Built With Purpose

The Radcast Network

Built With Purpose shares thoughtful conversations with the people who design, build, and improve the world around us. Hosted by Chris Fay, the show blends experience from commercial construction and tech leadership to explore how values, systems, and steady execution create enduring companies. Each week, you’ll hear: Builder Conversations: Warm, in-depth interviews with founders, operators, and craft leaders across construction, architecture, engineering, manufacturing, and built-world tech. Field Notes: Short, practical takeaways on leadership, culture, brand, sales, and operational excellence—ideas you can put to work on Monday. If you care about building teams and businesses that last—without losing sight of purpose—this podcast is for you. Subscribe and build with intention.

  1. Think Bigger: The Open Arena Mindset for Scaling Teams, Culture, and Vision | Between the Builds

    15 HR AGO

    Think Bigger: The Open Arena Mindset for Scaling Teams, Culture, and Vision | Between the Builds

    Most leaders don’t fail because of talent — they fail because they think too small. In this episode of Built With Purpose: Between the Builds, host Chris Fay reflects on a powerful leadership lesson inspired by hosting a company kickoff inside a professional hockey arena. The question that changed everything: What if you treated your business — and your life — like an open arena? Chris unpacks how artificial constraints around money, role, location, and fear quietly limit growth, and how leaders can unlock scale without sacrificing family, health, or culture. Drawing from conversations with Kirk Zambetti and lessons from elite operating systems, this episode breaks down what it really takes to scale through vision, people, and systems. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why leaders underestimate what’s possibl How artificial constraints quietly cap growth The “open arena” mindset for leadership and life Why scaling doesn’t require burnout How systems turn vision into execution What great companies protect as they grow If you’re building a team, a company, or a legacy — this episode will reframe how you think about scale. 👇 Stick around for Chris’s reflections on culture, accountability systems, and why less is often more. 🔗 Connect & Learn More 🎙️ Host Chris Fay LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisfay Show & Resources: https://builtwithpurpose.com 🎧 Guest Kirk Zambetti LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirkzambetti

    13 min
  2. Building Premium Brands and Scalable Growth with Kirk Zambetti

    3 FEB

    Building Premium Brands and Scalable Growth with Kirk Zambetti

    What does it take to build a premium brand, scale organizations, and lead through massive growth without losing culture or purpose? In this episode of Built With Purpose, host Chris Fay sits down with former YETI executive and current President and Founder of NHUSSS Kirk Zambetti during TPM’s company kickoff meeting inside the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. This unique live conversation dives into what it truly means to think bigger — both as a company and as individual leaders. Kirk shares stories from his leadership journey spanning Zambetti Steel Products, Danaher, PSS, and YETI, where he helped scale businesses, transform sales organizations, and build repeatable growth systems. From helping take YETI public to growing companies from millions to billions in revenue, Kirk offers practical leadership frameworks grounded in discipline, brand integrity, customer alignment, and cultural consistency. Throughout the conversation, Chris and Kirk explore what separates strong businesses from strong brands — and why long-term success depends on intentional culture building, prioritizing the right customers, and creating scalable processes without sacrificing relationships. Kirk also provides tactical insights into navigating rapid company growth, managing organizational change, and balancing profitability with purpose. He challenges leaders to rethink customer selection, internal communication rhythms, and how revenue and margin drive sustainable missions. Rather than focusing solely on strategy, this episode emphasizes execution — showing how leadership behaviors, operational discipline, and trust-based partnerships create organizations that scale successfully while maintaining their identity. Key Takeaways: Why premium brands win long-term Customers are willing to pay more for reliability, service, and trust Brand integrity should never be compromised for short-term revenue Premium positioning attracts customers who value partnership, not transactions The importance of process and discipline in scaling organizations Growth requires repeatable systems and aligned priorities Measuring performance drives clarity and accountability Listening to internal teams and customers uncovers real operational opportunities How leaders should approach the first 90 days in a new role Spend time listening across departments and customer touch points Identify recurring challenges rather than reacting to one-off issues Build trust through relationships before implementing change Why not every customer is the right customer Ideal customer profiles help focus service and resources Businesses must be willing to walk away from partnerships that erode brand value Creating clear expectations strengthens long-term relationships How communication rhythms sustain culture during growth Consistent one-on-one meetings build alignment and accountability Over-communication reduces confusion during organizational change Internal culture must be strong before external brand promises can succeed The relationship between revenue, margin, and mission No mission can survive without margin Risk-taking and growth investment are necessary for profitability Strong revenue strategy enables companies to scale purposefully Why trusted advisor relationships outperform traditional selling Businesses must align with the customer’s buying cycle Asking better questions builds credibility and trust Long-term customer success drives loyalty and referrals This episode is a powerful reminder that sustainable growth requires more than ambition — it requires discipline, clarity, and a commitment to building brands that customers and employees believe in. If you're leading growth, managing change, or building a business that balances performance with purpose, this conversation delivers actionable insights for scaling with intention. Connect with Chris Fay Want to continue the conversation or learn more? 🔗 Chris Fay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-fay 🌐 Built With Purpose: https://builtwithpurpose.com Follow Built With Purpose Podcast across all social media platforms. Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help more leaders discover the show — and continue building great companies, cultures, and legacies with purpose.

