The Friday Habit

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Tom Kubanik, founder and CEO of SecureIt Tactical. Tom shares the remarkable story of building a company that transformed firearm storage—from military armories to consumer gun safes—without venture capital.

Before becoming an entrepreneur, Tom chased a career as a professional heavy metal guitarist until an injury forced him to reinvent himself. That setback ultimately led him into sales, entrepreneurship, and eventually creating one of the most innovative companies in the firearm storage industry.

Tom discusses how he built multiple businesses from scratch, why...

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Kevin Downey, a Kansas City-based entrepreneur and recruitment leader who helps B2B companies build high-performing sales teams and create scalable lead-generation systems.

Kevin shares how his early career in golf equipment sales eventually led him into entrepreneurship, recruiting, outbound sales, and email marketing. He explains why his first attempts at email outreach failed, what changed when he began writing emails like real phone conversations, and why properly structured email campaigns can deliver an unmatched return on investment.

The conversation also explores how small...

Mark welcomes Calvin Correlli, founder and CEO of Simplero, an all-in-one SaaS platform combining courses, community, email, payments, and AI for coaches and creator-led brands. Calvin shares his Denmark upbringing in an entrepreneurial, tech-focused family, learning to code at five, moving to the U.S. in 1999 during the dot-com era, and choosing work over finishing his computer science degree. He recounts building businesses, scaling a consulting firm, then taking a risky leap to focus on product and coaching. Calvin explains his personal development framework: 1.0 motivation, 2.0 healing work, and 3.0 identity-level transformation that drops the “something is wrong with me” mindset. He d...

Growing a business isn't just about generating more sales.

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Chad Prinkey shares lessons from working with hundreds of contractors and business leaders. The conversation explores why growth often exposes weaknesses in a business, how leadership development impacts scale, and why competing on price can become a dangerous trap.

Chad also discusses the importance of culture, succession planning, and investing in the business itself to create long-term success.

If you're building a business and thinking about the next stage of growth, this episode is packed with practical...

Learn how to build a real estate portfolio and navigate legal challenges through the lens of an entrepreneurial journey. Discover the mindset required to rebuild a career with profit with purpose.

This conversation breaks down the reality of scaling a business while facing significant setbacks. It is designed for founders and investors who need to understand how extreme responsibility impacts long-term success. We examine the specific steps taken to move past professional crises and establish a more sustainable approach to wealth creation.

By focusing on profit with purpose, you can align your financial goals with...

In this episode of The Friday Habit, host Mark Labriola II sits down with Jacob Hicks, a sales strategist and systems thinker passionate about helping entrepreneurs push past their comfort zones, master their time, and build businesses that last.
Jacob shares his journey from a shy kid in small-town Iowa to a sales pro who's learned that the best approach to selling isn't closing hard — it's serving authentically. He breaks down the systems, follow-up strategies, and time management frameworks that help small business owners stop being "busy" and start being truly productive.

🧠 Key Takeaways
Follow Up or...

In this episode of The Friday Habit, host Mark Labriola II sits down with serial entrepreneur Jay Sapovits, a builder who knows firsthand how to turn setbacks into springboards.Jay shares his raw journey—from early success in sports media and private aviation, to losing everything during the financial crisis, to rebuilding and scaling Inked, a custom merch company on track to surpass $5M in revenue.

🧠 Key Takeaways 

Entrepreneurship Isn’t a Straight Line – Success, failure, and reinvention are all part of the process
Zero to One Is About Action – Stop overthinking and start moving
Do...

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark Labriola II interviews Walter Crosby, CEO of Helix Sales Development, who shares his extensive experience in transforming underperforming sales teams into revenue-generating powerhouses. The conversation covers Walter's journey into sales, the challenges of transitioning from a sales role to business ownership, and the importance of hiring the right salespeople. Walter emphasizes the need for accountability, clear expectations, and effective compensation structures to motivate sales teams, especially during tough economic times. He also discusses the significance of prospecting and how leaders can shift company culture to foster a thriving sales environment.

In this episode of The Friday Habit, host Mark Labriola II sits down with Henry Yoshida, CEO and Co-Founder of Rocket Dollar, to unpack what it really takes to build a durable fintech company in a highly regulated industry.

Henry shares his journey from a risk-averse upbringing and a stable career at Merrill Lynch to founding multiple companies—including Rocket Dollar, now part of a platform managing $12B+ in retirement assets. They dive deep into ownership, timing, regret vs. risk, venture capital trade-offs, and why paying attention to “small signals” can unlock massive opportunities.

🧠 Key Takeaways...

