Anything But Typical

Gary Frey & Ben McDonald
  • 5.0 (23)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Daily

Gary Frey & Ben McDonald host round table conversations discussing entrepreneurship, leadership, and success on your own terms.

  1. Aug 11

    175: David Wurtzbacher — Building a People-First Business

    David Wurtzbacher — Building a People-First Business What does it really look like to put people first while building and scaling a business? In this episode of Anything But Typical, Gary and Ben sit down with David Wurtzbacher, Founder and CEO of Ascend, to talk about leadership, entrepreneurship, culture, and building organizations where people have the opportunity to flourish. David shares lessons from his journey through JPMorgan, Lightwave Dental, and ultimately founding Ascend — including why character matters in M&A, how Ascend is working to preserve the independence of entrepreneurial CPA firms, and why long-term thinking often requires making decisions that can't immediately be measured on a spreadsheet. The conversation also explores the importance of stepping out of the day-to-day to work on the business, developing a coachable mindset, investing in future leaders, and intentionally designing a life that goes beyond professional success. In This Episode: What it means to lead people toward an inspiring vision Why Ascend takes a People First approach to growth Preserving independence and culture during acquisitions Choosing the right people — not simply the right deal Why leaders have to make time to work on the business The role of executive coaching and lifelong learning Creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders David's perspective on faith, purpose, and living an abundant life About David Wurtzbacher David Wurtzbacher is the Founder and CEO of Ascend, a platform built to help entrepreneurial CPA firms grow and transform while preserving their independence, culture, people, and approach to serving clients. Resources Ascend: ascendtogether.com Ascend on LinkedIn: Search “Ascend” on LinkedIn Connect with David: Find David Wurtzbacher on LinkedIn About Anything But Typical Anything But Typical shares the real stories behind entrepreneurship — not just the wins, but the challenges, decisions, lessons, and experiences that shape the journey. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and share it with someone who could benefit from the conversation.

  2. Jul 29

    174: From Corporate Banking to Physical Copper: Allen Cates on Trust, Failure & Reinvention

    From Corporate Banking to Physical Copper: Allen Cates on Trust, Failure & Reinvention Allen Cates’ entrepreneurial journey has taken him across countries, industries, and some incredibly difficult business lessons. Growing up in Canada, Australia, England, and the United States taught him how to adapt quickly, appreciate different perspectives, and become comfortable entering unfamiliar environments. In this episode of Anything But Typical, Allen shares how his career in banking prepared him to purchase and operate a small business—and why he eventually knew it was time to move on. He also opens up about investing with a trusted business leader who was later discovered to be forging financial records. That experience forced Allen to confront failure, forgive himself, strengthen his approach to due diligence, and rebuild his confidence. Allen also explains the mission behind Kilo Reserve and how the company gives investors access to physical industrial metals. The conversation explores copper’s role in electrical infrastructure, electric vehicles, AI data centers, and the power grid, along with the differences between owning physical metal and investing through mining stocks, ETFs, or futures. In This Episode How an international childhood shaped Allen’s adaptability and leadership Why every piece of feedback deserves consideration The value of learning “on someone else’s dime” What Allen learned from buying and selling a small business Why entrepreneurs must become comfortable with failure Recovering emotionally after betrayal by a trusted business partner The importance of understanding the asset behind an investment How Kilo Reserve makes physical industrial metals more accessible Why following the process matters more than one final result Key Takeaway Failure does not have to become your identity. Allen’s story demonstrates the importance of acknowledging what happened, learning from it, forgiving yourself, and carrying those lessons into the next opportunity. Connect With Allen and Learn More Kilo Reserve: Official website Allen Cates on LinkedIn Kilo Reserve on LinkedIn BizBuySell: Explore businesses available for purchase Subscribe to Anything But Typical for more honest conversations with entrepreneurs about the successes, failures, pivots, and lessons that shaped their journeys.

  3. Jul 14

    173: Building EarthKind: Integrity, Innovation, and Knowing When to Let Go with Kari Warberg Block

    Brief Summary Kari Warberg Block joins Gary Frey and Ben McDonald to share her anything-but-typical journey from growing up in an entrepreneurial family to founding EarthKind, a nationally recognized plant-based pest-prevention company. Kari discusses the near-death experience that changed the direction of her life, the challenges of creating a new product category, and why she temporarily removed her products from major retailers to protect customer trust. She also shares how she learned to release control, build a diverse leadership team, and transition out of the CEO role without selling her company. Resources Mentioned EarthKind Kari Warberg Block Plant-based pest prevention Regenerative and organic agriculture Environmental Protection Agency Calls to Action Learn more about EarthKind: earthkind.com Connect with Kari Warberg Block: kariwarbergblock.com Subscribe to Anything But Typical for more real stories from entrepreneurs. Like, share, and send this episode to a business owner or founder.

