Anything But Typical

David Wurtzbacher — Building a People-First Business

What does it really look like to put people first while building and scaling a business?

In this episode of Anything But Typical, Gary and Ben sit down with David Wurtzbacher, Founder and CEO of Ascend, to talk about leadership, entrepreneurship, culture, and building organizations where people have the opportunity to flourish.

David shares lessons from his journey through JPMorgan, Lightwave Dental, and ultimately founding Ascend — including why character matters in M&A, how Ascend is working to preserve the independence of entrepreneurial CPA firms, and why long-term thinking often requires making decisions that can't immediately be measured on a spreadsheet.

The conversation also explores the importance of stepping out of the day-to-day to work on the business, developing a coachable mindset, investing in future leaders, and intentionally designing a life that goes beyond professional success.

In This Episode:

• What it means to lead people toward an inspiring vision

• Why Ascend takes a People First approach to growth

• Preserving independence and culture during acquisitions

• Choosing the right people — not simply the right deal

• Why leaders have to make time to work on the business

• The role of executive coaching and lifelong learning

• Creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders

• David's perspective on faith, purpose, and living an abundant life

About David Wurtzbacher

David Wurtzbacher is the Founder and CEO of Ascend, a platform built to help entrepreneurial CPA firms grow and transform while preserving their independence, culture, people, and approach to serving clients.

Resources

Ascend: ascendtogether.com
Ascend on LinkedIn: Search “Ascend” on LinkedIn
Connect with David: Find David Wurtzbacher on LinkedIn

About Anything But Typical

Anything But Typical shares the real stories behind entrepreneurship — not just the wins, but the challenges, decisions, lessons, and experiences that shape the journey.

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From Corporate Banking to Physical Copper: Allen Cates on Trust, Failure & Reinvention

Allen Cates’ entrepreneurial journey has taken him across countries, industries, and some incredibly difficult business lessons. Growing up in Canada, Australia, England, and the United States taught him how to adapt quickly, appreciate different perspectives, and become comfortable entering unfamiliar environments.

In this episode of Anything But Typical, Allen shares how his career in banking prepared him to purchase and operate a small business—and why he eventually knew it was time to move on. He also opens up about investing with a trusted business leader who was later discovered to be forging financial records. That experience forced Allen to confront failure, forgive himself, strengthen his approach to due diligence, and rebuild his confidence.

Allen also explains the mission behind Kilo Reserve and how the company gives investors access to physical industrial metals. The conversation explores copper’s role in electrical infrastructure, electric vehicles, AI data centers, and the power grid, along with the differences between owning physical metal and investing through mining stocks, ETFs, or futures.

In This Episode

• How an international childhood shaped Allen’s adaptability and leadership

• Why every piece of feedback deserves consideration

• The value of learning “on someone else’s dime”

• What Allen learned from buying and selling a small business

• Why entrepreneurs must become comfortable with failure

• Recovering emotionally after betrayal by a trusted business partner

• The importance of understanding the asset behind an investment

• How Kilo Reserve makes physical industrial metals more accessible

• Why following the process matters more than one final result

Key Takeaway

Failure does not have to become your identity. Allen’s story demonstrates the importance of acknowledging what happened, learning from it, forgiving yourself, and carrying those lessons into the next opportunity.

Connect With Allen and Learn More

• Kilo Reserve: Official website

• Allen Cates on LinkedIn

• Kilo Reserve on LinkedIn

• BizBuySell: Explore businesses available for purchase

Subscribe to Anything But Typical for more honest conversations with entrepreneurs about the successes, failures, pivots, and lessons that shaped their journeys.

Brief Summary

Kari Warberg Block joins Gary Frey and Ben McDonald to share her anything-but-typical journey from growing up in an entrepreneurial family to founding EarthKind, a nationally recognized plant-based pest-prevention company.

