Podcast
Builders of Authority
Hosted by Adam McChesney · EN
Builders of Authority is the go-to podcast for entrepreneurs looking to level up their game in all facets. With a focus on personal branding and growing your business, host Adam McChesney, brings on high level entrepreneurs who have experience growing companies through branding. You will learn tactics and strategies, not theories, from guests on the podcast while understanding what you need to do in order to reach new levels of success.
42episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Deck Building 101: Building a Deck Company & Deck Training Empire
Mar 1900:34:32Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Builders of Authority Podcast, I sit down with Clint Webb, owner of Web Decks and founder of the Deck Building 101 Facebook group, a community of more than 110,000 deck builders and contractors.Clint shares his story of getting laid off during the 2008 housing crisis, how that led him into deck building, and how a simple idea to create a better online community for builders turned into one of the largest groups in the industry.We talk about the evolution of the deck building and outdoor living industry, the role companies like Trex played in helping grow his business, and why contractors today need to think beyond just building, and start focusing on sales, marketing, and brand authority.If you're a deck builder, contractor, or home service business owner, this episode is full of real lessons on building a business, growing a community, and staying consistent in both craft and marketing.
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The Stress, Loneliness, and Sacrifices Nobody Warns You About as An Entrepreneur
Mar 500:23:37Tap to summarizeIn this solo episode of the Builders of Authority Podcast, I share some real thoughts on entrepreneurship, leadership, and the journey of building a business.If you’re a contractor or home service business owner working to grow your company: whether you’re in roofing, HVAC, plumbing, remodeling, or another trade, this is a conversation that will likely resonate with you. Building a business, leading a team, and continuing to push for growth comes with challenges that most people never see from the outside.This episode is an honest reflection on what it really takes to keep moving forward, keep improving, and keep building something meaningful, even when the pressure is high.If you’re serious about growing your contracting business and becoming an authority in your market, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.
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Why Going Into Business With Family and Friends Isn’t Always a Mistake | Sam Chapman
Feb 2600:44:22Tap to summarizeIn Episode 208, I’m joined by Sam Chapman to talk about building businesses with family and long time partners and what that actually looks like behind the scenes.Sam lives in Northern Virginia and has spent the last 10+ years growing companies in the construction and insurance restoration space. After beginning his career in commercial real estate, he partnered with his brother to build Caseco into a general contracting company and later launched Merit Restorations, which now operates in multiple markets across the U.S.This episode is centered around entrepreneurial leadership.We talk about:What it really takes to build with family and friendsHow radical transparency keeps partnerships healthyThe difference between loyalty and accountabilityCulture breakdowns and the cost of avoiding hard decisionsDiversification as a long term growth strategyWhy you can’t shortcut the early stages of buildingLearning to say no and protect your commitmentsSam shares openly about seasons where culture wasn’t strong, where leadership decisions were delayed, and how stepping into accountability changed the trajectory of the business. If you're thinking about scale, legacy, and building something that lasts beyond you, this conversation will challenge you in the right way.Connect with Sam and his companies:Caseco Homes: https://caseco.net/ Merit Restorations: https://meritrestorations.com/Sam's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samchapmanco/Sam's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samcprojects/Connect with Builders of Authority:Website: https://buildauthority.com/FREE Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/7685392924809322
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He Quit His Job During the Pandemic to Become a Realtor (Interview with Jaden Barr)
Feb 1900:35:30Tap to summarizeIf you're building a business while trying to be a present leader, spouse, or parent, this episode is going to resonate with you. In this conversation, I sit down with Jaden Barr to talk about what really builds authority over time. We go beyond tactics and dive into identity, discipline, leadership, leverage, and community.Jaden is a St. Louis-based real estate business owner, former college quarterback at Truman State, and father of two. He left corporate during the pandemic to build his business from scratch in a new market, and his story is rooted in discipline, faith, family, and long-term thinking.We break down how athlete-level habits translate into business, why honoring your calendar matters more than motivation, and how systems create freedom instead of burnout.Here’s what we cover:Why personal branding starts with identity, not strategyHow discipline compounds over timeThe role community plays in long-term authorityLeveraging systems to buy back timeBalancing entrepreneurship with marriage and fatherhoodIf you’re trying to build something sustainable, not just successful, this conversation will give you perspective.Connect with Jaden BarrInstagram: Instagraminstagram.com/jbarr_realtorFacebook: Facebookfacebook.com/jaden.barr.96Website: Kwjadenbarr.kw.comLinkedIn: Linkedinlinkedin.com/in/jaden-barr-12462610bYouTube: YoutubeJaden BarrConnect with Builders of AuthorityWebsite: BuildauthorityDigital Marketing Agency St Louis | Builders of AuthorityFree Facebook Group: FacebookLog in or sign up to view
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He Chose Family Over Fame… Then Built a Business (Interview with Joey YAK)
Feb 1200:42:21Tap to summarizeWhat if the breakthrough wasn’t fame… but discipline?Episode 206 is a powerful one.Joey YAK went from elite athlete to touring artist to walking away from it all. He chose family over fame, got sober, rebuilt his life, became a top-performing sales leader, and eventually founded his own creative agency.This conversation goes beyond business tactics. It’s about identity, maturity, responsibility, and building something that actually lasts.If you’re a business owner trying to grow without losing your values, this episode will resonate.Thanks for listening and being part of this journey with us.Connect with Joey YAK PieperInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/joey.yak/Get Attention STL Website: https://getattentionstl.com/Connect with Builders of AuthorityWebsite: https://buildauthority.comFREE Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/7685392924809322
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Helping Contractors Reach the Next Level in Life and Business with Chris Treese of Delta Consulting
