Epic Entrepreneurs

Most people think a print shop makes money by “just printing shirts”. The truth is a lot more human and a lot more useful if you’re trying to grow a business without betting everything on one giant client. I’m joined by Eliza Webster, Sales Director at Cotton Street Apparel, a Winston-Salem, North Carolina screen printing and embroidery shop that helps everyone from local events to nationwide organisations build merch lines, uniforms, and promotional products that actually get worn. 

We talk about how Cotton Street evolved from band merch roots into a professional custom apparel company, and what...

Most people see a finished kitchen and assume the business behind it runs like clockwork. We sit down with Brandon Laney of Progressive Cabinets to talk about what it really takes to run a high-end custom cabinetry company: the late nights, the constant problem solving, and the pressure of knowing your name is on every door, drawer, and install.

Brandon shares how he grew up in a cabinet shop, pursued computer networking, then pivoted when the 2008 economy changed what felt “safe” to build a career on. We get into the nuts and bolts of small business growth in t...

People love to say “just start a service business” like the hard part is buying a ladder and printing a logo. Then the phone goes quiet, the insurance bill hits, an employee calls out, and a commercial client still expects the job done on time. That is why our conversation with Joseph Johnson from JMJ Painting and Maintenance LLC lands so well. Joe is a combat veteran and Chattanooga painting contractor who tells the truth about what it takes to build a legitimate, professional business that can actually last.

We dig into the behind-the-scenes costs that customers rare...

Jim Box of JWB Building and Remodeling shares his journey from a chemistry career and hazardous waste work into construction, where he has spent the last 25 years building a business around quality craftsmanship, adaptability, and word-of-mouth growth. He talks candidly about the challenges of entrepreneurship, the shift from print to digital marketing, the importance of insurance, planning, and discipline, and why being good at the work helps create your own luck.

Guest contact info:

sdbuilderguy@gmail.com

Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at...

Daryl Turner shares how Grounds Guys of Boiling Springs, South Carolina has grown into a customer-focused, one-stop landscaping and yard services company built on communication, training, and quality work. He talks about the value of franchise support, hiring reliable team members, staying organized with planning and schedules, and growing steadily without sacrificing service.

Guest contact info:

daryl.turner@groundsguys.com

Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/

All the best!
Bill

Please hit the...

A health scare, a cross-country move during COVID, and a “side gig” on Rover don’t sound like a business plan, but that’s exactly where Zippy Pets begins. I sit down with Makenzy and Joe Geiger to unpack how they turn early referrals and five-star trust into a scalable pet sitting business in Asheville and beyond, without losing their standards or their sanity.
 
We get real about what scaling a service business actually costs: burnout, hidden expenses, tough calls, and the pressure of leading a team when you’re used to doing everything yourself. Makenzy shares the moment...

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In this episode of the EPIC Entrepreneurs Podcast, we sit down with Parker Knudsen of Rate Mortgage to talk about the real journey behind building a business in the mortgage and real estate world.

Parker shares how he transitioned from engineering and teaching abroad into a commission-based mortgage career—facing uncertainty, embracing risk, and learning to take action before feeling fully ready. He opens up about the lessons learned the hard way, including the importance of imperfect execution, setting boundaries, and balancing business with family life.

This conversation highlights what truly...

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In this episode of the EPIC Entrepreneurs Podcast, we sit down with Andy Hegg and John Stein of Vets Junk Removal & Dumpsters to talk about what it really takes to build a business from the ground up.

Andy shares his journey from the Army Reserve and corporate life to taking a leap into entrepreneurship—starting with side jobs, grinding through 16-hour days, and ultimately going all in. Together, they break down the realities most people don’t see: the financial risk, physical demands, and relentless commitment required to grow a service-based business.

Th...

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In this episode of the EPIC Entrepreneurs Podcast, we sit down with Mitch Rodell of Terra Futura to explore a powerful vision for building community-driven, sustainable housing in Asheville.

