Built By Doing

David Alan, Stan Kleja
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What does it actually take to build a successful business? Built By Doing explores the real stories behind entrepreneurship. Hosted by David Alan, founder of David Alan Clothing, and Stan Kleja, the show pulls back the curtain on the journey of building a business. After starting his career in medical sales, David took the leap into entrepreneurship and built a custom fashion brand that styles professional athletes, celebrities, and leaders across industries - including clients like John Cena and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Each episode shares the lessons behind building something real.

Episodes

  1. Social Media Is Lying About Business Growth

    2D AGO

    Social Media Is Lying About Business Growth

    What does real business growth actually look like? In Episode 12 of Built By Doing, David and Stan break down one of the biggest misconceptions in entrepreneurship: the idea that more revenue automatically means a healthier or more successful business. From profit margins and overhead to scaling too quickly, hiring too soon, opening multiple locations, social media comparison, and defining your own version of success, this episode explores the difference between the perception of growth and the reality behind it. They discuss: Revenue vs profit and why both matter Why growing too fast can actually hurt a business The dangers of chasing vanity metrics Opening new locations strategically Social media comparison and entrepreneurship Hiring, overhead, and scaling operations How to define your own version of success Why efficiency matters more than appearances The realities of entrepreneurship and business ownership Long-term business strategy vs short-term perception This episode is packed with practical insight for entrepreneurs, startup founders, small business owners, leadership teams, and anyone trying to scale a business while maintaining profitability, freedom, and quality of life. If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, leadership, business growth, company culture, scaling strategies, startup operations, revenue growth, profit margins, or building a sustainable business, this conversation offers an honest look at what growth really means behind the scenes.

    33 min
  2. When Is the Right Time to Expand Your Business?

    MAY 11

    When Is the Right Time to Expand Your Business?

    What does it actually take to expand a business successfully? In Episode 11 of Built By Doing, David and Stan break down the real-world process behind expanding a company into new markets, opening additional locations, building systems, hiring teams, and scaling without losing the culture that made the business successful in the first place. With David Alan Clothing actively expanding into Columbus, Nashville, and other major metro markets, this episode gives an honest behind-the-scenes look at the challenges, risks, financial decisions, and operational systems required to grow a modern business. They discuss: How to know when your business is ready to expand The importance of systems, processes, and infrastructure Why cash flow and low overhead matter when scaling Hiring the right people and protecting company culture Expanding into new cities and testing new markets CRM systems, lead tracking, and operational visibility Why processes create freedom for business owners The balance between reinvesting into growth vs paying yourself Lessons learned from opening multiple locations Why scaling too early can hurt a business This episode is packed with practical business growth advice for entrepreneurs, small business owners, founders, operators, and anyone thinking about scaling a company, opening additional locations, or building a brand beyond one market. If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, business operations, company growth, leadership, scaling strategies, franchise-style expansion, systems development, or building a sustainable business, this conversation offers an honest look at what expansion really requires behind the scenes.

    32 min
  3. Why Small Businesses Drive the American Economy

    MAY 4

    Why Small Businesses Drive the American Economy

    Small businesses power nearly half of the American economy—but most people don’t realize just how important they are. In this episode of Built By Doing, David and Stan break down eye-opening small business statistics, entrepreneurship realities, and what it truly takes to build, grow, and sustain a business over time. From startup survival rates and small business employment numbers to the sacrifices entrepreneurs make behind the scenes, this conversation dives into the real-world challenges of business ownership, leadership, growth, hiring, timing, customer service, and scaling a company. They discuss: Why 99.9% of U.S. businesses qualify as small businesses The realities of entrepreneurship and working for yourself How small businesses contribute to GDP, jobs, and exports Why customer experience matters more than ever The balance between growth, timing, and risk-taking What separates businesses that survive from those that fail The hidden sacrifices business owners make behind the scenes Why culture, systems, and people determine long-term success Whether you're a small business owner, entrepreneur, startup founder, marketer, freelancer, or someone thinking about starting a business, this episode offers practical insight into business growth, entrepreneurship mindset, leadership, and what it actually takes to survive in today’s economy. If you’re interested in small business statistics, entrepreneurship advice, startup growth, leadership lessons, business ownership, or how successful companies scale, this episode delivers a grounded and honest conversation about the realities of building something from the ground up.

