ISI Brotherhood Podcast

"While I have loved the creative part of what I do professionally, it has not created the freedom that I desire [with] my time." David sets off a transformation that many dream of but few dare to pursue–can he really convert his high paying job to a business? Is this the best way forward for him and his family?Many entrepreneurs wonder the same thing. We're peeling back the layers of such a transformative journey, examining the intersection of faith, ambition, and freedom in putting Christ first in business and relationships.  Our hosts share the tools they've used to keep the spark alive, offering insights and inspiration for nurturing the most precious relationships in our lives.Key Takeaways:What is your definition of "freedom"?How having a healthy marriage plays a huge role in having the best careerThe best way to transition from high paying job to businessDavid is in the midst of counseling and working on growing his relationship with his wife, while billing clients hourly for his law expertise. How do you automate your own mind? Join our conversation on our LinkedIn Group: www.viewfromthetop.com/groupConnect with Anthony Witt: witthouse.com or anthonywitt.comAnthony Witt is a professional licensed counselor and a business owner with a deep understanding of how entrepreneurship impacts personal health and those around them. Having bought, sold, and started multiple businesses, he has gained valuableexperience at the intersection of personal health and business. His belief that "a healthy business owner creates a healthy business" underscores his approach to helping entrepreneurs thrive.Connect with Bret Barnhart:Bret’s Calendar Link: https://calendly.com/barnhartexcavating/view-from-the-topBret’s LinkedinBret Barnhart, Jr. is the fourth generation in his family to start his own excavation company. He began Bret Barnhart Excavating (BBE) in 2002 with $1,500, a single backhoe and truck, and a trailer. Since then, BBE has grown to an entire fleet of heavy machinery and trucks, averages just under 20 employees, and grosses $4mil annually.If you want to hear more speakers like this every month and be with the guys on the call, join the Iron Sharpens Iron Community today: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/isi-communityConnect with Big A:View From The Top Website: https://isibrotherhood.comThe ISI Newsletter: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/newsletterBig A’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronwalkerviewfromthetop/

"I had to have everything figured out first 'cause I was fearful..." Fear can play a key role in your financial decisions that affect the rest of your life. Whether you're afraid to take a risk with your money or you're afraid to even LOOK at your bank account, it can drive our decision making more than we'd like to admit. So how do we overcome the fear of money, of making bad decisions with money, or not ever making enough money? How can we move past the dread in our guts we get whenever we think about our accounts? Big A and Wally talk about what they would have done differently in their past if fear hadn't stopped them. Key Takeaways:Making wise investments in real estate vs. the stock marketHow to overcome the fear you get when you think about your bank accountWhy your fear might be making emotional decisions before logic kicks inHow Wally lost $600,000+ in 3 daysNavigating business growth can be as exhilarating as it is terrifying. This episode goes beyond the numbers, bringing into focus the transformative role of community, mentorship, and open communication. We're sharing the gritty lessons from our own entrepreneurial voyages, highlighting the crucial steps of taking action and learning from every outcome. We underscore the importance of unbiased advice and how facing our fears can lead to more agile business strategies.LinkedIn Group: https://www.viewfromthetop.com/groupWhat Do I Want Challenge: https://go.viewfromthetop.com/whatdoiwantchallengeLocal Roundtable Events: https://go.viewfromthetop.com/isiroundtableIf you want to hear more speakers like this every month and be with the guys on the call, join the Iron Sharpens Iron Community today: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/isi-communityConnect with Big A:View From The Top Website: https://isibrotherhood.comThe ISI Newsletter: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/newsletterBig A’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronwalkerviewfromthetop/

"I have more goals than I have bandwidth. I don't know which ones to let go of. Help me..." Jeff Miller, an entrepreneur in our community , asks a really solid question: "How do I manage all the competing goals in my life. I understand that I wear many hats, a husband, a dad, and a businessman. I have goals in every area of my life. The truth is I have more goals than I have bandwidth. I don’t know which ones to let go of. Please help me…"Wally and Big A answer Jeff Miller's question by admitting they have the same issue. We all have competing goals in our lives, it's how we handle them that matters. We deep dive into how to prioritize our goals in marriage and our journey to making better decisions for our family.   Key Takeaways:What do you do when you feel paralyzed by the sheer amount of goals you haveWhy Wally fired his wife!How to make better decisions using a "decision making matrix"What core values have to do with goalsWe're wrapping up this one with a playbook of tactics that can help transform the endless goals you have into actionable to-dos. We're dishing on software development strategies that have shaped my approach to goal setting and advocating for bringing your family and teammates into the goal-setting huddle. Grab your notepad and let's sketch out a game plan to turn your ultimate ambitions into reality, one intentional step at a time. LinkedIn Group: https://www.viewfromthetop.com/groupWhat Do I Want Challenge: https://go.viewfromthetop.com/whatdoiwantchallengeLocal Roundtable Events: https://go.viewfromthetop.com/isiroundtableIf you want to hear more speakers like this every month and be with the guys on the call, join the Iron Sharpens Iron Community today: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/isi-communityConnect with Big A:View From The Top Website: https://isibrotherhood.comThe ISI Newsletter: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/newsletterBig A’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronwalkerviewfromthetop/

