Grow A Small Business Podcast

Troy Trewin
  • 4.8 (41)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Semiweekly

Our weekly 30 minute podcast helps you, a small business owner with 5 to 30 team members, take your company to the next level. The Grow A Small Business community, weekly cast, blog and leadership email supports leaders get through the pain of growth. With insights, lessons learned, books and tools as well as habits these experienced small business owners suggest you develop, our interviews unearth tremendous value for anyone wanting to grow their business with less stress.

  1. How Michèle Hecken Grew Alpha Translations into a Global Leader Serving Top Law Firms, Built Systems That Ran Without Her, Anticipated the AI Revolution Early, and Achieved a $6M All-Cash Exit at 6.7x EBITDA . (Episode 781 - Michèle Hecken)

    6d ago

    How Michèle Hecken Grew Alpha Translations into a Global Leader Serving Top Law Firms, Built Systems That Ran Without Her, Anticipated the AI Revolution Early, and Achieved a $6M All-Cash Exit at 6.7x EBITDA . (Episode 781 - Michèle Hecken)

    In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast host Troy Trewin interviews Michèle Hecken shares how she built Alpha Translations into a global business serving top law firms while raising two young children after moving from Germany to Canada. She explains how creating systems and empowering her team allowed her to work just 4–10 hours a week for 15 years. Michèle reveals how her company was building early large language models long before today's AI boom and why she chose to sell instead of reinventing the business. She discusses the challenges of surviving the 2008 financial crisis, rebuilding stronger, and creating a company that could run without her involvement. Listeners will learn valuable lessons on leadership, delegation, mindset, business exits, and designing a business that supports the life they truly want. The Art of Offboarding: How to Transform Your Business to Run Without You by Michèle Hecken is a practical guide for entrepreneurs aiming to move away from day-to-day operations and create a business that runs independently. It focuses on the power of intentional delegation and structured exit from daily tasks to unlock greater freedom, focus, and sustainable growth. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Michèle Hecken, the hardest thing in growing a small business is cash flow. She explains that even when a business appears successful, owners constantly face decisions about where to invest money, whether new initiatives will generate returns, and how to maintain enough cash reserves to navigate uncertainty. Michèle believes that managing consistent cash flow is critical because it gives business owners the flexibility to experiment, survive challenges, and continue growing without putting the company at risk. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Michèle Hecken's favorite business book is Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott. She says the book had a significant impact on how she led her business, particularly in the areas of communication, feedback, and team culture. Michèle values its practical approach to having honest conversations, addressing issues early, and giving constructive feedback effectively. The book influenced her so much that she referenced some of its concepts and tools in her own book about helping entrepreneurs build businesses that can run without them. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Michèle Hecken recommends learning from a variety of sources rather than relying on a single resource. One podcast she particularly enjoys is the The Mel Robbins Podcast, praising Mel Robbins for her practical insights on mindset and personal growth. She also highly recommends John Warrillow and his podcast Built to Sell Radio, which features valuable lessons from business owners who have successfully scaled and exited their companies. Beyond podcasts, Michèle emphasizes continuous learning through books, coaching, entrepreneurial communities, and implementing what you learn, noting that the real value comes not from consuming information but from applying it to your business. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Michèle Hecken shares that the number one tool to grow a small business is your mindset. She believes that without the right mindset, even the best tools and strategies will fail you. She also highly recommends Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott for building honest communication and a strong team culture. Above all, she encourages every entrepreneur to trust themselves and filter every resource through the lens of what truly works for their own business. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Michèle Hecken shares that the advice she would give herself on day one of starting out in business is to trust yourself because you already know what the right thing is to do. She reflects that even though everyone told her she was crazy for doing things differently, her instincts always led her in the right direction. She also emphasizes giving yourself permission to be courageous and not spending too much money on consultants who may not always know your business better than you do. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.     Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Success means having the freedom to choose how I want to live my life, who I want in it, and having the financial means to go after my dreams — Michèle Hecken Don't wait till you exit — exit yourself from your business so it can run without you and you can enjoy your life — Michèle Hecken If you're doing all the work, it's not a business, it's a job that pays you well — Michèle Hecken

