Entrepreneurs, Executives, and Eccentrics

Scott Turman
  • 4.4 (7)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Entrepreneurs, Executives, and Eccentrics is a podcast that explores the world of business through in-depth interviews with a diverse range of guests, hosted by Scott Turman. From a visionary entrepreneur who has turned dreams into a successful venture, to accomplished executives shaping industries, and eccentric personalities with unique approaches to business and life, Scott navigates through their stories with a blend of curiosity and expertise. https://eeae.co/

  1. 8h ago

    Bob Hart on Building TruAmerica Around Renters, Risk, and Workforce Housing

    In this episode, Bob Hart, founder and CEO of TruAmerica Multifamily, explains how he built a major real estate business by focusing on workforce housing and the often-overlooked “missing middle” of the rental market. He shares how the company acquires older apartment communities, improves them, and provides safe, clean, and affordable housing for renters who need practical options. The conversation covers his first real estate deal, the lessons he learned during major downturns, the role of debt and risk management, and the growing use of data, artificial intelligence, and global support teams in multifamily investing. Bob also reflects on entrepreneurship, career development, financial discipline, and the value of building strong technical skills before taking larger business risks. Takeaways TruAmerica Multifamily focuses on workforce housing for renters who need affordable, market-rate options.The company targets the “missing middle” between luxury apartments and subsidized housing.Its strategy centers on buying older properties and improving units, amenities, and maintenance.Small rent increases can create meaningful returns when applied across large apartment portfolios.Responsible ownership requires safe, clean housing and disciplined property management.Bob’s first real estate investment was a duplex purchased with a limited down payment and borrowed funds.Direct ownership helped him learn leasing, repairs, financing, management, and risk.Economic downturns taught him to avoid excess debt and use capital with care.Modern multifamily investing combines financial models, market data, local insight, and human judgment.Young professionals can benefit from learning engineering, banking, accounting, and financial analysis before pursuing entrepreneurship. Today's guest, Bob Hart, can be found at: Website: https://www.truamerica.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-hart-9a49a167/ Your host, Scott Turman, can be found online at: Website: https://scottturman.com/, https://brightray.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottturman/ IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14602682/ Keywords Multifamily real estate, workforce housing, missing middle, apartment investing, affordable housing, renters by necessity, property acquisition, value-add real estate, apartment renovation, real estate financing, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, HUD, underwriting, asset management, portfolio management, rent analysis, artificial intelligence, risk management, leverage, economic downturns, real estate cycles, entrepreneurship, engineering, banking, accounting, financial analysis, property management, institutional capital, private REITs, housing demand, rental markets, career development

    Bob Hart on Building TruAmerica Around Renters, Risk, and Workforce Housing

  2. 3d ago

    David Steele on Why We Should Rethink Retirement and Build Generational Businesses

    In this conversation, David Steele, founder and CEO of One Wealth Advisors and executive chairman of Flour and Water Hospitality Group, shares why he builds businesses to last for generations rather than preparing them for sale. He explains how service, long-term relationships, delegation, mentorship, and creative work shape his approach to leadership. The discussion challenges the traditional view of retirement and explores how people can keep doing meaningful work by removing tasks they dislike and focusing on areas where they have mastery. Steele also discusses the importance of setting authentic goals, building strong teams, and helping immigrant restaurant owners gain access to capital, coaching, and systems that can turn small businesses into lasting companies. Takeaways Generational businesses require a different mindset from companies built for acquisition.Strong relationships with clients, partners, and employees can matter more than a large exit.Business ownership can serve as a creative practice, not just a path to wealth.Retirement can cause people to lose purpose when they stop meaningful work without replacing it.Delegation allows leaders to remove routine tasks and focus on work that uses their strongest skills.Teaching, coaching, and mentorship can turn delegation into a tool for developing future leaders.A well-designed calendar can create space for work, travel, hobbies, and personal growth.Goals should reflect personal values rather than status, ego, or social pressure.Good mentors help people discover their own goals instead of projecting goals onto them.Immigrant restaurant owners need more than startup grants, they also need capital, coaching, and systems that support long-term growth. Today's guest, David Steele, can be found at: Company Websites: https://onewealth.net/, https://www.flourandwater.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-steele-76088a/ Your host, Scott Turman, can be found online at: Website: https://scottturman.com/, https://brightray.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottturman/ IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14602682/ Keywords generational businesses, entrepreneurship, financial planning, wealth management, restaurant industry, hospitality, business ownership, leadership, delegation, mentorship, coaching, retirement, purpose, goal setting, authentic goals, business scaling, team development, employee retention, client relationships, creative work, long-term thinking, legacy planning, nonprofit organizations, immigrant entrepreneurs, restaurant ownership, access to capital, private equity coaching, franchise value, succession planning, lifestyle design, time management, service, personal fulfillment, business strategy

