What does it take to build and lead multiple businesses across completely different industries?

In this episode of The GrowthPro Edge, Denise Killian talks with entrepreneur Jim Lewis about building businesses in commercial real estate, natural foods and pharmacy, and family entertainment.

Jim shares how unexpected opportunities shaped his entrepreneurial journey, including how a vacant property led to an entirely new business venture. He explains why entrepreneurs must be willing to experiment, make decisions without being paralyzed by failure, and find people who know more than they do.

The conversation also explores how Jim develops teams that take ownership, identify solutions, and solve problems without everything running through the owner. His approach is simple: when an employee brings you a problem, ask them what they think the solution should be.

Jim also offers an honest look at starting a business. It will often take longer and cost more than expected, but the opportunity to build something meaningful can still make the journey worthwhile.

What You'll Learn

• How to turn unexpected opportunities into successful businesses
• Why empowering your team to solve problems is essential to growth
• How to seek out people who have the knowledge you need
• Why experimentation and failure are part of improving a business
• What new entrepreneurs should realistically expect when starting a business
• How taking action instead of waiting can lead to fewer regrets

Find your next edge at TheGrowthProGroup.com

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Great teams aren't built by accident. They're built through consistent training and intentional leadership.

In this episode of The GrowthPro Edge, Denise Killian talks with Davi Hecht, General Manager of Alley Cats Burleson and the 2025 FEC of the Year, about how ongoing coaching, accountability, and cross-training create high-performing teams, exceptional guest experiences, and stronger business results.

🎯 In this episode, you'll hear about:

• How to build a culture of continuous training without overwhelming your team
• Why "inspect what you expect" is one of the most powerful leadership habits
• How guest and employee feedback can guide your training priorities
• Why cross-training builds flexibility, confidence, and stronger leaders
• Simple training strategies that improve performance, guest satisfaction, and employee retention

Originally recorded for ThinkTank and now featured on The GrowthPro Edge.

Find your next edge at TheGrowthProGroup.com

The GrowthPro Edge is a weekly business and leadership podcast featuring conversations with industry peers and our own coaches. Each episode delivers practical insights, proven strategies, and honest conversations designed to help you grow your business, strengthen your team, and lead with confidence.

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What if the biggest obstacle to your success isn't a lack of time, it's how you protect it?

In this episode of The GrowthPro Edge, Denise Killian sits down with entrepreneur Chris Moyer to uncover the practical systems he uses to manage multiple businesses, a demanding career, and family life without losing focus.

From time blocking to eliminating distractions, Chris shares the habits that help high performers accomplish more with less stress.

What You'll Learn

• How to use time blocking without feeling overwhelmed

• Why the "Rule of Seven" makes distractions more expensive than you think

• How to prioritize the work that creates the biggest impact

Guest:
Chris Moyer, Entrepreneur

About The GrowthPro Edge:
The GrowthPro Edge is a business and leadership podcast from The GrowthPro Group, created for leaders who want to grow smarter, lead better, and build stronger businesses.

Connect with Us:
Visit our website: GrowthProGroup.com

Listen to The GrowthPro Edge:
https://thegrowthprogroup.com/the-growthpro-edge-podcast/

Book a Free Call:
Ready to start your own growth journey? Set up a free growth call with one of our coaches today.

Get in Touch:
Have an idea for the show or want to be a guest? Email Denise at denise@thegrowthprogroup.com.

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What if the smartest move for your business is not something you do alone?

In this episode of The GrowthPro Edge, Denise Killian sits down with Jim Tartal, owner of Scottdale Music Services and Secretary of AMOA, to talk about why industry associations are one of the most underutilized growth tools available to business owners.

From advocacy and networking to problem-solving and professional development, Jim shares how involvement in state and national organizations has helped him grow his business, navigate industry challenges, and build meaningful relationships throughout his 45-year career.

This conversation is a reminder that business owners do not have to figure everything out alone. Industry associations can provide a stronger voice, better connections, shared knowledge, and support when challenges get complicated.