    52 min
  2. Tim Rexius went from pizza delivery driver to entrepreneur, rebuilding after the GFC to create Rexius Nutrition, grow 3 gyms, expand Omaha Protein Popcorn to 30,000 stores in 16 countries, and pursue a $500M snack empire. (Episode 780 - Tim Rexius)

    Jun 7

    Tim Rexius went from pizza delivery driver to entrepreneur, rebuilding after the GFC to create Rexius Nutrition, grow 3 gyms, expand Omaha Protein Popcorn to 30,000 stores in 16 countries, and pursue a $500M snack empire. (Episode 780 - Tim Rexius)

    In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast host Troy Trewin interviews Tim Rexius shares how he lost nearly everything during the GFC, delivered pizzas at night, and sanded floors to fund the launch of Rexius Nutrition. He reveals how relentless networking, smart risk-taking, and a commitment to learning helped him grow multiple businesses, including three successful gyms. Tim also explains how Omaha Protein Popcorn evolved from a struggling idea into a global brand stocked in over 30,000 stores across 16 countries. Along the way, he discusses leadership, marketing, building a strong team culture, and why entrepreneurs must remain lifelong students. This inspiring conversation is packed with lessons on resilience, growth, and creating opportunities from adversity. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Tim Rexius, the hardest thing in growing a small business is access to capital. He believes many entrepreneurs have great ideas and the willingness to work hard, but securing funding is often the biggest challenge. Tim notes that borrowing money has become increasingly difficult, and when funding is available, the interest rates and repayment terms can be tough. He advises business owners to find creative ways to generate income while building their business so they can cover overhead costs and avoid making poor decisions under financial pressure. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Tim Rexius says one of the business books that has helped him the most is Think Big, Shut the F Up and Work. He also credits Masters of Selling by Tony Robbins as a life-changing book that helped him understand communication, sales, and human behavior. Tim believes that learning how to sell effectively is one of the most valuable skills an entrepreneur can develop because it influences every aspect of business growth and success. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Tim Rexius shared invaluable entrepreneurial wisdom across several platforms, including his standout appearances on The Management Blueprint Podcast, The Deep Wealth Podcast, and the Phat Muscle Project Podcast, where he breaks down real-world scaling strategies and leadership frameworks. His home base at timrexius.com also offers direct access to Rexius Business Consulting, where he mentors entrepreneurs globally on franchising, retail expansion, and building strong team cultures. For broader small business growth, the Grow a Small Business Podcast hosted by Troy Trewin — the very show Tim featured on — delivers weekly deep-dives with founders tackling the same challenges. You can also follow Tim on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn at @timothy_d_rexius for ongoing, no-BS business insights from someone who built a $50M brand from nothing. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Tim Rexius shares that the most powerful tool for growing a small business is building genuine relationships, as he personally visited three gyms every day for three years to meet potential customers, proving that consistent human connection outperforms any paid marketing strategy. He also emphasizes leveraging social media to level the playing field, noting that a strong personal brand and winning attitude can make a C-class location just as successful as an A-class one, which he demonstrated by growing Omaha Protein Popcorn to over 30,000 stores across 16 countries. For direct mentorship and structured business guidance, Tim offers Rexius Business Consulting at timrexius.com, where he coaches entrepreneurs on scaling, franchising, and turning employees into entrepreneurial partners using his proven Entrepreneur Creation Framework. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Tim Rexius would tell his day-one self to stop waiting for the perfect moment and instead start hustling immediately, because delivering pizzas at night and sanding floors on weekends while building his first store taught him that grit and relentless action will always outwork privilege and perfect timing. He would also remind himself that it is far easier to turn customers into friends than friends into customers, so invest every ounce of energy into showing up, meeting people, and projecting a winning attitude — because the right mindset attracts the right opportunities. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.     Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: It's a lot easier to turn customers into friends than friends into customers — Tim Rexius You can have a C-class location but an A-class person, and still build a wildly successful business — Tim Rexius People really want to be surrounded by winners, so put on a winning attitude and watch the right opportunities find you — Tim Rexius

