The Friday Habit

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Emmy-nominated content creator, strategist, and international table tennis competitor Justin Bookey. As the author of Ping Pong Leadership: 18 Principles to Succeed at Any Table in Business, Sports, and Life, Justin shares how his lifelong passion for ping pong evolved into a leadership framework that blends sport, strategy, and self-awareness.From practicing with Olympians to advising Fortune 100 CEOs, Justin distills decades of insights into memorable “Pong Principles” that can help anyone become a more agile, authentic, and aware leader. Whether you’re running a business, leading a team, or just trying to level up personally, this conversation is full of practical wisdom, unexpected metaphors, and even a few laughs.🧠 Takeaways:Leadership is like ping pong: fast, strategic, and deeply personal.“Embrace your quirks” is more than a feel-good mantra—it’s a path to authentic influence.Don’t try to solve internal problems with external solutions.“What’s your ready position?” means more than being prepared—it’s about knowing your natural strengths and tendencies.Elegant learners stay curious and open, even when it’s hard to hear feedback.Rhythm is everything—understand your own and know when to break it.👋 Connect with Justin:pingpongleadership.comJustin Bookey on LinkedIn👉 Want to start spending more time working on your business instead of in it?Download our free guide to The Friday Habit system at thefridayhabit.com.

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Ellen Wood—CEO and co-founder of vcfo—to talk about the power of financial strategy, planning for exit, and how to build a more valuable business from day one. As a pioneer in the fractional CFO space, Ellen has helped hundreds of businesses scale, prepare for investment, and exit successfully. She shares practical advice for founders at every stage, from what entity structure to choose to how (and when) to think about your exit strategy.This episode is packed with down-to-earth insights on cash flow, culture, and planning for the long game—even if you’re just getting started.🧠 Takeaways:Every founder has a culture, whether they know it or not—it starts with you.Reverse vesting can protect equity early on in partnerships.A 13-week cash flow forecast is one of the most important tools for small businesses.Retainers and recurring revenue boost both predictability and business valuation.Customer concentration is a real risk—don't become hostage to one client.Even if you're small, you can benefit from planning—and Ellen’s free tools can help.🔧 Resources Mentioned:V360 Strategic Roadmap: vcfo’s signature planning frameworkFree Tools: Finance Pulse and HR PulseBook mention: Traction (EOS framework)🎯 For more insights like these, visit TheFridayHabit.com to download our free guide on how to spend one day a week working on your business instead of in it.

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark chats with Benjamin Johnson, serial tech co-founder and founder of Particle 41. With over two decades in software development, DevOps, and startup building, Ben shares hard-earned lessons on what it really takes to lead successful tech initiatives—from bootstrapping SaaS platforms to advising CEOs on digital strategy.They dig into the evolution of AI, the risk of overengineering, and how founders can use time-tested principles like quarterly planning, intentionality, and simplicity to build smarter—not harder. Plus, Ben explains how he turned 1,000+ unread LinkedIn messages into 10 real leads in 30 minutes using AI.If you're an entrepreneur, CTO, or creative leader navigating the tech landscape, this episode will challenge you to rethink complexity, lead with clarity, and focus on what truly matters.💡 Takeaways:You don’t need all the answers—you need a clear intention and a small next step.“Stage-appropriate decisions” help you avoid overbuilding and stay lean.AI is powerful, but not all tech is good tech—discernment is key.Quarterly planning (vs. annual) creates focus and drives momentum.Founders should demystify the tech—not hide behind it.Artificial relationships and overreliance on digital environments pose risks to younger generations.Building niche products (like Brevo vs. HubSpot) shows there’s still room for thoughtful innovation.Use “future language” with your team to unlock possibility and performance.Vector embeddings and AI search can turn customer data into real insights.Great leadership focuses on intention and empowers teams to figure out the how.🔗 Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminjohnson/https://particle41.com📚 Learn More:Visit TheFridayHabit.com for show notes, resources, and to download the free guide on working on your business—not just in it.📩 Stay Connected:Subscribe to The Friday Habit for real-world business stories, practical strategies, and weekly inspiration for entrepreneurs and creators.

