Business Under Fire

On this episode of Business Under Fire, we sit down with Jacob Carroll, founder of Till Death Digital Media, a wedding photography and videography business based in Seguin, Texas — just 11 months into the game and already turning heads. Jacob's path here wasn't typical. Before picking up a camera, he spent years working as a correctional officer, starting as an 18-year-old control room o...

In this episode, Tommy sits down with Brittany, founder of Cloud Ten Events, to discuss her journey from teaching and owning a nutrition shop to building a thriving event business with seven mobile event carts and a growing corporate events division. Brittany shares how a simple cotton candy cart turned into a full-scale business, the lessons she learned from failure, the cease-and-desist that for...

In this episode, we sit down with TikTok creator and entrepreneur Rooster Vance, a guy who’s built a powerful personal brand by leaning into authenticity, alter ego, and real-world business experience. We go deep on what it really takes to turn content into cash, why most people fail at personal branding, and how today’s shifting economy is exposing weak business models. Rooster doesn’t hold back...

What separates the entrepreneurs who make it from the ones who burn out? Tommy Bonner has 26 years and 240 employees worth of answers. In this solo episode of Business Under Fire, Tommy gets real about what it actually takes to build and sustain a business — from mowing lawns out of an Acura Integra to owning restaurants, a nursery, and flying private jets. No guest, no filter — just hard-earned l...

In this episode of Business Under Fire , we sit down with Rob from First Fidelity Wealth Management for a raw, unfiltered conversation about what it really takes to build, grow, and sustain a business over the long haul. From marketing failures and scaling struggles to leadership challenges and personal discipline, this episode dives deep into the realities most entrepreneurs don’t talk about. If...

What happens when a 40-year highway construction worker picks up his phone, walks into an African café, and accidentally goes viral? You get Dine with Kent — one of the most authentic food platforms on the internet. Host Tommy sits down with Ken Burns, the Port Aransas-based food influencer behind the massively popular TikTok and Instagram page "Dine with Kent," to talk about his acciden...

This episode, we're joined by Jereme Ragsdale , owner of Sign Design in Lubbock, Texas. Jeremy started his company in 2002 after being let go on a Friday — and was knocking on doors by Monday. Over 23 years later, he's built one of West Texas's most trusted full-service sign and design companies, with a team that's been with him for decades. From vehicle wraps and building sign...

What does the first year of business ownership ACTUALLY look like? In this episode, we sit down with Ian Acosta, owner of Tip Top Cleaners in New Braunfels, Texas, for a brutally honest conversation about his first year running the oldest dry cleaning business in town (established 1942). Ian shares the highs, lows, and hard lessons learned from transitioning from employee to owner. From earning re...

In this episode, we sit down with Mason Steel, founder of Town - a revolutionary software company transforming how restaurants manage their digital presence. At just 25 years old, Mason has already built and pivoted multiple companies, raised capital from investors, and is now servicing over 100 restaurants with his all-in-one platform. From selling health insurance at 18 to throwing massive colle...

This conversation goes deep into what it takes to build winning organizations, the price of excellence, and why the top 1% think differently. From practicing 2.5 hours in an opponent's gym after a loss to building multiple businesses while staying hungry for more, Coach Burt reveals the mindset and strategies that separate champions from everyone else. Whether you're an entrepreneur, coa...

In this special year-end episode, host Tommy reflects on the first year of Business Under Fire with surprise guest Matt Wheeler from Lubbock, Texas. After completing nearly 50 episodes in year one, Tommy shares the raw truth about podcasting costs, the unexpected connections made, and the real ROI that goes far beyond download numbers. From spending $3-4K per month on production to being in the to...

In this episode, we are joined by Justin Shaner, a veteran entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in the automotive and off-road industry. Justin shares the incredible story of building his business, "Off-Road Plays," into a multi-million dollar success and the emotional journey of selling it to a close friend to change their life. But the story doesn't end at the exit. Justi...