Kari discusses the near-death experience that changed the direction of her life, the challenges of creating a new product category, and why she temporarily removed her products from major retailers to protect customer trust. She also shares how she learned to release control, build a diverse leadership team, and transition out of the CEO role without selling her company.

Resources Mentioned

• EarthKind
• Kari Warberg Block
• Plant-based pest prevention
• Regenerative and organic agriculture
• Environmental Protection Agency

Calls to Action

• Learn more about EarthKind: earthkind.com
• Connect with Kari Warberg Block: kariwarbergblock.com
• Subscribe to Anything But Typical for more real stories from entrepreneurs.
• Like, share, and send this episode to a business owner or founder.

Alex Harris — explorer, mountaineer, speaker, entrepreneur, endurance athlete, and creator of The Munga, a 700-mile nonstop bike race across South Africa.

Brief Summary

In this episode of Anything But Typical, Gary Frey and Ben sit down with Alex Harris, a South African explorer whose life has been shaped by curiosity, risk, faith, and the pursuit of what most people would call impossible. Alex shares how a childhood dream of becoming a Jedi and astronaut eventually led him into mountaineering, Everest expeditions, entrepreneurship, ultra-endurance racing, and the creation of The Munga.

From surviving the deadly 1996 Everest season to hearing God speak in a tent at 22,000 feet, Alex’s story is about more than adventure. It is about learning when to push forward, when to turn around, how failure forms us, and why the greatest exploration may be discovering how God uniquely made you.

 

Book Alex Harris as a speaker:
Alex Harris – Texas Speakers Bureau

Learn more about The Munga:
The Munga MTB

Follow The Munga on social media:
Instagram – @mungamtb
Facebook – The Munga
YouTube – The Munga MTB Race

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When venture capital takes over your family business, you can do everything right — and still lose. Randy Golenberg lived it. He spent 14 years in his family's caulk manufacturing business before private equity involvement triggered its collapse into bankruptcy.

That bankruptcy became the catalyst for his next chapter: building Spark Your Brand from scratch, running it for 25 years, and ultimately selling it to AdCom Group.

In this episode, Randy shares the unfiltered story — from sweeping floors in his dad's factory to negotiating a multi-million dollar exit. No hype. Real lessons on resilience, knowing when to sell, and why "you don't control outcomes, you only control actions."

 

Randy Golenberg
Randy Golenberg is an entrepreneur, brand strategist, and business leader based in Cleveland, Ohio. After rebuilding from the collapse of his family business, Randy founded and grew Spark Your Brand over 25 years. Today, he is part of the AdCom Group, where he focuses on business development, integrated brand strategy, and helping clients create meaningful return on their investment.

Connect with Randy

LinkedIn: Randy Golenberg
Instagram: @JewInThePew
Company: AdCom Group

In this episode of Anything But Typical, Gary Frey and Ben McDonald sit down with Ben Kinney, publisher of Business North Carolina, SouthPark Magazine, and North Carolina Tribune.

Ben shares how growing up as the son of a journalist, moving from city to city, and constantly being the new kid shaped his ability to communicate, adapt, and connect with people. What started as a life of transition eventually became a career built around storytelling, leadership, media, and relationships.

The conversation explores Ben’s unexpected path from studying history and planning to become a teacher, to working in advertising sales, to stepping into leadership at Business North Carolina during a difficult season for the company. Ben also talks about the evolution of media, leading through uncertainty, surviving the Great Recession and COVID, and why authentic storytelling still matters in a world increasingly shaped by digital noise and AI.

This episode is a thoughtful conversation about resilience, connection, leadership, and the power of having a real voice in business.

