"From Barista to CEO: Brewing Success with Trevor Corlett"

1. The Value of Identity in Business: Trevor explains how discovering his personal and business identity was critical to finding success after two failed ventures.
2. Lessons from Failure: Insights into how setbacks can shape resilience and inform better decision-making.
3. Differentiation in a Crowded Market: How Madcap Coffee stands out in the competitive specialty coffee industry.
4. The Power of Values: Why maintaining core values over 16 years has been pivotal to Madcap’s growth, even during challenging times like the 2008 recession and the pandemic.
5. Practical Advice for Entrepreneurs: Trevor emphasizes the importance of community, feedback, and a passion for continuous improvement in understanding what it takes to succeed.

• "The more I learned about coffee and the people behind it, the more I realized I wanted to work in this industry for the rest of my life." – Trevor Corlett
• "Jumping on trends without intentionality blurs the lines of who people think you are as a brand." – Trevor Corlett
• "The potential for positive impact is directly correlated to how intentionally you grow your company." – Trevor Corlett
• "What it takes is finding a community to give you honest feedback and having a passion for improvement." – Trevor Corlett

• Madcap Coffee Website: madcapcoffee.com
• Follow Madcap Coffee on Social Media:
• Instagram: @madcapcoffee
• Facebook: Madcap Coffee
• LinkedIn: Madcap Coffee Company
• Connect with Trevor Corlett:
• Instagram: @asolublelife

Trevor Corlett is the CEO and co-founder of Madcap Coffee, a specialty coffee company known for its exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and commitment to sustainability. With over 25 years of experience in the coffee industry, Trevor has served as Chair of the Barista Guild of America, instructed for the Specialty Coffee Association, and competed in national barista championships. Today, he continues to innovate and lead with purpose, making Madcap Coffee a standout brand in the specialty coffee market.

Jamie Seeker is the host of What It Takes, a podcast dedicated to uncovering the stories of inspiring entrepreneurs and business owners. With a focus on perseverance, lessons learned, and the mindset needed for success, Jamie brings out actionable insights and inspiring tales from each guest.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review What It Takes on your favorite podcast platform. Share this episode with a friend who loves coffee or entrepreneurship, and stay tuned for more inspiring stories!

Guest

Phil Corbin, President and Founder of Phil Corbin Construction Inc.

Topics Covered

[0:05] - Introduction to Phil Corbin

Jamie introduces Phil’s journey from tradesman to entrepreneur, highlighting his resilience and determination.

[1:47] - Taking the Leap During a Recession

Phil explains how he was “forced” into entrepreneurship when his previous employer shut down, prompting him to take on any available job, from handyman tasks to small remodels, to support his family.

[4:10] - Humility and Opportunity in Hard Times

Phil shares how humbling himself to accept smaller jobs taught him that even tough times hold opportunities for those willing to work hard and adapt.

[8:00] - How Phil’s Background Prepared Him for Business

Growing up as a preacher’s kid and spending time in the military, Phil learned resilience and the value of perseverance, skills he drew on during tough times in his business.

[10:52] - Overcoming First-Year Challenges

Phil discusses key challenges from his first year in business, such as learning how to bid accurately and recognizing his value.

[12:30] - Learning on the Fly and Seeking Mentorship

With no formal business training, Phil shares how he actively sought out mentors and businesspeople, approaching them with humility and a willingness to learn from their experience.

[15:20] - The Transition from Tradesman to Business Owner

Phil talks about how he gradually shifted his focus from hands-on carpentry to business management, including a symbolic “ceremony” of letting go of his tradesman identity to fully embrace being a business owner.

[18:00] - Maintaining Motivation and Avoiding Burnout

Phil reflects on how he avoids burnout through breaks, creative outlets, and spending time with family, which help him reset and return to work with renewed focus.

[20:12] - What It Takes to Be a Business Owner

Phil answers the show’s signature question, emphasizing that entrepreneurship requires tenacity, the courage to face failure, and the resilience to keep getting back up.

Memorable Quotes

• “Starting in the Great Recession wasn’t easy, but sometimes necessity pushes you to find out what you’re really capable of.”
• “You can do more than you think you can, and you're never quite done.”
• “People are willing to help when you come in with the right attitude, admitting what you don’t know.”
• “I couldn’t be both a carpenter and a business owner. To make this succeed, I had to commit 100% to being a business owner.”
• “Tenacity, not being scared to fail, and getting back up when you do—that’s what it takes to be a business owner.”

