But First, Principles!

Today’s Guests: Kate Atkisson & Clay Black of Ripple Effect
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Guest Links:
Kate Atkisson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateatkisson/
Clay Black: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clayblack-creative/

In this episode, Colin sits down with Kate Atkisson and Clay Black from Ripple Effect to explore what it really takes to grow a brand that connects with people. Drawing from their experience as marketing strategists and entrepreneurs, they unpack the realities of brand growth, audience connection, and why embracing chaos is often part of the process.

Kate...

Today’s Guest: Katherine Ross of Ross Media Solutions
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Guest Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharine-ross-rms-seniorsguide/

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This Episode:

In this episode, Colin sits down with Katherine Ross of Ross Media Solutions to discuss entrepreneurship, marketing, and what it means to truly put people first in business. Katherine shares her journey working within a family business and how her values have shaped both leadership decisions and long-term strategy.

They explore the evolution of media and marketing, the continued relevance of print...

Today’s Guest: Tim Amos of T.A.W. Construction
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Guest Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-amos-8600b0a2/

This Episode:

In this episode, Colin sits down with Tim Amos, founder of T.A.W. Construction, to explore his journey from structural engineer to successful construction business owner. Tim shares how a quality-first mindset—not profit alone—has shaped his company, partnerships, and long-term success.

They discuss navigating market shifts, overcoming fear and conflict, and why helping others is a core part of sustain...

Today’s Guest: Debbie Erwin of Lighthouse Network
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Guest Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/irwindj/

This Episode:
In this episode, Colin sits down with Debbie Erwin, Executive Director of Lighthouse Network, to talk about what really happens between startup hype and success. Debbie shares lessons from her own founder journey and why the “messy middle” is where many entrepreneurs get stuck.

They discuss emotional decision-making, realistic founder support, and why community, financial clarity, and validation matter more than chasing perfection. This conversation offers practical...

Today’s Guest: Scott Hicks of Ballyhoo
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Guest Links:
[https://www.linkedin.com/in/dscotthicks/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dscotthicks/)

This Episode:
In this conversation, Scott Hicks, founder of Ballyhoo Digital, shares his entrepreneurial journey, the evolution of his marketing philosophy, and the principles that guide how he builds and leads his company. Scott discusses why your path to success rarely looks the way you expect, why profit shouldn’t be your primary motivator, and how flexibility plays a defining role in entrepreneurship. He dives into the i...

Today’s Guest: Annie Holland of Mission Made Modern
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Guest Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-holland9/

This Episode:
In this conversation, Annie Holland, founder of Mission Made Modern, shares her journey into nonprofit marketing and how she helps mission-driven organizations tell their stories online. Annie reflects on her early leadership roles, her formative years in the restaurant industry, and how those experiences shaped her entrepreneurial approach. She opens up about the challenges of balancing multiple responsibilities, the importance of setting boundaries, and why empowering others is at th...

Today’s Guest: Geoffrey Giraud of Karahiyo
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Guest Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffreygiraud/

This Episode:
In this conversation, Geoffrey Giraud, founder of Karahiyo, shares insights into his entrepreneurial journey in the beverage industry and the creation of his signature espresso martini product. He discusses the importance of focusing on your strengths as a founder, the central role of networking, and why sales must remain the top priority in any business. Geoffrey also highlights the power of hospitality in creating memorable experiences, the challenges and setbacks...

Today’s Guest: Sandra Myers of Select Date Society
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Guest Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-boccia-myers/

This Episode:
In this conversation, Sandra Myers, co-founder of Select Date Society, shares her insights into elite matchmaking, entrepreneurship, and building a business rooted in integrity and high-touch service. She discusses the execution challenges that all entrepreneurs face, the importance of choosing the right business partner, and how adaptability, especially during the pandemic, helped her company thrive. Sandra also reflects on starting a business later in life, building a strong t...

Today’s Guest: Steven Sadler of REVA & Allegiancy
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Guest Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-sadler-696676a/
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This Episode:
In this conversation, Steven Sadler, CEO of REVA, shares the principles that have guided his career in real estate and entrepreneurship. He talks about building a business on integrity, staying focused during economic disruptions, and leading with value. Steven also highlights the importance of family balance, strong sales skills, and committing fully to your purpose. His journey offers clear and practical insights for anyone working to grow a resili...

