The Jeremy Hanson Podcast / Optimized Entrepreneur

Jeremy Hanson | Small Business Expert & Growth Coach

The Jeremy Hanson Podcast is a top entrepreneurship and small business podcast for people who want real-world strategies—not hype. Hosted by entrepreneur and business owner Jeremy Hanson, the show explores how life, mindset, and business intersect in the real world. Episodes cover entrepreneurship, small business ownership, leadership, financial independence, service businesses, and personal growth. Unlike motivational fluff podcasts, The Jeremy Hanson Podcast delivers practical insights from real experience—what works, what doesn’t, and why. From building profitable service businesses to navigating anxiety, relationships, and responsibility as a business owner, this podcast is built for people who want control over their income and their life. New episodes dive into business strategy, mindset, leadership, and the realities of entrepreneurship in today’s economy—without corporate filters or influencer nonsense. If you are rebuilding your life, reevaluating your career, or looking for a smarter path forward, The Jeremy Hanson Podcast is designed for you. This show speaks to people who want clarity, ownership, and practical direction rather than shortcuts or hype. New episodes are published every Tuesday morning, delivering real-world insights on entrepreneurship, business ownership, leadership, and personal responsibility to help you build a stronger business and a more intentional life. entrepreneurship podcast, small business podcast, business mindset, entrepreneur success, business ownership, service business podcast, leadership development, financial independence, personal growth for entrepreneurs, building wealth through business, blue collar entrepreneurship, real world business advice, starting a business, growing a small business, local business strategy, business systems, business responsibility, mindset for business owners, practical entrepreneurship, life and business balance, self improvement for entrepreneurs, podcast for entrepreneurs, podcast for small business owners, business growth strategies, ownership mindset, long term wealth building

  1. 4D AGO

    The Mirror Moment: Kill the Excuse Contagion & Become an Expert Problem Solver (Part 1)

    If your service business isn’t where you want it to be—more profit, better crews, fewer fires, real growth—this episode forces the most important question: why, exactly, are you still stuck? Not the polished answer. Not the supply-house answer. The honest one. In Part 1 of the Expert Problem Solver series, Jeremy Hanson breaks down the excuse contagion—how “reasonable” explanations like “I can’t find good help,” “the economy is terrible,” “I don’t have the capital,” “my market is too competitive,” and “I’m waiting for the right time” become a cultural virus in the trades. These narratives often contain partial truth… and that’s why they’re so dangerous. They quietly remove your agency. You’ll learn why smart business owners rationalize failure better than anyone, how industry groupthink makes excuses feel like “common sense,” and why the question isn’t whether your explanation sounds true—but whether it’s useful. Jeremy confronts the most common contractor myths head-on, including the “good help” fallacy, the waiting-for-timing trap, and the perfectionism alibi that keeps owners planning forever while competitors pass them. This episode is the Mirror Moment: the line between owners who stay stuck and owners who get results. Not motivation. Not fluff. Ownership, diagnosis, and operational maturity—the foundations of building a business where good people stay, customers return, and growth becomes repeatable. You’ll also get a practical assignment to end the episode: identify your top three excuses, then write the three actions you’d take if those excuses were no longer allowed. Next episode (Part 2): Root Cause Diagnosis—why most fixes fail, why problems repeat, and how expert problem solvers cure systems instead of reacting to symptoms. Primary keywords expert problem solver service business coaching contractor mindset business excuses ownership mindset leadership in trades scaling a service business blue collar business growth operational systems for contractors hiring and retention for service companies Secondary keywords “no one wants to work anymore” myth trades business leadership how to build a great team training systems for technicians pay progression system scheduling systems for crews perfectionism in business how to stop procrastinating in business contractor pricing strategy (setup for later episodes) root cause analysis (teaser for Part 2) Long-tail phrases (high-intent search phrases) how to stop making excuses in my service business why contractors can’t find good employees and how to fix it how to build a company culture that retains good technicians what to do when “no one wants to work” in the trades service business leadership systems that prevent chaos contractor onboarding and training checklist system how to create a pay progression ladder for technicians how to stop waiting for the right time to grow my business perfectionism is keeping me from launching a service business offer how to take ownership when business results are bad why my service business is stuck even though I work 70 hours how to build a service business that runs without the owner how to turn average employees into high performers with systems why blaming the economy keeps contractors broke how to audit my business like an expert problem solver Short-tail phrases (high-volume targets) contractor coaching service business growth hiring for contractors employee retention business systems leadership mindset stop procrastinating perfectionism in business scaling a trades business contractor leadership Sponsor Links  https://squarespace.com/HANSON  https://meetfabric.com/hanson See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1 hr
  2. The Shift — From Technician to Owner (Part 2 of the Busy Trap Series)

