Base Camp Holdings Podcast

Garett Larson
  • 4.6 (70)
  • Management

Every great expedition starts at base camp. This podcast is about building exceptional businesses, acquiring great companies, and creating long-term wealth through ownership. Hosted by Garett Larson, and Jason Jarvis founders of Base Camp Holdings, each episode features conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, operators, and industry leaders who have built businesses that last. From buying companies and scaling operations to leadership, sales, systems, investing, and personal growth, we explore what it really takes to build an enduring business empire. Some episodes are interviews. Others are behind-the-scenes looks at building Base Camp Holdings in real time the wins, the mistakes, the lessons, and the strategy behind growing a portfolio of great companies. Whether you're building your first business, preparing for your first acquisition, or chasing a vision that spans decades, welcome to Base Camp. The climb starts here.

  1. 20h ago

    Business Books That Actually Change How You Operate

    What separates a business that simply survives from one that becomes truly excellent? Garett and Jason break down the books and principles that have most influenced how they build companies, lead teams, develop culture, and think about entrepreneurship. They start with The Excellence Dividend by Tom Peters and the idea that excellence is not something you add once the business is successful. Excellence is often how you become successful in the first place. From the way you greet a customer to the smallest details of the experience, seemingly minor decisions can become the differentiation that competitors cannot easily copy. Jason then pulls a key framework from Good to Great: finding the intersection between what you can be best at, what you genuinely enjoy, and what drives your economic engine. The conversation challenges the traditional advice to simply “follow your passion.” Instead, they explore choosing your arena carefully, developing valuable competencies, solving real problems, and paying attention to what the market is actually willing to pay for. Garett brings in The Culture Code to discuss why culture is never neutral. Every company has one, whether the owner intentionally built it or not. Your employees, customers, retention, service, and performance are constantly revealing what that culture actually is. Finally, Jason breaks down The E-Myth and one of the biggest traps in entrepreneurship: being great at the work does not automatically make you great at building a business that does the work. Episode Highlights: Why excellence is an investment that pays dividends over decadesHow small customer experience details can separate you from competitorsFinding the intersection of competency, enjoyment, and economic opportunityWhy “follow your passion” can be dangerous business adviceHow company culture shows up in your employees and customersThe difference between being a technician and being an entrepreneurWhy growing from “Chuck in a truck” into a real organization can temporarily mean more stress and less profitWhether you’re starting your first service business, building a team, or trying to move from operator to entrepreneur, this episode offers practical frameworks for deciding what to build, how to build it, and who you need to become along the way. Subscribe to the Base Camp Holdings Podcast, share this episode with another business owner, and pick one of these books to add to your reading list.

  2. 2d ago

    From W2 to Business Owner: When to Make the Leap

    Trash Talk is evolving. Garett “The Trashman” and Jason Jarvis are teaming up for the Base Camp Holdings Podcast, a show about buying, building, and operating the boring service businesses that keep the world moving. In this first episode, Garett and Jason get into a question almost every entrepreneur eventually faces: What do you do next? Whether you’re running a $500K business that has outgrown the owner-operator stage or making $200K at a W2 job while wondering if you should start something of your own, growth comes with trade-offs. They break down Jason’s “economic islands” framework, why growing from $500K to $1.5M can actually make your life and finances worse, and why you need to understand the business you’re trying to build before leaving the one you already have. They also dig into systems, org charts, employee overwhelm, knowing what it means to “win” at work, and the danger of creating Frankenstein roles as a company scales. Finally, Jason shares one of his favorite strategies for aspiring entrepreneurs: fake start the business. Sell before you build. Test demand before quitting your job, buying equipment, hiring employees, or making the big announcement. Sometimes the experiment becomes a real business. Other times, it proves that your W2 job was better than you thought. Either outcome gives you clarity. In this episode: Why every small business has an “economic island” where its current structure worksThe dangerous no-man’s-land between owner-operator and scalable businessWhy vision should come before growthHow to build systems and an ideal org chart before you actually need themWhy employees need to know exactly what “winning” at work looks likeThe trade-offs between maximizing profit and building an autonomous companyHow to test a business idea before quitting a high-paying W2 jobIf entrepreneurship is genuinely in your heart, approach it with humility, confidence, and a willingness to learn. You don’t have to know exactly how it will work, but you do have to be willing to figure it out. Follow Garett and Jason to keep up with Base Camp Holdings, and subscribe to the podcast for more real conversations about buying businesses, building teams, creating systems, and navigating the adventure of entrepreneurship.

  3. Jan 25

    Jason Jarvis v3

    Rebooting Trash Talk with Garett “The Trashman” and Jason Jarvis, this episode is a messy, real look at what it actually feels like to build something, especially after you “make it.” Jason shares his last few years: he had the dream setup, a business that ran without him, a paid-off home, and enough money to chill, and it still felt empty. Not because he needed more, but because he needed meaning. He breaks down the family’s move to San Clemente, the new service businesses he’s building, and why creating and progressing feels spiritually wired into who we are. Garrett relates from his own post-exit slump and ties it to eternal progression: stagnation feels like hell, growth feels like heaven. Then they tackle what the internet oversimplifies: buying small businesses. Garett explains why most public listings are there for a reason, why sellers get emotional about their “baby,” and why the numbers still have to pencil. Jason adds the missing piece, the art of negotiating: personalize the compliments, third-party the critiques, and make it “us versus the problem” so you can stay honest without burning the relationship. They close with a warning that can save you years of pain: do not buy a business out of desperation. If you just want to feel what ownership is like, start a small business cheaply, learn the game, and build patience. • Jason’s semi-retirement lesson, why “chilling” did not satisfy • The purpose of creating, progressing, and building with meaning • Why buying a business is hard, and why most deals are frogs • Public listings, broker realities, and emotional sellers • Negotiation framework: personalize praise, third-party critiques • Final warning: never buy a business because you are desperate Subscribe for more, share this with a friend thinking about buying a business, and follow Jason on LinkedIn (Jason Louis Jarvis) for more insights.

  4. 03/21/2025

    The Power of Discipline and Divine Direction with Braven Grant

    Ready to level up your business, mindset, and connection with God? Garett sits down with Braven Grant—CEO of GAINS—for a real, raw conversation about what it takes to grow personally and professionally in today’s world. From late-night journaling with God to building an elite team and executing bold moves in business, Braven unpacks the principles that have fueled his explosive growth. You’ll hear how a single decision to get radically disciplined changed everything, why most people lose power through non-committal language, and how Braven hears from God daily to guide his business and life. They also dive deep into the role environment plays in success, what it really means to commit, and the surprising spiritual insights that come from fitness, marriage, and leadership. Whether you’re chasing your next big goal or trying to hear God more clearly, this episode will hit you where it counts. • Why Braven moved GAINS from a small town to a big city—and how it unlocked massive growth • The truth about discipline and how one conversation with God changed Braven’s daily habits • How to spot and eliminate non-committal language that’s leaking your personal power • The difference between saying you’re committed and being committed • Real talk about hearing God’s voice—and how to create space to receive divine direction • How changing your environment can elevate your income, ambition, and mindset • The overlooked leadership lesson: stop being the smartest person in the room Subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs to hear it, and implement one insight today. God always delivers—make sure you’re listening.

  5. 03/18/2025

    Mastering Small Wins with James McCabe

    Momentum, consistency, and stacking small wins—these are the keys to success in business and life. In this episode of Trash Talk, Garett sits down with James McCabe, a finance expert and real estate investor, to dive deep into the principles of compounding growth and decision-making. From making micro and macro decisions to understanding the power of momentum, this conversation is packed with insights that can help you level up in business, fitness, and personal development. James shares his journey from exiting his previous business to diving into alternative investments, breaking down how he learned to raise millions for real estate deals and why he believes success is more about consistency than grand slams. He also reveals how shifting his approach to health and fitness transformed not just his body but his overall energy and effectiveness. Whether you’re a young entrepreneur, an investor, or someone looking for practical wisdom on long-term success, this episode is a must-listen. Episode Highlights: • Why consistency beats big swings in business and personal growth • The power of compounding decisions—good or bad—and their long-term impact • James’ journey from the flooring industry to real estate investing • The mindset shift that led to his 40-pound weight loss and increased energy • How young entrepreneurs can leverage partnerships and capital to start businesses • The importance of avoiding analysis paralysis and just getting started • Why clarity on your financial and life goals is critical to long-term success Tune in and get ready to rethink your approach to growth and success. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with someone who needs to hear this!

  6. 01/20/2025

    Tyler Johnson v2

    Welcome to Trash Talk, where Garett "The Trash Man" and Tyler Johnson serve up candid conversations, wild stories, and hard-earned life lessons. From entrepreneurial highs and lows to fitness journeys and personal growth, these two bring energy, humor, and a no-nonsense approach to navigating life’s challenges. Whether you’re here to laugh, learn, or just hang out with the dynamic duo, this episode is your ultimate pit stop for real talk and inspiration. Remember, “The lion is most handsome when he is hungry!”

  7. 11/21/2024

    Dr. Greg Pursley

    In this thought-provoking episode of Trash Talk, host Garett, dives deep with Dr. Greg Pursley, aka Dr. G, the founder of the "Fix Your BS" movement. They unpack transformative insights about belief systems, personal growth, and taking responsibility for your life. Dr. G shares his journey from owning his job as a chiropractor to becoming a business owner and personal coach, helping people reprogram their minds for success. Key topics include: Breaking free from limiting beliefs about money, relationships, and self-worth.The real meaning behind "Fix Your BS"—and it’s not what you think.Why your thoughts, emotions, and actions are the only things you control.How authenticity and gratitude can elevate your vibration and attract abundance.Dr. G’s practical advice for entrepreneurs transitioning from key-person dependency to scalable business systems.Whether you're navigating career challenges, struggling to align your personal and professional life, or looking to shift your mindset for success, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Plus, Dr. G shares how to join his movement and connect with his free resources. Don’t miss this enlightening episode that could transform the way you think about your life and your future.

  8. 08/06/2024

    Life Update 2024

    Welcome back to Trash Talk with your host, Garett the Trashman! After a year-long hiatus, we're diving into a special life update episode. Garett discusses his journey since selling Larson Waste, his adventures in Hawaii, exploring new business ventures, and settling into Dallas. This episode offers a unique glimpse into Garrett’s strategies for navigating transitions, building a new life, and setting future goals. Plus, hear about his exciting plans for Trash Talk with amazing upcoming guests. Tune in to catch up on Garett's whirlwind year and get inspired for what's next!

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4.6
out of 5
70 Ratings

About

Every great expedition starts at base camp. This podcast is about building exceptional businesses, acquiring great companies, and creating long-term wealth through ownership. Hosted by Garett Larson, and Jason Jarvis founders of Base Camp Holdings, each episode features conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, operators, and industry leaders who have built businesses that last. From buying companies and scaling operations to leadership, sales, systems, investing, and personal growth, we explore what it really takes to build an enduring business empire. Some episodes are interviews. Others are behind-the-scenes looks at building Base Camp Holdings in real time the wins, the mistakes, the lessons, and the strategy behind growing a portfolio of great companies. Whether you're building your first business, preparing for your first acquisition, or chasing a vision that spans decades, welcome to Base Camp. The climb starts here.

Information

  • Creator
    Garett Larson
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    265
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Base Camp Holdings Podcast
  • Show Website
    Base Camp Holdings Podcast