The Hunt for Success

Sam McGough

The Hunt for Success is the premier conversation-driven podcast, delivering executive-level business insights for high-achieving entrepreneurs, founders, and executives who believe that true success must ultimately fund a life intentionally designed—a life of freedom, abundance, and purpose. Hosted by Dr. Sam McGough, the show cuts through generic business advice to provide exclusive access to the minds of top performers who are mastering both the boardroom and the backcountry. This isn't just a business podcast; it’s an intellectual hunting ground blending business authority with lifestyle/outdoor stories, where strategy and passion intersect. Every immersive, campfire-style conversation is a deep dive into the journeys of successful operators and investors who have built wealth and aligned it with how they actually want to live. The show is built on a clear, consistent framework designed to deliver high-impact content and actionable value every week. We establish why the guest is worth hearing by examining their accomplishments, reputation, and the foundational principles, strategic choices, and valuable failures that led to their success. This is where listeners gain elite entrepreneurial insights, learning the repeatable success patterns and mental models that top performers use to create financial leverage without burnout. Dr. Sam McGough, as a systems-builder and healthcare executive, guides the conversation as an engaging storyteller with executive credibility, ensuring the takeaways are strategic and meticulously structured. The Hunt for Success is dedicated to premium outdoor adventure lifestyle content and the role outdoor pursuits—such as high-end hunting, fishing, and adventure experiences—play in discipline, clarity, and leadership. Guests share their captivating stories, revealing how their passion for the outdoors reinforces their mindset, decision-making, and performance in business. The brand’s authentic storytelling comes to life, connecting elite business insights with a sophisticated, relatable lifestyle. The podcast synthesizes how business mastery and lifestyle combine to create a "Designed Living" framework. It provides listeners with practical principles, repeatable habits, and tangible advice they can apply immediately. The goal is to move beyond the feeling of being stuck in "work mode" and provide clarity on how to build sustainable success while still living a high-quality, high-impact life. Dr. Sam McGough is more than a host; he is an entrepreneur, executive, and operator who is actively connected to high-level founder and investor networks. His real-world business experience—as the Founder & CEO of Discovery Medical Center, a leader in national clinic platforms, and the creator of Aestus Mastermind—gives him the credibility and access to engage in natural, high-trust conversations with the most successful people. He embodies the brand's tone: a confident mentor with an adventurous spirit. The Promise: Exclusive Access. Actionable Insights. Adventure-Driven Learning. Hunt for Success is a high-impact content engine, designed to educate, entertain, and inspire. It is the premier media platform where elite entrepreneurs connect, share their journeys, and inspire others, ultimately serving as the connective tissue for a high-value network where excellence in business and lifestyle is the non-negotiable standard. If you are building wealth and designing freedom, and you know that success should fund the life you want to live, then join the hunt. Success is earned. Freedom is designed. Create a life worth hunting for. Listen to The Hunt for Success at https://thehuntforsuccess.com.

