Call The Damn Leads

Drewbie Wilson
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WELCOME TO "CALL THE DAMN LEADS" "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Podcast Format: Your Host, Drewbie Wilson: With over $15 million in online sales, Drewbie's vast experience spans multiple industries. His journey from a 300-pound weight loss to becoming a sales powerhouse has shaped his perspective on life and success. Get Ready to Crush It in Sales! Ready to dive into the world of sales like never before? Join Drewbie Wilson and his incredible lineup of guests on "Call The Damn Leads." Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights.

  1. 2D AGO

    Episode 162 – How to Sell When Your Main Platform Disappears | Emelie Sanders

    What happens when your primary sales platform vanishes overnight? In Episode 162, Drewbie sits down with Emelie Sanders, who shares the wild story of getting banned from Meta — and how that forced her to completely redesign her sales engine. With recurring revenue on the line and leads drying up instantly, Emelie had to pivot fast. What followed wasn't panic… it was precision. She rebuilt her systems, doubled down on email conversions, leveraged low-ticket offers strategically, and engineered retention that most businesses only dream about. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, conversion optimization, and designing a sales process that works — even when the algorithm doesn't. If you rely on one platform for leads, this conversation is your wake-up call.     🔥 Episode Highlights 💥 Getting banned from Meta and losing a major lead source overnight 📉 Replacing $4,000 in recurring revenue fast — without panic 📧 Why "having an email list" isn't the same as converting from email 🎥 Using video, voice, and face-to-face touchpoints to boost conversions 🧀 The "Caseo Kikies" strategy and how live calls drove massive ROI 💰 Leveraging low-ticket offers to plug revenue gaps quickly 🔄 Designing retention intentionally — not hoping for renewals 🧠 Why conversion rate matters more than traffic volume 📊 Tracking client behavior to increase upsells and timing offers perfectly 🗂 The power of "creepy good notes" inside your CRM 🧩 Why timing is everything in client ascension 🚀 Building a business that doesn't collapse when one platform does     💡 Key Takeaways If all your sales come from one platform, you don't own your business — you rent it. Email only works when it's designed to convert, not just exist. Face + voice = trust. Trust = sales. Don't pour traffic into a funnel that doesn't convert. Fix the bottom first. Retention is engineered through timing and intentional next steps. Track everything. What gets measured gets monetized.     👤 About Emelie Sanders Emelie Sanders is a messaging strategist and email marketing expert who helps entrepreneurs convert more consistently without relying on unpredictable social platforms. Through Pass The Case, she teaches businesses how to build strategic sales systems, improve retention, and increase conversion rates — without chasing vanity metrics. 🌐 Website: https://passthequeso.com/ 📩 Join the newsletter to learn how to sell smarter and convert better.  ______________________________________________________________________________________________________   🎙️ Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals." Each week, Drewbie Wilson—sales vet with 20+ years in the game—brings you real stories, proven strategies, and no-BS conversations to help you win in sales and business. Expect a wild mix of: Real Sales Stories – entertaining, raw, and honest Proven Tactics – fundamentals that actually work Humor & Energy – because sales life is a rollercoaster Expert Advice – from people who've lived it 👉 Want to be a guest? Pitch your story here: https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast     Follow Drewbie 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

    22 min

  2. 4D AGO

    Episode 161 – Dyslexia Is a Sales Superpower: The Sales Superpower Nobody Talks About | Russell Van Brocklen

