Join Allie's Resale Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19erTJ39dU/

In this episode of the Brand Builders Podcast, Daron sits down with Allie Reed of Reed Resale to talk about how she built a growing resale business using Facebook, community, simple systems, and a whole lot of hustle — without even having a website.

Allie shares how she went from teaching and running an online boutique to creating a resale business out of her garage, where local customers could drop off clothes, shop daily Facebook drops, and pick up orders right from her home. What started small quickly grew into a system handling **100+ clients**, dozens of daily pickups, shipping orders across the country, and a growing team helping her keep up with demand.

We also talk about the realities of entrepreneurship: learning when to delegate, building a team around your weaknesses, setting boundaries between work and home, using social media to grow a business, adapting when systems break, and creating a business that gives you more freedom instead of simply creating another job. Allie explains why freedom and flexibility matter so much to her, especially as a mom, and how she has intentionally built the business around those priorities.

We also get into Facebook selling, resale and consignment, shipping, customer experience, AI in small business, faith in entrepreneurship, and why sometimes the smartest thing you can do is stop overthinking your idea and simply start.

If you’ve ever wanted to start a side hustle, build an online business, make money from home, grow a business through Facebook, or turn a simple idea into something bigger, this episode is packed with practical lessons and encouragement.

*In this episode:*

How Allie started Reed Resale

Building a business through Facebook without a website

How the resale and consignment model works

Growing to 100+ clients

Hiring and delegating as the business grows

Building systems around your strengths

Creating work-life boundaries as an entrepreneur

Using social media to grow a local business

Shipping and expanding beyond your local market

AI and automation in small business

Faith and entrepreneurship

Advice for anyone afraid to start a business

Allie’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: get over the pride, give the idea a real shot, work hard, and go all in long enough to see whether it works.

Subscribe to the Brand Builders Podcast for more conversations with entrepreneurs, creators, and business owners about branding, marketing, content, leadership, entrepreneurship, and building businesses that create real freedom.

#Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #FacebookMarketing #OnlineBusiness #Reselling #SideHustle #BusinessGrowth #SocialMediaMarketing #PersonalBranding #BrandBuildersPodcast

Thanks to our sponsors:

Empire Management Group — https://www.empire-management-group.com/

Better Business Bureau of Abilene — https://www.bbb.org/

Today's guest is Rivers Rodriguez — a 22-year-old who went from zero to managing nearly 100 rental units in just 14 months through Airbnb and mid-term rental arbitrage. In this episode, we break down exactly how he built trust with landlords who almost kicked him out for being "too young," the outreach system he used to close his first deals, the moment he nearly lost everything from overleveraging, and why he says the "no's" in business are more valuable than the "yeses."

If you've ever wanted to start a business with no capital, no connections, and no safety net — this is the blueprint.

In this episode, we cover:

How Airbnb/mid-term rental arbitrage actually works (and the real math behind it)

How to get landlords to trust you when you have zero track record

The exact script and outreach order (call, text, email) that gets meetings booked

Why he almost lost his business by reinvesting every dollar too fast

The $6.51 vs. $25,000 moment that almost broke him

How he structures leases to guarantee landlords their rent

What happens when a client with 25 houses walks away overnight

Real profit margin numbers on subleasing, managing, and owning rental property

How faith and community shaped his business and his soccer coaching program

How he uses AI to write contracts instead of paying a lawyer $500 a pop

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: $6.51 vs. $25,000

00:20 – Meet Rivers Rodriguez

03:28 – How to actually build landlord trust

08:04 – Getting his first client

09:13 – Building a team as cash flow grows

12:20 – The outreach system: call, text, email

18:04 – Yard signs, billboards, and what actually converts

20:19 – Getting underestimated (and ghosted) for being young

24:19 – Fear of rejection and the numbers game

26:24 – Why he chose this path over a "normal" job

29:49 – Faith, stress, and handing it over to God

31:09 – How a soccer coaching side hustle became a Christian training program

35:51 – Did he expect real estate to work out?

37:38 – The $6.51 birthday and the $25K he didn't have

41:57 – Real profit margins: subleasing vs. managing vs. owning

45:20 – How he uses AI to save on contracts and legal fees

49:33 – Where to find Rivers and final thoughts

Connect with Rivers:

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rivers_rodriguez9/reels/

This episode is brought to you by:

🤝 Empire Management Group — helping businesses grow through better benefits, insurance, and leadership development.

🏆 Better Business Bureau of the Big Country — helping consumers find businesses they can trust.

🎙️ New episodes of Brand Builders drop weekly. Subscribe so you don't miss the next one.

#RealEstateInvesting #AirbnbArbitrage #EntrepreneurStory #BrandBuildersPodcast #SmallBusiness #FaithAndBusiness #Abilene #RealEstate #podcast

Thanks to our sponsors:

Empire Management Group — https://www.empire-management-group.com/

Better Business Bureau of Abilene — https://www.bbb.org/

Are you actually building a better workplace culture, or just hoping for one? Learn how to evaluate if your business is truly fruitful.

Running a business requires more than just showing up. In this episode, we examine the habits that separate a thriving organization from one that is merely surviving. Drawing on personal observations and real-world experiences, we discuss the essential shifts needed to foster a more productive environment for your team and your bottom line.

Whether you are managing a small team or scaling up, the foundation of your success rests on the environment you create. We explore how intentional leadership impacts your daily operations and long-term results. By refining your approach to small business management, you can cultivate a space where both your employees and your business goals can flourish.

Thanks for watching...

#BrandBuildersPodcast #SmallBusinessMarketing #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #SocialMediaMarketing #LocalBusiness #BetterBusinessBureau #PersonalBranding #ContentMarketing #businesspodcast

Thanks to our sponsors:

Empire Management Group — https://www.empire-management-group.com/

Better Business Bureau of Abilene — https://www.bbb.org/

Your competitor may not have a better product or service—they may simply be more visible.

Selling With Conviction: Why You're Not Actually Selling What You Think You Are

Most businesses sell the wrong thing. You're not selling a video — you're selling more leads. You're not selling a mattress — you're selling a good night's sleep. In this episode of the Brand Builders Podcast, I break down the exact mindset shift that changed how I price, pitch, and sell inside my own agency — including a real client story: one small business posted just 8 Instagram Reels and landed 8 new jobs (with 3 more leads on the way) from a business that had zero social media presence before.

If you've ever wondered why your conversion rates are low, why prospects hesitate, or whether you're pricing your offer correctly, this episode gives you a simple test to run before your next sale: would you buy the thing you're selling?

What you'll learn in this episode:

✅ Why people buy results, not products or services

✅ The real Instagram Reels case study that generated 8 new jobs for one small business

✅ How to price an offer so it feels like a steal, not a stretch

✅ The difference between selling with conviction and scamming a client

✅ Why your reputation is your most valuable (and fragile) business asset

Timestamps:

0:00 – Selling with conviction over selling a product

0:54 – Why you sell the result, not the thing

1:19 – Real case study: 8 Reels → 8 new jobs

2:58 – Where most businesses go wrong with their offer

4:02 – The Profitable Personal Brand Challenge

5:13 – Selling with conviction, continued

6:04 – Are you helping clients or scamming them?

7:06 – How to price a $10K offer so it feels like $20K of value

8:23 – The mindset shift: it's just a vehicle

9:24 – Your reputation takes years to build, one day to destroy

If you're a business owner ready to turn your expertise into a profitable personal brand through content, join the free 3-day Profitable Personal Brand Challenge — link in the description below.

#BrandBuildersPodcast #SmallBusinessMarketing #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #SocialMediaMarketing #LocalBusiness #BetterBusinessBureau #PersonalBranding #ContentMarketing #businesspodcast

Thanks to our sponsors:

Empire Management Group — https://www.empire-management-group.com/

Better Business Bureau of Abilene — https://www.bbb.org/

Social Media is destroying your life... here are my thoughts on it as a business owner who runs a social media company that relies on content marketing for clients, and for my our services to other businesses. This is what we provide.

