A lot of founders don’t fail because they’re not good at what they do… they fail because they try to do everything.

In this episode, Paul Wirth (Custom Wirth) shares the biggest early mistake he made: taking on too much work and delaying delegation—plus how SOPs, training, and trusting a team helped him build a stronger, more scalable company.

Along the way, we get the real backstory: leaving a high-demand IT job to prioritize family and building a business through referrals.

Key moments:

• Starting without business experience
• “Trading time for money” and hitting the ceiling
• SOPs + training as the unlock
• AI: speed vs creativity vs relationship
• Leadership: trust your gut + trust your team

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If you’d like to toss a one-time “thank you” or grab a GRIT Happens sticker, you can do that by clicking the "Support The Show" link above or visit: https://buymeacoffee.com/thefoundershustle

• Watch & Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFoundersHustle
• Listen & Join our email community: https://www.thefoundershustle.com
• Connect with the host, Judy Swafford, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judyswafford
• Get on the podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3fwb7bny

Most business owners wait until they’re ready to be done and that’s usually when they realize their business isn’t actually sellable. In this deep divem conversation, Judy sits down with Brad Scoffin (Advanced Business Brokers) to break down what it really takes to prepare for a successful business exit, whether you plan to sell to a buyer, transition to family, or hand it off to employees.

We talk about the biggest value killers (like being owner-dependent), what buyers are looking for today, why only 20–30% of listed businesses actually sell, and the simple framework Brad says every owner should focus on: People, Process, Profit. If you’re thinking “I’ll sell in a few years,” this episode is your runway.

Support the show

If you’d like to toss a one-time “thank you” or grab a GRIT Happens sticker, you can do that by clicking the "Support The Show" link above or visit: https://buymeacoffee.com/thefoundershustle

• Watch & Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFoundersHustle
• Listen & Join our email community: https://www.thefoundershustle.com
• Connect with the host, Judy Swafford, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judyswafford
• Get on the podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3fwb7bny

Growth doesn’t feel good while it’s happening...and that’s the point. In this episode we talk with Michele Mollard, an EOS Implementer, about how to keep moving when growth feels uncomfortable, uncertain, and messy. They unpack the mindset traps that stall founders (from “getting ready to get ready” to imposter syndrome/head trash) and how EOS creates traction through clarity, accountability, and execution, so you can scale without losing your mind.

Support the show

If you’d like to toss a one-time “thank you” or grab a GRIT Happens sticker, you can do that by clicking the "Support The Show" link above or visit: https://buymeacoffee.com/thefoundershustle

• Watch & Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFoundersHustle
• Listen & Join our email community: https://www.thefoundershustle.com
• Connect with the host, Judy Swafford, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judyswafford
• Get on the podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3fwb7bny

In this episode of The Founders Hustle, Judy Swafford sits down with Dan Martin, founder and CEO of KZoom, a full-service digital marketing agency that started in a basement with no camera and has grown into a 15-person creative powerhouse serving brands across the nation.

Dan opens up about his unexpected firing at 23, how that moment pushed him to start his own company, and what it really takes to survive — and thrive — in business for over 20 years. From burning DVDs in 2003 to managing SEO-driven campaigns in 2025, Dan shares the highs, lows, and lessons of entrepreneurship, creativity, and grit.

You’ll learn how KZoom transitioned from video production to full-service marketing, how to stay financially disciplined through uncertainty, and why long-term vision always beats short-term hype. If you’ve ever felt stuck, scared, or ready to quit — this episode will remind you why the long game wins.

Connect with Dan: https://kzoom.com

Support the show

If you’d like to toss a one-time “thank you” or grab a GRIT Happens sticker, you can do that by clicking the "Support The Show" link above or visit: https://buymeacoffee.com/thefoundershustle

• Watch & Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFoundersHustle
• Listen & Join our email community: https://www.thefoundershustle.com
• Connect with the host, Judy Swafford, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judyswafford
• Get on the podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3fwb7bny

In this episode of The Founders Hustle, Judy Swafford sits down with Brad Scoffin, co-founder of Advanced Business Brokers — better known as “Bowtie Brad.” Brad helps entrepreneurs buy and sell companies the right way: with heart, foresight, and purpose.

From selling Jolly Ranchers in middle school to helping founders retire on their own terms, Brad shares what he’s learned about building wealth that lasts — not just in dollars, but in memories. He opens up about faith, flexibility, and fulfillment; why most founders wait too long to plan their exit; and how the younger generation is changing the way business transitions happen.

Brad’s wisdom hits home for every entrepreneur: don’t chase the money, chase the moments.

Connect with Brad: https://BowtieBrad.com

Support the show

If you’d like to toss a one-time “thank you” or grab a GRIT Happens sticker, you can do that by clicking the "Support The Show" link above or visit: https://buymeacoffee.com/thefoundershustle

• Watch & Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFoundersHustle
• Listen & Join our email community: https://www.thefoundershustle.com
• Connect with the host, Judy Swafford, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judyswafford
• Get on the podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3fwb7bny

In this episode of The Founders Hustle, Judy Swafford sits down with Melanie Spring, brand strategist, international speaker, and creator of Speak With Confidence, to talk about what it really means to embody your true self as a leader, speaker, and entrepreneur.

Melanie shares her journey from running a branding agency to becoming a sought-after speaker and “brand muse” for high achievers. She opens up about overcoming the fear of public speaking, how to align who you are on the inside with how you show up in business and life, and why authentic embodiment is the missing piece for most leaders. From discovering your superpower to stepping fully into your next chapter, this conversation is packed with inspiration and hard-earned truth.

If you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome, speaking anxiety, or losing yourself in your business, this episode will help you slow down, reconnect with your purpose, and learn how to show up confidently as the real you.

Connect with Melanie: https://melaniespring.com

Support the show

If you’d like to toss a one-time “thank you” or grab a GRIT Happens sticker, you can do that by clicking the "Support The Show" link above or visit: https://buymeacoffee.com/thefoundershustle

• Watch & Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFoundersHustle
• Listen & Join our email community: https://www.thefoundershustle.com
• Connect with the host, Judy Swafford, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judyswafford
• Get on the podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3fwb7bny

In this episode of The Founders Hustle, Judy Swafford sits down with Anthony Gettig, a professional voiceover artist who has spent over four decades turning his passion for sound into a purpose-driven business.

Anthony shares how his journey began in a high school radio station, how a single mentor changed his life’s direction, and what it really takes to stay relevant through the rise of AI and digital disruption. His story is packed with lessons on grit, gratitude, and starting before you’re ready — from creating his own demo when everyone told him not to, to voicing projects for Microsoft, Harley-Davidson, and Stryker.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or dreamer, this episode reminds you to “just press record” — because the only way to start is to start.

Contact Anthony at: https://www.hireanthony.com

Support the show

If you’d like to toss a one-time “thank you” or grab a GRIT Happens sticker, you can do that by clicking the "Support The Show" link above or visit: https://buymeacoffee.com/thefoundershustle

• Watch & Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFoundersHustle
• Listen & Join our email community: https://www.thefoundershustle.com
• Connect with the host, Judy Swafford, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judyswafford
• Get on the podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3fwb7bny

In this episode of The Founders Hustle, Judy Swafford sits down with Dann Sytsma, founder of Crawlspace Comedy Theater and Improv Effects, to explore how he went from analytical chemistry to building a creative business that’s transforming how people connect — on stage and in the workplace.

Dann shares his journey from lab experiments to laughter, how one “yes, and…” moment sparked a 20-year passion project, and how improv became a powerful tool for leadership, communication, and confidence.

From growing a local comedy theater with his wife Tara to teaching Fortune 500 companies the power of play, Dann’s story reminds us that entrepreneurship is really just one big improv act — full of curiosity, courage, and collaboration.

Support the show

If you’d like to toss a one-time “thank you” or grab a GRIT Happens sticker, you can do that by clicking the "Support The Show" link above or visit: https://buymeacoffee.com/thefoundershustle

• Watch & Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFoundersHustle
• Listen & Join our email community: https://www.thefoundershustle.com
• Connect with the host, Judy Swafford, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judyswafford
• Get on the podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3fwb7bny