Episodes

  • What Coaching Actually Is And Why Leaders Need It | Pete Stoddart

    What Coaching Actually Is And Why Leaders Need It | Pete Stoddart
    Aug 20 2026

    Pete Stoddart joins Levi and Colby to talk about what coaching actually looks like when it is done well and how it can change the way entrepreneurs lead, listen, delegate and make difficult decisions. Drawing from 25 years in hospitality and his own transition into executive coaching, Pete shares how coaching helped him navigate succession, build courage and eventually step into a new chapter with Vision Coaching.

    The conversation also explores the difference between coaching and mentoring, the importance of curiosity and vulnerability in leadership, how AI may shape the future of coaching, and what it takes to build a business that can grow beyond the founder.

    Connect with Pete: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petestoddart

    Connect with Levi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/levilawrence

    Connect with Colby: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colby-jardine

    Timestamps:

    00:00 – Introduction
    Levi and Colby welcome Pete Stoddart from Vision Coaching.

    01:22 – Meet Pete Stoddart
    Pete shares the values, relationships and experiences that have shaped his life and career.

    05:42 – From Hospitality to Executive Coaching
    How 25 years in hospitality eventually led Pete toward coaching and a partnership with Vision Coaching.

    10:11 – Finding His First Coach
    Pete shares how coaching helped him navigate succession, uncertainty and leaving the business he had built.

    16:33 – Is Coaching Worth the Investment?
    Levi and Pete discuss professional development, formal coaching education and investing in yourself.

    20:32 – What Coaching Education Changed
    Pete reflects on Royal Roads, vulnerability, self-awareness and becoming a better listener, parent and leader.

    25:27 – Listening, Curiosity & Better Conversations
    Why asking one more question can deepen relationships, uncover real problems and improve change leadership.

    30:40 – AI and the Future of Coaching
    Pete shares where he believes AI can strengthen coaching — and where human connection still matters.

    37:42 – Coaching vs. Mentoring
    Pete breaks down the difference between transferring your knowledge and helping someone uncover their own path forward.

    43:00 – Coaching as a Leadership Skill
    Why coaching is underused by leaders, and why the person being coached has to be ready for the work.

    46:36 – Building a Business Beyond Yourself
    Pete discusses delegation, EOS, building a strong team and moving beyond being the most important technician in the business.

    55:08 – Where to Find Pete & Vision Coaching
    Pete shares how to connect with Vision Coaching and learn more about its coaching skills programs.
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    57 mins
  • Financial Expert: What Healthy Businesses Do Differently | Greg Crabtree

    Financial Expert: What Healthy Businesses Do Differently | Greg Crabtree
    Aug 13 2026

    Greg Crabtree has spent decades studying the financial performance of privately held businesses and helping entrepreneurs understand the handful of numbers that really matter. In this episode, Greg joins Levi and Colby to unpack profitability, labour efficiency, return on invested capital, cash, and why revenue alone can give business owners the wrong picture.

    They also dig into what Greg is seeing across hundreds of businesses right now, from AI and changing labour markets to why operational excellence may matter more in the next few years than it has in decades.

    Greg also turns the conversation back on Levi and Colby, offering some practical perspective on Iron House Pro’s positioning and their new bookkeeping service.

    Connect with Greg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-crabtree-simple-numbers/

    Connect with Levi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/levilawrence/

    Connect with Colby: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colby-jardine/

    Books Mentioned

    • Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits — Greg Crabtree
    • Simple Numbers 2.0 — Greg Crabtree

    Time stamps:

    00:00 – Introduction
    • Levi and Colby welcome Greg.

    02:05 – Meet Greg Crabtree
    • Greg shares his background and approach to business.

    07:33 – Billing by the Hour
    • Why Greg moved to fixed-price services.

    12:09 – What Makes a Good Business?
    • The numbers Greg believes actually matter.

    19:37 – Numbers That Change Behaviour
    • Using financial data to drive better decisions.

    33:00 – Return on Invested Capital
    • The overlooked metric Greg believes owners should know.

    43:44 – Making the Numbers Simple
    • Helping business owners understand complex financials.

    46:41 – Four Numbers to Know
    • Greg shares four key business metrics.