Where to Find Phil Corbin

• Website: Phil Corbin Construction
• Instagram: @philcorbinconstruction
• Facebook: Phil Corbin Construction Inc.

Guest:

• Jill Hamblen
• Founder and President, triARC architecture & design
• Specializes in healthcare architecture, motivated by personal experiences
• Introverted leader who prioritizes empathy and values in business

Topics Covered:

1. Jill’s Path to Purpose

• How her daughter’s NICU experience led Jill to specialize in healthcare design
• The role of physical spaces in supporting healing and human connection

1. Founding triARC architecture & design

• The leap from architect to business owner
• The importance of grit and trusting the journey in entrepreneurship

1. Leadership as an Introvert

• Jill’s approach to leadership as an introvert in a relationship-driven industry
• Strategies for building meaningful connections and managing energy

1. Values-Driven Business Decisions

• How Jill’s people-centric values shape her team’s work culture and client relationships
• The importance of clarity and alignment in building a values-based business

1. Balancing Functionality and Warmth in Healthcare Design

• Jill’s “North Star” approach to align client vision with functional and welcoming designs
• Creating spaces that offer a sense of safety and comfort for patients and staff

1. Advice for Introverted Entrepreneurs

• Insights on delegating, staying authentic, and leading with a supportive team
• Building a business that reflects core values for sustainable success

Memorable Quotes:

• “When you have a traumatic experience, it leaves an imprint, and what you choose to do with that imprint is 100% up to you.” – Jill Hamblen
• “If given a choice between being in a room full of people or being with my family, I’ll choose family every time. That’s where I recharge.” – Jill Hamblen
• “There are clients who align with our values, and those are the relationships we pursue. We can’t be all things to all people.” – Jill Hamblen
• “Heart and grit—that’s what it takes to be a business owner.” – Jill Hamblen

Signature Question:

Jamie asks Jill what it takes to be a successful business owner, and Jill responds with “heart and grit”—qualities that have guided her through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

Where to Find Jill:

• Website: triARC architecture & design
• Instagram: @triarc_design
• LinkedIn: Jill Hamblen (LinkedIn handle)

Guest: Rich Kozak, Founder of Rich Brands

Memorable Quotes:

• “A brand isn’t your perception; it’s the perception in others’ minds.”
• “To scale, you must evolve both the brand and the perception around it.”
• “When founders share their vision, things become clearer for everyone involved.”

Key Takeaways:

1. The Nature of Brand: Rich defines branding as the perception held by others and explains why that perspective is key.
2. Scaling Beyond Self: Founders can maintain their identity while allowing the brand to take on its own growth path.
3. Ego and Vision: Balancing ego with a shared vision makes scaling more achievable and removes hurdles.
4. Practical Advice: Rich shares strategies like “trusting your gut,” “speaking from the heart,” and his structured 7-step branding approach for impactful results.

Resource Links:

• Rich Brands — Explore Rich’s brand services and download his 7-Step Blueprint for purpose-driven branding.

1. The Entrepreneurial Start:

• Matt started CapForge after being laid off in 2000, leveraging his background in small business consulting. He had a goal to build something scalable and long-lasting.

1. Pivoting to Bookkeeping:

• In 2012, Matt realized consulting wasn't scalable for him and identified a gap in the market for affordable, high-quality bookkeeping. This pivot led to the growth of CapForge.

1. Scaling to 85+ Employees:

• Matt shares how intention and delegation allowed him to scale from a one-person firm to a team of 85 professionals while maintaining high standards of service.

1. Flat-Fee Pricing Model:

• Matt introduced a flat-fee pricing model to remove the unpredictability and frustration of hourly billing for clients. This innovative approach helped differentiate CapForge from competitors.

1. Entrepreneurial Resilience:

• Matt stresses the importance of not giving up when faced with challenges, learning how to delegate, and growing a business that can thrive without the owner’s constant involvement.

1. Signature Question – What It Takes:

• At the end of the day, what it really takes to succeed as an entrepreneur is resilience: not giving up, and building a business that can run without you.

