Building the Biz

Shane Bauman

A place where the entrepreneur shares his or her journey - from grinding out in the beginning to building the biz. 

  1. May 26

    #61: Founder Passion, Nearshoring, & Building “Boring Businesses” w/ Brian Samson

    Episode Overview What if the future of entrepreneurship isn’t flashy startups…but “boring businesses,” operational excellence, and building companies that actually create freedom?    In this episode of Building the Biz, Shane sits down with Brian Samson, founder of Plugg Technologies, to unpack scaling businesses across borders, leveraging nearshore talent in Latin America, and why founder passion still matters in an AI-driven world.    Brian shares his journey from Silicon Valley tech recruiting to building and scaling multiple businesses, living as an expat in Argentina, and eventually pivoting into acquiring “boring businesses” like cleaning, locksmithing, and home services companies. Key Takeaways • Founder Passion Still Wins • “Boring Businesses” Are Massive Opportunities • Nearshoring Is Reshaping Talent Acquisition • AI Won’t Replace Great Operators • Entrepreneurship Doesn’t Have to Cost You Your Family In This Episode, You’ll Learn · Why founder-led sales matter · The future of nearshoring · Why execution matters more than ideas · The opportunities in overlooked industries · How to structure multiple businesses · Entrepreneurship and foster care advocacy Memorable Quotes · “Growth has to be founder driven.” · “There are no million-dollar ideas—only million-dollar execution.” · “I’d rather bet on myself than anybody else.” About Brian Samson Brian Samson is the founder of Plugg Technologies, a nearshore staffing firm connecting U.S. companies with top talent across Latin America. Over the last decade, Brian has built and scaled multiple businesses across recruiting, software, staffing, and home services industries. Connect with Brian Samson Website: https://plugg.tech/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briansamson/  Tags Entrepreneurship, Nearshoring, Founder Leadership, Latin America Talent, Business Growth, AI in Business, Boring Businesses Disclosures Shane Bauman is a Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. 8831353.1 Exp. 3/28

    48 min

  2. May 19

    #60: Transition Isn’t an Event - It’s a Journey w/ Andrea Carpenter & Elizabeth Ledoux