    52:22 – What the Data Shows
    • Patterns Greg sees across hundreds of businesses.

    56:23 – Building a Business That Lasts
    • Greg discusses succession, purpose and retirement.

    1:07:08 – Iron House Pro’s Approach
    • Levi and Colby share how IHP has evolved.

    1:09:25 – Three Rules for Business
    • Greg breaks his business strategy down to three things.

    1:16:09 – What’s Coming for Business
    • AI, labour and demographic change.

    1:19:00 – Bring Back Scrappy
    • Why businesses need more discipline around investment.

    1:26:31 – Separating From the Pack
    • Why operational excellence matters more than ever.

    1:29:19 – Why Profit Still Matters
    • Greg explains why every organization needs profit.

    1:35:24 – Advice for Bookkeeping
    • Greg shares advice for IHP’s new bookkeeping service.

    1:38:44 – Final Thoughts
    • Greg leaves listeners with a few things to chew on.

    #BuiltToLastPodcast #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #BusinessFinance #Profitability #Leadership #SmallBusiness #GregCrabtree



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    1 hr and 40 mins
  • Building A Business Without Losing Yourself | Joshua Counsil

    Building A Business Without Losing Yourself | Joshua Counsil
    Jul 23 2026

    In this episode of Built to Last, Joshua Counsil, co-founder of Good Robot Brewing, joins Levi and Colby for an honest conversation about entrepreneurship, identity, business partnerships, and building a company without losing yourself along the way.

    Joshua shares his path from engineering to opening a brewery with his university friends, growing Good Robot through major change, and discovering a new creative outlet through keynote speaking. The conversation also explores founder identity, working with different partners, defining clear roles, listening to customers, building an authentic brand, and learning when to say no as a business grows.

    Resources:

    Good Robot Brewing Company: https://goodrobotbrewing.ca/
    Iron House Pro: https://www.ironhousepro.com/

    Connect on linkedin:

    Joshua - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuacounsil/

    Colby - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colby-jardine/

    Levi - https://www.linkedin.com/in/levilawrence/

    00:00 – Introduction: Business, Identity and the Person Behind It
    • Levi introduces the conversation and its focus on building both sustainable companies and sustainable lives.

    01:22 – From Engineering to Good Robot Brewing
    • Joshua shares his unconventional path from wanting to design Disney rides to opening a Halifax brewery.

    04:15 – Keynote Speaking and Finding a Personal Outlet
    • Why speaking became a creative pursuit separate from Joshua’s responsibilities at Good Robot.

    11:31 – Building an Identity Beyond the Business
    • The danger of tying your entire identity to one company, career or achievement.

    20:51 – Why Entrepreneurs Need Feedback, Validation and Hope
    • Joshua explains why shorter feedback loops can help founders endure the uncertainty of building a business.

    28:33 – Reframing Memories and Acting Through Discomfort
    • Mood-congruent memories, authenticity and moving according to your values even when uncomfortable feelings remain.

    33:31 – The Disney Interview That Changed Joshua’s Path
    • Joshua tells the story of the unusual answers that likely cost him a job at Disney.

    38:10 – Managing a Three-Founder Partnership
    • How self-awareness and different strengths shape the relationship between Good Robot’s three founders.

    44:01 – Clear Roles and Creating Order From Chaos
    • Why directors, defined responsibilities and an organizational structure helped the company mature.

    48:49 – Why Founders Need Outside Challenge
    • Good Robot’s original brand identity and the advisors who challenged the founders’ assumptions.

    55:28 – Building a Diverse Advisory Board
    • Joshua explains why a useful board needs both industry knowledge and genuinely different perspectives.

    59:44 – How Customer Feedback Saved Diablo Beer
    • A simple change in messaging helped turn a struggling product into Good Robot’s leading seller.

    1:02:41 – One Brand or Two? Good Robot and Beverage Manufacturing
    • Joshua reconsiders whether Good Robot’s consumer brand and co-packing operation should remain separate.

    1:12:14 – Escaping Founder Bubbles and Listening to Customers
    • Why entrepreneurs can misread the market when they rely on their own circles instead of real customer behaviour.

    1:20:41 – Start Small, Learn Fast and Avoid Premature Scale
    • The advantages of farmers markets, direct feedback and gradual expansion for new consumer brands.

    1:25:42 – Saying No and Accepting You’re Not for Everyone
    • Why turning down large opportunities can demonstrate maturity, focus and strategic discipline.

    1:29:29 – Authentic Speaking and Stronger Personal Brands
    • Joshua discusses negative feedback, polarizing audiences and showing up as yourself on stage.

    1:35:17 – Bringing More Personality Into B2B Marketing
    • LinkedIn, comedy and the opportunity to make professional content more creative and human.

    1:41:03 – Where to Find Joshua and Closing
    • Joshua shares where listeners can meet him and the upcoming events where he plans to speak.

    #BuiltToLastPodcast #Entrepreneurship #FounderJourney #BusinessLeadership #AuthenticLeadership #BusinessGrowth #BrandStrategy #CanadianBusiness
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    1 hr and 44 mins
  • Why Scaling Too Fast Can Hurt Your Business - Jimmy Lorway (Construction Entrepreneur)

    Why Scaling Too Fast Can Hurt Your Business - Jimmy Lorway (Construction Entrepreneur)
    Jul 9 2026
    In this episode of Built to Last, Jimmy Lorway, owner of Anvil Construction, shares the lessons that came from scaling quickly, hiring too fast, and learning what it really takes to build a sustainable business.Jimmy joins Levi and Colby for an honest conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, cash flow, EOS implementation, military leadership, company culture, and designing a business that creates freedom instead of dependence. Whether you're just starting out or leading a growing team, this episode is full of practical insights from someone who's lived the challenges firsthand.Resources:Anvil Construction: https://anvilconstruction.ca/Iron House Pro: https://www.ironhousepro.com/ Connect on linkedin:Jimmy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmylorway/Colby - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colby-jardine/Levi - https://www.linkedin.com/in/levilawrence/Books Mentioned:Traction by Gino WickmanCome Up for Air by Nick Sonnenberg00:00 – Introduction • Levi and Colby welcome Jimmy Lorway to the podcast.01:44 – Meet Jimmy Lorway • Jimmy introduces himself and Anvil Construction.02:53 – What Anvil Construction Does • Jimmy explains Anvil’s focus on building envelope and cladding work.04:16 – How Anvil Started • Jimmy shares the early origin story and how the business first took shape.06:45 – Fast Growth and Early Lessons • How Anvil grew quickly, and why some of that growth created challenges.09:30 – Systems Living in Jimmy’s Head • Jimmy talks about early systems, Excel, and the need to document processes.10:52 – Implementing EOS • Why self-implementing EOS was difficult and how bringing in an implementer changed things.13:26 – Building the Team • Jimmy shares how the team is growing and where leadership development is happening.15:47 – The Peter Principle • A discussion on promoting strong technicians into management roles.17:33 – Wrong Growth • Jimmy explains what “wrong growth” looked like and the cost of hiring out of desperation.18:01 – Cash Flow and Survival • Why cash flow was critical during Anvil’s early growth.19:31 – Accidental Entrepreneurship • Jimmy reflects on how he became a business owner without a master plan.21:08 – Freedom of Time and Location • Jimmy shares the long-term lifestyle goals behind building the business.23:38 – Lessons From the Military • How Jimmy’s military experience shaped his confidence, leadership, and systems thinking.26:55 – Clarity, Orders, and Decentralized Command • Jimmy explains how military structure applies to business leadership.28:04 – Training and Repetition • What business can learn from the military’s approach to practice and feedback.31:35 – Sharing Responsibility • Jimmy talks about moving training and development beyond himself.35:52 – How Jimmy Has Changed as a Leader • Jimmy reflects on confidence, trust, and sharing the vision more clearly.36:45 – Abundance vs. Scarcity Mindset • A conversation about looking forward, building systems, and helping the team grow.38:53 – Getting Out of the Day-to-Day • Jimmy shares what it feels like to step back from daily operations.42:03 – Moving Too Fast With Change • Jimmy talks about slowing down implementation so the team can actually understand it.45:44 – Communication Styles and DISC • Jimmy shares how personality profiles helped explain communication differences.48:38 – Giving Feedback With Trust • Why difficult feedback lands better when the relationship is strong.51:17 – Peer Groups and EO Accelerator • Jimmy shares how peer learning changed his perspective on business challenges.55:03 – Breakthrough Academy and Business Programs • Jimmy explains where he gets peer support and practical business systems.1:00:11 – Breathwork, Trail Running, and Regulation • Jimmy and Colby discuss tools for managing stress and energy.1:01:40 – Family, Growth, and Support • Jimmy reflects on personal development, homeschooling, and family alignment.1:07:49 – Bringing Family Into the Business World • Jimmy and Colby talk about EO events, spouses, and support systems.1:11:30 – The Next Chapter for Anvil • Jimmy shares the long-term vision for Anvil’s growth.1:12:07 – The Goal of 100 Installers • Jimmy explains the 2035 vision of 100 installers serving Atlantic Canada.1:13:49 – Internal Communication Challenges • Jimmy asks Levi and Colby about structuring internal communication.1:14:04 – Come Up for Air and Communication Systems • Jimmy shares what he’s learning from Nick Sonnenberg’s book.1:15:28 – Getting Off Personal Messaging Tools • Levi explains why companies need owned, intentional communication channels.1:21:00 – Moving Everything Away From Jimmy • Jimmy describes untangling the company from relying on him as the centre point.1:29:05 – Colby’s Focus on Bookkeeping • Colby shares what he’s been building inside Iron House Pro.1:...
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    2 hrs
  • Iron House Pro on Trust, and Building What’s Next - Aaron Furlong

    Iron House Pro on Trust, and Building What’s Next - Aaron Furlong
    Jun 19 2026
    In this episode, Colby and Levi sit down with Aaron Furlong, the other partner at our company Iron House Pro. We talk business, partnerships, personal growth, and the messy path that shapes how people lead.Aaron shares his journey from construction and project management, relationship-building, and helping organizations work through complex change. The conversation also explores Iron House Pro’s next big step: launching a bookkeeping service built around clarity, consistency, and human support.https://www.ironhousepro.com/Connect with Aaron: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-furlong-72678b1b4/Connect with Colby: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colby-jardine/Connect with Levi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/levilawrence/Time Stamps00:00 – Introduction• Colby introduces Aaron and the idea behind the episode.00:20 – Meet Aaron Furlong• Aaron shares who he is and why he usually stays behind the scenes.02:22 – Aaron’s Construction Background• How carpentry and project management shaped his early career.04:56 – Learning Through Big Projects• Aaron reflects on being trusted with responsibility at a young age.07:53 – Managing Clients and Complexity• Why building homes requires people management, material management, and client management.09:44 – Frustration with Old Systems• Aaron talks about pushing against rigid construction processes.11:15 – Leaving Construction• The personal and professional uncertainty after stepping away.13:29 – Rebuilding Confidence• How campaigning, odd jobs, and reflection shaped his next move.15:05 – Reframing Past Experience• Aaron realizes his background had more value than he gave himself credit for.16:10 – Entering Corporate Project Work• His first experience working with a larger tech company.17:02 – Working Differently• Aaron explains how remote work and flexibility changed his perspective.19:00 – Meeting Colby• The coffee shop connection that helped shift Aaron’s path.20:23 – Understanding the Work• Aaron explains how projects succeed through people, timing, and context.21:31 – Technology, AI, and Human Work• The group discusses how technology is changing creative and project work.24:09 – Early Responsibility in Business• Levi reflects on being trusted with major responsibility at a young age.25:15 – Learning by Doing• Colby shares his own experience leading major work without fully understanding the weight of it.27:03 – Who Gets Left Behind• Levi talks about nonprofits, small businesses, and organizations struggling to keep up.28:33 – Business, Government, and Support Systems• Aaron shares his perspective on grants, government involvement, and business realities.31:26 – False Success and Entrepreneurial Pressure• The group discusses comparison, ambition, and the pressure business owners feel.33:05 – What Success Means Personally• Levi asks the partners to reflect on what they each want from Iron House Pro.34:12 – Colby’s Vision for the Business• Colby talks about building a sustainable professional services company.35:20 – Profit, Sustainability, and Succession• Aaron reflects on money, legacy, and building something that lasts.37:41 – Chasing Lightbulb Moments• Levi shares what excites him most about the work today.38:44 – Trust and Relationship-Based Work• Aaron explains why trust is central to community and business work.41:07 – Learning From Other Business Owners• The value of seeing other entrepreneurs’ challenges up close.42:32 – Building a Trusted Network• Aaron reflects on mentorship, community, and long-term relationships.43:37 – Supporting Owner-Operators• Colby talks about helping business owners work through deeper challenges.45:20 – Loneliness in Business• Aaron shares a personal story about feeling isolated while building.47:53 – Partnership and Shared Values• Aaron explains what makes the Iron House Pro partnership work.51:18 – What’s Next for Iron House Pro• The team introduces the new bookkeeping service.52:14 – Why Bookkeeping Became the Opportunity• Colby explains the gap they kept seeing with client financials.53:18 – The Need for Reliable Numbers• Levi explains why many businesses struggle without dependable bookkeeping.55:30 – Simple Numbers and Better Decisions• Colby talks about learning which numbers actually matter.55:59 – Why Boring Businesses Matter• Aaron shares why he has become excited about the boring side of business.57:23 – Numbers Tell the Story• The group discusses margins, utilization, and financial clarity.59:44 – Building Iron House Books• Aaron explains how bookkeeping can help prevent burnout and support better decisions.1:02:01 – Final Thoughts• Aaron reflects on discomfort, growth, and doing meaningful work.#BuiltToLastPodcast#IronHousePro#Entrepreneurship#BusinessLeadership#SmallBusiness#BusinessGrowth#Partnerships#Bookkeeping
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • The Hard Truths of Growing a Family Business - Nick MacGregor

    The Hard Truths of Growing a Family Business - Nick MacGregor
    Jun 4 2026

    In this episode of Built to Last, Colby and Levi sit down with Nick MacGregor, General Manager of McGregor’s Industrial Group.

    Nick shares a grounded look at what it takes to lead a traditional, hands-on business through growth, succession, technology adoption, and changing market realities.

    https://www.ironhousepro.com

    00:00 – Introduction
    • Levi and Colby introduce the episode and how they connected with Nick.

    02:03 – Meet Nick MacGregor
    • Nick introduces himself and McGregor’s Industrial Group.

    03:18 – Growing Up in the Family Business
    • Nick shares early memories of sweeping floors and helping around the shop.

    06:40 – Transitioning Leadership Across Generations
    • Nick talks about his father’s semi-retirement and the human side of succession.

    12:22 – What Changes in the Top Seat
    • Nick reflects on the surprises of becoming general manager.

    14:19 – What McGregor’s Industrial Group Does
    • Nick explains the company’s four main business units.

    16:31 – Bringing Technology Into a Traditional Business
    • The group discusses how digital change started inside the company.

    21:56 – Building Custom Software and Learning the Hard Way
    • Nick shares the story of trying to build an operations management system.

    24:58 – Why ERP Projects Are So Difficult
    • Nick explains why larger software implementations require serious time, money, and support.

    28:25 – Payroll, CRM, and Other Technology Lessons
    • Nick shares more examples of software challenges and lessons learned.

    30:39 – Why Iteration Matters
    • Nick explains why tools rarely work perfectly on day one.

    32:51 – Training and Leadership Development
    • Nick talks about courses, industry associations, and learning in smaller chunks.

    35:25 – Building Culture Across Four Generations
    • Nick discusses culture, visibility, and staying connected to employees.

    37:20 – Making Hard Strategic Decisions
    • Nick shares the decision to exit a major market that no longer made sense.

    41:35 – Opportunities in the Maritimes
    • Nick explains why he is optimistic about regional industrial growth.

    43:59 – Staying Hands-On With Customers
    • Nick talks about the “get it done” attitude and helping customers directly.

    48:30 – Getting Stronger Before Growing Again
    • Nick explains the choice to strengthen the foundation of the business.

    50:52 – Letting People Fail and Learn
    • Nick shares why mistakes are part of skill development.

    52:31 – Hiring and Retaining Skilled Trades
    • Nick talks about apprenticeship pathways, retention, and the labour market.

    55:44 – Advice for Emerging Leaders
    • Nick shares the value of hard work, ownership, and passion.

