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
  • Small Business Q&A: Real Questions Every Business Owner Needs Answered

    Small Business Q&A: Real Questions Every Business Owner Needs Answered
    Jun 8 2026
    In this special Q&A episode of Built By Doing, David Alan and Stan Kleja answer real questions submitted by listeners from entrepreneurs preparing to launch their first business to experienced business owners facing challenges with marketing, pricing, profitability, cash flow, hiring, and growth. Topics include: • How do you know if your business is actually profitable? • What should you spend on marketing? • How do you get your first customers? • How do you price your products or services? • Should you write a business plan? • How do you improve cash flow? • How do you stand out from competitors? • When should you raise prices? • How do you market a local business effectively? • What should every new entrepreneur know before starting? Whether you're starting a business, running a family company, or trying to grow an established brand, this episode is packed with practical advice, real-world experience, and actionable strategies.Have a question for a future Q&A episode? Leave a comment or submit it through our website. www.builtbydoingpodcast.com
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    42 mins
  • Why Great Employees Are So Hard to Find (And Keep)

    Why Great Employees Are So Hard to Find (And Keep)
    Jun 1 2026
    As businesses grow, one challenge never goes away: finding the right people to step up, take ownership, and help move the company forward. In this episode, David Alan and Stan discuss leadership, employee development, company culture, hiring challenges, accountability, motivation, and what separates top performers from everyone else. They dive into the realities of building teams, developing future leaders, coaching employees, setting expectations, and why effort, attitude, and personal growth often matter more than experience alone. Whether you're a business owner trying to build a stronger team, a manager looking to develop employees, or a professional hoping to advance your career, this conversation offers practical insights into what it really takes to grow. Topics discussed include: • Leadership and team development • Employee accountability and performance • Company culture and workplace success • Hiring and retaining great employees • Professional growth and career advancement • Building future leaders • Entrepreneurship and business growth • Employee motivation and ownership • Coaching and mentorship • The mindset required to succeed If you're looking to build a stronger business, become a better leader, or take the next step in your career, this episode is for you. Available everywhere that podcasts are streamed. www.builtbydoingpodcast.com
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    37 mins
  • Has Your Business Outgrown Your Original Customer?

    Has Your Business Outgrown Your Original Customer?
    May 26 2026
    What happens when your business outgrows its original customer? In Episode 13 of Built By Doing, David Alan and Stan Kleja dive into one of the hardest realities of entrepreneurship: raising prices, evolving your business model, and understanding that not every customer or client is meant to stay with you forever. From David Alan Clothing’s early days selling custom suits for just a few hundred dollars to scaling a premium luxury brand experience, David shares the mindset shifts, fear, and business strategy behind increasing prices while improving product quality, customer experience, and long-term growth. Stan brings the accounting and operational side of the conversation, discussing inflation, service pricing, client retention, business scaling, recurring revenue, and why many entrepreneurs struggle to value their own time properly. This episode covers: • Raising prices in business • Scaling a service business • Custom suit business growth • Entrepreneurship mindset • Outgrowing customers • Premium customer experience • Inflation & pricing strategy • Business operations • Client relationships • Value-based pricing • Leadership & entrepreneurship • Building a luxury brand • Business growth strategies • Time value as an entrepreneur • When to let clients go If you're an entrepreneur, small business owner, creative, or founder trying to grow your company without burning yourself out, this episode will hit home. 🎙️ Built By Doing Podcast www.builtbydoingpodcast.com Real conversations about entrepreneurship, leadership, growth, mindset, business strategy, and building something meaningful through experience.
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    39 mins
  • Social Media Is Lying About Business Growth

    Social Media Is Lying About Business Growth
    May 18 2026
    What does real business growth actually look like? In Episode 12 of Built By Doing, David and Stan break down one of the biggest misconceptions in entrepreneurship: the idea that more revenue automatically means a healthier or more successful business. From profit margins and overhead to scaling too quickly, hiring too soon, opening multiple locations, social media comparison, and defining your own version of success, this episode explores the difference between the perception of growth and the reality behind it. They discuss: Revenue vs profit and why both matter Why growing too fast can actually hurt a business The dangers of chasing vanity metrics Opening new locations strategically Social media comparison and entrepreneurship Hiring, overhead, and scaling operations How to define your own version of success Why efficiency matters more than appearances The realities of entrepreneurship and business ownership Long-term business strategy vs short-term perception This episode is packed with practical insight for entrepreneurs, startup founders, small business owners, leadership teams, and anyone trying to scale a business while maintaining profitability, freedom, and quality of life. If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, leadership, business growth, company culture, scaling strategies, startup operations, revenue growth, profit margins, or building a sustainable business, this conversation offers an honest look at what growth really means behind the scenes.
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    33 mins
  • When Is the Right Time to Expand Your Business?

    When Is the Right Time to Expand Your Business?
    May 11 2026
    What does it actually take to expand a business successfully? In Episode 11 of Built By Doing, David and Stan break down the real-world process behind expanding a company into new markets, opening additional locations, building systems, hiring teams, and scaling without losing the culture that made the business successful in the first place. With David Alan Clothing actively expanding into Columbus, Nashville, and other major metro markets, this episode gives an honest behind-the-scenes look at the challenges, risks, financial decisions, and operational systems required to grow a modern business. They discuss: How to know when your business is ready to expand The importance of systems, processes, and infrastructure Why cash flow and low overhead matter when scaling Hiring the right people and protecting company culture Expanding into new cities and testing new markets CRM systems, lead tracking, and operational visibility Why processes create freedom for business owners The balance between reinvesting into growth vs paying yourself Lessons learned from opening multiple locations Why scaling too early can hurt a business This episode is packed with practical business growth advice for entrepreneurs, small business owners, founders, operators, and anyone thinking about scaling a company, opening additional locations, or building a brand beyond one market. If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, business operations, company growth, leadership, scaling strategies, franchise-style expansion, systems development, or building a sustainable business, this conversation offers an honest look at what expansion really requires behind the scenes.
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    32 mins