Shows
Slow Growth Business"The Culture Conundrum: Leading with Love and Intentionality"Welcome to the latest episode of Slow Growth Business, where hosts Jimmy DeGroot and Kyle Bullock delve into the challenging yet rewarding path of building a sustainable business. This episode takes you through a thoughtful exploration of leadership and culture, emphasizing the necessity of genuine engagement with your team.
Reflecting on their experiences and learnings from a recent trade show, Jimmy and Kyle underscore how vital it is for leaders to truly assess the importance they place on company culture. They discuss popular misconceptions and provide actionable advice on how leaders can prioritize culture in their daily...2025-08-1122 min
Slow Growth BusinessUnreasonable Hospitality - Implementing Will Guidara's incredible techniques in your store.Jimmy DeGroot and Kyle Bullock unpack the transformative ideas behind Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara and apply them to real-world small business leadership. From five-star restaurant service to unforgettable spoons 🍨, we explore how passion, specificity, and unreasonable expectations can turn everyday tasks into brand-defining experiences. Whether you're managing a jewelry store, a coffee shop, or anything in between, this episode will inspire you to: ✅ Stop looking for the “perfect hire” ✅ Start cultivating leadership from within ✅ Assign meaningful ownership to your team ✅ Discover hidden passion that elevates your customer experience
2025-08-0823 minSlow Growth BusinessBuilding a Joyful Workplace: Honoring Your EmployeesWelcome to Slow Growth Business, the podcast for business leaders seeking success without the overwhelm. In this episode, hosts Jimmy DeGroat and Kyle Bullock delve into the art of honoring your employees in meaningful ways. Discover how recognizing the value that your team brings to your organization can transform your workplace culture and drive success.
Join the conversation as they discuss daily, monthly, and annual practices to honor employees that go beyond traditional rewards and bonuses. Hear real-life stories and practical advice on creating a workplace environment that encourages joy, camaraderie, and team loyalty.
Whether...2025-07-2437 min
Slow Growth BusinessSo what's the deal with memo merchandise?In this episode, Jimmy DeGroot and Kyle Bullock discuss the good and bad about memorandum merchandise. When to use it and when not to.
2025-07-1739 minSlow Growth BusinessUncovering Your Business 'Why' for True SuccessUnderstanding your REAL WHY. Kyle and Jimmy share enlightening client stories to illustrate how discovering your core motivation can transform your business and ignite passion. They offer practical advice for reigniting your purpose, from storytelling and value exploration to community engagement. Tune in to find how questioning your motivations and embracing unconventional approaches can lead to fulfilling and sustainable business success.
2025-07-1027 minSlow Growth BusinessMoving from Excellent to Excellent-erWelcome to Slow Growth Business, where hosts Jimmy DeGroot and Kyle Bullock guide business owners through the challenges of sustainable growth. In this episode, discover how to transform business potential from good to great by utilizing key metrics and fostering a culture of excellence within your team. Learn strategies to overcome the "flying by the seat of your pants" syndrome, and support your top performers in reaching new heights. This episode highlights the importance of tracking performance, harnessing strengths, and sharing insights with your team to drive impactful growth. Join us as we explore the balance between steady growth...2025-06-2628 minSlow Growth BusinessHow Often Should You Coach Your People?In this episode of Slow Growth Business, hosts Jimmy DeGroat and Kyle Bullock delve into the importance of establishing a robust training system for your business. They discuss the significance of regular team meetings, the coach approach to employee development, and how to handle challenging work cultures. You will also discover why it's crucial to separate personal relationships from professional management roles. Whether you're looking to improve your team's performance or instill a culture of continuous learning, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice.
2025-06-2333 minSlow Growth BusinessFinding Purpose: Beyond the Jewelry BusinessWelcome to Slow Growth Business, where hosts Jimmy DeGroat and Kyle Bullock explore the art of leading your business to success through purposeful conversations and strategic relationships. In this episode, delve into customer interactions that forge genuine links and uncover deeper values that can transform your business.
Through relatable stories from business owners like Jesse in Abilene and Melissa in Pecos, discover how aligning business goals with personal values can set the stage for unprecedented growth and satisfaction.