In this episode of The Friday Habit, host Mark Labriola II interviews Greg Stevens, an executive coach and expert in conflict resolution. They discuss the importance of managing emotions in difficult conversations, the journey to understanding and repairing incomplete relationships, and the skills necessary for effective communication. Greg shares insights from his experiences and his book, 'Build New Bridges: The Art of Restoring Impossible Relationships,' emphasizing the need for self-awareness and accountability in both personal and professional relationships. The conversation also touches on performance reviews and how to approach them constructively, as well as the significance of...

In this episode of The Friday Habit, host Mark Labriola II interviews Chad Prinkey, founder and CEO of Well Built Construction Consulting. They discuss Chad's journey from a successful corporate career to entrepreneurship, the challenges of building a scalable business, and the importance of leadership and culture in driving growth. Chad shares insights on competing on value rather than price, the mindset shifts necessary for long-term success, and key systems that can help construction businesses thrive. The conversation concludes with actionable takeaways for listeners looking to improve their own businesses.

🧠 Takeaways:

Chad Prinkey emphasizes the...

In this episode of The Friday Habit, host Mark Labriola II interviews Emma Tessler, founder and CEO of NinentyFiveMedia, a digital marketing agency. Emma shares her journey from a side hustle in interior design to leading a successful remote team specializing in social media strategy and brand storytelling. The conversation covers the importance of building a strong company culture, the challenges of scaling a business, and the evolving landscape of video content in the age of AI. Emma emphasizes the significance of authenticity in marketing and offers actionable advice for entrepreneurs looking to grow their brands.

<...

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark Labriola II interviews John Gallagher, a seasoned leadership coach, who shares insights on the journey of leadership, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the mindset shifts necessary for entrepreneurs. Gallagher emphasizes the need for practical frameworks, the signs that indicate a business owner may need a coach, and the significance of legacy in leadership. He also discusses the challenges of consistency, the impact of distractions, and the importance of prioritization and delegation. The conversation concludes with Gallagher's advice on making small changes for personal growth.

🧠 Takeaways:

Leadership is...

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Kasim Aslam—entrepreneur, author, and founder of the world’s top-ranked Google Ads agency—to unpack the truth about scaling, hiring, and building a business that actually works.

From growing up on welfare in Albuquerque to selling an 8-figure agency, Kasim’s story is one of grit, truth, and transformation. He shares how brutal honesty became his superpower, why “scale” isn’t always the goal, and how paying more for the right people can change everything.

If you’ve ever struggled to hire great talent, wondered...

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Neil Twa—e-commerce growth expert, founder of Voltage Digital Marketing, and one of the top minds behind building and scaling private-label brands on Amazon.

From going bankrupt to building multiple seven-figure exits, Neil shares the real story behind creating businesses designed to sell. He explains why profit isn’t enough, why most entrepreneurs fall into the “hopium” trap, and how putting purpose before profit transformed his life.

If you’ve ever thought about starting an Amazon business—or if you’re simply curious about what makes a c...

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Ozzy Garner—founder of Advertis, angel investor, and entrepreneur with a passion for helping business owners reclaim their time and scale smarter.

From cleaning bathrooms at White Castle to doubling revenue in his first sales job, Ozzy’s path to building a seven-figure agency is anything but typical. He shares candid insights into the grind of entrepreneurship, the lessons learned from angel investing, and how building a business rooted in core values (and powered by faith) has transformed his life.

If you’ve ever strugg...

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Bernie Youngblood—a rule-breaking marketer, connector, and strategist who’s spent his career reshaping industries and helping businesses, nonprofits, and artists thrive.

From a start in finance to building sales and marketing ventures, Bernie has seen firsthand what works (and what doesn’t) in business. He shares lessons from his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of innovation, and why authenticity—not advertising—is the new currency for brands.

This conversation dives deep into big-picture topics: capitalism, faith, diversity, human trafficking, innovation, and the rise of AI. Bernie...

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark welcomes leadership expert and coach Jennifer DiMotta, founder of Uprisers. Jennifer has spent over two decades in corporate leadership, eventually serving as Chief Marketing and Digital Officer of a $22 billion company before creating her own coaching practice.

Through her structured and results-driven approach, Jennifer has transformed the often “soft” concept of leadership into an actionable framework that helps middle managers and emerging leaders rise to the next level. She shares her personal journey—navigating single parenthood, climbing the corporate ladder, and ultimately launching her business—and introduces her six-step system f...

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Bill Canady—CEO, author, and creator of the Profitable Growth Operating System (PGOS). Bill has managed billion-dollar businesses, led tens of thousands of employees, and written bestselling books like The 80/20 CEO. His newest book, From Panic to Profit, takes readers inside the process of turning struggling companies into thriving ones.

From humble beginnings in a double-wide trailer to leading global enterprises, Bill shares how he applied focus, discipline, and the 80/20 principle to rise to the top. He also breaks down the practical framework leaders can use to...

