Get Back 2 Work

Bob Campana
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  • Entrepreneurship
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Get Back 2 Work is a candid, no-nonsense podcast for seasoned entrepreneurs and operators who know that building something meaningful requires more than ideas — it requires resilience, reinvention, and real work. Hosted by serial entrepreneur and author Bob Campana, who has started and grown eight companies over more than five decades, the show explores what it actually takes to build, lead, and rebuild through both good years and hard ones. Bob brings the perspective of someone who has lived the pressure, responsibility, and identity that come with creating and running businesses at a high level. Each episode features honest conversations with experienced founders, executives, and problem-solvers who have moved beyond theory and into execution. Together, they dig into leadership under pressure, smart decision-making, reinvention, and the realities of growing companies in an unpredictable world. This isn’t startup hype or surface-level motivation. It’s real dialogue for people who have built something, learned from it, and are ready to get back to work — smarter, stronger, and more intentional than before.

  1. Patrick Donohue: Good Capital, Bad Capital, and the Real Cost of Growth

    4d ago

    Patrick Donohue: Good Capital, Bad Capital, and the Real Cost of Growth

    When does capital become a growth engine, and when does it quietly destroy a business? In this episode, we dive into the difference between good and bad money, how to think about valuation, and what every founder needs to know before signing their next loan or giving up equity. In this episode, Bob Campana and Patrick Donohue discuss: Early entrepreneurial roots and family influenceHill Capital’s investment focus and “execution vs. concept” riskGood capital vs. bad capital and predatory lendingBreakout valuation and getting paid for future potentialKey criteria, cash-flow focus, and protecting owner control  Key Takeaways: The most important investment decision often starts with the human connection.Capital that looks convenient and fast can carry hidden costs that quietly drain cash flow and eventually kill a business.Valuation is fundamentally about the net present value of future cash flows, and owners must learn to articulate a credible future to capture any of that today.Protecting ownership and control matters because most companies become solid “nice” businesses, and giving away too much equity or control too early can turn a strong exit into a disappointing personal result instead of a life-changing one.Tracking cash, what others owe you, and what you owe others creates a simple but powerful dashboard for staying in control of the business’s financial health. “Good capital looks like it has a face, you know who it is, you know where the money is coming from. In full transparency, you know the terms of that capital.” - Patrick Donohue About the guest, Patrick Donohue: Patrick E. Donohue is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and valuation expert with a lifelong passion for business that began with a lemonade stand at age four and investing in Coca-Cola at age ten. As the founder of Hill Capital Corporation, he leads a private investment fund dedicated to fueling the growth of established small and mid-sized businesses through capital and community support. Patrick’s deep financial expertise is backed by his Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and experience advising numerous entrepreneurial ventures. He has served on the boards of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization of Minnesota and the CFA Society of Minnesota and founded 1 Million Cups Eden Prairie to foster local entrepreneurship. Patrick is known for helping business owners uncover blind spots, drive strategic growth, and build sustainable profitability. Connect with Patrick Donohue: Website: https://www.hillcapitalcorp.com/team  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickedonohue/  Connect With Bob Campana: Website: https://www.bobcampana.com/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getback2workk  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-campana-entrepreneur/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobcampana_/  Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    49 min
  2. Dr. Mitchell Levy: Rethinking Leadership Through Clarity and Stakeholder Trust

