E95 Joel Duncan: From Marine Corps to Pothole Empire & Michigan Grit

Join us as Joel Duncan, a former Marine and corporate finance professional turned entrepreneur, shares his remarkable transition from a structured career in Michigan to owning Spray Patch Road Repair, a niche pothole repair business. With a blend of military grit, financial acumen, and a leap of faith, Joel offers a gripping tale of self-education, strategic acquisition, and hands-on leadership in a blue-collar world.In this episode, Joel unpacks his path from enlisting in the Marine Corps at 18 to climbing the corporate ladder, only to pivot toward buying a business in 2025. He dives into the nuts and bolts of acquiring a $1.9 million seasonal operation, navigating environmental hurdles, and earning his team’s respect by getting his hands dirty. Whether you’re intrigued by entrepreneurship, blue-collar industries, or stories of reinvention, Joel Duncan’s journey delivers practical lessons and a dose of Midwestern charm.🔑 KEY HIGHLIGHTSFROM MARINE CORPS TO CORPORATE TO OWNERJoel Duncan traces his evolution from fixing helicopters in the Marine Corps to earning an MBA and working in Michigan’s automotive industry, culminating in his purchase of a pothole repair business on January 10, 2025.STRATEGIC ACQUISITION VIA BROKERLearn how Joel Duncan hired a brokerage firm for $5,000/month to source deals while keeping his corporate job, landing Spray Patch Road Repair on BizBuySell after outbidding six competitors.BLUE-COLLAR LEADERSHIPDiscover how Joel Duncan bridges his white-collar past with a blue-collar present, using Marine Corps experience to lead by example—think hydraulic fluid and oily hands—while scaling a seasonal business.AI AS A LIFELINEJoel Duncan reveals his reliance on ChatGPT to master everything from CDL laws to employment regulations, showcasing how tech accelerates his entrepreneurial learning curve.OVERCOMING UNEXPECTED CHALLENGESFrom a $20,000 environmental review to managing a seasonal shutdown, Joel Duncan shares how he adapts to surprises with seller support and resilience.GUIDANCE FOR CORPORATE ESCAPEESJoel Duncan advises aspiring entrepreneurs to educate themselves, secure funds (quit or hire help), and muster the courage to ditch corporate identity for ownership.RESOURCES & LINKSLearn More About Spray Patch Road Repair: spray-patch.comConnect with Joel Duncan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joeltduncanPodcast Website: foundersecretspod.comFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram: @foundersecretspodTikTok: @foundersecretsTwitter: @founder_secretsLinkedIn: Founder Secrets Podcast🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCASTApple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/4h59tyerSpotify: tinyurl.com/4wjb26v8⚡ SPONSORED BY DASHSimplify your success with Dash! From CRM management to social media, bookkeeping, and more, Dash provides top-tier remote talent solutions so you can focus on growing your business. Learn more: hirewithdash.com🔔 DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE!Enjoyed this episode? LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more inspiring conversations with world-changing founders.