The Deep Dark Podcast: Recent Episodes
Fidelis Creative Agency
Welcome to the Deep Dark podcast where we ask seasoned business minds to excavate their history, pulling the best insights, hardest moments, and yes, golden epiphanies. Somewhere in the stories, the deepest recesses, and big breakthroughs we all get a little smarter and feel a little better about our own business ventures.
Delve into a thought-provoking conversation with Luke Benden, the VP and Co-Founder of GasQuip. On this episode of the Deep Dark Podcast, Luke discusses the challenges and thrills of launching a business, managing partnerships, and mastering the technical nuances of his field. Discover GasQuip, a company in SF6 equipment and services, catering to the electrical utility, manufacturing, and industrial sectors. Learn how GasQuip's advanced products are revolutionizing electrical maintenance and safety in this dynamic industry. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or just curious about SF6 gas handling, this episode brims with fun anecdotes and inspiring perspectives from Luke's entrepreneurial journey.
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See how the sausage is literally made in this intriguing episode seasoned with practical advice and firsthand experiences from Marshall Kettler's business journey. Ever thought of curing meat at home? Well Marshall definitely has. Take a trip down memory lane with Marshall as he shares his early exposure to business through his parents' veterinary clinic, where his desire to build a business of his own was born. He talks about the challenges of finding his entrepreneurial path and how that turned into long nights spent creating his dream product. The behind the scenes process of developing his innovative product, the DEX1, is something you won't want to miss. From conceptualization to prototyping and manufacturing, Marshall has revolutionized the way people can cure meat at home.
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We got to sit down with Nate Fischer, Founder and CEO of New Founding. Based in Dallas and a father of five, Nate shares his unconventional career journey from distressed real estate investments to his current mission of collaborating with visionary individuals to shape a positive alternative vision for America. Throughout the conversation, Nate challenges modern societal norms and addresses ideological flaws. He ruminates on the importance of offering inspiring and holistic answers to fundamental questions. Listen up and engage in a thought-provoking discussion that spans faith, business, and societal change, presenting a vision of hope and transformation.
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Taking steps of faith can often pose challenges, yet this week's guest on The Deep Dark shares his inspiring story that will motivate you to embrace those daunting steps. Join us as we chat with Jason Holland, the President of Joshua Nations. Jason tells us the mission of Joshua Nations, the importance of reaching the unreached, and his approach to fostering genuine connections within communities worldwide. Tune in to the Deep Dark Podcast as we explore Jason Holland's remarkable journey and discover the transformative power of spreading the gospel and building relationships against all odds.
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Step into our latest podcast episode featuring Will, the trailblazing founder of Chisos. Discover how his deep-seated Texas roots and a zeal for innovation have redefined traditional boot-making. Throughout the conversation, Will articulates Chisos’ fervent dedication to exquisite craftsmanship, steadfast ethical practices, and proactive environmental stewardship. This episode is not just informative but a resonant exploration of how enduring passion and rich heritage can sculpt a forward-thinking business.
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Join us as we delve into the Deep Dark and share the profound insights of Jeremy Osterberger on the pre-process for positive growth. In this episode, Jeremy shares his belief in the transformative power of influence rooted in servitude, emphasizing the importance of fostering deeper, more meaningful connections. Explore how these principles resonate with the core values of the 'BIC Gospel' and discover actionable steps towards personal and collective growth. Tune in for a raw look at what it takes to cultivate a mindset of service and meaningful connection in the journey towards empowerment and fulfillment.
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Ride shotgun on this episode of The Deep Dark, featuring Lamar Romero's wild entrepreneurial ride, from coding apps to hustling Tequila deals. Lamar has held positions everywhere from Uber to Dell, before ramming headfirst into his fear of failure and founding Hire Dragons—a raw display of unwavering grit. Lamar's got no time for fluff; he dishes out real talk on teamwork, straight-up communication, and treating folks right in the hustle. His vision extends beyond material success, focusing on being a key maker and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs. Lamar's journey is a gripping tale of grit, resilience, and relentless pursuit of entrepreneurial dreams despite life's challenges. It's a must-listen for entrepreneurs of all levels.
