Growth Amplifiers

In this episode, Jonathan Stark—author of Hourly Billing is Nuts and host of Ditching Hourly—shares how a 2005 realization while managing a dev shop led him to reject hourly billing and pursue value-based fees. He explains how fixed or value-based pricing aligns incentives with clients, reduces micromanagement, and can dramatically improve income and quality of life. Jonathan discusses why optimizing employee utilization can be the wrong goal, proposing outcome-based incentives that reward efficiency and accurate estimating. He also addresses the fear professionals have of fixed pricing, how firms can transition without risking the whole business via a side offering or a skunkworks team, and why soloists can grow without hiring by charging more and building authority. He recommends starting with his free course at valuepricingbootcamp.com. 00:00 Meet Jonathan Stark 00:46 The Hourly Billing Epiphany 03:37 Discovering Value Pricing 05:45 Hiring for Outcomes 10:15 Contractor Risk and Fear 14:21 When to Quit Hourly 15:52 How Firms Can Transition 19:58 Resources and Bootcamp 21:33 Growing Without Hiring 25:04 Final Soloist Advice

Host Kenny welcomes executive coach, author, speaker, and leadership consultant Rachel Burr to discuss the myths of personal transformation and her book, “Butterfly Goo: The Down and Dirty Truth of Transformation.” Burr explains how social-media “highlight reels” can make change seem magical and unattainable, and uses the butterfly metaphor to show that real transformation requires entering the uncomfortable “goo” phase—dissolving old patterns and rebuilding from core “building blocks.” She emphasizes that people don’t find their path, they build it, and that hitting struggle doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. The conversation covers acting before feeling confident, treating emotions as data, silencing inner “gremlins,” setting goals while holding them lightly, and leading authentically rather than copying cookie-cutter models. Burr also describes the book’s optional “playground” exercises and shares where to find her work. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:03 Why Transformation Feels Like a Myth 03:16 Butterfly Goo Explained 06:22 Where People Get Stuck 08:06 Act First Then Feel 12:00 Goals Values and Authentic Paths 15:04 Coaching Leaders to Be Themselves 17:39 Playground Exercises in the Book 19:35 Origin Story of Butterfly Goo 22:39 Where to Find the Book 23:33 Final Takeaways and Closing

Running a business isn’t just about strategy — it’s about resilience, purpose, and having a strong enough why to carry you through the hard seasons. In this episode of Growth Amplifiers, Kenny reconnects with Kimberly Erick, founder of Home Time Business Services, for a powerful and personal conversation about entrepreneurship, faith, setbacks, and building a business that truly supports your life — not consumes it. Kimberly opens up about major life and business transitions, including relocating her company, selling a trucking business, navigating tax season with a virtual team, and losing her mother — all while continuing to serve her clients. Together, they unpack what it really takes to stay fueled as an entrepreneur when life doesn’t go according to plan. This episode is especially relevant for small business owners, independent contractors, and entrepreneurs who want to build a sustainable business, reduce unnecessary tax burdens, and align their work with a higher purpose. 👉 Key takeaway: Life will happen. Setbacks are inevitable. What matters is having clarity, integrity, and the right people in your corner to help you keep moving forward. Learn more about Kimberly’s work: Visit HomeTimeBusinessServices.com and explore tax planning options designed for business owners who want to protect both their present and future selves. 🎧 If this conversation resonates, don’t just listen — choose one insight and put it into action. New actions lead to new results. 00:00 Introduction and Business Challenges 00:40 Guest Introduction: Kimberly from Home Time Business Services 01:25 Personal and Professional Updates 01:55 Celebrating Successes and Overcoming Challenges 04:56 Staying Energized and Motivated 08:53 Spiritual Journey and Business Alignment 12:05 Tax Planning and Business Growth 21:05 Final Thoughts and Succession Planning