    1h 1m
  3. Would You Give Up $1 Billion for What You Believe? Lessons in Leadership from Chick-fil-A | Between

    27 JAN

    Would You Give Up $1 Billion for What You Believe? Lessons in Leadership from Chick-fil-A | Between

    What would you be willing to sacrifice for what you truly believe? In this Between the Builds episode of Built With Purpose, host Chris Fay reflects on a powerful conversation with former Chick-fil-A CMO Steve Robinson and unpacks one of the most important leadership questions of all: how deeply are your beliefs embedded in the way you lead, build, and serve? Chris breaks down how Chick-fil-A made the intentional decision to close on Sundays — a move that costs the company roughly a billion dollars a year — yet helped create one of the most trusted and recognizable brands in the world. Why? Because their beliefs aren’t just written down — they’re lived out daily through customer experience, employee development, and company culture. From the famous “my pleasure” service mindset to their commitment to people-first leadership, this episode explores how belief systems become visible through action — and why customers can literally feel a brand when values are real. Chris also challenges leaders to move past quiet conviction and into visible alignment: Do you actually know what you believe? Have you documented your values and purpose? Are your customers and employees experiencing those beliefs in real interactions? Are you bold enough to lead with them, even when it’s uncomfortable? Rather than preaching beliefs, Chris emphasizes living them — leading by example, creating operating principles around them, and holding teams accountable to show up consistently. He walks through practical steps for turning personal or company values into daily behaviors, language, and expectations inside any organization. Key Takeaways: Why Chick-fil-A proves belief-driven businesses can scale massively How customer experience reflects leadership values The difference between stating beliefs and operationalizing them Why documenting your purpose creates clarity and alignment How accountability turns values into culture Why playing it safe with your beliefs limits your impact This episode is a reminder that the strongest brands aren’t built on marketing — they’re built on conviction, consistency, and courage. If you’re building a company, leading a team, or shaping culture, this reflection will challenge you to lean deeper into what matters most — and to lead with purpose every single day. Connect with Chris Fay Want to continue the conversation or learn more? 🔗 Chris Fay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-fay 🌐 Built With Purpose: https://builtwithpurpose.com BuiltWithPurposePodcast on all Social Media Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help more bold leaders discover the show — and keep building great companies, cultures, and legacies with purpose.

