The Flywheel Effect
The Flywheel Effect is a podcast designed for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and professionals seeking to win in luxury home services businesses. Each episode dives into the nuances of growth, profit and prosperity, offering insights on leveraging data for informed business decisions. Through a mix of candid conversations and interviews with industry veterans, suppliers, and service providers, the podcast aims to inspire listeners to think bigger and transition from technicians to visionaries. This podcast is a guide to refining business acumen and achieving competitive excellence.
The Flywheel Effect
EP33 - What “How to Make a Few Billion Dollars” Really Teaches Leaders
In this episode of The Flywheel Effect, host Brent Sonnek-Schmelz welcomes Matt Bernath from VITAL for a candid conversation that starts with Brad Jacobs’ business book and unfolds into something deeper. What begins as a book club discussion turns into a reflection on entrepreneurship, education, and what it really means to build a successful business—and a meaningful life.
Matt shares why traditional education often fails to prepare people for entrepreneurial thinking. He and Brent explore how curiosity, risk-taking, and confidence are built—or stifled—early in life. They also discuss the pressures of parenting and how to raise independent, resilient kids in a culture that over-prioritizes structure.
The episode ends with practical lessons for business leaders. From the benefits of running lean teams to hiring for mindset over industry experience, Brent and Matt break down the hidden drivers of growth. It’s a grounded, insightful look at leadership from the inside out.