Built this way

Patricia Muellen
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Entrepreneurial Real Talk for the Bold, Bruised, and Built to Last.

  1. 4D AGO

    Risky business & Practice

    In this episode of Built This Way, Patricia sits down with Dan Crist, owner of Centsible Heating and Air Conditioning, to dive into the real story behind entrepreneurship. From life as a teenager to building multiple businesses in construction, restaurants, and HVAC. We real talk about whay motivation "haters" provide when they ask questions like "What are you doing now?" and unpack one of his biggest business risks, a multi-million dollar development during the 2008 financial crisis, and the lessons that came from navigating loss, partnerships, and starting over. Dan also breaks down the realities of being in the HVAC Industry, the importance of asking hard questions early, and why helping people, not just making money, has been the foundation of his success. This episode is for entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone building something from the ground up who wants an honest look at risk, failure, growth, and long-term success   00:00 – Starting over and learning through failure 02:00 – Introduction to Dan Crist 06:30 – Early entrepreneurial journey 12:00 – Restaurant ownership 22:00 – Biggest business risk 30:00 – Financial collapse and lessons 44:00 – HVAC business realities 52:00 – Helping people first 58:00 – What success really means 01:05:00 – Closing thoughts   Want to connect with Dan?  @dannyvcrist https://centsiblemichigan.com/ Built This Way, created and hosted by Patricia Muellen - entrepreneur, survivor, creator, marketing strategist, and owner of agency P. Muellen & Associates, LLC Patricia spends her days helping businesses grow and having honest conversations about what it really takes to build something from nothing. If you liked this episode, follow the podcast, share it with a fellow builder, and come connect with Patricia online. Because around here we believe in hard work, real talk, and building things that last. After all… some of us are just Built This Way. @Patriciamuellen @pmuellenassociates  @builtthiswaypodcast Builtthiswaypodcast@gmail.com

    1h 4m

  2. MAR 24

    ADHD may be your superpower with guest J'Que Ellis

    We learn that serial entrepreneurship is not about chasing money, but about creating systems that generate profit and allow for flexibility, creativity, and control. Producer, Creator, and Entrepreneur J'Que makes it clear that success is not accidental. It is built on intentional structure, disciplined execution, and an unwavering commitment to personal growth. The biggest shift comes when we move from desire to execution, and the bridge between those two is systems, tools, and accountability. The conversation takes a turn into something even deeper when we explore ADHD, focus, and productivity. Instead of viewing ADHD as a limitation, we reframe it as a superpower when paired with organization. Sticky notes, color coding, calendars, and structured systems become the backbone of managing multiple businesses and responsibilities. We realize that in today’s world, where attention spans are shrinking, everyone is navigating some version of distraction, making structure essential for success. We also dig into the trap of people-pleasing and how it quietly derails progress. Saying yes too often leads to burnout, misalignment, and lost time. The real breakthrough is learning to prioritize ourselves without guilt. We recognize that helping others is meaningful, but not at the expense of our own growth. Discipline, boundaries, and clarity allow us to stay aligned with what actually moves our lives forward. J'Que’s story adds another layer of depth, especially as she shares her journey from being a stripper to becoming a successful entrepreneur and author. Her upcoming book, From the Pole to the Palace, represents transformation, faith, and reclaiming control of one’s life. We close on the idea that success is not about doing everything. It is about doing the right things consistently. When we align our actions with our purpose, build systems that support execution, and protect our time, we create momentum that compounds over time. Defining Serial Entrepreneurship ADHD as a Superpower Systems, Structure & Execution The Danger of People Pleasing Building a Life Around Your Priorities Personal Transformation Story Podcasting & Content Creation Final Takeaways Find J'que on Socials: @jquenow Healthy Living & Wine Podcast –https://www.jquenow.com/new-page-1 Built This Way, created and hosted by Patricia Muellen - entrepreneur, survivor, creator, marketing strategist, and owner of agency P. Muellen & Associates, LLC Patricia spends her days helping businesses grow and having honest conversations about what it really takes to build something from nothing. If you liked this episode, follow the podcast, share it with a fellow builder, and come connect with Patricia online. Because around here we believe in hard work, real talk, and building things that last. After all… some of us are just Built This Way. @Patriciamuellen @pmuellenassociates  @builtthiswaypodcast Builtthiswaypodcast@gmail.com

