Success—everyone wants it, but what does it really mean? In this thought-provoking episode of Against the Grain, brothers Josh and Jacob Golden strip away the Instagram filters to reveal what true success in business actually looks like.

We start by tackling a question that hits at the heart of modern entrepreneurship: is your idea of success truly your own, or is it shaped by what you see online? Those influencers with luxury cars, million-dollar homes and perfectly curated morning routines might be defining success for you without you even realizing it. We share our personal journey of defining success beyond material wealth to include being present as husbands, fathers, and business owners.

The conversation shifts to practical considerations about scaling income without multiplying stress. Drawing from our experience building Golden Plumbing from scratch, we break down how larger revenue brings larger problems—"if you want to make a million dollars a year, you're going to have million-dollar problems." Yet we also reveal the systems and mindset shifts that have allowed us to grow while preserving our sanity and family relationships.

We don't hold back when dismantling common business myths. That "grind 24/7" mentality? Potentially destructive. The idea that a superior product sells itself? Complete fantasy. Through real examples from our plumbing business, we demonstrate why marketing is essential regardless of your service quality, and why sustainable growth beats burnout-inducing hustle culture.

Most powerfully, we address what happens when motivation fades—as it inevitably will. Our most valuable insight might be this: "If you have an inability to quit, you will be successful." While others fold when business gets tough, those who stubbornly persist through unmotivated days are the ones who ultimately succeed.

Have questions for us or topics you'd like covered in future episodes? Drop them in the comments—we're building this community with you and want to address what matters most on your entrepreneurial journey.

The journey from tradesperson to business owner is filled with unexpected challenges—none more critical than building the right team to fuel your growth. In this candid conversation, we pull back the curtain on the real struggles of running a growing plumbing company and the hard lessons we've learned about hiring, training, and retaining quality people.

What keeps most skilled tradespeople from growing their businesses? Often, it's the inability to let go of control. "No one does it better than me" is the mindset that keeps countless service businesses stuck at the solo-operator level. We share our own struggles with delegation and how we finally broke through this common barrier.

The skilled labor shortage has created a hiring crisis across the trades, with workers able to jump from company to company seeking better opportunities. We discuss proven strategies for employee retention that go beyond competitive pay, including creating clear growth paths and maintaining positive company culture. As we learned the hard way, "You can teach someone the trade, but you can't teach someone to care."

Perhaps most revealing is our discussion about hiring mistakes—the impulsive decisions we made early on and how they shaped our current, more disciplined approach to building our team. We also explore the critical connection between proper pricing strategies and the ability to hire quality people, a relationship many new business owners fail to recognize until it's too late.

Whether you're a solo tradesperson considering your first hire or a growing service company looking to scale to the next level, this episode offers hard-won insights on building a team that shares your vision and can help take your business from surviving to thriving. Join us for an honest conversation about the human side of business growth and the leadership challenges few talk about openly.

The podcast dives into the unvarnished truths of small business ownership, revealing the unseen challenges, cash flow issues, and the critical importance of effective partnerships and customer service. Through personal anecdotes and industry insights, the hosts shed light on the realities of entrepreneurship while emphasizing the need for persistence, adaptability, and a focus on employee well-being.

• Exploring daily life of small business owners
• Discussing misconceptions about entrepreneurship
• Addressing common cash flow challenges
• Analyzing industry-specific hurdles and startup failures
• Highlighting the importance of partnership and communication
• Navigating customer service dynamics and reviews
• Emphasizing employee value in sustainable growth
• Key takeaways for aspiring entrepreneurs

Ever wondered what drives someone to leave everything behind and take on the rigorous challenges of the Marine Corps? Meet Jacob, whose story of transformation from a high school graduate to a dedicated Marine and beyond is nothing short of inspiring. Influenced by a family friend and guided by a desire for challenge, Jacob's journey is a profound testament to self-led preparation and resilience. Through his experiences with the Orange County Sheriff's Department Explorer program and a dedication to fitness through CrossFit, Jacob crafted his own path to exceeding the physical demands of military life.

Listen as Jacob unpacks the intricacies of Marine Corps bootcamp, sharing his unique experience as a squad leader at MCRD San Diego, and later, as a machine gunner. His journey through promotions, filled with personal insights and critiques, provides a rare glimpse into military life, including the strategic decision-making involved in leadership roles. Transitioning to civilian life was not without its hurdles, especially when facing the challenges of law enforcement applications. Jacob candidly discusses the setbacks and feelings of lost purpose, ultimately leading to success with the Santa Ana Police Department, where he continues to apply his leadership lessons.

But Jacob's journey doesn't stop there. His transition from law enforcement to a career in the electric union required a significant shift in mindset, tackling the identity struggles that come with leaving behind a uniformed service. He redefines personal worth beyond professions, emphasizing resilience and purposeful learning for financial success. This episode challenges conventional thinking and encourages a future-focused approach, making it a must-listen for those navigating their own career transitions.

Have you ever wondered how a carpet-vacuuming high school student becomes a leader in law enforcement, only to later reinvent himself in the world of plumbing? Join us on the Against the Grain podcast as we journey through the compelling life story of Josh, one of our hosts, whose path takes unexpected yet inspiring turns. From his formative years in Fullerton, California, to his active involvement in the Police Explorer program, where he clocked in an astounding 3,000 hours of community service, Josh's early experiences laid the foundation for his career in law enforcement. Discover the driving forces behind his dedication and the leadership qualities that emerged as a young cadet with the sheriff's department.

As Josh transitions into his work at the Intake Release Center in Orange County, we uncover the intense realities of dealing with serious criminal charges and the demanding environment of a correctional facility. His narrative is rich with insider perspectives on the law enforcement community, offering a candid look at the hurdles and biases that challenge even the most committed officers. With stories that highlight both resilience and adaptability, listeners gain insight into the rigorous journey of a young officer determined to make his mark.

But Josh's story doesn't end there. In a bold career shift, he trades the uniform for a set of plumbing tools, driven by the lure of higher earnings and inspired by a friend's success in the trade. Supported by a retired officer and his brother-in-law, Josh embarks on a new adventure in Tennessee, starting his own plumbing business. This episode is a testament to the power of transformation and the courage to pursue new dreams, offering valuable lessons for anyone considering a significant career change. Tune in for an inspiring tale of personal and professional reinvention.

Welcome to the introduction episode of Against the Grain! This podcast is your ultimate guide to embracing self-improvement, building thriving businesses, and redefining modern manhood.

In this introductory episode, we lay the foundation for what's to come, exploring the values and vision behind Against the Grain. Join us as we dive into what it means to challenge societal norms, carve your unique path, and pursue excellence in every area of life. Whether you're striving for personal growth, looking to optimize your health, or seeking strategies to elevate your business game, this podcast is for you.

Tune in and take the first step toward becoming the best version of yourself. It's time to go Against the Grain!