Follow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/htbs__?igsh=cTF4N2lpamIycDJ5Follow Thad On IG: https://www.instagram.com/thaddeus_voss_?igsh=MXY3N3luYW92djBneA==In Episode 65 of the How to Business Show, we sit down with Thad Voss, founder of Bluegrass Lending and Lionheart Funding, to pull back the curtain on the alternative funding and creative finance industry. From taking a commission-only Wall Street job in New York with no safety net, to building a multi–eight-figure alternative lending operation, Thad breaks down the realities of merchant cash advances, SBA loans, term loans, unsecured lending, and private money—including the biggest misconceptions business owners have about rates, risk, and regulation.This episode is a masterclass for entrepreneurs, sales professionals, and business owners who want to understand:Why banks fail small businessesHow alternative funding actually worksThe truth about high interest rates and riskHow ethical brokers build long-term client relationshipsWhy most bad actors fail in this spaceHow to scale a brokerage, fund deals in-house, and build real wealthWe also dive deep into:Sales psychology & cold callingBuilding an “undeniable stack of proof” (inspired by Alex Hormozi)Ego, leadership, mentorship, and compounding wealthThe future of alternative lending, regulation, and educationIf you’re a small business owner, real estate investor, sales rep, or someone curious about creative finance and alternative lending, this episode will change how you think about money.Subscribe for more real conversations about business, money, and growth.00:00 – Biggest misconceptions about the alternative funding space02:25 – Why Thad chose Wall Street over a “safe” salaried job04:12 – Moving to New York broke, scared, and commission-only08:05 – The brutal reality of early sales & clawback periods10:35 – The internship play that changed everything13:42 – What alternative funding really is (creative finance explained)17:09 – Merchant cash advances vs SBA loans vs term loans26:01 – Bad actors, unethical brokers, and industry misinformation34:24 – Why high rates exist (and why businesses still take them)39:18 – Bluegrass vs Lionheart: brokerage vs in-house funding46:52 – Ego, wealth, syndication, and compounding returns56:26 – Books that shaped Thad’s mindset (10X, Fanatical Prospecting, Ego Is the Enemy)1:02:26 – Walk-up song for business meetings 🎶

In this episode of The How-To Business Show, we sit down with Tim Mulloy, Louisville-based real estate developer, civic leader, and one of the driving forces behind some of the city’s most impactful projects.Tim shares decades of hard-earned insight on real estate development, capital strategy, and why apartments remain one of the most resilient asset classes. We unpack how major deals actually get done, how public-private partnerships work, and what it really takes to develop projects that shape cities for generations.From launching professional soccer in Louisville and building a nationally recognized stadium, to navigating incentives, interest rate cycles, and long-term urban growth, this conversation is packed with lessons for developers, entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone who cares about the future of their city.In this episode, we cover:How Tim got started in real estate and what shaped his investment philosophyWhy workforce housing and apartments continue to outperformThe real mechanics behind incentives, TIFs, and public-private dealsHow sports franchises can transform neighborhoods and citiesWhere Tim sees the biggest untapped opportunities in LouisvilleAdvice for young entrepreneurs trying to break into developmentWhether you’re early in your career or already deep in the game, this episode is a masterclass in long-term thinking, disciplined growth, and building something that actually lasts.🎧 Listen now

Jeff, founder & CEO of Z Jack Technologies, has been in tech since the IBM floppy disk era — and went on to build the first online insurance company ever approved by the SEC for digital signatures, before selling to Nationwide.Now, he’s on a mission to protect small businesses from ransomware, AI scams, and cyber threats — using enterprise-level tools normally reserved for Fortune 500 companies.In this episode of How to Business, we talk about:The terrifying rise of ransomware & credential theftHow hackers “log in — not hack in” using stolen passwordsAI’s impact on both cybersecurity AND productivityWhy small businesses are being targeted right nowHow to protect your company before it’s too lateOne of the most important and urgently relevant episodes we’ve recorded — especially if you have employees, sensitive data, or even just an email inbox.

Patrick’s journey goes from Dallas, to New York investment banking, to Ivy League, to Louisville - and now he’s launching KINETICS, a disruptive real estate AI company built off proprietary data your competitors can’t access.This episode is a masterclass in:how the space market predicts the future BEFORE transactions dohow AI + real estate is about to completely flip underwritingwhy academia was the only way to get access to the proofhow he negotiated IP from Rutgers like a Silicon Valley biotech dealand why Louisville is actually the perfect launch padIf you’re in real estate, capital markets, AI, venture, or academia - this is one of the most important founder stories you’ll hear this year.

