Built for This

Carly Pepin

 Where vision meets execution and legacy begins. Built For This is the podcast for founders, business owners, C-Suite Executives, and vision-driven leaders who know their business isn’t just what they do, it’s an extension of who they are. Hosted by business strategist and human behavior specialist Carly Pepin, each episode dives into candid, intelligent conversations with high-performing business owners and executives. These are the real stories behind growth: the pivotal moments, the internal shifts, the strategic moves, and the unseen pressure that comes with building something that lasts. With a sharp eye for strategy and a deep understanding of human behavior, Carly brings out the clarity, conviction, and contradictions that drive exceptional leadership. You’ll hear what’s working, what’s not, and what it actually takes to grow a business without losing yourself in the process. This is where business and personal development meet: honest, direct, and built to bring life to your vision. Whether you’re growing your next big thing or recalibrating to get back on track, Built For This is your space to think, build, and lead with purpose.

  1. Build Systems Early: Lessons from Scaling to $40M ARR with Sean Griffith

    2D AGO

    Build Systems Early: Lessons from Scaling to $40M ARR with Sean Griffith

    In this practical and insight-packed episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Sean Griffith, founder of Truffle, an AI-powered hiring platform built to solve one of the biggest bottlenecks in modern business: screening candidates at scale. Sean shares his journey from joining SimpleTexting as the seventh employee to helping scale the company to $40M ARR, and later leading hundreds of employees as COO at Sinch. Through hiring more than 1,000 people, he developed a deep understanding of what breaks first as companies grow and why hiring is often the earliest and most painful constraint. Carly and Sean explore the realities of scaling, from the moment leadership becomes complex to the need for structure, systems, and communication cadence as teams expand. Sean also shares how Truffle was born from personal frustration, sorting through overwhelming volumes of applications and struggling to identify the right candidates efficiently. The conversation dives into how AI can enhance hiring decisions without replacing human judgment, and why protecting time for deep work is essential for leaders. This episode is a clear and grounded look at building systems early to create scalable, resilient companies.   Key Themes: Hiring Breaks First: Why talent acquisition becomes the earliest bottleneck and how better systems outperform manual effort. Structure Enables Scale: Why companies need clear frameworks, leadership cadence, and communication systems as they approach 70–100 employees. AI as an Amplifier, Not a Replacement: How technology improves efficiency and signal detection while human judgment remains essential.   Memorable Quotes: “There’s got to be a better way to do this.” “If you’ve set the business up well, it sort of handles itself.” “It’s incredible what you can accomplish when you protect a few hours for deep work.”   About Sean Griffith: Sean Griffith is the founder of Truffle, an AI-powered hiring platform designed to streamline candidate screening through asynchronous interviews and intelligent filtering. With more than 15 years of experience in hiring, Sean scaled SimpleTexting from $1M to $40M ARR and later served as COO at Sinch, leading a team of over 750 people. Having personally hired around 1,000 employees, he built Truffle to address the inefficiencies and overwhelm in modern hiring, helping companies focus on the candidates who truly matter.   Connect with Sean Griffith: http://www.hiretruffle.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/hiretruffle/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/griffithsean

    53 min
  2. Progress Over Perfection: The Truth About Scaling a Service Business with Chris McManus

    5D AGO

    Progress Over Perfection: The Truth About Scaling a Service Business with Chris McManus

