The Flywheel Effect

In this episode of The Flywheel Effect, host Brent Sonnek-Schmelz sits down with Matthias Smith, president at Pioneer Capital Advisory. Together, they explore how recent changes in Small Business Administration (SBA) lending are shaping the landscape for business acquisitions, especially for integrators and owners in the luxury home services industry. Matthias explains the latest SBA rule updates,...

In this episode of The Flywheel Effect, host Brent Sonnek-Schmelz welcomes Gordon van Zuiden, Ed Gilmore, Eric Crawford, and Matt Bernath for a candid look at what it takes to build, sell, and step away from a custom integration business. Brent and his guests dig into what drives business owners to consider an exit and why timing—both personal and financial—matters when planning for that transitio...

In this episode of The Flywheel Effect, host Brent Sonnek-Schmelz sits down with Andy Seeley, CEO and co-owner at Creatively Disruptive. They explore the real work of building and scaling a small business, focusing on what business owners miss when it comes to agency partnerships, systems, and growth. Andy shares how many owners underestimate the responsibility and constant demands that come with...

In this episode of The Flywheel Effect , host Brent Sonnek-Schmelz welcomes Matt Bernath from VITAL for a candid conversation that starts with Brad Jacobs’ business book and unfolds into something deeper. What begins as a book club discussion turns into a reflection on entrepreneurship, education, and what it really means to build a successful business—and a meaningful life. Matt shares why tradit...

In this episode of The Flywheel Effect , host Matt Bernath from VITAL talks with photographer and director Stewart Cohen about the business power of storytelling. Stewart shares how visual content shapes brand perception and why authenticity matters more than ever. From high-end home services to major hotel brands, Stewart has seen how investing in quality photography and video impacts sales, trus...

In this episode of The Flywheel Effect, hosts Brent Sonnek-Schmelz and Matt Bernath talk with Carlos Samaniego, a tax expert and founder of Tax Debt Consultants, LLC. They discuss the realities of unfiled taxes and the consequences business owners face when they ignore the IRS. Carlos shares his personal story of not filing for eight years and the fear that comes with it. The conversation explores...

In this episode of The Flywheel Effect, hosts Brent Sonnek-Schmelz and Matt Bernath talk with Ron Callis, founder and CEO of One Firefly, about building a resilient business. He details the early days of his engineering services company and the hard lessons learned from launching a business without proper market research, which led to a near-total failure in 2015. Facing a critical moment, Ron mad...

In this episode of The Flywheel Effect , Brent Sonnek-Schmelz sits down with Joe Crisara, founder of Service MVP, to unpack how service-based thinking can unlock hidden revenue in home service businesses. Drawing from decades of experience across plumbing, HVAC, and beyond, Joe makes a compelling case for building recurring revenue models—even in traditionally project-based industries. Joe explain...

On this episode of The Flywheel Effect, Brent Sonnek-Schmelz and Matt Bernath dissect the challenges preventing home service businesses from achieving sustainable growth. They pinpoint three core problems: inconsistent sales, people problems, and inefficient operations. Matt, drawing from his work with VITAL clients, explains how these issues manifest at different stages of business development. M...

On this episode of The Flywheel Effect, Brent Sonnek-Schmelz and Matt Bernath discuss the concept of the "perfect exit" for business owners, particularly those in home services. They explore various exit strategies, including selling to family, employees, or external buyers. Matt emphasizes the importance of building a business that can function independently of the owner. This allows fo...

In this episode of The Flywheel Effect, Brent Sonnek-Schmelz and Matt Bernath welcome Jason Sayen, Owner of I Am Sayen. They delve into the critical role of process in business growth, especially for custom integrators and home service providers. Jason explains his use of process visualization to pinpoint and rectify flawed systems within companies, ultimately boosting efficiency and profits. He e...

Nick Berry, CEO of Origin Acoustics, joins Brent Sonnek-Schmelz and Matt Bernath to unpack the real-world impact of tariffs on manufacturing, pricing, and the entire CI channel. From raw materials to tooling logistics, Nick explains why moving away from China isn’t as simple—or as cost-effective—as many believe. The conversation explores the complex web of contract manufacturing, the myth of ident...

