Kicking Ass and Taking Names with Marlon Griffith, Esq.

Hosted by Marlon Griffith

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Oct 2026

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Starting a business takes courage. Building it takes strategy. On the Kicking Ass and Taking Names with Marlon Griffith, Esq. Podcast, trial attorney with 30+ years in the courtroom and 16+ years as a business owner, Marlon Griffith sits down with owners, C-Suite executives, and fractional providers to give the real talk on scaling, leadership, building the right team, business finances, and the mindset that help business owners move from surviving to thriving.

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31 recent

October 14, 2026Episode 3151 min

Ep 31 - The Soul of the Business: A Conversation with Paola Moya, Founder and Principal of MOYA Design Partners

Content Type: Interview Primary Goal: Educate and inspire business owners on building a mission-driven, multidisciplinary firm — showing how purpose and profitability can coexist, and how to lead a team through growth, contraction, and culture fit. Runtime: ~51 minutes Guest: Paola Moya, Founder and Principal of MOYA Design Partners Summary: Marlon sits down with Paola Moya, founder and principal of MOYA Design Partners, for a conversation on building a mission-driven, multidisciplinary firm. Paola traces the firm's roots back to her graduate thesis on internal displacement in Cartagena, Colombia — later featured at a UN-sponsored World Humanitarian Summit — and explains how that work still shapes the firm's four pillars: Design, Creative, Development, and Living. She and Marlon dig into the hardest lesson of her career — letting go of 60% of her team in 2015 — how she decides which high-profile projects (Audi Field, MGM National Harbor, the Howard Theatre) to take on, and why profit and purpose aren't mutually exclusive. Keywords: architecture, urban design, interior design, MOYA Design Partners, Paola Moya, affordable housing, nonprofit design, mission-driven business, multidisciplinary firm, team culture, letting go of employees, business diversification, Washington DC, NOMA, Audi Field, MGM National Harbor, Howard Theatre, Cartagena Colombia, internal displacement, women in business, Latina business owner Chapters: 01:00 — Welcome & Introducing Paola Moya 01:45 — Why Moya Design Partners: The Origin Story 05:30 — Grad School Thesis: Internal Displacement in Cartagena, Colombia 13:17 — Landing the First Major Client: The Iris 17:24 — The Four Pillars: Design, Creative, Development, Living 22:22 — The Hardest Lesson: Letting Go of 60% of Her Team in 2015 26:22 — Diversifying Revenue Streams Across Disciplines 29:54 — Hiring and Building a Team Aligned to Vision 33:23 — Letting People Go: Coaching In vs. Coaching Out 38:33 — Saying No: Audi Field, MGM National Harbor & the Howard Theatre 41:33 — Purpose-Driven Work: Affordable Housing and Nonprofit Projects 44:11 — Profit and Purpose Aren't Mutually Exclusive 47:08 — Advice for Mission-Driven Founders 48:11 — Final Business Advice: Keep Life in Perspective Resources & Links: - MOYA Design Partners: https://moya.us/ - The Griffith Law Group, PLLC: https://www.glgdc.com

September 15, 2026Episode 3057 min

Ep. 30 - There's More Than McDonald's: A Conversation with the Founders of Helios Franchise Advisors

