Épisodes

  • Built From Within: Jeff McCall on Intrapreneurship, Turnarounds & Purpose-Driven Leadership
    Nov 18 2025

    Video version: https://youtu.be/i5EHQjIcHwI


    In this inspiring and refreshingly honest episode, host Bo Kemp interviews Jeff McCall, a rare kind of entrepreneur — one who has built thriving businesses inside some of the world’s most recognized corporations. From Hilton and Sears to TruGreen and now TurnPoint Services, Jeff has carved out a unique lane as an intrapreneur, known for transforming organizations from the inside out.

    Together, Bo and Jeff explore what it means to build within a large company and why Jeff chose this path over a traditional startup or MBA route, the turnaround mindset — how Jeff steps into underperforming divisions and leads them to new heights through clarity, vision, and operational excellence, the unique risks and rewards of intrapreneurship compared to solo entrepreneurship, Jeff’s personal journey toward fulfillment and the moment he realized that leading from within could be just as impactful — and meaningful — as founding something from scratch, how faith and values guide his leadership style and tough decisions, including those that went against popular opinion but ultimately paid off, and practical advice for mid-career professionals who may feel stuck but have untapped potential to lead, grow, and drive change within their current environments.

    This episode is for anyone who wants to lead boldly — whether you're climbing the corporate ladder or reimagining what success can look like within a larger system. Jeff’s story is proof that you don’t have to start from scratch to make a lasting impact.



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    45 min
  • From the Marines to the Mats: Marcos Estrada on Veterans, Valor & the Power of Ownership
    Nov 11 2025


    Video version: https://youtu.be/W3gIhch8_Lc


    In this powerful and purpose-driven episode, host Bo Kemp sits down with Marcos Estrada Sr., U.S. Marine veteran and co-founder of Valor Jiu-Jitsu, to shine a spotlight on one of America’s most undervalued entrepreneurial assets: military veterans.

    Bo and Marcos explore how the discipline, leadership, and resilience forged in military service uniquely prepare veterans to thrive as entrepreneurs — especially in an economy ripe for generational transition. Together, they unpack an exciting new vision: creating veteran-led cohorts of Entrepreneurs through Acquisition, helping veterans acquire existing small businesses as Baby Boomer owners retire — keeping companies alive, jobs intact, and wealth in motion.

    In this episode, you’ll learn about Marcos’ personal story—from his early childhood to his time in the Marine Corps, and ultimately launching Valor Jiu-Jitsu to build confidence and community through martial arts. You’ll also hear how military skills translate into entrepreneurial advantage, as well as the challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian and corporate life—and why business ownership may be a better fit. Bo shares his work with the Southland Development Authority (SDA) to develop a veteran-centered business acquisition pipeline, and together they explore the deeper mission behind Valor: to empower people—especially youth—with the mental strength, discipline, and camaraderie found in jiu-jitsu.

    This episode is a tribute to the power of service, strategy, and second acts. If you're a veteran, builder, investor, or someone passionate about preserving America’s small business backbone, this is a must-listen.



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    1 h et 28 min
  • The AI Shift: Bo Kemp on What AI Means for the Future of Wealth, Work, and the World
    Oct 28 2025

    Video Version: https://youtu.be/MkPdnv-Lkqc

    In this thought-provoking and timely episode, guest host Arian Quinn flips the script and interviews The First Million is Always the Hardest creator Bo Kemp for a deep dive into one of the most defining forces of our era: Artificial Intelligence.

    Together, they explore the economic, social, and personal implications of AI’s rise — from the promise of abundance to the risk of systemic collapse — and what it means for entrepreneurs, builders, and everyday people navigating an uncertain future.


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    52 min
  • The Breakout Blueprint: From Side Hustle to Full-Time Fulfillment
    Oct 14 2025

    Video version: https://youtu.be/vgOmJxeVI2M

    In The Breakout Blueprint, host Bo Kemp offers a powerful roadmap for those ready to turn their side hustle into a full-time career — not just in pursuit of financial gain, but in search of deeper purpose and fulfillment.

    This episode explores the real-world dynamics of leaving the predictable path for the entrepreneurial one, including how your stage of life and career directly impact the risks you're willing to take and the rewards you’re chasing.

    Bo breaks down the difference between being rich and being wealthy, and why true financial security is more about freedom than flash. How to assess fear vs. danger when evaluating a leap into entrepreneurship. The line between calculated risks and reckless moves — and how to avoid mistaking motion for progress. The myths we carry about what it means to be an entrepreneur — from hustle culture to overnight success stories — and how to replace them with more grounded, personal truths.

