Today’s Guest: Katherine Ross of Ross Media Solutions
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Guest Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharine-ross-rms-seniorsguide/

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This Episode:

In this episode, Colin sits down with Katherine Ross of Ross Media Solutions to discuss entrepreneurship, marketing, and what it means to truly put people first in business. Katherine shares her journey working within a family business and how her values have shaped both leadership decisions and long-term strategy.

They explore the evolution of media and marketing, the continued relevance of print for senior audiences, and the challenges multi-generational businesses face when adapting to change. Katherine also outlines her vision for serving the senior-care industry and why embracing uncertainty, self-reflection, and win-win thinking is essential for sustainable growth.

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Key Takeaways

Put people first to get ahead in business.

Good decisions don’t always show up in a spreadsheet.

Excel sheets provide structure and clarity for management.

Business flourishes when everyone involved is happy.

Print media still matters for the senior demographic.

Multi-generational businesses must evolve to stay relevant.

Taking care of employees leads to long-term success.

Entrepreneurs must learn to embrace uncertainty.

Serving the senior-support industry is a growing opportunity.

Self-reflection shapes strong business philosophy and leadership.

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But First, Principles with Colin Davis
Real stories. Real principles. Real growth for business owners.
Each episode reveals the mindset, systems, and turning points behind small-business success—so you can grow without burning out.
This season, Season 2, we’re featuring innovative entrepreneurs shaping the Richmond region and beyond.

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Helpful Links

Want practical tools to build a business that actually works?
Visit: [https://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com](https://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com)

Ready for clarity, structure, and momentum in your business?
Email Colin: [colin@firstprinciplescoaching.com](mailto:colin@firstprinciplescoaching.com)

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About Colin

Colin Davis is a business and leadership coach with a background in ministry, psychology, and organizational leadership. A former missionary and monk turned entrepreneur, he helps small-business owners create focus, build systems, and achieve lasting growth through First Principles Coaching. He lives in Virginia with his wife and children.

Today’s Guest: Tim Amos of T.A.W. Construction
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Guest Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-amos-8600b0a2/

This Episode:

In this episode, Colin sits down with Tim Amos, founder of T.A.W. Construction, to explore his journey from structural engineer to successful construction business owner. Tim shares how a quality-first mindset—not profit alone—has shaped his company, partnerships, and long-term success.

They discuss navigating market shifts, overcoming fear and conflict, and why helping others is a core part of sustainable business. Tim also reflects on commercial development, word-of-mouth marketing, and the importance of training successors to ensure continuity. This conversation offers practical wisdom for entrepreneurs building businesses with purpose and resilience.

Key Takeaways

Go into your business with an open mind.

It’s not just about profit and loss.

Build with the same care you would for yourself.

Commercial development can be a powerful long-term investment.

Helping others should be a core business value.

Overcoming fear is essential for growth.

Strong partnerships create stability and opportunity.

Word-of-mouth marketing builds trust and momentum.

Facing conflict directly leads to healthier outcomes.

Train a successor to protect your company’s future.

But First, Principles with Colin Davis
Real stories. Real principles. Real growth for business owners.
Each episode reveals the mindset, systems, and turning points behind small-business success—so you can grow without burning out.
This season, Season 2, we’re featuring innovative entrepreneurs shaping the Richmond region and beyond.

Helpful Links

Want practical tools to build a business that actually works?
Visit: https://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com

Ready for clarity, structure, and momentum in your business?
Email Colin: colin@firstprinciplescoaching.com

About Colin

Colin Davis is a business and leadership coach with a background in ministry, psychology, and organizational leadership. A former missionary and monk turned entrepreneur, he helps small-business owners create focus, build systems, and achieve lasting growth through First Principles Coaching. He lives in Virginia with his wife and children.

Today’s Guest: Debbie Erwin of Lighthouse Network
Don’t forget! Like · Comment · Subscribe

Guest Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/irwindj/

This Episode:
In this episode, Colin sits down with Debbie Erwin, Executive Director of Lighthouse Network, to talk about what really happens between startup hype and success. Debbie shares lessons from her own founder journey and why the “messy middle” is where many entrepreneurs get stuck.

They discuss emotional decision-making, realistic founder support, and why community, financial clarity, and validation matter more than chasing perfection. This conversation offers practical perspective for founders navigating uncertainty and growth.

Key Takeaways

* Progress matters more than perfection.
* The messy middle is where founders need the most support.
* Emotional awareness shapes better business decisions.
* Validate your idea before leaving your job.
* Financial systems are critical for sustainability.
* Community creates resilience and momentum.
* Entrepreneurship can create meaningful impact.

But First, Principles with Colin Davis
Real stories. Real principles. Real growth for business owners.
Each episode reveals the mindset, systems, and turning points behind small-business success—so you can grow without burning out.
This season, Season 2, we’re featuring innovative entrepreneurs shaping the Richmond region and beyond.

Helpful Links
Want practical tools to build a business that actually works?
Visit: [https://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com](https://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com)

Ready for clarity, structure, and momentum in your business?
Email Colin: [colin@firstprinciplescoaching.com](mailto:colin@firstprinciplescoaching.com)

About Colin
Colin Davis is a business and leadership coach with a background in ministry, psychology, and organizational leadership. A former missionary and monk turned entrepreneur, he helps small-business owners create focus, build systems, and achieve lasting growth through First Principles Coaching. He lives in Virginia with his wife and children.

Keywords
entrepreneurship, founder support, business development, emotional intelligence, startups, community, investment, leadership, business growth, Lighthouse Network

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Show notes :

Keywords

entrepreneurship, founder support, business development, emotional decision-making, investment, Lighthouse Network, startup success, founder development, business failure, community building

Summary

In this conversation, Debbie Erwin, the executive director of Lighthouse Network, discusses her journey as a founder, the importance of supporting entrepreneurs, and the emotional aspects of decision-making in business. She emphasizes the need for a new approach to founder support, particularly in the 'messy middle' of entrepreneurship, where many founders struggle. Debbie shares insights on the significance of emotional intelligence in business decisions and the evolving landscape of funding and investment for startups. The conversation highlights the value of community and connection among founders as they navigate their entrepreneurial journeys.

Takeaways

Perfection hinders progress; focus on forward momentum.
Business should be built for value and potential sale.
Founder support must evolve to meet current demands.
Emotional decision-making is crucial in entrepreneurship.
The 'messy middle' requires tailored support for founders.
Understanding customer versus user is vital for success.
Financial systems are essential for sustainable growth.
Don't quit your job before validating your business idea.
Community and social capital are key to entrepreneurial success.
Entrepreneurship can drive positive change in the world.

Titles

Navigating the Entrepreneurial Journey with Debbie Erwin
The Evolution of Founder Support

Sound bites

"Perfection gets in the way of progress."
"I'm a failed founder who learned a lot."
"Entrepreneurship will save the world."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Debbie Erwin and Lighthouse Network
02:56 The Importance of Founder Support
05:59 Lessons from Failure and Success
08:51 Emotional Decision-Making in Business
11:53 The Messy Middle of Entrepreneurship
14:57 Understanding Funding and Investment
17:50 The Future of Lighthouse Network
20:57 Connecting with Founders and Building Community