    In Episode 161, Drewbie sits down with Russell Van Brocklen to challenge one of the biggest limiting beliefs in business: that dyslexia is a disadvantage. Russell shares how being dyslexic didn't hold him back in sales — it gave him an unfair advantage. From hammering mortgage leads that had been called over 100 times… to keeping six loan officers fed with fully completed applications… to handing out his personal cell phone and answering calls at 3AM — Russell built his success on one core principle: 👉 Find your "why." 👉 Care more than everyone else. 👉 Specialize until you dominate. But this episode goes deeper than sales tactics. Russell explains the neuroscience behind dyslexia, why high-level sales is about word analysis and articulation, and how the same brain wiring that makes reading difficult can make communication and persuasion elite. If you've ever felt like you were at a disadvantage in sales — this episode will flip that belief on its head.     Episode Highlights 📞 Calling mortgage leads that had been contacted over 100 times — and still closing them 💥 Leading with blunt honesty: "You're getting screwed" as a pattern interrupt 🧠 Why dyslexia can be a massive advantage in high-level sales 📊 The brain science behind word analysis and articulation 🏦 Why Russell always recommended fixed-rate mortgages (and walked away when it wasn't right) 📱 Giving prospects his personal phone number — and answering at 3AM 🎯 Why sales is not a 9–5 career if you want to dominate 🔍 The power of narrowing everything down to a "universal theme" 🦈 The surprising number of Shark Tank investors who are dyslexic 🚀 How podcasting builds authority faster than traditional speaking gigs 📈 From struggling reader to helping families dramatically improve reading scores in months     Key Takeaways 1. Your "weakness" might be your edge. Dyslexia sharpened Russell's ability to analyze language, process information in real time, and articulate solutions clearly. 2. Honesty closes deals. When you genuinely protect the client's interests — even if it means walking away — trust skyrockets. 3. Specialization beats generalization. If you're not niche, you're invisible. 4. Consistency compounds. Small, focused effort over months creates life-changing results — in sales and in learning. 5. Sales is about processing, not pitching. Ask questions. Listen. Analyze. Adjust. That's elite-level communication. 6. Authority is built intentionally. Podcasting, reviews, and personal branding make you Google-proof and credibility-rich. 7. Care wins long-term. Answering the phone at 3AM may not be scalable forever — but it builds stories people repeat. 8. Find your "why." If it's just about the paycheck, you'll burn out. If it's about purpose, you'll dominate.     Connect with Russell 🌐 Website: https://dyslexiaclasses.com 📥 Free Guide & Strategy Call: Available on website Russell helps parents train their children to dramatically improve reading and writing skills — often in a matter of months — using a focused, neuroscience-based process.     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals — Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights. If you'd like to be a guest on the show, leave your contact information and a brief message telling us why your story needs to be heard: https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