As contradicting as it sounds, it's destroying us.

Make sure to watch to the end to find out how I have wrestled with this whole idea.

📍 Subscribe for new episodes featuring local business owners every week

Thanks to our sponsors for making this show possible.

Empire Management Group — https://www.empire-management-group.com/

Better Business Bureau of Abilene — https://www.bbb.org/

If you're building a business in a small market, weighing a risky career move, or just want an honest look at what it actually takes to keep a company alive past year one — this episode is for you.

In this episode:

00:00 – Is flying actually safe? (The stat that surprises everyone)

02:15 – How Bryce started Lytle Aviation from scratch in Abilene

05:40 – The story of how Sean went from student pilot to company manager

09:20 – Building a team around your weaknesses, not just your strengths

14:00 – Growing pains: starting with a shared notes app as a scheduling system

18:30 – Why most people don't know Abilene even has an airport

23:45 – The moments they doubted the business would survive

27:10 – How faith shapes their approach to risk and failure

30:45 – Where AI fits into aviation — and where it doesn't

35:00 – The one piece of advice they'd give any new business owner

38:00 – Where to connect with Lytle Aviation

About Lytle Aviation:

Lytle Aviation is a Part 61 flight school based at Abilene Regional Airport (ABI), offering private, commercial, and instrument pilot training, flight simulator sessions, and Discovery Flights for anyone curious about learning to fly.

Book a free consultation or Discovery Flight:

🌐 Website: https://www.lytleaviation.com

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lytleaviation

📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lytle.aviation

📍 Subscribe for new episodes featuring local business owners every week

Empire Management Group — https://www.empire-management-group.com/

Better Business Bureau of Abilene — https://www.bbb.org/

Graze Craze Abilene -- https://www.grazecraze.com/abilene-tx

Join Our Community: https://www.skool.com/brand-builders-community-4614/about

Your competitor may not have a better product or service—they may simply be more visible.

In this episode of the Brand Builders Podcast, Daron Pacheco sits down with Britini Casady, President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of the Big Country, to discuss why great businesses often struggle while more visible competitors continue attracting customers.

She shares her journey from teacher and Texas state investigator to photographer, entrepreneur, and CEO. She explains how she built her photography business from a Facebook page, found her first clients, overcame imposter syndrome, and eventually created a business that supported her family.

Daron and Britni also break down what business owners need to understand about social media marketing, customer complaints, BBB ratings, trust, delegation, work-life balance, and building a reputable brand.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why your competitor may be getting more customers than you

• How visibility can matter as much as the quality of your product

• What could happen if you post two videos every day for 30 days

• Why customers forget about businesses that stop showing up

• How to start marketing your business before everything is perfect

• What the Better Business Bureau actually does

• How BBB accreditation works

• Why receiving a complaint does not automatically make you a bad business

• How your response to a complaint can affect your reputation

• How entrepreneurs can delegate work and protect their family time

• Why trust is the foundation of every successful business

The Better Business Bureau of the Big Country serves 13 counties and helps connect consumers with trustworthy local businesses. It also provides complaint resolution, scam-prevention resources, education, networking opportunities, and greater visibility for accredited businesses.

Whether you are starting your first business, struggling to attract customers, trying to improve your online presence, or looking for practical small-business advice, this conversation will help you understand why being great at what you do is no longer enough. People must know that your business exists.

Subscribe to the Brand Builders Podcast for conversations about entrepreneurship, branding, content creation, social media strategy, leadership, and building a business that gives you greater freedom.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Why visibility matters for local businesses

02:40 Meet Brittany Cassidy

04:30 Brittany’s career before the BBB

06:30 From teacher to Texas state investigator

08:00 Starting a photography business

10:00 Finding her first clients through Facebook

12:00 Overcoming imposter syndrome

14:00 Balancing business and family

18:00 Returning to the corporate world

22:00 How the BBB helps businesses and consumers

25:00 Protecting customers from scams

27:00 Rebuilding the Better Business Bureau locally

30:00 Why business owners should delegate

33:00 Why great businesses remain invisible

35:00 How consistency creates customers

37:00 Future plans for the BBB

40:00 Networking, workshops, and local business growth

42:00 The best advice for new business owners

43:00 The two-videos-a-day challenge

46:00 Where to connect with the BBB

#BrandBuildersPodcast #SmallBusinessMarketing #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #SocialMediaMarketing #LocalBusiness #BetterBusinessBureau #PersonalBranding #ContentMarketing #BusinessPodcast

Empire Management Group — https://www.empire-management-group.com/

Better Business Bureau of Abilene — https://www.bbb.org/

Graze Craze Abilene -- https://www.grazecraze.com/abilene-tx

Join Our Community: https://www.skool.com/brand-builders-community-4614/about

Most business owners will never take a real vacation — not because their business can't survive without them, but because they never built the systems to make it possible. In this episode of the Brand Builders Podcast, I break down the exact framework I used to leave the office for a full week while my content, clients, and revenue kept moving without me.

I call it the PREP Framework — Produce ahead, Remove yourself, Establish expectations, Protect your presence — and it's the same system I used to record this episode from a picnic table on vacation, unedited, one camera, zero excuses.

Inside this episode, you'll learn:

✅ How to prep your team and clients so nothing falls apart while you're gone

✅ Why removing yourself as the bottleneck is the real unlock for time freedom (not hustle, not burnout)

✅ How to set client and team expectations in advance so nobody expects the impossible

✅ A real story of a stranger closing a deal with me before I said a single word — because of consistent content

✅ Why I think the FIRE movement gets "early retirement" wrong for entrepreneurs

✅ The one challenge every business owner needs to ask themselves: could your business survive 7 days without you?

If you're a small business owner, agency founder, or entrepreneur trying to build a business that runs without owning your entire life, this episode gives you the exact system to start reclaiming your time — starting this week.

🎧 Timestamps:

00:00 – Why most entrepreneurs never take a real vacation

01:25 – Introducing the PREP Framework

01:50 – Why "retiring early" misses the point

03:18 – Step 1: Produce Ahead

05:47 – Step 2: Remove Yourself

07:48 – Step 3: Establish Expectations

09:31 – Step 4: Protect Your Presence

09:31 – The stranger who bought before I said a word

13:38 – Why your camera doesn't matter as much as your content

17:22 – The 7-Day Challenge: could your business survive without you?

19:11 – Final encouragement for self-employed business owners

🤝 Thank you to our sponsors:

Empire Management Group — https://www.empire-management-group.com/

Better Business Bureau of Abilene — https://www.bbb.org/

Graze Craze Abilene -- https://www.grazecraze.com/abilene-tx

Join Our Community: https://www.skool.com/brand-builders-community-4614/about

He walked away from a big financial firm to build a 100% fiduciary wealth management company from scratch — and five years later, Cedar Gap Wealth Management is on pace to double every four years.

In this episode of Brand Builders Podcast, Michael Hull (Co-Founder of Cedar Gap Wealth Management in Abilene, TX) breaks down what it actually took to leave the safety of a big firm and go independent: the "golden handcuffs" corporate firms use to keep advisors from ever leaving, why he and partner Ben McAnally chose fee-based fiduciary pricing over commissions, how sponsoring rodeo athletes and the National Finals Rodeo became an unconventional but high-ROI growth strategy, and the 10-10-80 rule he teaches clients for building wealth on any income.

We also get into his path from banking, to pharmaceutical sales at Johnson & Johnson, to wealth management — and how his wife's support was the deciding factor in whether Cedar Gap ever got off the ground at all.

If you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or W-2 employee thinking about going independent, this episode is a real, unfiltered look at what it costs and what it's worth.

