Killer Growth

KillerGrowth
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The KillerGrowth Podcast is where founder Samuel McVay has real conversations with business owners, entrepreneurs, and creators about what it truly takes to grow. Each episode uncovers one practical insight to move a business forward while digging into the struggles behind the scenes—finding traction, navigating uncertainty, and adapting in a changing world. Genuine stories, honest lessons, and relatable perspectives for anyone building something that matters.

  1. APR 2

    From Hand-Drawn Cards to 10,000 Sold: Building Dueling Llamas with Stephanie Boswell | Ep 41

    In Episode 41, Samuel sits down with Stephanie Boswell — the creative mind behind Dueling Llamas, the card game that started with cardstock, hand-drawn llamas, and a lot of encouragement from her husband Brian.Stephanie's story doesn't start with entrepreneurship. It starts with writing stories as a kid, falling in love with sewing in high school, designing and producing a full fashion line for a college runway show, and then stepping back from all of it to raise a family. When COVID hit and the world slowed down, an idea showed up — fast. She typed out everything she was thinking, sketched the characters, cut the cards by hand, and started playing with her family. What she built in those early sessions became the foundation of a real product.She walks through the whole journey: why llamas (their pet llama Mike was a protector of their backyard herd and a surprisingly intimidating animal), how her brother became the game's illustrator with almost no creative guardrails, what it felt like to hold a physical box for the first time after years of iteration, and why the hardest part of the process wasn't design or manufacturing — it was believing other people would actually love what she made.The conversation covers the balance between luck and strategy that makes a game genuinely fun, what she learned from debuting at Toy Fair in New York City alongside Mattel and Melissa & Doug, how Dueling Llamas has quietly found its way into coffee shops, assisted living communities, and family game nights all over the country — with over 10,000 units sold including the expansion pack — and where she wants to take it next.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

    51 min

  2. APR 2

    Why Your Health Insurance Is Broken by Design: Direct Primary Care with Brandon Alleman | Ep 40

    In Episode 40, Samuel sits down with Dr. Brandon Alleman, co-founder of Antioch Med (Antioch Direct Primary Care) in Wichita — a practice built from scratch with $30,000, no debt, and a conviction that the current healthcare system isn't broken, it's just optimized for the wrong people.Brandon's path to medicine was anything but linear. Math and physics degrees in three years, a Fulbright Scholarship in Eastern Europe, an MD-PhD program at Iowa, and a deliberate choice to enter family medicine — nearly unheard of from that track. He and co-founder Dr. Nick Thompson opened Antioch straight out of residency because they wanted their incentives aligned with their patients, not with insurance billing codes.The conversation gets into what Direct Primary Care actually is and how it differs from concierge medicine, why the traditional fee-for-service model leads to 8-minute appointments and physician burnout, and how a membership-based model at $39–$70 a month can provide labs, medications, same-day visits, after-hours access, and even creatine — all at a fraction of what the standard system charges. Brandon walks through the business model, why growth is a two-sided market matching patients to physicians, and how Antioch has scaled to serve individuals, families, and about 70 businesses in the Wichita area.The deeper thread running through the episode is how the system got this way — why insurance premiums are structurally incentivized to go up, why the ACA's medical loss ratio accidentally made costs worse, why employers are unknowingly proxy-buying healthcare without any idea what they're actually spending it on, and what CFOs and HR leaders could change tomorrow if they wanted to. Brandon's take isn't that there are villains — it's that the rules of the game are bad, and DPC is a small but real attempt to play a different one.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

    59 min

  3. MAR 31

    Owner Independence: Systems, Acquisitions, and Breaking the Revenue Plateau with Tim Jordan | Ep 39

    In Episode 39, Samuel sits down with Tim Jordan, founder of Service Catalyst and a serial entrepreneur who built and exited five companies before his 30s. Tim's journey started at 21 with an SBA loan and a business he found on BizBuySell — and it never really slowed down from there.Tim shares the moment that changed everything: standing frozen in a flower shop on February 13th, 2013, with 300 Valentine's Day deliveries, 300 water-soluble order tickets, and zero systems. That night cost him until 3am. February 15th is when he started building the kind of infrastructure that would eventually let him run businesses without running himself into the ground.He talks through the difference between buying a business and starting one — why acquisition dramatically reduces risk, why there's an enormous opportunity right now with boomers walking away from profitable businesses, and why "growth by acquisition" in an existing market is one of the most underutilized plays for service businesses. He also gets into the story behind Service Catalyst: a chance meeting with a guy named Mike at a hole-in-the-wall brewery, a list of questions, and a year of monthly beers that turned into a peer mentorship community built for the $70/month price point — no upsells, no paywalls.The conversation goes deep on the real bottleneck between $300K and $1M, why spending more on marketing when leads aren't converting is a margin killer, how to think about P&L as percentages instead of raw numbers, and what owner independence actually takes to build — not coaching, not consulting, but systems, culture, and trust.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