    22 min

  3. APR 16

    Episode 160 – Say No to Grow: How Niching Down Closes Bigger Deals | Dan Charles

    In Episode 160, Drewbie sits down with Dan Charles to unpack a truth most sales professionals and agency owners learn the hard way: The fastest way to grow… is often saying no. Dan shares his journey from burnout freelancer cold-calling local businesses just to survive, to building a specialized B2B event marketing agency closing six-figure deals with a 60%+ close rate. From sympathy clients and £5-per-hour reality checks to confidently disqualifying prospects and engineering a profitable niche, this episode is packed with real-world lessons on positioning, confidence, and scaling smarter — not harder. If you're stuck working with low-paying, high-maintenance clients… If you're afraid to niche down… If you're grinding but not scaling… This conversation will challenge the way you think about growth.     Episode Highlights Dan's burnout moment that forced him into sales Cold-calling local businesses with zero experience — and landing his first deals Why "sympathy clients" matter early in your career The power of a strong "why" (and how fatherhood fueled the grind) Falling asleep at the desk after 14-hour days — the real cost of early hustle Why taking every client almost killed profitability The scary leap of firing clients to grow How niching down instantly increased profit margins Why saying no made his agency more profitable The shift from 10% close rate to 65%+ Why bigger clients value time over price How networking in the right rooms changes your trajectory The psychology of mirroring higher-level business owners Why low-ticket e-commerce clients drained time and profit The importance of an Ideal Client Profile (ICP) How personalization beats automation in outbound sales Using AI to enhance — not replace — human connection Why specialization creates authority and higher fees     Key Takeaways 1️⃣ Early Wins Build Momentum Those first clients may hire you out of sympathy — but they give you belief. Momentum beats perfection.     2️⃣ Your "Why" Has to Be Bigger Than Rejection Dan's newborn daughter became his fuel. When rejection hits daily, your reason has to outweigh your excuses.     3️⃣ Not All Revenue Is Equal Low-ticket, high-demand clients often produce: More stress Lower margins Longer hours Slower growth Higher-value clients with clearer problems create leverage.     4️⃣ Saying No Is a Growth Strategy Every time Dan narrowed his niche, profitability increased. Clarity improves: Messaging Close rates Client quality Confidence     5️⃣ Bigger Clients Buy Outcomes, Not Hours The wealthier the client, the more they value: Time Certainty Expertise Results If you solve a $2M problem, $100K is logical — not expensive.     6️⃣ Personalization Still Wins in 2026 AI is powerful — but lazy automation blends in. Voice notes. Personalized videos. Handwritten letters. Human touches close deals.     7️⃣ Ideal Client Profile Is Non-Negotiable If you don't define who you serve: You'll serve everyone. And struggle with all of them.     Dan's Scaling Playbook Burn the boats: commit fully when it matters Focus on bigger rooms, not more rooms Mirror the clients you want to attract Specialize until it feels uncomfortable Improve positioning before increasing outreach Personalize beyond what automation can replicate Disqualify aggressively Engineer your calendar instead of reacting to it     Who This Episode Is For Agency owners stuck with low-margin clients Sales professionals wanting bigger deals Freelancers ready to scale Entrepreneurs afraid to niche down Anyone grinding long hours without real leverage Founders looking to improve close rates     Connect with Dan 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancharles 🌐 Website: https://codarity.com Dan specializes in B2B event marketing and helps event service companies generate high-value leads and scale profitably.     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

    24 min

  4. APR 14

    Episode 159 – How Listening Landed a $7K Deal | Darren Padgett

    In Episode 159, Drewbie sits down with Darren Padgett for a masterclass in old-school sales fundamentals — listening, reading body language, and genuinely caring about people. From breaking into sales at 18… to closing a monster car deal by grocery shopping with a prospect… to building and scaling a six-figure plumbing company in a town of 10,000 people — Darren shares the raw lessons that shaped his philosophy: 👉 Sales isn't about convincing. 👉 It's about understanding. 👉 And the paycheck is just the byproduct. If you've ever struggled with closing, confidence, or scaling a business, this episode brings it back to the basics — and shows why fundamentals still win in 2026.     Episode Highlights 🚗 How Darren closed a $7,000+ commission deal by grocery shopping with a buyer 🧠 Why body language and non-verbal cues matter more than scripts 💰 The danger of focusing on the paycheck instead of the person 🏗 How he scaled a plumbing company to six figures in a small market 📊 The real fastest path from Point A to Point B (hint: it's experience) 🎯 Why "selling" feels dirty — and how advisory selling changes everything 🔥 The difference between effort vs. entitlement in business 📈 Why ethics, intentionality, and effort drive long-term success     Key Takeaways 1. Care First. Close Second. When you genuinely focus on the buyer's needs, the sale happens naturally. 2. Listen More Than You Talk. Most salespeople talk themselves out of deals. The best closers observe, ask, and respond. 3. The Paycheck Is a Byproduct. The moment you obsess over commission, you lose authenticity. 4. Experience Is the Shortcut. The fastest way from A to B isn't a straight line — it's learning from those who've already walked it.     About Darren Darren Padgett is a business consultant and sales strategist who helps entrepreneurs scale with clarity and structure. After building and scaling his own businesses, he now works one-on-one with owners to improve operations, profitability, and growth strategy. Connect with Darren: 🌐https://dnabusinessco.com/ 📱 https://www.linkedin.com/company/dnabizco/?viewAsMember=true 📱https://www.instagram.com/dnabizco/# ____________________________________________________________________________   🎙️ Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals." Each week, Drewbie Wilson—sales vet with 20+ years in the game—brings you real stories, proven strategies, and no-BS conversations to help you win in sales and business. Expect a wild mix of: Real Sales Stories – entertaining, raw, and honest Proven Tactics – fundamentals that actually work Humor & Energy – because sales life is a rollercoaster Expert Advice – from people who've lived it 👉 Want to be a guest? Pitch your story here: https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast     Follow Drewbie 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