🔑 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

- The "golden handcuffs" strategy big firms use to keep employees dependent

- Why 100% fiduciary + fee-based pricing changes the advisor-client relationship

- How Cedar Gap turned rodeo sponsorships into a real client acquisition channel

- The 10-10-80 rule for building wealth (tithe, save, live)

- Why hiring an assistant came before hiring a salesperson

- Cedar Gap's 10-year growth plan and expansion into the Fort Worth market

- What Michael would tell himself before becoming an entrepreneur

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 – Why most people never learn how to actually run a business

00:35 – Welcome Michael Hull, Co-Founder of Cedar Gap Wealth Management

01:30 – What wealth management actually involves

03:00 – Michael's path: banking → Johnson & Johnson → wealth management

05:30 – Why he and Ben McAnally started Cedar Gap in 2021

07:30 – Biggest lessons from 5 years of entrepreneurship

11:21 – First hires: why an assistant came before a salesperson

14:00 – How Cedar Gap actually gets new clients

16:00 – Fee-based vs. commission-based advisors — how they get paid

18:30 – Crypto: is it worth it?

19:00 – The 10-10-80 rule for building wealth

21:30 – Paying off business debt vs. building a financial plan

33:18 – Why Cedar Gap sponsors rodeo athletes and the NFR

35:31 – The "golden handcuffs" that almost kept him in corporate

37:02 – Why his wife's support made Cedar Gap possible

39:27 – Mentorship over books: how Michael actually learned

44:02 – Cedar Gap's 10-year goal and Fort Worth expansion

44:49 – Where to connect with Cedar Gap Wealth Management

CONNECT WITH CEDAR GAP WEALTH MANAGEMENT:

Website: https://www.cedargapwealth.com/

Location: Abilene, TX

🤝 Thank you to our sponsors:

Empire Management Group — https://www.empire-management-group.com/

Better Business Bureau of Abilene — https://www.bbb.org/

Graze Craze Abilene -- https://www.grazecraze.com/abilene-tx

Join Our Community: https://www.skool.com/brand-builders-community-4614/about

She tripled her salary in 2 months after quitting an in-network physical therapy job — then COVID hit two weeks after she opened her own practice. This is how BodyWorx Abilene got built anyway.

In this episode of the Brand Builders Podcast, Jodi (owner of BodyWorx Abilene) breaks down why insurance companies decide when your recovery is "done" regardless of your actual results, why one Texas law (Direct Access, 2019) is the only reason cash-pay physical therapy exists, and why scaling from a solo practice to 14 employees and 2,000 patients cut her profit margin from 85% down to 15%.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Losing control (and learning to let go of it)

01:18 – How Scout Guide and word-of-mouth built her first clients

02:06 – Her first client came from ChatGPT, not Google

06:02 – The windstorm that blew her sign off (and why it didn't matter)

07:02 – Graduating PT school in 2013 and 6 years of burnout in-network

10:04 – The Texas law that made her own practice possible

12:35 – Tripling her salary in the first 2 months

14:03 – Why growth cut her profit margin from 85% to 15%

14:36 – Hiring a business coach and becoming one herself

23:39 – The hardest lesson: you can't force people to care like you do

25:21 – What she'd tell herself on day one

59:09 – Why every business is really the same skill set

1:00:05 – Her dream to open a trade company next

1:01:16 – Where to find BodyWorx Abilene

ABOUT THE GUEST

Jodi is the owner of BodyWorx Abilene, a cash-pay physical therapy practice and gym in Abilene, Texas. Follow her at: instagram.com/bodyworks_abilene

ABOUT THE BRAND BUILDERS PODCAST

The Brand Builders Podcast features real conversations with entrepreneurs, business owners, and brand builders in West Texas and beyond, no fluff, no gurus, just what actually worked (and what didn't).

Subscribe for new episodes every week

#SmallBusiness #PhysicalTherapy #Entrepreneurship

🤝 Thank you to our sponsors:

Empire Management Group — https://www.empire-management-group.com/

Better Business Bureau of Abilene — https://www.bbb.org/

Graze Craze Abilene -- https://www.grazecraze.com/abilene-tx

Join Our Community: https://www.skool.com/brand-builders-community-4614/about

She left a 10-year corporate banking career with no plan, four kids at home, and a small social media following — and built a full-time income without ever going viral.

In this episode of the Brand Builders Podcast, I sit down with Yeli, a West Texas-based content creator, brand partner, and mom of four, to talk about the real side of building a content business from nothing. We cover what actually makes money on social media, why consistency beats volume, how to deal with haters, and why most people who buy courses never build anything.

Topics we get into:

How to make money on social media (UGC, brand deals, affiliates, digital products, communities)

Why you don't have to be an "influencer" to win online

The truth about buying $10,000 courses — and what she learned from it

Why Abilene, TX is more behind than you think (and why that's actually an opportunity)

Building a content schedule as a solo creator with no help and four kids

The Skool community math: 100 people × $10/month = life-changing income

Why community over competition is the only play for local creators

How social media paid for her family's dream of having mom stay home

Connect with Yeli:

Instagram / TikTok / YouTube: @yeli.heidecker

Subscribe to the Brand Builders Podcast for weekly conversations on content strategy, brand building, and growing a business in West Texas and beyond.

#ContentCreator #SocialMediaMarketing #BrandBuilders #WestTexas #UGC #MomCreator #ContentStrategy #MakingMoneyOnline #PersonalBrand #Abilene

🤝 Thank you to our sponsors:

Empire Management Group — https://www.empire-management-group.com/

Better Business Bureau of Abilene — https://www.bbb.org/

Graze Craze Abilene -- https://www.grazecraze.com/abilene-tx

Join Our Community: https://www.skool.com/brand-builders-community-4614/about

He wakes up at 3:50 AM, journals like a Stoic, and turns down business on purpose. On this episode of the Brand Builders Podcast, we sit down with Manny Lampson — an Abilene, Texas business owner who built his life around one core idea: you can't (and shouldn't) try to serve every client in your market.

We get into his non-negotiable morning routine (3:50 AM wake-up, daily journaling, Stoic reading, 5 AM gym), why staying intentionally small with 15–20 core clients beats chasing every lead in town, and how he balances business, marriage, fatherhood, and health without burning out. Plus: his path from the military to calling Abilene home, and his wife's journey from undergrad to finishing her doctorate and teaching health and wellness online.

🔔 Subscribe to the Brand Builders Podcast for more conversations on faith, family, and business with West Texas entrepreneurs.

#BrandBuildersPodcast #AbileneTexas #SmallBusinessStrategy #MorningRoutine #EntrepreneurMindset

🤝 Thank you to our sponsors:

Empire Management Group — https://www.empire-management-group.com/

Better Business Bureau of Abilene — https://www.bbb.org/

Graze Craze Abilene -- https://www.grazecraze.com/abilene-tx

What's up Brand Builders!

The creator economy just hit $250 BILLION — and most small business owners don't even know it. In this episode of the Brand Builders Podcast, Daron breaks down the biggest business and content trends happening right now in 2026 so you can stop guessing and start growing.

Whether you're a business owner in Abilene, West Texas, or anywhere in between, this episode gives you a real-time snapshot of what's working online, what's dying, and where the money is actually going.

In this episode:

Why the creator economy is projected to hit $528 billion by 2030 — and how to get your piece.

The truth about short-form video (YouTube Shorts has 200 BILLION daily views — but is it right for your business?).

Why Daron got 1 million views on Instagram and barely gained 10 followers

How AI is disrupting Abilene, Texas and what West Texas business owners should actually do about it.

The #1 reason 4 out of 5 businesses are falling behind in 2026

Why authenticity is now more valuable than polished, AI-generated content.

How podcast hosts became the most trusted influencers — beating Instagram and YouTube stars.

