In this solo episode, Aaron opens up about what confidence really means, how it develops, and why people often mistake it for arrogance. From his own experiences in leadership and martial arts training to being misunderstood and even called intimidating, Aaron walks through the internal work required to become truly grounded — and how to help others get there too. If you’re a leader, parent, or someone building something bigger than yourself, this is an episode you’ll want to revisit. 🔥 Topics Covered: - The difference between real confidence and arrogance - How to stop letting others affect your mood - The importance of mastering your reactions - Why confident people are often misunderstood - How to give (and receive) criticism without conflict - Why your appearance and self-talk matter - Teaching confidence to others through action The AC Method is hosted by Aaron Clippinger and sponsored by SquareCoil. 👉 Learn more at https://www.squarecoil.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

In this short but high-impact solo episode, Aaron shares how he's preparing his businesses to weather an economic correction. From rising tariffs and permit delays to inflation and material price hikes, he gives a tactical breakdown on how to defend your margins, communicate clearly with clients, and keep your team steady when times get rocky. This is the real playbook for staying profitable when the market shifts. 🔥 Topics Covered: - Why a correction is coming (and already here for some) - The first 3 places to check if your profit is vulnerable - How to handle city delays without eating the cost - The pricing clause Aaron adds to every proposal - The importance of over-communicating with current clients - Why customer service matters most when things go wrong The AC Method is hosted by Aaron Clippinger and sponsored by SquareCoil. 👉 Learn more at https://www.squarecoil.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

In this episode, Aaron unpacks a hard truth: most of us confuse motion with progress. After meeting with a new mentor, he was forced to face the fact that he had over a dozen active “projects” pulling his focus — and that being busy doesn’t mean you’re growing. He breaks down how to identify what’s actually worth your time, how to cut low-ROI tasks, and why the real bottleneck might be your own inability to let go. 🔥 Topics Covered: - The hidden cost of taking on too many projects - Why hiring a mentor changed Aaron’s approach - The ROI test: which projects are actually worth doing? - Delegating vs. justifying “busy work” - What to track to stop lying to yourself The AC Method is hosted by Aaron Clippinger and sponsored by SquareCoil. 👉 Learn more at https://www.squarecoil.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

In this episode, Aaron shares a powerful mindset shift around hiring, especially as he explores acquiring a local sign company. What starts as a discussion about evaluating a deal quickly becomes a deep dive into core values, people analysis, and what most leaders get wrong when hiring or restructuring their team. If you've ever said “there’s no good people out there,” this episode will challenge that — and give you a better system. Topics Covered: - Why most financial statements are misleading - How to evaluate people in an acquisition - What a "people analyzer" looks like in practice - The 3 things every employee must have to succeed - Why hiring without a checklist is setting yourself up to fail The AC Method is hosted by Aaron Clippinger and sponsored by SquareCoil. Learn more at https://www.squarecoil.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

This special episode features Aaron Clippinger's full presentation from the ISA Sign Expo in Las Vegas: Are You the Leader Your Company Needs? In this high-impact talk, Aaron dives into the evolving role of CEOs and presidents, what leadership really looks like in the sign industry, and how culture, vision, and accountability separate startups from growth-stage companies. Whether you're running a small shop or leading a team of 50+, this talk will challenge you to rethink your leadership mindset and equip you with the tools to start leveling up your business. 🔥 Topics Covered: ● The difference between startup chaos and true growth ● Why vision and communication are more important than hustle ● How to create unified culture across sales and operations ● The real job of the CEO vs. the president ● Empowering self-starters (without micromanaging) ● Why teaching > correcting when training new hires ● How reports and tools (like SquareCoil) support real leadership 🎤 Recorded live at ISA Sign Expo, Las Vegas. The AC Method is hosted by Aaron Clippinger and powered by SquareCoil . 👉 Learn more at https://www.squarecoil.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