    23 min

  5. APR 9

    Episode 158 – Why He Walked Away From a $2M Deal | Smart Scaling | Michael Straza

    In Episode 158, Drewbie sits down with Michael Straza to unpack one of the boldest sales decisions you'll ever hear: Turning down a $2 million contract. Why? Because bad cash flow terms can destroy a profitable company faster than a slow sales month ever will. Michael shares hard-earned lessons from 20+ years of owning, operating, scaling, and acquiring businesses. From navigating seven-figure contracts to helping companies fix broken systems, resolve internal conflict, and align sales with operations, this episode dives deep into what actually builds sustainable growth. If you've ever wondered: When should you walk away from a "big" deal? Should you acquire competitors or invest in marketing? Is diversification smart — or just ego? What does a fractional executive actually do? This conversation gives you clarity. Because in business, more revenue doesn't always mean more profit. Episode Highlights • The $2 million contract Michael walked away from — and why it was the right move • Why becoming "the bank" for your clients can quietly kill your company • How bad contract terms destroy profitability • When sales success creates operational strain • The disconnect between sales, operations, and finance • Why some high-revenue deals actually lose money • How businesses grow fast without systems — and why that's dangerous • What happens when teams aren't rowing in the same direction • Conflict resolution between visionary founders and numbers-driven operators • Should you spend more on marketing or buy your competition? • What due diligence really looks like when acquiring a business • Why buying a business doesn't mean passive income • The danger of chasing diversification too early • When multiple income streams become multiple problems • How fractional leadership helps companies scale without full-time executive overhead • Why sometimes you don't need a new hire — you need clarity Key Takeaways 1️⃣ Not Every Big Deal Is a Good Deal Revenue is meaningless if cash flow suffers. A $2 million contract with 90+ day payment terms can cripple payroll, operations, and growth. Sometimes the smartest move in sales is walking away. 2️⃣ Sales Without Systems Break Businesses You can scale to millions without CRM, process, or alignment — but eventually something snaps. Fast growth without structure creates: Burnout Team conflict Profit leaks Operational chaos 3️⃣ Acquisition Isn't Automatic Freedom Buying a company isn't passive income. Without due diligence, integration planning, and operational improvements, you're just buying someone else's problems. The key question: Can you improve it — or is it already maxed out? 4️⃣ Diversification Can Be a Distraction Multiple businesses sound impressive. But if one company is subsidizing the others, you're not diversified — you're diluted. Focus before expansion. 5️⃣ Fractional Leadership Is a Growth Multiplier You don't always need a full-time CFO or COO. Fractional executives provide: Strategic clarity Systems implementation Financial oversigh Conflict alignment Growth planning Without full-time executive payroll. Who This Episode Is For Sales professionals stepping into ownership Founders scaling past $1M–$10M Business owners considering acquisition Entrepreneurs chasing diversification Companies experiencing internal friction between sales and operations Leaders who need executive-level thinking without full-time cost About Michael Straza Michael Straza is the founder of Straza Consulting and brings over 20 years of experience owning, operating, and advising businesses across multiple industries. He specializes in: Scaling companies through operational clarity Aligning sales, finance, and leadership teams Business acquisition strategy Fractional COO/CFO services Conflict resolution inside growing organizations Michael helps businesses move from reactive growth to sustainable scale. Connect with Michael 🌐 Website: https://strazaconsulting.com 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelstraza/ Michael shares practical insights, growth strategy, and real-world lessons for business owners ready to scale smarter. ______________________________________________________________________ 📣 Call to Action 🎙️ Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals." Each week, Drewbie Wilson—sales vet with 20+ years in the game—brings you real stories, proven strategies, and no-BS conversations to help you win in sales and business. Expect a wild mix of: Real Sales Stories – entertaining, raw, and honest Proven Tactics – fundamentals that actually work Humor & Energy – because sales life is a rollercoaster Expert Advice – from people who've lived it 👉 Want to be a guest? Pitch your story here: https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