  4. Jun 30

    172: Alex Harris: Redefining Impossible Through Everest, Faith, Failure, and The Munga

    Alex Harris — explorer, mountaineer, speaker, entrepreneur, endurance athlete, and creator of The Munga, a 700-mile nonstop bike race across South Africa. Brief Summary In this episode of Anything But Typical, Gary Frey and Ben sit down with Alex Harris, a South African explorer whose life has been shaped by curiosity, risk, faith, and the pursuit of what most people would call impossible. Alex shares how a childhood dream of becoming a Jedi and astronaut eventually led him into mountaineering, Everest expeditions, entrepreneurship, ultra-endurance racing, and the creation of The Munga. From surviving the deadly 1996 Everest season to hearing God speak in a tent at 22,000 feet, Alex’s story is about more than adventure. It is about learning when to push forward, when to turn around, how failure forms us, and why the greatest exploration may be discovering how God uniquely made you.   Book Alex Harris as a speaker: Alex Harris – Texas Speakers Bureau Learn more about The Munga: The Munga MTB Follow The Munga on social media: Instagram – @mungamtb Facebook – The Munga YouTube – The Munga MTB Race

  5. Jun 16

    171: Randy Golenberg on Finding a Way, Rebuilding After Loss, and Loving the Work

    When venture capital takes over your family business, you can do everything right — and still lose. Randy Golenberg lived it. He spent 14 years in his family's caulk manufacturing business before private equity involvement triggered its collapse into bankruptcy. That bankruptcy became the catalyst for his next chapter: building Spark Your Brand from scratch, running it for 25 years, and ultimately selling it to AdCom Group. In this episode, Randy shares the unfiltered story — from sweeping floors in his dad's factory to negotiating a multi-million dollar exit. No hype. Real lessons on resilience, knowing when to sell, and why "you don't control outcomes, you only control actions."   Randy Golenberg Randy Golenberg is an entrepreneur, brand strategist, and business leader based in Cleveland, Ohio. After rebuilding from the collapse of his family business, Randy founded and grew Spark Your Brand over 25 years. Today, he is part of the AdCom Group, where he focuses on business development, integrated brand strategy, and helping clients create meaningful return on their investment. Connect with Randy LinkedIn: Randy Golenberg Instagram: @JewInThePew Company: AdCom Group

  6. Jun 2

    170: Ben Kinney on Storytelling, Business Media, and Building Trust

    In this episode of Anything But Typical, Gary Frey and Ben McDonald sit down with Ben Kinney, publisher of Business North Carolina, SouthPark Magazine, and North Carolina Tribune. Ben shares how growing up as the son of a journalist, moving from city to city, and constantly being the new kid shaped his ability to communicate, adapt, and connect with people. What started as a life of transition eventually became a career built around storytelling, leadership, media, and relationships. The conversation explores Ben’s unexpected path from studying history and planning to become a teacher, to working in advertising sales, to stepping into leadership at Business North Carolina during a difficult season for the company. Ben also talks about the evolution of media, leading through uncertainty, surviving the Great Recession and COVID, and why authentic storytelling still matters in a world increasingly shaped by digital noise and AI. This episode is a thoughtful conversation about resilience, connection, leadership, and the power of having a real voice in business. In This Episode Gary, Ben McDonald, and Ben Kinney discuss: Ben’s childhood moving through Burlington, Winston-Salem, New York City, South Florida, and Charlotte How being the “new kid” helped Ben learn communication, adaptability, and connection Why Ben originally planned to become a high school history teacher How he fell into classified advertising and business media What it was like stepping into leadership at Business North Carolina after tragedy The challenges of working in a family business How media has changed across print, digital, newsletters, podcasts, video, and social platforms Why great content still matters, even as distribution continues to evolve How Business North Carolina adapted through the Great Recession and COVID Ben’s leadership philosophy and the importance of hiring the right people Why authenticity, voice, and storytelling still matter in the age of AI The value of strong editing, concise writing, and human connection Key Takeaways Connection is often built through life experience. Ben’s ability to connect with people came from years of adapting to new environments, new schools, and new communities. Leadership sometimes begins with simply stepping in to help. Ben did not enter publishing with a perfect master plan. He stepped in when the family business needed him and learned through pressure. Content is still king, but distribution has changed. Strong journalism and storytelling still matter, but today’s media companies have to think across print, email, social media, podcasts, video, and digital platforms. Survival requires thoughtful reaction. Ben explains that small businesses have to move quickly, but leaders still need to respond with care, perspective, and intention. Authenticity creates trust. Ben’s personal writing in The Daily Digest connected with readers because it felt genuine, human, and different from typical business commentary. AI cannot replace real storytelling. AI may help generate information, but it cannot replace voice, judgment, perspective, editing, and authentic human connection. Memorable Quotes “He knows a lot of folks. He’s got a great sense of humor. And he really can connect people.” “I always like to talk about myself growing up as my parents and I grew up together.” “I was always the new kid at every school.” “It was trial by fire. It was trial by volcanic fire.” “You gotta kinda react to things in a thoughtful way.” “But it can’t replace storytelling, and that’s what we’re all doing, is telling stories.” “The key is be entertaining, be engaging, and have a voice.” “Good editing is so hard to find.” Connect with Ben Kinney LinkedIn: Ben Kinney Business North Carolina: businessnc.com SouthPark Magazine: southparkmagazine.com North Carolina Tribune: nctribune.com Email: bkinney@businessnc.com X/Twitter: @BenKinneyBNC