What does it take to quit your job, start an architecture firm with no safety net, and reshape how an entire city thinks about development? Sam sits down with Will Hogan, founder of Work Architecture and Framework, to unpack the scrappy beginnings of his firm, why he chose to buy a $30,000 building in Portland, and how he turned small projects into $40 million developments.Will shares stories of driving weekly between Charleston and Louisville while broke and newly married, building his firm brick by brick, and why he believes Louisville’s culture of complacency needs disruption. They dive into the role of data, visualization, and pre-development modeling in shaping projects, the challenges of growing a team without “specializing,” and how competition (or the lack of it) changes everything from restaurants to housing.If you care about architecture, entrepreneurship, or how bold risks shape cities, this conversation is equal parts raw, inspiring, and practical.

In this episode of How to Business, Chef John, owner of River House and Veronese, shares his 15-year journey to building two of Louisville’s most celebrated restaurants. He talks about overcoming financing hurdles, choosing to buy instead of lease, and surviving the 2008 crash and the pandemic.Chef John and the host explore what makes restaurants thrive — from picking the right location to balancing culinary creativity with business strategy. They discuss culture, leadership, and how developing and retaining great teams is key to long-term success.This conversation is full of lessons on grit, persistence, and what it really takes to build a business that lasts.

In this episode of How to Business, Brian Goodwin, Louisville-based entrepreneur and real estate developer, shares his journey from the music industry to running bars, restaurants, and redevelopment projects across the city. He opens up about launching High Horse Bar, reviving Jimmy Can’t Dance, and working on major mixed-use developments with top local chefs. Brian and the host dive deep into Louisville’s evolving downtown and neighborhood culture, the challenges and opportunities in connecting districts like Nulu and Butchertown, and the delicate balance between historic preservation, growth, and community needs. They discuss bridging the gap between seasoned investors and young operators, tackling staffing challenges in hospitality, and the importance of curating tenants to elevate neighborhoods long-term. Packed with behind-the-scenes insight, this conversation blends entrepreneurship, development strategy, and a vision for Louisville’s future.

Ricardo Sosa is a Gym Owner, Strength Coach, and 3rd-time guest on the How To Business Show. Since our last episode in 2023, R&R Strength has continued to evolve and find success despite challenges and uncertain moments. In our conversation, Ricardo shares big changes that have taken place in the business—the good and the bad—as well as plans for the future.If you’d like to learn more about Ricardo and R&R Strength, check out the links below:Ricardo SosaR&R StrengthWant to learn more about How To Business, or how you can become a guest? Clickhere.

Ashley Blacketer is the co-owner of Barrel House Investments, Vice President of Blacketer Co., and the founding partner of Barrister Capital Group. In her early days, Ashley learned from her father’s business acumen and tremendous ability to connect with others. We dive into her growing up in the family business, pursuing a career in law and coming back full circle to real estate development, investment and management. Ashley spent the early part of her law career at J. Bruce Miller Law Group and in 2002 she formed Barrister Capital Group, a first of it’s kind and leading provider of Pre-Settlement Funding to the Legal industry, which she scaled and successfully sold in 2015. In addition to her success and achievements in the field of law, Ashley has been instrumental in several real estate redevelopments, focusing on taking dated or unusable spaces and transforming them into quality places for the Louisville community. Notable redevelopment projects include the Bradford Mills Lofts & the U of L Hite Institute of Art and Design. In addition to her role in development, Ashley oversees a portfolio of Class A commercial retail and office properties in Kentucky, Indiana, Florida and South Carolina. We thoroughly enjoyed our conversation with Ms. Blacketer and believe that you will find value from it as well. You can learn more about Ashley Blacketer ⁠here.⁠ You can find more about the How To Business Show by clicking ⁠here⁠. If you enjoyed the episode, please give us a review and hit the notification bell to stay up to date with new episodes!

Rob Sherman is the fourth-generation leader of Vendome Copper & Brass Works, a family-owned company that has been designing and crafting world-class distillation equipment for over a century. As the backbone of the bourbon industry, Vendome has equipped iconic distilleries along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and has left a mark on spirits manufacturers worldwide. Their stills and distillation tools are trusted not only by bourbon makers but also by producers of whiskey, gin, rum, tequila, and vodka across the globe. In this episode, we dive into Rob’s approach to leadership, Vendome’s enduring legacy, and the company’s significant role in shaping the future of distilling. Vendome's craftsmanship is so integral to the spirits industry that their equipment is found in distilleries everywhere—from boutique craft operations to major international brands. You can learn more about Vendome Copper and Brass Works using the link below: https://vendomecopper.com/ You can find more about the How To Business Show by clicking the link below: ⁠https://linktr.ee/htbs⁠ If you enjoyed the episode, please give us a review and hit the notification bell to stay up to date with new episodes!