POPULARITY
Mentorship gets talked about a lot in business, but what does it actually look like in practice? In this episode, Brandon and I unpack the difference between teaching, coaching, and true mentorship, and why most leaders struggle to develop people effectively. We explore the two ingredients every great mentor needs: experience and visibility. It's not enough to know what good looks like, you have to understand what's actually happening in someone's day-to-day work before you can help them improve. That conversation leads us into how technology is changing leadership, coaching, sales management, and technician development in ways we couldn't have imagined a few years ago. We also share lessons from our own families, the mentors who shaped us, and the responsibility leaders have to intentionally pass knowledge, perspective, and wisdom to the next generation. Whether you're leading a sales team, managing technicians, or raising kids, the principles are surprisingly similar. If you're trying to build stronger people, stronger teams, and a stronger culture, this conversation will challenge the way you think about leadership and mentorship. Hope you enjoy Chris Why You Should Listen: [00:08:01] Why entrepreneurial success often disappears by the second generation and what leaders can do to intentionally pass on mindset, not just resources [00:17:17] The difference between teaching, coaching, and true mentorship, and why visibility is the missing ingredient in developing people [00:29:42] What listening to 100 real customer conversations revealed about sales performance, close rates, and frontline leadership [00:39:28] How top organizations are using technology to create better accountability, faster learning, and more effective employee development [00:46:10] Why human connection, customer experience, and mentorship may become the most valuable skills in an AI-driven future Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
Shortly after his inauguration, Gov. Jeff Landry signed a package of tough-on-crime bills that drastically changed the state's sentencing laws. Now, two years later, the governor is hoping to add even more beds to the state's largest prison through a newly proposed corrections budget. ProPublica and Verite News have spent more than two years investigating the impact of Landry's policies on the criminal justice system and how expanding the state's corrections budget would impact taxpayers. Verite News reporter Richard Webster joins us with more.Louisiana Republican State Sen. Jay Morris used his office to help bring one of the world's largest data centers to Richland Parish. But he also owned thousands of acres surrounding the site that the company planned to build on. He then sold some of that land for the construction of a power plant that will provide energy to Meta's massive array of computers.Garrett Hazelwood, an investigative reporter at Floodlight, worked in partnership with Verite and the Louisiana Illuminator to break the story. He tells us more about his findings that Morris's conduct may have violated state ethics laws. In New Orleans, there's an ongoing battle at the office of the clerk of criminal court — or what was the office of the clerk of criminal court. Calvin Duncan, a lawyer, criminal justice advocate and wrongfully convicted Black man who served almost 30 years in prison before his exoneration, ran for clerk of criminal court and won. Afterward, state lawmakers removed his position, seeking to combine his office with the civil court clerk.In a recent interview on Louisiana Considered, Duncan traced the move to unseat him before taking office back to the days of Reconstruction. Arguing that Louisiana has a history of diluting Black political power.Jarret Luter is an Instructor of History at Southern University. He joins us for more on the throughline between Reconstruction and modern examples of diluting Black voting power.June 1 marks the start of Pride Month, so today we're remembering the late gay rights activist Stewart Butler. A survivor of the tragic Upstairs Lounge fire, the New Orleans native's activism spanned over 40 years as he helped found numerous LGBTQ+ organizations.In 2019, Butler spoke with Mark Cave from the Historic New Orleans Collection about his contributions to the movement, including the first gay rights conference at LSU. Today, we give his recollections a second listen.—Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Karen Henderson. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We receive production and technical support from Garrett Pittman, Adam Vos and our assistant producer, Aubry Procell. You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!
In this episode, I sit down with former NCAA champion and Olympian Les Gutches for one of the most fascinating conversations we've had on the show. What started as a conversation about wrestling quickly turned into a masterclass on resilience, discipline, business, leadership, and life. Les shares stories from his childhood in Southern Oregon, growing up fast while helping care for his sick mother, and how those early experiences shaped his mindset forever. We dig into the relentless work ethic that carried him from local wrestling clubs all the way to undefeated NCAA championship seasons and the Olympics. Les talks about getting thrown into practices with older, tougher athletes from a young age, and how constantly being pushed beyond his comfort zone became one of the biggest advantages of his career. But what really surprised me was hearing how much of his success in business came from lessons learned off the mat. Les explains how working as a commercial lender taught him to read financials, recognize patterns, and learn directly from wealthy business owners. We also unpack his framework for successful partnerships, why every business needs a gas pedal, a brake pedal, and a transmission, plus some incredible stories from his real estate, gym, and liquor store ventures. We finish with a conversation about health, longevity, and discipline as a business owner. At 53, Les is still training consistently and thinking long-term, not just about money or success, but about having the energy and physical capacity to enjoy life decades from now. This episode is packed with practical wisdom and stories I know you'll remember. Hope you enjoy -Chris Why You Should Listen: [00:05:00] Les shares the responsibility and pressure of helping care for his sick mother as a young child — and how those early experiences shaped his mindset [00:08:30] How constantly training with older, tougher wrestlers built the resilience that eventually carried him to NCAA and Olympic success [00:17:20] A powerful story about quitting wrestling, learning ownership, and the parenting lesson that changed his trajectory [00:27:45] Why real confidence comes from preparation — and how that applies in sports, business, and leadership [00:44:50] Les breaks down his “gas pedal, brake pedal, transmission” framework for business partnerships and why most entrepreneurs build teams the wrong way [01:00:20] A practical conversation on health, longevity, and why successful business owners can't afford to neglect their physical fitness Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
In this episode of Head, Heart and Boots, Brandon and I sat down with J. Brad Britton for one of the most meaningful conversations we've had on the podcast. J. Brad spent decades leading inside the Cutco and Vector organizations, but this episode centers on something far deeper - his relationship with his son Sam and how that journey completely changed the way he thinks about leadership, communication, and human potential. What stuck with us most was hearing J. Brad talk about realizing Sam understood far more than anyone had assumed for years. It forced him to rethink not only his parenting, but the way we all judge people based on surface behavior instead of curiosity and empathy. We also dug into leadership lessons from Cutco, coaching young salespeople, and why presence and encouragement matter so much when developing people. This episode is thoughtful, emotional, and packed with perspective that applies far beyond business. Hope you enjoy Chris Why You Should Listen: [00:05:42] The moment J. Brad realized his son understood far more than anyone had believed for years [00:14:18] How raising a child with apraxia reshaped his perspective on leadership, patience, and communication [00:24:07] Why curiosity and empathy matter more than assumptions when working with people [00:36:12] Leadership lessons from decades inside the Cutco and Vector organizations developing young salespeople [00:49:03] A powerful conversation about fatherhood, encouragement, and learning to truly see the people in front of you Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, Brandon and I sit down with our teammate Clinton Tierney to talk sales, leadership, and the mindset it takes to win in today's restoration market. Clinton's story is incredible—college athlete turned mold technician turned multi-million dollar producer and sales leader—and you can hear how every season shaped the way he approaches business development today. We spent a lot of time unpacking what actually creates successful salespeople. Not gimmicks or scripts, but consistency, volume, discipline, and learning how to fall in love with the process instead of obsessing over the outcome. Clinton shares some really practical insight from his years in the field, including how he built relationships, uncovered customer pain points, and developed the habits that made him successful. One of my favorite parts of this conversation was hearing Clinton talk about coaching sales reps. So many companies promote great producers into leadership roles, only to realize later that coaching people requires a completely different skill set. Clinton has a real gift for developing others, and that comes through loud and clear in this episode. If you lead a sales team, own a restoration company, or are just trying to become better at business development, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways and a ton of encouragement. Hope you enjoy Chris Why You Should Listen: [00:07:08] How Clinton went from an $8-an-hour mold tech to a multi-million-dollar producer in restoration sales [00:10:20] The sales culture lessons he learned inside a company that scaled from $3M to over $50M [00:21:22] Why great salespeople fall in love with the process—not just the outcome [00:24:26] The two sales disciplines Clinton says matter most: volume and face-to-face meetings [00:35:03] What Clinton learned transitioning from top producer to sales leader—and why most reps struggle in management roles Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