  7. May 19

    169: The Journey of Leadership, Growth, and Culture at One Digital with Mark McLean

    Discover the story of Mark McLean’s impressive journey from early influences to leading a multi-billion-dollar company. Learn how culture, relationships, humility, and strategic growth propel organizations through transitions and challenges.   Main topics: Building a career in insurance and financial services, rooted in mentorship and family lessons Navigating growth: from founding to billion-dollar company, merger, and acquisitions The importance of company culture, relationships, and core values in long-term success Personal resilience through life's challenges including health, family, and entrepreneurial pivots   Timestamps: 00:00 - Defining what takes Mark McLean out in public   00:29 - Interests beyond work: sports, golf, and family   01:54 - The role of sports and family fun in shaping his values   02:40 - Favorite golf locations and social activities   03:10 - Humble introduction and the significance of titles   04:13 - Career overview: from Senior Managing Principal to Senior VP   06:46 - The importance of faith, family, and friendships in reputation   07:49 - The influence of Jeff Warner and mentorship connections   08:42 - Early motivations: lessons from family and mentors   09:30 - Growing up in Florence, South Carolina, and early career influences   11:12 - College journey, changing majors, and love for insurance   12:42 - Industry insights: relationship building, trust, and reputation   15:36 - Industry trends, industry change, and mentorship in risk management   17:45 - Industry challenges, trust, and business growth   20:04 - Licensing, early sales experiences, and building business foundations   22:02 - The role of creativity and relationship management in success   23:11 - Industry evolution and personal insights into trend anticipation   24:46 - Handling life’s challenges, family, and career pivots   25:36 - The importance of good culture and team alignment   27:24 - Transition from employment to entrepreneurship: the leap into owning and growing businesses   32:51 - Building Turnkey Benefits, sale, and subsequent ventures   36:16 - Growth from 25 to 170 employees, industry innovation   40:54 - Navigating partnership changes, relationships, and success   44:11 - Transition into digital organizations, culture, and values   50:46 - Building a unified message, controlling quality and trust   54:45 - Personal experiences: family, loss, and professional resilience   56:55 - Adapting to industry and market changes post-Obamacare   58:26 - Balancing growth, personal life, and company focus   62:22 - About joining One Digital, the corporate culture, and long-term vision   66:00 - The role of private equity, strategic capital, and maintaining independence   70:01 - The secret sauce: company culture as a competitive advantage   73:51 - Leadership values: integrity, humility, and people first   77:08 - The importance of intentional culture, talented leadership, and long-term vision   78:45 - Family, blended families, and parenting insights about nurturing strong values   79:03 - Final thoughts — being discerning, strategic, and building legacy   Resources: Connect with Mark McLean OneDigital