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Steven Puri—film executive turned tech founder, productivity expert, and remote work evangelist. Steven’s career path has taken him from producing blockbuster hits like Die Hard and The Wolverine to raising millions in venture capital and building tools that help people focus better, work smarter, and reclaim their time.
Steven shares fascinating behind-the-scenes lessons from Hollywood—how storytelling principles apply to business—and the practical strategies he’s developed for managing dopamine, achieving flow states, and structuring your day for maximum productivity. Whether you’re a leader manag...

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Patrick Thean—international speaker, serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and former Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Patrick shares his journey from building a supply chain software company that landed on the Inc. 500 list to coaching CEOs on how to focus, execute, and scale with intention.

From his “7 Key Practices for CEO Success” to practical tips on narrowing your niche, Patrick breaks down the habits, mindset shifts, and leadership skills that separate thriving companies from the ones that stall. He reveals why the best leaders are always learni...

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Leslie Venetz—founder of the Sales Led GTM Agency, LinkedIn Top Voice, and 2024 Sales Innovator of the Year—to talk about building a profit-generating pipeline without burning out.
Leslie shares her journey from the high-pressure world of corporate sales to designing a four-day workweek, practicing “deep work,” and creating a business rooted in integrity. She unpacks practical strategies for small business owners and solopreneurs to target the right customers, fix a messy pipeline, and scale sales without losing control—or sanity.
From niching down your outreach to replaci...

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark chats with Ryan Wimpey, founder of Tip Top K9 Dog Training—a nationwide franchise with over 20 locations and counting. Ryan shares his incredible journey from training dogs behind a Chick-fil-A in a beat-up van to running one of the top-ranked dog training brands in the U.S.

From scrappy beginnings to building a tightly run operation with a full call center, franchise model, and national reputation, Ryan breaks down the real lessons behind building a scalable service business. He also shares why sales training was one of his first in...

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Ellen Wood—CEO and co-founder of vcfo—to talk about the power of financial strategy, planning for exit, and how to build a more valuable business from day one. As a pioneer in the fractional CFO space, Ellen has helped hundreds of businesses scale, prepare for investment, and exit successfully. She shares practical advice for founders at every stage, from what entity structure to choose to how (and when) to think about your exit strategy.

This episode is packed with down-to-earth insights on cash flow, culture, and...

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Emmy-nominated content creator, strategist, and international table tennis competitor Justin Bookey. As the author of Ping Pong Leadership: 18 Principles to Succeed at Any Table in Business, Sports, and Life, Justin shares how his lifelong passion for ping pong evolved into a leadership framework that blends sport, strategy, and self-awareness.

From practicing with Olympians to advising Fortune 100 CEOs, Justin distills decades of insights into memorable “Pong Principles” that can help anyone become a more agile, authentic, and aware leader. Whether you’re running a business, leading a team...

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark chats with Benjamin Johnson, serial tech co-founder and founder of Particle 41. With over two decades in software development, DevOps, and startup building, Ben shares hard-earned lessons on what it really takes to lead successful tech initiatives—from bootstrapping SaaS platforms to advising CEOs on digital strategy.

They dig into the evolution of AI, the risk of overengineering, and how founders can use time-tested principles like quarterly planning, intentionality, and simplicity to build smarter—not harder. Plus, Ben explains how he turned 1,000+ unread LinkedIn messages into 10 real leads in 30 minutes usin...

In this follow-up to Episode 200: How to Build a Sellable Business, Mark sits down with Ben Manley to unpack the next phase—what happens after you sell.

Ben opens up about the emotional rollercoaster, the lessons he learned from structuring the deal, and the surprising challenges that come with handing over your business. From choosing the right buyer to creating SOPs, setting expectations, and navigating post-sale training, this episode gives a full behind-the-scenes look at what selling a business really looks like.

Whether you're deep in the sales process or just dreaming about an exit so...

In this special 200th episode of The Friday Habit, Mark and Ben reunite to celebrate a huge milestone—and to share some big news. After nearly six years as co-hosts, Ben is officially stepping away from the mic (don’t worry, he’ll still pop in from time to time). But before he goes, he’s opening up about what it really took to build, systemize, and sell his business, Knapsack.

From Bro Mountain retreats and podcast dreams to building a business that runs without you, Ben walks through his journey of creating a sellable company—from first hire...

In this episode of the Friday Habit, Nick McEvily shares his journey from design to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of customer interviews and the role of design in business success. He discusses his life in Mexico City, the challenges of the zero to one stage in startups, and the common pitfalls founders face in achieving product market fit. The discussion highlights the necessity of data-driven decision-making and the art of understanding customer needs through effective communication.

In this conversation, Nick McEvily shares insights on the importance of effective listening, crafting open-ended questions for interviews, and the significance...

