Entrepreneurs, Executives, and Eccentrics is a podcast that explores the world of business through in-depth interviews with a diverse range of guests, hosted by Scott Turman.
From a visionary entrepreneur who has turned dreams into a successful venture, to accomplished executives shaping industries, and eccentric personalities with unique approaches to business and life, Scott navigates through their stories with a blend of curiosity and expertise.
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Sean Pieri on 52 Thursdays, Reconnection, and Redefining Success After Job Loss
Monday, July 27, 2026 • Duration 27:12
In this conversation, professional fundraiser and marketing executive Sean Pieri shares how an unexpected job loss led him to question his identity and redefine success. To find clarity, he committed to calling one person from his past every Thursday for a year. Those 52 conversations became the foundation for his book, 52 Thursdays: One Year, 52 Calls, and the Power of Reconnection. Sean explains how reconnecting with former friends, colleagues, teachers, and mentors revealed hidden struggles, revived forgotten memories, and showed him the value of deeper human connection. He also discusses the importance of defining success on your own terms, listening with intent, putting relationships ahead of career, and choosing to reach out before time or circumstance removes the opportunity.
Takeaways
Losing a job can affect identity as much as income or career direction.
Sean began the 52 Thursdays project to explore how other people define success.
One intentional phone call each week can create deep and meaningful conversations.
Reconnecting with people from the past can help you rediscover parts of yourself.
Success should reflect personal values, not outside expectations.
Relationships, purpose, health, and family may matter more than career status.
Digital communication makes contact easy, but it does not always create real connection.
Strong listening means asking thoughtful follow-up questions and going deeper.
Old memories, songs, news, and shared experiences can help identify people worth calling.
The main lesson is to find a reason to reach out, rather than an excuse not to.
reconnection, friendship, success, identity, job loss, career, relationships, purpose, phone calls, communication, active listening, personal growth, self-discovery, mental health, adversity, retirement, family, legacy, intentional living, professional fundraising, life lessons, human connection, networking, old friends, mentorship, community, work-life balance, 52 Thursdays, personal values, meaningful conversations
Bob Hart on Building TruAmerica Around Renters, Risk, and Workforce Housing
Thursday, July 23, 2026 • Duration 27:59
In this episode, Bob Hart, founder and CEO of TruAmerica Multifamily, explains how he built a major real estate business by focusing on workforce housing and the often-overlooked “missing middle” of the rental market. He shares how the company acquires older apartment communities, improves them, and provides safe, clean, and affordable housing for renters who need practical options. The conversation covers his first real estate deal, the lessons he learned during major downturns, the role of debt and risk management, and the growing use of data, artificial intelligence, and global support teams in multifamily investing. Bob also reflects on entrepreneurship, career development, financial discipline, and the value of building strong technical skills before taking larger business risks.
Takeaways
TruAmerica Multifamily focuses on workforce housing for renters who need affordable, market-rate options.
The company targets the “missing middle” between luxury apartments and subsidized housing.
Its strategy centers on buying older properties and improving units, amenities, and maintenance.
Small rent increases can create meaningful returns when applied across large apartment portfolios.
Responsible ownership requires safe, clean housing and disciplined property management.
Bob’s first real estate investment was a duplex purchased with a limited down payment and borrowed funds.
Direct ownership helped him learn leasing, repairs, financing, management, and risk.
Economic downturns taught him to avoid excess debt and use capital with care.
Modern multifamily investing combines financial models, market data, local insight, and human judgment.
Young professionals can benefit from learning engineering, banking, accounting, and financial analysis before pursuing entrepreneurship.
David Steele on Why We Should Rethink Retirement and Build Generational Businesses
Monday, July 20, 2026 • Duration 30:43
In this conversation, David Steele, founder and CEO of One Wealth Advisors and executive chairman of Flour and Water Hospitality Group, shares why he builds businesses to last for generations rather than preparing them for sale. He explains how service, long-term relationships, delegation, mentorship, and creative work shape his approach to leadership. The discussion challenges the traditional view of retirement and explores how people can keep doing meaningful work by removing tasks they dislike and focusing on areas where they have mastery. Steele also discusses the importance of setting authentic goals, building strong teams, and helping immigrant restaurant owners gain access to capital, coaching, and systems that can turn small businesses into lasting companies.
Takeaways
Generational businesses require a different mindset from companies built for acquisition.
Strong relationships with clients, partners, and employees can matter more than a large exit.
