Builders of Authority

If your painting business can't run without you, you don't have a business. You have a job.

Adam McChesney sits down with Chris Moore, founder of Elite Business Advisors, to break down exactly how painting contractors go from overwhelmed owner-operators to running a scalable business with a real leadership team and hitting $1M+ in revenue without being on every job site.
Chris has coached painting contractors across North America since 2018, released 250 straight weeks of podcast episodes, and built a firm with 8 advisors. He knows exactly where contractors get stuck — and how to fix it.

Wh...

If your home service business is struggling with labor shortages, high turnover, or leads that go cold before your team can follow up, this episode is for you.

Adam McChesney sits down with serial entrepreneur Chris Huddleston to break down how AI voice agents are replacing underperforming sales reps, cutting labor costs, and closing more jobs for home service businesses in 2026 and beyond.

Chris has built and scaled companies across the warranty, junk removal, and home services industries since 2006 — and he shares exactly what separates contractors who scale from those who stay stuck.

Wh...

Do you want to turn a successful local business into a national brand through franchising? 

In this episode, we break down the real-world process of "multiplying success" with Dr. Tom DuFore—from identifying if a business is "franchiseable" to navigating the long-term sales cycles required to scale. This isn’t theory. It’s what happens when a founder decides to move from a visionary role into a coaching and training role to lead a franchise system. 

We talk about:

* The Three Pillars of Franchising: Using other people's capital (Money), local ownership (Management), and faster e...

What does it actually take to walk away from a high-paying job… hit rock bottom… and rebuild multiple successful businesses?

In this episode, we break down the real entrepreneurial journey of Marburger—from selling cars at 18 to building multiple income streams across real estate, automotive, martial arts, and investments.

This isn’t theory. It’s what happens when everything falls apart—and what it takes to come back stronger.

We talk about:
• Leaving a stable career to prioritize freedom
• The reality of loss, failure, and rebuilding from zero
• The mindset shift that changed...

In this episode of the Builders of Authority Podcast, I sat down with our COO, Alejandra Donaire, to talk about what actually goes into building and scaling a digital marketing agency behind the scenes.

We recorded this from Nicaragua, and this conversation is a real look at what most people don’t see, the systems, the pressure, the leadership, and the day-to-day execution it takes to grow a business the right way.

Alejandra shares her path from architecture to marketing, how she stepped into the COO role early on, and what it really means to ta...

In this episode of the Builders of Authority podcast, I sit down with Colin McNeil, owner of the McNeil Insurance Group, for a deep and personal conversation about growth, accountability, and the realities of entrepreneurship. We take a trip down memory lane, reflecting on our shared history playing sports in St. Louis and attending high school together.

Colin opens up about a defining period during his sophomore year when he faced academic ineligibility and a significant identity crisis. He credits a high-stakes meeting with his dean, Mr. Walsh, as the turning point that provided him with a...

In this episode of the Builders of Authority Podcast, I sit down with Clint Webb, owner of Web Decks and founder of the Deck Building 101 Facebook group, a community of more than 110,000 deck builders and contractors.

Clint shares his story of getting laid off during the 2008 housing crisis, how that led him into deck building, and how a simple idea to create a better online community for builders turned into one of the largest groups in the industry.

We talk about the evolution of the deck building and outdoor living industry, the role companies like...

In this episode of the Builders of Authority Podcast, I sit down with Clint Webb, owner of Web Decks and founder of the Deck Building 101 Facebook group, a community of more than 110,000 deck builders and contractors.

Clint shares his story of getting laid off during the 2008 housing crisis, how that led him into deck building, and how a simple idea to create a better online community for builders turned into one of the largest groups in the industry.

We talk about the evolution of the deck building and outdoor living industry, the role companies like...

In this solo episode of the Builders of Authority Podcast, I share some real thoughts on entrepreneurship, leadership, and the journey of building a business.

If you’re a contractor or home service business owner working to grow your company: whether you’re in roofing, HVAC, plumbing, remodeling, or another trade,  this is a conversation that will likely resonate with you. 

Building a business, leading a team, and continuing to push for growth comes with challenges that most people never see from the outside.

This episode is an honest reflection on what it really...

In Episode 208, I’m joined by Sam Chapman to talk about building businesses with family and long time partners and what that actually looks like behind the scenes.

