1 Tough Day Podcast

1 Tough Day Podcast
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to 1 Tough Day, hosted by Steve VanHorn a podcast built on the truth that everyone has a story behind their toughest moments. Each episode features real conversations about setbacks, pressure, hard lessons, and how people kept going. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or like you’re the only one going through it… you’re not. Follow along and tune in for new episodes.

Episodes

  1. 5d ago

    How AI Is Changing Home Service Sales | Zachary Dearing of Mantel

    In this episode of the One Tough Day Podcast, we sit down with Zachary “Zac” Dearing, Co-Founder and CEO of Mantel, an AI-powered sales platform built specifically for the home services industry. Zachary’s background includes MIT, Harvard Law, Amazon, and McKinsey, but his current mission is focused on something much more practical: helping contractors sell better, communicate better, and close more deals in an industry that touches millions of homeowners every year. We talk about what it takes to build a startup, why home services is such a massive opportunity, how AI can actually help contractors instead of just becoming another buzzword, and what Zachary has learned from working closely with the people on the front lines of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and other trades. This conversation is packed with insight for business owners, contractors, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in where technology and home services are headed next. If you enjoy the episode, make sure to subscribe on YouTube, follow the show on Spotify, and listen on Apple Podcasts. It really helps us keep growing the show and bringing on great guests.

    1h 11m

  2. May 5

    1 Tough Day Podcast | Episode 8: CD Mayhew — Perform Better by Taking Control of Your Health

    What if improving your health was the key to leveling up everything else in your life? In this episode of the 1 Tough Day Podcast, we sit down with fitness and performance coach CD Mayhew to break down how taking control of your health can directly impact your success in business, relationships, and everyday life. From simple habits to real-world strategies, CD shares practical ways to stay on track even with a busy schedule. Whether you're an entrepreneur, professional, or just someone trying to get more out of life, this episode is packed with insights you can actually apply. If you've ever felt like you don’t have the time or energy to focus on your health… this one’s for you.

    1h 32m

  3. Apr 21

    1 Tough Day Podcast | Episode 7: Pete Battista

    Steve sits down with mentor and leadership legend Pete Battista to talk about servant leadership, building winning cultures, feedback, family, and the lessons tough days teach us. This one is loaded with practical wisdom and unforgettable Pete-isms.

    1h 19m

  4. Mar 31

    1 Tough Day Podcast | Episode 6: Joe Rosen

    In Episode 6 of the 1 Tough Day Podcast, we sit down with Joe Rosen — corporate M&A attorney, sports agent, and trusted advisor on high-stakes deals worth tens of millions of dollars. Joe’s career spans two worlds: representing athletes at the highest level and negotiating complex business acquisitions. But what truly sets him apart isn’t just his skill — it’s how he builds relationships. In this episode, we dive into: • Why relationships are the ultimate competitive advantage• How to manage multiple high-level roles and responsibilities• The psychology of negotiation and leverage• What separates good leaders from great ones• The importance of communication in business and life Joe also shares powerful “tough day” stories — from struggling to build his business early on… to losing a top client after doing everything right. If you want to understand how to win in business, build trust, and navigate high-pressure situations — this episode is a must-listen.

    1h 29m

  5. Mar 24

    1 Tough Day Podcast | Episode 5: Jerry Rollins

    In Episode 5 of the 1 Tough Day Podcast, we sit down with Jerry Rollins — a leader known for building strong teams, driving performance, and creating a culture that wins. Jerry’s journey is rooted in leadership, accountability, and pushing people to perform at their highest level. Whether it’s building organizations, leading under pressure, or developing talent, his perspective is centered around one thing: winning the right way.

    1h 25m

  6. Mar 10

    1 Tough Day Podcast | Episode 4: Victor Rancour

    In Episode 4 of the 1 Tough Day Podcast, we sit down with Victor Rancour — entrepreneur, business builder, and one of the most recognizable voices in the home service industry. Victor’s story is anything but traditional. After entering the HVAC industry with no prior experience, he quickly became one of the top-performing technicians in the country before stepping into leadership roles and eventually launching his own company, Absolute Airflow Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, which experienced explosive growth in just a few years. Today, Victor is known for helping contractors scale their businesses through marketing strategy, training, and operational systems.

    1h 5m

  7. Feb 24

    1 Tough Day Podcast | Episode 3: Dan Antonelli – Building Brands That Dominate

    an Antonelli, founder of KickCharge Creative, joins the 1 Tough Day Podcast to break down elite branding strategy, leadership lessons, and how home service companies can dominate their markets through differentiation. If you want your brand to stand out — this episode is for you.

    1h 2m

  8. Feb 10

    1 Tough Day Podcast | Episode 2: Brigham Dickinson

    In Episode 2 of 1 Tough Day Podcast, Steve VanHorn sits down with Brigham Dickinson — founder of Power Selling Pros, author of “Something to Give,” and business owner behind Booked and Athlecare. Brigham breaks down the mindset shifts that take you from high performer to true leader, including his 8 P’s of leadership, how to build trust with your team, and what it really means to become someone who has something to give. Learn more about Brigham: https://www.brighamdickinson.com/

    1h 29m

  9. Jan 27

    1 Tough Day Podcast | Episode 1: Chad Simpson

    In our very first episode of 1 Tough Day, host Steve VanHorn sits down with Chad Simpson owner and founder of Simpson Salute Heating & Air for a real conversation about what it takes to build something from the ground up. Chad talks about the tough days behind the scenes, the pressure of leading a team, lessons learned the hard way, and what keeps him pushing forward when business (and life) get heavy. If you’ve ever wanted the honest side of entrepreneurship and leadership this one’s for you.

    1h 30m
  • 9 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to 1 Tough Day, hosted by Steve VanHorn a podcast built on the truth that everyone has a story behind their toughest moments. Each episode features real conversations about setbacks, pressure, hard lessons, and how people kept going. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or like you’re the only one going through it… you’re not. Follow along and tune in for new episodes.

Information

  • Creator
    1 Tough Day Podcast
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 1 Tough Day Podcast
  • Show Website
    1 Tough Day Podcast