Off-Menu Insights

Dylan Miles
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Entrepreneurship

In the world of business and entrepreneurship, the most valuable lessons aren’t found in a manual—they’re learned in the trenches and the late-night grit of the scale-up phase. Off-Menu Insights is the podcast for operators who want the "unlisted" secrets to building a brand. Host Dylan Miles, Founder of MM Insights, pulls back the curtain on the journey from kitchen-table start to national scale. We move past the polished PR stories to uncover the non-obvious lessons, unexpected pivots, and hard-won insights that founders wish they had known before they started, as well as the challenges they are facing today. We dive deep into: - Founder Stories: The raw passion and mission behind unique products. - The "Secret Menu": High-leverage strategies and tools—like AI and automation—that drive growth. - Operator Wisdom: Candid talk on the challenges of navigating the modern landscape. If you’re ready to hear the stuff they don't print on the label, there’s a seat at the table for you.

Episodes

  1. 28 Jul

    From $43 to a Multi-Million-Dollar Business: Doni Jones | Don's Tree Service | Off-Menu Insights

    In this episode, Doni Jones, founder of Don's Tree Service and a passionate leader, shares her inspiring story of starting a business with just $43 and growing it into a thriving 26-year enterprise. Discover her insights on leadership, team building, and maintaining core values amidst rapid growth. 00:00 - Introduction and Doni’s background 00:30 - The $43 story: how it all started 01:51 - From network marketing to entrepreneurship: pivotal moments 02:48 - The epiphany on a long drive outside Atlanta 03:44 - The challenge of starting with $43 and business card story 04:14 - Company growth: from 1 to 43 team members and $5 million in revenue 04:57 - Implementing Traction and streamlining processes 05:54 - Values-driven leadership and team development 06:35 - Core values: love, respect, integrity, and faith-based culture 07:11 - Maintaining safety, standards, and a wholesome team environment 08:08 - Trusting leadership, giving grace, and quick decision-making 09:35 - Stopping practices that hinder growth and raising performance standards 10:21 - Leadership conversations, accountability, and fostering pride in work 11:16 - Fun activities, team bonding, and personal development initiatives 12:33 - Evolution of company culture and pivotal moments with Traction 14:00 - Letting go: trusting the team and empowering growth 15:28 - Long-term vision: scaling, acquisitions, and personal life goals 17:12 - Vision for the next three years: team expansion and valuation 18:24 - Balancing hard work with family, horses, and personal time 19:04 - Building a company that feels like a community with purpose 20:09 - Maintaining habits, avoiding old routines, and personal growth 21:44 - The importance of transparency and culture on hiring 22:49 - The impact of community, camaraderie, and living one's values 23:26 - Creating space for accountability and pride in roles 24:08 - The significance of purpose, community, and joy in work 25:24 - The choice to enjoy life amid challenges and setbacks 26:33 - Legacy: promoting kind capitalism, faith, and community impact 27:27 - Supporting entrepreneurs of color and the value of capitalism 28:51 - The importance of kindness, wealth, and leaving a positive legacy 29:29 - Connecting with Doni and resources for those needing tree services 30:57 - Final thoughts: the power of stories, community, and leadership Resources and Links: Traction by Gino WickmanDoni's Tree Service - The go-to Atlanta-based tree service providerYouTube / The Climb Podcast - Personal growth and leadership insights from DoniInstagram

  2. 7 Jul

    How Data and AI Are Revolutionizing Roofing Inspections with Eric Caturia, EVP of Hustad Companies

    When most contractors remain reactive to problems, Hustad Companies is transforming the industry with a proactive, data-driven approach that cuts leaks by 90%. Eric Caturia, EVP and Principal at Hustad, reveals how they turned a small mom-and-pop shop into a national leader in roofing inspections—using standardization, AI, and real-time data to deliver unmatched value to property owners. In this episode, discover how Hustad’s innovative systems provide clear KPIs, forecast future repairs, and help clients save millions—long before leaks become costly disasters. We break down their key framework: from regional expansion to automating workflows across 44 states, and leveraging AI for predictive maintenance and operational efficiency. You’ll learn how to turn raw data into strategic advantage, why pattern recognition is a founder’s secret weapon, and what steps you can take today to unlock similar growth. Whether you run a roofing company or manage multi-site properties, Eric shares the mindset and tech stack that makes Hustad stand out—built on relentless focus, continuous improvement, and the courage to invest in the future.This episode is perfect for entrepreneurs, contractors, and operators ready to leverage technology for exponential growth and resilience. If you’re seeking actionable insights on building a proactive, data-rich business that outperforms reactive competitors—don’t miss this conversation. Eric is EVP at Hustad Companies and a passionate innovator in integrating data and AI into property management. His expertise in scaling and systematizing service delivery makes him a leading voice for operators aiming to transform their industry.Get inspired to innovate, automate, and elevate your business—because in today’s market, the companies that lead are those who get in the weeds and stay ahead of the curve. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Company Background10:07 Technology and Data-Driven Solutions25:24 AI and Automation in Business Operations41:55 Strategic Growth and Future Initiatives Links https://www.hustadcompanies.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-caturia-a0521136a/https://www.mmagencyai.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/-dylanmiles-/

  3. 19 Jun

    How to Scale Without Losing Quality | Michelle Carfagno - The Greater Knead | Off-Menu Insight

