Weeks before his first child was born, Cal Tinsley was fired with no backup plan—just conviction, pressure, and a decision to build his own business. In this episode, he joins Thomas to talk about betting on yourself, leading before you’re ready, and why sometimes the only strategy is to figure it out or fail. From landscaping jobs to coaching pros and managing 47 teams, Cal shares the mindset and faith that shaped his path.

Why employees really leave—and how to stop it. David Hicks breaks down the playbook: show a clear growth path, protect work‑life balance, and hire with sales‑level speed. We hit hybrid vs. remote realities, what to do when a star walks, and the “digital footprint” test for roles.

Recruiter David Hicks (25+ years) shows owners how to hire right, not fast. We cover smarter screening, what “culture fit” actually means, where top talent really is (hint: not job boards), and the real ROI of using a recruiter—plus the hidden costs of bad hires you can avoid today. You’ll walk away with smarter ways to hire and retain top people

What happens when you build a successful business—then lose it all? In this raw and honest conversation, Kelly Olcott shares the hard lessons behind his journey from Marine to millionaire contractor, to bankrupt entrepreneur, and finally to building again with more purpose than ever before. It’s not just about money—it’s about legacy, leadership, and learning the difference between chasing success and building something that lasts. If you’ve ever hit a wall in business or life, this episode is for you.

Duane continues his conversation with Thomas and shares how he integrates Christian faith and servant leadership into his company’s culture and operations. He discusses the challenges of maintaining spiritual focus in a high-pressure business environment and the importance of mentorship, daily spiritual habits, and generosity. Duane introduces “Abide and Lead,” a ministry initiative helping business owners connect faith with leadership, and the Impact CEO podcast, aimed at CEOs seeking to make a Kingdom impact through their businesses.

Entrepreneur Duane Donner shares his journey from growing up in Louisiana to founding Founders Advisors, an investment banking firm. He discusses his early career, military service, and first entrepreneurial venture, highlighting the challenges and lessons learned. Duane details his spiritual transformation and how faith now guides his approach to business. The conversation explores best practices for selling a business, the importance of early planning, and how Founders Advisors helps owners maximize value. He also introduces tools and resources for business readiness, emphasizing the impact of trusted advisors and strategic preparation.

Thomas and Blake continue their conversation about Blake's journey from real estate rentals to business acquisitions, particularly in equipment rentals. Blake shares insights on building a diverse real estate portfolio, reinvesting cash flow, and transitioning from a hustler to a CEO mindset through coaching. They talk about faith-driven leadership, financial literacy for children, and strategies like the “golden handoff” for scaling real estate teams. Thomas and Blake share insights on balancing business growth with family priorities, teaching kids about money, and the importance of aligning business decisions with personal values and long-term goals.

In this episode, Birmingham real estate investor and agent Blake Schultz shares his journey from his first flip—marked by costly mistakes—to building a diverse real estate portfolio. Blake discusses lessons learned from rental properties, navigating HOA challenges, and partnering with his father. The conversation covers multifamily deals, the value of strong teams, and strategies for long-term success, providing practical advice for both new and experienced real estate professionals.