  1. 6d ago

    Crafting a Life of Purpose with Hugh Hornsby

    In this episode of the Hunt for Success podcast, Dr. Sam McGough sits down with Hugh Hornsby, trades industry leader, business builder, speaker, and author of the upcoming book Blue Collar Smart. The conversation explores resilience, leadership, business growth, and personal responsibility, shaped by Hugh’s journey through childhood epilepsy, major business setbacks, a stage four cancer diagnosis, and decades of helping companies and individuals unlock their potential. Throughout the discussion, Hugh breaks down how focusing on people, sales systems, mentorship, and personal accountability helped him build and transform businesses. He also shares lessons learned from hunting, family traditions, networking, and surrounding yourself with the right people, while emphasizing the importance of becoming valuable to others and creating opportunities through service and relationships. Key Takeaways [Adversity Builds Strength]: Personal challenges can become the foundation for resilience, perspective, and long-term success. [People Drive Performance]: Great businesses are built by identifying potential, developing talent, and creating opportunities for others to succeed. [Focus Creates Growth]: Applying the 80/20 principle and narrowing your attention to high-impact activities accelerates results. [Relationships Open Doors]: Becoming important to the right people through value, service, and trust creates opportunities that money cannot buy. 00:00 – Podcast Intro and Guest Introduction 01:50 – Childhood Epilepsy and Early Challenges 04:34 – Entering the Trades Industry 05:31 – Learning from Failure and Taking Ownership 10:46 – Building a Fraternity Through Inclusion 16:51 – People-First Leadership Principles 18:22 – Mentorship from the Napoleon Hill Foundation 20:06 – Hunting, Fishing, and Family Traditions 30:22 – Turning Around Struggling Companies 32:02 – The Power of Niche Focus and Be, Do, Have 38:36 – Hunting Bonds and Parenting Lessons 40:19 – Comedy, Cancer, and Healing Through Vulnerability 47:02 – AI, Private Equity, and Industry Changes 52:27 – Why Everything Is Sales 56:38 – Networking and Finding the Right Rooms 01:12:00 – Exit Planning for Trades Businesses 01:17:20 – Sales Systems and Scaling Lessons 01:31:17 – Wealth, Freedom, and Gratitude Thanks for listening, and please share this episode with someone who's building more than a business, someone who's building a life worth living. It helps us grow the show and bring these honest conversations, practical insights, and life design strategies to more founders, operators, and builders pursuing both success and freedom. Have a great day. Dr. Sam McGough "Success should fund a life you actually want, not a self-created prison." CONNECT with Dr. Sam McGough & Explore Hunt for Success Discover conversations with founders, operators, and builders who have earned success and intentionally designed the freedom to enjoy it. Access real stories, practical lessons, and authentic perspectives on leadership, discipline, business growth, systems, and life by design. Join a community of entrepreneurs and leaders committed to building businesses that create opportunity without sacrificing the life they're working for. Join FREE at: HuntforSuccess.com Follow Hunt for Success: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok | YouTube About the Guest Hugh Hornsby is a trades industry leader, business strategist, speaker, and entrepreneur focused on helping companies grow through leadership, sales systems, and people development. They are the author of the upcoming book Blue Collar Smart, which focuses on practical business wisdom, personal responsibility, and creating success through discipline, relationships, and execution. Guest Resources Hugh Hornsby Website: www.thebluecollarsmart.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugh-hornsby-51986b10/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hugh.hornsby