    Episode Overview In this episode of Building the Biz, Shane sits down with Andrea Carpenter and Elizabeth Ledoux of The Transition Strategists for one of the most honest conversations the show has had around succession, identity, family dynamics, and what it really takes to transition a business well. This conversation goes far beyond legal documents and financial structures. Andrea and Elizabeth unpack the emotional side of transition—the fear, expectations, communication breakdowns, entitlement concerns, identity struggles, and leadership tensions that often derail even successful businesses. Whether you’re a founder, successor, entrepreneur, or simply someone thinking about legacy, this episode is packed with wisdom on how to transition intentionally and preserve both relationships and impact. Key Takeaways Transition Is Not an Event — It’s a Journey One of the biggest mistakes founders make is waiting too long to begin transition planning. Andrea and Elizabeth explain why healthy transitions often take 5–10 years and require intentional communication and preparation along the way.  Identity Often Derails Transition More Than Economics Many founders can solve the financial side of transition. The harder part is separating identity from the business itself. The episode explores how owners can begin defining purpose and fulfillment beyond the title of founder or CEO.  Communication Is the Foundation of Healthy Succession The most successful transitions involve open communication between founders, successors, employees, and family members. Lack of communication often creates assumptions, fear, resentment, and misalignment.  Successors Carry More Pressure Than Most People Realize Andrea shares powerful insight into the psychology of successors—especially in family businesses—including the pressure of expectations, fear of appearing entitled, and trying to forge an authentic identity while stewarding someone else’s legacy.  Fear Creates Stories That Often Aren’t True One of the strongest themes throughout the conversation is how fear creates false narratives. Many owners assume employees, family members, or successors will react negatively without ever having the conversation to verify those assumptions.  In This Episode, You’ll Learn · Why most business transitions fail  · The emotional side of succession planning  · How founders can separate identity from business ownership  · Why successors often feel pressure, guilt, and uncertainty  · The difference between entitlement and curiosity  · How communication changes family business dynamics  · Why transition planning should start earlier than you think  · What “Transition 3.0” means  · The role fear plays in founders and successors  · Why timelines create clarity during transition  · How founders can avoid holding on too long  · The importance of creating a “next adventure” after business ownership Memorable Quotes “Transition is not an event—it’s a journey.” “Nobody gets everything they want.” “Holding on too long can create outcomes you don’t want.” “Fear gets in the way of clarity.” “Successors aren’t entitled—they’re often just curious.” “You’re always going to be the founder.” About Andrea Carpenter & Elizabeth Ledoux Andrea Carpenter is President of The Transition Strategists, where she helps rising-generation leaders step into ownership and leadership with clarity and confidence. With a background in UX design and personal experience as a successor herself, Andrea brings a modern and deeply human perspective to family business transition.  Elizabeth Ledoux is Founder and CEO of The Transition Strategists and a nationally recognized succession planning expert with more than 30 years of experience helping founders transition businesses intentionally while preserving relationships, legacy, and long-term impact.  Connect with Andrea & Elizabeth 🌐 Website: The Transition Strategists 📘 Resource: www.beforebuysell.com   🔗 LinkedIn: Andrea Carpenter LinkedIn Elizabeth Ledoux LinkedIn Tags  Business Succession Planning, Family Business, Entrepreneurship, Founder Legacy, Leadership, Exit Planning, Generational Wealth, Family Business Transition, Succession Strategy, Business Ownership, Emotional Intelligence, Leadership Development, Founder Identity, Building the Biz Podcast Disclosures Shane Bauman is a Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. RISE is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Guest speakers and their firms are not affiliated with or endorsed by PAS, Guardian, or RISE and opinions stated are their own. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. 8925800.1 Exp. 5/28

    46 min

  3. May 14

    #59: Rewriting the Exit Playbook: ESOPs, Ownership & Building a Regret-Free Legacy w/ Andrew Fejer

    Episode Overview In this episode of Building the Biz, Shane sits down with Andrew Fejer, Managing Director at Lazear, to unpack the world of ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plans) and why they remain one of the most misunderstood opportunities in business today. With over two decades in corporate banking and business advisory, Andrew brings practical insight, honest perspective, and deep conviction around ownership, culture, and legacy. This conversation goes far beyond exit planning. It’s about leadership, authentic relationships, building the right advisory team, and creating businesses that outlive the founder in healthy ways. In This Episode, You’ll Learn · Why ESOPs are often more misunderstood than private equity  · What makes a founder a strong ESOP candidate  · Common myths around employee ownership and control  · How ESOP structures actually work from a founder’s perspective  · The difference between good leverage and dangerous leverage  · Why employee ownership can help address the wealth gap  · How to build a high-level advisory team around your business  · Why authentic networking creates long-term opportunity  · The connection between ownership culture and business performance  · What “regret-free” exits really look like for founders  · Why founders need friction, accountability, and honest feedback  · The role discipline and love play in leadership and legacy About Andrew Fejer Andrew Fejer is Managing Director at Lazear, where he leads ESOP advisory efforts across the Western United States. With more than 20 years of experience across JPMorgan, HSBC, and BOK Financial, Andrew specializes in helping founders navigate tax-efficient exits through employee ownership structures. Passionate about business equity, legacy, and ownership culture, Andrew works closely with founders to help them discover alternatives to traditional exit strategies while preserving the businesses and teams they’ve worked so hard to build. Connect with Andrew Fejer & Lazear 🌐 Website: Lazear Capital Partners 🔗 LinkedIn: Andrew Fejer LinkedIn Disclosures Shane Bauman is a Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. RISE is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Guest speakers and their firms are not affiliated with or endorsed by PAS, Guardian, or RISE and opinions stated are their own. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. Guardian does not issue nor service mortgages or reverse mortgages. 8906315.1 Exp. 5/28

