On this episode of Get Business Smart, Tony Bradshaw talks with Melanie Cox, author of You Have to Know and CEO of EMC Property, about the power of words, building wealth through real estate, and the purpose behind her 4,000 acre animal rescue.

Melanie shares how a health crisis pushed her to write her book, how she approaches multifamily investing, and why she believes business, faith, and stewardship all belong together.We discuss Melanie’s background, her investing frameworks, and the stories behind Blue Oak Rescue, including Bear, the wolf dog who became a ranch guardian. Tony also shares his own lessons on debt, diversification, and raising a large family.

Key topics

• In this episode, Melanie explains how You Have to Know began as a letter to her children during a season of thyroid cancer, exhaustion, and reflection on what her kids needed to survive and thrive in life.
• She describes the book as a practical, faith-based guide built around mindset, truth, and the words people speak over themselves, combining personal stories, Bible references, and supporting studies.
• Tony and Melanie discuss manifestation, but frame it through faith and spiritual alignment rather than a generic self-help formula.
• Melanie shares her belief that words have real power, citing the Bible’s emphasis on speech and the idea that aligning your words with God’s will matters in daily life, business, and purpose.
• Tony reflects on his own experience giving time instead of money during lean years, including free work and his service on the Tennessee Christian Chamber of Commerce board.
• Melanie outlines EMC Property’s focus on larger projects, especially multifamily, commercial, and select single-family opportunities, with most projects sold to investors rather than held as rentals.
• She explains that she occasionally keeps properties when they connect to a deeper purpose, including a 45-unit building in Palm Desert that was repurposed to serve veterans needing alcohol and mental health support.
• Melanie breaks down her broader investment approach, including stock income, triple net leases, tax-advantaged purchases like car washes, single

CONNECT WITH MELANIE COX at https://melaniecox.org/

HIGHER PEAK BUSINESS COACHING
Feeling lost, stuck, or confused in your business?

Wearing too many hats? Stretched too thin? Not sure if you've got the right people in the right seats? Sound familiar?

Through Higher Peak Business Coaching, Tony works with business owners doing one million to fifty million in revenue — helping them turn chaos into clarity, and clarity into growth.

Ready to unlock your full potential? Book a call today at tonybradshaw.com.

In this episode of the Get Business Smart Podcast, Tony talks with John Hewitt about his entrepreneurial journey from founding Jackson Hewitt to Liberty Tax and the leadership, purpose, and systems that helped him build scalable, long-term business success.Discover how John built billion-dollar franchise brands by focusing on mission, values, and execution. He shares practical lessons on perseverance, building strong teams, creating systems that scale, and using franchising as a path to sustainable growth.In this episode, you’ll learn:

TAKEAWAYS

• Build around a clear purpose and let it guide your decisions
• Create systems that make growth repeatable
• Hire for complementary strengths, not just similarity
• Encourage honest communication so problems surface early
• Focus on long-term value, not just short-term wins

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Finding Purpose Beyond Business
05:59 Education and Entrepreneurship
11:30 Leadership Lessons from Experience
17:32 Hiring for Success
23:24 Franchising vs. Small Business

CONNECT WITH JOHN HEWITT AT john@loyaltybrands.com or loyaltybrands.com.

HIGHER PEAK BUSINESS COACHING
Feeling lost, stuck, or confused in your business?

Wearing too many hats? Stretched too thin? Not sure if you've got the right people in the right seats? Sound familiar?

Through Higher Peak Business Coaching, Tony works with business owners doing one million to fifty million in revenue — helping them turn chaos into clarity, and clarity into growth.

Ready to unlock your full potential? Book a call today at tonybradshaw.com.

On this episode of Get Business Smart, Tony talks with Kraig and Desiree Bougher about building a kingdom based business. Embracing Faith and Recognition in Christian Business Leadership: Insights from Kraig and Desiree Bougher

Learn how faith, recognition, and strategic business practices intertwine in this inspiring conversation with Kraig and Desiree Bougher. Discover how applying biblical principles can transform your approach to leadership, recognition, and marketplace influence.

TAKEAWAYS

• The importance of recognition and appreciation in building culture and relationships
• Integrating faith into everyday business practices without being pushy
• The power of prayer and boldness in workplace settings
• Strategies for promoting Christian conferences and fostering marketplace presence
• The significance of unity among Christian business leaders and churches
• The story of Joseph as a model for connecting people with solutions, regardless of background
• Practical ways to incorporate biblical concepts into business operations
• The upcoming Ignite Kingdom Conference in Nashville and its lineup
• The rising trend of Christian organizations unapologetically engaging in marketplace influence