• "I didn’t want to just fill my time with 40 hours of bookkeeping. I wanted to build something bigger." — Matt Remuzzi
• "If you're going to grow, you need to learn how to delegate and ensure your business can run without you." — Matt Remuzzi

• Website: capforge.com
• Instagram: @capforge_bookkeeping
• Facebook: CapForge Bookkeeping
• LinkedIn: CapForge on LinkedIn
• Twitter: @capforge

• Instagram: @jamieseeker
• LinkedIn: Jamie Seeker on LinkedIn

Tune in to future episodes for more stories from entrepreneurs who share the real, raw truths about what it takes to build and sustain a successful business!

Guest:

Richard Blank, CEO of Costa Rica’s Call Center

Key Topics Discussed:

• Richard's unique journey from the U.S. to Costa Rica and how he built a call center from scratch
• The challenges and successes of training over 10,000 bilingual telemarketers
• Advanced communication strategies, including phonetic micro-expression reading
• Gamification techniques to boost employee motivation and engagement
• Conflict management strategies and the importance of empathy in leadership
• Practical advice for business owners on growing steadily, with a focus on soft skills and emotional intelligence

Key Quotes:

• "It's about perseverance, dedication, and really loving what you do. When you're passionate, the results will follow."
• "The art of speech and mastering soft skills can turn a simple conversation into a business success story."
• "You can’t rush growth—it’s about slow, steady progress, making each step count."

Resources Mentioned:

• Costa Rica’s Call Center: www.costaricascallcenter.com
• Learn more about phonetic micro-expression reading and other advanced communication techniques.

Follow Richard Blank:

• Website: Costa Rica’s Call Center
• Social Media: Search “Costa Rica Pinball Machines” to find Richard’s vintage collection and more.

Next Steps:

• Subscribe to What It Takes for more interviews with successful business leaders.
• Connect with Jamie Seeker on social media for the latest updates on the show.

Guest:

Nick Jain, CEO of IdeaScale

Key Topics Discussed:

• IdeaScale’s Growth: How Nick’s leadership scaled IdeaScale into a global innovation platform.
• AI in Business: Early adoption of AI and how it transformed their operations.
• Challenges with AI: Problems like outdated code and "hallucination" errors in AI tools.
• Balancing Leadership & Personal Life: How Nick finds balance through hobbies like poker and running.
• Key Insights for Business Owners: What it takes to be a business owner today, including hard work and continuous self-improvement.

Key Moments:

• [00:01:00] – Nick discusses how IdeaScale began.
• [00:02:30] – The moment Nick realized AI’s transformative power.
• [00:05:50] – Nick shares the balance between AI and human input at IdeaScale.
• [00:11:30] – The challenges with outdated AI training data.
• [00:14:20] – Poker as a metaphor for leadership.

Quotes:

• “AI doesn’t replace humans; it makes us more effective at what we do.” – Nick Jain
• “You need something outside of work to refresh your brain—whether it's poker, running, or something else.” – Nick Jain

Call to Action:

• Visit IdeaScale.com to explore their platform, free for organizations under 100 people.
• Connect with Nick Jain on LinkedIn for further discussions on innovation and leadership.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Inspiration for Growing Healthy Seasons
2. Robyn’s story of being inspired by a child with autism while lifeguarding, leading her to pursue a career helping children with special needs.
3. Journey from Vision to Action
4. How Robyn’s experiences and her desire to fill gaps in the healthcare system led to the creation of Growing Healthy Seasons.
5. Scaling the Business
6. Robyn shares the pivotal moment when she realized the need to scale—during her pregnancy—and how this led to hiring her first team members.
7. Maintaining Quality While Scaling
8. Robyn’s commitment to ensuring high-quality care through a structured leadership and mentoring program called the Clinical Excellence Teams.
9. Overcoming Challenges
10. Robyn discusses the challenges of growing the business, from perfectionism to a tough decision to walk away from a 70% revenue-generating contract due to ethical concerns.
11. The Regulation Foundation Program
12. The development and impact of this program, designed to help both therapists and business professionals enhance their self-regulation skills.
13. Business Leadership and Innovation
14. Strategies for balancing growth with innovation and staying ahead in the field, while staying true to the company’s mission and values.
15. Key Takeaways for Business Owners
16. Robyn emphasizes the importance of doing the “next right thing” and staying grounded in core values as essential components of long-term business success.

Quotes:

• “It wasn't an either-or. We’re only scaling if we can maintain good quality services.” – Robyn Chu
• “I just dove deep into my core values... once I figured out the why under the what, it became less painful.”
• “What does it take to thrive as a business owner? Just doing the next right thing.”