Mitch shares his journey from working in restaurants and set design to managing multimillion-dollar home builds—and ultimately finding purpose in creating attainable housing that brings people together. He dives into the mission behind Terra Futura, a unique development focused on building not just homes, but a true “village” where connection, sustainability, and quality of life come first.

This conversation goes beyond const...

In this episode of the EPIC Entrepreneurs Podcast, we sit down with Kimber King of Moksha Health & Wellness to explore a refreshing approach to health, business, and personal growth. Kimber shares how holistic coaching—focused on lifestyle, nutrition, and community—helps women create lasting transformation rather than quick fixes.

Beyond health, Kimber dives into her entrepreneurial journey, including the lessons learned from playing small, the power of authentic messaging, and why niching down changed everything in her business. She offers candid insights on the realities of entrepreneurship, from overcoming fear and burnout to building meaningful connections through comm...

When change hits, even great leaders can lose their footing. Cliff sits down with executive coach and three-time founder Beverly to uncover how to stay steady when roles evolve, markets shift, and the stakes rise. From building and selling a janitorial company to launching an EdTech venture and now coaching high-performing executives, Beverly brings a rare mix of operational grit, financial acumen, and human insight that turns chaos into clarity.

We dig into the lessons that actually compound: hire operational muscle early when the work is physical or process-heavy, treat silence from prospects as “not yet,” and buil...

Ever wish tough money talks felt lighter, clearer, and a lot more human? We sit down with Christine Virost—financial professional and the mind behind Yellow Lucky Duck—to explore how a memorable brand, simple language, and patient follow-through can turn financial anxiety into confident action. From annuities and insurance to everyday budgeting and long-term goals, Christine shows how to protect the people you love while still living your life today.

We dive into the art of persistence without sounding desperate, the real timelines behind a client’s “yes,” and why most deals happen after multiple sincere touchpoint...

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A layoff at 45 could have been the end of the story. For Chris Rocher, it became the door to Advanced Air Technology of South Carolina—an HVAC company built on discipline, customer experience, and a relentless commitment to follow-through. We talk about what it takes to move from corporate life to hands-on service, how a state retooling program jump-started his skills, and why one bad review can undo months of good will if you don’t design for trust at every step.

🎙️In this episode, we pull back the curtain on who Galen Walter really is and how Haven Realty Team grew from a “second income” side gig into a fast-scaling real estate business in Western North Carolina and South Florida. Galen shares how his background in sales and entrepreneurship set the foundation for getting licensed just before COVID and then riding — and surviving — the market surge by simply showing up, staying hungry, and surrounding himself with driven, like‑minded people.

You’ll hear the hard lessons he learned about overcomplicating systems, leaning on proven tools instead of reinventing th...

In this episode, Mandy and Richie Caudill share how HandyMandy went from a “happy accident” side gig during COVID to a full-time renovation business serving the Upstate, fueled almost entirely by social media and word-of-mouth. Mandy explains how her background in wedding photography, years of DIY rental and home projects, and a willingness to “learn it on YouTube, then do it right” positioned her to say yes when a friend asked for help—and how one kitchen remodel unlocked a flood of inquiries. She and Richie open up about undercharging in the early days, learning the financial and bookkeeping side the h...

🎧Taylor Wright of 828 Builders shares his raw journey from landscaping to building lifetime homes in Western North Carolina—after a $300K lesson on why "contract, contract, contract" is non-negotiable.

He gets candid: Ditch investor pressure for values-driven work, take bigger swings if starting over, lead by owning mistakes, and hire for attitude over resumes. Running a business is tougher than a job, but with preparation meeting opportunity (aka "luck"), balance, faith, and team wins, it's worth it.

828 Builders is scaling in Hendersonville with custom homes that last generations. 

Guest contact info:  

82...

🎙️In this episode, Brian Thompson shares the behind-the-scenes story of taking over the LVP Warehouse of Asheville, a specialty luxury vinyl plank (LVP) supply house serving contractors and homeowners in Western North Carolina.

