WIT Podcast Whatever It Takes

On this episode Brandon James and Joey Yak dive deep into Brandon's experience spending the day with Ed Mylett at an exclusive mastermind event — and the powerful lessons that came from it. Brandon opens up about what it was like learning directly from someone he considers one of the greatest communicators and leaders in the world, why staying coachable is one of the biggest keys to long-term success, and how curiosity can completely change the trajectory of your life and business. The conversation goes far beyond business strategy. Brandon breaks down the importance of mental and visual rehearsal, why most people sabotage their own growth by pretending to be further ahead than they really are, and how owning where you truly are in life is the first step toward getting where you want to go. They also talk about: The difference between real coaches and fake gurus Why success can actually become dangerous if you stop learning The power of surrounding yourself with people operating at a higher level How ego blocks growth Why most people miss the "gold" sitting right in front of them The importance of discipline, standards, and relentless self-development This episode is packed with mindset shifts, practical wisdom, and honest conversations about growth, leadership, and becoming the best version of yourself. If you're someone chasing the next level in business, life, leadership, or faith — this episode will challenge the way you think. LINKS Apple Podcasts ⤵️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wit-podcast-whatever-it-takes/id1789167910 Youtube ⤵️ https://www.youtube.com/@WhateverItTakesPod Spotify ⤵️ https://open.spotify.com/show/1zzvGZzQh9Lj9VL1DScWRJ Join our free Facebook group ⤵️ https://www.facebook.com/groups/1664694160780709

On this episode Brandon James and Joey Yak break down the real stages of scaling a business—from the early grind to building a company that can sustain massive growth. They start by unpacking what it actually looks like to go from $3M to $5M, where most entrepreneurs get their first taste of real money—and where a lot of them also get stuck. Brandon shares how easy it is to get comfortable at this level, let ego creep in, and lose sight of how fragile success really is. The conversation then moves into the $10M–$15M range, where brute force and hustle are no longer enough. Brandon explains why this is the stage where systems, structure, and standards become everything—and how failing to build them will eventually break the business. He also dives into the importance of culture, holding a high standard, and why not everyone will make the cut as you grow. As they get into scaling beyond $20M+, the focus shifts to leadership at the highest level. Brandon shares why the game becomes all about developing leaders who can lead other leaders, and how your ability to build and pour into people ultimately determines how far the company can go. Throughout the episode, they emphasize the importance of: Having a clear vision and targets at every stage Tracking real data instead of operating on feelings Reinvesting into the business instead of feeding your ego Building people first, not just chasing revenue This episode is a blueprint for any entrepreneur—especially in home services—who wants to understand what it actually takes to scale, sustain success, and build something that lasts. If you're in the early stages, trying to break through a plateau, or looking to take your company to the next level, this conversation will give you a clear roadmap of what needs to change—and what it's really going to take. LINKS Apple Podcasts ⤵️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wit-podcast-whatever-it-takes/id1789167910 Youtube ⤵️ https://www.youtube.com/@WhateverItTakesPod Spotify ⤵️ https://open.spotify.com/show/1zzvGZzQh9Lj9VL1DScWRJ Join our free Facebook group ⤵️ https://www.facebook.com/groups/1664694160780709

On this episode Brandon James sits down with Joey Yak to break down what it actually takes to start, build, and scale a business the right way. They dive into the reality behind entrepreneurship and why social media has made business look easier than it really is. Brandon shares the foundational principles that separate people who start businesses from those who actually grow them — including the importance of having a real "why," mastering sales first, and focusing on personal development before trying to lead others. The conversation also unpacks why hiring "experienced people" too early can hurt your business, how to build from the ground up by becoming great at the core skills yourself, and why leadership is the ultimate factor in scaling anything long term. Joey adds insight into branding and content, breaking down a simple framework for building a personal brand that attracts attention, builds trust, and drives business even if you're just getting started. If you're in the early stages of building a business or trying to break through to the next level, this episode will give you a clear, no-excuses blueprint on what actually matters and what doesn't. LINKS Apple Podcasts ⤵️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wit-podcast-whatever-it-takes/id1789167910 Youtube ⤵️ https://www.youtube.com/@WhateverItTakesPod Spotify ⤵️ https://open.spotify.com/show/1zzvGZzQh9Lj9VL1DScWRJ Join our free Facebook group ⤵️ https://www.facebook.com/groups/1664694160780709

