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Bad bosses don't just create bad days—they create toxic cultures people want to escape. In this episode, John Felkins reacts to real stories about terrible leaders and unpacks the leadership mistakes that damage teams, kill trust, and drive employees away. Next Steps: ·
Your first hires can build momentum—or create problems that slow your business down for years. In this episode, you'll learn who your first three hires should be, the order to hire them in, and the costly hiring mistakes most business owners make early on. Next Steps: ·
In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill sits down with the multi-talented Holly Wittwer, the mastermind behind Events with Holly and the newly launched Home Educated Foundation. Together, they pull back the curtain on the invisible art of event planning and explore how a local need sprouted a rapidly growing national initiative to support homeschool families.The discussion dives deep into the high-stakes world of wedding and festival logistics—from managing over-the-top family emotions to handling wild day-of emergencies like car pile-ups, casino drama, and unexpected event crashers. Holly also breaks down the rapid growth of her non-profit foundation, sharing how she balances her strict Type-A personality, her thriving businesses, and homeschooling her three energetic young boys right here in Boulder City.DISCUSSIONThe Invisible Talent of Event Planning: A great event coordinator works completely behind the scenes so the client never notices a single problem. Holly reveals that she often acts as a day-of counselor or therapist to ground stressed-out brides and families so they can actually enjoy their big day.A Sudden Homeschool Pivot: After traveling to a massive multi-day homeschool convention in Arizona, Holly immediately realized she had the exact skill set needed to bring a similar, high-quality educational resource hub to Nevada families.Launching the Home Educated Foundation: Now in its third year, the convention has morphed into a full-scale non-profit foundation. The initiative features a digital and physical magazine with youth-authored articles, a nationwide podcast, and financial scholarships to help underprivileged families purchase curriculum.Local Micro-Schools and Collaboration: Holly emphasizes that homeschooling isn't for everyone, but options are exploding locally. She collaborates with local spaces like Grace Christian Church and Burning Bush to offer thriving drop-off classes, including chess and photography clubs.The Entrepreneurial Balancing Act: Transitioning to working for herself has unlocked immense creative freedom, allowing Holly to wake up with dozens of new ideas every night. She maintains healthy personal boundaries by strictly homeschooling her kids in the morning and tackling work in the afternoon.Handling Extreme Day-of Emergencies: From a 10-car freeway pile-up delaying every vendor by two hours to wild off-site casino drama during her first convention, Holly keeps a cool head by reminding her team: "Unless the building is on fire, it's not an emergency."Harnessing Teen Energy: Holly loves hiring local middle and high school students to assist with event day logistics. Giving local youth a chance to rise to the occasion provides them with high wages, great experience, and solid recommendation letters.The"Dating Convention" Crasher: Holly shares a hilarious, memorable story from her first homeschool convention where a solo male attendee crashed the event, recorded families without permission, and tried giving Holly's husband dating advice before being escorted out by security.Leaning into Type-A Strengths: While Holly used to criticize herself for being a "control freak," she has fully embraced it. She points out that a hyper-organized, Type-A personality is exactly who you want managing the complex moving parts of a wedding or festival.An Event Planner's Secret Confession: In a surprising twist, Holly admits that she actually dislikes attending events that she isn't running. On a Friday night, she would much rather be snuggled on the couch with her kids and a good book.A Hyper-Active Nightstand: Holly is a self-proclaimed voracious reader who cycles through up to 10 books at once. Her current rotation ranges from business classics like Dave Ramsey's EntreLeadership to deep fictional fantasies like Brandon Sanderson's The Stormlight Archive, and even reading The Iliad and The Odyssey with her kids.The Unbeatable Value of the Chamber: Holly Credits the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce as an instrumental force in building her business. She fiercely defends the value of a Chamber membership online, viewing it as essential marketing, networking, and a vital community resource.LEARN MOREEvents with Holly: Keep up with Holly's local Boulder City wedding and festival coordination by connecting with local businesses like Village Floral House and Twist and Shout DJ. https://eventswithholly.com.The Home Educated Foundation: Look up the foundation's official launch materials online to find step-by-step guides on homeschool paperwork, daily family rhythms, and upcoming curriculum scholarship applications.Business Leadership Resources: Pick up a copy of EntreLeadership by Dave Ramsey to explore the delegation and team-training philosophies Holly utilizes to scale her operations.Boulder City Chamber of Commerce: Head over to Chamber website or stop in to chat with Jill and her team to find out how local business owners can utilize Chamber resources to market their next big community initiative. https://www.bouldercitychamber.com.KEYWORDSHolly Wittwer, Events with Holly, Event Planning, Youth Entrepreneurship, Home Educated Foundation, The Best Dam Podcast, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce#HollyWittwer #EventswithHolly #EventPlanning #YouthEntrepreneurship #HomeEducatedFoundation #TheBestDamPodcast #BoulderCity