Business ownership can serve as a creative practice, not just a path to wealth.
Retirement can cause people to lose purpose when they stop meaningful work without replacing it.
Delegation allows leaders to remove routine tasks and focus on work that uses their strongest skills.
Teaching, coaching, and mentorship can turn delegation into a tool for developing future leaders.
A well-designed calendar can create space for work, travel, hobbies, and personal growth.
Goals should reflect personal values rather than status, ego, or social pressure.
Good mentors help people discover their own goals instead of projecting goals onto them.
Immigrant restaurant owners need more than startup grants, they also need capital, coaching, and systems that support long-term growth.
Today's guest, David Steele, can be found at:
Company Websites: https://onewealth.net/, https://www.flourandwater.com/
Jackie Garrett on Scaling From a Kitchen Table Prototype to Retail Storefronts
Monday, July 13, 2026 • Duration 25:28
In this episode, Jackie Garrett, founder, designer, and CEO of Vilah Bloom, shares how a simple idea born from the challenges of motherhood became a thriving handbag and accessories brand. She explains how her patented diaper bag that dispenses wet wipes launched the business, the journey from sewing prototypes at her kitchen table to securing major retail partnerships, and how the company evolved into a customizable handbag brand with interactive bag bars. Jackie also discusses manufacturing, supply chain challenges, product development, hiring, leadership, retail expansion, and the lessons she learned through nearly 16 years of entrepreneurship. The conversation offers practical insight into building a product-based business, adapting to change, and creating sustainable long-term growth through creativity, resilience, and customer-focused innovation.
Takeaways
Vilah Bloom began with a patented diaper bag that dispenses wet wipes, inspired by Jackie's own experience as a new mother.
The company's first prototype was handmade on her kitchen table using simple materials before evolving into a commercial product.
Winning Best Diaper Bag at the ABC Kids Expo helped the brand gain early credibility and secure partnerships with major retailers, including Nordstrom.
The business transitioned from primarily wholesale and ecommerce to a retail experience centered around customizable handbags and accessories.
Vilah Bloom's Bag Bar concept allows customers to personalize bags with straps, charms, and monograms, creating a unique shopping experience.
Small batch manufacturing and finishing products in the United States helped the company navigate supply chain disruptions and tariff challenges.
Jackie credits much of her success to persistence, learning through setbacks, and adapting after difficult manufacturing experiences.
Hiring and delegating responsibilities were essential milestones that allowed the business to scale beyond a family-run operation.
Jackie's background in television sales, marketing, and retail provided valuable experience that helped her navigate relationships with major retailers.
The company is exploring future expansion through additional retail locations and a potential franchise or ownership model.
Nicholas Allen on Scaling Legal Lead Gen with Meta Ads, Surveys, and AI Automation
Monday, July 6, 2026 • Duration 31:23
In this conversation, Nicholas Allen discusses his path from architecture to building a performance marketing agency focused on legal lead generation in the U.S. He explains how he moved from small local lead gen clients into scalable pay-per-lead campaigns for personal injury, motor vehicle accident, and workers’ compensation leads. The discussion covers why Meta ads remain his strongest channel, how qualification surveys and dynamic funnels help route leads to the right buyers, and why creative testing became critical after tracking and attribution changed. Nicholas also shares lessons on focus, avoiding shiny object syndrome, building systems before growth becomes unmanageable, and using AI to improve workflows, automate data handling, and speed up technical work.
Takeaways
Nicholas Allen built a legal lead generation business after leaving a career in architecture.
His agency focuses on pay-per-lead campaigns rather than monthly retainers.
Personal injury lead generation became a strong niche because it is scalable and valuable to buyers.
Meta ads, especially Facebook and Instagram, remain his primary traffic channels.
The business model allows one campaign to serve multiple clients at the same time.
Qualification surveys help filter leads based on case type, injury, fault, treatment, and other key factors.
Lead quality often depends on the law firm’s intake process and follow-up system.
Creative testing became more important after tracking and attribution changes affected ad performance.
Nicholas believes focus and mastery helped him move past shiny object syndrome and build momentum.
His biggest lesson was to build systems, hire earlier, and avoid doing every task alone.
Paul DeRousselle on NFL Deals, Early Failure, and Becoming Undeniable in Sports
Monday, June 29, 2026 • Duration 36:15
In this episode, Scott Turman speaks with Paul DeRousselle, an NFL agent and author of Faith. Failure. Football., about his path from a small town in Louisiana to representing top football talent. Paul shares how his love for football began early, how law school helped shape his career, and how early failure taught him the value of preparation, humility, and discipline. The conversation covers the realities of becoming an agent, the pressure of recruiting and negotiation, the importance of faith and accountability, and why long-term success requires more than talent or confidence.
