The Founders Hustle

Judy Swafford
  • 5.0 (2)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

The Founders Hustle shares real stories of entrepreneurship, business growth, and personal success. Each episode features small business owners and founders reflecting on their biggest wins, toughest challenges, and the lessons they’ve learned on the road to building something meaningful. Because every business has a backstory… and we’re here to tell it.  Watch the full video episode on YouTube: @FoundersHustleJoin our email community and never miss a show: https://thefoundershustle.com

  1. 5D AGO

    He Beat a Big Competitor With One Simple Edge: Caring More (Dave Gulas)

    Dave Gulas went from pharma sales to co-founding EZDC 3PL—and he did it by leaning into one underrated advantage most founders forget: caring more than the big guys. In this episode, Dave breaks down why there’s never been a better time to be a small business, how he’s won clients away from legacy competitors who got complacent, and what “high-touch customer service” actually looks like when your team is an extension of your customer’s business. We also get real about the internal battle: Dave’s #1 thing holding entrepreneurs back isn’t money, strategy, or timing — it’s self-doubt… and the fear of what other people will think. In this conversation: - What a 3PL is (and when it’s time to outsource fulfillment) - The bold first steps Dave took to launch in a new industry - The “wrong client” lesson that forced the business to level up - Why content (LinkedIn + podcasting) became a growth engine - Dave’s simple philosophy: “If you care, you win.” Connect with Dave: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davegulas/ Website: https://ezdc3pl.com/ Podcast: Beyond Fulfillment https://beyondfulfillmentpodcast.com/ Connect with your host, Judy Swafford - https://www.linkedin.com/in/judyswafford/ Interested in being a guest on the show? We'd love to here from you: https://thefoundershustle.com/contact #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #Leadership #Logistics #CustomerService #PersonalBrand #FoundersHustle Support the show If you’d like to toss a one-time “thank you” or grab a GRIT Happens sticker, you can do that by clicking the "Support The Show" link above or visit: https://buymeacoffee.com/thefoundershustle Watch & Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFoundersHustle Listen & Join our email community: https://www.thefoundershustle.com Connect with the host, Judy Swafford, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judyswafford Get on the podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3fwb7bny

    28 min

  2. FEB 2

    Unstoppable Together: Beth Fisher on Support, Confidence, and Building Stronger Teams

    Order Beth's Book: Selection Process  https://tinyurl.com/5e4h522c What happens when you stop trying to do it all alone—and start building the kind of support system that actually makes you stronger? In this episode of The Founders Hustle, Judy Swafford sits down with Beth Fisher for a powerful conversation about confidence, leadership, and the real impact of lifting others up. Beth shares the mindset shifts that help leaders build stronger teams, create healthier work relationships, and show up with more clarity—especially during seasons when life and business feel heavy. If you’re a founder, manager, or small business owner trying to lead well without burning out, this one will hit home. In this conversation, you’ll learn: - How encouragement becomes a leadership advantage - Why community accelerates growth (and isolation slows it down) - Practical ways to build trust, confidence, and stronger teams - How to stop shrinking and start leading with intention Beth said it best: “When we lift each other up, we are unstoppable.” If this resonates, like, subscribe, and drop a comment: Who’s been unstoppable support for you—and how do you pay it forward? Connect with Beth Fisher at https://www.bethfisher.com/ #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #TeamBuilding #SmallBusiness #FoundersHustle Support the show If you’d like to toss a one-time “thank you” or grab a GRIT Happens sticker, you can do that by clicking the "Support The Show" link above or visit: https://buymeacoffee.com/thefoundershustle Watch & Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFoundersHustle Listen & Join our email community: https://www.thefoundershustle.com Connect with the host, Judy Swafford, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judyswafford Get on the podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3fwb7bny

    38 min

  3. JAN 26

    The Delegation Mistake That Nearly Broke His Business (And What Fixed It)

    A lot of founders don’t fail because they’re not good at what they do… they fail because they try to do everything. In this episode, Paul Wirth (Custom Wirth) shares the biggest early mistake he made: taking on too much work and delaying delegation—plus how SOPs, training, and trusting a team helped him build a stronger, more scalable company. Along the way, we get the real backstory: leaving a high-demand IT job to prioritize family and building a business through referrals. Key moments: Starting without business experience“Trading time for money” and hitting the ceilingSOPs + training as the unlockAI: speed vs creativity vs relationshipLeadership: trust your gut + trust your teamSupport the show If you’d like to toss a one-time “thank you” or grab a GRIT Happens sticker, you can do that by clicking the "Support The Show" link above or visit: https://buymeacoffee.com/thefoundershustle Watch & Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFoundersHustle Listen & Join our email community: https://www.thefoundershustle.com Connect with the host, Judy Swafford, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judyswafford Get on the podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3fwb7bny

    21 min

  4. JAN 19

    How to Sell Your Business (Without Leaving Money on the Table) | Exit Strategy Deep Dive

    Most business owners wait until they’re ready to be done and that’s usually when they realize their business isn’t actually sellable. In this deep divem conversation, Judy sits down with Brad Scoffin (Advanced Business Brokers) to break down what it really takes to prepare for a successful business exit, whether you plan to sell to a buyer, transition to family, or hand it off to employees. We talk about the biggest value killers (like being owner-dependent), what buyers are looking for today, why only 20–30% of listed businesses actually sell, and the simple framework Brad says every owner should focus on: People, Process, Profit. If you’re thinking “I’ll sell in a few years,” this episode is your runway. Support the show If you’d like to toss a one-time “thank you” or grab a GRIT Happens sticker, you can do that by clicking the "Support The Show" link above or visit: https://buymeacoffee.com/thefoundershustle Watch & Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFoundersHustle Listen & Join our email community: https://www.thefoundershustle.com Connect with the host, Judy Swafford, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judyswafford Get on the podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3fwb7bny