    58 min
  3. Sandy Wolff | AgVenture Feed & Seed: From Grief to Growth—How Sandy Took Over a Debt-Ridden Animal Feed Business, Grew Revenue from $1M to $8M, Built a Lean Team, and Successfully Exited After 18 Years. (Episode 779 - Sandy Wolff)

    May 31

    Sandy Wolff | AgVenture Feed & Seed: From Grief to Growth—How Sandy Took Over a Debt-Ridden Animal Feed Business, Grew Revenue from $1M to $8M, Built a Lean Team, and Successfully Exited After 18 Years. (Episode 779 - Sandy Wolff)

    In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast host Troy Trewin interviews Sandy Wolff shares her remarkable journey of taking over AgVenture Feed & Seed after the unexpected loss of her husband, despite having no prior experience in the industry. She reveals how she transformed a debt-laden, cash-negative business into a thriving company, growing annual revenue from $1 million to $8 million while maintaining a lean team through smart outsourcing. Sandy discusses the importance of continuous learning, building a business with an exit mindset, and balancing growth with quality of life. She also shares valuable lessons on leadership, resilience, mentorship, and preparing a company for a successful sale. The conversation is packed with practical insights for business owners looking to scale sustainably and create long-term value.  Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Sandy Wolff shares that the biggest challenge today is keeping up with larger competitors while having fewer resources. She explained that technology is becoming more expensive, hiring great people costs more than ever, and small businesses must find a unique reason for customers and employees to choose them over bigger companies. She said that creating this unique advantage was something that kept her awake at night. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Sandy Wolff has shared that one of the business books that helped her the most was Built to Sell. She credits it with shaping her mindset around building a business that could operate independently and eventually be sold. She also highly recommends The 4-Hour Workweek, which influenced her thinking on outsourcing, creating systems, and reducing reliance on the owner, helping her build a more scalable and efficient business. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Sandy Wolff recommends listening to a wide variety of podcasts and learning resources rather than relying on a single source. She specifically mentioned the Built to Sell Radio and other CEO-focused business growth podcasts that focus on scaling companies. She also follows podcasts on leadership, personal development, time management, influence, metaphysics, and spirituality, noting that some of her biggest business insights have come from outside traditional business content. Sandy believes continuous learning through podcasts, online courses, workshops, AI tools, peer groups, and business coaching is one of the most valuable habits a small business owner can develop. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? According to Sandy Wolff, one tool she would recommend to help grow a small business is ChatGPT. She believes AI is at a pivotal stage, much like computers were years ago, and that business owners who embrace it can save significant time, improve efficiency, and focus more on serving clients. Sandy uses ChatGPT extensively in her own business and encourages entrepreneurs to leverage AI while also seeking advice from experienced mentors and advisors who can provide valuable outside perspectives. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? According to Sandy Wolff, the advice she would give herself on day one of starting out in business is to enjoy the journey more and not become overly focused on the end goal of selling the company. While having an exit strategy is important, she learned that the real value comes from embracing the day-to-day experience, the lessons, the relationships, and the growth along the way. Looking back, she wishes she had spent less time worrying about the eventual sale and more time appreciating the 18-year journey of building and leading the business.  Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.     Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Success is never about arriving because the moment you think you have made it you stop growing – Sandy Wolff The belief that we must do things the way they have always been done is the death knell of any company – Sandy Wolff The belief that we must do things the way they have always been done is the death knell of any company Sandy Wolff