In this episode of Business Under Fire, we sit down with Nate and Chance Roberts, the father-son duo behind Practical Metals in Creston, Texas. What started as a whiskey-fueled conversation on a Friday night turned into a thriving metal building company that's defying the odds.  Nate brings 25+ years of experience in commercial roofing and steel after serving in the Marine Corps, while Chance...

Business Under Fire hosted by Tommy Bonner brings you an inspiring conversation with Shawn Castle, a successful entrepreneur who built Hilltop Logistics from the ground up. After 25 years in the oil field as a company man making $2,000+ per day, Shawn made the bold decision to retire and start his own trucking company. Nine years later, he's running a thriving operation and just launched BioW...

Chris Jacobs didn't have a typical path to success. After losing his mother at 14 and being sent to military school in Alabama, he joined the Army at 17, served multiple tours in Iraq, and eventually found himself back in Texas with just $7 in his bank account. Today, he's one of the highest-producing real estate agents in Texas, co-owns Silo Fit gym in La Vernia, and is developing comme...

Business Under Fire hosted by Tommy Bonner is back! Episode 37 features professional sales trainer Ronny Tejeda. This powerhouse of a trainer is filled with a passion for coaching others up in order to help them reach their full potential. This is a great pick me up episode for those facing entrepreneurial hardship. 

This week's episode of Business Under Fire is a quick one hour listen featuring guest: Caylon Garnett. This entrepreneur left a six-figure job in the oil field to take a chance on a business idea that others weren't too sure of. Fast forward 10 years down the road, this West Texan has taken over the natural gas industry and has fully retaken control over his own life after missing parts...

Welcome to Episode 35 of Business Under Fire! In this one hour sit down session, we get short stories from guest Jack Scanio - a land developer in Central Texas who has made millions off of cold calling, hard work and selling a whole lot of dirt. This episode is filled with unique situations and even a couple of billionaires encounters. 

Business Under Fire looks a bit different this week. This episode Tommy Bonner, our usual BUF host is now this week's guest. With the help of Filemon Zamora, Tommy's Business Partner, we get a full business tell all from a commercial pilot who is a business consultant, serial entrepreneur and real estate investor. This episode is filled with trials, tribulations and full instructions on...

Welcome Business Under Fire listeners! This week we get to sit down with Trey Pounds, Sullivan Contracting CEO who explains the changes he made to 'go for more'. In this short hour we get life lessons on faith, family and what it is like to draw up and oversee multiple contracts regularly. 

We have made it to another week of Business Under Fire. In this weeks' episode Javier Villarreal, a self-made entrepreneur who explains the importance of mentors and asking questions. This first-generation American has taken over the construction field and regularly manages contracts worth billions of dollars. Be sure to tune in for the blueprint. 

Welcome to BUF! In this one-hour session we sit down with Josh White, Airforce Pilot gone Entrepreneur. This episode has many stories from Tennessee Native who once got married, ran a marathon and graduated flight school all in one week, and even bought a winery without knowing how to make wine. White stresses the importance of separating yourself and fighting for what you want in life. 

Welcome to Episode 30 of Business Under Fire! In this episode we get to sit down with fifth generation banker and Western Bank CEO, Dan Odom. This Panhandle Texan bought a West Texas bank system worth millions and transformed it to a billion-dollar venture. This is a great episode for those of you wanting to purchase a business or needing advice on how to get a small business loan from a banker hi...

Welcome to Episode 29 of Business Under Fire. In this week’s listen we have one of the largest Cotton providers in the world, George Hardberger. This Texan Native breaks down how his family has been able to farm for generations and what it is like to contribute to a market that is not always certain. 

Buckle Up Business Under Fire listeners. Episode 28 features guest, Marc McDougal, long time entrepreneur and investor who has taken over West Texas. This sit down session is a blueprint on how to build a long-lasting catalog in real estate ranging from apartments to restaurants and more.