    FEB 3

    The Shift — From Technician to Owner (Part 2 of the Busy Trap Series)

    Most service business owners don’t fail because they aren’t skilled enough. They fail because they never make The Shift. In this episode of The Jeremy Hanson Podcast, Jeremy breaks down the exact moment every tradesman hits—the moment when working harder stops working—and explains how staying stuck in technician mode quietly caps income, destroys time freedom, and turns a business into a high-stress job. If you’re a pressure washer, HVAC tech, electrician, plumber, roofer, cleaner, or contractor who feels constantly busy but never ahead, this episode exposes why—and shows the way out. Jeremy walks through the core mindset and operational shift required to move from being the business to owning the business, including: Why technician skill does not translate to business growthThe difference between busy work and CEO-level workHow the “Dirty Truck Trap” keeps owners stuck in constant executionThe CEO Rate vs. Tech Rate—and why most owners sabotage their earning powerHow underpricing creates volume dependency and burnoutThe Stop-Doing List that frees up time and restores leverageHow to build systems that allow your business to function without youWhy delegation feels risky—but staying indispensable is worseThe emotional identity shift from “hero” to “architect”How to build a service business that can scale, absorb pressure, and breatheThis episode is not about motivation, hustle culture, or generic business advice. It’s a tactical, field-tested breakdown of what actually separates overwhelmed operators from owners who control their time, margins, and future. If you’ve ever asked yourself: Why am I so busy but still stressed?What happens if I get sick or injured?Why does my business fall apart when I step away?This episode gives you the answer—and the path forward. PRIMARY SEO KEYWORDS technician to owner service business owner mindset working in the business vs working on the business trades business growth blue collar business ownership service business systems stop being busy in business how to scale a service business CEO rate vs technician rate SECONDARY SEO KEYWORDS pressure washing business growth HVAC business owner advice plumbing business scaling electrician business systems contractor business leadership small service business operations pricing strategy for tradesmen delegation for business owners service business burnout AEO / VOICE SEARCH & AI-FRIENDLY LONG-TAIL PHRASES how do I stop being busy in my service business what is the difference between a technician and a business owner why service business owners burn out how to work on your business instead of in it when should a tradesman stop doing the work himself how to build systems in a service business why being busy doesn’t mean your business is growing how to scale a blue collar business without burnout what is CEO work for a small business owner how to delegate without losing quality PODCAST PLATFORM TAGS / METADATA (Optional Add-On) Categories: Business Entrepreneurship Careers Management Ideal Episode Placement Tags: Service Business Growth Trades Entrepreneurship Small Business Systems Leadership for Contractors Eat real, chef-crafted meals without losing time. Tempo delivers fresh, ready-to-heat meals in just two minutes—no prep, no cleanup, no compromise. https://tempomeals.com/hanson Stop doing repetitive work. Zapier connects your apps and automates the busywork so you can focus on what actually makes money. https://zapier.com/jeremy See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    59 min
  3. The Dirty Truck Trap: Why Being “Busy” Is Killing Blue-Collar Business Owners

