Building the Biz

Episode Overview What if the future of entrepreneurship isn’t flashy startups…but “boring businesses,” operational excellence, and building companies that actually create freedom?    In this episode of Building the Biz, Shane sits down with Brian Samson, founder of Plugg Technologies, to unpack scaling businesses across borders, leveraging nearshore talent in Latin America, and why founder passion...

Episode Overview In this episode of Building the Biz , Shane sits down with Andrea Carpenter and Elizabeth Ledoux of The Transition Strategists for one of the most honest conversations the show has had around succession, identity, family dynamics, and what it really takes to transition a business well. This conversation goes far beyond legal documents and financial structures. Andrea and Elizabeth...

Episode Overview In this episode of Building the Biz , Shane sits down with Andrew Fejer, Managing Director at Lazear, to unpack the world of ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plans) and why they remain one of the most misunderstood opportunities in business today. With over two decades in corporate banking and business advisory, Andrew brings practical insight, honest perspective, and deep convicti...

Episode Overview What if the future of business ownership wasn’t about selling out—but sharing it?   In this episode of Building the Biz, Shane sits down with Todd Leverette and Tobi Adewodu of Apis & Heritage Capital Partners to unpack employee ownership, capital, and legacy.   This conversation challenges the traditional exit model and introduces a powerful alternative—one where business own...

Overview What if success in business wasn’t about working harder—but about slowing down, doing the internal work, and redefining what actually matters? In this episode of Building the Biz , Shane sits down with Sean Taylor , Co-Founder and CEO of Cornerstone Christian Counseling, to explore the intersection of faith, business, relationships, and identity. Sean shares how he and his wife built a th...

Description Former Disney executive Vance Morris shares how to design unforgettable customer experiences, increase retention, build systems that create owner freedom, and scale a business that runs without you. Learn Disney’s secrets to customer loyalty, pricing power, and long-term business value. Episode Overview What if the secret to scaling your business—and eventually stepping away from it—wa...

Episode Description  Why do so many high achievers reach success—yet still feel unfulfilled? In this episode of Building the Biz , Shane Bauman sits down with executive leadership expert Kristen Kenton for a deep, honest conversation about achievement, identity, and what it truly means to live and lead well. Kristen is the President & CEO of Kenton Talent Management and the founder of the Exec...

Episode Overview In this episode of Building the Biz , Shane sits down with acquisition entrepreneur Jeremy Hunka, owner of Summit Cabinet Coatings. Jeremy shares an unfiltered look at what happens after the deal closes — from debt pressure and people-pleasing to redefining leadership and learning where faith truly fits in business ownership. This conversation is a candid exploration of buying ver...

The Opposite of Poverty with Andrew DeVaney Guest: Andrew DeVaney, Founder & CEO, As One Ministries Show Notes: In this episode of Building the Biz, host Shane Bauman sits down with Andrew DeVaney, Founder and CEO of As One Ministries, to explore what it truly means to pursue dignity-centered impact through entrepreneurship, faith, and community development in rural Uganda. Andrew shares the o...

In Episode 52 of Building the Biz, host Shane Bauman sits down with Seth Joraanstad, CFO and co-owner of LS Gallegos & Associates—a national consulting firm delivering major transportation and infrastructure programs across the country. After helping acquire the business from its founder, Seth and his partners have set a bold, decade-long vision: 10X the company while honoring its legacy. Acro...

In this solo episode, host Shane Bauman walks advisors and business owners through The Advisor’s Succession Roadmap—a framework for exiting your business with integrity, maximizing its value, and protecting the people entrusted to your care.   Drawing from real-world examples and biblical wisdom, Shane explains how succession planning isn’t just a financial decision—it’s an act of stewardship and...

Jaime Holm is the Founder & VP of Design at Tinker Tin, a $20M+ zero-debt manufacturing company that builds large-scale retail displays for brands like Boot Barn, Red Bull, and Coachella. What began in 2012 with a single vintage trailer rental has grown into a multi-facility operation across California and Mexico. A freedom-motivated entrepreneur with a knack for trusting her gut, Jaime has bu...