    In this raw and practical episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Chris McManus, founder of GC Landscaping Inc., who scaled his business from mowing lawns to a multi-million-dollar full-service landscaping and pool construction company in just six years. Chris shares his unconventional journey from semi-professional motocross into entrepreneurship, where he redirected his competitive drive into building a business from the ground up. What followed was rapid growth driven by action, risk-taking, and learning in real time rather than waiting for perfect conditions. Carly and Chris dive deep into the realities of scaling fast, from acquiring another company and doubling operations overnight to navigating the chaos that comes without strong systems. Chris opens up about the lessons learned around onboarding, infrastructure, and leadership, and how he evolved from being deeply involved in every detail to building a management team that can operate independently. This episode is a powerful reminder that growth does not come from perfection. It comes from progress, adaptation, and the willingness to move forward before you feel ready.   Key Themes: Action Beats Perfection: Why taking bold action, even when unprepared, accelerates growth and learning. Systems Enable Scale: How processes, onboarding, and infrastructure become essential as a business grows. Leadership Means Letting Go: Why developing people and trusting your team is the key to sustainable expansion.   Memorable Quotes: “I’m a firm believer in biting off more than you can chew and then figure it out.” “When you’re growing and scaling a company, you’re not going to be perfect — not if you want to do it fast.” “If my people are taken care of, they’ll take care of my customers.”   About Chris McManus: Chris McManus is the founder of GC Landscaping Inc., a company he built from the ground up into a multi-million-dollar landscaping business in just six years. In 2025, he expanded into pool construction, continuing to scale with a long-term vision of reaching a $25 million valuation by 2035. Known for his action-oriented mindset and relentless drive, Chris focuses on building systems, developing people, and creating a business that can grow beyond its founder.   Connect with Chris McManus: https://gclandscapinginc.com https://www.instagram.com/gclandscapinginc/

    57 min
  3. Built Through Mistakes: What It Really Takes to Grow a Business with Dave Gulas

    MAR 26

    Built Through Mistakes: What It Really Takes to Grow a Business with Dave Gulas

    In this honest and practical episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Dave Gulas, co-founder of EZDC 3PL and host of the Beyond Fulfillment podcast, to explore what it really takes to build and scale a business in a demanding, fast-moving industry. Dave shares how he transitioned from a 20-year career in pharmaceutical sales into launching a third-party logistics company, stepping into an industry he initially underestimated. What followed was not a smooth trajectory, but a rapid education in execution, problem-solving, and learning through mistakes. Carly and Dave dive into the realities of entrepreneurship that rarely make the highlight reel. From saying yes to the wrong clients and scaling too quickly without systems, to underestimating the importance of visibility and marketing, Dave unpacks the lessons that shaped his growth. He explains how content creation and launching a podcast became unexpected catalysts for building relationships and generating inbound opportunities. Alongside this, he shares the simple but powerful systems, like daily team huddles and a customer-first culture, that helped his company expand, open a second warehouse, and continue scaling sustainably. This episode is a grounded look at entrepreneurship in action, where progress comes from doing, learning, and refining over time.   Key Themes: Action Creates Clarity: Why starting before you feel ready accelerates learning and sharpens decision-making. Not Every Opportunity Is Worth Taking: How saying yes to the wrong clients can create unnecessary strain and slow growth. Visibility Drives Growth: Why founders must actively build their presence to generate trust, relationships, and inbound opportunities.   Memorable Quotes: “I believe you really learn best by doing.” “If I wasn’t visible and out there as a founder, the company would never grow the way we needed it to.” “Providing value first just worked out in ways that benefited us indirectly.”   About Dave Gulas: Dave Gulas attended the University of Michigan-Dearborn before building a more than 20-year career in sales and executive roles within the medical and pharmaceutical industries. He is now the co-founder of EZDC 3PL, a third-party logistics company headquartered in Kentucky, providing warehousing, fulfillment, and transportation services to manufacturers and ecommerce businesses. Since launching in 2022, EZDC 3PL has become known for its personal service, fast response times, and flexibility, helping clients grow by acting as a true extension of their operations. Dave also hosts the Beyond Fulfillment podcast, where he interviews entrepreneurs and shares insights into the realities of building a business.   Connect with Dave Gulas: https://ezdc3pl.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/davegulas/ https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondFulfillmentPodcast

    58 min
  4. From Coachella to TikTok Shop: Where Live Content Is Headed Next with John Petrocelli

    MAR 23

    From Coachella to TikTok Shop: Where Live Content Is Headed Next with John Petrocelli

