On this solo episode of the Whatever It Takes Podcast, Brandon J shares his story from the beginning—the parts of his life that are easy to see today and the ones that aren't.

Long before the business, success, or life he has now, Brandon spent years believing that a better future simply wasn't meant for someone like him. He entered the juvenile system at 12, dropped out of school at 16, battled addiction, spent nearly a decade incarcerated, and eventually reached a point where he felt completely trapped by the life he had created.

Then came the moment that changed everything.

After hitting rock bottom, Brandon began rebuilding his life through faith, sobriety, humility, discipline, and a willingness to finally accept that his way wasn't working. He started repairing relationships, returned to construction, and eventually took a chance on himself and started a company with Kelly believing in him when he struggled to believe in himself.

What began with small handyman jobs eventually became a roofing company that grew from roughly $550,000 to $3 million, $6 million, $10 million, and ultimately $30 million in annual revenue. But Brandon makes it clear that the numbers aren't the point of the story. The transformation of the person behind those numbers is.

Brandon shares the lessons he learned about finding the right people, holding a higher standard, investing in personal development, getting into rooms with people ahead of him, preparing before the opportunity arrives, protecting his marriage and family, and staying aligned with the vision God placed on his life.

Most importantly, this conversation is for anyone who has ever looked at their past or current circumstances and decided they're too far gone.

Your struggle might look different from Brandon's. But the lesson is the same: where you started doesn't have to determine where you finish.

Stop disqualifying yourself. Stop living as the victim of your past. Decide who you want to become, put in the work, stay faithful, and relentlessly pursue the life you know you're capable of building.

If Brandon could turn his life around, maybe it's time to believe you can too.

Links:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whatever-it-takes-podcast/id1811772757

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhateverItTakesPod

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0sSzR7yw3PiVBCMNhzYBg6

Join our free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16VU4A8d8A/?mibextid=wwXIfr

On this episode of the Whatever It Takes Podcast, Brandon J breaks down what it really means to become a leader—and why leadership has far less to do with a title and everything to do with influence, responsibility, and example.

Using the five levels of leadership as a framework, Brandon explains the progression from people following you because they have to, to becoming the kind of leader people trust because of who you are, what you represent, and the impact you've had on their lives.

But getting there requires more than becoming great at your job. Brandon explains why the next level of leadership happens when the focus shifts from "look what I can do" to "look what they can do." Great leaders don't just produce results—they develop people.

He also breaks down one of the biggest mistakes leaders make: constantly stepping in to solve every problem. While it might feel like you're helping, you could actually be robbing your people of the experiences they need to develop confidence, resilience, and ownership. Sometimes leadership means stepping back, allowing someone to struggle, and coaching them as they learn to solve the problem themselves.

Brandon also challenges leaders to have the conversations they're avoiding, stop tolerating behavior that threatens the culture, and live the same standards they expect from everyone around them.

Because your team doesn't need another boss telling them what to do. They need someone willing to lead from the front, invest in who they're becoming, and take responsibility for helping them win.

They're betting their lives on you. Make sure they win.

Links:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whatever-it-takes-podcast/id1811772757

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhateverItTakesPod

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0sSzR7yw3PiVBCMNhzYBg6

Join our free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16VU4A8d8A/?mibextid=wwXIfr

On this episode of the Whatever It Takes Podcast, Joey Yak and Brandon J go beyond business and into a battle that affects every area of life: the one happening inside your own mind.

Brandon opens up about spending the first half of his life as his own worst enemy—running from hard things, believing he wasn't qualified or strong enough, breaking commitments to himself, and allowing the wrong voice in his head to dictate his decisions. He explains how everything began to change when he stopped blaming the world around him and recognized that if he wasn't intentional, he could become the greatest threat to everything he cared about.

They dive into what it means to stand guard over your life: protecting your spiritual foundation, recognizing the weaknesses that can pull you out of alignment, surrounding yourself with people who hold a higher standard, and having enough humility to admit where you need help.

Brandon also shares why humility isn't weakness, why self-awareness has to be developed intentionally, and why growth requires accepting that you're going to fail your way forward. Instead of pretending to be perfect, the goal is to become more aware, take ownership, and keep getting back up.

Because the biggest threats aren't always coming from the outside. Sometimes they're the excuses, distractions, resentment, fear, ego, temptation, and lack of discipline happening between your own two ears.

Stand guard. Protect what you're building. And don't wait until another wake-up call forces you to change.