    52 min

  5. JAN 12

    Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable The EOS Playbook for Entrepreneurial Growth

    Growth doesn’t feel good while it’s happening...and that’s the point. In this episode we talk with Michele Mollard, an EOS Implementer, about how to keep moving when growth feels uncomfortable, uncertain, and messy. They unpack the mindset traps that stall founders (from “getting ready to get ready” to imposter syndrome/head trash) and how EOS creates traction through clarity, accountability, and execution, so you can scale without losing your mind. Support the show If you’d like to toss a one-time “thank you” or grab a GRIT Happens sticker, you can do that by clicking the "Support The Show" link above or visit: https://buymeacoffee.com/thefoundershustle Watch & Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFoundersHustle Listen & Join our email community: https://www.thefoundershustle.com Connect with the host, Judy Swafford, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judyswafford Get on the podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3fwb7bny

    28 min
  6. The 20-Year Journey From Basement Studio to Full-Service Digital Agency | Kzoom

    JAN 5

    The 20-Year Journey From Basement Studio to Full-Service Digital Agency | Kzoom

    In this episode of The Founders Hustle, Judy Swafford sits down with Dan Martin, founder and CEO of KZoom, a full-service digital marketing agency that started in a basement with no camera and has grown into a 15-person creative powerhouse serving brands across the nation. Dan opens up about his unexpected firing at 23, how that moment pushed him to start his own company, and what it really takes to survive — and thrive — in business for over 20 years. From burning DVDs in 2003 to managing SEO-driven campaigns in 2025, Dan shares the highs, lows, and lessons of entrepreneurship, creativity, and grit. You’ll learn how KZoom transitioned from video production to full-service marketing, how to stay financially disciplined through uncertainty, and why long-term vision always beats short-term hype. If you’ve ever felt stuck, scared, or ready to quit — this episode will remind you why the long game wins. Connect with Dan: https://kzoom.com Support the show If you’d like to toss a one-time “thank you” or grab a GRIT Happens sticker, you can do that by clicking the "Support The Show" link above or visit: https://buymeacoffee.com/thefoundershustle Watch & Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFoundersHustle Listen & Join our email community: https://www.thefoundershustle.com Connect with the host, Judy Swafford, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judyswafford Get on the podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3fwb7bny

    45 min
  7. This Business Broker Helps Founders Sell Their Business The Smart Way | The Founders Hustle

    12/29/2025

    This Business Broker Helps Founders Sell Their Business The Smart Way | The Founders Hustle

    In this episode of The Founders Hustle, Judy Swafford sits down with Brad Scoffin, co-founder of Advanced Business Brokers — better known as “Bowtie Brad.” Brad helps entrepreneurs buy and sell companies the right way: with heart, foresight, and purpose. From selling Jolly Ranchers in middle school to helping founders retire on their own terms, Brad shares what he’s learned about building wealth that lasts — not just in dollars, but in memories. He opens up about faith, flexibility, and fulfillment; why most founders wait too long to plan their exit; and how the younger generation is changing the way business transitions happen. Brad’s wisdom hits home for every entrepreneur: don’t chase the money, chase the moments. Connect with Brad: https://BowtieBrad.com Support the show If you’d like to toss a one-time “thank you” or grab a GRIT Happens sticker, you can do that by clicking the "Support The Show" link above or visit: https://buymeacoffee.com/thefoundershustle Watch & Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFoundersHustle Listen & Join our email community: https://www.thefoundershustle.com Connect with the host, Judy Swafford, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judyswafford Get on the podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3fwb7bny

    34 min
  8. Why Authenticity Is The Secret to Speaking With Confidence with Melanie Spring | The Founders Hustle

    12/22/2025

    Why Authenticity Is The Secret to Speaking With Confidence with Melanie Spring | The Founders Hustle

    In this episode of The Founders Hustle, Judy Swafford sits down with Melanie Spring, brand strategist, international speaker, and creator of Speak With Confidence, to talk about what it really means to embody your true self as a leader, speaker, and entrepreneur. Melanie shares her journey from running a branding agency to becoming a sought-after speaker and “brand muse” for high achievers. She opens up about overcoming the fear of public speaking, how to align who you are on the inside with how you show up in business and life, and why authentic embodiment is the missing piece for most leaders. From discovering your superpower to stepping fully into your next chapter, this conversation is packed with inspiration and hard-earned truth. If you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome, speaking anxiety, or losing yourself in your business, this episode will help you slow down, reconnect with your purpose, and learn how to show up confidently as the real you. Connect with Melanie: https://melaniespring.com Support the show If you’d like to toss a one-time “thank you” or grab a GRIT Happens sticker, you can do that by clicking the "Support The Show" link above or visit: https://buymeacoffee.com/thefoundershustle Watch & Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFoundersHustle Listen & Join our email community: https://www.thefoundershustle.com Connect with the host, Judy Swafford, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judyswafford Get on the podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3fwb7bny

    37 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Founders Hustle shares real stories of entrepreneurship, business growth, and personal success. Each episode features small business owners and founders reflecting on their biggest wins, toughest challenges, and the lessons they’ve learned on the road to building something meaningful. Because every business has a backstory… and we’re here to tell it.  Watch the full video episode on YouTube: @FoundersHustleJoin our email community and never miss a show: https://thefoundershustle.com

Information

  • Creator
    Judy Swafford
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Founders Hustle
  • Show Website
    The Founders Hustle