If your spouse feels like they're competing with your business, something's broken. In this episode, marriage expert Dr. John Delony joins us to talk about how to build a successful business without sacrificing your marriage, set healthy boundaries, and handle conflict before it wrecks your relationship. Next Steps: ·
A profitable business can still run out of cash. In this episode, we expose the real reasons for cash-flow issues, along with the financial habits that keep businesses alive and growing. Next Steps: ·
Building a business takes more than vision—it takes grit. In this episode, Dave Ramsey shares the setbacks, financial pressure, and practical decisions that helped turn a small idea into a $300 million company. Next Steps:
Most business owners aren't afraid of sales—they're afraid of rejection. In this episode, you'll learn how to stop taking rejection personally, handle objections with confidence, and turn every “no” into feedback that makes you better at selling. Next Steps: ·
Your best people aren't quitting—they're reacting to what you tolerate. In this episode, discover why your best people keep leaving and how to set clear expectations, hold your team accountable, and protect what matters most. Next Steps: ·
Your logo isn't your business—but it still matters. In this episode, Dave takes a call from a business owner and walks through when to refresh your brand, how to avoid creating confusion for customers, and why honoring the past is the key to moving forward. Next Steps:
If you don't plan the handoff, you're planning to lose everything. In this episode, learn four principles to create a smooth, clear succession plan that protects your business and ensures it outlives you. Next Steps:
The problem might not be your business—it might be the story you keep telling yourself. In this episode, discover the common lies entrepreneurs believe about control, success, and self-worth that keep them from building healthy, scalable businesses. Next Steps:
What happens when culinary education meets entrepreneurship and child development? In this episode, I sit down with Leigh Feldman, CEO of Young Chefs Academy, to explore how the brand is inspiring children through hands-on cooking experiences while building a thriving franchise community across the country. Leigh shares the mission behind Young Chefs Academy, the impact cooking can have on confidence and creativity in young people, and what it takes to scale a purpose-driven business in today's world. Whether you're a parent, entrepreneur, educator, or franchise enthusiast, this conversation serves up valuable insights and inspiration.
These employee stories are crazy, but they're real. In this episode, we react to real, wild workplace stories and show you how to hire better and lead in a way that keeps chaos out of your business. Next Steps: ·
Hiring the wrong person isn't just frustrating—it's expensive. In this episode, learn about a proven hiring process that helps you slow down, vet wisely, and build a team that strengthens your culture instead of draining it. Next Steps: ·
Doing it yourself might feel easier—but it's costing you more than you think. EntreLeadership's head coach John Felkins coaches a business owner on how to let go of low-value work, free up time, and step fully into the role of leader. Next Steps:
The next crisis isn't a matter of if—it's when. In this episode, learn how to strengthen your business with simple, proven financial habits that protect you from setbacks and keep you in control when things go sideways. Next Steps:
For some companies, everything looks great—until it isn't. In this episode, discover how to spot hidden risks, maintain urgency, and keep growth from stalling when business is booming. Next Steps:
Passion is great—until it turns into tension. In this episode, you'll get a practical framework for running ownership meetings with clarity, respect and accountability so you can build unity instead of resentment. Next Steps:
Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueledFrom learning automotive repair beside his father in the Republic of Congo to building a successful shop and YouTube channel in Maryland, Deo Kitoko's story is a powerful reminder of what hard work, humility, and persistence can build. In this conversation, he shares how he taught himself advanced diagnostics through books and YouTube, why he started creating videos, and how education, honesty, and consistency helped him grow both his audience and his business. Give this episode a listen to hear how Deo turned skill, service, and storytelling into real momentum.Show Notes with TimestampsIntroduction and Guest Introduction (00:00:00) Brian introduces Deo, highlights his YouTube channel, and previews the episode's topics.Theo's Early Life and Automotive Roots (00:01:18) Deo shares his upbringing in the Republic of Congo, learning auto repair from his father, and early shop experiences.The Value of Skilled Trades in the Age of AI (00:04:50) Discussion about job security in skilled trades versus jobs threatened by AI, and the importance of automotive skills.Theo's Path to Shop Ownership (00:06:24) Deo describes his journey from technician to shop owner, including his education and early career in Congo.Technical Education and Master Tech Certification (00:08:13) Deo details his technical high school, college, and diesel training, leading to master tech status in Congo.Decision to Move to the U.S. (00:10:17) Deo explains his choice to move to America, learning English, and the challenges of immigrating.First Job in the U.S. and Early Career (00:12:00) Deo recounts getting his first job in the U.S., proving his skills, and advancing in the shop.Self-Education and ASE Certifications (00:13:27) Deo discusses learning from YouTube, books, and mentors, and passing ASE certifications to become a master tech in the U.S.Sponsor Messages (00:16:21) Promotional segment for Shop Boss and App Fueled.Theo's Certifications and Timeline (00:18:26) Deo lists his certifications and clarifies his arrival in the U.S. in 2013.Learning Diagnostics and YouTube Inspiration (00:19:04) Deo explains how he learned diagnostics from YouTube and books, inspired by Eric the Car Guy and Scanner Danner.Starting the YouTube Channel (00:19:30) Deo describes what motivated him to start making YouTube videos and his initial doubts.First Video and Overcoming Self-Doubt (00:24:05) Deo shares the story of filming his first video for a customer and being encouraged to start a channel.Building a Production Team (00:28:41) Deo explains how his YouTube channel grew to include a full production team and better equipment.Advice for Shop Owners on Video Content (00:29:42) Deo advises shop owners on starting with simple equipment and clarifies his focus on education over marketing.Balancing Shop Work and Content Creation (00:33:56) Deo discusses the challenges of balancing shop management with filming and editing videos.Transparency and Showing Mistakes (00:34:54) Deo talks about showing mistakes and comebacks in his videos to build trust and authenticity.Impact on Hiring and Team Culture (00:37:39) Deo describes how his videos attract technicians and foster a positive shop culture.Meeting Scanner Danner and Industry Connections (00:39:28) Deo recounts meeting his YouTube inspiration, Scanner Danner, and the impact of industry networking.Giving Back and Future Goals (00:42:28) Deo discusses helping friends in Congo, translating knowledge, and his desire to teach and expand his business.YouTube Channel and Social Media Plugs (00:43:36) Deo shares where listeners can find his content online and thanks Brian for the marketing advice.Networking and Working with Shop Marketing Pros (00:45:30) Deo describes networking at industry events and his experience working with Shop Marketing Pros.Closing Remarks (00:47:20) Brian and Deo thank each other, and Brian closes the episode with network information.How To Get In TouchJoin The Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Group on FacebookMeet The ProsFollow SMP on FacebookFollow SMP on InstagramGet The Ultimate Guide to Auto Repair Shop Marketing BookEmail Us Podcast Questions or Topics Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)EntreLeadership by Dave RamseyEricTheCarGuyKIT'S Auto and Truck RepairDeo KitokoThanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueledThis episode is sponsored by Shop Boss. You know, other shop management software makes you work, but Shop Boss works for you.AppFueled at appfueled.com. “Are you ready to convert clients to members? AppFueled™ specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build your first app like a pro.”The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/
Most leaders don't have a time problem—they have a priority problem. In this episode, you'll discover how a simple prioritization tool can help you decide what to do, what to delegate, and what to delete so your time actually moves the business forward. Next Steps:
Every leader is shaped by the voices they listen to and the ideas they choose to learn from. In this episode of The Team Chip Podcast, Chip Townsend shares several of the books that have had the biggest impact on how he thinks, leads, and runs a martial arts school. Starting with the Biblical foundation that guides his worldview, Chip talks through key lessons from EntreLeadership, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. These books did more than inspire him. They challenged his thinking, sharpened his leadership, and helped shape the culture of his school. If you are a school owner who wants to keep growing as a leader, this conversation is a reminder that strong leadership is built intentionally, and sometimes the right book can change the way you lead.
