What happens when a banking executive and a registered nurse decide to completely reinvent their lives at age 55? Dale and Stephanie's journey from comfortable careers to launching Cedar Direct, a specialty lumberyard in Western North Carolina, offers a masterclass in mid-life entrepreneurship and business development.

"Pine is fine but cedar is sweeter" might be their catchy slogan, but the story behind Cedar Direct reveals the grit, planning, and relationship-building required to establish a specialty business in a new market. Dale brings his financial expertise from years as a chief credit officer while Stephanie applies her organizational skills to manage the countless details of running a lumberyard. Together, they've created not just a business but a community resource for high-quality Western Red Cedar, a product previously difficult to source in the region.

Their candid insights about the entrepreneurial journey ring true for anyone considering a business launch. "For anybody starting a new business, you don't have a personal life," Dale admits, highlighting the all-consuming nature of entrepreneurship. Yet their approach to business - built on four core principles of trust, timeliness/integrity, treating others well, and maintaining a drama-free workplace - has enabled them to build a cohesive team that shares their vision. Their commitment to expertise, sending all employees to "Cedar School" and conducting regular product education, ensures everyone can speak knowledgeably about their specialty products.

What truly sets their story apart is how they've embraced community involvement alongside business development, joining local economic development boards and partnering with organizations like Rutherford Housing Partnership to assist Hurricane Helene victims. Their experience demonstrates that authentic community engagement isn't just good citizenship—it's good business.

Discover how this couple transformed from financial and healthcare professionals to cedar experts, and how they're building a business designed to expand while maintaining the personal touch that defines their brand. Their story might just inspire your own entrepreneurial leap! Visit cedardiret.com to learn more and see their full product line.

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All the best!
Bill

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Bill

Justin Berger takes us behind the curtain of home inspection entrepreneurship, revealing how his business evolved from a simple scheduling concept to the comprehensive team-based approach that's driven 20% year-over-year growth for Home Inspection Collective since 2017.

What sets this conversation apart is Justin's refreshing honesty about the entrepreneurial journey. He candidly shares how self-awareness transformed his business approach when he realized he wasn't "the best home inspector in Asheville." This pivotal moment led him to build a team of specialists rather than trying to excel at everything himself.

The discussion explores unique hiring challenges in licensed industries, where Justin might interview just "one or two licensed individuals throughout the year." Surprisingly, he doesn't seek construction backgrounds when hiring inspectors, instead prioritizing communication skills and customer service experience. Both his current inspectors come from hospitality backgrounds, reflecting his belief that being educators is more important than being technical experts.

Justin's business approach is captured through his EPIC framework: Bringing Energy through positive client experiences, Education for clients and realtors, Planning with purpose, Inspiration for his team and children, and Commitment to employee well-being.

Whether you're considering entrepreneurship, facing hiring challenges, or looking to innovate within an established industry, Justin's journey offers valuable insights into building a thriving business while maintaining work-life balance and never losing sight of what matters most.

Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/

All the best!
Bill

Thanks for listening. Please hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at williamgilliland@actioncoach.com or at https://billgilliland.biz/

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Bill

What happens when you take a leap of faith, leave behind a successful business, and start over in a new community? Lyn Mabry, founder of Designing Spaces by Lyn, did exactly that when she followed her dream of living in the mountains of Western North Carolina.

After 25 years in the design industry and a thriving business in Louisville, Lyn handed her company to her team and ventured to a place where she knew just one person. Her story of rebuilding from scratch offers powerful lessons for entrepreneurs at any stage. With remarkable candor, Lyn dismantles common misconceptions about business ownership – the mythical freedom, instant profits, and glamorous lifestyle many imagine. Instead, she paints a realistic picture of 24/7 dedication fueled by genuine passion for helping clients see possibilities they can't envision themselves.

What sets Lyn's approach apart is her commitment to "pure design" – no commissions, no product markups, just expertise and service. Her team works in pairs, combining complementary skills to give clients multiple perspectives. This collaboration highlights Lynn's philosophy of team-building: seek people who love the craft, operate with transparency, and bring talents different from your own.

Perhaps most inspiring is Lynn's fearless approach to growth. When new to the area, she literally walked the streets with her resume, knocked on doors, called every realtor she could reach, and joined numerous community organizations. Her advice to other business owners? "You have to believe in what you're offering, be fearless, and genuinely care about the person across from you." As she looks toward expanding her aging-in-place services, Lynn demonstrates how finding intersection points between market needs and personal passion creates sustainable business opportunities.

