Episodes

In this episode of Own the Exit, Aaron dives into the hidden challenges leaders face when scaling a business. He exposes the common mistakes leaders make, why most fail to develop their teams, and the simple mindset shifts that separate thriving companies from stagnant ones. Aaron shares personal lessons from leading multiple businesses, including why delegation isn’t just about hiring, but about trust, systems, and accountability. If you’ve ever felt stuck in leadership, struggling to get...

Is oil and gas really a dying industry? In this episode, Caleb and Aaron break down why the mainstream narrative around energy is misleading and how entrepreneurs can take advantage of one of the biggest investment opportunities of the decade. They explore the reality of renewable energy, the ongoing demand for fossil fuels, and why smart investors are moving into oil and gas despite the media hype. If you're an entrepreneur looking to diversify your investments, build long-term cash flow,...

In this episode of Own the Exit, hosts Caleb Edwards and Aaron Leatherdale are joined by John Martinka, the Escape Artist, who has over 25 years of experience helping business owners maximize their exits. Known for his expertise in lower-middle-market businesses, John shares invaluable advice on how to prepare your business for sale, build lasting value, and avoid common pitfalls. From practical tips on improving financial systems to the critical role of people and relationships, John offe...

In this reflective episode of Own the Exit, Aaron Leatherdale takes center stage, sharing the pivotal lessons he’s learned from building multiple successful businesses across diverse industries. From the power of delegation to the necessity of persistence, Aaron offers a transparent look at what worked, what didn’t, and what he’d do differently if starting over today. Tune in as Aaron unpacks the critical role of networking, the impact of mindset, and the value of focusing on high-impact t...

In this episode of Own the Exit, Caleb and Aaron sit down with Ryan VanStone, founder of a rapidly growing multi-location personal injury law firm. Ryan shares his journey from a family-owned marina business to leading a law firm that’s redefining client service and marketing strategies. He discusses the power of leveraging relationships, the importance of Google’s "credit score" for businesses, and how to build sustainable growth through exceptional customer experiences. Whether you're a ...

In this solo episode of Own the Exit, Aaron Leatherdale dives deep into the concept of an energy audit, a game-changing tool for optimizing how you spend your time. Inspired by Dan Martell's Buy Back Your Time, Aaron shares how identifying tasks that drain, energize, or neutralize your energy can transform your productivity and overall business success. He walks through practical steps for tracking your time, assigning "red," "yellow," or "green" labels, and delegating tasks that don’t ali...

In this episode of Own the Exit, Caleb and Aaron tackle one of the toughest challenges for entrepreneurs: balancing the demands of building a thriving business while staying present for your family. With raw honesty and practical advice, they share personal stories, data-backed insights, and strategies that prove you don’t have to choose between business success and family fulfillment. From ruthless prioritization to building systems that serve both your business and your family, this conv...

In this episode of Own the Exit, Aaron and Caleb sit down with Andrew Amann, a trailblazing entrepreneur and AI expert, to explore the inevitable future of business: artificial intelligence. Andrew shares his journey from a military contracting role to founding an innovative AI product studio. He reveals hard-earned lessons about building scalable systems, integrating AI into businesses, and how companies that ignore AI will soon be obsolete. Listeners will gain valuable insights into prac...

In this episode, Aaron Leatherdale discusses the differences between do-it-yourself real estate investing and professional real estate investing, particularly focusing on real estate syndications. He emphasizes the importance of time management for busy entrepreneurs and how group investing can provide similar returns with less hassle. Aaron shares personal experiences and insights on the benefits and drawbacks of both investing methods, ultimately advocating for group investing as a more effici...

In this episode of Own the Exit, Caleb and Aaron explore the transformative investment opportunities emerging under the Trump administration's second term. With corporate tax cuts, infrastructure development, and energy deregulation at the forefront, they analyze how these policies could shape alternative investment strategies in 2025. Dive deep into the "Alternative Investment Trinity" of multifamily real estate, energy, and private debt. Learn how savvy entrepreneurs are capitalizing on ...

In this episode of Own the Exit, hosts Aaron and Caleb sit down with fractional COO Joshua Monge to uncover the secrets behind building scalable, efficient businesses. Joshua shares compelling stories of companies struggling with chaos and the transformative power of systems, from saving a million-dollar business owner drowning in admin work to creating workflows that freed up entire weekends. Whether you're a business owner hitting growth challenges or just starting your entrepreneurial j...

In this insightful episode of Own The Exit, Caleb and Aaron sit down with Wayne Courreges III, founder of CREI Partners and a Marine Corps veteran, to explore the art of diversification in real estate and beyond. Wayne shares his journey from military service to building a $50M real estate portfolio and provides practical advice for navigating entrepreneurial challenges. Discover how to leverage diversification to mitigate risks, create financial freedom, and build a legacy—all while stayi...