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On this episode of the Deep Dark Podcast we tackle all the real issues with Jamie Wood, who is the leader of the Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) unit for TAMU Athletics. Jamie’s background includes a four year stint with the storied Ohio State Buckeyes; where he was recruited as a five-star defensive back.
On the podcast, Jamie discusses his role in shaping the direction of Texas A&M’s NIL department and what that means in an ever-evolving college sports landscape. Wood also takes the time to elaborate on the topic of true leadership and the process of taking ownership over your own life. If the Aggie War Hymn isn’t on the tip of your tongue already it certainly will be after this dive into the Deep Dark.
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Step into the shadows with the Deep Dark Podcast! This episode welcomes Nick Utter dexterous freelance cinematographer who's left his mark on projects with the Dallas Cowboys, Mavericks, and other bold national brands. Nick spills the gritty truth on steering a creative business and overcoming hurdles in colossal productions. Join us as we plunge into the art of visual storytelling, uncovering the raw realities. Don't let this episode slip through your fingers on the Deep Dark Podcast—we're not here for the ordinary.
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On this episode of the Deep Dark we are joined by Susan Davenport, who is the President and CEO of the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation. Susan speaks candidly about her twenty year track record as an industry trailblazer working with local, regional, state governments; as well as tier one research universities to bring jobs to the area. She gives valuable insight on what it means to be an economic innovator working to reach the masses with a currency of true talent. Bring in the New Year right with a dive into the Deep Dark.
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Merry Christmas! This latest episode of the Deep Dark is a special gift from us to you. We had Chris sit down with our owners and hash out the business of making smart marketing decisions. Marketing is hard, bad marketing is expensive, and vanilla marketing will not get you far. Our owners discuss the problem with agencies who niche out, getting thrown off by marketing math, and the significance of nurturing your brand before diving into marketing initiatives. Step into the Deep Dark with us as we pour out wisdom from the industry.
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Have you ever wondered how to become a Toyota and Lexus off-road specialist in the USA's most populous city? Enter Duc, founder and owner of Duggy's Garage, Houston's premier Toyota and Lexus off-road specialists. Also joining us is our very own founder and fellow Land Cruiser owner, Mark Douglass. Duc educates us on how he started Duggy's Garage, moving the vehicles out of his driveway and into his new workshop. His goal is to get his customers to and from their destinations seamlessly. Enjoy this episode of the Deep Dark on your way to the 4x4 trails.
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In this episode, we're exploring what it takes to run a large-scale business. Curtis Hite is the CEO and Chairman of Improving, a software consulting and training company that he founded in 2007. With a focus on conscious capitalism, he has grown the company to over $250 million in revenue with 1,500+ employees and 15 offices, providing software development, technology consulting, and agile training/coaching to clients globally. In this conversation, Curtis highlights the great importance of company culture and explores authenticity in the workplace. He knows the secret to building a great company is starting with the right people who have the right mindset. It is culture, above all. This episode is chock-full of insights, inspiration, energy, and some levity. Enjoy this episode of the Deep Dark.More Episodes:
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Interested in meeting a man whose entrepreneurial pursuits match his severe myopic tendencies? In this podcast, we share the table with David Sley, founder of Hestia Tobacco. David entered the tobacco market in its ossified and totally stagnant state, where a new company could go belly-up before its product ever reached the shelves. When he started selling, he insisted on rethinking everything—ordering packs from around the world and smoking them all. In this episode, David educates us on his entrepreneurial journey, giving insight into why he spends his time bifurcated between cig sales and mountain climbing. You'll have to keep your spirit of adventure at bay while you listen to this episode of The Deep Dark.More Episodes:
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On this episode of the Deep Dark, we're joined by Nadav Mer a serial entrepreneur responsible for starting, growing, and selling businesses in the IT and specialty coffee industries. Prior to becoming a professor, Nadav was the founder and owner of Morning Bell Coffee Roasters located in Ames, Iowa. Nadav exited Morning Bell by converting the business from a sole proprietorship, to Iowa's first employee-owned cooperative. As you might assume, sitting down with some freshly brewed coffee would be an appropriate way to enjoy this episode of the Deep Dark.