    Whether you're just starting to question your 9-to-5 or you're already earning on the side, this episode offers the mindset shift and strategic clarity to help you make the leap — wisely.


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    27 min
  • From Scout to Scale: Chris Cooks on Building Businesses and Empowering Others
    Oct 7 2025

    Video Version: https://youtu.be/AzyeSHwZans


    In this episode, host Bo Kemp sits down with Chris Cooks, a hospitality-driven entrepreneur turned ecosystem builder, whose journey from small-town business owner to regional economic development leader offers a blueprint for purpose-driven success.

    Chris shares how he turned his passion for service and hospitality into three thriving local businesses — Line Scout, Cab Scout, and Bar Scout — serving his community in Michigan with creativity and care. His journey then took him into the world of franchising with Dunkin’ Donuts, before ultimately choosing to pour his energy into helping other entrepreneurs navigate the complex path of building and scaling their own ventures.

    Now serving as Director of the APEX Accelerator and Relationship Manager at the Southland Development Authority, Chris leverages his entrepreneurial experience to support others in turning ideas into action — and dreams into sustainable businesses.

    This episode explores the reality of starting and operating multiple service businesses in a local market, lessons learned from pursuing a national franchise model, the shift from building for yourself to building capacity for others, and how organizations like the Southland Development Authority and APEX Accelerator are creating impact through access, relationships, and resources.

    Whether you're just getting started or thinking about how to give back, Chris’s story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and servant leadership.


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    1 h et 6 min
  • Are You Ready for Capital? - Are you building an empire — or chasing a payday?
    Sep 30 2025

    Video Format https://youtu.be/iL8a_yWqdnM

    In this thought-provoking episode, host Bo Kemp explores a question every founder must eventually face: Are you building an empire — or chasing a payday?

    This conversation dives deep into the distinction between creating generational wealth through long-term empire building versus scaling and exiting quickly for short-term gain. Bo challenges listeners to get clear about their purpose and strategic vision — because that clarity is the foundation for understanding if, when, and how much capital your business truly needs.

    Key insights include why most businesses don’t fail from lack of funding — but from growing too fast and outpacing their resources, how the Sustainable Growth Equation can help you determine your business’s capacity to scale responsibly, the hidden costs of premature capital raises, and the value of proving your model before you raise, and why intentional strategy beats hustle when it comes to raising capital with confidence.

    Whether you're a solo founder bootstrapping your dream or a seasoned entrepreneur eyeing your next raise, this episode will help you assess your growth path with more discipline and direction.


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    30 min
  • From Side Hustle to Construction Powerhouse: Edith de la Cruz’s Journey
    Sep 23 2025

    Video Format https://youtu.be/e1CslzLMMCQ

    In this powerful and deeply personal episode, host Bo Kemp speaks with Edith de la Cruz, the visionary CEO of Antigua Construction, one of the fastest-growing Latina-owned construction firms in the Chicagoland area.

    Edith shares how a side hustle rehabbing homes — born out of grit and necessity — transformed into a full-scale business. As an immigrant and single mother of three, her story is a testament to resilience, belief, and bold commitment. What started as a way to make ends meet became a calling, and now, Edith is breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry while creating generational opportunity for her family and community.

    In this episode, Edith and Bo discuss the early days of home rehab and learning by doing, the moment she chose to go all-in and commit fully to growing her business, the challenges and opportunities of scaling as a Latina entrepreneur in construction, and how identity, motherhood, and hustle shaped her leadership style and long-term vision.

    This episode is for anyone wondering whether their side hustle has the potential to become something more — and what it takes to turn hard work into a powerful, purpose-driven enterprise.



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    54 min
  • Always Be Closing – Recruiting Talent Is the Key to Execution & Financing
    Sep 16 2025

    Video Format: https://youtu.be/yqLRInaVuhk

    In this episode, Bo Kemp dives into one of the most critical — and often overlooked — drivers of long-term business success: talent. In Always Be Closing, Bo reframes the famous sales mantra to emphasize that the real close isn’t just landing clients — it’s closing top-tier talent, day in and day out.

    Bo unpacks the art and science of recruiting, training, and managing people who are not only skilled but also coachable. Learn why identifying potential isn’t enough — and how your ability to cultivate a performance culture starts with aligning your actions, not just your mission statement.

    Key takeaways include how to build a pipeline of high-performing talent that shares your values, and why great hires don’t come from luck — they come from systems. You’ll also learn the truth behind the saying: “Culture is not what you say. It’s who you are,” along with tactical tips for onboarding and managing in a way that scales. Whether you're building your first team or recalibrating a growing company, this episode offers mindset shifts and actionable tools to help you lead from the inside out.


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    36 min