What You'll Learn

• Why industry associations create a stronger voice for business owners
• How networking with peers can help solve business challenges faster
• The role advocacy, education, and collaboration play in long-term success
• Why getting involved can help operators stay informed and prepared
• How meaningful industry relationships can support business growth

Guest:
Jim Tartal, Owner, Scottdale Music Services
Secretary, AMOA

About The GrowthPro Edge:
The GrowthPro Edge is a business and leadership podcast from The GrowthPro Group, created for leaders who want to grow smarter, lead better, and build stronger businesses.

Connect with Us:
Visit our website: thegrowthprogroup.com

Book a Free Call:
Ready to start your own growth journey? Set up a free growth call with one of our coaches today.

Get in Touch:
Have an idea for the show or want to be a guest? Email Denise at denise@thegrowthprogroup.com.

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What does it take to become FEC of the Year in today's highly competitive entertainment landscape?

In this episode of The GrowthPro Edge, Denise Killian sits down with FEC of the Year winner Doug Mechling of Star Lanes Polaris, along with technology leaders Sara Paz from Embed and Sarah Malott from QubicaAMF.

Together, they explore how strong partnerships, continuous innovation, smart reinvestment, and a relentless focus on the guest experience helped Star Lanes Polaris earn one of the industry's highest honors.

This conversation is especially valuable for FEC operators, bowling centers, arcade businesses, attraction owners, and entertainment leaders looking to improve operations, loyalty, guest experience, and long-term growth.

What You'll Learn

• Why reinvesting in technology and guest experience drives long-term success
• How strategic technology partnerships create operational efficiency and customer loyalty
• The mindset top operators use to stay innovative and competitive in a rapidly changing industry
• Why strong vendor relationships matter more than ever
• How Star Lanes Polaris continues to evolve while staying focused on hospitality and value

Guests:
Doug Mechling, Star Lanes Polaris
Sara Paz, Embed
Sarah Malott, QubicaAMF

About The GrowthPro Edge:
The GrowthPro Edge is a business and leadership podcast from The GrowthPro Group, created for leaders who want to grow smarter, lead better, and build stronger businesses.

Connect with Us:
Visit our website: thegrowthprogroup.com

Book a Free Call:
Ready to start your own growth journey? Set up a free growth call with one of our coaches today.

Get in Touch:
Have an idea for the show or want to be a guest? Email Denise at denise@thegrowthprogroup.com.

Watch on YouTube

What do young leaders actually want from work, and are you giving it to them?

In this episode of The GrowthPro Edge, Denise Killian sits down with leadership development expert Genevieve Sullivan of The GrowthPro Group for an honest conversation about what motivates today's emerging workforce, how leadership expectations are shifting, and what companies can do right now to better retain and develop young talent.

This episode is a good reminder that leading a new generation isn't about cracking a generational code. It's about showing up for the individual in front of you — and remembering that someone had to teach you too.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why the "Gen Z is lazy" narrative misses what's really going on
• The "cliff dip" and what new grads are experiencing when they walk in the door
• How belonging, recognition, and growth are the real drivers of engagement
• The difference between managing someone and mentoring them
• How to build retention by focusing on the individual, not the generation label
• Why your first job as a new hire is really just to learn how to have a job

Find your next edge at TheGrowthProGroup.com.

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Is Gen Z really lazy, or are we missing the point?

In this episode of The GrowthPro Edge, Denise Killian sits down with Amber Lambert of Betson and her daughter Rila for an honest conversation about generational needs in the workplace. From recognition and flexibility to growth opportunities and brand reputation, this discussion breaks down what younger team members are really looking for and why it matters for operators, managers, and leaders.

This episode is a good reminder that many workplace needs are not actually generational. People want to be respected, recognized, developed, and given a reason to care.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why the "Gen Z is lazy" label misses the bigger picture
• How recognition can motivate younger employees to stay engaged
• Why flexibility matters when hiring students and young team members
• The importance of giving employees a clear growth path
• How your brand, reviews, photos, and guest experience influence where people spend money
• Why leaders need to stop discounting younger employees and start developing them

Find your next edge at TheGrowthProGroup.com.

Connect with Us:

Visit our website: thegrowthprogroup.com.
Book a Free Call: Ready to start your own growth journey? Set up a free growth call with one of our coaches today.
Get in Touch: Have an idea for the show or want to be a guest? Email Denise at denise@thegrowthprogroup.com