The Friday Habit

Why Your Expertise Isn’t as Ordinary as You Think

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Christian Ray Flores to talk about career transitions, the "competence trap," personal branding, and what happens when your expertise becomes so familiar that you stop seeing its value. They discuss why starting as a generalist can be useful, how skills from seemingly unrelated experiences can transfer into new industries, and why your differences, failures, preferences, and perspectives can become part of your personal brand. The conversation also explores how focusing your expertise into central ideas and pillar concepts can help you create content more consistently.

• Transcript

How to Build a Business That Doesn't Depend on You

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark welcomes back Bryan Clayton, founder and CEO of GreenPal, the on-demand lawn care marketplace connecting homeowners with local lawn care professionals across the country. After successfully building and selling a $10 million landscaping company, Bryan started over from scratch with one goal: build a company that could eventually thrive without him. Over the past decade, GreenPal has grown into a nationwide platform serving hundreds of thousands of users every week—all without outside funding. Bryan shares the lessons he's learned from scaling a technology company, building systems that outlive the founder, leveraging AI to move faster, and creating a business that is designed to be sold from day one. He also opens up about founder identity, delegation, personal health, and why working on yourself is just as important as working on your business. If you're building a service business, SaaS company, or simply trying to create something that doesn't depend entirely on you, this conversation is full of practical insights. Key Takeaways Build your business to function without you. Systems create freedom; hustle alone does not. Delegate only after you understand the work yourself. AI amplifies experience—it doesn't replace it. Track inputs, not just outcomes. Every dollar spent should have a measurable return. Your business should become stronger while you're away. Hire naturally motivated people instead of trying to motivate the wrong ones. Protect your health while building your company. Continuous learning is one of the greatest competitive advantages. Notable Topics Building GreenPal After Selling a $10 Million Company Bryan explains why he started over after selling his landscaping business and how he intentionally designed GreenPal to be a scalable, sellable company from day one. The Difference Between a Lifestyle Business and a Sellable Business Many entrepreneurs accidentally build themselves a job. Bryan discusses the mindset shift required to create a company that has value beyond its founder. Running Your Business From a Spreadsheet Every expense should produce a return. Bryan shares why emotional decision-making can reduce business value and how disciplined financial thinking creates long-term growth. AI Is a Force Multiplier—Not a Replacement AI dramatically increases productivity, but only when paired with real-world experience and deep understanding of your craft. Delegation Done Right One of the biggest mistakes founders make is delegating too early. Bryan explains why you should first understand a process before handing it off. Working In, On, and On Yourself As businesses mature, founders should gradually shift their time from daily operations toward strategy, leadership, and personal growth. Building a Team That Doesn't Need Motivation Rather than trying to motivate employees, Bryan focuses on hiring naturally curious and self-driven people who already love the work they do. Health and Business Performance After reaching nearly 300 pounds while building GreenPal, Bryan realized his physical health directly impacted his leadership and decision-making. Chapters Welcome Back Bryan Clayton The Growth of GreenPal Scaling From Startup to Nationwide Platform The Three Growth Buckets: Get, Keep, Grow Leading a 300,000-User Marketplace How AI Is Changing Entrepreneurship Why Experience Still Matters Building a Business to Sell Lifestyle Business vs. Sellable Business Running Every Decision Through ROI Founder Identity After Selling a Company Building Systems That Outlast You Working In the Business vs. On the Business Delegating at the Right Time Avoiding Founder FOMO Hiring Motivated People Lessons From Personal Health Learning Through YouTube and AI Monday Morning Challenge Final Thoughts Resources & Links Learn more about GreenPal Connect with Bryan Clayton Visit TheFridayHabit.com Download the free Friday Habit System guide Memorable Quotes "You don't really have a business until you can leave for a month and come back stronger." "Run your business from a spreadsheet—not from your emotions." "AI is a force multiplier for people who already know what they're doing." "Track the inputs, not the outputs." "Hire motivated people. Your job is simply not to demotivate them." "Work in the business, then on the business, and finally on yourself." Monday Morning Action Item Spend the next 30 days intentionally learning one skill that will move your business forward. Use AI tools, online courses, podcasts, and YouTube to immerse yourself in that topic every day. Focus on mastering one area that removes a bottleneck in your business, then immediately apply what you've learned.

