Episodes

  • Building Blue Collar Freedom: David Hirst on Scaling, Culture, and Business Systems
    Jun 21 2026

    In this episode of the Big Hitters podcast, Andrew Hathaway speaks with David Hirst, a successful entrepreneur in the blue collar space. David shares his journey of building and scaling his electrical service company, transitioning from new construction to a service-based model. He discusses the concept of 'Blue Collar Freedom,' emphasizing the importance of creating systems that allow business owners to step back from daily operations. The conversation delves into the significance of having backup personnel, effective recruitment and retention strategies, and the critical role of company culture in retaining talent. David highlights the need for a supportive work environment and shares insights on celebrating team successes to foster a strong company culture. In this conversation, Andrew Hathaway and David Hirst discuss the importance of building a strong company culture, overcoming business challenges, and the role of mentorship and coaching in personal and professional growth. They emphasize the significance of having a supportive team and the impact of executive assistants in freeing up time for business owners to focus on growth and strategy. The discussion also touches on the need for systems and processes to ensure sustainable business success.

    Support our Sponsors:

    🤝 Thank you to Paul Maskill of Blue Collar Business Advisors. Blue Collar Business Advisors helps home service business owners create consistent, positive cash flow through fractional CFO services.

    Website: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paul_maskill/

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmaskill/

    🤝 Thank you to Brian Dukes of Exitwise. Exitwise is a full-service M&A advisory firm that helps business owners sell their companies for more money.

    Website: https://www.exitwise.com

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brdukes/

    🤝 Thank you to Joe Work of 10xnerds. 10xnerds saves business owners cash by analyzing their outgoing expenses, trimming the expense fat, and optimizing the cash flow.

    Website: https://10xnerds.com/

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: N/A

    🤝 Thank you to Michael Rutkowski of Rutkowski Law Firm. Rutkowski Law Firm helps Michigan business owners protect their personal and business assets by designing and implementing comprehensive estate and asset protection plans.

    Website: https://rutkowskilawfirm.com/

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.facebook.com/rutkowskilawfirm/

    🤝 Thank you to Silas Lagoy of Forgemark LLC. Forgemark LLC is a fractional family office financial planning company that specializes in merging real estate, business, and finance to create holistic wealth management plans for its clients.

    Website: https://forgemarkprivatewealth.com/

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silaslagoy/

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silas-lagoy-senior-marketing-director-421b9b1bb/

    Stream on Other Platforms:

    📺 Big Hitters on Youtube

    🎙️ Big Hitters on Spotify

    🎧 Big Hitters on Apple Podcasts

    Connect with Andrew:

    Follow on Instagram

    Follow on Facebook

    Follow on TikTok

    Connect on LinkedIn

    Hathaway Companies Website

    Virtual Assist Website

    Freedom AI Website

    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
  • Redemption to Remodeling: David Dilmore on Integrity, Faith, and Business Growth
    Jun 21 2026

    In this episode of the Big Hitters podcast, Chase Megyeri speaks with David Dilmore who shares his inspiring journey from addiction to founding Born Again Home Remodeling and Roofing. He discusses the importance of integrity in business, the challenges he faces, and the strategies he employs for client acquisition. David emphasizes the significance of giving back through mission work and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

    Support our Sponsors:

    🤝 Thank you to Paul Maskill of Blue Collar Business Advisors. Blue Collar Business Advisors helps home service business owners create consistent, positive cash flow through fractional CFO services.

    Website: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paul_maskill/

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmaskill/

    🤝 Thank you to Brian Dukes of Exitwise. Exitwise is a full-service M&A advisory firm that helps business owners sell their companies for more money.

    Website: https://www.exitwise.com

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brdukes/

    🤝 Thank you to Joe Work of 10xnerds. 10xnerds saves business owners cash by analyzing their outgoing expenses, trimming the expense fat, and optimizing the cash flow.

    Website: https://10xnerds.com/

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: N/A

    🤝 Thank you to Michael Rutkowski of Rutkowski Law Firm. Rutkowski Law Firm helps Michigan business owners protect their personal and business assets by designing and implementing comprehensive estate and asset protection plans.

