Epic Entrepreneurs

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 othe...

What does it take to build a thriving business in a traditionally blue-collar industry? Jeremy Gunn of JBG Painting reveals the surprising answers in this candid conversation about entrepreneurship, employee retention, and creating real value. Starting just four and a half years ago with nothing but a desire for independence, Jeremy has built a painting company that stands apart from competitors b...

Brett Hulsey's journey from college newspaper staffer to media company owner defies conventional wisdom about print's demise in a digital world. As owner of Holsey Media Group and WNC Business Magazine, Brett shares how he transformed a small publishing operation into a thriving enterprise with approximately twelve magazine titles serving Western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina...

Dreams fuel every great business achievement, yet most organizations struggle to bridge the gap between inspirational vision and practical implementation. This disconnect isn't just philosophical—it's costing the global economy $438 billion annually in lost productivity through employee disengagement. Jacqueline Boone, founder of Dream Academy, joins us to share her revolutionary approac...

Successful entrepreneurs know their business is often their largest asset, yet most lack a clear strategy for unlocking its full value when it's time to move on. Jeff McKeehan and Chris Buehler from Viking Mergers & Acquisitions pull back the curtain on the complex world of business transitions, revealing insights that could potentially double what your business sells for. The conversatio...

When was the last time your banker gave you a same-day decision? For most business owners, the answer is "never" – but Andy Nadeau and his team at FB Financial are changing that reality in Western North Carolina. "We tell business owners what they need to hear instead of what they want to hear," explains Nadeau, who brings over three decades of financial experience to his role....

What happens when you combine roofing expertise with self-taught digital marketing skills? James from 4 Square Roofing reveals the blueprint that transformed his business from struggling startup to a lead-generating powerhouse without spending a dime on marketing agencies. After 15 years in real estate's feast-or-famine world, James discovered roofing's potential in 2015 and recognized a...

Ever wondered how to transform your child's gaming obsession into something that actually builds valuable life skills? Meet Cheryl Chambers, who along with her husband Mark, is revolutionizing youth gaming culture through XP League Asheville. From Minecraft battles to Fortnite competitions, Cheryl explains how XP League creates coach-led, in-person competitive gaming teams for kids ages 7-17....

Ever wondered what happens when you join your local Chamber of Commerce but never show up? Jessica Kanupp, Director of Member Marketing and Sales at the Asheville Chamber, calls this the "ultimate missed opportunity" in this energetic conversation with host Bill Gilliland. As Asheville continues rebuilding after Hurricane Helene, Jessica shares encouraging signs of business recovery thro...

Jeremy French, founder of Making Whole, takes us on a profound journey through the intersection of craftsmanship, recovery, and entrepreneurship. What began as his personal battle with addiction in the 1990s evolved into a mission to create an apprenticeship program where recovering addicts build custom furniture—not just as a vocational skill, but as a metaphor for rebuilding their lives. The con...

What happens when you build a business around something most entrepreneurs hate doing? You create a 25-year success story. Sherry Wheat, founder of TeleSales, joins us to reveal how direct conversation remains the secret weapon in business development, even as digital marketing dominates the landscape. Wheat's journey began in 1998 when she discovered her talent for connecting with prospects...

Ever wondered what it truly takes to build a resilient business that survives economic downturns, pandemics, and natural disasters? Nancy Martin's journey with The Garage Authority provides a masterclass in faith-based entrepreneurship and values-driven leadership. Starting from scratch in 2011 during a construction industry slump, Nancy and her son transformed a simple storage solution busin...

Have you ever wondered why a team of brilliant individuals sometimes fails to work effectively together? The answer lies in collaborative awareness—understanding not just who we are individually, but who we become when we're together. Maureen McCarthy and Zelle Nelson, co-directors of the Center for Collaborative Awareness, join Epic Entrepreneurs to share their revolutionary approach to desi...

Ever wondered what makes property management truly valuable? Katherine Van Brocklin of PMI Mountain and Main pulls back the curtain on this often misunderstood industry in a captivating conversation about entrepreneurship, accountability, and treating other people's investments as if they were your own. Katherine shatters the persistent myth that property management is prohibitively expensive...

Anthony Woo, owner of Climatisation ACG, shares his journey from HVAC technician to business owner, growing a 10-person team and crossing the seven-figure revenue mark in just three years without traditional marketing. • Focusing on processes and back-end systems is crucial when experiencing rapid growth • Anthony actively seeks knowledge and learning opportunities which accelerated his business g...

What happens when a military spouse of 27 years finally plants roots and brings her creative passion to a new community? Lynette Stewart's journey with Board Brush Creative Studios reveals the challenges and triumphs of building a business focused on creativity, connection, and handcrafted wooden treasures. After relocating 14 times throughout her husband's military career, Lynette found...

What does it mean to run a "boutique" architecture firm in today's market? Nate Webster, partner at ARCA Design in Asheville, North Carolina, reveals the strategic advantages of staying small and nimble while delivering projects ranging from custom homes to $20 million museums. Growing up as the son of a residential contractor, Webster developed an early appreciation for constructio...

What does it take to build a real estate empire from nothing? Tomas Villar knows firsthand, having transformed from a 17-year-old high school dropout to the successful owner of Villar 360 Enterprises over the past 15 years. Villar's business approach is remarkably straightforward yet powerful: he raises capital from investors, builds custom and semi-custom residential homes, sells the propert...

What happens when theater directors and improv masters turn their attention to business leadership? Something magical, it turns out. Meet Gillian Bellinger and Angie Flynn-McIver, two creative professionals whose unlikely partnership is revolutionizing how we think about leadership in uncertain times. Despite having remarkably parallel careers—Gillian with twenty years as an improviser and corpora...

When disaster strikes, how does a community rebuild? Not just structures, but hope, opportunity, and a vision for something better than before? In this compelling conversation with Cory and Justin from Financial Partners Inc, we explore exactly how the Asheville business community is transforming the aftermath of Hurricane Helene into a catalyst for growth and resilience. As title sponsors of the...

Serial entrepreneur Tanner opens up about the remarkable journey of building two thriving, debt-free businesses from the ground up. Starting as a private gardener before founding Magnolia Landscape Group eight years ago, Tanner shares how he strategically expanded into construction during the pandemic, creating Noah's Ark Construction to ensure year-round work for his team. What makes Tanner&...

What does it truly take to build a multi-million dollar service business from scratch? Pete and Alicia Green's journey from operating a one-truck plumbing company out of their garage to managing a 65-employee multi-trade powerhouse offers profound insights for entrepreneurs at any stage. The husband-wife team behind Go Green Plumbing Heating Air and Electrical reveals the strategic decisions...

What happens when genuine service gets lost in corporate sales tactics? On the Epic Entrepreneur’s Podcast, Dasean Willard, founder of Eagle Air Services and Repair, shares his mission to restore honesty and integrity in the HVAC industry. From flashlight holder at 13 to business owner, his journey offers timeless lessons for entrepreneurs across all fields. "We've kind of lost our way a...

What happens when a passionate electrician and car enthusiast discovers the untapped potential of electric vehicle infrastructure? Lee McDowell's story of transformation from overworked contractor to thriving business owner offers a blueprint for entrepreneurial success in emerging markets. Working grueling 90-hour weeks at a construction company, McDowell had little time for his young family...

Money talks, but what happens when you and your employee speak different languages about compensation? This candid discussion tackles one of the most common yet challenging workplace dynamics: the employee who believes they're worth more than their employer does. The episode opens by addressing a crucial misconception, particularly among younger workers – the belief that increased pay should...