    48 min
  4. Chris Van Dusen on Building & Selling 3 Businesses, Scaling a CBD Brand to 120 Employees, Managing $400M+ Investments & the Biggest Lessons on Consistency, Capital, Leadership and Growth for Entrepreneurs Worldwide. (Episode 778 - Chris Van Dusen)

    May 24

    Chris Van Dusen on Building & Selling 3 Businesses, Scaling a CBD Brand to 120 Employees, Managing $400M+ Investments & the Biggest Lessons on Consistency, Capital, Leadership and Growth for Entrepreneurs Worldwide. (Episode 778 - Chris Van Dusen)

    In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast host Troy Trewin interviews Chris Van Dusen from Solyco Capital shares his journey from being unexpectedly laid off in 2009 to building and selling three successful businesses. He reveals how he scaled a CBD company to over 120 employees, navigated the pressures of rapid growth and business exits, and now helps deploy more than $400M in investments through Solico Capital. Chris also breaks down the importance of consistency, leadership, culture, and having enough capital to survive tough business phases. The conversation is packed with real-world lessons on entrepreneurship, resilience, AI, scaling teams, and preparing a company for acquisition.  Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Chris Van Dusen shares that the hardest thing in growing a small business is maintaining consistent output while managing capital wisely, as many business owners underestimate how much funding and sustained effort it truly takes to keep a business growing long term. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Chris Van Dusen shares that some of the business books that have helped him the most are Principles by Ray Dalio, Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss, and Loonshots, which helped him think differently about innovation, negotiation, and finding asymmetrical opportunities in business. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Chris Van Dusen recommends listening to podcasts like The Diary of a CEO for valuable business insights and leadership perspectives. He also shares that platforms like TikTok can be surprisingly useful for discovering short clips from business podcasts, helping entrepreneurs find new ideas, guests, and strategies before diving deeper into full episodes and long-form learning content. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Chris Van Dusen recommends using Anthropic's Claude and other AI tools to help grow a small business, explaining that AI can act like additional team members by improving efficiency, automating repetitive tasks, analyzing customer data, and helping business owners make faster and smarter operational decisions. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Chris Van Dusen advises that if he could go back to day one of starting out in business, he would tell himself to embrace the hardship, lean into difficult challenges instead of avoiding them, and trust that the tough moments are part of the journey that ultimately leads to growth and success. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.     Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Never underestimate how much capital it's going to take to get you where you need to go – Chris Van Dusen Find asymmetrical areas of growth – don't compete just like everyone else does – Chris Van Dusen Money doesn't buy you happiness, it buys you freedom – Chris Van Dusen

    59 min
  5. Alex Davids, Next Evolution Performance: Psychology Grad Who Built a Global Neuroscience Coaching Firm, Scaled to 40 Coaches in 15 Countries, Helping CEOs Crush Burnout & Achieve Sustainable High Performance. (Episode 777 - Alex Davids)

    May 17

    Alex Davids, Next Evolution Performance: Psychology Grad Who Built a Global Neuroscience Coaching Firm, Scaled to 40 Coaches in 15 Countries, Helping CEOs Crush Burnout & Achieve Sustainable High Performance. (Episode 777 - Alex Davids)