    In this forward-looking episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with John Petrocelli, livestream pioneer and CEO of Bulldog Digital Media, to explore how live content has evolved into one of the most powerful forces in modern business. John shares his journey from the early days of digital media, working with artists like Prince and helping shape direct-to-consumer distribution, to producing some of the most watched livestreams in the world. With more than a billion audience engagements and clients including Apple, Netflix, Coca-Cola, and Samsung, he offers a front-row view into how content, commerce, and technology are converging in real time. Carly and John dive into the explosive growth of livestreaming during the pandemic, the rise of live commerce through platforms like TikTok Shop, and why brands are shifting from passive content to interactive experiences. John explains that the future is not about broadcasting to an audience, but engaging them as participants. From building lean, adaptive teams to managing the complexity of real-time production, this episode reveals what it takes to succeed in one of the fastest-moving industries today.   Key Themes: From Viewers to Participants: Why engagement, interaction, and real-time connection are redefining how audiences consume content. Live Commerce Is Transforming Sales: How livestreaming is becoming a direct revenue channel with higher conversion and stronger customer connection. Execution Under Pressure: Why preparation, adaptability, and communication are critical when there are no second takes.   Memorable Quotes: “The goal is to transform the viewer into a participant.” “It’s live. It has to happen at a certain time. There are no second takes.” “If you’re just broadcasting, people might come. But if you engage them, they stay.”   About John Petrocelli: John Petrocelli is a pioneer of the livestream industry, lifelong entrepreneur, and Founder and CEO of Bulldog Digital Media, a leading livestream production studio. Over his career, he has enabled some of the most-watched livestreams in history, generating more than one billion audience engagements across Fortune 500 clients. Before founding Bulldog DM in 2012, John’s leadership roles in startups led to acquisitions by AEG, Google, and Akamai. Today, Bulldog DM partners with some of the world’s most recognizable brands, including Apple, AT&T, YouTube, American Express, Coca-Cola, Netflix, Samsung, and Qualcomm. His work has earned numerous industry awards, including Clio, Shorty, Webby, Cannes Lion, Epica, One Show, and BizBash, and he has spoken at major global events such as CES, NAB, SXSW, and Harvard Business School.   Connect with John Petrocelli: https://bulldogdm.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpetrocelli https://twitter.com/johnpetrocelli | https://twitter.com/bulldogdm https://www.instagram.com/bulldog_dm/

    58 min
  5. From Napkin Sketch to Global Impact: Rethinking Logistics from First Principles with Sam Berman

    MAR 19

    From Napkin Sketch to Global Impact: Rethinking Logistics from First Principles with Sam Berman

    In this thought-provoking episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Sam Berman, founder and CEO of LARC (Logistics Advanced Research Center), to explore how challenging deeply embedded industry assumptions can unlock real innovation. Sam shares how LARC began as a simple idea sketched on a napkin and evolved into a global solution for transporting high-value, mission-critical equipment. At the heart of his approach is first-principles thinking, breaking problems down to their core and rebuilding solutions from the ground up rather than accepting inefficiencies as inevitable. Carly and Sam dive into the hidden flaws within traditional logistics systems, from wasteful packaging to outdated processes that persist simply because they have never been questioned. By redesigning these systems with reusable, modular solutions, Sam demonstrates how businesses can simultaneously improve performance, reduce cost, and increase sustainability. This episode is a powerful reminder that many of the biggest constraints in business are not real limitations, but accepted norms waiting to be reimagined.   Key Themes: Challenge Assumptions: Why many industries operate on outdated systems that exist because no one has questioned them. Think from First Principles: How breaking problems down to their fundamentals leads to breakthrough innovation rather than incremental improvement. Align Efficiency with Sustainability: Why better systems can reduce waste, lower costs, and improve outcomes at the same time.   Memorable Quotes: “Most of the systems we rely on today weren’t designed to be optimal, they were designed to be acceptable.” “If you don’t question the assumptions, you end up optimizing a broken system.” “The goal isn’t to make something slightly better. It’s to build what should have existed in the first place.”   About Sam Berman: Sam Berman is the Founder and CEO of Logistics Advanced Research Center (LARC), a technology-driven packaging and logistics company redefining how the world’s most valuable equipment is transported. LARC designs reusable, modular crate systems built for high-value and mission-critical assets, including data center infrastructure, advanced electronics, aerospace components, and emerging AI hardware. A lifelong entrepreneur and systems thinker, Sam has spent decades challenging legacy assumptions across logistics, manufacturing, and supply chains. Under his leadership, LARC has become a trusted partner to hyperscalers, global manufacturers, and Tier-1 logistics providers by delivering solutions that improve protection, security, sustainability, and total cost of ownership.   Connect with Sam Berman: https://www.larc.co/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelberman/

    1h 6m
  6. Leaving the Expected Life: How Richard Blank Built a Company by Choosing Authenticity

