Episode 1278: How to Find a Contractor You Can Actually Trust with Jon Grishpul

Hiring the wrong contractor doesn’t just cost money, it can turn your entire project into a nightmare. In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Jon Grishpul, Co-Founder of GreatBuildzs, a platform dedicated to helping homeowners find ethical, vetted contractors. With a background in marketing, technology, and consulting, Jon combines his expertise with insights into the construction industry to address one of the most frustrating problems homeowners face. He explains how contractor scams work, why most online listings are misleading, and how a hands-on vetting process can protect homeowners while ensuring better outcomes for everyone involved. Key Takeaways:→ Most contractor listings favor paid ads over quality.→ Many contractor scams involve fake or stolen licenses.→ Vague estimates are a significant warning sign. → Payments should be linked to completed project milestones.→ Performance-based pricing aligns incentives for everyone involved. Jon Grishpul is the co-founder of GreatBuildz, a remodeling matching service that connects homeowners with vetted general contractors. He’s built his reputation at the intersection of renovation expertise and homeowner advocacy, helping people make smarter decisions on remodels, ADUs, contractor selection, and realistic budgeting.Jon’s insights have been featured in Forbes, the LA Times, U.S. News & World Report, and the Los Angeles Business Journal. He’s also a sought-after podcast guest and thought leader, with appearances on A Well-Designed Business, The Tiny House Lifestyle Podcast, and the Spaces Podcast.As a published author and media contributor, Jon writes practical, expert-driven articles on home remodeling, hiring the right contractor, and planning budgets that actually hold up. Connect With Jon:Website: https://www.greatbuildz.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatbuildz/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@greatbuildzFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatBuildzLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/greatbuildz/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jongrishpul/

When a serious accident turns someone’s life upside down, having the right legal guidance can shape what happens next. In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews David Lever, Founder and Senior Partner of Lever & Ecker, PLLC, who discusses how his practice has grown into a boutique firm dedicated to proactive client service, effective systems, and personalized attention. He talks about the realities of accident claims, common misconceptions, and why empathy, preparation, and business discipline are important when helping injured clients move forward. Key Takeaways:→ Serious injury claims seldom settle as quickly as people expect. → Video evidence now has a greater impact in accident cases. → Headlines about verdicts often don't reveal the full legal story. → A strong law firm requires both empathy and efficient business systems. → The right legal representation can assist clients in rebuilding their lives with dignity.  David B. Lever is the Founder and Senior Partner of Lever & Ecker, PLLC, a highly respected personal injury law firm based in White Plains, New York. For over 30 years, he has represented accident victims and their families, securing millions in verdicts and settlements, including a confidential $12 million resolution for a client seriously injured in a motor vehicle collision. Since 1990, David has dedicated his practice solely to helping individuals harmed through no fault of their own and has never represented insurance companies or corporate defendants. Known for his integrity, empathy, and relentless advocacy, he treats every case with personal care and attention. David earned his J.D. from Pace University School of Law and is admitted to practice in New York and New Jersey. His honors include New York Metro Super Lawyers (since 2020) and Top 25 Lawyers in Westchester County (2024, 2025). He also serves on the Board of ACLD. Connect With David:Website: https://www.leverecker.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leverecker/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeverEcker/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/leverecker/ 

Many businesses grow rapidly at first, only to hit a wall when the founder unknowingly becomes the main obstacle to scaling. In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Sam Goodner, an Entrepreneur, Investor, Author, and Coach who has spent decades building and scaling successful companies. Sam shares the leadership principles behind his bestselling book Like Clockwork: Run Your Business with Swiss Army Precision, revealing how clarity, repeatability, and disciplined systems drive operational scalability. Drawing from his experience scaling companies like Catapult Systems and helping to build the world’s largest parking technology company, Sam explains how founders can break through growth plateaus and create businesses that run smoothly without them. Key Takeaways:→ True scalability begins with complete clarity throughout organizations. → Military leadership principles translate surprisingly well into business practices. → Operational scalability depends on clarity, repeatability, and time. → Founders should create a sales playbook before hiring their first salesperson.→ Documenting best practices makes growth easier to replicate and teach. Sam Goodner is a serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and mentor known for leveraging technology to tackle complex business challenges. A dual citizen of Switzerland and the United States, his career ranges from serving as a mountain infantry officer in the Swiss Army to becoming an Inc. 500 CEO and Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year.He founded Catapult Systems in 1993 and grew it into a prominent Microsoft systems integrator before its acquisition in 2013. During this time, he also launched and sold several software and digital companies, including PowerDOC, Inquisite, Mobile Alchemy, and Slingrock.Sam later helped grow FlashParking into a billion-dollar company as president and chief strategy officer. Now retired from daily operations, he focuses on mentoring entrepreneurs and sharing insights from his decades of experience. Connect With Sam:Website: http://www.samgoodner.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samgoodner/

