Episodes

  • Episode 536: Quotas
    Jan 30 2026

    Time to bring back a word you probably don't use enough in your business: quotas. In this solo episode, Bradley breaks down why setting specific, measurable, time-bound performance goals for your team isn't just a sales concept—it's a clarity tool that transforms how you coach, manage, and drive results across your entire organization.

    Key Takeaways

    "How did your sales team perform as a percent to quota in January? If they had to sell 50 widgets and they sold 55, they were over 100% to quota."

    Setting defined timeframes and defined outcomes creates the foundation for effective coaching and accountability. When your team knows exactly what's expected, you can coach them toward specific targets instead of vague goals like "do more."

    Visit BlueprintOS.com to learn about the 2026 Above The Business Workshops, our coaching programs, and resources designed specifically for small business owners who want to build systematic, scalable operations that don't require your constant presence.

    Thanks to our sponsors...

    Coach P found great success as an insurance agent and agency owner. He leads a large, stable team of professionals who are at the top of their game year after year. Now he shares the systems, processes, delegation, and specialization he developed along the way. Gain access to weekly training calls and mentoring at www.coachpconsulting.com. Be sure to mention the Above The Business Podcast when you get in touch.

    Autopilot Recruiting helps small business owners solve their staffing challenges by taking the stress out of hiring. Their dedicated recruiters work on your behalf every single business day - optimizing your applicant tracking system, posting job listings, and sourcing candidates through social media and local communities. With their continuous, hands-off recruiting approach, you can save time, reduce hiring costs, and receive pre-screened candidates, all without paying any hiring fees or commissions. More money & more freedom: that’s what Autopilot Recruiting help business owners achieve. Visit https://www.autopilotrecruiting.com/ and don't forget to mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast.

    Direct Clicks is built is by business owners, for business owners. They specialize in custom marketing solutions that deliver real results. From paid search campaigns to SEO and social media management, they provide the comprehensive digital marketing your business needs to grow. Here’s an exclusive offer for Above The Business listeners: Visit directclicksinc.com/abovethebusiness for a FREE marketing campaign audit. They’ll assess your website, social media, SEO, content, and paid advertising, then provide actionable recommendations. Plus, when you choose to partner with them, they’ll waive all setup fees.

    About Above The Business:

    Above The Business is hosted by Bradley Hamner, founder of BlueprintOS, and focuses on helping small business owners transition from Rainmaker to Architect. Each week, Bradley shares frameworks, interviews successful entrepreneurs, and provides actionable insights for building businesses that run without you. Whether you're doing $300K or $3M in revenue, this show will help you get above your business and design the systems you need to scale.

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    13 mins
  • Episode 535: Thinking Like an Acquirer with Cameron Bishop
    Jan 26 2026

    "My best learning opportunities were the ones where I've ultimately failed or made huge mistakes. I basically got an MBA in acquisitions in that deal." - Cameron Bishop

    What if you could see your business through the eyes of someone who's completed over 100 acquisitions? In this episode, Bradley sits down with investment banker Cameron Bishop to explore the mind of an acquirer and how thinking like an investor can transform your business—whether you're planning to sell tomorrow or a decade from now.

    Cameron shares hard-won lessons from his journey from advertising copywriter to CEO of a $400 million company, and now as a managing director helping business owners navigate successful exits. You'll discover why the strategies that make a business attractive to buyers also make it a better business to own and operate.

    Resources Mentioned

    Rain Catcher

    • Website: raincatcher.com
    • Email: cameron.bishop@raincatcher.com.
    • Connect with Cameron on LinkedIn.
    • Free consultations available (no cost, no obligation, no sales pitch).

    Visit BlueprintOS.com to learn about the 2026 Above The Business Workshops, our coaching programs, and resources designed specifically for small business owners who want to build systematic, scalable operations that don't require your constant presence.

    Thanks to our sponsors...

    Coach P found great success as an insurance agent and agency owner. He leads a large, stable team of professionals who are at the top of their game year after year. Now he shares the systems, processes, delegation, and specialization he developed along the way. Gain access to weekly training calls and mentoring at www.coachpconsulting.com. Be sure to mention the Above The Business Podcast when you get in touch.