What began as a situational opportunity quickly became a full commitment. Brian talks openly about the transition from treating the business like a side hustle to going all in — and how that shift in focus sparked real growth. As part of a growing franchise network under Case Flooring, the LVP Warehouse model is built around a streamlined concept: specialize in one high-quality product...

🎙️In this candid and refreshingly honest episode, Tim Young, founder of AAA Extreme Comfort, shares the unfiltered reality of building an HVAC business from the ground up.

With decades of experience in heating and air, Tim started his company after witnessing poor workmanship and inflated pricing practices in the industry. Frustrated by customers being misled and underserved, he set out to create a company built on transparency, quality installs, and doing the job right the first time. His passion? Protecting homeowners and business owners from costly mistakes and delivering honest, dependable service.

But this episode goes...

🎙️ In this powerful episode, Jay Schumpert, founder of No Worries Painting and Pressure Washing in Columbia, South Carolina, shares his raw and inspiring journey from hardship to entrepreneurship. What started in 2012 as a way to make ends meet after a devastating leg injury has grown into a thriving residential, commercial, and light industrial painting and remodeling company — now operating at 70% painting and 30% remodel work.

Jay opens up about the realities of business ownership — the sleepless nights, the responsibility of making sure his team’s families are taken care of before his own, and the myth that entrepreneurship is all glor...

A great piece of furniture tells a story long before it’s finished. We sat down with custom furniture maker with Ansel Ringler Estatoe Woodworks to unpack how he turned a childhood hustle into a sustainable business by pairing creative craft with clear-eyed operations. From first principles planning to a client experience that invites collaboration, Ansel shares the systems that keep his shop profitable, resilient, and fun to follow.

We dive into the early missteps—making whatever seemed exciting and hoping it sold—and the reset that came from stepping away, running the numbers, and rebuilding a produc...

 In this episode, digital marketing expert Jeremy Ashburn of Push Leads shares how he built a 45‑client agency helping small businesses get visible at the top of Google and recommended by AI tools like ChatGPT—without huge loans or big‑budget funding. He breaks down the mistakes he made growing solo, why hiring driven people like his star social media rep Andrea transformed his business, and how documenting processes and delegating (with tools like Loom) unlocked real scalability.

Jeremy and the host dive into resilience, manifesting goals, and why “see a need, fill a need” and “giver’s gain” are the...

 In this episode, certified financial planner Heather Banks of Willow Tree Wealth Planning shares how she helps individuals define what financial success really means to them and then build a personalized roadmap to get there. Drawing on 20 years of experience, Heather explains why comprehensive, customized planning matters, how relationships and trust drive her business, and why business owners often misunderstand the realities of “flexibility” when you’re the one holding the bag.

Heather talks candidly about giving herself grace as an entrepreneur, setting boundaries to protect family time, and using both in‑person and remote work to create a...

In this episode, franchise owner Brad Swensen of PMI Soda City shares how he transitioned from 23 years in education and coaching to running a short-term and long-term property management business in Columbia, South Carolina. He talks about why he chose a franchise model, what he would do differently if starting over, and how networking—especially through BNI—has driven more growth than paid marketing.

Brad opens up about work–life balance, designing his business around family time with his young daughter, and setting boundaries with owners and guests so he can be both a great dad and a succ...

In this episode, Asheville-based entrepreneur Benji Burrell, founder and owner of Good People Technologies, joins Cliff to share his journey of building a business that helps organizations choose and implement the right technology tools for efficient operations. Benji reflects on lessons learned over 12 years in business—from the importance of hiring quality people and developing strong sales pipelines to finding balance and preventing burnout as a business owner.

He offers candid advice on leadership, fostering team trust, and the realities of running a business—dispelling myths like “being your own boss means more free time.” Benji also dis...