In This Episode

• Gary, Ben McDonald, and Ben Kinney discuss:
• Ben’s childhood moving through Burlington, Winston-Salem, New York City, South Florida, and Charlotte
• How being the “new kid” helped Ben learn communication, adaptability, and connection
• Why Ben originally planned to become a high school history teacher
• How he fell into classified advertising and business media
• What it was like stepping into leadership at Business North Carolina after tragedy
• The challenges of working in a family business
• How media has changed across print, digital, newsletters, podcasts, video, and social platforms
• Why great content still matters, even as distribution continues to evolve
• How Business North Carolina adapted through the Great Recession and COVID
• Ben’s leadership philosophy and the importance of hiring the right people
• Why authenticity, voice, and storytelling still matter in the age of AI
• The value of strong editing, concise writing, and human connection

Key Takeaways

• Connection is often built through life experience. Ben’s ability to connect with people came from years of adapting to new environments, new schools, and new communities.
• Leadership sometimes begins with simply stepping in to help. Ben did not enter publishing with a perfect master plan. He stepped in when the family business needed him and learned through pressure.
• Content is still king, but distribution has changed. Strong journalism and storytelling still matter, but today’s media companies have to think across print, email, social media, podcasts, video, and digital platforms.
• Survival requires thoughtful reaction. Ben explains that small businesses have to move quickly, but leaders still need to respond with care, perspective, and intention.
• Authenticity creates trust. Ben’s personal writing in The Daily Digest connected with readers because it felt genuine, human, and different from typical business commentary.
• AI cannot replace real storytelling. AI may help generate information, but it cannot replace voice, judgment, perspective, editing, and authentic human connection.

Memorable Quotes

“He knows a lot of folks. He’s got a great sense of humor. And he really can connect people.”

“I always like to talk about myself growing up as my parents and I grew up together.”

“I was always the new kid at every school.”

“It was trial by fire. It was trial by volcanic fire.”

“You gotta kinda react to things in a thoughtful way.”

“But it can’t replace storytelling, and that’s what we’re all doing, is telling stories.”

“The key is be entertaining, be engaging, and have a voice.”

“Good editing is so hard to find.”

Connect with Ben Kinney

LinkedIn: Ben Kinney
Business North Carolina: businessnc.com
SouthPark Magazine: southparkmagazine.com
North Carolina Tribune: nctribune.com
Email: bkinney@businessnc.com
X/Twitter: @BenKinneyBNC

Discover the story of Mark McLean’s impressive journey from early influences to leading a multi-billion-dollar company. Learn how culture, relationships, humility, and strategic growth propel organizations through transitions and challenges.

 

Main topics:

Building a career in insurance and financial services, rooted in mentorship and family lessons

Navigating growth: from founding to billion-dollar company, merger, and acquisitions

The importance of company culture, relationships, and core values in long-term success

Personal resilience through life's challenges including health, family, and entrepreneurial pivots

 

Timestamps:

00:00 - Defining what takes Mark McLean out in public

 

00:29 - Interests beyond work: sports, golf, and family

 

01:54 - The role of sports and family fun in shaping his values

 

02:40 - Favorite golf locations and social activities

 

03:10 - Humble introduction and the significance of titles

 

04:13 - Career overview: from Senior Managing Principal to Senior VP

 

06:46 - The importance of faith, family, and friendships in reputation

 

07:49 - The influence of Jeff Warner and mentorship connections

 

08:42 - Early motivations: lessons from family and mentors

 

09:30 - Growing up in Florence, South Carolina, and early career influences

 

11:12 - College journey, changing majors, and love for insurance

 

12:42 - Industry insights: relationship building, trust, and reputation

 

15:36 - Industry trends, industry change, and mentorship in risk management

 

17:45 - Industry challenges, trust, and business growth

 

20:04 - Licensing, early sales experiences, and building business foundations

 

22:02 - The role of creativity and relationship management in success

 

23:11 - Industry evolution and personal insights into trend anticipation

 

24:46 - Handling life’s challenges, family, and career pivots

 

25:36 - The importance of good culture and team alignment

 

27:24 - Transition from employment to entrepreneurship: the leap into owning and growing businesses

 

32:51 - Building Turnkey Benefits, sale, and subsequent ventures

 

36:16 - Growth from 25 to 170 employees, industry innovation

 

40:54 - Navigating partnership changes, relationships, and success

 

44:11 - Transition into digital organizations, culture, and values

 

50:46 - Building a unified message, controlling quality and trust

 

54:45 - Personal experiences: family, loss, and professional resilience

 

56:55 - Adapting to industry and market changes post-Obamacare

 

58:26 - Balancing growth, personal life, and company focus

 

62:22 - About joining One Digital, the corporate culture, and long-term vision

 

66:00 - The role of private equity, strategic capital, and maintaining independence

 

70:01 - The secret sauce: company culture as a competitive advantage

 

73:51 - Leadership values: integrity, humility, and people first

 

77:08 - The importance of intentional culture, talented leadership, and long-term vision

 

78:45 - Family, blended families, and parenting insights about nurturing strong values

 

79:03 - Final thoughts — being discerning, strategic, and building legacy

 

Resources:

Connect with Mark McLean

OneDigital

In this episode, Stacey Brown Randall shares her inspiring journey from business failures to becoming a trusted referral expert, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and intentional branding. Discover her tactics for building meaningful relationships, protecting your IP in the age of AI, and shifting the traditional mindset around referrals.

 

Key topics:

• Stacey’s entrepreneurial journey: from failed startups to strategic branding
• The significance of being intentional about brand consistency, especially with signature colors
• How understanding your “why” fuels resilience through business setbacks
• Reevaluating success: shifting from financial milestones to personal fulfillment
• Practical strategies for generating referrals without asking
• Distinction between word-of-mouth, introductions, and true referrals
• How building relationships with referral sources differs from prospecting and marketing
• Adapting business models over time based on market shifts and personal life changes
• Protecting intellectual property in a rapidly evolving AI landscape
• The impact of consistent content like books and podcasts on long-term trust-building

 

Timestamps:

 

00:00 – Welcome & Stacey’s background: from embarrassment to branding

02:07 – What others might say about Stacey at her kids’ baseball game

03:29 – The importance of being on brand and intentional with style choices

04:34 – Stacey’s book: Generating Business Referrals Without Asking & Referable Client Experience

05:49 – The pivotal moment: learning from her first business failure

06:46 – The evolution from corporate America back to entrepreneurship

07:16 – Why entrepreneurship is in her blood and the desire for control and freedom

08:32 – How Stacey’s lifestyle aligns with her brand values

09:23 – Defining success beyond revenue: family, fulfillment, and authenticity

10:13 – The yearly reset ritual to realign goals and priorities

11:12 – How setbacks and life surprises shape her resilience and business approach

12:26 – The importance of understanding your true “why”

13:51 – Navigating businessduring life changes and market shifts 14:19 – Developing her core strategies: referrals, client experience, and new client acquisition

15:50 – Lessons from her first HR consulting firm & the value of scaling

16:47 – Why she returned to corporate America before launching her second business

17:13 – Recognizing opportunity in necessity & the power of strategic niche selection

18:55 – Building a productivity coaching business through genuine relationships

20:19 – Transitioning into her current focus: referral systems and relationship building

22:08 – Overcoming the early hype and misconceptions around referrals

23:29 – The three-legged stool approach: referrals as a separate, relationship-based pillar

24:54 – Humanizing referral conversations and avoiding gimmicks

26:16 – Tracking referral sources accurately and avoiding self-referrals

27:57 – Finding your niche and leveraging your personal network for referrals

29:26 – Creating scalable programs that meet clients where they are

30:56 – Adjusting business models based on market preferences

32:41 – Protecting your IP in a digital age & AI considerations

36:46 – Authentic connection strategies: permission, intentionality, and specificity

38:19 – The evolution of her business offerings & online vs. in-person strategies

41:23 – Teaching clients how to get referrals without asking directly

44:47 – Moving away from traditional “ask for referrals” tactics

47:31 – Reframing referrals as part of the core relationship-building process

49:35 – The “Go-Giver” mindset & serving genuinely for the long term results

51:52 – Strategic introductions & the importance of context & permission

54:36 – How true referrals differ from word-of-mouth buzz or accidental introductions