    Autopilot Recruiting helps small business owners solve their staffing challenges by taking the stress out of hiring. Their dedicated recruiters work on your behalf every single business day - optimizing your applicant tracking system, posting job listings, and sourcing candidates through social media and local communities. With their continuous, hands-off recruiting approach, you can save time, reduce hiring costs, and receive pre-screened candidates, all without paying any hiring fees or commissions. More money & more freedom: that’s what Autopilot Recruiting help business owners achieve. Visit https://www.autopilotrecruiting.com/ and don't forget to mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast.

    Direct Clicks is built is by business owners, for business owners. They specialize in custom marketing solutions that deliver real results. From paid search campaigns to SEO and social media management, they provide the comprehensive digital marketing your business needs to grow. Here’s an exclusive offer for Above The Business listeners: Visit directclicksinc.com/abovethebusiness for a FREE marketing campaign audit. They’ll assess your website, social media, SEO, content, and paid advertising, then provide actionable recommendations. Plus, when you choose to partner with them, they’ll waive all setup fees.

    About Above The Business:

    Above The Business is hosted by Bradley Hamner, founder of BlueprintOS, and focuses on helping small business owners transition from Rainmaker to Architect. Each week, Bradley shares frameworks, interviews successful entrepreneurs, and provides actionable insights for building businesses that run without you. Whether you're doing $300K or $3M in revenue, this show will help you get above your business and design the systems you need to scale.

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    55 mins
  • Episode 534: Groundhog Day
    Jan 23 2026

    Are you tired of feeling like you're living the same business year over and over again? In this episode, Bradley Hamner tackles the frustration many business owners feel when December rolls around and they're going through the same annual planning motions—setting objectives, hosting kickoffs, and wondering if anything will really change this time.

    Drawing inspiration from the classic movie Groundhog Day, Bradley explores the delicate balance between maintaining what works in your business while evolving to stay ahead of the curve. He challenges the common trap of either being an "arsonist" who burns down everything that's working or getting stuck in comfortable routines that no longer serve your growth.

    Key Question: How do you gain 20 years of real experience instead of repeating the same year 20 times?

    Visit BlueprintOS.com to learn about the 2026 Above The Business Workshops, our coaching programs, and resources designed specifically for small business owners who want to build systematic, scalable operations that don't require your constant presence.

    Thanks to our sponsors...

    Coach P found great success as an insurance agent and agency owner. He leads a large, stable team of professionals who are at the top of their game year after year. Now he shares the systems, processes, delegation, and specialization he developed along the way. Gain access to weekly training calls and mentoring at www.coachpconsulting.com. Be sure to mention the Above The Business Podcast when you get in touch.

    Autopilot Recruiting helps small business owners solve their staffing challenges by taking the stress out of hiring. Their dedicated recruiters work on your behalf every single business day - optimizing your applicant tracking system, posting job listings, and sourcing candidates through social media and local communities. With their continuous, hands-off recruiting approach, you can save time, reduce hiring costs, and receive pre-screened candidates, all without paying any hiring fees or commissions. More money & more freedom: that’s what Autopilot Recruiting help business owners achieve. Visit https://www.autopilotrecruiting.com/ and don't forget to mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast.

    Direct Clicks is built is by business owners, for business owners. They specialize in custom marketing solutions that deliver real results. From paid search campaigns to SEO and social media management, they provide the comprehensive digital marketing your business needs to grow. Here’s an exclusive offer for Above The Business listeners: Visit directclicksinc.com/abovethebusiness for a FREE marketing campaign audit. They’ll assess your website, social media, SEO, content, and paid advertising, then provide actionable recommendations. Plus, when you choose to partner with them, they’ll waive all setup fees.

    About Above The Business:

    Above The Business is hosted by Bradley Hamner, founder of BlueprintOS, and focuses on helping small business owners transition from Rainmaker to Architect. Each week, Bradley shares frameworks, interviews successful entrepreneurs, and provides actionable insights for building businesses that run without you. Whether you're doing $300K or $3M in revenue, this show will help you get above your business and design the systems you need to scale.

