Unscripted Small Business

From Botanicals to Business — Hemp, Mushrooms & the SEO Journey

In this episode, Jeremy Rivera sits down with Mark Gilliland, founder of Kyoto Botanicals, a THC-free hemp CBD and functional mushroom wellness brand he's been building for six years. Mark shares the science behind broad-spectrum hemp extraction and his brand-new functional mushroom blend, the regulatory patchwork small wellness brands navigate every day, and what it's actually like to go from zero SEO knowledge to a six-month, 10-hours-a-day obsession with organic search. The conversation closes with a powerful hot take on momentum — and why stacking small habits can transform both your health and your business. Read the full episode recap What We Cover The science of hemp extraction — decarboxylization, CO2 pressure, and how Kyoto achieves 0.0% THC Functional mushrooms 101: lion's mane, reishi, chaga & cordyceps — and why dual extraction matters How the 2018 Farm Bill accidentally created the Delta-8 problem and why THC-free positioning is a regulatory superpower Why Mark spent 10 hours a day, 7 days a week teaching himself SEO in a restricted ad category The plumber parable: $5 for hitting the pipe, $95 for knowing which pipe to hit Slow, methodical product expansion vs. corporate SKU proliferation Mark's hot take on momentum — and how habit stacking quietly changed his entire life Episode Highlights “Since the FDA isn't regulating it as a dietary supplement, it's really important that individual consumers do the research on the product and the brand they're buying.” — Mark Gilliland “I've spent the last six months, at least 10 hours a day, seven days a week, teaching myself SEO and just breaking things fast on my site and fixing them.” — Mark Gilliland “It’s $5 for hitting the pipe, but $95 for knowing which pipe to hit, where and when and how hard.” — Jeremy Rivera

Autonomous Google Ads: What Full AI PPC Management Actually Looks Like

In this episode, host Jeremy Rivera sits down with David Pourquery, the founder and CEO of Groas — the world's first fully autonomous AI Google Ads management platform. David shares how a background in private equity and late-night e-commerce experimentation led him to build a system that's replacing entire Google Ads teams, why 90–95% of the accounts he inherits from agencies are misconfigured, and how 80% of his customers discover Groas through LLM-powered search — without a single dollar spent on marketing. Topics Covered David's unusual path from private equity to Google Ads automation What makes Groas the first truly autonomous end-to-end campaign management system How hundreds of AI agents process hundreds of thousands of data points per hour Dynamic landing pages — one per ad variant, deployed automatically How Groas handles Google's budget overspend problem The hallucination problem in AI — and how custom-trained models and context solve it Why 90–95% of inherited agency accounts are misconfigured David's hot take: the traditional agency model has an expiry date How Groas grew to $35M/month in managed spend with zero marketing spend What's next: PMAX support, model improvement, and potentially new ad platforms Quotable Moments "We are now essentially replacing entire Google Ads teams. It runs itself 24-7 — measurably better than what a human can do."  — David Pourquery "90, 95% of the accounts we take over — what we see is really tough. Businesses losing money with absolutely no idea why."  — David Pourquery "I haven't spent a dime on marketing. 80% of our customers come from LLMs recommending Groas."  — David Pourquery

