local business growth Archives - Spectruss Marketing and Advertising

Motorcycles, Family Legacy, and the Real Story Behind Chick-fil-A With Seth Cathy

What happens when a small diner idea survives a plane crash, passes through three generations, and still sticks to the same principles it started with? You get Chick-fil-A, and a whole lot more than just chicken.

In this episode of Spectruss Speakeasy, I sat down with Seth Cathy, grandson of Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy. And no, this wasn’t your standard business interview. This was about purpose, grit, and what really matters when you’re building something that lasts.

From Soda Bottles to a National Brand

Truett Cathy didn’t grow up with much. He started out during the Great Depression selling glass Coca-Cola bottles at age 8 and, as Seth joked, “the only toy he had was his brother’s loose tooth.” That same scrappy energy is what turned a simple diner into a fast-food empire with more than 3,300 locations.

And it almost didn’t happen. A tragic plane crash nearly cut everything short, but Truett pulled through. What stuck with Seth was not just the resilience, but the reason his grandfather got up every day, to care for people and run a business with purpose.

Exploring how Chick-fil-A’s story relates to local entrepreneurs and business growth

Paving your own way

Seth didn’t just inherit a last name, he inherited a mindset. And while his path didn’t lead him straight into the Chick-fil-A boardroom, the values stayed with him. He studied history, ran a pottery studio on Main Street in Chattanooga, and ended up building community through motorcycles.

You read that right. Vintage Hondas. 120 acres on Lookout Mountain. Off-road rides that turned into meetups with meaning. Seth has a thing for bringing people together, and it’s not just about the bikes.

What Small Businesses Can Learn

Here’s where this hits home for every small or mid-sized business: You don’t need a billion-dollar brand to build trust or make an impact. You just need to know why you started and stick to it.

Too many business owners jump straight into ads, websites, or social media without a clear message. That’s like riding without knowing where the trail goes.

You need structure. You need a brand that speaks clearly. That’s exactly what we do at Spectruss. We help you figure out your story, build tools that support it (like custom websites, branding, and automated systems), and then get that story in front of the right people.

Why This Episode Matters

This conversation with Seth wasn’t about being famous or successful. It was about keeping your feet on the ground, even when your business grows fast. It was about knowing that no matter how many people you serve, it still comes back to purpose, discipline, and relationships.

Your business has a story. Maybe you haven’t told it yet. Maybe it’s been buried under to-do lists and customer support calls. But it’s there, and it’s the one thing your competitors can’t copy.

We’re here to help you bring it forward.

New Spectruss Speakeasy episodes reveal powerful branding insights from the Chick-fil-A story

FAQ: Questions Small Business Owners Ask

How do I figure out what my brand values actually are?

Start by thinking about why you opened your business. What do you want customers to remember about you? That’s where your values live.

Can I grow without losing what makes my business special?

Yes, if you stay consistent. Write down your story, your message, and what you won’t compromise on. Then build from there.

What slows down most small businesses when they try to grow?

Not being clear. If your message changes every month or your site doesn’t match your customer experience, it all feels confusing. People don’t buy when they’re unsure.

I’m not great at writing or storytelling. Does that matter?

Not at all. You don’t need to be a writer. You just need to be honest about what you do and why. We help shape that into branding and marketing that makes sense.

In that case, our team can help you develop your story. You got the experience an we got the rest. Contact us to discuss it further.

How can Spectruss help me?

We help businesses like yours build smart websites, create strong messaging, run ads that actually work, and set up systems that keep things running even when you’re busy.

If you are an small business owner and you are looking for a partner to achieve your marketing goals, check our service page here.

Spectruss Speakeasy with John Wiygul: From Climbing Walls to Building Business Grit

When a business and a lifestyle merge, it creates something unforgettable. That’s exactly what happened when John Wiygul, founder and CEO of High Point Climbing and Fitness, sat down with Sam Silvey on the latest episode of Spectruss Speakeasy. It wasn’t just a chat about climbing or fitness, it was about real ambition, smart risk-taking, and building something that reflects what you believe in.

Chattanooga roots, national reach John grew up in Chattanooga and built something local that now spans eight climbing gyms across three states. He started with a love for climbing, skipping elementary school to hit the rocks with his brother, and turned that into a brand that’s now one of the most respected climbing names in the Southeast.

The gyms are more than places to work out, they’re hubs for people who want a better way to move, connect, and grow. From digging a pit under a parking garage for their first downtown gym to developing a massive 49,000-square-foot facility in Orlando, John’s story is built on commitment, smart thinking, and relentless consistency.

Coffee, culture, and community John didn’t stop with gyms. He and his team launched Trail Town Coffee, a café right next to High Point’s downtown Chattanooga gym. It wasn’t just about caffeine. It was about creating an experience that matched the energy of the community. Sandwiches, specialty drinks, and a direct pass-through to the gym turned it into a local favorite.

This episode wasn’t only about climbing walls and workout routines. Sam and John talked about burnout, discipline, and what it takes to stay grounded while growing fast. From hard races in Puerto Rico to the grind of managing over 150 employees, the theme stayed the same, you can grow a strong business without losing your identity.

For small businesses: lessons from the wall John’s story hits close for any small to mid-sized business owner. Why? Because he started with a niche, went all in, and built it brick by brick, literally. And he did it while keeping his team close and his mission clear.

If you’re building something that matters, this episode is a reminder that you don’t have to play by outdated rules. You can shape something new, something exciting, and something that really reflects your values.

Want to hear how he did it, mistakes, milestones, and all? Listen to the full episode of Spectruss Speakeasy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform. And check out more about what we do at Spectruss.com.

FAQ: What You Might Still Be Wondering

What is Spectruss Speakeasy?
It’s a podcast from Chattanooga-based agency Spectruss, hosted by Sam Silvey. Each episode brings real conversations with business owners, creatives, and people shaping their industries.
Who is John Wiygul and why is his story helpful?
He’s the founder of High Point Climbing and Fitness. He’s grown a small local idea into a multi-location brand without losing its soul. His experience is relatable for any business trying to scale while staying true to their values.
What can other industries take from this episode?
Whether you run a coffee shop, creative agency, or retail space, John’s focus on clear branding, smart expansion, and customer connection applies across the board.
How does Spectruss help brands like High Point?
We help businesses build websites, create brand strategy, manage digital marketing, and deliver results through paid ads, content, and design. Learn more at spectruss.com.
What’s the biggest message from the episode?
You don’t have to be corporate to be successful. Being involved, staying consistent, and doing things differently still works, and it’s working for High Point.