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    9 mins
  • Episode 533: Building a Business for the Long Haul with Chris Ducker
    Jan 19 2026

    What does it actually look like to build a business you can run for the long haul—without burning out? In this episode, Bradley sits down with Chris Ducker, leadership speaker, serial entrepreneur, and bestselling author of The Long-Haul Leader, Rise of the Youpreneur, and Virtual Freedom.

    Chris shares his personal journey through two burnout experiences—including a 2021 diagnosis of phase three adrenal failure that forced him to completely rethink how he approached business and leadership. He reveals the lifestyle changes, mindset shifts, and practical strategies that helped him recover and build sustainable success.

    This conversation digs into the difference between hustle as a season versus hustle as a lifestyle, why "busy" is a trap, and how to design your business around the life you want rather than the other way around.

    Visit BlueprintOS.com to learn about the 2026 Above The Business Workshops, our coaching programs, and resources designed specifically for small business owners who want to build systematic, scalable operations that don't require your constant presence.

    Thanks to our sponsors...

    Coach P found great success as an insurance agent and agency owner. He leads a large, stable team of professionals who are at the top of their game year after year. Now he shares the systems, processes, delegation, and specialization he developed along the way. Gain access to weekly training calls and mentoring at www.coachpconsulting.com. Be sure to mention the Above The Business Podcast when you get in touch.

    Autopilot Recruiting helps small business owners solve their staffing challenges by taking the stress out of hiring. Their dedicated recruiters work on your behalf every single business day - optimizing your applicant tracking system, posting job listings, and sourcing candidates through social media and local communities. With their continuous, hands-off recruiting approach, you can save time, reduce hiring costs, and receive pre-screened candidates, all without paying any hiring fees or commissions. More money & more freedom: that’s what Autopilot Recruiting help business owners achieve. Visit https://www.autopilotrecruiting.com/ and don't forget to mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast.

    Direct Clicks is built is by business owners, for business owners. They specialize in custom marketing solutions that deliver real results. From paid search campaigns to SEO and social media management, they provide the comprehensive digital marketing your business needs to grow. Here’s an exclusive offer for Above The Business listeners: Visit directclicksinc.com/abovethebusiness for a FREE marketing campaign audit. They’ll assess your website, social media, SEO, content, and paid advertising, then provide actionable recommendations. Plus, when you choose to partner with them, they’ll waive all setup fees.

    About Above The Business:

    Above The Business is hosted by Bradley Hamner, founder of BlueprintOS, and focuses on helping small business owners transition from Rainmaker to Architect. Each week, Bradley shares frameworks, interviews successful entrepreneurs, and provides actionable insights for building businesses that run without you. Whether you're doing $300K or $3M in revenue, this show will help you get above your business and design the systems you need to scale.

    Show more Show less
    39 mins
  • Episode 532: How to Win - The Curt Cignetti Blueprint
    Jan 16 2026

    Have you seen what Curt Cignetti has done at Indiana? In just his second year, he's taken one of college football's historically worst programs to the number one ranking in the country. But here's what matters for business owners: he didn't figure it out alone.

    In this episode, Bradley breaks down the Curt Cignetti story and the four critical lessons every business owner needs to understand about following a proven blueprint versus trying to figure everything out yourself.

    Visit BlueprintOS.com to learn about the 2026 Above The Business Workshops, our coaching programs, and resources designed specifically for small business owners who want to build systematic, scalable operations that don't require your constant presence.

    Thanks to our sponsors...

    Coach P found great success as an insurance agent and agency owner. He leads a large, stable team of professionals who are at the top of their game year after year. Now he shares the systems, processes, delegation, and specialization he developed along the way. Gain access to weekly training calls and mentoring at www.coachpconsulting.com. Be sure to mention the Above The Business Podcast when you get in touch.

    Autopilot Recruiting helps small business owners solve their staffing challenges by taking the stress out of hiring. Their dedicated recruiters work on your behalf every single business day - optimizing your applicant tracking system, posting job listings, and sourcing candidates through social media and local communities. With their continuous, hands-off recruiting approach, you can save time, reduce hiring costs, and receive pre-screened candidates, all without paying any hiring fees or commissions. More money & more freedom: that’s what Autopilot Recruiting help business owners achieve. Visit https://www.autopilotrecruiting.com/ and don't forget to mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast.

