Built to Finish

Steven Pivnik

Welcome to Built to Finish! Join host, Steven Pivnik, each week as he explores the journeys of audacious goal setters. This includes experienced Founders, CEOs and entrepreneurs sharing pivotal moments that propelled their success. We'll also be talking with endurance athletes who push the limits of physical and mental ability. This show is brought to you by Acresis — offering tailored, high-impact advisory services to help founders get to their finish line with a strategic acquisition or majority investor recapitalization. To learn more, go to: https://acresis.com/

  1. 2D AGO

    Built to Scale: From Break-Fix to a World-Class IT Company with Dan Hernandez

    "Think about AI as hiring employees. If 30 people are using AI, you now have 60." In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven Pivnik sits down with Dan Hernandez, founder and CEO of PCS Technologies, to unpack what it really takes to build a scalable, resilient business in one of the most fragmented industries: IT services. Dan shares how he transformed his company from a traditional break-fix model into a high-performing managed service provider, while building a culture of low turnover, strong leadership, and operational independence. He breaks down the importance of pattern recognition, early adoption of trends like cybersecurity and AI, and why most founders stay stuck in the day-to-day longer than they should. Beyond business, Dan's personal journey—from walking 5 million steps in a year to rebuilding his health after years of physical strain—proves that endurance isn't just physical, it's a mindset that carries into leadership and life. This episode is a masterclass in systems, discipline, and knowing when to evolve. Key Takeaways: You can build elite fitness through consistency, not intensity Walking can outperform high-impact training for long-term health Pattern recognition is a core entrepreneurial superpower Early adoption of industry shifts creates outsized advantage Hiring mistakes are expensive but fixable with process Founders must step out of operations to scale past ~$2M Culture and growth opportunity reduce employee turnover EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) drives accountability and clarity AI should be treated like adding employees to your business Continuous learning is what sustains long-term success Contact Dan Website: pcstechnology.com Email: dan@pcstechnology.com

    28 min

  2. APR 30

    From Everest Base Camp: Grit, Failure, and the Power of Focus with Reid Tileston

    "Grit is doing difficult things at the exact moment that you do not want to do them." In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven Pivnik sits down with Reid Tileston, author of Grit It Done, professor, entrepreneur, and Everest summiteer, live from Mount Everest Base Camp. Reid shares his definition of grit, why the people you surround yourself with directly impact your ability to achieve hard things, and how failure can become the fuel that pushes you forward. From business buying and entrepreneurship to cold plunges at 21,000 feet, high-altitude pulmonary edema, and attempting Everest without supplemental oxygen, this conversation explores what it really takes to keep going when motivation fades. Key Takeaways Grit means doing difficult things exactly when you do not want to do them. Your peer group has a major impact on your ability to follow through. Failure can become fuel when you use it to recommit instead of retreat. Founders need to know when to stay focused, when to pivot, and when to test more options. Daily habits like cold water immersion, visualization, and end-of-day reflection can help build grit over time. In business, grit often means doing the extra hard thing that creates a better outcome, like speaking to ten potential buyers instead of one. Contact Reid Follow Reid Tileston's Everest journey on Instagram: @reidtileston Learn more about his book: grititdone.com Connect with Reid on LinkedIn: Reid Tileston

    22 min

  3. APR 22

    What Separates Finishers from Everyone Else with Mark Pattison

    "Success leaves clues." What does it really take to finish what you start when the stakes are high? In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven sits down with Mark Pattison, former NFL player, entrepreneur, former Sports Illustrated executive, Seven Summits finisher, Everest climber, speaker, and host of the Finding Your Summit podcast. Mark shares the mindset shifts that carried him from elite athletics into entrepreneurship and extreme mountaineering, and why consistency, preparation, and mental toughness matter more than motivation. The conversation explores what separates people who finish from people who fade out, how to stay committed on hard days, why success leaves clues, and how Mark rebuilt his identity after football. He also opens up about climbing Everest, raising awareness through Amelia's Everest, and why some of the biggest wins in life come after the chapter you thought would define you forever. Key Takeaways Success is built in stages. Mark's NFL journey was not one giant leap. It was a series of iterations, each requiring him to elevate again. Success leaves clues. One of the best ways to improve is to study people already doing what you want to do. A roadmap matters. Big goals become achievable when you get clear on the destination and the path to get there. Consistency beats intensity. Mark credits repeated daily effort more than flashes of motivation. Preparation reduces resistance. Setting everything up the night before makes it easier to execute when discipline is needed most. Action creates reaction. Forward motion matters, even when you are unsure of the perfect next step. Identity transitions are hard. Leaving the NFL was painful, and Mark had to learn how to create value in a completely different world. Mindset is the separator. Mark believes the people who finish are the ones who keep their eye on the prize and stay locked in when discomfort sets in. Discipline is developed. It is not something you are simply born with. It comes from repetition and doing hard things over time. Your best work may come after your first big chapter. Mark is proud not just of football, but of the body of work he built after it. This is an episode about resilience in the real world, not the polished version, but the kind built through repetition, struggle, discipline, and refusing to stop. Contact Mark Website: markpattisonnfl.com Book: Finding Your Summit on Amazon Podcast: Finding Your Summit