In this episode of Head, Heart and Boots, Brandon and I sit down with Nick D'Urbano again- this time not to talk AI, but to dig into branding. And honestly, this one hit different. Nick's built and scaled multiple 8- and 9-figure brands, and what stood out is how clearly he sees something most of us miss: brand isn't your logo, your colors, or your website- it's how people feel when they interact with your business. We spent most of the conversation unpacking that idea. What does it actually mean to build a brand? It starts way deeper than marketing. It's your principles, your standards, how your team behaves, how you treat customers, and whether all of that is consistent. If you ask 10 people what your company stands for and get 10 different answers, you don't have a brand. Nick also challenged the way most restoration companies think about this. In an industry where people are going through some of the hardest moments of their lives, there's a massive opportunity to build a brand around how you show up for them, not just the job you do. That idea of being “human-centered” stuck with me. We wrapped this by connecting it back to execution- how communication, consistency, and even AI tools like Distance play a role in reinforcing your brand at scale. Because at the end of the day, your brand is being built whether you're intentional about it or not. Hope you enjoy Chris Why You Should Listen: [00:02:10] Why most people misunderstand branding and how it goes far beyond logos, colors, or marketing [00:08:34] How to define real company principles that actually guide decisions instead of just sounding good on a wall [00:16:12] Why consistency across your team and customer experience is what truly builds a strong brand [00:27:45] The opportunity restoration companies have to create a human-centered experience in high-stress situations [00:38:20] How communication, systems, and even AI tools can reinforce your brand as you scale Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, Brandon and I sit down with Rocky Hensley to break down his latest exit and what actually drove the valuation behind the deal. Rocky shares how private equity approached the opportunity, why he chose his partner, and what most owners misunderstand about timing a sale. We dig into the simple framework he uses to build valuable companies, centered around strong profitability and removing owner dependency. Rocky explains why these two factors matter more than anything else when it comes to scaling and eventually selling a business. The conversation also dives into growth strategy, including why sales is the true driver of scale and how plumbing and restoration can work together when executed the right way. Rocky challenges the way most operators think about expansion and where they spend their time. This episode is a look at where the industry is heading, from private equity trends to the shift toward owning the full customer relationship. If you are building, scaling, or thinking about an exit, this one will give you a clearer lens on what actually matters. Hope you enjoy Chris Why You Should Listen: [00:00:43] Inside Rocky Hensley's latest exit—and why private equity paid future earnings at an 18x multiple [00:07:12] The simple 2-rule framework Rocky uses to decide when to sell a business (and why most owners get it wrong) [00:12:10] The “20% net profit + no owner dependency” formula that makes a company instantly valuable [00:25:19] Why sales—not operations—is the real driver of scale (and the costly mistake most owners make) [00:33:00] Why most restoration companies fail to leverage plumbing—and how the top operators actually win with it [00:45:53] Where private equity is really going: owning the entire customer, not just one service line [00:54:41] The hiring philosophy that got validated in a massive PE deal—and why “good” employees are a liability Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
Last Thursday, a shooting at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge left one high school senior dead while wounding five others. Police soon arrested 17-year-old Markel Lee, a suspected gunman. Capitol Access reporter Brooke Thorington joins us to discuss the victims, the recent arrest and the latest in the investigation. Federal judges are currently hearing some of the most consequential environmental lawsuits in Louisiana's history. But many of these judges have investments in the oil companies being sued and are allowed to collect payments from defendants, even while cases are ongoing.Investigative reporter Garrett Hazelwood has been exploring the financial ties judges have to the oil industry, and the surprisingly lax regulations, for Floodlight, Type Investigations and WWNO/WRKF. He joins us for more on what he's uncovered.Saturday (April 25) marked the 164th anniversary of the capture and occupation of New Orleans. Due to its location and significance as a port city in the South, this capture was a major turning point in the Civil War. Aaron Sheehan Dean is the Fred C Fyre chair in history of LSU's Department of History, known for his research, publications and courses on the Civil War and Reconstruction. He joins us to dive into this history. —Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Karen Henderson. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We receive production and technical support from Garrett Pittman, Adam Vos and our assistant producer, Aubry Procell. You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!
In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, Brandon and I sit down with Chris Matts, founder of Marketing Ninjas, to talk about what actually drives growth in restoration and why most marketing misses the mark. Chris shares his path into entrepreneurship, how he found the restoration industry, and why he chose to focus on helping companies generate more opportunities through outbound and relationship-driven strategies. We dig into the difference between branding and direct response, why business development reps are still one of the most important roles in a restoration company, and how marketing should support, not replace, relationship building. This conversation is a practical look at how work really flows in this industry and what it takes to stand out in a crowded market. Hope you enjoy Chris If you're interested in Marketing Ninjas - check out more at this LINK Why You Should Listen: [00:06:12] How Chris Matts found the restoration industry and why he saw it as a massive, underserved opportunity [00:14:27] Why most restoration marketing fails and the common mistake of relying too heavily on ads instead of relationships [00:21:05] The real role of business development reps and why they are still the most consistent driver of revenue [00:30:18] The difference between branding and direct response and how to use both effectively in your market [00:42:11] How top restoration companies actually generate work by owning referral relationships, not just waiting on inbound leads Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
@ser-447977109-53134462 @Noisesoulsofficial Trigga Fingaz Records continues its ongoing mission to spotlight talent alongside its established roster with the release of a powerful new two-track collaboration from UK drum & bass fashionista, Lee UHF and Argentinian trendsetter and producer, Noise Souls. A label known for its global outlook, Trigga Fingaz has long built connections across continents through both its artists and its events. This latest release perfectly embodies that international spirit, bringing together two producers from opposite sides of the world to deliver a dark, forward-thinking slice of drum & bass. Leading the charge is UK-based, award-winning drum & bass champion Lee UHF, who currently heads up both Dirtbox Recordings, Vibe City and VTO Records. After stepping back from production for a period, Lee has recently reignited his passion for making music, and the results have been impossible to ignore. Since December, Lee has been on an incredible creative run, delivering new music every single month. His renewed momentum has already seen releases land on Floodlight, Deepnas, Paperfunk, Imagine Audio, and his own Dirtbox Recordings imprint. A key driving force behind this resurgence has been his current studio partner, Argentinian producer Noise Souls. The two have formed a formidable creative partnership, with Noise Souls (real name Nicholas) playing an integral role in Lee's recent wave of productions. Nic has been a core artist on Dirtbox Recordings since 2022 and has steadily carved out his own evolving sound. With a wealth of new material on the way, including his upcoming “Sequence” album, Noise Souls is quickly cementing himself as one to watch on the global drum & bass circuit. Each collaboration between Lee UHF and Noise Souls has explored a different theme tied to their lives and the wider music culture. This latest two-tracker takes aim at the darker side of the industry, the opportunists and profiteers who leech from genuine talent, the `Parasites` if you will. Chasing money while the true artists continue to build the scene quietly from the `Shadows`. It's a tribute to the countless producers working tirelessly in bedrooms, attic studios, and rented spaces around the world, crafting the music that keeps the underground alive. Musically, both tracks deliver exactly what fans have come to expect from the duo's recent work: deep, dark and immersive drum & bass with a futuristic edge. The release highlights the distinct sonic identities of both artists while showcasing how far their collaboration has evolved. For Trigga Fingaz Records, the release represents more than just another addition to the catalogue, it's a look into the future of the scene and the importance of nurturing global talent.