In this episode of Growth Amplifiers, host Kenny sits down with Shannon Ballman Theis, widely known as the Payroll Queen. Shannon shares her journey in the payroll industry, detailing how her expertise helps companies fix broken payroll systems and manage their payroll tasks efficiently. Learn about her three businesses: Payroll Restoration, River Valley Accounting, and Dodd Consulting, and get valuable advice on entrepreneurship, pricing strategies, and community building. Don't miss this insightful conversation on mastering payroll and enhancing your business operations. 00:00 Introduction to Payroll Challenges 00:20 Meet the Payroll Queen: Shannon Ballman Theis 03:43 Understanding Broken Payroll 07:15 Outsourcing Payroll Services 09:55 Pricing and Value in Payroll Services 16:08 Navigating Client Relationships 17:19 Shannon's Third Business: Dodd Consulting 18:41 Building a Community and Final Thoughts

Unlocking Financial Freedom with Bill Cates: Transform Your Money Mindset Join host Kenny as he sits down with financial expert Bill Cates, President of Referral Coach International and author of 'The Hidden Heist: Stop Robbing Yourself of Lasting Wealth'. In this engaging conversation, Bill shares invaluable insights on the impact of money stories on financial outcomes, the importance of financial literacy, and how to develop a healthy money mindset. They discuss Bill's latest book, 'The Hidden Heist', a captivating parable about overcoming financial barriers. Tune in to discover how to overwrite limiting beliefs, create new financial paradigms, and achieve lasting wealth. Get inspired to transform your financial future starting today! 00:00 Introduction: The Power of Stories 00:29 Meet the Guest: Bill Kates 01:46 The Hidden Heist: A New Book on Money Mindset 02:14 Understanding Money Stories and Financial Literacy 07:32 Overcoming Money Anxiety and Limiting Beliefs 11:53 Using The Hidden Heist for Personal and Professional Growth 20:13 Additional Resources and Recommendations 23:32 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

In this episode of Growth Amplifiers, host Kenny Harper speaks with Jon Neal, founder of the Neal Group, who has helped over a thousand service-based businesses increase their profits by at least 32% annually using his exclusive 'Neal Deal' strategy. Jon shares his backstory and unique approach to business growth, emphasizing the importance of straightforward, conversational advice and client education. He discusses challenges he has faced, insights on the current economic climate, and strategies for sustaining profitability in various industries, including restaurants and construction. Jon offers valuable advice on the benefits of fixed pricing and empathetic client interactions, providing listeners with actionable insights for amplifying their business. 00:00 Welcome to Growth Amplifiers 00:32 Introducing Jon and the Neal Deal Strategy 04:06 Challenges and Lessons in Business 11:51 Navigating the Current Economic Climate 16:28 The Importance of Professional Advice 22:17 Final Thoughts and Parting Advice

In this episode of Growth Amplifiers, host Manny Torres sits down with Mike Jesowshek, founder of Elm and the Small Business Tax Savings Podcast. Mike shares his journey from a young entrepreneur in online marketing to becoming a seasoned accountant and educator helping small business owners across America minimize their tax liabilities. Mike discusses the importance of providing value through free, detailed tax strategy information and how his innovative approach has led to a successful cloud-based accounting firm. Watch to learnabout his experiences, including lessons learned from developing software and the significance of pivoting quickly in business. Learn actionable strategies to save on taxes and grow your small business efficiently. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:04 Mike's Entrepreneurial Journey 02:28 Starting a Cloud-Based Accounting Firm 03:56 The Importance of Tax Strategy 07:01 Lessons from Building Software 10:21 Defining Success and Reaching Clients 16:54 Advice for Accounting Professionals 20:06 Connecting with Mike Jesowshek

Host Kenny Harper has this enlightening conversation with David Steele, a distinguished wealth manager, restaurateur, artist, and entrepreneur. David shares his unique journey from a financial product salesperson to a fee-based advisor, emphasizing the importance of adding true value to others' lives. Discover his pivotal moments, the significance of integrating values into your business, and practical habits that contribute to success, including goal setting, systematic behavior, and time management. Learn how empathy and striving to make a real impact can lead to a fulfilling business and personal life. Watch for valuable life lessons and actionable advice. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview 01:04 David Steele's Career Pivot 03:29 Building a Values-Based Business 05:42 Navigating Tough Times and Goal Setting 09:10 Daily Habits for Success 12:30 Book Recommendations and Insights 16:38 About Win Wealth Advisors 19:09 Final Thoughts and Advice 22:00 Closing Remarks