Podcast
The Entrepreneur’s Studio
Hosted by The Entrepreneur’s Studio · EN
No matter how much you prepare, surprises are guaranteed when you run your own business. Who better to learn from than the people who have stood in your shoes? Success is not accident. Level up with the Entrepreneur’s Studio – an on-demand suite of lessons, tools and tips from entrepreneurs who have been there before, to help you to run and grow a better business.
20episodes
Episodes
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Reflections: Remember The Fisherman | Andre' Janusz
1w ago00:07:13Tap to summarizeThe Entrepreneur’s Studio Andre' Janusz: Remember The Fisherman Why protecting the relationships that made your business meaningful matters more than chasing endless growth. Topics Covered: Why intentional smallness can be a competitive advantage The Parable of the Fisherman and what it reveals about growth and purpose How every step toward scale introduces friction — or connection At what point does growing your business begin to cost you the very things that made you want to build it in the first place? That’s the question at the heart of this reflections episode with Andre Janusz, founder of Logan House Coffee Roasters, a founder who made a deliberate choice to stay small and is clearer than ever about why. Andre shares a story he keeps written in his Moleskine as a daily reminder: the Parable of the Fisherman. An investment banker encounters a Mexican fisherman with a modest catch and immediately sees inefficiency. He lays out a grand plan, more boats, a bigger operation, an IPO, only for the fisherman to ask the obvious question: “And then what?” The answer, of course, is the life the fisherman already has. For Andre, the answer lives in relationships with guests, with teammates, with the community Logan House serves. Scale, by its nature, puts people, bots, or processes between you and those connections. Every new wholesale account, every new location, introduces what Andre calls friction. The question he asks before every next step isn’t “can we grow?” but “can we grow without losing what made this worth doing?” That tension is one every small business owner knows intimately. Chris Allen frames it well: to stay small isn’t to stay stagnant, it’s to stay highly connected to your why. And for founders building something meaningful, knowing what you’re unwilling to trade away may be the most important strategic decision you ever make. Why intentional growth requires knowing what you’re not willing to scale How relationships — not revenue — define what makes a business worth building Why friction between you and your customer is a sign something important is being lost “There’s no point in making a profit if you’re not also making a difference.” — Andre Janusz If this episode made you stop and think about your own growth decisions, share it with a fellow founder who’s navigating the same questions. Subscribe to The Entrepreneur’s Studio for weekly conversations with entrepreneurs building businesses on their own terms. https://www.auris.io/Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io
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The Craft of Connection: How Logan House Coffee Built a Customer-First Business | Andre Janusz
2w ago00:41:48Tap to summarizeThe Entrepreneur’s Studio The Craft of Connection: How Logan House Coffee Built a Customer-First Business | Andre JanuszHow Andre Janusz built Logan House Coffee by prioritizing human connection, community, and a service model that turns everyday transactions into meaningful relationships. Topics Covered: • Building a customer-first business rooted in genuine connection • Scaling a service-driven brand without losing authenticity • Using feedback and relationships to guide growth What happens when a search for purpose turns into a thriving business built on connection? In this episode, Andre Janusz shares how Logan House Coffee grew from a simple idea into a multi-location brand by focusing on people first, not just product. Andre Janusz is the founder of Logan House Coffee, a Denver-based coffee company known for its hospitality-driven approach and commitment to creating meaningful customer experiences. What began as a direct-to-consumer coffee delivery model has evolved into a growing network of cafes built around community, connection, and intentional service. In this conversation, Andre shares the unconventional journey that led him to coffee, including a motorcycle trip that unexpectedly turned into an apprenticeship and ultimately a new career path. He breaks down the philosophy behind Logan House’s service model, where every guest is meant to feel welcome, appreciated, heard, and cared for from the moment they walk in. He also discusses the realities of scaling a people-first business in a competitive industry, from hiring and developing team members to embracing turnover as a way to help people grow into their next chapter. Andre explains how staying close to customers, listening actively, and making small daily improvements have shaped the company’s growth. Finally, Andre reflects on the importance of presence and connection in leadership. By staying engaged with both employees and customers, he’s been able to build a business that not only scales, but continues to feel personal at every level. • Why creating genuine human connection is a competitive advantage in any industry • How small, consistent improvements compound into meaningful business growth • Why staying close to customers leads to better decisions and stronger businesses “The best thing for the business is the owner’s footsteps. Being present, listening, and connecting—that’s where the real growth happens.” — Andre Janusz If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to The Entrepreneur’s Studio and share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur who is focused on building something meaningful, not just scalable. https://www.auris.io/Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io
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From Idea to Impact: How Matt Peterson Is Bringing Clean Water to the World