If you're tired and anxious more than you are spent and satisfied, it is likely you are stalked by the 3-Headed Monster of Worry, Fear, and Anxiety. Depending on the type of profit you are constantly striving for–it can either fuel this monster, or be the enemy to extinguish it. Which kind of profit are you striving for? Scott Beebe gives the ultimate challenge for men running their own businesses: how to go after the right kind of profit. We are often riddled with fear... are we going to find the right amount of clients, how much do we owe to the IRS?, what happens if I don't make "more" than last year? Key Takeaways:How to punch fear in the mouthProfit is an action that gains an advantage–which advantage are you going for?How to go from "tired + anxious" to "spent + satisfied"Today's episode is a recording from our ISI Live Event archives. If you're interested in more talks like this plus deep dives in mastermind groups, register to come to our April Live Event happening in Nashville, TN, April 19-21st: https://go.viewfromthetop.com/spring2024/guestinviteConnect with Scott Beebe:https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottebeebe/https://www.mybusinessonpurpose.com/Scott Beebe is the founder and head coach of MyBusinessOnPurpose.com and the author of Let Your Business Burn: Stop Putting Out Fires, Discover Purpose, And Build A Business That Matters. He also hosts the Business On Purpose podcast, where he shares real stories of how he and the BOP team are working with business owners and their key leaders. They help build systems, processes, and purpose using the Business On Purpose Roadmap to liberate businesses from the chaos of working IN their business and help them get their lives back by articulating and implementing intentional Vision/Mission/Values, Systems, and Processes.LinkedIn Group: https://www.viewfromthetop.com/groupIf you want to hear more speakers like this every month and be with the guys on the call, join the Iron Sharpens Iron Community today: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/isi-communityConnect with Big A:View From The Top Website: https://isibrotherhood.comThe ISI Newsletter: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/newsletterBig A’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronwalkerviewfromthetop/

"I should have done my due diligence, I should have made up contracts. It was all on a handshake..." Imagine stepping into the shoes of Paul, a Kentucky-based manufacturing company owner, who stands at such a pivotal juncture after losing his company's biggest client. On this episode of THE FORGE, we dissect Paul's current business strategy and offer him insights that could steer his company back to profitability.Key Takeaways:Is Paul the right man to be running his own company? How to funnel tasks so you can work ON your company instead of IN itNuts and bolts of financial strategy to build profitabilityKnowing your own strengths and weaknessesPaul's candid disclosure of the hurdles he's facing brings to light the universal struggles many entrepreneurs encounter in crafting a business that's not only profitable but also aligns with their personal strengths and vision.Wrapping things up, we pivot to the future by unpacking sales tactics and big-picture growth strategies. Paul, armed with a truckload of fresh perspectives, is ready to tackle his business challenges head-on, and we're right there cheering him on. Join us on this monthly segment for a hearty dose of inspiration and practical advice, and remember, the view is always better at the top.Win a Free Ticket for ISI Event: http://viewfromthetop.com/winJoin our conversation: www.viewfromthetop.com/groupPersonality Resources: Working Genius, KOLBE testConnect with Anthony Witt: witthouse.com or anthonywitt.comAnthony Witt is a professional licensed counselor and a business owner with a deep understanding of how entrepreneurship impacts personal health and those around them. Having bought, sold, and started multiple businesses, he has gained valuableexperience at the intersection of personal health and business. His belief that "a healthy business owner creates a healthy business" underscores his approach to helping entrepreneurs thrive.Connect with Bret Barnhart:Barnhartexcavating.comBret’s Calendar LinkBret’s LinkedinBret Barnhart, Jr. is the fourth generation in his family to start his own excavation company. He began Bret Barnhart Excavating (BBE) in 2002 with $1,500, a single backhoe and truck, and a trailer. Since then, BBE has grown to an entire fleet of heavy machinery and trucks, averages just under 20 employees, and grosses $4mil annually. If you want to hear more speakers like this every month and be with the guys on the call, join the Iron Sharpens Iron Community today: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/isi-communityConnect with Big A:View From The Top Website: https://isibrotherhood.comThe ISI Newsletter: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/newsletterBig A’s Linkedin:

