The Business Builder Way

In this episode of the Business Builder Way, I sat down with Jeff Bowers, owner of Bowers Home Improvement and Liberty Hill Investment Properties in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania. Jeff didn't start out looking to build a business empire. He started out cleaning up job sites for his dad. But over time, Jeff grew into the work. And when his life nearly fell apart from addiction, he made a decision that changed everything: he got sober. This conversation is raw and real. Jeff shares what it was like growing up in the coal region, raised by a single dad who got clean himself in 1990 and started a business from scratch. Jeff joined him straight out of high school. For 25 years, they worked side by side. Then, like his father before him, Jeff hit rock bottom. He found his way into recovery. And along the way, he found new energy for the business, his family, and his community. Today, Jeff runs a crew with his son by his side. He also manages 28 rental units, serves as president of the Chamber, and still finds time to coach baseball. When a tornado tore through Mahanoy City, Jeff and his team stepped up—and his customers stepped back, giving him the space to lead his community. Timestamps 00:00 – 05:18 - Jeff shares how getting clean reshaped his life and business. 05:19 – 20:23 - Jeff reflects on joining the business as a teenager, working beside his dad for decades, and the quiet strength he found after his father passed 20:24 – 34:45 - Jeff shares how getting sober led to rebranding, rebuilding, and real growth in the business. 34:46 – 40:50 - When a tornado struck Mahanoy City, Jeff stepped up for his town. His customers gave him room to lead, and the community felt the impact. Learn more about Jeff and Bowers Home Improvement: https://www.facebook.com/BowersHomeImprovements 🎧 Listen to the Business Builder Way Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-builder-way/id1651043424

In this episode of the Business Builder Way, I sat down with Ed O'Sullivan, a business broker and former fireplace shop owner from Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Ed and his wife didn't set out to become brokers. They started by buying a business themselves. It wasn't glamorous. But it had good bones. Over the past ten years, they have polished it. Added systems. Built a team. Expanded the product line. And then, when it was thriving, they sold it. Now, Ed helps other business owners do the same. He shared what makes a business truly sellable. And what gets in the way. We talked about cleaning up the books. Building a business that doesn't rely on the owner. Creating documented processes. And how a few changes can sometimes add hundreds of thousands of dollars to a sale. Ed also told the truth. About the mistakes he made. About what he didn't know. And how he's now helping others avoid those same traps. If you've ever wondered what it takes to exit well, or just want to build a stronger business, this is one to sit with. Timestamps 00:00 – 00:16 - Business is about relationships: trust must be earned by investing in clients. 00:16 – 01:45 - Meet Ed O'Sullivan. He and his wife went from medical sales to buying a small fireplace shop, growing it over a decade, and selling it for a strong return. 01:45 – 02:31 - After selling, they realised they loved the process, so they started helping other owners do the same. 27:56 – 33:07 - Most businesses don't sell. Clean books and less owner dependency add value. Messy financials and risky contracts scare buyers and banks. 41:13 – 44:42 - One business added $800K in value by lowering risk. Ed's advice: build a business someone wants to buy, not just one you're ready to leave. Learn more about Ed and VR Brokers: https://www.vrbusinessbrokers.com/ 🎧 Listen to the Business Builder Way Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-builder-way/id1651043424

Paul Cantarella is a fourth-generation mason who's built more than buildings—he's built a resilient business and a loyal team. In this candid conversation, Paul shares leadership lessons forged through growth, setbacks, and personal loss. From splitting off the family business in 2003, to navigating a safety crisis, to leading with heart after tragedy—this episode is full of insight for business owners who want to build something that lasts. Timestamps: 0:00 – People first: "You're nothing without your people" 1:34 – Starting fresh: Lessons from splitting off a family business 10:28 – Stepping into full leadership after loss 16:10 – Turning a workplace accident into a safety culture 42:05 – Planning for growth and succession with the right people Learn more about Paul and his business: https://cantarellamasonry.com/ 🎧 Listen to the Business Builder Way Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-builder-way/id1651043424

In this episode of the Business Builder Way, I talk with Mark Burns, Executive Director of the Coconut Grove Business Improvement District in Miami. Mark shares how small businesses can thrive by showing up for their community—whether that's joining the chamber of commerce, giving a little back through local events, or simply building stronger relationships with neighbors. We also talk about the power of business improvement districts, why community partnerships matter, and how giving first creates momentum you can't buy. If you've ever wondered whether local involvement is worth it for your business, this conversation will give you some perspective. It's a Good Day. Watch the full episode and think about how you're showing up for your community. Timestamps 00:00 – Why supporting your community grows your business 00:50 – Meet Mark Burns and Coconut Grove BID 06:52 – How business improvement districts help local businesses 17:00 – Marketing, events, and the power of showing up 23:56 – The businesses that thrive are the ones that give first Learn more about Mark and Coconut Grove: https://coconutgrove.com/ 🎧 Listen to the Business Builder Way Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-builder-way/id1651043424

