Hosts Kyle Bullock and Jimmy DeGroot discuss why money alone is a weak motivator, why incentives work best when they are equitable and shared, and why you can’t solve low pay problems with bonuses. They recommend auditing pay using tools like the MIT Living Wage calculator and ensuring base wages meet basic cost-of-living needs before adding incentives. The episode shares stories about team incentives (like a trip to Hawaii), the importance of celebration and tradition, and practical steps owners can take to grow profitability so they can afford fair pay.   For help and resources - trainretail.com jimmy@trainretail.com | kyle@trainretail.com

Not every conflict is caused by bad people — often, it’s caused by bad communication. In this episode, Jimmy and Kyle break down Dr. John Gottman’s “Four Horsemen” — criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling — plus one bonus culprit: sarcasm. They explain how each one poisons relationships and team culture, and why even well-meaning conversations can go sideways. More importantly, they show you how to stop them in their tracks. You’ll learn practical, real-world strategies for building trust, leading with vulnerability, and creating a healthier workplace — even on the days when everything feels like it’s falling apart.

Feeling overwhelmed by holiday retail chaos? This episode shows jewelry store owners and leaders how to find relief by simplifying priorities, protecting team culture, and eliminating time-draining products or services that cost more than they earn. Hosts Jimmy DeGroot and Kyle Bullock offer practical steps: narrow daily focus to one or two essential tasks, support and listen to your people, and radically remove non-essential work to preserve excellence during the busiest season.

Retail feels like a whirlwind? Jimmy DeGroot and Kyle Bullock break down how to cut through the noise, stop doing the 80% that drains you, and double down on the 20% that actually grows your business. From setting minimums and quitting low-value services to hiring true pros and focusing on your zone of genius, this episode is your friendly shove toward calm, profitable operations.   Ask us anything / tell us what you’re quitting: jimmy@trainretail.com • kyle@trainretail.com http://trainretail.com

In this episode of Slow Growth Business, Jimmy DeGroot and Kyle Bullock teach independent jewelers how to turn repair, watch battery, and gold-buying traffic into profitable jewelry sales — or how to treat each service as its own profitable business. They cover customer profiling, asking the right questions, upselling repairs versus offering replacements, and measuring results to decide what to keep or cut. Practical examples include reshanking, companion bands, and handling low-margin services as charity or separate offerings, plus guidance for training staff to ‘sell’ repairs instead of just clerking them.

Hosts Kyle Bullock and Jimmy DeGroot explore why passion doesn’t automatically transfer from owners to staff, and why pay alone won’t solve motivation problems. They cover practical approaches—paying a living wage, observing time/talent/treasure, asking better interview questions, using tools like Flag Page, and job-crafting roles—to align employee motivations with business goals. The episode shows how leaders can protect core values, speak each person’s language, and place people in roles that fit their drives so teams feel cared for, stay engaged, and help a business grow slowly and sustainably.

Welcome to the latest episode of Slow Growth Business, where hosts Jimmy DeGroot and Kyle Bullock delve into the challenging yet rewarding path of building a sustainable business. This episode takes you through a thoughtful exploration of leadership and culture, emphasizing the necessity of genuine engagement with your team. Reflecting on their experiences and learnings from a recent trade show, Jimmy and Kyle underscore how vital it is for leaders to truly assess the importance they place on company culture. They discuss popular misconceptions and provide actionable advice on how leaders can prioritize culture in their daily operations, inspired by real-life anecdotes and insightful stories. Join them as they uncover the profound impact of intentional leadership and the simple yet powerful act of asking, "How are you doing?" Discover the balance of setting a respectful, nurturing environment that naturally leads to business growth and personal fulfillment. Embrace the slow growth mindset and learn how a culture-first approach can revolutionize your business.

Jimmy DeGroot and Kyle Bullock unpack the transformative ideas behind Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara and apply them to real-world small business leadership. From five-star restaurant service to unforgettable spoons 🍨, we explore how passion, specificity, and unreasonable expectations can turn everyday tasks into brand-defining experiences. Whether you're managing a jewelry store, a coffee shop, or anything in between, this episode will inspire you to: ✅ Stop looking for the “perfect hire” ✅ Start cultivating leadership from within ✅ Assign meaningful ownership to your team ✅ Discover hidden passion that elevates your customer experience

Welcome to Slow Growth Business, the podcast for business leaders seeking success without the overwhelm. In this episode, hosts Jimmy DeGroat and Kyle Bullock delve into the art of honoring your employees in meaningful ways. Discover how recognizing the value that your team brings to your organization can transform your workplace culture and drive success.Join the conversation as they discuss daily, monthly, and annual practices to honor employees that go beyond traditional rewards and bonuses. Hear real-life stories and practical advice on creating a workplace environment that encourages joy, camaraderie, and team loyalty.Whether you're a CEO or a team leader, this episode will inspire you to prioritize your people over profits and build a thriving business where everyone feels valued and respected. Tune in to learn how embracing slow growth will not only enhance your leadership but also realize your business's full potential.

In this episode, Jimmy DeGroot and Kyle Bullock discuss the good and bad about memorandum merchandise. When to use it and when not to.  

