Built to Grow: The Small Business Playbook

Built to Grow: The Small Business Playbook with Ryan Naylor is a podcast for small business owners who are done guessing and ready to grow with intention. Each episode features real conversations with founders and operators who’ve been through the highs, the hard lessons, and the growing pains of running a small business. No fluff. No theory. Just honest stories and proven strategies you can actually use. Listeners walk away with real playbook tactics on hiring, leadership, operations, and scaling. The kind of insights you only get from experience, not textbooks. If you’re building a business, managing a team, and trying to grow without burning out, this podcast is for you. Because growth isn’t luck, it’s built.

Built to Grow: The Small Business Playbook is a business podcast hosted by Ryan Naylor, with 18 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Ryan Naylor hosts Built to Grow: The Small Business Playbook, a business show with 18 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #11

  Real Estate Investing: How to Build Wealth & Generate Cash Flow with NFL Vet Devon Kennard

  Aug 12, 202643 minS2

  Send us Fan Mail What happens when a 9-year NFL career comes to an end? For former NFL linebacker Devon Kennard , the answer was building something bigger. In this episode of the Built to Grow Podcast , Ryan Naylor sits down with Devon to talk about his transition from the NFL to entrepreneurship, real estate investing, private lending, and building long-term wealth. Devon shares lessons on leadership, financial discipline, investing, entrepreneurship, and the mindset it takes to succeed beyond sports. He also explains why young entrepreneurs should invest in themselves first, why cash flow matters when building wealth, and how his experience as an elite athlete shaped the way he approaches business. They also dive into: Leadership lessons from Devon's NFL career and Matthew Stafford How Devon approached his first NFL paycheck and delayed gratification Why athletes and entrepreneurs need to understand risk and liquidity Transitioning from professional football to entrepreneurship Real estate investing, house flipping, and private lending The importance of cash flow when building wealth Understanding IRR, leverage, and return on investment Why investing in yourself can be the best investment you make The difference between doing what's mandatory vs. necessary How discipline, adversity, and athletic training translate into business Whether you're an entrepreneur, real estate investor, aspiring athlete, or simply looking to become smarter with your money, Devon's story offers practical lessons on building wealth, taking control of your finances, and creating success beyond your career. Follow Devon Kennard on IG: https://www.instagram.com/devonkennard/ Real Estate & Lending: WeAre42Solutions.com Follow Ryan on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ryan.nylr/ Follow our Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/built.to.grow.podcast/ Learn more about AvaHR and get a free trial of our Hiring Tool for your business: www.avahr.com Watch the live Interviews on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avahrsoftware

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  Episode #10

  How to Grow Your Business Without Working More Hours with Rob Young

  Aug 3, 202628 minS2

  Send us Fan Mail Most entrepreneurs are experts at their craft—but very few have been taught how to run a business. In this episode of Built to Grow , Ryan Naylor sits down with Rob Young , founder of Stage 3 Group and author of Stage 3 Success , to discuss why so many growing businesses get stuck and how owners can build systems that create freedom instead of chaos. Rob explains the "teenage years" of a business—when growth brings complexity, processes break down, and owners find themselves wearing every hat. Together, they dive into the practical frameworks that help businesses scale without sacrificing family, culture, or profitability. Whether you're running a home service company, a growing startup, or an established small business, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you work on your business instead of constantly working in it. In this episode, you'll learn: Why most business owners struggle to scale The three essential functions every business needs How systems and processes reduce stress and increase growth Common mistakes that create chaos as companies grow Why great communication builds trust with customers and employees How to identify your "Best and Highest Use" as a business owner The mindset shift that allows founders to step out of the day-to-day If you're ready to build a business that grows without consuming your life , this episode is for you. Follow Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stage3rob/ Follow Ryan on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ryan.nylr/ Follow our Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/built.to.grow.podcast/ Learn more about AvaHR and get a free trial of our ATS: www.avahr.com Watch the live Interviews on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avahrsoftware

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  Episode #9

  Why Great Leaders Build Great Teams with Former NLF Quarterback Brett Hundley Jr.

  Jul 17, 202643 minS2

  From NFL stadiums to building successful businesses, Brett Hundley proves that leadership doesn't end when the game is over. In this episode of Built to Grow , Ryan Naylor sits down with former NFL quarterback Brett Hundley to discuss the mindset that helped him succeed at the highest level of football—and how those same principles are driving his success as an entrepreneur today. After spending eight seasons in the NFL alongside legendary quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Lamar Jackson, and Carson Wentz, Brett has transitioned into business ownership, building a thriving commercial cleaning company, a real estate development business, and the Brett Hundley Foundation, which has raised more than $1 million to support children and families affected by epilepsy. Ryan and Brett dive into what separates great leaders from average ones, why building the right team matters more than having all the answers, and how entrepreneurs can create cultures where people thrive. Brett also shares the hiring philosophy that's helped him scale multiple companies, why communication is the foundation of every successful organization, and how embracing challenges has fueled his growth as a business owner. The conversation also explores Brett's personal mission behind his nonprofit foundation, inspired by his sister's battle with epilepsy, and why impact—not income—is ultimately how he measures success. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, leader, athlete, or someone looking to build a winning team, this episode is packed with practical leadership lessons you can apply immediately. In this episode you'll learn: Why consistency is the foundation of great leadership How sports prepare entrepreneurs for business ownership Brett's approach to hiring A-players and building strong company culture Why communication solves most business problems Lessons learned from starting businesses from scratch How to overcome setbacks and embrace entrepreneurial risk Why purpose is the ultimate competitive advantage The inspiring story behind the Brett Hundley Foundation If you're looking to become a stronger leader, build a better team, and create a business that lasts, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Follow Brett on IG: https://www.instagram.com/bretthundley7/ Follow Ryan on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ryan.nylr/ Follow our Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/built.to.grow.podcast/ Learn more about AvaHR and get a free trial of our ATS: www.avahr.com Watch the live Interviews on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avahrsoftware

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  Episode #8

  What Would You Do With Your Last $5,000 to Grow a Business - feat. Sam Wakefield

  Jun 5, 202633 minS2

  <p>In this episode, Ryan sits down with sales expert and Close It Now founder Sam Wakefield to discuss one of the biggest missed opportunities in business growth: prospecting and referrals.</p><p>Sam shares what he would do if he only had $5,000 left to grow a business, why most companies spend too much time focused on marketing and not enough time on proactive outreach, and the simple sales habits that can dramatically increase revenue without increasing ad spend.</p><p>They dive into:<br/>• Why prospecting should be a founder's top priority<br/>• The referral strategies most businesses completely over...

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  Episode #7

  From Law School to 7-Figure Mortgage Entrepreneur with Abdel Khawatmi

  May 29, 202625 minS2

  <p>In this episode, Ryan Naylor sits down with entrepreneur and mortgage industry leader Abdel Khawatmi, founder of Got Mortgages, to talk about what it really takes to scale a business in today’s market.</p><p>From almost going to law school to building a nationally recognized mortgage brand, Abdel shares the systems, routines, mindset, and leadership strategies that helped him grow a high-performing sales organization while staying grounded in family, fitness, and faith.</p><p>Ryan and Abdel dive into:</p>Building scalable sales systemsThe “SCALE” framework for business growthCreating consistency and accountability within sales teamsLeveraging AI and automa...

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