    David Steele on Why We Should Rethink Retirement and Build Generational Businesses

  3. Jul 13

    Jackie Garrett on Scaling From a Kitchen Table Prototype to Retail Storefronts

    In this episode, Jackie Garrett, founder, designer, and CEO of Vilah Bloom, shares how a simple idea born from the challenges of motherhood became a thriving handbag and accessories brand. She explains how her patented diaper bag that dispenses wet wipes launched the business, the journey from sewing prototypes at her kitchen table to securing major retail partnerships, and how the company evolved into a customizable handbag brand with interactive bag bars. Jackie also discusses manufacturing, supply chain challenges, product development, hiring, leadership, retail expansion, and the lessons she learned through nearly 16 years of entrepreneurship. The conversation offers practical insight into building a product-based business, adapting to change, and creating sustainable long-term growth through creativity, resilience, and customer-focused innovation. Takeaways Vilah Bloom began with a patented diaper bag that dispenses wet wipes, inspired by Jackie's own experience as a new mother.The company's first prototype was handmade on her kitchen table using simple materials before evolving into a commercial product.Winning Best Diaper Bag at the ABC Kids Expo helped the brand gain early credibility and secure partnerships with major retailers, including Nordstrom.The business transitioned from primarily wholesale and ecommerce to a retail experience centered around customizable handbags and accessories.Vilah Bloom's Bag Bar concept allows customers to personalize bags with straps, charms, and monograms, creating a unique shopping experience.Small batch manufacturing and finishing products in the United States helped the company navigate supply chain disruptions and tariff challenges.Jackie credits much of her success to persistence, learning through setbacks, and adapting after difficult manufacturing experiences.Hiring and delegating responsibilities were essential milestones that allowed the business to scale beyond a family-run operation.Jackie's background in television sales, marketing, and retail provided valuable experience that helped her navigate relationships with major retailers.The company is exploring future expansion through additional retail locations and a potential franchise or ownership model. Today's guest, Jackie Garrett can be found at: Website: https://vilahbloom.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackelynn-k-garrett-a193a651/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jackie.garrett.374/ Your host, Scott Turman, can be found online at: Website: https://scottturman.com/, https://brightray.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottturman/ IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14602682/ Keywords customizable handbags, handbag brand, diaper bags, patented diaper bag, wet wipe dispenser, accessories, bag bar, personalization, monogramming, handbag design, product design, entrepreneurship, founder journey, manufacturing, small batch production, supply chain, tariffs, wholesale, ecommerce, direct to consumer, retail, storefront, franchise, business growth, leadership, delegation, hiring, product development, vegan materials, sustainable materials, fashion accessories, branding, customer experience, inventory management, forecasting, Nordstrom, ABC Kids Expo, family business, innovation, logistics, scaling a business

    Jackie Garrett on Scaling From a Kitchen Table Prototype to Retail Storefronts

  4. Jul 6

    Nicholas Allen on Scaling Legal Lead Gen with Meta Ads, Surveys, and AI Automation