On this episode Brandon James and Jon Paramore break down the truth about AI, technology, and what actually matters when it comes to building and scaling a real business. With so many tools, CRMs, and automation options available today, it's easy to get distracted and focus on the wrong things. Brandon shares how they built their company from the ground up by focusing on the fundamentals first — tracking the right numbers, staying disciplined with the basics, and using technology as a tool, not a shortcut. They dive into how much tech is too much, where automation can actually hurt your business, and why many companies fail because they overcomplicate things instead of focusing on what truly drives results. The conversation also covers the importance of tracking your data, understanding your numbers, building a strong brand through organic social media, and why consistency and execution will always outperform shortcuts. If you're trying to grow your business, improve your systems, or figure out how to actually use tech the right way — this episode will give you clarity on what matters and what doesn't. Apple Podcasts ⤵️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wit-podcast-whatever-it-takes/id1789167910 Youtube ⤵️ https://www.youtube.com/@WhateverItTakesPod Spotify ⤵️ https://open.spotify.com/show/1zzvGZzQh9Lj9VL1DScWRJ Join our free Facebook group ⤵️ https://www.facebook.com/groups/1664694160780709

On this episode, Brandon James and Jon Paramore discuss complacency, pressure and staying ready with a special guest today: MLB World Series Champion + former St. Louis Cardinal Matt Adams — aka "Big City." In this episode, we cover: The "Big City" nickname How it started in spring training Why it stuck for 10+ years Where it all began Starting baseball at 3–4 years old Small-town Pennsylvania upbringing + early love for the game The setback that fueled him Losing the University of Pittsburgh opportunity Going D2 at Slippery Rock with a chip on his shoulder The money + travel ball reality Not having the resources for all the "prep / travel circuit" stuff Betting on: "If I'm good enough, they'll find me" Manifestation before it was "cool" Practicing his autograph in class Visualizing success as a teenager without even realizing it Minor leagues → fast track to the show Rookie ball → A-ball → Double-A → Triple-A → debut Getting drafted 23rd round and being told he was a "roster fill"… then proving everyone wrong What it takes to climb when you're NOT the top prospect Why most guys don't make it Complacency after getting drafted Taking the foot off the gas Expecting things to be given instead of earned The "Cardinal Way" culture The obsession with doing the little things right Practicing fundamentals daily (even bunting when you're a big bat) Low tolerance for ego / selfishness How leaders are built, not bought Playing with legends + learning the standard Being around Pujols / Yadi / Tony La Russa Mentors like Jon Jay & Daniel Descalso How winning environments feel different World Series moments you can't script Fenway Park as a rookie (pinch-me stuff) The emotional chaos of a Game 7 moment Winning a championship and realizing: "We're grown men celebrating a kid's game" St. Louis as a baseball city Why Cardinals fans are different Respecting great baseball… even from visiting players Getting love on the road because Cardinals fans travel The hard truth: keeping your spot is harder than earning it The pressure of always having someone coming for your job Why role players have to stay ready at all times Life after the league Independent ball grind + still chasing the dream Coaching, media, and what his next chapter could look like What he wishes he told his younger self: don't take a day for granted Quick notes: If you've got little ears in the car, heads up: we drop a little salty language sometimes. Help us get this episode out: ✅ Like / Comment / Share ✅ Subscribe on YouTube (channel is live — go run it up) ✅ If you're on Apple Podcasts: thumbs up + subscribe ✅ Anywhere else you listen: leave a quick review

In this episode, Brandon James and Jon Paramore break down what it really means to live in alignment — and the real price you pay when you don't. From entrepreneurship to personal discipline, faith, leadership, and relationships, we explore how small daily compromises slowly erode self-trust and confidence. Topics include: Turning vision into reality (16 months instead of 6 years) Why discipline feels like a fight at first Reprogramming yourself through daily action Losing the choice to quit The mental toll of avoiding hard decisions Accountability, ownership, and radical honesty Grace vs. perfectionism If you've been carrying "that thing" around for months (or years), this episode is your wake-up call. Write it down. Get honest. Get accountable. Stay started.

In this episode of the WIT Podcast, Brandon and the team answer real questions from business owners inside the Whatever It Takes community—covering leadership development, hiring systems, growth strategy, and how to scale without losing control They break down how to intentionally build a growth-driven culture, why personal development must be baked into company systems, and how weekly leadership meetings, book studies, and accountability structures create teams that thrive. You'll hear how DISC assessments are used in hiring, what questions actually reveal character and coachability in interviews, and why most companies put the right people in the wrong seats. The conversation also dives into navigating busy seasons, setting aggressive yearly targets, creating roadmaps for long-term growth, and knowing when to shift from working in the business to working on it. Brandon shares his journey from sales rep to building toward a $100M vision—and why learning every role matters before delegating. They wrap up with practical insights on pricing strategy, controlling demand, fixing bottlenecks through systems rather than shortcuts, and why January and February can be the biggest separation months of the year for high performers. If you're building a team, hiring leaders, or trying to break through your next ceiling—this episode is packed with real-world playbooks.

This episode of the WIT Podcast is a deep conversation about growth, humility, and what it really takes to scale a business without stalling out. Brandon James and Jon Paramore focus on the idea that most people stop growing not because they lack opportunity, but because they overestimate what they know and underestimate what the next level requires. The episode repeatedly returns to the theme that every new level demands new skills, new systems, and a new version of the leader. Key ideas include: Why success at one level doesn't qualify you for the next The danger of shiny object syndrome when growth gets uncomfortable Staying narrow and deep instead of wide and distracted Why curiosity, coachability, and humility matter more than confidence The importance of systems, structure, and people development Why leaders must continually "fire themselves" from old roles How real scaling comes from building people, not just revenue They also break down real-world examples from roofing, private equity, and leadership transitions, emphasizing that companies don't rise to their success — they fall to their systems. The conversation highlights why developing leaders at every level is the only sustainable way to grow without breaking culture or quality. This episode is about becoming the person capable of carrying the next level, not chasing shortcuts.

In this episode of the WIT Podcast, Brandon James and Jon Paramore sit down for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about the lessons that shape us—both personally and professionally. From upbringing and discipline to leadership, work ethic, and the impact of mentors along the way, this episode dives into what really molds character over time. Brandon and Jon explore how sports, family values, hard seasons, and intentional quiet moments play a critical role in growth, perspective, and long-term success. This isn't a highlight-reel conversation—it's a real one. The kind that reflects on mistakes, humility, and the habits required to keep moving forward when motivation fades. If you're someone who cares about personal development, leadership, and becoming better in the areas that actually matter, this episode will hit home. Topics covered include: How upbringing and early influences shape leadership The role of discipline, humility, and work ethic Learning from mentors and life experiences Creating space for clarity, creativity, and growth Why consistency matters more than motivation 🎧 Tune in and get grounded in what it really takes to build a meaningful life—on and off the field.

On this episode Brandon James and Jon Paramore go into what winning looks like beyond the surface level. How to turly live on your own terms and not just for a season.

In this episode, Brandon James and Jon Paramore dive into a full Q&A based on the questions you've been submitting. They break down Brandon's transition from working in the field to stepping into leadership, including how he decided it was time to hire and build a team. Tune in for real, practical insight on growth, leadership, and leveling up both personally and professionally.

In this episode Brandon James and Jon Paramore go into how leadership begins with the standards you hold for yourself. When you let yourself slide, your team feels it. When you stay sharp mentally and physically, everything — decision-making, business growth, relationships — follows.