    41 min

  4. May 5

    #58: Reimagining Ownership — Employee Equity, Legacy & the Future of Capitalism w/ Todd Leverette & Tobi Adewodu

    Episode OverviewWhat if the future of business ownership wasn’t about selling out—but sharing it?   In this episode of Building the Biz, Shane sits down with Todd Leverette and Tobi Adewodu of Apis & Heritage Capital Partners to unpack employee ownership, capital, and legacy.   This conversation challenges the traditional exit model and introduces a powerful alternative—one where business owners can create wealth, preserve culture, and reward the people who helped build it. Key TakeawaysOwnership Is Cultural, Not Just Financial  Employee ownership works when culture aligns with incentives—not just structure. Community + Capital = Scale  Capital alone doesn’t sustain businesses—community does. Together, they create real impact. Legacy Is Bigger Than the Founder  True legacy includes employees, culture, and long-term impact—not just valuation. The Wealth Gap Is Structural  Employee ownership creates real pathways to close wealth inequality. Alignment Drives Performance  When everyone wins, businesses perform better. In This Episode, You’ll Learn· How employee ownership actually works · Why most owners overlook this exit path · The connection between ownership and culture · How capital can serve community · Why free cash flow matters most · How to think about legacy differently · The impact on retention and performance · The future of ownership in America Memorable Quotes· “Community with capital—that’s where the magic happens.” · “Ownership aligns incentives—and incentives drive behavior.” · “Legacy isn’t just what you build—it’s who benefits.” · “Free cash flow is the name of the game.” · “Think about the end at the beginning.” About the GuestsTodd Leverette is Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Apis & Heritage Capital Partners, focused on employee ownership transitions. Tobi Adewodu is Associate Director of Investor Relations, blending Wall Street experience with mission-driven capital allocation. Connect🌐 https://www.apisheritage.com  TagsEmployee Ownership, ESOP, Private Equity, Business Exit Strategy, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Wealth Building DisclosuresShane Bauman is a Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. RISE is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Guest speakers and their firms are not affiliated with or endorsed by PAS, Guardian, or RISE and opinions stated are their own. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. 8885778.1 Exp. 4/28

    57 min

  5. Mar 31

    #57: Living Life to the Full & Building a Business that Matters with Sean Taylor

    Overview What if success in business wasn’t about working harder—but about slowing down, doing the internal work, and redefining what actually matters? In this episode of Building the Biz, Shane sits down with Sean Taylor, Co-Founder and CEO of Cornerstone Christian Counseling, to explore the intersection of faith, business, relationships, and identity. Sean shares how he and his wife built a thriving, multi-location counseling practice without compromising their values—and how their work is helping people experience the abundant life described in John 10:10. From navigating burnout and the myth of the “self-running business,” to bridging the gap between faith and psychology, this conversation challenges entrepreneurs to rethink success. Key Takeaways Many entrepreneurs try to outwork their problems. Sean explains why slowing down—through prayer, reflection, and intentional rhythms—often leads to deeper breakthroughs than pushing harder. Business success is often used as a distraction from unresolved internal or relational challenges.  At the end of a career, people don’t measure success by revenue or titles—they measure it by impact, relationships, and the lives they’ve influenced. Sean shares how burnout and a poorly executed sabbatical revealed that identity and purpose must come from something deeper. Sean and his team integrate biblical truth with evidence-based counseling practices, showing that faith and science can work together to bring healing and transformation. In This Episode: How to avoid burnout while still building a scalable companyWhy entrepreneurs struggle to translate business success into relational successHow to prepare emotionally and mentally for an eventual business exitHow identity shifts from “what I do” to “who I am”Why internal work is essential for long-term leadership effectivenessHow to integrate faith into business without forcing itThe importance of living and leading at the pace of JesusMemorable Quotes “You don’t have to have your problems solved to be content and joyful.”“We’re not made to do this life alone.”“Transitions need to be methodical—delegate, don’t abdicate.”“Live life to the full—and help others do the same.”About Sean Taylor Sean Taylor is the Co-Founder and CEO of Cornerstone Christian Counseling, a multi-location therapy practice serving clients across Colorado and Florida. Since launching in 2009 with his wife Angie, Sean has built a relationship-centered, out-of-network practice known for integrating clinical excellence with a biblical foundation. https://christiancounselingco.com Tags Faith & Business, Christian Entrepreneurship, Leadership Development, Mental Health, Counseling, Marriage & Relationships, Business Ownership, Identity & Purpose, Personal Growth, Entrepreneurial Mindset Disclosures Shane Bauman is a Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. RISE is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Guest speakers and their firms are not affiliated with or endorsed by PAS, Guardian, or RISE and opinions stated are their own. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. 8831353.1 Exp. 3/28

