Pay or Quit
Welcome to Pay or Quit, the podcast for entrepreneurs and business owners who are ready to face the unfiltered truth of what it takes to succeed. Hosts Shawn Austin Johnson and Tony Cline, bring you a show that goes beyond the polished success stories and dives into the real, messy, and often challenging aspects of business ownership.
This podcast is designed for those who sometimes feel alone in their entrepreneurial journey, struggle with imposter syndrome, and find themselves on the brink of burnout. We understand the highs and lows you face, and we're here to provide the reassurance and candid insights you need to keep pushing forward.
Shawn and Tony aren't afraid to tackle the tough conversations and offer their seasoned perspectives on what truly matters in business. From industry trends to personal challenges, each episode cuts through the noise and delivers the raw, unvarnished truth. Expect in-depth discussions, spicy takes, and occasional interviews with guests who are ready to confront the hard questions head-on.
Tune in every week to get a behind-the-scenes look at the realities of entrepreneurship. It's not always pretty, but it's always real. Buckle in, because it might get messy.
Pay or Quit
From Pastor to Entrepreneur: I Built a Thriving Business in a New Industry from Scatch
Scaling a niche entertainment business in multiple cities:
Cody Stovall, a pastor who turned his passion for escape rooms into a thriving business. Cody shares the challenges he faced in opening venues, dealing with family business dynamics, and navigating the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasizes the importance of market research, customer experience, and the grit required to overcome significant setbacks. From his innovative approach in the escape room industry to the strategic decisions that shaped Escapology's success, Cody's story is a testament to entrepreneurial resilience.
01:31 Launching Escapology Franchise
02:58 What is an Escape Room?
05:36 The Passion Behind the Business
06:47 Market Research and Franchising
10:08 Navigating COVID-19 Challenges
13:39 Balancing Passion and Business
16:52 The Future of the Escape Room Industry
19:24 Category Creator and Amplifying Impact
23:48 Optimizing Escape Room Spaces
25:20 Marketing to Existing Customers
27:29 Enhancing Customer Experience
33:42 Challenges in Business Operations
38:09 Overcoming Moments of Doubt
43:44 Connecting with the Community
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Shawn's Newsletter: https://shawnaustinjohnson.beehiiv.com/
Tony's Newsletter: pmsuccess.com/pay-or-quit-podcast
Follow Shawn:
X: https://x.com/shawnAJohnsonX
Website: https://www.shawnaustinjohnson.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shawnaustinjohnson
Follow Tony:
X: https://x.com/pmsuccessco
Website: www.pmsuccess.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pmsuccess-co