56:08 – The importance of data in understanding referral dynamics

57:23 – Overcoming objections to referral strategies and unlearning misconceptions

58:52 – The influence of books and podcasts on long-term trust-building

62:19 – Planning future content and strategic themes for ongoing growth

63:21 – The process of writing her latest book & foundational referral strategies

66:01 – Combining book, podcast, and relationship-building for sustained growth

67:32 – Diversifying client acquisition channels to reduce risk

68:22 – The “why” behind her entrepreneurial drive: from freedom to meaningful impact

70:49 – Lessons from setbacks: blessings in disguise and resilience

73:00 – Protecting your business in the AI era: authentic human connection matters

76:21 – Ensuring confidentiality & IP protection in today’s digital world

77:55 – The future of AI: leveraging tools without compromising core values

78:48 – The irreplaceable role of human emotion & intuition

79:33 – Final thoughts & how to connect with Stacey

 

Resources & Links:

Generating Business Referrals Without Asking by Stacey Brown Randall

Referable Client Experience by Stacey Brown Randall

Roadmap to Referrals Podcast

Stacey Brown Randall on LinkedIn

Stacey’s Website

In this episode, hosts sit down with Stephen Phelan, Chief Spiritual Integration Officer at Faith-Driven Entrepreneur, to unpack a powerful idea: what if business wasn’t just about profit—but about people?

Stephen shares the story behind Movement Mortgage and how a bold vision during the 2008 financial crisis led to a company built on love, purpose, and impact. From redefining leadership to transforming communities through education and service, this conversation challenges the way we think about success in business.

If you’ve ever wondered how faith, purpose, and entrepreneurship can actually work together—this one hits deep.

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Core Takeaways

• Love can be operationalized in business — it’s not just a feeling, it’s systems and structure
• Great companies meet human needs, not just market needs
• Purpose scales culture faster than profit ever will
• You don’t have to separate faith and business—but you also don’t force it
• Real leadership development happens outside comfort zones
• Generosity + boundaries (financial finish lines) unlock impact

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The 4 Needs of the Human Heart (Framework)

1. Help in crisis – People want support when life hits hard
2. Friends at work – Belonging and relationships matter
3. Purpose – People want their life and work to mean something
4. Faith / deeper meaning – An opportunity to explore something bigger

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Notable Quotes

• “We exist to love and value people.”
• “If your teammates thrive, your business will thrive.”
• “Don’t run from broken systems—redeem them.”
• “Set a financial finish line. Decide what ‘enough’ looks like.”
• “Put people on a plane. That’s the best leadership development.”

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Calls to Action

• Reflect: What’s your business really built on—profit or people?
• Identify one way you can serve your local community this month
• Share this episode with another entrepreneur or leader
• Leave a rating/review if this conversation impacted you

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Brief summary of show:

Jamie Ledford, President of Golf Pride, shares his journey from growing up in

Walla Walla, Washington, to leading a global brand. Through stories of farm life, mentorship,

international experiences, and career pivots, Jamie reflects on leadership, humility, and the importance

of people in shaping both personal and professional success. This episode explores how life’s

unexpected turns often lead to the most meaningful opportunities.

 

Key topics discussed & time stamps:

• Early life in Walla Walla and farm influences (00:08)

• Lessons from Jamie’s grandfather and work ethic (00:10)

• Leadership mindset and desire to lead (00:22)

• Career pivots and unexpected opportunities (00:25)

• International experience in Italy and global perspective (00:32)

• Consulting, Starbucks, and business growth strategies (00:38)

• Transition into Callaway and Golf Pride (00:45)

 

List of resources mentioned in episode:

• Golf Pride

• AT Kearney Consulting

• Johns Hopkins SAIS

 

Calls to action:

• Follow the Anything But Typical Podcast

• Share this episode with a friend or colleague