In this episode, siblings Kishore and Saila Siva share their journey from corporate careers to franchise consultants. Together they co-founded Helios Franchise Advisors, where they help aspiring entrepreneurs find the right franchise match — at no cost to the entrepreneur — by guiding them through a consultative process from initial discovery through signing. Kishore spent 25 years in banking before becoming a franchisee himself in 2020 and launching Helios. Saila spent 19 years in banking and finance, including time on Capitol Hill, before joining her brother in the business. If you had asked Kishore about franchise opportunities 20 years ago, he would have said the same thing most people say: McDonald's, Taco Bell, fast food. He wasn't wrong — but he was only seeing a fraction of the picture. Today, some of the fastest-growing franchise categories are in home services, senior care, children's education, pet services, and business consulting. This conversation covers the real difference between a franchise broker and a franchise consultant, why brands often prefer candidates with no direct industry experience, how to read a franchise disclosure document, what franchise ownership actually costs, and the "dirty little secret" about how real wealth gets built through franchise ownership. CHAPTERS (TIMESTAMPS): 00:00 — Introduction: fellow GW alumni and siblings, Kishore and Saila Siva 00:49 — Their corporate backgrounds and the move into franchise ownership 04:21 — Why the name Helios, and what it's like building a business as siblings 07:42 — "That's McDonald's and Taco Bell" — the biggest misconception in franchising 09:32 — How franchise consultants work, and the broker vs. consultant distinction 14:41 — Common client profiles, and the Ohio couple who scaled into a second business 19:32 — Franchise categories people never expect 23:39 — Walking through the client process, from first call to brand introductions 29:02 — Why brands prefer candidates without subject matter expertise 31:41 — Training, franchise disclosure documents, and why an attorney matters 39:27 — Investment ranges, funding options, and what the numbers don't tell you 45:42 — The "dirty little secret" about franchise wealth: owning more than one 48:49 — Final advice: treat it as education, and don't underestimate your skill set RESOURCES & LINKS: Helios Franchise Advisors https://heliosfranchise.com/ Franchise Ownership Guide 2026 https://heliosfranchise.com/guide/franchise-ownership-guide-2026/ International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG) (Member organization providing access to 800+ franchise brands) Book a Call with Helios https://calendly.com/saila-siva-heliosfranchise/30min

August 20, 2026Episode 2941 min

Ep. 29 - From Deli Line to CFO: A Conversation with Nicole Sithithavorn, Founder of YC Partners

The Real Reason She Grew to $45M With Zero Debt Nicole Sithithavorn grew a home improvement company from the low twenties to $45 million — with zero debt. The assumption most people make: she had access to capital other business owners didn't. The reality: she didn't have a large line of credit. Most small businesses don't — not without pledging personal property to get one. She and her partners didn't feel like they had much of a choice but to grow without it. So how did $45 million happen without the debt? Planning. Not hope — planning. Hard lines around accountability and metrics. And making sure every person in the company understood how their day-to-day operational choices were impacting financial performance and liquidity. Here's the part most owners miss: without that intentionality, companies don't just stall — they grow themselves out of business. Or the owner ends up carrying immense personal financial risk to fund growth they can't actually support. Zero-debt growth isn't about being lucky enough to avoid needing capital. It's a trade-off, made on purpose: prioritize accountability, margin performance, and responsible budgeting — and accept that your growth trajectory might be slower than a company funding itself with someone else's money. Slower and sustainable beats fast and fragile. Nicole Sithithavorn, Founder of YC Partners. Full episode of Kicking Ass and Taking Names is out now. #Leadership #BusinessStrategy #FinancialLiteracy #KickingAssAndTakingNames #NicoleSithithavorn

July 23, 2026Episode 281 hr 17 min

Ep 28 - Our Ice Is Cold Enough: A Conversation with Ron Busby, Sr., Leader of the U.S. Black Chamber

Ron Busby, Sr. was on a panel once when a fellow panelist said "white people's ice is always colder than ours." Ron didn't flinch. He told a childhood story instead. His great-grandfather delivered ice before refrigerators existed. White neighborhood, first stop, fresh block, lasted 7 days. Black neighborhood, last stop, melted and chipped by sundown, lasted 5 and a half days. For a day and a half every single week, people in the Black neighborhoods said "my ice ain't as cold as theirs." They were comparing an unfavorable system. Not talent. Not worth. A system. Then a Black engineer from Howard flipped the whole thing. Invented the ice maker. Cubed. Crushed. Flavored. On demand. Nobody's ice is colder than ours now. Read that again and ask yourself who you've been comparing your business to — and whether you're even playing the same game. Don't focus on what others are doing. Focus on where your opportunities are. "Your ice is cold enough." Ron Busby, Sr., Founder and CEO of U.S. Black Chamber, Inc. #KickingAssAndTakingNames #RonBusbySr #USBlackChamber #OurIceIsColdEnough

May 26, 2026Episode 2754 min

Ep. 27 - From Side Hustle to $68 Million A Conversation with Corenic Construction CEO Brunson Cooper

In 2009, Brunson Cooper started his business as a side hustle with one small lobby project. After being passed over for another promotion and a conversation with his wife, in 2012 he decided to bet on himself — and never looked back. In this episode, Marlon sits down with Brunson — CEO of Corenic Construction and Black Enterprise-featured business leader — to talk about what it really takes to build a minority-owned construction company from the ground up. From that first small lobby renovation to leading a powerhouse firm in the Washington DC area, Brunson opens up about family, reputation, relationships, and the mindset that drives him to keep growing. Chapters: (00:00) Introduction to Brunson Cooper and Kornik Construction (04:12) The Journey of Building Kornik Construction (07:03) The Importance of Family Support in Business (09:37) Involving Family in Business (12:11) Building Relationships and Reputation in Construction (15:08) Navigating Challenges as a Minority-Owned Business (17:37) Growth Strategies from $33 Million to $60 Million (20:23) Lessons Learned in Business Development (23:13) Delivering on Promises and Maintaining Reputation (29:31) Navigating Company Growth and Personal Development (32:23) The Importance of Executive Leadership (36:38) Balancing Risk and Leadership Styles (38:49) Building Professional Relationships and Opportunities (43:18) Creating Impact in the Community (45:47) Lessons Learned: Advice for the Future WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE • How Brunson went from side hustle to $68M • Why reputation is your most valuable business asset • How to know which clients to walk away from • Building an executive team so you can scale • The mindset that drives his growth • Creating a legacy — not just a business Resources: North Carolina A&T University - https://www.ncat.edu/ Black Enterprise Magazine - https://www.blackenterprise.com/ U squared Book by Robert Anthony - https://www.amazon.com/U-Squared-Robert-Anthony/dp/0972459274 Learn more about Brunson Cooper: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brunsoncooper/ Corenic Construction Official Website - https://corenicconstruction.com/ #kickingassandtakingnames #BrunsonCooper #KickingAssPodcast #BlackBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #MarlonGriffith #CorenicConstruction #MindsetMatters #BlackEntrepreneur #Podcast

April 15, 2026Episode 2644 min

Ep. 26 - Power of Purpose: Real Talk on Becoming a Leader: with Marlon Griffith, Esq.

What does it take to become the kind of leader people actually want to follow? In this episode Marlon gets personal — sharing the leadership insights and growth strategies he has lived, taught and continues to practice. Originally delivered as a presentation to young Black men ages 16-18 at The 13th Man Leadership Academy, the lessons inside hit just as hard for adult leaders and business owners of all backgrounds. Because before you can lead someone else — you must first know how to lead yourself. In this episode you will discover: The leadership qualities that actually matter — caring, humility and valuing the people around you Why self-awareness and purpose are the foundation of everything you build How to develop your personal brand and show up with genuine confidence The role of vision and imagination in becoming the leader you are meant to be Why your environment and relationships either accelerate your growth or quietly kill it How to make a meaningful impact in your community — starting right where you are Whether you are 17 trying to figure out who you are or 47 leading a team or a business — this conversation will challenge you to look in the mirror first. --- Subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss an episode of Kicking Ass and Taking Names. Drop a comment: What is the one relationship or environment that shaped who you are as a leader? --- 🏛 Ready to protect and grow your business? The Griffith Law Group provides outside general counsel, litigation and business dispute services for businesses with $1M–$20M+ in revenue. Whether you need On-Demand legal support, The Slingshot Program — our fractional general counsel service — or representation when disputes arise, we are in your corner. Schedule your strategy consultation: Learn more: www.glgdc.com --- Learn more about The 13th Man Leadership Academy: www.the13thmanla.org | www.the13thman.org ( 00:00) Introduction ( 01:02) Leadership: Are Leaders Born or Made? ( 05:55) Leading Yourself First ( 10:52) Finding Your Purpose & North Star ( 22:30) Growth Mindset, Career Path & Becoming a Lawyer ( 24:43) Staying Focused & Overcoming Challenges ( 26:33) Support Systems & Relationships ( 30:15) Building Belief, Consistency & Personal Brand ( 43:23) Outro #Leadership #SelfLeadership #PersonalBrand #FindYourWhy #Humility #Vision #SelfAwareness #YoungBlackMen #YoungLeaders #CommunityImpact #PersonalGrowth #KickingAssAndTakingNames #MarlonGriffith #PurposeDrivenLeadership #LeadershipPodcast #BusinessOwners #PowerOfPurpose #BecomingALeader #the13thman #glgdc

March 11, 2026Episode 2547 min

Ep. 25 - From Kid Trouble to CEO of a Billion Dollar Company: A conversation with Kevin Wideman.