The $34 billion podcasting industry and why NOW is the time to start your show.

A free AI life hack that keeps you up to date on your industry every single morning in minutes.

Big Tech's massive AI infrastructure bets (SpaceX, Google, Microsoft) and what it means for your business.

If this episode hit, send it to one person who needs to hear it. That's how Brand Builders grows.

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 — The Creator Economy Just Hit $250 Billion

01:30 — What Is the Creator Economy?

03:15 — 200 Million Creators, 5 Billion Users — The Window Is Open

04:15 — Short-Form Video Is Taking Over the Internet

06:13 — When Long-Form Wins (And Why Podcasting Is the Move)

07:05 — AI Data Centers Are Coming to Abilene, Texas

08:02 — Why Small Business Owners Should Embrace AI

09:44 — Most Businesses Still Aren't Using AI — Here's the Opportunity

11:33 — The Free AI Life Hack to Stay Current Every Day

13:27 — Authenticity Is Beating AI Content ("AI Slop")

15:15 — Human Connection Will Never Be Replaced

16:17 — Podcast Hosts Are the Most Trusted Influencers in 2026

19:17 — Why 1 Million Views Got Me Almost Nothing (And What Actually Converts)

20:58 — How to Start Your Own Podcast

21:50 — Big Tech Is Betting Everything on AI Infrastructure

23:20 — Final Thoughts + How to Work With Daron

🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode.

🤝 Thank you to our sponsors:

Empire Management Group — https://www.empire-management-group.com/

Better Business Bureau of Abilene — https://www.bbb.org/

Crockett Carothers was broke, introverted, and letting them come repossess his truck — all so he could keep paying his studio bill. Two and a half years later, he has 137,000 Facebook followers, 10,000 downloads per episode, and a podcast that now rivals his main business income.

In this episode of the Brand Builders Podcast, Daron Pacheco sits down with Crockett Carothers, host of the Wealthy Cowboy Show, to talk about how he built a podcast from nothing, why most people quit right before the money comes, and how to turn your show into an actual business — not just content.

If you've ever thought about starting a podcast or wondered why yours isn't making money yet, this one is for you.

In this episode:

Why a podcast is the ultimate cheat code for content

How to get your first sponsor even when nobody knows you

The fake sponsorship hack that actually works

Why he committed to one full year before he'd let himself quit

How to borrow credibility when you have zero of your own

Why the month you almost quit is the month the money comes

Connect with Crockett Carothers:

The Wealthy Cowboy Show | Facebook: Crockett Carothers

Youtube channel :  @TheWealthyCowboyShow 

how to start a podcast, how to monetize a podcast, podcast sponsorships, Wealthy Cowboy Show, Crockett Carothers, Brand Builders Podcast, Daron Pacheco, podcast growth tips, content strategy for business, how to grow a podcast, podcast as a business, West Texas entrepreneur, small business content marketing, podcast for beginners, how to get podcast sponsors

🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on branding, content strategy, and business growth.

📍 Film your podcast at Howdy Media Studio in Abilene, TX → https://www.howdy-media.com/

Kolten Thigpen built his show cattle operation from the ground up — and then sold everything in 2021 because God told him to. What happened next changed his life.

In this episode of the Brand Builders Podcast, Daron Pacheco sits down with Kolten Thigpen, founder of Cattle Coach Academy, co-founder of Express Livestock Genomics, and one of the most recognizable voices in the show cattle world. Kolten opens up about faith-driven business decisions, building multiple businesses from scratch, the real truth about business partnerships, and how a podcast he almost didn't start now reaches over 1.2 million people a month on Facebook alone.

Connect with Kolten Thigpen:

Cattle Coach Academy | YouTube: @CattleCoach | Facebook: Kolten Thigpen

🎙️ Want us to handle your podcast from start to finish? Book a discovery call with Howdy Media → www.howdy-media.com

🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on branding, content strategy, and business growth.

📍 Film your podcast at Howdy Media Studio in Abilene, TX → https://www.howdy-media.com/

If you're waiting for the perfect time to start your business, this episode is for you. RJ, founder of Worthy Hat Co., started her hat brand as a broke college sophomore with nothing but a notebook full of ideas and a name inspired by her mom's fourth-grade classroom. Less than a year in, she was doing so much volume she bought out her own embroidery vendor — at 21 years old. No business degree. No mentor. No paycheck for 3 years. Just trial, error, and a bias toward action.

In this episode we talk about:

How a Crumble Cookie run turned into a business idea

The 2 Instagram posts that took Worthy Hat Co. national

How she got into wholesale and what it actually means for a product business

Building a team through personal connections and Instagram DMs

Why she's shifting from quantity to quality in 2026

The role faith and family have played in building the brand

Her #1 piece of advice for anyone sitting on a business idea right now

If you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or creator in the Abilene and West Texas area — or anywhere — this one's worth your time.

🎩 Follow Worthy Hat Co: @worthyhatco on Instagram and Facebook

🎙️ Brand Builders Podcast is produced by Howdy Media in Abilene, Texas. We talk to local business owners, creators, and entrepreneurs who are building something worth watching.

Subscribe so you don't miss the next one.

#WorthyHatCo #BrandBuildersPodcast #HowdyMedia #AbileneTexas #WestTexas #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #StartYourBusiness #HatBrand #BusinessPodcast #TexasBusiness #ContentCreator #BuildYourBrand

🎙️ Want us to handle your podcast from start to finish? Book a discovery call with Howdy Media → www.howdy-media.com

📍 Howdy Media | Abilene, Texas

🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on branding, content strategy, and business growth.

🎙️ Brand Builders Podcast is where faith meets business.

📍 Film your podcast at Howdy Media Studio in Abilene, TX → https://www.howdy-media.com/

In this episode, Trista opens up about learning marketing from scratch with zero formal training, keeping every single employee during COVID without a single layoff, and how a faith-first leadership culture is the real reason people stay for decades — not just years.

Whether you're a business owner, a team leader, or someone trying to figure out how to build something that lasts — this one's for you.

🔑 In This Episode:

How Trista went from restaurant GM to running support for an entire multi-city franchise group

Why she believes community-first marketing outperforms paid ads every time

The leadership style that keeps a VP around for 30 years and an hourly employee for 18

What really happened inside Exceptional Brands during COVID — and how they came out stronger

Her honest take on AI tools in the restaurant and marketing world

How faith completely reshaped her approach to work, leadership, and life after 2020

📍 Connect With Our Guest:

📧 marketing@exbrandstx.com

🌮 Miguel's Mex Tex Cafe — https://www.miguelsmextexcafe.com

🍗 Buffalo Wild Wings — https://www.buffalowildwings.com

Work With Howdy Media:

🌐 https://howdy-media.com

📸 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook @HowdyMedia

SPONSOR THE BRAND BUILDERS PODCAST:

https://www.howdy-media.com/brand-builders-podcast

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 — Welcome & Intro

00:43 — Trista's 17-Year Journey with Exceptional Brands

02:57 — Growing Up in Dalhart, Texas

04:20 — Books & Podcasts That Shaped Her Walk

07:40 — Did She Ever See This Role Coming?

08:56 — What Her Day-to-Day Actually Looks Like

10:50 — How Community-First Marketing Was Born

16:42 — Why People Stay for 17, 18, Even 30 Years

20:10 — The Culture at Miguel's (Shoutout Miss Ruth!)

22:18 — Surviving COVID Without a Single Layoff

30:28 — Faith, Church Community & Real Relationships

34:31 — What She Really Thinks About AI

59:50 — How to Connect With Trista & Exceptional Brands

#BrandBuildersPodcast #FaithAndBusiness #RestaurantLeadership #AbileneTX #BuffaloWildWings #Miguels #CommunityMarketing #ServantLeadership #SmallBusiness #ChristianEntrepreneur #HowdyMedia

Are paid ads really the best way to grow your business… or is organic content the smarter long-term play?