  8. May 5

    168: Embracing Authenticity, Branding, and Referrals with Stacey Brown Randall

    In this episode, Stacey Brown Randall shares her inspiring journey from business failures to becoming a trusted referral expert, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and intentional branding. Discover her tactics for building meaningful relationships, protecting your IP in the age of AI, and shifting the traditional mindset around referrals.   Key topics: Stacey’s entrepreneurial journey: from failed startups to strategic branding The significance of being intentional about brand consistency, especially with signature colors How understanding your “why” fuels resilience through business setbacks Reevaluating success: shifting from financial milestones to personal fulfillment Practical strategies for generating referrals without asking Distinction between word-of-mouth, introductions, and true referrals How building relationships with referral sources differs from prospecting and marketing Adapting business models over time based on market shifts and personal life changes Protecting intellectual property in a rapidly evolving AI landscape The impact of consistent content like books and podcasts on long-term trust-building   Timestamps:   00:00 – Welcome & Stacey’s background: from embarrassment to branding 02:07 – What others might say about Stacey at her kids’ baseball game 03:29 – The importance of being on brand and intentional with style choices 04:34 – Stacey’s book: Generating Business Referrals Without Asking & Referable Client Experience 05:49 – The pivotal moment: learning from her first business failure 06:46 – The evolution from corporate America back to entrepreneurship 07:16 – Why entrepreneurship is in her blood and the desire for control and freedom 08:32 – How Stacey’s lifestyle aligns with her brand values 09:23 – Defining success beyond revenue: family, fulfillment, and authenticity 10:13 – The yearly reset ritual to realign goals and priorities 11:12 – How setbacks and life surprises shape her resilience and business approach 12:26 – The importance of understanding your true “why” 13:51 – Navigating businessduring life changes and market shifts 14:19 – Developing her core strategies: referrals, client experience, and new client acquisition 15:50 – Lessons from her first HR consulting firm & the value of scaling 16:47 – Why she returned to corporate America before launching her second business 17:13 – Recognizing opportunity in necessity & the power of strategic niche selection 18:55 – Building a productivity coaching business through genuine relationships 20:19 – Transitioning into her current focus: referral systems and relationship building 22:08 – Overcoming the early hype and misconceptions around referrals 23:29 – The three-legged stool approach: referrals as a separate, relationship-based pillar 24:54 – Humanizing referral conversations and avoiding gimmicks 26:16 – Tracking referral sources accurately and avoiding self-referrals 27:57 – Finding your niche and leveraging your personal network for referrals 29:26 – Creating scalable programs that meet clients where they are 30:56 – Adjusting business models based on market preferences 32:41 – Protecting your IP in a digital age & AI considerations 36:46 – Authentic connection strategies: permission, intentionality, and specificity 38:19 – The evolution of her business offerings & online vs. in-person strategies 41:23 – Teaching clients how to get referrals without asking directly 44:47 – Moving away from traditional “ask for referrals” tactics 47:31 – Reframing referrals as part of the core relationship-building process 49:35 – The “Go-Giver” mindset & serving genuinely for the long term results 51:52 – Strategic introductions & the importance of context & permission 54:36 – How true referrals differ from word-of-mouth buzz or accidental introductions 56:08 – The importance of data in understanding referral dynamics 57:23 – Overcoming objections to referral strategies and unlearning misconceptions 58:52 – The influence of books and podcasts on long-term trust-building 62:19 – Planning future content and strategic themes for ongoing growth 63:21 – The process of writing her latest book & foundational referral strategies 66:01 – Combining book, podcast, and relationship-building for sustained growth 67:32 – Diversifying client acquisition channels to reduce risk 68:22 – The “why” behind her entrepreneurial drive: from freedom to meaningful impact 70:49 – Lessons from setbacks: blessings in disguise and resilience 73:00 – Protecting your business in the AI era: authentic human connection matters 76:21 – Ensuring confidentiality & IP protection in today’s digital world 77:55 – The future of AI: leveraging tools without compromising core values 78:48 – The irreplaceable role of human emotion & intuition 79:33 – Final thoughts & how to connect with Stacey   Resources & Links: Generating Business Referrals Without Asking by Stacey Brown Randall Referable Client Experience by Stacey Brown Randall Roadmap to Referrals Podcast Stacey Brown Randall on LinkedIn Stacey’s Website

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5
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

Gary Frey & Ben McDonald host round table conversations discussing entrepreneurship, leadership, and success on your own terms.

Information

  • Creator
    Gary Frey & Ben McDonald
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    175
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Anything But Typical