Podcast
Chasing The Margin
Hosted by Chasing The Margin · EN
Chasing The Margin dives into the real stories behind the numbers. Each episode features candid conversations with business owners who share their wins, missteps, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. From practical financial advice to mindset shifts that drive growth, we unpack what it really takes to build a profitable business. Whether you’re scaling up or starting out, this show helps you master the numbers—and maximize the gains.
23episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Dr. AMG: More Than a Mechanic with Chris Manning
Apr 1400:57:54Tap to summarizeChris Manning, known as Doctor AMG, is redefining what it means to be a technician in today’s automotive world. As a dual-certified Master technician specializing in Mercedes-Benz and AMG, he’s built a career on precision, discipline, and pride in the craft. From working on cars alongside his father to reaching elite certification status, Chris shares how committing to excellence, and sweating the small stuff, can completely transform your career and identity.But his impact goes far beyond the shop. Through “Doctor AMG,” Chris has built a powerful personal brand by showcasing real work, high standards, and a no-shortcuts mindset. In this episode, he breaks down how consistency and authenticity turned content into opportunity, while helping elevate the perception of technicians everywhere. It’s a raw look at what it takes to build respect, mastery, and a brand that truly stands out.
Transcribe →Business Behind The Wheel | Shifting into Second Gear with Ivan Funes
Apr 701:02:07Tap to summarizeIvan Funes is back on Chasing The Margin, and this time he’s breaking down what the last year has really looked like since opening Wolf Motors. From the day-to-day realities of running a dealership to the lessons you only learn in the first year of business, Ivan shares an honest look at what it takes to stay competitive, move inventory, and keep margins healthy in a high-stakes industry.We get into the numbers, the strategy, and the mindset behind building a dealership from the ground up. Ivan walks through what’s worked, what hasn’t, and how he’s thinking about growth going forward. Whether you’re in auto sales, building a business, or just curious how dealerships actually operate behind the scenes, this episode gives you a clear and practical look inside the business.
Transcribe →Where Masonry Meets Margin with Richard Moore
Mar 3100:59:59Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Chasing the Margin, Troy sits down with Richard Moore of M. M. Moore Landscaping & Design, a a full-service garden design studio and construction firm known for precision masonry and luxury outdoor living spaces. Richard shares how he took over the business, why obsessing over the details sets his team apart, and how a disciplined process turns complex design into flawless execution.We dive into what it takes to build margin in a creative, design-driven business from managing clients and coordinating construction to scaling a team that delivers consistent excellence. Whether you’re in landscaping, construction, or any service where craftsmanship meets commerce, this conversation is full of insight on turning design and skill into profitable, repeatable success.
Transcribe →Mastering the Business of Emotions with Marcel Brunel
Dec 1601:07:10Tap to summarizeDon’t just listen, level up. More episodes, insights, and ways to connect → linktr.ee/chasingthemarginIn this episode of Chasing the Margin, Troy sits down with Marcel Brunel, co-founder of Dignity Inc., to explore the powerful intersection of business, leadership, and emotional intelligence. Marcel breaks down how his work with police, fire, and EMS shows that emotions drive performance, culture, and decision-making in every organization, not just public safety. He explains why understanding dignity, emotional regulation, and the human response system can transform communication, strengthen leadership, and prevent burnout at every level of a business.Marcel takes these lessons beyond first responders and shows how emotional competency is one of the most overlooked competitive advantages in entrepreneurship. He shares practical frameworks that help leaders navigate stress, build resilient teams, and create environments where people feel seen and valued. Whether you run a business, manage people, or want to better understand yourself, this conversation delivers actionable insights that expand the way you think about work, relationships, and the emotional foundations behind success.
Transcribe →What It Takes to Succeed in Franchising with Shaun Butterworth
Dec 900:56:25Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Troy sits down with Shaun, a master franchiser who has built and scaled a thriving cleaning franchise from the ground up. Shaun breaks down what most people think franchising is versus what it actually takes to build a profitable, sustainable system. He shares the realities behind supporting franchise owners, maintaining quality across locations, and building a service based business that clients trust over and over again.From operational discipline to customer experience, Shaun pulls back the curtain on how to scale a service model without losing your standards. Whether you’re considering franchising, looking to grow a service business, or simply want a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to manage dozens of owners and thousands of clients, this episode gives you actionable insight you can use right away.