    1h 4m

  3. MAR 10

    90 Day Fiancé Reality TV Guest Manon Berryman on Reinvention, Resilience, and Finding Your People

    Manon opens up about her upbringing in the south of France, growing up in a modest family, and watching her father dream bigger than the circumstances around him. That example plants the seed for her own hunger to create a different life. She shares how she starts working young, pursues real estate, and eventually realizes she wants more than stability. She wants freedom, creativity, visibility, and a life that feels fully her own. From there, we follow her leap into content creation and the bold decision that changes everything. What begins as a social media opportunity in Los Angeles quickly becomes far more complex and painful than expected, and Manon speaks candidly about the trauma, isolation, and survival instincts that shape her next chapter. Instead of going back home defeated, she decides to stay, rebuild, and bet on herself with nothing but grit, instinct, and a refusal to quit. We talk about her first roommate situation in LA, finding work however she can, building her own network, reaching out to brands and creators directly, and slowly creating the career and life she once only imagined from afar. She reminds us that success rarely arrives in a straight line and almost always comes with setbacks, reinvention, and hard truths. We also dive into social media, visibility, and what it means to be seen publicly in a way that is not always fair or complete. Manon shares her perspective on being portrayed on reality television, how she handles criticism, and why she chooses authenticity over trying to control everyone’s perception of her. At the heart of this episode is a powerful message: we do not have to wait for permission, perfection, or the right timing to start building. We have to trust ourselves, find our people, and keep going, even when the path looks nothing like we expected. This conversation is about resilience, identity, collaboration, and the bravery it takes to keep becoming who we are meant to be.   00:00 Welcome and why this episode means so much 01:00 Introducing Manon Berryman 03:00 How social media brought us together 07:00 Growing up in the south of France 11:00 Early ambition, real estate, and dreaming bigger 17:00 The leap to Los Angeles 20:00 Trauma, survival, and starting over 26:00 Building a career from scratch in LA 33:00 What resilience really looks like 36:00 Advice for anyone doubting themselves 41:00 Why slowing down matters too 44:00 Choosing deeper conversations over surface-level content 48:00 Reality TV, perception, and authenticity 56:00 Finding your people and trusting your path   00:00 Why this conversation matters 01:00 Meet Manon Berryman 03:00 From online connection to real friendship 07:00 Childhood, family, and ambition 11:00 Real estate and wanting more 17:00 Moving to Los Angeles 20:00 Surviving trauma and choosing herself 26:00 Building her brand and career 33:00 Reinvention and resilience 36:00 Advice for women chasing more 41:00 Slowing down without giving up 44:00 The power of real conversations 48:00 Reality TV and reclaiming your story 56:00 Final thoughts on courage and community Instagram | TikTok: @manonberryman Berry Brand Agency – www.berrybrandagency.com Massalia Beauty – www.massaliabeauty.com 90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way   Instagram | TikTok: @patriciamuellen @builtthiswaypodcast @pmuellenandassociates P. Muellen & Associate  – www.PMuellenandAssociates.com  90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way Built This Way is hosted by Patricia Muellen - entrepreneur, marketing strategist, and the voice behind P. Muellen & Associates. Patricia spends her days helping businesses grow and her nights having honest conversations about what it really takes to build something from nothing. If you liked this episode, follow the podcast, share it with a fellow builder, and come connect with Patricia online. Because around here we believe in hard work, real talk, and building things that last. After all… some of us are just Built This Way.