    40 min
  4. The Marketing Decisions That Changed Our Business Forever

    APR 27

    The Marketing Decisions That Changed Our Business Forever

    In Episode 9 of Built By Doing, we break down one of the most misunderstood and most important parts of building a successful business: marketing, branding, advertising, and how to actually attract customers. From startup mistakes and early marketing experiments to digital advertising, brand identity, customer psychology, and long-term growth strategy, this episode gives an honest look at what business owners need to understand before spending money on marketing. We discuss: • How to market a business when you’re just starting out • The difference between branding vs marketing • Why many businesses waste money on advertising • How to identify your target audience and ideal customer • The importance of content, messaging, and visual identity • When to spend money on Google Ads, Meta Ads, Facebook, Instagram, and digital marketing • Why data analytics matter in advertising decisions • Marketing ROI, customer acquisition cost, and lifetime customer value • The truth about startup marketing budgets and ad spend • How strong branding builds trust and long-term business growth We also share behind-the-scenes stories from the early days of David Alan Clothing—including a mobile showroom Sprinter van concept, creative marketing ideas that almost changed the brand entirely, and lessons learned from trial and error. If you're an entrepreneur, startup founder, small business owner, marketer, or someone trying to grow a brand, this episode gives practical insight into how marketing actually works—and how to avoid common mistakes that slow business growth.

    41 min
  5. Cash Flow, Stress & Staying Alive: The Reality of Early Entrepreneurship

    APR 20

    Cash Flow, Stress & Staying Alive: The Reality of Early Entrepreneurship

    In Episode 8 of Built By Doing, we dive into one of the most critical—and often misunderstood—aspects of running a business: cash flow, stress, and what it really takes to stay alive in the early stages of entrepreneurship. This episode pulls back the curtain on the reality of building a business from the ground up. From collection notices, maxed-out credit cards, and utilities being shut off to navigating reinvestment, debt, and growth, this is a raw look at the moments most entrepreneurs don’t talk about. We break down: The difference between cash flow and profit (and why it matters) How poor cash flow management can create stress—even in a growing business The importance of planning, budgeting, and projecting future cash needs When to reinvest vs when to protect your cash The hidden costs of decisions (travel, marketing, debt, and opportunity cost) How to build a cash reserve to reduce stress and make better decisions We also share real-world experiences from the early days of building the business—what went wrong, what we learned, and how those lessons shaped how we operate today. If you're an entrepreneur, small business owner, or trying to grow something from nothing, this episode will give you a clearer understanding of how to manage cash, reduce stress, and stay in the game long enough to win.

    39 min
  6. Your Culture Is Your Standard: Build It Wisely

    APR 13

    Your Culture Is Your Standard: Build It Wisely

    In Episode 7, we break down one of the most important and often overlooked foundations of any successful business: culture and standards. From hiring and onboarding to daily operations and client experience, your culture isn’t just what you say, it’s what your team lives out every day. And in many cases, your lowest-performing or least-aligned team member becomes your true standard, whether you realize it or not. We dive into: Why culture starts at the top—and how leadership sets the tone The difference between culture vs. standards (and why both matter) How one misaligned team member can impact your entire business The importance of problem-solving, accountability, and caring in your team When to give people grace—and when it’s time to move on How to build a team that actually works together (not in silos) We also share real experiences from building and scaling businesses, including lessons learned from hiring mistakes, refining processes, and creating a team-first environment that drives long-term growth. If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or building a team of any kind, this episode will challenge how you think about leadership, hiring, and what it really takes to scale.

    38 min
  7. Master Your Craft or Stay Stuck

    APR 6

    Master Your Craft or Stay Stuck

    In Episode 6, we dive into one of the most overlooked keys to growth—mastering your craft and staying focused on what actually moves the needle. Early on, it’s easy to chase every idea, every opportunity, and every direction. We’ve been there. Some worked, some didn’t—but over time, we realized that real progress comes from committing to your lane and getting better at what you do best. This episode breaks down: Why trying to do everything slows you down How to identify and commit to your core strength The role of experimentation in the early stages Why “figuring it out as you go” is part of the process If you’re building something—whether it’s a business, a skill, or a creative path—this conversation will help you refocus and move forward with more clarity.