    Jun 20

    Dr. Mitchell Levy: Rethinking Leadership Through Clarity and Stakeholder Trust

    When all other leaders are obsessed with quarterly returns and optimization, what happens when you put clarity, credibility, and meaning back at the center of your business? In this episode, Bob and Dr. Mitchell Levy break down the C‑Pop, executive abundance, and why your legacy is written in the lives of your stakeholders, not your balance sheet. In this episode, Bob Campana and Dr. Mitchell Levy discuss: Executive Abundance framework and the 4CsThe C‑Pop (customer point of possibility) and extreme clarityInput–output model for effective communication and delegationEmployee empowerment, respect, and workplace “vibe”Stakeholder trust, AI, and the shift toward a meaning-making age  Key Takeaways: Clarity at the level of three to nine words, captured in a C‑Pop, can anchor a company’s purpose and focus every decision across teams and departments.Most organizations still measure leadership success almost exclusively through investor returns, ignoring the deeper health and well-being of employees and customers.Communication often fails not because leaders don’t speak, but because they don’t define the inputs and desired outputs clearly enough for others to act on.When employees are respected, empowered, and aligned with a meaningful purpose, they naturally create better customer experiences and stronger cultures.As AI and automation advance, the real competitive edge will come from leaders who create meaning, build trust with all stakeholders, and leave a legacy beyond financial metrics. “If you empower and respect your employee base? Guess what they're going to do? They're going to take care of your customers.” - Dr. Mitchell Levy About the guest, Dr. Mitchell Levy: Mitchell Levy, Ph.D., is the creator of the Executive Abundance™ leadership framework, a Global Credibility Expert, and an executive coach who helps leaders align purpose with performance. A two-time TEDx speaker and international bestselling author of more than 60 books, he has spent decades helping leaders build organizations that sustain trust under pressure. Mitchell has interviewed more than 500 global leaders to understand what makes individuals and organizations truly Trusted, Known, and Liked. He has also guided more than 1,000 executives and organizations in articulating their authentic value through their CPoP (Customer Point of Possibilities). A Silicon Valley entrepreneur who has built more than 20 companies, Mitchell served nine years on the board of a NASDAQ-listed company and has been recognized by Thinkers360 as the #1 Thought Leader in Ecosystems and one of the Top 200 Leadership Voices by LeadersHum. Connect with Dr. Mitchell Levy: Website: https://mitchelllevy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchelllevy/  Connect With Bob Campana: Website: https://www.bobcampana.com/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getback2workk  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-campana-entrepreneur/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobcampana_/  Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    57 min
  3. Neil Buettner: Treat Your Art Like a Business or It Won’t Treat You Like a Career

    Jun 13

    Neil Buettner: Treat Your Art Like a Business or It Won’t Treat You Like a Career

    What does it actually take to turn local gigs into a real, sustainable living as a musician? In this episode, Neil Buettner breaks down the business side of art, budgeting, pricing, adding value, and building human connections that keep your calendar full for decades. In this episode, Bob Campana and Neil Buettner discuss: Turning a summer of music into a full-time careerBudgeting, goal setting, and reverse-engineering income from gigsTreating music as a business and understanding market valueSaying no, finding a niche, and expanding into events/DJ/MC workHuman connection, referrals, and long-term client loyalty  Key Takeaways: A creative career becomes viable the moment it’s backed by a real budget, clear income targets, and a plan to hit them.Sustainable success in music comes from treating venues and clients as partners to be served, and not merely just stages to be used.Pricing is more about understanding market values rather than ego or “deserving” values.Saying yes to everything is necessary early on, but long-term growth depends on learning what to decline and where you truly fit.The gigs at bars and restaurants are often the top of the funnel, but networking your way to weddings, corporate events, and expanded services are where the real margins are. “You're not going to be everything for everyone, and you shouldn't try that, but finding your niche… I know where I'm successful.” - Neil Buettner About the guest, Neil Buettner: Neil Buettner is a Central Valley–based professional musician, real estate investor, and martial arts practitioner who has built a 20+ year career by treating music as both art and service. Starting with Suzuki-method violin as a child and later falling in love with acoustic guitar at Camp Jack Hazard, he’s evolved into a sought-after solo performer for fine dining venues, country clubs, and private events, known for crafting “active background” experiences that elevate the room rather than dominate it. Connect with Neil Buettner: Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/neil.buettner.9/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neil_b_/?hl=en    Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/neil-buettner/316378674   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2RgCgnT8IZVPpQ8a0oIXfe  Connect With Bob Campana: Website: https://www.bobcampana.com/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getback2workk  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-campana-entrepreneur/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobcampana_/  Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    1h 2m
  4. Pietro Peroni: How a $1 Pen Led to a Multimillion-Dollar Christmas Lights Business

    Jun 6

    Pietro Peroni: How a $1 Pen Led to a Multimillion-Dollar Christmas Lights Business