    Direct Clicks is built is by business owners, for business owners. They specialize in custom marketing solutions that deliver real results. From paid search campaigns to SEO and social media management, they provide the comprehensive digital marketing your business needs to grow. Here’s an exclusive offer for Above The Business listeners: Visit directclicksinc.com/abovethebusiness for a FREE marketing campaign audit. They’ll assess your website, social media, SEO, content, and paid advertising, then provide actionable recommendations. Plus, when you choose to partner with them, they’ll waive all setup fees.

    About Above The Business:

    Above The Business is hosted by Bradley Hamner, founder of BlueprintOS, and focuses on helping small business owners transition from Rainmaker to Architect. Each week, Bradley shares frameworks, interviews successful entrepreneurs, and provides actionable insights for building businesses that run without you. Whether you're doing $300K or $3M in revenue, this show will help you get above your business and design the systems you need to scale.

    Show more Show less
    1 min
  • Episode 531: Designing the Five-Star Experience in Your Small Business
    Jan 12 2026

    What if you treated your team with the same care and attention that Four Seasons gives its guests? In this episode, Bradley sits down with Melissa Fackler, small business coach at OneTeam Partners, to explore how hospitality principles can transform your company culture and customer experience.

    Melissa spent a decade in the hospitality industry working in hotels, banquets, venues, and country music entertainment before transitioning to business coaching in 2021. She shares the specific tactics and mindset shifts that helped her create world-class guest experiences and how business owners can deploy those same strategies internally with their teams.

    From eye contact and name recall to growth mindset coaching and behavioral assessments, this conversation gives you practical tools to make everyone in your business feel truly seen and valued.

    Ready to create more margin in your business?

    Visit BlueprintOS.com to learn about the 2026 Above The Business Workshops, our coaching programs, and resources designed specifically for small business owners who want to build systematic, scalable operations that don't require your constant presence.

    Thanks to our sponsors...

    Coach P found great success as an insurance agent and agency owner. He leads a large, stable team of professionals who are at the top of their game year after year. Now he shares the systems, processes, delegation, and specialization he developed along the way. Gain access to weekly training calls and mentoring at www.coachpconsulting.com. Be sure to mention the Above The Business Podcast when you get in touch.

    Autopilot Recruiting helps small business owners solve their staffing challenges by taking the stress out of hiring. Their dedicated recruiters work on your behalf every single business day - optimizing your applicant tracking system, posting job listings, and sourcing candidates through social media and local communities. With their continuous, hands-off recruiting approach, you can save time, reduce hiring costs, and receive pre-screened candidates, all without paying any hiring fees or commissions. More money & more freedom: that’s what Autopilot Recruiting help business owners achieve. Visit https://www.autopilotrecruiting.com/ and don't forget to mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast.

    Direct Clicks is built is by business owners, for business owners. They specialize in custom marketing solutions that deliver real results. From paid search campaigns to SEO and social media management, they provide the comprehensive digital marketing your business needs to grow. Here’s an exclusive offer for Above The Business listeners: Visit directclicksinc.com/abovethebusiness for a FREE marketing campaign audit. They’ll assess your website, social media, SEO, content, and paid advertising, then provide actionable recommendations. Plus, when you choose to partner with them, they’ll waive all setup fees.

    About Above The Business:

    Above The Business is hosted by Bradley Hamner, founder of BlueprintOS, and focuses on helping small business owners transition from Rainmaker to Architect. Each week, Bradley shares frameworks, interviews successful entrepreneurs, and provides actionable insights for building businesses that run without you. Whether you're doing $300K or $3M in revenue, this show will help you get above your business and design the systems you need to scale.

    Show more Show less
    39 mins
  • Episode 530: Margin
    Jan 9 2026

    In this episode, Bradley introduces his Word of the Year for 2026: Margin. Drawing on wisdom from his mentor and coach Sean Blanc, Bradley explores margin as "the difference between your load and your limit" and how this framework can transform the way business owners approach stress, overwhelm, and burnout. Whether you're struggling with time constraints, financial pressure, or emotional exhaustion, this episode offers a practical two-lever approach to creating more breathing room in your life and business.

    Ready to create more margin in your business?