    In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews Alex Davids, founder of Next Evolution Performance, built a global neuroscience coaching business across 15 countries helping CEOs and executives achieve sustainable high performance and prevent burnout. Starting with a psychology background, she identified a gap where executives had no real support beyond being told to "take time off." After scaling to 40 coaches, she made the bold decision to step away, allowing a licensee to buy the business before rebuilding it stronger and more sustainably. Alex shares powerful insights on growing through referrals, genuine LinkedIn outreach, and the importance of daily self-review in both business and life. Her parting advice to every business owner — keep it fun, remember why you started, and trust that you can do it. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Alex Davids shares that the hardest part of growing a small business is staying in it, believing you can do it, and trusting that it is worth it — a feeling most business owners would deeply relate to. The grind is invisible to the outside world; customers see the success but nobody sees the early mornings, cash flow stress, and lonely decisions that come with building something from scratch. Most people quit too early, not because their idea was bad, but because self-doubt becomes louder than the vision, making belief a daily choice every entrepreneur must consciously make. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Alex Davids shares that her favourite business book is "4000 Weeks" by Oliver Burkeman, a profound read that sits on the edge of business, productivity, and life. The book's core message is that humans have on average 4,000 weeks to live, and every time we find tools to become more productive — from microwaves to AI — we simply backfill that saved time with more work rather than reclaiming it for what truly matters. Alex found this deeply relevant to her work with executives, as it challenges the endless productivity chase and forces the reader to ask the most important question of all Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Alex Davids shares that one of her favourite podcasts is Tim Ferriss, whom she has followed since before podcasting was even a big deal, appreciating how he has evolved from the hardcore "Four Hour Work Week" mindset to exploring what truly matters in life and business. She also highly recommends Consulting Success, a community and resource platform out of Canada specifically designed to help consultants build successful businesses, offering incredible tools, community support, and a critical eye on growth strategies. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Alex Davids shares that the one tool she would recommend right now is Whisper Flow, an AI dictation tool that she describes as absolutely game changing for small business owners. It allows you to think out loud and dictate your thoughts into anything, turning spoken ideas into polished and meaningful content with ease. Beyond tools, she strongly recommends finding a group, team, or community that provides regular reflection and review support, specifically highlighting Consulting Success out of Canada as an incredible resource that has delivered huge value to her own business through its tools, community, and structured approach to helping consultants grow successfully. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Alex Davids shares that the advice she would give herself on day one of starting out in business is beautifully simple yet deeply powerful — keep it fun, remember why you started, and trust that you can do it. After 19 years of building a global business, stepping away, rebuilding, and navigating every challenge that comes with entrepreneurship, she believes that staying connected to your original purpose and maintaining a sense of joy in the work is what ultimately keeps you going through the toughest moments. It is a reminder that success is not just about the destination but about enjoying and believing in the journey every single day.  Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.   Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:   It's only a difficult conversation if you choose to see it that way — otherwise it's just helping people understand points of view — Alex Davids If you can't hand on heart say you can run this business and feel energized without burning out, then you're not doing a great job — Alex Davids Your thoughts become all the habits you have, all the ways you show up, and all the things you deliver — so make them count — Alex Davids

    38 min
  6. How Gulliver Moore & Oliver Clubb Scaled Sunday Treat from a Director/DP Duo to a £2M Creative Agency | AI, Viral Video Marketing, Google & Disney Clients, Hiring Secrets, Leadership Lessons & 20% YoY Growth Strategies Tips! (Episode 776 - Gulliver Moo

    May 10

    How Gulliver Moore & Oliver Clubb Scaled Sunday Treat from a Director/DP Duo to a £2M Creative Agency | AI, Viral Video Marketing, Google & Disney Clients, Hiring Secrets, Leadership Lessons & 20% YoY Growth Strategies Tips! (Episode 776 - Gulliver Moo

