In this episode of The Calling and the Climb, Kent and Phillip dive into what it actually takes to prepare a business for sale long before it ever hits the market. Phillip shares lessons from selling his 26-year IT company, including how valuation works, why repeatable revenue matters more than big one-time wins, the hidden cleanup required in org charts, documentation, and leadership, and why founders must work themselves out of day-to-day operations to exit well. A practical, behind-the-scenes conversation for entrepreneurs who want to be ready—before opportunity knocks.

In this episode of The Calling and the Climb, Phil Hampton and Kent Curry unpack why every entrepreneur needs an exit strategy whether you’re ready to sell or not. Phil shares the real timeline behind selling his company after 26 years, the hard lessons he learned about making a business valuable beyond the owner, and the leadership moves required to work himself out of day to day operations. They also dive into the unexpected inflection point that launched Phil into rapid growth, an unforgettable moment that strengthened his faith and ultimately positioned the business for a successful exit.

In this episode, Phil and Kent break down the “small things” that often get overlooked but can make a huge difference in business success. From meeting discipline and respecting people’s time, to prompt communication, follow through, and even dressing for success, these practical habits help build trust, professionalism, and momentum. If you’re trying to level up your leadership and your results, this one’s for you.

In this episode of The Calling and the Climb, Phil shares the unexpected way humor and creativity shaped his business journey. What started as skits, church banquets, and youth group dramas eventually became a powerful marketing tool that helped him stand out in a serious, buttoned-up legal industry. From creating the wildly popular “Bill and Phil Show” for attorneys across the country to learning how laughter builds connection, this conversation explores how God can develop gifts in one season that become essential in another.

What does Christmas have to say to entrepreneurs facing fear, uncertainty, and pressure? In this special Christmas episode, Phillip Hampton walks through four moments in the Christmas story where angels spoke one consistent message: Fear not. A powerful reminder for founders navigating silence, calling, reputation, and success.

What is it really like to be a founder? In this episode, Philip reflects on 26 years of building and eventually selling a business, sharing the realities people rarely see. From the insecurity of making payroll and carrying all the risk, to the mindset required to think differently, solve complex problems, and endure sleepless nights, this conversation offers an honest look at founder life. Philip also shares what he loved most, what he hated most, the biggest mistakes he would change, and the one piece of advice he wishes he had known from day one about building a business with an exit in mind.

In this episode, Phil talks about the often overlooked idea of God anointing people for work outside the church. He shares how his faith shaped his business journey, including a moment when he prayed for God’s anointing before a major tech presentation and felt the same lift he had experienced in ministry. If you are trying to build or lead in your own strength, this episode encourages you to invite God into your work and ask for His anointing on your business and daily decisions.

Customer service isn’t just a task, it’s a mindset. In this episode, Phil explains why great service can outperform sales and marketing, and how small personal touches create long-term loyalty. He shares practical keys like personalizing your approach, communicating clearly, reading your clients, and cooling off before responding. Phil also tells the story of the 2010 Nashville flood and how his team kept clients running during a crisis, proving the power of going the extra mile. This episode is full of simple, real-world principles you can apply right away.