Higher Up Podcast

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What Cracker Barrel’s Rebrand Got Wrong (and What Chick-fil-A Gets Right)

In Part 2 of our branding series, we look at what happens when a company tries to modernize and ends up losing what people loved most. Using Cracker Barrel’s recent rebrand backlash as a case study, we talk about the tension between staying relevant and staying true to your identity.

We compare it to Chick-fil-A’s approach, where brand strength comes from consistent systems, not constant design changes. Then we break down how these lessons apply...

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What happens when a brand forgets who it is?

This is Part One of our two-part series on branding and rebranding. In this episode, we break down the Cracker Barrel rebrand and the costly lessons it offers for business owners. Cracker Barrel built its reputation on consistency, nostalgia, and Southern hospitality, but its dramatic shift left loyal customers feeling disconnected.

We unpack the difference between branding (who you are) and marketing (how you tell your story), and why confusing the two erodes trust. With Donald Miller’s pr...

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Leadership isn’t just about strategy, it’s about rhythm. In this episode, we explore why intentional pauses and quarterly rhythms are essential for your business, family, and personal health. From balancing key life areas to safeguarding sacred family time, we offer practical strategies to prevent burnout and lead more effectively.

You’ll learn about tools like the balance wheel, the significance of family board meetings, and how small, consistent rhythms can create lasting legacies. This conversation will encourage you to rethink how you rest, reset, and refocus so you can lead e...

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Are you leading your business or just reacting to problems as they arise? In this episode, we explore the power of quarterly rhythms, a system that helps leaders stay focused, avoid burnout, and build sustainable momentum.

We discuss why rhythms matter, how seasons in life and business provide a model to follow, and the practical steps to align your team around clear priorities. You’ll learn how quarterly planning and intentional pauses create space for focus, accountability, and long-term growth.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in constant reaction mode...

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Change is constant in leadership, but when does it harm more than help? This episode examines balancing adaptation and avoiding overwhelming your team.

From Blockbuster’s resistance to pivoting when Netflix emerged, to the risks of moving too fast and causing burnout, we identify signs of "change fatigue.” You’ll learn how shifting priorities, poor follow-through, and lost trust can hinder progress.

We talk through strategies for pacing change, distinguish KPIs (forward-looking) from KPMs (backward-looking), and why leaders should act as “chief reminding officers” to keep teams focused.

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In this final part of our halftime adjustment series, we dig into the surprising power of staying the course when everyone else is pivoting.

We talk about why “shiny object syndrome” kills momentum, how small fundamental changes can create massive results, and why doubling down on your current plan might be the boldest move you can make. You’ll also hear how a simple calendar shift completely changed one leader’s effectiveness and how the story of Haggai gives us perspective when vision and reality don’t line up.

Whether yo...

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Is It Time for a Halftime Adjustment in Your Business?

At the halfway point of the year, every leader needs to ask: Are we making progress? And more importantly… What needs to change?

In this episode, we examine what it means to lead with clarity and courage when you face a crossroads. We identify the three traps that hold leaders back: feelings like fear, comfort, and ego. We discuss why past success can sometimes block future growth.

You’ll gain a simple yet powerful mindset shift: “Leaders don’t...

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 In this episode, we explore how lessons from our childhood coaches continue to shape our leadership today. From punctuality to staying true to fundamentals, we examine five coaching habits that can transform any team.

Drawing from The 5 Coaching Habits of Excellent Leaders by Lee and Julie Colan, we look at how clarifying expectations, asking questions, involving others, measuring what matters, and showing appreciation can foster a culture of trust and accountability.

Whether you're leading a business, a church team, or your family, this conversation will challenge you to lead f...

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What can a $1.50 pimento cheese sandwich teach us about world-class customer service? A lot if you're at the Masters Tournament.

In this episode, we unpack what Augusta National gets right about the customer experience, from spotless restrooms to screen-free serenity, and how those small details add up to something unforgettable. Benji shares his firsthand experience attending the Masters, and we explore how intentional, friction-free service turns everyday moments into stories worth sharing.

