This is the "How'd ya do it?" and I'm your host, Lyle Wilks. I believe that people have more to offer and knowledge to share, than they ever give themselves credit for. So with that, my goal is to deep dive into the success stories of business owners, entrepreneurs, and community icons so they can share the road they traveled and what they learned along the way!
Episode 17 "One Act Can Make The Difference" - with Jamie Brown
Send us a text Jamie Brown serves as the Director of Community Engagement at the Heart of Alabama Food Bank, where she leads outreach efforts that connect resources to the people and communities who need them most. Based in Montgomery, Jamie is passionate about building relationships, fighting food insecurity, and helping others understand how they can make a real impact, right where they are.
2 Jul 2025
Episode 16 - "Funny Name Serious Realtor" with Mugs Mullins
Mugs Mullins, a seasoned Realtor, shares his extensive experience in the real estate industry and his dedication to serving clients with integrity in this interview.
24 Jun 2025
Episode 15 - "Becoming More than a Broker" With Carol Andrews
Carol Andrews shares her journey of evolving beyond a traditional real estate broker, highlighting key strategies for professional growth and industry leadership in an interview.
17 Jun 2024
Episode 14 - "Becoming Better than Average" with LJ Walker
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LJ Walker found a passion for learning and gaining knowledge at a young age. He quickly began helping others his own age gain knowledge in grade school, and also started developing skills to better mentor and help others with schoolwork. Through just an idea, his passion of helping others quickly turned into a business! With over 10,000 tutoring sessions to date, and 600,000 hours of logged tutoring time, LJ and his staff of 10 at "Better than Average Tutoring" are quickly helping the next generation gain an advantage in both Academics and life! They have received multiple awards, including Top 3 Tutoring center in Montgomery (2 years in a row), Voted Top Tutoring Center, Rising Star Award (LJ) Beta Sigma Alumnae Chapter, and LJ's personal achievement of "Top 40 under 40". We talk about his journey, his passion for constant growth, and overcoming the many obstacles a young entrepreneur goes through in their pursuit to leave a legacy!
28 May 2024
Episode 13 - "Building Communities" - New Construction and Development with Jimmy Rutland, President of Lowder New Homes
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James (Jimmy) W. Rutland, IV is a third-generation home builder and developer that has been in the residential construction, development and real estate sales business in Alabama for over 30 years. A native of Montgomery and graduate of Auburn University, he currently serves as President of Lowder New Homes, Inc., which has been named numerous times to the Builder 100 by Builder magazine and Giant 400 by Professional Builder magazine. He became a Certified Graduate Builder in 2004 and a Certified Green Professional in 2009 through the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and has been a Green Energy Key Builder as designated by the Home Builders Association of Alabama (HBAA) since 2007.
22 Apr 2024
Episode 12 - "Serving with Honor: A Soldier's Lessons in Leadership" with Colonel Glenn Schmick
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Colonel Glenn Schmick has been in an Army uniform for over 34 years, and just recently released "Serving with Honor: A soldier's lessons in leadership". He started as a Private First Class in the National Guard and his last assignment with the Army before coming to Maxwell to teach was the commander of the 18th MP Brigade (about 2500-3000 folks) in Europe. He has spent the last 4 years teaching senior government leaders how to make the change to thinking strategically and leading at the national and international level. Colonel Schmick has been to roughly 51 countries, served about 1000 days in the desert and Afghanistan, with the longest tour being about 15 months. We talk about his journey, the lessons learned, and how he applies those lessons to everyday life! He is retiring soon and is looking to coach and mentor in leadership.
15 Apr 2024
Episode 11 - 10 lessons learned from my first 10 podcasts
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After my first ten episodes of the podcast, I felt I owed it to those who shared their story, to share how it impacted me. I share what lesson I walked away with from each guest that attended the show. I hope these lessons are helpful and give you something to think about!
Also, if you enjoyed this, please take a few seconds and like and subscribe, or rate the channel on Spotify/Apple Podcast - it helps out tremendously!
All the best,
Lyle
25 Mar 2024
Episode 10 - "Iconic Restaurant Rebranded" - Embracing change and Succeeding with David Finlayson
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David Finlayson, owner of "Epicure and Jack's Tavern" (formerly Fantail) is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to owning and operating a successful Restaurant. Involved in the food and service industry since 1994, David's parents were Restaurant owners as well - owning multiple Iconic Restaurants in the area. David has since taken over formerly the largest Restaurant in Alabama, with seating for over 600, and has set a new standard for dining experience. Epicure & Jack's Tavern actively supports the local community by sourcing ingredients from local producers, from beer to grits, to enrich our menu with locally inspired dishes. Their commitment extends beyond the kitchen; by engage in community events and fostering partnerships that contribute positively to our local economy. Their dedication to quality, community, and sustainability shapes every aspect of their dining experience!
4 Mar 2024
Episode 9 - "Branding the Southeast" - Building Businesses through Branding with James Sanders
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James Sanders is an expert in the field of branding. With over 32 years of experience, he has put a business logo on just about every product imaginable. James has been with F and E sportwear for the entirety of his 32 years of experience, working with well known business in the southeast, as well as constantly providing his services to the local community. He is now Vice President of operations, and is over 45 employees that produce up to 20,000 products a day. We talk about his background, what sets him apart, and how the industry of branding is ever changing.