    48 min

  6. Mar 3

    #56: Disney Level Customer Experience with Vance Morris

    DescriptionFormer Disney executive Vance Morris shares how to design unforgettable customer experiences, increase retention, build systems that create owner freedom, and scale a business that runs without you. Learn Disney’s secrets to customer loyalty, pricing power, and long-term business value. Episode OverviewWhat if the secret to scaling your business—and eventually stepping away from it—was hidden in the way Disney designs customer experience? In this episode, Shane Bauman sits down with former Disney executive and entrepreneur Vance Morris to unpack how intentional systems create loyalty, retention, and true owner freedom. Vance shares how business owners can create unforgettable experiences that increase profitability, strengthen culture, and position their companies for long-term growth and exit. Key Takeaways• Customer experience must be systematized—not left to chance. • Customer retention is more profitable than constant acquisition. • Emotional connections drive loyalty and repeat business. • Systems create freedom and scalability for owners. • Differentiated experiences allow businesses to charge premium pricing. In This Episode, You'll Learn• How Disney operationalizes customer experience at scale • Why retention is the hidden driver of profitability • How emotional touchpoints increase loyalty and referrals • The systems required to create owner freedom • How experience design impacts valuation and exit potential • Why differentiation creates pricing power • The connection between culture, systems, and scalability Memorable Quotes• “Consistency is the foundation of great customer experience.” • “It’s your job to remind customers you exist.” • “Culture must be taught, modeled, and reinforced.” • “You won’t profit unless you implement.” About Vance MorrisVance Morris is a former Disney executive turned entrepreneur and customer experience strategist. He built and systematized multiple successful home service companies and now helps business owners create scalable companies with strong retention and customer loyalty. Connect with Vance MorrisWebsite: https://deliverwow.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vancemorris Tags (Apple Podcasts & Spotify)Customer Experience, Entrepreneurship, Business Systems, Scaling a Business, Disney Business Lessons, Leadership, Customer Retention, Small Business Growth, Business Ownership, Operational Excellence DisclosuresShane Bauman is a Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. RISE is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Guest speakers and their firms are not affiliated with or endorsed by PAS, Guardian, or RISE and opinions stated are their own. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. 8743694.1 Exp. 2/28

