The Builders

Welcome to another engaging episode of The Builders. I'm your host, Matt Levenhagen, and today I'm excited to share my insights on a topic that's fundamental to the success of any agency: The Art of Capturing. In this episode, I delve into how capturing every detail, be it client requests, teamwork dynamics, access control, or the creation of comprehensive how-to guides, forms the backbone of effective agency management. As someone who has navigated the transition from solo work to leading a team within a bustling web design and development agency, I've experienced first-hand the challenges and rewards of this evolution. I'll walk you through the journey of how we transitioned from using Notion to Atlassian Confluence and finally to ClickUp, exploring the unique advantages each tool offered in managing our complex tasks. An integral part of this process is capturing client requests accurately and effectively. I'll discuss strategies and systems we’ve implemented to ensure every client communication is documented and organized, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. Additionally, I'll share how tools like Slack and ClickUp have revolutionized our approach to teamwork and communication, fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment. Security and accessibility are paramount in our line of work. I'll talk about how we handle sensitive client information and access management, particularly our adoption of 1Password. This tool has been a game-changer in securely managing access details and ensuring our clients' data is safe. Lastly, I’ll touch on the importance of creating detailed how-to guides. These resources are not just about giving instructions; they are about building a knowledge base that empowers the team and enhances our service quality. Join me in this episode as I unfold the layers of capturing every crucial aspect of agency work, a practice that has been instrumental in the growth and success of my agency. Whether you’re running an agency, part of a team, or just interested in organizational strategies, there’s something in this episode for everyone. Let’s dive in!

In this solo episode of The Builders, I'm thrilled to share my journey with you – a story of growth, learning, and innovation. We delve into how my agency has evolved over the years, embracing challenges such as full-site editing themes and headless CMS in WordPress. Our conversation takes you through the trenches, revealing how we've expanded our services beyond traditional WordPress development, including working with videographers and copywriters to deliver sophisticated and comprehensive solutions. I discuss our venture into headless CMS projects, reflecting our commitment to stay on the cutting edge of technology. This episode isn't just about the technicalities; it's a reflection on growth mindset, stretching our capabilities, and the importance of a versatile, skilled team. I hope this episode inspires you, whether you're a web developer, an agency owner, or simply someone passionate about the ever-evolving world of digital creation.

Join me, Matt Levenhagen, as I welcome David Caha to "The Builders" for a captivating episode where we delve deep into the realm of marketing analytics. David isn't your typical marketing guru; with a background steeped in academia and science, he brings a fresh, meticulous perspective to the digital marketing landscape. In this episode, we explore how David transitioned from the academic world to launching his own agency, focusing particularly on the health and wellness industry, where precision and care in analytics are paramount.We tackle the often-underestimated importance of analytics in marketing, discussing not only its challenges but also the undeniable benefits it brings to the table. From the initial investment to the ongoing maintenance, we dissect what it truly takes to implement an analytical approach and how it can transform the effectiveness of marketing strategies through methods like A-B testing and targeted traffic analysis.For entrepreneurs and business owners alike, understanding the intricacies of website investment, maintenance, and the pitfalls of neglect are crucial. David and I dive into these topics, emphasizing the importance of finding clients who value digital growth and the necessity of building solid relationships. As we wrap up, we touch on David's specialized work in the burgeoning field of psychedelic therapy and how carving out a unique niche in the market can position an agency as a leading expert.Whether you're looking to enhance your digital marketing prowess or just curious about the intersection of science and marketing, this episode is an invaluable resource. Tune in to gain insights that could be the game-changer for your business's online presence.

I'm delighted to welcome Joel Salomon back to another episode of "The Builders." Joel is a master prosperity coach, and he's got some serious wisdom to share about the power of mindset in business. I was particularly struck by his story about starting his hedge fund, where he "acted as if" he had secured initial investments—and then actually secured them. It's a must-listen for any entrepreneur out there. In this episode, we dig deep into the role of mindset, especially for those of us grinding it out in the entrepreneurial trenches. From actionable strategies like understanding your sales numbers to the importance of visualization and vision boards, we cover it all. But it's not just about the business side of things; Joel also shares valuable insights into personal growth, letting go, and even the energy of money. So, tune in to learn how to elevate your mindset and your business. Whether you're just starting out or you're an established business owner, this episode is packed with tips that can help you act "as if" your dreams are already a reality. Trust me, you don't want to miss this one!

Hey everyone, welcome back to "The Builders" podcast, Episode #143. Today, we delve into the nitty-gritty of business challenges and the transformative power of understanding your numbers with Colin Sanburg. Colin is not just a business owner; he's a business turner-arounder. He's navigated the complexities of financial difficulties, made tough calls, and ultimately emerged stronger. This episode is packed with wisdom as Colin shares his journey from facing challenges in manufacturing to becoming an investor with a keen eye for numbers. We discuss the importance of strategic accounting, not just for number-crunchers but for every business owner. Whether you're in digital or traditional sectors, understanding your numbers is key to overcoming challenges and ensuring profitability and cash flow. We're all about actionable insights here on "The Builders." So, if you're in the business of better living through business savvy, you know what to do—hit that subscribe button and let's keep the conversation going!