    In this conversation, Nicholas Allen discusses his path from architecture to building a performance marketing agency focused on legal lead generation in the U.S. He explains how he moved from small local lead gen clients into scalable pay-per-lead campaigns for personal injury, motor vehicle accident, and workers’ compensation leads. The discussion covers why Meta ads remain his strongest channel, how qualification surveys and dynamic funnels help route leads to the right buyers, and why creative testing became critical after tracking and attribution changed. Nicholas also shares lessons on focus, avoiding shiny object syndrome, building systems before growth becomes unmanageable, and using AI to improve workflows, automate data handling, and speed up technical work. Takeaways Nicholas Allen built a legal lead generation business after leaving a career in architecture.His agency focuses on pay-per-lead campaigns rather than monthly retainers.Personal injury lead generation became a strong niche because it is scalable and valuable to buyers.Meta ads, especially Facebook and Instagram, remain his primary traffic channels.The business model allows one campaign to serve multiple clients at the same time.Qualification surveys help filter leads based on case type, injury, fault, treatment, and other key factors.Lead quality often depends on the law firm’s intake process and follow-up system.Creative testing became more important after tracking and attribution changes affected ad performance.Nicholas believes focus and mastery helped him move past shiny object syndrome and build momentum.His biggest lesson was to build systems, hire earlier, and avoid doing every task alone. Today's guest, Nicholas Allen, can be found at: Website: https://influxx.co/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickallen-leads/ Your host, Scott Turman, can be found online at: Website: https://scottturman.com/, https://brightray.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottturman/ IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14602682/ Keywords Performance marketing, legal lead generation, personal injury leads, pay per lead, Meta ads, Facebook ads, Instagram ads, lead generation agency, motor vehicle accident leads, workers’ compensation leads, qualification surveys, lead routing, intake process, creative testing, attribution, tracking, AI automation, API, data cleaning, audience exclusion, entrepreneurship, architecture, online business, shiny object syndrome, business systems, scaling, outsourcing, client acquisition, social proof, legal marketing

    Nicholas Allen on Scaling Legal Lead Gen with Meta Ads, Surveys, and AI Automation

  5. Jun 29

    Paul DeRousselle on NFL Deals, Early Failure, and Becoming Undeniable in Sports

    In this episode, Scott Turman speaks with Paul DeRousselle, an NFL agent and author of Faith. Failure. Football., about his path from a small town in Louisiana to representing top football talent. Paul shares how his love for football began early, how law school helped shape his career, and how early failure taught him the value of preparation, humility, and discipline. The conversation covers the realities of becoming an agent, the pressure of recruiting and negotiation, the importance of faith and accountability, and why long-term success requires more than talent or confidence. Takeaways Paul DeRousselle knew from a young age that he wanted a life connected to football.Becoming an NFL agent requires strong credentials, preparation, and a high level of commitment.Paul’s first major career setback came when a hometown player chose another agent.That early failure taught him not to rely only on relationships, but to bring a clear plan and real value.His first major commission as an agent brought relief and validation after years of work.Success created its own challenges, including ego, distraction, and the need for self-accountability.Paul credits faith, discipline, and reflection with helping him refocus on his purpose.He sees legendary agent Eugene Parker as a major professional influence.Paul believes strong agents must understand both the player’s needs and the team’s position.His book, Faith. Failure. Football., is not a how-to guide, but a story about perseverance, purpose, and growth. Today's guest, Paul Derousselle, can be found at: Website: https://paulderousselle.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-t-derousselle-06959859/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theagentpaul/?hl=en Your host, Scott Turman, can be found online at: Website: https://scottturman.com/, https://brightray.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottturman/ IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14602682/ Keywords NFL agent, football, sports business, athlete representation, law school, negotiation, accountability, faith, failure, discipline, purpose, perseverance, recruiting, NFL draft, contracts, leadership, sports agents, professional growth, personal development, career setbacks, preparation, Louisiana, Southern University, football business, legacy