@ser-447977109-53134462 @Noisesoulsofficial Trigga Fingaz Records continues its ongoing mission to spotlight talent alongside its established roster with the release of a powerful new two-track collaboration from UK drum & bass fashionista, Lee UHF and Argentinian trendsetter and producer, Noise Souls. A label known for its global outlook, Trigga Fingaz has long built connections across continents through both its artists and its events. This latest release perfectly embodies that international spirit, bringing together two producers from opposite sides of the world to deliver a dark, forward-thinking slice of drum & bass. Leading the charge is UK-based, award-winning drum & bass champion Lee UHF, who currently heads up both Dirtbox Recordings, Vibe City and VTO Records. After stepping back from production for a period, Lee has recently reignited his passion for making music, and the results have been impossible to ignore. Since December, Lee has been on an incredible creative run, delivering new music every single month. His renewed momentum has already seen releases land on Floodlight, Deepnas, Paperfunk, Imagine Audio, and his own Dirtbox Recordings imprint. A key driving force behind this resurgence has been his current studio partner, Argentinian producer Noise Souls. The two have formed a formidable creative partnership, with Noise Souls (real name Nicholas) playing an integral role in Lee's recent wave of productions. Nic has been a core artist on Dirtbox Recordings since 2022 and has steadily carved out his own evolving sound. With a wealth of new material on the way, including his upcoming “Sequence” album, Noise Souls is quickly cementing himself as one to watch on the global drum & bass circuit. Each collaboration between Lee UHF and Noise Souls has explored a different theme tied to their lives and the wider music culture. This latest two-tracker takes aim at the darker side of the industry, the opportunists and profiteers who leech from genuine talent, the `Parasites` if you will. Chasing money while the true artists continue to build the scene quietly from the `Shadows`. It's a tribute to the countless producers working tirelessly in bedrooms, attic studios, and rented spaces around the world, crafting the music that keeps the underground alive. Musically, both tracks deliver exactly what fans have come to expect from the duo's recent work: deep, dark and immersive drum & bass with a futuristic edge. The release highlights the distinct sonic identities of both artists while showcasing how far their collaboration has evolved. For Trigga Fingaz Records, the release represents more than just another addition to the catalogue, it's a look into the future of the scene and the importance of nurturing global talent.
In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, Brandon and I sit down with Sam Chapman, owner of Merit Restorations and partner in CaseCo and 1-Tom Plumber, to talk about building businesses, leading people, and the real work behind growth. Sam shares his journey from a blue collar upbringing to building multiple companies, and how he's approached scaling through partnerships, culture, and intentional leadership. We also get into the hard lessons. From avoiding accountability to rebuilding a broken culture, Sam walks through what it took to reset his team and raise the standard across the business. This is a conversation about ownership, discipline, and doing the internal work required to lead well at home and in business. Hope you enjoy Chris Why You Should Listen: [00:02:48] Sam's origin story growing up in a blue collar family and how watching his dad build a business shaped his drive to create something of his own [00:16:14] How CaseCo evolved from flipping houses into a high end custom home and commercial construction company and the strategic decisions behind that growth [00:22:32] Why Sam partnered with 1-Tom Plumber and how he's using it to drive more mitigation opportunities and expand his restoration business [00:29:42] The moment his restoration company's culture broke and what it took to rebuild the team, reset standards, and create real accountability [00:46:43] A raw look at the mental and emotional toll of entrepreneurship and the personal work required to lead well at home and in business Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, I sit down with Lane Larsen, founder of Clean Claims, to unpack what is happening at the intersection of restoration, technology, and insurance. As the industry continues to evolve, Lane brings a unique perspective on how software, data, and process are reshaping the way claims are handled and how contractors can position themselves to win in a more complex environment. We dig into the origin of Clean Claims, the problem it was built to solve, and how improving claim quality, documentation, and communication can create better outcomes for contractors, carriers, and homeowners alike. Lane shares how fast technology is moving, what that means for operators on the ground, and why those who embrace better systems and cleaner processes will have a major advantage in the years ahead. This conversation is both strategic and practical. From reducing friction in the claims process to building stronger relationships with carriers and adjusters, it is a look at how the right tools and mindset can elevate the entire business. If you are trying to stay ahead of where the industry is going, this one will help you think differently about what comes next. Hope you enjoy. Chris Why You Should Listen: [00:03:15] How Clean Claims is simplifying field documentation, remote monitoring, and process enforcement by replacing multiple apps with one technician-friendly system [00:08:17] Why “process enforcement” matters so much in restoration and how removing human inconsistency can improve documentation, compliance, and payment speed [00:17:09] What it looks like to onboard new technicians fast and why simple, intuitive software can dramatically shorten the learning curve [00:31:10] A look at where AI, estimating, ESX integration, and automated rebuild scoping are headed and how quickly field operations may change [00:38:29] Why Lane believes restoration still operates like the Wild West and how better standardization could improve trust between contractors and carriers Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
The Holy Spirit shows us our need for Christ by shining Christ's light into our lives.
In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, Brandon and I sit down with Nick Rahn, founder of Warriors Next Adventure, for one of the most intense and powerful conversations we've had on the show. Nick shares his journey from a turbulent childhood and multiple combat deployments in the Air Force to hitting rock bottom after leaving the military, battling addiction, and nearly ending his life in the Boundary Waters of northern Minnesota. What follows is a story of transformation. Nick walks us through the moment that changed everything, the internal work required to rebuild his identity, and how he developed a set of principles that helped him move from survival to purpose. We explore how those same principles now serve as the foundation for Warriors Next Adventure, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans navigate PTSD, mental health struggles, and life after service through deep conversations, jiu jitsu, and challenging outdoor experiences. This episode is raw, emotional, and ultimately hopeful. From stopping suicides through a 24/7 crisis line to taking veterans into the mountains to confront their past and reclaim their future, Nick's work is a powerful reminder that healing is possible and that purpose often comes from the hardest chapters of our lives. Hope you enjoy. Chris Why You Should Listen [00:03:14] How Nick's military career and post-service struggles led to a loss of identity, purpose, and direction that many veterans quietly face [00:10:18] The powerful story of a failed suicide attempt that became the turning point for rebuilding his life and redefining who he wanted to become [00:15:04] How the “six principles” were developed through real experience and became a framework for overcoming trauma, addiction, and self-doubt [00:31:44] Why letting go of resentment, taking ownership, and dropping the “anchors” from your past can radically change your present and future [00:56:56] How Warriors Next Adventure is helping veterans through crisis intervention, jiu jitsu, and extreme outdoor experiences that force real transformation Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, we sit down for a conversation to unpack a fresh perspective on leadership, pressure, and the internal narratives that shape how we show up in business and in life. This episode is less about tactics and more about awareness. It is about recognizing the stories we tell ourselves when things get hard and how those stories either limit us or push us forward. We talk through how easy it is to default into frustration, comparison, or self-doubt when results do not match expectations, and why so much of leadership growth comes from learning to reframe those moments instead of reacting to them. From the pressure to perform, to the temptation to measure progress against others, to the quiet ways we avoid responsibility by externalizing problems, this conversation challenges listeners to take a more honest look at what is really driving their decisions. This episode is a reminder that leadership is not just about strategy or execution. It is about ownership, perspective, and the discipline to choose a better narrative when the default one is working against you. If you have felt stuck, frustrated, or out of alignment, this one will give you something real to wrestle with. Hope you enjoy. Chris Why You Should Listen [00:02:11] How the stories you tell yourself under pressure shape your decisions, your leadership, and your long-term outcomes [00:06:48] Why comparison and unmet expectations quietly create frustration, and how to reframe them into something productive [00:12:03] The difference between reacting to problems and taking ownership of your role in them [00:18:27] How internal narratives can either limit your growth or become the fuel that drives better performance [00:25:10] A practical way to catch yourself in negative patterns and choose a more intentional response in real time Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, Brandon and I dig into something that feels bigger than business but is showing up inside every business anyway: loneliness, disconnection, and the emotional fragility many people are carrying into work right now. We unpack how remote work, constant digital distraction, and the erosion of real face-to-face relationships are reshaping not only mental health, but also trust, confidence, and the way teams respond to pressure and change. We talk candidly about what it feels like to lead in an environment where people seem more depleted, more anxious, and less resilient than they did just a few years ago. From the loss of natural boundaries between work and home, to the challenge of building genuine relationships with employees while still holding clear standards, this conversation wrestles with the tension every owner and leader feels but rarely names out loud. This episode is not about easy answers. It is about recognizing the reality in front of us and asking better questions about how we lead, hire, communicate, and create environments where people can actually feel seen without losing accountability. If you have felt the weight of leading tired people while being tired yourself, this one will hit close to home. Hope you enjoy. Chris Why You Should Listen [00:03:12] Why loneliness and social disconnection are quietly reshaping workplace behavior, resilience, and team dynamics [00:09:48] How remote work and digital life have blurred the lines between personal identity, relationships, and professional performance [00:17:26] The leadership challenge of balancing empathy with accountability when employees are struggling emotionally [00:24:41] Why many leaders feel exhausted trying to carry the emotional weight of their teams while still pushing for results [00:33:05] A candid look at how rebuilding real connection and trust inside teams may be one of the most important leadership skills moving forward Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, Brandon and I tackle a shift that many restoration companies are starting to feel but may not fully understand yet. The traditional flow of insurance work is changing. Claim volumes are tightening, TPAs are producing fewer opportunities, and customers are becoming more cautious about filing claims due to rising deductibles and policy pressure. That shift is forcing restoration companies to confront something the retail contracting world has been dealing with for decades: selling. We unpack what it means to operate more like a retail contractor and why learning to earn the customer's trust, present real numbers, and guide clients through decisions is becoming a core skill set for the industry. We talk through practical examples like offering financing, training teams to present rough order of magnitude estimates, using tools like Loom for better communication, and building a process that gives customers confidence before asking for their commitment. This conversation is less about tactics and more about mindset. The companies that embrace the shift toward proactive sales, better communication, and stronger client experience will be the ones that continue to win as the landscape evolves. Hope you enjoy. Chris Why You Should Listen [00:02:27] Why claim volumes and TPA lead flow are tightening and how insurance industry changes are forcing restoration companies to rethink their business model [00:04:49] How offering financing solutions can remove friction for customers and help companies close jobs that might otherwise disappear [00:07:10] What restoration companies can learn from retail contractors about selling, presenting estimates, and winning work in competitive environments [00:18:51] How better communication tools like Loom can dramatically improve customer trust and engagement during the sales and project process [00:23:39] Why the future of restoration will require teams that are skilled at relationships, persuasion, and customer experience rather than just task execution Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, we sit down with Johnny Gabe for a raw and deeply personal conversation about redemption, reinvention, and what real leadership transformation looks like over time. Johnny shares his journey from growing up in a violent environment in Philadelphia, surviving being shot at fourteen, and carrying that trauma into adulthood, to building multiple successful home service companies grounded in culture, accountability, and service. We unpack the early years of his construction and restoration businesses, the ceiling he kept hitting, and the pivotal decision to launch a 1-Tom Plumber franchise that changed the trajectory of his growth. Johnny opens up about nearly losing his marriage, battling crippling anxiety and panic attacks, and the hard internal work required to become a steadier husband, father, and leader. The conversation dives into culture meetings, mentorship inside the company, hiring for character over experience, and Johnny's long-term vision to build a trades-based training pipeline that gives young people a different path forward. This is not just a business growth story. It is a story about confronting your past, doing the work to change, and building something meaningful enough to impact the next generation. Hope you enjoy. Chris Why You Should Listen [00:05:54] How Johnny broke through the million-dollar ceiling in restoration and what finally changed when he embraced coaching and accountability [00:08:34] The plumbing catalyst story that exposed a massive opportunity gap and led to launching a One-Tom Plumber franchise [00:24:22] A raw look at battling severe anxiety, panic attacks, and nearly losing everything before rebuilding from the inside out [00:31:36] How surviving violence at fourteen shaped his early leadership style and the transformation that followed years later [00:45:20] Why culture meetings, mentorship, and hiring for character over experience are now the backbone of his company's explosive growth Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews. More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. ● Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST. Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it. Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle. See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
It's Thursday, and that means it's time to catch up on politics with The Times-Picayune/New Orleans Advocate's editorial director and columnist, Stephanie Grace. Today, she breaks down some of the satirical floats during Mardi Gras season, which krewes criticized the presidential administration, and which krewes defended it.Last year, some Louisiana residents experienced a scheduled blackout, and many of them blamed — perhaps unfairly — the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO). Later this year, MISO will conduct what's called a load pocket risk assessment. It's a look at Louisiana's electrical grid, its capabilities and inadequacies. Madelyn Smith, Louisiana program manager for the Southeastern Wind Coalition, a major promoter of MISO membership, explains what this means. Major Louisiana industries are placing multibillion-dollar bets on blue ammonia — a product made from fossil fuels and extra technology in order to capture planet-warming gases and store them underground. But despite promising major emissions cuts, a recent investigation by Floodlight found that similar carbon capture projects can still cause pollution and environmental damage. Ames Alexander, investigative reporter for Floodlight News, tells us more. —Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Bob Pavlovich. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We get production support from Garrett Pittman and our assistant producer, Aubry Procell.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!
Harav Yussie Zakutinsky Shlita
Every targeted abduction follows a cycle. Target selection. Surveillance. Planning. Deployment. The deployment is almost always the shortest phase. The surveillance — the watching, the pattern-building, the cataloging of vulnerabilities — is where the real crime takes shape.The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie reveals a sequence consistent with what the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit associates with planned abductions rather than impulsive crimes. Doorbell camera disconnected at 1:47 AM. A second camera detecting a person with no saved video at 2:12 AM. Pacemaker app losing connection at 2:28 AM. Every security system systematically neutralized. Floodlight destroyed. Blood confirmed as Nancy's DNA on the front porch. All belongings left inside.This episode breaks down how predators select targets through cold risk-benefit analysis — isolation, predictable routines, perceived vulnerability, security systems that look functional but aren't. We examine the insider threat pattern documented across hundreds of cases where perpetrators leverage someone with existing access to gather intelligence external surveillance cannot provide.Retired FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke then analyzes every forensic decision at the scene. Sheriff Nanos released it after one day, said it was "done," then admitted he "could have held off." Investigators returned four more times. A rooftop camera was missed for five days. Drone footage showed deputies probing a septic tank behind the property.Dreeke addresses the questions shaping this case: What does the systematic targeting of every camera suggest about the perpetrator's knowledge of the property? What does the septic tank search signal? Can the chain-of-custody breaks be recovered?The predator's greatest advantage has never been strength or speed. It's the fact that most people simply aren't paying attention.#NancyGuthrie #SavannahGuthrie #AttackCycle #RobinDreeke #FBI #TrueCrimeToday #PreAttackIndicators #ForensicEvidence #AbductionCase #SurveillanceDetectionJoin Our SubStack For AD-FREE ADVANCE EPISODES & EXTRAS!: https://hiddenkillers.substack.com/Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspodInstagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspodX Twitter https://x.com/TrueCrimePodListen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872This publication contains commentary and opinion based on publicly available information. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nothing published here should be taken as a statement of fact, health or legal advice.