Gain insights on mastering the comfort of small talk, learning to listen, and finding the balance in...2025-06-2345 min
Slow Growth BusinessUnlocking Leadership: From Chaos to ClarityIn this episode of Slow Growth Business, hosts Jimmy DeGroot and Kyle Bullock delve into the essential journey of becoming a great leader. Discover how to move beyond the pressure of day-to-day business decisions and embrace a path of mindful leadership that draws out the best in your team. Through reflective exercises and insightful conversations, learn how to value others over self and create a fulfilling work environment. Whether you're a small business owner or a leader in a large organization, this episode provides the guidance needed to foster growth, vision, and resilient leadership skills. Let Jimmy and Kyle...2025-05-2121 min
Slow Growth BusinessBreaking Free from the Rat Race: A Guide to Slow GrowthIn this episode, business coaches Jimmy DeGroot and Kyle Bullock address the common struggle of small business owners feeling overwhelmed by their businesses rather than in control of them. They introduce listeners to the concept of 'Slow Growth Business,' offering a roadmap for taking charge of your business at a manageable pace.
The episode discusses the pressures faced by entrepreneurs and the importance of defining personal and professional goals. Jimmy and Kyle share insights into creating a vision for one's business and life, emphasizing the significance of identifying non-negotiables and implementing small, incremental changes.
...2025-05-1224 min
Slow Growth BusinessDifficult Conversations: Embracing Vulnerability for Business GrowthIn this episode of Slow Growth Business, hosts Jimmy DeGroot and Kyle Bullock dive into the challenges that business leaders face when confronting vulnerabilities and making tough decisions. Drawing inspiration from the character of Michael Scott from 'The Office,' the discussion highlights the importance of addressing uncomfortable conversations to foster business growth and teamwork.
The podcast covers the pitfalls of passive-aggressive leadership and emphasizes the need for honest, direct communication within teams. Listeners will discover strategies to overcome fear, embrace vulnerabilities, and engage cooperatively rather than compliantly. The episode also introduces a unique coaching program designed...2025-05-0527 min
Slow Growth BusinessReal-Time Coaching for Sustainable Business GrowthWelcome to the Slow Growth Business podcast, where business coaches Jimmy DeGroot and Kyle Bullock guide you through the art of leading your business towards consistent success by embracing real-time coaching. This episode delves into the importance of moving away from traditional one-on-one meetings and instead adopting a dynamic, on-the-floor coaching approach that inspires and empowers your team to excel in the moment.
Join us as we explore strategies for helping managers transition into effective coaches, providing immediate feedback and supporting employee development directly on the front lines of operations. Discover practical tips on creating an engaging...2025-04-2130 min
Slow Growth BusinessUnlocking Team Potential: Elevate Before ExpandingWhen to add a new employee?
Are you feeling the pressure to expand your business but hesitant about the risks involved? Welcome to the Slow Growth Business Podcast, where hosts Kyle Bullock and Jimmy DeGroot explore the art of growing your business in a sustainable manner. In this episode, they delve into effective strategies for investing in your existing team to unlock their potential before considering new hires. Discover the benefits of incremental growth, set realistic goals, and learn when it's the right time to expand your staff. Perfect for business owners and leaders ready to transform...2025-04-1419 min
Slow Growth BusinessMastering Business Improvement: Engage Your Team for Lasting SuccessWelcome to Slow Growth Business, the podcast where hosts Jimmy DeGroot and Kyle Bullock guide you through strategies for steady and sustainable business growth. In this episode, learn how to effectively engage your team by setting clear objectives, writing actionable policies, and incentivizing desired behaviors.
Discover how to embrace curiosity and teamwork to overcome obstacles and turn every challenge into a victory. Whether you're struggling with customer engagement or trying to implement new procedures, this episode offers valuable insights to help your business thrive. Join us as we explore the journey of leading your business to success...2025-03-3116 min
Slow Growth BusinessUnlocking Client Growth for the Solo EntrepreneurNavigating the challenges of solo entrepreneurship?
Join hosts Jimmy DeGroot and Kyle Bullock as they discuss effective strategies for growing your client base without the burnout of social media. Discover how a focused, honest online presence and unique service appeal can transform your business. Ideal for solo business operators looking to expand client reach while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Perfect for those ready to take their one-person operation to the next level.