🎙️ Today’s guest: Justin Bajan of Familiar Creatures (Part 2)

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Guest Links

https://www.familiarcreatures.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinbajan/

This Episode

In Part 2 of our conversation with Justin Bajan, co-founder of Familiar Creatures, we uncover how this small agency not only survived a turbulent time but used it to grow and innovate. Justin breaks down how the agency held revenue steady during COVID and uses AI as both a creative and strategic business tool. We explore the "small but might...

🎙️ Today’s guest: Justin Bajan of Familiar Creatures 

Don’t forget! Like - Comment - Subscribe

Guest Links

https://www.familiarcreatures.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinbajan/

This Episode

In Part 1 of our conversation with Justin Bajan, co-founder of Familiar Creatures, we explore what it takes to build a successful creative agency without falling into the hustle trap. Justin reveals why patience is the real superpower in entrepreneurship. He explains how challenger brands win by being nimble, bold, and unapologetically different. We dive into what marketing actually works for...

Today’s guest: Jonathan Rhudy of Rhudy & Co. Strategic Communications

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Guest links: https://www.rhudy.biz,

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-rhudy-apr-2838434/

This Episode: From driving the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile to guiding companies through media storms, Jonathan shows how perseverance, optimism, narrative mastery, and integrity shape a career, and how entrepreneurs can apply the same mindset today.

💡 Key Takeaways
Running a business requires a marathon mindset, not a sprint.

AI is profoundly affecting the way we...

💼 Build the Dream Without Quitting the Day Job
Marshall proves you don’t have to “burn the boats” to build a business. While working in cybersecurity, he runs a real estate portfolio, a mobile detailing company, and now Finstrike—a growing SaaS platform tackling teen financial literacy.

💡 Financial Education for the Next Generation
Finstrike fills the massive gap in teen and parent financial education, teaching real-world skills like savings rates, mindset, and financial agency. No fluff—just practical tools for long-term independence.

⚙️ Automation over Overwhelm
With a laser focus on systems, Marshall has automated his bu...

🎷 Richmond’s Rising Jazz Hub
Tom Illmensee, founder of Orbital Music Park, is building a world-class jazz venue in Richmond modeled on the intimacy and energy of legendary clubs like Ronnie Scott’s and Blue Note. He’s creating not just shows, but experiences — spaces where musicians and audiences lock into the same moment.

🌱 From Corporate Strategy to Community Sound
After years in UX and product strategy — including roles at Prezi and in Fortune 500 teams — Tom returned to Richmond to blend his startup mindset with his musical roots. He’s applying lean startup methods to physical space, desi...

🏗️ Real Estate Media, Rebuilt for the Long Haul

Rob Malan, founder and president of HD Bros, led the company through a tough 2023 — including layoffs and a leadership shift — and came back stronger. In 2024, revenue is already up 20%, with a 25% growth trajectory projected for 2025. The key? Focus, fundamentals, and a single decision-maker model.

🧠 Hard Truths for Business Owners

Rob’s philosophy is simple but sharp: “Cash is king,” and most business bottlenecks start with the owner. He shares the raw lessons behind HD Bros’ turnaround, from dropping consensus paralysis to rebuilding culture around retention and service — not sh...

🌱 Richmond Roots, Global Vision
Though originally from Northern Ireland, Ryan McCarroll launched answerthis.io while at the University of Richmond, taking it from a dorm-room idea to $50,000/month in recurring revenue.

🧠 Sell First, Study Later
Ryan doesn’t believe in focus groups or marketing theory. His philosophy? If no one buys it, it doesn’t work. He built Answer This IO by testing in the real world—selling before scaling.

📖 Curing Research Fatigue
Answer This IO speeds up academic research with real citations, tailored tools, and clarity ChatGPT can’t deliver—empowering researchers to focu...

Cozy Home Community is building what no one else is: affordable, community-driven housing for middle-income seniors. Think 1200 sq ft homes, a shared community house, and purpose-driven living—all without the price tag of traditional senior communities.

🔍 Ignored Market = Biggest Opportunity
Matt helped brands like Walmart and Google see the $8 trillion power of the 50+ market. Now, he’s solving their housing crisis—proving again that serving the overlooked is the smartest play in business.