Takeaways
Paul DeRousselle knew from a young age that he wanted a life connected to football.
Becoming an NFL agent requires strong credentials, preparation, and a high level of commitment.
Paul’s first major career setback came when a hometown player chose another agent.
That early failure taught him not to rely only on relationships, but to bring a clear plan and real value.
His first major commission as an agent brought relief and validation after years of work.
Success created its own challenges, including ego, distraction, and the need for self-accountability.
Paul credits faith, discipline, and reflection with helping him refocus on his purpose.
He sees legendary agent Eugene Parker as a major professional influence.
Paul believes strong agents must understand both the player’s needs and the team’s position.
His book, Faith. Failure. Football., is not a how-to guide, but a story about perseverance, purpose, and growth.
Richard McWhorter on Wealth Management, Critical Thinking, and the Future of AI
Monday, June 22, 2026 • Duration 30:42
In this conversation, Richard McWhorter, managing partner of SRM Private Wealth in Beverly Hills, discusses his work advising family offices, entertainers, athletes, and high-net-worth clients on wealth management, estate planning, financial planning, and long-term investment strategy. He explains how family office investing differs from standard financial planning, why each client requires a custom approach, and how critical thinking shapes decisions in uncertain markets. The discussion also explores the role of AI in research, the risks of relying on AI without subject matter knowledge, the possible bubble around AI-related companies, and why Richard favors a disciplined “singles and doubles” investment approach over chasing home runs.
Takeaways
SRM Private Wealth works with 36 families and manages about $2.1 billion in assets.
A family office typically serves families with hundreds of millions of dollars in assets.
Richard’s firm builds custom strategies based on each family’s wealth structure, goals, values, and existing holdings.
Family office advising often includes investments, estate planning, financial planning, retirement planning, and broader decision support.
Richard entered the financial industry young and built his career through focus, persistence, and long-term client value.
His renewed interest in finance came from intellectual curiosity and a desire to understand complex issues in depth.
Richard views economics as an inexact science because markets, policy, politics, and global events all affect outcomes.
AI can help interpret large amounts of information, but it still requires human judgment, fact gathering, and review.
Richard believes AI may create major value, but investors must consider energy needs, data centers, raw materials, and infrastructure.
His investment style focuses on risk control, steady gains, and avoiding large mistakes rather than chasing the next big winner.
Today's guest, Richard McWhorter, can be found at:
Jason Rider on Building C-BITE: From 3D Printing to Scalable Garden Supports
Monday, June 15, 2026 • Duration 30:17
In this episode, inventor and entrepreneur Jason Rider shares the story behind C-BITE, a patented gardening clip designed to solve common plant support and trellising challenges. Jason discusses how a lifelong passion for gardening, combined with early access to 3D printing technology, led him to develop a versatile product that can connect in hundreds of configurations. He walks through the product development process, from rapid prototyping and patenting to manufacturing, distribution, and scaling a family-owned business alongside his sister. The conversation explores entrepreneurship, product design, retail distribution, in-house manufacturing, and the lessons learned from more than a decade of building a physical product company. Jason also offers practical advice for inventors and founders on finding mentors, learning quickly, and navigating the challenges of bringing an idea to market.
Takeaways
C-BITE was created to solve the limitations of traditional tomato cages and plant support systems.
Jason used an early desktop 3D printer to rapidly prototype and refine the product design.
The product evolved from a simple gardening clip into a modular system with more than 150 connection possibilities.
Inspiration for the design came from real gardening problems and woodworking joinery concepts such as dovetail connections.
Early adoption in hydroponics and cannabis cultivation helped validate the product's usefulness.
Building a physical product business required learning manufacturing, distribution, marketing, and retail operations.
Jason and his sister split responsibilities, combining engineering, product development, sales, and marketing expertise.
Manufacturing in-house with injection molding machines helped reduce costs and improve supply chain control.
Distribution alone does not guarantee sales, ongoing education, marketing, and customer awareness are essential.
Jason believes founders should seek mentors, learn from experienced industry professionals, and focus on failing fast to accelerate success.
Today's guest, Jason Rider, can be found at:
Website: https://thrivingdesign.com/
Charlie Felker on Moving Home Service Phone Systems to AI Without Breaking Operations
Monday, June 8, 2026 • Duration 32:32
In this episode, entrepreneur and Army veteran Charlie Felker shares his journey from serving in the U.S. Army and completing multiple combat deployments to building and selling home service businesses. Charlie discusses how lessons learned from operating those companies led him to launch Free2Grow, a business focused on helping home service companies improve customer service operations. The conversation explores the rapid evolution of AI-powered customer service, the challenges of scaling human call centers, and why AI voice assistants are becoming a practical solution for HVAC, plumbing, lawn care, and other home service businesses. Charlie explains the company's recent pivot to AI, the realities of adoption, lessons learned during the transition, and how automation is reshaping customer interactions, operational efficiency, and business growth in the home services industry.
Takeaways
Charlie Felker served in the U.S. Army, including four combat deployments to Afghanistan, before becoming an entrepreneur.
He built and later sold two aging-in-place home service businesses, which provided the foundation for his current venture.
Free2Grow originally provided outsourced customer service representatives for home service companies.
Scaling human customer service teams proved difficult due to hiring, turnover, training, and seasonal demand fluctuations.
Advances in AI voice technology prompted the company to pivot from human CSRs to AI-powered customer service solutions.
Many smaller home service companies are adopting AI quickly because it offers 24/7 availability and lower operating costs.
Larger HVAC and plumbing businesses are often starting with after-hours and overflow call handling as a way to test AI adoption.
AI booking rates are approaching levels that make them competitive with human agents for many customer interactions.
Successful AI deployment requires customized workflows, scheduling logic, business rules, and CRM integrations tailored to each company.
Charlie believes business owners should focus resources on core strengths and outsource non-core functions to improve profitability and scalability.
Today's guest, Charlie Felker, can be found at:
Diana Garcia on Building a Private Practice: mindset shifts, money, and imposter syndrome
Monday, June 1, 2026 • Duration 40:35
In this episode, licensed therapist and coach Diana M. Garcia shares her journey from community mental health and university counseling into private practice and entrepreneurship. She discusses the realities of building a therapy business during the pandemic, the emotional challenges of running a practice, and the mindset shifts required to move from clinician to business owner. Diana also explains Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, and how it helps people manage negative thoughts, build psychological flexibility, and take value-driven action. The conversation explores coaching, imposter syndrome, women in leadership, marketing strategies for therapists, the rise of online therapy and AI tools, and the future of mental health services in a rapidly changing industry.
Takeaways
Diana M. Garcia transitioned into full-time private practice after learning her university role would end during the pandemic.
Therapists are trained clinically, but often receive little education on running a business.
Building a private practice requires emotional resilience, especially when dealing with uncertainty and financial pressure.
Imposter syndrome is common for therapists entering entrepreneurship and leadership roles.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, focuses on psychological flexibility, mindfulness, and value-driven behavior.
Diana works primarily with stressed millennials, couples, and first and second generation women in leadership or entrepreneurship.
Many women struggle with confidence despite being highly qualified, while men often project confidence more easily.
Word-of-mouth referrals, SEO, YouTube content, and relationship-building have been key marketing tools in her business growth.
Writing a book required strict discipline, consistent deadlines, and long-term commitment outside of client work.
Diana believes AI and technology will continue shaping mental health care, but human empathy and connection cannot be replaced.
Artificial Intelligence, AI Voice Assistants, Customer Service Automation, Home Services, HVAC, Plumbing, Lawn Care, Call Centers, Customer Service Representatives, Outsourcing, Business Scaling, Entrepreneurship, Small Business Operations, Workflow Automation, CRM Integration, Voice AI, Appointment Booking, Dispatching, Operational Efficiency, Business Growth, Private Equity, Franchises, Automation Technology, AI Adoption, Home Service Industry, Scheduling Systems, Virtual Assistants, Cost Reduction, Service Businesses, Digital Transformation
therapy, private practice, entrepreneurship, mental health, ACT therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, coaching, couples therapy, millennials, imposter syndrome, women in leadership, confidence, mindset, business ownership, therapist marketing, SEO, YouTube marketing, emotional resilience, psychological flexibility, negative thoughts, behavioral therapy, coaching industry, online therapy, AI therapy, mental health apps, therapist burnout, self-pay therapy, networking, growth mindset, women entrepreneurs, Hispanic professionals, emotional intelligence, communication skills, boundaries, relationships, mindfulness, value-driven action, coaching business, therapy business, mental health industry
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