26 Feb 2024
Episode 8 - "Insurance made Easy" - with Judson Vaughan
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Judson Vaughan has been making insurance easy for the River Region for over a decade, It is safe to say he knows a thing or two about insurance. A graduate from Troy University, Judson found himself trying to figure out where his career path would land, but one thing he knew for certain - he was going to help people. Eventually he found himself taking the path of Insurance - protecting what people have worked so hard to obtain. When life happens, that is when Judson comes in. Whether its insuring Auto, Marine, or Home, Insurance is easy with Judson!
19 Feb 2024
Episode 7 - "Supporting Our Home Builders" - Greater Montgomery Home Builders Association with Angela Allen
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Angela Allen is Executive Officer of the Greater Montgomery Home Builders Association. The association is a trusted community resource that promotes professionalism in the home building industry by providing education, legislative oversight, marketing, and networking opportunities to our members. Not only do they support the Home Builders in the River Region, they support the community - by several non profit events throughout the year, but also by actively partnering with Beauty by Fire (organization supporting widows in the community). The Greater Montgomery Home Builders Association truly cares about their mission to support it's members, and Angela exemplifies that in the interview!
5 Feb 2024
Episode 6 - "Banking on the Community" All about Banking with Michael Morgan
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Michael Morgan has been in the banking industry for over 35 years. It is safe to say, he knows the ins and outs of the banking world! Starting off working at nights, Michael put in his time and made a career out of banking. After different roles over the years, Michael found himself as President and then CEO of First Community Bank. Michael shares his insight on the banking industry, his belief in hard work, and also how local banks impact communities and the importance of that. He has served on multiple boards, and making sure he serves his community to the best of his ability! He not only is an expert in the banking world, but a true community icon!
29 Jan 2024
Episode 5 - "Creating Leaders" - Turning Managers into Leaders with Mike Peacock
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Mike Peacock has spent the majority of his career in a leadership role. He got his start at a well known Rock Quarry and quickly made his way up the ranks into foreman. Through the years of managing some of the toughest men in the area, he has learned the difference between "leadership" and "Management" - a lesson all business owners could use. After moving around and building a reputation of a leader, he found himself leading one of the Top Pest Control companies in the area, and breaking records within the company. He spends his time now sharing his knowledge and experience on how to run a successful company through his Business Consultant firm, with a focus around relationships. Mike is an impressive individual - and he owes all of his reputation and success to a simple quote - "We serve ourselves, by serving others".
22 Jan 2024
Episode 4 - "The Business of Flooring" - Flooring the South East with Jeff Mallinson
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Jeff Mallinson has been in the flooring industry for 32 years. And being mentored by arguably the greatest to ever do it in the industry, it's safe to say he knows a thing or two about flooring. Getting his start in the warehouse, he quickly made his way to sales and then to management. Jeff's story is different - in the fact that he didn't go out on his own, he partnered with his former employer, and believed in the vision of the company in which he was already a part of. He expanded that vision and continued to grow, all while never wavering from the core values that founded the company. He has been through the ups and downs, and has found ways to persistently come out on top - and he gives all the credit to his team!
15 Jan 2024
Episode 3 - "Relationships through Tires" - Building an Automotive Empire with Don Duncan
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Don Duncan has been in the Automotive Industry since 1986, getting his start at a Major Tire Manufacturer. Within 8 months, he was managing his first store. He spent the early part of his career with major corporations, and as his family grew, it was time to go back home. In 2006, he started his first location with 4 team members. He now has 36. He is a staple in the community and has built his business through relationships. He has been voted Best of the Best Auto Repair Service Center, as well as Tire Center, for several years. In 2022 his company was voted Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce Medium Business of the Year; and, Later that year was selected as one of the Top 15 Alabama Businesses of the Year. His secret to success is "Never quit believing in yourself!". He was 45 when he started his business, and had some say he wouldn't last two years. His Response - "That was the best thing they could have done for me! God has blessed us with a great team, an awesome family and so many wonderful friends. They are the backbone of who we are!"
8 Jan 2024
Episode 2 - The "Business of Bugs" - All about Pest Control with Ashley Williams
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Ashley Williams is the owner of Pest Pro Services, a one stop shop for all your Pest Control needs! Approaching 20 years in the industry, she knows the Business of Bugs! Ashley had a vision for her company; one that included putting customer service as the number one priority and creating a company culture that people want to be a part of. This Vision helped propel her success after buying out the business she was working for - completing her 5 year plan in just three years. She is well known and renowned in her community, and makes a constant effort to give back to those who support her business. She recently received 2023 Small Business of the Year For the Millbrook Area and Top 15 Small Business for the State of Alabama and 2022 affiliate of the year for Montgomery Area Association of Realtors. I think she summed it up the best - "When you wanna know, call a Pro" - Pest Pro Services.
31 Dec 2023
Episode 1 - From Good to Great in the Mortgage Industry with Jimmy Parsons
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Jimmy Parsons is no newbie to the Mortgage Industry! He currently manages two branches of Guild Mortgage with a staff of 15. With almost 30 years in the field, he has seen the good, the bad, and the ugly that comes with the cycles of mortgage world. His road was filled with twists and swerves, and is now in the top 1% of Mortgage Originators in the nation! He was the 2009 Willis Bryant Award Winner, has achieved Presidents Club 2018, 2019, 2022, Chairmans Club for 2020 and 2021, and now is coaching others on how to go from good to great in the Mortgage Industry!
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Apple Podcasts (US)
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1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
7 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 38 / 100
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Quality
52
Social presence
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YouTube
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Engagement
60
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