If you're a business leader, team builder, or care about creating meaningful moments for others, this one’s...

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We’re back, and this episode is the most authentic one yet, pulling back the curtain to show you what leadership and business ownership truly entail, especially when life gets a bit messy. From an inspiring story at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky to a listener’s heartfelt message that changed everything, this episode ushers in a new season filled with genuine conversations, fresh perspectives, and a revitalized sense of purpose.

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In this episode, we’re getting real about the moment we realized our long list of 22 core values was just... noise. 

So we started over.

We walk you through how we narrowed it down to 7 values that mean something and how they guide every part of our business:

This isn’t just about writing values on a wall. It’s...

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Ever feel like your company’s core values are just words on a wall? In this episode, Brady and Benji get real about how their team went from 22 forgettable core values to 7 that actually mean something.

It all started when no one on their leadership team could remember the values. Instead of ignoring the problem, they tore it all up and started over, leading to tough conversations, major self-reflection, and real change.

You’ll hear why values lose impact when there are too many, what it looks like to lead...

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What separates good leaders from great ones? Data. In this episode, Brady and Benji break down why tracking the right numbers leads to smarter decisions in business and life.

From coaching softball to leading a restoration business, they share real examples of how data transformed their results—like turning a 31% win rate into a championship team. They also explore how industry leaders like Chick-fil-A use metrics to optimize customer experience and how tracking response times and communication efficiency has improved their own success.

Beyond business, they dive into why Go...

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What if the secret to achieving massive success isn’t just about working harder but thinking differently? In this episode of the Higher Up Podcast, we explore the groundbreaking ideas from 10X Is Easier Than 2X by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy. Many assume that doubling their success (2X) is the safest route, but what if striving for 10X requires less effort? 

We discuss how aiming higher brings clarity, simplicity, and leverage elements that smaller improvements often overlook.

✅ Discover how cutting out distractions opens up time for what truly...

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In this episode, we’re diving deep into the C12 tri-value model again, focusing on economic, team, and spiritual values to help you build a financial legacy that truly matters.

We break down budgeting in a way that empowers rather than restricts, taking inspiration from thought leaders like Dave Ramsey and Howard Dayton to give you practical steps toward financial freedom. Plus, we share real-life stories that highlight the importance of financial stewardship and passing down lasting values to the next generation.

In today’s consumer-driven world, financial pressure make...

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We're breaking down the power of stewardship in leadership because managing money well isn’t just about numbers but also about freedom. 

Ever feel like budgeting is just another restriction? Think again! We’ll show you how smart financial planning can actually bring clarity and peace of mind, both personally and in business. Inspired by experts like Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, and Dave Ramsey, we’re sharing practical insights to help you build a strong financial foundation. 

But stewardship isn’t just about money, it’s about how we use our skil...

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Part two of our goal-setting series covers frameworks used by Brady, notably SMART and FAST. These frameworks transform vague goals like improving health into clear, actionable steps. Brady emphasizes setting specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely targets for 2025. Applying these strategies allows you to break down broad objectives into manageable actions, fostering progress in personal and professional domains.

Explore the synergy between faith and goal setting through experiences highlighting the integration of spiritual values into ambitions. Learn how our restoration company uses intentional meetings and realistic targets to maintain momentum and...

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What distinguishes high achievers? Discover goal-setting secrets that could position you among the elite 3% who pursue their ambitions. Inspired by figures like Brian Tracy and Zig Ziglar, we explore the crucial difference between resolutions and actionable goals. As we mark 3,100 streams, our gratitude is immense, and we challenge you to make 2025 a year of growth with purpose-driven strategies for personal and business success.

Reaching a milestone is just the start. We emphasize the importance of establishing new targets to sustain momentum, sharing stories of personal growth, such as moving into a...