    A $1 counterfeit-detecting pen, a chance trip to China, and half a million meters of rope light set the stage for a lifelong journey in the Christmas lighting industry. In this episode, hear how a math teacher turned serendipity, risk, and China’s manufacturing engine into a global seasonal business. In this episode, Bob Campana and Pietro Peroni discuss: Pivot from teaching math and physics to entrepreneurshipDiscovering high-margin products and wholesaler-driven growthFirst experiences in Guangzhou and China’s “city of lights” ecosystemBuilding and scaling a professional Christmas lighting businessInnovation in LED technology and modular commercial Christmas trees Key Takeaways: A single product with unmet demand can be the springboard from a stable career into full-time entrepreneurship.Selling through wholesalers and agents can unlock scale that retail cannot.Locating production inside a complete supply chain cluster dramatically reduces friction and accelerates innovation.Constant research and development are always necessary because long-term growth in a seasonal niche depends on continuously reinventing products, from rope lights to new LED cables and modular trees.A business can evolve into a family legacy, allowing the founder to narrow focus while the next generation steps into leadership. “We started with this, and then some people used it for Christmas decoration… and I started to import rope light in big quantity. In one year, I sold 500,000 meters of rope light.” - Pietro Peroni About the guest, Pietro Peroni: Pietro Peroni is an Italian entrepreneur who transformed his career from teaching math and physics into building a global Christmas lighting business. Starting with a high-margin counterfeit-detection pen, he moved into importing rope lights and professional decorative lighting, ultimately specializing in large-scale Christmas installations for cities, malls, and public spaces. Splitting his time between Italy and China’s Pearl River Delta, he focuses on innovating next-generation LED products and modular commercial Christmas trees while preparing to pass the business to his son. Connect With Bob Campana: Website: https://www.bobcampana.com/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getback2workk  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-campana-entrepreneur/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobcampana_/  Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    26 min
  5. Victor Ochieng & Daniel Ekonde: Chasing the American Dream to Tell Africa’s Stories

    May 30

    Victor Ochieng & Daniel Ekonde: Chasing the American Dream to Tell Africa’s Stories

    Two young journalists leave Kenya and Cameroon for UC Berkeley, trading local newsrooms for a global stage. In this conversation, they unpack the realities of the American dream, the future of African storytelling, and how authenticity will keep human creators essential in an AI-driven world. In this episode, Bob Campana, Victor Ochieng, and Daniel Ekonde discuss: Early life and entry into journalism in Kenya and CameroonRadio, sports, and music broadcasting careers in AfricaWinning scholarships and deciding to study at UC BerkeleyComparing opportunity, infrastructure, and systems in Africa vs. the U.S.AI’s impact on journalism, filmmaking, and education  Key Takeaways: When someone feels their community is misrepresented or ignored, that friction can ignite a lifelong commitment to journalism and storytelling that centers their people’s voices.Global exposure and advanced education are often strategic moves to move from freelancer to editorial decision-maker.Strong systems, infrastructure, and accountability dramatically shape how talent and hard work translate into opportunity.The American dream still motivates when combined with grit and readiness.Used well, AI can speed up tasks like transcription, drafting, and editing, but it still can’t manufacture the messy, emotional, context-rich judgment that comes from a real human being who has actually lived the story they’re telling. “The US pays for hard work. The US recognizes effort. That's one thing I've come to realize. If you just put in effort, you put in work, then I think you're good to go.” - Victor Ochieng About the guests, Victor Ochieng and Daniel Ekonde: Victor Ochieng is a Kenyan journalist, radio producer, and documentary filmmaker whose work is rooted in representing underheard communities from one of Nairobi’s largest informal settlements. He began as a community radio volunteer in high school, later hosting reggae and African music programs and launching an online radio station to spotlight local voices. Now a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism, he specializes in documentary production and is currently developing a film on Power Slap and the personal sacrifices behind combat sports. Daniel Ekonde is a Cameroonian journalist with a strong background in sports and international reporting. Starting in a high school journalism club and campus radio, he went on to file stories for major outlets including ESPN, CNN, Global Voices, and Al Jazeera, covering everything from sports to broader social issues. As a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at UC Berkeley, he is focused on deepening his long-form writing and editorial skills, with the goal of moving from frontline reporting into influential editorial and newsroom leadership that shapes global coverage of African stories. Connect With Victor Ochieng: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/victor-ochieng-566a8088  Connect With Daniel Ekonde: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-ekonde-901590145/  Connect With Bob Campana: Website: https://www.bobcampana.com/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getback2workk  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-campana-entrepreneur/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobcampana_/  Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    54 min
  6. Timothy Little: Why Small Groups Win Over Solo Trips

