The biggest breakthrough in your business may not come from your next idea. It may come from the other entrepreneurs you surround yourself with.
Building a successful business is about far more than selling a great product. It’s about learning from setbacks, creating a strong company culture, and finding people who challenge you to become a better leader. In this episode, Jim Schleckser sits down with Nick Breedlove, founder and CEO of NVB Playgrounds, to discuss the lessons he’s learned growing a niche business into a national company and why other entrepreneurs played a critical role in his growth.
By listening to this episode, you’ll learn how to:
- Discover why building relationships with other entrepreneurs can help you avoid costly mistakes and accelerate your growth.
- Learn how strong company values create better teams, better decisions, and a healthier culture.
- Hear practical lessons on scaling a business, overcoming major setbacks, and letting go of the need to control everything yourself.
Listen now to hear Nick Breedlove’s entrepreneurial journey and learn why surrounding yourself with other entrepreneurs may be one of the smartest investments you can make as a business leader.
Learning From Success and Failure
00:00 | Building a Business in an Unexpected Industry
Jim Schleckser welcomes Nic Breedlove, founder and CEO of NVB Playgrounds, who shares how a chance opportunity after college turned into building a national business in one of the most unexpected industries.
04:15 | From Reseller to Manufacturer
Nic Breedlove explains why simply selling other companies’ products wasn’t enough and how creating his own brand allowed him to improve quality, customer service, and long-term growth.
08:55 | Navigating Tariffs and Constant Change
The conversation explores the financial impact of tariffs, why adaptability is critical for business owners, and how successful entrepreneurs respond quickly when market conditions change.
13:20 | Customer Experience Is the Real Differentiator
Instead of competing on product features alone, Nic Breedlove explains why educating customers about long-term ownership and maintenance creates stronger relationships and greater trust.
18:10 | Looking Beyond the Initial Sale
Nic Breedlove shares his vision for expanding beyond equipment sales into technology, inspections, and safety solutions that create lasting value for customers long after installation.
Why Other Entrepreneurs Make Better Leaders
22:08 | The Leadership Mistake That Cost Millions
Nic Breedlove recounts the painful lessons from a lawsuit that exposed weaknesses in his leadership structure and forced him to rethink delegation, accountability, and company culture.
26:18 | Company Values Aren’t Just Wall Decorations
Rapid growth taught Nic Breedlove that authentic company values guide hiring, decision-making, and culture, especially when businesses begin to scale beyond the founder.
30:05 | Why Other Entrepreneurs Matter
One of the biggest lessons Nic shares is that surrounding yourself with other entrepreneurs creates opportunities to learn from people who have already solved the challenges you’re facing.
33:42 | Growing Faster by Learning From Other Entrepreneurs
Nic Breedlove explains that having relationships with other entrepreneurs helps business owners avoid costly mistakes, gain new perspectives, and become stronger leaders much faster than going it alone.
38:20 | Every Business Has Lessons Worth Sharing
The episode closes with a reminder that every entrepreneurial journey contains valuable experiences that can inspire other entrepreneurs and help them navigate their own path to success.
About Nicolas Breedlove
NIC BREEDLOVE is a visionary entrepreneur and the CEO of NVB Playgrounds, a company dedicated to creating safe, engaging, and inclusive play spaces that bring communities together. With over a decade of experience in the playground industry, Nic has revolutionized how schools, parks, and organizations approach play design by offering innovative solutions that combine creativity, safety, and durability. Under Nic’s leadership,
NVB Playgrounds has become a trusted partner for clients across the country, helping them navigate the challenges of planning, budgeting, and building exceptional play areas. Nic is a sought-after speaker and storyteller who shares insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, and the power of play. When he’s not leading his team, Nic enjoys exploring the outdoors, creating impactful content, and connecting with audiences to inspire growth and innovation