Links:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whatever-it-takes-podcast/id1811772757

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhateverItTakesPod

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0sSzR7yw3PiVBCMNhzYBg6

Join our free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16VU4A8d8A/?mibextid=wwXIfr

On this episode of the Whatever It Takes Podcast, Joey Yak puts Brandon J in the hot seat for a new Business Breakdown—taking a real business owner's challenges and asking one question: What would Brandon do if this were his company? The business is generating over $5 million in annual revenue with 28 employees, but the owner feels like everything still depends on him. His goal is to reach $10 million, but Brandon believes the answer isn't simply hiring more people or waiting three years to get there. It starts with getting clear on the target, reverse engineering the numbers, identifying the right people, and becoming the leader capable of taking the organization to another level. Brandon and Joey break down why standards mean nothing if you're unwilling to enforce them, why you can't build a high-performing culture while tolerating mediocre behavior, and why measurable scoreboards are critical when you're trying to scale. Brandon also explains how he approaches developing people, having difficult conversations, creating accountability, and building an environment where top performers can thrive. The biggest lesson: you get what you tolerate. If your company feels stuck, your team isn't taking ownership, or everything still has to run through you, this episode will challenge you to look at the business—and your leadership—differently.

Links:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whatever-it-takes-podcast/id1811772757

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhateverItTakesPod

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0sSzR7yw3PiVBCMNhzYBg6

Join our free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16VU4A8d8A/?mibextid=wwXIfr

On this episode of the Whatever It Takes Podcast, Brandon J sits down with longtime friend and mentor Jeff Garner for a conversation about what it actually takes to build wealth that lasts.

Jeff shares lessons from decades of making money, losing money, rebuilding, and completely changing the way he thought about financial success. After experiencing major setbacks during the 2008 financial crisis, he realized that making a lot of money and actually creating financial security are two very different things.

Brandon and Jeff break down the importance of playing the long game—staying disciplined, becoming great at what you do, keeping your lifestyle under control, and making intentional decisions with the money you earn. They also discuss why chasing the next big opportunity can sometimes pull entrepreneurs away from the very thing that made them successful in the first place.

This conversation is about shifting from short-term thinking to long-term thinking. It's about understanding that wealth isn't built by trying to look successful—it's built through patience, discipline, consistency, and making decisions today that your future self and your family will benefit from for decades.

If you're making money but wondering how to turn that success into something sustainable, this conversation is for you.

Links:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whatever-it-takes-podcast/id1811772757

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhateverItTakesPod

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0sSzR7yw3PiVBCMNhzYBg6

Join our free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16VU4A8d8A/?mibextid=wwXIfr

On this episode of the Whatever It Takes Podcast, Joey Yak sits down with Brandon J to tackle a financial trap Brandon sees everywhere: people making more money than ever while working even harder to look wealthy instead of actually becoming wealthy. Brandon shares how his own approach to money started after coming home from prison, when he became disciplined about keeping his expenses low, building an emergency fund, saving aggressively, and asking himself one question: If I didn't bring in another dollar after today, how long would my family be okay? The conversation breaks down why earning more money won't fix poor financial habits, how lifestyle inflation can keep even high earners living paycheck to paycheck, and why every dollar needs a purpose before it ever reaches your account. Brandon also explains why having a clear vision and financial targets helped him avoid getting distracted by expensive cars, clothes, vacations, and the pressure to appear more successful than he actually was. This isn't about never enjoying your money. It's about building the foundation first. Brandon challenges listeners to get honest about their finances, stop being seduced by short-term success, create real security for their families, and start making decisions their future selves will thank them for. Because looking rich and being wealthy are two completely different things.

Links:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whatever-it-takes-podcast/id1811772757

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhateverItTakesPod

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0sSzR7yw3PiVBCMNhzYBg6

Join our free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16VU4A8d8A/?mibextid=wwXIfr

On this episode of the Whatever It Takes Podcast, Brandon J and Joey Yak break down what it takes to keep building when the market slows down and the targets you set at the beginning of the year suddenly feel out of reach.

Brandon explains why a down year doesn't mean your business has to stop growing. Sometimes scaling isn't about increasing revenue—it's about strengthening the foundation, exposing weaknesses, and preparing your company for the next opportunity.

The conversation gets tactical around improving closing ratios, tightening sales processes, protecting margins, building cash reserves, controlling material and labor costs, improving collections, developing your people, and tracking the numbers that actually show the health of your business. Instead of blaming the market or waiting for conditions to improve, Brandon challenges leaders to focus on what they can control and maximize it.

