This is Business is Fcking Hard with special guest host, Jeff King (he insisted we say that). On this episode we are flipping the script. Jeff steps in to interview podcast host, Trevor Koot. Trevor shares his business journey from starting companies that didn't do anything to growing companies too quickly. We hear about how Trevor's strategy of "I'm sure it'll all be fine" has made the business journey harder than it needed to be. Lots of lessons in this episode, but mainly, do your homework.

Dive into the inspiring journey of Teresa Grobecker, a trailblazing entrepreneur and innovator. Teresa shares how she turned a “placeholder hobby” into a thriving real estate brokerage while balancing family life and navigating the challenges of leadership. She opens up about the loneliness of entrepreneurship, the importance of building a support network, and her honest take on the potential—and pitfalls—of blockchain technology. Packed with valuable lessons, Teresa’s story highlights the power of resilience, adaptability, and staying true to your purpose, even in high-pressure situations.

Karri Green-Schuermans, co-owner of Vancouver’s iconic Chambar restaurant, joins us to reveal the gritty realities of the restaurant business. From the power of adaptability to the ripple effects of economic shifts, Karri shares how she’s kept her doors open—and her values intact—in one of the toughest industries around. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves food, resilience, and community.

In this episode of BFH Highlights, we revisit key lessons from Declan Edwards, founder of BU Happiness College. Declan shares his journey of building a purpose-driven business, including the pivotal decision to transition from a fitness business to founding BU Happiness College, a social enterprise dedicated to "growing global happiness." From redefining success to facing a financial crisis that nearly closed his business, Declan opens up about the challenges and rewards of leading with purpose. We hear insights on resilience, values-driven decision-making, and creating a lasting impact through business.

In this engaging conversation, Jason Lindstrom shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting from his early days of building community through a ski club at university to his experiences in launching and exiting multiple businesses. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, the balance between soft and hard skills in leadership, and the strategic decisions that led to successful acquisitions. The discussion also highlights the transition from service-based to subscription-based business models, showcasing the evolution of his entrepreneurial mindset. Jason reflects on the importance of data-driven decision-making in startups, the necessity of a compelling vision for employee engagement, and the role of vulnerability in leadership.

In this episode of BFH Highlights (a recap of an earlier episode), Emma May, founder of SophieGrace, shares her inspiring journey from lawyer to fashion entrepreneur. Emma tells us how her frustration with workwear led to the birth of SophieGrace, how she navigated the challenges of launching just before the pandemic, and the importance of listening to customers. Tune in to hear Emma’s insights on building a brand, raising capital, and staying focused on what really matters—delivering value to her audience.

Hamish Knox’s entrepreneurial journey is rooted in resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to growth. Starting with a strong work ethic from his early days on a farm, Hamish found his way into sales and eventually bought a Sandler franchise to help businesses improve their leadership and sales strategies. Throughout this episode, Hamish dives into the challenges he faced, like nearly going bankrupt due to rapid expansion, and how he learned to pivot and focus on what truly moves his business forward. He shares invaluable insights on balancing ambition with realistic planning, investing in personal growth even during tough times, and creating a legacy through team building and strategic decision-making. Hamish’s story is a testament to the power of continuous learning, resilience, and the courage to make hard choices.

In this BFH Highlights episode (a summary of the full episode), we dig into the gritty and honest journey of Matt Pasut, a seasoned entrepreneur who built his business from a basement startup to a thriving multi-company operation. Matt talks about growing through discomfort, taking big risks, and why he’s never really off the clock. If you’re ready for a real, unfiltered look at the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, this episode is for you!