask “Is that really so?” before jumping into new opportunities or narratives.
5. Nietzsche – Eternal Recurrence: Act as if your decisions will recur infinitely. Would you still choose this path if you had to live it over and over again?
6. Hippocrates – First, Do No Harm: Even with good intentions, interventions can worsen a situation. Sometimes, restraint is the wisest choice.
7. Watch for Patterns (Taoist Influence): Recognize patterns in personal and business life. Understanding recurring cycles can help you predict outcomes and avoid mistakes.
8. Be Present, Not Just Reactive: Don’t live on autopilot. Be mindful of how your words, actions, and energy affect others and yourself—especially in moments of stress.
9. Intentional Decision-Making: Big decisions should be values-driven, not reactive. Slowing down and switching between philosophical frameworks leads to wiser outcomes.
10. Plan for Uncertainty: 2022 (and any year) will bring challenges. Focus on what you can control, invite diverse perspectives, and be open to shifting your mental models.

Connect with Kayvan: kayvankian.com

https://linkedin.com/in/kayvan

Learn More: Visit TheFridayHabit.com for show notes, resources, and to download the guide on working on your business rather than in it. 

Stay Connected: Subscribe to The Friday Habit for more real-life business lessons, candid conversations, and actionable strategies to elevate your entrepreneurial journey.

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Chris Tyrell, founder of Chris’s Garage Doors, to talk about the unexpected road from seminary student to successful entrepreneur. Chris shares how faith, community, and a deep sense of purpose have guided his business journey—and why giving generously has always been part of the plan.

Chris opens up about how a part-time job in the garage door industry sparked a bigger calling. Today, his company serves not just customers, but the greater good—donating 3% of revenue to local nonprofits and using the business as a platform for ministry. Mark and Chris explore the power of mission-driven leadership, the importance of building a strong brand, and the lessons learned from hiring, coaching, and networking.

Whether you’re running a small business or dreaming about launching one, this episode is full of practical advice and honest insight from someone who’s built a business rooted in values—and impact.

Key Takeaways:

1. Chris’s journey from seminary to entrepreneurship was guided by faith.
2. His company donates 3% of top-line revenue to local nonprofits as part of a mission to give back.
3. Business can be a platform for ministry and community transformation.
4. Reinvesting in your company is crucial for long-term growth.
5. Relationships and networking play a powerful role in business development.
6. Hiring for attitude often leads to stronger team culture and retention.
7. A clear brand and purpose-driven culture can shape every aspect of your business.
8. Business coaching and peer support help provide clarity and accountability.
9. Understanding your “why” fuels more intentional decision-making.

Connect with Chris:

Chris’s Garage Doors 

LinkedIn

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Steve Van Diest, President of Acumen’s Front Range region, to unpack the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey. From founding a thriving mattress business to launching a customizable pillow company, Steve’s path has been anything but linear.

Steve candidly shares his experiences with burnout, making costly business decisions, and the challenges of building a healthy company culture. He opens up about the turning points that led him to give away a profitable business and the lessons he now imparts to other business owners through his work at Acumen.

Key Takeaways:

1. Burnout Isn’t Just a Buzzword: Steve reflects on how ignoring signs of burnout led to poor decisions and how he’s learned to identify and address it earlier.
2. Trust, But Verify: The consequences of partnering without proper agreements and how a lack of structure nearly cost Steve his business.
3. Building a Culture of Transparency: Why Steve prioritized hiring people with strong values over sales experience and how that shaped his company’s identity.
4. The Power of Community: How being part of a peer advisory group transformed Steve’s approach to business – and why every entrepreneur should seek out similar connections.

Connect with Steve:

1. Website: Acumen Impact
2. LinkedIn: Steve Van Diest

Learn More:

Visit TheFridayHabit.com for show notes, resources, and to download the guide on working on your business rather than in it.

Stay Connected:

Subscribe to The Friday Habit for more real-life business lessons, candid conversations, and actionable strategies to elevate your entrepreneurial journey.

In this episode, Patti Johnson shares her path from growing up in a small town in Oklahoma to launching a successful consulting business and becoming an author. She talks about what it really takes to start and grow a business, including the importance of research, networking, and building strong relationships instead of relying on traditional sales tactics.

Patti and Mark also discuss the value of developing an exit strategy early, diversifying your client base, and learning through leadership challenges. Throughout the conversation, Patti emphasizes the role of mindset, resilience, and personal growth in navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. She also shares key takeaways from her book Make Waves, including how managing your thoughts can drive meaningful action and change.

Key Takeaways:

• Starting a business takes calculated risk, research, and strong networks.

• Relationships are more effective than traditional sales tactics.

• Rejection is part of the process—don’t take it personally.

• A resilient, positive mindset is essential for long-term success.

• Know your business model and focus on delivering real value.

• Authenticity builds trust—be yourself.

• Plan your exit strategy early and diversify your client base.

• Growth comes from discomfort and consistent action.

• Good leadership balances honesty with optimism.

• Managing your thoughts can drive meaningful progress.

Connect with Us:

Enjoyed the episode? Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or colleague who’d find it helpful.

For more insights and resources, visit TheFridayHabit.com.

Connect with Patti Johnson:

Learn more about Patti and her work at https://pattibjohnson.com/.

Check out her book Make Waves wherever you get your books.

Thanks for listening—and keep making waves.