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction to Craig and Desiree Buyer & their business journey
02:38 - How recognition strengthens client relationships and company culture
04:15 - Incorporating faith and prayer into business interactions
05:53 - Managing recognition and praise to retain employee engagement
10:20 - Range of promotional products and their strategic purpose
12:50 - Creative recognition examples impacting team morale
14:15 - The significance of recognizing employees' unique contributions
15:40 - Details on the Ignite Kingdom Conference in Nashville
16:39 - The importance of marketplace influence for Christian leaders
18:12 - Addressing church division and opportunities for citywide transformation
20:48 - The Joseph story as a blueprint for divine connections
22:47 - Tapping into the power of networked influence and unity
25:05 - Key speakers and program highlights of the upcoming conference
27:10 - How Christian entrepreneurs are boldly displaying their faith in business
30:37 - The necessity of unity among churches to transform cities
36:44 - Practical steps for stewardship and wealth-building aligned with biblical principles
37:19 - How to connect with Craig and get involved in the Ignite Kingdom Conference

Connect with Craig and Desiree Bougher at Ignite Kingdom Group or xtremerecognitionshop.com

HIGHER PEAK BUSINESS COACHING
Feeling lost, stuck, or confused in your business?

Wearing too many hats? Stretched too thin? Not sure if you've got the right people in the right seats? Sound familiar?

Through Higher Peak Business Coaching, Tony works with business owners doing one million to fifty million in revenue — helping them turn chaos into clarity, and clarity into growth.

Ready to unlock your full potential? Book a call today at tonybradshaw.com.

In this episode of the GET BUSINESS SMART Podcast, Tony talks with Michele DeFilippo of 1106 Design about the world of publishing. Dive into the world of book publishing with Michelle DeFilippo, owner of 1106 Design, as she shares her insights from helping over 4,000 authors bring their books to life. Whether you're an aspiring author or an experienced writer, learn practical tips on publishing, marketing, and maximizing your book’s impact.

TAKEAWAYS

• Michele's journey helping authors publish and the importance of choosing the right publishing path
• The financial realities of traditional publishing versus self-publishing on Amazon
• How authors can avoid common pitfalls and red flags in the publishing industry
• The process of producing different formats: print, ebook, audiobook
• Effective marketing strategies and realistic expectations for new book releases
• The role of hybrid publishers and how to assess their value
• The impact of AI tools like ChatGPT and AI-generated audiobooks in modern publishing
• What to look for in a trusted author services company
• How to distribute your book widely using platforms like KDP and IngramSpark
• Tips for building an author career with consistent book releases

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Michele DeFilippo

02:10 - Michelle's long-standing experience in publishing since the 1970s

04:20 - The realities of book sales and author expectations

05:45 - Impact of publishing choices on earnings

09:12 - Understanding traditional vs. self-publishing models

12:52 - Effective marketing budgets and strategies for new books

14:01 - The comprehensive publishing services offered by Eleven Six Design

16:42 - The role of editing and managing the publishing process

18:31 - Insights into ghostwriting and AI-assisted writing

21:38 - Producing and licensing audiobooks

22:49 - Best practices for audio narration and production

25:02 - Common industry red flags and scams authors should watch for

28:24 - Distributions platforms to maximize reach

29:15 - The future of bookstores and online vs. in-store buying

30:39 - How to connect with Michele and access free resources

Resources & Links:

• Publish Like the Pros - Free Guide

CONNECT WITH MICHELE DEFILIPPO at 1106 Design | 1106Design.com

HIGHER PEAK BUSINESS COACHING
Feeling lost, stuck, or confused in your business?

Wearing too many hats? Stretched too thin? Not sure if you've got the right people in the right seats? Sound familiar?

Through Higher Peak Business Coaching, Tony works with business owners doing one million to fifty million in revenue — helping them turn chaos into clarity, and clarity into growth.

Ready to unlock your full potential? Book a call today at tonybradshaw.com.

Discover the ins and outs of franchising with Chris Hilgers, a 15-year industry veteran, as he shares insights on why franchises offer a higher success rate compared to startups. Learn about the process of choosing the right franchise, understanding investments, and the support structures that help franchise owners thrive.

TAKEAWAYS

• The success disparity between franchise owners (80%) and startups (90% failure over 10 years)
• Why starting in the second base (franchise) is smarter than starting from scratch
• The importance of validation and talking to existing franchise owners
• The comprehensive process of screening, discovery, and measuring fit before investing
• How to evaluate franchise investment costs: from service businesses to brick-and-mortar options
• The role of support structures, including training, marketing, and real estate guidance, in franchise success
• Tips on assessing a franchise’s differentiation in the marketplace
• The significance of choosing a business aligned with personal interests and lifestyle goals
• Resources for continuous growth and learning, including Tony Robbins and Darren Hardy

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction to franchise success rates and why they matter

00:40 - Comparing startups versus franchise success and starting at second base

01:17 - The value of validation and talking to current franchise owners

03:02 - The franchise selection process: screening and personal modeling

04:48 - How to determine the right type of franchise for your skills and lifestyle