"We have freedom of choice, but we don’t have freedom of consequences.” Caught in a bind between two close friends entwined in a business quandary, the weight of secrecy presses heavily on Big A today.  As the president of Superior Rigging and Erecting Co., Patrick Lewis brings a wealth of experience to our candid discussion on the delicate balance of confidentiality in both our personal and professional lives. We venture into the complexities of withholding information, even from spouses, as we recall a compelling episode with my church's pulpit committee. The conversation unearths the critical foundations of trust and the nuanced implications of privacy across various spheres, from mastermind groups to intimate partnerships.Key Takeaways:Why do men hate being vulnerable? Big A didn't even WANT to be in his mastermind groupThe "I just wanna do whatever I wanna do" attitude ripple affectWhat qualifies your friends as trustworthy?This episode isn't just about exposing the softer side; it's a call to action for anyone seeking REAL connection. It is CRITICAL to embrace vulnerability with ourselves and with others. After all, a truly fulfilling life—and a view from the top—is just on the other side of openness.Connect With Patrick Lewis:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lewis-superior-rigging/ Patrick Lewis is the President and CEO at Superior Rigging & Erecting Co., a hoisting, rigging and steel erection company with locations in Atlanta, Georgia and Orlando, Florida. He began working for Superior when he was just 10 years old and has seen the company grow from a small family business to a leader in their industry, employing over 370 employees. Patrick held multiple positions within the company before taking over as Owner/President in 2001.  Patrick attended Mercer University and received his Millwright JATC in 1996. Amongst his many accomplishments, Patrick is also Head Coach of Georgia Impact Fastpitch Softball and led his 18U team to become PGF National Champions in 2018.Iron Sharpens Iron Live Event Free Ticket Giveaway: https://go.viewfromthetop.com/winJoin our LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14378351/If you want to hear more speakers like this every month and be with the guys on the call, join the Iron Sharpens Iron Community today: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/isi-communityConnect with Big A:View From The Top Website: https://isibrotherhood.comThe ISI Newsletter: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/newsletterBig A’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronwalkerviewfromthetop/

"Do other men want to hang out with you if all you do is work? I enjoy different experiences, but I’m not a big fan of crazy adventures.” The craziest things we've ever done come with stories, but at what cost? Why do men feel the need for risk-taking adventures, and why do some men never get to close too true thrill? Our dialogue meanders through the realms of adventure and experience, coloring the air with anecdotes from our pasts. Big A delves into the ways his father's protective nature inadvertently sculpted his own approach to parenting and living, possibly tipping the scales towards  "overcaution." Life is a dance as intricate as it is personal, where the steps of adventure and the rhythm of experience influence not only our growth but also that of the generations to follow. What can we do to stay fulfilled and have a little fun while we're at it?Key Takeaways:Adventure vs. experiencesWhat's the point of adventure? Escaping problems vs. true thrillWhat men (and their families) need to be fulfilledTo wrap up, we extend an invitation to you, our listeners, to join us for one of our local Roundtable discussions that provide a haven for sharing aspirations and stories with peers who understand your quest for a life well-lived. Iron Sharpens Iron Live Event Free Ticket Giveaway: https://go.viewfromthetop.com/winIf you want to hear more speakers like this every month and be with the guys on the call, join the Iron Sharpens Iron Community today: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/isi-communityConnect with Big A:View From The Top Website: https://isibrotherhood.comThe ISI Newsletter: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/newsletterBig A’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronwalkerviewfromthetop/