Retired FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke breaks down every major forensic decision at Nancy Guthrie's home — from the scene being released after one day to a rooftop camera missed for five days to investigators searching a septic tank behind the property.Blood confirmed as Nancy's DNA on the front porch. Doorbell camera physically removed. Floodlight destroyed. All belongings left inside. Sheriff Nanos released the scene Monday, said it was "done" Tuesday, and later admitted he "could have held off." Investigators returned four more times. Crime scene tape went up and down. A Fox analyst said anyone could have tampered with evidence during the gaps. On Friday, agents found a camera on the roof that had been missed in every previous search. Drone footage later showed deputies probing a septic tank.Dreeke applies his FBI experience to the questions that will shape this case. What does the evidence pattern reveal about who committed this crime? What does the systematic targeting of every camera suggest about the perpetrator's knowledge of the property? What does the septic tank search signal about where the investigation is headed? And can the chain-of-custody breaks from the first week be recovered?This episode also examines the attack cycle that precedes targeted abductions. The surveillance phase. The target selection process. The insider threat pattern where perpetrators leverage someone with existing access to gather intelligence external surveillance cannot provide. The timeline at Nancy's property — cameras disabled in sequence, pacemaker disconnecting at 2:28 AM — is consistent with operational precision rather than impulsive crime.Robin Dreeke is a retired FBI Special Agent and former Chief of the FBI's Counterintelligence Behavioral Analysis Program.#NancyGuthrie #RobinDreeke #FBI #CrimeScene #HiddenKillersLive #ChainOfCustody #ForensicEvidence #SavannahGuthrie #TucsonArizona #TrueCrimeJoin Our SubStack For AD-FREE ADVANCE EPISODES & EXTRAS!: https://hiddenkillers.substack.com/Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspodInstagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspodX Twitter https://x.com/TrueCrimePodListen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872This publication contains commentary and opinion based on publicly available information. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nothing published here should be taken as a statement of fact, health or legal advice.
In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, Brandon and I sit down with Andrew Dobson, owner of ServPro Team Dobson, one of the largest ServPro operators in the country with nineteen licenses across multiple markets. Andrew shares the full origin story of how he grew up in a family cleaning business, left a creative path that once pointed toward Pixar, and slowly built a restoration operation grounded in process, precision, and relentless attention to detail. We dig into Andrew's partnership with his father, what it takes to successfully merge family businesses, and how clearly defined roles, operating agreements, and trust allowed them to scale without breaking the relationship. Andrew unpacks his obsession with design and user experience, explaining how lessons from web design, baseball, and usability testing shaped everything from warehouse layout to truck setups to customer-facing processes. The conversation goes deep into leadership development, soft skills, and why technical excellence alone is not enough to win in restoration. Andrew shares hard-earned lessons about first impressions, customer perception, sales and operations alignment, and the mistake he made trying to hire leaders without enough industry depth. We also explore his newest venture, Certified Restoration Training, and his mission to raise the standard of professionalism across the industry through technical training and soft skills education. This episode is packed with practical insight for owners trying to scale, leaders developing teams, and anyone who believes that inches add up to miles when it comes to building a great company. Hope you enjoy. Chris Why You Should Listen [00:04:17] How Andrew went from a family cleaning business and a near-career in animation to building one of the largest ServPro teams in the country [00:10:19] What it really takes to successfully partner with family, including operating agreements, role clarity, and navigating shared risk [00:17:54] How an obsession with process, usability, and design transformed warehouses, trucks, and field execution into a competitive advantage [00:26:21] A powerful lesson on first impressions, soft skills, and why customer perception matters more than effort or intent [00:48:17] Why hiring professional managers without deep industry understanding became a leadership mistake, and what Andrew learned about developing true operators and leaders Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
Spotlight vs Floodlight: Mastering Focus as an Optometry Practice Owner | E290Highlights from this episode:Spotlight vs Floodlight: Mastering Focus as an Optometry Practice Owner (00:46)Closing Thought: The Blind Man's StickIn this week's episode, we are breaking down why your attention is the most valuable resource you have as a practice owner and how learning to control it can transform your patient care, your team culture, and your burnout level. I share what I've learned about using “spotlight” focus in the exam lane, “floodlight” awareness for your staff and culture, and why living in constant juggling mode will wear you out fast. This shift in how I manage my time and focus has helped us maintain revenue with fewer exams and create a healthier, more sustainable practice. If you feel scattered, reactive, or burned out, this episode will challenge you to take back control of where your energy really goes.Join in the conversation and subscribe to the podcast to keep up with all the great content coming down the pipe! For exclusive content, be sure to register your email on our website and I will be sending out newsletters and other great bonuses as we go. I love getting feedback, questions, suggestions, etc. so contact me atwww.theultimateod.com, on social media (click here for ->YouTube,Twitter,Instagram,Facebook) OR, just shoot me an email at drlillie@theultimateod.com and I'd be happy to chat!
In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, Brandon and I dig into a simple but surprisingly powerful framework that has been shaping how we think about performance, leadership, and execution. We unpack the equation of focus, faith, and effort, and why missing any one of those variables quietly sabotages outcomes in business, leadership, and personal growth. We explore how leaders often overestimate readiness, underestimate cost, or lose confidence midstream, and how each of those breakdowns shows up differently inside teams. From imposter syndrome and emotional decision-making to role misalignment and unrealistic expectations, this conversation offers a practical lens for diagnosing why plans stall and people struggle. This episode is less about motivation and more about clarity. It is a tool for slowing down, asking better questions, and helping yourself and your team understand what is truly required to win before committing to the outcome. Hope you enjoy. Chris Why You Should Listen [00:01:24] A simple three-part equation that explains why capable people still fail to execute [00:04:33] How confidence, focus, and effort must work together and why overestimating any one of them breaks the outcome [00:08:07] Why leaders often fail to count the true cost of success and how that creates burnout, frustration, and stalled growth [00:11:01] How misalignment shows up in hiring, promotions, and role expectations when effort does not match responsibility [00:14:33] A practical coaching framework leaders can use to diagnose performance issues without defaulting to emotion or blame Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, Brandon and I wrestle with one of the most difficult leadership disciplines to master: staying emotionally grounded when everything around you feels chaotic. We talk candidly about the emotional whiplash of entrepreneurship, how quickly even the best intentions and plans can get derailed by fires, and why reactivity quietly destroys momentum inside growing companies. Brandon shares his commitment to becoming a more stoic, stabilizing force for his teams - not by ignoring problems, but by slowing down, asking better questions, and anchoring decisions to a clear plan instead of emotion. We unpack how leaders unintentionally drag their teams through emotional cycles, why delayed gratification makes strategic work so hard to stick with, and how confidence is built by returning to the plan when pressure rises. This conversation is practical, uncomfortable, and deeply relatable for anyone leading people, managing clients, or trying to grow a business without burning themselves - or their team - to the ground. Hope you enjoy. Chris Why You Should Listen [00:02:17] Why emotional volatility - not lack of intelligence or effort - derails more leaders than bad strategy [00:04:53] How even well-thought-out plans collapse when leaders default to reaction instead of discipline [00:07:20] Why delayed gratification is one of the hardest skills in entrepreneurship - and how to stay committed long enough to see results [00:15:25] How slowing down, asking better questions, and refusing to emotionally “side up” can defuse client and team chaos [00:21:13] Why being a calm, steady presence builds trust, confidence, and long-term momentum inside your organization Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, Brandon and I have one of our most personal and vulnerable conversations to date. We step into a topic that's often misunderstood, stigmatized, or avoided altogether - alternative medicine and the role psilocybin has played in my own mental, emotional, and relational health. I share my background growing up in a deeply religious environment, my initial skepticism, and the long road that led me to explore psilocybin in a clinical, intentional setting. We talk openly about emotional reactivity, anxiety, ADD, anger, self-criticism, and the hidden cost many high-performing leaders carry as they chase growth, success, and legacy. This isn't about escapism or chasing an experience - it's about healing, stability, and building emotional margin so we can show up better for our families, our teams, and ourselves. This conversation isn't prescriptive or promotional. It's an honest exploration of curiosity, research, personal experience, and the growing body of evidence showing how some leaders are finding lasting change by addressing the battle between their ears - not just their to-do lists. Hope you enjoy, Chris Why You Should Listen: [00:02:44] Why emotional stability - not motivation or discipline - may be the missing piece for leaders stuck in anxiety, anger, or burnout [00:06:45] How psilocybin therapy moved from military PTSD research into the lives of high-performing professionals seeking lasting mental health [00:11:24] What a single therapeutic experience can reveal about self-criticism, reactivity, and the hidden narratives shaping your behavior [00:22:00] How increased emotional margin can transform relationships with spouses, kids, and teams, not just productivity [00:31:37] Why intention, environment, and facilitation matter, and how misuse versus medicine creates radically different outcomes Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
