Pro Series with Eric Dillman

In this episode of the Pro Series Podcast, I sit down with  Paul Grothouse , founder of Grothouse—an international leader in luxury wood surfaces. From launching his business with a portable sawmill in 1997 to building a brand trusted by the world’s top architects and designers, Paul shares how he combined his  Mechanical Engineering background , consulting experience, and passion for craftsmanshi...

In this episode of  Off Topic , we're diving into what  actually  keeps people watching your Instagram Stories — and why posting up to 5 a day might be your new secret weapon for retention. I break down key stats from Social Insider and share tips to hook your audience before they swipe away. Then, I’m giving you my honest review of the George Strait concert — from the setlist to the stage ene...

This week on the Pro Series Podcast, I’m joined by  Dudley Duncan  — a true legend in the swimming world with over 50 years of coaching experience, a Hall of Famer, and the author of  The Art of Swimming  and  The Game of Racing . We explore what it means to coach with purpose, lead with ownership, and build a lasting legacy in and out of the pool. From starting and owning a club to writing the bo...

This week on  Off Topic , we're diving into the  wild future of influence —and trust me, it's getting weirder by the day. First up: AI influencers. Yup, virtual personalities are landing  real  brand deals and growing massive audiences—without even existing. Are we entering the post-human creator economy? And what does that mean for real creators like us? Then, we break down the  death of...

In this episode, I sit down with John Russo, National Training Manager at SKS, to explore how SKS is transforming the appliance industry. From cutting-edge technology to unmatched flexibility, SKS is built for a new generation of forward-thinking cooks—Technicureans™—who value innovation as much as flavor. Discover how SKS is keeping people True to Food with smart, built-in appliances that elevate...

In this episode, we’re diving into everything trending — starting with the rise (and weirdness) of the Talking Baby Podcaster trend that’s taking over social media. I also share my thoughts on Morgan Wallen’s brand new album, the latest releases in country music, and yes... I’m officially back on TikTok

In this episode, we’re joined by Zach Rapaport — founder and principal of  Meerkat Companies , a powerhouse firm managing over  $40 million in hospitality and wellness real estate projects  across six states and countries. With over 200,000 square feet currently under development, Zach brings a rare perspective that blends hands-on construction experience with strategic development leadership. We...

In this week’s  Off Topic , Eric kicks things off with a passionate take on a home renovation law he believes should be implemented ASAP—especially for homeowners working with unlicensed contractors. Then it’s a country music moment as he counts down his  Top 5 Mother’s Day Country Songs  that are guaranteed to hit you in the feels. He also breaks down the biggest  ACM Award Show winners , shares...

In this episode, I sit down with Chris Morrow, President of Ultimate Granite in Gibsonia, PA. Chris walks us through the company’s early days, the lessons learned along the way, and how a strong work ethic and community support helped shape the business into what it is today. Whether you're in the trades or just love a good entrepreneurial story, this one’s packed with insight and inspiration.

This week on  Off Topic , we’re diving into why it’s  finally time  to repost that old content—and how to give it a fresh spin that actually connects. I’m sharing the mindset shift around revisiting past work, plus tips for updating the caption with a behind-the-scenes story or a lesson learned. Then, we break down the psychology and algorithm science behind the viral rise of  follow-along  short-...

In this episode of  Pro Series , Eric sits down with  Jamey Schrier , founder of  Practice Freedom U  and a true veteran of the physical therapy industry with over 20 years of experience. Jamey has spoken at top conferences like the  Private Practice Section ,  APTA Combined Sections Meeting , and  Ascend Conference , and is connected with thousands of PT practice owners nationwide. We dive into t...

In this episode of  Off Topic , Eric breaks down  four eye-opening stats  that might just change how you think about investing time into your social media. He also dives into a hilarious rant about an old-school cleaning device that  just doesn't make sense  — seriously, how did anyone think it would work? And of course, we wrap things up with your favorite segment,  Country Music Weekly , sha...

