Exceptional Companies Podcast

What if the secret to closing more deals isn’t about selling harder—but listening better?

What if your brand has nothing to do with your logo, and everything to do with how people feel when they meet you?

In this episode, I sat down with H.B. Pasley—a musician turned business advisor—to talk about authentic connection, trust, and why the best business strategy might just start with a conversation that isn’t about business at all.

What if the culture inside your company is working against you—and you don’t even know it?

Heather Smith thought she’d made it in corporate leadership, until she realized success without impact felt hollow. In this episode, we talk about the truth behind company culture: why values on a wall mean nothing, how systems shape behavior, and what happens when you look behind you as a leader… and no one’s following.

What does it take to build something that lasts 120 years—and still feels worth coming back to? What if the key to generational success isn’t control, but letting go? In this episode, Jen Livsey shares how her family built a ranching legacy across five generations, why she believes in raising kids “worthy of empire,” and how faith, failure, and family shape her leadership. If you’re building a business meant to outlive you… this one’s for you.

What if the key to scaling your business isn’t more hours… but more energy?

Most entrepreneurs sprint like they’re in mile one of a marathon—until burnout catches them. In my latest conversation with Alan Briggs, we explored why the real currency of leadership is energy, not time, and how tools like the “to-don’t list,” sabbaticals, and scorecards at home can transform the way you lead.

So here’s the question: if you had the courage to rest, what might actually grow?

What if buying a business isn’t the shortcut you think it is? In this episode, I sat down with Will Fry of Main Shares to ask the hard questions: Who shouldn’t buy a business? Why do so many “dream deals” turn into five-year holes? And what does it really take to succeed on Main Street when the hype says it’s easy? We go deep on capital, culture fit, and the one thing you must know before signing a personal guarantee. Would you still chase acquisition if you knew the truth?

What does it take to turn a hobby into an arena packed with 7,500 fans? How do you balance family when you’re on the road announcing 25 rodeos a year? And why does serving people—before profit—end up being the most powerful growth strategy of all? In this week’s episode, I sat down with my friend Jay Dial to uncover the story behind Triple J Rodeo, the lessons he learned from bull riding to business building, and the hard truths about community, sponsorship, and success.

What if the most meaningful thing you ever built wasn’t your business… but your neighbor’s yard?

In this conversation with Jake Smith, we go from rabbits in 4H to closing mineral deals by private plane, to launching River Tree Resources, to a spur-of-the-moment decision that turned mowing one stranger’s lawn into a nonprofit serving dozens of families.

How do you integrate faith, business, and service so you’re the same person everywhere you go? And could the bias to act—today, not “someday”—be the real secret to building both wealth and legacy?

What if your business wasn’t really yours—but something you were only stewarding?

That’s how Mike Casimiro runs Casco. He prays over every project, holds up a hat with “Legacy” stitched across the front, and defines success by the relationships that last long after the concrete sets.

But here’s the question that stuck with me: Would you hire ahead of growth and risk letting people go… or wait until your team is stretched and risk missing opportunity?

What if the limits you think you have aren’t real—but just the edges of your untapped capacity? What if business wasn’t only about profit, but about leaving your city cleaner than you found it? In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Perkett, founder of COS Hauling, to explore how a former pastor turned junk removal into a mission for impact, integrity, and culture built on accountability. Could stretching your own capacity be the key to building both a business and a life that truly lasts?

What if letting someone go was the kindest thing you could do for them?

In my latest conversation with Trent Urban, CEO of WireNut Home Services, we unpack what real leadership looks like: the courage to have hard conversations, the discipline to step out of the trades and into vision, and why culture without accountability always fails.

Would you fire someone if you knew it might actually change their life for the better?

What if the biggest red flag in investing isn’t the numbers—but the silence that follows them?

When Pat Zingarella left his W-2 job to chase something bigger, he didn’t expect a car accident, a fraud scandal, and a total reset. But what came next turned into a mission: to make the private investing world safer—one brutally honest review at a time.

What he built is changing how LPs vet GPs.

But the real story? It's about mindset, trust, and the kind of clarity that only comes through fire.

What if the thing holding your family back... is the system you haven’t built yet? Christi Van Rite didn’t mean to become the go-to advisor for high-net-worth families—but when no one else could step up, she did. From a crisis call about payroll to helping families transition across generations, Christi has seen what works—and what breaks. What if legacy wasn’t about wealth, but structure? What would change if your values—not your assets—led the way?