In this episode, Aaron breaks down what it actually means to build a real leadership team — not just taskmasters or title-holders. Inspired by the book Traction , he shares the importance of vision, buy-in, and defining core values that truly guide hiring, culture, and execution. From calling out weak leadership habits to sharing the questions that align your team for the long haul, this episode is a must-listen for any business owner trying to scale without losing direction. Topics Covered: What a real leadership team looks like (and what it’s not) The danger of leading without clear vision How to define core values that actually matter Why you need buy-in—not obedience—from your team How core values can simplify hiring, firing, and culture The AC Method is hosted by Aaron Clippinger and sponsored by SquareCoil . Learn more at https://www.squarecoil.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

What if your body could open doors before you even speak? That’s exactly how Kyle (@excaliburrcoaching) sees it—and lives it. In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the mindset, discipline, and systems behind Excaliburr: a coaching method designed to build high-value men by optimizing strength, mobility, clarity and long-term health. Kyle breaks down the real reasons most men fail to stay healthy, and offers battle-tested tools to overcome fatigue, obesity, poor metabolism, and mental blocks. From ginger shots to telomeres, deep squats to deep purpose—this is fitness with soul. The mindset shift that changed Kyle's life How he reversed visceral fat with a morning ritual The 4 pillars of building high-value men His exact training plan: 3 days, compound lifts, sprints Stretching, mobility, and the power of NLP Whether you're 290 lbs and starting over, or already fit and want to go deeper—Kyle’s method offers real tools and real results. Follow Kyle on Instagram: @excaliburrcoaching Visit his website: www.excaliburr.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Aaron is finally building the dream shop—but with a big twist: the company brings in $6 million a year, and the building? It’s going to cost $10 million. In this episode, Aaron shares the real numbers, the missteps (including a financial doc mistake that cost him a building), and how a custom lease-to-own deal is making it possible. Plus: the mindset, systems, and back-to-basics approach he's using to hit a $1M cash target in 24 months. The accounting error that lost him a building How a developer made the deal possible SBA strategy: what to prepare right now Why “carrying a heavy load” helps you focus Back to basics: sales, production, cashflow The power of just showing up as a leader Whether you’re running a shop, scaling a company, or dreaming big—this one hits all the right lessons. The AC Method is hosted by Aaron Clippinger and sponsored by SquareCoil . Learn more at https://www.squarecoil.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

After a rare five-day break, Aaron returns recharged—and immediately digs into his balance sheet. This time, he's targeting inventory: how it’s managed, stored, and often misused. In this episode, he shares real tactics to turn your raw materials into measurable profit and explains how inventory control directly impacts your bottom line. If you’re looking to save 10–12% in your shop without layoffs or gimmicks, this one’s for you. Why every shop should rethink how they track inventory How to simplify your materials list for faster production When to buy in bulk—and how to negotiate smarter What to deactivate, write off, or just trash How Squarecoil automates pricing and saves time Inventory isn’t just about storage—it’s strategy. Don’t forget to subscribe for more straight-talk leadership from The AC Method . The AC Method is hosted by Aaron Clippinger and sponsored by SquareCoil . Learn more at https://www.squarecoil.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

In this episode, Aaron shares a hard-earned lesson about boundaries, red flags, and knowing when to walk away—even from a six-figure project. Inspired by an article from Dale at Media 1, “The Power of No” , this one is all about protecting your team, your time, and your bottom line. Aaron walks through a real-world example: a national sign company pushing his team to take on a complex install without paying the advance deposit—until he finally said no . The result? Clarity, control, and a reminder that not every job is worth it. ✅ The hidden costs of saying “yes” to the wrong projects ✅ Why client red flags early on should never be ignored ✅ What ISN certification actually requires (and why Aaron hates it) ✅ Standing firm on payment terms—without apology ✅ When to protect your core clients by walking away from the rest Don’t forget to subscribe for more honest takes and leadership lessons from The AC Method . The AC Method is hosted by Aaron Clippinger and sponsored by SquareCoil . 👉 Learn more at https://www.squarecoil.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

