Guest Speakers
Casey Walsh
Founder & CEO, Stand Up Guys Junk Removal
Casey Walsh founded Stand Up Guys Junk Removal in 2008 at just 19 years old with one goal: to build a life on his own terms. Inspired by Think and Grow Rich and determined to prove his potential, he transformed a pickup truck and a big vision into one of the largest independent junk removal companies in the world.
Today, Stand Up Guys operates in five states and seven metro areas, generating $7–$8 million in annual revenue. But the real shift happened after a shattered shoulder forced Casey off the truck. That injury became the catalyst to stop working in the business and start building a team-driven company. Now, he shares why that transition is critical—and how to make it before you're forced to.
Casey credits his success to treating people right—customers and employees alike—and his “ready, fire, aim” mentality. With high risk tolerance and unshakable grit, he’s scaled a brand known for loyalty, culture, and leadership. His story is raw, real, and packed with lessons for entrepreneurs ready to level up.
Benji Carlson
EVP of Community Growth at LeanScaper | Previously Host of Contractor Evolution
Benji Carlson is a powerful advocate for professionalism in the trades, with a unique ability to simplify complex systems into real-world strategies that scale. As the creator and host of Contractor Evolution, Benji produced over 200 episodes of one of the industry's most influential podcasts while highlighting the mindset, systems, and leadership behind top-tier blue-collar businesses.
Today, Benji leads community strategy and content at LeanScaper, where he helps landscaping entrepreneurs streamline operations, develop strong leadership, and build culture-first companies using the LeanScaper OS. His work focuses on empowering owners and frontline teams through better systems, smarter hiring, and purpose-driven leadership.
A trusted advisor to elite home services businesses and a magnetic speaker, Benji brings high energy, deep insight, and humor to every stage he steps on. Whether he's podcasting, coaching, or keynoting, his mission remains clear: elevate the trades, champion the people who power them, and help build companies that great people want to be a part of.
Meaghan Likes
CPA | Entrepreneur | Financial Coach for Small Business Owners
Meaghan Likes takes the fear out of finances. A CPA and serial entrepreneur, she owns seven companies—six with partners—and is known for shaking up the accounting industry with a fresh, accessible approach. Her mission? To help business owners know their numbers so they can live more financially rewarding lives.
Her clients collectively generate over $100M in annual revenue and $35M in EBITDA, with average net profits of 22% (and several pushing past 25% on 8-figure businesses). Within 90 days, many see a 30%+ jump in net income. Last year alone, they averaged 79% revenue growth. She’s also been instrumental in more than 10 private equity exits with total valuations nearing $2 billion.
Meaghan is a passionate advocate for financial literacy, goal setting, and community impact. She travels 40 weeks a year, volunteers 10 hours a week as a dedicated Rotarian, and still finds time to enjoy gardening, reading, and setting records-she's officially the 3rd fastest female window cleaner in the world.
Barry Hartman
Co-Founder & CEO of 505-Junk | Founder of Bolt Accelerator
Barry Hartman is the co-founder and CEO of 505-Junk, the fastest-growing junk removal company in Canada and one of the largest independent operations in North America. With a relentless drive for innovation and operational excellence, Barry has built a powerhouse brand that’s disrupting an outdated industry and setting new benchmarks in service, culture, and growth. He’s also a passionate real estate investor, devoted husband, and proud father.
Barry first made waves in the industry by introducing a pay-by-weight pricing system with onboard truck scales, bringing unmatched transparency and trust to customers while creating a scalable, data-driven business model. This forward-thinking approach positioned 505-Junk as an industry leader and laid the groundwork for a much bigger mission.
Now, as the founder of Bolt Accelerator, Barry is building the future of junk removal entrepreneurship. With a clear mission to help winners win, Bolt delivers world-class coaching, an elite community, and AI-powered tools designed to help independent operators scale profitably and sustainably. Through Bolt, Barry is unlocking a new era of leadership and growth—elevating the entire industry to heights it has never seen before.
Alex Elsey, MC at BoltSummit
505-Junk’s Proven Leader Driving Growth with Heart and Hustle
Alex Elsey has been all-in since day one. As 505-Junk’s very first employee, Alex believed in the mission before it was cool and never looked back. Today, he’s not only an equity partner and Vice President of Sales and Operations at 505-Junk, but also a driving force at Bolt Accelerator. Over the years, he has helped lead the charge in generating tens of millions in revenue, overseeing both sales and production with precision and passion.
What sets Alex apart isn’t just his numbers, it’s his character. Known for an outstanding 90% on-site conversion rate for jobs over $1,000, his secret lies in a rare mix of charisma, high EQ, and genuine care for people. Whether he’s leading teams, being a devoted husband and father, or scaling business units, Alex shows up with integrity, excellence, and relentless energy.
He’s the kind of leader who puts people first without ever losing sight of the mission. Everything Alex touches turns to gold, and MCing BoltSummit will be no different. Expect nothing less than a masterclass in leadership from one of the industry’s most proven characters.