What happens when the business you built becomes your identity, and then it disappears? In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Alan Underwood, a coach and mentor, who shares his powerful journey that transformed his life and career. After losing his business and facing deep personal struggles, Alan rebuilt his life around purpose, identity, and community support for high-performing men and entrepreneurs. Today, he helps leaders rediscover meaning, rebuild relationships, and create a legacy that goes far beyond just financial success. Key Takeaways:→ How to turn failure into a turning point and define what success means to you.→ Many entrepreneurs and executives achieve success only to encounter burnout, loneliness, and a sense of meaninglessness. → Without clarity on who you are and who you want to become, even the best strategy will fall short. → Learning to change perspective can reveal solutions that once seemed out of reach. → Small daily choices about who you are becoming can gradually shape the life and legacy you want.  Alan Underwood is a sought-after coach, capital strategist, and entrepreneur who helps high achievers align identity, vision, and legacy. As founder of Alan Underwood, he works with entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders to connect inner purpose with outer performance, blending high-performance strategy with personal transformation. A devoted father of eight and licensed pilot, Alan also serves as Arizona Wing Leader for Angel Flight West, coordinating volunteer missions that fly patients to life-saving medical care at no cost. Whether teaching elite mindset, legacy-based leadership, or real estate strategy, Alan inspires others to lead with purpose and live in alignment. Connect With Alan:Website: https://thealanunderwood.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thealanunderwood/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-alan-underwood/

Hormonal imbalances impact more than just sexual health; they can significantly change your mood, energy, and overall well-being. In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Jay Campbell, founder of BioLongevity Labs, who shares his journey from suffering a life-changing injury to becoming a global authority on hormone optimization. Jay discusses how hormones like testosterone, peptides, and bioidentical regulators are crucial in transforming energy levels, brain function, and athletic recovery. As the founder of BioLongevity Labs, Jay educates listeners on how modern environmental factors contribute to widespread hormonal imbalances and offers solutions to address the root causes of illness instead of just masking symptoms. Key Takeaways:→ Testosterone therapy can significantly boost energy and mood.→ Peptides and bioidentical hormones target the root cause of hormonal imbalances.→ Environmental contaminants significantly impact hormonal health.→ Many people experience hormonal imbalance without even realizing it. → Optimizing hormones enhances brain function and physical performance.  Jay Campbell is a 5-time international best-selling author, men's physique champion, and the Owner and Co-Founder of BioLongevity Labs. Widely recognized as an expert in hormonal optimization, therapeutic peptides, and biohacking for health and performance, Jay is dedicated to helping people break free from the failing "sick care" system and take charge of their health. His journey started after a sports injury led him to rethink traditional health approaches. Through years of intensive research and personal experience, he discovered the power of therapeutic testosterone and peptides—two transformative tools that changed his life and health. As the founder of BioLongevity Labs, Jay leads a revolution by offering cutting-edge peptides and bioregulators to promote cellular regeneration, hormonal balance, and metabolic health. His mission is to inspire and empower others to optimize their health, reverse aging, and realize their full physical, mental, and emotional potential. Connect with Jay:Website: https://jaycampbell.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaycampbell333/X: https://x.com/JayCampbell333Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JayCampbell333/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayccampbell/