    36 min

  4. APR 16

    Why Most Companies Are Behind on AI (And Don't Know It) with Brian Dainis

    "The compounding effect of time in your business is incredible. Most of the value gets created at the end of that curve. Just stick with it." In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven sits down with Brian Dainis, Founder and CEO of Curotec, to break down what it really takes to scale a business in today's technology-driven world. Brian shares his unconventional path from waiting tables and door-to-door sales to building a global software development firm approaching a $10M run rate. Together, they dive into the realities of early-stage entrepreneurship, the evolution of strategic thinking, and the major shifts happening in technology today. The conversation explores why so many companies are falling behind in AI adoption, the risks of outdated systems, and the critical decisions leaders must make between building custom solutions or buying existing software. Brian also unpacks the concept of technical debt and why imperfect decisions early on can compound into major challenges later. This episode is a must-listen for founders, operators, and executives navigating growth, technology, and long-term scalability. Key Takaways: *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:77749b71-3570-42b7-9a33-8d4aa7a55877-4" data-testid= "conversation-turn-10" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> Most founders spend years figuring things out before gaining real traction Many mid-market companies are running outdated technology AI adoption is happening faster than any previous technology shift Most companies know they need AI but don't know where to start Culture of experimentation is critical for innovation Bureaucracy slows down progress and technology adoption Build vs buy decisions are becoming more complex with AI AI tools are dramatically increasing developer productivity Technical debt is unavoidable and compounds over time Long-term success in business comes from compounding effort CONTACT BRIAN Brian Dainis, Founder & CEO, Curotec Website: https://curotec.com LinkedIn: Search "Brian Dainis Curotec

    26 min

  5. APR 8

    Relationships Over Transactions: The Trust-Based Selling Blueprint with Todd Duncan

    "Transactions will make you a living. Relationships will make you a fortune." What if the key to explosive business growth wasn't more leads, more calls, or more hustle but deeper relationships? In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven Pivnik sits down with three time New York Times bestselling author Todd Duncan to unpack the philosophy behind High Trust Selling and why relationships outperform transactions every time. Todd shares his journey through personal loss, financial collapse, and rebuilding, and how those experiences shaped a framework that has influenced elite performers across industries. From trust based selling to customer experience, AI powered learning, and building long term client loyalty, this episode is a masterclass in sustainable success. If you want to build a business that compounds through trust, referrals, and meaningful relationships, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways Relationships create long-term wealth while transactions create short-term income Trust is the number one currency in business and referrals accelerate growth Asking fewer but deeper questions dramatically increases conversions The best producers focus on client share, not market share Awareness and thoughtful customer experience create unforgettable loyalty Trust can be learned through active listening and curiosity Follow-up after the sale is the biggest missed opportunity in business AI-powered learning is reshaping coaching, sales training, and performance development Contact Todd Website: https://myfuel.io Email: Todd@myfuel.io Fuel is a global AI-powered learning platform delivering micro-learning, performance coaching, and interactive avatar-based mentorship across 77 countries.

