Love Your Work

Phone calls and stories. In this episode, we phone some friends and highlight the importance of taking pride in your work, as though it is a true and sacred art form.

We’re often faced with the need for additional revenue to maintain a lifestyle we have become comfortable with. In this episode Jeff and Patrick discuss the importance of balancing side work with your personal life, preventing your passion or extracurricular project from taking over every aspect of your day-to-day.

In this episode, Jeff and Patrick examine what it means to be a patriot through the lens of your work. Playing on a longtime American narrative, the guys look at what you can do for your job and country, not just what they can do for you.

Before there was a podcast there was a band. In this episode Host Jeff Estes and guitarist Matt Jaggers play four unreleased tracks and tell war stories from their last project, Down Home Band.

In this episode, we ask three simple questions with a goal at tracking career happiness, environment, and purpose. Dig in deep with this simple gauge for true fulfillment.

In this episode, Jeff, Patrick, and Nate give some practical advice for the graduating class of 2019. A particular salute to our two interns who have been with us for over three years running now. Cheers to you gentleman!

In this episode, Jeff and Patrick discuss the high cost of living as a freelance fabricator, entrepreneur or artist. In combination, the gang brings in Rien Long to draft up a new scheme to make some extra money by putting an end to bad habits.

Becoming a stunt double, work stories from hell and finding happiness during periods of creative doubt and unrest. Jeff and Patrick take a lighthearted approach to some serious topics and ask for your stories as well!

In this episode Jeff and Patrick discuss life changes and what it means to go from having everything at your disposal to resetting your career to the bare essentials. Dealing with shared workspaces, becoming a resource to the community and overcoming a lack of personal space.

Jeff and Patrick discuss the importance of using your favorite movies as a source of inspiration, motivation and even character formation. Although some might consider this practice outlandish or odd, we talk about how we let the best of characters hop inside our daily routine.

OUTDOOR LOVERS!!  Jeff and Rien head off to the Big Rock Outdoor Expo to talk fishing, hunting and industry highlights with some of the world’s leading experts. Casey Kelly of Pautzke baits invites us in and hosts the podcast on location at the Nashville Convention center. During the journey, we speak with Casey, as well as the owners of Huck Buckets, Chase Baits and a field rep from GSM.

The team behind newly crowned Super Middle Weight IBF  Boxing Champion of the World, Caleb “Sweethands” Plant joins us in this episode. Lead Trainer Justin Gamber and Publicist Mario Serano join host Jeff Estes and returning guest Taylor Burgess of Cardboard films for a wonderful look inside the world of professional boxing.

Jeff Gibbs is an operating partner and lead coffee roaster for Frothy Monkey. In this episode, we discuss the ins and outs of coffee profiling, his introduction into the coffee industry and where his future may take him. An intellectual and conversationalist by heart, this podcast spans a wide variety of topics covered by true friends and colleagues.

Part 2 of our Holiday Special Series. A deeper look into the members of my family: highlighting special memories of Holidays past.

In this episode Jeff and Patrick discuss the negative effects social media might be having on future generations and their overall outlook on life. From losing a sense of adventure in youth, to feeling defeated before you begin potential careers or investments, the guys talk about the dark side of online entertainment, media and mass social communication.

In this episode, we interview Taylor Burgess of Cardboard Films, a videography outfit based in Nashville Tn. From the origins of their name to an unexpected conversation about a past client, this podcast speaks of honesty, integrity, and respect for all parties involved when running a small business.

In this episode Jeff Estes and Nate Akey team up with Nashville Pub and Coffee Shop, The Loading Dock, to acquire a new business opportunity located some 1.5 hours south of town. In the name of Nascar, beer and strange bumper stickers, we proudly bring you The Rolling Dock.

In this episode, Patrick and Jeff discuss Holiday gift budgeting, the stresses of staying motivated at work and the looming government shutdown. Happy Holidays to all!

In this Holiday special I have the honor and privilege of introducing you to my brothers. Mike Estes, Pete Estes and Andrew Wall have continuously influenced and inspired me through every aspect of my life. Take an inside look into the quirky nature of our relationship, interactions and how they have helped shape parts of who I am.

Surprise, I sold my company! In this episode I interview our co-host, Ryan Patrick to gain insight into what it is to work for a company that is undergoing an acquisition.

Grant Pollock is a conversationalist who brings new insight to the other side of loving your work; when you’re not an entrepreneur.  His outlook and positive attitude toward life impart a sense of happiness, force us to examine our true selves, and question our motives.

In this episode Jeff and Patrick discuss confidence. Identifying it in colleagues, yourself, clients and competition. From how we approach it to how we healthily grow it, we cover a pseudo sensitive topic that everyone struggles with from time to time, in business and in life.

Tim Gibbons is the Co-Founder and Co-Owner of The Flipside Nashville, a truly one of a kind restaurant that embodies a bygone era of classic americana culture. Hear Tim’s take on the key differences between running a unique operation and a scalable business fit for multiple locations across the nation.

