The TrentSuccess Show: Real stories and insights for leaders who elevate others.

David Trent

The TrentSuccess Show explores what it takes to grow not just a business, but a legacy. Hosted by executive coach and entrepreneur David Trent, each episode brings real stories and strategies from successful CEOs, founders, and advisors who are leading with purpose. Discover how to elevate your people, your performance, and your enterprise.

  1. May 21

    Episode 16: The Power of Relationships: Why People Drive Opportunity

    What if the best networking strategy… isn’t networking at all? In this episode, entrepreneur and executive coach David Trent challenges the traditional idea of networking and shares a different approach—one built on authentic relationships, community involvement, and giving without expectation. Through lessons from Mike Garrison and a personal story about coaching his daughter’s soccer team, David explains why the strongest business connections are formedwhen you’re focused on contributing—not collecting contacts. Over time, those relationships become something far more valuable than a network—they become trust, opportunity, and long-term impact.   Master Teachings Why networking should focus on friendships, not transactions The principle of giving before receiving How authentic engagement creates deeper, lasting connections Why consistency and follow-up matter in relationships Entrepreneurial Insight How community involvement naturally builds opportunity Why the best business relationships aren’t forced How contribution leads to unexpected growth The role of mentorship and shared experiences in connection Family Values How coaching his daughter’s team became a lesson in leadership and relationships Why investing in others builds trust that lasts decades How values like effort, integrity, and teamwork shape both life and business The long-term impact of showing up for people   Key Takeaways Stop networking—start contributing Give without expectation Focus on depth, not volume, in relationships The best opportunities come from genuine connection   Perfect For Entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals who want to build meaningful relationships and grow through authentic connection—not transactional networking.   Keywords authentic networking, relationship building, community engagement, giving before receiving, business relationships, leadership through service, Mike Garrison networking

    10 min
  2. May 14

    Episode 15: Client Selection Strategy - How to Avoid 'Nickel and Dime' Clients and Know Your Worth

    What if one of the most important business decisions you make is choosing who not to work with? In this episode, entrepreneur and executive coach David Trent breaks down the hidden cost of “nickel and dime”clients and why knowing your worth is essential to long-term success. Drawing on insights from Justin Breen and Dan Sullivan, along with a powerful lesson from his father’s early years, David shares how the right mindset cancompletely change the way you approach client relationships. This episode is a practical look at boundaries, discernment, and why the best leaders operate from a position of choice - not need. Master Teachings• Why “nickel and dime” clients quietly limit your growth• How your self-perception shapes the clients you attract• The long-term cost of undervaluing your work• Why the people around you directly impact your business trajectory Entrepreneurial Insight• What it really means to “always be the buyer”• How shifting from selling to selecting changes everything• The importance of setting clear boundaries with clients• Why fewer, better clients outperform higher volume Family Values• A real story from David’s father that shaped his view of self-worth• Why knowing your value starts early—and sticks• The connection between personal standards and business decisions• How walking away can be the most powerful move you make   Key Takeaways• Not every client is worth keeping• Your network and clients should reinforce your value—not diminish it• Boundaries protect your time, energy, and team• Sustainable growth comes from alignment, not volume   Perfect ForEntrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals who feel stuck with the wrongclients, struggle to set boundaries, or want to build a business aroundbetter—not just more—relationships.   Keywordsclient selection strategy, knowing your worth in business, nickel and dimeclients, entrepreneur boundaries, Dan Sullivan always be the buyer, JustinBreen Epic Business, business growth strategy, client relationships, leadershipdiscipline, entrepreneur mindset

    14 min
  3. Apr 30

    Episode 14: Measure What Matters: Turning Activity Into Results

    What if the gap between effort and results comes down to what you measure? In this episode, entrepreneur and executive coach David Trent explores Jim Rohn’s principle of measurable progress and why tracking the right activities leads to consistent growth. David shares how committing to a weekly meeting target strengthened his discipline and why focusing on activity—not just outcomes—creates momentum in business. Success improves when you measure what matters. What You’ll Learn Master Teachings • Jim Rohn’s principle of measurable progress • Why tracking the right activities drives consistent improvement • How simple metrics create clarity and focus • The difference between effort and measurable results Entrepreneurial Insight • The weekly meeting discipline that strengthened business relationships • How accountability creates momentum in business development • Why activity metrics often matter more than outcome metrics • The power of simple systems in building long-term success Family Values • The last-minute meeting with Carter’s basketball coach that completed a weekly goal • Balancing entrepreneurship with family commitments • Why discipline in small actions leads to big outcomes • Teaching consistency through example Key Takeaways • What gets measured gets improved • Consistent activity creates long-term results • Simple metrics create accountability • Discipline in small actions leads to big outcomes Perfect For Entrepreneurs, sales professionals, business owners, and leaders looking to create more accountability and measurable progress in their organizations. Keywords Jim Rohn business principles, business metrics tracking, measurable progress, sales activity metrics, entrepreneurial discipline, leadership accountability, performance tracking strategies