In this episode of the Brand Builders Podcast, Daron breaks down the real difference between organic content and paid advertising from a Gen Z marketing perspective and explains why organic content can create a much higher return on your time, attention, and money.

Paid ads can get you in front of people fast. But organic content helps you build trust, relationships, authority, and brand equity over time. Instead of paying for random impressions from people who may never think about your business again, organic content gives you the opportunity to consistently show up, stay top of mind, and turn attention into real business.

If you are a business owner, entrepreneur, creator, realtor, service provider, or brand trying to decide where to invest your energy and marketing dollars, this episode will help you think differently about content strategy, social media marketing, brand building, and customer acquisition.

In this episode, we cover:

Organic content vs paid ads

Which marketing strategy gives you better long-term ROI

Why Gen Z values trust and authenticity in marketing

How to use content to build real relationships with your audience

The difference between renting attention and owning attention

How organic content can lead to more clients, customers, and brand growth

Why business owners should not rely only on paid advertising

How to create content that works for your business over time

At Brand Builders Podcast, we help business owners build a brand that actually grows their business through content, clarity, and consistency.

If this episode helped you, make sure to like, subscribe, and share it with another business owner who needs to hear this.

#OrganicContent #PaidAds #ContentMarketing #SocialMediaMarketing #BrandBuilding #PersonalBrand #BusinessGrowth #DigitalMarketing #Entrepreneurship #brandbuilderspodcast

🎙️ Want us to handle your podcast from start to finish? Book a discovery call with Howdy Media → www.howdy-media.com

📍 Howdy Media | Abilene, Texas

🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on branding, content strategy, and business growth.

🎙️ Brand Builders Podcast is where faith meets business. Real conversations.

📍 Film your podcast at Howdy Media Studio in Abilene, TX → https://www.howdy-media.com/

With 584 million podcast listeners worldwide and only 15% of podcasts actually staying active, the opportunity has never been bigger for you to stand out. We cover the 7-hour trust rule, the barrier to consistency, video vs. audio podcasting, what equipment you actually need, and how to turn your podcast into a client-generating machine.

Whether you're just getting started or you've tried before and stopped, this episode will give you the clarity and strategy you need to take action today.

🎙️ Want us to handle your podcast from start to finish? Book a discovery call with Howdy Media → www.howdy-media.com

📍 Howdy Media | Abilene, Texas

🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on branding, content strategy, and business growth.

🎙️ Brand Builders Podcast is where faith meets business. Real conversations.

📍 Film your podcast at Howdy Media Studio in Abilene, TX → https://www.howdy-media.com/

#BrandBuildersPodcast #FaithAndBusiness #ChristianEntrepreneur #SmallBusinessMindset #ComparisonTrap #HustleCulture #BiblicalBusiness #ContentCreator #AbileneTexas #BusinessPodcast

5 Day Challenge Application: https://funnel-focus-build.lovable.app

Most entrepreneurs think hitting a big revenue month will finally make them feel like enough. I hit $40K in a single month at Howdy Media — and I still felt like it wasn't enough. In this episode, I'm talking about something nobody in the business world wants to admit: comparison is quietly destroying you, and hustle culture is feeding the lie.

We get into:

Why comparison is the #1 silent killer for business owners (and how social media makes it worse)

The moment I realized $40K months don't actually fix the feeling you're chasing

Why hustle culture is straight-up unbiblical — and what Scripture actually says about rest

How reading Paul, Solomon, and Romans changed my entire business mindset

Why your current season is intentional — even when it doesn't make sense

The ONE question I ask every new client at the studio that changes everything

Why real human content will always outlast AI — and what that means for your brand

Theodore Roosevelt said "comparison is the thief of joy." Solomon called it chasing the wind. They were both right — and if you're building a business right now, this episode is for you.

🎙️ Brand Builders Podcast is where faith meets business. Real conversations.

📍 Film your podcast at Howdy Media Studio in Abilene, TX → www.howdy-media.com

#BrandBuildersPodcast #FaithAndBusiness #ChristianEntrepreneur #SmallBusinessMindset #ComparisonTrap #HustleCulture #BiblicalBusiness #ContentCreator #AbileneTexas #BusinessPodcast

Work With Howdy Media: www.howdy-media.com

5 Day Challenge Application: https://funnel-focus-build.lovable.app

Most people wait for permission.

Kaitlyn Shaw built her own lane.

In this episode of the Brand Builders Podcast, we sit down with Kaitlyn Shaw, founder of L&L Beauty Institute, who saw a gap in the market and built an entire school around it.

At just 23 years old, she went from working for someone else… to creating opportunities for hundreds of others.

This isn’t theory. This is what it actually looks like to build something from nothing.

We break down:

-why working for someone else started to feel limiting

-how she spotted a gap in the market (and actually acted on it)

-building a business before you feel “ready”

-the difference between having a skill vs building a brand

-why customer experience is the real growth strategy

-hiring, leadership, and learning as you go

-what most young entrepreneurs get wrong

Connect with Kaitlyn Shaw & L&L Beauty Institute:

🌐 Website

llbeautyinstitute.com

Facebook: facebook.com/llbeautyinstitute

Instagram: instagram.com/llbeautyinstitute

TikTok: tiktok.com/@llbeautyinstitute

Linktree (all links hub): linktr.ee/llbeautyinstitute

Work With Howdy Media: www.howdy-media.com

5 Day Challenge Application: https://funnel-focus-build.lovable.app

In this episode of the Brand Builders Podcast, we sit down with Carlie Butler, owner of Espressoak Coffee, to talk about what it really looks like to build a brand people remember.

Carlie shares the story of how she took over a pre-existing mobile coffee business, why she chose to stay mobile instead of opening a traditional coffee shop, and how creating a memorable experience has become one of the biggest keys to Espressoak’s growth.

We also dive into:

- how to build a brand that makes people light up when they hear your name

- the power of customer experience and consistency

- learning to stop people-pleasing in business

- hiring, leadership, and overcommunicating with your team

- overcoming burnout, unexpected setbacks, and the chaos of entrepreneurship

- how social media, behind-the-scenes content, and brand personality help grow a loyal audience

-why doing simple things well still gives you an edge in business

-Carlie's vision for the future of Espressoak Coffee

This episode is packed with practical wisdom for business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone trying to build a brand that stands out in a crowded market.

Connect with Espressoak Coffee:

Website: https://www.espressoaktx.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/espressoak/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/espressoak/

Work With Howdy Media: www.howdy-media.com

5 Day Challenge Application: https://funnel-focus-build.lovable.app

Can God really be involved in your business?

In this episode of the Brand Builders Podcast, Daron shares a powerful message for Christian entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders who want to build a faith-driven business that honors God.

After attending a recent church conference, Daron breaks down the biblical foundation for entrepreneurship, showing why God doesn’t just care about your faith on Sundays — He wants to partner with you in the marketplace, your leadership, and your business decisions.

Using powerful scriptures like Proverbs 16:3, Matthew 6:33, Deuteronomy 8:18, and Ecclesiastes 11, this episode dives into the mindset shift required to become a Kingdom-minded entrepreneur and how putting God first can transform your business, finances, leadership, and purpose.

If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, creator, or brand builder who wants to align your work with your faith, this conversation will challenge the way you think about success, wealth, and fulfillment.

You’ll also learn why faith without action is dead, why waiting for the “perfect time” to start a business is a mistake, and how God can use your gifts, talents, and passions to build something bigger than yourself.

