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.