Resources Mentioned:

• Growing Healthy Seasons – Website
• Regulation Foundation Program – Learn more about the program and its impact on mental health professionals and business leaders.

Connect with Robyn Chu:

• Website: growinghealthyseasons.com
• Instagram: @growinghealthyseasons

Guest: Karie Cowden, Founder of Connect the Dots Promotions

Host: Jamie Seeker

In this episode of What It Takes, Jamie Seeker sits down with Karie Cowden, the founder of Connect the Dots Promotions, a company that merges creativity with social impact through promotional products. Karie shares her inspiring journey from a surprising start in the industry to nearly three decades of running her business, working with major brands like Walmart and Boeing. She talks about the importance of social responsibility, sustainability, and giving back to the community, touching on her involvement in PromoCares and her innovative work with UMOM, a local homeless shelter, where she helped set a Guinness World Record.

1. Karie's Entrepreneurial Journey: How Karie transitioned from an unexpected job in promotional marketing to building her own business.
2. Social Responsibility in Business: The role of sustainability and mindful product choices in promotional marketing.
3. Community Involvement: Karie’s work with PromoCares and local charities, including her unique Guinness World Record event for UMOM.
4. Balancing Growth and Purpose: Insights into how Karie navigates challenges in maintaining profitability while staying committed to social good.
5. Pivoting and Future Goals: Karie discusses recent shifts in her business structure and her new role with Campus Stop, a company in the collegiate space.

• "We need to leave the world better than we found it." – Karie Cowden on the importance of sustainability in promotional products.
• "Sometimes your competitors are your best allies when it comes to making a real difference." – Karie on working with PromoCares.
• "You're allowed to change your mind, and when you find your purpose, that's where the magic happens." – Karie reflecting on her business pivots.

• Website: ctdpromotions.com
• Instagram: @ctdpromotions
• Facebook: Connect the Dots Promotions
• LinkedIn: Karie Cowden

Guest: 

Shannon Englert, Founder and Managing Attorney at DYAD Immigration Law

Summary:

In this episode of What It Takes, host Jamie Seeker sits down with Shannon Englert, the visionary founder of DYAD Immigration Law. Shannon shares her inspiring journey from working as a translator to becoming a managing attorney, driven by a passion for helping businesses and families navigate the complex world of U.S. immigration law. She opens up about the challenges of running a mission-driven law firm, focusing on sensitive cases like visas for trafficking and domestic violence survivors, and the lessons learned along the way. Shannon's story is one of perseverance, compassion, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of her clients.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Journey from Translation to Immigration Law: Shannon explains how her early career as a translator opened her eyes to the needs of immigrants, ultimately leading her to law school and founding DYAD Immigration Law.
2. Connection to Immigration Through Personal Experience: Shannon discusses how her experience as an exchange student in Chile with a visa issue sparked a lifelong passion for immigration law.
3. Handling Emotionally Challenging Cases: Shannon talks about how DYAD helps clients in sensitive situations, such as trafficking and domestic violence survivors, by shifting the narrative from victimhood to empowerment.
4. Challenges in U.S. Immigration Law: The complexities of U.S. immigration law and the emotional and legal hurdles faced by individuals attempting to navigate the system.
5. Building a Mission-Driven Team: Shannon shares how DYAD recruits and retains employees by aligning them with the firm’s core values, ensuring that everyone is committed to the mission of helping others.

Memorable Quotes:

• "I realized that immigration isn't easy. We think it is when we’re born here, but for many, it’s a complex, high-stakes process."
• "We don't treat our clients as victims—that’s something that happened, but it doesn't define them."
• "Action and no excuses—it’s what it takes to build a mission-driven business. You have to be willing to fail and learn from it quickly."

Actionable Takeaways:

• Empowerment through Law: Focusing on clients' strengths and helping them overcome challenges through strategic legal support can be life-changing, both emotionally and legally.
• Aligning Your Team with Your Mission: Surround yourself with employees who share your vision and are committed to the company’s core values.
• No Excuses, Just Action: Shannon emphasizes that success requires relentless action, even if it means failing and learning along the way.

Connect with Shannon Englert:

• Website: dyadlaw.com
• Instagram: @dyadlaw
• Facebook: DYAD Immigration Law
• YouTube: DYAD Immigration Law
• TikTok: @dyadlaw

Listen Now: [Insert podcast platform link]

Tune in to hear Shannon's inspiring story and gain insights into what it takes to build a mission-driven business in one of the most challenging areas of law.