Killer Growth

In this episode of the Killer Growth Podcast, Sam McVay sits down with David Dillner , City Manager of El Dorado, Kansas , for a rare behind-the-scenes look at how a city actually operates—and why running a city isn’t all that different from running a business. David breaks down the structure of city government, explaining the role of a city manager as the CEO of a municipal organization, the resp...

In this episode of the Killer Growth Podcast, Sam McVay sits down with Logan Shrag, founder of Diamond Spring Ranch and the Cowboy Experience, for a wide-ranging conversation about entrepreneurship, risk, faith, and building something truly unique in the middle of Kansas. Logan shares how a lifelong entrepreneurial mindset, early business failures, and a deep love for horses led him to create what...

In Episode 8 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Sam McVay sits down with Jeff Baker , owner of The Grounds Guys of Wichita , for a deeply honest conversation about leadership, risk, people, and what it really takes to build a business that lasts. Jeff shares his unconventional path into entrepreneurship—walking away from a 13-year career in law enforcement to start a landscaping franchise with no prior...

In Episode 7 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Sam McVay sits down with economic developer Sarah Hoefgen to discuss what it really takes to drive economic growth by attracting major businesses and investment into a region. Sarah shares practical insight from the front lines of economic development—covering how communities position themselves to win large employers, the strategy behind business attract...

In Episode 6 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Sam McVay sits down with Ryan Locke , a multi-generation Kansas cattleman whose life revolves around faith, family, land, and the relentless realities of the ranching business. From calving seasons to droughts, from volatile markets to generational transition, Ryan gives a raw and deeply grounded look into what it takes to build—and sustain—a ranching leg...

In Episode 5 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Sam McVay sits down with Jeremy Sundgren of Sundgren Realty & Auction, a second-generation business owner whose story is rooted in family legacy, hard work, and a deep love for the people and land of Kansas. Jeremy opens up about growing up in the auction world, becoming an auctioneer at just 15, and eventually buying into the family business. He shar...

Welcome to  Episode 0  of the Killer Growth Podcast. I’m your host,  Sam McVay , and in this introductory episode I share the heart behind why this podcast exists and what you can expect moving forward. After 13 years of building and helping build businesses—wins, failures, long nights, bad advice, good advice (and everything in between) I’ve realized something simple:  business is deeply human ....

In this powerful episode of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel sits down with Levi Parker , founder of The Gnarbell , one of the most unique and culture-rich gyms in the Midwest. Levi shares the full story — from playing college baseball, to conquering a fear of heights as an ironworker, to the morning he turned his truck around and walked away from a steady union job because something in his chest...

Samuel welcomes longtime HVAC pro and local legend Tom Storrer to the Killer Growth Podcast for one of the most entertaining conversations you’ll ever hear about running a service company. Tom talks about starting HVAC work at age 12, taking over the family business in dramatic fashion, learning the business side of business the hard way, and the importance of knowing what you don’t know. He also...

In this episode of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel sits down with builder, designer, and visionary Nathan Ensminger —the man behind one of the most ambitious small-town projects in Kansas: District Stadium , the soon-to-be nicest wiffle ball stadium in the world . Nathan walks Samuel through his journey from early construction experiences to restoring historic properties, navigating grants, and...

In this premiere episode, Samuel interviews Chad , a veteran developer and serial founder with decades of experience navigating the evolution of software—from pre-internet coding to the dawn of AI-driven development. They explore how global hiring and fast-moving AI tools are reshaping engineering careers, why tomorrow’s developers will look more like prompt architects , and why enterprise softwar...