In this follow-up to Episode 200: How to Build a Sellable Business, Mark sits down with Ben Manley to unpack the next phase—what happens after you sell.Ben opens up about the emotional rollercoaster, the lessons he learned from structuring the deal, and the surprising challenges that come with handing over your business. From choosing the right buyer to creating SOPs, setting expectations, and navigating post-sale training, this episode gives a full behind-the-scenes look at what selling a business really looks like.Whether you're deep in the sales process or just dreaming about an exit someday, this is essential listening for any founder who wants to sell smart—and stay sane.🧠 Takeaways:Decide what matters most: profit, legacy, team continuity?Track your trailing 12 months—timing impacts valuationKeep buyers engaged with regular updates (and maybe weekly calls)Document everything—SOPs increase your value and reduce post-sale dependencyDon’t rely on earnouts. Get what you need upfrontPlan for the emotional impact of letting go—and what’s nextRecurring revenue increases your multiple. Build it earlySelling your business is like sending your kid to college. Be ready📘 Action Step: Ben’s top recommendation: Read Built to Sell by John Warrillow.📌 Learn More Visit TheFridayHabit.com for show notes, resources, and to download the guide on working on your business instead of in it. 📣 Stay Connected Subscribe to The Friday Habit for real-world business lessons, candid conversations, and actionable strategies to help you build a business (and life) you love.

In this special 200th episode of The Friday Habit, Mark and Ben reunite to celebrate a huge milestone—and to share some big news. After nearly six years as co-hosts, Ben is officially stepping away from the mic (don’t worry, he’ll still pop in from time to time). But before he goes, he’s opening up about what it really took to build, systemize, and sell his business, Knapsack.From Bro Mountain retreats and podcast dreams to building a business that runs without you, Ben walks through his journey of creating a sellable company—from first hire to final handoff. Whether you’re dreaming of an exit or just want more freedom in your business, this episode is packed with practical lessons, honest reflections, and the kind of wisdom only 200 episodes can deliver.🧠 Takeaways:You don’t need an MBA to sell your business—just solid systems and repeatable processesSOPs aren’t helpful if no one uses them—checklists and Loom videos are a better way to trainHaving steady leads and a great reputation increases your business’s valueA strong niche and recurring revenue model can dramatically increase your valuationFinancials matter: clean books and clear reports will save you headaches when it’s time to sellThink about your exit before you need it—everyone leaves their business eventuallyProcesses aren’t about control—they’re about freedom and scalabilityBuyers want turnkey, low-risk operations, not personality-driven businessesYou can start small: document one process, one checklist at a timeReflecting on what’s next can help you build a business with purpose—not just momentum📌 Learn More Visit TheFridayHabit.com for show notes, resources, and to download the guide on working on your business instead of in it.📣 Stay Connected Subscribe to The Friday Habit for real-world business lessons, candid conversations, and actionable strategies to help you build a business (and life) you love.👋 And yes—Ben will be back now and then. You can’t get rid of him that easily.

In this episode of the Friday Habit, Nick McEvily shares his journey from design to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of customer interviews and the role of design in business success. He discusses his life in Mexico City, the challenges of the zero to one stage in startups, and the common pitfalls founders face in achieving product market fit. The discussion highlights the necessity of data-driven decision-making and the art of understanding customer needs through effective communication. In this conversation, Nick McEvily shares insights on the importance of effective listening, crafting open-ended questions for interviews, and the significance of gathering honest feedback from clients. He emphasizes the need for entrepreneurs to validate their ideas quickly and the changing landscape of venture capital, advocating for a more thoughtful approach to business development. The discussion also touches on the value of data in decision-making and the importance of humility in leadership.Takeaways:Nick McEvily emphasizes the importance of customer interviews.Design plays a crucial role in building trust with users.The zero to one stage is a critical phase for startups.Delusion can be necessary for founders to succeed.Many founders do not spend enough time understanding their customers.Effective design must resonate with the target audience.Data should back the intuition of CEOs and founders.Customer feedback can be misleading if not approached correctly.Surveys are just one tool among many for gathering insights.Building a strong narrative is essential for fundraising. Good listening skills help decipher unspoken truths.Facing the truth can lead to stronger confidence.Crafting a script is essential for effective interviews.Open-ended questions yield higher quality responses.Limit the number of questions to maintain engagement.Finding unbiased participants is crucial for research.Statistical significance is important in decision-making.Don't wait too long to present ideas to customers.Exploration leads to new opportunities and ideas.The venture capital landscape is evolving towards more validation.Connect with Nick:https://www.nickmcevily.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickmcevilyLearn More: Visit TheFridayHabit.com for show notes, resources, and to download the guide on working on your business rather than in it. Stay Connected: Subscribe to The Friday Habit for more real-life business lessons, candid conversations, and actionable strategies to elevate your entrepreneurial journey.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Nicholas McEvily  01:04 Life in Mexico City and Family  04:00 Journey into Design and Entrepreneurship  07:00 The Importance of Design in Business  10:00 Navigating the Zero to One Stage  13:04 Common Pitfalls in Product Market Fit  16:00 Insights from Customer Interviews  19:11 The Art of Listening and Understanding  20:37 Crafting Effective Interview Questions  21:33 The Importance of Open-Ended Questions  23:14 Navigating Client Relationships  25:16 Finding Participants for Research  26:23 The Value of Data in Decision Making  28:23 The Balance of Confidence and Humility  30:33 Validating Ideas Quickly  33:05 Exploring New Ventures and Markets  35:42 Learning from Failure and Exploration  37:47 The Changing Landscape of Venture Capital  39:22 Final Thoughts and Action Items  

In this episode, Mark sits down with Russel Dubree, founder of Performance Faction and former agency owner who built and sold a multi-million dollar creative business. They talk turkey (literally), before diving into the hard-won lessons of entrepreneurship—what it means to grind, the challenges of hiring and leading a team, the highs and lows of partnerships, and what ultimately led to Russel’s decision to sell his agency and pursue business coaching.In this conversation, Russel shares the real story of growing a business from nothing—starting with a $500 credit card charge and a dream, all the way to a $5M agency with 16 employees. He opens up about poor hiring decisions, burnout, navigating family and business, and the wake-up call that helped him redefine success. Now, as a coach, he helps agency leaders find their purpose, build resilient teams, and grow with clarity and intention.Takeaways:Early business lessons often come through trial by fire.Good partnerships require alignment, clarity, and tough conversations.Hiring slow (and right) is one of the most important decisions in growing an agency.Don’t build to the price—price to the value.Growth without process can create chaos, not success.Purpose—not profit—will keep you going long term.Leadership means owning your shortcomings and creating a culture that retains top talent.Time with family can’t be an afterthought. Balance comes with communication.Saying "no" is often more important than saying "yes."Success doesn’t mean burnout—it means building something meaningful, on purpose.Connect with Russel:performancefaction.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/russeldubreeLearn More: Visit TheFridayHabit.com for show notes, resources, and to download the guide on working on your business rather than in it. Stay Connected: Subscribe to The Friday Habit for more real-life business lessons, candid conversations, and actionable strategies to elevate your entrepreneurial journey.Chapters:00:00 Intro00:34 Welcome to The Friday Habit 01:14 Guest Introduction: Russel Dubree 01:48 Thanksgiving Turkey Talk 09:57 Balancing Business and Family 10:56 Entrepreneurial Beginnings 23:10 Starting a Web Development Company 29:34 Pricing and Early Challenges 33:15 Hiring and Growing the Business 36:58 Reflecting on Early Growth and Challenges 38:23 Learning from Industry Experts 41:20 Defining Moments and Major Projects 44:39 Improving Processes and Team Dynamics 49:18 Finding Passion and Purpose 54:40 Deciding to Sell the Business 58:53 Post-Sale Reflections and Future Plans 01:14:23 Final Advice and Closing Thoughts