From Manager to CEO: The Leadership Shift That Changes Everything

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Tom Kubanik, founder and CEO of SecureIt Tactical. Tom shares the remarkable story of building a company that transformed firearm storage—from military armories to consumer gun safes—without venture capital. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Tom chased a career as a professional heavy metal guitarist until an injury forced him to reinvent himself. That setback ultimately led him into sales, entrepreneurship, and eventually creating one of the most innovative companies in the firearm storage industry. Tom discusses how he built multiple businesses from scratch, why momentum is more important than perfection, and the leadership lessons that helped him break through the $5 million revenue ceiling. He also explains why entrepreneurs must stop managing every detail, learn to delegate, and create space for strategic thinking. Whether you're launching your first business or trying to scale an established company, this episode is packed with practical advice on leadership, creativity, resilience, and building something that lasts. Key Takeaways You don't need every answer before starting—just enough to keep moving forward. Sell your product before spending months perfecting your business. Momentum beats perfection every time. Becoming a leader requires learning to delegate nearly everything. Entrepreneurs often become the bottleneck in their own companies. Creativity should be scheduled just like meetings. Failure is one of the fastest teachers in business. Bootstrapping forces efficient decision-making and financial discipline. Claim expertise by earning it through relentless learning and execution. Long-term success comes from continuously learning and adapting. Notable Topics From Heavy Metal Guitarist to Entrepreneur Tom shares how an injury ended his dream of becoming a professional musician and forced him to reinvent himself through sales and eventually entrepreneurship. Starting a Business Without Knowing Everything Rather than waiting until every detail was perfect, Tom focused on making sales first and solving problems as they appeared. Becoming the Leading Authority Tom explains how he positioned himself as an expert in military firearm storage, won a critical military contract, and used that opportunity to truly become the industry's leading authority. Why Most Businesses Stall Around $5 Million After building three different companies that each plateaued around the same revenue level, Tom realized the common bottleneck was himself—not the market. Manager vs. Leader One of the biggest mindset shifts for growth is moving from managing every task to leading through delegation and strategic thinking. Bootstrapping vs. Venture Capital Tom discusses why being forced to self-fund his businesses ultimately made them stronger and more disciplined. Learning Through Failure From product mistakes to difficult financial seasons, Tom explains why expensive failures often create the greatest long-term advantages. Creating Space for Creativity One of Tom's most valuable habits is intentionally blocking time to think, write ideas down, and allow creativity to solve business problems. Resources & Links Learn more about SecureIt Tactical Explore The Friday Habit resources at thefridayhabit.com Download the free Friday Habit System guide Memorable Quotes "You don't need all the answers. You just need to keep moving." "Sell one first. Then build the business." "The bottleneck wasn't my company—it was me." "Managers build systems. Leaders build people." "The entrepreneur sleeps like a baby because they believe they'll figure it out." "Everybody can work hard. Not everybody trains themselves to be creative." Monday Morning Action Item Schedule 15 minutes every day this week for uninterrupted thinking. Turn off distractions, grab a notebook, and simply think about your business. Write down every idea—even the bad ones. Creating intentional space for creativity can unlock solutions that never surface during a busy workday. Small, consistent thinking sessions often lead to the biggest breakthroughs.

Building a Lead Generation System for Sustainable B2B Growth

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Kevin Downey, a Kansas City-based entrepreneur and recruitment leader who helps B2B companies build high-performing sales teams and create scalable lead-generation systems. Kevin shares how his early career in golf equipment sales eventually led him into entrepreneurship, recruiting, outbound sales, and email marketing. He explains why his first attempts at email outreach failed, what changed when he began writing emails like real phone conversations, and why properly structured email campaigns can deliver an unmatched return on investment. The conversation also explores how small businesses should approach their first sales hire, why commission-only roles frequently fail, and how Latin American business development representatives can help companies scale outbound activity at a manageable cost. Kevin also challenges one of the most common beliefs in modern sales: that cold calling no longer works. According to Kevin, activity still creates opportunities. The problem is not that calling has stopped working—it is that many representatives are not consistently making the calls. Whether you are building your first sales process, hiring a business development representative, or trying to generate more qualified B2B leads, this episode offers a practical look at the systems, activity, and execution required to grow. 🧠 Takeaways: Activity breeds business, but representatives must consistently do the work. Cold calling is a business development and marketing function until a qualified decision-maker is engaged. Small businesses may need an appointment setter before hiring a full sales representative. Commission-only sales roles often fail without the right structure, support, and opportunity. Successful cold emails should sound like concise, natural phone conversations. Email marketing requires enough volume to generate consistent leads. CRMs are useful for managing relationships but are not always built for high-volume cold email. Latin American representatives can provide experienced outbound support at a more manageable cost. Once someone becomes a lead, human follow-up should replace automated communication. Every B2B business needs a repeatable lead-generation system before growth becomes urgent. Kevin’s Approach to Cold Email: Kevin recommends keeping cold emails concise, conversational, and focused on one clear pain point. Instead of writing a long marketing message, the email should communicate: The problem you believe the prospect may have How your company can help solve it A simple reason for the prospect to reply A clear next step The goal of the first email is not necessarily to close the sale or immediately schedule a meeting. It is to identify a decision-maker with a relevant problem and begin a real conversation. Chapters: Welcome and Guest Introduction: Kevin Downey Karaoke Stories and Rapid-Fire Questions Moving to Kansas City and Beginning a Sales Career From Golf Equipment Sales to Entrepreneurship Landing the First Recruitment Client Building a Recruitment Agency Through Execution Why Most B2B Outbound Email Fails Writing Emails Like Real Cold Calls Why Email Volume Matters The Cost and ROI of Scalable Email Campaigns Should You Hire a Sales Rep or an Appointment Setter? Why Cold Calling Is a Marketing Function Creating a Sales Team in the Right Order Hiring Business Development Representatives in Latin America Building an International Team Training and Onboarding Remote Representatives The Essential B2B Email Technology Stack Why CRMs Should Not Run High-Volume Cold Outreach Using AI Without Losing the Human Connection What Makes an Effective Cold Email Why Sales Representatives Fail to Make Calls Activity, Accountability, and Sales Performance Blocking Time for Prospecting Building a Lead-Generation System Where to Connect with Kevin Resources & Links: Connect with Kevin at kevinmdowney.com Explore Kevin’s YouTube content and consulting resources Learn more about the Active Index assessment Connect with Kevin for sales recruiting, business development, and outbound lead-generation guidance Monday Morning Action Item: Determine how your business will consistently generate qualified leads. Do not wait until your current opportunities disappear. Build a repeatable lead-generation system now—whether it includes cold calling, outbound email, appointment setting, networking, or a combination of channels. 👉 Download the free Friday Habit system at thefridayhabit.com to learn how to dedicate one full day each week to working on your business instead of always working in it.