Whether you're launching a startup, growing a brand, or trying to bring Christian values into your workplace, this episode will encourage you to step into the calling God placed on your life.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why God wants to partner with you in business

• The difference between purpose-driven entrepreneurship vs profit-driven business

• How Christian entrepreneurs can bring the Kingdom into the marketplace

• Why waiting for perfect conditions will stop you from starting your business

• Biblical wisdom for wealth, stewardship, and finances

• How to align your business goals with God’s purpose

• Why faith, obedience, and action are essential for entrepreneurs

Key Bible Verses Discussed

• Proverbs 16:3 — Commit your work to the Lord

• Matthew 6:33 — Seek first the Kingdom of God

• Deuteronomy 8:18 — God gives the power to create wealth

• Ecclesiastes 11:4 & 11:6 — Take action and plant your seed

Work With Howdy Media: www.howdy-media.com

5 Day Challenge Application: https://funnel-focus-build.lovable.app

In this episode of the Brand Builders Podcast, Daron sits down with Cody — pastor, leader, and master communicator — to unpack the real drivers behind healthy teams and powerful cultures.

Cody shares hard-earned insights from leading people at a high level, including the silent issues that quietly destroy team momentum, why communication is often the real bottleneck in growing organizations, and how leaders can build cultures that actually scale.

If you're a business owner, team leader, or entrepreneur trying to grow without burning out your people — this conversation will challenge the way you think about leadership.

We also dive into practical culture-building strategies, the role of clarity in communication, and the leadership shifts required to build teams that win long term.

If you want stronger teams, better culture, and clearer communication in 2026 and beyond — this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn:

• The silent killer that destroys most teams

• Why communication problems masquerade as performance problems

• How great leaders intentionally shape culture

• Practical ways to strengthen team alignment

• The mindset shift required to lead growing organizations

• How to build teams that actually scale with your business

Work With Howdy Media: www.howdy-media.com

5 Day Challenge Application: https://funnel-focus-build.lovable.app

In this episode of the Brand Builders Podcast, Daron sits down with Naomi Richardson — real estate agent, content creator, and podcast producer at Howdy Media — to break down what’s actually working in today’s attention economy.

Naomi shares how she built her real estate business using organic social media content instead of cold calls, paid leads, or traditional open house strategies. If you’re a business owner, realtor, or entrepreneur trying to grow your brand online, this conversation is packed with real-world strategy and mindset shifts that actually move the needle.

We also dive into Extreme Ownership, authenticity in content, how AI is changing marketing, and why most “professional” content is actually hurting your business instead of helping it.

If you want more leads, more visibility, and a stronger personal brand in 2025 and beyond — this episode is for you.

⸻

🔥 What You’ll Learn:

• How Naomi generates real estate leads from short-form content

• Why organic social media is outperforming cold outreach

• The real reason most business content fails

• How to use AI as a tool (not a crutch)

• Why authenticity beats polished marketing every time

• Mindset shifts from Extreme Ownership that drive results

5 Day Challenge Application: https://funnel-focus-build.lovable.app

What does it really take to build what God has called you to build?

In this powerful episode of the Brand Builders Podcast, I sit down with CJ Luckey (Pastor, Speaker, Rapper) to unpack the real, behind-the-scenes journey of obedience, faith, discipline, and building with purpose in business and life.

If you're an entrepreneur, creator, or business owner trying to balance calling, content, and growth — this conversation will challenge the way you think about success, consistency, and stewardship.

In this episode, we cover:

• How to build with clarity even when you don’t have the full picture

• Faith vs fear in business and decision making

• Turning your platform into a mission field

• Why most creators stay stuck (and how to break through)

• Building a personal brand that actually impacts people

• The mindset shifts required to grow in 2026 and beyond

The top 1% of business owners and creators aren’t just working harder — they’re building with intention, systems, and purpose. This episode shows you how.

If your goal is to grow your business, scale your content, and stay aligned with your calling… this one is for you.

📅 New Brand Builders Podcast episodes every week.

Follow Daron on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/darondrevon

CJ Luckey Ministries: https://cjluckeyministries.com

C.A.P.S. : https://thecapstour.com

#brandbuilderspodcast #personalbranding #christianentrepreneur #contentmarketing #howtobuildabrand #faithandbusiness #youtubegrowth #smallbusinessmarketing #abilenetx #howdymedia

https://howdyeffect.com/brand-builder...

If you started your business **before social media**, this video will finally make content make sense.

Most business owners didn’t grow up with YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok — and that’s exactly why this feels overwhelming. The rules changed, the platforms changed, and traditional marketing stopped working the way it used to.

In this episode, I break down *how content actually works today**, why video is dominating every platform, and how business owners who started *before social media can still win — without becoming influencers or chasing trends.

👉 *Join the FREE 5 Day Build With Video Challenge (limited spots):*

[https://howdyeffect.com/brand-builder...](https://howdyeffect.com/brand-builder...)

In this video, you’ll learn:

• Why business owners feel “behind” with content (and why it’s not your fault)

• The shift from social media to what I call *interest media*

• Why attention matters more than visibility

• How platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok actually decide what to show

• Where your ideal customers are spending time in 2026

• Why video is the fastest way to build trust at scale

• How businesses are using content to drive real leads — not just views

This is for:

✔ Business owners in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond

✔ Entrepreneurs who built their business before content was “a thing”

✔ Anyone confused by TikTok, Reels, and YouTube

✔ Service-based businesses that want more inbound leads

You don’t need millions of views.

You don’t need fancy gear.

You just need **clarity on how the game works now**.

🎯 *Next step:*

Watch this video, then apply for the *5 Day Build With Video Challenge* if you want a clear, practical system for turning video into clients.

If this helped you, leave a comment, subscribe for more business content, and I’ll see you in the next episode.

#videomarketing #smallbusiness #entrepreneurship #contentmarketing #personalbrand #youtubeformarketing #businessgrowth #socialmediastrategy

https://howdyeffect.com/brand-builder-application-page

If you’re still relying on your website as your *main* marketing strategy, this video is going to challenge how you think about online presence heading into 2026.

In this episode of the **Brand Builders Podcast**, I break down why **most service-based businesses don’t actually need a “perfect” website**—and why content, personal branding, and visibility matter far more than fancy pages and expensive redesigns.

Here’s the truth: people don’t buy because your website looks good. They buy because **they trust you**. And trust today is built through **consistent video content, showing your face, and staying top of mind** across platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.

In this video, you’ll learn:

• Why websites rarely convert for service businesses

• The real role your website *should* play (hint: landing pages, not home pages)

• How content acts as the top of your marketing funnel

• Why founder-led brands are winning right now

• How Gen Z creators are building entire careers through content

• The exact mindset shift businesses need for 2026

If you sell a service, book calls, or build trust before someone buys—you don’t need a better website. You need **better content and a clearer funnel**.

Your strategy should be:

Content first → landing pages → filtered buyers → conversions

Stop spending thousands on websites that don’t move the needle. **You are the brand.** And if you can be on camera, that’s your biggest advantage.

Follow Daron on Instgram: https://www.instagram.com/darondrevon/?hl=en

👇 Want to learn how to build your brand with video the right way?

Take the 5 Day Build With Video Challenge:

[https://howdyeffect.com/brand-builder-application-page]

📅 New episodes every week

🎥 Content, branding, video, and business growth

💬 Comment below what you want to learn next or where you’re getting stuck building your brand online

#personalbranding #contentmarketing

https://howdyeffect.com/brand-builder-application-page

The top 1% of businesses aren’t working harder — they’re leveraging smarter systems.

In this episode, I break down why AI, automation, and content systems are no longer “nice to have” if you want to be relevant heading into 2026. Every major shift in history (computers, the internet, social media) rewarded early adopters — and AI is no different.

The businesses that learn how to use AI as a leverage tool will:

• Move faster than competitors

• Scale content without burning out

• Operate at a fraction of the cost

• Stay relevant while others get left behind

I walk through how I personally use AI to:

• Preserve my voice and thinking across emails and content

• Turn long-form video into campaigns that actually sound human

• Build systems that compound instead of reset every week

This isn’t about becoming technical or learning APIs overnight. It’s about thinking like the top 1% — building leverage into how you execute, create, and grow.