In this episode, Mark and Data Coach Gravy discuss the significance of data in business, exploring Paul's journey from an accidental entry into the data world to becoming a successful entrepreneur. They delve into the lessons learned from the dot-com boom, the importance of data ownership, and the challenges businesses face in managing their data across various platforms. The conversation emphasizes the need for companies to recognize data as their most valuable asset and to take control of it for better decision-making and growth. In this conversation, Data Coach Gravy discusses the importance of data ownership and how leaders can simplify their approach to data management. He emphasizes that data is a company's most valuable asset and should be treated as such. The discussion also covers the evolution of data storage, the impact of AI on business, and the significance of being a data-driven leader. Gravy shares insights on leading remote teams effectively, the role of faith in leadership, and how personal relationships can enhance team dynamics. He concludes with practical advice for leaders to start integrating data into their decision-making processes.Takeaways:Data can drive growth and success for businesses.Paul's journey into data was accidental but transformative.The dot-com boom provided unique opportunities for young entrepreneurs.Learning from mistakes is crucial in business.Data ownership is essential for companies to thrive.Partnerships can complicate business dynamics.Bootstrapping allows for greater control and vision.AI is increasingly reliant on data for effectiveness.Companies must integrate their scattered data for better insights.Understanding data as an asset is vital for modern businesses. Who you are as a company is your data.Data is incredibly simple: strings, dates, and numbers.Leaders must take ownership of their data.SaaS systems are proliferating and are here to stay.AI is integral to the future of business.Love your team to foster better leadership.Success is defined by the love and respect of those who know you best.Having a moral compass simplifies decision-making.Challenges often indicate you're on the right path.Start replacing assumptions with data-driven questions.Connect with Paul: https://www.thedatagroup.cloud/https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgraeveLearn More: Visit TheFridayHabit.com for show notes, resources, and to download the guide on working on your business rather than in it. Stay Connected: Subscribe to The Friday Habit for more real-life business lessons, candid conversations, and actionable strategies to elevate your entrepreneurial journey.

Join hosts Ben and Mark on 'The Friday Habit' as they welcome Chris Ronzio, founder and CEO of Trainual, a leading SaaS platform for small business training and onboarding. They delve into discussions about organizational charts, systems, and processes essential for business scalability. Chris shares insights from his journey, including his consulting background, the development of Trainual, and his entrepreneurial roots. He also talks about his book 'The Business Playbook,' which serves as a comprehensive guide for creating effective business systems. Packed with valuable advice and humorous anecdotes, this episode provides a deep dive into the world of small business management and optimization.Key Takeaways:Chris Ronzio shares his entrepreneurial journey from childhood side hustles to founding a successful SaaS company.Trainual began as a simple internal tool within Chris’s consulting business before evolving into a platform used by 7,000+ companies worldwide.Chris bootstrapped his first real business—a youth sports video production company—at just 14 years old and ran it for over a decade.His transition into consulting exposed him to 150+ businesses, helping him identify scalable patterns in operations and onboarding.The decision to pivot fully from consulting to launching Trainual as a SaaS company was driven by a desire to solve deeper business problems with greater impact.Creating role clarity, documenting systems, and defining responsibilities are essential for building scalable businesses—even in teams as small as five people.Chris emphasizes the importance of productizing services and standardizing internal processes to reduce chaos and boost efficiency.His bestselling book, The Business Playbook, offers a practical guide for building a scalable operations manual and aligning your team.The culture at Trainual prioritizes clarity, thoughtful onboarding, and enabling every team member to thrive in their roles.Success often starts with giving generously—Chris built trust, reputation, and opportunity through offering free help before monetizing his expertise.Connect with Chris: Website: trainual.comLinkedIn: Chris RonzioLearn More: Visit TheFridayHabit.com for show notes, resources, and to download the guide on working on your business rather than in it. Stay Connected: Subscribe to The Friday Habit for more real-life business lessons, candid conversations, and actionable strategies to elevate your entrepreneurial journey.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:06 Meet Chris Ronzio: Founder and CEO of Train01:17 Fun Icebreaker: Unlimited Service for a Year02:20 The Importance of Relaxation and Meditation04:07 Chris Ronzio's Background and Early Life07:08 Entrepreneurial Spirit: Early Ventures10:28 Transition to Consulting and New Challenges18:06 The Birth of Train: From Consulting to SaaS21:41 The Challenges of Starting a Podcast22:38 From Consulting to Equity Projects23:28 The Leap to SaaS26:34 Adapting Team Roles for SaaS30:22 The Importance of Clear Roles in a Company33:44 Writing and Marketing 'The Business Playbook'38:56 Final Thoughts and Takeaways