Identity Work, Personal Development 3.0, and Building Simplero with Calvin Correlli

Mark welcomes Calvin Correlli, founder and CEO of Simplero, an all-in-one SaaS platform combining courses, community, email, payments, and AI for coaches and creator-led brands. Calvin shares his Denmark upbringing in an entrepreneurial, tech-focused family, learning to code at five, moving to the U.S. in 1999 during the dot-com era, and choosing work over finishing his computer science degree. He recounts building businesses, scaling a consulting firm, then taking a risky leap to focus on product and coaching. Calvin explains his personal development framework: 1.0 motivation, 2.0 healing work, and 3.0 identity-level transformation that drops the “something is wrong with me” mindset. He discusses formative experiences, spiritual influences, and the power of words, and closes with advice to stop judging and beating yourself up and connect via Instagram. 00:00 Stop Self Judgment 00:18 Meet Calvin Corelli 01:58 Moving To California 04:46 Sunlight And Mood 05:48 Entrepreneur Roots 08:12 Coding And America 09:56 First US Tech Job 12:15 Starting Out Solo 13:48 Coaching Journey Begins 15:04 Mind Bugs And Identity 17:36 Family And Birth Imprints 19:47 Mind Bugs Explained 20:18 Reframing a Hard Past 22:00 Rock Bottom at 30 24:03 Healing Dad Wounds 25:46 Building Simplero 27:17 Quitting Consulting Leap 28:52 Personal Development 3.0 30:04 Identity Awakening Shift 32:46 Teachers and Breakthroughs 34:46 Denmark and Spirituality 36:51 North Star Becoming You 37:55 Final Advice and Wrap

Why Most Businesses Struggle to Scale Successfully

Growing a business isn't just about generating more sales. In this episode of The Friday Habit, Chad Prinkey shares lessons from working with hundreds of contractors and business leaders. The conversation explores why growth often exposes weaknesses in a business, how leadership development impacts scale, and why competing on price can become a dangerous trap. Chad also discusses the importance of culture, succession planning, and investing in the business itself to create long-term success. If you're building a business and thinking about the next stage of growth, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately.

Ethical Business Over Everything | How This Founder Rebuilt Right

Learn how to build a real estate portfolio and navigate legal challenges through the lens of an entrepreneurial journey. Discover the mindset required to rebuild a career with profit with purpose. This conversation breaks down the reality of scaling a business while facing significant setbacks. It is designed for founders and investors who need to understand how extreme responsibility impacts long-term success. We examine the specific steps taken to move past professional crises and establish a more sustainable approach to wealth creation. By focusing on profit with purpose, you can align your financial goals with your personal values. This episode provides practical lessons on maintaining integrity during difficult transitions and offers a realistic roadmap for anyone looking to refine their business strategy after a failure. Subscribe for weekly business advice and career strategy breakdowns, and comment below on which part of this rebuilding process resonates most with your current situation.

Stop Being Busy. Start Being Productive.

In this episode of The Friday Habit, host Mark Labriola II sits down with Jacob Hicks, a sales strategist and systems thinker passionate about helping entrepreneurs push past their comfort zones, master their time, and build businesses that last. Jacob shares his journey from a shy kid in small-town Iowa to a sales pro who's learned that the best approach to selling isn't closing hard — it's serving authentically. He breaks down the systems, follow-up strategies, and time management frameworks that help small business owners stop being "busy" and start being truly productive. 🧠 Key Takeaways Follow Up or Leave Money on the Table – 80% of business is won after 5+ follow-ups; most salespeople stop after one Sell Without Selling – Build cadences around adding value, not pushing a close Chaos Time Is Your Secret Weapon – Block 30–60 minutes daily for fires so the rest of your day stays protected Time Blocking = Intentionality – Get granular; don't just block "work time," block specific tasks Parkinson's Law Is Real – A task expands to fill the time you give it; iterate your blocks accordingly Audit Your Time – Especially early on, track where your hours actually go We Rise or Fall to Our Systems – Goals without systems are just wishes (James Clear) Your CRM Is Your Second Brain – Notes, pipeline stages, and follow-up history are non-negotiable Resources & Links: Connect with Jacob! Website: https://jacobhickscoach.com/growth-hub/ Download the free Friday Habit Guide: https://thefridayhabit.com 0:00 - Chaos Time Strategy - Introduction to time blocking and chaos time concept 1:30 - Podcast Introduction & Jacob's Background - Welcome and guest intro 3:38 - Jacob's Sales Journey - Early sales experiences and career development 5:06 - Modern Sales Philosophy - Moving away from hard closing tactics to relationship building 6:54 - Follow-Up Systems - Importance of consistent follow-up in sales 8:40 - Sales as Service - Reframing sales as helping people with value-driven follow-up 10:49 - Breaking Through Comfort Zones - Overcoming shyness and mindset shifts in sales 12:00 - Playing it Too Safe - Recognizing when you're leaving business on the table 14:25 - Building Authentic Relationships - Providing free value and making genuine connections 16:20 - Time Management Introduction - The constant battle with the clock for entrepreneurs 17:14 - Time Blocking Explained - Detailed breakdown of time blocking strategy and Parkinson's Law 20:52 - Time Audits - Tracking where your time actually goes 22:42 - Busyness vs Productivity - Reframing "busy" as productive and positive 24:08 - Coaching Through Time Management - Accountability and overcoming roadblocks 26:47 - Building Sustainable Systems - Why small businesses struggle with systems 27:45 - Podcast Systems Example - How systems prevent pod fade and business collapse 28:52 - Understanding Your Why - Connecting goals to personal motivation 29:59 - Follow-Up Systems: 10x10 and 36 Touch - Specific follow-up cadences and frameworks 32:18 - CRM as Second Brain - Importance of CRM systems for tracking relationships 34:28 - Choosing the Right CRM - CRM recommendations and selection criteria 35:60 - Jacob's Personal Habits - Daily practices including time blocking, phone management, and gray scale trick 39:36 - Eliminating Friction - Reducing barriers to success (gym bag example) 41:32 - Final Advice & Outro - Start with chaos time and closing remarks