Denise Dubois on Beauty, Wellness & Sustainable Business Growth

Join host Jeremy Rivera as he sits down with spa industry veteran Denise Dubois, who has been transforming lives through beauty and wellness since 1983. In this revealing conversation, Denise shares her 38-year journey from paper appointment books to a thriving multi-location spa empire with a clean beauty product line. Discover the truth about aging (spoiler: 90% is in your control!), learn why consistency beats quick fixes every time, and get insider advice on building systems that create unforgettable customer experiences. Whether you're in the beauty industry or running any service-based business, Denise's wisdom on turning customer complaints into growth opportunities will change how you think about feedback. What You'll Learn The 90/10 Rule of Aging: Why lifestyle choices matter more than genetics From Rolodex to App: How to evolve your business through technological changes The Membership Model: Building recurring revenue while promoting wellness Systems for Consistency: Creating repeatable excellence in customer experience Clean Beauty Movement: Understanding what goes on your body matters as much as what goes in it Marketing in a Crowded Space: Standing out in beauty and wellness Constructive Feedback: Turning complaints into competitive advantages Key Timestamps [00:18] - Denise's 38-year journey in the spa industry and founding of DuBois Beauty [01:27] - What the "spa lifestyle" really means [03:57] - The science of aging: 10% genetics, 90% lifestyle [05:30] - The hidden dangers in personal care products [07:29] - Evolving from paper books to e-commerce [10:24] - The importance of the human face in marketing [12:09] - Why video testimonials are the #1 lead generator [15:16] - 2026 plans: Focusing on membership and longevity [17:44] - Operating in Albany and Saratoga Springs, NY [20:23] - Essential advice for aspiring spa entrepreneurs Featured Quotes "The American Academy of Dermatology suggests that really about 10% is genetics and about 90% is influenced by our everyday lifestyle choices. So we truly do have control more than we think over how we do age." "We do need to be mindful of not only what we put into our body, but what we put onto our body." "Word of mouth remains the number one lead generator." "Consistency is key. There's no such thing as a one and done treatment to achieve a person's beauty and wellness goals." "Constructive feedback can be what makes the difference between you growing and being the best you can be or choosing to just make excuses about why something happened." About Denise Dubois Denise Dubois is the visionary Founder of DuBois Beauty, an acclaimed Clinical Esthetician and wellness expert with over three decades dedicated to skin health. Her unique perspective comes from running a successful clinical practice (Complexions Spa) and developing a retail brand built on the philosophy that clean, simple, and nature-based ingredients deliver superior, professional results at home. As author of Living Beautifully, Denise bridges the gap between internal health, lifestyle, and external skin appearance, empowering people with actionable, expert-backed advice that demystifies skincare and inspires a balanced approach to beauty and self-care. Guest Links DuBois Beauty (Clean Beauty Brand) https://duboisbeauty.com/ Complexions Spa Locations: Albany, New York - Wolf Road Saratoga Springs, New York

Dominating Renovation, Additions & Remodeling In Cookeville, TN: H&H Construction