This week’s episode hits two sides of the business: what your sales team should be doing—and why they’re probably not. After stepping into the controller role for a month, Aaron shares what he uncovered behind the curtain: bad entries, skipped steps, and $1.2 million sitting in accounts receivable. From onboarding clients the right way to having real money conversations, this is a must-listen for anyone running a shop, leading a sales team, or just trying to get paid on time. Why most sales reps fail to ask the most important question The real cost of skipping process steps in your CRM How to talk about money without scaring off the client Why sign companies can’t price based on true value The $1.2M problem—and how one sentence started solving it Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes of The AC Method! The AC Method is hosted by Aaron Clippinger and sponsored by SquareCoil . Learn more at https://www.squarecoil.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

In this episode of The AC Method, Aaron shares the evolving story of a controller crisis that’s turning into a powerful lesson on hiring and interviewing. After back-to-back controller hires fell short due to dishonesty, Aaron reveals how he completely revamped his interview process to ensure candidates truly have the skills they claim. From trade show insights on the latest tech to key hiring strategies, discover: Why bringing the right team members to the trade show matters How to spot inauthentic resumes and buzzword bait A live demonstration using QuickBooks as your “lie detector” The updated interview process that nails down candidate competence If you’re an owner or manager looking to sharpen your hiring process and avoid costly mistakes, this episode is a must-listen. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of The AC Method! The AC Method is hosted by Aaron Clippinger and sponsored by SquareCoil. Learn more at https://www.squarecoil.com . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

In this episode of The AC Method, Aaron Clipinger—CEO of SquareCoil—shares his biggest takeaway from the ISA Sign Expo: your customers aren’t just clients—they’re part of your team. Reflecting on real conversations from the show floor, Aaron explores how building meaningful relationships with your customers can fuel innovation, improve your service, and reignite your passion for leadership. From old-school check-in calls to listening without ego, this episode is a rallying cry for leaders who want to build lasting trust. Aaron also touches on key differences between a CEO and a president, the emotional impact of great signage, and why embracing customer feedback—even the tough stuff—can be a superpower. If you’re in leadership, operations, or simply trying to build a better company, this one’s for you. 👍 Like the episode, 💬 drop a comment about how you include your customers, and 🔔 subscribe for more no-fluff business insights from the front lines. #TheACMethod #CustomerExperience #LeadershipTips #SquareCoil #ISAExpo2025 #Teamwork #BusinessGrowth #CEOInsights #SignageIndustry #CustomerFirst #SmallBusinessLeadership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

In this eye-opening episode of The AC Method , Aaron Clipinger—CEO of SquareCoil—pulls back the curtain on one of the most critical (and chaotic) transitions a business can face: hiring a new controller. Just one week out from a major trade show, Aaron shares the unfiltered, behind-the-scenes story of a 15-year controller stepping down, a string of hiring misfires, and the costly red flags that almost went unnoticed. Tune in as Aaron unpacks what makes a true CEO vs. a president, dives into leadership accountability, and reveals the surprising moment when a $43,000 check nearly derailed everything. Whether you're a business owner, operations lead, or just curious about financial oversight, this episode is packed with real-world lessons on trust, process, and the importance of checks and balances. Don't miss Aaron's upcoming talk at the ISA Expo Learning Lounge: "Are You the Leader Your Company Needs?" Like, comment, and subscribe for more raw business insights from the front lines. #Leadership #SmallBusiness #CEOInsights #HiringMistakes #BusinessLessons #SquareCoil #TheACMethod #AccountingFraud #TradeShowPrep #ISAExpo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

In this special episode of The AC Method, Aaron is away, so Jamie and Crystal from his team are taking over! Join them as they dive into the excitement and hard work behind the upcoming ISA Expo. Get an exclusive look at what it takes to prepare for a major industry event in Vegas, from the long five-hour drive and the massive booth setup to the customer interactions and late-night networking. Discover the reality of expo life – it's not just about the fun; it's a lot of work! Crystal and Jamie share their experiences, including customer testimonials and the importance of building strong relationships. If you’re curious about trade shows, expos, or just want to see what the SquareCoil team gets up to, this episode is for you! Like, comment, and subscribe to show your support! #ISAExpo #TradeShow #BehindTheScenes #BusinessEvents #SquareCoil #Networking #CustomerRelations #Vegas #ExpoLife Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…