Why Taking Action Beats Having The Perfect Plan

In this episode of The Friday Habit, host Mark Labriola II sits down with serial entrepreneur Jay Sapovits, a builder who knows firsthand how to turn setbacks into springboards.Jay shares his raw journey—from early success in sports media and private aviation, to losing everything during the financial crisis, to rebuilding and scaling Inked, a custom merch company on track to surpass $5M in revenue. 🧠 Key Takeaways Entrepreneurship Isn’t a Straight Line – Success, failure, and reinvention are all part of the process Zero to One Is About Action – Stop overthinking and start moving Don’t Spend Money Too Early – Cash preservation beats premature scaling Hire for the Role, Not Potential – Designers ≠ operators Never Burn Bridges – Integrity compounds over time Your Network Is a Muscle – Make one reconnecting phone call per week Resources & Links: Connect with Jay! Email: Jay@inkdstores.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaysap/ Download the free Friday Habit Guide: https://thefridayhabit.com 01:32 Welcome to The Friday Habit 02:10 Meet Jay Sapovits: Serial Entrepreneur & Reinvention Expert 10:45 Authentic Personal Branding (White Glasses Story) 13:40 Losing Everything at 39: Hitting Rock Bottom 16:20 Early Success & the Confidence That Came With It 18:40 When Ego Meets the Financial Crisis 20:15 Starting Over: Rebuilding Confidence from Scratch 24:35 High-Stakes Negotiation & the St. Barts Pivot 29:10 Why You Should Never Burn Bridges 31:05 The Zero-to-One Playbook Every Founder Needs 37:50 The #1 Mistake New Entrepreneurs Make (Spending Too Early) 40:45 Why the First $1M Is the Hardest 43:50 Hiring the Right People Changed Everything 48:45 Pivoting Into the Merch Business & Finding Product-Market Fit 50:35 Jay’s Friday Habit: One Call That Changes Everything 52:30 Where to Connect With Jay & Final TakeawaysWhy Taking Action Beats Having The Perfect Plan

The Real Reason Sales Stop Working In Tough Markets

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark Labriola II interviews Walter Crosby, CEO of Helix Sales Development, who shares his extensive experience in transforming underperforming sales teams into revenue-generating powerhouses. The conversation covers Walter's journey into sales, the challenges of transitioning from a sales role to business ownership, and the importance of hiring the right salespeople. Walter emphasizes the need for accountability, clear expectations, and effective compensation structures to motivate sales teams, especially during tough economic times. He also discusses the significance of prospecting and how leaders can shift company culture to foster a thriving sales environment. 🧠 Key Takeaways If your sales stall in a down market, it’s usually a systems problem—not the economy. Founders must translate their “natural” sales instincts into repeatable messaging. Hire salespeople who already sell to your buyer—not necessarily your industry. Comp plans should motivate discomfort, not create complacency. Activity, accountability, and standards separate real sales teams from lucky ones. Resources & Links: Connect with Walter! LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/walterlcrosby Helix Sales: helixsalesdevelopment.com Download the free Friday Habit Guide: https://thefridayhabit.com Chapters 00:49 Introduction to The Friday Habit 01:39 Walter Crosby's Sales Journey 08:28 Transitioning from Sales to Entrepreneurship 13:29 Overcoming Sales Challenges as a Small Business 20:26 Finding the Right Salesperson and Compensation 23:09 Balancing Base Salary and Motivation 26:47 Evaluating Sales Team Performance 27:49 Identifying Sales Team Strengths and Weaknesses 34:47 Coaching vs. Accountability in Sales 37:48 Setting Expectations for Sales Success 45:29 Building a Thriving Sales Culture