    JAN 27

    The Dirty Truck Trap: Why Being “Busy” Is Killing Blue-Collar Business Owners

    If you’re a service business owner who’s constantly busy but still broke, exhausted, and stuck in your truck, this episode is for you. In this hard-hitting episode of The Jeremy Hanson Podcast, Jeremy breaks down the “Dirty Truck Trap”—the mindset that convinces blue-collar entrepreneurs that nonstop hustle equals success, while quietly destroying margins, health, family time, and long-term business value. This isn’t hustle porn. It’s real, field-tested truth. Jeremy speaks directly to contractors, tradesmen, and service business owners who are booked out, working 60–70 hour weeks, and still wondering why the bank account feels tight. He explains the dangerous difference between being busy and being effective, why so many owners unknowingly build jobs instead of businesses, and how staying in “technician mode” keeps you trapped as the highest-paid employee in your own company. You’ll learn: Why being busy feels productive—but actually prevents growthHow the “dirty truck” becomes a prison instead of a toolThe cultural traps that keep blue-collar owners under-earningThe hidden costs of hustle on your health, marriage, and kidsWhy most service businesses collapse the moment the owner steps awayThe mindset shift required to move from technician to operatorThis episode is raw, honest, and uncomfortable in the best way—designed to challenge the beliefs that keep hard-working people stuck for decades. If you own a service business and feel like you can’t slow down without everything falling apart, this episode will help you finally understand why—and what needs to change next. dirty truck trapblue collar business ownerservice business ownertrades business growthtechnician to operatorblue collar entrepreneurshipcontractor burnoutbusy vs effectiveservice business scalingsmall business trades self employed vs business ownertradesman burnoutservice business systemscontractor business mindsetpricing problems in tradesservice business marginsblue collar burnoutcontractor overworkedsmall service business growthworking in the business vs on the business why being busy is killing my service businesshow to get out of the truck as a contractorwhy contractors work so hard and make no moneyhow to stop being the bottleneck in my businesstechnician to operator transition for tradesmenservice business owner burnout symptomshow to scale a blue collar businesswhy my service business depends on mehow to build systems in a service businesswhy hustle doesn’t work for contractors See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    46 min
  4. Starting a Business in 2026: Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze?

    JAN 20

    Starting a Business in 2026: Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze?

    In this episode of The Jeremy Hanson Podcast, Jeremy Hanson delivers a raw, no-nonsense breakdown of when—and if—you should start a business in 2026. This is not motivational fluff or startup fantasy. It’s a grounded, real-world analysis of entrepreneurship in today’s economy, covering risk, timing, discipline, and the uncomfortable truth most people avoid when thinking about business ownership. Jeremy explores why so many people feel paralyzed right now, how inflation, AI, and economic uncertainty have distorted decision-making, and why 2026 is not a boom year—but a sorting year where disciplined operators quietly win while others hesitate. You’ll learn: Why most people never fail in business—they simply never startWhat the 2026 economy actually looks like beyond headlines and hypeWhy service businesses and skilled trades are outperforming digital fantasiesThe lie about confidence that keeps would-be entrepreneurs stuckWho should absolutely start a business in 2026—and who should notWhether the “juice is worth the squeeze,” and what that squeeze really costsThis episode is designed for entrepreneurs, small business owners, service professionals, and anyone questioning whether now is the right time to take control of their income and future. The Jeremy Hanson Podcast focuses on entrepreneurship, business systems, life optimization, and real execution—helping listeners move from thinking to doing with clarity and honesty. Learn more and explore additional resources at www.optimized1.com. 🔑 SEO KEYWORDS & PHRASES (Use in ART19 backend, PodSEO, Podpage, and metadata) Primary Keywords start a business in 2026entrepreneurship podcastbusiness podcastsmall business growthservice businessbusiness ownershipSecondary Keywords should I start a businessbusiness risk vs rewardstarting a service businessentrepreneur mindsetbusiness systemsbuild wealthself-employmentAEO / Voice Search Queries “Is it worth starting a business in 2026?”“When should I start my own business?”“Best entrepreneurship podcast for real advice”“Should I quit my job and start a business?” This episode is sponsored by Zapier—automate your work with AI and get started for free at zapier.com/jeremy See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    55 min
  5. Build Smarter in 2026: Business, Systems & Real Growth