In this episode, Mark sits down with Russel Dubree, founder of Performance Faction and former agency owner who built and sold a multi-million dollar creative business. They talk turkey (literally), before diving into the hard-won lessons of entrepreneurship—what it means to grind, the challenges of hiring and leading a team, the highs and lows of partnerships, and what ultimately led to Russel’s decision to sell his agency and pursue business coaching.

In this conversation, Russel shares the real story of growing a business from nothing—starting with a $500 credit card charge and a drea...

In this episode, Mark and Data Coach Gravy discuss the significance of data in business, exploring Paul's journey from an accidental entry into the data world to becoming a successful entrepreneur. They delve into the lessons learned from the dot-com boom, the importance of data ownership, and the challenges businesses face in managing their data across various platforms. The conversation emphasizes the need for companies to recognize data as their most valuable asset and to take control of it for better decision-making and growth. 

In this conversation, Data Coach Gravy discusses the importance of d...

Join hosts Ben and Mark on 'The Friday Habit' as they welcome Chris Ronzio, founder and CEO of Trainual, a leading SaaS platform for small business training and onboarding. They delve into discussions about organizational charts, systems, and processes essential for business scalability. Chris shares insights from his journey, including his consulting background, the development of Trainual, and his entrepreneurial roots. 

He also talks about his book 'The Business Playbook,' which serves as a comprehensive guide for creating effective business systems. Packed with valuable advice and humorous anecdotes, this episode provides a deep d...

In this episode of 'The Friday Habit,' Mark Labriola and Benjamin Manley are joined by Kayvon Kian, an entrepreneur, teacher, and senior advisor at McKinsey & Company, to discuss his latest book, 'What Is Wisdom?' The conversation covers various philosophical approaches from ancient thinkers such as Socrates, Nietzsche, and Hippocrates, and how their wisdom can guide business decisions. Kayvon shares personal anecdotes, discusses the importance of skeptic capital, and emphasizes strategies for dealing with uncertainty, making better decisions, and focusing on values. The episode concludes with practical advice on preparing for 2022, highlighting the significance of controlled thinking, surrounding...

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Chris Tyrell, founder of Chris’s Garage Doors, to talk about the unexpected road from seminary student to successful entrepreneur. Chris shares how faith, community, and a deep sense of purpose have guided his business journey—and why giving generously has always been part of the plan.

Chris opens up about how a part-time job in the garage door industry sparked a bigger calling. Today, his company serves not just customers, but the greater good—donating 3% of revenue to local nonprofits and using the bu...

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Steve Van Diest, President of Acumen’s Front Range region, to unpack the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey. From founding a thriving mattress business to launching a customizable pillow company, Steve’s path has been anything but linear.

Steve candidly shares his experiences with burnout, making costly business decisions, and the challenges of building a healthy company culture. He opens up about the turning points that led him to give away a profitable business and the lessons he now imparts to othe...

In this episode, Patti Johnson shares her path from growing up in a small town in Oklahoma to launching a successful consulting business and becoming an author. She talks about what it really takes to start and grow a business, including the importance of research, networking, and building strong relationships instead of relying on traditional sales tactics.

Patti and Mark also discuss the value of developing an exit strategy early, diversifying your client base, and learning through leadership challenges. Throughout the conversation, Patti emphasizes the role of mindset, resilience, and personal growth in navigating...

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, decentralization is emerging as a powerful force for change. This episode of The Friday Habit brings you a fascinating conversation with David Young, a pioneer in cloud computing and open-source technology.

David shares his journey from studying ancient Greek and Latin to becoming a trailblazer in the tech industry. He offers valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship, the importance of perseverance, and the potential of open-source solutions to reshape how we interact with technology.

Key Takeaways:

In this episode of The Friday Habit, hosts Mark Labriola and Benjamin Manley engage with guests Mark Ackler and Mert Esheri, exploring the intricacies of entrepreneurship, the importance of building relationships, and the lessons learned from their experiences in the startup world. They discuss the journey from idea to execution, the significance of legacy in business, and the insights shared in their book 'Exiting Right'. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of business acquisitions, emphasizing the importance of trust, strategic alignment, and the long-term relationships that can be built prior to a sale. They discuss the...

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark Labriola and Benjamin Manley welcome Natalie Dawson, EVP and partner at Cardone Ventures, to discuss her new book 'Teamwork' and the essential strategies for building high-performance teams. The conversation covers Natalie's journey from a failed business leader to a successful entrepreneur, the importance of team alignment, practical tools for team development, and effective hiring strategies. They also explore how to pitch ideas to a team and maintain alignment as the team grows. In this conversation, Mark Labriola II discusses the importance of effective team communication, onboarding strategies, training processes, employee termination...