What if the biggest thing holding your business back is the founder’s inability to step away from the day-to-day? In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Robyn Goldenberg, VP at Strategy Leaders, who shares how she helps privately held companies navigate the “messy middle” of growth to become scalable, system-driven businesses. With experience guiding companies from $2M to $30M in revenue, Robyn explains why many founders remain stuck in daily operations and how operational systems can unlock growth and freedom. She also discusses financial discipline, exit planning, leadership challenges, and why a business's ultimate goal should be independence from its owner. Key Takeaways:→ When assessing a company’s growth potential, profit, cash flow, and operational structure are more important than top-line revenue. → Tracking how leaders spend their time can expose major inefficiencies, helping business owners identify where to make changes.→ A healthy cash flow fosters reinvestment, stability, and effective scaling of operations.→ Businesses that rely solely on the owner are more likely to fail, whereas structured systems enable companies to function independently. → Entrepreneurs often start businesses without systems, but scaling becomes impossible without them.  Robyn Goldenberg helps business owners build companies that truly work without burnout, excess, or nonsense. A strategist, operator, and mother of three, she has over 15 years of experience supporting small and midsize businesses in growing smarter. As VP at Strategy Leaders, she partners with growth-stage companies ($1.5M–$10M) to develop the structures needed for sustainable growth: clear financials, aligned leadership, operational systems, and a genuine strategic direction. Her approach is direct and action-focused, highlighting clarity, consistency, and accountability.Robyn is also the founder of Bad B CMO, a strategy-first marketing firm that emphasizes systems and a revenue-focused mindset for teams tired of wasting money. Through her third venture, Find Staff, she helps businesses hire faster by connecting them with skilled global talent. A 40 Under 40 honoree and nationally recognized speaker, she’s known for her high-energy, practical insights. Connect With Robyn:Website: https://strategyleaders.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robyngoldenberg/

What happens when an entrepreneur rejects corporate shortcuts and builds a business around relationships, trust, and long-term customer health? In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Timothy Rexius, CEO and President of Omaha Protein Popcorn, Rexius Nutrition Corporation, and Iron Heaven Gyms. Timothy shares his unconventional journey of building a nutrition company that started from a single store in Nebraska and expanded into a multi-brand business operating across several countries. A longtime entrepreneur, former competitive bodybuilder, and international keynote speaker, Timothy now leads several ventures, including Omaha Protein Popcorn, VHI Nutraceuticals, and Iron Heaven Gyms. He explains how franchising former employees, prioritizing customer relationships over commissions, and returning to fundamental business principles helped drive long-term growth. Key Takeaways:→ Prioritize building customer relationships and trust rather than relying on high-pressure sales tactics. → Recognizing entrepreneurial potential early can foster long-term leaders. → How humility and careful planning are vital business skills. → Rexius Nutrition grew internationally through networking, collaborations, and personal contacts. → What most entrepreneurs misunderstand when trying to build a brand that truly connects with customers.  Timothy Rexius is the President and CEO of Rexius Nutrition, the fastest-growing chain of retail nutritional supplement stores in the United States, with more than 25 locations across 10 states. With over 13 years of experience in the retail industry, Timothy is a proven leader in franchising, business development, and marketing strategy. He is also the co-founder and co-owner of VHI LLC, a wholesale distribution company known for its innovative supplement lines, including the popular OPP Omaha Protein Popcorn. Beyond retail and distribution, Timothy is a co-owner of Iron Heaven Gyms, a trio of premier fitness facilities in West Omaha dedicated to athletes and fitness enthusiasts of all levels. He also hosts the Now or Never Video Podcast, where he interviews successful entrepreneurs and business leaders across the Midwest. A passionate motivational speaker, Timothy shares his hard-earned insights to inspire and empower the next generation of business owners. Connect With Timothy:Website: https://timrexius.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timothy_d_rexius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@timothydrexius

What does it take to turn a premium domain name into a data-driven legal tech platform serving millions of consumers and hundreds of thousands of attorneys? In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Colleen Joyce, CEO of Lawyer.com, who shares how the company evolved from an early domain development opportunity into a powerful legal marketplace and tech platform. She explains how Lawyer.com helps consumers find attorneys more easily, why the company considers itself a data-driven tech business within the legal industry, and how its services have expanded to include intake, call answering, and AI-powered solutions. Colleen also discusses startup mentality, product evolution, content strategy, and the challenge of staying ahead as AI rapidly reshapes both search and legal operations. Key Takeaways:→ Lawyer.com simplifies the process of finding a lawyer by acting as a match-making engine between consumers and attorneys. → The platform is centered on everyday legal needs such as divorce, estate planning, personal injury, and DUI. → Lawyer.com is a tech company first, using data and systems to drive how the business operates. → By embracing AI early, it became central to Lawyer.com’s product development and future planning. → While AI can help with answering and efficiency, important or high-value legal matters still require human empathy and judgement.  Colleen Joyce is the CEO of Lawyer.com, the leading online legal marketplace connecting consumers with trusted attorneys across every practice area and location. With nearly two decades of experience in digital media and domain development—from building Popstar.com and interviewing A-list celebrities to growing Lawyer.com into an industry powerhouse—Colleen brings authenticity, energy, and a growth-first mindset to everything she does. Under her leadership, Lawyer.com assists a large number of consumers each month and maintains a network of private practice attorneys who specialize in consumer law. The company's ecosystem includes LawyerLine, an AI-powered 24/7 call intake service that turns leads into signed retainers, and the Lawyer Growth Summit, an immersive annual conference that brings together legal tech innovators and forward-thinking attorneys. Colleen's brand reflects transparency, innovation, and community; she's authentic, unfiltered, and passionate about democratizing access to justice while helping lawyers grow. Connect With Colleen:Website: https://lawyer.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyerdotcom X: https://x.com/lawyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lawyerdotcom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lawyer-com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LDC2025/videos

