In Episode 98 of Beyond Business, I sit down with Chris Ellis, one of the owners of Bre Law right here in Decatur.Chris is a walking example of resilience. Over the past decade, he’s faced serious health challenges that would’ve taken most people out of the fight—but instead, he doubled down. He continued to build a successful law practice, lead by example, and inspire young people to stay focused, disciplined, and hungry for more.We talk about: • What prolonged health battles really teach you about time, priorities, and purpose • How success looks different when you’ve been tested • Leadership through adversity • Why mentoring and setting the example matters now more than everThis episode isn’t just about law or business—it’s about mindset, grit, and refusing to quit when life throws punches.If you’re grinding through something right now, this conversation is for you.👇 Subscribe, share it with someone who needs it, and let us know what hit home.#BeyondBusinessPodcast #ChrisEllis #BreLaw #EntrepreneurMindset #Resilience #Leadership #OvercomingAdversity #SuccessStories #DecaturIllinois

Beyond Business Podcast | Darren Bailey & Aaron DelMar – Campaigning Across Illinois || Ep101

What happens when investigative journalism turns into a national conversation?In Episode 99 of the Beyond Business Podcast, I sit down with @c‪@chrispapst8799‬ Emmy-winning investigative journalist and author of Failure Factory — the groundbreaking book examining corruption, mismanagement, and systemic failures within the Baltimore public school system.Failure Factory didn’t just spark discussion.It earned major recognition, including an Emmy Award and the NAACP Vanguard Award, and even drew national attention from political leaders including Donald Trump.But this conversation isn’t just about Baltimore.Chris shares the deeper mission behind his work — exposing structural problems within public education systems and encouraging accountability, transparency, and meaningful reform.Inside this episode:✔ The story behind Failure Factory✔ Investigative journalism & systemic corruption✔ Education funding & incentives✔ Why education debates matter nationwide✔ Speaking truth to powerThis is a conversation about education, policy, and the future of our children.

Some people are born into opportunity.Others build it with their hands.Tim Evans didn’t get a blueprint—he earned one. From hard knocks to owning Elite Paving, his journey is about grit, discipline, and showing up when quitting would’ve been easier.No shortcuts. No excuses. Just work.If you’re building from the ground up—or fighting to stay in the game—this episode will hit home.#BeyondBusiness#HardKnocks#BlueCollarSuccess#EntrepreneurLife#BuiltNotGiven#GritAndGrind#SmallBusinessOwner#Leadership#RealTalk#SuccessStories#MidwestEntrepreneur#WorkEthic#BusinessPodcast

In this episode of Beyond Business, Nic “FRENO” Hancock sits down with local entrepreneur Taylor Deetz, owner of Taylor Made Landscape and Family Home & Patio, as he celebrates 25 years in business.Taylor’s journey is a real-world example of what consistency, hard work, and vision look like over the long haul. From landscaping and outdoor living to continually expanding his footprint as a business owner, Taylor is always making moves and finding new ways to grow — both professionally and personally.This conversation dives into: • What it takes to sustain a business for 25 years • The challenges and wins of entrepreneurship • Building a reputation in your community • Adapting, expanding, and staying relevant • Lessons learned from decades in businessIf you’re a small business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone who respects the grind, this episode is packed with real talk and experience you can learn from.👉 Like, subscribe, and share to support local entrepreneurs and real conversations that matter.#BeyondBusinessPodcast#LocalEntrepreneur#SmallBusinessSuccess#25YearsInBusiness#EntrepreneurLife#MidwestBusiness#BusinessJourney#SupportLocal

Entrepreneur Kendall Dolly, owner of Physicians Choice Wellness, joins me for a real conversation that cuts through the noise.We dig into health, education, entrepreneurship, discipline, and what it actually takes to build a business and a life you’re proud of.No fluff. No buzzwords. Just experience, perspective, and hard-earned wisdom from someone doing the work.If you care about your health, your future, and how you show up in the world — this one’s for you.#BeyondBusinessPodcast #EntrepreneurMindset #HealthAndBusiness #WellnessLeadership #RealConversations

What happens when you leave the safe, traditional path and bet on yourself?In this episode of Beyond Business, I sit down with Alisa Sparks, Founder and CEO of Linden Creek, to talk about the real journey behind building a luxury home staging and interior design brand that has grown into a multi-location franchise.Alisa shares how she transitioned from corporate finance into entrepreneurship, the mindset shifts required to scale, and why systems, leadership, and discipline matter just as much as creativity.This conversation is for anyone who feels stuck, anyone building a business, or anyone who knows they’re meant for more but hasn’t taken the leap yet.▶️ Watch, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.Beyond Business is about real stories, real struggles, and real growth.#BeyondBusiness#EntrepreneurPodcast#WomenInBusiness#BusinessGrowth#FounderStory#LuxuryBrand#FranchiseBusiness#MindsetMatters#LeadershipDevelopment#CreativeEntrepreneur#ScalingBusiness#EntrepreneurLife#RealEstateBusiness#BusinessMotivation

Author, entrepreneur, and friend of the show Marcy B returns to the studio for another real, unfiltered sit-down on Beyond Business. ‪@MarcyB‬ In this episode, we talk about: • What “leveling up” actually looks like heading into 2026 • The mindset shift required to grow as a creative and a business owner • Lessons learned since her last appearance • Taking bold risks, refining strategy, and staying consistent • What’s next for her writing career and personal brandThis conversation is about evolution—personally, professionally, and creatively.If you’re planning your next chapter, this episode is for you.👉 Like, subscribe, and share to support real conversations that go beyond surface-level success.#BeyondBusiness#MarcyBelaski#AuthorLife#RomanceThriller#LevelUp2026#CreativeEntrepreneur#WriterMindset#PersonalGrowth#PodcastInterview#IndependentAuthor