Pro Series with Eric Dillman

Latest Episodes:

Built on Trust: Mike Lucas on Growing REVIVE Flooring & Paint: EP. 199 Jul 11, 2025

Show notes

In Episode 199, I’m joined by Mike Lucas, CEO of REVIVE Flooring & Paint, one of Pittsburgh’s go-to companies for expert painting and flooring services.We dive into how Mike built a service-based business rooted in trust, clear communication, and high-quality craftsmanship. From scaling a team to earning repeat business from clients who value results, this episode is full of insight for entrepreneurs, creatives, and home industry pros.Tune in to hear the story behind REVIVE — and what it takes to stand out in a competitive market.https://reviveflooringandpaint.com/

Paint Rollers and the Death of Common Sense: Off Topic EP. 118 Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Off Topic, Eric dives headfirst into the chaotic brilliance of starting your week on a Tuesday—because let’s be honest, Monday three-day weekends are the ultimate life hack. Why suffer through a regular five-day week when you can time-travel your way to Friday by simply skipping Monday?

Also on the docket:

Why Instagram’s Edit app might just be your new best friend—no more retakes, just type, paste, and post.
A late-night scroll spiral that led to an absolutely unhinged “life hack” involving sunscreen and paint rollers.
And a heartfelt moment honoring Toby Keith’s Apple Sessions—because sometimes you need a little country nostalgia to balance the madness.

Time may be fake, but this episode is very real. Tune in for some laughs, questionable thoughts, and oddly solid advice.

Blueprints & Breakthroughs with Seif El-Sahly: EP. 198 Jul 03, 2025

Show notes

Seif El-Sahly isn’t just building homes — he’s building trust, teams, and a legacy of excellence. In this episode, we dive into the story of a civil engineer-turned-entrepreneur who went from moonlighting his startup to landing million-dollar projects and scaling a business that’s transformed over 200 units across Canada.

Born to civil engineer parents in Abu Dhabi and raised in Canada, Seif shares how discipline, precision, and grit laid the foundation for Newfore Inc. From revitalizing abandoned properties to managing a viral digital presence, he brings a rare mix of technical skill, creative problem-solving, and hands-on leadership to every site.

We talk about:

The hustle behind his first $1M project
Balancing entrepreneurship with integrity (even when facing a seven-figure fraud)
Why he treats every project like a teammate
What it took to hit 15M Instagram views and 45M Facebook views
How he uses engineering to unlock ROI in complex multi-unit conversions

Whether you’re in construction, design, or business, this episode is a masterclass in accountability, resilience, and making things happen — no excuses.

Post Smarter, DIY Less: OFF TOPIC EP.117 Jun 29, 2025

Show notes

In this week’s episode of Off Topic, we’re diving headfirst into the chaos of modern life — online and offline. First up: the algorithm doesn’t reward ghosting — I’ll tell you why your first 15 minutes after posting are more important than the post itself. Then, I’m sounding the alarm on unhinged DIY trends (hanger chandeliers? Coffee-stained drywall? We’ve gone too far).

Also: can we stop putting cottage cheese in everything?! I’m all for high-protein hacks, but not every dessert needs curds.

And of course, I’m closing with this week’s Country Music Weekly, where I share why I want to be reincarnated as one of Jelly Roll’s farm animals — no seriously, they’re living the dream.

Buckle up. It’s unfiltered, it’s hilarious, and it’s Off Topic.

Simplify to Scale with Ken Cox: EP. 197 Jun 27, 2025

Show notes

If you’re great at what you do but struggling to run the business side of things — this episode is for you. Ken Cox, tech innovator, business leader, and host of the Clicks and Bricks Podcast, joins us to break down how small business owners can streamline operations and scale smarter.

We dive into tools like CRM systems, office solutions, and simple strategies to help you build a business that runs efficiently — and profitably.