Think running your own business means total freedom? Carpenter and home inspector turned contractor, Calvin Denny, brings a grounded view of what it really takes to build a thriving trades business—without bloat, without fluff, and with results clients can feel every day on their decks and porches. We dig into how Atlas Mountain Contractors grew from a one-man shop into a tight collective of independent pros serving the greater Asheville area, specializing in decks, exterior framing, and functional outdoor spaces.

Calvin breaks down the decision that changed everything: adding the right people early to expand capability an...

What does it really take to build a service-based business that lasts—without burning out or losing your values along the way?

In this episode of the Entrepreneur Podcast, we sit down with Zach Broch, founder and owner of Secure Roofing, a licensed general contractor serving Western North Carolina since 2017. Zach shares the real story behind growing a reputable roofing company in a highly competitive industry—where the product may be similar, but service, communication, and integrity make all the difference.

Zach reflects candidly on what he would do differently if he started over, including tigh...

In this week’s Epic Entrepreneurs episode, guest host Cliff McRea from ActionCOACH Business Growth Partners sits down with Bryson Lanier, owner of Little Bird Roof Company, to explore the story behind one of Western North Carolina’s most trusted roofing businesses.

Bryson shares how his background as a subcontractor and military veteran inspired him to build a company focused on craftsmanship, integrity, and customer education. From historic homes to complex slate and cedar shake projects, Little Bird takes on the jobs others avoid—backed by meticulous planning, strong communication, and a commitment to doi...

How does forensic accounting uncover hidden or missing assets in both personal and business situations, including fraud, divorce cases, employee theft, and vendor misconduct?

Dr. Gabrielle Juba shares candid lessons from launching her firm, including the importance of having a clearer vision early on, building backend systems, and learning to balance structure with flexibility as a business owner. She challenges the misconception that a website alone brings clients, emphasizing instead the critical role of networking, relationships, and word-of-mouth referrals—crediting groups like FABA, Incredible Business Networking, and the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce as key to her gr...

What if the smartest way to grow is to do less, better? That question sits at the heart of our conversation with chiropractor and acupuncturist Christopher Wolcott, who left a bustling, insurance-heavy clinic in Chicago to build a focused, mornings-only, referral-powered practice in Asheville. His story is equal parts strategy and sanity: combining chiropractic, acupuncture, soft tissue work, and rehab into longer visits; setting firm boundaries around vacations and mental health; and trusting instincts to guide both clinical choices and business pivots.

We trace the decisions that shaped his new model, from selling everything and spending two...

What if rebuilding your career didn’t start with ads or a perfect website, but with a simple question: who do I need to help first? That’s the heartbeat of our conversation with mortgage lender and real estate investor, Haley Gant, who moved from Houston to Western North Carolina, weathered Hurricane Helene’s fallout, and rebuilt by doubling down on people, process, and patience.

We dig into the decisions that matter when money is tight and time is short: why a CRM is the first real investment, how “boots on the ground” weekends at open houses create aut...

What if your grind isn’t a discipline problem but a design mismatch? We sit down with Rachel Buckley of the Wellbeing Project to rethink success from the inside out, trading vague self-care for a practical framework that meets both body and being. Rachel’s story moves from New York sales floors and network marketing calls to single parenting in Asheville and hard-won spiritual clarity. Along the way, she discovered something that changed everything: she’s a wisdom teacher, not a traditional founder. That shift reframed “lack of follow-through” as misalignment—and opened the door to work that fits.

We...

What if a wedding could cost less and mean more? That’s the question we explore with Jon-Paul Brown, the founder of Elope Asheville, who’s spent sixteen years guiding couples to mountaintops, waterfalls, and wild overlooks for intimate ceremonies that trade spectacle for story. He shares how a simple promise—full wedding experience at a fraction of the price—became a resilient business anchored in trust, stunning photography, and adventure.

We dig into the practical playbook behind his growth. Jon-Paul argues that marketing is the job, and social media is the most reliable engine when you remove f...