    58 min

  4. MAR 3

    Behind the Mic: How Built This Way Actually Happens

    Patricia shares why she reached out in the first place: she had high-quality equipment sitting there, collecting dust, representing a dream she wanted but felt insecure about. She had recorded episodes on her own, hated them, and didn’t feel confident enough to hit publish. That leads into the real takeaway of the episode: most people want a podcast, but the behind-the-scenes details, the self-doubt, and the lack of structure are what stop them. We talk through the pressure of being on-mic, the fear of judgment, imposter syndrome, and the difference between “verbal crutches” and authentic personality. The goal is not perfection, it’s connection. Patrick shares his own story of how PJT Ventures started, from a 20-year radio career to a major run of setbacks: a construction business shutdown during COVID, losing his mom, multiple surgeries, and then a serious car accident. After getting ghosted in job interviews, he decided to bet on himself and build his own company. Patricia highlights what people often miss: success is rarely clean or linear, and it only takes one yes to change everything. We wrap with practical podcast truths. Audio is king for connection, video is fuel for reels, and consistency matters more than quantity. Most podcasts die early, but if you build a cadence and keep showing up, you win. The bigger message is simple: if you’ve got something to say, you should start, and if you want it done right, get support so you can stay focused on your voice, your mission, and your audience. www.pjtventures.net 00:00 Intro and “we’re back” energy 01:00 Why Patricia wanted Patrick on the show 02:00 Starting a podcast is scary, even with great equipment 03:00 Radio days and the first time we met 08:00 Authenticity vs overly produced media 12:00 Why podcasts build real connection 15:00 How Patricia preps episodes and outlines 20:00 Patrick’s story: setbacks to starting PJT Ventures 27:00 Consistency, confidence, and why people quit 39:00 Audio vs video and why reels matter 51:00 Cadence, analytics, and long-term growth 58:00 Final advice: start the podcast, get support   00:00 Welcome back and why this episode matters 01:00 The producer-host relationship and trust 03:00 Radio roots and full-circle moment 08:00 Real talk: authenticity wins 12:00 Why podcasting creates connection 20:00 Patrick’s journey into entrepreneurship 27:00 The truth about podcast consistency 39:00 Audio, video, and content strategy 51:00 Growth mindset and publishing cadence 58:00 Wrap and call to action     Built This Way, created and hosted by Patricia Muellen - entrepreneur, survivor, creator, marketing strategist, and owner of agency P. Muellen & Associates, LLC Patricia spends her days helping businesses grow and having honest conversations about what it really takes to build something from nothing. If you liked this episode, follow the podcast, share it with a fellow builder, and come connect with Patricia online. Because around here we believe in hard work, real talk, and building things that last. After all… some of us are just Built This Way. @Patriciamuellen @pmuellenassociates  @builtthiswaypodcast Builtthiswaypodcast@gmail.com

    1h 3m

  5. FEB 24

    Adapt Or Collapse

    We reflect on how nothing pauses. Bills do not pause. Clients do not pause. Deadlines do not pause. Leadership does not pause. We still have to show up. And when life gets loud, we either let it run us or we lean on the systems we have built. Planning, strategy, and preparation become the only reason we are able to keep our head above water. Because we plan ahead, communicate expectations, and lower the bar on non-critical tasks, we survive the week. We talk about boundaries. It is not up to other people to enforce our boundaries. It is up to us. If we do not communicate them, we cannot expect others to read our minds. We acknowledge the tendency to people-please and the guilt that comes with saying no, even when capacity is gone. But protecting our peace, our business, and our family requires clarity and enforcement. We also explore the need for tangible completion. In a business where nothing ever truly feels finished, we sometimes create projects just to experience the satisfaction of “done.” Whether it is building something, cleaning something, or finishing something physical, completion restores control when everything else feels open-ended. We recognize the season we are in. Everything feels loud and demanding. But strength shows up in steady leadership, not just in pushing harder. Sometimes leadership means holding things steady instead of accelerating. Sometimes it means accepting imperfection, delegating, communicating clearly, and taking care of ourselves before we burn out. We end by reminding ourselves that we are stronger than we think. Chaos reveals capacity. And growth often hides inside the weeks we barely survive. Almost not recording Chaos at home Business still running Systems and strategy Imperfection and delegation Support networks Boundaries and people pleasing Leadership under pressure Closing thoughts   Built This Way, created and hosted by Patricia Muellen - entrepreneur, survivor, creator, marketing strategist, and owner of agency P. Muellen & Associates, LLC Patricia spends her days helping businesses grow and having honest conversations about what it really takes to build something from nothing. If you liked this episode, follow the podcast, share it with a fellow builder, and come connect with Patricia online. Because around here we believe in hard work, real talk, and building things that last. After all… some of us are just Built This Way. @Patriciamuellen @pmuellenassociates  @builtthiswaypodcast Builtthiswaypodcast@gmail.com