Why Regret Is More Dangerous Than Risk With Henry Yoshida

In this episode of The Friday Habit, host Mark Labriola II sits down with Henry Yoshida, CEO and Co-Founder of Rocket Dollar, to unpack what it really takes to build a durable fintech company in a highly regulated industry. Henry shares his journey from a risk-averse upbringing and a stable career at Merrill Lynch to founding multiple companies—including Rocket Dollar, now part of a platform managing $12B+ in retirement assets. They dive deep into ownership, timing, regret vs. risk, venture capital trade-offs, and why paying attention to “small signals” can unlock massive opportunities. 🧠 Key Takeaways Regret Is More Dangerous Than Risk – Fear fades, but “what if?” lingers Stay a Mile Deep, Not a Mile Wide – Specialization creates leverage Timing Matters More Than Ideas – Many failures are just too early Venture Capital Is a Clock – Momentum determines survival Build for the Right Customer Segment – CAC must beat LTV Balance Fuels Longevity – Burnout kills good businesses Curiosity Compounds – Small observations connect into big ideas Resources & Links: 🔗 Learn more about Rocket Dollar: https://bit.ly/4qaDVxU Connect With Henry! Instagram: @fitfinancehenry 📘 Download the free Friday Habit Guide: https://thefridayhabit.com Chapters: 00:42 Meet Henry Yoshida: CEO & Co-Founder of Rocket Dollar 02:05 Growing Up Risk-Averse & Fear of Regret 04:45 Merrill Lynch’s Competitive Culture 07:55 Early Career Lessons That Shaped a Founder 10:40 Leaving Stability to Take the Leap 13:10 Building & Selling the First Business 16:00 Venture Capital, Timing, and Momentum 18:55 Failing Into an Acquisition 21:35 Why Most Startups Pick the Wrong Customer 24:10 The Problem With Traditional IRAs & 401ks 27:10 What Rocket Dollar Actually Does 30:05 Building in a Highly Regulated Industry 32:45 Risk, Regret, and Confidence as a Founder 35:40 Burnout, Balance, and Founder Mistakes 38:05 Henry’s Friday Habit: Stay Curious & Connect the Dots 40:29 Outro

Why Every Tough Conversation Goes Wrong

In this episode of The Friday Habit, host Mark Labriola II interviews Greg Stevens, an executive coach and expert in conflict resolution. They discuss the importance of managing emotions in difficult conversations, the journey to understanding and repairing incomplete relationships, and the skills necessary for effective communication. Greg shares insights from his experiences and his book, 'Build New Bridges: The Art of Restoring Impossible Relationships,' emphasizing the need for self-awareness and accountability in both personal and professional relationships. The conversation also touches on performance reviews and how to approach them constructively, as well as the significance of closure in relationships. 🧠 Key Takeaways Greg Stevens emphasizes the importance of practicing what you teach in relationships. Incomplete relationships can be identified and addressed for personal growth. Managing emotions is crucial during difficult conversations to avoid escalation. Timing is key; sometimes it's best to step away and revisit a conversation later. Self-awareness is foundational for effective communication and conflict resolution. Performance reviews should focus on inspiration and constructive feedback. Understanding the difference between impossible and salvageable relationships is vital. Closure in relationships can lead to personal healing and growth. Asking questions can help manage emotional responses during conflicts. Investing in conflict resolution skills can lead to breakthroughs in relationships. Resources & Links: Connect with Greg! Website: alignment-resources.com/ Greg's Podcast: ashotofinspiration.com Download the free Friday Habit Guide: https://thefridayhabit.com 01:05 Introduction to The Friday Habit 02:29 Meet Greg Stevens: The Relationship Coach 05:01 The Journey to Conflict Resolution 07:48 Understanding Incomplete Relationships 09:23 Managing Emotions in Conflict 12:34 The Importance of Timing in Conversations 14:02 Common Communication Challenges 16:04 Building Self-Awareness and Skills 19:15 Learning from Real-Life Experiences 22:41 Empathy in Parenting and Relationships 27:26 Understanding Relationship Dynamics 32:46 Constructive Performance Reviews 37:21 Measuring Communication Progress 40:44 Starting with Yourself in Relationships

Compete On Value, Not Price

In this episode of The Friday Habit, host Mark Labriola II interviews Chad Prinkey, founder and CEO of Well Built Construction Consulting. They discuss Chad's journey from a successful corporate career to entrepreneurship, the challenges of building a scalable business, and the importance of leadership and culture in driving growth. Chad shares insights on competing on value rather than price, the mindset shifts necessary for long-term success, and key systems that can help construction businesses thrive. The conversation concludes with actionable takeaways for listeners looking to improve their own businesses. 🧠 Takeaways: Chad Prinkey emphasizes the importance of building a strong company culture. Growth can expose underlying issues in a business. Leadership development is crucial for scaling a company. Competing on value rather than price is essential for profitability. Business owners should prioritize investing in their own companies. Mindset shifts are necessary for long-term success. Creating a three-year organizational chart can guide business growth. Understanding financial health is critical before strategic planning. Building a team of leaders at all levels is vital for success. Continuous improvement and reinvestment in the business are key to sustainability. Resources & Links: Connect with Chad! Website: www.wellbuiltconsulting.com Download the free Friday Habit Guide: https://thefridayhabit.com 00:37 Welcome To The Friday Habit 01:24 Meet Chad Prinkey 03:03 Delicious Crabs 06:28 Chad's Background 08:13 Company Growth 09:59 Leaving Something Good For Something Better 14:46 The Difficulties Of Leaving Something Good 16:13 How Chad Helped A Company Grow From 300 to 3,000 Employees 18:31 Building Leaders That Scale 24:49 Advice For Leaders Playing The Long Game 29:47 When Should You Bring New Leaders? 32:46 Chad's Book WellBuilt 40:06 Take Action 42:13 Outro