    May 23

    Timothy Little: Why Small Groups Win Over Solo Trips

    What happens when a former solo backpacker trades crowded tourist hotspots for intimate Sicilian baptisms, birthday parties, and hidden museums? In this episode, you’ll hear how deeply curated small group travel can transform your experience of Europe—from logistics and language barriers to food, community, and culture. In this episode, Bob Campana and Timothy Little discuss: Solo backpacking through Asia before the internetChoosing the right travel partnerDeep cultural immersion in Sicily via local relationshipsSmall group tours vs. mass tourism and cruise ship crowdsDiscovering hidden, less crowded European experiences  Key Takeaways: Small group travel can turn a trip into a shared story, layering in community, conversation, and connection that solo travel often lacks.The right travel partner—or group—matters as much as the destination, especially when energy levels, interests, and pace of activity need to align.Long-cultivated local relationships open doors to private parties, family events, and behind-the-scenes experiences that typical tourists never see.Mass tourism and cruise ship stops can overwhelm destinations and dilute the quality of the experience, but there are always quieter, richer alternatives nearby.Having guides, transportation, and logistics handled frees travelers to be present in the moment instead of worrying about navigation, tickets, and timing. “I wouldn't drive in any of these places, just too dangerous. And the other part about, as far as Ubering or catching a taxi, it's kind of … am I going to get internet reception here to actually call an Uber or something like that? Bussing is one way to do it, but it takes about a day to figure out, but to be shuttled around with a group of people, a completely different experience.” - Timothy Little About the guest, Timothy Little: Timothy “Tim” Little is an experienced traveler who has explored the world both as a solo backpacker and as part of curated small group tours. In his late 20s, he followed the classic “hippie trail” across Asia, later visiting France and Jerusalem on his own to dive deep into culture and pilgrimage. More recently, he joined Bob Campana’s Redwood Cafe food and wine tour through Italy and Sicily, where he experienced intimate local events, family celebrations, and hidden gems far from the tourist crowds. Having lived on both sides, he now strongly favors small group travel for the community, cultural immersion, and stress-free logistics it provides. Connect With Bob Campana: Website: https://www.bobcampana.com/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getback2workk  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-campana-entrepreneur/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobcampana_/  Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    33 min
  7. Lino Mansoni: How Thoughtful Itineraries Create Once-in-a-Lifetime Travel Memories

    May 16

    Lino Mansoni: How Thoughtful Itineraries Create Once-in-a-Lifetime Travel Memories

    Tired of crowded cruise ports, rushed bus tours, and souvenir shops that all look the same? In this episode, Bob and travel designer Lino Masani break down the hidden costs of “hit and run tourism” and reveal how small group, relationship-driven travel can restore authentic, meaningful experiences. In this episode, Bob Campana and Lino Mansoni discuss: Over-tourism in major European citiesImpact of cruise ships and “hit and run tourism”Small group travel vs. mass tourismBuilding immersive, local-first itinerariesThe role of relationships and DMCs in high-quality travel experiences  Key Takeaways: Overtourism is degrading both local life and visitor experience in many iconic cities.Cruise-based “hit and run tourism” concentrates thousands of visitors into small areas for brief windows of time, benefiting trinket shops more than genuine local businesses.Small group travel creates a higher quality experience by avoiding crowds, accessing off-the-beaten-path locations, and making it easy to connect with local culture, food, and people.The best itineraries are relationship-driven, built through deep partnerships with local guides and local experts.True trip value is measured not just by cost, but by lasting memories, human connections, and how closely the real experience matches the dream you carried for months before traveling. “With Redwood Cafe Tours, what we push for is you're a local among the locals.” - Lino Mansoni About the guest, Lino Mansoni: Lino Mansoni is the CEO of Redwood Cafe Tours, a small-group travel company dedicated to creating authentic, high-touch experiences around the world. Drawing on deep relationships with local guides, farmers, business owners, and destination partners, he curates itineraries that avoid over-touristed hotspots and instead highlight off-the-beaten-path villages, zero-kilometer restaurants, and meaningful cultural encounters. Lino’s focus is on quality over quantity—ensuring that every trip delivers lasting memories, genuine human connection, and a true sense of place for each traveler. Connect With Lino Mansoni: Website: https://www.redwoodcafetours.com/world-destinations  Connect With Bob Campana: Website: https://www.bobcampana.com/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getback2workk  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-campana-entrepreneur/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobcampana_/  Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    42 min
  8. Abraham Navarro: From Mowing at Five to Building a Landscaping Brand