    33 min

  6. APR 1

    Jim Stryker's Take On Why Founders Lose Millions Without Exit Planning

    "The state has a plan for your wealth. If you don't create one, they'll use theirs." Most founders focus on building enterprise value but ignore personal wealth strategy until it's too late. In this episode, Steven sits down with wealth strategist Jim Stryker to break down why exit planning should start years before liquidity. Jim explains how entrepreneurs unknowingly leave millions on the table through poor tax planning, lack of estate structure, and reactive financial decisions. He also shares how founders can model their future financial position, protect assets after an exit, and avoid common mistakes that destroy wealth. If you're building toward a liquidity event, this episode will change how you think about money, taxes, and long term financial architecture. Key Takeaways: • Exit planning should begin 24 to 36 months before liquidity • Most founders lose millions due to poor tax strategy • Growing money in taxable environments is the most expensive option • Post exit wealth protection should prioritize safety, liquidity, then return • Estate planning prevents the state from controlling your wealth transfer • Future position modeling shows how long your money actually lasts • Paying off your house early is not always financially optimal • Financial advisors should diagnose before prescribing products • A second opinion can uncover millions in hidden inefficiencies • True wealth is measured in relationships, not assets Contact Jim: Website: https://theprivateclientcompany.com Education & Resources: https://jimstryker.info Email: jim@theprivateclientcompany.com

    32 min

  7. MAR 25

    Confidence Comes After Action. The Real Formula for Transformation with Cara Poppitt

    "Confidence does not come before change. Confidence comes because you choose to change." What does real transformation actually look like for founders, leaders, and high performers? In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven Pivnik sits down with Cara Moeller Poppitt, three time bestselling author of Big Freaking Change, entrepreneur, coach, and host of the Big Freaking Change podcast. With a background in dance, entrepreneurship, and leadership coaching, Cara shares a powerful framework for navigating change, overcoming fear, and creating meaningful momentum in business and life. The conversation explores why high performers sabotage themselves, how identity affects founders during exits, and why confidence only comes after action. Cara also breaks down her Cycle of Change methodology, an eight step model designed to help entrepreneurs move from feeling stuck to taking bold action. Steven and Cara also discuss founder psychology, the emotional impact of selling a business, and how reflection and intentional pauses can unlock the next level of growth. If you are navigating change, building toward an exit, or looking to create meaningful progress in the next 90 days, this episode provides a practical roadmap for transformation. Key Takeaways Being stuck is not failure. It is a signal that growth is available Confidence comes after action, not before High performers often sabotage themselves by chasing change without clarity Founders must prepare psychologically for identity shifts after an exit Small momentum building steps create lasting transformation Fear is part of bold change and should be expected Reflection and simmering after success builds long term confidence Transformation starts by identifying the feeling you want, not the outcome You cannot change your environment but you can change your response to it The most powerful change often begins with investing in yourself Contact Cara Website www.bigfreakingchange.com Speaking and Coaching www.caramoellerpoppitt.com Cara offers a free Cycle of Change toolkit along with resources to help entrepreneurs create meaningful transformation in business and life. She can also be contacted through her websites and social media for coaching, speaking, and leadership programs.

    31 min

  8. MAR 18

    The Party Within: Rethinking Social Life and Belonging with Evan Cudworth

    "Party isn't something you consume. It's something you create from within." In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven sits down with Evan Cudworth, the world's first "party coach," to challenge everything we think we know about social life, alcohol, and belonging. From his early experiences in rave culture to building his Party Within framework, Evan shares how he transformed external validation into internal energy and how others can do the same. This conversation explores the modern loneliness epidemic, the role of agency in our social lives, and how small shifts like asking better questions or creating connection instead of consuming it can completely redefine how we show up. If you've ever felt drained, disconnected, or dependent on environments or substances to feel on, this episode offers a powerful reframe. The best party starts within you. Key Takeaways • Redefining "party" as intentional human connection rather than substances or environments • The shift from a low agency social life to a high agency one where you create your experience • Real fulfillment and energy can come from connection, not consumption • Better questions lead to deeper conversations and more meaningful social experiences • Growth in social confidence comes through discomfort, not avoidance • Technology and AI are reducing friction, which makes intentional connection more important than ever • The Party Within framework helps rewire habits and build internal social energy Connect with Evan Website: partycoach.me Search "Party Coach" or "World's First Party Coach" to find Evan and his work Evan's mission is to help people shift from seeking belonging externally to creating it internally and to use social experiences as a tool for connection, growth, and meaning.

    28 min
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About

Welcome to Built to Finish! Join host, Steven Pivnik, each week as he explores the journeys of audacious goal setters. This includes experienced Founders, CEOs and entrepreneurs sharing pivotal moments that propelled their success. We'll also be talking with endurance athletes who push the limits of physical and mental ability. This show is brought to you by Acresis — offering tailored, high-impact advisory services to help founders get to their finish line with a strategic acquisition or majority investor recapitalization. To learn more, go to: https://acresis.com/

Information

  • Creator
    Steven Pivnik
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    76
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026
  • Show Website
    Built to Finish