    1 hr

  4. MAR 31

    From the Factory Floor to a $30M Empire: Business Network and Ethics with Mark Sabbagh | Ep 38

    In Episode 38, Samuel McVay, co-founder of KillerGrowth, sits down with Mark Sabbagh — serial entrepreneur, founder of Diamond Trading Group, and co-founder of Diamond Appliance Group. Mark grew up on the factory floor of his father's Brooklyn manufacturing business, hustled through the insurance industry in his early 20s, and pivoted his way into building a $30M sourcing and trading operation from a desk and a phone. Today he's building a diversified holding company across trading, appliances, tech investments, and a UK affiliate business.Mark's path wasn't linear. He squeaked through high school, lost his mother at 22, got fired on his last day at a brokerage, and turned every setback into momentum. He sold 100+ life insurance policies a year door-to-door as a 20-year-old, joined and split a family electronics business, then used the chaos of COVID to launch Diamond Trading Group in October 2020. Six years later, DTG has done $30M in sales. His appliance business hit $6M in under two years. The thread running through all of it: relentless networking and an obsession with doing business the right way.• Why network is currency — and how LinkedIn has been the source of 8-figure deal opportunities• The sourcing stack at DTG: manufacturers (5-10%), distributors (40-50%), wholesalers/brokers (the rest)• Why they stopped holding inventory — and why drop shipping keeps them fast• How to identify stolen product, and why Mark has walked away from 5-figure profits to protect customers• The appliance industry roll-up opportunity — and the real challenges in multiples, inventory, and legacy systems• What the AI opportunity looks like in blue-collar service industries (and where Mark got the pitch wrong before getting it right)Mark talks about building a Warren Buffett-style holding company — owning great businesses without operating them. He reflects on how reading changed his trajectory (Blackstone's What It Takes, Good to Great, Think and Grow Rich, 0 to 1, Psychology of Money), how fitness fuels his business performance, and why instant gratification is the biggest threat to the next generation of operators. His closing message: do the right thing, not because it comes back around — but because someone's kids might be eating off that deal.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

    1h 5m

  5. MAR 26

    Stewarding Wealth, Not Chasing It with Mike Proctor | Ep 37

    In Episode 37 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel sits down with Mike Proctor, founder of StewardRight, to unpack a deeper, more intentional approach to money, investing, and what it actually means to build wealth. From starting his career during the 2008 financial crisis to navigating an identity shift that led him to launch his own advisory firm, Mike shares the real story behind building a values-driven financial practice—and why most people misunderstand their relationship with money. This conversation goes far beyond surface-level investing and dives into: Why money is a tool—not something you ownThe concept of stewardship vs. accumulationHow personal beliefs and experiences shape financial decisionsWhy most advisors settle for “average”—and why that’s a problemRisk, time horizons, and the reality of 30-year retirementsThe role of AI in financial advising and investment strategyHow to think about wealth in a rapidly changing economic futureMike also shares lessons from seasons of financial hardship, including navigating six figures of medical expenses early in his career—and how that shaped his perspective on risk, faith, and long-term planning. If you’ve ever questioned how to balance enjoying money today while planning for the future, this episode offers a grounded, thoughtful framework for thinking about wealth differently. Learn more at https://killergrowth.com __________________________________________ This discussion is provided foreducational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, or an offer to buy or sell any security.Any references to investment philosophy, risk management, market behavior, or active management reflectgeneral principles and firm-level perspectives, not guarantees of performance or outcomes. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and investment results vary based on market conditions, client circumstances, and individual objectives.References to expectations, standards, or client experiences are subjective observations and should not be interpreted as promises, guarantees, endorsements, or assurances of future results. No specific investment strategy or approach is suitable for all investors.Leading Edge Financial Planning, LLC (LEFP), doing business as StewardRight, is a Registered Investment Adviser registered in the State of Kansas and the State of Colorado and is registered or exempt from registration in other jurisdictions where conducting business. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.Firm disclosures, including Form ADV, are available upon request or on the firm’s website at www.stewardright.com.Listeners should consult with a qualified financial professional before making any financial decisions.For questions or concerns, please contact Michael Proctor, Chief Compliance Officer, at 316.768.7526 or mike@stewardright.com.