Sam lives in Northern Virginia and has spent the last 10+ years growing companies in the construction and insurance restoration space. After beginning his career in commercial real estate, he partnered with his brother to build Caseco into a general contracting company and later launched Merit Restorations, which now operates in multiple markets across the U.S.

This episode is centered around entrepreneurial leadership.

We talk ab...

If you're building a business while trying to be a present leader, spouse, or parent, this episode is going to resonate with you. 

In this conversation, I sit down with Jaden Barr to talk about what really builds authority over time. We go beyond tactics and dive into identity, discipline, leadership, leverage, and community.

Jaden is a St. Louis-based real estate business owner, former college quarterback at Truman State, and father of two. He left corporate during the pandemic to build his business from scratch in a new market, and his story is rooted in d...

What if the breakthrough wasn’t fame… but discipline?

Episode 206 is a powerful one.

Joey YAK went from elite athlete to touring artist to walking away from it all. He chose family over fame, got sober, rebuilt his life, became a top-performing sales leader, and eventually founded his own creative agency.

This conversation goes beyond business tactics. It’s about identity, maturity, responsibility, and building something that actually lasts.

If you’re a business owner trying to grow without losing your values, this episode will resonate.

Thanks for listening and bein...

What does it really take to grow an outdoor living contracting company the right way?

In this episode, I sit down with Chris Treese, founder of Olympus Outdoors, to talk about leadership, systems, accountability, and what it means to build a business that can operate without chaos. If you’re building patios, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, or full backyard projects, this conversation applies directly to you.

Chris shares how he’s structured his outdoor remodeling business around discipline and ownership instead of shortcuts. We talk about sales process, team development, and creating repeatable systems that allow a co...

Life doesn’t stop asking hard questions just because you’ve already “made it.”

In this episode, I sit down with Reed Low to talk about what comes after the peak moment. We get into reinvention, discipline, and how the same mindset that drives elite performance can carry over into business, family, and leadership. Reed shares an honest perspective on pressure, purpose, and staying grounded when the spotlight fades.

This conversation is about growth that lasts, responsibility that deepens over time, and building a life that still has meaning long after one chapter ends. If you’re n...

In this episode of the Builders of Authority Podcast, I sit down with Jennifer Dempsey-Blakely to talk about building authority while running multiple businesses across hospitality, short-term rentals, and experiential brands.

Jennifer is a lifelong entrepreneur and Hazelwood Central graduate who built her education through hands-on experience, conventions, and continuous learning. With 30 years in management and merchandising at Marshalls, a decade running a commercial cleaning company, and extensive experience in short-term rentals, she and her husband Shane combined their expertise to create The Landing Hub, a unique hospitality concept that blends the best of hotels, Airbnbs, and...

In this episode of the Builders of Authority Podcast, I sit down with Ashley Fitzgerald of Studio Epik to talk about building authority through branding, leadership, and systems.

We break down why most business owners struggle with control, how processes actually create freedom, and why brand consistency matters more than chasing short term leads. Ashley shares lessons from scaling multiple brands, hiring the right team, and creating a client experience that drives referrals and long term growth.

If you are an entrepreneur or contractor looking to build a business that lasts, this episode delivers practical...

Reinvention changes you if you let it.

This conversation is a reminder that growth is rarely loud and almost never linear.

I sat down with Aaron Mansfield to talk about rebuilding after disruption, redefining success, and staying disciplined when responsibility gets heavier.

We talked about business, but we also talked about life. About building something stable without losing yourself in the process. About being intentional with growth and clear on who you’re building for.

These are the conversations that shaped this podcast and continue to shape how I think about le...

200 episodes later and the biggest lesson has nothing to do with downloads.

This milestone episode goes deeper than a celebration. It’s a real look at what 200 episodes have required, what they’ve created, and why most people never get to experience the best part of podcasting… because they stop before the real impact ever begins.

I share what this podcast has done for my life, my business, my network, and my voice, along with the discipline, consistency, and long-game mindset required to get here.

If you’ve ever thought about starting a podcast...

Most people think short term rentals are just about listings, bookings, and hoping for great reviews. The truth is, the right strategy, structure, and management can completely change how that investment performs.

I sat down with Jeffrey Lage, to talk about how STR owners can think smarter, operate better, and create real returns while protecting their time and sanity. We get into strategy, accountability, performance, and what separates a stressful side project from a real wealth building asset.

Jeffrey leads Lage Real Estate Management, helping STR owners nationwide maximize ROI through professional systems, performance accountability...