Ready to apply Lyn's entrepreneurial wisdom to your own journey? Listen now and discover how authentic connection, persistence, and passion can transform challenges into stepping stones for growth.

Lyn's email: lyn@designingspacesbylyn.com

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Bill

Thanks for listening. Please hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at williamgilliland@actioncoach.com or at https://billgilliland.biz/

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Bill

What happens when you launch an architecture firm on the very day a recession begins? For Brent Campbell, founder of BCA Architecture and Design, that seemingly terrible timing in 2007 became the foundation for a thriving Asheville-based practice that now employs eight people and handles projects ranging from custom homes to commercial buildings across Western North Carolina.

Joining host Bill Gilliland, Brent and fellow architect Erin Foy share the remarkable journey of building their firm without conventional business strategies or aggressive marketing plans. Instead, they've grown organically by responding to community needs, building relationships, and creating positive experiences that generate word-of-mouth referrals and repeat clients.

The conversation explores the unique challenges architects face in educating clients who've never worked with design professionals before.

What truly sets BCA apart is their approach to building a team focused on versatility, adaptability, and positivity. Rather than seeking specific technical skills, they look for team members who can shift gears quickly, communicate effectively, and maintain enthusiasm throughout long project timelines. This flexible mindset has served them well through economic changes, the pandemic, and even natural disasters like Hurricane Helene.

Drawing inspiration from Asheville's natural beauty and resilient community, BCA continues to evolve without rigid long-term planning. Their story offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs in any field about building a sustainable business that responds to opportunity while maintaining core values and commitment to quality.

Want to learn more about BCA Architecture and Design? Visit them at bcavl.com or stop by their office on Asheville's South Slope.

Guest contact information:

Brent: Bacampbell@mac.com

Erin: Erin@bcavl.com

Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/

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Bill

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Bill

What does it take to build multi-million dollar luxury homes in today's challenging market? Doug Peterson of Peterson Builders TX pulls back the curtain on his third-generation construction business that's thriving in the competitive Texas Hill Country.

Doug shares candid insights about the risks and rewards of scaling a construction business, revealing he would have grown faster had he known then what he knows now. His refreshing perspective on balancing ambition with execution comes from years of creating custom homes ranging from $1.5 to $20 million for discerning retirees seeking their perfect sanctuary.

The conversation takes a practical turn as Doug explains how he revolutionized his materials management approach after supply chain disruptions. By maintaining dedicated storage space and ordering high-end appliances at project inception, he saves months of construction time—a competitive advantage in the luxury market. His obsessive attention to detail, including multiple rounds of "blue taping" imperfections, exemplifies the craftsmanship that distinguishes truly exceptional builders.

Perhaps most surprisingly, Doug challenges conventional wisdom about family business. Rather than avoiding familial ties, he actively incorporates loved ones into his company, creating a legacy while spending quality time together. "Take the people that you already love and put the time with them," he advises, though he never pressures family to join. His balanced approach—working six days but keeping Sundays sacred—offers a blueprint for entrepreneurs seeking sustainable success without sacrificing personal life.

Doug's final words of wisdom come from hard-won experience: "Don't just do it. Do it right." After weathering a serious workplace injury incident, he emphasizes proper insurance coverage as non-negotiable for business longevity. Whether you're in construction or any other industry, this conversation provides valuable perspectives on calculated risk-taking, quality control, and protecting what you build. Connect with Doug at info@petersonbuilderstx.com to learn more about his approach to business excellence.

Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/

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Bill

Thanks for listening. Please hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at williamgilliland@actioncoach.com or at https://billgilliland.biz/

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Bill

What does it take to transform specialized skills into a thriving business while maintaining your sanity and creating a workplace people actually want to join? Spencer from Coastland Tree Works reveals exactly that in this candid conversation about his entrepreneurial journey.

After honing his craft through a comprehensive apprenticeship in Germany, Spencer returned to America with technical expertise and a vision for a different kind of tree care company. Three years into business ownership, he shares the unexpected challenges that technical proficiency couldn't prepare him for: "Just because you're good at one thing—being a good arborist or a good salesperson—does not mean you will be good at running a business."