    25 min

  6. APR 7

    Episode 157 – Do What You Love & Outsource Everything Else with Kelly Lorenzen

    In Episode 157, Drewbie sits down with Kelly Lorenzen to break down one of the biggest bottlenecks in entrepreneurship and sales: trying to do everything yourself. Kelly has spent over 20 years building, scaling, and exiting multiple businesses — from real estate to medical practices to product-based companies — and she shares the hard-earned lessons that came from burnout, misalignment, and ultimately discovering the power of delegation. This episode isn't just about sales. It's about sustainability. Kelly reveals why sales doesn't have to feel hard, how follow-up is where most professionals lose money, and why outsourcing isn't a luxury — it's survival. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, stretched too thin, or stuck doing $20/hour tasks as a $100,000+ earner… this episode is your wake-up call.     Episode Highlights • Why sales feels "easy" when you truly believe in what you're selling • The real reason people struggle with asking for the sale • Follow-up and follow-through: where most revenue is lost • Why networking without a system produces zero ROI • How to build simple, repeatable CRM follow-up processes • The emotional side of walking away from a successful business • Recognizing when success is no longer aligned with your values • The mindset shift required to sell yourself as the product • Selling peace of mind instead of selling services • Why outsourcing buys back time, energy, and health • The first 3 things every entrepreneur should immediately delegate • How hiring your first team member accelerates growth • The dangerous cost of burnout in sales and entrepreneurship • Building systems before you "need" them • Why automation, delegation, and elimination are non-negotiables     Key Takeaways 1️⃣ Sales Is About Listening, Not Convincing Kelly's superpower isn't persuasion — it's listening. Sales becomes easier when you focus on identifying needs instead of pushing offers.     2️⃣ Follow-Up Is Everything Networking without structured follow-up is just socializing. Kelly emphasizes: Ask for preferred contact method Send a personal follow-up Offer value (consult link, brain dump session) Add to drip campaign Maintain light but consistent contact The fortune truly is in the follow-up.     3️⃣ You're Not Selling Yourself — You're Selling the Outcome When Kelly transitioned into selling her consulting expertise, she struggled at first. The breakthrough came when she realized: She wasn't selling herself — She was selling: Peace of mind Time freedom Burnout prevention Family vacations Shift the narrative, and selling yourself becomes easier.     4️⃣ If You Don't Delegate, You Will Burn Out Kelly has experienced burnout multiple times — and learned the hard way. Her advice: Hire before you feel ready Delegate bookkeeping immediately Outsource marketing early Automate repeatable tasks Build systems "just in case" Delegation isn't giving away control. It's creating capacity.     5️⃣ Success Must Align With Your Values Kelly walked away from a thriving real estate business when the market crashed because helping clients lose their homes wasn't aligned with her heart. Revenue without alignment leads to exhaustion. Alignment creates longevity.     Who This Episode Is For Sales professionals feeling stretched thin Entrepreneurs doing everything themselves Business owners afraid to hire High performers nearing burnout Anyone ready to scale sustainably     About Kelly Lorenzen Kelly Lorenzen is the founder of KLM and author of Do What You Love and Outsource Everything Else. She helps entrepreneurs scale their businesses by implementing systems, delegation strategies, and sustainable growth models. After building and scaling multiple businesses over two decades, Kelly now focuses on helping others avoid burnout while building profitable, system-driven companies.     Connect with Kelly Website: https://duplicatemyselfklm.com Book: Do What You Love and Outsource Everything Else (available at major retailers & local bookstores) Social: @DuplicateMyselfKLM LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/duplicatemyselfklm/ ____________________________________________________________________________ 🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show, please leave your contact information and a brief message sharing what makes your story worth hearing: https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