Simon Powell is the Managing Director of Luxe Aquatics, the market leader in designing and creating large-scale luxury aquariums. With a passion for combining cutting-edge design and marine expertise, Simon has positioned Luxe Aquatics at the forefront of bespoke aquatic installations, delivering statement features for high-end residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces. Simon shares how his...

Jessica Lowery is Founder and CEO of The POWER of Elderberries, a nationally recommended wellness brand born in her kitchen and built on faith. A former public health lecturer and mother of three, Jessica turned a homemade remedy into a trusted immune support product backed by holistic practitioners across the country. Her journey is one of perseverance, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to ke...

Dale Hahs is President and CEO of AIS Industrial Construction Supply and third-generation leader of an 80-year-old family business. From humble roots supplying airplane hardware to Stapleton Airport, AIS has evolved into a go-to supplier for contractors across Colorado. Under Dale’s leadership, the company has embraced innovation while staying rooted in legacy, sustainability, and faith. With 40 y...

Christine Hernandez is a business owner, consultant, and leadership coach with a commitment to expanding people’s potential. Over the years, Christine has owned and built 3 multigenerational companies where she created strong, sustainable businesses, teams, and cultures. Now, she’s passionate about working with founders and business owners who are experiencing team dynamic challenges to discover t...

Padideh Jafari is a powerhouse family law attorney, entrepreneur, and host of The Narcissist Abuse Recovery Channel. A first-generation Iranian American, Padideh opened her own law firm straight out of the gate and now leads a 20-person team across LA and Newport. She also just recently joined the board of Casa OC. With a background in both law and psychology, she brings a unique perspective to hi...

James Barthel is a Growth Leadership Coach, founder of New Horizons and Kingdom Business Alliance, and author of the upcoming book Thou Shall Grow. After scaling and selling his own nationally recognized faith-based business, James now helps Christian entrepreneurs align purpose, profit, and impact through his Integrated Faith Business framework. With two decades of CEO experience and a heart for...

Dan Abel Jr. is the Chief Chocolate Officer behind Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company and Bissinger’s Handcrafted Chocolatier. A second-generation chocolatier and entrepreneur, Dan oversees everything from manufacturing to product development and national distribution while still keeping his family roots and St. Louis legacy at the center.  Known by some as the "Willy Wonka of the Midwest,...

Patrick Hutchinson is the Managing Director and Founder of tKW Capital, a Kingdom-minded equity fund focused on values-aligned investments. A licensed attorney and accountant, Patrick has led over $100 million in acquisitions and helped multiple companies scale into the billion-dollar range. With a background in law, finance, and leadership, he now channels his expertise into ventures that reflect...

Chance McClain is a creative entrepreneur, Army veteran, and founder of Heritage Films. After careers in sports radio and theater, Chance built a one-of-a-kind business turning family and founder stories into cinematic documentaries. With over 800 films produced, he's carved out a niche where legacy meets entrepreneurship. Through his work, Chase proves that storytelling isn’t just an art; it...

Paige Wiese is the founder and CEO of Tree Ring Digital, a top Denver-based agency helping businesses nationwide grow through high-performing websites and data-driven marketing. With over 16 years in the industry, Paige developed a proprietary system to protect and manage digital assets—ensuring brands are built to last. A passionate mentor and speaker, she’s on a mission to help business owners s...

Matt Tait is the CEO and co-founder of Decimal, a tech-enabled accounting firm revolutionizing financial operations for small and mid-sized businesses. A former attorney turned serial entrepreneur, Matt has led multiple ventures, including a successful startup acquisition. At Decimal, Matt combines modern technology with a people-first approach to simplify accounting for industries like home servi...

Jake Schonberger is a Harvard-educated design engineer turned entrepreneur who co-founded Swapstack, a leading newsletter advertising platform that facilitated over $2M in ad spend before being acquired by beehiiv in 2023. As Swapstack's CEO, Jake built a platform serving thousands of publishers and hundreds of advertisers, creating a crucial bridge between newsletter creators and brands. Fol...

Jimmy Page is a high-performance coach, health and wellness expert, and the founder of Be Unstoppable Elite Performance and the Unstoppable Freedom Alliance. With over 30 years of experience in leadership and ministry, including time as an executive with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Jimmy has worked with everyone from pro athletes and business leaders to major organizations like the NFL,...