Corn, extreme heat and the military, and skiing are all subjects featured on Floodlight, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom that investigates the corporations and political interests stalling climate action. On today's show, host Douglas Haynes speaks with Dee J. Hall, an award-winning Wisconsin journalist and Editor in Chief of Floodlight. Hall says that her work at Floodlight strives to be “locally relevant and nationally resonant.” They talk about Floodlight’s mission, impact, and recent notable stories, including the essay, “Corn's clean-energy promise is clashing with its climate footprint.” Currently 40% of corn grown in the US goes to producing ethanol for fuel. But researchers are finding that the continuous growth of corn for fuel has caused an explosion of nitrous oxide emissions in the upper Midwest that comes from the continuous application of nitrogen fertilizer. Hall says “we've traded one issue (carbon) for another (nitrogen).” Another Floodlight story on climate change's impact on winter activities. 2025 was the third hottest year on record and the effect is being felt in people's daily lives, including during ski season. In the next 25 years, projections suggest that ski seasons could shrink by another 3 months. Hall also speaks to the state of climate journalism today and the challenges of doing climate journalism during the second Trump administration. She says the administration often doesn't respond to requests for comment, or when they do, their responses are disrespectful. They also discuss the importance of “official” perspectives, the distinction between “objectivity” and “fairness,” and how the rise of non-profit newsrooms is changing the face of journalism. Dee J. Hall is the Editor-in-Chief of Floodlight. Before joining Floodlight, Dee was the managing editor of Wisconsin Watch, a nonprofit investigative news outlet based in Madison and Milwaukee that she co-founded with her husband, Andy. In her more than 40 years in journalism, Dee has won more than three dozen state, regional and national awards for her reporting. During her eight years as Wisconsin Watch’s managing editor, Dee edited and reported more than 70 award-winning projects. Dee previously reported for the Wisconsin State Journal and the Arizona Republic. Featured image of the Granite Peak Ski area in Wisconsin via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0). Did you enjoy this story? Your funding makes great, local journalism like this possible. Donate hereThe post Climate Journalism Thrives In Nonprofit Newsrooms appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.
In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, Brandon and I dig into one of the most overlooked drivers of growth in service businesses: the client experience. Sparked by a frustrating real-world story, we unpack how even well-intentioned teams can slowly erode trust through poor communication, missed expectations, and a lack of follow-through - and why those failures compound over time. We talk candidly about how competition in restoration and home services is changing, why today's customers are more informed and more skeptical than ever, and how growth, PE-backed operators, and higher deductibles are raising the bar for professionalism across the industry. From engineering a client experience instead of relying on heroics, to setting expectations early, owning the hard parts of the process, and designing workflows that protect trust, this episode is a practical reminder that growth doesn't come from doing more work - it comes from doing the work better. If you're a business owner or leader trying to scale without sacrificing reputation, referrals, or sanity, this conversation is a must-listen. Hope you enjoy. Chris Why You Should Listen [00:02:45] How a single bad customer experience exposed the quiet ways service quality erodes - even inside well-run companies [00:06:09] Why growth, higher deductibles, and more sophisticated competitors are forcing service businesses to rethink how they win and retain clients [00:09:45] How poor communication and unmanaged expectations turn customers into project managers - and destroy trust in the process [00:18:08] Why engineering a client experience beats relying on individual heroics — and how workflows protect both customers and teams [00:29:27] How setting expectations early, telling clients the hard truths, and embracing friction can actually become your biggest competitive advantage Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, Brandon and I sit down for a raw, unfiltered look at the last 60 days - the travel, the pressure, the wins we haven't slowed down to celebrate, and the realities of running two fast-moving companies at the same time. We talk about what it feels like when your business hits a streak of negative momentum, how long it takes to turn the ship, and why even small signs of stabilization matter more than you think. We get into the personal side, too - the exhaustion of constant context-shifting, how hard it's been to hold routines together, and what we're learning about rest, recovery, and leadership when everything speeds up at once. From supporting two teams across time zones, to protecting focus, to the conversations that are shaping our 2026 planning, this is a behind-the-scenes look at the real rhythms of entrepreneurship. Hope you enjoy. Chris Why You Should Listen [00:01:20] What the last 60 days looked like inside two growing companies - and how to recognize when negative momentum starts, stops, and finally stabilizes [00:03:49] Why celebrating wins matters (even when you're exhausted) and how missing those moments creates long-term burnout for founders and teams [00:07:26] The truth about routines under pressure - how travel, growth, and leadership demands quietly erode the habits that keep you grounded [00:24:13] How “context shifting” destroys focus, drains leaders, and impacts entire organizations - and why reducing it may be the key to a healthier 2026 [00:38:47] A candid look at stress, mental resets, and the tools leaders are turning to - from saunas to silence to psychedelic therapy Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, Brandon and I sit down with Claire Carreras, a musician, comedian, fashion entrepreneur, and now co-owner of 1-Tom Plumber Austin to unpack one of the most unexpected and compelling career journeys we've ever featured. Claire opens up about a childhood marked by constant relocation across multiple countries, how creativity and performance became her anchor, and how those early experiences shaped the grit and resourcefulness she now brings to building service businesses. We explore the rise and collapse of her fashion brands, the financial devastation of COVID, and what it took to rebuild her life from scratch in a new country. Claire shares the mindset shifts that helped her scale restoration and plumbing operations, the leadership lessons she brought from stages and tour vans, and her refreshingly honest view on managing people, burnout, and generational differences inside a 24/7 business. If you're drawn to real entrepreneurial stories, the raw ones, with bruises, resilience, and reinvention; this conversation is worth every minute. Hope you enjoy. Chris Why You Should Listen... [00:05:15] How a turbulent childhood, constant relocation, and exposure to wildly different cultures forged Claire's resilience and leadership instincts [00:13:03] How acting, stand-up comedy, and 15 years of international touring built the confidence, grit, and communication skills she now uses to scale home-service companies [00:20:27] What three failed fashion businesses taught her about timing, financial risk, market collapse, and how to recover when everything falls apart [00:28:14] Why she jumped into One-Tom Plumber after COVID wiped out her income, and how she built a 5-truck operation in months by leaning into clarity, systems, and urgency [00:45:06] How Claire motivates teams through uncertainty, connects personally without lowering standards, and navigates generational differences around pressure and mental health Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
Economic and social science research suggests climate risks are beginning to inform where people choose to live, raise families, and invest, foreshadowing the decline of a near 75-year trend of domestic migration to the Southern U.S. This is the focus of urban planner and trusted climate adaptation scholar Jesse M. Keenan's new book, North: The Future of Post-Climate America. As the costs of environmental risks to homes, communities and livelihoods become insupportable in the most vulnerable areas of the country, many who are able will gravitate to regions where life can be relatively stable and secure. North is a comprehensive assessment of trendlines and evidence that suggest how this migration will occur—and how leaders can ensure equity and continuity as American populations shift. Drawing on his extensive background in climate adaptation research, Keenan offers strategies for locations that will be sending people and those that will receive them. He concludes North with a fictional description of what America could look like near the end of this century, when many climate impacts are expected to mature. In this episode, Ten Across founder Duke Reiter and author Jesse Keenan discuss implications for the Ten Across geography, which is among the most climate-vulnerable regions in the country. Relevant Articles and Resources North: The Future of Post-Climate America “Zillow deletes climate risk data from listings after complaints it harms sales” (The Guardian, December 2025) “America's Home Insurance Affordability Crunch: See What's Happening Near You.” (The New York Times, November 2025) “As millions face climate relocation, the nation's first attempt sparks warnings and regret” (Floodlight, September 2025) “Snow Belt to Sun Belt Migration: End of an Era?” (Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, July 2024) “Climate-proof Duluth? Why the city is attracting ‘climate migrants'” (MPR News, October 2021)“Want to Escape Global Warming? These Cities Promise Cool Relief” (The New York Times, April 2019) “The Rise of the Sunbelt” (Edward L. Glaeser and Kristina Tobio, May 2007) Relevant Ten Across Conversations Podcasts How the 10X Region Can Plan for Climate Migration with Abrahm Lustgarten CreditsHost: Duke ReiterProducer and editor: Taylor GriffithMusic by: Pearce Roswell, Out To The World, Johan GlössnerResearch and support provided by: Kate Carefoot, Rae Ulrich, and Sabine Butler About our guestJesse M. Keenan is the Favrot II Associate Professor of Sustainable Real Estate and Urban Planning and Director of the Center on Climate Change and Urbanism at the School of Architecture and Built Environment at Tulane University. His research spans design, engineering, finance, and policy, with service to U.S. government agencies, international organizations, and major corporations. Widely published and cited, Jesse's work has shaped climate policy, financial regulation, and concepts like climate gentrification. He is the author of North: The Future of Post-Climate America, which is available in bookstores on December 17.
