Kicking Ass and Taking Names with Marlon Griffith, Esq.

Hosted by Marlon Griffith

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May 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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27 recent

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 FutureWHAT 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 businessResources: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/0972459274Learn 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 areWhether 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 — ourfractional 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.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ stuart-sorkin-84a528Chapters(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).mp4Connect with Stuart H. Sorkin:Website link: Businessandlegaladvisors.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ stuart-sorkin-84a528Chapters(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/289Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/duaneandkirstensimpkinsInstagram: 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

November 11, 2025Episode 2153 min

Ep. 21 - Unlocking Financial Freedom: A Conversation With Personal Finance Coach Evangeline Harris

In this conversation, Marlon and financial coach Evangeline Harris discuss the critical relationship between personal and business finances, emphasizing the importance of financial literacy and community support. Evangeline shares her personal journey from financial struggle to empowerment, highlighting her methodology for income optimization and the parallels between personal and business financial management. The discussion culminates in practical advice for achieving financial freedom and the significance of seeking help from a financial coach.Connect with Evangeline Harris:Website: https://growingyourpersonalwealth.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/growingyourpersonalwealthllc/ Chapters(00:00) Understanding Personal Finance Challenges(02:46) The Role of a Financial Coach vs. Advisor(05:29) Evangeline's Journey to Financial Coaching(08:11) The Importance of Community in Financial Education(10:42) Recognizing When to Seek Financial Help(13:36) The Methodology of Income Optimization(16:12) Awareness and Consciousness in Financial Management(18:51) The Five-Step Income Optimization Framework(26:16) Understanding Financial Awareness(28:49) The Importance of Budgeting(35:44) Creating a Spend Plan(38:16) Calculating Net Worth(40:10) Parallels Between Personal and Business Finance(46:32) Advice for Financial Freedom

October 8, 202542 min

Ep. 20 - From Comfort to Purpose: A conversation With Retirement Income Specialist Antwone Harris, MBA, CFP, RICP

In this episode of Kicking Ass and Taking Names, Marlon Griffith speaks with Antwone Harris, a retirement income specialist and owner of Platinum Bridge Wealth Strategies. They discuss the importance of financial planning, especially as individuals approach retirement. Antwone shares his journey into the financial industry, his passion for investing, and the significance of educating both children and adults about finance. He emphasizes the need for early planning, the psychological barriers faced during retirement, and the mindset required for success in business. Antwone also provides valuable lessons for business owners, highlighting the importance of adding value, knowing who to rely on, and the necessity of resilience.Connect with Antwone Harris:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antwoneharrisX: https://x.com/plannertwon?lang=arYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@antwoneharris-platinumbrid9307Website: https://platinumbridgewealth.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/antwone.harris.9Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twondog/Chapters(00:00) Introduction to Wealth Building(01:58) Understanding Retirement Planning(04:07) The Importance of Early Planning(07:01) Tax Strategies for Retirement(08:45) Antwone's Passion for Investing(11:14) Teaching Kids About Finance(14:23) Educating Adults on Investing(17:17) Antwone's Entrepreneurial Journey(21:50) Aligning with Purpose and Values(30:10) Navigating the Challenges of Retirement(38:03) Key Lessons for Business Owners

September 2, 2025Episode 1950 min

Ep 19 - Empowering Wealth: Constance Carter's Journey

In this episode, Constance Carter, who built the largest African-American independently owned real estate firm in California, shares her journey as a successful entrepreneur and wealth activist, discussing her TED Talk on closing the wealth gap, the importance of community support, and her mission to empower Black women through the Net7 Collective. She reflects on personal hardships, the lessons learned from her business challenges, and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.Connect with Constance Carter:Website: https://www.constancecarter.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamconstancecarterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamconstancecarter/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/constancecarter/Chapters(00:00) Introduction to Constance Carter(03:52) The Wealth Gap and TED Talk Insights(06:35) Wealth as a Birthright(09:37) Navigating Personal Hardships(12:27) Transitioning and Self-Discovery(15:31) Building Multiple Income Streams(18:44) Challenges in Business and Million Dollar Mistakes(26:41) Navigating Business Challenges(30:01) Empowering Black Women Through Net7 Collective(33:09) The Importance of Financial Literacy(36:18) The Grow Yo Money Podcast(43:26) Unapologetically Black: Building Community and Wealth(47:24) Key Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

August 5, 202537 min

Ep 18 - Strategic Planning for Smart Growth: A conversation with Ken Merritt

In this episode, Marlon interviews Kenneth Merritt, founder and CEO of Merritt Advisory Group. They discuss the importance of strategic and leadership advisory services for small to mid-sized businesses. Kenneth shares insights on common challenges faced by business leaders, the distinction between leadership and management, and the significance of cultural fit when hiring for the C-suite. The conversation emphasizes the need for clear strategies, role clarity, and the value of assessments in identifying organizational challenges and opportunities for growth. In this conversation, Ken Merritt discusses the importance of aligning vision with C-suite execution, the nuances of organizational strategy, and the critical differences between revenue growth and profitability. He emphasizes the need for strategic planning, hiring with purpose, and managing overhead effectively. Ken also shares actionable advice for business owners, highlighting the significance of measurable action plans and the value of building a strong people strategy to scale their businesses successfully.Connect with Ken Merritt:Website: https://merritt-advisory.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094869347746LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/merritt-advisory-group-llc/posts/?feedView=allChapters(00:00) Introduction to Kenneth Merritt and Merritt Advisory Group(01:00) Understanding Strategic Advisory Services(03:10) Focus on Leadership Advisory(03:31) Advisory Services(05:14) Common Challenges for Small to Mid-Sized Businesses(08:22) The Distinction Between Leadership and Management(09:52) Recognizing Opportunities in Challenges(10:23) The Importance of Assessments in Leadership(12:42) Hiring for Cultural Fit in the C-Suite(15:05) Strategic Planning to Scale The Business(19:30) Aligning Vision with C-Suite Execution(23:10) Understanding Growth: Revenue vs. Profitability(26:21) Hiring for Position(28:35) Managing Overhead and Strategic Decisions(29:53) Use of a Consultant for Strategic Planning(34:13) Key Advice for Business Owners