Hole in the Wall Business Podcast

You just got back from a business seminar, networking event, or franchise training: you're inspired, your notebook is full… now what?In this episode of The Hole in the Wall Business Podcast, Bill and James share a step by step framework for turning that post training momentum into real business results. Learn how to retain valuable insights, follow up effectively, and keep the flame alive long after the event ends.

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In this special origin story episode, Tyler Specht sits down with co-host James Groves to uncover his unexpected path—from backstage entertainment gigs and African missions to becoming the operational mastermind behind one of the most systemized drywall franchises in the country.James shares the wild turns of his career, his time building in Zambia, and the mindset and operational structure that helped turn Hole in the Wall Drywall...

Welcome to The Hole in the Wall Business Podcast with Bill and James. In this episode, Bill steps into the guest seat as Tyler Specht interviews him about the full journey of founding Hole in the Wall Drywall Repair—from his early days as a painter in Oklahoma, through the 2008 financial crash, to the vision and grit that launched a franchise.You'll get actionable insights, hear real-life experiences, and gain fresh perspective...

Welcome to The Hole in the Wall Business Podcast with Bill and James.In this episode, we reconnect with Kyle Davis of Integrity Financial—an advisor who built a thriving $45M+ practice not with cold calls or spammy tactics, but with genuine relationship marketing. From moving cities and scaling virtually, to mentoring new advisors and bringing his wife into the business, Kyle shares raw insight on longevity, trust, and redefining “...

Welcome to The Hole in the Wall Business Podcast with Bill and James, in this episode we sit down with Don Strube, co-founder of Florida Paints and former Color Wheel executive, to unpack how a 20-foot shed operation became a 100 million dollar paint empire, how the family exited at the top of the housing boom, and why they jumped back in to build Florida Paints even bigger, you will hear practical leadership lessons, gritty family...

In this episode, we meet Courtney Felton, founder of Detailing Express and U.S. Air Force veteran, who went from bootstrapping a mobile car wash with rags and a mop bucket to landing corporate contracts with BMW, UPS, and luxury vehicle brands. Courtney shares how the military sharpened his logistics mindset, how a subscription model changed his business forever, and what it really takes to scale from survival to significance.You&#...

Welcome to The Hole in the Wall Business Podcast with Bill and James.In this episode, we sit down with Wes Robbins, VP and partner at W Robbins & Company, who shares his journey from pouring concrete in New York to leading a 50+ employee construction business across 22 counties in Florida.Wes opens up about scaling operations, why he doesn’t sleep, and how networking built his company more than marketing ever could.You'll g...

Welcome to The Hole in the Wall Business Podcast with Bill and James.In this episode, we sit down with Bary El-Yacoubi, co-founder of Send Me a Pro—a fast-growing home services franchise blending technology, trust, and scalability. Bary shares how he went from personal trainer to building a tech-powered platform that helps homeowners find vetted professionals while empowering franchisees to grow lean, local service businesses. If y...

We sit down with Justin Recca of Innovative Realty—an ex-police officer turned real estate broker and investor—who shares how he scaled his property management company from scratch to over 600 units using systems, automation, and a relentless work ethic.From self-showing tech to managing a high-volume portfolio with a lean team, Justin dives deep into what it takes to thrive in both residential and commercial real estate.You'll...

Welcome to The Hole in the Wall Business Podcast with Bill and James. In this episode, we sit down with Matthew Collins, founder of Collins Kitchen and Bath, to hear how he went from rock bottom—literally starting his business with -$1,000 in the bank—to building one of Central Florida’s most trusted renovation companies. We explore the gritty realities of entrepreneurship, why cheap work can cost you everything, and how Matthew gr...

In this episode, Bill and James sit down with Christian Touzet, majority owner of The Point Pub and Grill, to explore how a cozy neighborhood bar in Oregon evolved into a growing franchise model with nationwide potential. Christian shares how he went from corporate trainer to owner, why his pub concept is winning over communities, and what it takes to scale a food-service brand while staying hyper-local and human-first. You'll ...

In this episode, we sit down with Ray Alvarez—founder of Shoot With Ray and a visual branding expert—to explore how small businesses can use professional photography to elevate their brand, build trust, and generate more attention online. From headshots to hero shots, B-roll to brand storytelling, Ray shares real-world strategies for creating content that turns scroll-stopping photos into real leads. He also reveals a new content s...

In this episode, James Groves and his business partner Bill DeMent dive deep into a foundational mindset that has shaped their success as small business owners: burning shoe leather.They unpack what it really means to get out from behind the desk, hit the pavement, and proactively build business through real-world relationship development. From cold calls and donut drops to intentional networking and long-game strategy, this episod...

ent share their experiences in the small business and trade service industry as owners of Hole in the Wall drywall repair. They discuss their recent partnership with FranGrowth, a franchise development organization, and how it has impacted their business. Special guests Dan Glaser (President) and Andrew Mayers (Director of Franchise Development) from FranGrowth delve into the intricacies of franchising, the importance of finding th...

Join James Groves and Bill DeMent on The Hole in the Wall Business Podcast as they dive into the age-old debate: Is it better to be an entrepreneur or an employee? As co-owners of Hole in the Wall drywall repair, James and Bill share their personal experiences, discussing the pros and cons of both career paths. They touch on financial freedom, job security, responsibility, and personal fulfillment, helping you decide which path sui...

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Hole-in-the-Wall Business Podcast with hosts Bill DeMent and James Groves. In this episode, they share their journey as small business owners in the drywall repair industry. Joining them is special guest Ewell Smith, a franchise consultant from New Orleans. Ewell shares his extensive experience in crisis management, marketing, and the trade association world. They delve into the benefits...

In this episode of the Home Wall Business Podcast, hosts Bill DeMent and James Groves sit down with Jacob Lane, Vice President of Growth and Operations at DBK Construction and Services. They discuss the journey of owning a small business in the trade service industry, the challenges, and the strategies for success. Jacob shares his personal story of how he got into construction despite attempting to avoid it, the importance of plan...

Join hosts Bill and James on the Home Wall Business Podcast as they discuss the trials, triumphs, and key lessons of running a small business in the trade service industry. In this episode, they welcome special guest Willie Santiago, owner of GSJ Services. Willie shares his fascinating journey from New York corporate travel agent to successful solo proprietor specializing in carpet cleaning, pressure washing, and more. He highlight...

In this episode of the Hole in the Wall Business Podcast, hosts Bill DeMent and James Groves meet with Richard Di Biase, owner of Restoration One franchises in Central Florida. Richard shares his captivating journey from being a police officer in Canada to relocating to Florida to start a new chapter as a franchise owner. He discusses the challenges and rewards of entering the restoration business, the impact of 2019/2020 on his ca...