Understanding your REAL WHY. Kyle and Jimmy share enlightening client stories to illustrate how discovering your core motivation can transform your business and ignite passion. They offer practical advice for reigniting your purpose, from storytelling and value exploration to community engagement. Tune in to find how questioning your motivations and embracing unconventional approaches can lead to fulfilling and sustainable business success.

Welcome to Slow Growth Business, where hosts Jimmy DeGroot and Kyle Bullock guide business owners through the challenges of sustainable growth. In this episode, discover how to transform business potential from good to great by utilizing key metrics and fostering a culture of excellence within your team. Learn strategies to overcome the "flying by the seat of your pants" syndrome, and support your top performers in reaching new heights. This episode highlights the importance of tracking performance, harnessing strengths, and sharing insights with your team to drive impactful growth. Join us as we explore the balance between steady growth and innovation, with the ultimate aim of making significant, purpose-driven impacts in our communities.

In this episode of Slow Growth Business, hosts Jimmy DeGroat and Kyle Bullock delve into the importance of establishing a robust training system for your business. They discuss the significance of regular team meetings, the coach approach to employee development, and how to handle challenging work cultures. You will also discover why it's crucial to separate personal relationships from professional management roles. Whether you're looking to improve your team's performance or instill a culture of continuous learning, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice.

Welcome to Slow Growth Business, where hosts Jimmy DeGroat and Kyle Bullock explore the art of leading your business to success through purposeful conversations and strategic relationships. In this episode, delve into customer interactions that forge genuine links and uncover deeper values that can transform your business. Through relatable stories from business owners like Jesse in Abilene and Melissa in Pecos, discover how aligning business goals with personal values can set the stage for unprecedented growth and satisfaction. Gain insights on mastering the comfort of small talk, learning to listen, and finding the balance in maintaining warm connections while achieving professional growth. Whether you're contemplating retirement or revitalizing your business approach, this episode offers thought-provoking strategies to enhance your outlet's everyday interactions and cultivate a lasting impact.

In this episode of Slow Growth Business, hosts Jimmy DeGroot and Kyle Bullock delve into the essential journey of becoming a great leader. Discover how to move beyond the pressure of day-to-day business decisions and embrace a path of mindful leadership that draws out the best in your team. Through reflective exercises and insightful conversations, learn how to value others over self and create a fulfilling work environment. Whether you're a small business owner or a leader in a large organization, this episode provides the guidance needed to foster growth, vision, and resilient leadership skills. Let Jimmy and Kyle guide you in shifting from a mindset of survival to one of genuine influence and purpose.

In this episode, business coaches Jimmy DeGroot and Kyle Bullock address the common struggle of small business owners feeling overwhelmed by their businesses rather than in control of them. They introduce listeners to the concept of 'Slow Growth Business,' offering a roadmap for taking charge of your business at a manageable pace. The episode discusses the pressures faced by entrepreneurs and the importance of defining personal and professional goals. Jimmy and Kyle share insights into creating a vision for one's business and life, emphasizing the significance of identifying non-negotiables and implementing small, incremental changes. Through engaging stories and step-by-step guidance, listeners are encouraged to take initial steps toward a more organized and fulfilling business life. Tune in for strategies that promise a balanced and thriving approach to business management.

In this episode of Slow Growth Business, hosts Jimmy DeGroot and Kyle Bullock dive into the challenges that business leaders face when confronting vulnerabilities and making tough decisions. Drawing inspiration from the character of Michael Scott from 'The Office,' the discussion highlights the importance of addressing uncomfortable conversations to foster business growth and teamwork. The podcast covers the pitfalls of passive-aggressive leadership and emphasizes the need for honest, direct communication within teams. Listeners will discover strategies to overcome fear, embrace vulnerabilities, and engage cooperatively rather than compliantly. The episode also introduces a unique coaching program designed to provide leaders with the support they need to confidently navigate their business challenges.

Welcome to the Slow Growth Business podcast, where business coaches Jimmy DeGroot and Kyle Bullock guide you through the art of leading your business towards consistent success by embracing real-time coaching. This episode delves into the importance of moving away from traditional one-on-one meetings and instead adopting a dynamic, on-the-floor coaching approach that inspires and empowers your team to excel in the moment. Join us as we explore strategies for helping managers transition into effective coaches, providing immediate feedback and supporting employee development directly on the front lines of operations. Discover practical tips on creating an engaging work environment that motivates your staff to elevate their performance, all while ensuring your business grows steadily and sustainably.

When to add a new employee? Are you feeling the pressure to expand your business but hesitant about the risks involved? Welcome to the Slow Growth Business Podcast, where hosts Kyle Bullock and Jimmy DeGroot explore the art of growing your business in a sustainable manner. In this episode, they delve into effective strategies for investing in your existing team to unlock their potential before considering new hires. Discover the benefits of incremental growth, set realistic goals, and learn when it's the right time to expand your staff. Perfect for business owners and leaders ready to transform their work culture, join us for an insightful discussion on enhancing your business from within. If you're interested in sustainable growth and want expert guidance, reach out to us at trainretail.com and let's elevate your business journey together.   Check out our podcast on Youtube: When to Add a New Employee?