Transcribe →Business Secrets of a Surgeon with Dr. Brian Nwannunu
Dec 200:58:14Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we sit down with Dr. Brian Nwannunu, a private-practice orthopedic surgeon who built his career on equal parts passion, discipline, and vision. He walks us through his path into medicine, the defining moments that shaped him as a surgeon, and the mindset that kept him grounded through the intensity of training and the realities of patient care. Brian opens up about the parts of medicine that lit him up from day one, and the moments that forced him to evolve.But this conversation goes far beyond the operating room. Brian shares how his love for entrepreneurship emerged alongside his medical career, the opportunities he created by thinking like a business owner, and the calculated risks that led him to where he is today. Whether you’re in business, healthcare, or just hungry for stories of grit and growth, this episode delivers actionable insights on building a career, and a life, that aligns with your passions and your purpose.
Transcribe →The Home Improvement Mission with Paul Dietzler
Nov 2500:54:33Tap to summarizeThis week on Chasing the Margin, we sit down with Paul Dietzler, an entrepreneur whose path weaves through hospitality, home improvement, and a whole lot of community impact. As the owner of Expo Home Improvement, Paul brings a people-first leadership style shaped by his early days in hospitality, and it shows in the way he builds teams, serves customers, and grows with intention.Outside of Expo, Paul created Cerulean Blue Coffee House in Flower Mound, a cozy community hub built around great coffee and making an impact in the lives of farmers who source their coffee. He’s also a driving force behind Collective Way, a nonprofit bringing together business leaders and local organizations to make a real difference in the community. In this episode, Paul opens up about what motivates him, how he balances business with purpose, and why leading with heart can change everything. Tune in for a warm, insightful conversation that just might shift how you think about entrepreneurship.
Transcribe →EOS: The Cheat Code for Business Growth with Dawn Clarke
Nov 1800:55:10Tap to summarizeIn this week’s episode, we sit down with Dawn Clarke, a seasoned entrepreneur who built and sold a thriving franchise business and launched multiple successful ventures along the way. Her career is rooted in knowing how to grow, systemize, and scale companies from the inside out, and she’s carried those lessons into every business she’s touched. Dawn’s journey is a masterclass in smart leadership, intentional growth, and building businesses that can truly run on their own.Today, Dawn channels that expertise as a certified EOS Implementer, guiding leadership teams through the Entrepreneurial Operating System to create clarity, accountability, and measurable traction. In this conversation, she breaks down how EOS transforms organizations by aligning vision, strengthening teams, and building processes that actually stick. You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of how EOS works and what it can do for the future of your business.
Transcribe →Estate Planning: Protecting Your Legacy with Attorney Mark Auten
Nov 1101:07:58Tap to summarizeMost entrepreneurs spend their lives building wealth, but few take the time to protect it. In this episode of Chasing the Margin, estate planning attorney Mark Auten breaks down what really happens to your business, assets, and family when you don’t have a plan in place. He explains how simple legal strategies can prevent future financial chaos, protect your legacy, and ensure that what you’ve built actually lasts.Mark shares what every business owner should know about wills, trusts, and succession planning, plus the common mistakes that cost families millions. Whether you’re scaling a company or just starting to build wealth, this conversation will change how you think about ownership, protection, and the future of your success.
Transcribe →How Small Businesses Can Leverage the R&D Tax Credit with Lindsay Polyak
Nov 400:55:09Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Chasing the Margin, we sit down with Lindsay Polyak, founder of Tax Credit Collective, to break down one of the most overlooked profit opportunities for small businesses — tax credits. Lindsay shares how entrepreneurs can tap into federal and state programs that often go unused, from R&D credits to energy incentives to the crazy Wild West known as the employee retention credit.We talk through how these credits directly impact your bottom line, why so many business owners miss out, and what simple steps you can take to claim what’s already available to you. Whether you’re a startup or a growing company, this conversation will help you uncover hidden cash flow and put more margin back where it belongs — in your business.
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