If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s truly possible to grow and scale a business without compromising on the values it was founded on, this episode will give you the blueprint. In today’s conversation, you’ll learn how PLNT Burger has expanded rapidly in a highly competitive industry—while staying firmly rooted in its purpose of creating joyful, sustainable, inclusive food experiences. Whether you're facing growth challenges, struggling with consistency, or feeling pressure to drift away from your mission, this episode shows you how to scale with integrity, empower your team, and make smarter decisions under pressure.

In this inspiring interview, Chris Treloar—CEO of PLNT Burger—shares the origins of the brand, why mission-driven food businesses are gaining momentum, and how his team used unexpected disruption (including COVID) as an opportunity to grow. He talks openly about leadership, staying humble, learning from mistakes, and giving teams the autonomy they need to deliver exceptional customer experiences.

You’ll also hear how Chris builds scalable systems, why he believes in “yes-first” business thinking, and how PLNT Burger educates customers about their environmental impact in a fun, non-intrusive way. If you’re a small or medium business owner looking for practical, values-aligned strategies that actually work, this episode is packed with insights you can apply immediately.

Chris Treloar has spent his career exclusively in restaurant operations. With a strong background in multi-unit operations management, team development, and systems innovation, Chris is a visionary leader who has consistently driven success in the food service industry. His dedication to excellence, data-driven decision-making, and people-focused approach make him a standout CEO in the field. His commitment to developing systems and procedures, combined with his strong analytical skills, has left a lasting impact on the organizations he's been a part of.

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If you’ve ever assumed that American government contracts are only for big companies—or only for businesses based in the United States—this episode will change everything you think you know. In this eye-opening conversation, you’ll learn how your business, no matter where it operates in the world, can tap into one of the largest and most reliable customers on the planet: the US federal government. From discovering where global opportunities exist, to understanding how small and medium businesses can compete (and often win), to using simple research tools to identify the contracts waiting for you—this episode gives you the roadmap to enter a market worth over $700 billion annually.

Paul Sweeney is joined by Eric Coffie, founder of GovCon Giants, bestselling author, and internationally recognised expert in US federal procurement. Eric breaks down why the US government actively seeks overseas vendors, which industries are in highest demand, and how small business owners can leverage their agility, responsiveness, and lower overheads to outperform major corporations. You’ll also hear practical advice on using AI and government platforms like SAM.gov to find opportunities, how to prepare before a tender is released, and why mindset—not resources—is the biggest obstacle for most business owners.

If your business sells anything—goods, services, trades, logistics, tech, professional expertise—there may be a US government contract waiting for you. This episode shows you exactly where to start.

Eric Coffie is the Founder and CEO of GovCon Giants, an education and consulting firm helping small and minority-owned businesses enter the US federal contracting space. He build his career in government construction, where his company, Evankoff Construction, secured millions in federal contracts.

Today, Eric leads GovCon Giants in providing training, mentorship, and resources for businesses pursing govenrment contracts. His clients have collectively secured tens of millions in federal awards, and his work is grounded in real-world experience collaborating with agencies, small business programs, and prime contractors.

Outside of work, Eric is known for his approachable, no-nonsense style and for sharing lessons from his personal journey in business. He's passionate about helping entrepreneurs avoid common pitfalls and navigate government contracting with confidence.

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If you’ve ever felt frustrated because you know your business offers something incredible—but the world isn’t noticing—this episode is for you. Many business owners excel at creating a great product or delivering exceptional service, yet struggle to get seen, recognised, and paid what they’re worth. In this conversation, Joel Pilger reveals how he went from running a thriving studio to now building a global community supporting creative entrepreneurs.

In this episode, Joel shares how business owners can evolve from “doing everything themselves” to leading a business that is visible, sustainable, connected, and profitable. You’ll discover how learning the fundamentals of business, building the right relationships, and shifting from isolation to community can be the catalyst for long-term success. Whether you’re a creative, consultant, trade business, or service provider—the principles Joel shares can transform how you operate and grow.

You'll learn:

• Why great work alone isn’t enough—visibility and connection matter
• The mindset shifts that move businesses out of survival mode
• The danger of delegating without understanding
• How collaboration—yes, even with competitors—creates exponential opportunity
• Why treating business as an art can reignite passion and drive growth

This episode is filled with wisdom, real-world experience, and actionable insights for any entrepreneur ready to stop hiding in the shadows and start building a business that’s truly seen, valued, and in demand.

Joel Pilger helps creative studios and production companies — typically generating $1–10M in annual revenue — master the art of the business so they can attract better clients, command bigger budgets, and build the studio of the future. For 20 years, Joel helmed Impossible Pictures until exit. Now, through Joel's ecosystem of accelerators, community, and connections, he guides hundreds of studios worldwide — names like Sarofsky, STATE, Laundry, Giant Ant, Polyester, Kill 2 Birds, and Antfood — and many more on the rise. No theories. No consultants. No wannabes. Just real-world experience from one who has built, scaled, and sold a studio… and now helps others do the same.

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