    In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews Gulliver Moore shares how he scaled Sunday Treat alongside his co-founder Oliver Clubb from a freelance director/DP partnership into a £2M creative agency serving global brands like Google, Disney, and Revolut. In this episode, Gulliver reveals how consistent 20% year-over-year growth, smart hiring, strong company culture, and high-performing video marketing helped the agency expand to a 14-person team with clients across the US and Europe. He also explains how Sunday Treat is adapting to AI, building viral content strategies, and maintaining creativity while scaling fast. Gulliver shares honest lessons about leadership, delegation, difficult management decisions, and why founders should never delegate hiring. The conversation is packed with insights on business growth, branding, team building, and creating a sustainable agency in today's competitive digital landscape.  Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:  What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Gulliver Moore shared that the hardest part of growing a business is consistently delivering on big promises while maintaining quality and trust with clients. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Gulliver Moore said his favorite business book is Radical Candor because it deeply influenced how he manages people, gives feedback, and builds an honest company culture. He also highly recommended The Making of a Manager for its practical advice on leadership and team management. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Gulliver Moore recommended podcasts like Hard Fork, The Vergecast, and Today in Focus to stay updated on technology, AI, and current events. He also emphasized learning through experimentation, especially with AI tools, social media content creation, and hands-on business experience rather than relying heavily on formal coaching or consultants. During the conversation, host Troy Trewin additionally recommended Marketing School, Uncensored CMO, and Everyday AI for marketing and business growth insights. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Gulliver Moore recommended using Claude AI for brainstorming, strategy, copywriting, and improving workflows with AI. He also highlighted Monday.com as a powerful CRM and project management system for organizing teams and client work, while Figma was his preferred platform for creating visually engaging presentations and creative assets. He emphasized that combining strong systems, consistency, and AI tools can significantly improve productivity and business growth. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Gulliver Moore said he would tell himself to trust the process, stay patient, and focus on consistently hiring great people. He emphasized that long-term success comes from building a strong team culture, trusting your instincts during hiring, and sticking with the journey even when growth feels slow or uncertain. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.     Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Hiring the right people is the most important investment you can make in your business — Gulliver Moore You don't need to control everything — great teams do amazing work when you trust them — Gulliver Moore Consistency in your process will eventually create the growth you're looking for — Gulliver Moore

    37 min
  7. From Idea to 100+ Resorts: Arielle Moody of MAMA SOL Shares How She Built a Fast growing Beauty Brand While Pregnant, Bootstrapped with Family Funds, Scaling to 15+ Team Members with 10X Growth & Consistency. (Episode 775 - Arielle Moody)

    May 3

    From Idea to 100+ Resorts: Arielle Moody of MAMA SOL Shares How She Built a Fast growing Beauty Brand While Pregnant, Bootstrapped with Family Funds, Scaling to 15+ Team Members with 10X Growth & Consistency. (Episode 775 - Arielle Moody)

    In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews Arielle Moody shares how she built MAMA SOL from a personal need into a rapidly growing business stocked in over 100 high-end resorts. She discusses the importance of consistency, trusting your instincts, and having a clear point of difference in a competitive market. Arielle also highlights the challenges of managing cash flow, scaling sustainably, and learning to delegate as the team grows. Her journey shows that success is an ongoing process rather than a final destination, requiring resilience and adaptability. Listeners can also enjoy 20% off at their website using the code Smallbusiness20. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:  What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Arielle Moody, the hardest thing in growing a small business is managing cash flow. She emphasizes that when a business starts scaling, you constantly need enough money to cover inventory, operations, and growth, and if cash flow isn't handled properly, it can quickly become the biggest risk to survival. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? According to Arielle Moody, her favorite business book is "The Science of Scaling" a book by Dr. Benjamin Hardy. She mentioned that this book provides an evidence-based framework for scaling a business faster and more effectively, and it had a strong impact on how she thinks about growth and expansion. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? According to Arielle Moody, she recommends podcasts like How I Built This with Guy Raz for real stories and lessons from successful entrepreneurs, and Confessions of a Female Founder for insights into how female founders grow and scale their businesses, as these resources provide practical learning and inspiration from real-world experiences. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? According to Arielle Moody, the one tool she highly recommends for growing a small business is Klaviyo. She emphasizes that email marketing is often underrated but extremely powerful, and platforms like Klaviyo help businesses build and grow their email list, automate marketing, and drive consistent revenue. This tool allows you to create personalized campaigns, automate customer communication, and turn subscribers into loyal customers, making it one of the most effective growth channels for small businesses. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Arielle Moody would tell herself on day one to trust her instincts much earlier and not rush into decisions just to keep momentum. If something doesn't feel right, it's better to pause and reassess rather than push forward and fix mistakes later. She'd also remind herself that moving slower and more intentionally can actually lead to better outcomes, helping avoid unnecessary setbacks while building a stronger foundation for growth. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.     Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Trust your instincts early—moving fast means nothing if you're moving in the wrong direction - Arielle Moody Consistency and passion will carry you through the hardest days in business - Arielle Moody Build with intention, not urgency, because rushed decisions create bigger problems later - Arielle Moody

