From Missionary Kid to Chick-fil-A Pioneer: John Holmes' 46-Year Journey

In this episode, we sit down with John Holmes, a seasoned Chick-fil-A operator with 46 years of experience. John opened his first Chick-fil-A restaurant at the age of 21 in Anderson, South Carolina, back in 1979. At 68 years old, he's still passionate about the brand and isn't thinking about retirement. John shares his journey from being a missionary's kid to managing successful Chick-fil-A franchises. He discusses overcoming early business challenges, his philosophy on leadership and staff development, and the dedication required to grow a franchise. Learn how John and his team focus on aligning with Chick-fil-A's core values, investing in their community, and treating their team members like family. If you're curious about the behind-the-scenes of running a successful Chick-fil-A or interested in entrepreneurship and leadership insights, you won't want to miss this episode!

In this episode of Both Sides of Success, we sit down with Thom Shea , retired Navy SEAL, senior chief, sniper, instructor, New York Times bestselling author (Unbreakable, Three Simple Things), and founder of The Baseline Experience.

Thom shares the raw, unfiltered truth about leadership, discipline, fear, failure, and why most people quit right before breakthrough.

From failing out of West Point… to nearly being medically removed from SEAL training… to graduating in one of the toughest classes in BUD/S history, Thom’s story is a masterclass in keeping your word and never giving up.

We cover:

• Why “don’t do stupid sh*t” is the most underrated leadership principle

• How SEAL teams actually make decisions (and why most companies get it wrong)

• Why fear is just an emotional response, and how to move anyway

• The three simple things people refuse to do (and why they matter)

• Letting kids fail without breaking them

• Why discipline outlasts motivation every time

• The difference between quitting and knowing when to stop

This conversation applies to leaders, business owners, parents, and anyone trying to build something meaningful without burning out or cutting corners.

🎧 Follow Both Sides of Success for weekly conversations on leadership, growth, failure, and what success really looks like behind the scenes.

📍 Learn more about Thom: https://tomshea.com
📚 Books: Unbreakable | Three Simple Things

The Three Mile Per Hour Fatherhood: Tyler Graham on Leadership, Parenting, and Being Present Welcome back to another episode of Both Sides of Success! In this episode, we're joined by Tyler Graham, known as the Three Mile Per Hour Dad. Tyler shares the story of how his fatherhood-focused content began, starting from leadership posts on LinkedIn to exclusively writing about fatherhood three years ago. With six kids, Tyler emphasizes the importance of slowing down to be present with your children, striving to balance work and family life. He delves into lessons from his upbringing, the intentional effort required to be a good father, and the impact of small, daily actions. Tyler also touches on his personal challenges, including moments where he lost his cool, and how he turned these into teachable moments for his children. Tune in to learn more about Tyler's journey, the Three Mile Per Hour Fatherhood movement, and his invaluable insights on being a better father every day.

Navigating Entrepreneurship & Digital Media with Kenny

from Ridge Media | Both Sides of Success

In this episode of Both Sides of Success, we sit down with

Kenny, the founder of Ridge Media, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey and

the evolution of his digital ad agency. Kenny shares his early experiences with

a class project app that led to starting Ridge Media, the challenges and

triumphs of running multiple businesses, and how he's adapted to the rapidly

changing digital landscape. He offers insights into integrating AI in marketing

and the shift towards generative engine optimization. Kenny also opens up about

the importance of passion, mentorship, and the lessons learned from success and

failure. Join us for an in-depth conversation about growth, perseverance, and

innovation in the world of digital marketing.

From Setbacks to Success: Shane Langley's Journey in Life and Engineering

In this episode, Shane shares his incredible journey, touching on early life challenges, career transitions, personal growth, and how he balanced fatherhood, coaching, and a significant health transformation. This candid talk is not just about professional success but about resilience, learning from failures, and the importance of being present for those you love. Whether you're interested in engineering, personal development, or moving stories of perseverance, this episode has it all. Don't miss out on Shane's inspiring story!

Overcoming Adversity: The Inspiring Journey of Daniel Cloy

In this episode, we are joined by Daniel Cloy who shares his incredible life story. Born without legs and his left hand, Daniel delves into how his parents' unwavering support and positive outlook shaped his upbringing. He talks about the challenges and triumphs of his childhood, including overcoming medical setbacks and bullying, and finding solace and success in sports. Daniel discusses his experiences playing high school baseball, his attempt to walk on at college teams, and his eventual pivot into new arenas like giving a TEDx talk and appearing on 'The Walking Dead.' He offers poignant insights into the psychological and emotional aspects of living with disabilities, as well as his passion for helping others facing similar challenges. Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, determination, and the power of a supportive community.

Britton's Journey from Aerospace Engineering to Advocacy: Overcoming Challenges in STEM and Foster Care

In this episode, we welcome Britton as she shares her incredible journey from a small town in South Carolina to working at NASA and Lockheed Martin. Joined by Matt Kelley, her friend of 20 years, Britton discusses the challenges she faced as a female in male-dominated engineering fields, her passion for astronomy, and her transition into government affairs at Michelin North America. Britton also opens up about her family's experiences with adoption and foster care, offering insights into how she integrates her personal passions with her professional life. Don't miss this inspiring story of resilience, ambition, and compassion.

The Journey of Kelley Engineering: An Interview with Matt Kelley

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Kelley, the CEO of Kelley Engineering, to explore his journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming the head of a flourishing engineering company. Matt shares insights into his early life, his educational experiences at Clemson, and his time working in the automation industry. He also opens up about the personal challenges and milestones, including his marriage, raising four children, and even a brief foray into cattle farming. Learn about the company's growth, their culture of choosing the right people over raw talent, and some of the memorable projects they've undertaken. Matt also discusses the future of Kelley Engineering and the importance of balancing work with family life. Don't miss this engaging and insightful conversation.