The UnFair Advantage

Hosted by Brad Starnes

Business Entrepreneurship Society Culture

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Latest episode

Oct 2025

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EN-US

About the show

This is focused on showcasing unique entrepreneurs who have turned their challenges into strengths, using what some may see as "unfair baggage" as a powerful tool in their business success.

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60 recent

October 23, 2025Episode 6833 min

Why Most Founders Lose Their Message, And How to Get It Back

Send a textIn this episode of The Unfair Advantage, I sat down with Caleb White, founder and creative director of Dreamlit Creative.Caleb’s story hit home. He went from being a single dad working a 9-to-5 to building a branding agency that actually moves the needle for his clients. We talked about the early grind, betting on yourself when it’s not convenient, and what it really means to build a brand that reflects your vision.We also got into the weeds on creative direction, personal branding, and how to bring clarity back to your message, especially if you’ve grown fast and feel like your identity hasn’t kept up.If you’re a founder who’s still in the thick of it, or feel like you’ve lost touch with what made your agency special in the first place, this one’s for you.We cover:Caleb’s journey from survival mode to building something meaningfulReal talk on juggling family and entrepreneurshipHow to reconnect with your brand when growth gets messy Thank you for tuning into this episode of The Unfair Advantage. We hope this story has inspired you, showcasing how challenges can be transformed into incredible strengths in the entrepreneurial journey. Our podcast is dedicated to bringing you unique stories of entrepreneurs who turn their so-called 'unfair baggage' into a propelling force for business success. For more empowering stories and insights, visit our website at www.screamincow.com, brought to you by Screamin Cow Marketing Group, where we specialize in turning unique business challenges into powerful marketing strategies. Stay connected with us and discover more such inspiring journeys. Visit my personal page at https://bradstarnes.fyi for additional insights and resources. Keep turning your challenges into your unfair advantage! Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more episodes like this.

September 25, 2025Episode 6730 min

Building a Business Without Losing Yourself

Send a textIn this episode, I sit down with my good friend Clayton Pantano, founder of InTrust Marketing, to talk about the real, raw side of building a business while showing up at home.Clayton opens up about navigating the chaos of the pandemic, juggling fatherhood, and running a company when everything felt like it was falling apart. What stood out to me most was his ability to turn that pressure into purpose, and grow because of it, not in spite of it.We dive into:The honest struggles behind the scenesHow he stayed focused and resilientWhy leading with grit matters now more than everIf you’re a founder trying to grow a business and be present for your family, this conversation will hit home. Thank you for tuning into this episode of The Unfair Advantage. We hope this story has inspired you, showcasing how challenges can be transformed into incredible strengths in the entrepreneurial journey. Our podcast is dedicated to bringing you unique stories of entrepreneurs who turn their so-called 'unfair baggage' into a propelling force for business success. For more empowering stories and insights, visit our website at www.screamincow.com, brought to you by Screamin Cow Marketing Group, where we specialize in turning unique business challenges into powerful marketing strategies. Stay connected with us and discover more such inspiring journeys. Visit my personal page at https://bradstarnes.fyi for additional insights and resources. Keep turning your challenges into your unfair advantage! Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more episodes like this.

September 18, 2025Episode 6636 min

From Startup Failure to Agency Success

Send a textIn this episode, I sat down with Arielle Cohen, co-founder of Marketing 411 and CMO of Business 411.Ariel’s story really hit home for me. She’s overcome some serious personal challenges and turned them into fuel for building two successful companies in the roofing industry. What I loved most about our conversation is how transparent she was about the wins, the setbacks, and everything in between.We covered a lot, including:Why her companies focus on both marketing and operational education for roofing contractors The role customer experience plays in creating a lasting business How offshore talent can be a true growth lever (without wrecking margins) Lessons she’s learned from ventures that didn’t work out Why resilience is the difference-maker for every entrepreneurIf you’re an agency owner scaling through the chaos, trying to get out of the weeds, delegate more, and build a long-term team, this episode is going to hit you with some serious perspective.👉 Give it a listen, and let me know your biggest takeaway. Thank you for tuning into this episode of The Unfair Advantage. We hope this story has inspired you, showcasing how challenges can be transformed into incredible strengths in the entrepreneurial journey. Our podcast is dedicated to bringing you unique stories of entrepreneurs who turn their so-called 'unfair baggage' into a propelling force for business success. For more empowering stories and insights, visit our website at www.screamincow.com, brought to you by Screamin Cow Marketing Group, where we specialize in turning unique business challenges into powerful marketing strategies. Stay connected with us and discover more such inspiring journeys. Visit my personal page at https://bradstarnes.fyi for additional insights and resources. Keep turning your challenges into your unfair advantage! Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more episodes like this.

September 17, 2025Episode 6638 min

From Startup Failure to Agency Success

Send a text Thank you for tuning into this episode of The Unfair Advantage. We hope this story has inspired you, showcasing how challenges can be transformed into incredible strengths in the entrepreneurial journey. Our podcast is dedicated to bringing you unique stories of entrepreneurs who turn their so-called 'unfair baggage' into a propelling force for business success. For more empowering stories and insights, visit our website at www.screamincow.com, brought to you by Screamin Cow Marketing Group, where we specialize in turning unique business challenges into powerful marketing strategies. Stay connected with us and discover more such inspiring journeys. Visit my personal page at https://bradstarnes.fyi for additional insights and resources. Keep turning your challenges into your unfair advantage! Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more episodes like this.

September 12, 2025Episode 6538 min

How Recurring Revenue Can Transform Your Business

Send a textIn this episode of The Unfair Advantage Podcast, I sit down with Blair Witkowski, the founder of Garage Door SEO Experts. Blair opens up about his journey from financial struggles to building a thriving niche agency that helps garage door and gutter installers.We talk about the importance of understanding your clients on a deeper level, why monthly recurring revenue is a game-changer, and practical strategies for cold calling and email outreach. Blair also shares his perspective on building strong client relationships, the challenges of delegation, and what it really takes to push through financial hardship.What I love most is Blair’s advice for anyone going through tough times: focus on taking one step at a time and just keep doing the next right thing. This conversation is packed with honesty, resilience, and strategies you can put to work in your own business. Thank you for tuning into this episode of The Unfair Advantage. We hope this story has inspired you, showcasing how challenges can be transformed into incredible strengths in the entrepreneurial journey. Our podcast is dedicated to bringing you unique stories of entrepreneurs who turn their so-called 'unfair baggage' into a propelling force for business success. For more empowering stories and insights, visit our website at www.screamincow.com, brought to you by Screamin Cow Marketing Group, where we specialize in turning unique business challenges into powerful marketing strategies. Stay connected with us and discover more such inspiring journeys. Visit my personal page at https://bradstarnes.fyi for additional insights and resources. Keep turning your challenges into your unfair advantage! Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more episodes like this.

September 4, 2025Episode 6439 min

Why Surrounding Yourself With the Right People Changes Everything

Send a textIn this episode of the Unfair Advantage Podcast, I sit down with Peter Cartier to talk about his journey from personal loss and professional upheaval during the COVID pandemic to launching PT Marketing Pros, a marketing agency that helps physical therapists thrive online.Peter opens up about what it took to step into entrepreneurship, the importance of resilience, and how building a supportive network and remote team culture gave him the foundation to grow. We also dive into the mindset shifts he made along the way focusing on what he could control, choosing his own path, and surrounding himself with the right people to succeed.This conversation is all about turning adversity into opportunity, and I think you’ll walk away inspired by Peter’s story and practical lessons. Thank you for tuning into this episode of The Unfair Advantage. We hope this story has inspired you, showcasing how challenges can be transformed into incredible strengths in the entrepreneurial journey. Our podcast is dedicated to bringing you unique stories of entrepreneurs who turn their so-called 'unfair baggage' into a propelling force for business success. For more empowering stories and insights, visit our website at www.screamincow.com, brought to you by Screamin Cow Marketing Group, where we specialize in turning unique business challenges into powerful marketing strategies. Stay connected with us and discover more such inspiring journeys. Visit my personal page at https://bradstarnes.fyi for additional insights and resources. Keep turning your challenges into your unfair advantage! Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more episodes like this.

August 28, 2025Episode 6338 min

From $100K Loss to 7-Figure Gain

Send a textWelcome back to "The Unfair Advantage" podcast!In this episode, I'm joined by Jason Jackson, the founder of Growth Pro Agency. Jason's journey isn't just about digital marketing; it's a powerful story of resilience, reinvention, and turning a costly mistake into a competitive edge.Jason's entrepreneurial journey started with a home service business, where he lost nearly $100,000 in the first year to shady marketing companies and overpriced lead services. Frustrated and determined, he made a choice: never again. He took matters into his own hands, teaching himself the exact marketing tactics the "industry gatekeepers" didn't want him to know. He grew his own company into a seven-figure powerhouse and then turned that hard-won expertise into a lifeline for other home service businesses nationwide.We dive deep into his story, covering:The costly mistakes that led to a $100K loss and the wake-up call that followed.How he turned a marketing nightmare into a profitable reality.The transition from running a home service business to founding a successful marketing agency.The secret to running two thriving companies at once through delegation and building the right team.How AI and automation are being used to create an "unfair advantage" in both the home service and marketing industries.This episode is a must-listen for any business owner feeling stuck or overwhelmed by their marketing efforts. Jason's story proves that sometimes, the biggest setbacks can lead to the greatest opportunities. Thank you for tuning into this episode of The Unfair Advantage. We hope this story has inspired you, showcasing how challenges can be transformed into incredible strengths in the entrepreneurial journey. Our podcast is dedicated to bringing you unique stories of entrepreneurs who turn their so-called 'unfair baggage' into a propelling force for business success. For more empowering stories and insights, visit our website at www.screamincow.com, brought to you by Screamin Cow Marketing Group, where we specialize in turning unique business challenges into powerful marketing strategies. Stay connected with us and discover more such inspiring journeys. Visit my personal page at https://bradstarnes.fyi for additional insights and resources. Keep turning your challenges into your unfair advantage! Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more episodes like this.