If you want to be ahead instead of scrambling to catch up in 2026, this episode is for you.

Follow Daron On Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/darondrevon/?hl=en

👇 Join our FREE 5-Day Build With Video Challenge

[https://howdyeffect.com/brand-builder-application-page]

If this hit home, like the video, subscribe, and comment below with the biggest obstacle holding your business back right now. New episodes every week.

https://howdyeffect.com/brand-builder-application-page

In this episode of the Brand Builders Podcast, we sit down with the team behind The Scout Guide Abilene to talk about what actually grows a business — and it’s not just logos, feeds, or aesthetics.

We dig into:

• How walking in and showing up face-to-face turned into some of their best long-term clients

• Why building a network beats obsessing over perfect marketing

• How they spotlight local businesses through Member Monday blogs

• What it really takes to promote your brand when no one knows you yet

• Why “having no shame” might be the most underrated business skill

This conversation turns into a full-on branding masterclass — from turning blogs into videos, videos into clips, and one conversation into a month of content.

If you’re a business owner, creator, or entrepreneur trying to grow without overcomplicating everything… this one’s for you.

Key takeaway:

Your brand isn’t just what you post. It’s how you show up, how you connect, and how willing you are to get in front of people.

📍 Follow The Scout Guide Abilene

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tsgabilene/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheScoutGuideAbilene/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

YouTube:  @tsgabilene 

🎙️ Subscribe to the Brand Builders Podcast for weekly conversations on business, branding, and content that actually works.

👇 Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway and share this with someone who needs to hear it.

Content isn’t about being everywhere.

It’s about being clear.

Clear on your message.

Clear on who you’re serving.

Clear on why you’re showing up.

If you’re serious about building authority, trust, and long-term leverage through video — this is where it starts.

🎯 Take the 5-Day Build With Video Challenge:

https://howdyeffect.com/brand-builder...

This is the Brand Builders Podcast.

Built for business owners who want impact, not attention.

📅 New episodes every week

Follow Daron on Instagram:

  / darondrevon  

#contentstrategy #entrepreneurship #personalbrand #videomarketing #authority #brandbuilding

https://howdyeffect.com/brand-builder-application-page

Join Our Brand Builder Community:

https://www.skool.com/brand-builders-community-4614/about?ref=dcd9484e7d344cd5b4272b314cd3360a

Struggling through a slow season in your business? On this episode of the Brand Builders Podcast we break down how to survive — and even thrive — during slow months with practical, battle‑tested advice for business owners, creators, and service providers.

What you’ll learn:

How to prepare financially (emergency fund & runway)

Productive ways to use slow months (brand building, systems, skill growth)

The “7‑hour + 4‑places” trust rule (how much exposure it takes before people buy)

How to ethically use scarcity and oversubscription to increase demand

A real slow‑season case study (house, renovation, baby, cash crunch → recovery)

How to convert views into customers (our 5‑day Build‑A‑Video challenge, 45 min/day)

Chapters / Timestamps

00:00 — Intro + the “7‑hour + 4‑places” trust stat

00:33 — What is a slow season? (hosts’ intro)

01:28 — Slow seasons refine you — mindset & faith

04:00 — Our personal slow‑season story (house, renovation, pregnancy, cash crunch)

07:17 — Financial prep: emergency fund & stewarding revenue

09:19 — Use slow months for learning & self‑development

11:05 — Film your marketing: why slow seasons are best for content work

12:52 — Vision casting: plan 1/3/10‑year goals during slow times

22:25 — Build your brand: be in multiple places & create trust

25:09 — The power of scarcity & oversubscription (limited drops/memberships)

29:00 — Join the Brand Builders Community + 5‑day video challenge

29:27 — Closing: comment prompt & subscribe

We hope this brings immense value To you, the business owner!

📅 New Episodes Every Week

Follow Daron on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/darondrevon?igsh=MXp6cmswYzB0dTA2&utm_source=qr

slow season small business, emergency fund for small business, how to survive slow months, content strategy slow season, build your brand online, convert views into customers, oversubscribed brand strategy, scarcity marketing, trust building marketing, Brand Builders Podcast

https://howdyeffect.com/brand-builder...

Join Our Brand Builder Community:

https://www.skool.com/brand-builders-...

Monks Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/monkscoffee...

Welcome to the Brand Builders podcast!

We hope this brings immense value To you, the business owner!

📅 New Episodes Every Week

Follow Daron on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/darondrevon...

#socialmediamarketing #youtube #contentmarketing

abilene, abilene texas, podcast, small business, small business in abilene texas, small town marketing, texas podcast, howdy podcast, media business, media company, podcast studio, photography, videography, social media, marketing, smm, management, tips, growth online, video for social, online presence, brand building, 2025, tips for social media, how to grow online, marriage, marriage tips, biblical marriage, conversations with your spouse, abilene tx marketing, marketing companies in abilene, digital marketing companies in abilene, social media tips, instagram tips, facebook tips, tiktok tips, how to start a podcast, podcast studio tour, podcast setup 2024, podcast studio, first steps for a podcast studio, 2025 podcast studio setup

https://howdyeffect.com/brand-builder-application-page

Welcome to the Brand Builders podcast!

We hope this brings immense value To you, the business owner!

📅 New Episodes Every Week

Follow Daron on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/darondrevon?igsh=MXp6cmswYzB0dTA2&utm_source=qr

#socialmediamarketing #youtube #contentmarketing

abilene, abilene texas, podcast, small business, small business in abilene texas, small town marketing, texas podcast, howdy podcast, media business, media company, podcast studio, photography, videography, social media, marketing, smm, management, tips, growth online, video for social, online presence, brand building, 2025, tips for social media, how to grow online, marriage, marriage tips, biblical marriage, conversations with your spouse, abilene tx marketing, marketing companies in abilene, digital marketing companies in abilene, social media tips, instagram tips, facebook tips, tiktok tips, how to start a podcast, podcast studio tour, podcast setup 2024, podcast studio, first steps for a podcast studio, 2025 podcast studio setup

https://howdyeffect.com/brand-builder-application-page

Cactus Alley Website: https://cactusalleyhatco.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21953088186&gbraid=0AAAAAqMFjoz_YH8sO-jC5ahChNMtnhweh&gclid=CjwKCAjwr8LHBhBKEiwAy47uUph1b0GttC7x4xN6fuf7g5Mx27wTLSjAiJT388VmlLOMbHm48AH5eBoCG4IQAvD_BwE

Follow Brad On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brad.glenn81

Welcome to the Brand Builders podcast!

We hope this brings immense value To you, the business owner!

📅 New Episodes Every Week

Follow Daron on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/darondrevon?igsh=MXp6cmswYzB0dTA2&utm_source=qr

#socialmediamarketing #youtube #contentmarketing

abilene, abilene texas, podcast, small business, small business in abilene texas, small town marketing, texas podcast, howdy podcast, media business, media company, podcast studio, photography, videography, social media, marketing, smm, management, tips, growth online, video for social, online presence, brand building, 2025, tips for social media, how to grow online, marriage, marriage tips, biblical marriage, conversations with your spouse, abilene tx marketing, marketing companies in abilene, digital marketing companies in abilene, social media tips, instagram tips, facebook tips, tiktok tips, how to start a podcast, podcast studio tour, podcast setup 2024, podcast studio, first steps for a podcast studio, 2025 podcast studio setup

https://howdyeffect.com/brand-builder-application-page

Join Our Brand Builder Community:

https://www.skool.com/brand-builders-community-4614/about?ref=dcd9484e7d344cd5b4272b314cd3360a

FREE Personal Brand Checklist : https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/j7kuRSpAVLTrmaJvprYb

Welcome back to the Brand Builders podcast! Today we're diving into how to incorporate your faith into your business, focusing on the importance of spiritual growth and integrating the word of god into your daily prayer routine, especially as a christian entrepreneur. Let's explore bible and business together!

