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Built By Doing

Built By Doing

By: David Alan Stan Kleja
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What does it actually take to build a successful business? Built By Doing explores the real stories behind entrepreneurship. Hosted by David Alan, founder of David Alan Clothing, and Stan Kleja, the show pulls back the curtain on the journey of building a business. After starting his career in medical sales, David took the leap into entrepreneurship and built a custom fashion brand that styles professional athletes, celebrities, and leaders across industries - including clients like John Cena and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Each episode shares the lessons behind building something real.2026 David Alan Clothing Economics Leadership Management Management & Leadership Marketing Marketing & Sales
Episodes
  • How Smart Entrepreneurs Actually Use Debt

    How Smart Entrepreneurs Actually Use Debt
    Jun 29 2026
    Debt has a bad reputation. But is debt actually the problem... or is it how entrepreneurs use it? In Episode 18 of Built By Doing, David Alan and Stan Kleja dive into one of the most misunderstood topics in business: debt. From business loans and lines of credit to credit cards, private equity, personal guarantees, bank financing, and cash flow management, they share the real lessons learned from building and expanding multiple successful businesses. David opens up about the early days of David Alan Clothing, when debt wasn't a growth strategy, it was survival. Together, they discuss how their perspective has evolved, why debt can be a powerful business tool when used strategically, and the costly mistakes entrepreneurs should avoid before signing their next loan. In this episode, you'll learn: • When debt makes sense—and when it doesn't • Business loans vs. lines of credit • How banks evaluate entrepreneurs • Personal guarantees and collateral explained • Why knowing your numbers changes everything • Cash flow mistakes that trap business owners • How to compare lenders and financing options • The hidden dangers of online lenders • Paying off debt strategically • Using debt to grow instead of simply survive • Building relationships with banks and financial partners • Lessons learned from scaling multiple businesses Whether you're starting your first company, expanding an existing business, or trying to better understand business financing, this episode offers practical advice and real-world experience from entrepreneurs who have lived it. Watch, subscribe, and follow Built By Doing for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship, business growth, leadership, marketing, branding, finance, mindset, and execution. Questions about your business? Send us a message at www.builtbydoingpodcast.com, or drop us a comment.
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    36 mins
  • Investors, Loans & Partnerships: How Smart Businesses Scale

    Investors, Loans & Partnerships: How Smart Businesses Scale
    Jun 22 2026
    Should you take investors? Borrow money? Bring on partners? Or fund your business yourself? In Episode 17 of Built By Doing, David Alan and Stan break down the realities of business funding, private investors, bank loans, equity partnerships, and what every entrepreneur should understand before giving away ownership in their company. From self-funding and reinvesting revenue to navigating private equity, expansion, and strategic partnerships, this episode explores the advantages and tradeoffs behind every growth decision. They also discuss: When to use investors vs. bank loans Why equity conversations should be approached carefully How to evaluate business partners and investors The importance of operating agreements Why relationships matter more than money How David Alan Clothing approached growth and expansion Revenue vs. debt vs. private capital Why money only solves money problems—not process problems Lessons learned from borrowing money and paying off debt Scaling a business without sacrificing culture If you're an entrepreneur, small business owner, startup founder, or someone thinking about raising capital, this episode will help you think differently about growth and funding. Subscribe for more conversations on entrepreneurship, leadership, business growth, marketing, branding, mindset, and execution. Have a question about your business that you'd like us to answer on a future episode? Send us a message at www.builtbydoingpodcast.com! (we'll keep your name and business name private)
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    38 mins
  • The Entrepreneurs Who Win Will Use AI

    The Entrepreneurs Who Win Will Use AI
    Jun 15 2026
    Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming entrepreneurship, leadership, marketing, hiring, productivity, and everyday business operations. Whether you're a small business owner, startup founder, executive, or entrepreneur, AI is quickly becoming one of the most valuable tools available. The conversation explores practical ways business owners can leverage AI for marketing strategies, business planning, hiring decisions, customer communication, visualization, creative work, organization, and operational efficiency. We also discuss the realities of AI replacing jobs, why adaptability and adding value will always matter, the limitations and costs of AI tools, and how entrepreneurs can begin using AI today without becoming technology experts. If you've been wondering how ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, and other AI platforms can actually help grow your business, this episode provides practical insights and real-world examples from business owners actively implementing AI into their companies. Topics include: • AI for entrepreneurs • Small business automation • Business productivity • Marketing with AI • Hiring and recruiting using AI • Startup strategy • Leadership and technology • Business planning • Future of work • How AI is changing business forever Built By Doing is a podcast focused on entrepreneurship, leadership, business growth, and the real-world lessons learned from building companies. Episode available everywhere and at www.builtbydoingpodcast.com.
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    30 mins
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