    1 hr

  6. MAR 17

    200 Rescued Reptiles & a Second Chance at Life with D. Kellogg | Ep 36

    In Episode 36 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel sits down with D. Kellogg, founder of D’s Spot, for one of the most unique—and wild—episodes yet. Joined by multiple reptile guests (including a 14-foot Burmese python), this conversation is equal parts business, mission, and unforgettable experience.After a 35-year career as a truck driver, D’s life took a dramatic turn following a heart attack and multiple surgeries. What started as a personal interest in reptiles evolved into something much bigger: a nonprofit exotic reptile rescue focused on education, rehabilitation, and giving these animals a second chance.In this episode, Samuel and D dive into:Building a nonprofit from scratch (and the reality of getting a 501(c)(3))The difference between rescuing vs. breeding animals—and why D chose one What it takes to care for 200+ reptilesThe economics behind feeding and housing exotic animalsHow D’s Spot is creating hands-on educational experiences for kidsPlans to build a full reptile facility, event space, and community attractionD also shares incredible stories—from rescuing animals across multiple states to transforming neglected reptiles back to health—and explains why his mission isn’t about profit, but impact.This episode is a powerful reminder that sometimes the most meaningful businesses are built out of adversity, passion, and a willingness to serve something bigger than yourself. Hear more at https://killergrowthh.com/podcast

    1h 5m

  7. MAR 17

    40 Years in Pest Control: Building A Service Business with Dave Shaw | Ep 35

    In Episode 35 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel sits down with Dave Shaw, owner of Shaw’s Pest Control, for a conversation that blends blue-collar grit, long-term discipline, and what it really takes to build a business the right way.Dave shares his journey from an 18-year-old answering a newspaper ad to spending 30 years mastering his craft before taking a leap of faith to start his own company. What followed was a complete reset—no customers, a strict non-compete, and the challenge of building a brand from scratch after decades in the industry.The conversation dives into: Why Dave walked away from a 30-year career to start overThe risk of entrepreneurship later in lifeBuilding a service business through reputation and referralsThe importance of customer cooperation in problem-solvingWhy attention to detail is a competitive advantageGrowing from 0 to 1,100+ recurring customersThe difference between doing a job and owning a businessDave also breaks down the realities of pest control—from termites and treatment methods to common DIY mistakes—and shares lessons learned from 40 years in the field.This episode is a masterclass in consistency, humility, and building something that lasts—one customer at a time. Hear more at https://killergrowth.com/podcast

    1h 6m

  8. MAR 9

    Time Is the Real Product: Business Coaching & Systems with Dan Kreis | Ep 34

    In Episode 34 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel sits down with Dan Kreis, founder of Circle Consulting, for a deep conversation about business ownership, systems thinking, and the difference between owning a job and owning a company. Dan shares his unconventional journey—from dropping out of college and becoming an aircraft mechanic to building and eventually selling a ServiceMaster franchise with 30 employees. Along the way he discovered a simple but powerful truth: most entrepreneurs don’t build businesses… they build jobs with demanding bosses—and that boss is themselves. The conversation explores: - Why most business owners accidentally trap themselves in operations - The difference between consulting and coaching - How asking the right questions can uncover deeper business problems - Why systems and processes are the only way to buy back your time - The “owner outside the box” concept for structuring a real company - Why time is the real product every business sells Dan also explains how his coaching model helps entrepreneurs step out of the day-to-day grind and start building businesses that can operate without them. Through his groups and one-on-one coaching, he focuses on helping owners move from reactionary problem solving to intentional business design. This episode is a thoughtful dive into leadership, identity, and the hard questions every entrepreneur eventually has to face. See more at https://killergrowth.com

    1h 19m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The KillerGrowth Podcast is where founder Samuel McVay has real conversations with business owners, entrepreneurs, and creators about what it truly takes to grow. Each episode uncovers one practical insight to move a business forward while digging into the struggles behind the scenes—finding traction, navigating uncertainty, and adapting in a changing world. Genuine stories, honest lessons, and relatable perspectives for anyone building something that matters.

Information

  • Creator
    KillerGrowth
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © KillerGrowth
  • Show Website
    Killer Growth