Archive FM

Entrepreneurship Simplified

Is Your Business Stuck? Here’s Why Most Entrepreneurs Struggle to Grow

Broadcast on:
05 Mar 2025

Is your business feeling stuck, like no matter what you do, growth just seems out of reach?

Many entrepreneurs struggle to take their business to the next level, often falling into common pitfalls without even realizing it.

So today, I’ve invited my good friend Neal Maier from Tread Partners to talk about why. Neal has seen firsthand where business owners can go wrong—especially when it comes to digital marketing—and he shares the biggest mistakes he has seen and what you can do differently.

We talk about everything from go-to-market strategies to budgeting mistakes and why so many new business owners think marketing is some magic fix. Neal is on both sides of the table—he builds businesses, runs a marketing agency, and now specializes in helping multi-location tire dealers and auto repair shops grow. He has a ton of insight into what actually works.

We also get into some misconceptions about digital marketing, red flags to watch for when hiring a marketing partner, and why good visuals—like actual photos of your business—matter way more than people think. If you’re looking for real, honest talk about what’s holding your business back (and what to do about it), you’re in the right place. Let's jump into it!

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

00:00 - Introduction

00:56 - Who is Neal Maier?

03:01 - Biggest mistakes new business owners make when trying to get customers

05:34 - Dealing with business owners who don’t see the value in investing in marketing, like a website

08:52 - Why is stock photography a bad idea for businesses?

12:47 - Most common misconceptions people have about the digital marketing industry

16:08 - Red flags to watch out for when talking to potential digital marketing partners

21:37 - Thoughts on solo marketers who claim they can handle everything

30:54 - Thoughts on DIY versus professional help when it comes to digital marketing

34:14 - How important is it for entrepreneurs to know when to pivot or quit a business that isn’t working?

39:23 - Where is digital marketing headed and what trends should businesses watch?

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Neal Maier is the co-founder of Tread Partners, a marketing agency specializing in the automotive and tire industries. With a background in shop management, he began his career at Chapel Hill Tire Co. before advancing to General Manager at Auto Pro To Call, where he helped expand operations. Transitioning into marketing, he worked with a large agency before co-founding Tread Partners with David Christopher. Combining over 20 years of hands-on automotive experience with strategic marketing expertise, Neal helps businesses attract and retain customers through tailored solutions like the DRIVE framework. He has also shared insights on the Gain Traction Podcast, discussing effective growth strategies for the industry.

CONNECT WITH NEAL MAIER:

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