What does it really take to launch, survive, and scale a business in today’s world?

In this season-finale episode of Build Boldly, host Pat Rodgers is joined by Allison Barber to reflect on the first year of the podcast. They unpack the most surprising entrepreneurial journeys, hard-earned lessons, and behind-the-scenes realities they uncovered while speaking with founders, operators, and small business owners across industries.

Pat and Allison also get into themes of vulnerability, mentorship, persistence, and why having the right space and support can be a turning point for growth. They share what surprised them most about podcasting itself, and why Build Boldly is expanding to YouTube in 2026.

Plus, they give us the scoop on an upcoming 2026 Business Roadmap mini-series, designed as a practical crash course to help entrepreneurs get their business right and set themselves up for success in the year ahead.

If you’re building, scaling, or resetting your business, this episode brings the reflection and the roadmap you need to move forward with confidence.

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Connect with Pat Rodgers on LinkedIn
Learn more about RISE Commercial District Website | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

Build Boldly is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

What does it take to grow a side hustle into a full-scale business? In this episode of Build Boldly, Pat Rodgers sits down with Jim Hribar, founder of Rebar Labs, to explore the entrepreneurial journey from software engineering to building a thriving 3D printing business. Jim shares how he turned a side hustle selling model train mounts on Etsy into a company now running 15 machines and fulfilling orders for more than 300 national and international clients.

You’ll hear insights on:

• Leveraging platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and Etsy for growth
• Optimizing warehouse space and machine capacity to scale
• Expanding into fulfillment and new product lines
• Using AI tools to streamline operations and marketing
• The future of 3D printing for replacement parts and niche products

If you’re an entrepreneur interested in e-commerce, 3D printing, or scaling a niche business into something much bigger, this episode is packed with actionable lessons.

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Connect with Pat Rodgers on LinkedIn
Learn more about RISE Commercial District Website | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

Build Boldly is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

In honor of Veterans Day, host Pat Rodgers sits down with Donte Bryson Jr., founder and creative director of BRYLAMAR, a luxury fashion brand For Dreamers Who Do. Donte shares his journey from serving in the U.S. Navy to launching a high-end design label inspired by mid-century architecture, discipline, and purpose.

In this inspiring episode, Donte opens up about turning grief into motivation, balancing structure and creativity, and the nine-month process of developing his first luxury handbag. From designing t-shirts in his apartment to operating out of a warehouse, his story is one of resilience, refinement, and relentless self-belief.

If you’ve ever dreamed of building something bigger than yourself, this episode will remind you that structure, discipline, and passion can turn any vision into reality.

https://www.brylamar.com/

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Connect with Pat Rodgers on LinkedIn
Learn more about RISE Commercial District Website | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

Build Boldly is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Running a business with your best friend sounds like a dream, until it’s not. In this episode of Build Boldly, Allison Barber sits down with Elizabeth Coratola and Lauren Schouweiler, co-owners of COCO the Shop, to talk about the real dynamics of partnership. From communicating through conflict and dividing responsibilities, to protecting your friendship in the process.

Together, they share what it takes to run a thriving women-owned boutique that blends confidence and comfort while navigating the emotional and practical challenges of entrepreneurship. From handling disagreements and different work styles to staying grounded through change, this conversation is a masterclass in honesty, resilience, and collaboration.

Whether you’re in business with a partner or simply want to build stronger communication skills as a leader, this episode is a must-listen for women entrepreneurs who believe in growing boldly and gracefully.

Learn more at www.cocotheshop.com

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Connect with Pat Rodgers on LinkedIn
Learn more about RISE Commercial District Website | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

Build Boldly is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

In honor of Women’s Small Business Month, host Allison Barber, Marketing Director at RISE Commercial District, sits down with Liz James, owner of Standard Wax, to talk about what it’s really like to run a business while raising a family.

After buying the candle company just six months after becoming a new mom, Liz faced uncertainty, long hours, and plenty of self-doubt. But by trusting her instincts and leaning into her design background, she turned Standard Wax into a profitable, growing business known for its stunning marble candle vessels and loyal customers.

In this episode, Liz shares how she redefined success on her own terms, found balance between ambition and motherhood, and learned that slowing down can actually accelerate growth. Whether you’re a mompreneur, small business owner, or simply navigating the push and pull of life and work, this conversation is full of heart, honesty, and encouragement.

Learn more about Liz's journey at standardwax.com.

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Connect with Pat Rodgers on LinkedIn
Learn more about RISE Commercial District Website | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

Build Boldly is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

In this special episode of Build Boldly, guest host Allison Barber takes the mic in celebration of National Women’s Small Business Month to share a heartfelt and practical guide for women entrepreneurs everywhere.

Drawing from her own journey as an entrepreneur and as Marketing Director at Rise Commercial District, Allison introduces five powerful books that have shaped her perspective on business, leadership, and balance. From redefining time management and building meaningful community to clarifying your brand message and leading with heart, each recommendation offers wisdom to help you simplify, grow, and thrive.

If you’ve ever felt the weight of juggling too many roles or the loneliness that can come with entrepreneurship, this episode is your reminder to slow down, find your people, and build boldly.

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Connect with Pat Rodgers on LinkedIn
Learn more about RISE Commercial District Website | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

Build Boldly is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

In this solo episode of Build Boldly, host Pat Rodgers opens up about the often-unspoken side of entrepreneurship and leadership, the toll it takes on mental health. From crippling anxiety and imposter syndrome to personal trauma and the relentless pressure of meeting payroll, Pat shares his own journey of pushing too hard, bottling up grief, and ultimately learning why high performers can’t succeed alone.

Through candid reflections, he unpacks how unchecked expectations and hidden struggles can cloud judgment, stall growth, and erode relationships. More importantly, he shares why talking, sharing, and building a support system is not a weakness but a strength, and the key to unlocking your next level.

If you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or operator carrying heavy responsibilities, this episode is a reminder that mental health is a team sport, and caring for yourself is the foundation for building boldly.

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Connect with Pat Rodgers on LinkedIn
Learn more about RISE Commercial District Website | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

Build Boldly is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

It's true, there are a few essential leasing strategies every business owner should know before signing on the dotted line. In this solo episode of Build Boldly, host Pat Rodgers breaks down each step. From identifying your true space requirements—like delivery access, 24/7 availability, and customer-facing potential—to understanding the real all-in costs of a lease, Pat reveals the common pitfalls that can stall business growth.

You’ll learn how flexible leasing can give your company the freedom to scale up or down, the pros and cons of different lease terms, and why right sizing (or even downsizing) can actually improve productivity by bringing you closer to your customers. Pat also explains how to evaluate hidden costs, negotiate terms that fit your goals, and align your leasing strategy with your long-term business vision.

Whether you’re a small business looking for office space, warehouse storage, or a turnkey commercial solution, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you avoid costly mistakes and position your business for sustainable growth.

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Connect with Pat Rodgers on LinkedIn
Learn more about RISE Commercial District Website | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

Build Boldly is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.