In the 53 episode of Simply Business, host John Jennings sits down with Shawn Herbig, founder of IQS Research and Bluegrass Bitters, to explore two very different entrepreneurial journeys—one rooted in analytics, and the other in artisanal flavor.

Shawn shares how he left a successful role at Ford Motor Company to chase a lifelong dream of business ownership. Over the past 25+ years, he’s built IQS Research into a respected data analytics firm—and more recently, decided to turn his hobby of crafting cocktail bitters into a second venture: Bluegrass Bitters.

This conversation dives into the reality of switching roles (sales, ops, management) within your own business, how AI is challenging the integrity of information, and why critical thinking has never been more important. Plus, hear how a research-minded entrepreneur builds a beverage brand from scratch—with obsessively detailed business planning, market insights, and just a splash of creative storytelling.

In this episode:

• Wearing all the hats (and which ones actually pay)
• The danger of scaling bad AI answers
• Why starting a second business is like starting over—with more wisdom
• Passion vs. execution: why you need both
• What every aspiring entrepreneur should do before launching

Whether you’re in data, drinks, or just dreaming of your next business move, Shawn’s insight is packed with practical wisdom.

In the 52nd episode of Simply Business, John Jennings sits down with Bill Reynolds, President of Element 502, to explore the raw and real journey of turning around a struggling marketing agency.

Bill opens up about how he went from a consultant to business owner overnight—after a leap of faith (and prayer) with his wife. He shares what happened when he lost his biggest client five days into ownership, how he led his team through some very challenging times, and why integrity, honesty, and relationship-first values have helped Element 502 thrive.

With a refreshingly transparent look at entrepreneurship, Bill explains what “Passengers, Not Hostages” really means, why marketing shouldn’t be the first budget cut, and how to navigate today's AI-influenced business world.

This episode is a masterclass in resilience, servant leadership, and staying true to your values in business.

👉 Tune in to learn:

• What makes a marketing agency really stand out
• How to lead a team through uncertainty
• The power of saying “no” to bad business
• Why entrepreneurs need accountability—even if they don’t like it

🎧 Listen now and be inspired by a story that proves heart, hustle, and humility still win.

In the 51 episode of Simply Business, host John Jennings sits down with Brady Jolly,

President and Owner of Jolly Plumbing Drains, Heating and Air.

Brady shares the remarkable story of taking over his family business, founded in 1979, and transforming it into a thriving, multi-service home solutions company in Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati.

Brady discusses the challenges of leading a second-generation business, the bold transition from commercial to residential services, and navigating major industry shifts, including launching an HVAC division during the height of COVID-19.

He also provides key insights on leadership, company culture, and work-life alignment, including Jolly Plumbing’s groundbreaking decision to eliminate on-call work, prioritizing employee well-being.

This episode is packed with valuable lessons on scaling a business, leading through adversity, and building a company that prioritizes both employees and customers.

🎧 Listen now to hear:

✔️ The key to successfully transitioning a family business

✔️ Why company culture and employee happiness drive business success

✔️ How to embrace failure and pivot during uncertain times

✔️ The power of strategic growth and smart delegation

📢 Don’t miss this conversation filled with insights, inspiration, and practical takeaways for business owners and leaders alike!