    Website: https://rutkowskilawfirm.com/

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.facebook.com/rutkowskilawfirm/

    🤝 Thank you to Silas Lagoy of Forgemark LLC. Forgemark LLC is a fractional family office financial planning company that specializes in merging real estate, business, and finance to create holistic wealth management plans for its clients.

    Website: https://forgemarkprivatewealth.com/

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silaslagoy/

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silas-lagoy-senior-marketing-director-421b9b1bb/

    Stream on Other Platforms:

    📺 Big Hitters on Youtube

    🎙️ Big Hitters on Spotify

    🎧 Big Hitters on Apple Podcasts

    Connect with Andrew:

    Follow on Instagram

    Follow on Facebook

    Follow on TikTok

    Connect on LinkedIn

    Hathaway Companies Website

    Virtual Assist Website

    Freedom AI Website

    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
  • Scaling Pest Control: Adam Caraceon AI, Growth Strategies, and Freedom in Business
    Jun 19 2026

    In this episode of the Big Hitters podcast, Andrew Hathaway speaks with Adam Carace, owner of Pest End, a pest control company based in New Hampshire. Adam shares the origins of Pest End, which started in 1977, and how it has grown significantly under his leadership. The conversation delves into the strategies that have contributed to their growth, including a focus on local service, effective marketing, and the integration of technology such as AI and virtual assistants. Adam discusses the challenges faced in the pest control industry, particularly with emerging pests like rats and ticks, and emphasizes the importance of customer service and team dynamics in driving success. The episode concludes with insights into the future of AI in the pest control industry and the collaborative nature of the business community. In this engaging conversation, Adam Carace and Andrew Hathaway explore the rapid evolution of AI tools, particularly Claude, and their impact on business growth. They discuss the importance of strategic partnerships, navigating tax strategies for increased profitability, and the role of executive assistants in enhancing productivity. The dialogue emphasizes the need for high-quality talent and the potential of AI to maximize efficiency in business operations. The conversation concludes with a commitment to collaboration and finding the right resources to support business owners.

    Support our Sponsors:

    🤝 Thank you to Paul Maskill of Blue Collar Business Advisors. Blue Collar Business Advisors helps home service business owners create consistent, positive cash flow through fractional CFO services.

    Website: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paul_maskill/

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmaskill/

    🤝 Thank you to Brian Dukes of Exitwise. Exitwise is a full-service M&A advisory firm that helps business owners sell their companies for more money.

    Website: https://www.exitwise.com

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brdukes/

    🤝 Thank you to Joe Work of 10xnerds. 10xnerds saves business owners cash by analyzing their outgoing expenses, trimming the expense fat, and optimizing the cash flow.

    Website: https://10xnerds.com/

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: N/A

    🤝 Thank you to Michael Rutkowski of Rutkowski Law Firm. Rutkowski Law Firm helps Michigan business owners protect their personal and business assets by designing and implementing comprehensive estate and asset protection plans.

    Website: https://rutkowskilawfirm.com/

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.facebook.com/rutkowskilawfirm/

    🤝 Thank you to Silas Lagoy of Forgemark LLC. Forgemark LLC is a fractional family office financial planning company that specializes in merging real estate, business, and finance to create holistic wealth management plans for its clients.

    Website: https://forgemarkprivatewealth.com/

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silaslagoy/

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silas-lagoy-senior-marketing-director-421b9b1bb/

    Stream on Other Platforms:

    📺 Big Hitters on Youtube

    🎙️ Big Hitters on Spotify

    🎧 Big Hitters on Apple Podcasts

    Connect with Andrew:

    Follow on Instagram

    Follow on Facebook

    Follow on TikTok

    Connect on LinkedIn

    Hathaway Companies Website

    Virtual Assist Website

    Freedom AI Website

    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • Scaling Plumbing Success: Gustavo Suarez on AI, Customer Service, and Business Freedom
    Jun 18 2026