August 21, 2025Episode 6248 min

From the food production line to marketing for aviation schools

Send a textIn this episode of the Unfair Advantage podcast, Tim Jedrek, founder of Right Router Marketing, shares his unique journey from a successful career in manufacturing to becoming a leading figure in aviation marketing. With a background as a certified pilot and programmer, Tim discusses how he leveraged his skills to build a niche agency focused on pilot schools. He emphasizes the importance of treating team members like family, the challenges of starting an agency, and the value of networking and hiring offshore. Tim's story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and finding success in a competitive industry. Thank you for tuning into this episode of The Unfair Advantage. We hope this story has inspired you, showcasing how challenges can be transformed into incredible strengths in the entrepreneurial journey. Our podcast is dedicated to bringing you unique stories of entrepreneurs who turn their so-called 'unfair baggage' into a propelling force for business success. For more empowering stories and insights, visit our website at www.screamincow.com, brought to you by Screamin Cow Marketing Group, where we specialize in turning unique business challenges into powerful marketing strategies. Stay connected with us and discover more such inspiring journeys. Visit my personal page at https://bradstarnes.fyi for additional insights and resources. Keep turning your challenges into your unfair advantage! Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more episodes like this.

August 7, 2025Episode 6136 min

When Entrepreneurship Becomes Personal

Send a textWhat happens when the path to success isn’t straight, smooth, or even visible most days?In this episode, host Brad Starnes sits down with Mark Bianchi, CEO of Visiclix, to talk about the real story behind becoming a founder. From growing up in a challenging environment to building a thriving niche business in eye care marketing, Mark shares how he navigated hardship, leaned into purpose, and made peace with the process.They talk about:Surviving vs. truly livingThe power of niching downListening to that inner voice (even when it's scary)Scaling a business without losing your identityRedefining what success really looks likeIf you’re building something that matters and trying to figure it all out along the way, this one’s for you. Thank you for tuning into this episode of The Unfair Advantage. We hope this story has inspired you, showcasing how challenges can be transformed into incredible strengths in the entrepreneurial journey. Our podcast is dedicated to bringing you unique stories of entrepreneurs who turn their so-called 'unfair baggage' into a propelling force for business success. For more empowering stories and insights, visit our website at www.screamincow.com, brought to you by Screamin Cow Marketing Group, where we specialize in turning unique business challenges into powerful marketing strategies. Stay connected with us and discover more such inspiring journeys. Visit my personal page at https://bradstarnes.fyi for additional insights and resources. Keep turning your challenges into your unfair advantage! Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more episodes like this.

July 31, 2025Episode 6037 min

I Built the Business of My Dreams And Almost Lost Myself Doing It

Send a textIn this episode, I sit down with an amazing friend David Robertson someone I’ve watched build an incredible marketing agency from the ground up, and then pivot to launch Azella, a firm serving financial advisors with heart and purpose.But what most people don’t see is what was going on behind the scenes. David opens up about being diagnosed with bipolar II, going through a divorce, and trying to be a present dad all while running and scaling a business. We talk about the real cost of growth, what it means to lose (and find) yourself along the way, and how he’s redefining success on his own terms.This one gets personal. If you’re building something and feel like it’s starting to take a toll, I think this conversation will really hit home. Thank you for tuning into this episode of The Unfair Advantage. We hope this story has inspired you, showcasing how challenges can be transformed into incredible strengths in the entrepreneurial journey. Our podcast is dedicated to bringing you unique stories of entrepreneurs who turn their so-called 'unfair baggage' into a propelling force for business success. For more empowering stories and insights, visit our website at www.screamincow.com, brought to you by Screamin Cow Marketing Group, where we specialize in turning unique business challenges into powerful marketing strategies. Stay connected with us and discover more such inspiring journeys. Visit my personal page at https://bradstarnes.fyi for additional insights and resources. Keep turning your challenges into your unfair advantage! Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more episodes like this.