What if your biggest leadership breakthrough didn’t come from pain—but from peace? What if culture, not credentials, was the real key to scaling a construction company? Kyle Cockram grew up with a hammer in his hand and voices telling him not to follow in their footsteps. Today, he leads one of Colorado’s fastest-growing remodeling teams—and he’s doing it differently. What does it look like to build a business where people come first, even in the trades? This conversation changed how I think about leadership. It might do the same for you.

What if one chaotic weekend could launch your entire career? What if the future of your city’s business scene depended on you showing up?

Marcus Alvarado went from organizing a tiny event that exploded into 40,000 attendees… to building one of the most influential business podcasts in Colorado. But his real mission? Creating a city where entrepreneurs don’t just survive—they collide, connect, and thrive.

So what does it actually take to build a thriving ecosystem—and are you part of it yet?

What if AI isn’t here to replace you, but to make you more human?

In this episode, I sit down with Rob Thompson, a systems thinker and digital community builder, to unpack how AI can shrink decision-making cycles, free up your time, and amplify what makes your business uniquely human. We talk about building AI versions of yourself, why most people misuse automation, and how to lead in chaos instead of reacting to it. Are you adapting fast enough—or about to be left behind?

What if you built a thriving business—only to realize you were playing the wrong game?

Jonathan Hawkins thought he was done practicing law. But a startup detour, a gym-bench epiphany, and a flood of demand pulled him back in—with a new mission: scale a law firm in an industry built to resist it.

How do you grow when your team can leave—and take your clients with them?

What does it take to build enterprise value in a profession still addicted to billable hours?

And what happens when you decide...

Everyone wants to buy a business. But no one’s talking about what it actually takes to succeed.

What if the culture breaks before you even start? What if your dream deal is hiding a tax time bomb? And what if you’re not the leader your team needs—yet?

In this no-BS breakdown, I’m sharing the real myths, the hidden landmines, and the hard truths about owning a business. Before you sign the LOI, ask yourself:

Are you ready to build… or just hoping to buy?

What happens when the business you built… no longer needs you?

Most entrepreneurs think selling is the finish line. But for many, it’s an identity crisis they never saw coming. In this episode, I sit down with Kelly Ikenberry to unpack the myths of passive ownership, the emotional weight of exiting, and why the most successful founders are the ones who prepare before they’re ready.

Would your business survive without you? And more importantly… would you?

What if the job you’ve been chasing isn’t the problem—what if it’s the absence of purpose that’s leaving you empty? Otis McGregor went from Green Beret to wandering the “job desert,” only to find clarity in the most unexpected place: a high school rugby field. This conversation will make you rethink how you define success, leadership, and what truly fills your cup. What if you’re closer to your calling than you think—but you’ve been looking in all the wrong places?

Ever wondered what truly makes a business sale more than numbers? What if the right buyer isn’t the highest bidder, but the person whose values align with yours? Curious how mapping your ideal buyer today can shape every decision, or why sweeping profit into a separate account might be the single best habit you adopt? Dive into my chat with Tato Corcoran and unlock six actionable steps to build a business that sells on your terms. Ready to find your perfect match?

What if failure wasn’t the end, but the beginning? What if every setback, every mistake, was actually pushing you closer to success? Justin Skinner shares his unexpected journey from shattered baseball dreams to real estate triumphs, revealing the secret to turning failure into your greatest ally. Want to know how he did it? How he learned to embrace failure, trust his gut, and grow stronger with each challenge? Tune in to discover the mindset shift that transformed his life—and could transform yours too.

What if your business could run—and sell—without you? Most entrepreneurs say they want freedom, but their business depends entirely on them. The real secret? Building with enterprise value in mind from day one. In this episode, I break down the four pillars that make a company truly sellable—and share the hard lessons most owners learn too late. Are you building something that works because of you… Or without you?

How do you choose between building wealth through real estate or scaling a business? What if the answer was doing both? In my latest conversation with Sam Primm and Lucas Walls, founders of Faster Freedom, we dive deep into the secrets of strategic debt, authentic entrepreneurship, and financial freedom. Can leveraging both paths unlock exceptional success?

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to live, not just to do? In a recent episode, I sat down with Mike Kitko—a leader who battled the weight of external success and internal emptiness—to explore how chasing dollars can steal your joy. What if you discovered that real fulfillment isn’t in the next promotion but in every precious "now"? Join us and challenge your beliefs: Are you living out of obligation, or are you truly inspired?

Have you ever wondered how to transform daily chaos into strategic clarity? In my journey from hustling in the trenches to leading with purpose, I learned that true growth starts with letting go and embracing vulnerability. In a candid conversation with Tato Corcoran, we uncover the raw challenges of entrepreneurship and the art of delegation. Are you ready to elevate your game and build a legacy that thrives beyond the daily grind?

