In this special solo episode of the Simply Business podcast, I’m stepping away from interviews to share some reflections on a topic that’s often overlooked but absolutely vital: rest.

After a recent unplugged vacation, I realized just how powerful intentional rest can be not as a luxury, but as a true leadership necessity. I’ll introduce you to the concept I call the “ROI of Rest” (the ROR) and share some personal stories, including a deeply tragic one, that underscore why rest isn’t something you earn, but something you must protect.

I’ll also dive into practical insights around burnout, balance, and delegation—because if you’re like me and many entrepreneurs I know, it’s easy to feel tethered to your business.

If you’re looking for more creativity, clarity, and courage, this episode is for you. It’s a wake-up call to pause, protect what matters, and lead better.

➡️ Tune in, subscribe, and let’s build businesses that run without burning us out.

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, Landon Wade opens up about his entrepreneurial path from working in a family business to launching his own brand rooted in deeper meaning. Founder of Goodson Clothing & Supply,

Landon discusses how his business brings “order to chaos” in the highly competitive world of branded merchandise.

What sets Goodson apart isn’t just its aesthetic vintage, leather, wood-inspired designs but the story behind the name and the values guiding the company.

Landon shares how personal experiences, faith, and the desire to live up to the name “Goodson” influence both the business and his leadership.

Key themes include:

• Stepping away from a family business with grace
• Building a brand that tells a story and connects emotionally
• Competing creatively in a saturated market
• Personal faith as a guide for business and life

🔊 Tune in for an episode full of wisdom, branding insight, and entrepreneurial heart.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and share if this story resonated with you.

In the 65th episode, Kevin Baer shares his incredible journey from electrical engineer at a uranium facility to founder of a thriving energy services business. With roots in Paducah, Kentucky, Kevin took a leap of faith in 1997quitting his job, taking out SBA loans, and starting a company in the booming energy efficient lighting space.

Over nearly three decades, Kevin has evolved Utilities Dynamics into a national service provider, delivering turnkey energy retrofits to schools, hospitals, government buildings, and retailers. He talks candidly about the challenges of partnerships, transitioning to a woman owned business, and staying relevant as technology changes.

Key themes include:

• Taking bold entrepreneurial risks
• Growing a business through technological change
• Leadership in service delivery and staff management
• Serving public and private sectors with energy solutions

🔊 Listen now to hear how Kevin Baer lit his own path and continues to illuminate opportunity for others.

In the 64th episode of Simply Business, host John Jennings sits down with Ray Robertson, Principal of The Limestone Agency, to explore the unique journey of taking over a business that’s been in his family for nearly two centuries.

Ray shares insights on the challenges and opportunities of leading a legacy business in modern times, as well as the mindset and values that drive him forward.

Key themes:

The significance of family and legacy in business

Transitioning leadership in a historic company

Balancing tradition and modern innovation

The personal impact of leading a long-standing family enterprise

Join us for a thoughtful conversation about stewardship, vision, and honoring history while embracing change.

Tune in, subscribe, and stay connected for more stories of leadership and growth from Simply Business!

Join host John Jennings as he sits down with Mark Helms,

Founder and CEO of MH Solutions, to explore the journey of building a business in the broadband infrastructure sector.

From humble beginnings in Akron, Ohio, Mark shares how he went from survey work to leading a team that lays the foundation for high-speed internet connectivity across the country.

In this episode, Mark reveals how fiber optics have transformed the industry, the lessons he’s learned from working with friends and family, and why so many people overlook the crucial work behind our connected lives. It’s a story of growth, collaboration, and opening people’s eyes to the essential backbone of our modern world.

🎧 Tune in to discover:

How to lead and grow a team from scratch

The fascinating world of broadband infrastructure

Why fiber optics matter more than ever

The power of bringing people together to build something great

💡 Listen now, subscribe, and join the conversation.

On the 62nd episode of Simply Business, John Jennings welcomes Stephanie Gilezan, CEO of Gilezan Global, for a powerful conversation on leadership, innovation, and staying true to your vision.

In this episode, she shares how she balances multiple enterprises, challenges traditional norms, and leads with a powerful combination of grit and grace. Expect real talk, real strategies, and the kind of wisdom that comes from walking the walk.

🎧 You’ll learn about:

• Creating and scaling multi-stream business models
• Thriving in spaces where you don’t “fit the mold”
• Leading with strength, not ego
• Empowering others while building your brand

👉 Follow, share, and subscribe because this one’s packed with leadership fire.

Meet Scott Boehnlein, Entrepreneur & Owner of Family Realty

In the 61 episode of Simply Business, host John Jennings sits down with Scott Boehnlein, a self-made entrepreneur who built a thriving real estate company Family Realty from the ground up.

Scott opens up about his journey, starting with early challenges in school, to becoming a resilient business owner committed to community and service.

You’ll hear about:

• How early adversity shaped Scott’s mindset
• The story behind launching and growing Family Realty
• Leadership values and lessons learned along the way
• The importance of surrounding yourself with the right people

This episode is full of real, practical wisdom for entrepreneurs navigating their own unique paths.

👉 Listen, follow, and leave us a review and be sure to share with someone who needs to hear this.

In the 59th episode of Simply Business, host John Jennings sits down with Chris Gilbert, founder and president of Security Pros USA .

After climbing the corporate ladder and running a $90 million P&L, Chris walked away from a lucrative career to be present with his family and to build something of his own. He shares how Security Pros started with one $25 a month client during the recession, grew through grit and insight, and ultimately became a dominant player in commercial security systems across the country.

Discover how he turned down a six-figure job to save his vision, how AI and cloudbased systems are transforming the security industry.

This is a must listen for any business leader navigating growth, change, or the grind of early-stage entrepreneurship.

Subscribe and listen now for a dose of courage, clarity, and business wisdom.