    Crafting a Life of Purpose with Hugh Hornsby
  2. Jul 23

    Gregory DePriest: Pastor to Amazon Logistics Leader

    In this episode of the Hunt for Success podcast, Dr. Sam McGough sits down with Gregory DePriest, entrepreneur, Amazon logistics operator, former pastor, and leadership strategist. The conversation explores personal reinvention, leadership, business growth, and the mindset required to continually evolve, shaped by Gregory’s journey from banking and finance to ministry leadership and eventually building a successful Amazon logistics company employing more than 200 people. Throughout the discussion, Gregory breaks down the importance of knowing when to pivot, creating structure and accountability within organizations, and building success through relationships, strategy, and personal growth. He also shares how hunting, fishing, and outdoor pursuits mirror business by rewarding preparation, patience, discipline, and the pursuit itself rather than just the outcome. Key Takeaways [Reinvention Creates Opportunity]: Recognizing when it is time for a new chapter allows leaders to continue growing and expanding their impact. [Strategy Gives Faith Direction]: Vision alone is not enough, successful outcomes require systems, planning, and execution. [Culture Drives Performance]: Strong teams thrive when expectations, accountability, and rewards are clearly aligned. [Choose Your Circle Carefully]: Growth accelerates when surrounded by people who provide trust, encouragement, and honest feedback. 00:00 – The Impossible to Fail Mindset 01:20 – Gregory’s Early Life and Career Journey 02:19 – From Banking to Pastoral Leadership 03:39 – Fundraising Success and Amazon Logistics Launch 05:54 – Why Reinvention Matters 10:26 – Moving to Austin and Starting Over 14:59 – Dreaming Bigger Than Fear 18:09 – Ignoring Opinions and Building Confidence 21:29 – Performance-Based Leadership 27:01 – Business Lessons Learned Through Hunting 30:28 – Creating Exceptional Experiences 33:44 – Customer Service Lessons from Luxury Brands 37:32 – Building the Right Tribe 40:39 – Trust, Relationships, and Safe Circles 45:50 – Favorite Hunts and Fishing Adventures 49:53 – Bucket List Experiences and Future Plans Thanks for listening, and please share this episode with someone who's building more than a business, someone who's building a life worth living. It helps us grow the show and bring these honest conversations, practical insights, and life design strategies to more founders, operators, and builders pursuing both success and freedom. Have a great day. Dr. Sam McGough "Success should fund a life you actually want, not a self-created prison." CONNECT with Dr. Sam McGough & Explore Hunt for Success Discover conversations with founders, operators, and builders who have earned success and intentionally designed the freedom to enjoy it. Access real stories, practical lessons, and authentic perspectives on leadership, discipline, business growth, systems, and life by design. Join a community of entrepreneurs and leaders committed to building businesses that create opportunity without sacrificing the life they're working for. Join FREE at: HuntforSuccess.com Follow Hunt for Success: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok | YouTube About the Guest Gregory DePriest is an entrepreneur, Amazon logistics operator, leadership mentor, and former pastor with decades of experience leading organizations and teams. They are recognized for successfully transitioning across multiple industries, including banking, ministry, fundraising, and logistics, while building high-performing teams and scalable operations. Their background includes financial services, church leadership, nonprofit fundraising, and last-mile logistics management. They are passionate about helping people embrace growth, develop strong leadership skills, and pursue opportunities without being limited by fear or the opinions of others. Guest Resources Gregory DePriest Website: https://www.sglva.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-depriest-b391aa58

    Gregory DePriest: Pastor to Amazon Logistics Leader
  3. Jul 23

    Hospitality, Real Estate, and Wilderness with Jeramie Worley

    In this episode of the Hunt for Success podcast, Dr. Sam McGough sits down with Jeramie Worley, a real estate investor, hospitality entrepreneur, and co-owner of Lake Longbow. The conversation explores executive recovery, outdoor hospitality, and legacy property development, shaped by Jeramie's experience in short-term rentals, real estate investing, and creating experiences that help leaders disconnect from stress and reconnect with what matters most. Throughout the discussion, Jeramie breaks down the vision behind Lake Longbow, an 80-acre Missouri retreat built around hunting, fishing, land stewardship, and meaningful relationships. He shares lessons from building and operating the property, overcoming development setbacks, creating premium guest experiences, and helping burned-out executives find clarity through time outdoors. Key Takeaways [Nature Creates Clarity]: Stepping away from daily pressures allows leaders to reconnect with purpose, relationships, and long-term vision. [Launch Before Perfect]: Progress comes from taking action quickly, learning from real-world feedback, and improving as you go. [Experiences Build Relationships]: Shared outdoor adventures create trust, vulnerability, and deeper personal connections. [Legacy Requires Stewardship]: Building a meaningful property involves long-term commitment, patience, and care for the land. 00:00 – Podcast Intro and Guest Introduction 01:32 – Jeramie’s Airbnb Investing Journey 03:05 – Why Executives Need Time Outdoors 04:52 – Purchasing and Developing Lake Longbow 11:46 – Touring the Property and Amenities 14:51 – The Luxury Hunting Retreat Experience 18:00 – Campfire Conversations and Vulnerability 24:28 – Ethical Hunting and Respect for Wildlife 28:00 – Business Lessons from Hospitality 33:08 – Outdoor Retreat Concepts and Future Plans 37:18 – Shared Ownership and Expansion Vision 43:47 – The Mission Behind Lake Longbow 51:30 – Why Taking Action Matters 55:07 – The Three Essentials for Success Thanks for listening, and please share this episode with someone who's building more than a business, someone who's building a life worth living. It helps us grow the show and bring these honest conversations, practical insights, and life design strategies to more founders, operators, and builders pursuing both success and freedom. Have a great day. Dr. Sam McGough "Success should fund a life you actually want, not a self-created prison." CONNECT with Dr. Sam McGough & Explore Hunt for Success Discover conversations with founders, operators, and builders who have earned success and intentionally designed the freedom to enjoy it. Access real stories, practical lessons, and authentic perspectives on leadership, discipline, business growth, systems, and life by design. Join a community of entrepreneurs and leaders committed to building businesses that create opportunity without sacrificing the life they're working for. Join FREE at: HuntforSuccess.com Follow Hunt for Success: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok | YouTube About the Guest Jeramie Worley is a real estate investor, hospitality operator, and co-owner of Lake Longbow, a private outdoor retreat focused on executive renewal and outdoor experiences. They are recognized for their early adoption of short-term rental investing and for helping guests create meaningful experiences through hospitality and land stewardship. Their background includes real estate investing, vacation rental operations, outdoor recreation, and retreat development. They are the author of an early Airbnb investing book and continue to focus on helping entrepreneurs and leaders create freedom through strategic real estate and hospitality ventures. Guest Resources Jeramie Worley Website: https://lakelongbow.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeramie-worley/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lakelongbow/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LakeLongbowResort

