Episode #173: Weatherskin – Brandon Carbol
Brandon Carbol of Weatherskin: Innovating the Building Envelope with Smart Coatings Brandon Carbol, founder of Weatherskin Coatings, joins the Clicks & Bricks Podcast to share how a construction injury became the catalyst for launching one of Canada’s most exciting eco-conscious product lines. From being a hands-on home builder to innovating building protection systems, Brandon proves that adversity can fuel ingenuity—and that sustainable construction can scale. 5 Key Takeaways from Brandon’s Episode: Turn Setbacks Into Strategy: After a back injury forced him off job sites, Brandon doubled down on his creativity and launched Weatherskin to solve real-world construction challenges. Solutions Over Products: Weatherskin isn’t just selling coatings—it’s delivering smart, energy-efficient building solutions that protect structures and the environment. Start Local, Think Global: Brandon’s search for the right chemist led him around the world—only to discover the perfect partner was in his own city. Build the Team That Builds the Dream: Brandon credits a strong company culture and inclusive mindset for helping Weatherskin survive growing pains and scale quickly. Manufacture Smarter: He encourages founders to outsource manufacturing unless your in-house process adds unique value—like Shelby Mustangs or hand-stitched leather goods. Watch the full interview now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQq20I0a–E Memorable Quote: “I always say: hire smarter than myself. That’s how we move the business forward.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Brandon Linkedin Globe
Episode #172: Founder of GeorgeBryson.io – George Bryson
Guest Profile: George Bryson – Helping Startups Launch with Purpose Founder of GeorgeBryson.io | Former Fiji Water Exec | Startup Whisperer George Bryson is a seasoned fractional CEO and startup mentor with decades of experience launching and scaling consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands. From leading major market expansions for Fiji Water to founding his own beverage company, Wild Poppy Juice, George has lived the full startup lifecycle—and now he’s helping others do the same. In Episode 172 of Clicks & Bricks, George shares hard-earned wisdom and a clear roadmap for entrepreneurs ready to turn their ideas into thriving businesses. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K24XmDxBaIo Top 5 Takeaways from George Bryson’s Episode: Startups begin with vision, but succeed through systems. George walks through his 4 core fundamentals to have in place before asking for funding. Know your customer deeply. Don’t guess—build real avatars and tailor your strategy to the right audience, not everyone. Margins and math matter. Pricing, production, and cash flow planning are make-or-break elements most founders overlook. Don’t wait for permission. George emphasizes how simply walking into local stores and asking for shelf space can unlock big opportunities. Outsource your weaknesses. Even five hours of outside help a month can help solopreneurs focus on their strengths and grow faster. Watch the full episode now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K24XmDxBaIo Memorable Quote: “There’s no foul in saying, ‘I’m not great at this’—and bringing someone in to help, even if it’s just five hours a month.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with George Linkedin Globe
Episode #171: iFreshly Digital – Erica Vallejo
How Erica Vallejo Built iFreshly Digital from Hustle to High-Growth Niche Erica Vallejo, founder and CEO of iFreshly Digital, joined the Clicks & Bricks Podcast to share her incredible journey from laid-off single mom to digital marketing powerhouse in the cannabis space. With no safety net, Erica turned gig work into fuel for her entrepreneurial fire, proving that grit and a clear niche can transform a side hustle into a thriving business. Key Takeaways from Episode 171: Believe in Yourself Early: Erica says lack of self-belief held her back more than any external challenge. Niche Down to Scale Up: Choosing cannabis as her niche gave Erica a clear path to exponential growth—even in a state where it’s not yet legal. Outwork Everyone: She worked 12–14 hours a day as a Lyft driver, then studied marketing for 3–4 hours at night to level up. Cannabis Marketing Is Complex—but Possible: From hashtags to ad copy, marketing in this gray-area industry requires strategy, creativity, and legal awareness. The Green Rush Is Just Beginning: Erica predicts massive growth in the cannabis industry—and believes it’s not too late to get in. Watch the Full Episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-hRqbcjHmw Memorable Quote: “If I don’t go for it, I can’t feed my daughter and I can’t put a roof over her head… There was no other choice.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Erica Linkedin Globe