Turning A Side Hustle Into A Brand

In this episode of The Friday Habit, host Mark Labriola II interviews Emma Tessler, founder and CEO of NinentyFiveMedia, a digital marketing agency. Emma shares her journey from a side hustle in interior design to leading a successful remote team specializing in social media strategy and brand storytelling. The conversation covers the importance of building a strong company culture, the challenges of scaling a business, and the evolving landscape of video content in the age of AI. Emma emphasizes the significance of authenticity in marketing and offers actionable advice for entrepreneurs looking to grow their brands. 🧠 Takeaways: Emma Tessler transitioned from a side hustle to CEO of 95 Media. The importance of community engagement in social media marketing. Building authority online is crucial for trust and sales. Consistency in content creation leads to better results. Hiring for will over skill can enhance team dynamics. Video content should reflect authenticity to stand out. Niche down in services, but not in target audience. A remote team can provide flexibility and access to diverse talent. Scaling requires effective delegation and teamwork. Building a strong company culture is essential for remote teams. Resources & Links: Connect with Emma and NinetyFivemedia! Website: Ninetyfivemedia.co Instagram: @Ninenty.Five.Media Download the free Friday Habit Guide: https://thefridayhabit.com 00:35 Introduction to The Friday Habit 01:47 Meet Emma Tessler 04:15 Emma's background 06:08 Building 95 Media: From Side Hustle to Success 07:13 Humble Beginnings 11:28 Building NinentyFiveMedia 21:59 Creating Company Culture 23:19 Navigating Remote Work 34:34 Advice for Hesitant Business Owners 26:01 Staff Structure 29:04 Video Content Strategy 32:45 Building Authority Online 34:31 Working On, Not In Your Business 35:47 Is there Riches in the Niches? 39:52 Planning For The Future 41:02 Actionable Steps to Scale Your Brand 41:41 Outro

The Mindset That Scales Your Business

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark Labriola II interviews John Gallagher, a seasoned leadership coach, who shares insights on the journey of leadership, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the mindset shifts necessary for entrepreneurs. Gallagher emphasizes the need for practical frameworks, the signs that indicate a business owner may need a coach, and the significance of legacy in leadership. He also discusses the challenges of consistency, the impact of distractions, and the importance of prioritization and delegation. The conversation concludes with Gallagher's advice on making small changes for personal growth. 🧠 Takeaways: Leadership is a continuous journey of growth and learning. Entrepreneurs must shift their mindset from operator to team leader. Delegation is crucial for scaling a business effectively. Understanding the 'so what, now what, so that' framework helps clarify purpose. Regular reflection is key to developing emotional intelligence. Distractions can hinder leadership effectiveness and must be managed. Prioritization is essential for effective time management. Legacy is built through intentional relationships and impact on others. Consistency in habits is more important than initial motivation. Coaching can provide accountability and support for personal and professional growth. Resources & Links: Connect with John: https://coachjohngallagher.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachjohngallagher Download the free Friday Habit Guide: https://thefridayhabit.com 00:00 Introduction to The Friday Habit 02:13 Meet John Gallagher 03:22 John Gallagher's Leadership Journey 09:30 Mindset Shifts for Entrepreneurs 13:40 Practical Leadership Frameworks 16:17 Recognizing the Need for Coaching 18:50 The Impact of Leadership on Legacy 20:43 Developing Emotional Intelligence 26:11 Consistency in Leadership Development 29:58 Faith and Entrepreneurship: Balancing Control and Trust 32:07 Overcoming Distractions: The Entrepreneur's Challenge 34:14 Prioritization and Delegation: Keys to Effective Leadership 35:30 The Importance of Accountability and Continuous Learning 36:19 Small Changes for Big Impact: Stop Eating French Fries 36:58 Outro

The Power of Truth in Business

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Kasim Aslam—entrepreneur, author, and founder of the world’s top-ranked Google Ads agency—to unpack the truth about scaling, hiring, and building a business that actually works. From growing up on welfare in Albuquerque to selling an 8-figure agency, Kasim’s story is one of grit, truth, and transformation. He shares how brutal honesty became his superpower, why “scale” isn’t always the goal, and how paying more for the right people can change everything. If you’ve ever struggled to hire great talent, wondered how to scale without losing your sanity, or questioned how AI will change your business—this conversation is full of real talk and practical wisdom. 🧠 Takeaways: Why telling the truth is the ultimate business strategy The “Hourglass of Niching” framework for finding your sweet spot How to hire top global talent (and avoid bad hires) Why paying more can lead to better results How AI is reshaping entrepreneurship and marketing Why doing what doesn’t scale is the real secret to growth Resources & Links: Connect with Kasim: https://kasim.me Download the free Friday Habit Guide: https://thefridayhabit.com 👉 Learn how to dedicate one full day each week to working on your business instead of in your business. (00:00) - – Intro (01:10) - – Meet Kasim: From 7-Figure Agency Founder to Global Talent Expert (02:00) - – The Perfect Oreo Technique (03:30) - – Favorite Cities and the Case for Italy (05:40) - – First Big Purchase After Success (07:10) - – Car Talk: Honda Prelude vs. Acura Integra (09:10) - – Homesteads, Chickens, and Billionaire Bunkers (12:00) - – The Worst Job Ever: Fraudulent Fundraising (16:30) - – Growing Up in Albuquerque (18:00) - – Family Background: Pakistan Meets the Deep South (22:40) - – From Welfare to Entrepreneurship (25:00) - – Learning to Tell the Truth (28:50) - – Building a Google Ads Empire (30:20) - – The Hourglass of Niching Explained (33:25) - – Why Traffic Solves Everything (36:00) - – 100 Failed Businesses Later: Finding Success (36:40) - – The One Hire Every Entrepreneur Needs (41:10) - – The Pareto Principle and Paying More for Talent (45:10) - – Testing Applicants Like a Pro (48:00) - – Finding Gratitude and Global Talent (50:35) - – Making a Difference Through Better Jobs (54:30) - – Leadership Without Leading (55:30) - – AI and the Future of Work (57:05) - – Counterfeit Content vs. Human Creativity (01:00:00) - – SEO Is Dead, AEO Is the Future (01:03:00) - – Why Reddit Rules the Internet (01:04:15) - – Life, Family, and Being a Dad (01:06:50) - – Where to Find Kasim (01:07:05) - – Monday Challenge: Meditate