    14 min
  4. Apr 16

    Episode 13: Conceive, Believe, Achieve: Turning Vision Into Reality

    Do you realize that every major accomplishment in your life starts with a simple thought? In this episode, entrepreneur and executive coach David Trent explores Earl Nightingale’s powerful Conceive–Believe–Achieve (CBA) principle and how it shapes entrepreneurial success. David shares the early vision behind Trent Capital Management and how believing in a future that didn’t yet exist helped guide decades of business growth. Success begins with clarity of vision, belief in the possibility, and consistent action toward the goal. What You'll Learn Master Teachings • Earl Nightingale’s CBA framework: Conceive, Believe, Achieve • Why success always begins with a clearly defined vision • How belief fuels persistence during difficult seasons • The role consistent action plays in turning ideas into outcomes Entrepreneurial Insight • The founding vision behind Trent Capital Management • How belief helped carry the business through early uncertainty • Why entrepreneurs must believe in their vision before others do • Turning ideas into action through consistent execution Family Values • How supporting your children’s dreams can spark new opportunities • The importance of building businesses that serve people beyond profit • Why mentorship and belief in others create ripple effects Key Takeaways • Every achievement begins with a clear vision • Belief fuels persistence during uncertain seasons • Action transforms ideas into results • Vision + belief + discipline = long-term success Perfect For Entrepreneurs, leaders launching new ventures, professionals considering career changes, and anyone who wants to turn ideas into meaningful action. Keywords Earl Nightingale CBA principle, conceive believe achieve mindset, entrepreneurial vision, business goal setting, leadership mindset, turning vision into action, entrepreneurial growth strategies

    14 min
  5. Apr 2

    Episode 12: Energy Is Everything: The Leadership Advantage Most People Overlook

    What separates leaders who inspire from leaders who simplymanage? In this episode, entrepreneur and executive coach DavidTrent explores John Wooden’s timeless lessons on enthusiasm, energy, and genuine care for others. The way you show up—your presence, enthusiasm, and authenticity—has a powerful impact on everyone around you. David shares how his longtime friend Lance Bozman modeledthe power of authentic energy and how those lessons shaped his leadership approach in business and life.   What You'll Learn Master Teachings • John Wooden’s principle that leadership begins with theexample you set• Why enthusiasm and positive energy drive team performance• How authentic care for others builds stronger relationships and organizations• Why energy—not authority—is the real driver of influence Entrepreneurial Insight • How leaders shape organizational culture through theenergy they bring• Why authentic relationships are more valuable than transactional business connections• How enthusiasm and genuine curiosity open doors in business• The ripple effect of positive leadership energy inside organizations Family Values • David’s friendship with Lance Bozman and the impact of hisauthentic enthusiasm• Why genuine interest in others builds lifelong relationships• The importance of surrounding yourself with people who elevate your mindset• How friendships influence leadership development   Key Takeaways • Your leadership energy shapes every interaction• Authentic enthusiasm is contagious• People respond to genuine care and connection• The way you show up determines the culture you create   Perfect For Leaders, entrepreneurs, managers, coaches, and anyone whowants to increase their leadership influence through authenticity and energy.   Keywords John Wooden leadership principles, leadership energy,authentic leadership, enthusiasm in business, relationship-based leadership, leadership influence, entrepreneurial leadership mindset, positive leadership culture

    12 min
  6. Mar 19

    Episode 11: Automobile University: Turning Everyday Moments Into Lifelong Learning

    What if the time you spend driving, exercising, or doingeveryday tasks could become your greatest learning advantage? In this episode, entrepreneur and executive coach DavidTrent explores Zig Ziglar’s concept of Automobile University and why the most successful leaders constantly invest in their minds through books, podcasts, and lifelong learning. David shares how one conversation about the books in hisoffice sparked a transformational reading journey for a young entrepreneur—and why intentional learning habits separate average performers from extraordinaryleaders.  What You'll Learn Master Teachings • Zig Ziglar’s “Automobile University” concept and how toturn idle time into learning time• Why the most successful leaders consistently feed their minds with books, podcasts, and new ideas• How routine activities like driving, exercising, or commuting can become opportunities for growth• Why continuous learning compounds over time and fuels long-term leadership success Entrepreneurial Insight • How lifelong learning shaped David’s entrepreneurialjourney from the early days of Trent Capital Management• Why the most successful entrepreneurs remain curious long after they become experts• The discipline of investing time in personal development daily• How intentional learning habits lead to better decisions and better leadership Family Values • The mentorship relationship between David, his son Carter,and basketball trainer Marlon Haynes• How a simple conversation about books sparked Marlon’s lifelong reading habit• The ripple effect of mentorship through shared learning• Why encouraging curiosity in younger generations creates leaders who elevate others   Key Takeaways • Turn your commute or workout into Automobile University• Readers truly are leaders — continuous learning fuels growth• Use routine moments to invest in your mind• One conversation or book can change someone’s life trajectory   Perfect for Entrepreneurs, professionals with long commutes, leaderscommitted to lifelong learning, coaches and mentors developing others, andanyone who wants to transform everyday moments into growth opportunities.  Keywords Automobile University, Zig Ziglar learning philosophy,continuous learning habits, personal development podcasts, entrepreneurlearning strategies, leadership development, audiobook learning, lifelonglearning mindset, mentorship through books