    In this episode of the Big Hitters podcast, Chase Megyeri speaks with Gustavo Suarez, the owner of Leak Wranglers, who discusses the journey of his plumbing business from its inception to its current state. They explore the rapid growth of the company, the challenges faced along the way, and the lessons learned in managing operations and marketing. Gustavo shares insights on the importance of understanding financials, the significance of customer service, and the strategies implemented to streamline operations and ensure profitability. In this conversation, Gustavo Suarez discusses his multifaceted role in his plumbing business, emphasizing the importance of marketing strategies, customer experience, and the integration of AI in operations. He shares insights on managing growth, financial challenges, and his aspirations for future expansion, including the impact he hopes to have on his employees and the community. The discussion highlights the significance of virtual assistants in streamlining business processes and enhancing productivity.

    Support our Sponsors:

    🤝 Thank you to Paul Maskill of Blue Collar Business Advisors. Blue Collar Business Advisors helps home service business owners create consistent, positive cash flow through fractional CFO services.

    Website: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paul_maskill/

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmaskill/

    🤝 Thank you to Brian Dukes of Exitwise. Exitwise is a full-service M&A advisory firm that helps business owners sell their companies for more money.

    Website: https://www.exitwise.com

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brdukes/

    🤝 Thank you to Joe Work of 10xnerds. 10xnerds saves business owners cash by analyzing their outgoing expenses, trimming the expense fat, and optimizing the cash flow.

    Website: https://10xnerds.com/

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: N/A

    🤝 Thank you to Michael Rutkowski of Rutkowski Law Firm. Rutkowski Law Firm helps Michigan business owners protect their personal and business assets by designing and implementing comprehensive estate and asset protection plans.

    Website: https://rutkowskilawfirm.com/

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.facebook.com/rutkowskilawfirm/

    🤝 Thank you to Silas Lagoy of Forgemark LLC. Forgemark LLC is a fractional family office financial planning company that specializes in merging real estate, business, and finance to create holistic wealth management plans for its clients.

    Website: https://forgemarkprivatewealth.com/

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silaslagoy/

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silas-lagoy-senior-marketing-director-421b9b1bb/

    Stream on Other Platforms:

    📺 Big Hitters on Youtube

    🎙️ Big Hitters on Spotify

    🎧 Big Hitters on Apple Podcasts

    Connect with Andrew:

    Follow on Instagram

    Follow on Facebook

    Follow on TikTok

    Connect on LinkedIn

    Hathaway Companies Website

    Virtual Assist Website

    Freedom AI Website

    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • Building Trust in the Trades: Karen Crnkovich on Culture and Transparency at DMC
    Jun 18 2026

    In this episode of the Big Hitters podcast, Andrew Hathaway speaks with Karen Crnkovich, owner of DMC Service, a commercial heating, cooling, and plumbing company. Karen shares her journey in the trades, the challenges of running a business, and her commitment to transparency and integrity in pricing. She discusses the importance of building a strong team, the difficulties in hiring skilled labor, and her innovative approach to company culture. Additionally, Karen reveals her political aspirations and the need for fiscal responsibility in local government, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and transparency.

    Support our Sponsors:

    🤝 Thank you to Paul Maskill of Blue Collar Business Advisors. Blue Collar Business Advisors helps home service business owners create consistent, positive cash flow through fractional CFO services.

    Website: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paul_maskill/

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmaskill/

    🤝 Thank you to Brian Dukes of Exitwise. Exitwise is a full-service M&A advisory firm that helps business owners sell their companies for more money.

    Website: https://www.exitwise.com

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brdukes/

    🤝 Thank you to Joe Work of 10xnerds. 10xnerds saves business owners cash by analyzing their outgoing expenses, trimming the expense fat, and optimizing the cash flow.

    Website: https://10xnerds.com/

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: N/A

    🤝 Thank you to Michael Rutkowski of Rutkowski Law Firm. Rutkowski Law Firm helps Michigan business owners protect their personal and business assets by designing and implementing comprehensive estate and asset protection plans.