06:12 - The importance of focusing and filtering options, not shotgun approaches

07:10 - The FTC regulations and the disclosure process for franchisees

08:33 - Benchmarking and evaluating franchise performance metrics

09:02 - Scalability and long-term sustainability of franchise businesses

09:28 - Validating franchise success and challenges with existing owners

10:25 - The significance of visiting headquarters and discovery days

11:28 - Franchise options: the variety of companies and opportunities available

12:44 - Investment ranges in franchises: low vs. high cost options

13:45 - Types of service and brick-and-mortar franchises, with examples

15:08 - Support structures: training, marketing, real estate, and peer networks

16:23 - The value of choosing franchises with well-developed support programs

17:16 - The importance of business differentiation in competitive markets

18:13 - Aligning franchise choices with personal fulfillment and interests

21:13 - Support systems for franchise owners: ongoing training and infrastructure

27:35 - Recommended resources for ongoing personal and business growth

29:08 - How to connect with Chris and explore franchise opportunitiesResources & Links:

CONNECT WITH CHRIS HILGERS AT peakfranchising.com and podcast.peakfranchising.com

HIGHER PEAK BUSINESS COACHING
Feeling lost, stuck, or confused in your business?

Wearing too many hats? Stretched too thin? Not sure if you've got the right people in the right seats? Sound familiar?

Through Higher Peak Business Coaching, Tony works with business owners doing one million to fifty million in revenue — helping them turn chaos into clarity, and clarity into growth.

Ready to unlock your full potential? Book a call today at tonybradshaw.com.

Alan Lazaros, co-founder of Next Level University, joins Tony Bradshaw for a candid conversation on what it really takes to build a thriving business and podcast from the ground up. From leading by example to tracking the right metrics, Alan shares the systems and mindsets that have helped him grow an engaged online community — and how you can apply the same principles to your own journey.

TAKEAWAYS

Consistency is key — keep evolving and never stop showing up.

Lead by example. Be willing to do what you ask of your team.

Track your metrics daily to stay aligned and avoid operational chaos.

Focus on high-value activities and let technology do the heavy lifting.

Build a community that values genuine human connection over automation.

TIMESTAMP

00:00 Introduction to Alan Lazaros and Next Level University

02:52 The challenges of starting a business

05:39 Leading by example in business

08:24 Managing a virtual team effectively

11:21 Tracking metrics for success

14:03 Building a cohesive business model

17:10 The value of community in podcasting

19:04 Starting your podcast journey

22:25 Building a personal brand through podcasting

25:06 Framework for success: goals and metrics

28:25 Embracing hard work and discipline

32:00 Recommended resources for growth

CONNECT WITH ALAN LAZAROS AT nextleveluniverse.com

HIGHER PEAK BUSINESS COACHING
Feeling lost, stuck, or confused in your business?

Wearing too many hats? Stretched too thin? Not sure if you've got the right people in the right seats? Sound familiar?

Through Higher Peak Business Coaching, Tony works with business owners doing one million to fifty million in revenue — helping them turn chaos into clarity, and clarity into growth.

Ready to unlock your full potential? Book a call today at tonybradshaw.com.

Discover the secrets to buying, selling, and growing successful businesses with veteran broker Matt Uhler. Learn how to evaluate business value, structure deals, and diversify income streams for long-term financial resilience.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The importance of exit strategies for small business owners
• How business valuation works, including key metrics like EBITDA and seller's discretionary earnings
• Steps to prepare a business for sale to maximize its market value
• The role of multiples in business valuation and typical ranges
• Funding options for acquiring a business, emphasizing SBA loans
• Strategies for diversifying income through business ownership
• The impact of market disruptions, such as COVID-19, on business operations
• Building a portfolio of multiple businesses for risk mitigation and income stability
• The psychology of wealth and the significance of mindset in financial success
• Book recommendations: Think and Grow Rich and Rich Dad Poor Dad

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Matt Euler, business broker with 28 years of experience
02:30 - What happens to businesses that don't transition to the next owner
05:00 - Why business owners often leave their businesses to die or close
08:20 - How to prepare a business for sale for better valuation
10:45 - Understanding business valuation: EBITDA and seller's discretionary earnings
14:00 - The importance of asset condition and risk factors in valuation
16:30 - Funding sources: SBA loans and typical down payments
21:00 - Business multiples: typical ranges and how they’re calculated
24:00 - Managing a portfolio of multiple businesses for diversification
28:00 - Monthly oversight: analyzing financials and operational health
32:00 - The significance of income streams for financial security
36:00 - Risks in business ownership and lessons from market disruptions
39:00 - The psychology behind wealth building and mindset shifts
41:00 - Recommended books for developing wealth mindset

Resources & Links:

• Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
• Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

CONNECT WITH MATT UHLER AT ampedsuccess.com

HIGHER PEAK BUSINESS COACHING
Feeling lost, stuck, or confused in your business?

Wearing too many hats? Stretched too thin? Not sure if you've got the right people in the right seats? Sound familiar?

Through Higher Peak Business Coaching, Tony works with business owners doing one million to fifty million in revenue — helping them turn chaos into clarity, and clarity into growth.

Ready to unlock your full potential? Book a call today at tonybradshaw.com.