Number 1 Country Song & Threads Regret: Off Topic EP. 116 Jun 22, 2025

Show notes

We’re back with another unpredictable ride through what’s on my mind this week — and trust me, it’s off topic in the best way.

Kane Brown scores the #1 spot with “Backseat Driver” — I break down why this track is working
A quick throwback to Episode 177 of The Pro Series Podcast with Jordan Walker (yes, that Jordan Walker), and a look at the surprising Pittsburgh connection
Plus: can we talk about the cutlery tray crumbs? Like... why is this a thing?
And finally — is Threads already dead? I check in on what’s going on with the app we all downloaded, loved for a week, and maybe ghosted?

Of course, I wrap it all up with Country Music Weekly, spotlighting what’s hot right now on the charts.

🎧 Episode 116 is live now. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Vision in Motion: Shane Drake on Directing Icons, and the Art of Storytelling: Episode 196 Jun 19, 2025

Show notes

What do I Write Sins Not Tragedies, Love Wins, and Worst Way all have in common?They were all directed by this week’s guest—renowned filmmaker Shane Drake.With a 20+ year career spanning music videos, commercials, and feature films, Shane has shaped the visual world of artists like Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, and Keith Urban. He won MTV’s Video of the Year for Panic! at the Disco’s I Write Sins Not Tragedies and has brought his distinct creative vision to major brands like Google, Ford, Snickers, American Idol, and The Voice.In this episode, Shane opens up about:The creative process behind directing unforgettable music videosHis wild behind-the-scenes story from his first VMA winHis unique journey from actor to directorHow his theater background shaped his cinematic styleHis latest projects, including Rising Star and his upcoming feature film Cold Dead HandsShane’s storytelling is bold, thoughtful, and deeply inspiring—making this a must-listen for creatives, filmmakers, and fans of country and pop culture alike.Episode out now on all streaming platforms.

TV Set Lies, Full House Fails: OFF TOPIC EP. 115 Jun 15, 2025

Show notes

Ever watched a TV show and thought, “There’s no way that living room fits in that house”? Same. This week, we take a fun designer deep dive into the Full House set and why the iconic San Francisco exterior makes zero sense with the show's interior layout. Spoiler: Danny Tanner must’ve owned the entire block.

Then we switch gears and head south for your weekly country music rundown — the top 5 songs lighting up country radio right now, plus a few fresh releases and rising artists you need to have on your radar.

It’s a little Hollywood. A little Nashville. All good storytelling.

🎧 Hit play and let’s nerd out.

From Ash to Elegance — Inside The 1864 Club with Eddie Taimuty & Alex Perdziola: Episode 195 Jun 12, 2025

Show notes

Returning guest Eddie Taimuty joins us once again — this time with his business partner Alex Perdziola — for an exclusive conversation inside their brand new cigar lounge: @the_1864_club, nestled in Pittsburgh’s North Side.

But this isn’t just about cigars. It’s about vision, restoration, and a full-scale transformation of a historic space that connects directly to the soon-to-open @roccos_ristorante_pgh and @villagio_pgh, a boutique hotel bringing European charm to the city.

In this episode, we unpack:

The story behind the renovation
The intentional design details throughout
Their mission to create a destination unlike anything else in Pittsburgh

Whether you’re a design lover, a hospitality pro, or just love seeing Pittsburgh thrive — this one’s for you.

Wait… AOL Still Exists? + My Top 5 Most Underrated Country Artists - OFF TOPIC EP.114 Jun 08, 2025

Show notes

This week on Off Topic, we’re diving headfirst into the chaos of the internet and culture. Did you know AOL is still a thing in 2025? We didn’t either—until a Bored Panda article reminded us.

We also unpack why niche podcasts might be in their golden age, how neutral design is officially being labeled “sad beige energy,” and why Instagram is starting to feel like LinkedIn’s quirky cousin. Plus, a possibly fake Facebook article makes its rounds, and Eric shares his Top 5 most underrated country artists of the moment, along with a fresh look at this week in Country Music Weekly.

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