    MAR 16

    Leaving the Expected Life: How Richard Blank Built a Company by Choosing Authenticity

    In this inspiring episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Richard Blank, entrepreneur and CEO of Costa Rica’s Call Center, to explore the unconventional path that led him from Philadelphia to building a thriving business abroad. Richard shares how stepping away from family expectations and societal pressure allowed him to pursue a life aligned with his own values. At twenty-seven, he moved to Costa Rica and started a company from scratch in a completely unfamiliar environment. What many would have considered a risky leap became the foundation for a successful business built on authenticity, culture, and human connection. Throughout the conversation, Richard dives into the human side of leadership, explaining why communication, empathy, and culture are the real drivers of performance. From training voice agents to build genuine rapport with customers to fostering a workplace where people feel respected and supported, he demonstrates how emotional intelligence transforms both teams and outcomes. This episode is a powerful reminder that growth often begins when we step beyond comfort zones and choose a path that reflects who we truly are.   Key Themes: Authenticity Opens Doors: Why choosing your own path, rather than following expectations, can lead to unexpected opportunities. Culture Drives Performance: How respect, communication, and empathy create stronger teams and better business results. Growth Lives Outside the Comfort Zone: Why moving abroad and starting from scratch became the catalyst for Richard’s resilience and success.   Memorable Quotes: “Sometimes you have to leave the life that’s expected of you in order to build the life that’s truly yours.” “People remember how you make them feel. That’s just as important in business as it is in life.” “If you build the right culture, people don’t just work for you. They grow with you.”   About Richard Blank: Richard Blank describes his life as a spiritual vision-quest journey that required stepping beyond family expectations and societal pressure in order to live authentically. At twenty-seven, he left Philadelphia and moved to Costa Rica, where he built a company from the ground up that would eventually become Costa Rica’s Call Center, which he has led as CEO since 2008. Giving back is a core part of Richard’s philosophy. Each year he endows a scholarship at Abington Senior High School for students pursuing world languages at the university level. A lifelong enthusiast of vintage arcade culture, he also built the largest collection of restored American pinball machines and antique jukeboxes in Costa Rica.   Connect with Richard Blank: https://costaricascallcenter.com/en/costa-ricas-call-center-2/ Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ Costa Rica’s Call Center commercial with Rapper GblackDaBest and Freestyle break-dancer Yeik Lawson Rodríguez https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQvGZYcX71s Feliciano School of Business visit with Richard Blank https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prcJZJnTm28

    1h 4m
  7. From Field Problems to Scalable Solutions: The Mindset of an Engineering CEO with Alfredo Dominguez

    MAR 12

    From Field Problems to Scalable Solutions: The Mindset of an Engineering CEO with Alfredo Dominguez

    In this insightful episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Alfredo Dominguez, CEO of Velocity Artificial Lift Solutions, an engineering company dedicated to helping oil and energy producers operate more efficiently through practical, field-driven technologies. Alfredo shares how his background in engineering shaped his leadership philosophy, one rooted in problem-solving, precision, and building solutions that actually work under real-world conditions. But the conversation quickly moves beyond technical innovation into the realities of leadership under pressure. One of the most defining challenges Alfredo faced came when his company was targeted by a conspiracy involving a former employee and supplier attempting to steal proprietary designs and undermine the business. Navigating that experience forced him to confront uncertainty, protect his team, and make difficult decisions under immense pressure. Through it all, Alfredo leaned into a values-based leadership approach grounded in honesty, dependability, and respect. Carly and Alfredo explore how engineering thinking can transform business leadership, how resilience is built during the hardest moments, and why values become the stabilizing force when stakes are highest. This episode reveals how adversity often becomes the proving ground where stronger leaders are forged.   Key Themes: Leadership Is Forged in Crisis: Why the true test of leadership comes during uncertainty, pressure, and unexpected threats. Engineering Thinking for Business: How breaking down complex systems into solvable problems creates practical innovation. Values Anchor High-Stakes Leadership: Why honesty, dependability, and respect create stability in technical and high-risk industries.   Memorable Quotes: “Even in the darkest moments, clarity and support can emerge if you stay open enough to see it.” “Engineering is really about translating complex problems into practical solutions.” “Your values are what keep you grounded when the pressure is highest.”   About Alfredo Dominguez: Alfredo Dominguez is the CEO of Velocity Artificial Lift Solutions, Inc., where he leads the development of engineering services and technologies designed to help oil and energy companies produce more efficiently and cost-effectively. With a career rooted in applied engineering and field-driven problem solving, Alfredo specializes in translating complex technical challenges into scalable, practical solutions. His work has been recognized through multiple published and presented technical papers, reflecting his commitment to advancing performance and reliability within the energy sector. Alfredo leads with a values-driven philosophy centered on honesty, dependability, and respect, principles that guide both his technical decisions and company culture.   Connect with Alfredo Dominguez: https://www.velocityals.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/velocity-als/ https://www.facebook.com/people/Velocity-ALS/61557251253835/ https://www.instagram.com/velocityals/