In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, I sit down with Nilo Quiroz and John Villon to unpack their unlikely path from oil-and-gas engineers to running one of the fastest-growing PuroClean and 1-Tom Plumber operations in the country. We get into how early failures shaped their mindset, why putting ego aside became the key to their partnership, and how saying yes—long before they felt ready—helped them accelerate past the typical startup grind. From feeding thousands of hurricane responders to tearing out their first flooded home with support from the franchise network, their journey is a masterclass in hustle, humility, and learning fast. Hope you enjoy. Chris Why You Should Listen [00:07:36] How two radically different personalities learned to set ego aside and build a partnership that actually works under pressure [00:18:36] Why saying “yes” to unfamiliar work (and figuring it out later) became their biggest accelerator in the early years [00:24:45] What their first hurricane deployment taught them about learning fast, asking for help, and leveraging a franchise network [00:33:00] How diversification—contents, reconstruction, bio, plumbing—kept their business alive when mitigation slowed down [00:43:45] Why they see business as a marathon, not a sprint, and how that mindset helped them survive failures and grow multiple companies Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
The Holy Spirit shows us our need for Christ by shining Christ's light into our lives.
In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, Brandon and I sit down with Alejandro to unpack what ten years inside one of the toughest jiu jitsu cultures in the country can teach us about leadership, loyalty, and personal growth. We dig into how a broken season in his life led him to a mentor who changed everything, why the Daisy Fresh laundromat became a proving ground for world class competitors, and how the same principles that shape great fighters also shape great teams. Hope you enjoy Chris Why You Should Listen [00:02:36] How one mentor's belief and availability created lifelong loyalty and a culture people wanted to be part of [00:11:03] What living and training in an old laundromat taught fighters about discipline, discomfort, and eliminating excuses [00:21:00] The long, unglamorous process behind becoming a world class grappler and why consistency beats talent over time [00:25:39] How wrestling and jiu jitsu build confidence, emotional control, and character in kids and adults alike [00:36:05] How Alejandro revived a dead high school program by applying the same leadership principles that shaped him on the mat Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, Brandon and I dive into what Netflix got right about radical candor and how restoration leaders can use it to build healthier, faster-growing teams. We pull insights from No Rules Rules, share how we're applying those same principles inside FP Restoration, and talk about how fear of feedback quietly kills trust, growth, and leadership potential. hope you enjoy - Chris Why You Should Listen [00:03:40] How Netflix built a culture of radical candor and why it became a competitive edge [00:10:00] What happens when leaders reward truth instead of politics [00:18:00] How we're using radical candor inside FP Restoration to drive real growth [00:27:00] Creating safety and structure so your team can speak up with honesty [00:38:00] Why someone has to go first if you want a culture built on trust Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
Big News from Floodlight Consulting Group!The team is stepping into a brand-new chapter — and we're bringing you along for the journey. In this episode, we're sharing some major updates from Floodlight Consulting Group!What does this mean for Floodlight? What's next for the Head Heart & Boots podcast? And how do we find balance in a season of change?Tune in as Brandon Reece and Chris Nordyke break down the “why” behind this move, what it means for their community, and how they're thinking about leadership, growth, and alignment in this next season.
Big News from Floodlight Consulting Group!The team is stepping into a brand-new chapter — and we're bringing you along for the journey. In this episode, we're sharing some major updates from Floodlight Consulting Group!What does this mean for Floodlight? What's next for the Head Heart & Boots podcast? And how do we find balance in a season of change?Tune in as Brandon Reece and Chris Nordyke break down the “why” behind this move, what it means for their community, and how they're thinking about leadership, growth, and alignment in this next season.
I'll be real. Finance used to feel like the boring side of business. But the deeper we've gone, the more I've realized the numbers tell the story. In this one, Chris and I sit down with Jim Emerich of Backbone CFO to talk about how to turn financial chaos into clarity, and clarity into growth. Jim breaks down what most owners get wrong about money, how to build incentive comp that actually pays, and why mastering cash flow is the key to scaling without stress. Thanks for Listening, Brandon Key Takeaways [00:01:00] Why finance isn't boring, it's your growth engine [00:06:00] Ambition vs. contentment, the mindset that keeps you sane [00:10:45] Incentive comp that motivates and pays out [00:17:30] Open-book management and the power of transparency [00:25:40] Avoiding the owner's draw trap [00:32:00] Lifestyle business vs. enterprise value [00:38:50] Pricing, margins, and funding real growth [00:45:10] Building a business banks and buyers love [00:52:00] Final gut check, are you the constraint Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
In this episode of Restoration Pros Unplugged, host Clinton James (CMO, Water Restoration Marketing) sits down with Chris Nordyke, President & Co-Owner of Floodlight Consulting Group, to unpack the sales and marketing KPIs that separate thriving restoration companies from those just getting by.Pulled from a powerful live session hosted by WRM and Floodlight, this episode breaks down how to truly “know your numbers” and how tracking the right ones can help you scale smarter, convert more leads, and win more profitable jobs.You'll discover:✅ The top KPIs that drive predictable growth and profitability✅ How to align sales and marketing for better lead conversion✅ The biggest lead management mistakes restoration owners make (and how to fix them)✅ Why tracking performance builds accountability across your entire team✅ Real-world examples of companies using data to scale faster and smarterIf you've ever wondered which numbers actually matter when it comes to growing your restoration business, this episode will give you the clarity and direction you need to take your next leap.Featuring:Clinton James – CMO, Water Restoration MarketingChris Nordyke – President & Co-Owner, Floodlight Consulting Group
I'm Chris, and in this episode Brandon and I talk about what year-end planning really looks like when you stop chasing perfect dashboards and start leading with purpose. We unpack what worked for Floodlight this year, how we intentionally ran lean to leap ahead, and why your team's buy-in depends on more than KPIs. What We Cover [00:01:12] Planning Q4 like an investor and how we turned red months into green growth [00:05:11] Why most leaders undervalue strategic planning and treat it like a checklist [00:08:57] Mission before metrics and how to build KPIs that actually drive vision [00:14:25] The “100 Point Week” system for sales reps and why simple wins [00:20:06] How C-suite dashboards actually work with 3 to 4 key metrics [00:31:38] Aligning sales and operations around customer experience, not just numbers [00:53:36] Tommy Mello's story about building a dream big enough for others to fit inside it Key Takeaways Plan on purpose, not by habit. Use fewer, clearer KPIs. Simplify tracking so reps can sell, not babysit CRMs. Make your mission about people, not profit. Audit your own leadership because culture is the real KPI. If you're leading a restoration or home-service company and planning for next year, this episode is your field guide for making 2026 different. Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
