In Episode 244, Kelly Kennedy welcomes back powerhouse entrepreneur and Built to Lead podcast host Jory Evans for a bold conversation that challenges conventional business thinking. Jory shares how he scaled Evans Trucking from a single unit into a diversified empire with over 100 trucks, a heavy-duty mechanic shop, and a construction company — all rooted in disciplined leadership and a values-driven approach. But the real gold? Jory reveals why buying a business can be a smarter, faster path to success than starting from scratch — and how he’s leveraging acquisitions to scale even further.

This episode dives deep into the mindset, discipline, and execution required to grow during downturns, navigate economic pressure, and turn chaos into momentum. Jory breaks down the realities of vendor financing, why most self-help never gets applied, and the critical difference between learning and doing. If you’ve ever considered acquiring a business or want to understand what real growth looks like in 2025, this is a must-listen conversation packed with actionable insight.

Key Takeaways:

1. Buying a business can be less risky and more strategic than starting one from scratch, especially in a buyer’s market with aging business owners looking to exit.

2. Execution matters more than information — most people consume self-help and business content but never apply it. Discipline and follow-through are what create real growth.

3. Vendor financing is a powerful acquisition tool, allowing buyers to structure win-win deals while keeping sellers invested in the business's success post-sale.

4. Writing things down is the first step to execution — it turns ideas into actions and creates lasting momentum.

5. Your business will never outgrow you as a leader — personal development and intentional growth are essential if you want your company to scale.

6. Downturns are the best time to grow — while others pull back, leaning in with momentum and clarity can position you to dominate when the market rebounds.

7. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel — acquiring a business with proven systems, clients, and revenue is often a smarter path than starting from zero.

8. Carbon tax and government policy have a direct and devastating impact on logistics and food costs, and leaders must understand how these forces affect their industry.

9. The fastest growth happens when you combine operational experience with strategic insight — knowing your numbers, your levers, and your people is non-negotiable.

10. You must evaluate every acquisition based on synergy, upside, and culture — if it doesn’t align with your values or offer true value-add, walk away.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Evans Trucking
• Built to Lead
• Capital Business Development

To explore upcoming business development courses, one-on-one coaching opportunities, and to join our private community of entrepreneurs, business developers, and growth-focused leaders — visit kellykennedyofficial.com. Inside, you'll find access to The Catalyst Club, our exclusive members-only private network where we connect, collaborate, and grow together through live events, coaching, and powerful peer support. Whether you're looking to sharpen your skills or scale your business, this is where serious builders come to win.

In Episode 243 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy tackles one of the most universal yet misunderstood forces in business: fear. From the early days of launching the podcast to working with founders, CEOs, and business developers around the world, Kelly shares how fear isn't a weakness—it's often the clearest sign you're stepping into growth. He breaks down the ten most common fear triggers in the modern world, from visibility pressure to comparison culture, and reframes them as signals that you're on the right path.

This episode is more than just mindset—it's a tactical playbook for turning fear into forward motion. Kelly lays out seven practical strategies to use fear as rocket fuel, including naming it, breaking it down, and surrounding yourself with momentum. If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or doubting your next big move, this is your reminder that the presence of fear means you're close to something meaningful. Hit play, lean in, and let’s turn fear into fuel.

Key Takeaways:

1. Fear isn’t a stop sign—it’s a signal that you’re moving toward something meaningful.

2. The presence of fear often means you deeply care about the outcome—use that energy.

3. In the modern world, fear is less about survival and more about visibility, relevance, and responsibility.

4. Everyone—from Fortune 500 CEOs to solo founders—faces fear; it’s part of the path.

5. Fear thrives in uncertainty—breaking goals into smaller steps makes them manageable.

6. Writing down your fears helps disarm them and gives you clarity on your next move.

7. Surrounding yourself with momentum and supportive people shrinks fear dramatically.

8. You don’t need to be ready—you just need to take action. Confidence comes after.

9. Fear often shows up right before your biggest breakthroughs—don’t shrink from it.

10. You grow the most when you choose to move forward while carrying the fear with you.

Want to go further, faster? Explore Kelly’s coaching programs and join The Catalyst Club—your hub for support, strategy, and serious growth. www.kellykennedyofficial.com

In this episode of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly sits down with Alex Blumenstein, co-founder of The Peak and former CEO of Canada’s first cannabis accelerator, Leaf Forward. From politics to print, cannabis to comedy, Alex has never been afraid to pivot—and his approach to business is anything but traditional. Together, they unpack what it really means to build a company with the end in mind and why emotional detachment might be the most underrated tool in an entrepreneur’s arsenal.

Alex shares the behind-the-scenes story of building The Peak into Canada’s fastest-growing business news outlet and how he and his co-founders designed it from day one to be sold. They dive into the truth about exits, navigating partnership dynamics, and how to stay grounded when things get messy. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a company you can walk away from without losing yourself, this conversation is your blueprint.

Key Takeaways:

1. Build your business with an exit in mind from day one so you can make strategic decisions without emotional attachment.

2. Emotional detachment leads to better outcomes—you’ll sell smarter, manage conflict better, and protect your peace.

3. If you’re grinding 24/7, your model might be broken—great businesses flow when the foundation is right.

4. Long-term partnerships work when you align early, share values, and trust each other to lead in different seasons.

5. Entrepreneurship isn’t better than a job—it’s just a different path with higher risks and different freedoms.

6. Treat media like a product—iterate fast, prioritize clarity, and always serve your audience first.

7. The best ad sales come from understanding the buyer’s goals and positioning your platform as the solution.

8. If you can survive failure with your partners, you can build something great with them too.

9. Great partnerships are built on mutual respect and decision-making, not control or ego.

10. Selling your business isn’t the end—it’s a gateway to more freedom, credibility, and new opportunities.

Explore The Catalyst Club and Kelly Kennedy's business development coaching programs at:

www.kellykennedyofficial.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• The Peak
• Zoomer Media
• Leaf Forward
• Capital Business Development
• atWork Office Furniture
• Gong
• Bet on Canada