Episode #170: From CEO to Survivor to Superhero Mentor – Terrance McMahon
Terrance McMahon – From CEO to Survivor to Superhero Mentor Terrance McMahon | Author, Speaker, Transformation Coach Terrance McMahon’s story is one of extreme transformation. Once a wealthy CEO leading a billion-dollar financial franchise, he found himself on the brink of death from alcohol-related liver failure. After a miraculous transplant, Terrance didn’t just recover—he reinvented himself entirely. Today, he’s a bestselling author, speaker, and coach helping others transform their pain into purpose and build lives of freedom, health, and meaning. Top 5 Takeaways from the Episode: Reinvention Begins with Decision: Terrance teaches that true transformation starts by cutting away what no longer serves you and intentionally stepping into something new. From Algorithms to Impact: He scaled a door-to-door insurance hustle into a billion-dollar enterprise using sales “algorithms”—systems he now helps others develop for freedom-based businesses. The Kintsugi Mindset: Inspired by the Japanese art of mending broken pottery with gold, Terrance believes our visible scars can make us more valuable, not less. Domino Strategy for Growth: By identifying your “change the world” domino and lining up each small win, you can build unstoppable momentum in life and business. From Deathbed to Digital Freedom: After a near-death experience and liver transplant, Terrance sold everything and built a business around helping others create location-independent lives. Watch the full episode to hear Terrance’s wild ride from boardroom to hospital bed to bestselling author: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWRiPAhqNao Memorable Quote: “Once you assign meaning to your recovery, it’s no longer suffering.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Terrance Linkedin Globe Tiktok
Episode #169: Welcome to the Writer’s Life – Paulette Perhach
Unleashing Creative Power with Paulette Perhach of Welcome to the Writer’s Life Paulette Perhach is more than just a writer—she’s a creative force guiding others to build a joyful, profitable writing life. As the founder of Welcome to the Writer’s Life and the mind behind powerhouse workshops and mindfulness writing sessions, Paulette is helping freelancers, entrepreneurs, and authors elevate their craft while charging what they’re worth. Her story blends journalism, Peace Corps service, and self-made entrepreneurship into an inspiring roadmap for anyone ready to embrace creativity as a business model. Top 5 Takeaways from Episode 169: Creativity and entrepreneurship are not separate worlds — Paulette proves that embracing both leads to more freedom and fulfillment. Niching isn’t always the answer — Instead of limiting herself, Paulette focuses on the experience of working with her: fun, effective, and tech-savvy. Writers must learn to value their worth — Her coaching programs empower creatives to stop undercharging and start thriving. Overcoming writer’s block is possible — Thanks to her journalism roots and toolkit of creative prompts, Paulette rarely feels stuck. Freedom is the end goal — From freelance success to European nomad life, Paulette designs her business around what makes her feel most alive. Catch the full conversation and get inspired: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8aQujSJts4 Memorable Quote: “There is no hard and fast cubicle wall between creativity and entrepreneurship.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Paulette Linkedin Globe Instagram
Episode #168: Joyfully Badass Business Academy – Janifer Wheeler