💡 Vision over Obstacles
A serial entrepreneur with 25+ years of lessons (and failures), Matt knows success isn’t about perfection—it’s about resil...

🎮 Own the Game—Literally.

Forget renting pixels. Two Robots is a blockchain-based strategy game where your digital items are authentically yours—trackable, tradable, and infused with real-world bragging rights (yes, even if Elon Musk owned the sword before you).

🌍 From Airbnb to Istanbul: Funding the Future of Gaming

Omar built his indie gaming dream from engineering grit and Airbnb cash flow, ditching the 9–5 to travel the world and reinvent what digital ownership means—for both gamers and global citizens.

🔗 Blockchain over AI? Omar Thinks So.

While everyone’s chasing artificia...

🚀 From Struggle to Strategy: Building a Sellable Business, Not Just Revenue
Will Melton turned a childhood of financial hardship into a CEO mindset focused on enterprise value, not just income. With a clear 10x growth vision, he’s designing Exponent 21 to become a scalable, sellable asset, not just a hustle.

🤖 Dominate AI Search Before It Dominates You
With 60% of Google searches ending in zero clicks and AI summaries now stealing visibility, Will’s team at Exponent 21 is leading the charge in AI SEO — getting clients to the top of search and keeping them there with cutting-edge...

🔬 Wellness, Rewired: The Lab That Personalizes Your Health Plan
Metafit RX isn’t a gym — it’s Richmond’s only evidence-based performance lab. Using DEXA scans, metabolic testing, and VO2 max data, they help people 40+ design health plans that actually work, based on your body, not industry fads.

💡 From Rock Bottom to Referrals: The Comeback Fueled by Purpose
After nearly shutting down in 2023 under six-figure debt, Metafit RX roared back thanks to physician partnerships and word-of-mouth momentum. Now, 70% of their business comes from referrals — because real results create real advocates.

🧬 Next-Gen Health Starts Here...

🎥 From Church Soundboards to CEO
Alexis Michelle turned a childhood passion for media ministry into a thriving creative production agency—blending faith, grit, and hands-on experience in large-scale events, music, and storytelling.

📸 Creative Vision, Business Precision
Balancing artistry with entrepreneurship, Alexis built a studio known for clean, impactful visuals, tight project workflows, and strategic branding—offering photography, filmmaking, and design with clarity and purpose.

🌍 Telling Stories That Matter
With a heart for mental health, community uplift, and global impact, Alexis is launching documentary films and helping brands and nonprofits tell their stories with power, b...

🛋️ From Fashion to Furnishings, Built to Scale
With roots in New York’s Garment Center and decades of design experience, Kathy Corbet turned her passion into a powerhouse—blending style, strategy, and systems to scale a thriving Richmond-based firm.
📐 Design That Delivers—With Process and Purpose
From fixer-uppers to full remodels, Kathy leads projects with end-to-end management, quality control, and data-driven decisions—combining artistry with airtight operations and industry-savvy strategy.
🚀 A Connector, Creator, and Constant Learner
A pioneer in digital marketing and industry leadership, Kathy keeps evolving—earning her Class A remodeler’s license, scouting global trends...

🎯 Real Connections for Real Adults
Frustrated by niche meetups and impersonal apps, Sam Lydard built Trying to Adult RVA—a vibrant, inclusive space where 20- and 30-somethings in Richmond can make friends and find love, without the awkward small talk.

📈 From Side Hustle to Scalable Movement
What started as a mini-golf night with 30 people is now a growing community with standardized systems, volunteer ambassadors, and business partnerships—all run by Sam while juggling a corporate career.

💡 Changing the Way Adults Meet
Sam’s mission is bold and refreshingly human: create low-pressure, real-world spaces for frie...

💃 From Burnout to Breakthrough

After rediscovering joy through dance, Mare turned her passion into Soulshine Studios—a space rooted in authenticity, brain-boosting movement, and the belief that your best business is built by being yourself.

🌍 Global Perspective, Local Impact

From teaching in Paris and London to building a hybrid studio community in Richmond during lockdown, Mare blends international experience with deep community roots to deliver transformational wellness experiences.

🌟 Solo Vision, Soulful Growth

Now leading Soulshine solo, Mare is expanding into retreats, corporate wellness, and new creative ventures—all with a mission to...