Building a business is easy compared to building one that actually lasts.

In this episode, I sit down with Corey Lewis, CEO and Owner of Xtra Mile Fitness, to talk about leadership, resilience, and what it takes to grow through hard seasons without losing your values. We unpack what it means to build a business around people, culture, and long-term thinking instead of quick wins.

Corey founded Xtra Mile Fitness in 2012 with a simple mission: help people become stronger physically and mentally through coaching and community. Over the years, he’s built more than a gy...

Tommy and Tara Holstein didn’t just build an outdoor living company. They built a partnership that works, in business and in life.

In this conversation, we explore what it really looks like to grow a company together, navigate roles, communicate effectively, and evolve a business model with intention.

What this episode covers:
 • Running a company with your spouse
 • Building high-end outdoor living spaces
 • Defining roles and staying in your strengths
 • Hiring, culture, and leadership inside a trades business
 • How marketing, systems, and AI changed their trajectory
 • Why trust, communication, and c...

This episode breaks down what the last twelve months have actually looked like as I rebuilt Builders of Authority into a multi million dollar agency. Not the surface level story, the reality of growth, pressure, rebuilding, clarity, and proving to myself what was possible.

This year reshaped me as a leader, as a business owner, and as a person. Here’s what it really took.

This is a preview of what I cover:
 • The truth about rebuilding from scratch
 • How the BOA team became the foundation of our growth
 • What I learned about confi...

Choosing the right financial advisor can make or break your long term financial future. I sat down with Brian Bachelier of Hawthorne Capital to talk about the decisions that create real financial security, the red flags people miss, and the qualities every great advisor should have.

Brian’s background is unique, Chicago Board of Trade, hedge fund management, equity trading, strategy development, and now a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Market Technician. His approach is built on clarity, transparency, and always acting in the client’s best interest.

What this episode covers:

Most people talk about business growth but ignore the mental and physical toll that comes with it.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Dustin Adamo to unpack the real foundation of high performance: mental clarity, quality sleep, movement, nutrition, and learning to manage stress instead of pushing through it.

Dustin takes a holistic approach to mental health by combining traditional therapy with physical fitness and nutritional strategies. We explore the truth about burnout, how stress shows up in your body, why hustle culture works against you, and the role boundaries play in long...

In this episode, I sit down with Alex Vaughn, a Worksite Benefits Specialist with Globe Life Liberty National Division and Assistant Wrestling Coach at Fox High School.

Alex’s story is one every entrepreneur and professional can relate to. From working multiple jobs, chasing stability, to finally finding clarity by taking a leap of faith. He shares how a single decision reshaped his career, built his confidence, and allowed him to create a life on his terms.

We talk about mindset, leadership, and how lessons from sports can transform your approach to business. Alex also di...

In this episode, I talk with Ashley Taylor-Maland, creator, speaker, and host of This Is Where We Heal Podcast. Ashley empowers men and women healing from abuse, using her story to inspire others to find strength and self-worth.

We dive into how storytelling can become a tool for healing, how to create content with compassion, and why honesty is the foundation of trust and influence online.

Ashley’s journey is proof that your story doesn’t have to define you, it can help others find their way forward.

Connect with Ashley Taylor-Maland

Today, I’m joined by a guest who’s doing some really innovative things in the trades industry, Nate Keller, the Co-Founder and Chief Sales Officer of Free2Grow.

Free2Grow is transforming how contractors handle customer communication by using AI-powered CSRs built specifically for home service businesses. Before launching the AI side, Nate and his team actually ran a live call center, so they understand firsthand what business owners really need on the front lines.

In this episode, we dive into:

In this episode, I sits down with Pat Imig, founder of Imig Communications, a St. Louis based video marketing agency that helps brands and local businesses create content that actually converts.

Pat shares his journey from hosting shows for CBS Sports Radio and the New England Patriots to launching a creative agency that blends storytelling, authenticity, and strategy.

They discuss:

On this week’s episode, I’m joined by my good friend Todd Liscombe, owner of Liscombe Tree Service in St. Charles, Missouri, and a returning guest whose first episode remains one of our most-watched to date.

Todd is a serial entrepreneur who has built multiple successful businesses, including tree services, storage facilities, and even a go-kart track. Beyond business, he’s someone who continues to grow as a leader, husband, and father.

In this conversation, Todd shares how his perspective on business and life has evolved since our last episod...