This is separation season. When others slow down, panic, or wait for things to get easier, strong companies use that time to build a foundation that can handle the next level.

The work you put in today shouldn't be contingent on today's results. Control what you can control, keep building, and be ready when the opportunity comes.

Want the PDF of How to Build A Stronger Business In A Slow Market Cheat sheet? Drop a comment and we'll get it to you.

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whatever-it-takes-podcast/id1811772757

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhateverItTakesPod

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0sSzR7yw3PiVBCMNhzYBg6

Join our free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16VU4A8d8A/?mibextid=wwXIfr

On this episode of the Whatever It Takes Podcast, Brandon J shares a powerful leadership message about what it truly means to become the standard. He explains why leadership isn't about a title or position—it's about living in a way that inspires others to follow. Every habit, decision, and action you take sets the pace for the people around you, making personal discipline one of the greatest responsibilities a leader can carry.

Brandon breaks down the importance of intentional living, developing yourself daily, protecting the culture you've built, and casting a vision that gives people confidence during both the highs and the lows. He challenges leaders to stop waiting for someone else to raise the standard and instead become the example their team needs. From building a strong morning routine and spiritual foundation to embracing accountability and personal growth, this episode is a reminder that great organizations are built by leaders who continually work on themselves first.

Whether you're leading a business, managing a team, or striving to become a better version of yourself, this episode will challenge you to raise your standards, protect the opportunities you've been given, and realize that your leadership has the power to change the trajectory of someone else's life. Because when you become the standard, everyone around you has the opportunity to rise with you.

LINKS:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whatever-it-takes-podcast/id1811772757

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhateverItTakesPod

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0sSzR7yw3PiVBCMNhzYBg6

Join our free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16VU4A8d8A/?mibextid=wwXIfr

On this episode of the Whatever It Takes Podcast, Brandon J answers some of the most requested questions from the WIT community in an honest and unfiltered Q&A. From overcoming addiction and maintaining sobriety to staying hungry after success, protecting your marriage while building a business, and avoiding the distractions that come with growth, Brandon shares the principles that continue to shape both his life and leadership.

Throughout the episode, Brandon explains why intentionality is the foundation of every meaningful result. He shares how creating daily routines, building a strong relationship with God, surrounding yourself with the right people, and establishing a clear vision allow you to stay focused when life becomes more demanding. He also discusses why success can become one of the biggest distractions if you're not grounded in purpose, and why every leader must create environments that support the life they truly want to build.

The conversation also dives into practical advice on sustaining motivation, avoiding burnout, strengthening your marriage while pursuing ambitious goals, and leading yourself before trying to lead others. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a leader, or simply someone striving to become your best, this episode offers practical wisdom that you can apply immediately to your business, your relationships, and your everyday life.

LINKS:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whatever-it-takes-podcast/id1811772757

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhateverItTakesPod

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0sSzR7yw3PiVBCMNhzYBg6

Join our free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16VU4A8d8A/?mibextid=wwXIfr

In this solo episode of the Whatever It Takes Podcast, Brandon J dives into one of the most important conversations men need to have—but rarely do. Why do so many men feel like they've lost themselves? Brandon explains that it isn't because they're lazy or incapable. It's because they've become disconnected from purpose, discipline, God, and the daily pursuit that builds a strong identity.

Drawing from his own journey, Brandon shares how he rebuilt his confidence after years of self-doubt by learning to keep his word to himself. He breaks down why self-trust is earned through consistent action, how comfort slowly destroys identity, and why doing hard things every day creates the confidence and freedom so many people are searching for.

Throughout the episode, Brandon unpacks practical principles for rebuilding your life: creating daily pressure instead of waiting for life to apply it, eliminating distractions, pursuing purpose with intention, surrounding yourself with strong people, and developing the habits that shape the man or woman you were created to become. He also shares his personal morning routine and explains why discipline—not motivation—is what transforms every area of life.

If you've ever felt stuck, disconnected, or like you're capable of more, this episode is a reminder that the life you want begins by becoming the person who can create it. Because when you get better, everything around you gets better.

Download Brandon J's Morning Routine - https://coaching.justdowit.com/brandon-js-morning-routine-page

LINKS:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whatever-it-takes-podcast/id1811772757

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhateverItTakesPod

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0sSzR7yw3PiVBCMNhzYBg6

Join our free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16VU4A8d8A/?mibextid=wwXIfr