Epic Entrepreneurs

Bill Gilliland

Welcome to Epic Entrepreneurs! What does it take to build a real and thriving business in today’s world? As entrepreneurs and business owners, we went into business to have more freedom of time and money. Yet, the path of growing a business isn’t always filled with sunshine and rainbows. In this chart-topping show, host Bill Gilliland; author of the best-selling book “The Coach Approach” leverages his decades of experience coaching proven entrepreneurs to make more money, grow the right teams, and find the freedom of EPIC Entrepreneurship.

  1. The Truth About Scaling (No One Tells You This) with Makenzy & Joe Geiger

    3 APR

    The Truth About Scaling (No One Tells You This) with Makenzy & Joe Geiger

    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 she realises solo work is no longer sustainable, and Joe brings hard-earned leadership lessons from solar sales and managing high-performing teams. We talk emotional intelligence, setting expectations, giving feedback, and why “if it wasn’t said, it’s your fault” can save you years of frustration.   We also dig into practical systems you can steal: hiring for responsiveness and critical thinking, building a culture people genuinely buy into, and using weekly Monday motivation calls to keep remote field teams trained, connected, and accountable. Plus, what’s next for Zippy Pets, including in-person events, a new market in Greenville, and how to stay in the loop.   If you like honest entrepreneurship stories, leadership advice, and small business growth tactics that actually work, subscribe, share this with a founder friend, and leave a review. What’s the one part of running a business that you wish someone warned you about? Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!Bill Please hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at williamgilliland@actioncoach.com or at https://billgilliland.biz/

    42 min
  2. From Uncertainty to Opportunity: Building Success in Mortgage & Business with Parker Knudsen

    3 APR

    From Uncertainty to Opportunity: Building Success in Mortgage & Business with Parker Knudsen

    🎧Tune in Today! 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 drives success in today’s market: building trust, simplifying complex information, and using clear, intentional communication to better serve clients. Parker also breaks down common myths about entrepreneurship—especially the idea of “flexibility”—and explains why the early years require more hustle than most expect. If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or someone navigating a career transition, this episode delivers practical insight on growth, discipline, and taking small, consistent steps toward long-term success. If this conversation helped you, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review with your favorite takeaway—we read every one. Guest contact info: Rate.com/parkerknudsen parker.knudsen@rate.com Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!Bill Please hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at williamgilliland@actioncoach.com or at https://billgilliland.biz/

    36 min
  3. "Burn the Ships: Building a Business with No Plan B" with Andy Hegg & John Stein of Vets Junk Removal and Dumpsters

    3 APR

    "Burn the Ships: Building a Business with No Plan B" with Andy Hegg & John Stein of Vets Junk Removal and Dumpsters

    Tune in Today.🎧 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. They also dive into the importance of hiring the right people, building a strong team culture, and why character and coachability matter more than experience. Plus, they offer honest insights on scaling challenges, leadership, and the myth of “freedom” in entrepreneurship. If you’re thinking about starting a business—or are in the thick of building one—this episode delivers real, unfiltered perspective on what it takes to succeed. If this conversation helped you, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review with your favorite takeaway—we read every one. Guest contact info: andy@vetseasytrash.com VETS Junk Removal and Dumpster Rentals - Bulk Trash Service Blog - VETS Junk Removal & Dumpsters Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!Bill Please hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at williamgilliland@actioncoach.com or at https://billgilliland.biz/

    45 min
  4. Building More Than Homes: Creating Community in Asheville with Mitch Roedel

    3 APR

    Building More Than Homes: Creating Community in Asheville with Mitch Roedel

    🎧 Listen in today! 🎧 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 construction. Mitch opens up about the importance of taking risks, why waiting on the sidelines leads to more regret than failure, and the lessons he learned the hard way about managing both projects and himself. He also highlights the value of culture, collaboration, and designing a business that supports life—not the other way around. If you're passionate about entrepreneurship, real estate, or building something meaningful in your community, this episode offers both inspiration and practical insight. If this conversation helped you, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review with your favorite takeaway—we read every one. Guest contact info: mitchell.roedel@gmail.com Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!Bill Please hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at williamgilliland@actioncoach.com or at https://billgilliland.biz/

    30 min
  5. Stop Playing Small: The Power of Authentic Business Growth with Kimber King of Moksha Health & Wellness

    3 APR

    Stop Playing Small: The Power of Authentic Business Growth with Kimber King of Moksha Health & Wellness

    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 community and networking. You’ll also hear about her signature program, Sacred Seasons, and how aligning habits with natural rhythms can lead to sustainable success in both life and business. If you're a driven professional looking to grow your business, protect your energy, and build something meaningful, this episode delivers practical wisdom and real-world perspective you can apply right away. If this conversation helped you, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review with your favorite takeaway—we read every one. Guest contact info: mokshayogaavl@gmail.com www.mokshayogawellness.com https://www.facebook.com/mokshayogaavl  Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!Bill Please hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at williamgilliland@actioncoach.com or at https://billgilliland.biz/

