From $3.5K to $28M: Jeremy Ames of Guidant Financial on Helping 35,000+ Retirees Use Retirement Funds to Launch Businesses — A Journey of Grit, Smart Growth & Changing Lives Through Entrepreneurship. (Episode 701 - Jeremy Ames)

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?

According to Jeremy Ames, the hardest part of growing a small business is managing the emotional rollercoaster while continuing to move forward. There are moments of doubt, tough decisions, and setbacks — but staying focused through it all is key.

2. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most?

Jeremy Ames shared that The High-Velocity Edge is the business book that helped him the most. It transformed how he thinks about scaling, continuous improvement, and building systems that allow a business to grow sustainably.

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?

Jeremy Ames recommends resources like Audible, Blinkist, and listening to diverse podcasts. He credits his creativity to constantly consuming ideas from various sources and combining them in unique ways to solve business challenges.

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?

Jeremy emphasized the importance of building a solid financial projection model. He believes it’s the most powerful planning tool for any entrepreneur—it helps clarify assumptions, prepare for roadblocks, and guide decision-making.

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?

According to Jeremy Ames, if he could go back to day one, he would tell himself to talk to customers early and often. Deep customer understanding would’ve helped shape a better product, stronger marketing, and faster success.