The Refit Podcast

SE01 E13 From Road Support to Leadership: Dana’s Insights | Dana McFletcher-Hubbard

Kyle Killian — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0100

In this episode of the Refit podcast, Kyle Killian interviews Dana McFletcher-Hubbard, Chief Revenue Officer of TTN Fleet Solutions. Dana shares her journey in the trucking industry, starting from her early days in emergency road service to her current leadership role. She discusses the influence of her family, particularly her grandparents, on her values of service and empathy. Dana recounts the challenges she faced when her previous company closed unexpectedly and how her faith and commitment to her team guided her through the transition to TTN. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of understanding diverse perspectives and supporting others in their professional growth. In this conversation, Kyle Killian and Dana McFletcher-Hubbard discuss the critical role of honest feedback in leadership, the challenges faced during crises, and the necessary adaptations in leadership styles for remote work environments. They emphasize the importance of maintaining communication, building credibility, and creating a supportive culture to ensure employee engagement and retention. In this conversation, Dana McFletcher-Hubbard shares her insights on leadership, emphasizing the importance of quality over quantity in business operations, the necessity of empathy in leadership, and the challenges faced during organizational changes. She reflects on her personal growth and the lessons learned throughout her career, advocating for a hands-on approach to leadership and the importance of maintaining integrity and transparency in business practices.

Takeaways

Dana's journey began in emergency road service during college.
Her family background instilled values of service and empathy.
She emphasizes the importance of understanding diverse perspectives.
Dana's experience in sales and collections shaped her resilience.
The closure of her previous company was unexpected and challenging.
She prioritized her team's well-being during the transition.
Dana's faith played a crucial role in her coping strategy.
She recognized the need for change in her new role at TTN.
Her leadership style is influenced by her upbringing and experiences.
Dana believes in supporting others in their professional growth.
Honesty in feedback is crucial for leadership effectiveness.
Softening messages can lead to long-term issues in business.
Leaders must prioritize the well-being of their employees.
High turnover can result from poor leadership practices.
Building credibility is essential for effective communication.
Navigating crises requires adaptability and quick decision-making.
Remote work presents unique challenges for team dynamics.
Maintaining communication is key in a virtual environment.
Leadership styles must evolve with changing work conditions.
Creating a supportive culture is vital for employee retention.
It's important to connect the dots on business goals.
Quality should take precedence over quantity in operations.
Leadership decisions should prioritize experience and empathy.
Maintaining integrity and transparency is crucial in business.
Adapting to change requires a hands-on approach from leaders.
Never dim your light; authenticity is key.
Continuous learning is essential in a rapidly changing environment.
Empathy is vital in understanding the full circumstances of business operations.
Building relationships and trust is critical during tough times.
Strategic alliances can enhance business growth and opportunities.

Connect with Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-mcfletcher-hubbard-9708135/

I hope you enjoyed this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.
– Kyle and The Refit Podcast team

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SE01 E12 Leadership Lessons from the Military to the Startup World | Robert Fabian

Kyle Killian — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0100

In this episode of the Refit Podcast, Kyle Killian interviews Robert Fabian, COO of Vaya Space, who discusses the development of next-generation hybrid rocket engines for defense and space launch. Robert shares insights from his military background and how it informs his leadership style in a startup environment. He emphasizes the importance of safety culture, the challenges of transitioning from individual contributor to leader, and the critical nature of evaluating leadership fit within the organization as it scales. In this conversation, Robert Fabian discusses the evolution of his leadership style, emphasizing the importance of safety management, documentation, and fostering a collaborative work environment. He shares insights on ethical fundraising strategies for his company, Vaya Space, and reflects on the challenges of leadership in high-stakes environments. Additionally, he offers valuable advice for senior military officers transitioning to civilian life, highlighting the significance of knowing one's goals and leveraging professional networks.

Takeaways

Vaya Space is developing new hybrid rocket engines for commercial and defense applications.
The transition to defense was driven by increasing demand signals from global conflicts.
Robert's military experience shapes his leadership approach in a startup environment.
Safety culture is paramount in the development of rocket engines.
Mentoring in leadership requires effort from both mentor and mentee.
Making tough decisions about team dynamics is essential for long-term success.
Cultural fit is a critical component of the hiring process.
Scaling leadership requires letting go of technical details.
Every new hire impacts the organization's culture and performance.
Robert emphasizes the importance of flexibility in work hours for team collaboration.
Robert emphasizes the need for accountability without punishment in safety management.
Documentation and discipline are crucial for young engineers to understand.
Cultural reinforcement is essential for safety and risk elimination.
Collaboration and spontaneous discussions enhance creativity and problem-solving.
Ethical fundraising allows for gradual growth and proof of concept.
Leadership in startups involves managing multiple responsibilities and risks.
Support from family is vital during challenging entrepreneurial times.
Transitioning military leaders should know their goals and leverage their networks.
Asking for help is important in navigating career transitions.
Creating a culture where all ideas are valued fosters innovation.

To connect with Robert - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robfabian/

I hope you enjoyed this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.
– Kyle and The Refit Podcast team

SE01 E11 The Journey of Innovation in Defense Technology | Joshua Knight

Kyle Killian — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0100

In this conversation, Kyle Killian interviews Joshua Knight, co-founder and COO of Integer, a company focused on innovation in maritime defense technology. They discuss Knight's background, the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of family support, and the dynamics of scaling a business in a traditional industry. The conversation highlights the need for innovation in maritime defense, the risks associated with starting a business, and the critical role of communication and financial management in navigating challenges. In this conversation, Joshua Knight discusses the importance of breaking down long-term visions into actionable goals, especially as organizations grow. He emphasizes the challenges of communication and leadership in larger teams, the complexities of product development in the defense sector, and the significance of private equity partnerships. Knight also reflects on the necessity of maintaining personal relationships while pursuing business goals, highlighting the balance between professional ambitions and personal commitments.

Takeaways

Joshua Knight's passion for STEM and maritime technology drives his work.
The journey to launching Integer began years before its official start.
Understanding the Navy's contracting process was crucial for Integer's success.
Family support played a significant role in Knight's entrepreneurial journey.
Bootstrapping required careful cash management and prioritization of expenses.
External market changes can introduce significant uncertainty for startups.
Effective communication is essential as a business scales.
Knight emphasizes the importance of understanding risks and having backup plans.
The entrepreneurial operating system helped Integer navigate challenges.
Maintaining a focus on people is vital for business sustainability. Vision is long-term but needs to be broken down into actionable goals.
Communication becomes more complex as organizations grow.
The Valley of Death represents the challenges in defense innovation.
Private equity can provide necessary resources but requires cultural alignment.
Building relationships is crucial for effective leadership.
Intentionality in communication is key to avoid misunderstandings.
Product development requires rigorous testing and validation.
Investing in relationships should be a disciplined practice.
Leadership is more about relationships than just skills.
Balancing business goals with personal relationships is essential.

To connect with Joshua - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-knight-69aa0b38/

I hope you enjoyed this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.
– Kyle and The Refit Podcast team

SE01 E10 Leading Change in Legacy Organizations | Brendan O'Donnell

Kyle Killian — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0000

In this conversation, Kyle Killian speaks with Brendan O'Donnell, CEO of Safe Food Alliance, about the challenges of leading change in a legacy organization. Brendan shares his background in agriculture and technology, the importance of trust and credibility in food safety, and the complexities of modernizing processes while managing a long-standing workforce. The discussion highlights the significance of effective communication, the role of leadership in fostering a shared vision, and the hurdles of technology adoption and employee engagement in a traditional setting.

Takeaways:

Brendan O'Donnell emphasizes the importance of trust and credibility in legacy organizations.
Modernization efforts require a deep understanding of existing processes and personnel.
Technology adoption can be met with resistance, especially in long-standing organizations.
Effective communication of the vision is crucial for buy-in from employees.
Data-driven decisions can significantly impact the future of the organization.
The transition to new technology often requires more time than initially anticipated.
People management is a significant challenge for new leaders in legacy organizations.
Training and standardization are key to successful implementation of new systems.
Leadership must address employee concerns about job security during transitions.
Creating a culture of openness and transparency is essential for successful change management.

To connect with Brendan O'Donnell - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanmodonnell/

I hope you enjoyed this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.
– Kyle and The Refit Podcast team

SE01 E09 From Soldier to Leader: A Journey | Sean Patton

Kyle Killian — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0000

In this conversation, Kyle Killian and Sean Patton explore the complexities of leadership, identity, and the transition from military to civilian life. Sean shares his journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a West Point graduate and Green Beret commander. They discuss the impact of 9/11 on military aspirations, the struggles of maintaining identity in high-pressure environments, and the lessons learned from Ranger School and Special Forces. Sean emphasizes the importance of simplicity in leadership, the need for a noble purpose, and the significance of community in overcoming personal crises. He offers valuable advice for veterans facing challenges in their transition to civilian life.

Takeaways

Leadership is about identity and transformation.
Simplicity in leadership leads to better outcomes.
The military environment provides a safety net for growth.
Self-discipline is about valuing your time on earth.
Community is essential for personal growth and recovery.
Finding a noble purpose can drive motivation.
Transitioning from military to business involves learning from failures.
It's important to redefine your identity after leaving the military.
Embrace the discomfort of change for personal growth.
You have the power to choose how you respond to challenges.

To connect with Sean Patton - https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanpattonpresents/

I hope you enjoyed this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.
– Kyle and The Refit Podcast team

SE01 E08 Overcoming Challenges: Lessons from Lance Roberts

Kyle Killian — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0000

In this conversation, Lance Roberts shares his journey from a challenging childhood marked by dyslexia to becoming a successful leader in the transportation logistics industry. He discusses his early entrepreneurial spirit, the humbling experience of competing with Tiger Woods, and his transition from golf to rodeo. A pivotal moment in his life was quitting alcohol, which led to newfound confidence and resilience. Lance emphasizes the importance of learning every role in business and investing in people, while also highlighting how faith has played a crucial role in his personal and professional growth. In this conversation, Lance D. Roberts shares his journey through the challenges of internal theft, transitioning from operations to sales, and the impact of company culture on leadership. He discusses the personal toll of embezzlement and the importance of faith in navigating difficult times. Lance emphasizes the need for character in leadership and the balance between technology and human touch in business. He reflects on the lessons learned from adversity and the significance of maintaining integrity and relationships in the industry.

Takeaways

Lance Roberts has over 35 years in transportation logistics.
His entrepreneurial spirit began in childhood, selling flowers and M&Ms.
Dyslexia shaped his problem-solving skills and mental fortitude.
A humbling experience with Tiger Woods taught him about the gap between good and great.
Transitioning from golf to rodeo ignited a new passion.
Quitting alcohol in 1996 marked a significant turning point in his life.
Building confidence came from learning to adapt and overcome challenges.
Rodeo taught him resilience and the importance of perseverance.
Faith became a source of strength in overcoming life's challenges.
Investing in people is crucial for business success. Internal theft can have severe consequences for a company.
Transitioning from operations to sales requires a different mindset.
Leaders must recognize the cost of staying in a toxic culture.
Embezzlement can lead to difficult decisions and personal challenges.
Finding peace in faith can help during tough times.
Consulting can be a way to give back after personal setbacks.
Maintaining human connection is crucial in a technology-driven world.
Non-negotiables in leadership include integrity and faith.
Adversity prepares individuals for greater challenges ahead.
Building relationships is key to long-term success.

Connect with Lance Roberts on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lancedrobertsmba/

I hope you enjoyed this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.
– Kyle and The Refit Podcast team

SE01 E07 From Baseball to Business: Hard Lessons in Leadership | Craig J Zezima

Kyle Killian — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Refit podcast, host Kyle Killian engages in a deep conversation with Craig J Zezima, CEO of Resolux America, about the realities of leadership in high-pressure environments. Craig shares his journey from a professional baseball player to a seasoned leader in the packaging industry, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, ethical decision-making, and the cost of leadership during periods of growth. He reflects on the challenges of making tough decisions that prioritize integrity over short-term gains, illustrating how these experiences shape his leadership philosophy today.

Craig discusses the significance of building trust within teams and the necessity of developing relationships to foster a culture of accountability and excellence. He highlights the importance of loving and trusting people, as well as the need for a clear strategy that aligns with the organization's goals. As they explore the complexities of leadership, Craig emphasizes that true leadership is about serving others and maintaining a consistent standard of integrity, regardless of the circumstances. This conversation offers valuable insights for anyone navigating the challenges of leadership in today's fast-paced business landscape.

Takeaways

"You have to make decisions that you feel like, you know what? I'm not sure here, but..."
"Stop stopping yourself from being successful because it looks hard."
"You're only as good as the people that are around you."
"If you can develop your people and love your customer, you're more than a quarter of the way there."
"The standard is the standard, and there's no deviation from that."
"It's really about the team; it's not about you."
"Great leadership looks like humility and consistency, even when nobody's watching."
"You have to have the ability to master and stack things of success."
"Normal is good, but normal is average."
"Love unconditionally; you're going to get hurt, but it's okay."

Connect with Craig J Zezima on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-j-zezima-a4a4b2134/

I hope you enjoyed this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.
– Kyle and The Refit Podcast team

SE01 E06 Had to Fire My Best Friend to Save the Company | Chris Brewer.

Kyle Killian — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Refit podcast, Kyle Killian speaks with Chris Brewer, the founder of River City Logistics, about the real challenges of leadership and entrepreneurship. Chris shares his journey from starting a logistics company to making tough decisions, including firing a close friend for the greater good of the organization. He discusses the importance of listening to team dynamics, the emotional costs of leadership, and the lessons learned from risky decisions. The conversation also touches on the significance of company culture, the impact of key hires, and the challenges of navigating personal and professional growth in a fast-paced business environment.

Chris founded River City Logistics in 2018, bringing a diverse background in transportation to the company. A graduate from Clarke University in 2013. Chris has held key roles in the industry including Fleet Manager, West Coast Operations Manager, and Sales Executive before starting RCL. Under his leadership, River City Logistics has grown into one of the most trusted transportation partners in the country, offering dedicated transportation solutions, warehousing and distribution and domestic truckload brokerage capacity. His leadership is shaped by hands-on experience across multiple facets of logistics.

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-brewer-88710a52/

Chris Brewer | President/CEO
River City Logistics | rclogistics.com
O: 563-227-8987 | C: 563-663-5645
Dubuque, IA

I hope you enjoyed this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.
– Kyle and The Refit Podcast team

SE01 E05 Building an American Brand Against All Odds | Dean Wegner

Kyle Killian — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Dean Wegner didn't set out to revolutionize American manufacturing. He set out to solve a problem most people don't even know exists: only 3% of apparel sold in America is actually made here. As a West Point graduate, Army Ranger, helicopter pilot, and former Fortune 500 executive at Procter & Gamble and Mars, Dean launched Authentically American in 2017 with a mission that seemed impossible - build a profitable apparel brand using only American manufacturing while staying price competitive with overseas production.

This conversation digs into the real cost of betting on principles over profit margins. Dean shares the brutal lesson of losing 60% of revenue overnight during a government contract freeze, the cashflow crisis that taught him what Fortune 500 life never could, and why the hardest part wasn't building the business - it was accepting that most people simply don't care where their clothes are made.

You'll hear how Dean navigated the transition from institutional comfort to entrepreneurial chaos, why Ranger School turned out to be better preparation than his MBA, and the strategic pivot that changed everything: narrowing focus to serve veteran-owned businesses and veteran-focused charities instead of trying to convert the mass market. Dean also reveals why national TV appearances don't automatically translate to B2B sales, the decision to build a sales team after years of earned media, and how implementing EOS helped him stay true to his strengths as a visionary while building execution capability around him.
This is about what it takes to stay aligned when growth pressures test your values, why passion alone isn't enough without the right business model, and how manufacturing 100% in America across 11 states isn't just possible - it's profitable when you stop trying to be everything to everyone.
Key insights on leading through cashflow crunches, the power of investing in relationships before you need them, why your ranger buddy matters just as much in business as it does in combat, and what most people get wrong about building a brand from scratch.

Dean Wegner
Founder & CEO, Authentically American
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanwegner93/
Website: https://www.authenticallyamerican.us/

SE01 E04 “The Saturday Text That Changed Everything” | Dan Swiniarski

Kyle Killian — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 13:00:00 +0000

When Dan Swiniarski got a Saturday morning text from the owner of Wright Creative Branding and Labels, the company was bleeding cash. The 63-year-old family business had gone from a healthy 3-to-1 revenue-to-debt ratio to being over a million dollars in the red just halfway through the fiscal year. The offer was simple: become president and COO. Dan's response was equally direct: get rid of your brother, and tell me what you really want.

In this raw and honest conversation, Dan breaks down the tough decisions that transformed Wright from financial crisis to cash-flow positive in just 14 months. As a US Marine Corps veteran and entrepreneur who previously built a business from zero to 100 million in sales, Dan didn't shy away from the hard calls: consolidating facilities, letting go of embedded employees, and investing in sales talent while cutting costs. But the real story isn't just about the numbers. It's about building trust before the crisis hits, creating a culture where people know exactly where they stand, and understanding that in manufacturing, sales and operations aren't enemies - they're one team fighting the same battle.

Dan shares the moment the former CEO called him back 20 minutes after being asked to step aside, the counterintuitive decision to hire aggressively during a cash crunch, and why he brought his manufacturing team into sales training. He also opens up about his work with Fairways for Warriors, a top-rated charity using golf to help combat veterans struggling with the invisible wounds of war. This is leadership without the theory - just the real decisions that kept Dan up at night and the principles that got Wright back on track.

What hiring someone from within a family business really means for their ability to make bold decisions
Why Dan shuts down facilities that have been losing money for years on day one and doesn't look back
The two non-negotiables Dan gave the owner before accepting the president role
How bringing operations leaders into sales training eliminated the toxic us-versus-them culture
Why Dan tells new sales hires exactly how much they'll cost him in six months and what he expects in return
The difference between sales training that fixes today and sales development that builds tomorrow
What it means to have empathy as a closer and why rejection is just part of the job
How a 63-year-old family legacy can be your greatest asset and your biggest Achilles heel
Why Dan would rather hire someone he trusts than someone who's individually great at their discipline
What 22 veterans a day deciding to end their lives has to do with getting people off the couch and onto the golf course

Dan Swiniarski is President & COO of Wright Creative Branding & Labels, where he drives transformational growth, strategic innovation, and AI-enabled sales and operations across the brand’s labeling and packaging solutions. With a career built on expanding market footprint, optimizing performance, and elevating customer experience, Dan blends deep industry expertise with a forward-thinking approach that helps brands stand out in competitive markets. A Marine Corps veteran and avid golfer based in Arizona, he champions leadership, disciplined execution, and the smart use of technology to unlock business value and long-term results. Fairways for warriors:https://www.fairwaysforwarriors.org/ Dan's linked in:https://www.linkedin.com/in/danswiniarski/. website: https://www.wrightlabels.com/

Learn more about Fairways for Warriors and how you can support combat veterans at https://www.fairwaysforwarriors.org/

Connect with Dan Swiniarski on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danswiniarski/

I hope you enjoyed this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.
– Kyle and The Refit Podcast team

SE01 E03 What Nobody Tells You About Holding the Line | Jeremy Barker

Kyle Killian — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Jeremy Barker made his first $20 million by age 21 supplying Home Depot with storage buildings. Then he lost it all, went bankrupt, and spent a year living in his car. Most people would call that failure. Jeremy calls it his competitive advantage. Today he's the founder and CEO of Murphy Door, the number one hidden door brand in America, an eight-figure manufacturing business with triple-digit growth and over a billion social views in the past year.
This conversation goes deep on the decisions that separate businesses that scale from businesses that collapse. Jeremy breaks down why he stayed at the firehouse making $15.62 an hour even when Murphy Door was trending toward $5 million, why taking money out too early is like stealing milk from your own baby, and how the discipline of the fire service taught him everything Fortune 500 companies couldn't about span of control, chain of command, and knowing when to let go.
You'll hear about the UPS freight crisis in 2016 that nearly killed the business, how Jeremy found a warehouse in Lexington Kentucky sitting at a steakhouse after every other option fell through, and why asking for help is one of the most powerful words in business even though pride makes it the hardest to say. Jeremy also unpacks the September 2024 algorithm change and cyberattacks that wiped out 90 days of momentum, dropping growth from 67 percent to flat in a single month, and what the forensic audit revealed about taking your eye off the ball.
This is about the real constraints at scale, why vanity metrics like social views don't pay bills unless they convert, and how Jeremy keeps revenue per employee tight while managing over 100 people across multiple manufacturing facilities. He shares the hard call he had to make when his production manager told him either trust me with bigger decisions or you don't need me, why being liked as a leader will limit your impact, and what he'd tell his 21-year-old self about burning bridges with people who could have saved him in 13 seconds.
No fluff, no highlight reel. Just the unfiltered truth about what it takes to hold the line when the money's gone, the pressure's real, and failure was the most likely outcome.

Ready to build your Batcave or just see what's possible when you refuse to quit? Check out Murphy Door and follow Jeremy's journey.

Jeremy Barker, Founder & CEO, Murphy Door
Instagram: @jbarker482
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-barker-02007648/
Podcast: 90 Proof Wisdom
Website: https://murphydoor.com/

I hope you enjoyed this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.
– Kyle and The Refit Podcast team

SE01 E02 How a Virtual-First CEO Turned Culture Into a Competitive Advantage | With Michael Giaramita

Kyle Killian — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 13:00:00 +0000

When Michael Giaramita founded Group PMX in 2010, he made two unconventional bets. First, the company would be entirely virtual from day one, years before remote work became mainstream. Second, he would compete not by undercutting competitors but by partnering with them. At pre-bid construction meetings, he'd tell contractors, "We don't want to compete with you, we want to partner with you." They looked at him like he had two heads. Today, Group PMX has been named by Engineering News-Record as one of New York's top contractors for six consecutive years, managing over a thousand projects across buildings, infrastructure, and energy markets.

In this conversation, Michael breaks down the pivotal moments that shaped his leadership philosophy over 50 years in the construction industry. From realizing that chasing too much sub work was diluting his talent pool, to the project that taught him workers in the field are the first indicator of success, to why he plans to replace himself outside of New York to drive geographic expansion. He shares why he hates reporting, why counting workers daily matters more than monthly reports, and how one incentive got four contractors to shift traffic on the same day, saving a million dollars and eliminating dangerous S-curves on a 12-mile highway project.

