If you’re the owner, your business should reflect your personality, your standards, and your dream — not a mashup of everyone else’s opinions.

In this episode, Bruce talks about why so many businesses fail: owners let other people steer the ship. Customers, employees, “mentors,” coaches, family, even social media… everyone has an opinion. But a business can’t have a clear personality if a million voices are running it.

We also dig into why business personality matters: people buy emotionally, teams perform better when they believe in the company, and hiring the wrong “fit” creates chaos. Bruce shares a powerful story about how seeing someone cheat at golf turned out to be a warning sign for how they’d behave in business.

The takeaway: trust your gut, build systems your way, and stop being a marshmallow.

Episode Title: Why Businesses Fail & How to Survive the Storm

Hosts: Parker Gammon & Bruce Gammon

Episode Number: 001

Release Date: March 10, 2025

Description: Welcome to The Marshmallow Podcast with Parker and Bruce Gammon! In this episode, we dive into the hard-hitting truths of why businesses fail and how to survive when everything seems to be crashing down. From personal experiences of running HVAC and electrical businesses to facing a million-dollar debt crisis, we share our journey of resilience, strategic decision-making, and the power of never giving up.

Topics include:

• What it means to be a "marshmallow eater" (from Be Like Amazon)
• The struggles of running a home services business
• Facing financial collapse and turning things around
• The importance of transparency with employees and customers
• How pricing, training, and marketing impact business success
• Learning from industry mentors and business books
• The value of relationships in business growth
• Bootstrapping your way out of failure

If you're a tradesperson, small business owner, or entrepreneur looking for real-world advice and inspiration, this episode is for you.

Resources Mentioned:

• Be Like Amazon – Roy H. Williams
• The E-Myth – Michael Gerber
• How to Own the Hearts of Money & Loyalty – Craig Arthur
• Advice from industry mentors like Al Levi, Ken Goodrich, Ellen Rohr

Follow & Connect: 🚀 Want to be part of the Marshmallow community? Join our upcoming Facebook group! (Details coming soon.)

💬 Have a question or feedback? Stay tuned for contact info in future episodes!

🔗 Share this episode with fellow business owners and let’s build a stronger industry together!