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2025 is approaching, so it’s time to talk about New Year’s resolutions! In this episode, we’re diving into the top 10 personal goals that many of us set for ourselves—reading more books, quitting smoking, and making the most of life. We explore how these goals impact your personal happiness and significantly shape your professional growth and ambition. After all, living life to the fullest is all about finding a balance between individual satisfaction and career success!

We also look closely at strategic planning and how to avoid the classic mistake...

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Have you ever wondered when the Christmas season truly begins? Join us for a Christmas-filled conversation as we share our holiday traditions. Through these stories, we explore the joy, nostalgia, and family traditions that define this special time of year, and we discuss the ongoing debate about when to start holiday celebrations while respecting Thanksgiving.

Additionally, we highlight meaningful community initiatives that make a difference. Brady shares his work with Vineyard Family Services, specifically their "Operation Green Wave" and "Backpack Buddies" programs, which support families in need. We showcase how organizations...

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This episode shares personal stories to highlight the impact of shifting perspectives. We explore how adopting an abundance mindset over a scarcity mindset fosters creativity and opens new opportunities. We also discuss the challenges of transitions and societal pressures, often amplified by social media.

Listeners will learn about the dynamics of leadership, emphasizing trust and collaboration within teams. Brady reflects on his 20-year business journey, showcasing how an abundance mentality enhances team interactions and promotes growth. We touch on the unique challenges of family-run businesses and the importance of building trust...

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What if choosing happiness was entirely within your control? Imagine turning a frustrating wait at a Starbucks drive-thru into a highlight of your day thanks to a cheerful barista. In our latest episode, we discuss being "happy on purpose" and how small, intentional acts of positivity can uplift our lives and workplaces.

We delve into the importance of emotional awareness, especially during life's unpredictable moments. By embracing gratitude and making conscious choices in our responses, we can transform our interactions. Simple gestures, like a friendly greeting or actively listening to someone’s...

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Are you unknowingly hindering your business by relying on hope instead of strategy? In this thought-provoking discussion, we examine the balance between these two forces for both personal and professional growth. We challenge the belief that hope alone can lead to success, drawing inspiration from renowned business figures like Peter Drucker. 

We highlight the importance of strategic planning, supported by a strong company culture, and explore how data-driven decisions in digital marketing can enhance results. Through transformative stories, we demonstrate how strategic changes have reduced costs, strengthened unity across departments, and i...

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In this episode, we explore the small yet powerful details that can transform your customer service game, like pointing with two fingers instead of one! Inspired by Disney’s top-notch service approach, we’ll share real stories and practical insights on how paying attention to little things and showing empathy can truly elevate the way you serve others.

Whether you're dealing with unexpected challenges like water damage as a military family or deciding between a meal at McDonald's or Chick-fil-A, we explore how thoughtful gestures can make all the difference in crea...

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After a year-long hiatus, we're back with a new season and a brand-new episode! This season Benji is joined by his brother, our new co-host, Brady Wilson. 

We are excited to reconnect with our listeners and share insights from our leadership journey, which began in the mid-90s with SERVPRO. We will also reveal our fresh vision for this podcast. Our discussion will focus on the idea that leadership can sometimes feel like a solitary journey, but it doesn’t have to be. We will explore the concept of “leadership loneliness” and emp...

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In this episode, we are joined by Roy Adcock from SERVPRO Industries where we discuss the influence of culture and its impact on team building. Everyone loves a good comeback story, and in this episode, you get a double treat. We dive into the gripping story of how Roy left SERVPRO, found a lack of culture at a different company, and then returned back to SERVPRO Industries. His story serves as a reminder of life’s unpredictability and the importance of embracing change, even when it feels uncomfortable. We also delve into Dion Sa...

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This week, we're exploring the process of stepping back and allowing others to take the reins, and how this can lead to personal and business growth. We navigate through the significance of trusting people and delegating tasks, and the surprising benefits we experienced as a family when we shifted from organizers to participants.