Jeff and Patrick discuss what it means to be the new guy, and how to act as a leader when dealing with one. From expectations to awkward encounters the guys share some embarrassing stories from their past to highlight the ups and downs of being a New Guy.

BEER! BEER! BEER! Carl Meir is a founding member and co-owner of Black Abbey Brewing Co. based in Nashville TN. His love for the craft, crew and family is evident as he discusses how to live like a family in the work place, not just talk about it.

In this episode Jeff and Patrick discuss the complexities of staying relevant to the outside world once you’ve been emersed in small business for too long. From applying to jobs post-ownership, to social media, we talk about the internal struggle with identity and staying relevant.

Kidd Epps is a designer, master craftsman and family man who runs his own company here in Nashville Tn. His unconventional approach to business, unique style and bold attitude have separated him from the competition laying a rock solid foundation for success in his business.

In this episode Patrick and I talk about the dangers of living in a life of excess as it relates to work. In particular, the perils of owning your own business and letting it take over your life. Warning: this episode is a bit heavier than normal.

In this episode we are pumped to introduce you to our Company’s graphic designer, web curator, branding specialist and all around super woman, Kailey Sullivan. We focus on shared stories to highlight her ability to maintain grace and focus under pressure, while constantly pushing herself to get more from life.

Ethan Summers is a natural born entrepreneur who runs multiple companies in Nashville TN. With a background in insurance sales and steady office work, he left the 9-5 behind in pursuit of something bigger. We discuss the many challenges he faces on the day to day, running a small business by himself in an economic boomtown.

Ryan Schemmel is the co working movement. Founding member of Fort Houston collaborative workspace in Nashville TN, Ryan continues to pave the way as an industry leader in the maker space. Sacrificing his personal lifestyle for the benefit of the community for the better part of a decade, he has seen his fare share of the big problems small businesses face on a daily basis. Take a brief peak inside the mind of a market innovator changing the way we look at business and space usage.

In this episode featuring hosts Jeff Estes and Patrick Ryan, we discuss the downsides of running small business and focus on a series of defeats that had compounding side effects as the week went on. Through shared examples of recent events we showcase how we choose to deal with and learn from mistakes, obstacles and “defeat”.

In this episode, we discuss getting our butts kicked in the shop, mostly our ego. Work flow is a powerful state of being but can be hard to track and maintain. Hopefully this can shed some light for our listeners.

In this episode I do a brief reading from my business journal on my insecurities and how they negatively effect my company and personal life if I let them. In it, the leading message is to re-direct the energy and resources away from judgement and jealousy into something powerful and positive for those around you: clients, colleagues, friends and family.

DISCLAIMER: Some content in this podcast may seem crazy, offensive or hard to believe. If this bothers you, skip to another episode. In this episode P-Ratt and Jeff swap stories about their past experiences with a career in Rock and Roll. Things definitely escalate quickly.

In this Episode we are lucky enough to sit down and talk with the writer of our theme song, Gavon Long. He is a 16 year old high school student who has recently started his pursuit of a career in the music industry. His positive energy and loving outlook on life is clearly evident in his conversation and writing.

In this episode I briefly discuss how the tariffs on raw materials are effecting our company and what it means for other makers in the market right now. The over riding theme: Stay calm, keep working.

In this Episode, Patrick Ryan and I discuss our top three sources of growing pains as seen from both employer and employee. We share some real life scenarios and give (potential) advice on how to mitigate the negative outcomes.

In this episode Jeff and Patrick discuss the complexities of creating an authentic brand, message or product in a world where almost everything has been done at least once.

This micro-cast examines a business journal entry of mine from January 2018. A particularly challenging time in my life when it seemed as though stress was attacking me from all sides. In addition to quickly degrading living conditions, my physical health started to decline and I had to quickly figure out a way to combat stress.

Rien Long is a retired NFL athlete who played for the Tennessee Titans for five years. His outlook on life and fearless drive for self betterment elevates those lucky enough to be around him. In this episode we discuss the term failure, and how to recover from it.

Kyle Manner is a freelance producer and audio engineer based in Nashville Tennessee. We first met five years ago when Kyle recorded our band's (Down Home Band) first album at Station West Studios. His strong sense of self, steadfast dedication to his artists and ability to lead in the studio have provided him with a healthy client list, national support and a bright future in the industry.

Nate Akey is the founding member of Five String Furniture and is now currently self employed as a freelance fabricator. In this three part series Nate shares his stories on how he started the company, why he left, and where he aims to be in the next few years.

Nate Akey is the founding member of Five String Furniture and is now currently self employed as a freelance fabricator. In this three part series Nate shares his stories on how he started the company, why he left, and where he aims to be in the next few years.

Nate Akey is the founding member of Five String Furniture and is now currently self employed as a freelance fabricator. In this three part series Nate shares his stories on how he started the company, why he left, and where he aims to be in the next few years.

Hello, my name is Jeff Estes.  This is a brief introduction to the podcast, who I am, and what we're looking to do with Love Your Work. Join me as we take an in-depth look into the world of makers, small business owners and start-ups across the country.