Guest Profile: Janifer Wheeler – Joyfully Badass Business Academy From Classroom to C-Suite: How Janifer Wheeler is Revolutionizing Small Business Training Janifer Wheeler, founder of the Joyfully Badass Business Academy, turned burnout into breakthrough by transforming her skills as a certified teacher into a thriving productivity consultancy for entrepreneurs. With a mission to make business more joyful, efficient, and impactful, she’s helping small business owners ditch the overwhelm by teaching them how to streamline operations through effective microlearning. As a former elementary school teacher and curriculum designer, Janifer knows the real-world struggles of building something from scratch. She now supports entrepreneurs with time-saving training systems that help teams work smarter, not harder. If you’re tired of chaotic onboarding or inefficient processes, this episode is your roadmap to sanity. 5 Key Takeaways from Janifer’s Episode: Microlearning > Macrolearning: Short, focused trainings are more effective for busy teams than traditional long-form workshops. Start With What You Know: Janifer’s journey began by repurposing her teaching skills for adult learners and business operations. Map Your Business Joy: Document tasks, then identify which spark joy—and which can be delegated or automated. Be Flexible: SOPs are guidelines, not gospel. When weird stuff happens (and it will), adapt and update. Manifest with Intention: Success starts with staying grounded, aligned with your intuition, and building systems around your goals. Watch the Full Episode: Learn how Janifer helps business owners create productive teams without burning out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCXH1qWIR5c Memorable Quote: “If it’s not joyful, why do it?” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Janifer Linkedin Globe
Episode #167: Experts in Growth Leadership Consulting – Vivian Blade
Vivian Blade of Experts in Growth Leadership Consulting: Building Resilient Leaders That Thrive Vivian Blade is a nationally recognized leadership expert, speaker, and author who empowers leaders to become more resilient in the face of adversity. As the President and CEO of Experts in Growth Leadership Consulting, Vivian helps companies create stronger leaders and better workplaces—especially in today’s ever-shifting business landscape. With more than 20 years of corporate experience at giants like Humana and GE, she brings unmatched insight into navigating disruption and scaling with purpose. In Episode 167 of Clicks & Bricks, Vivian joins Ken to talk about her transition from corporate to entrepreneurship, how she overcame a layoff to build her thriving consulting firm, and the five powerful principles she teaches to help business leaders become “resilience ready.” Episode Takeaways: Corporate experience fueled her leap into entrepreneurship After nearly 13 years at GE, Vivian used her unexpected layoff as a launchpad to start her own business—despite being told entrepreneurship “wasn’t for her.” The five “Resilience Ready” principles Vivian breaks down the five core practices—Perspective, Purpose, Perseverance, Partnership, and Praise—that help leaders not just survive challenges, but thrive through them. Culture matters more than ever To attract and retain talent—especially Gen Z—leaders must create workplaces that foster growth, flexibility, and a shared entrepreneurial spirit. Leadership is emotional Vivian recommends mastering emotional intelligence as a foundational skill for any aspiring entrepreneur or leader. Her top book picks Atomic Habits by James Clear and Primal Leadership by Daniel Goleman are must-reads for developing daily discipline and emotional resilience. Want to get resilience-ready? Watch Vivian Blade’s full episode now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbLd2VUif9g Memorable Quote: “We all have a purpose—and we have to be courageous enough to take that first step.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Vivian Envelope Linkedin Globe
Episode #166: Less Fear, More Flow – Teresa Bruni
From Burnout to Breakthrough: Teresa Bruni of Less Fear, More Flow Teresa Bruni, founder of Less Fear, More Flow LLC, joins Clicks & Bricks to share her powerful transformation from corporate burnout and chronic illness to becoming “The Healer’s Healer.” With a passion for helping heart-centered entrepreneurs overcome imposter syndrome and self-limiting beliefs, Teresa brings a wealth of hard-earned wisdom, intuitive healing insight, and actionable strategies for living a fulfilling life on your own terms. In this episode, Teresa reveals how a decade of illness led her to a deeper purpose — guiding others to align their minds, bodies, and businesses for true success. Episode Takeaways: Entrepreneurship isn’t about burnout. If you’re not enjoying what you do, you’re doing it wrong. Period. Imposter syndrome is real — and fixable. Teresa uses tools like PSYCH-K® and reframing techniques to help clients shift subconscious beliefs. Heart-centered entrepreneurs need a different kind of coaching. Teresa’s “Healer’s Healer” program helps people step out of the “healer’s closet” and into their power. Small steps create big change. Stop dreaming and start doing — even one habit a week builds momentum. Balance is non-negotiable. Teresa takes a full tech Sabbath every Sunday and encourages entrepreneurs to prioritize rest and wellness. Ready to be inspired by Teresa’s journey and wisdom? Watch the full episode now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPKuALqnuvE Memorable Quote: “If you’re not enjoying being an entrepreneur, you need to re-examine the way you’re managing yourself and your business.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Teresa Linkedin Globe
