In this episode of On Brand, Slightly Off Topic, Jonathan Hill sits down with Wil Bangerter, Founder & CEO of Back Nine Golf, an entrepreneur who walked away from a career in law to pursue a vision that simply wouldn’t let him go. Wil opens up about the leap from attorney to founder, the steep learning curve of building a golf brand from scratch, and the realities of chasing a dream when nothing is guaranteed.He shares the personal story behind the name “Back Nine Golf,” inspired by his own experience on the course and the belief that everyone deserves a back nine worth fighting for. This conversation dives into purpose-driven risk taking, the emotional grind of entrepreneurship, and the power of surrounding yourself with people who keep you grounded. Wil’s journey is a candid playbook for founders navigating uncertainty—and a reminder that the best brands are built with equal parts passion, grit, and a good story. A must-listen for operators, franchise leaders, and anyone standing on the tee box of their next big decision.

In this episode of On Brand, Slightly Off Topic, Clement Troutman shares his journey through leadership, development, and operational growth in franchising. Drawing on years of hands-on experience, he discusses the importance of building systems that scale, emphasizing how training, consistency, and accountability help franchise teams thrive. Clement highlights the power of authentic leadership, the role of communication in franchise support, and the importance of empowering franchisees to take ownership of their success.

From developing people to refining processes, Clement offers practical insights into how culture drives performance and how successful franchisors balance brand standards with local flexibility. The episode delivers actionable takeaways for franchise founders, operators, and emerging brands focused on operational excellence, sustainable growth, and long-term partnership.

In this episode of On Brand, Slightly Off Topic, Jonathan Hill sits down with CJ McPhail, Co-Founder & CEO of Outsider Coffee in Pendleton, South Carolina. CJ and his wife, Lindsey, have built a coffee brand that pairs great caffeine with a clear mission—championing kindness, authenticity, and real human connection. Drawing on his background as an ordained pastor, speaker, and autism advocate, CJ shares the personal experiences that shaped Outsider’s “people first” ethos and the practical ways it shows up in hiring, customer experience, and community partnerships.
The conversation explores servant leadership, empathy in action, and how small gestures can catalyze big transformation. CJ’s story is a field guide for building a company that is profitable and purposeful, creating spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and included. A must-listen for founders, operators, and leaders building values-driven brands.

Keywords

CJ McPhail, Lindsey McPhail, Outsider Coffee, Jonathan Hill, On Brand Slightly Off Topic, Pendleton South Carolina, coffee business, mission-driven business, community building, autism advocacy, small business, local business, brand storytelling, culture building, conscious capitalism, retail coffee, third place culture, entrepreneurship, business growth