3w ago00:31:33Tap to summarizeThe Entrepreneur’s StudioFrom Idea to Impact: How Matt Peterson Is Bringing Clean Water to the WorldTransforming communities through purpose-driven leadership and a vision that goes beyond business.Topics Covered:• Turning a simple idea into a global humanitarian movement• Leadership lessons from building and sustaining a mission-driven organization• The systems required to create lasting impact in underserved communitiesWhat does it look like to build something that truly changes lives? In this episode, Matt Peterson shares the story behind Hydrating Humanity and how a single idea turned into a global effort to bring clean water to communities in need.Matt Peterson is a former CIA agent, pastor, author, and the founder of Hydrating Humanity, an organization that has created nearly 1,400 clean water sources across East Africa. For more than two decades, Matt has led a mission focused not just on providing water, but on transforming entire communities through sustainable systems, education, and long-term care.In this conversation, Matt walks through the origin story of Hydrating Humanity, from a moment of inspiration to building a scalable model that continues to grow today. He shares how creativity, faith, and action came together to launch the organization, and how early challenges helped shape its long-term direction.He also unpacks the operational side of the mission, including why clean water alone is not enough. By combining water access with hygiene education and ongoing maintenance, Matt explains how their work has dramatically improved health outcomes in the communities they serve.Matt reflects on the leadership lessons he’s learned along the way, including the importance of consistency, surrounding yourself with the right people, and staying committed when resources are uncertain. He also shares his vision for the future and what it will take to continue expanding their impact.• Why combining clean water with hygiene education transforms entire communities• How consistency and resilience are critical when building something meaningful• The importance of creating systems that ensure long-term sustainability“I asked for a creative idea to help more people, and that one step of obedience changed everything.”— Matt PetersonHydrating Humanity: https://www.hydratinghumanity.orgIf you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to The Entrepreneur’s Studio and share it with someone who wants to build something that makes a real difference.https://www.auris.io/Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io
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Reflections: Why Truth and Self-Reliance Shape Great Leaders | Greg Williams
3w ago00:22:31Tap to summarizeThe Entrepreneur’s Studio Greg Williams: Why Truth and Self-Reliance Shape Great Leaders Greg Williams reflects on the early life lessons that shaped his leadership philosophy; self-reliance, transparency, and building something meaningful beyond business success. Topics Covered: • How an early family tragedy shaped Greg Williams’ work ethic • Why truth and transparency are essential to leadership • The importance of building success that gives back to others When Greg Williams was 14 years old, his father passed away suddenly. In a single moment, life changed for his family, and a defining lesson about responsibility and self-reliance began to take shape. In this short Reflections episode of The Entrepreneur’s Studio, Greg shares how that experience shaped the way he approaches work, leadership, and life. His mother’s candid message was simple: if he wanted something beyond the basics, he would need to earn it himself. That moment planted the seeds for the work ethic and determination that would eventually help him build Acrisure into a global enterprise. Greg reflects on how those early lessons carried forward into his leadership philosophy. For him, truth and transparency aren’t just values; they are the foundation of trust in both business and personal relationships. Facing difficult realities honestly, he explains, is always the right path forward. The conversation also touches on the personal side of building a global business. Greg shares how the growth of Acrisure required enormous commitment not only from him, but also from the people closest to him. Behind every ambitious vision are families, partners, and teams who share in the sacrifices and the journey. Finally, Greg talks about the importance of giving back. Through philanthropic efforts supporting organizations like the Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids and Michigan State University, he believes business success should ultimately create a broader impact, strengthening communities and inspiring the people who help build the company along the way. • Early life challenges that shaped Greg’s drive and sense of responsibility • Why truth and transparency are non-negotiable in leadership • How purpose and philanthropy create lasting impact beyond business success “The truth is always the right option. Now, the truth well told is the best story, but the truth has got to be rooted in all of this.” — Greg Williams https://www.auris.io/Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io
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Business Growth Through Acquisition | Greg Williams
May 500:39:02Tap to summarizeBusiness Growth Through Acquisition Greg Williams How Greg Williams turned Acrisure into a $5B FinTech powerhouse through acquisitions, technology, and relationship-driven growth. Topics Covered: • Scaling a business through strategic acquisitions • Leveraging technology to serve small businesses • Building relationships that fuel growth What does it take to turn a traditional industry into a $5-billion global powerhouse? In this episode, Greg Williams shares how he built Acrisure into one of the fastest-growing companies in the world, by rethinking acquisitions, focusing relentlessly on relationships, and recognizing opportunities others overlooked. Greg Williams is the founder and CEO of Acrisure, a global FinTech company that has completed more than 900 acquisitions since 2013, employs over 19,000 people, and generates more than $5 billion in revenue. Under Greg’s leadership, Acrisure has evolved from a regional insurance brokerage into a technology-driven financial services platform serving millions of clients worldwide. In this conversation, Greg talks about building Acrisure from a lifestyle business into a global FinTech leader. He shares the strategic thinking behind Acrisure’s unique acquisition model that allowed founders to monetize their businesses without losing their identity or leadership. He discusses the importance of securing capital, understanding market fragmentation, and cultivating trusted relationships that fuel long-term growth. As Acrisure shifts from acquisition-driven expansion to technology-enabled organic growth, Greg offers insights into the future of FinTech, the evolving needs of small business clients, and the mindset required to build something truly enduring. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why Acrisure’s differentiated M&A model allowed founders to monetize their businesses without losing control • How strategic capital deployment fueled more than 900 acquisitions and rapid global expansion • Why the future of Acrisure lies in technology, data, and meeting the evolving needs of small business clients “While the world didn’t necessarily need another insurance broker, the industry did. And it had to have an M&A model that was differentiated.” — Greg Williams Acrisure: https://www.acrisure.com If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to The Entrepreneur’s Studio and share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur or business leader who’s thinking about growth, leadership, and building something that lasts. https://www.auris.io/Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io
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Reflections: Finding the Gap Others Miss | Shaun White
Apr 2800:12:38Tap to summarizeThe Entrepreneur’s Studio Reflections: Finding the Gap Others Miss | Shaun White Shaun White reflects on recognizing a broken system in snowboarding—and what it takes to step in, take ownership, and build something better for the next generation. Topics Covered: • How identifying “what’s not working” creates opportunity • Why great leaders build for others, not just themselves • The importance of vision, ownership, and long-term thinking What do you do when you’ve spent your life inside a system that doesn’t quite work? For Shaun White, the answer wasn’t to accept it—it was to rebuild it. In this Reflections episode of The Entrepreneur’s Studio, Shaun shares how years of competing at the highest level gave him a unique perspective on the gaps in professional snowboarding. Disconnected events, inconsistent standards, and a lack of alignment across the sport created an experience that didn’t serve athletes as well as it could. Rather than walking away, Shaun chose to step in. Drawing on decades of experience and relationships, he began connecting athletes, coaches, operators, and investors around a shared vision. His goal was simple but ambitious: create a better system—one that prioritizes athletes, delivers world-class experiences, and builds a sustainable future for the sport. At the heart of it is a mindset entrepreneurs know well. Instead of asking, “What is everyone else doing?” Shaun focused on, “What are they not doing?” That question led to the creation of the Snow League—bringing together top talent, premier locations, and a more intentional approach to competition. For Shaun, this next chapter isn’t about personal achievement. It’s about legacy. It’s about creating opportunities for the athletes coming behind him and building something that continues to evolve long after his own career. • Why the biggest opportunities come from noticing what’s missing • How to rally people around a vision without forcing it • What it means to build something that outlasts your own success “What are they not doing? What’s missing? That’s where the opportunity is.” — Shaun White https://www.auris.io/Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io
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From Athlete to Entrepreneur: Shaun White on Risk-Taking, Reinvention, and Building What’s Next
Apr 2100:48:13Tap to summarizeThe Entrepreneur’s Studio From Athlete to Entrepreneur: Shaun White on Risk-Taking, Reinvention, and Building What’s NextThree-time Olympic gold medalist Shaun White shares how he’s applying an elite athlete’s mindset to entrepreneurship; building new ventures and reimagining the future of snowboarding.Topics Covered: • Translating an elite performance mindset into business • Finding “white space” and building in untapped markets • Taking calculated risks and committing to long-term visionWhat do you do after you’ve reached the top of your sport? For Shaun White, the answer wasn’t stepping away, it was building something entirely new.In this episode of The Entrepreneur’s Studio, Shaun shares how his journey from Olympic champion to entrepreneur has been driven by the same mindset that fueled his success on the slopes. From relentless competitiveness to detailed visualization, he explains how those habits now shape the way he approaches business, risk, and opportunity.A key turning point in Shaun’s career came when he realized that being “as good as everyone else” wasn’t enough. That insight now drives his approach to entrepreneurship, finding differentiation, creating new experiences, and building where others aren’t looking. Whether launching his snowboard brand Whitespace or developing the Snow League, Shaun focuses on identifying gaps in the market and filling them with intention.The conversation also explores Shaun’s relationship with risk. Rather than acting impulsively, he takes a calculated approach, knowing when to push forward and when to step back. He shares how visualization, preparation, and commitment helped him succeed at the highest level in sports, and how those same principles now guide his business decisions.As Shaun transitions from individual competition to leading teams and building companies, he reflects on the importance of patience, collaboration, and long-term thinking. For him, success today isn’t just about winning, it’s about creating something meaningful that lasts and opens doors for the next generation.• Why differentiation—not imitation—is the key to long-term success • How visualization and preparation translate from sport to business • What it means to find and build in “white space” markets“It’s not enough to be as good as everyone else. You’ve got to be better—you’ve got to have something that’s different.” — Shaun WhiteResources Mentioned: Woodward Training Facility Burton Snowboards Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell Good to GreatIf you enjoyed this conversation, share this episode with someone thinking about their next chapter, whether in business, sports, or beyond.https://www.auris.io/Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io