📅 New Episodes Every Week

Follow Daron on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/darondrevon?igsh=MXp6cmswYzB0dTA2&utm_source=qr

#socialmediamarketing #youtube #contentmarketing

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https://howdyeffect.com/brand-builder...

Connect With Zach-

YouTube: ‪@ZachWindahl‬

Buy His Books: https://zachwindahl.com/

Instagram:   / zachwindahl  

Join Our Brand Builder Community:

https://www.skool.com/brand-builders-...

FREE Personal Brand Checklist : https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widge...

Welcome to the Brand Builders podcast!

We hope this brings immense value To you, the business owner!

📅 New Episodes Every Week

Follow Daron on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/darondrevon...

#socialmediamarketing #youtube #contentmarketing

abilene, abilene texas, podcast, small business, small business in abilene texas, small town marketing, texas podcast, howdy podcast, media business, media company, podcast studio, photography, videography, social media, marketing, smm, management, tips, growth online, video for social, online presence, brand building, 2025, tips for social media, how to grow online, marriage, marriage tips, biblical marriage, conversations with your spouse, abilene tx marketing, marketing companies in abilene, digital marketing companies in abilene, social media tips, instagram tips, facebook tips, tiktok tips, how to start a podcast, podcast studio tour, podcast setup 2024, podcast studio, first steps for a podcast studio, 2025 podcast studio setup

https://howdyeffect.com/brand-builder-application-page

Join Our Brand Builder Community:

https://www.skool.com/brand-builders-community-4614/about?ref=dcd9484e7d344cd5b4272b314cd3360a

FREE Personal Brand Checklist : https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/j7kuRSpAVLTrmaJvprYb

Welcome to the Brand Builders podcast!

We hope this brings immense value To you, the business owner!

📅 New Episodes Every Week

Follow Daron on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/darondrevon?igsh=MXp6cmswYzB0dTA2&utm_source=qr

#socialmediamarketing #youtube #contentmarketing

abilene, abilene texas, podcast, small business, small business in abilene texas, small town marketing, texas podcast, howdy podcast, media business, media company, podcast studio, photography, videography, social media, marketing, smm, management, tips, growth online, video for social, online presence, brand building, 2025, tips for social media, how to grow online, marriage, marriage tips, biblical marriage, conversations with your spouse, abilene tx marketing, marketing companies in abilene, digital marketing companies in abilene, social media tips, instagram tips, facebook tips, tiktok tips, how to start a podcast, podcast studio tour, podcast setup 2024, podcast studio, first steps for a podcast studio, 2025 podcast studio setup

https://www.skool.com/brand-builders-community-4614/about?ref=dcd9484e7d344cd5b4272b314cd3360a

FREE Personal Brand Checklist : https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/j7kuRSpAVLTrmaJvprYb

Find Alejandro & Emily on IG

Dr. A: https://www.instagram.com/pathtovictorychiro/?hl=en

Dr. E: https://www.instagram.com/dremilyelias/

Welcome to the Brand Builders podcast!

We hope this brings immense value To you, the business owner!

📅 New Episodes Every Week

Follow Daron on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/darondrevon?igsh=MXp6cmswYzB0dTA2&utm_source=qr

#socialmediamarketing #youtube #contentmarketing

abilene, abilene texas, podcast, small business, small business in abilene texas, small town marketing, texas podcast, howdy podcast, media business, media company, podcast studio, photography, videography, social media, marketing, smm, management, tips, growth online, video for social, online presence, brand building, 2025, tips for social media, how to grow online, marriage, marriage tips, biblical marriage, conversations with your spouse, abilene tx marketing, marketing companies in abilene, digital marketing companies in abilene, social media tips, instagram tips, facebook tips, tiktok tips, how to start a podcast, podcast studio tour, podcast setup 2024, podcast studio, first steps for a podcast studio, 2025 podcast studio setup

We dive into the significance of a growth mindset and the value of personal growth. Discover how building an email list can the business's growth. Drawing from real-world experiences, we touch on marketing tips and the impact of going door to door sales and how to be coachable.

https://www.skool.com/brand-builders-...

FREE Personal Brand Checklist : https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widge...

Welcome to the Brand Builders podcast!

We hope this brings immense value To you, the business owner!

📅 New Episodes Every Week

Follow Daron on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/darondrevon...

#socialmediamarketing #youtube #contentmarketing

abilene, abilene texas, podcast, small business, small business in abilene texas, small town marketing, texas podcast, howdy podcast, media business, media company, podcast studio, photography, videography, social media, marketing, smm, management, tips, growth online, video for social, online presence, brand building, 2025, tips for social media, how to grow online, marriage, marriage tips, biblical marriage, conversations with your spouse, abilene tx marketing, marketing companies in abilene, digital marketing companies in abilene, social media tips, instagram tips, facebook tips, tiktok tips, how to start a podcast, podcast studio tour, podcast setup 2024, podcast studio, first steps for a podcast studio, 2025 podcast studio setup

https://www.skool.com/brand-builders-community-4614/about?ref=dcd9484e7d344cd5b4272b314cd3360a

FREE Personal Brand Checklist : https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/j7kuRSpAVLTrmaJvprYb

Levis Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCgJ64eicvstmZw2Nj_wW9Cg

Welcome to the Brand Builders podcast! Today we are sitting down with YouTuber  @levinichs  ! He built his channel from 200 subscribers to 230k Subscribers in only one year.

We hope this brings immense value To you, the business owner!

📅 New Episodes Every Week

Follow Daron on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/darondrevon?igsh=MXp6cmswYzB0dTA2&utm_source=qr

#socialmediamarketing #youtube #contentmarketing

abilene, abilene texas, podcast, small business, small business in abilene texas, small town marketing, texas podcast, howdy podcast, media business, media company, podcast studio, photography, videography, social media, marketing, smm, management, tips, growth online, video for social, online presence, brand building, 2025, tips for social media, how to grow online, marriage, marriage tips, biblical marriage, conversations with your spouse, abilene tx marketing, marketing companies in abilene, digital marketing companies in abilene, social media tips, instagram tips, facebook tips, tiktok tips, how to start a podcast, podcast studio tour, podcast setup 2024, podcast studio, first steps for a podcast studio, 2025 podcast studio setup

https://www.skool.com/brand-builders-community-4614/about?ref=dcd9484e7d344cd5b4272b314cd3360a

15 Min Discovery Call With Daron: https://calendly.com/daron-howdy-media/30min

FREE Personal Brand Checklist : https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UPZY4LFdOxktX2jHEcb_bZcN5wYEoVOb/view?usp=share_link

Welcome to the Brand Builders podcast! Today we are covering the reality of building a personal brand and business. We talk about the ups and downs in three major hurdles that you can expect to go through.

We hope this brings immense value To you, the business owner!

📅 New Episodes Every Week

Follow Daron on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/darondrevon?igsh=MXp6cmswYzB0dTA2&utm_source=qr

#socialmediamarketing #youtube #contentmarketing

abilene, abilene texas, podcast, small business, small business in abilene texas, small town marketing, texas podcast, howdy podcast, media business, media company, podcast studio, photography, videography, social media, marketing, smm, management, tips, growth online, video for social, online presence, brand building, 2025, tips for social media, how to grow online, marriage, marriage tips, biblical marriage, conversations with your spouse, abilene tx marketing, marketing companies in abilene, digital marketing companies in abilene, social media tips, instagram tips, facebook tips, tiktok tips, how to start a podcast, podcast studio tour, podcast setup 2024, podcast studio, first steps for a podcast studio, 2025 podcast studio setup