💡 Healthcare with Heart

Born from personal experience and a vision for compassionate care, Infusion Solutions delivers dignity-driven treatment—offering private rooms, heated chairs, and comfort for both patients and families.

🏥 A Patient-First Business That Breaks the Mold

Infusion Solutions operates independently of physician practices, welcomes all referrals, and treats every person like family—choosing community impact over profit and slow, sustainable growth over scale.

🌟 Kindness is the Core Strategy

For founder Lucian Roberts, Long COVID was a wake-up call. Now he leads with kindness, listens deeply to staff and patients, and...

🌟 From Refugee Camps to Boardrooms
With a lifelong commitment to service—from directing Red Cross efforts at 17 to leading Make-A-Wish nationally—Karen Webb brings unmatched heart, grit, and cross-sector experience to every role she takes on.

🤝 Champion for Small Business and Community Growth
Now leading the Chesterfield Chamber, Karen connects nonprofits, businesses, and government to build stronger communities—believing small businesses are the backbone of the economy and collaboration is key.

🔥 All-In Leadership with Real-World Impact
Known for her clarity, conviction, and inclusive approach, Karen meets people where they are and helps them grow—offer...

⚓ From Military Service to Mission-Driven Business
After navigating poverty, military service, and major health setbacks, Adam Furman left corporate life to build Bellamax Contracting—a veteran-owned firm helping others find freedom through entrepreneurship and government contracts.

💡 Wisdom Earned, Not Just Learned
With a mindset shaped by hardship and transformation, Adam teaches others to turn life’s “landmines into buried treasure”—focusing on impact, ownership, and building a life that lasts beyond the paycheck.

🤝 Helping Vets & Founders Win in Government Contracting
Certified as a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, Bellamax is more than a company—it’...

🎬 From Mission Work to Media Impact
After a global career with the International Mission Board, Craig Martin launched The Good Road—a nationally broadcast PBS series that highlights changemakers from all walks of life, now in its fifth season.
🌍 Storytelling with Purpose and Values
Guided by principles of cultural change, inclusivity, and measurable impact, Craig uses storytelling to elevate voices often overlooked—showing that every person, no matter their background, has value.
💡 A Life and Business Transformed
Since embracing sobriety and holistic health, Craig has doubled down on purpose-driven business—blending media, music, and mission with a...

🏢 With deep expertise in business strategy and HR, Doug and Polly White transitioned from advising small businesses to building Gather—an eight-location co-working brand born from client demand.
📈 Scaling Businesses the Smart Way
Specialists in small business growth, they guide companies through the toughest transition: moving from hands-on owners to structured, scalable enterprises with the right managers, processes, and metrics.
💡 Resilient Leadership, People-First Approach
By prioritizing employees, adapting to crises like COVID-19, and reinvesting in their vision, Doug and Polly built a values-driven company that thrives on trust, transparency, and long-term success.

We hope you en...

🎨 Revolutionizing the Art Market for 23 Years
Crossroads Art Center redefined the gallery model—offering artists rental space and low commissions instead of unsustainable traditional structures. With a business-first approach, Jenni Kirby built a thriving, inclusive art hub.
📈 Blending Business Savvy with Artistic Vision
From launching an online store to leveraging data-driven marketing, Crossroads stays ahead in a shifting industry—helping artists sell globally while providing a space for customers to experience art’s emotional impact.
🏆 A Legacy of Community & Innovation
With a hands-on team, a supportive workplace, and deep ties to Richmond’s evolving business scene, J...

🚀 With a background in finance, Chadwick Blythe made the leap into the tech world—becoming the first non-tech hire at a startup that went head-to-head with industry giants.

📈 Innovating Financial Planning Software
Chad played a key role in revolutionizing financial tech—driving a web-based approach that prioritized user-friendly design and seamless integration.

🏆 Culture-First Growth
Believing in hiring for attitude and fostering a fun, supportive work environment, Chad helped build a company where innovation thrived alongside employee well-being.

We hope you enjoy.

Colin and the But First, Principles team.

#newseries...

🎨 After leading design at Chipotle, Warby Parker, and Kayak, Christine Brown left the corporate world to co-found Group Chat Studio—bringing big-brand expertise to businesses of all sizes.

⚡ Agile, Efficient, and Impact-Driven
With a word-of-mouth-powered business model, Group Chat streamlines branding from months to weeks, customizes teams per project, and prioritizes transparency and efficiency in every engagement.