In this episode of Business Builder Way, I sit down with Ryan Englin—a teacher, entrepreneur, and former marketing guy turned hiring expert—who helps small businesses stop hiring the wrong people and start building teams that stay. Ryan shares how growing up with a father who could do everything—but was always on call—inspired him to build a business that gave him time, not just income. We dive deep into the real reasons most contractors and service businesses struggle with hiring. Spoiler: it's not a lead problem. It's a people problem—a retention problem. If you've ever said, "No one wants to work anymore," or, "I just can't find good people," this episode will challenge and encourage you. We talk about: - How to hire great employees in the trades - Why most companies get recruiting wrong - The cost of turnover - What it really takes to become a place worth working for Whether you run a home service company, a manufacturing shop, or a small business that depends on good people—this conversation will hit home. Learn more about Ryan's Core Fit Hiring System: https://www.linkedin.com/company/corematters Join a future virtual campfire with Ryan and other builders: Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome, opening story, and why time matters more than money 07:15 – Growing up in a manufacturing shop and the early spark of entrepreneurship 15:40 – The marketing-to-hiring pivot: "Turn off the ads. I need people." 23:20 – Why most companies don't have a hiring problem—they have a retention problem 30:00 – Checking your retention: W2s issued vs. employees retained 38:45 – The Core Fit seven-phase system explained 47:10 – Hiring like fly fishing: learn it yourself or bring a guide

What happens when a business builder steps back and lets others lead? In this episode, I talk with Natalie Hodak, President at Legacy Planning, about how letting go of trying to do it all—and focusing on her own best contribution—helped her and her team grow. Natalie shares her journey from trading to financial planning, and finally to her role as a leader and integrator who makes sure the wheels keep turning. We talk about how she found her "highest and best use," what it takes to build trust, and how she keeps learning and growing alongside her team. If you've ever felt like you're carrying too much on your own, this is an episode you'll want to watch. Build a great business. Live a good life. Be strong. Serve others. Find joy. I'm grateful. Learn more about Natalie here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-hodak-5a09b072 Join us at Business Builder Camp: https://businessbuildercamp.com/ Timestamps 00:00 Natalie's "highest and best use" and why letting go matters 06:00 How Natalie found her path from trading to leadership 13:00 Building trust and implementing systems 21:00 The importance of learning from peers and mentors 32:00 Advice for business owners on spotting and growing talent Go get 'em. Lots of love, friends.

Natalie Alfaro didn't plan to open a business. She was driving to work one day in Schuylkill Haven, passing a little storefront that quietly called to her. For weeks she looked, hesitated, told herself she wasn't ready. But one day, she pulled over. A few months later, she opened Peaceful Healing Massage and Bodywork. In this conversation, Natalie shares the full arc—how she got started, the deep connection she builds with clients, what COVID taught her, and the kind of teammate she's still hoping to find. We talk about divine timing, learning to listen, and what it really means to build a business you'd want to walk into yourself. This episode is for anyone who's ever stood at the edge of something new and wondered, "Could I really do this?" Natalie is proof that yes, you can. And that creating something beautiful doesn't have to start with a master plan. It starts with presence. With paying attention. With walking through the door. I'm grateful. Learn more about Natalie's business here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093436982820 Join us at Business Builder Camp: https://businessbuildercamp.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 Natalie's first Zoom call and the power of trying new things 05:00 How Peaceful Healing began 10:00 Creating an experience clients want to return to 20:00 Building a business through divine timing 35:00 What it means to grow without rushing

In this episode of The Business Builder Way, Wayne Herring sits down with Chelsea Cornelius, co-founder of Skinterest Skincare Salon, for an honest conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, and staying grounded through seasons of growth and challenge. Chelsea shares her journey of building a successful service-based business, navigating the emotional weight of burnout, and learning how to rebuild both her brand and her mindset with intention. From rethinking leadership to honoring her values in the midst of change, Chelsea opens up about the realities of running a business that aligns with your life—not competes with it. Whether you're in the thick of growing your team, restructuring your business, or just trying to lead more authentically, this episode will resonate deeply. 🎧 Tune in to learn: How to recognize and respond to burnout What it looks like to lead with values, not just goals The process of rebuilding your business with clarity Why personal growth and business growth go hand-in-hand Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen.

What happens when you teach kids the real-world lessons of entrepreneurship? Charlotte and Anna, two young business owners, sat down with me at the farm to share their experiences running a lemonade stand, pet-sitting services, and yard sales—all part of a homeschool project guided by their mom, Joy. In this episode of The Business Builder Way, we explore: ✅ How Charlotte & Anna measure profit, loss, and time investment ✅ The key business adjustments they made to increase success ✅ The role of mindset and resilience in entrepreneurship—no matter your age ✅ How Joy coached them through the ups and downs of running a business Whether you're a parent looking to introduce entrepreneurship to your kids or a business owner needing a fresh perspective on adaptability, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed the episode!    

Welcome to Business Builder Way, where we explore the pathways to business success with industry experts and leaders. In today's episode, your host Wayne Herring is joined by Scott Broetzmann, founder of Customer Care Management and Consulting (CCMC). Scott shares his journey in enhancing customer experiences and the profound impact of his work through studies such as the "customer rage survey." We dive into the significance of making businesses more accessible, the art of customer problem resolution, and the critical role of authentic employee training. We'll also explore how Scott's research uncovers deeper societal issues, from customer rage to marketplace conflicts. Join us as we unpack actionable insights for small business owners, delve into Scott's approach to long-term client relationships, and navigate the challenges of implementing change based on customer data. Whether you're looking to boost customer retention or understand the evolving landscape of customer satisfaction, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to help you build your business in a meaningful way. Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-broetzmann-6015741 National Customer Rage Survey: https://customercaremc.com/resources/the-national-customer-rage-survey/