    Hospitality, Real Estate, and Wilderness with Jeramie Worley
  4. Jul 9

    Mastering Business and Real Estate with Chris Rood

    In this episode of the Hunt for Success, Dr. Sam McGough sits down with Chris Rood, a real estate investor, operator, and former blue-collar business owner. The conversation explores a long-form wealth building philosophy shaped by Chris Rood’s journey from mobile oil change operations to scaling multiple automotive shops, then transitioning into real estate investing, development, and portfolio expansion across mobile home parks, short-term rentals, and land development. Throughout the discussion, Chris breaks down his framework of fast, medium, and slow money, including how disciplined reinvestment, operational experience, and long-term thinking create durable wealth while avoiding over-leverage and short-term traps in real estate education. Thanks for listening, and please share this episode with someone who's building more than a business, someone who's building a life worth living. It helps us grow the show and bring these honest conversations, practical insights, and life design strategies to more founders, operators, and builders pursuing both success and freedom. Have a great day. Dr. Sam McGough "Success should fund a life you actually want, not a self-created prison." CONNECT with Dr. Sam McGough & Explore Hunt for Success Discover conversations with founders, operators, and builders who have earned success and intentionally designed the freedom to enjoy it. Access real stories, practical lessons, and authentic perspectives on leadership, discipline, business growth, systems, and life by design. Join a community of entrepreneurs and leaders committed to building businesses that create opportunity without sacrificing the life they're working for. Join FREE at: HuntforSuccess.com Follow Hunt for Success: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok | YouTube About the Guest Chris Rood is a real estate investor, entrepreneur, and former multi-location automotive business owner. He is recognized for building and scaling multiple operational businesses before transitioning into real estate investing and development. His background includes hands-on experience in service-based trades, business acquisition, and large-scale property investment strategies including mobile home parks and land development. Guest Resources Chris Rood Website: https://chrisrood.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-rood-72a76276/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realestaterood/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrisroodentrepreneur/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisRoodentrepreneur

    Mastering Business and Real Estate with Chris Rood
  5. Jul 2

    Building Wealth and Freedom with Chris Udall

    In this episode of the Hunt for Success podcast, Dr. Sam McGough sits down with Chris Udall, a venture capitalist and ecosystem builder working at the intersection of startups, capital formation, and regional innovation. The conversation explores venture capital, founder development, and innovation ecosystem building, shaped by Chris’ experience creating educational pathways for refugees in Jordan, managing early-stage investment funds in Alabama, and supporting technology transfer initiatives tied to Huntsville’s engineering base. Throughout the discussion, Chris breaks down how venture capital evaluates early-stage, high-risk, scalable startups, including how founder traits like grit, coachability, and adaptability often determine long-term outcomes more than initial ideas. He also connects these principles to hunting, drawing parallels between decision-making under pressure, preparation, resource allocation, and learning through failure. Key Takeaways [Grit Over Ideas]: Startup success is driven more by founder resilience and adaptability than the originality of the initial concept. [Capital as Ecosystem Fuel]: Strategic funds can keep talent and intellectual property local while attracting outside investment. [Pressure Decision-Making]: Both hunting and entrepreneurship require clear thinking under uncertainty and fatigue. [Failure as Feedback]: Burnout, setbacks, and missed opportunities become critical inputs for better future decisions. 00:00 – Podcast Intro and Guest Introduction 00:52 – Understanding Venture Capital in Practice 02:18 – Chris’ Unconventional Career Path 04:52 – Launching Alabama’s Capital Access Fund 08:27 – First Experiences in Hunting 14:05 – Parallels Between Hunting and Entrepreneurship 18:42 – Why Startups Fail Early 23:43 – Lessons from an Elk Hunt 32:03 – What VCs Look for in Founders 36:28 – Risk, Burnout, and Decision Pressure 42:57 – Community, Networking, and Ecosystem Growth 50:16 – International Hunting and Expansion Goals Thanks for listening, and please share this episode with someone who's building more than a business, someone who's building a life worth living. It helps us grow the show and bring these honest conversations, practical insights, and life design strategies to more founders, operators, and builders pursuing both success and freedom. Have a great day. Dr. Sam McGough "Success should fund a life you actually want, not a self-created prison." CONNECT with Dr. Sam McGough & Explore Hunt for Success Discover conversations with founders, operators, and builders who have earned success and intentionally designed the freedom to enjoy it. Access real stories, practical lessons, and authentic perspectives on leadership, discipline, business growth, systems, and life by design. Join a community of entrepreneurs and leaders committed to building businesses that create opportunity without sacrificing the life they're working for. Join FREE at: HuntforSuccess.com Follow Hunt for Success: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok | YouTube About the Guest Chris is a venture capitalist and innovation ecosystem leader focused on early-stage startup growth and regional capital development. They are recognized for building and managing investment initiatives that support high-potential founders and strengthen local innovation pipelines in Alabama. Their background includes experience in education initiatives for refugees, venture funding, and technology transfer programs connected to Huntsville’s engineering ecosystem. They are focused on expanding access to capital and strengthening founder success through structured investment and support systems. Guest Resources Chris Udall Website: https://innovatealabama.org/programs/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-udall

    Building Wealth and Freedom with Chris Udall
  6. Jun 25

    Designing a Life of Adventure with Eric Killen

    In this episode of the Hunt for Success podcast, Dr. Sam McGough welcomes his friend Eric Killen, owner of Killen Outdoor Adventures in Killen, Alabama, to discuss how Eric built an 11-year hunting and fishing travel business while continuing a 26-year corporate sales career. Eric explains his client-first model, where outfitters pay his fee, clients receive vetted options across roughly 48 global locations, and every trip is personally verified by him or his team before anyone is sent. He also breaks down the end-to-end support system that covers airport pickup, outfitter coordination, paperwork, taxidermy, trophy importation, and global delivery through his logistics company, while outsourcing air travel. Throughout the conversation, Eric shares how early bad booking experiences shaped his standards, how he scaled operations by hiring help, and how he designs trips that include post-hunt travel experiences to make them spouse-friendly and more accessible. This episode highlights how disciplined systems, trust-based service, and lifestyle design come together to build both a business and a life built around freedom, and why traits like patience, persistence, and a driven mindset show up in both successful entrepreneurs and hunters. Key Takeaways [Vetting creates trust at scale]: Every location is personally verified before clients are sent, ensuring consistent and reliable experiences. [Service design beats marketing]: Word of mouth and client experience drive growth more than promotion or advertising. [Discipline shows up in both business and hunting]: Patience, persistence, and emotional control directly influence success in the field and in entrepreneurship. [Lifestyle is built, not stumbled into]: Freedom comes from intentional choices around work, time, and long-term priorities. 00:00 – Designing Freedom Life 00:22 – Podcast Welcome Setup 01:17 – Meet Eric Killen 02:35 – From Sales to Outfitting 04:10 – Business Model Client First 08:35 – Luxury Trips Africa Australia 11:16 – Trust Stories Proof 12:52 – Traits of High Performers 16:41 – Scaling Logistics Systems 17:51 – Guns Paperwork Trophies 19:35 – Partners Delivery Service 20:21 – Trophy Wall Negotiations 21:35 – Getting Mary Into Hunting 23:33 – Designing a Travel Life 25:35 – Europe and Spain Hunting 27:02 – Scouting and Client Fit 29:21 – Success Keys No Debt 32:32 – Hunting and Business Traits 34:38 – Field Essentials and Gear 37:09 – Closing and Sign Off About the Guest Eric Killen is a hunting outfitter and entrepreneur who built Killen Outdoor Adventures into a global service business focused on hunting, travel, and logistics. He is recognized for creating a highly vetted, service-first model that prioritizes client experience, safety, and reliability across international destinations. His background includes long-term experience in corporate sales and business development, alongside building a multi-location outdoor adventure company serving clients worldwide. He is the founder of Killen Outdoor Adventures, focused on delivering fully managed hunting and travel experiences from booking through trophy delivery. Guest Resources Eric Killen Website: https://www.killenoutdoor.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/killen_outdoor_adventures/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KillenOutdoorAdventures/

    Designing a Life of Adventure with Eric Killen
  7. Jun 18

    How to Master the Intrapreneur Mindset with Theron Leany

    In this episode of The Hunt for Success, host Sam McGough sits down with Theron Leany, an owner and operator at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air and Electric. Operating across four states, Theron shares his journey from hands-on appliance repair to executing multi-state corporate acquisitions and high-level consulting. The conversation focuses on the "intrapreneur" mindset, transforming company culture by hiring for character over industry experience, and how structural clarity in business emerges naturally when you anchor yourself to your original "Why." Theron also discusses how bow hunting serves as a high-stress decompression tool and a powerful training ground for teaching youth resilience, problem-solving, and patience. Key TakeawaysThe Intrapreneurial Leap: Moving from an employee to an equity partner requires treating the business as your own from day one. Taking "extreme ownership" and intentionally making yourself invaluable creates opportunities where owners are eager to share equity.Anchoring Structure to the "Why": Business chaos and lack of structure usually happen because owners lose sight of their original mission. When you re-focus purely on why you started (e.g., to help employees hit six figures or provide elite service), the tactical steps and organizational blueprint become instantly clear.Hiring Heart Over History: In the trades, poaching experienced workers can often mean inheriting toxic, short-term habits. Pivoting to hire high-character individuals from outside the industry and training them from scratch builds an elite, loyal culture centered on genuine customer care.Actionable Steps vs. "Rah-Rah" Fluff: Real business growth doesn't happen through motivational hype or emotional cheerleading. Long-term scalability requires hyper-specific, repeatable, and tactical steps.Episode Timeline00:00 – Editorial: Staying Tethered to Your Original Business "Why"01:15 – Introducing Theron Laney of Action Plumbing, Heating, Air and Electric02:00 – From Appliance Repair to Inside Sales: Overcoming a Pivot-Point Injury03:10 – The Pay Cut Shortcut: Making Yourself Invaluable to Earn Business Equity05:00 – The Power of the Ask: Why Entrepreneurs Can't Wait Around for Opportunities06:15 – Childhood Foundations: How Raising Chickens and Small Side Hustles Taught Pride of Ownership08:15 – The Myth of Formal Schooling for High-Performance Founders09:20 – Sweat Equity & Iteration: Adapting Operational Identity Every $5 Million11:15 – Reindeer for Christmas: Theron’s Early Introduction to Hunting Traditions12:50 – Bow Hunting as Active Meditation and Unplugging from 4-State Operational Stress14:40 – Hunting New Mexico and Utah: The Differences in Elk and Mule Deer Behavior16:20 – Surviving a 8-Man Team Walkout: Transitioning from Toxic Culture to Care-Driven Scale18:50 – Why the Technicians Who Care the Most Out-Sell the Competition21:00 – Elevating the Industry: The Choice to Consult and Coach Competitors22:15 – Skin in the Game: Why People Only Pay Attention to What They Pay For24:30 – Fleet Presentation: How Clean, Organized Trucks Decompress Techs and Drive Sales26:15 – Changing Family Trees: Moving a Temp-Agency Worker to Multiple Six Figures29:00 – Managing Skyrocketing Inflation and Changing Public Price Expectations31:15 – Building a Whitetail Legacy in Kansas: Passing Problem-Solving and Wilderness Parables to Youth35:00 – Actionable Consulting: Where to Find Theron and Ben Jordan OnlineAbout the GuestTheron Leany is a seasoned intrapreneur, partner, and executive leader at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air and Electric, a dominant home services provider operating across four states. Alongside his business partner Ben Jordan, Theron runs The Action Group, a tactical consulting firm designed to help home service owners build tight operational structures and adapt their leadership systems for major revenue milestones. Connect with the Guest:Website: https://actionplumbing.net/

    How to Master the Intrapreneur Mindset with Theron Leany
  8. Jun 11

    How to Effectively Mitigate Business Risk with Mark Baker

    In this episode of The Hunt for Success, host Sam McGough connects with Mark Baker, President and Owner of ACRE Development Corporation. Recording from Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada, Mark shares his transition from a second-generation operator in the high-volume retail gasoline and convenience sector to a successful commercial real estate land developer. The conversation focuses on the strategic shift from daily business operations to the long-term, high-stakes process of ground-up commercial development, drawing parallels between the deep preparation required for real estate and the patience of the outdoor lifestyle. Key TakeawaysQuantifying and Mitigating Risk: True entrepreneurs aren't recklessly risk-tolerant; instead, they immerse themselves in their niche, utilizing knowledge and experience to reduce vague risks to a highly finite, quantified number.The Power of Execution over Capital: Success in real estate development relies on three factors: capital, knowledge, and the ability to execute. If a developer possesses the knowledge and execution strategy, the necessary capital can always be sourced from outside investors.The "Hunt" of Development: There is a distinct psychological difference between business operation and business development. While daily operations can invite complacency, the complex 18-to-24-month horizon of land development—securing tenants, analyzing traffic patterns, and legal forecasting—mirrors the thrill and patience of a long-term hunt.The Future of the Trades: Despite the rise of AI data collection in market analysis, human intuition, local physical site assessment, and hands-on skilled trades (like plumbing and HVAC) remain fully insulated from automation. Episode Timeline00:00 – Defining and Quantifying Risk in Commercial Real Estate01:10 – Meet Mark Baker: President of ACRE Development Corporation02:00 – Legacy in the Gas Station Business: Rebuilding from the Ground Up03:15 – The Pivot to Land Development and Second-Gen Commercial Real Estate04:10 – Identifying Market Criteria and International Brand Partnerships05:40 – Tax Incentives: Comparing the US IRS Code to Canadian Structures06:50 – Mitigating Risk by Staying in Your Lane and Avoiding "Flipping"08:15 – The Three Pillars of Real Estate: Capital, Knowledge, and Execution09:40 – An Overview of Prince Edward Island’s World-Class Bluefin Tuna & Shellfish Fisheries11:20 – The Parallel Between the Prep-Work of Development and the Outdoor Hunt13:40 – Navigating the Complexities of 100-Page Commercial Leases15:00 – Scalability Decisions: When to Expand Operations vs. When to Exit and Pivot16:45 – Time Management Benefits: Shifting from High-Volume Staffing to Lean Operations18:15 – The Longevity and Bright Future of Hands-On Blue-Collar Trades19:30 – AI in Real Estate: Accelerating Data Analytics vs. Irreplaceable Physical Site Intuition21:30 – Local Angling: The Emergence of Striped Bass and Atlantic Salmon on PEIAbout the GuestMark Baker is a Canadian entrepreneur and the President and Owner of ACRE Development Corporation based in Prince Edward Island. After a successful decade running and leasing a high-volume regional retail gasoline operation and coffee franchise, Mark transitioned his focus entirely to commercial land development, securing premium locations for national and international corporate brands. Connect with the Show: For more episodes, resources, and insights on building wealth and designing freedom, visit thehuntforsuccess.com.

