The law firm with soul: Grant Gunston’s 30-year business journey
What does it take to build a business that lasts three decades? In this episode of Born to Build, I sit down with Grant Gunston, founder of Gunstons Attorneys (now GSR Law), to unpack his 30-year journey of building a legal firm with heart, purpose, and a deep commitment to people. From the grind of starting out to navigating succession, Grant reveals the leadership lessons, personal growth, and defining moments that shaped his career. Plus, we explore his inspiring second chapter with the Development Action Group (DAG), where he’s channeling his experience into transformative social impact. If you want the blueprint for building with purpose, this episode is it.Chapters:(00:00) Meet Grant Gunston(00:45) The origin story: why start a law firm?(02:25) Crafting a vision: was It long-term?(03:35) Winning the first clients & building credibility(08:08) Early challenges: the Struggles of starting a legal practice(10:00) In a tight spot(14:00) Building teams: lessons in leadership and hiring(17:45) Differentiating Gunstons: values, culture & unique Edge(22:29) Growth pains: evolving from founder to leader(27:25) Legacy & succession: building beyond the founder(30:00) DAG: A new chapter in social impact(36:20) Hardest part of building a business(38:45) Quick fire either-orAbout Born to Build:Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they’ve overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It’s honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time.Check out GSR Law: https://gsrlaw.co.za
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My mother-in-law started a radio station... the story of Radio CCFM with Avril Thomas
What happens when faith, vision, and timing collide at a pivotal moment in South Africa’s history? In this episode of Born to Build, I sit down with my mother-in-law, Avril Thomas — co-founder of Cape Town’s iconic Christian community radio station, CCFM. From the station's humble beginnings post-Apartheid to becoming a voice of hope across the city, Avril shares the story of CCFM’s birth, the battles they faced, and the surprising ways God used a local church to build something lasting. Tune in for stories of divine timing, community impact and leadership in ministry.(00:00) Welcome & Introduction — meet Avril Thomas, my Mother-in-Law(00:59) The Birth of CCFM — A Vision Sparked in a New South Africa(02:35) A local church starts a radio station(06:20) The first month of broadcasting(09:20) How do you learn how to run a radio station?(14:15) Moved into the radio station for a month(19:05) Station manager and mom(22:00) The miraculous story of buying the building(30:07) What's your approach to leadership?(33:50) CCFM's impact on Cape Town(37:20) Road shows(38:25) Surprising ways listeners engaged(42:10) Succession planning and handing over the visionAbout Born to Build:Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they’ve overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It’s honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time.
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46:17
From Offshore Rigs to Backyard Gigs: One Man’s Climb Into Business - Dave Pena, Highworks Tree Services
What do deep-sea rigging and backyard tree cutting have in common? More than you think.In this episode of Born to Build, Sam sits down with Dave Pena, the daring founder of Highworks Tree Services, to unpack how a career in high-risk offshore rope work became the foundation for a precision-driven, values-led business on land.Dave opens up about the moment he knew it was time to make a change, the surprising edge his rope expertise gave him, and why how you do the job matters just as much as getting the job. From building trust with homeowners to walking away from misaligned work, this is a masterclass in staying true to your craft—even when it's hard.Whether you’re thinking about starting your own business or just love hearing how bold builders do things differently, this one’s for you.Chapters:(00:00) Intro(00:48) Working offshore(04:30) Time for a change(09:00) Transitioning to starting his own business - the value of coaching(10:01) Early days of Highworks Tree Services(13:53) Misunderstandings of Tree felling / cutting(17:30) Building his business and team(20:25) Maintaining high standards(22:50) Starting out, how do you get your first leads?(26:50) Toughest moments - cutting down the wrong tree(34:45) What would you say to someone starting their own service based business?About Born to Build:Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they’ve overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It’s honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time.
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40:31
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40:31
A Sure Break in Uncertain Times: The Story of Shorebreak Café - Andre Gouws
What kind of person opens a café during a global pandemic? Meet Andre Gouws - community builder, optimist, and founder of Shorebreak Café in Fish Hoek. In this energising episode of Born to Build, Andre shares how he launched his business when the world was shutting down, what it means to create a "sure break" in a seaside town, and how community beat capital in the early days of his startup.We unpack:Why André chose hospitality at the hardest possible timeThe quiet power of serving coffee, connection, and consistencyHard-won lessons from the grind of building a café from scratchWhat resilience really looks like when you're running on fumesA look behind the scenes: the real work that goes into your favorite flat whiteAndre’s story is a masterclass in calm determination, customer-first thinking, and showing up when it matters most. Chapters:(00:00) Intro(01:10) Andre before Shorebreak Cafe(02:25) What inspired you to start a business during the COVID-19 pandemic(10:00) Expanding from small beginnings(13:30) Balancing a full-time job and a side hustle(15:27) Community response - the genesis of building a hospitality business(19:35) Key lessons learned about people and customer service(22:47) What does a typical day look like behind the scenes?(32:24) How has this journey changed you as a person?(38:00) What’s next for Shorebreak?(40:30) What advice would you give builders?About Born to Build:Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they’ve overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It’s honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time.
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43:50
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43:50
Nothing but the Naked Truth - Sheralyn Cloete, Naked Truth Project SA
In this heartfelt episode of Born to Build, Sam sits down with his wife, Sheralyn Cloete, to share the raw, behind-the-scenes journey of launching Naked Truth South Africa - an organisation tackling the heavy realities of p😶rn addiction with grace, grit, and hope.Whether you're a founder, a faith-driven builder, or someone passionate about transformation, this episode will stir your heart and stretch your vision.Chapters:(00:00) Intro(02:00) Launching Naked Truth South Africa(03:10) The "why"(06:00) Key defining moments(07:52) Where do you even start?(13:30) Creating culturally relevant programs for schools, churches, and families.(16:17) Balancing the emotional intensity of the subject matter with the practical need to build a sustainable organisation(20:17) What does the team look like?(21:32) What skills from your past ventures have helped you here?(28:40) Stigma - what’s been the reaction from the community?(30:48) Looking ahead - what does growth look like?(34:40) How does Naked Truth approach funding?Check out Naked Truth Project here: https://nakedtruthproject.comAbout Born to Build:Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they’ve overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It’s honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time.
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they’ve overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It’s honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time.
South Africa