    Website: https://rutkowskilawfirm.com/

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.facebook.com/rutkowskilawfirm/

    🤝 Thank you to Silas Lagoy of Forgemark LLC. Forgemark LLC is a fractional family office financial planning company that specializes in merging real estate, business, and finance to create holistic wealth management plans for its clients.

    Website: https://forgemarkprivatewealth.com/

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silaslagoy/

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silas-lagoy-senior-marketing-director-421b9b1bb/

    Stream on Other Platforms:

    📺 Big Hitters on Youtube

    🎙️ Big Hitters on Spotify

    🎧 Big Hitters on Apple Podcasts

    Connect with Andrew:

    Follow on Instagram

    Follow on Facebook

    Follow on TikTok

    Connect on LinkedIn

    Hathaway Companies Website

    Virtual Assist Website

    Freedom AI Website

    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • Building Greatness: Elia Kirby on Arts Growth, Team Leadership, and Authenticity
    Jun 18 2026

    In this episode of the Big Hitters podcast, Chase Megyeri speaks with Elia Kirby, founder of Great Northern Way Scene Shop, who discusses the evolution of the arts community in Vancouver, the challenges and growth of his business, and the impact of digital transformation on the industry. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement, the gig economy, and the positive trends towards inclusivity and environmental awareness in the arts. In this conversation, Elia Kirby discusses the significance of authenticity in business, sharing insights from his experiences in the creative industry. He reflects on memorable projects, the impact of public art on community engagement, and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Elia emphasizes the importance of leadership, team cohesion, and supporting local talent while addressing generational shifts in the workforce.

    Support our Sponsors:

    🤝 Thank you to Paul Maskill of Blue Collar Business Advisors. Blue Collar Business Advisors helps home service business owners create consistent, positive cash flow through fractional CFO services.

    Website: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paul_maskill/

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmaskill/

    🤝 Thank you to Brian Dukes of Exitwise. Exitwise is a full-service M&A advisory firm that helps business owners sell their companies for more money.

    Website: https://www.exitwise.com

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brdukes/

    🤝 Thank you to Joe Work of 10xnerds. 10xnerds saves business owners cash by analyzing their outgoing expenses, trimming the expense fat, and optimizing the cash flow.

    Website: https://10xnerds.com/

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: N/A

    🤝 Thank you to Michael Rutkowski of Rutkowski Law Firm. Rutkowski Law Firm helps Michigan business owners protect their personal and business assets by designing and implementing comprehensive estate and asset protection plans.

    Website: https://rutkowskilawfirm.com/

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.facebook.com/rutkowskilawfirm/

    🤝 Thank you to Silas Lagoy of Forgemark LLC. Forgemark LLC is a fractional family office financial planning company that specializes in merging real estate, business, and finance to create holistic wealth management plans for its clients.

    Website: https://forgemarkprivatewealth.com/

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silaslagoy/

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silas-lagoy-senior-marketing-director-421b9b1bb/

    Stream on Other Platforms:

    📺 Big Hitters on Youtube

    🎙️ Big Hitters on Spotify

    🎧 Big Hitters on Apple Podcasts

    Connect with Andrew:

    Follow on Instagram

    Follow on Facebook

    Follow on TikTok

    Connect on LinkedIn

    Hathaway Companies Website

    Virtual Assist Website

    Freedom AI Website

    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • Mastering Luxury Catering: Tim Mitchell on AI, Client Relationships, and Scaling
    Jun 18 2026

    In this episode of the Big Hitters podcast, Chase Megyeri speaks with Tim Mitchell, founder and CEO of Monja Catering Company, who shares his journey in the catering industry, emphasizing the importance of luxury events and client relationships. He discusses the evolution of his business, the challenges faced in catering logistics, and how leveraging technology, particularly AI, is transforming operations. Tim highlights the significance of details in creating memorable experiences and the role of relationships in sustaining business growth. In this conversation, Tim Mitchell discusses the transformative impact of AI on business efficiency, sharing insights into his daily routine as a founder, the importance of building a personal brand, and memorable events he has catered. He also highlights the role of virtual assistants in enhancing productivity and business growth.