    58:41 – Family, Work, and Raising Kids
    • Nick talks about family life, support, and the realities of balancing responsibilities.

    1:04:06 – AI Adoption and Automation
    • Nick shares how his view on AI has changed and where automation may help.

    1:07:45 – Finding Better Ways to Work
    • Nick reflects on manual labour, burnout, and rethinking old processes.

    #BuiltToLastPodcast #FamilyBusiness #BusinessLeadership #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessGrowth #DigitalAdoption #SkilledTrades
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • The Relationship-First Approach to Building Businesses - With Gord Erickson

    The Relationship-First Approach to Building Businesses - With Gord Erickson
    May 21 2026
    Gord Erickson joins the podcast to share the story behind building multiple businesses across hospitality, real estate, entertainment, tourism, tequila, and more — all while staying deeply focused on people, community, and culture.The conversation dives into partnerships, leadership, Disney-inspired hospitality principles, entrepreneurial risk, business failures, scaling teams, and what Gord has learned after decades of building and rebuilding businesses. From buying a struggling bar in his twenties to running a hotel in Mexico and launching a tequila brand, this episode is full of honest insights for entrepreneurs and business leaders trying to build something meaningful.Connect With Gord: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gord-erickson-89a25ba4/Connect With Colby: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colby-jardine/Connect With Levi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/levilawrence/https://www.ironhousepro.com/ 00:00 – Introduction• Levi introduces Gord Erickson and the unexpected connection that led to the conversation.00:59 – Gord Erickson’s Background• Gord shares his entrepreneurial journey and how business started early in life.02:13 – Managing 30 Companies• Gord explains the scale of his businesses and how partnerships evolved over time.03:50 – From Bartending to Starting a Band• How a chance meeting led to a decades-long music career.07:40 – Buying His First Bar• Gord shares how he unexpectedly entered the hospitality business.08:40 – The Liquor Store Opportunity• A regulatory change creates a major business opportunity.11:01 – Hospitality, Leadership & People• Why Gord believes connecting people is his real strength.12:25 – Why Passion Alone Isn’t Enough• The dangers of ignoring business fundamentals.14:09 – Building Businesses Through Partnerships• Gord explains how strategic partnerships helped him scale.17:07 – Becoming a Landlord & Developer• A financing conversation unexpectedly changed Gord’s business trajectory.22:21 – Building an Internal Team• How Gord evolved from a small office setup into a larger operational structure.25:38 – Meeting Tim & Operational Growth• Gord explains why bringing in operations leadership changed everything.31:27 – Discovering the Disney Philosophy• The Disney book and training program that reshaped the company culture.35:19 – Lessons from Disney Training• Hospitality, intentional experiences, and building memorable customer interactions.39:07 – Creating a Training Culture• How internal leadership training became part of the company DNA.41:20 – Recognition, Team Culture & Hospitality• Why employee recognition matters more than most businesses realize.43:07 – The Meaning Behind “Sueño”• The story behind the company’s rebrand and focus on dreaming bigger.46:43 – Hospitality Principles Beyond Restaurants• Applying hospitality thinking to every type of business.50:21 – Why Business Is About People First• Gord shares his core philosophy on leadership and entrepreneurship.53:07 – Opening the Books to Team Leaders• Transparency, accountability, and teaching financial literacy inside the business.54:20 – Work-Life Balance & Entrepreneurship• The realities of long hours, sacrifice, and eventually building support systems.56:55 – Buying a Hotel in Mexico• Gord shares the story behind purchasing and renovating a hotel in Mexico.59:20 – Navigating Business Challenges in Mexico• Corruption, permits, culture differences, and learning hard lessons abroad.1:03:56 – Opening a Hotel During COVID• Gord reflects on launching the hotel just as the world shut down.1:05:21 – Running Hospitality on the Ground Level Again• Returning to hands-on operations and rediscovering respect for hospitality teams.1:06:08 – Selling the Hotel• Gord opens up about the emotional process of exiting a dream project.1:11:01 – The Tequila Business & Agave Farming• How a farming opportunity evolved into a tequila brand.1:13:11 – Different Types of Entrepreneurs• Gord explains the different “boxes” entrepreneurs operate within.1:17:58 – The Future of Sueño• What’s next after selling the hotel and stepping back from operations.1:21:13 – Building Brands Through Storytelling• Why story, authenticity, and people matter more than products alone.1:27:48 – Entrepreneurship, Community & Momentum• The impact of surrounding yourself with aligned people.1:44:20 – Advice for Entrepreneurs• Gord shares lessons on action, systems, and learning through experience.1:49:16 – Final Thoughts on Leadership & Community• Why people and relationships remain at the center of everything.#Entrepreneurship #BusinessLeadership #Hospitality #SmallBusiness #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurLife #BuiltToLastPodcast
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    1 hr and 51 mins
  • Ownership vs Entrepreneurship: What Actually Builds a Business – Martin Balcome