    JAN 13

    Build Smarter in 2026: Business, Systems & Real Growth

    In this episode of The Jeremy Hanson Podcast, Jeremy breaks down what it really takes to build a business, brand, and life that actually works in 2026. This is not hype. This is systems, discipline, and real-world execution. Jeremy shares practical insight on entrepreneurship, service businesses, side hustles, and building scalable systems that reduce stress while increasing income. Whether you’re launching your first business, rebuilding after burnout, or trying to turn momentum into long-term growth, this episode is designed to help you make smarter decisions—faster. You’ll hear real talk about: When starting a business is actually worth the riskWhy most people fail—not from laziness, but from poor systemsHow to build an online presence that supports your business instead of distracting youThe importance of structure, consistency, and execution in modern entrepreneurshipHow tools and platforms can remove friction and free up timeThe Jeremy Hanson Podcast is focused on helping entrepreneurs, builders, and doers stop overthinking and start executing with clarity. This show blends business strategy, mindset, life optimization, and hard-earned lessons from the real world—without fluff or guru nonsense. If you’re serious about building wealth, freedom, and a business that fits your life instead of consuming it, this episode will help you reset your approach and move forward with confidence. Learn more and explore resources at www.optimized1.com Squarespace Build your website, brand, or business with Squarespace. Start your free trial today and save 10% off your first website or domain. https://www.squarespace.com/HANSON Use code HANSON at checkout. Tempo Meals Fresh, chef-crafted, dietitian-approved meals delivered to your door—ready in just two minutes. Get SIXTY PERCENT OFF your first box. https://tempomeals.com/hanson Rules and restrictions may apply. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 10m
  6. "2026 Service Business Data: Why NOW Is The Perfect Time To Start (94% Surge in Entrepreneurs)"

    JAN 6

    "2026 Service Business Data: Why NOW Is The Perfect Time To Start (94% Surge in Entrepreneurs)"

    Thinking about starting a service business in 2026? The data says this is YOUR year—and waiting could cost you the market. In this episode, entrepreneur and podcaster Jeremy Hanson breaks down the hard numbers behind why 2026 represents a once-in-a-decade opportunity for service business owners. With a 94% surge in entrepreneurial intent, retiring Baby Boomer business owners creating market vacuums, and median startup costs dropping to just $12,000, the barriers to entry have never been lower. Discover why the "cheapest guy" business model is dead, how 60% of consumers now pay 15% MORE for reliability, and why response time beats price in winning customers. Learn how AI-augmented operations, subscription revenue models, and the invisible floor of delivery platforms are creating predictable cash flow for pressure washing, lawn care, HVAC, food trucks, and mobile service businesses. Whether you're running a side hustle or ready to scale to six figures, this episode delivers actionable insights on 2026 consumer buying behaviors, the trust economy, and why local service businesses are outmaneuvering corporate giants. Stop overthinking. Start building. The window is open—but it won't stay open forever. Perfect for: aspiring entrepreneurs, service business owners, food truck operators, pressure washing businesses, lawn care companies, HVAC contractors, mobile detailing, cleaning services, and anyone ready to stop planning and start doing. Listen now and discover why life rewards the doer, not the thinker. #ServiceBusiness #Entrepreneur2026 #StartABusiness #SmallBusinessTips #EntrepreneurData #BusinessStartup #SideHustle2026 #ServiceIndustry #LocalBusiness #PressureWashing #FoodTruckBusiness #LawnCare #HVACBusiness #CleaningBusiness #MobileDetailing #HomeServices #ContractorBusiness #ServiceEntrepreneur #SubscriptionBusiness #AIForBusiness #TrustEconomy #ConsumerBehavior #BusinessTrends2026 #SmallBusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurialIntent #StartupCosts #BusinessData #StopThinkingStartDoing #TakeAction #DoerNotDreamer #EntrepreneurMindset #BuildYourBusiness #BusinessOpportunity #TimeToStart #ActionTaker #EntrepreneurLife #BusinessPodcast #EntrepreneurPodcast #SmallBusinessAdvice #HowToStartABusiness #BusinessStrategy #MarketTrends #EntrepreneurialSuccess #BusinessEducation #JeremyHanson #TheJeremyHansonPodcast #OptimizedEntrepreneur #PodcastEpisode #BusinessPodcast2026 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    35 min
  7. Top 10 Personal Development Traits Every Entrepreneur Must Master in 2026 | The Optimized Entrepreneur

    12/30/2025

    Top 10 Personal Development Traits Every Entrepreneur Must Master in 2026 | The Optimized Entrepreneur

    Stop chasing tactics. Start building capacity. In this essential episode of The Jeremy Hanson Podcast, entrepreneur and multi-business operator Jeremy Hanson reveals the 10 personal development traits that will separate successful entrepreneurs from the rest in 2026 and beyond. After running service businesses for over 20 years—including cleaning companies, pressure washing operations, and food trucks—Jeremy has learned that business success is downstream from personal development. The entrepreneurs who win aren't just smarter; they're more disciplined, emotionally resilient, and intentional about how they show up every day. THE 10 TRAITS COVERED: Emotional Regulation - Master your internal state instead of relying on motivationDecision-Making Speed - Make fast, imperfect decisions with incomplete dataDisciplined Consistency - Execute boring fundamentals when no one's watchingAdaptability Without Identity Crisis - Change tactics while maintaining core valuesPersonal Accountability - Take radical ownership of every outcomeFocus in a Distraction Economy - Protect deep work and say no ruthlesslyCommunication That Creates Clarity - Lead through precise, purposeful communicationLong-Term Thinking - Play multi-year games in a short-term worldPhysical & Mental Self-Mastery - Treat yourself as your company's operating systemPurpose Beyond Money - Build a mission that sustains you when motivation failsWHAT YOU'LL GAIN: Why personal capacity matters more than business tactics in 2026Practical frameworks to develop each trait in 90 daysReal examples from two decades of entrepreneurial experienceThe foundation of The Optimized Entrepreneur methodologyInsight into the ecosystem launching in 2026 (interviews, workshops, courses, community)PERFECT FOR: Service business owners, operators, builders, and entrepreneurs who want to build businesses that don't break them—and who understand that sustainable success requires internal work, not just external tactics. EPISODE BREAKDOWN: [0:00] Cold Open - Why 2026 Requires Different Entrepreneurs[2:45] The Real Competitive Advantage[8:15] Traits 1-5: Foundation of the Optimized Entrepreneur[21:00] Traits 6-10: Advanced Operator Skills[34:30] The Optimized Entrepreneur Ecosystem Reveal[40:00] Your 90-Day Action PlanTAKE ACTION: Choose ONE trait from this episode and commit to developing it over the next 90 days. Focused effort on one area creates compound results across your entire business. www.jeremyhanson.pro Subscribe for weekly insights on building sustainable, profitable businesses without burnout. Join the movement of entrepreneurs who are optimizing themselves first—and watching their businesses transform as a result. #TheOptimizedEntrepreneur | #JeremyHanson | #EntrepreneurshipIn2026 #Entrepreneurship #PersonalDevelopment #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #EntrepreneurMindset #ServiceBusiness #SmallBusinessOwner #BusinessStrategy #SelfMastery #EmotionalIntelligence #ProductivityHacks #EntrepreneurLife #BusinessPodcast #ScalingBusiness #StartupAdvice #OperationalExcellence #EntrepreneurTips #BusinessLeadership #SustainableSuccess #BusinessSystems #PurposeDrivenBusiness #Entrepreneurship2026 #TheOptimizedEntrepreneur #JeremyHansonPodcast #DecisionMaking #Consistency #Focus #Accountability #LongTermThinking #EntrepreneurialResilience #BusinessOwner #SoloPreneur #MultiBusinessOwner #CleaningBusiness #PressureWashing #FoodTruck #ServiceIndustry #SmallBusinessSuccess #BuildToLast #AntiHustleCulture #IntentionalEntrepreneurship See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    49 min
  8. Service Business Trends That Will Define 2026 (And Decide Who Survives) | The Jeremy Hanson Podcast