When something feels wrong with your medical care, your instinct may be to trust and move on, but that instinct could cost you more than you realize. In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Russell R. Reynolds, JD, Co-founder of The Law Offices of Reynolds & Reynolds, a seasoned Texas trial attorney specializing in medical malpractice and personal injury law. With a background in healthcare administration and decades of courtroom experience navigating tort reform, ERISA challenges, and complex expert testimony requirements, Russell has built a firm dedicated to holding healthcare providers accountable. He shares how feasibility, case selection, and patient advocacy determine whether justice is even possible and why most potential claims never make it to court. Key Takeaways:→ Medical malpractice cases are extremely costly to pursue due to the high cost of expert witnesses→ Most firms operate on contingency, meaning attorneys personally finance cases and only recover fees if they win. → Cognitive dissonance prevents many patients from questioning their doctors even when something feels off. → Getting second or third medical opinions is both a right and an essential safeguard. → Most malpractice inquiries are rejected due to economic and legal constraints, despite genuine harm.  Russell R. Reynolds, JD, earned his Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 2000. He is also authorized to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Over the past 25 years, Rusty has dedicated his career to representing individuals who have suffered personal injuries caused by others' negligence. Rusty has built a reputation as a trusted Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer. He collaborates with the Reynolds & Reynolds team to ensure victims of Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, and Premises Liability cases receive the compensation they deserve. Rusty co-founded The Law Offices of Reynolds & Reynolds with his sister-in-law, Debra Reynolds, in 2005. When he is not working on cases, Rusty enjoys spending time with his wife, Valerie, and their two daughters. Connect With Russell:Website: https://rrlfirm.com/ 

What if the fastest way to calm conflict is not defending yourself, but helping the other person feel fully heard? In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Douglas E. Noll, Lawyer-Turned-Peacemaker, who shares the powerful method behind his book De-Escalate: How to Calm an Angry Person in 90 Seconds or Less. Drawing from decades of experience in conflict resolution, neuroscience, and even prison mediation, Doug explains how emotional validation can calm anger faster than logic, rebuttals, or apologies. He also reveals how his work has helped everyone from families and couples to incarcerated individuals and why he believes these skills could help heal deep polarization in society. Key Takeaways:→ Naming emotions helps calm the mind and regain emotional self-control.→ One of the most effective ways to start de-escalating conflict is simply observing how the other person feels. → When emotions flare up, your brain shuts down, removing logic and problem-solving during heated moments. → Apologizing too soon can backfire because people need to feel heard and emotionally understood first.→ Incarcerated individuals have used this model to become mediators and peacemakers.  Douglas E. Noll is an acclaimed author, speaker, and mediator. After 22 years as a trial lawyer, he shifted to peacemaking and conflict resolution, helping people settle deep, difficult disputes. Noll teaches Decision Making Under Uncertainty and Conflict as an adjunct professor at the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, Straus Institute. He earned a law degree from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law and a Master’s in Peacemaking and Conflict Studies from Fresno Pacific University. Noll co-founded the Prison of Peace Project, where he trained inmates to become peacemakers in maximum security prisons. Having mediated over 1,500 disputes, he has trained leaders and mediators around the world. Noll is the author of five books, including De-Escalate, and has developed popular online courses. He’s also a jazz violinist, pilot, ski instructor, and tai chi master, living in the Sierra Nevada foothills with his wife. Connect With Doug:Website: https://dougnoll.com/podcast/seth-greene/