    Ownership vs Entrepreneurship: What Actually Builds a Business – Martin Balcome
    May 7 2026

    In this episode of Built to Last, Colby and Levi sit down with Martin Balcome for a thoughtful conversation on entrepreneurship, leadership, personal growth, and the work it takes to build a life that feels intentional.

    Martin shares his path from growing up in a family business to becoming a multi-company operator, and reflects on the difference between being a strong operator and truly becoming an entrepreneur. The conversation explores coaching, mindset, fitness, leadership, firmware from childhood, and why learning to think clearly may be one of the most valuable skills a business owner can build.


    Links & Resources:

    Connect with Martin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-balcome/

    Bridgewater Talent Integration: https://bridgewaterti.com/


    Books Mentioned

    • Swimming with the Sharks
    • Good to Great
    • Great by Choice
    • Who Not How
    • 10x Is Easier Than 2x
    • The Gap and the Gain
    • Double Double
    • The Goal

    TIMESTAMPS:

    0:13 Introduction

    2:41 Meet Martin Balcome

    5:05 How Martin Learned Outside of School

    8:06 The Ivey QuantumShift Program

    9:23 Early Influences and Mindset from School

    10:35 Learning to Change Leadership Style

    13:08 When He Started Seeing Himself as an Entrepreneur

    16:23 The Difference Between Operator and Entrepreneur

    17:43 Building a Life Beyond Business

    20:49 Personal Standards and Performance

    21:44 Making Time for Family and Community

    23:26 Taking Breaks and Avoiding Burnout

    25:01 Wanting to Experience More Than Just Work

    26:21 Growth Through EO (Entrepreneurs’ Organization)

    28:09 Thinking Long-Term in Business and Life

    29:08 Ego, Leadership, and Letting Go

    30:19 Why Coaching Became Important

    31:23 How He Found His First Coach

    34:43 Navigating Major Business Setbacks

    36:13 Investing in Personal Health and Discipline

    38:03 What Good Coaching Actually Looks Like

    38:35 The Impact of Short Attention Spans

    40:26 Creating Space to Think Clearly

    41:48 Meditation and Self-Awareness

    43:37 Learning to Think More Critically

    44:33 Why Preparation Makes Decisions Faster

    47:22 Thinking Out Loud vs Slowing Down

    49:08 The Reality of Hard Work in Business

    50:46 Why He Sought New Environments to Grow

    52:43 What He’s Focused on Right Now

    53:23 Learning and Applying AI in Business

    54:31 Buying and Growing a New Company (Bridgewater TI)

    57:06 Generating Leads and Closing Long Sales Cycles

    1:00:13 Ownership vs Entrepreneurship

    1:01:08 Deciding Where to Invest Time and Money

    1:02:36 Taking Action Before You Feel Ready

    1:03:37 Books and Learning That Stick

    1:08:54 Why Long-Form Reading Matters

    1:10:49 Using AI as a Thinking Tool

    1:13:20 Challenges of Adopting AI Across a Team

    1:18:06 Why Change Takes Longer Than Expected

    1:19:32 Different Types of Business Builders

    1:22:09 What He’s Most Proud Of

    1:23:46 Building a Home with Intentional Design

    1:26:30 What’s Next

    1:28:36 Community, Impact, and Perspective

    1:30:55 Managing Stress and Mental Load

    1:33:16 Focusing on What Actually Matters

    1:37:38 Enjoying the Work

    1:39:36 Long-Term Effort Behind Success

    1:40:34 Closing Thoughts
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    1 hr and 42 mins