“You’re trying to position yourself to fit in so that you feel accepted, but I don’t think that’s what belonging [means].”  Have you ever felt like nobody "gets you"? You work strange hours, you have unique hobbies, you're alone at the top of the leadership food chain... how can you belong without having to try to fit in? We pull back the curtain on our personal lives, revealing the paths we've walked—through high-society gatherings and family dynamics—to discover where we genuinely fit. Key Takeaways:Fitting in vs. belonging What's really linked to our happiness?Why forcing ourselves to "like" something won't get us real friendsWays to foster a sense of belonging in your lifeThe journey toward genuine connection doesn't end with simply finding your tribe; it's also about fostering those relationships with openness and empathy. On today's episode, we unravel the intricacies of social acceptance and the courage it takes to stand firm in one's identity.Iron Sharpens Iron Live Event Free Ticket Giveaway: https://go.viewfromthetop.com/winJoin our LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14378351/If you want to hear more speakers like this every month and be with the guys on the call, join the Iron Sharpens Iron Community today: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/isi-communityConnect with Big A:View From The Top Website: https://isibrotherhood.comThe ISI Newsletter: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/newsletterBig A’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronwalkerviewfromthetop/

"I could write a book on anxiety... I'm fighting for reconciliation within the family and the business because there's brokenness." Mystery business owner David is holding on to the threads of a 50 year legacy. Should he go with his gut or listen to the other family members about what to do with the business? How do you build a legacy for your kids and grandkids without the risk of them becoming entitled? Or do you make them work for everything they ever own? These challenges and more are the foundation of a 50 year legacy that David is facing with his siblings and his wife and his wife's siblings... yes, lots of family members AND lots of opinions at a family firm. Key Takeaways:The dangers of building your future on a handshakeThe best way forward when family problems leak into the businessHow do you honor the family legacy without compromising on dreams and values?How to set boundaries and at what costThe narrative weaves through tales of divine calling, the importance of preserving personal relationships above business dealings, and the wisdom of legacy planning. It's a candid look at the sacrifices and decisions made at the crossroads of personal aspirations and familial obligations.Win a Free Ticket for ISI Event: http://viewfromthetop.com/winConnect with Anthony Witt: witthouse.com or anthonywitt.comAnthony Witt is a professional licensed counselor and a business owner with a deep understanding of how entrepreneurship impacts personal health and those around them. Having bought, sold, and started multiple businesses, he has gained valuableexperience at the intersection of personal health and business. His belief that "a healthy business owner creates a healthy business" underscores his approach to helping entrepreneurs thrive.Connect with Bret Barnhart:Barnhartexcavating.comBret’s Calendar LinkBret’s LinkedinBret Barnhart, Jr. is the fourth generation in his family to start his own excavation company. He began Bret Barnhart Excavating (BBE) in 2002 with $1,500, a single backhoe and truck, and a trailer. Since then, BBE has grown to an entire fleet of heavy machinery and trucks, averages just under 20 employees, and grosses $4mil annually. Bret started out with the family business knowledge and expanded it. In the beginning, his work mainly consisted of general earthwork, utility installation, and excavating pools and storm shelters. As his company grew, Bret saw the need for being more specialized and began pursuing certifications for government contracts and local municipal work. Being specialized, along with having a personal mentor and joining a mastermind, has helped shape not only Bret's company but also himself as well. Bret and his wife Crystal have been married for 16 years and have two children, Cole and Adelyn.If you want to hear more speakers like this every month and be with the guys on the call, join the Iron Sharpens Iron Community today: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/isi-communityConnect with Big A:View From The Top Website: https://isibrotherhood.comThe ISI Newsletter:

"They don’t look at things as rationally as they did when they were younger. It’s a difficult conversation to have." The signs of our parents' aging may be subtle, but they're a wake-up call we unfortunately can't ignore (or at least, we shouldn't). Big A and Wally exchange heartfelt stories about the undercurrent of concern for our parents as everyone gets older. We discuss the delicate balance between stepping in to help and respecting the independence of our loved ones. Key Takeaways:What questions you should ask your parents NOWWhen do you know it's time to intervene? What if you don't have a good relationship with them?It's time to step up and have the courage to ask our parents about their will and healthcare directives. We exchange perspectives on the difficult yet necessary discussions about end-of-life preparations, emphasizing how these conversations protect the fabric of our family relationships from potential strain when they're gone.The journey of supporting aging parents is multifaceted, touching on emotional care, maintaining connections, and when to seek professional guidance. Our conversation ventures into the importance of consistent communication, the healing power of forgiveness, and the roles that hobbies and community engagement play in keeping our parents mentally active. Iron Sharpens Iron Live Event Free Ticket Giveaway: https://go.viewfromthetop.com/winIf you want to hear more speakers like this every month and be with the guys on the call, join the Iron Sharpens Iron Community today: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/isi-communityConnect with Big A:View From The Top Website: https://isibrotherhood.comThe ISI Newsletter: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/newsletterBig A’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronwalkerviewfromthetop/