In Episode 15 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel sits down with Vince Haines, principal architect at Gravity Works Architecture, for an in-depth conversation on architecture, leadership, and long-term community impact.Vince shares his journey from growing up in El Dorado to discovering architecture almost by accident, studying at KU, and eventually returning home to help lead and grow one of the region’s most respected architecture firms. He walks through what architects actually do—from early concept and schematic design to construction documents, bidding, and contract administration—and why architecture is equal parts art, science, and stewardship.The conversation explores how technology has transformed the profession over the last 30 years, from hand drafting and watercolor renderings to CAD, 3D modeling, and AI-assisted research. Vince explains where technology truly adds value, where it falls short, and why architects are still essential problem-solvers in the built environment.Beyond architecture, Vince reflects on leadership, firm succession, and why Gravity Works has intentionally stayed rooted in El Dorado while still taking on major regional projects. He also shares stories from his time as Mayor of El Dorado, his passion for economic development, classic cars, and the responsibility of giving back to the community that shaped him.This episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how thoughtful design, steady leadership, and long-term vision can shape not just buildings—but entire communities.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

In Episode 14 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel sits down with Connor Adler, Capital & Investor Programs Lead at Nexus (Nextus.io), for an in-depth conversation on startups, venture capital, and why the Midwest is far more important to the innovation economy than most people realize.Connor shares his unconventional path—from growing up outside Chicago, studying finance, working in early-stage startups, and grinding through underpaid roles—to landing in Wichita and helping founders raise capital, scale responsibly, and decide whether venture funding is even the right path for their business.The conversation breaks down how Nexus actually works behind the scenes:- What an entrepreneurial support organization (ESO) is- How angel investing and SPVs function in practice- Why customer traction matters more than pitch decks- Common red flags founders don’t realize they’re waving- How founders should think about growth capital before raising moneyThey also explore Connor’s work building next-generation investors through Future Funders, the realities of angel investing timelines, managing investor expectations, and why not every business should chase VC dollars.Along the way, Connor opens up about creativity, vulnerability, and balance—sharing stories about bartending while working startups, building in public on Twitter, playing in a band with his brothers, and his long-term dream of opening an Irish pub with live music.This episode is a must-listen for founders, operators, investors, and anyone curious about how real startup ecosystems are built—far from Silicon Valley hype.Learn more at https://killergrowth.com

In this episode of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel sits down with Brad Demo, fifth-generation owner and president of Demo Distributors, Inc., to unpack one of the most misunderstood yet essential businesses in America: beverage distribution.

Brad walks through his family’s journey from early-1900s produce and ice operations to becoming an Anheuser-Busch distributor after Prohibition—and how that legacy has evolved into a modern, multi-category distribution business spanning beer, wine, liquor, energy drinks, and non-alcoholic beverages across Butler County and Southeast Kansas.

The conversation dives deep into how the three-tier alcohol system actually works, why distributors exist, how territories and franchise agreements function, and where the real margins live in beer, wine, and spirits. Brad explains inventory risk, forecasting months ahead, routing logistics, and the realities of holding millions of dollars in product that must move fast.

Samuel and Brad also explore major industry shifts:

• The decline of legacy light lagers and the rise of ready-to-drink cocktails

• The explosion of non-alcoholic beverages and functional drinks

• Why THC beverages remain a legal gray area in Kansas

• How brands like Pickle Shot, Sparkling Ice, and Form Energy scale through distribution

• The impact of grocery chains, law changes, and consolidation on independent retailers

Beyond the business mechanics, Brad shares lessons from stepping into leadership, managing people, succession planning, and balancing a 100+ year family legacy with modern growth. He also opens up about coaching high school wrestling for 15 years and why investing in people—inside and outside the business—matters most.

This episode is a masterclass in distribution, legacy entrepreneurship, and how unglamorous infrastructure businesses quietly power entire industries.

Learn more at https://killergrowth.com