• Chapters

Building Sellable Brands with Neil Twa

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Neil Twa—e-commerce growth expert, founder of Voltage Digital Marketing, and one of the top minds behind building and scaling private-label brands on Amazon. From going bankrupt to building multiple seven-figure exits, Neil shares the real story behind creating businesses designed to sell. He explains why profit isn’t enough, why most entrepreneurs fall into the “hopium” trap, and how putting purpose before profit transformed his life. If you’ve ever thought about starting an Amazon business—or if you’re simply curious about what makes a company truly valuable—this episode is packed with insights you can apply today. 🧠 Takeaways: -Don’t marry products—marry the brand and data. -Amazon is just one channel: leverage it, then expand beyond it. -The biggest myth: e-commerce success requires a brand-new invention. -Sales fix everything—but only if profit margins are real. -Avoid the “hopium” mindset of chasing overnight success. -Purpose and values create sustainable growth (profit follows). -The Five F’s for entrepreneurs: Faith, Family, Friends, Finances, and Freedom. Resources & Links: Learn more about Neil: https://VoltageDM.com Check out Voltage Digital Marketing: https://VoltageDM.com 👉 Don’t forget—you can download the free Friday Habit system at https://thefridayhabit.com to learn how to dedicate one full day each week to working on your business instead of in your business. (00:00) - – Intro (01:12) - – Neil’s Background and Family Life (05:20) - – Homeschooling, Music, and Early Influences (10:58) - – From Corporate to Entrepreneurship (20:11) - – Breaking into E-Commerce (23:37) - – The First Seven-Figure Amazon Brand (27:28) - – The “As Seen on TV” Strategy (29:26) - – Myths of Selling on Amazon (33:16) - – Why Branding Matters (38:36) - – Building Sellable Businesses (45:07) - – The “Hopium” Mindset (47:27) - – Habits, Routines, and the Five F’s (54:58) - – Faith, Purpose, and Overcoming Bankruptcy (01:01:58) - – Redefining Success and Purpose (01:04:04) - – If Starting Over, What Would You Do? (01:05:21) - – How to Connect with Neil

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Faith, Focus, and a 7-Figure Agency

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Ozzy Garner—founder of Advertis, angel investor, and entrepreneur with a passion for helping business owners reclaim their time and scale smarter. From cleaning bathrooms at White Castle to doubling revenue in his first sales job, Ozzy’s path to building a seven-figure agency is anything but typical. He shares candid insights into the grind of entrepreneurship, the lessons learned from angel investing, and how building a business rooted in core values (and powered by faith) has transformed his life. If you’ve ever struggled with focus, wondered when to quit versus push through, or dreamed of creating a company that runs without you—this conversation is packed with perspective. 🧠 Takeaways: Why focus—not chasing every shiny object—is the key to sustainable growth The power of perseverance and “outlasting” to find traction How taking a vacation exposes the cracks in your business Scaling by firing yourself from roles and empowering your team Building with intention: serving clients, your team, and your family Why faith and entrepreneurship don’t have to be in conflict Resources & Links: Connect with Ozzy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ozzygarner Explore Advertis: https://advertis.com 👉 Don’t forget—you can download the free Friday Habit system at https://thefridayhabit.com to learn how to dedicate one full day each week to working on your business instead of in your business. (00:00) - – Intro (01:14) - – From White Castle to Sales Success (05:22) - – Discovering Entrepreneurship (09:18) - – Angel Investing and Consulting (13:12) - – Founding Advertis and Early Growth (20:13) - – The Grind: Cold Calls and First Clients (23:31) - – Building Systems That Work Without You (29:16) - – Family, Faith, and Entrepreneurship (36:21) - – Scaling with Intention and Team Culture (44:23) - – Knowing When to Pivot or Persevere (51:20) - – Balancing Business and Faith (55:24) - – Leading with Core Values (57:45) - – One Action for Monday Morning

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The Future of Innovation and Authenticity