In this episode of The Flywheel Effect, hosts Brent Sonnek-Schmelz and Matt Bernath dive into the importance of mindset and systems in business growth. Matt shares his transformative experience climbing Mount Whitney, pushing through physical and mental barriers, and discovering new personal limits. His journey becomes a fitting analogy for business owners looking to scale—highlighting the value o...

In this episode of The Flywheel Effect, Brent Sonnek-Schmelz and Matt Bernath explore the power of coaching and reflective inquiry. Brent and Matt discuss Marcia Reynolds' book, Coach the Person, Not the Problem, diving into the art of reflective inquiry and its impact on leadership. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding individual limitations and embracing discomfort fo...

Join Brent Sonnek-Schmelz and Matt Bernath in this episode of The Flywheel Effect as they examine how recent policy changes affect home service businesses. The hosts explore tariffs on imported goods, supply chain disruptions, and their impact on pricing across the industry. A key focus of their discussion centers on workforce challenges in the trades. Brent and Matt address how immigration polici...

This episode of The Flywheel Effect explores the crucial role of advocacy in the custom integration industry. Brent Sonnek-Schmelz hosts Will Breaux, Director at Casa Houston and CEDIA Government Affairs Committee Chair, for a look into the importance of engaging with local and national government. Will shares his experience successfully fighting against regulations that would have required permit...

In this episode of The Flywheel Effect , hosts Brent Sonnek-Schmelz and Matt Bernath introduce their 2025 Book Club initiative and discuss key strategies for year-end business planning. They emphasize the value of continuous learning and strategic financial decision-making to set businesses up for success. They challenge the idea of tax-driven spending sprees, urging business owners to make intent...

Coaching, mentorship, and peer groups—how do they shape personal and business growth? In this episode of The Flywheel Effect, hosts Brent Sonnek-Schmelz and Matt Bernath dive into the critical role these support systems play in leadership and decision-making. They explore why trust is the foundation of any successful coaching relationship and how constructive conflict leads to meaningful progress....

In this episode of The Flywheel Effect, hosts Brent Sonnek-Schmelz and Matt Bernath sit down with John Seiffer, CEO of CEO Bootcamp and author of Output Thinking. Drawing from over 40 years as a serial entrepreneur and coach, John shares his framework for redefining productivity, leadership, and management in small businesses. From understanding why customers truly pay you to defining success thro...

In this episode of The Flywheel Effect, hosts Brent Sonnek-Schmelz and Matt Bernath break down the evolving landscape of home integration and luxury home services as institutional investment reshapes the industry. They explore why private equity and venture capital are entering this space and what it means for independent businesses. With examples from sectors like HVAC and roofing, the discussion...

In this episode of The Flywheel Effect, Brent Sonnek-Schmelz and Matt Bernath tackle the crucial topic of accounting talent for small businesses. Brent and Matt emphasize that strong accounting practices are essential for growth and offer practical advice on how to build a reliable financial team. Matt explains the common mistakes business owners make when hiring accounting personnel, such as prio...

Chris Sterle , Founder and CEO of Acoustic Design Systems, joins The Flywheel Effect to share his unconventional journey to success. Chris openly discusses his early career struggles, marked by a "that's not my problem" attitude and a resistance to authority. After facing the harsh realities of the 2008 recession, Chris realized the importance of building a company culture that valu...

In this episode of The FlyWheel Effect, Brent Sonnek-Schmelz and Matt Bernath dive into the intricacies of delegation and its critical role in business growth. Brent shares a personal story about his son's first fishing experience, highlighting how delegation even plays a part in parenting. They discuss the magic of delegation and its necessity for business owners who often struggle with reli...

This week on The Flywheel Effect, host Brennan Sonnek-Schmelz welcomes Hagan Kappler, CEO of Daisy. Hagan discusses her transition from leading large franchise organizations like ServiceMaster and Threshold Brands to building a national brand in the custom integration industry. Hagan explains the challenges and opportunities she sees in the fragmented CI market. She emphasizes the need for a servi...

Episode Summary In this episode of the FlyWheel Effect podcast, hosts Brent Sonnek-Schmelz and Matt Bernath dive into the importance of transparency and team culture within a business. They discuss how sharing financial information with employees can build trust and dispel misconceptions about the company's earnings, ultimately fostering a more collaborative environment. Matt emphasizes the v...