Send us a text

After 35 years in the corporate world, Andy Brennan hit a crossroads. At 55, he walked away from a steady paycheck and a VP-level job—and took a leap of faith into small business ownership.

In this episode of Monkey Business Radio, Andy joins Chris and Dennis to talk about the journey from burnout to business ownership. They cover the early days of Cape Cod Gutter Monkeys, the value of planning (and re-planning), and how trust, partnership, and a simple business model laid the foundation for success.

You’ll hear how Andy and Dennis built the company out of a garage, used church bulletins and radio ads to land their first jobs, and why they chose to focus solely on gutters. They also share how the franchise idea came to life when customers started asking, “Can I do what you do?”

If you’ve ever thought about leaving the 9-to-5 behind—or wondered what it takes to build a business later in life—this one’s for you.

Send us a text

Starting a business and finding yourself surrounded by competitors? That’s not a problem—it’s validation. In this episode, Chris and Dennis dive into what competition really means for a new or growing business and how to navigate it without panicking, discounting, or losing sight of your value.

From naming and branding to customer service and quality control, the conversation highlights what it takes to stand out—especially in saturated markets. Real-world stories from the Cape Cod Gutter Monkeys show how the right approach to differentiation can help you grow a loyal customer base and even earn the respect of your competitors.

They also explore how consistency in marketing, a strong brand identity, and clear communication help build long-term customer relationships. Whether you're launching a new venture or looking to take your small business to the next level, this episode is packed with insight on how to win smart—not cheap.

Send us a text

What if the secret to market dominance isn't competing with others, but finding spaces they've completely overlooked?

"On the island of the blind, the one-eyed man will be king." This powerful business philosophy—discussed by hosts Chris Collins and Dennis Siggins—reveals how smart entrepreneurs identify untapped markets and position themselves as the only solution, becoming leaders by default rather than through direct competition.

Dennis shares how Cape Cod Gutter Monkeys became the region's only dedicated gutter cleaning service by recognizing a need homeowners themselves didn't realize existed. Eleven years later, no competitors have emerged, demonstrating how identifying and owning an overlooked niche can create lasting market dominance. The hosts examine similar success stories across industries: how McDonald's revolutionized fast food with innovative service models, how De Beers created the diamond engagement ring tradition, and how companies like Rotor-Rooter and 1-800-GOT-JUNK invented entirely new service categories.

The conversation explores how true market leadership often comes not from superior talent or resources, but from recognizing opportunities others miss. Dennis explains how this principle guided his earlier business as an innkeeper, targeting specific recession-resistant communities rather than competing in overcrowded marketing channels. The hosts also highlight how companies that prepared for unexpected market shifts—like Seafood Sam's restaurants developing delivery systems before COVID hit—can turn challenges into opportunities for growth.

Whether you're starting a new venture or reinventing an existing business, this episode reveals how identifying genuine unmet needs and positioning yourself as the specialist can help you create a category where you're the default choice because few or no alternatives exist. It's not about being better than everyone else—it's about being the only one solving a particular problem.

Ready to find your own untapped market opportunity? Subscribe for more insights on building successful businesses through strategic positioning and market awareness.

Send us a text

Starting a business takes more than just a good idea—you need a funding strategy that fits your goals, risk tolerance, and lifestyle. In this episode of Monkey Business Radio, we break down the four most common ways entrepreneurs get their ventures off the ground: bootstrapping with personal savings, acquiring debt, selling equity, and using a royalty-based model.

We talk candidly about the financial realities of starting small—selling off personal assets, living lean, and making trade-offs early to build long-term success. You’ll hear real-world stories, from founders who turned a few thousand dollars into multimillion-dollar companies, to legendary gambles like the FedEx founder’s last-ditch trip to Las Vegas.

We also dive into the unique appeal of royalty-based models like franchising—where you can own your business but benefit from systems, support, and a proven brand. If you’re exploring franchise ownership or looking for a smarter way to launch a service business, this episode offers practical insights, cautionary tales, and encouragement to help you make informed decisions.

Send us a text

Most folks go where the puck is. Visionaries? They go where the puck is gonna be.

In this episode, we dig into what it really means to think ahead in business—and how that mindset can drive long-term growth. Dennis and Chris unpack how to build a five-year plan, recognize your weak spots, and surround yourself with the right people (hint: not yes-men).

We hear the story of Marjorie Merriweather Post—a 27-year-old who turned breakfast into big business—and how her instincts reshaped American kitchens. We also talk Cape Cod Gutter Monkeys, marketing wins (and flops), and why hitting every goal might mean your goals aren't ambitious enough.

This one’s packed with stories, strategy, quotes, and a reminder: your vision doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to keep you moving forward.

So grab your coffee, sit back, and welcome to Monkey Business Radio.

Send us a text

In this episode of Monkey Business Radio, Chris and Dennis dig into one of the most overlooked assets in small business—intellectual property (IP). From brand reputation and trade secrets to goodwill and systems, your IP might just be the most valuable line on your balance sheet.

They share real stories—like how AGM built its IP from scratch, why owning vs. leasing real estate changes everything, and how iconic brands like Jordan’s Furniture and Ken’s Steakhouse show the power of strong branding.

Whether you’re a home service operator or aspiring franchisee, this episode will change how you look at your business value.

Send us a text

In this episode of Monkey Business Radio, hosts Chris and Dennis dive into the importance of valuing your business. From financial metrics like balance sheets and P&L statements to the intangible value of Intellectual Property and Goodwill, they explore the methods that business owners use to assess their company's worth. Whether you're growing your business, considering investment, or planning an exit strategy, this episode provides practical insights on how to calculate your business's value and make informed decisions. Tune in to understand how valuing your company can shape your future success!

Send us a text

Advertising can feel like a guessing game, but the right strategy makes all the difference. In this episode, we sit down with Warren Palley of Palley Advertising, the mastermind behind Cape Cod Gutter Monkeys’ radio success and a key player in helping American Gutter Monkeys franchisees expand their reach.

Warren Palley, of Palley Advertising shares how businesses can find their niche in traditional advertising, why radio still delivers results, and how working with the right advertising partners can make all the difference. From choosing the best stations to negotiating ad placements and maximizing your budget, this episode is packed with insights on making advertising work smarter—not harder.

Listen in and learn how to turn your marketing from an expense into an investment that keeps the phone ringing!