Spencer's approach to growth focuses on customer relationships rather than aggressive marketing. "Once you have a customer, that customer can easily turn into 10 customers if you do things right," he explains, highlighting how word-of-mouth has become his primary growth driver. But what truly sets Coastland Tree Works apart is its deliberately cultivated company culture. Drawing from his international experience, Spencer has created an environment that contrasts sharply with industry norms—prioritizing open communication, respect, and inclusivity in a field often characterized by rough attitudes and high-pressure environments.

Perhaps most refreshing is Spencer's commitment to work-life boundaries in an entrepreneurial landscape that often glorifies burnout. "For me to be functional at work, I need to have personal life and space," he shares, describing specific practices like not answering calls after certain hours or on weekends. This balanced approach, combined with his philosophy that "the more knowledgeable and educated you are, the more passionate you're going to be," offers valuable wisdom for anyone building a business in a specialized field. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or already in the trenches, this conversation delivers honest insights about creating sustainable growth without sacrificing your vision or wellbeing.

Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/

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Bill

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Bill

Derek Prince takes us behind the scenes of his entrepreneurial journey as founder of Pro Property Services, Asheville's premier exterior contracting company specializing in deck construction, siding, roofing, and log cabin restoration. But this isn't just a story about building physical structures – it's about building multiple successful businesses with intention and purpose.

What makes Derek's approach unique is how he's transferred principles from competitive bodybuilding into business leadership. The discipline, structure, and mental toughness required to excel in fitness have become cornerstones of his business philosophy. "I can't control everything in the business, but I can control my fitness and what I'm putting in my body," Derek explains. This foundation-first mentality has helped him weather the inevitable storms of entrepreneurship without falling into destructive coping patterns.

The conversation reveals crucial turning points in Derek's growth trajectory, particularly when he began rigorously tracking his numbers. Like many contractors, he initially operated on gut feeling rather than data. Learning precisely what each project cost to complete transformed his decision-making and profitability. Derek also shares candid insights about team building, explaining how he seeks self-motivated individuals with interests in personal development outside work. His formula? Find people who complement your weaknesses rather than mirror your strengths.

Most fascinating is how Derek and his wife have expanded beyond contracting into Airbnb management (currently overseeing 85 properties) and launching a laundromat specifically to service their vacation rental business. This ability to spot adjacent opportunities and build complementary services demonstrates the entrepreneurial mindset at its finest.

Whether you're struggling in the early stages of business or looking to scale multiple revenue streams, Derek's practical wisdom offers a blueprint for sustainable growth. Listen now to discover why knowing your numbers, investing in personal development, and building the right team culture might be the most important projects you'll ever undertake.

Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/

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Bill

Thanks for listening. Please hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at williamgilliland@actioncoach.com or at https://billgilliland.biz/

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Bill

Carving out a specialized niche might seem limiting, but for Garfield Jones of Paver Perfection, it's been the foundation of his entrepreneurial success. Broadcasting from Palm Beach - what Garfield calls "the paver capital of the world" - this episode delves into how focusing exclusively on paver restoration created a thriving business that commands premium prices while fixing other contractors' mistakes.

Garfield doesn't mince words about the hard lessons he's learned running a growing enterprise. "Be the boss. Don't try and be friends with your employees," he advises after sharing how he once had to release his entire team and rebuild from scratch. His candid insights challenge common misconceptions about entrepreneurship, especially the notion that business owners are "made of money." As he explains, "You could start the week off with 40 grand in your business checking account and by the end of the week you're down to five because there's so many expenses."

What truly separates Paver Perfection from competitors isn't just technical expertise (though Garfield is a master certified contractor) - it's his approach to winning clients. Rather than pressuring prospects to close deals, he focuses on education: "I don't go on an estimate to close the estimate. I go on there to educate you." This philosophy consistently wins him high-ticket projects even when competing against lower-priced alternatives. Behind his business drive lies a powerful personal motivation - providing his family opportunities he never had growing up. His integration of family into the business operations creates a unified approach where everyone contributes to their shared success.

Whether you're considering specialization in your industry or struggling with leadership challenges, Garfield's journey offers valuable lessons about finding your niche, maintaining high standards, and building a business aligned with your deepest values. Ready to elevate your entrepreneurial mindset? Listen now and discover how a specialized focus might be exactly what your business needs.

Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/

All the best!
Bill

Thanks for listening. Please hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at williamgilliland@actioncoach.com or at https://billgilliland.biz/

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Bill