She’s back! Certified designer and industry powerhouse  Alena Capra  returns to the Pro Series Podcast to catch us up on everything she’s been up to since her last appearance in 2023. In this episode, we dive into what’s new in the design world—from  KBIS  and the  NKBA , to what it means to be a certified designer in today’s ever-evolving landscape. Alena also gives us an exclusive look at  Cover...

This week, I'm calling out a growing problem—labor-driven companies using AI-generated images in their marketing. When you're a brand built on real craftsmanship and skilled labor, using fake visuals is more than misleading—it's false advertising. Let’s talk about the damage this does to trust, authenticity, and the people actually doing the work behind the scenes. Plus, I wrap things...

Is success really about hard work—or is luck playing a bigger role than we think? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Michael Orkin, renowned statistician, data scientist, and author of  The Story of Chance: What’s Luck Got to Do with It? , to break down the fascinating world of probability and randomness. We dive into how chance influences everything from sports and gambling to health, business,...

This week’s Off Topic is a double dose of awesome—Steve Gregory joins me fresh off his appearance on Pro Series for a laid-back convo all about our love for Pittsburgh, country music, and the concert scenes we can’t get enough of.

In this episode, we welcome back  Steve Gregory , a seasoned real estate agent and investor in the Pittsburgh area, who first joined us in August 2023. We catch up on what’s changed in the real estate market, the evolving landscape of home investing, and how being on TV has influenced both of our careers. From market shifts to media impact, this episode is packed with real talk, smart insights, an...

In this episode of Off Topic, Eric kicks things off with a hilarious rant about his ongoing tech struggle—why is connecting a microphone to a new camera so complicated?! (Seriously, someone send help.)But then, it’s time for some real talk: Eric dives into a mindset shift every creative and business owner needs to hear—social media is NOT the goal. It’s just a marketing tool to get you to the actu...

In this episode of the  Pro Series Podcast , Eric sits down with marketing mastermind  John Dwyer —the creative force behind  The Institute of Wow . Known for his out-of-the-box thinking and game-changing customer attraction strategies, JD has helped businesses skyrocket their success through  Direct Response Marketing . But that’s not all—John is also the genius who pulled off one of the biggest...

In this episode of  Off Topic , Eric breaks down how interior designers can take  one  project and turn it into  a month’s worth of content —without feeling overwhelmed. Then, he dives into the latest buzz in the industry: a new  AI tool  that’s trying to replace interior designers (spoiler: it’s not as good as you think). Finally, we wrap up with  Country Music Weekly , where Eric gives his take...

In Episode 184 of  The Pro Series Podcast , we sit down with  Mike Andes , founder of Augusta Lawn Care, a home service franchise that has scaled to over 150 locations across the U.S., Canada, and Australia. Mike shares his journey from starting a small lawn care business to building a thriving franchise empire. We dive into his innovative  Pay for Performance (P4P)  model, strategies for scaling...

In Episode 103 of  Off Topic , Eric breaks down  five essential Instagram tips  to help boost your content and grow your engagement. He also shares  three key features  you need to have turned on to maximize your reach and effectiveness on the platform. Whether you're a creator, business owner, or just looking to level up your social media game, these insights will help you stand out! And of c...

In Episode 183 of the  Pro Series Podcast , Eric sits down with  Jeremy Jones , the founder of  Discover the Burgh , to dive into his journey in the digital world. From launching one of Pittsburgh’s top online travel and lifestyle brands to mastering the art of blogging and content creation, Jeremy shares valuable insights on building an audience, staying authentic, and turning passion into a thri...

In Episode 102 of  Off Topic , Eric and Harrison dive into the idea of America as the "land of opportunity." They explore what makes the U.S. a unique place for business growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship—while also discussing how outsiders perceive these opportunities. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or just curious about the global perspective on American business, th...

In Episode 182 of the  Pro Series Podcast , I sit down with Jared, a true Creative Problem Solver who knows what it takes to turn challenges into opportunities. We dive into his journey—how he built his career, tackled obstacles, and developed a mindset focused on success. From real-life strategies for goal-setting to the importance of taking action, this episode is packed with insights for entrep...