Fires are meant to be comforting, not chaotic. We sit with Ben Seidman, owner of Flue Fighters Chimney Company in Asheville, to explore how modern chimney and fireplace work blends science, education, and leadership to keep homes truly safe. From full-camera inspections and roof waterproofing to code-heavy decisions inside the firebox, Ben explains why an “education-first” approach turns a service call into a clear plan homeowners can trust.

The conversation goes deeper than soot and ladders. Ben opens up about getting laid off, launching a business in 2023, and then getting hammered by Hurricane Helene right as peak seas...

The story of Allied Home Inspection isn’t about finding a hack. It’s about learning where trust is built, then building there on purpose. Kimi McBurney joins us to share how a Google listing wasn’t enough in a referral-driven market and why the real leverage came from relationships with real estate agents, consistent social content, and showing up where decisions get made. From a single service start to a multi-service operation offering radon testing and mitigation, water and well testing, and septic inspections and pumping, Kimi walks through the choices that turned a technical skill into a steady...

Some businesses are built on pitch decks; others are forged in kennels at dawn. We sit with Kris Morrill, founder of Revolutionary Canine, to explore how a former gym owner scaled a two-location dog training company by betting on discipline, education, and a relentless focus on results that stick in real homes. The conversation ranges from the harsh summers of South Georgia to brisk Carolina mornings, and how climate, staffing, and live-animal care shape daily operations and culture in ways most entrepreneurs never see.

Kris breaks down the industry’s overlooked truth: great trainers fail wh...

What does it really take to turn a hands-on trade into a trusted local brand? We sat down with Bret Wooten of Heaven’s Best Carpet Cleaning to trace the path from employee to owner and uncover the simple, repeatable habits that drive customer loyalty, strong teams, and steady growth. Brett’s journey is grounded in purpose and proof: commit to quality tools, follow the system, finish every job right, and give clients a little more than they expected.

Brett explains how he broke free from early decision paralysis—agonizing over ads, vendors, and offers—by acting faster a...

Emergencies don’t wait for office hours, and neither does Howard Jones. As the owner-operator of Healthy Home Environmental, he steps into flooded rooms and damp crawl spaces with a simple promise: fast response, straight talk, and work done the right way. We explore what that looks like behind the scenes—where planning, education, and trust separate real pros from rushed jobs.

Howard explains why there’s no such thing as an ironclad mold guarantee and why honest post-job testing is the only responsible way to talk about spore counts. He lays out the operational playbook that keeps...

A five-star review doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built on numbers, people, and promises you keep. We sit down with Dennis Koval of FixnCarolina Pro Handyman Service to unpack how a local home services company scales with profit discipline and a people-first mindset. From job-level cost tracking to a satisfaction guarantee that holds final payment until the client is truly happy, Dennis shares an operating system any service business can adapt.

We start with the real problem a pro handyman solves: all the small but critical tasks homeowners don’t know who to call for. Dennis e...

What happens to a mountain home when the owner is a thousand miles away and a sudden freeze cracks a pipe? We sat down with Nick Gomez, founder of Mountain Vantage Properties, to explore how a home watch and property caretaking company protects vacant luxury homes across Asheville, Hendersonville, Weaverville, and Black Mountain—and what it really takes to build trust in a niche that runs on discretion and reliability.

Nick shares why he would invest in marketing first if he could start over, even with a career rooted in operations and engineering. We unpack pricing for a...

Storms don’t just hit mountains—they hit companies. We sat down with Ryan Ducker, CEO of Ducker Land Management in Western North Carolina, to explore how a contractor that repairs landslides, builds engineered retaining walls, and crafts complex hardscapes built a culture that runs toward the storm and comes out stronger. Ryan’s operating system is simple and demanding: hire hungry, humble, and smart people; resolve problems immediately; and keep the wheelhouse staffed with leaders who can steady the ship when conditions change fast.

We get practical about money and growth. Ryan shares the early mistakes of buy...