In this episode, Brandon and I wrestle with a tough reality: what happens when disagreement turns into dehumanization, and free speech no longer feels safe? I share how one of my posts spiraled into thousands of views and heated comments, leaving me questioning how we've arrived at a place where words can provoke violence, and why leaders often stay silent. Brandon brings a veteran's perspective on what's at stake when we forget the sacrifice that secured our ability to speak freely. This isn't about politics-it's about leadership, humanity, and protecting the freedom to have hard conversations. -Chris Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
In this one, Chris and I talk fitness, sleep, supplements, and how to keep your body in the game while leading in the restoration industry. Late-night emergency calls, unpredictable schedules, and high-stress jobs can wreck your health if you don't have a plan. We share how morning training, sleep tech, diet balance, and smart supplementation keep us sharp so we can show up strong for our teams and clients. We even dig into creatine for brain energy and the truth about TRT vs. enclomiphene. Thanks for listening, Brandon Key Takeaways [00:04:30] Morning training: 4:15 a.m. alarm = momentum and accountability. [00:06:30] Injury hacks: Train smart with machines/isolation to stay strong under stress. [00:13:50] Creatine boost: 5g for muscle, 15g supports brain energy—huge for long shifts. [00:18:30] Sleep tech: Pod covers, less caffeine/screens, smarter wake-ups for recovery. [00:26:50] Diet freedom: 1g protein/lb, meat + fruit, and guilt-free “when in Rome” meals. [00:34:20] Hormones: Low T? Get labs. Options from enclomiphene to TRT explained. [00:45:30] Energy hack: Exogenous ketones give clean focus without the crash Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
Brandon and I get real about extreme ownership in leadership - not theory, but the daily behaviors that drive results. We cover how to move a struggling team member without micromanaging, why cadence beats intention, and how sales management tools like PDI and golden hours create momentum. If you lead in restoration, construction, or home services, this is your playbook for execution. WHY YOU SHOULD LISTEN: [00:01:52] Extreme ownership - own outcomes, not just standards [00:04:44] Check-ins that work - midweek nudges and fast feedback loops [00:07:15] What you walk past - quick correction prevents drift [00:10:23] Cadence - EOS rhythms plus mid-cycle verification [00:12:26] Sales example - coach golden hours and first-rep awkwardness [00:16:58] PDI - daily interaction builds momentum and confidence [00:21:09] Force multipliers - promote leaders and give bandwidth to lead hope you enjoy, Chris Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
What's up, friends! This week Brandon and I are coming to you from our brand-new HHB studio: vaulted ceilings, windows to the world, and a backdrop so good it deserves a tattoo. And for our first show in this space, we went big. We sat down with David Gonzalez and Mark Mushlitz from K4K Construction, guys who are pioneering 3D printed concrete homes. Yes, literally printing houses. This isn't sci-fi anymore. It's happening now, and it has massive implications for construction, restoration, and how we think about the homes we live in. Thanks for listening, Chris Why You Should Listen: [00:04:41] 3D Printed Homes Explained – How concrete is layered to build faster, stronger walls. [00:06:56] Early Adoption – Texas leads the way with hundreds of 3D printed homes. [00:09:03] Economics – High upfront costs, but major labor and waste savings. [00:13:10] Speed – Walls in days, not months. [00:15:01] Commercial Use – Walmart already testing large-scale builds. [00:20:08] Design Freedom – Curves, arcs, and finishes beyond square boxes. [00:23:44] Durability – Fire, water, and pest resistance with better insulation. [00:32:04] Restoration Impact – Resilient rebuilds that ease client trauma. [00:39:16] AI + 3D Printing – Smarter programming, faster adoption. [00:43:36] Next Generation – Why trades and future builders should pay attention now. Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
AI isn't just hype, it's already changing how service companies capture leads, close deals, and keep customers happy. In this episode, Chris and Brandon dive into the most practical, boots-on-the-ground conversation we've ever had about AI for the trades. Our guest, Nick D'Urbano, CRO and co-founder of Distance, brings a wild career path, from Deloitte M&A to running growth for Victoria's Secret overseas, to his mission of helping restoration, plumbing, and HVAC companies stop letting revenue slip through the cracks Why you should listen: [00:03:37] Nick's career path and how e-commerce growth strategies translate perfectly into service industries. [00:10:19] Why your call intake process is probably leaking revenue—and how to fix it before spending more on marketing. [00:16:30] The cost of missed calls, after-hours gaps, and the “storm surge” scenario where AI can save six-figure jobs. [00:23:35] Offensive vs. defensive AI strategies—when to focus on lead capture vs. protecting the leads you've already paid for. [00:33:37] How far AI voice has come—and why it's no longer the clunky, robotic call bot you're picturing. [00:44:21] Using AI across different channels (voice, SMS, chat) to meet customers where they're at—in real time. [00:50:51] The opportunity to use AI for proactive customer check-ins to prevent small frustrations from turning into slow-pay invoices. [01:01:47] The three main ways Distance helps companies capture more leads and book more jobs. Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
The Holy Spirit shows us our need for Christ by shining Christ's light into our lives.
If you're mid-career and wondering why the grind feels heavier, or you're trying to make peace with a shift in your role - this one's for you. I finally understood what was really happening in my brain. That realization gave me clarity, and confidence. [00:05:27] Crystallized vs. fluid intelligence: Once you know which one you're operating from, you stop competing with 25-year-olds. [00:07:02] The “definition of done” lens changed how I lead younger, faster thinkers, and freed up my bandwidth. [00:11:27] John Eldredge's 6 stages of manhood helped me figure out what stage I skipped... and how I went back to reclaim it. [00:22:05] I no longer need the applause. That's when I realized it's time to share the stage, not dominate it. [00:44:18] -Thanks for listening, Chris and Brandon Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.
For episode 266, Amishi Jha returns to the Metta Hour for our ongoing Anxiety Series.In this series, Sharon is speaking with Mental Health experts, providers and different researchers for tools to work with anxiety in increasingly challenging times. This is the sixth episode in the series.Amishi is Director of Contemplative Neuroscience and Professor of Psychology at the University of Miami. She studies the brain's attention system and the effects of mindfulness training on resilience and performance in high-demand professions, including the military, emergency services, and medicine. Her research has been supported by the Dept. of Defense and featured by TED, NATO, the World Economic Forum, The New York Times, and NPR. She led the first large-scale study of mindfulness training with active-duty service members. She is the author of the national bestseller Peak Mind and creator of the Pushups for the Mind app.In this episode, Amishi and Sharon speak about:• Mindfulness in mental health• Cognitive resilience• Eustress and how it serves us• Mismatch between capacity and challenge • Attention as resilience• Flashlight attention for clarification & focus• Floodlight attention for situation awareness • Executive Functioning• How to begin attention training• Myths about stress and anxiety• The participatory nature of the brain• The attentional decline of burnout• Compassion Fatigue• Cognitive versus emotional empathy• Amishi's new app, Pushups for the Mind• The minimum effective dose of meditation To learn more about Amishi's work, you can visit her website right here and download her new app right here. Please note that the Pushups for the Mind app is free for all U.S. active service military members.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.