    10 min
  4. From $100M to $24B: The Leadership Principles Behind Chick-fil-A’s Growth

    20 JAN

    From $100M to $24B: The Leadership Principles Behind Chick-fil-A’s Growth

    Chick-fil-A didn’t become one of the most admired brands in America by chasing growth, trends, or short-term profits. In this episode of Built With Purpose, host Chris Fay sits down with Steve Robinson, former Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Chick-fil-A, for a deep conversation on leadership, culture, faith, and long-term thinking. During Steve’s 35-year tenure, Chick-fil-A grew from under $100 million in revenue to more than $6 billion, eventually becoming a $24+ billion brand — all while protecting its culture and values. Steve shares never-before-told stories from inside the organization, including how founder Truett Cathy evaluated leaders, why trust mattered more than résumés, and how Chick-fil-A resisted the pressure to grow too fast. This episode pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to build a company that lasts for generations. Key Topics & Takeaways Leadership Starts With Character Steve recounts his first conversations with Truett Cathy, who made it clear that trust, integrity, and cultural alignment mattered more than technical skills. Hiring decisions were made with a long-term mindset — assuming people would never leave. Why Chick-fil-A Refused Short-Term Thinking Unlike public companies focused on quarterly results, Chick-fil-A operated with a generational mindset. Growth was intentionally slowed when necessary to protect infrastructure, people, and reputation. The Corporate Purpose That Anchored Everything During a financial crisis in the early 1980s, Chick-fil-A defined a clear corporate purpose: to glorify God, be good stewards, and have a positive influence on everyone they touched. That purpose became the foundation of the culture. The Operator Model That Changed Fast Food Instead of franchise ownership, Chick-fil-A empowered operators through a unique profit-sharing model that aligned incentives, encouraged generosity, and built leaders inside every restaurant. Why Culture Must Be Taught Through Stories As Chick-fil-A grew, storytelling became essential to preserve values. Steve explains why principles alone aren’t enough — leaders must pass down context, failures, and lived experiences. About Steve Robinson Steve Robinson served as EVP and CMO of Chick-fil-A for over three decades and is the author of Covert Cows and Chick-fil-A, a behind-the-scenes look at the leadership and strategy that built an iconic brand. Today, Steve speaks and consults with organizations looking to build purpose-driven cultures that last.  Who This Episode Is For Founders and CEOs Business leaders scaling culture Marketing and brand leaders Faith-driven executives Anyone building a long-term legacy Keep Up With Chris Follow BuiltWithPurposePodcast on all major social media platforms to keep up with weekly content!

    10 min
  5. The Leadership Framework That Frees Up Your Time, Without Losing Your Humanity | Between the Builds

    13 JAN

    The Leadership Framework That Frees Up Your Time, Without Losing Your Humanity | Between the Builds

    As we kick off the first Between the Builds episode of 2026, host Chris Fay takes a step back to reflect on leadership, priorities, and the pace of change ahead. Building off last week’s conversation with Patrick Murphy, founder and CEO of Toggle AI, this episode introduces a powerful framework for modern leaders: What should be systematized? What can be automated? And what must remain deeply human? From business operations to family life, Chris shares how intentional reflection, smart systems, and thoughtful use of technology can actually create more space for the human connections that matter most. This episode is both a leadership reset and a practical guide for planning your next 90 days with clarity and purpose. Key Takeaways Why the best leaders schedule time to think, not just to execute How over-systematizing can quietly damage culture and relationships Practical examples of what should be automated—and what absolutely shouldn’t How AI and modern tools can give leaders more time for people, not less A simple reflection exercise to realign your calendar, priorities, and energy for 2026 Who This Episode Is For Founders and CEOs Construction, AEC, and operations leaders Anyone navigating AI, scale, and leadership in a fast-moving world Leaders who want growth without losing their humanity Listen & Connect If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another leader who could use a reset.Follow Chris Fay on LinkedIn for more leadership insights and behind-the-scenes reflections.

