Built to Grow: The Small Business Playbook

Ryan Naylor
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Entrepreneurship

Built to Grow: The Small Business Playbook with Ryan Naylor is a podcast for small business owners who are done guessing and ready to grow with intention. Each episode features real conversations with founders and operators who’ve been through the highs, the hard lessons, and the growing pains of running a small business. No fluff. No theory. Just honest stories and proven strategies you can actually use. Listeners walk away with real playbook tactics on hiring, leadership, operations, and scaling. The kind of insights you only get from experience, not textbooks. If you’re building a business, managing a team, and trying to grow without burning out, this podcast is for you. Because growth isn’t luck, it’s built.

  1. Sep 11

    How to Scale a Home Service Business: Franchising, SOPs, AI & Customer Retention with Evan Ritchey

    Send us Fan Mail What does it really take to scale a home service business from a local operation into a multi-million-dollar franchise brand? On this episode of Built to Grow, Ryan Naylor sits down with Evan Ritchey, founder of Coconut Cleaning, to break down the decisions, systems, and strategies that helped grow the business to approximately $50 million in annual revenue. Evan shares the pivotal decision to franchise Coconut Cleaning, why SOPs and documented best practices are essential for scaling, and how focusing on the right business metrics can completely change the way you operate. They also dive into:  How to know when it's time to franchise your business  Why revenue isn't always the most important number to watch Customer acquisition cost (CAC) and lifetime customer value (LTV) Finding and fixing the "leaky buckets" that cause customer churn  How strategic customer touchpoints can increase retention and lifetime value  Marketing strategies for entering competitive markets  Why sweat equity and relationship building still matter in business growth  How to identify your ideal customer and franchisee  Using AI to connect marketing, CRM, and operational data Why investing in your people is worth the risk  The leadership lessons Evan learned while building Coconut Cleaning Whether you're a home service business owner, entrepreneur, franchise owner, or small business leader, this conversation is packed with practical lessons on building systems, improving profitability, acquiring and retaining customers, and scaling a business sustainably. Listen to Built to Grow with Ryan Naylor for an inside look at what it takes to go from hustling for revenue to building a business that can grow at scale.  Follow Evan Ritchey on IG: @evan.p.ritchey Follow Ryan on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ryan.nylr/ Follow our Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/built.to.grow.podcast/ Learn more about AvaHR and get a free trial of our Hiring Tool for your business: www.avahr.com Watch the live Interviews on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avahrsoftware

    How to Scale a Home Service Business: Franchising, SOPs, AI & Customer Retention with Evan Ritchey

  2. Aug 12

    Real Estate Investing: How to Build Wealth & Generate Cash Flow with NFL Vet Devon Kennard

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when a 9-year NFL career comes to an end? For former NFL linebacker Devon Kennard, the answer was building something bigger. In this episode of the Built to Grow Podcast, Ryan Naylor sits down with Devon to talk about his transition from the NFL to entrepreneurship, real estate investing, private lending, and building long-term wealth. Devon shares lessons on leadership, financial discipline, investing, entrepreneurship, and the mindset it takes to succeed beyond sports. He also explains why young entrepreneurs should invest in themselves first, why cash flow matters when building wealth, and how his experience as an elite athlete shaped the way he approaches business. They also dive into:  🏈 Leadership lessons from Devon's NFL career and Matthew Stafford  💰 How Devon approached his first NFL paycheck and delayed gratification  📈 Why athletes and entrepreneurs need to understand risk and liquidity  🏢 Transitioning from professional football to entrepreneurship  🏠 Real estate investing, house flipping, and private lending  💵 The importance of cash flow when building wealth  📊 Understanding IRR, leverage, and return on investment  🧠 Why investing in yourself can be the best investment you make  🔥 The difference between doing what's mandatory vs. necessary 👊 How discipline, adversity, and athletic training translate into business Whether you're an entrepreneur, real estate investor, aspiring athlete, or simply looking to become smarter with your money, Devon's story offers practical lessons on building wealth, taking control of your finances, and creating success beyond your career. Follow Devon Kennard on IG: https://www.instagram.com/devonkennard/ Real Estate & Lending: WeAre42Solutions.com Follow Ryan on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ryan.nylr/ Follow our Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/built.to.grow.podcast/ Learn more about AvaHR and get a free trial of our Hiring Tool for your business: www.avahr.com Watch the live Interviews on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avahrsoftware

    Real Estate Investing: How to Build Wealth & Generate Cash Flow with NFL Vet Devon Kennard