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Significant life changes oftentimes bring about a real estate need, and these two are the guys you'll wanna turn to. Listen in as we chat with Austin Wyble and Davis Scott, the dynamic duo behind Nail and Key Real Estate. This partnership navigated beyond the traditional W-2 path, overcame entrepreneurship challenges, and even embraced a spontaneous side hustle. Click that play button to discover how personal strengths and vulnerabilities can forge a successful collaborative business journey.
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The world of insurance may sound intimidating, but James Hoffman can resolve all your worries. Head over to The Deep Dark and listen up as we talk with the Vice President of Higginbotham Insurance. James opens up about the art of caring for their remarkable Higginbotham team and nurturing strong client relationships. Take notes as Chris and James discuss learning from the “no’s” and the pivotal lessons that come from the first three years in the business world. Catch every word on our latest episode of The Deep Dark.
If you've ever had an interest in visual storytelling, sink into a chair and listen close as Andrew Kilzer, the General Manager of Texas Filmworks, spills his wisdom in this episode of The Deep Dark. This episode explores everything from how Texas Filmworks started and what it is like to run a team in the media industry, to the excitement of a film's creative ideation process, and how you can use your career to set up your family's future generations for success. There's a lot to benefit from in this episode so tune in and don't forget to share it with your friends.
On this episode of the Deep Dark Podcast, we talk with Chris Salters, a professional Commercial & Brand Film Editor here in Texas, USA! Chris & Chris spent time talking about capturing the heart of the brand through film, telling the brand story, and discussing the world of commercial and brand film overall. Take a seat, and enjoy this episode of the Deep Dark.
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We are honored to have had the opportunity to gain business insight from Phyllis Deitz in this episode of The Deep Dark. Phyllis is a wife, a mother of three, and the CEO of Deitz Consulting. Join us as we explore the intricacies of work-life balance, business growth, and the power of perseverance. Phyllis guides us through what community involvement looks like and the transformative effects of networking on your entrepreneurial journey. So grab some headphones and listen up–this one is too good to miss.
It's that time again. We have another episode of The Deep Dark podcast ready for you! On this episode we sat down with Derek Ratliff, founder and president of Horizon Firearms, to talk about company leadership and understanding your market. We unpack a few killer topics like how CEOs respond in crisis, keeping up with cyclical trends, woolly mammoth hunting, and one very important lesson about pleasing your customers. Listen in!
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Interested in building company culture and exploring authenticity in the workplace? Throw this episode of The Deep Dark in your queue. Chris is sitting down with Jeff Schiefelbein and Nick Besner, owners of Undivided Life and co-hosts of the Beatidudes podcast, to unpack these topics and more. You're gonna want to take notes on this one.
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Company culture goes far beyond putting a foosball table in the break room, and it's Alex Sezer's mission to spread the word to businesses who might not know it. Through his gifting with both written and spoken word, Alex is on a mission to help as many organizations as possible grow in passion, production, and profits. Alex believes in combining the bible with business, management with a mission, profits with purpose, and culture with Christ. Tune in to this episode of The Deep Dark podcast to see how he got where he is today and hear how he's navigating the world of business coaching.
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Frustrated by the subpar selection of supplements on the market and their lengthy ingredient lists, Nick Salinas set out to create something better with Stoned Ape. Ever heard of the Stoned Ape theory? Listen to this episode of the Deep Dark to find out how it shaped Nick and his team's vision/brand direction for this up-and-coming business. He and Chris also discuss the unique perspective that serving in the military brings to the business world, as well as the importance of picking the right people to build and represent your brand. Check it out.