2025-03-2519 min
Slow Growth BusinessRemembering Ted: A Lesson in Genuine SalesmanshipIn this episode of the Slow Growth Business Podcast, hosts Jimmy DeGroot and Kyle Bullock share a heartfelt tribute to Ted, a remarkable salesman in the jewelry industry, whose approach to sales was built on genuine relationships and respect. Ted's story exemplifies how prioritizing people over products and profits leaves a lasting impact. The hosts discuss the importance of treating customers as individuals, the deep imprint of sincere salesmanship, and how such principles can nurture long-term business success. Join them in exploring how you can be a 'Ted' in your business and make meaningful connections that resonate through a...2025-03-1716 min
Slow Growth BusinessKnowing When to Say 'Enough': The Art of Quitting in BusinessWelcome to Slow Growth Business, the podcast dedicated to helping business owners and leaders find clarity and direction amidst the chaos. Join hosts Jimmy DeGroot and Kyle Bullock as they delve into the complex question of when it's time to quit a project or business venture. With a focus on real-life examples and expert insights, this episode explores the delicate balance between perseverance and knowing when to walk away, ensuring that your efforts are aligned with what truly matters.
Listen in as they discuss the concept of "kill criteria," the value of time and family, and how...2025-03-1019 min
Slow Growth BusinessCreating a Culture of Belonging in BusinessWelcome to Slow Growth Business, a podcast dedicated to helping business owners and leaders navigate their journey to success at a steady pace. Join hosts Jimmy DeGroat and Kyle Bullock as they explore the intricacies of creating a workplace where everyone feels they belong.
This episode dives into the importance of truly hearing and valuing employees, acknowledging their contributions, and fostering a sense of community. It delves into the psychology of belonging and how it influences work culture and employee retention.
Listen in to gain practical insights on how to ensure your team feels heard...2025-03-0319 min
Slow Growth BusinessRevamp Your Business: The Power of Fresh Eyes and Updated SpacesIn this episode of Slow Growth Business, hosts Jimmy DeGroat and Kyle Bullock discuss the importance of updating your business space to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for customers, clients, and staff. They explore the challenges businesses face in justifying renovations and the impact of fresh eyes in recognizing outdated decor. Drawing from personal stories and expert insights, the hosts share practical tips for updating business spaces, emphasizing the value of hiring professionals for design and the psychological benefits of creating inviting spaces.
Listeners will gain valuable advice on small, impactful changes they can make, such...2025-02-2522 min
Slow Growth BusinessLeaving with Grace: What to do when employees goIn this episode of Slow Growth Business, hosts Jimmy DeGroot and Kyle Bullock delve into the nuances of handling employee departures with grace and maintaining a positive workplace culture. Discover why change is a natural part of business life and how to approach it with the right mindset.
Learn strategies from seasoned leaders on conducting meaningful exit interviews and understanding the unspoken dynamics that could influence an employee's decision to leave. Gain insights into personal leadership reflection and how to grow from challenging situations like resignations.
This episode offers a thoughtful discussion for leaders aiming...2025-02-0319 min
Slow Growth BusinessBalancing Compliance and Cooperation for Business GrowthWelcome to the Slow Growth Business podcast, where hosts Jimmy DeGroot and Kyle Bullock explore the intricate balance between compliance and cooperation in business. In this episode, they delve into the critical question of when to lean on compliance and when to foster cooperation within your team.
Through engaging examples, including historical references like D-Day, they emphasize the importance of compliance in mission-critical situations, but highlight that cooperation is essential for nurturing creativity and building a strong company culture. They address the fear associated with moving away from a compliance-heavy model and provide insights into creating a...2025-01-2719 min
Slow Growth Business"How do I get people to do what I ask!?": A Business Leader's DilemmaWelcome to an enlightening episode of Slow Growth Business, where hosts Jimmy DeGroot and Kyle Bullock explore the intricate dynamics of leading teams in retail and beyond. Are you struggling to get your employees to perform tasks in your absence? This episode delves into the fundamental question: is it compliance you seek or cooperation? Discover the difference between authoritarian leadership and a team-based, cooperative approach. Through engaging dialogue and real-life analogies, Jimmy and Kyle unravel how to motivate and lead a team effectively. They share insightful strategies on creating an environment where cooperation thrives and giving teams a voice...2025-01-2020 min
Slow Growth BusinessConquering Inflation Part 4: Losing CustomersIn this episode, business coaches Jimmy DeGroot and Kyle Bullock highlight the importance of staying relevant to your customers and balancing the scales between customer acquisition and maintaining profitability. They answer the question, "When should we start worrying about losing customers?"
Join us as we wrap up our series on inflation, offering insights into proactive decision-making and addressing market pressures with a relaxed mind. Learn about the significance of having an effective outreach program and the potential benefits of traditional marketing techniques in keeping your pipeline full without compromising on quality.