Kevin Wideman didn't start out as a CEO — he started as an engineer. But through relentless personal growth, a commitment to his values, and a leadership philosophy built on people, he climbed to the top and transformed Koniag Government Services into a billion-dollar powerhouse. In this episode, Kevin takes us through the pivotal moments of his career journey — from his early days as an engineer to stepping into the CEO role and leading one of the most impressive growth stories in government services. He pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to scale a business from $125M to over $800M in revenue in less than eight years, and why the secret isn't just strategy — it's culture, integrity and relationships. Kevin shares why integrity is non-negotiable, how building an employee-centric organization became his greatest competitive advantage, and why continuous personal development isn't optional for leaders who want to sustain long-term success. Whether you're an aspiring leader, a seasoned executive, or an entrepreneur looking to scale — this conversation is packed with hard-earned wisdom and actionable insight. Connect with Kevin Wideman: website: https://www.koniag-gs.com/member/kevin-m-wideman/ linkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-wideman-3582112a/ Chapters (00:00) Introduction and Background of Kevin Wideman (01:43) Introduction to Kevin (03:44) Journey to Electrical Engineering (07:26) Lessons Learned from Temple (09:22) From Management to CEO (11:58) Seizing Opportunities and Career Growth (14:44) Scaling Koniag Government Services (16:29) Leadership Philosophy and Role of Ethics in Business (20:40) Scaling to over $800 million (23:20) Vision and Growth Strategy (23:48) Leadership and Employee Engagement (25:58) Attracting and Retaining Talent (29:52) Employee-Centric Culture (34:48) Personal Leadership Development (36:06) Commitment to Community Service (39:18) Next Generation Leadership Program (43:03) Integrity in Business Practices (47:02) Podcast Outro updated (1).mp4

February 10, 2026Episode 2456 min

Ep. 24 - Sell Your Business on Your Terms: A Conversation with Stuart H. Sorkin, JD, LL.M, CPA

In this conversation, Marlon and Stuart Howard Sorkin delve into the intricacies of buying and selling businesses, emphasizing the importance of succession planning, business structure, and the factors that influence business valuation. Stuart shares insights on preparing a business for sale, retaining key employees, and understanding financial metrics like EBITDA. The discussion also highlights the significance of accurate projections and maintaining a healthy balance sheet to ensure business success and facilitate smoother transactions. Marlon and Stuart Sorkin delve into the essential factors that influence business valuation and the strategies entrepreneurs should adopt for successful business management and eventual sale. They discuss financial preparedness, the significance of understanding contingent liabilities, the importance of customer focus, and the evaluation of contract backlogs. The conversation also highlights the need for a strong business pipeline, effective management and staffing strategies, and the critical role of service and product offerings. Stuart emphasizes the importance of having an exit strategy from the outset and the necessity of planning for life after selling a business. Connect with Stuart H. Sorkin: Website link: Businessandlegaladvisors.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ stuart-sorkin-84a528 Chapters (00:00) Introduction to Business Exits (03:46) Understanding Succession Planning (05:58) The Importance of Business Structure (08:37) Factors Influencing Business Value (11:28) Retaining Key Employees (15:12) Financial Factors in Business Valuation (17:56) Understanding EBITDA and Multipliers (20:32) The Role of Projections in Business Success (23:28) The Balance Sheet and Cash Flow (30:37) Financial Preparedness for Entrepreneurs (33:18) Understanding Contingent Liabilities (35:30) The Importance of Customer Focus (38:34) Evaluating Contract Backlog (40:37) Building a Strong Business Pipeline (43:52) Service and Product Offering Focus (47:40) Management and Staffing Strategies (51:32) Advice for Business Owners (55:20) Podcast Outro updated (1).mp4 Connect with Stuart H. Sorkin: Website link: Businessandlegaladvisors.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ stuart-sorkin-84a528 Chapters (00:00) Introduction to Business Exits (03:46) Understanding Succession Planning (05:58) The Importance of Business Structure (08:37) Factors Influencing Business Value (11:28) Retaining Key Employees (15:12) Financial Factors in Business Valuation (17:56) Understanding EBITDA and Multipliers (20:32) The Role of Projections in Business Success (23:28) The Balance Sheet and Cash Flow (30:37) Financial Preparedness for Entrepreneurs (33:18) Understanding Contingent Liabilities (35:30) The Importance of Customer Focus (38:34) Evaluating Contract Backlog (40:37) Building a Strong Business Pipeline (43:52) Service and Product Offering Focus (47:40) Management and Staffing Strategies (51:32) Advice for Business Owners (55:20) Outro