    20 min

  6. FEB 11

    Collaboration, Clarity, and the Long Game with Seth Avergon

    We return this week building directly on our last episode about strategy, and we start with a very real reminder that life is messy. We talk openly about hormones, health, and how easily the best intentions can get derailed when we are navigating personal change. From there, we shift into what this episode is really about: taking strategy beyond theory and into practice with someone who truly understands it. Together, we dig into the difference between strategy and tactics. We emphasize that strategy is not the flashy part, but it is the part that prevents wasted time, wasted money, and chaotic decision-making. We talk about how businesses often chase short-term wins, shiny marketing trends, or vanity campaigns without stopping to ask what success actually looks like. We stress that real marketing requires planning, consistency, and understanding customer behavior, including different sales cycles and decision timelines. We also discuss how digital marketing changes the game through trackability, A/B testing, landing pages, and sales funnels. We explain that a landing page is a decision page, not a full website experience, and that marketing is often about nurturing relationships, not forcing immediate conversions. We highlight that marketing is never truly “done,” and that the long-term investment matters more than quick bursts of activity. Beyond marketing, we talk about leadership, humility, curiosity, and the value of dissenting opinions. We reflect on how diverse perspectives make strategies stronger and how uncomfortable truths are necessary for growth. We even touch on the importance of knowing when to fire clients, protecting both the professional relationship and the work itself. Finally, we expand into mindfulness, coaching, and the personal side of business. We remind ourselves that success is not just task completion, but building a life and business that are sustainable, grounded, and meaningful. Seth M. Avergon has over 25 years of experience, and has held key positions at Citizen, DENSO Automotive, Rain Bird, World Tableware, and RSI Home Products. His enthusiasm, leadership and creativity have been the driving force behind dozens of successful product launches and marketing campaigns. Seth is an acknowledged expert in both B2B and B2C marketing strategy, and is the recipient of numerous professional accolades, including a Trailblazer Award. He is also a sought-after speaker and editorial source on brand and business strategy. ​​Seth holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Southern California, and a master’s degree in International Studies from George Washington University with specializations in International Business and International Law.     00:00 Welcome back + real life behind the scenes 01:30 Introducing Seth Avergon 03:40 How relationships create opportunity 05:40 What Avergon Marketing Group does 07:30 Strategy vs tactics in marketing 10:50 Why clients chase shiny objects 13:30 Short-term wins vs long-term planning 16:20 Sales cycles and customer timing 18:50 Consistency beats chaos in marketing 25:40 Target story + digital marketing evolution 29:10 A/B testing and landing pages explained 32:15 Funnels, nurturing, and qualified leads 37:40 Using AI wisely in business content 46:00 Collaboration + dissenting opinions 52:20 Strategy must adapt as life changes 59:00 Biggest mistakes businesses make 1:04:30 Knowing when to fire clients 1:10:20 Seth’s coaching + mindfulness work 1:14:00 Meditation and breathwork as tools 1:17:00 Closing reflections + where to find Seth   Welcome back + strategy continuation Meet Seth Avergon How collaboration happens organically Strategy over tactics Marketing consistency and planning Digital testing, funnels, and landing pages AI as a support tool, not a replacement Leadership, dissent, and better decisions Budgeting and common business mistakes Firing clients and protecting the work Mindfulness and coaching for business owners Final takeaway + guest links   Avergon Marketing Group – https://avergonmarketing.com Built This Way, created and hosted by Patricia Muellen - entrepreneur, survivor, creator, marketing strategist, and owner of agency P. Muellen & Associates, LLC Patricia spends her days helping businesses grow and having honest conversations about what it really takes to build something from nothing. If you liked this episode, follow the podcast, share it with a fellow builder, and come connect with Patricia online. Because around here we believe in hard work, real talk, and building things that last. After all… some of us are just Built This Way. @Patriciamuellen @pmuellenassociates  @builtthiswaypodcast Builtthiswaypodcast@gmail.com

    1h 13m

  7. FEB 3

    Strategy Is Not Just a Buzzword

    We share the story of how we learned real strategic planning through mentorship, municipal work, and economic development projects. We talk about cities as businesses and how intentional planning shapes communities, growth, housing, jobs, and long-term sustainability. We connect that same thinking to entrepreneurship and personal decision-making. Strategy is not about control. It is about creating a guide you can return to when things inevitably go sideways. We break down what strategy actually looks like in practice. We talk about understanding your market, knowing your strengths and weaknesses, identifying opportunities and threats, and using honest data instead of guesses. We explain why KPIs, cost per lead, cost per acquisition, and budget awareness are not corporate fluff, but survival tools. If you do not know where your customers come from or what they cost, you are gambling, not marketing. We acknowledge the reality that plans change. Life happens. Markets shift. Platforms evolve. What worked ten or twenty years ago no longer applies. The businesses that survive are not the ones that never change, but the ones that adapt without losing their core identity. Strategy must be flexible, reviewed regularly, and paired with reactive planning for unexpected disruptions. We also get personal and real about mistakes. We share how even our own business plan changed dramatically, how services were cut back, how hiring support became necessary, and how this podcast itself was never part of the original strategy but evolved into a powerful long-term marketing tool. We emphasize that strategy does not guarantee success, but it gives you clarity, confidence, and a place to recalibrate when your business starts running you instead of the other way around. The core takeaway is simple. Strategy saves money before it makes money. It is not about perfection. It is about intention, honesty, and giving yourself a framework to grow without burning out.   00:00 Why strategy matters more than people think 02:20 How mentorship shaped real strategic thinking 05:10 Cities as businesses and intentional growth 07:30 Strategy versus winging it in business 10:40 What KPIs and cost per acquisition really mean 13:55 Why budgets are part of strategy 17:30 When businesses fail from lack of planning 20:45 Adapting strategy as platforms and markets change 24:10 How this podcast became part of the strategy 26:30 Strategy saves money before it makes money Built This Way, created and hosted by Patricia Muellen - entrepreneur, survivor, creator, marketing strategist, and owner of agency P. Muellen & Associates, LLC Patricia spends her days helping businesses grow and having honest conversations about what it really takes to build something from nothing. If you liked this episode, follow the podcast, share it with a fellow builder, and come connect with Patricia online. Because around here we believe in hard work, real talk, and building things that last. After all… some of us are just Built This Way. @Patriciamuellen @pmuellenassociates  @builtthiswaypodcast Builtthiswaypodcast@gmail.com