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Bernie Youngblood—a rule-breaking marketer, connector, and strategist who’s spent his career reshaping industries and helping businesses, nonprofits, and artists thrive. From a start in finance to building sales and marketing ventures, Bernie has seen firsthand what works (and what doesn’t) in business. He shares lessons from his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of innovation, and why authenticity—not advertising—is the new currency for brands. This conversation dives deep into big-picture topics: capitalism, faith, diversity, human trafficking, innovation, and the rise of AI. Bernie also offers practical wisdom for entrepreneurs about branding, building impact, and why moving slower may actually help you accomplish more. 🧠 Takeaways: -Being good at something doesn’t mean you’ll enjoy it—follow what energizes you. -Diversity, creativity, and authenticity create stronger businesses than profit-driven spreadsheets. -Our culture often resists innovation—entrepreneurs must persist despite resistance. -AI will disrupt every industry, but it also levels the playing field for entrepreneurs. -Brands today aren’t built—they’re revealed. Authenticity is the new currency. -Long-term planning and intentional focus allow you to move slower but do more. -Success isn’t about accumulating marbles—it’s about creating meaningful impact. Resources & Links: Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn (search “Bernie Youngblood”) Learn more about Hot Logic at https://hotlogic.com Follow Bernie on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube 👉 Don’t forget—you can download the free Friday Habit system at https://thefridayhabit.com to learn how to dedicate one full day each week to working on your business instead of in your business. (00:34) - – Welcome & Guest Intro: Bernie Youngblood (02:15) - – Bernie’s Background: From Finance to Marketing (04:41) - – Family of Entrepreneurs & Early Lessons (06:26) - – Challenges Women Face in Business (08:34) - – Capitalism, Winners & Losers, and the Patriarchy (13:40) - – The State of Society: What Needs Fixing (16:03) - – Mark’s Story: Overcoming Disadvantages (18:31) - – Bernie on Nonprofits & Human Trafficking Work (19:49) - – Mother’s Healthcare Business & Lessons Learned (21:56) - – Why Our Culture Abhors Innovation (25:13) - – Abundance vs. Scarcity: God’s Plan vs. Man’s Plan (27:31) - – Move Slower, Do More (Bernie’s Life Philosophy) (29:05) - – The Timeline Exercise: How Much Time You Have Left (32:47) - – Get Uncomfortable & Stay Uncomfortable (34:31) - – Opportunities for Future Trillionaires (37:12) - – Branding in the Age of Transparency (39:22) - – Authenticity as the New Currency (44:31) - – Bridging For-Profit, Nonprofit & Art (50:21) - – Hot Logic: Rethinking Lunch at Work (53:42) - – Wealth, Legacy & What Really Matters (55:51) - – Monday Morning Action Item (56:38) - – Where to Connect with Bernie

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The Six Steps to Stronger Leadership

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark welcomes leadership expert and coach Jennifer DiMotta, founder of Uprisers. Jennifer has spent over two decades in corporate leadership, eventually serving as Chief Marketing and Digital Officer of a $22 billion company before creating her own coaching practice. Through her structured and results-driven approach, Jennifer has transformed the often “soft” concept of leadership into an actionable framework that helps middle managers and emerging leaders rise to the next level. She shares her personal journey—navigating single parenthood, climbing the corporate ladder, and ultimately launching her business—and introduces her six-step system for becoming your own leadership coach. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your leadership journey or wondered how to break through to the next level in your career, this conversation is packed with practical insights, mindset shifts, and actionable steps you can take right now. 🧠 Takeaways: -Leadership isn’t reserved for a certain personality type—anyone can develop into a strong leader. -Self-awareness is the #1 trait of great leaders; start with honest self-assessment. -Long-term vision paired with 90-day goals gives you a 95% better chance of success. -Accountability partners and reward systems help sustain motivation. -Coaching should be measurable and structured, not just “soft” conversations. -Financial acumen and company-level thinking are key for advancing in corporate leadership. -Sharing your learnings with others reinforces growth and builds stronger teams. Resources & Links: Connect with Jennifer at https://Uprisers.com Reach out directly: jennifer@uprisers.com Take the StrengthsFinder Assessment Follow Jennifer on LinkedIn 👉 Don’t forget—you can download the free Friday Habit system at https://thefridayhabit.com to learn how to dedicate one full day each week to working on your business instead of in your business. (00:34) - – Welcome & Guest Intro: Jennifer DiMotta (03:01) - – Growing Up with Brothers & Early Leadership Tendencies (07:14) - – Returning to Omaha & Lessons from Moving Around (12:35) - – Why Jennifer Chose Leadership Development (16:43) - – From Single Mom to Corporate Executive (20:34) - – Building Uprisers to Help Stuck Middle Managers (25:05) - – The Six Steps Framework Explained (29:24) - – Step 1: Assess Yourself (StrengthsFinder, Personality, EQ) (33:40) - – Step 2: Create Your Long-Term Vision (35:26) - – Step 3: Break It into 90-Day Goals (42:27) - – Steps 4–6: Accountability, Rewards, and Paying It Forward (47:25) - – Building Motivation & Habits That Stick (50:14) - – Key Mindset Shifts for Emerging Leaders (53:44) - – Jennifer’s Entrepreneurial Journey (57:36) - – Pricing, Value, and Believing in Your Work (01:01:38) - – Where to Connect with Jennifer (01:02:16) - – Monday Morning Action Item

• Chapters