Too many entrepreneurs fall into the trap of chasing quick fixes and flashy opportunities that promise instant riches. In this episode of On the Exit, Aaron and Caleb break down why playing the long game in business and investing is the ultimate strategy for building wealth and lasting success. Drawing on personal experiences—from failed investments to lessons in patience—they explore the mindset shifts and daily habits that separate fleeting gains from real impact. If you're ready to reje...

Is your entrepreneurial journey stuck in overdrive, chasing every shiny object? In this episode of Own the Exit, Aaron dives into the strategies and mindset needed to move from single-business success to strategic diversification. He shares why timing matters, how to avoid distractions, and what it means to leverage your expertise while creating passive income streams. You'll learn the two best approaches to diversification, whether it's investing in familiar industries or branching into u...

What if the secret to business success isn’t smarter work, but harder work—at least at first? In this solo episode of Own the Exit, Caleb dives into the trap of overthinking and why "done is better than perfect." He challenges the belief that efficiency is always the answer, instead focusing on the power of iteration and market feedback. Drawing from his own experience and examples like Dave Ramsey’s budgeting app, Caleb shows how exponential results are born from relentless action and continuou...

What does it take to turn massive losses into massive wins? George Salas shares his journey from losing $300K in a failed partnership to creating a thriving empire through short-term rentals and strategic business acquisitions. In this episode, George breaks down his method for scaling businesses, turning failures into stepping stones, and building a portfolio that attracts high-value exits. Discover how George identifies profitable businesses, adds value through vertical integration, and ...

Are you drowning in tasks and stuck in the endless grind of running your business? You’re not alone. In this episode of Own the Exit, Aaron Leatherdale unpacks the transformative power of delegation and hiring. Learn how to identify the right tasks to delegate, overcome the fear of letting go, and build a team that can take your business further than you ever imagined. Discover practical strategies for leveraging your team’s strengths, creating time freedom, and staying in your zone of genius...

In this episode, Caleb and Aaron debunk the myth of overnight success and explore why get rich quick schemes can derail your entrepreneurial journey. They discuss real-life examples like Tiger Woods and Eminem, highlighting the years of hard work behind their achievements. You’ll learn how small, daily improvements and playing the long game are the real keys to success. Plus, get an action plan to set long-term goals and stay motivated. This episode is packed with inspiration for anyone fe...

In this episode of Own the Exit, Caleb and Aaron break down three common myths that hold entrepreneurs back from success. They challenge the idea that entrepreneurs are born, not made, and emphasize the importance of cultivating grit and resilience. Through personal stories and experiences, they highlight how failure is a stepping stone rather than an endpoint. The conversation also dives into the trap of perfectionism, showing how striving for constant growth is the key to long-term succe...

In this episode of "Own the Exit," Caleb and Aaron tackle one of the most common misconceptions among entrepreneurs: that a big, revolutionary idea is necessary for success. Drawing on real-world examples like Google and their own business experiences, they break down why execution—taking consistent, decisive action over long periods of time—is the real driver behind success. They emphasize the importance of sticking with proven concepts and industries rather than chasing "sexy" ideas, and discu...

In this episode of Own the Exit, co-host Aaron takes the mic to break down a crucial aspect of business success: evaluating potential partnerships. Using the Value Contribution Quotient (VC Quotient), Aaron explains how to assess contributions in terms of time, talent, and treasure to ensure balanced and effective partnerships. Aaron shares three personal examples from his real estate career, illustrating how these principles play out in real-world scenarios, from single-family homes to la...

In this episode of Own the Exit, Caleb Edwards and Aaron Leatherdale break down one of the most critical yet challenging aspects of entrepreneurship—scaling a business. Many entrepreneurs dream of growth but are often terrified of the effort, complexity, and potential pitfalls that come with it. Caleb and Aaron dive into the Growth Paradox, the tension between excitement and fear when it comes to scaling. They discuss the importance of understanding the difference between linear growth and true ...

In this episode, Caleb Edwards and Aaron Leatherdale interview Anderson Salgado, a former Amazon executive who transitioned into entrepreneurship. They discuss the importance of reverse engineering success, the mindset of abundance versus scarcity, and the critical role of hiring the right people. Anderson shares his journey from the Marine Corps to Amazon, his leap into entrepreneurship, and the lessons learned along the way. The conversation emphasizes the significance of financial literacy an...

In this episode of Own the Exit, Caleb Edwards and Aaron Leatherdale discuss the growing trend of entrepreneurs shifting their focus from active income to passive income through real estate investments. Caleb emphasizes the importance of real estate as a stable and tangible asset that can provide financial security and long-term wealth generation. The conversation explores various investment strategies, including some stories of Aaron's joint ventures and syndications, and highlights the entrepr...