Have you ever wondered how to design your life so that every moment counts? In this episode of the Exceptional Companies Podcast, I explore blending work, family, and personal growth into one cohesive journey. What if you could offload your mental clutter and embrace imperfection to unlock true mastery? Join my conversation with Joseph Thompson as we reveal how stacking your daily actions can transform the way you live and lead. Curious to learn more?

Ever wondered why real success takes forever? In this episode, I dig deep into the journey behind every win and setback. How do the challenges you face become the bricks of your foundation? What if building genuine relationships is more vital than chasing quick wins? Join me as I explore how embracing struggle, staying humble, and relentlessly learning can transform your path to an exceptional life. Are you ready to lay your own brick-by-brick foundation?

Ever wonder what it takes to leap from a secure W2 job to buying your first business in just three days? I sat down with James Masotti—a trailblazer who transformed his real estate roots into an acquisition adventure—and discovered the gritty reality behind 30% revenue dips, lost referrals, and bold pivots. How does his brick-by-brick strategy redefine risk and reward? Tune in to explore these bold insights and challenge your own path to success.

Ever wonder how a 24-year Army veteran flips the script on taxes and builds a real estate empire? In my conversation with Byron Elliott, we dive into his bold journey—from defying skeptics in law school to harnessing creative financing and powerful partnerships. How did he turn military discipline into a secret weapon against high tax bills? Join us to uncover the unconventional strategies that challenge everything you thought you knew about business.

What if selling your business wasn’t just about the transaction but about transforming your future? In this post, I share the story of a seller who waited too long, the three paths every business owner should consider before selling, and why your identity post-sale matters as much as the deal itself. Are you ready to explore how timing, clarity, and purpose can redefine your legacy? Let’s dive into what it truly means to transition, not just sell.

What happens when a near-fatal accident sparks a groundbreaking business? Daniel Montano turned adversity into opportunity, using his personal recovery journey to fuel the creation of Hemp Wolf, a CBD beverage brand redefining wellness. From the power of nano CBD to the challenges of breaking industry misconceptions, Daniel's story is a masterclass in resilience and creativity. How does a bus accident lead to business innovation? And what lessons can entrepreneurs learn from turning pain into purpose? Dive in to find out.

What does it take to turn a life of deception and chaos into one of purpose and impact? Mason’s journey from selling gum in junior high to running a $5M metalworks company is a story of resilience, redemption, and faith. From prison Bible studies to co-founding Omega Metalworks, his transformation is nothing short of extraordinary. How did he rebuild his life, align his business with his faith, and find true fulfillment? Dive into this captivating story of second chances and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

Join us for an insightful episode with Parker Samelson, a successful entrepreneur in the real estate industry, particularly in storage facilities. Parker shares his journey from working in a family office to becoming a self-storage expert. Learn about his strategic pivots, the importance of partnerships, and his passion for giving. Discover how Parker integrates business with a meaningful life, emphasizing the value of creativity and adaptability in entrepreneurship. 

Tune in for inspiration and practical advice!

In this episode, I sit down with Jared Blong, a dynamic business leader who shares his journey from building a successful oil company to embracing a mission-driven approach in business. We discuss the power of mentorship, integrating faith into work, and creating a resilient company culture. Jared's insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, and the future of business are invaluable for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact. 

Tune in to learn how to thrive in business while staying true to your values.

In this episode of The Exceptional Business Podcast, I sit down with Greg Wiggins to explore how to build and sustain momentum as we head into 2025. We dive into the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, protecting your confidence, and taking decisive action. Greg shares insights on how to focus on relationships and the power of being curious and authentic. 

We also discuss the benefits of unplugging to think strategically and the value of committing to your goals. 

Tune in to discover strategies for thriving in the coming year.

In this episode of The Exceptional Business Podcast, I sit down with Gerhard Swart, a dynamic entrepreneur who shares his journey from South Africa to the U.S., navigating real estate and business acquisitions. We discuss the challenges of moving countries, finding the right business to buy, and the importance of faith and perseverance in entrepreneurship. Gerhard offers insights into identifying opportunities and the critical elements of a successful business transition. 

Tune in for a conversation filled with valuable lessons and inspiration.

In this episode of The Exceptional Business Podcast, we dive into the age-old debate: buying vs. building a business. Joined by recurring guest Tato Corcoran, we explore the myths and realities of each path. Discover why buying a business might be less risky and more rewarding than you think. We also discuss the value of cash flow, the importance of acquiring skills, and how to leverage existing teams. 

Tune in for actionable insights and strategies to help you make the best decision for your entrepreneurial journey.