If hiring feels like a gamble, your process is the problem. In this episode, you'll learn three proven hiring practices Ramsey uses that any business can apply to make better hires and reduce people problems. Next Steps:
Joe Queer, frontman of the iconic punk band The Queers, joins the podcast to talk about four decades of making unapologetic, Ramones-inspired punk rock. From the early DIY days to their cult following, Joe gets candid about music, culture, personal growth. From his close relationship to Joey Ramone to his drive to always put out great music. Joe is an inspiration to us all.
#293 In this powerhouse conversation, Billy sits down with leadership and sales expert Antonio Garrido — author of My Daily Leadership and Asking Questions the Sandler Way to explore what it really takes to lead with courage, clarity, and conviction. Antonio and Billy dive deep into topics like burning the boats, work ethic vs. commitment, and the necessity of getting comfortable being uncomfortable. They discuss how leaders who don't stretch themselves can't authentically ask their clients or teams to do the same and why mastering discomfort is the secret weapon of great leadership. Along the way, Antonio shares his "4 Rules" that can transform how you sell, lead, and live, plus powerful lessons from Roger Bannister's four-minute mile and a wild metaphor about keeping a shark in your tank. This episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and actionable insights to help you grow as a leader, inspire your team, and build a business that truly lasts. Key Takeaways Why "burning the boats" is the mindset shift every leader needs The real difference between work ethic and commitment How to build the habit of discomfort and why your credibility depends on it The 4 Rules that will transform your sales and leadership conversations Why every leader needs a "shark in the tank" to keep growing How to identify your blind spots and develop lasting leadership habits Quote Highlight "If we don't develop the habit of getting uncomfortable in business, we're a fraud because we're asking our clients to do that." — Antonio Garrido Resources & Mentions My Daily Leadership by Antonio Garrido Asking Questions the Sandler Way by Antonio Garrido Follow Antonio on LinkedIn or visit his site for leadership resources Learn more about Billy's work at YourFitnessMoneyCoach.com About the Guest Antonio Garrido is a leadership and executive coach, author, and founder of My Daily Leadership. Drawing from decades of experience in sales, leadership, and talent optimization, Antonio helps leaders grow from good to great by mastering the habits that create consistent success. Billy first met Antonio over a decade ago through EntreLeadership and even had him pop into a book club he led making this conversation a special full-circle moment.
In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastor Chris Hodges sits down with financial expert and best-selling author Dave Ramsey for a powerful conversation on money, leadership, and building lasting momentum. Dave unpacks his Momentum Theorem—focused intensity over time, multiplied by God's blessings—and shares how leaders can overcome fear, stay focused, and develop financial systems that create freedom for both individuals and churches. You'll hear practical insights on budgeting, debt, generosity, and how to help people move from being strapped to being free. Whether you're a pastor, business leader, or simply want to grow in stewardship, this conversation will challenge and equip you with timeless principles to build unstoppable momentum in your life and ministry. Episode Resources: Ramsey Solutions: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/ EntreLeadership:https://www.ramseysolutions.com/business/entreleadership?srsltid=AfmBOooe1neJpptuijruZ6tSK0G-IkaYA13-OwHHQedMaKWMRVZeR213 Building a Business You Love: https://store.ramseysolutions.com/business-and-career/books/build-a-business-you-love-by-dave-ramsey/ Financial Peace University: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/money/financial-peace The Total Money Makeover: https://store.ramseysolutions.com/money/books/the-total-money-makeover-by-dave-ramsey/ All Things GrowLeader: Learn More about GrowLeader Conference 2026: https://www.growleader.com/conference Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: https://www.growleader.com/monthlymentoring Access FREE church resources: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/resources Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: https://www.growleader.com/kbvirtualintensive Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyCNQpi3YxaOeQAIdSpbeVw Follow along on Socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader