Business Under Fire

BUF S2 E11 | Alan VS Rooster: The Power of Alter Ego Branding

In this episode, we sit down with TikTok creator and entrepreneur Rooster Vance, a guy who’s built a powerful personal brand by leaning into authenticity, alter ego, and real-world business experience. We go deep on what it really takes to turn content into cash, why most people fail at personal branding, and how today’s shifting economy is exposing weak business models. Rooster doesn’t hold back — from calling out fake “views = success” culture to explaining why your offer matters more than your content, this is a no-BS conversation for creators, business owners, and anyone trying to build something real. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23s39NB1qy8] – Intro & who is Rooster Vance? 02:10 – The “Rooster” alter ego vs real life identity 05:30 – Why people are afraid to post content 06:35 – Stop caring what people think 12:40 – Why views don’t actually make you money 13:35 – The importance of having a real offer 18:50 – Turning attention into actual business 21:10 – “Everyone is broke” — what’s happening in the economy 22:20 – Real estate, land, and market shifts 26:45 – Adapting your business in a downturn 30:10 – Employee mindset vs entrepreneur mindset 34:00 – Building a brand that actually converts 38:20 – Final advice for creators and business owners 🔑 Key Takeaways Views don’t matter if you can’t monetize Your offer is more important than your content Personal branding requires risk and authenticity The economy is shifting — and weak businesses will struggle Attention is only valuable if you know how to convert it

Business Under Fire S2, E10 | The 5 Things I Learned In Business

What separates the entrepreneurs who make it from the ones who burn out? Tommy Bonner has 26 years and 240 employees worth of answers. In this solo episode of Business Under Fire, Tommy gets real about what it actually takes to build and sustain a business — from mowing lawns out of an Acura Integra to owning restaurants, a nursery, and flying private jets. No guest, no filter — just hard-earned lessons and straight talk. ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00:19 – Intro & surprise call from Blake Burt (first-ever podcast guest) 00:03:11 – Why Tommy recorded a solo episode today 00:04:07 – What separates the men from the boys: doing it anyway 00:05:00 – Tommy's backstory: 26 years of entrepreneurship, starting at 19 00:06:08 – How it all started: a black Acura Integra, a push mower, and $500/week 00:08:17 – Lesson #1: The Buck Stops Here — you are the fixer, bulldozer & firefighter 00:14:50 – Lesson #2: The Smartest Person Might Not Be the Owner 00:18:07 – Lesson #3: The Key to Success Is People — the Beer House hiring story 00:27:31 – Lesson #4: Speed Wins — Perfection Kills Momentum 00:30:25 – Lesson #5: It's Going to Be Harder and Take Longer Than You Think 00:31:17 – The baseball analogy: aim for singles and doubles, home runs will come 00:34:19 – What Tommy wants from the podcast & his businesses going forward 00:38:36 – The hardest three years of his life — and how they came out the other side 00:40:26 – What's next: buying businesses, construction projects & flying 00:42:17 – Closing thoughts & restaurant recommendations in Port Aransas 📍 Mentioned in This Episode: Beer House – Port Aransas, TX Seafood & Spaghetti Works – Port Aransas, TX Burnt Bean Co. (referenced) 📬 Connect with Tommy Bonner: ✉️ Tommy@BusinessUnderFire.com If you enjoyed this episode, text or email Tommy directly — he reads them. New episodes dropping regularly on Business Under Fire.

Business Under Fire S02 E09 - The Hard Truth About Entrepreneurship

In this episode of Business Under Fire, we sit down with Rob from First Fidelity Wealth Management for a raw, unfiltered conversation about what it really takes to build, grow, and sustain a business over the long haul. From marketing failures and scaling struggles to leadership challenges and personal discipline, this episode dives deep into the realities most entrepreneurs don’t talk about. If you’re a business owner (or want to be one), this is packed with hard-earned lessons you won’t want to miss.

Business Under Fire S02 E07 | Dine With Kent!

What happens when a 40-year highway construction worker picks up his phone, walks into an African café, and accidentally goes viral? You get Dine with Kent — one of the most authentic food platforms on the internet. Host Tommy sits down with Ken Burns, the Port Aransas-based food influencer behind the massively popular TikTok and Instagram page "Dine with Kent," to talk about his accidental rise to fame, his philosophy of "for me or not for me," and why real people are hungry for real reactions. From small business advocacy to upcoming appearances on the Tamron Hall Show and a feature in the New York Times, Ken's story is proof that passion + authenticity can take you anywhere — even if you started by leaning your phone against a glass of water.

Business Under Fire S02 E05 | The Sign Guy Who Does It Right

This episode, we're joined by Jereme Ragsdale, owner of Sign Design in Lubbock, Texas. Jeremy started his company in 2002 after being let go on a Friday — and was knocking on doors by Monday. Over 23 years later, he's built one of West Texas's most trusted full-service sign and design companies, with a team that's been with him for decades. From vehicle wraps and building signs to becoming the mini ad agency for small businesses all across the region, Jeremy's story is one of grit, craft, and small-town pride done right.