    May 9

    Abraham Navarro: From Mowing at Five to Building a Landscaping Brand

    A kid who fell in love with mowing lawns at five grows into a stressed but driven entrepreneur managing crews, clients, and his own mental health. In this episode, Abraham opens up about the hidden pressures of small business, why he turned to therapy, and how he’s rebuilding his company with intention. In this episode, Bob Campana and Abraham Navarro discuss: Early passion for landscaping and first paid jobsWord-of-mouth growth and hiring the first employeesWorking “on” the business vs. “in” the businessStress, cash flow pressure, and seeking therapyLong-term vision: building a brand and the dream of owning a restaurant  Key Takeaways: Passion gets you started, but business skills keep you alive.Growing from a solo operator to a team inevitably introduces people problems, leadership gaps, and inefficiencies that directly impact profitability.When stress, cash flow fear, and constant firefighting pile up, talking to a therapist or mentor isn’t a luxury; it becomes a survival tool that lightens the emotional load and makes problems feel solvable again.Self-education, through mentors, audio, and books, is essential when formal business training is missing, especially for contractors and tradespeople.Building a resilient company means aiming beyond “more jobs” toward a clearer vision, delivering five-star service, securing financial stability, and protecting mental health for both the owner and the crew. “I'm actually seeing a therapist now, and… I've had two sessions so far, and the amount of weight that I feel comes off my shoulders after having a conversation with this individual. It's pretty incredible.” - Abraham Navarro About the guest, Abraham Navarro: Abraham Navarro is the owner of Ironstone, a landscaping company serving California’s Central Valley, built from a childhood passion that started when he first pushed a lawnmower at five years old. What began as mowing family yards and neighborhood fields grew into a word-of-mouth business, a contractor’s license, and today, a crew of six plus Abraham. More than just cutting grass, he’s focused on building a brand known for five-star service, craftsmanship, and genuine care for clients’ outdoor spaces. Behind the scenes, Abraham is candid about the real pressures of small business ownership—cash flow stress, leadership challenges, and the emotional toll of being “the one who signs the checks.” That honesty led him to therapy and a renewed commitment to mental health for himself and his team. Connect With Abraham Navarro: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ironstone_landscape/  Phone: 209-581-2801  Connect With Bob Campana: Website: https://www.bobcampana.com/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getback2workk  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-campana-entrepreneur/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobcampana_/  Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    43 min
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About

Get Back 2 Work is a candid, no-nonsense podcast for seasoned entrepreneurs and operators who know that building something meaningful requires more than ideas — it requires resilience, reinvention, and real work. Hosted by serial entrepreneur and author Bob Campana, who has started and grown eight companies over more than five decades, the show explores what it actually takes to build, lead, and rebuild through both good years and hard ones. Bob brings the perspective of someone who has lived the pressure, responsibility, and identity that come with creating and running businesses at a high level. Each episode features honest conversations with experienced founders, executives, and problem-solvers who have moved beyond theory and into execution. Together, they dig into leadership under pressure, smart decision-making, reinvention, and the realities of growing companies in an unpredictable world. This isn’t startup hype or surface-level motivation. It’s real dialogue for people who have built something, learned from it, and are ready to get back to work — smarter, stronger, and more intentional than before.

Information

  • Creator
    Bob Campana
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Get Back 2 Work