Nov. 4, 2025

You’re Not Behind on AI—You’re Choosing to Stay There with John Kelley

You’re Not Behind on AI—You’re Choosing to Stay There with John Kelley
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Welcome back to Sales & Cigars, the podcast where the only smoke we blow is from cigars.

In this episode, Walter sits down with John Kelley—a firefighter, entrepreneur, podcaster, and co-founder of Beefy Marketing—for a powerful conversation about AI, automation, burnout, and what entrepreneurs need to stop doing if they want to grow.

John’s journey is anything but ordinary. From running into burning buildings as a paramedic and firefighter to helping small businesses humanize their marketing strategies, he brings a refreshing mix of heart, hustle, and tech-forward thinking. The two dig into the mindset shift required to thrive in a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence—and how business owners can use tools like AI to buy back their time, serve people better, and grow without burning out.

Whether you’re skeptical of AI or already using it in your business, this episode will challenge the way you think and give you real-world strategies to start applying today.

 

In This Episode:

  • Why AI isn’t coming for your job—but someone using AI might

  • How to stop doing low-impact tasks and start focusing on what moves the needle

  • Why the education system failed to prepare us for the AI revolution

  • The “steam shovel” analogy every business owner needs to hear

  • How John uses AI voice agents and automation to create speed-to-lead and drive conversions

  • The importance of humanizing automation and staying connected to your clients

  • How burnout forced John to re-evaluate his business, his priorities, and his mental health

  • The power of cigars, brotherhood, and open conversations for mental wellness

 

Key Takeaway:

If you’re not using AI to eliminate low-value tasks and free up your time, you’re not just falling behind—you’re choosing to stay behind.

 

Connect with John Kelley:

• Connect with John Kelley: https://johnthemarketer.com 

• Try John’s AI assistant: Call (346) 534-7200

• Beefy Marketing: https://beefymarketing.com 

• Listen to Small Business Origins Podcast: Small Business Origins

 

Connect with Walter Crosby and Sales & Cigars:

Website: Helix Sales Development

LinkedIn: Walter Crosby

Instagram: @wcrosby248

Facebook: Helix Sales Development

 

Share Your Thoughts:

We'd love to hear your feedback and experiences! Drop us a line and join the conversation on social media using #SalesAndCigars.

 

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Keep savoring those cigars and stay sharp in sales! Until next time, keep listening to Sales & Cigars—the podcast where the only smoke we blow is from cigars.