    48 min

  7. Jan 27

    #55 Achievement vs. Fulfillment with Kristen Kenton

    Episode Description  Why do so many high achievers reach success—yet still feel unfulfilled? In this episode of Building the Biz, Shane Bauman sits down with executive leadership expert Kristen Kenton for a deep, honest conversation about achievement, identity, and what it truly means to live and lead well. Kristen is the President & CEO of Kenton Talent Management and the founder of the Executive Women’s Summit. Through years of working with high-performing executives, she’s seen a consistent pattern: success alone doesn’t create fulfillment. Together, Shane and Kristen explore the difference between achievement and contentment, the role of emotional intelligence in leadership, and how purpose, values, and faith shape sustainable success—both personally and professionally. This episode is for leaders who have done “all the right things” but are still asking: Is this it? What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why achievement doesn’t guarantee fulfillmentThe difference between success, contentment, and purposeCommon patterns among high achievers who feel stuck or restlessHow emotional intelligence impacts leadership effectivenessWhy identity matters more than outcomesThe hidden cost of tying self-worth to performanceHow faith and hope shape resilient leadershipWhat transformational leadership actually looks like in practiceNotable Moments & Themes Achievement vs. fulfillment: why hitting the goal can still feel emptyEmotional intelligence as a stronger predictor than credentialsThe role of trauma and unresolved identity in leadership pressurePurpose as the missing link for sustainable successLeading from values instead of external validationAbout the Guest Kristen Kenton is President & CEO of Kenton Talent Management, where she helps organizations identify and develop transformational leaders who align results, culture, and purpose. She is also the founder of the Executive Women’s Summit, a leadership development community dedicated to helping high-performing women grow with authenticity and impact. Links & Resources Kristen Kenton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenkenton/Kenton Talent Management: https://www.kentontalent.com Executive Women’s Summit: https://executivewomenssummit.comBuilding the Biz Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-the-biz/id1711862560Tags / Keywords  Leadership, Entrepreneurship, High Achievers, Emotional Intelligence, Executive Leadership, Purpose & Fulfillment, Faith in Business, Identity & Success, Personal Growth, Organizational Culture, Women in Leadership Disclosure Shane Bauman is a Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. RISE is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Guest speakers and their firms are not affiliated with or endorsed by PAS, Guardian, or RISE and opinions stated are their own. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. 8727728.1 Exp. 1/28

    56 min

  8. Jan 20

    54: Overcoming People Pleasing with Jeremy Hunka

    Episode Overview In this episode of Building the Biz, Shane sits down with acquisition entrepreneur Jeremy Hunka, owner of Summit Cabinet Coatings. Jeremy shares an unfiltered look at what happens after the deal closes — from debt pressure and people-pleasing to redefining leadership and learning where faith truly fits in business ownership. This conversation is a candid exploration of buying versus building, the emotional toll of leadership, and the freedom that comes from stepping into the right seat. Key Topics Covered Why Jeremy chose acquisition over starting from scratchThe reality of being an operator-owner vs. a true ownerHow debt impacts cash flow, decision-making, and leadership stressThe hidden cost of people-pleasing in businessFaith as daily dependence, not just beliefTransitioning from visionary-integrator to ownerEthical vs. redemptive business practicesUsing EOS and knowing when to bring in an implementerDesigning a role that fits your strengths as a leaderNotable Quotes “Every hard day was made harder by a three-hour commute.”“Faith went from something I had to something I depended on daily.”“I learned I’m more naturally an owner than an operator.”“Businesses this size are always hairy — you just have to decide which hair you’re comfortable with.”Who This Episode Is For Entrepreneurs considering buying a businessOwners feeling stretched in day-to-day operationsLeaders navigating people-pleasing tendenciesFaith-driven business owners seeking alignmentAnyone questioning whether they’re in the right seatConnect with Jeremy Jeremy Hunka is an acquisition entrepreneur and owner of Summit Cabinet Coatings, based in Fort Collins, Colorado. His journey spans chemistry, finance, commercial real estate, and now small business ownership — bringing a thoughtful, grounded perspective to leadership and growth. Tags: Entrepreneurship, Faith, Acquisition Entrepreneur, People Pleasing, Summit Cabient Coatings, Marketing, Building the Biz Podcast  Shane Bauman is a Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. RISE is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Guest speakers and their firms are not affiliated with or endorsed by PAS, Guardian, or RISE and opinions stated are their own. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. 8714290.1 Exp. 1/28

    47 min
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About

A place where the entrepreneur shares his or her journey - from grinding out in the beginning to building the biz. 

Information

  • Creator
    Shane Bauman
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    61
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Building the Biz
  • Show Website
    Building the Biz