Whether you're feeling the...2025-01-1322 min
Slow Growth BusinessConquering Inflation Part 3: Cutting CostsWelcome back to Slow Growth Business, where hosts Jimmy DeGroot and Kyle Bullock help business owners navigate the pressures of growing sustainably. In this episode, they unravel strategies to combat inflation by focusing on cost-cutting without compromising quality. Join them as they discuss practical ways to streamline operations, the benefits of outsourcing, and how to creatively involve your team for better efficiency.
2025-01-0726 min
Slow Growth BusinessRetail Predictions for 2025: Opportunities and Challenges AheadWelcome to Slow Growth Business, where hosts Jimmy DeGroot and Kyle Bullock discuss the vital strategies for independent retailers facing the upcoming challenges of 2025.
Looking ahead, the hosts explore the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that independent retailers can expect to encounter in the New Year.
Gain insights into anticipating and adapting to market uncertainty, with a special focus on the upcoming great wealth transfer and how it affects the retail landscape. Join us for expert advice on how to thrive amidst change and plan for success in the year ahead.
2024-12-3029 min
Slow Growth BusinessConquering Inflation Part 2: Protecting Margin with Value-Driven StrategiesIn Part 2 of our Inflation series, learn how to protect your profit margins by adopting value-driven strategies that go beyond competing on price alone. Jimmy and Kyle discuss the importance of self-branding and delivering unique customer experiences to protect profit margins in an inflationary economy. Discover how large retail corporations maintain healthy profit margins and how independent retailers can apply similar tactics to thrive.
In this insightful episode, the hosts provide practical tips on inventory management, sourcing strategies, and crafting a distinct brand image. Find out how you can set your retail business apart by offering unshoppable...2024-12-2324 min
Slow Growth BusinessConquering Inflation, Part 1: How to market around itIn this thought-provoking episode of "Slow Growth Business," hosts Jimmy DeGroot and Kyle Bullock delve into the current challenges posed by inflation to independent retailers, specifically how to market to customer about rising costs. They emphasize the importance of transparency in business and how it can help maintain customer trust when prices rise.
Join them as they discuss effective strategies for communicating price changes to customers, ensuring they understand the value of your products despite rising costs. Through anecdotes and practical examples, they illustrate how retailers can explain their pricing without harming customer relations.
This...2024-12-1623 min
Slow Growth BusinessMastering Holiday Sales Events with Heartfelt ConnectionsThis episode of the Slow Growth Business Podcast provides valuable insights into leveraging holiday events for long-term success, emphasizing the importance of personal invitations and creating memorable experiences for customers.
Join the conversation as Jimmy shares his top advice for holiday sales, highlighting the power of personal connections in a world dominated by digital communication. Discover unique strategies for engaging customers during the festive season and learn how to make every interaction count.
Dive into the psychology of sales and uncover the significance of creating an inviting atmosphere through sensory experiences. From the comforting aroma...2024-12-0918 min
Slow Growth Business"Breathing Space: Slowing Down for Holiday Success"In this episode of Slow Growth Business, hosts Jimmy DeGroot and Kyle Bullock explore the pressures and challenges business owners face during the hectic holiday season. Drawing from personal experiences and insights, they discuss strategies to maximize enjoyment and reduce stress while maintaining steady growth.
Delve into the conversation about the importance of planning and preparation, the value of creating "white space" for breathing and supporting your team, and the significance of celebrating and being present in the moment. Jimmy and Kyle also share personal anecdotes and discuss how to transform frustration points into learning opportunities, ensuring...2024-12-0320 min
Slow Growth BusinessThe Case of the Troubled Tourist Business: How slow growth can turn suffering sales aroundWelcome to the Slow Growth Business Podcast, where hosts Kyle Bullock and Jimmy DeGroot dive into the art of steering your business towards success at a steady, manageable pace. In this episode, they tackle a case study of a struggling tourism business affected by economic challenges and natural disasters.
Join Kyle and Jimmy as they explore the importance of entering a relaxed, creative mindset to identify and leverage the assets you have at your disposal.
The episode delves into strategies for engaging recurring customers, optimizing inventory, and creating memorable customer experiences. Whether you're facing a...2024-11-2526 minSlow Growth BusinessEmbracing Change, Slow and Steady: A Journey of Adaptation and GrowthIn this episode of Slow Growth Business, hosts Kyle Bullock and Jimmy DeGroot delve into the art of adapting to life's unexpected turns and how it can lead to unforeseen opportunities. Listen in as Jimmy shares his captivating journey from a marketing student to a jewelry store manager, and eventually, a successful business consultant and video content creator. Discover how his ability to embrace change, fueled by faith and a passion for helping others, shaped his career and led to an unexpected partnership with Kyle.