    12/23/2025

    Service Business Trends That Will Define 2026 (And Decide Who Survives) | The Jeremy Hanson Podcast

    Most entrepreneurs ask the wrong question. They ask, “What business should I start?” The better question is: “What service businesses will still work in 2026?” In this episode of The Jeremy Hanson Podcast – Optimized Entrepreneur Series, Jeremy Hanson breaks down the real service business trends that will define who scales, who survives, and who quietly burns out over the next two years. This isn’t hype. It isn’t theory. And it isn’t recycled internet advice. These are patterns already happening right now—driven by labor realities, pricing pressure, consumer trust, automation, and margin compression across real service businesses. In this episode, Jeremy explains: Why service businesses are splitting into two classes—and why the middle is disappearingWhy labor shortages are structural, not temporaryWhy pricing power matters more than volume going forwardHow premium, trust-based local service businesses will outperform national brandsHow AI and automation are separating true owners from burned-out operatorsWhy customers are willing to pay more for less chaos and better experiencesWhat service business owners must change now to win in 2026Jeremy draws from real operating experience—cleaning companies, pressure washing, food trucks, and service operations—showing exactly why what worked in 2022 is already outdated, and why waiting for things to “go back to normal” is a losing strategy. This episode is for: Service business owners feeling squeezed by rising costsEntrepreneurs tired of grinding for thin marginsOperators who want systems, pricing clarity, and time freedomAnyone building a service business that needs to last beyond the next cycle2026 will not reward hustle alone. It will reward structure, pricing power, automation, clarity, and discipline. If you want to build a service business that doesn’t collapse under pressure—and instead dominates its lane—this episode lays out exactly what you need to understand now. This is optimized entrepreneurship—built for reality, not nostalgia. www.jeremyhanson.pro   service business trends for 2026best service businesses to start in 2026how to scale a service businessservice business pricing strategieslabor shortages in service businessesautomation for service business ownerslocal service business vs national brandshow to build a service business that runs without the ownerbZa8SoiBEQ9Kt920P7wR See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    41 min
4.1
out of 5
48 Ratings

About

The Jeremy Hanson Podcast is a top entrepreneurship and small business podcast for people who want real-world strategies—not hype. Hosted by entrepreneur and business owner Jeremy Hanson, the show explores how life, mindset, and business intersect in the real world. Episodes cover entrepreneurship, small business ownership, leadership, financial independence, service businesses, and personal growth. Unlike motivational fluff podcasts, The Jeremy Hanson Podcast delivers practical insights from real experience—what works, what doesn’t, and why. From building profitable service businesses to navigating anxiety, relationships, and responsibility as a business owner, this podcast is built for people who want control over their income and their life. New episodes dive into business strategy, mindset, leadership, and the realities of entrepreneurship in today’s economy—without corporate filters or influencer nonsense. If you are rebuilding your life, reevaluating your career, or looking for a smarter path forward, The Jeremy Hanson Podcast is designed for you. This show speaks to people who want clarity, ownership, and practical direction rather than shortcuts or hype. New episodes are published every Tuesday morning, delivering real-world insights on entrepreneurship, business ownership, leadership, and personal responsibility to help you build a stronger business and a more intentional life. entrepreneurship podcast, small business podcast, business mindset, entrepreneur success, business ownership, service business podcast, leadership development, financial independence, personal growth for entrepreneurs, building wealth through business, blue collar entrepreneurship, real world business advice, starting a business, growing a small business, local business strategy, business systems, business responsibility, mindset for business owners, practical entrepreneurship, life and business balance, self improvement for entrepreneurs, podcast for entrepreneurs, podcast for small business owners, business growth strategies, ownership mindset, long term wealth building

You Might Also Like