    Visit BlueprintOS.com to learn about the 2026 Above The Business Workshops, our coaching programs, and resources designed specifically for small business owners who want to build systematic, scalable operations that don't require your constant presence.

    Thanks to our sponsors...

    Coach P found great success as an insurance agent and agency owner. He leads a large, stable team of professionals who are at the top of their game year after year. Now he shares the systems, processes, delegation, and specialization he developed along the way. Gain access to weekly training calls and mentoring at www.coachpconsulting.com. Be sure to mention the Above The Business Podcast when you get in touch.

    Autopilot Recruiting helps small business owners solve their staffing challenges by taking the stress out of hiring. Their dedicated recruiters work on your behalf every single business day - optimizing your applicant tracking system, posting job listings, and sourcing candidates through social media and local communities. With their continuous, hands-off recruiting approach, you can save time, reduce hiring costs, and receive pre-screened candidates, all without paying any hiring fees or commissions. More money & more freedom: that’s what Autopilot Recruiting help business owners achieve. Visit https://www.autopilotrecruiting.com/ and don't forget to mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast.

    Direct Clicks is built is by business owners, for business owners. They specialize in custom marketing solutions that deliver real results. From paid search campaigns to SEO and social media management, they provide the comprehensive digital marketing your business needs to grow. Here’s an exclusive offer for Above The Business listeners: Visit directclicksinc.com/abovethebusiness for a FREE marketing campaign audit. They’ll assess your website, social media, SEO, content, and paid advertising, then provide actionable recommendations. Plus, when you choose to partner with them, they’ll waive all setup fees.

    About Above The Business:

    Above The Business is hosted by Bradley Hamner, founder of BlueprintOS, and focuses on helping small business owners transition from Rainmaker to Architect. Each week, Bradley shares frameworks, interviews successful entrepreneurs, and provides actionable insights for building businesses that run without you. Whether you're doing $300K or $3M in revenue, this show will help you get above your business and design the systems you need to scale.

    Show more Show less
    8 mins
  • Episode 529 Growing a Business with a Blueprint - Club Capital's 10 Year Journey
    Jan 5 2026

    In this episode, Micah Cannon returns to Above The Business to share the blueprint Club Capital followed to grow and scale their bookkeeping and financial advisory firm over the past decade. Rather than covering his origin story, this conversation focuses on the strategic decisions, systems, and frameworks that enabled Club Capital to achieve sustained success since their founding in 2015. From navigating the early startup years to building a leadership team and establishing disciplined operational rhythms, Micah reveals the key milestones and lessons learned along their growth journey.

    Featured Resources

    Club Capital

    Go to club.capital to book a no-obligation demo with the team and explore how they can help bring financials to your decision-making table with the right cadence and support.

    Recommended Reading

    The Effective Executive by Peter Drucker - Essential reading on conducting time studies and understanding where your time as a leader is actually being spent.

    Thanks to our sponsors...

    Coach P found great success as an insurance agent and agency owner. He leads a large, stable team of professionals who are at the top of their game year after year. Now he shares the systems, processes, delegation, and specialization he developed along the way. Gain access to weekly training calls and mentoring at www.coachpconsulting.com. Be sure to mention the Above The Business Podcast when you get in touch.

    Autopilot Recruiting helps small business owners solve their staffing challenges by taking the stress out of hiring. Their dedicated recruiters work on your behalf every single business day - optimizing your applicant tracking system, posting job listings, and sourcing candidates through social media and local communities. With their continuous, hands-off recruiting approach, you can save time, reduce hiring costs, and receive pre-screened candidates, all without paying any hiring fees or commissions.

    More money & more freedom: that’s what Autopilot Recruiting help business owners achieve. Visit https://www.autopilotrecruiting.com/ and don't forget to mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast.

    Direct Clicks is built is by business owners, for business owners. They specialize in custom marketing solutions that deliver real results. From paid search campaigns to SEO and social media management, they provide the comprehensive digital marketing your business needs to grow. Here’s an exclusive offer for Above The Business listeners: Visit directclicksinc.com/abovethebusiness for a FREE marketing campaign audit. They’ll assess your website, social media, SEO, content, and paid advertising, then provide actionable recommendations. Plus, when you choose to partner with them, they’ll waive all setup fees.

    Show more Show less
    39 mins