Growth Without Guesswork

Ashley Tate
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Growth Without Guesswork is a podcast about what it really takes to build, operate and grow a successful company. Hosted by entrepreneur and strategic growth advisor Ashley Tate, each episode goes behind the scenes with founders, CEOs, executives and operators to uncover the decisions, systems, challenges and lessons that have shaped their businesses. We talk about the things that don’t always make it into the highlight reel: what actually drove growth, what didn’t work, how leaders navigate change, where businesses lose time and efficiency, how teams and processes evolve as companies scale, and how technology and AI are changing the way work gets done. From construction and manufacturing to technology, professional services and emerging industries, Growth Without Guesswork brings together leaders with one thing in common: they’re responsible for figuring out what comes next. There are no generic success stories and no one-size-fits-all playbooks. Just candid conversations about the decisions behind growth—and the lessons other business leaders can take from them. Because sustainable growth shouldn’t be based on guesswork.

Episodes

  1. 13h ago

    From Job Site to CEO: 47 Years of Leadership, Resilience & Reinvention | Jeff Forrest, WPC

    What does it take to build a company that lasts more than 50 years — and a leadership legacy that spans generations? In this episode of Growth Without Guesswork, host Ashley Tate sits down with Jeff Forrest Sr., CEO of WPC (formerly Winter Park Construction), for a powerful conversation about leadership, resilience, personal growth, family business succession, and the future of the construction industry. Jeff’s journey is anything but conventional. Beginning his career in construction as a teenager, Jeff worked his way from laborer and carpenter to project management, superintendent, and eventually CEO. Along the way, he navigated dyslexia, hearing loss, economic downturns, and the challenges of leading an established family business through decades of change. Jeff attended Harvard Business School, reinforcing a philosophy that has guided much of his career: great leaders never stop learning, and true success comes from helping others become better. Throughout our conversation, Jeff shares the lessons he’s learned over nearly five decades in construction, including how WPC has evolved from a family-founded business into one of Central Florida’s established general contractors. We also explore the next chapter of construction leadership — including artificial intelligence, employee development, and why introducing new technology is only part of the equation. In this episode, we explore: From the field to the boardroom: Jeff’s unconventional journey from teenage laborer to CEO. Overcoming adversity: How dyslexia, hearing challenges, and personal setbacks shaped his perspective on leadership. Building a lasting company: Lessons from navigating economic uncertainty, organizational change, and the evolution of WPC. Leadership and company culture: Why developing people, leading with empathy, and building trust are fundamental to long-term success. Family business and succession: Carrying forward his brother Tracy Forrest’s legacy while preparing the next generation of leadership. AI and the future of construction: How WPC is exploring AI in its operations and why employee education, confidence, and adoption are just as important as the technology itself. The importance of continuous learning: Why curiosity, mentorship, and the willingness to ask for help remain essential at every stage of a career. Jeff offers a perspective shaped by decades of real-world experience: building a successful company isn’t simply about the projects you complete. It’s about the people you develop, the relationships you nurture, and the legacy you leave behind. Whether you’re a CEO, business owner, construction executive, or emerging leader, this conversation offers valuable lessons on navigating change, embracing innovation, and building an organization that can thrive for generations. Connect with Jeff Forrest & WPC WPC — Winter Park Construction Website: https://www.wpc.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/winter-park-construction Jeff Forrest Sr. — CEO LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff4est About Growth Without Guesswork Growth Without Guesswork, hosted by Ashley Tate of Tate Digital Consultants, features conversations with founders, CEOs, and business leaders about the decisions, challenges, systems, and strategies behind sustainable business growth. From leadership and operational excellence to AI adoption and business transformation, we explore what it really takes to build stronger, more efficient organizations. Growth Without Guesswork is sponsored by: Tate Digital Consultants: https://tatedigitalgroup.com Subscribe for more conversations with leaders who are building businesses designed to last.

  2. Oct 8

    Beyond the Blueprint: Resilience & Reinventing Construction with Mike Trulove

    What does it take to build a successful career, overcome life’s toughest challenges, and continue reinventing yourself along the way? In this episode of Growth Without Guesswork, host Ashley Tate sits down with Mike Trulove of SULLIVAN, a commercial construction leader, innovator, and published author, for a conversation about resilience, leadership, faith, and the changing construction industry. Mike shares his perspective on building strong relationships, embracing new technology, and finding opportunities to improve how businesses operate. From artificial intelligence and innovation in construction to the personal experiences that shaped his outlook on life, this conversation goes beyond business strategy. We explore what it means to lead with purpose, challenge traditional ways of working, and keep moving forward when life doesn’t go according to plan. Books by Mike Trulove: THE UNBROKEN SPIRIT: How Faith Conquered Fear, Addiction, and Despair https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FXSBMC94 Faith, Discipline, Nutrition & Fitness: Workbook 1 — The Foundation (Weeks 1–6): Building Discipline, Strength, and Faith https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FZLHXHJM About Growth Without Guesswork Hosted by Ashley Tate, Growth Without Guesswork features candid conversations with business owners, executives, and industry leaders about the decisions, challenges, systems, and strategies behind sustainable business growth.

  • 2 Episodes

About

Growth Without Guesswork is a podcast about what it really takes to build, operate and grow a successful company. Hosted by entrepreneur and strategic growth advisor Ashley Tate, each episode goes behind the scenes with founders, CEOs, executives and operators to uncover the decisions, systems, challenges and lessons that have shaped their businesses. We talk about the things that don’t always make it into the highlight reel: what actually drove growth, what didn’t work, how leaders navigate change, where businesses lose time and efficiency, how teams and processes evolve as companies scale, and how technology and AI are changing the way work gets done. From construction and manufacturing to technology, professional services and emerging industries, Growth Without Guesswork brings together leaders with one thing in common: they’re responsible for figuring out what comes next. There are no generic success stories and no one-size-fits-all playbooks. Just candid conversations about the decisions behind growth—and the lessons other business leaders can take from them. Because sustainable growth shouldn’t be based on guesswork.

Information

  • Creator
    Ashley Tate
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    2
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Ashley Tate
  • Show Website
    Growth Without Guesswork