    32 min
  6. Leading Through Change: Turning Chaos into Clarity with Executive Coach Beverly Jurenko

    11 MAR

    Leading Through Change: Turning Chaos into Clarity with Executive Coach Beverly Jurenko

    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 build a pipeline with patience rather than panic. Beverly dismantles the myth that entrepreneurship guarantees balance; instead, she shows how self-care and boundaries are daily practices that protect long-term performance. On team building, she shares why character beats credentials, how to invite dissent to spark innovation, and where Radical Candor—challenging directly while caring personally—elevates trust and results. You’ll also get practical tactics you can use today. Beverly’s paper-and-pen reset helps overwhelmed founders translate noise into next steps. Her focus on commitment, discipline, and execution turns good ideas into measurable progress. Looking ahead, she’s rolling out group Enneagram coaching for management teams, giving leaders a shared language for collaboration, conflict, and decision speed—ideal for companies navigating growth and change. If you’re a small business owner, founder, or executive aiming for resilient growth, this conversation delivers clear strategies, mindset shifts, and tools you can put to work immediately. Subscribe, share with a fellow leader who needs steadiness right now, and leave a review to tell us the tactic you’re trying first. Guest contact info: beverly@beverlycoaching.com www.beverlycoaching.com  https://www.linkedin.com/in/beverly-jurenko/ Instagram: @beverly.coaching Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!Bill Please hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at williamgilliland@actioncoach.com or at https://billgilliland.biz/

    25 min
  7. Making Money Talks Human (and Actually Helpful) with Christine Virost

    9 MAR

    Making Money Talks Human (and Actually Helpful) with Christine Virost

    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 touchpoints. Christine shares practical lines for follow-ups, how to let prospects opt out gracefully, and a reframing that saves your energy: they’re not ignoring you, they’re busy. She also breaks down the myth of constant competition, making a strong case for collaboration and community among local business owners who share a client-first mindset. On the entrepreneurial side, we get candid about discipline over motivation, launching imperfectly, and hiring for learnability, grit, and honesty. Christine’s approach to work-life harmony is refreshingly realistic—no false emergencies, clear boundaries, and a quick reset ritual for overwhelm that actually works. We round it out with actionable planning tips to align family needs, business growth, and risk protection, plus upcoming community events where Yellow Lucky Duck meets people where they are. If you want a practical playbook for client trust, sustainable growth, and financial protection that respects real life, this conversation delivers. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s building something, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway—we read every one. Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!Bill Please hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at williamgilliland@actioncoach.com or at https://billgilliland.biz/

    21 min
  8. Rebuilt at 45: How Chris Rocher Turned a Layoff into an HVAC Powerhouse

    7 MAR

    Rebuilt at 45: How Chris Rocher Turned a Layoff into an HVAC Powerhouse

    🎧 Tune in now and tag a trades business owner who needs to hear this!   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. Chris breaks down the simple systems that compound: organizing parts and finances, writing clear playbooks for calls and visits, and using tools like WAV and House Pro without losing the human touch. He explains the summer grind in the South—phones lighting up from May to October—and how he guards one day a week for family to stay sane and effective. We dig into the growth engines that actually work: word of mouth fueled by proactive check-ins, BI’s vetted networking ecosystem, and a culture that bans negativity and resets between jobs so the next customer gets your best. Hiring is refreshingly straightforward: teach the skills, recruit the character. Chris shares what he looks for in techs, how he recovers from mistakes by owning and fixing them fast, and why your business will mirror who you are, online and off. Then we look ahead to HVAC’s future: Wi‑Fi thermostats, zoned ductwork with smart dampers, and home hubs that tie HVAC, appliances, and security into one app. This is comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind delivered through tech and trust. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, Chris’s advice is direct: step back, audit the gaps, and seek serious peers even if they cost more—you’ll get it back in time, clarity, and better decisions. Subscribe for more candid conversations on entrepreneurship, share this with a business owner who needs a lift, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway so we can keep raising the bar together. If this conversation helped you, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review with your favorite takeaway—we read every one. 📲Guest contact info: aatsc911@gmail.com advancedairtechnologysc.com Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/All the best!Bill Please hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review,  and share this podcast. You can reach me at williamgilliland@actioncoach.com or at https://billgilliland.biz/

    25 min

About

Welcome to Epic Entrepreneurs! What does it take to build a real and thriving business in today’s world? As entrepreneurs and business owners, we went into business to have more freedom of time and money. Yet, the path of growing a business isn’t always filled with sunshine and rainbows. In this chart-topping show, host Bill Gilliland; author of the best-selling book “The Coach Approach” leverages his decades of experience coaching proven entrepreneurs to make more money, grow the right teams, and find the freedom of EPIC Entrepreneurship.