In this episode of #TheBuilders, we dive deep into the journey of transitioning from an operator to an owner in your business. If you've ever felt stuck in the daily grind, handling every detail yourself, this episode will offer you actionable insights to break free and elevate your role.We discuss the importance of systems, processes, and clear communication within a team. You can't expect your team to read your mind, so we tackle the pitfalls of not having a well-defined process and how it hampers growth. Whether you're struggling with outsourcing or keeping your team aligned, we cover it all here.Don't miss out on this episode if you're aiming to work "on" your business rather than "in" it. We get into the nitty-gritty of making your business more sellable and freeing up your time, all while it continues to grow and profit. Tune in now!

In this episode, I delve into a weekend getaway that turned into an unexpected business troubleshooting adventure. As entrepreneurs, we often find ourselves in situations where business challenges don't respect our personal time. This weekend was no exception. As I was enjoying a Frank Lloyd Wright tour, the tranquility was punctuated by client emergencies that needed my immediate attention. But being prepared has always been my mantra, and this scenario tested my readiness and responsiveness against unforeseen business hurdles. Equipped with my trusty laptop and the essential tools of my trade, I navigated through client and partner issues, ensuring that business continuity was maintained even in my absence. I share how the ability to stay connected, having a reliable team back at base, and maintaining open channels of communication with clients and partners can make a huge difference in managing unexpected business issues. It's about striking that delicate balance between addressing critical business needs and enjoying a well-deserved personal break, showcasing the life of an entrepreneur in its true, unpredictable form. Join me in this candid narrative as I unfold the events of that weekend, share the lessons learned, and the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. Whether you're on a weekend getaway or simply away from your desk, the business world continues to spin, and how we respond to these unforeseen challenges defines our entrepreneurial journey. It's a blend of preparation, rapid response, and maintaining a calm demeanor amidst the chaos that keeps the entrepreneurial spirit resilient and ready for whatever comes next.

Welcome to another eye-opening episode of "The Builders" podcast. Today, I'm thrilled to bring you an enlightening conversation with Kris Ward, a visionary entrepreneur and author who knows a thing or two about work-life balance. In this episode, we delve into how you can build a business that enhances your life instead of draining it—because let's face it, who wants to be a slave to their business? Kris started her entrepreneurial journey 14 years ago, navigating from exhaustive 12-hour workdays to a liberating 6-hour schedule without compromising the growth of her business. She even managed to step away for two years without causing a blip on her company's radar. How did she do it? By focusing on what truly matters and implementing strategies that align her business goals with her personal aspirations. We also explore the "3 D's" that could be damaging your business, why a $5/hour help could be a game-changer for you, and how changing lives across the globe can simultaneously elevate your business. Join us as we uncover valuable insights for entrepreneurs who dream of a life that's about more than just business. Buckle up, Builders; this episode is a game-changer.

Hey there, Builders! Welcome to Episode #139 of "The Builders" podcast. This episode is an absolute treasure trove for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, AI, and business growth. I had the pleasure of diving deep into a conversation with Jonathan Green, an expert in AI and ChatGPT technologies. We explored everything from the setbacks that fueled our entrepreneurial journeys to the strategies that have helped us succeed.In this episode, Jonathan shares invaluable insights on the practical aspects of entrepreneurship, such as attracting clients, learning from experiences, and the necessity of taking massive actions. We also got into the nitty-gritty of AI, discussing how to best interact with it to streamline business operations. If you've ever been curious about how AI can be a game-changer for your business, you won't want to miss this.But it's not just all technical talk. Jonathan and I get personal, discussing our own setbacks, learnings, and how we've evolved our businesses over the years. You'll hear about the importance of personal branding, pricing strategies, and even how to "fire" clients that are not a good fit.So tune in, take notes, and get ready to build a smarter, more efficient business. Don't forget to hit that subscribe button for more insights and stories from the trenches of entrepreneurship!

Hey everyone, it's Matt Levenhagen! In this special episode of "The Builders," I sit down with an incredible guest, Joel Salomon, who shares his remarkable journey from starting to pursue his dream job in money management in 1992 after finding a roadmap to follow to eventually launching his own hedge fund by 2012. But the didn't end up being all smooth sailing; just as he thought he had it all figured out, his initial investors pulled out, throwing a curveball his way. Learn how 'act as if' and manifestation played a role. I was truly inspired by how he took this setback as a chance for personal growth. In December 2015, he listened to a speaker who was dishing out bad financial advice to his audience. That led him to a pivotal moment of clarity, realizing his ultimate goal and purpose: to help others achieve financial freedom. We also dive deep into the world of self-publishing. My guest has penned three impactful books, one of which became a bestseller in its first week! He shares invaluable insights for anyone looking to publish their work. We wrap up the episode by exploring one of the most potent rules from his best-selling book—Belief. So, grab your favorite cup of joe, and let's jump right into this inspiring tale!