    24 min

  7. APR 2

    Episode 156 – Why Real Sales Pros Ask Better Questions - Kevin O'neil

    In Episode 156, Drewbie welcomes back longtime friend and returning guest Kevin Oneil for a raw, hilarious, and deeply insightful conversation about what actually closes deals—and why discovery will always beat pressure selling. Kevin shares wild, unfiltered sales stories from the trenches of building Take My Boat Test, a niche compliance-driven business inside the watersports industry. From ego-driven assumptions and unexpected rebuttals, to road-dogging cold calls in rural Florida and learning when not to be the closer, this episode delivers real-world lessons you won't find in a script. The conversation evolves into a masterclass on product mastery, operator empathy, and asking better questions, showing how trust, values, and lived experience drive sales far more than tactics ever could. Kevin breaks down how understanding your customer's real problems—and connecting tiny operational details to big business outcomes—creates alignment, confidence, and long-term wins. If you sell anything complex, niche, or relationship-driven—or you've ever felt the tension between hard selling and genuine service—this episode will reshape how you think about discovery, authority, and closing.     🔥 Episode Highlights How Kevin went from full entrepreneur mode back into the sales seat—and why it humbled him The danger of ego in sales and what happens when you assume deals will close "because of who you are" A raw, hilarious breakdown of real-world objections you're never prepared for Why "easy money" offers still get massive pushback—and what that reveals about buyers The difference between relationship-based selling vs hard-close selling What Kevin learned from road-dogging, cold knocking, and watching a true hard seller in action A perfect example of reading the room (or not)—including a jet ski-revving hard no Why most small business owners leave money on the table by not monetizing every touchpoint How knowing your numbers instantly reframes objections and creates clarity The power of being an operator-first seller instead of a surface-level salesperson Why trust, values, and integrity matter more than price in long-term sales relationships How Kevin connects sales decisions to operations, safety, insurance, and profitability Why discovery should always be about understanding, not forcing a close How asking better questions leads to better outcomes—even when the deal doesn't close The mindset shift that turns sales from "closing" into true problem-solving Why some prospects simply aren't a fit—and why that's a win How lifestyle businesses scale when sales, systems, and values align Kevin's philosophy on building businesses that make money while you live your life       Key Takeaways Discovery beats closing. If you're trying to close before you understand, you're already losing. Ego kills sales. Being "the guy" doesn't replace value, clarity, or alignment. People don't buy logic—they buy trust. Even obvious financial wins get rejected when fear shows up. Operators sell better. Lived experience creates instant credibility and connection. Not every founder should be the closer. Sometimes leadership means getting out of the way. Read the room. A hard no saves more time than forced persuasion ever will. Product mastery matters. When you obsess over your product, rebuttals disappear. Small details signal big problems. How someone runs one part of their business reflects everything else. Values move needles. Know-like-trust still wins—especially in niche industries. Sales is service, not pressure. If there's no true fit, walking away is the win.     Connect with Kevin 📘 Book: From Mate to Millionaire (Available on Amazon) 🎙 Podcast: Awkward Water Sports Guys 🌐 Website: https://destinywateradventures.com/ (redirecting soon to gregandkevinlive.com) 🏄 Businesses & Brands: • TakeMyBoatTest.com • DestinyWaterAdventures.com • SlowGlowChristmas.com Kevin shares real-world insights on building profitable lifestyle businesses, scaling niche operations, and turning passion into sustainable income—without sacrificing freedom.     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show, please leave your contact information and a brief message sharing what makes your story worth hearing: https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

