Simply Business Podcast

What does it really take to leave corporate life and build something of your own?In this episode of Simply Business, John Jennings sits down with Doug Gardner, owner of City Wide Facility Solutions of Louisville, to talk about entrepreneurship, calculated risk, and the realities of building a company over the long haul.Doug shares his journey from finance and medical sales into business ownership, why he chose the franchise route, and what he learned after nearly 14 years of growth.Inside this conversation:✔ Taking the leap from employee to entrepreneur ✔ Why franchising isn’t the “easy button” ✔ The importance of capital planning ✔ Delayed gratification in business growth ✔ Building systems and strong teams ✔ Growing brand recognition and planning for the next decadeDoug’s message is refreshingly simple:Business success isn’t instant.It takes risk. Patience. Sweat. And the willingness to bet on yourself.If you’re thinking about entrepreneurship—or already in the middle of the journey—this episode delivers practical wisdom and encouragement.Subscribe, listen, and join us for more conversations that simplify business.

In the 94th episode of Simply Business, host John Jennings sits down with Eric Lowe, Co-Founder and CEO of Aptiva Health, to explore how one company is redesigning healthcare around people not systems.Eric shares the story of how Aptiva grew from a single practice in Lexington, Kentucky, into a multi-location, multi-specialty healthcare group. Their model brings orthopedic, MSK, concussion care, rehab, and mental wellness under one roof, so patients don’t have to wait months or bounce between four different specialists to get real help.You’ll hear how Eric’s background in revenue cycle management and contracts shaped his view of what’s broken in healthcare and how that led to a radically more convenient, transparent experience for patients. From integrated mental health for concussion patients to up-front pricing and the upcoming Aptiva Health Learning Hub, Eric explains how they’re trying to remove friction at every step of the patient journey.The conversation also dives into leadership and life outside the clinic. Eric talks about coaching youth football, using AI and automation as a force multiplier for his team, and why he sees work as part of a single, purpose-driven life not something separate from it. He also previews his upcoming book, Be the Broker, and unpacks the idea of “relational currency” as a key to long-term success.If you’re a healthcare leader, entrepreneur, or anyone interested in building businesses that actually serve people better, this episode is for you.Listen in to learn:How Aptiva Health is rethinking the entire patient journeyWhy integrating mental health into injury care changes outcomesWhere AI and automation can truly help (without replacing humans)How to think about work, purpose, and life as one integrated wholeWhy “relational currency” might be the most important asset you buildTune in, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who cares about fixing healthcare or building a business that genuinely puts people first.

In the 92nd episode of Simply Business, host John Jennings sits down with Sheri Darby, President of Walker Mechanical, to unpack what it really takes to step into the top seat, turn around a struggling business, and lead in a male-dominated industry.Sheri shares how she moved from CFO to President inside an employee-owned (ESOP) mechanical contracting firm and why she walked into the boardroom during a rough patch and said, “I think I can fix this.” From there, she takes us through the reality of rebuilding: stabilizing the company, reshaping bidding practices, and resetting a culture that sometimes cared more about “beating the competition” than making money.You’ll hear:How ESOPs work as an exit strategy and as a way to create long-term ownership for employeesWhy Sheri believes great leaders don’t have to live in the technical details but must trust the experts on their teamThe tough mindset shift from “we’ll win the job at any cost” to “we only win the jobs that build a healthy business”What it’s like to be one of the only women in the room in construction and mechanical contracting and how Sheri earned a seat on her industry’s boardHow transparency, financial clarity, and honest conversations helped Walker Mechanical get “right-sided” and profitable againWhat’s next for Walker: acquisitions, geographic expansion, and building a pipeline of young talentIf you’re a business owner, leader, or aspiring executive especially in construction, trades, or any project-based business this conversation is a practical masterclass in leadership, courage, and simplicity.

This week on the Simply Business podcast, host John Jennings is joined by Mark Lewis, Founder and CEO of Advanced Business Solutions (ABS) the largest IT services provider in the Louisville region.Mark shares the remarkable 30-year journey of ABS, from humble beginnings to a team of 120 employees and over $20 million in revenue. Hear how his leadership style evolved from doing it all himself to empowering a team to lead with purpose.We explore the power of timing in business, how to build lasting client relationships, and what it takes to grow and sustain a successful service-based company.🎧 Tune in for valuable lessons on scaling, staying relevant, and leading with vision.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share if you enjoy the episode!

Business owners call lawyers most often after a problem explodes contracts go sideways, terminations go wrong, partners fall out. In this episode, Kevin Eddins, Co-founder and Partner at Eddins Dominion Law Group in Louisville/St. Matthews, explains why the smartest move is proactive counsel on the front end when it’s cheaper, calmer, and far more controllable.Kevin shares how he grew from associate to entrepreneur, the identity shift from “lawyer doing the work” to “owner building the firm,” and the culture he insists on: humility over hierarchy, collaboration over ego, and getting the right people on the bus. He walks through hiring beyond the conference room, building a network that actually sends business, and the uncomfortable but necessary choice to pull the ripcord and bet on yourself.You’ll learn: practical moments when to engage counsel, how to think about team fit, what real networking looks like, and a simple mantra for anyone debating a big move: overcome inertia and go.If you’re a founder, operator, or professional considering your next leap, this conversation will give you both the mindset and the moves to do it wisely.

In the 86th episode of Simply Business, I talk with Charles Renne about his unique journey through business, leadership, and mentorship. Charles brings both professional and personal wisdom, sharing stories of resilience, accountability, and the value of surrounding yourself with people who will push you forward.We explore how leadership is less about titles and more about the impact you make, why mentorship can change the trajectory of a career, and how staying grounded keeps success sustainable.This conversation is equal parts practical and inspiring a reminder that business is built not only on results, but also on relationships and values.