Key Takeaways:
Why being 50 percent prime and 50 percent subcontractor work is the talent threshold that makes or breaks your competitive edge
The ceiling every growing company hits and how Michael has broken through it 5 to 10 times in his career
What happened when Michael told a client they needed to start counting workers in the field instead of waiting for monthly reports
How Group PMX stayed entirely virtual for 16 years and built culture through quarterly events and strict hiring standards
Why Michael plans to replace himself outside of New York rather than in his home market
The moment Michael walked into the International Monetary Fund project and realized the toxic culture could be turned around in two years
What it means to take data and turn it into something actionable instead of just reporting what happened
Why strategic thinking is the weakest core skill across the industry and how to get people thinking outside the box
The project in Houston where contractors started doing each other's work because the incentives aligned around one shared milestone
Why going to the high road takes longer but earns trust that sustains you through crisis

Connect with Michael Giaramita on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelgiaramita/
Learn more about Group PMX: https://www.grouppmx.com/
Get Michael's book, It's All About Your Team: https://www.amazon.com/Its-All-About-Your-Team/dp/1637352670

I hope you enjoyed this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.

– Kyle and The Refit Podcast team

Visit the Kohora website here: https://www.kohorainc.com/

SE01 E01 From COO to CEO: Why the Job Changes Completely at the Top | With Don Whetro

Kyle Killian — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 13:00:00 +0000

In the first episode of The Refit Podcast, host Kyle Killian sits down with Don Whetro, Chief Executive Officer of AR Homes and AR Franchising, Inc., for an unfiltered conversation about what leadership really looks like when the playbook stops working.

With more than two decades in homebuilding and franchising, Don shares his unexpected journey from operations to the CEO seat and the realities of leading a 70+ year legacy organization through modernization, market disruption, and organizational change. From identifying leadership atrophy to making difficult people decisions, Don breaks down what it takes to move a business forward without losing its core identity.

This episode dives deep into the impact of COVID-19 on the homebuilding industry, the operational bottlenecks that stalled growth, and the controversial but necessary decision to outsource critical functions to keep the business moving. Don also opens up about the loneliness of leadership, the importance of trust and credibility, and why empathy and communication are essential when leading people through uncertainty.

If you are a CEO, founder, executive, or leader navigating growth, change, or legacy systems, this conversation offers real-world insight into leadership under pressure.

Topics covered in this episode include leadership transition, organizational change, homebuilding operations, COVID-19 disruption, outsourcing strategy, trust and credibility, executive decision making, communication, empathy, and modernizing legacy businesses.

Guest bio
Don Whetro is the Chief Executive Officer of AR Homes and AR Franchising, Inc., the company behind the AR Homes brand. Appointed CEO in December 2023 after serving as Chief Operating Officer, Don leads a national leadership team focused on modernizing the custom homebuilding experience while preserving a legacy of craftsmanship, design leadership, innovation, and customer focus. He brings over 20 years of experience across executive leadership, operations, sales, marketing, and strategic innovation within the homebuilding industry.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-whetro/

Website: https://www.arfranchising.com/

I hope you enjoyed this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.

– Kyle and The Refit Podcast team

Visit the Kohora website here: https://www.kohorainc.com/

#TheRefitPodcast #KyleKillian #Leadership #ExecutiveLeadership #BusinessLeadership #VeteranLeadership #HardThingAboutHardThings #LeadershipDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #CEOInsights #FounderStories #OperationalLeadership The Refit Podcast is where real leadership happens—no platitudes, no polished corporate speak, just honest conversations about the hard decisions that keep leaders up at night. Hosted by Kyle Killian, founder of Kohora and former U.S. Navy Intelligence Officer with nearly 30 years of military, corporate, and entrepreneurial leadership experience, this podcast dives into the moments when the playbook stopped working and leaders had to figure it out anyway.
Each episode features candid discussions with CEOs, founders, operators, and veteran business leaders who've been in the arena—making tough calls with incomplete information, navigating organisational challenges, and coming out the other side with hard-won lessons. Kyle brings his unique perspective from leading intelligence missions in Iraq to driving growth at Fanatics, Nike, and Converse, creating conversations that go beyond theory into what actually happened when things didn't work.
Whether you're a business leader facing growth challenges, an executive navigating organisational transitions, a founder making high-stakes decisions, or a veteran moving into business leadership, The Refit Podcast offers practical insights from people who've been where you are. This is leadership stripped down to its essentials: the decisions, the consequences, and the lessons learned when you're in over your head.