January 6, 2026Episode 2359 min

Ep. 23 - Building a Championship Culture: A Conversation with Duane Simpkins, Head Coach American University Men’s Basketball

In this engaging conversation, Duane Simpkins, championship head coach of the American University men's basketball team, shares his journey from a McDonald's All-American player to a successful Division One coach. He discusses the importance of mindset, character, and work ethic in building is championship culture in sports and life. Duane reflects on the lessons learned from legendary coaches like Morgan Wooten and Gary Williams, emphasizing the significance of resilience and humility. The conversation also highlights the business aspects of coaching, the impact of mentorship, and the responsibility coaches have in shaping young men's lives beyond basketball. Connect with Duane Simpkins: website: https://aueagles.com/staff-directory/duane-simpkins/289 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/duaneandkirstensimpkins Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach_simpkins/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@duane.simpkins (00:00) Introduction to Duane Simpkins (04:02) The Journey from Player to Coach (07:40) Transition from player to coach (10:22) Lessons from Coach Morgan Wooten (14:36) Lessons learned from Coach Gary Williams (17:36) Resilience in Sports and Business (22:21) Coaching Philosophy and Impact on Young Men (27:39) The Differences in Coaching High School vs. College Athletes (30:10) The Importance of Knowing Your Role (32:56) Building Character and Work Ethic (42:48) Core Values Beyond Basketball (48:47) The Broader Responsibilities of a Coach (53:54) Life Lessons from Coaching

December 9, 2025Episode 2240 min

Ep. 22 - Turning Your Passion Into Profit: A Conversation with Entrepreneur Shauna Starks

Do you want to monetize your passion while keeping your “day job”? In this episode of 'Kicking Ass and Taking Names', host Marlon Griffith interviews Shauna Starks, a travel and marketing entrepreneur. Shauna asked herself a simple question; “why not get paid for doing something I love?” Shauna shares her journey of building a successful travel business while maintaining her full-time job, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, mindset, and personal development. She discusses the significance of having a clear 'why' in entrepreneurship, and the necessity of stepping out of one's comfort zone to achieve success and putting yourself on autopilot to build a successful business. The conversation highlights the balance between work and life, encouraging listeners to live fully and pursue their passions. Shauna is launching the 2026 Blitz, helping 40 people start their own travel business and position themselves to earn 10 deposits per month. Connect with her directly to learn more and see how you can be part of it. Website: https://www.PlanNetmarketing.com/getchatravelon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaunagetchalifeon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getchalifeon/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@getchalifeon Chapters (00:00) Introduction to Shauna Starks (04:47) Sharna's Journey into Entrepreneurship (07:35) The Impact of Community on Business (10:32) Lessons from Early Entrepreneurial Experiences (13:18) Transitioning to a Travel Business (16:10) The Love for Travel and Making Money (18:54) Building an Abundant Mindset (21:50) Personal Development and Leadership Influence (24:50) The Importance of Professional Development (26:28) Transitioning from Scarcity to Abundance Mindset (27:27) Understanding the Travel Business Model (30:30) Exploring Future Opportunities in Food and Arts (32:48) Living Life to the Fullest Without Regrets (34:46) Key Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs (39:51) Podcast Outro updated