Among the many thought-provoking discussions in this episode, we also delve into the realm of mentorship and leadership development. We pay homage to the influential Rick Isaacson and discuss his teachings that shaped our entrepreneurial journey. The challenge...

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What if navigating the delicate dynamics of family business could actually be simple, enjoyable, and rewarding? Join us for a thought-provoking conversation as we unpack this challenging issue. We reflect on our recent participation in SERVPRO Convention in Tampa, Florida, the surprising revenue consistency of the top performer in the last decade, and the success of SERVPRO as a commercial clean-up and restoration leader. 

We delve into the complexities of running a family business, emphasizing the crucial aspects of defining roles, encouraging transparent communication, and maintaining neutrality amidst heightened emotions. We s...

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Have you ever wondered how mentorship can transform your life and career? Join us in this eye-opening episode as we share our personal experiences and discuss the power of having the right mentors in our lives. We talk about our journey mentoring entrepreneurs, other SERVPRO franchise owners, and Classic Recreations in Dallas, as well as our own experiences being mentored. Listen and learn how our daily routines contribute to our higher-up lifestyle and the importance of surrounding ourselves with positive influences.

We explore the benefits of mentorship in various aspects, from...

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Feeling overwhelmed and on the brink of burnout? We've got you covered in our deep discussion on how to go from feeling burnt out to achieving a balance both professionally and personally. Join us as we open up about our own experiences with burnout and reveal effective strategies to manage tasks, communicate better, and set expectations for a healthier work-life balance.

In this episode, we dive into the far-reaching effects of burnout on various aspects of life - from entrepreneurs to stay-at-home parents and even pastors. We also explore the pandemic's...

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What does it take to achieve extraordinary success in both your personal and professional life? How can faith play a crucial role in guiding your decisions and helping you overcome obstacles? Find out by joining us for an inspiring and empowering episode of the Higher Up podcast!

We'll kick off the conversation with an exciting update on the Evangel Christian School softball team's recent victory, winning a division one national softball championship - a testament to their hard work, dedication, and team spirit. But our focus isn't just on the playing...

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Join your hosts, Adam and Benji, as they explore the ways in which social media and our society's obsession with perfectionism contribute to this culture of comparison. They'll be discussing the negative impact it can have on our mental health, including feelings of jealousy, low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. But don't worry, they'll also be sharing some practical tips on how to combat these negative emotions and cultivate a healthier mindset. From self-love to setting realistic goals, they'll be breaking down the good and the bad of comparing yourself to others. 

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Join Benji and Adam as they discuss the importance of finding your purpose in life and how it can lead to success. They share personal stories and offer practical tips for reflection and self-discovery, goal-setting and taking action and overcoming obstacles along the way. They also explore the role of failure in the journey to finding purpose and the importance of seeking support from others. Whether you're just starting out on your journey or looking to adapt to changing circumstances, this episode offers valuable insights and guidance to help you find your path...

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In this episode of the podcast, Benji and Adam dive into the concept of "Developing a Growth Mindset." They start by defining a growth mindset as a belief that one's abilities, intelligence, and talents can be developed through hard work, dedication, and perseverance. They explore how people with a growth mindset tend to approach challenges, persist through obstacles, and view failure as an opportunity to learn and improve.

Throughout the episode, they compare and contrast a growth mindset with a fixed mindset, where individuals believe that their abilities...

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Welcome to the debut episode of our exciting new podcast series "HigherUp"! Join our dynamic hosts, Benji Wilson and Adam West, as they embark on a thought-provoking journey of entrepreneurship, leadership, faith, and personal growth.

Benji brings a wealth of experience as a seasoned entrepreneur, leader, and worship pastor, while Adam brings a fresh perspective as a budding entrepreneur, photographer, videographer, and digital marketer. Together, they bring a unique blend of insights and perspectives that will leave you feeling inspired and motivated.

In this inaugural episode, Benji and Adam...