    27 min

  8. MAR 31

    Episode 155 – How Franchise Sales Really Work with James Hilovsky

    In Episode 155, Drewbie sits down with James Hilovsky to pull back the curtain on the realities of franchise sales, lead quality, and what "passive income" actually looks like in practice. James brings a rare insider's perspective from years inside the franchise world—working with restaurant brands, NFL-backed ownership groups, and now as a franchise broker helping people avoid costly, life-altering mistakes. From tire-kicker leads and constant ghosting, to scarcity mindset and unrealistic expectations around money, this episode dives deep into the psychology behind why people say they want freedom—but disappear when it's time to commit. This conversation explores how franchises really work, why most people misunderstand investment and ROI, and why success comes down to fit, effort, and expectations—not hype. James also breaks down emerging franchise trends, semi-passive business models, and what sales professionals should consider when looking to turn commission income into long-term freedom. If you've ever been pitched an "easy investment," struggled with low-quality leads, or wondered whether franchising could be your next move—this episode delivers clarity without the fluff.     Episode Highlights James' real-world "crazy sales story" from the franchise lead trenches Why ghosting is at an all-time high in franchise sales The emotional reason prospects disappear instead of saying "no" Why many franchise leads don't realize money is required The harsh truth behind "business in a box" expectations Why a lead isn't really a lead until there's a conversation Cost per lead vs. cost per conversation breakdown Why portal leads often look good on paper—but fail in reality How sales KPIs reveal where the real breakdown happens James' journey from restaurant executive to franchise broker Lessons learned from owning multiple franchises pre-COVID Why most people should not own restaurants The biggest mistakes first-time franchise buyers make Matching people to businesses instead of "selling" franchises How fear and scarcity mindset kill deals Why effort—not branding—determines success Industries James actively steers people toward (and away from) Why boring franchises often outperform sexy ones Emerging franchise trends heading into 2026 Indoor golf simulators and low-labor business models What "semi-passive" really means in franchising How sales skills translate into long-term freedom     Key Takeaways Ghosting isn't personal. Most prospects disappear because they're confronting fear—not rejecting you. A lead isn't a lead until there's a conversation. Names and emails don't equal intent. Most people underestimate the cost of ownership. Good credit alone doesn't fund a business. Franchises aren't plug-and-play. Every model still requires effort, leadership, and accountability. Restaurants are high-risk for first-time owners. Low margins and high labor crush unprepared investors. Boring businesses win. Home services and recurring revenue models often outperform flashy brands. Passive income is usually semi-passive. Freedom comes from systems and management—not absence. Sales skills create optionality. Commission income can be converted into long-term assets. Fear kills more deals than money. Most prospects walk away before doing the math. Fit matters more than hype. The right business for the wrong person still fails.     Connect with James 🌐 Website: https://thefrandream.com 📩 Email: james@thefrandream.com James helps aspiring owners evaluate opportunities, assess fit, and avoid costly franchise mistakes through education-first conversations and personalized guidance.     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals – Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: • Wild Sales Stories – Lessons from the trenches • Proven Tactics – Sales strategies that actually work • Humor – No-BS conversations about selling • Expert Insights – From professionals across industries Perfect for sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and business owners looking to turn income into freedom and build long-term leverage. 👉 Interested in being a guest? Apply here: https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

    23 min
See All (164)

4.8
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

WELCOME TO "CALL THE DAMN LEADS" "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Podcast Format: Your Host, Drewbie Wilson: With over $15 million in online sales, Drewbie's vast experience spans multiple industries. His journey from a 300-pound weight loss to becoming a sales powerhouse has shaped his perspective on life and success. Get Ready to Crush It in Sales! Ready to dive into the world of sales like never before? Join Drewbie Wilson and his incredible lineup of guests on "Call The Damn Leads." Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights.

Information

  • Creator
    Drewbie Wilson
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    164
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    Call The Damn Leads

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