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Today's Deep Dark guest, Steven Manuel, cofounded Outpost Advisors in 2018. Their mission is to help people expand their capitals while building a multi-generational outpost. While he was formally trained in communications/writing/producing, he has been on a mission to make disciples since he was 21 years old. How did that eventually translate into financial advising? Listen to this episode to find out, and hear from Steven about defining financial success and the weighty responsibility that is being trusted with the responsibility of advising and managing the assets of others.
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Austin Taylor is a licensed Responsible Master Plumber, a State Board approved Continuing Professional Education instructor, plumbing certification course instructor, Eagle Scout, and owner of Dynamic Drains. He has been a licensed plumber for over 20 years, working in the commercial and residential service, repair, and drain cleaning side of plumbing. In this episode of The Deep Dark, he walks us through the intricacies of starting his own plumbing business, establishing scalability, and the importance of giving back to the community. Check it out.
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Rodrigo Chavez owns What's The Buzz Coffee here in College Station, TX. We have meetings there weekly and frequently stop by for a quality cup of joe, so this episode hits close to home. At What's The Buzz, they value the togetherness that coffee brings by involving local communities and hard-working farmers across the globe. On this episode, Rodrigo talks through the history of WTB, overcoming adversity, and everything that goes into achieving the perfect cup of coffee.
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Ana Dudley and her husband run Texas-based Dudley Engineering - a structural and geo-technical environmental engineering firm with the ambition to grow to a national brand in the next few years. Simply put - they make sure buildings stay upright and safe and that the sub-surface is stable enough to keep those buildings in good order for the future; that's the technical part of their company, but we all know successful businesses with a growth mindset require more than technical know-how to thrive. Join us as Ana unpacks how they're aiming for strategic growth, keeping a great reputation, and attracting the right in-house talent that performs.
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On this episode of The Deep Dark, Ed Molitor joins our host, Chris Lyon, to unpack the concept of leadership in both athletics and business. Ed is the CEO of The Molitor Group, specializing in empowering individuals and groups to achieve at the next level. From working as an NCAA basketball coach at Texas A&M, DePaul NIU, & Lewis University to becoming the Vice President of a national recruiting firm, Ed has taught countless athletes, coaches, and business leaders how to think, act, and execute at an elite level. Tune in to find out more about Ed's story, both the highs and the lows, throughout his experiences in the business world.
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This episode of The Deep Dark features Sam Hickey, owner of Creekstone Outdoor Living. Sam and Chris got right to it, talking through the steps you have to take before getting to do what you've dreamed about, navigating bumps in the road like hurricanes and market crashes, treating your customer right, and taking care of yourself as a business owner. Jump on in.
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On this episode of The Deep Dark we dove in with the owner of KLENR—Chris Thompson. He’s an Aggie grad, a veteran, and an entrepreneur deeply invested in philanthropy. They explore the transition out of the military and into business, adjusting your mindset, the importance of self-care and healthy choices, and how all of it comes into play when starting a new business. Dive in with us.
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John Pritchard is the owner and CEO of Stone Co. Climbing right here in College Station. We have lots of climbers around our shop, so we were excited to sit down with John to hear more about the driving forces behind the business we've come to love. In this episode, Chris and John wade through conversations about culture, brand identity, the future of Stone Co., and the classic highs and lows of starting a new business. Dive into the deep dark with us!
Brandon Berdoll is the President of Berdoll Sawmill in Cedar Creek, Texas. He's a do-it-yourself kind of guy (more specifically, a build-a-house-yourself kind of guy), and that spirit has heavily influenced every aspect of his business. In this episode, he and Chris discuss the importance of delighting your customer, growing in both business and technical acumen as a business owner, and the role that mistakes play in your growth.
Welcome to the Deep Dark podcast - where we ask seasoned business minds to excavate their history - pulling the best insights, hardest moments, and yes - golden epiphanies. Somewhere in the stories, the deepest recesses, and big breakthroughs we all get a little smarter and feel a little better about our own businesses ventures. Remember: if it didn’t hurt, it doesn’t count! I’m your host Chris Lyon - strap in and get ready as we plunge into the Deep Dark.