🚀 Shaping the Future of Design
Committed to ethical work, work-life balance, and empowering fellow designers, Christine is exploring digital products, industry leadership, and long-term business evolution—all while delivering standout branding solutions.

Colin and the But Firs...

🚀 From Startup to Market Leader
Launched in 2020 with just two trucks, Cavalier Moving quickly expanded to multiple locations and diversified into cleaning services—all while staying debt-free and paying employees above industry standards for top-tier service.
📈 Smart Growth & Strong Leadership
By removing founders from daily operations, training a strong management team, and maintaining strict professionalism, Cavalier Moving thrived—growing 30% in 2024 despite industry challenges.
🔮 Big Vision, Bold Moves
With plans to expand into storage, pet boarding, and even property development, Cavalier Moving isn’t just moving people—it’s moving the industry forward.
We hope you enjoy.

⚡ Founded as an electrical construction company, Davison Green Services skyrocketed from $17M in 2019 to a projected $40M in 2023—led by Greg Green, who worked his way up from the trades to CEO.
📈 Smart Scaling & Strong Leadership
By embracing continuous learning, building a leadership team, and expanding into HVAC and plumbing, Greg transformed the company while implementing financial systems to sustain rapid growth.
💡 A Purpose-Driven Future
With EOS guiding operations, a commitment to five-star service, and a focus on giving back through Special Olympics and local charities, Davison Green Services is building more than infrastructure—it’s building bet...

After eight years in insurance, Zach Allen turned his passion into a business—taking Discount Depot from a local store to a multi-platform liquidation powerhouse with Excess for Less and Discount Goods on Whatnot.

📊 Mastering the Liquidation Game

By leveraging math skills, negotiation tactics, and industry expertise, Zach thrives in the liquidation market—sourcing top-tier returns, overstock, and damaged-box goods from major retailers to offer unbeatable deals.

📡 Leading the Social Selling Revolution

With social selling booming worldwide, Zach is ahead of the curve—building a thriving Whatnot channel, hiring for live selling role...

In this episode of But First, Principles!, host Colin Davis sits down with James Warren, founder of Share More Stories and the SEEQ platform. James shares his journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, his partnership with a mentor, and the challenges he faced along the way. He also dives into his mission to "create empathy at scale" and how storytelling can drive deeper connections and understanding.

If you're interested in leadership, innovation, and the power of stories, this conversation is for you!

We hope you enjoy.

Colin and the But First, Principles team.<...

In this episode of But First, Principles!, host Colin Davis sits down with Christian Simpson, founder of Virginia Injury Law, to discuss his journey in building a successful law firm. Christian shares his background story, the challenges he faced along the way, and the key strategies that helped him scale his practice.

If you're interested in entrepreneurship, legal industry insights, or growing a service-based business, this episode is for you!

📌 Subscribe for more expert conversations on business and leadership!

We hope you enjoy.

Colin and the But First, Principles team.

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In this episode of But First, Principles!, host Colin Davis sits down with Ohad Idan, founder of Praxis, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey. Ohad shares how he started the company, a defining challenge that tested his commitment to his values, and the importance of truly seeing things from the client’s perspective.

If you’re a business leader looking to build a values-driven company and strengthen client relationships, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

📌 Subscribe for more leadership and business wisdom!

We hope you enjoy.

Colin and the But First, Princip...

Building a business comes with challenges—pressure, tough decisions, and the constant push to grow. In this episode of But First, Principles! host Colin Davis sits down with Duke Dodson, an entrepreneur who grew up in a family of business owners and learned valuable lessons along the way.

Duke shares his journey of launching a property management company, the challenges of downsizing, and how he stayed focused while investing in related ventures. Through it all, he relied on key principles to navigate the highs and lows—principles that can help you build a strong foundation for your own...

Welcome to our first episode of But First, Principles!

Join us for an engaging interview with Deryle as he shares how he turned a common industry challenge into a game-changing, customer-first business model. Discover his innovative “retail-to-retail” approach that’s transforming the way recreational vehicles are bought and sold. We also dive into the values that inspire Deryle’s bold philosophy and drive his business success—all with plenty of banter and laughs along the way. Don’t miss this one!

We hope you enjoy.

Colin and the But First, Principles team.

#newser...