Episode #165: Life & Business Coach at ProAdvisorCoach – Andrew Safnauer
Guest Profile: Andrew Safnauer – Life & Business Coach at ProAdvisorCoach Helping Entrepreneurs Move Forward With Intention Andrew Safnauer isn’t your average business coach. With a background in radio, voiceover work, and entrepreneurship, he’s a creative force who’s spent decades building a career on grit, adaptability, and intentional growth. Now with ProAdvisorCoach, Andrew helps business leaders define their goals, overcome limiting beliefs, and design a future that fits their personal definition of success. Top 5 Takeaways from the Episode: Intentionality Matters: Success doesn’t happen by accident. Andrew believes you must intentionally decide to move your life and business forward. Otherwise, life just “happens” to you. Price Integrity Wins: Competing on price is a race to the bottom. Andrew emphasizes the value conversation—don’t lower your rates to match Fiverr. Elevate your work by showing the results it delivers. Perfect is the Enemy of Progress: He shares that waiting for perfection stalls growth. “Ship it at 90%,” he says, and iterate from there. Small Wins Add Up: Whether it’s a workout at 4:30 AM or sending a proposal, daily wins build long-term success. One step forward each day is still progress. Success is Personal: From owning a van on the beach to leading a billion-dollar company—Andrew says success must be defined by you, not society. Whether you’re a founder looking to scale, a solopreneur craving momentum, or just feeling stuck—Andrew’s journey and practical insights will leave you inspired to take action. Watch the full episode now at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhRNIl6lAvk Memorable Quote: “Don’t let life happen to you. Take control and move your life forward.” – Andrew Safnauer Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Andrew Linkedin Globe
Episode #164: Crystal Lily Creative – Crystal
Guest Profile: Crystal Whittaker of Crystal Lily Creative — Championing Authentic Inclusion Through Branding Crystal Whittaker is the founder of Crystal Lily Creative, an inclusive branding consultancy built from the ground up with heart, purpose, and a powerful mission. After leaving the rigidity of corporate America, Crystal followed her passion for storytelling and social equity—first through photography, and eventually through guiding values-driven brands to show up authentically and inclusively. Her work empowers coaches, creatives, and conscious companies to lead with intention and create spaces that truly welcome everyone. 5 Key Takeaways from Crystal’s Episode: From Burnout to Breakthrough: Crystal left her corporate career feeling disconnected and soul-sucked—pivoting to a photography business that eventually morphed into a purpose-led branding consultancy. Inclusion is More Than a Buzzword: She educates businesses on real, values-based inclusion—not just performative marketing—helping leaders infuse DEI into their brand DNA. Equity ≠ Equality: Crystal gives a powerful explanation of the difference between equity and equality in business, emphasizing fairness over sameness. Mental Health Matters: Crystal opens up about her battle with situational depression and how having a support system, therapy, and mindfulness practices helped her heal and thrive. Simple Steps to Inclusive Language: From using team-based language to sharing your pronouns, Crystal shares actionable ways leaders can foster belonging through everyday communication. Don’t miss this deeply human and eye-opening conversation with Crystal Whittaker on Episode 164 of Clicks & Bricks Podcast. Watch the full episode now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqYeIAettZQ Memorable Quote: “You are not required to be productive in order to have value. Take care of yourself first and foremost.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Crystal Facebook Linkedin Globe Instagram