  3. Aug 3

    How to Grow Your Business Without Working More Hours with Rob Young

    Send us Fan Mail Most entrepreneurs are experts at their craft—but very few have been taught how to run a business. In this episode of Built to Grow, Ryan Naylor sits down with Rob Young, founder of Stage 3 Group and author of Stage 3 Success, to discuss why so many growing businesses get stuck and how owners can build systems that create freedom instead of chaos. Rob explains the "teenage years" of a business—when growth brings complexity, processes break down, and owners find themselves wearing every hat. Together, they dive into the practical frameworks that help businesses scale without sacrificing family, culture, or profitability. Whether you're running a home service company, a growing startup, or an established small business, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you work on your business instead of constantly working in it. In this episode, you'll learn:  Why most business owners struggle to scale  The three essential functions every business needs  How systems and processes reduce stress and increase growth  Common mistakes that create chaos as companies grow  Why great communication builds trust with customers and employees  How to identify your "Best and Highest Use" as a business owner  The mindset shift that allows founders to step out of the day-to-day If you're ready to build a business that grows without consuming your life, this episode is for you. Follow Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stage3rob/ Follow Ryan on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ryan.nylr/ Follow our Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/built.to.grow.podcast/ Learn more about AvaHR and get a free trial of our Hiring Tool for your business: www.avahr.com Watch the live Interviews on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avahrsoftware

    How to Grow Your Business Without Working More Hours with Rob Young

  4. Jul 17

    Why Great Leaders Build Great Teams with Former NFL Quarterback Brett Hundley Jr.

    Send us Fan Mail From NFL stadiums to building successful businesses, Brett Hundley proves that leadership doesn't end when the game is over. In this episode of Built to Grow, Ryan Naylor sits down with former NFL quarterback Brett Hundley to discuss the mindset that helped him succeed at the highest level of football—and how those same principles are driving his success as an entrepreneur today. After spending eight seasons in the NFL alongside legendary quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Lamar Jackson, and Carson Wentz, Brett has transitioned into business ownership, building a thriving commercial cleaning company, a real estate development business, and the Brett Hundley Foundation, which has raised more than $1 million to support children and families affected by epilepsy. Ryan and Brett dive into what separates great leaders from average ones, why building the right team matters more than having all the answers, and how entrepreneurs can create cultures where people thrive. Brett also shares the hiring philosophy that's helped him scale multiple companies, why communication is the foundation of every successful organization, and how embracing challenges has fueled his growth as a business owner. The conversation also explores Brett's personal mission behind his nonprofit foundation, inspired by his sister's battle with epilepsy, and why impact—not income—is ultimately how he measures success. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, leader, athlete, or someone looking to build a winning team, this episode is packed with practical leadership lessons you can apply immediately. In this episode you'll learn:  Why consistency is the foundation of great leadership  How sports prepare entrepreneurs for business ownership  Brett's approach to hiring A-players and building strong company culture  Why communication solves most business problems  Lessons learned from starting businesses from scratch  How to overcome setbacks and embrace entrepreneurial risk  Why purpose is the ultimate competitive advantage  The inspiring story behind the Brett Hundley Foundation If you're looking to become a stronger leader, build a better team, and create a business that lasts, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Follow Brett on IG: https://www.instagram.com/bretthundley7/ Follow Ryan on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ryan.nylr/ Follow our Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/built.to.grow.podcast/ Learn more about AvaHR and get a free trial of our Hiring Tool for your business: www.avahr.com Watch the live Interviews on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avahrsoftware

    Why Great Leaders Build Great Teams with Former NFL Quarterback Brett Hundley Jr.

  5. Jun 5

    Reset your Sales Process and Grow your Business with Sam Wakefield

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ryan sits down with sales expert and Close It Now founder Sam Wakefield to discuss one of the biggest missed opportunities in business growth: prospecting and referrals. Sam shares what he would do if he only had $5,000 left to grow a business, why most companies spend too much time focused on marketing and not enough time on proactive outreach, and the simple sales habits that can dramatically increase revenue without increasing ad spend. They dive into: • Why prospecting should be a founder's top priority • The referral strategies most businesses completely overlook • How to ask for reviews and referrals without feeling pushy • The psychology behind messaging that attracts customers • Why people buy based on emotion, not features • The importance of creating a service-first culture • How the first five minutes of a sales conversation can determine the outcome Whether you're a home service business, entrepreneur, or sales leader, this conversation is packed with practical tactics you can implement immediately to generate more referrals, build trust, and close more business. Listen now and learn how small changes in your sales process can create massive results. Follow Sam on IG: https://www.instagram.com/therealcloseitnow/ Follow Ryan on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ryan.nylr/ Follow our Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/built.to.grow.podcast/ Learn more about AvaHR and get a free trial of our Hiring Tool for your business: www.avahr.com Watch the live Interviews on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avahrsoftware

