Higher Up Podcast

Send us Fan Mail "In it to win it" gets tossed around like a hype line, but for us it's a mirror. This season we're sharing the quotes our dad lived by, starting with the one that shaped how we think about leadership, work ethic, and legacy. You'll hear where the phrase actually came from, why it ended up on coffee mugs and even a vehicle tag, and how a simple motto became a lifelong standard, one that earned our dad a Humanitarian Award from our franchise's national headquarters. We get real...

Send us Fan Mail The sale isn’t the end, it’s the reset point. In this episode, we unpack what happens after the contract is signed and why the strongest brands win in the follow-through. You’ll hear how trust compounds when you stay engaged, why consistency beats intensity, and what separates a one-time customer from a lifelong advocate. From restoration to banking to creative services, we explore practical ways to lead with education, protect results, and make every follow-up feel valuable....

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a brand forgets who it is? This is Part One of our two-part series on branding and rebranding. In this episode, we break down the Cracker Barrel rebrand and the costly lessons it offers for business owners. Cracker Barrel built its reputation on consistency, nostalgia, and Southern hospitality, but its dramatic shift left loyal customers feeling disconnected. We unpack the difference between branding (who you are) and marketing (how you tell your story), and...

Send us Fan Mail Are you leading your business or just reacting to problems as they arise? In this episode, we explore the power of quarterly rhythms, a system that helps leaders stay focused, avoid burnout, and build sustainable momentum. We discuss why rhythms matter, how seasons in life and business provide a model to follow, and the practical steps to align your team around clear priorities. You’ll learn how quarterly planning and intentional pauses create space for focus, accountability,...

Send us Fan Mail In this final part of our halftime adjustment series, we dig into the surprising power of staying the course when everyone else is pivoting. We talk about why “shiny object syndrome” kills momentum, how small fundamental changes can create massive results, and why doubling down on your current plan might be the boldest move you can make. You’ll also hear how a simple calendar shift completely changed one leader’s effectiveness and how the story of Haggai gives us perspective ...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we explore how lessons from our childhood coaches continue to shape our leadership today. From punctuality to staying true to fundamentals, we examine five coaching habits that can transform any team. Drawing from The 5 Coaching Habits of Excellent Leaders by Lee and Julie Colan, we look at how clarifying expectations, asking questions, involving others, measuring what matters, and showing appreciation can foster a culture of trust and accountability. W...

Send us Fan Mail We’re back, and this episode is the most authentic one yet, pulling back the curtain to show you what leadership and business ownership truly entail, especially when life gets a bit messy. From an inspiring story at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky to a listener’s heartfelt message that changed everything, this episode ushers in a new season filled with genuine conversations, fresh perspectives, and a revitalized sense of purpose.