    How to Effectively Mitigate Business Risk with Mark Baker

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The Hunt for Success is the premier conversation-driven podcast, delivering executive-level business insights for high-achieving entrepreneurs, founders, and executives who believe that true success must ultimately fund a life intentionally designed—a life of freedom, abundance, and purpose. Hosted by Dr. Sam McGough, the show cuts through generic business advice to provide exclusive access to the minds of top performers who are mastering both the boardroom and the backcountry. This isn't just a business podcast; it’s an intellectual hunting ground blending business authority with lifestyle/outdoor stories, where strategy and passion intersect. Every immersive, campfire-style conversation is a deep dive into the journeys of successful operators and investors who have built wealth and aligned it with how they actually want to live. The show is built on a clear, consistent framework designed to deliver high-impact content and actionable value every week. We establish why the guest is worth hearing by examining their accomplishments, reputation, and the foundational principles, strategic choices, and valuable failures that led to their success. This is where listeners gain elite entrepreneurial insights, learning the repeatable success patterns and mental models that top performers use to create financial leverage without burnout. Dr. Sam McGough, as a systems-builder and healthcare executive, guides the conversation as an engaging storyteller with executive credibility, ensuring the takeaways are strategic and meticulously structured. The Hunt for Success is dedicated to premium outdoor adventure lifestyle content and the role outdoor pursuits—such as high-end hunting, fishing, and adventure experiences—play in discipline, clarity, and leadership. Guests share their captivating stories, revealing how their passion for the outdoors reinforces their mindset, decision-making, and performance in business. The brand’s authentic storytelling comes to life, connecting elite business insights with a sophisticated, relatable lifestyle. The podcast synthesizes how business mastery and lifestyle combine to create a "Designed Living" framework. It provides listeners with practical principles, repeatable habits, and tangible advice they can apply immediately. The goal is to move beyond the feeling of being stuck in "work mode" and provide clarity on how to build sustainable success while still living a high-quality, high-impact life. Dr. Sam McGough is more than a host; he is an entrepreneur, executive, and operator who is actively connected to high-level founder and investor networks. His real-world business experience—as the Founder & CEO of Discovery Medical Center, a leader in national clinic platforms, and the creator of Aestus Mastermind—gives him the credibility and access to engage in natural, high-trust conversations with the most successful people. He embodies the brand's tone: a confident mentor with an adventurous spirit. The Promise: Exclusive Access. Actionable Insights. Adventure-Driven Learning. Hunt for Success is a high-impact content engine, designed to educate, entertain, and inspire. It is the premier media platform where elite entrepreneurs connect, share their journeys, and inspire others, ultimately serving as the connective tissue for a high-value network where excellence in business and lifestyle is the non-negotiable standard. If you are building wealth and designing freedom, and you know that success should fund the life you want to live, then join the hunt. Success is earned. Freedom is designed. Create a life worth hunting for. Listen to The Hunt for Success at https://thehuntforsuccess.com.