In this powerful and thoughtful 71st episode, John sits down with long-time friend Bill Johnson, the North American CEO of Welser Profile a company with over 360 years of family-owned history.

Bill shares what it means to lead a business with deep European roots and a centuries-old legacy, and how that unique perspective shapes leadership, culture, and long-term decision-making. This episode touches on:

• Why legacy is more important than job titles
• The power of values-driven leadership
• How Welser approaches growth while honoring heritage
• Building relationships with schools and communities to prepare future talent
• Lessons from leading in a culture that thinks in generations, not quarters

If you’ve ever wondered how a modern CEO balances innovation with centuries of tradition or how legacy can become a leadership asset — this episode is for you.

🎧 Don’t forget to listen, subscribe, and share with someone who values purpose-led business.

In the 70th episode of Simply Business, meet Shawn King, known in the industry as Mr. Fence. He didn’t just inherit a family business; he was thrust into leadership before he was ready. At just 21, Shawn found himself at the helm of a company in serious trouble: struggling operations, no clear systems, and a legacy in danger of collapse.

But Shawn didn’t quit. Instead, he committed to learning, building, and thinking long-term. Over the years, he reinvented the business from the inside out—creating scalable systems, prioritizing education, and ultimately becoming one of the most respected voices in the fencing industry.

🎧 In this episode, Shawn opens up about the mindset shift that changed everything and the systems that now support not only his business but others across the country.

💬 Themes include:

• The mindset of a young leader under pressure
• Turning a struggling business into an industry benchmark
• Why personal brand and professional systems matter
• How Shawn trains and empowers others in the fence industry

👉 Tune in for raw truths, practical wisdom, and a dose of entrepreneurial grit from someone who built a legacy by refusing to give up.

In the 68th episode of Simply Business, John Jennings sits down with Taylor Sears, Chief Operating Officer of Silent Guard Security and Davis HVAC Experts. Taylor shares a compelling journey that winds through college athletics, working for the Cincinnati Bengals, a stint in Kentucky state politics, and ultimately returning to help lead his family’s dual-division business.

This conversation touches on what it means to lead with purpose, how real-world experience can be the best education, and why service industries like HVAC and security play a critical role in community well-being.

With warmth and humility, Taylor reflects on learning from mentors, adapting through generational transitions in a family business, and the importance of showing up whether for customers or colleagues.

🎧 Tune in for an inspiring take on leadership, business growth, and the impact of doing good work with a good heart.

👉 Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, share, or connect with us!

In this special solo episode of the Simply Business podcast, I’m stepping away from interviews to share some reflections on a topic that’s often overlooked but absolutely vital: rest.

After a recent unplugged vacation, I realized just how powerful intentional rest can be not as a luxury, but as a true leadership necessity. I’ll introduce you to the concept I call the “ROI of Rest” (the ROR) and share some personal stories, including a deeply tragic one, that underscore why rest isn’t something you earn, but something you must protect.

I’ll also dive into practical insights around burnout, balance, and delegation—because if you’re like me and many entrepreneurs I know, it’s easy to feel tethered to your business.

If you’re looking for more creativity, clarity, and courage, this episode is for you. It’s a wake-up call to pause, protect what matters, and lead better.

➡️ Tune in, subscribe, and let’s build businesses that run without burning us out.

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, Landon Wade opens up about his entrepreneurial path from working in a family business to launching his own brand rooted in deeper meaning. Founder of Goodson Clothing & Supply,

Landon discusses how his business brings “order to chaos” in the highly competitive world of branded merchandise.

What sets Goodson apart isn’t just its aesthetic vintage, leather, wood-inspired designs but the story behind the name and the values guiding the company.

Landon shares how personal experiences, faith, and the desire to live up to the name “Goodson” influence both the business and his leadership.

Key themes include:

• Stepping away from a family business with grace
• Building a brand that tells a story and connects emotionally
• Competing creatively in a saturated market
• Personal faith as a guide for business and life

🔊 Tune in for an episode full of wisdom, branding insight, and entrepreneurial heart.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and share if this story resonated with you.

In the 65th episode, Kevin Baer shares his incredible journey from electrical engineer at a uranium facility to founder of a thriving energy services business. With roots in Paducah, Kentucky, Kevin took a leap of faith in 1997quitting his job, taking out SBA loans, and starting a company in the booming energy efficient lighting space.

Over nearly three decades, Kevin has evolved Utilities Dynamics into a national service provider, delivering turnkey energy retrofits to schools, hospitals, government buildings, and retailers. He talks candidly about the challenges of partnerships, transitioning to a woman owned business, and staying relevant as technology changes.

Key themes include:

• Taking bold entrepreneurial risks
• Growing a business through technological change
• Leadership in service delivery and staff management
• Serving public and private sectors with energy solutions

🔊 Listen now to hear how Kevin Baer lit his own path and continues to illuminate opportunity for others.

In the 64th episode of Simply Business, host John Jennings sits down with Ray Robertson, Principal of The Limestone Agency, to explore the unique journey of taking over a business that’s been in his family for nearly two centuries.

Ray shares insights on the challenges and opportunities of leading a legacy business in modern times, as well as the mindset and values that drive him forward.

Key themes:

The significance of family and legacy in business

Transitioning leadership in a historic company

Balancing tradition and modern innovation

The personal impact of leading a long-standing family enterprise

Join us for a thoughtful conversation about stewardship, vision, and honoring history while embracing change.

Tune in, subscribe, and stay connected for more stories of leadership and growth from Simply Business!

Join host John Jennings as he sits down with Mark Helms,

Founder and CEO of MH Solutions, to explore the journey of building a business in the broadband infrastructure sector.

From humble beginnings in Akron, Ohio, Mark shares how he went from survey work to leading a team that lays the foundation for high-speed internet connectivity across the country.

In this episode, Mark reveals how fiber optics have transformed the industry, the lessons he’s learned from working with friends and family, and why so many people overlook the crucial work behind our connected lives. It’s a story of growth, collaboration, and opening people’s eyes to the essential backbone of our modern world.

🎧 Tune in to discover:

How to lead and grow a team from scratch

The fascinating world of broadband infrastructure

Why fiber optics matter more than ever

The power of bringing people together to build something great

💡 Listen now, subscribe, and join the conversation.