    33 min
  8. How To Make Better Business Decisions

    MAR 30

    How To Make Better Business Decisions

    Let's break down the real-world tension between gut instinct and data-driven decision making in business. Through honest stories and firsthand experiences, from early financial risks and missed opportunities to current expansion plans, David & Stan explore how different decision-making styles can both succeed and fail. David shares how trusting his instincts has helped uncover opportunities ahead of the curve, while Stan highlights the importance of data, timing, and minimizing risk. They dive into the challenges of making high-stakes decisions without perfect information, the risks of acting too quickly or waiting too long, and how fear, timing, and external noise can influence outcomes. The conversation also touches on expansion strategy, networking, verifying data in today’s digital landscape, and the importance of aligning with the right partners. If you're building a business and struggling with when to trust your gut versus when to rely on data, this episode offers a candid, balanced perspective on how to navigate both.

    36 min
  9. The Importance of Goal Setting in Business

    MAR 23

    The Importance of Goal Setting in Business

    David Alan and Stan Kleja break down the real role of goal setting in business—and why most people get it wrong. They explore the difference between setting ambitious goals and setting realistic, actionable ones, and how aligning your daily actions with long-term vision is what actually drives progress. From early-stage “gut-driven” decisions to more structured, data-backed strategies, they share how their approach to goal setting has evolved over time. The conversation also dives into measuring progress, adjusting goals as you grow, understanding your break-even point, and building alignment across teams, partners, and systems. They highlight how goal setting isn’t just about revenue—it’s about direction, accountability, and creating a foundation for sustainable growth. Whether you're just starting out or scaling an existing business, this episode offers a candid look at how to set goals that actually move your business forward.

    44 min
  10. Expectations vs. Reality in Business: The Honest Truth

    MAR 16

    Expectations vs. Reality in Business: The Honest Truth

    In this episode of Built By Doing, David Alan and Stan Kleja dive into one of the most misunderstood parts of entrepreneurship: the gap between expectations and reality. From early startup optimism to the lessons that only come with experience, they unpack how founders often imagine rapid growth, big investments, and instant traction—while the real journey is filled with pivots, setbacks, and hard-earned perspective. Using real conversations & examples from their own businesses, they discuss what actually happens behind the scenes when building a company, why early assumptions can be misleading, and how long-term success requires patience, adaptability, and resilience. If you're starting a business, growing one, or thinking about launching something of your own, this episode offers a candid look at what the entrepreneurial path really looks like.

    43 min
  11. MLB Spring Training to the NFL Combine (Brand Update)

    MAR 9

    MLB Spring Training to the NFL Combine (Brand Update)

    In this episode of Built By Doing, David Alan and Stan Kleja recap an incredible week on the road visiting MLB Spring Training camps and the NFL Combine. The trip wasn’t just about styling these clients, it was about relationships, networking, and continuing to grow the brand. David shares behind-the-scenes insight into how opportunities like this develop, what it’s like connecting with athletes and organizations at the highest level, and how years of relationship building continue to open new doors. They also discuss the realities of networking, the importance of showing up in the right rooms, and how moments like this week are the result of years of persistence and trust built within the industry. If you're building a brand, growing a business, or curious about how relationships drive opportunity, this episode gives a real look at what it takes behind the scenes.

    32 min
  12. The Reality of Building a Business

    FEB 25

    The Reality of Building a Business

    David Alan and Stan Kleja have spent years working together through the realities of entrepreneurship — growth, setbacks, pivots, and everything in between. In this first episode of Built By Doing, they share how their professional partnership began, why they decided to launch the podcast, and the philosophy behind the show: honest conversations about what it actually takes to build and run a business. This episode sets the foundation for the series — exploring the lessons, mindset, and real-world experiences that shaped their companies and continue to guide their decisions today. If you’re building a business or navigating entrepreneurship, this conversation offers a candid look at the journey behind the scenes. All information provided is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. No one should act upon such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation. Any similarity between any depiction in this podcast and any actual event, person or entity is purely coincidental.

    37 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

What does it actually take to build a successful business? Built By Doing explores the real stories behind entrepreneurship. Hosted by David Alan, founder of David Alan Clothing, and Stan Kleja, the show pulls back the curtain on the journey of building a business. After starting his career in medical sales, David took the leap into entrepreneurship and built a custom fashion brand that styles professional athletes, celebrities, and leaders across industries - including clients like John Cena and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Each episode shares the lessons behind building something real.

Information

  • Creator
    David Alan, Stan Kleja
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 David Alan Clothing
  • Show Website
    Built By Doing