    14 min
  7. Mar 5

    Episode 10: Boss Yourself Around: The Secret to Self-Leadership Mastery

    What's the difference between a boss and a leader? Before you can lead anyone else, you must master the art ofleading yourself. In this episode, entrepreneur and executive coach David Trent reveals Darren Hardy's powerful BMA (Boss Myself Around) philosophy and why self-accountability is the ultimate competitive advantage.  What You'll Learn:   • Darren Hardy's BMA (BossMyself Around): self-discipline, self-motivation, self-accountability ascompetitive advantage• "The most successful people boss themselves around" - taking fullownership of actions, decisions, and productivity• How to set clear objectives, craft actionable plans, and hold yourselfaccountable without external pressure• Being proactive and conquering procrastination: becoming the architect ofyour own success journey   • The romantic vision vs. harshreality: wearing multiple hats from CEO to janitor (scrubbing toilets beforeclient meetings)• The shocking hidden costs: 8% FICA contribution you match as employer andemployee• "The buck stops here" - the weight of responsibility without theluxury of blame when missing quarterly targets• The trade-offs: loneliness, stress, relentless accountability balanced withautonomy and unlimited upside   • Four-year-old Carter'sdeclaration: "You're not the boss of me!" and David's gentle response• The significance of the nickname "Bossman”   • Balance freedom andresponsibility - keys to thriving as entrepreneur• GSD - Get Stuff Done (stop overthinking, stop procrastinating, execute)• Embrace BMA philosophy for greater success and fulfillment• True bosses are made through self-leadership, not born with authority   Perfect for: Entrepreneursstruggling with self-discipline, professionals transitioning to business ownership, leaders developing self-accountability, and anyone waiting for external motivation instead of creating internal drive.   Episode Length: ~13 minutes   Connect with David Trent: DavidTrent on LinkedIn | trentsuccess.com | Book: "Elevate Others"   Keywords: Darren Hardyprinciples, BMA boss myself around, self-leadership strategies, entrepreneurial self-discipline, hidden costs of business ownership, self-accountability in business, Jim Rohn mentorship, GSD get stuff done, internal motivation, entrepreneurial responsibility   Subscribe to The Trent SuccessShow for weekly episodes on entrepreneurship, leadership, and elevating others.

    15 min
  8. Feb 19

    Episode 9: Breathless Determination: Want Success Like You Want Air

    What if the intensity of your desire determines the inevitability of your success? In this episode, entrepreneur and executive coach David Trent reveals Eric Thomas's profound teaching about breathless determination and why the crucible moments that nearly break you are actually forging your greatest strength.   What You'll Learn:  • Eric Thomas's drowning parable: "When you want success as badly as you want to breathe, you will achieve it"• The 4 a.m. beach meeting that revealed the difference between wanting success and needing it• Why primal hunger transforms ordinary entrepreneurs into unstoppable forces• The critical self-check: Do you want this as badly as you want to breathe? • 1996: Well-thought-out business strategy meeting harsh reality - projections significantly off within months• Resorting to high-interest credit cards to sustain business: "Am I making a huge mistake? Should I cut my losses?"• Doubled down on determination through rigorous prayer and personal development (Jim Rohn, Zig Ziglar, Earl Nightingale)• Year four: first profitable quarter and tears of triumph - the breathless determination paid off   • 7th grade at Central Junior High: small, shy kid targeted by significantly larger bullies• Mother's wisdom during crisis: "You are stronger than you think. Stand tall"• Discovering hidden reserves of strength through adversity that shaped future leadership capacity• Years later: the bully's apology and genuine forgiveness - transforming pain into empathy and power • Everything in life happens FOR me, not TO me - shift from victim to student• True entrepreneurs are survivors because they simply never quit• View your life as a living laboratory - every experience is valuable data• Pain endured isn't in vain when transformed into strength and wisdom   Perfect for: Entrepreneurs in crisis moments, professionals facing overwhelming obstacles, anyone recoveringfrom childhood trauma, and leaders learning to transform adversity into advantage.   Episode Length: ~13 minutes   Connect with David Trent: David Trent LinkedIn trentsuccess.com | Book: "Elevate Others"   Keywords: Eric Thomas breathless determination, entrepreneurial crisis management, business survival strategies, transforming adversity, childhood bullying resilience, overcoming business failure, intense desire for success, everything happens for you, entrepreneurialpersistence, turning pain into power   Subscribe to The Trent Success Show for weekly episodes on entrepreneurship, leadership, and elevating others.

    15 min

About

The TrentSuccess Show explores what it takes to grow not just a business, but a legacy. Hosted by executive coach and entrepreneur David Trent, each episode brings real stories and strategies from successful CEOs, founders, and advisors who are leading with purpose. Discover how to elevate your people, your performance, and your enterprise.