In Episode 6 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Sam McVay sits down with Ryan Locke, a multi-generation Kansas cattleman whose life revolves around faith, family, land, and the relentless realities of the ranching business. From calving seasons to droughts, from volatile markets to generational transition, Ryan gives a raw and deeply grounded look into what it takes to build—and sustain—a ranching legacy.

Ryan shares the Locke family story going back decades, including how his father rebuilt the operation from leased grass and custom grazing, and how the family recently made a bold move to sell their long-time ranch and expand into a new era together. He breaks down the entire cattle lifecycle in a way anyone can understand—calving, weaning, grass season, wheat pasture, feed yards, markets, risk, and the day-to-day realities most people never see.

This episode dives into:

• How the Locke family rebuilt their ranching legacy from nearly nothing

• The economics of cattle: markets, margins, volatility, drought, and risk

• Why Kansas is one of the best places on earth for raising cattle

• The emotional and financial weight of generational transition

• The harsh realities of calving storms and drought years

• What "sustainable ranching" really means for land and water

• How Ryan balances cowboy tradition with modern efficiency

• The challenges of leadership, growth, and raising the next generation

• His investment group and how outsiders can (carefully) invest in cattle

Ryan also opens up about fatherhood, community, accountability, and the quiet, spiritual beauty he finds in gathering cattle at sunrise with his boys—a reminder that ranching is more than business; it’s a way of life worth preserving.

If you’ve ever wanted to understand the cattle industry, Kansas ranch culture, or the heart of a true cattleman, this is one of the most insightful episodes yet.

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In Episode 5 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Sam McVay sits down with Jeremy Sundgren of Sundgren Realty & Auction, a second-generation business owner whose story is rooted in family legacy, hard work, and a deep love for the people and land of Kansas.Jeremy opens up about growing up in the auction world, becoming an auctioneer at just 15, and eventually buying into the family business. He shares honest insights into what’s changed in the real estate and auction landscape over the past two decades—from the rise of online auctions to navigating major economic shifts.This episode dives into:The origins of Sundgren Realty & Auction and how Jeremy stepped into ownershipWhy Kansas land is undervalued—and why Jeremy believes it’s one of the strongest assets you can ownHow auctions reveal the true market value of landThe importance of community, connection, and branding in a crowded real estate spaceJeremy’s philosophy on hiring, leadership, and finding the right peopleThe power of authenticity in marketing and why Sundgren’s in-house social strategy worksStories from decades of auctions, mentors, and unforgettable charactersFrom business transitions to life lessons, from rare Coca-Cola collections to the fast-changing world of land sales, this episode is full of wisdom, humor, and heart. Jeremy’s perspective on people, trust, and long-term thinking is a refreshing reminder of what really drives growth.If you’re an entrepreneur, a real estate mind, or someone who just loves a good Kansas story — you’ll find a ton of value here.killergrowth.com

Welcome to Episode 0 of the Killer Growth Podcast. I’m your host, Sam McVay, and in this introductory episode I share the heart behind why this podcast exists and what you can expect moving forward.
After 13 years of building and helping build businesses—wins, failures, long nights, bad advice, good advice (and everything in between) I’ve realized something simple: business is deeply human. Behind every company is someone taking a risk, betting on themselves, and pushing through fear.
This podcast isn’t about marketing or pitching services. It’s about the real stories of entrepreneurs, founders, small business owners, and builders of every kind. You’ll hear honest conversations about the hard days, the personal sacrifices, the breakthroughs, the messy middle, and the moments that remind us why we chose this path.
My hope is to build trust, create meaningful relationships, and give you at least one nugget of wisdom in every episode—something that strengthens your mindset, challenges your thinking, or helps you grow on your own journey.
If you’re building something of your own, or dreaming about starting, this is for you.
Welcome to Killer Growth.