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How to Build a Remarkable Brand in the Age of AI | Seth Godin
Apr 1400:37:52Tap to summarizeThe Entrepreneur’s Studio How to Build a Remarkable Brand in the Age of AI | Seth GodinMarketing expert Seth Godin shares how entrepreneurs can build trust, stand out, and create remarkable brands in an AI-driven world.Topics Covered: • Why marketing is really about trust and storytelling • How AI is changing the way brands connect with customers • What makes a brand truly remarkable in a crowded marketIn a world where AI can generate content in seconds, what actually makes a brand stand out? In this episode of The Entrepreneur’s Studio, Seth Godin breaks down what it really takes to build a remarkable brand—and why trust, not technology, is still the foundation of great marketing.Seth explains that marketing has never been about shouting the loudest. Instead, it’s about telling a story that resonates with the right people and consistently delivering on the promises you make. In an increasingly noisy digital landscape, trust is earned through clarity, consistency, and a deep understanding of your audience.The conversation also explores the growing role of AI in marketing. While AI can accelerate content creation and scale communication, Seth emphasizes that it cannot replace authenticity. The businesses that will win are the ones that use AI as a tool—while staying grounded in human connection, empathy, and purpose.For small business owners, Seth highlights the importance of differentiation. Being “remarkable” isn’t about appealing to everyone—it’s about being meaningful to someone. He also touches on the role of personal branding, explaining how individuals within a company can amplify trust and create deeper relationships with customers.• Why trust and storytelling are the foundation of effective marketing • How to use AI without losing authenticity and human connection • Why differentiation—not scale—is the key to building a remarkable brand“Successful brands are built with your customers talking about you, not you talking about you...Marketing is about creating the conditions for other people to eagerly spread your idea.” — Seth Godinhttps://www.auris.io/Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io
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Reflections: Why Authority Doesn’t Make You a Leader | Seth Godin
Apr 1400:07:31Tap to summarizeThe Entrepreneur’s Studio Reflections: Why Authority Doesn’t Make You a Leader | Seth Godin In this Reflections episode, Seth Godin challenges the common belief that authority equals leadership—and explains why true leadership is voluntary, not assigned. Topics Covered: • The difference between managing people and leading them • Why leadership is voluntary—not tied to authority or title • How to create “enrollment” instead of compliance If you have authority in your business, does that automatically make you a leader? According to Seth Godin, the answer is no, and believing it does might be holding you back. In this Reflections episode of The Entrepreneur’s Studio, Seth breaks down the critical difference between management and leadership. Managers rely on authority to drive consistency and results. Leaders, on the other hand, create movement. They point to a future and invite others to come along without guarantees and without forcing compliance. Seth explains that leadership is not about control. It’s about enrollment. Whether with employees or customers, great leaders create the conditions for people to willingly join a journey. Instead of telling people what to do, they tell a story that makes others want to be part of where they’re going. For entrepreneurs, this shift is powerful. You don’t need permission, a title, or a team reporting to you to lead. Leadership starts in small moments, trying something new, creating something meaningful, and inviting others to participate. Over time, those moments build trust, momentum, and real influence. • Why authority can create compliance but not true leadership • How leaders create voluntary followers through vision and story • Why small, consistent actions are the starting point for leadership “Leadership says, I’m going over there, who wants to come?” — Seth Godin https://www.auris.io/Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io
Transcribe →Season 4 Trailer | Success Is No Accident
Apr 700:00:51Tap to summarizeIf you’re building a business, you already know that success is no accident.It’s shaped by perseverance, unexpected breakthroughs, and the moments that test everything you thought you knew.Season 4 of The Entrepreneur’s Studio is here, and we’re bringing you a new series of conversations with founders and business leaders who’ve built something meaningful and are willing to talk honestly about what it took to get there.These are the stories behind the stories:the early bets, the bruises, the pivots, and the wisdom gained along the way.If you’re committed to building something real—and staying in the work—you’re in the right place.New episodes drop every Tuesday.Follow The Entrepreneur’s Studio so you never miss an episode:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/Youtube: http://www.youtube.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.comThe Entrepreneur’s Studio is sponsored by Auris, helping small and mid-sized businesses simplify payroll and HR with powerful tools and real human support. Learn more at https://www.auris.io
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