It's true, there are a few essential leasing strategies every business owner should know before signing on the dotted line. In this solo episode of Build Boldly, host Pat Rodgers breaks down each step. From identifying your true space requirements—like delivery access, 24/7 availability, and customer-facing potential—to understanding the real all-in costs of a lease, Pat reveals the common pitfalls that can stall business growth.

You’ll learn how flexible leasing can give your company the freedom to scale up or down, the pros and cons of different lease terms, and why right sizing (or even downsizing) can actually improve productivity by bringing you closer to your customers. Pat also explains how to evaluate hidden costs, negotiate terms that fit your goals, and align your leasing strategy with your long-term business vision.

Whether you’re a small business looking for office space, warehouse storage, or a turnkey commercial solution, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you avoid costly mistakes and position your business for sustainable growth.

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Connect with Pat Rodgers on LinkedIn
Learn more about RISE Commercial District Website | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

Build Boldly is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Thinking about expanding your business? In this solo episode of Build Boldly, host Pat Rodgers breaks down the key factors every business owner should consider before growing into new markets or locations. From analyzing market demand and matching demographics to weighing the pros and cons of leasing versus buying commercial property, Pat shares actionable strategies to reduce risks and maximize growth potential.

You’ll learn how leasing impacts cash flow and financial flexibility, why many companies are moving away from property ownership, and how to build accurate financial models to project revenue and expenses. Pat also compares flex spaces versus traditional office spaces, explaining which model works best for businesses needing warehousing, storage, or combined operations. Whether you’re a small business owner eyeing your first expansion or a seasoned operator ready for the next step, this episode will help you make smarter, more strategic decisions about your growth.

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Connect with Pat Rodgers on LinkedIn
Learn more about RISE Commercial District Website | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

Build Boldly is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Signing a commercial lease can make or break your small business, but too many owners rush in without understanding the true costs and risks. In this solo episode of Build Boldly, host Pat Rodgers breaks down the five biggest mistakes business owners make when leasing commercial property and how to avoid them.

From hidden costs in triple net, modified gross, and gross leases to overlooked zoning restrictions, Pat covers the fine print that could cost you thousands. You’ll learn how to negotiate better terms, plan for growth, assess building condition, and protect yourself with a solid exit strategy. Whether you’re opening your first location or expanding to a new space, this episode will help you evaluate commercial lease agreements like a pro - and avoid costly surprises down the road.

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Connect with Pat Rodgers on LinkedIn
Learn more about RISE Commercial District Website | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

Build Boldly is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

What happens when a disaster strikes and you need a recovery team that can move fast, but also understands the local landscape? In this episode of Build Boldly, Pat Rogers sits down with Mike Bowman of BMS CAT, a national leader in restoration and reconstruction services. Mike shares how BMS CAT has built a powerful operational model that blends centralized leadership with local branch autonomy, creating a seamless response system that serves clients across industries nationwide.

From emergency response coordination to regional expertise and internal communication systems, this conversation unpacks how BMS CAT delivers rapid, professional service while supporting their branch teams to lead with confidence. If you're interested in scaling your service business or exploring smart acquisition models, this is one you won’t want to miss.

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Connect with Pat Rodgers on LinkedIn
Learn more about RISE Commercial District Website | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

Build Boldly is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Commercial leases can make or break a growing business, and yet too many entrepreneurs walk into them blind. In this solo episode of Build Boldly, host Pat Rodgers pulls back the curtain on the most common misconceptions around commercial leasing and shares the real-world advice small business owners wish they knew before signing on the dotted line.

From unexpected hidden costs to the myths about needing a realtor, Pat outlines the critical questions every founder should ask from square footage and lease terms to flexibility for future growth. You’ll learn why the sticker price isn’t the full story, how to avoid getting trapped in the wrong space, and what to prioritize if you want your space to scale with your ambition.

If you're thinking about leasing commercial property or leveling up your workspace, this episode is your essential guide to making a smart, strategic move.

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Connect with Pat Rodgers on LinkedIn
Learn more about RISE Commercial District Website | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

Build Boldly is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

What does it take to bet on yourself and build a business from scratch? Especially one that powers the live shows of Post Malone, 21 Pilots, and hundreds of touring artists? In this episode of Build Boldly, host Pat Rodgers sits down with TJ Beechill, founder of NEAT Audio, to unpack his remarkable journey from Sweetwater sales engineer to co-owner of a nationally recognized tech company in the live music space.

TJ shares how a cold DM and a single opportunity turned into a full-blown enterprise, providing critical playback redundancy systems to over 300 national touring acts. You’ll hear how he navigated leaving a full-time job, scaled operations out of his garage, and built a partnership with Sweetwater that transformed his business.

If you are a creative entrepreneur or a tech founder-in-the-making, this episode is packed with tactical insights on calculated risk-taking, work-life balance, strategic growth, and the power of betting on yourself.

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Connect with Pat Rodgers on LinkedIn
Learn more about RISE Commercial District Website | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

Build Boldly is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

From AI, cybersecurity, to MSP strategy, IT has the ability to make or break your business. In this episode of Build Boldly, host Pat Rodgers is joined by Marcus Livers, Director of RISE Connect and resident IT expert, for a crash course in building a secure, scalable, and tech-savvy business. They break down the role of Managed Service Providers (MSPs), cybersecurity and ransomware protection to cloud solutions, communication platforms, and AI tools like ChatGPT.

Marcus shares practical strategies for choosing the right software, avoiding outdated tech bottlenecks, implementing mobile device management (MDM), and future-proofing your business with scalable IT infrastructure.

Whether you’re a solo founder or managing a growing team, this episode offers real-world insights into protecting your digital assets, improving internal operations, and leveraging technology to drive growth. If you're ready to stop patching problems and start planning for the future, this conversation is your IT playbook.

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Connect with Pat Rodgers on LinkedIn
Learn more about RISE Commercial District Website | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

Build Boldly is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

After a costly misstep with the wrong web development partner, host Pat Rodgers from RISE sits down with the person who helped turn it all around, Bradley Givens, CEO of Expedition. In this episode of Build Boldly, they dive into what really makes a high-performing website, how to avoid vendor pitfalls, and why investing in the right partner is critical for long-term business growth.

Bradley shares how Expedition helps service-based businesses optimize their websites for conversion, not just aesthetics. They break down why low-cost solutions can cost more in the long run, how to identify the right time to move beyond DIY platforms like Squarespace, and what business owners should demand from their web vendors. Plus, learn how Expedition’s new pricing transparency tool is changing the game for business owners who want clarity and control in their website projects.

Whether you’re planning a new website or trying to fix a broken one, this conversation is packed with real-world insights, hard-earned lessons, and tactical advice for building a digital presence that drives results.

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Connect with Pat Rodgers on LinkedIn
Learn more about RISE Commercial District Website | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

Build Boldly is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.