    This conversation with Michelle Carfagno from The Greater Knead dives into the journey of an allergen-free baking company, the challenges of transitioning from a hobby to a business, and the complexities of scaling without compromising quality. It also explores the nuances of entrepreneurship, the impact of bootstrapping vs. VC funding, and the strategic navigation of sales channels and distribution. Additionally, it discusses the measurement of return on investment across various sales channels. The conversation covers topics related to consumer behavior, direct-to-consumer approach, sales development, strategies, tools, and redefining success and legacy in business. Takeaways Transitioning from a hobby to a business requires a deep understanding of the market and a commitment to solving a specific problem.Quality is a critical factor in business growth, and maintaining it while scaling presents unique challenges. Consumer behavior insights drive marketing strategiesDirect-to-consumer approach requires strategic partnershipsSuccess is redefined by impact and joy, not just financial metrics Chapters 00:00 The Greater Knead: A Journey of Allergen-Free Baking06:10 Wearing Multiple Hats as a Founder11:36 Challenges of Scaling Without Compromising Quality17:00 Navigating Sales Channels and Distribution23:11 Measuring Return on Investment Across Sales Channels29:03 Direct-to-Consumer Approach35:33 Sales Strategies and Tools44:22 Redefining Success and Legacy Resources: LinkedIn - Michelle CarfagnoThe Greater Knead

  4. 27 Apr

    Building A Tasty Food Empire with Llance Kezner | Off-Menu Insights with Dylan

    Llance Kezner, co-creator of Millie's Sipping Broth (Keep Life Tasty), shares the journey of creating a unique product and navigating the CPG world. From early success to market expansion and future goals, Llance emphasizes customer focus, feedback, and creative strategies for growth. The company's vision includes partnerships with dream retailers and expansion into new markets, driven by a commitment to customer engagement and product availability. Takeaways Customer focus and feedback are critical for product successCreative strategies and partnerships drive market expansionFuture vision includes expansion into new markets and customer engagement Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Company Background06:08 Business Model and Product Iteration11:45 Customer Focus and Feedback Cycle18:05 Partnership and Growth Strategy23:47 Retail Strategy and Customer Engagement30:01 Challenges and Growth Opportunities35:56 New Markets and Expansion Strategy41:50 Future Vision and Market Expansion Resources: Millie's Sipping Broth Website - https://milliessippingbroth.com/?srsltid=AfmBOor1TxyNj6bddAVbLJ7YcuhGwJSUwQir32niKc_II0ImIGbox7zO LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/llance/

  5. 26 Apr

    From Kitchen Table to Luxury Catering: Taylor Brown's 6-Year Journey | Off-Menu Insights with Dylan

    Taylor Brown, founder and CEO of Chandler Charcuterie, shares her journey of starting and scaling her luxury catering company. From the passion for her craft to the challenges of business ownership, Taylor's entrepreneurial persistence and long-term vision shine through. She offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of passion, persistence, and continuous improvement. Takeaways Passion for CraftEntrepreneurial Persistence Chapters 00:00 Starting Chandler Charcuterie09:01 Craft and Scaling20:26 Scaling Operations28:08 Long-Term Vision

  6. 26 Apr

    Why Can Manufacturers Are Losing Out - Justin Bolton | Off-Menu Insights with Dylan

    In this conversation, Justin Bolton, founder of Black Box Can Consulting, discusses the challenges and opportunities within the aluminum can industry, emphasizing the need for technical training and data-driven decision-making. He shares insights on the importance of knowledge transfer in manufacturing, the services his company offers, and strategies for business growth through community engagement and leveraging platforms like LinkedIn. Justin also highlights the potential for AI integration in improving data collection and analysis within the industry.

  7. 1 Apr

    How Once Wild is changing pet nutrition | Off-Menu Insights with Dylan

    The conversation with Rachel Machado, co-founder and CEO of Once Wild Pet, discusses the inspiration behind the company, the unique product offering, target market, industry trends, scaling and expansion plans, challenges, community building, marketing and branding strategies, and the mission of Once Wild. The discussion also covers where to find Once Wild and how to learn more about the company's mission and regenerative agriculture. Takeaways Regenerative pet nutritionBuilding a community of pet parents Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Once Wild Pet05:08 The Unique Product Offering11:32 Target Market and Industry Trends19:32 Challenges and Community Building34:02 Mission and Where to Find Once Wild Pet

  • 7 Episodes

About

In the world of business and entrepreneurship, the most valuable lessons aren’t found in a manual—they’re learned in the trenches and the late-night grit of the scale-up phase. Off-Menu Insights is the podcast for operators who want the "unlisted" secrets to building a brand. Host Dylan Miles, Founder of MM Insights, pulls back the curtain on the journey from kitchen-table start to national scale. We move past the polished PR stories to uncover the non-obvious lessons, unexpected pivots, and hard-won insights that founders wish they had known before they started, as well as the challenges they are facing today. We dive deep into: - Founder Stories: The raw passion and mission behind unique products. - The "Secret Menu": High-leverage strategies and tools—like AI and automation—that drive growth. - Operator Wisdom: Candid talk on the challenges of navigating the modern landscape. If you’re ready to hear the stuff they don't print on the label, there’s a seat at the table for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Dylan Miles
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dylan Miles
  • Show Website
    Off-Menu Insights