    17 min
  6. Building with Integrity and Long-Term Vision with Patrick Erin Murphy

    6 JAN

    Building with Integrity and Long-Term Vision with Patrick Erin Murphy

    In this episode, we sit down with Patrick Erin Murphy to break down what it truly means to build with purpose—not as a slogan, but as a daily commitment to leadership, integrity, and long-term thinking. Patrick shares how staying grounded in values has shaped his approach to leadership, decision-making, and growth, especially in environments where shortcuts and short-term wins are often rewarded. This conversation explores what it takes to build something meaningful while maintaining discipline, clarity, and trust. From leadership principles to navigating hard decisions, this episode dives into how purpose-driven thinking creates stronger teams, better outcomes, and businesses that actually last. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, operator, or leader at any stage, this episode offers perspective and lessons you can apply immediately. What You’ll Learn in This Episode What “building with purpose” really looks like in practice How leadership rooted in integrity impacts long-term success Why values matter most when decisions get difficult The importance of discipline and consistency in leadership How to think long-term in a short-term results-driven world Why meaningful growth requires patience and conviction Lessons learned from navigating responsibility and pressure How leaders set the tone for culture and accountability Key Takeaways Purpose isn’t optional — it’s a leadership responsibility Integrity compounds over time in business and life Long-term thinking creates sustainable success Discipline matters more than motivation Strong leadership starts with clarity of values About Patrick Erin Murphy Patrick Erin Murphy is a purpose-driven leader focused on building with intention, integrity, and long-term vision. Known for his thoughtful approach to leadership and decision-making, Patrick emphasizes values-based growth and the importance of doing things the right way—even when it’s not the easiest path. About the Show Built With Purpose explores the intersection of business, leadership, culture, and long-term growth. Each episode features founders, executives, and leaders who are building intentionally — and proving that purpose-driven businesses don’t just feel better, they perform better.

    47 min
  7. How Renegade Built a $100M Construction Company by Breaking the Rules | Wes Palmisano

    23/12/2025

    How Renegade Built a $100M Construction Company by Breaking the Rules | Wes Palmisano

    In this episode, we sit down with Wes Palmisano, founder of Renegade, to break down how he’s building one of the most forward-thinking construction companies in the industry. Wes shares how Renegade scaled by challenging traditional construction norms, prioritizing culture and leadership, and embracing technology and innovation in an industry known for doing things “the old way.” From hiring and retention to operational efficiency, AI, and long-term vision, this conversation dives into what it really takes to grow a modern construction company without losing your values. Whether you’re in construction, entrepreneurship, or leadership, this episode delivers real-world insights you can apply immediately. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How Renegade was built by doing things differently Why company culture is the foundation of sustainable growth The biggest mistakes traditional construction companies make How leadership directly impacts employee retention Why technology and AI matter in construction today How to scale without sacrificing quality or values Building trust, accountability, and ownership within teams Lessons learned from rapid growth and hard decisions What the future of the construction industry looks like Key Takeaways Culture isn’t a “nice to have” — it’s a competitive advantage Leadership sets the ceiling for company growth Technology enables scale, but people drive success Breaking industry norms can unlock massive opportunity Long-term vision beats short-term wins About Wes Palmisano Wes Pamisano is the founder of Renegade, a construction company redefining what it means to build in today’s market. Known for prioritizing people, culture, and innovation, Wes has helped Renegade grow by challenging outdated systems and focusing on leadership-driven growth. About the Show Built With Purpose explores the intersection of business, leadership, innovation, and culture. Each episode features conversations with founders, executives, and industry leaders who are building differently — and winning because of it.

    59 min

About

Built With Purpose shares thoughtful conversations with the people who design, build, and improve the world around us. Hosted by Chris Fay, the show blends experience from commercial construction and tech leadership to explore how values, systems, and steady execution create enduring companies. Each week, you’ll hear: Builder Conversations: Warm, in-depth interviews with founders, operators, and craft leaders across construction, architecture, engineering, manufacturing, and built-world tech. Field Notes: Short, practical takeaways on leadership, culture, brand, sales, and operational excellence—ideas you can put to work on Monday. If you care about building teams and businesses that last—without losing sight of purpose—this podcast is for you. Subscribe and build with intention.