Join me as I dive into an insightful conversation with Carlos Rovira, a successful real estate investor who transitioned from single-family homes to commercial properties. Discover how Carlos navigated raising capital, buying businesses, and even acquiring a property management company. We discuss the challenges and triumphs of scaling, the importance of mindset, and practical tips for anyone looking to grow through acquisitions. 

Don't miss this episode packed with valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and investors alike!

Join us on the Exceptional Business Podcast as I chat with Casey Cease, a dynamic entrepreneur and man of faith. We dive into Casey's journey from a teenage DJ to a successful business owner, exploring the impact of faith on his life and business. Discover insights on finding purpose, the power of mentorship, and the importance of aligning your work with your values. 

Whether you're contemplating starting a business or seeking personal growth, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration. Tune in!

Join us as we dive into the world of exceptional business with Marcus Seegers, a seasoned entrepreneur, and my brother. Discover the journey of creating the Exceptional Planner, a tool designed to optimize daily life for business owners. We explore the importance of clarity, commitment, courage, and consistent action in building successful businesses. 

Learn about tools and strategies for identifying unique abilities and the power of cultivating a strong tribe. Tune in for insights on buying, selling, and optimizing businesses.

In this episode, join Tato Corcoran and I as we dive into the mental challenges of buying and running a small business. Discover how to keep your mental game strong through the chaos of acquisition and ownership. Learn about the importance of grit, the worst-case scenario exercise, and the value of having a supportive tribe. 

Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting, this episode offers valuable insights to help you navigate the ups and downs of business ownership. Tune in for practical advice and real-life stories.

Join me as I chat with Davis Lunsford, a deep thinker and business leader, about his journey into business acquisition. Davis shares insights on aligning personal values with professional goals, the importance of integrity in leadership, and key strategies for successful business transitions. 

Whether you're buying, selling, or optimizing a business, this episode offers valuable lessons on building a meaningful and thriving company. 

Tune in to learn how to navigate the challenges and opportunities in business ownership.

In this episode of The Exceptional Business Podcast, I sit down with Greg Wiggins to explore the importance of setting boundaries between work and personal life. We discuss how maintaining balance can prevent burnout and improve effectiveness in all areas. Greg shares insights on why many entrepreneurs receive poor advice about grinding nonstop and how to establish healthy boundaries. 

Tune in for actionable tips on time management, prioritizing family, and creating a culture of respect and accountability in your business.

In this episode of The Exceptional Business Podcast, Nathan Moody shares his journey from research scientist to business owner in advanced manufacturing. Discover his insights on bridging the Technology Valley of Death, the importance of knowing your business, and how to navigate successful business acquisitions and transitions. 

Learn Nathan’s strategies to align personal values with business goals and how he builds trust and loyalty within his team. Tune in for practical tips to elevate your business.

In this episode of The Exceptional Business Podcast, we dive deep into the quick and efficient 10-minute due diligence process for buying a small business. Joined by Tato Corcoran, we discuss how to identify red flags, evaluate financials, and make swift, well-informed decisions. Whether you're a buyer or a seller, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you navigate the acquisition process smoothly. 

Tune in to learn how to streamline your business buying journey!

In this episode of The Exceptional Business Podcast, I chat with Bobby Mikulas, co-founder of Kinship Landing, about his journey in building a boutique hotel from the ground up. We dive into the importance of leadership, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the value of active listening. Bobby shares insights on balancing passion projects with pragmatic business decisions and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. 

Tune in for a deep dive into the highs and lows of starting and running a successful business.

This episode features Tato Corcoran, a fearless real estate investor who transitioned from a stable tech career to buying and selling businesses. Learn about her journey from Salesforce to real estate success, the clarity needed to take risks, and the challenges of business acquisitions. 

Tune in for inspiring insights on strategic planning, achieving freedom, and the importance of hustle. Don't miss this chance to hear how you can transform your career path!

Join me in this episode of The Exceptional Business Podcast as I sit down with my brother, Marcus Seegers, an operational guru and my business partner. We dive into the importance of purpose, core values, and clarity in both personal and professional life. Learn how to build impactful habits, craft a purpose statement, and understand why a service-oriented worldview leads to true fulfillment. 

This episode is packed with actionable insights for entrepreneurs and business owners. Don't miss it!

Join Greg Wiggins from RedBird Consulting on The Exceptional Business Podcast as we dive into the power of clarity in business and life. We discuss four key areas: worldview, dream future, current reality, and blueprint. Greg shares his journey, the importance of serving others, and tips on eliminating noise to enhance decision-making. 

This episode is packed with insights to help you optimize your business and personal life. Don't miss it!