    Paul DeRousselle on NFL Deals, Early Failure, and Becoming Undeniable in Sports

  6. Jun 22

    Richard McWhorter on Wealth Management, Critical Thinking, and the Future of AI

    In this conversation, Richard McWhorter, managing partner of SRM Private Wealth in Beverly Hills, discusses his work advising family offices, entertainers, athletes, and high-net-worth clients on wealth management, estate planning, financial planning, and long-term investment strategy. He explains how family office investing differs from standard financial planning, why each client requires a custom approach, and how critical thinking shapes decisions in uncertain markets. The discussion also explores the role of AI in research, the risks of relying on AI without subject matter knowledge, the possible bubble around AI-related companies, and why Richard favors a disciplined “singles and doubles” investment approach over chasing home runs. Takeaways SRM Private Wealth works with 36 families and manages about $2.1 billion in assets.A family office typically serves families with hundreds of millions of dollars in assets.Richard’s firm builds custom strategies based on each family’s wealth structure, goals, values, and existing holdings.Family office advising often includes investments, estate planning, financial planning, retirement planning, and broader decision support.Richard entered the financial industry young and built his career through focus, persistence, and long-term client value.His renewed interest in finance came from intellectual curiosity and a desire to understand complex issues in depth.Richard views economics as an inexact science because markets, policy, politics, and global events all affect outcomes.AI can help interpret large amounts of information, but it still requires human judgment, fact gathering, and review.Richard believes AI may create major value, but investors must consider energy needs, data centers, raw materials, and infrastructure.His investment style focuses on risk control, steady gains, and avoiding large mistakes rather than chasing the next big winner. Today's guest, Richard McWhorter, can be found at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-mcwhorter/ Your host, Scott Turman, can be found online at: Website: https://scottturman.com/, https://brightray.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottturman/ IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14602682/ Keywords Family office, private wealth, wealth management, estate planning, financial planning, retirement planning, investments, high-net-worth clients, accredited investors, AI, artificial intelligence, market risk, economics, investment strategy, utilities, energy, natural gas, oil, coal, raw materials, data centers, infrastructure, portfolio management, critical thinking, risk management, probability, poker, Beverly Hills, family practice, financial advisor

    Richard McWhorter on Wealth Management, Critical Thinking, and the Future of AI

  7. Jun 15

    Jason Rider on Building C-BITE: From 3D Printing to Scalable Garden Supports

    In this episode, inventor and entrepreneur Jason Rider shares the story behind C-BITE, a patented gardening clip designed to solve common plant support and trellising challenges. Jason discusses how a lifelong passion for gardening, combined with early access to 3D printing technology, led him to develop a versatile product that can connect in hundreds of configurations. He walks through the product development process, from rapid prototyping and patenting to manufacturing, distribution, and scaling a family-owned business alongside his sister. The conversation explores entrepreneurship, product design, retail distribution, in-house manufacturing, and the lessons learned from more than a decade of building a physical product company. Jason also offers practical advice for inventors and founders on finding mentors, learning quickly, and navigating the challenges of bringing an idea to market. Takeaways C-BITE was created to solve the limitations of traditional tomato cages and plant support systems.Jason used an early desktop 3D printer to rapidly prototype and refine the product design.The product evolved from a simple gardening clip into a modular system with more than 150 connection possibilities.Inspiration for the design came from real gardening problems and woodworking joinery concepts such as dovetail connections.Early adoption in hydroponics and cannabis cultivation helped validate the product's usefulness.Building a physical product business required learning manufacturing, distribution, marketing, and retail operations.Jason and his sister split responsibilities, combining engineering, product development, sales, and marketing expertise.Manufacturing in-house with injection molding machines helped reduce costs and improve supply chain control.Distribution alone does not guarantee sales, ongoing education, marketing, and customer awareness are essential.Jason believes founders should seek mentors, learn from experienced industry professionals, and focus on failing fast to accelerate success. Today's guest, Jason Rider, can be found at: Website: https://thrivingdesign.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarider/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cbite_clips/?hl=en, https://www.instagram.com/cbite_guy/?hl=en Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcXqK8H0m7eavmvpa73t4kQ Your host, Scott Turman, can be found online at: Website: https://scottturman.com/, https://brightray.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottturman/ IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14602682/ Keywords gardening, tomato cages, plant supports, trellising, garden stakes, 3D printing, rapid prototyping, product development, invention, patent, manufacturing, injection molding, entrepreneurship, startup growth, retail distribution, wholesale sales, hydroponics, aquaponics, cannabis cultivation, e-commerce, product design, supply chain, marketing, sales strategy, business scaling, gardening tools, modular design, consumer products, innovation, mentoring, small business, direct-to-consumer, distribution channels, greenhouse growing, vertical gardening, custom plant structures, agricultural innovation, inventory management, retail partnerships, prototyping, startup lessons