    Support our Sponsors:

    🤝 Thank you to Paul Maskill of Blue Collar Business Advisors. Blue Collar Business Advisors helps home service business owners create consistent, positive cash flow through fractional CFO services.

    Website: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paul_maskill/

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmaskill/

    🤝 Thank you to Brian Dukes of Exitwise. Exitwise is a full-service M&A advisory firm that helps business owners sell their companies for more money.

    Website: https://www.exitwise.com

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brdukes/

    🤝 Thank you to Joe Work of 10xnerds. 10xnerds saves business owners cash by analyzing their outgoing expenses, trimming the expense fat, and optimizing the cash flow.

    Website: https://10xnerds.com/

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: N/A

    🤝 Thank you to Michael Rutkowski of Rutkowski Law Firm. Rutkowski Law Firm helps Michigan business owners protect their personal and business assets by designing and implementing comprehensive estate and asset protection plans.

    Website: https://rutkowskilawfirm.com/

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.facebook.com/rutkowskilawfirm/

    🤝 Thank you to Silas Lagoy of Forgemark LLC. Forgemark LLC is a fractional family office financial planning company that specializes in merging real estate, business, and finance to create holistic wealth management plans for its clients.

    Website: https://forgemarkprivatewealth.com/

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silaslagoy/

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silas-lagoy-senior-marketing-director-421b9b1bb/

    Stream on Other Platforms:

    📺 Big Hitters on Youtube

    🎙️ Big Hitters on Spotify

    🎧 Big Hitters on Apple Podcasts

    Connect with Andrew:

    Follow on Instagram

    Follow on Facebook

    Follow on TikTok

    Connect on LinkedIn

    Hathaway Companies Website

    Virtual Assist Website

    Freedom AI Website

    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
  • Mastering IT Scalability: David McKernan on AI, Systems, and Entrepreneurial Growth
    Jun 18 2026

    In this episode of the Big Hitters podcast, Andrew Hathaway speaks with David McKernan, co-founder of Limitless Technical Solutions, discussing the company's rapid growth, service offerings, and the challenges faced in the IT industry. David shares insights on personal development through coaching, the importance of AI integration, and the impact of daily non-negotiables on his productivity. The conversation highlights the significance of word-of-mouth marketing and the need for effective systems in place to sustain growth.

    Support our Sponsors:

    🤝 Thank you to Paul Maskill of Blue Collar Business Advisors. Blue Collar Business Advisors helps home service business owners create consistent, positive cash flow through fractional CFO services.

    Website: https://thebluecollaradvisors.com/

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paul_maskill/

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmaskill/

    🤝 Thank you to Brian Dukes of Exitwise. Exitwise is a full-service M&A advisory firm that helps business owners sell their companies for more money.

    Website: https://www.exitwise.com

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brdukes/

    🤝 Thank you to Joe Work of 10xnerds. 10xnerds saves business owners cash by analyzing their outgoing expenses, trimming the expense fat, and optimizing the cash flow.

    Website: https://10xnerds.com/

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: N/A

    🤝 Thank you to Michael Rutkowski of Rutkowski Law Firm. Rutkowski Law Firm helps Michigan business owners protect their personal and business assets by designing and implementing comprehensive estate and asset protection plans.

    Website: https://rutkowskilawfirm.com/

    Follow on Instagram: N/A

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.facebook.com/rutkowskilawfirm/

    🤝 Thank you to Silas Lagoy of Forgemark LLC. Forgemark LLC is a fractional family office financial planning company that specializes in merging real estate, business, and finance to create holistic wealth management plans for its clients.

    Website: https://forgemarkprivatewealth.com/

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silaslagoy/

    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silas-lagoy-senior-marketing-director-421b9b1bb/

    Stream on Other Platforms:

    📺 Big Hitters on Youtube

    🎙️ Big Hitters on Spotify

    🎧 Big Hitters on Apple Podcasts

    Connect with Andrew:

    Follow on Instagram

    Follow on Facebook

    Follow on TikTok

    Connect on LinkedIn

    Hathaway Companies Website

    Virtual Assist Website

    Freedom AI Website

    Show More Show Less
    32 mins