    59 min
  8. Designing for Human Behavior: How Spaces Shape the Way We Live and Work with Joy Lynskey

    MAR 9

    Designing for Human Behavior: How Spaces Shape the Way We Live and Work with Joy Lynskey

    In this insightful episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Joy Lynskey, founder and CEO of Jewel Toned Interiors, an award-winning interior design studio known for creating people-centered environments that combine creativity, psychology, and purpose. Joy shares how her early fascination with psychology shaped the way she approaches design today. Rather than focusing only on aesthetics, she examines how environments influence how people think, feel, and interact. From corporate offices to commercial spaces, Joy explains how intentional design can reinforce company values, improve employee wellbeing, and transform customer experiences. The conversation also explores Joy’s entrepreneurial journey, from growing up as the daughter of a business owner to leading a design firm in the traditionally male-dominated construction industry. As the first female president of the Construction Executives Association, she reflects on the importance of mentorship, leadership, and building teams that empower people to grow. This episode reveals the powerful intersection between psychology, leadership, and design and how the spaces we create ultimately shape the cultures we live and work within.   Key Themes: Design Begins with Emotion: Why every project starts with a single question: how do you want people to feel in this space? Spaces Communicate Culture: How the built environment can reinforce company values like collaboration, innovation, and wellness. Leadership Through Empowerment: Why mentorship, empathy, and continuous growth are essential for building strong teams and thriving businesses.   Memorable Quotes: “Interior design is really a blend of art, math, science, and the study of people.” “We always start by asking clients one question: how do you want people to feel in this space?” “You can’t just put your core values on the wall. Design lets you actually bring them to life.”   About Joy Lynskey: Joy Lynskey is the Founder and CEO of Jewel Toned Interiors (JTI), an award-winning, women-owned interior design studio based in Fort Lauderdale. With more than two decades of experience across design, construction, and planning, Joy leads JTI in creating inspiring, people-centered environments with a focus on serving underserved communities. Her work extends beyond design through partnerships with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Be Strong International, Junior Achievement, and Make-A-Wish. A passionate mentor and advocate for leadership development, Joy became the first female president of the Construction Executives Association in 2023. Her impact has been recognized through numerous honors, including Entrepreneur Organization’s Entrepreneur of Excellence and IIDA South Florida’s Star of the Year.   Connect with Joy Lynskey: http://www.jeweltoned.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-lynskey/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/jewel-toned-interiors/ https://www.instagram.com/jeweltonedinteriors/

    58 min
See All (35)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

 Where vision meets execution and legacy begins. Built For This is the podcast for founders, business owners, C-Suite Executives, and vision-driven leaders who know their business isn’t just what they do, it’s an extension of who they are. Hosted by business strategist and human behavior specialist Carly Pepin, each episode dives into candid, intelligent conversations with high-performing business owners and executives. These are the real stories behind growth: the pivotal moments, the internal shifts, the strategic moves, and the unseen pressure that comes with building something that lasts. With a sharp eye for strategy and a deep understanding of human behavior, Carly brings out the clarity, conviction, and contradictions that drive exceptional leadership. You’ll hear what’s working, what’s not, and what it actually takes to grow a business without losing yourself in the process. This is where business and personal development meet: honest, direct, and built to bring life to your vision. Whether you’re growing your next big thing or recalibrating to get back on track, Built For This is your space to think, build, and lead with purpose.

Information

  • Creator
    Carly Pepin
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Built for This