    Reset your Sales Process and Grow your Business with Sam Wakefield

  6. May 29

    From Law School to 7-Figure Mortgage Entrepreneur with Abdel Khawatmi

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ryan Naylor sits down with entrepreneur and mortgage industry leader Abdel Khawatmi, founder of Got Mortgages, to talk about what it really takes to scale a business in today’s market. From almost going to law school to building a nationally recognized mortgage brand, Abdel shares the systems, routines, mindset, and leadership strategies that helped him grow a high-performing sales organization while staying grounded in family, fitness, and faith. Ryan and Abdel dive into: Building scalable sales systemsThe “SCALE” framework for business growthCreating consistency and accountability within sales teamsLeveraging AI and automation without losing the human connectionHow personal branding and social media drive modern business growthThe realities of entrepreneurship, loss, leadership, and legacyWhy authenticity is becoming the ultimate competitive advantageAbdel also shares practical insights on content creation, KPI tracking, team culture, and how entrepreneurs can use social media to compete against larger companies with massive marketing budgets. Whether you’re building a sales team, growing your personal brand, or navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways for business owners and leaders alike. Connect with Abdel: Instagram: @got_mortgages Website: gotmortgages.com YouTube: Got Mortgages Follow Ryan on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ryan.nylr/ Follow our Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/built.to.grow.podcast/ Learn more about AvaHR and get a free trial of our Hiring Tool for your business: www.avahr.com Watch the live Interviews on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avahrsoftware

    From Law School to 7-Figure Mortgage Entrepreneur with Abdel Khawatmi

  7. Apr 27

    From $1M to $10M Business: What Actually Changes in Branding, Hiring & Growth

    Send us Fan Mail What separates a $1M business from a $10M business? In this episode, Ryan Naylor sits down with Kayden Muzila, founder of Musilla Creative, to break down what actually changes as companies scale—especially when it comes to branding, creative strategy, and understanding your audience. Kayden shares his journey from creative director in the Hollywood film and advertising world to building a fast-growing agency from scratch after multiple layoffs forced a reset in his career. Together, they explore: Why most brands fail to scale their messaging past $1M The shift from “what we like” to “what the audience actually wants” How delegation becomes the real bottleneck in growth What hiring and trust look like inside a scaling creative business How content strategy should actually be structured for results, not just virality Why authenticity beats trends in social media marketing If you’re building a business, leading a team, or trying to break through your next revenue ceiling, this conversation is packed with real-world insight from both the agency and operator side. Follow Kayden Muzila on IG: https://www.instagram.com/kayhaos/ Follow Ryan on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ryan.nylr/ Follow our Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/built.to.grow.podcast/ Learn more about AvaHR and get a free trial of our Hiring Tool for your business: www.avahr.com Watch the live Interviews on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avahrsoftware

    From $1M to $10M Business: What Actually Changes in Branding, Hiring & Growth

  8. Apr 17

    From Overwhelmed to Optimized: How Small Businesses Are Using AI to Scale with Katie Shive

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ryan sits down with Katie Shive to break down what AI actually means for small business owners—not in theory, but in execution. From building AI agents that act like personal assistants to creating scalable content systems, Katie shares how businesses can start leveraging AI today to save time, increase efficiency, and stay competitive. They dive into:  What’s really coming in the next 18 months with AI  How to use AI agents to automate daily tasks and decision-making  Why most businesses are using AI wrong (and how to fix it)  How to build a brand voice that doesn’t sound like “AI wrote it”  The role of personal branding in a world with less trust and more automation This episode isn’t about replacing people—it’s about amplifying what great operators can do with the right systems. If you’re a business owner trying to figure out where AI actually fits into your day-to-day… this is your playbook. Follow Katie Shive on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heykatieshive/ Follow Ryan on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ryan.nylr/ Follow our Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/built.to.grow.podcast/ Learn more about AvaHR and get a free trial of our Hiring Tool for your business: www.avahr.com Watch the live Interviews on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avahrsoftware

    From Overwhelmed to Optimized: How Small Businesses Are Using AI to Scale with Katie Shive
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5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Built to Grow: The Small Business Playbook with Ryan Naylor is a podcast for small business owners who are done guessing and ready to grow with intention. Each episode features real conversations with founders and operators who’ve been through the highs, the hard lessons, and the growing pains of running a small business. No fluff. No theory. Just honest stories and proven strategies you can actually use. Listeners walk away with real playbook tactics on hiring, leadership, operations, and scaling. The kind of insights you only get from experience, not textbooks. If you’re building a business, managing a team, and trying to grow without burning out, this podcast is for you. Because growth isn’t luck, it’s built.

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