The Philosophy of RenovationJoin host Jeremy Rivera for a deep dive into the world of residential construction with Alec and Josie Davis, the husband-and-wife team behind H&H Construction in Cookeville, Tennessee. This two-part conversation explores how they've built a thriving renovation business focused on relationship over transactions, creativity over cookie-cutter solutions, and preserving the beauty in old homes while bringing them into the modern age.  Josie shares her unique perspective on what makes home renovations special: "You're taking something that's already there and already has flavor. It already has its own embodiment, and you are tweaking it, aesthetically smoothing it out, maybe changing some of the rhythms there in the space, but you're ultimately still keeping the foundation and the bones the same." Discover why she believes the most beautiful spaces happen when you marry older charm with newer aesthetics. Small Jobs Lead to Big Trust "To me and Alec, there's no small job. Every job has an impact to the customer and to the family that's living in the home." Learn how H&H Construction builds long-term client relationships by starting with small repairs—drywall holes, baseboard fixes—and growing trust over time into major kitchen remodels, bathroom transformations, and home additions. Design Based on Feel, Not Just Function "How you're wanting a space to feel should often dictate how you develop this space." Josie reveals her signature question for every client: "What do you want it to feel like when you walk in?" This approach moves beyond standard kitchen triangles and bathroom layouts to create truly personalized spaces. Forever Home vs. Resale Value The Davis team offers honest consultation about when to invest in customization versus following market standards. "If you're planning to be there forever, then we really want to customize it to what you're wanting to feel." Favorite Projects: Wet Rooms & Historic Homes Josie describes her love for wet rooms—bathrooms where the entire space becomes the shower with seamless tile work that's "almost like artwork." She also shares stories of renovating homes from the 1930s and 40s, preserving original hardwood floors and historic fireplaces while upgrading everything else. When NOT to Build an Addition Josie offers refreshingly honest advice: "Some houses, the way that they're structured, they're just perfect the way they are. Sometimes it's meant to be that way. And so adding onto that changes the feel of that home. I would say, 'Nah, friend, just go ahead and find a new place that you can grow into.'" But when an addition IS right? "You get the right contractor and the right budget, and you can do just about anything." Sunrooms: Being Outside Without Being Outside "A sunroom is being outside and enjoying outside without being outside." Alec and Josie explain the difference between sunrooms and covered patios, climate-controlled versus non-conditioned spaces, and how they've transformed decks, porches, and even sheds into beautiful year-round living areas. Decks Built for Tennessee's Terrain "We're in Cookeville, Tennessee. There's a lot of mountain ranges. You can't have a patio without flat land." Alec shares his passion for custom deck designs: "I love anything that's out of the norm, anything that's different." From multi-level decks to grand staircases, fire pits to octagonal designs, discover why decks are the perfect solution for Middle Tennessee's challenging terrain. Construction as a Marriage "Construction is a marriage of a certain form. You're gonna be spending a lot of time with those people." Josie offers candid advice about choosing a contractor: "If you meet us and you don't want to go get coffee with us, then find a contractor that you really enjoy speaking with." Learn why relationship matters so much in construction projects that can take months. The Midsize Advantage Unlike large corporations with streamlined processes, H&H Construction dedicates time to getting to know each client personally. "We have more time, and we carve out more time to be very specific with the customer themselves." Josie reveals she'll spend hours researching specific kitchen formats or design styles just for one client's unique vision. Faith, Family & Business Values "Alec and I want to talk. We want to pray over your family. We want to meet your children if you're willing. We want to encourage you in steps of life." Discover how the Davis family integrates their faith and values into their business, teaching their children about craftsmanship while treating every client like family. Key Topics Covered Renovation Philosophy - Preserving character while modernizing function Kitchen & Bathroom Remodels - Creating vision for homeowners who struggle to see possibilities Wet Rooms - Seamless, modern bathroom design Home Additions - When to build, when to walk away, and roofline considerations Sunroom Construction - Climate-controlled vs. non-conditioned spaces Custom Deck Building - Multi-level designs, pergolas, and Tennessee terrain solutions Client Relationships - Why "construction is a marriage" Forever Home vs. Resale - Tailoring approach to client goals Historic Home Restoration - Marrying 1930s-40s charm with modern aesthetics Business Values - Faith, family, and honest consultation The Midsize Contractor Advantage - Personalization over cookie-cutter solutions Guest Bios Alec Davis Alec Davis is a licensed Tennessee General Contractor (BC-A/r) and certified HVAC technician with over a decade of hands-on experience in residential construction. He founded H&H Construction in 2014, initially focusing on mobile home remodeling before transitioning to full-time residential renovations in 2020. Alec specializes in transforming old structures into restored beauty, with expertise spanning framing, trim-out, custom deck construction, and complete home systems. He holds an Associate's degree in Business and is a graduate of the Nashville State Workforce and Community Development Program. Construction runs in Alec's blood—passed down through generations—and today, he continues that legacy by teaching his two young children the value of hard work, integrity, and craftsmanship. Josie Davis Josie brings the creative vision and design expertise to H&H Construction, spending hours researching specific formats and styles for each client's unique needs. Her design philosophy centers on how spaces feel rather than just function, asking every client: "What do you want it to feel like when you walk in?" She handles client relations with a relationship-first approach, dedicating time to truly understand each family's goals, priorities, and vision for their home. Her commitment to personalization sets H&H apart from large corporations with standardized processes. Memorable Quotes On Renovation: "Renovations are really special because you're taking something that's already there and already has flavor. It already has its own embodiment, and you are tweaking it, aesthetically smoothing it out." — Josie Davis On Every Job Mattering: "To me and Alec, there's no small job. Every job has an impact to the customer and to the family that's living in the home." — Josie Davis On Design Philosophy: "How you're wanting a space to feel should often dictate how you develop this space." — Josie Davis On Honest Consultation: "Some houses, the way that they're structured, they're just perfect the way they are. Sometimes it's meant to be that way." — Josie Davis On What's Possible: "You get the right contractor and the right budget, and you can do just about anything." — Josie Davis On Seamless Additions: "In my opinion, a good addition never feels like an addition. It feels like you've successfully continued to walk through the house from start to finish." — Josie Davis On Choosing a Contractor: "Construction is a marriage of a certain form. You're gonna be spending a lot of time with those people." — Josie Davis On Finding the Right Fit: "If you meet us and you don't want to go get coffee with us, then find a contractor that you really enjoy speaking with." — Josie Davis On Creating Vision: "A lot of people don't have vision for space. We help create that vision for people who struggle with seeing their space and what it could be." — Alec Davis On Custom Decks: "I love anything that's out of the norm, anything that's different. We've done multi-level decks, decks with grand staircases, decks with fire pits within them, octagonal decks." — Alec Davis On Core Values: "At the core of our work is a simple principle: build well, work honestly, and treat every project as if it were our own home." — Alec Davis On Client Relationships: "Alec and I want to talk. We want to pray over your family. We want to meet your children if you're willing. We want to encourage you in steps of life." — Josie Davis Resources & Links H&H Construction Website: handhcookevilleremodel.com Phone: (931) 329-5754 Email: davishandh@gmail.com Address: 541 S Willow Ave Suite 101#528, Cookeville, TN 38506 Portfolio: View Their Work Facebook: H&H Remodels Service Area: Cookeville, Sparta, Smithville, McMinnville, and all of Middle Tennessee Services Offered Home Renovations & Remodels Kitchen Remodeling Bathroom Remodeling (including Wet Rooms) Home Additions Sunroom Construction Custom Deck Building Electrical Work Plumbing HVAC Installation & Service Drywall & Painting Flooring Installation Tile Work Trim & Finish Carpentry

Chad T. Jenkins — The Collaboration Formula That Replaced 50+ Businesses

Listen: unscriptedsmallbusiness.com Host: Jeremy Rivera Guest: Chad T. Jenkins, Founder of SeedSpark & The CoLAB Episode Summary Chad T. Jenkins grew up on a small farm in South Carolina, started his first real estate deal at age 11, and spent 25 years building over 50 businesses across wireless phones, data centers, construction, HVAC, GPS leasing, and more. Then he stopped. Not because he failed — but because he found something better: engineered collaboration. In this episode, Chad breaks down the framework he calls the VCR Formula (Vision + Capability × Reach = Success), explains why most entrepreneurs suffer from a WHO deficiency, and shares how his CoLAB community grew to 700+ collaborations in just 18 months — outpacing his entire 25-year history of starting companies. Jeremy and Chad also dig into the real role of AI in entrepreneurship, how to structure collaboration outcome splits, and why "showing up at the receiving dock" is the ultimate growth strategy. What You'll Learn In This Episode Why an 8-year-old riding horses at auction is the perfect metaphor for understanding leverage The John Baptiste Say definition of an entrepreneur — and how it reframes everything The WHO deficiency: what's really blocking growth for most entrepreneurs and business owners The VCR Formula (Vision + Capability × Reach = Success) — and how to map your P&L to it The four types of Capability: ownership, ability, capacity, and cash The four types of Reach: eyeballs, minds, hearts, and DNA-level Why "Future Backward" planning beats "Current Forward" every time How to structure a collaboration outcome split (the 10-20 / 60-80 / 10-20 rule) What Chad calls the "Idea Economy" — and why the task economy is over How to use AI as a PhD-level assistant without losing your human competitive edge The "Name the Baby" tool for creating intellectual property from collaborations Key Quotes "A true entrepreneur is someone who relentlessly seeks leverage." — Chad T. Jenkins "Stop trying to grow through effort. Start focusing on what you have, combining it with what others have, and ask one question: How do you want to split the outcome?" — Chad T. Jenkins "The only thing cash does is pay for somebody's vision or buy somebody else's capability." — Chad T. Jenkins "Always show up at the receiving dock, not the procurement office. Future money is always up for grabs." — Dean Jackson (via Chad T. Jenkins) Resources Mentioned Chad T. Jenkins / SeedSpark Website: seedspark.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chadtjenkins CoLAB Programs: seedspark.com/programs CoLAB Partner™: seedspark.com/colab-partner Kickstarter Events (twice monthly): seedspark.com/colab-kickstarter CoLABcon (October, Charlotte NC): seedspark.com/events Tools (Name the Baby, Future Backward): seedspark.com/tools Books (Friction Fuel, Just Add a Zero): seedspark.com/resources/books Blog: seedspark.com/resources/blog Real Collaborations: seedspark.com/collaborations New Book Preorder — The Code to Collaboration: seedspark.com Strategic Coach / Dan Sullivan Program mentioned: Strategic Coach FreeZone Mentioned Companies / People Matt Brochup / SEO-Teric Zach Kadish / Conductor Dean Jackson (coined "receiving dock" principle) Host Jeremy Rivera Unscripted Small Business Podcast Jeremy Rivera SEO SEO Arcade — Podcast-Based Content & Link Building White Label Podcast Service Repurpose Video Content for SEO The Future of SEO & AI Writing Tools About the Guest Chad T. Jenkins is the founder of SeedSpark, a Charlotte, NC-based organization known as a leverage partner for entrepreneurs worldwide. Over 25 years he started more than 50 businesses across industries ranging from wireless phones and GPS leasing to construction and real estate investment. In the past 18 months, he's pivoted entirely to building collaborations through his CoLAB community — which now represents 700+ businesses ranging from $2M to $35B in annual revenue. He is the author of Friction Fuel and Just Add a Zero, and his new book The Code to Collaboration is available for preorder now on Amazon. He speaks globally at entrepreneur conferences and hosts twice-monthly CoLAB Kickstarter events. About the Host Jeremy Rivera is an SEO consultant and entrepreneur with 19+ years of experience. He is the founder of SEO Arcade, a unique podcast-based content and link building service, and hosts the Unscripted Small Business Podcast — a series dedicated to authentic conversations with entrepreneurs, SEO professionals, and small business owners. Jeremy specializes in converting podcast interviews into comprehensive SEO content marketing strategies. Subscribe to the Unscripted Small Business Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Feedback? Connect with Jeremy at jeremyriveraseo.com