    21 min

  8. JAN 25

    Less Is More: The Season That Changed Everything

    We come back to the mic after a long, unexpected break and explain why this season forced us to stop, breathe, and completely recalibrate our lives. We open in the middle of real life, talking through tech issues, production logistics, memory lapses, and the strange humor that comes with major surgery and hormonal shifts. We admit that for the first time in a long time, we could not push through by force alone. We had to pause. We share what the last two months actually looked like. We walk through a hysterectomy that changed our body, our hormones, and our emotional landscape more than we ever expected. We talk honestly about how healing is not just physical, but mental and emotional. We describe driving ten hours two weeks after surgery, returning to work too soon, and pretending we were fine when we were not. We thank our surgeon by name and acknowledge how close we came to losing ourselves before this intervention gave us our life back. Then everything changes again. In the middle of recovery, we accept another cross country move. We buy a new house in a new state. We leave mountain life for a quieter coastal season. We admit we told almost no one. We explain how our business paused, how our marketing stopped, and how we intentionally pulled back from the world to protect our mental health while our hormones and nervous system recalibrated. We reflect on what it looks like when a business starts running the owner instead of the owner running the business. We explain how we finally chose to clear commitments, cancel weekly meetings, stop volunteering nonstop, and reclaim our time. We acknowledge that we had been giving our best creative energy to everyone else while leaving nothing for ourselves. We talk about grief, cycles, and relationships that naturally end when growth happens. We honor the few people who stay. We say out loud that the person we let down the most was ourselves. And we commit, clearly and without apology, to never do that again. We close this episode by naming this season for what it is. Not disappearance. Not failure. Under construction. A new chapter built on less is more, clarity over chaos, and peace over performance. We remind ourselves and our listeners that life is not about avoiding scars. It is about collecting them to prove we showed up. And we promise to keep showing up. 🌐 Relevant Links MentionedMayo Clinic – https://www.mayoclinic.org ▶️ YouTube Chapters00:00 Tech issues and producer talk 01:50 Surgery, hormones, and memory after hysterectomy 03:10 Fair weather podcaster guilt 04:45 Healing as therapy and helping others 08:40 Pricing advice and business strategy 11:30 Returning to the mic after two months 12:30 Surgery recovery and unexpected move 14:30 New home, new state, new season 15:40 Boat story and long season of loss 17:30 Business pause and mental health reset 19:45 Treating yourself like your own client 21:00 Clearing commitments and reclaiming time 22:35 Letting down yourself the most 24:00 Relationships, cycles, and ride or die friends 24:40 Final message and next chapter 🎧 Spotify Chapters00:00 Production setup and tech talk 01:50 Surgery, hormones, and memory 04:45 Healing and therapy through podcasting 08:40 Business pricing and strategy advice 11:30 Why I disappeared 12:30 Surgery, move, and recalibration 15:40 Boat, loss, and long seasons 17:30 Business transformation 19:45 Boundaries and self leadership 21:00 Less is more 22:35 Choosing myself 24:40 Final reflection Built This Way, created and hosted by Patricia Muellen - entrepreneur, survivor, creator, marketing strategist, and owner of agency P. Muellen & Associates, LLC Patricia spends her days helping businesses grow and having honest conversations about what it really takes to build something from nothing. If you liked this episode, follow the podcast, share it with a fellow builder, and come connect with Patricia online. Because around here we believe in hard work, real talk, and building things that last. After all… some of us are just Built This Way. @Patriciamuellen @pmuellenassociates  @builtthiswaypodcast Builtthiswaypodcast@gmail.com

    13 min
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Entrepreneurial Real Talk for the Bold, Bruised, and Built to Last.

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  • Creator
    Patricia Muellen
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Built this way