The hosts discuss the importance of adaptability in business and life, highlighting...2024-11-2128 minSlow Growth BusinessHow to Take Over a Company with Slow Growth in MindIn this episode of Slow Growth Business, host Kyle Bullock shares his unique story of stepping into a family business, Bullock's Jewelry in Roswell, New Mexico, and the lessons learned from generations of retail experience. He emphasizes the power of observing and fine-tuning before attempting to expand, and the value of investing in people as the core asset of any business.
Whether you are starting a new venture or taking over an existing one, this episode offers valuable insights into maintaining consistency and fostering a positive workplace culture. Join Jimmy and Kyle as they share their passion f...2024-11-1823 min
Slow Growth Business"Commission 'r No?": Rethinking Sales Compensation for Slow GrowthIn this episode of the Slow Growth Business Podcast, hosts Jimmy DeGroat and Kyle Bullock dive into a hotly debated topic: commission-based pay. Responding to a listener's question, they explore the (few) pros and (many) cons of commission structures, particularly in the retail world, drawing from their own experiences in the jewelry industry.
Whether you're a business owner considering how to hire your first salesperson or simply interested in improving your current sales team's performance, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for fostering a supportive and creative work environment through pay.
2024-11-1026 minSlow Growth BusinessFinding the Right People for Slow Growth SuccessIn this episode, the hosts delve into a common challenge faced by many businesses: hiring the right people. They explore the importance of leadership development and how investing in oneself as a leader can pave the way for finding and nurturing talent.
Learn how to keep your radar up for potential hires, the value of character over experience, and the impact of leadership on team performance. Whether you're in retail or any other industry, this episode provides practical advice to help you build a team that will drive your business forward, one day at a time.
2024-11-0424 minSlow Growth BusinessIs the Economy and Election to Blame for My Business Problems?In this episode of Slow Growth Business, hosts Jimmy DeGroat and Kyle Bullock tackle the common frustrations business owners face when external pressures, like the economy and elections, seem overwhelming to your business. They emphasize the significance of consistency, using real-life examples to illustrate how sticking to a well-thought-out plan can yield significant results, even amidst challenging circumstances like contentious elections or uncertain economies.
2024-10-2826 minSlow Growth BusinessSlow and Steady: Mastering Social Media for Slow Growth BusinessesWelcome to the Slow Growth Podcast, the ultimate guide for business owners and leaders looking to thrive at a sustainable pace. Hosted by business coaches Jimmy DeGroat and Kyle Bullock, this episode dives into the art of using social media effectively without falling into the trap of aggressive marketing strategies.
Explore how slow growth businesses can navigate the social media landscape by focusing on authenticity and quality over quantity. With insightful discussions and real-world examples, Jimmy and Kyle share strategies for leveraging social media as a tool to engage genuinely with your audience.
Learn from...2024-10-2120 minSlow Growth BusinessHow to Start a Plan for Slow GrowthEvery great business needs a plan of HOW they will get where they want to go. Jimmy and Kyle talk about how slow growth businesses start these plans - by taking a step back and looking at the big picture before zooming in and putting the path on paper!
2024-10-1422 minSlow Growth BusinessHow Fast is Slow Growth?Can we quantify what "slow growth" means for a business? Kyle and Jimmy dive into what that might look like, alleviating the pressure of growing your business too fast (so that it feels a bit less like drowning and more like thriving!).
2024-10-0721 minSlow Growth BusinessLove, the foundation of Slow Growth BusinessesLove is at the heart of the Slow Growth business... but how? Jimmy and Kyle unpack this idea and how you can use love as a way to change the world through your business.
2024-10-0719 min
Pearls of Wisdom Jewelry PodcastEp 66 - Unlocking the Secrets to Jewelry Business Success with Kyle BullockWelcome back to the Pearls of Wisdom Podcast! We're excited to have Kyle Bullock of Bullock's Jewelers return in this episode. Kyle, a fourth-generation jeweler with 98 years of family legacy, shares exciting new developments in his career. In addition to running his successful jewelry store, Kyle has partnered with Jimmy DeGroot to launch trainretailmanagement.com. This innovative platform offers weekly training sessions, videos, and resources specifically designed for jewelry store owners and small business retailers. Join us as Kyle reveals the common challenges jewelers face, from struggling to find and retain good employees to feeling...2024-07-2929 min