    22 min
  8. From Spare Room to $5M Success: Michael Harvey of MDH Accounting on Building a 25+ Team, Mastering Fractional CFO Growth, Navigating AI Disruption, and Why Deep Client Relationships Became His Ultimate Business Advantage. (Episode 774 – Michael Harvey

    Apr 26

    From Spare Room to $5M Success: Michael Harvey of MDH Accounting on Building a 25+ Team, Mastering Fractional CFO Growth, Navigating AI Disruption, and Why Deep Client Relationships Became His Ultimate Business Advantage. (Episode 774 – Michael Harvey

    In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews Michael Harvey, founder of MDH Accounting, shares how he grew his business from a spare bedroom startup into a multi-service firm with 25+ team members and nearly $5 million in annual revenue through steady, organic growth and smart hiring. He explains the power of networking, word-of-mouth referrals, and staying close to clients to build long-term trust and consistent growth. The conversation highlights how developing people, supporting flexible work, and focusing on team strengths became key drivers of sustainable success. Michael also reflects on major challenges, including scaling teams, adopting new technology, and adapting to the rise of AI in accounting and advisory services. Ultimately, he emphasizes that true business success comes from continuous learning, strong relationships, and helping other small business owners achieve their wins. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Michael Harvey believes one of the hardest parts of growing a small business is managing the transition from having just a few employees to building a larger team, where hiring, training, and paying wages can feel stressful and uncertain. He also highlights that opening new branches and handling different team cultures adds unexpected complexity. Another major challenge he faced was keeping strong client relationships while adopting new technology, as efficiency can sometimes reduce the personal touch that customers value most. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Michael Harvey says his favorite business books that helped him the most are Good to Great by Jim Collins, along with The Five Dysfunctions of a Team and The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni. He shared that Good to Great was an early revelation for him, while The Advantage is a book he regularly revisits because of its strong focus on culture and team success in business. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Michael Harvey recommends tuning into the podcast The Imperfects, even though it isn't strictly business-focused. He says he listens to it regularly because of the inspiring guests and meaningful topics, particularly those connected to The Resilience Project, which motivates him indirectly as a business owner. He also highlights that much of his learning comes from networking with other professionals and learning from real conversations, rather than relying only on formal online tools. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Michael Harvey recommends using a simple one-page planning tool, where you summarize your key business goals and priorities onto a single page to stay focused. He believes the real value comes from cutting through unnecessary details and clearly identifying the number one issue your business needs to solve. This approach helps business owners stay clear, decisive, and action-oriented instead of getting lost in too much information. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Michael Harvey says that if he could go back to day one, he would remind himself to enjoy each moment and celebrate milestones along the way instead of always chasing the next goal. He admits he was so driven early on that he often missed the joy of progress. His advice is to enjoy the journey, stay humble, and build a business that you genuinely enjoy rather than feeling trapped in it.  Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.     Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Growth becomes easier when you focus on solving the one problem that matters most — Michael Harvey Technology can speed up your business, but relationships are what keep it alive — Michael Harvey A simple, clear plan beats a complicated strategy that never gets used — Michael Harvey

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Our weekly 30 minute podcast helps you, a small business owner with 5 to 30 team members, take your company to the next level. The Grow A Small Business community, weekly cast, blog and leadership email supports leaders get through the pain of growth. With insights, lessons learned, books and tools as well as habits these experienced small business owners suggest you develop, our interviews unearth tremendous value for anyone wanting to grow their business with less stress.

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