    Jason Rider on Building C-BITE: From 3D Printing to Scalable Garden Supports

  8. Jun 8

    Charlie Felker on Moving Home Service Phone Systems to AI Without Breaking Operations

    In this episode, entrepreneur and Army veteran Charlie Felker shares his journey from serving in the U.S. Army and completing multiple combat deployments to building and selling home service businesses. Charlie discusses how lessons learned from operating those companies led him to launch Free2Grow, a business focused on helping home service companies improve customer service operations. The conversation explores the rapid evolution of AI-powered customer service, the challenges of scaling human call centers, and why AI voice assistants are becoming a practical solution for HVAC, plumbing, lawn care, and other home service businesses. Charlie explains the company's recent pivot to AI, the realities of adoption, lessons learned during the transition, and how automation is reshaping customer interactions, operational efficiency, and business growth in the home services industry. Takeaways Charlie Felker served in the U.S. Army, including four combat deployments to Afghanistan, before becoming an entrepreneur.He built and later sold two aging-in-place home service businesses, which provided the foundation for his current venture.Free2Grow originally provided outsourced customer service representatives for home service companies.Scaling human customer service teams proved difficult due to hiring, turnover, training, and seasonal demand fluctuations.Advances in AI voice technology prompted the company to pivot from human CSRs to AI-powered customer service solutions.Many smaller home service companies are adopting AI quickly because it offers 24/7 availability and lower operating costs.Larger HVAC and plumbing businesses are often starting with after-hours and overflow call handling as a way to test AI adoption.AI booking rates are approaching levels that make them competitive with human agents for many customer interactions.Successful AI deployment requires customized workflows, scheduling logic, business rules, and CRM integrations tailored to each company.Charlie believes business owners should focus resources on core strengths and outsource non-core functions to improve profitability and scalability. Today's guest, Charlie Felker, can be found at: Website: https://www.free-2-grow.com/ Your host, Scott Turman, can be found online at: Website: https://scottturman.com/, https://brightray.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottturman/ IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14602682/ Keywords Artificial Intelligence, AI Voice Assistants, Customer Service Automation, Home Services, HVAC, Plumbing, Lawn Care, Call Centers, Customer Service Representatives, Outsourcing, Business Scaling, Entrepreneurship, Small Business Operations, Workflow Automation, CRM Integration, Voice AI, Appointment Booking, Dispatching, Operational Efficiency, Business Growth, Private Equity, Franchises, Automation Technology, AI Adoption, Home Service Industry, Scheduling Systems, Virtual Assistants, Cost Reduction, Service Businesses, Digital Transformation

    Charlie Felker on Moving Home Service Phone Systems to AI Without Breaking Operations
See All (68)

4.4
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Entrepreneurs, Executives, and Eccentrics is a podcast that explores the world of business through in-depth interviews with a diverse range of guests, hosted by Scott Turman. From a visionary entrepreneur who has turned dreams into a successful venture, to accomplished executives shaping industries, and eccentric personalities with unique approaches to business and life, Scott navigates through their stories with a blend of curiosity and expertise. https://eeae.co/

Information

You Might Also Like