Feb 500:42:17Tap to summarizeWhat does it really take to grow an outdoor living contracting company the right way?In this episode, I sit down with Chris Treese, founder of Olympus Outdoors, to talk about leadership, systems, accountability, and what it means to build a business that can operate without chaos. If you’re building patios, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, or full backyard projects, this conversation applies directly to you.Chris shares how he’s structured his outdoor remodeling business around discipline and ownership instead of shortcuts. We talk about sales process, team development, and creating repeatable systems that allow a contractor to scale without losing control.If you want structure, clarity, and long-term sustainability in your business, this episode is for you.Guest Brief:Chris Treese is the founder of Olympus Outdoors, an outdoor living contractor focused on high-end patios, pergolas, and backyard transformations. He built his company around systems, accountability, and disciplined leadership to create sustainable growth in the outdoor remodeling industry.Connect with Delta ConsultingWebsite: https://www.consultingwithdelta.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Delta-Consulting/61583276341755/Connect with Olympus OutdoorsWebsite: https://olympus-outdoors.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olympus_outdoors/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Olympus-Outdoors-61557020674166/Connect with Chris TreeseLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-treese-388984160/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris.treese/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.treese.03/Connect with Builders of AuthorityWebsite: https://buildauthority.comFREE Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/7685392924809322BOA Mastermind: https://buildauthority.co/order-form-mastermind
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From Childhood Dreams to the NHL— and Life After | Reed Low
Jan 2900:59:00Tap to summarizeLife doesn’t stop asking hard questions just because you’ve already “made it.”In this episode, I sit down with Reed Low to talk about what comes after the peak moment. We get into reinvention, discipline, and how the same mindset that drives elite performance can carry over into business, family, and leadership. Reed shares an honest perspective on pressure, purpose, and staying grounded when the spotlight fades.This conversation is about growth that lasts, responsibility that deepens over time, and building a life that still has meaning long after one chapter ends. If you’re navigating change or thinking about what’s next, this episode will resonate.Guest Brief:Reed Low is a former NHL player and St. Louis Blues alum who has built a successful second career as an auctioneer, fundraiser, and speaker. He is deeply committed to his family, faith, and community, using his platform to empower others and support charitable causes across the Midwest.Connect with Reed Low:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReedLow34Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lowreed34/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reed-low-43718467/Connect with Builders of Authority:Website: https://buildauthority.comFREE Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/7685392924809322BOA Mastermind: https://buildauthority.co/order-form-mastermind
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This is what Serial Entrepreneurship ACTUALLY Looks Like | Jen Dempsey-Blakely
Jan 2200:30:25Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Builders of Authority Podcast, I sit down with Jennifer Dempsey-Blakely to talk about building authority while running multiple businesses across hospitality, short-term rentals, and experiential brands.Jennifer is a lifelong entrepreneur and Hazelwood Central graduate who built her education through hands-on experience, conventions, and continuous learning. With 30 years in management and merchandising at Marshalls, a decade running a commercial cleaning company, and extensive experience in short-term rentals, she and her husband Shane combined their expertise to create The Landing Hub, a unique hospitality concept that blends the best of hotels, Airbnbs, and large group travel.Designed for independent travelers, families, and groups, The Landing Hub was built to be a clean, safe, and community-focused space where guests can connect, relax, and truly feel at home.What we cover in this episode:Running multiple businesses without chaosDividing responsibilities and staying in your laneBranding unique experiences people talk aboutWhy community beats traditional marketingBuilding businesses that do not fit into one boxKnowing when to jump on opportunities and when to waitDelegation, systems, and freeing up mental bandwidthLong-term authority versus short-term tacticsConnect with The Landing HubInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelandinghub/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandinghubWebsite: https://landinghub.com/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thelandinghub7605Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@landinghubConnect with Builders of AuthorityWebsite: https://buildauthority.comFREE Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/7685392924809322BOA Mastermind: https://buildauthority.co/order-form-mastermind
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Building EPIK Brands: 1 Company, Multiple Divisions | Ashley Fitzgerald
Jan 1500:32:09Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Builders of Authority Podcast, I sit down with Ashley Fitzgerald of Studio Epik to talk about building authority through branding, leadership, and systems.We break down why most business owners struggle with control, how processes actually create freedom, and why brand consistency matters more than chasing short term leads. Ashley shares lessons from scaling multiple brands, hiring the right team, and creating a client experience that drives referrals and long term growth.If you are an entrepreneur or contractor looking to build a business that lasts, this episode delivers practical insight you can apply immediately.Connect with Studio EpikWebsite: www.studioepik.comFB: https://www.facebook.com/epikdesignandbuildConnect with Builders of AuthorityWebsite: https://buildauthority.comFREE Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/7685392924809322BOA Mastermind: https://buildauthority.co/order-form-mastermind
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How a Full-Time Musician Reinvented Himself After COVID | Aaron Mansfield
Jan 800:38:10Tap to summarizeReinvention changes you if you let it.This conversation is a reminder that growth is rarely loud and almost never linear.I sat down with Aaron Mansfield to talk about rebuilding after disruption, redefining success, and staying disciplined when responsibility gets heavier.We talked about business, but we also talked about life. About building something stable without losing yourself in the process. About being intentional with growth and clear on who you’re building for.These are the conversations that shaped this podcast and continue to shape how I think about leadership and long-term success.Connect with The Buzz’d Bee:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thebuzzedbeestl/Website: https://www.thebuzzedbeemobilebar.com/stlTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebuzzedbeeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuzzedbeestlFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebuzzedbeestlConnect with Builders of AuthorityWebsite: https://buildauthority.comFREE Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/7685392924809322BOA Mastermind: https://buildauthority.co/order-form-mastermind
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