PODCAST

The Modern Industrialist

America runs on businesses built by people who showed up and refused to quit. This is where they tell their stories. The early mornings, the hard calls, the years of figuring it out. These are the owners who poured everything into their companies and came out the other side with something real. No polish, no spin. Just the grit behind the businesses that keep this country moving.
Subscribe on YouTube
LATEST EPISODE
Episode 3

Built a Book Publishing Company From Nothing, Then Sold It in Four Years

May 5, 2026

Andy Symonds built Ballast Books, Blue Balloon Books, and Valor Press from nothing — no business plan, no investors, no roadmap. He knew books, he knew authors, and he knew the old New York way of publishing wasn't working for anyone but the big houses.

View episode

All Episodes

Built a Book Publishing Company From Nothing, Then Sold It in Four Years
Episode 3

May 5, 2026

Built a Book Publishing Company From Nothing, Then Sold It in Four Years

Andy Symonds built Ballast Books, Blue Balloon Books, and Valor Press from nothing — no business plan, no investors, no roadmap. He knew books, he knew authors, and he knew the old New York way of publishing wasn't working for anyone but the big houses.

Thinking about selling your business?

We help founders navigate the process of selling their business. No pressure, just a conversation about your options.

Schedule a callLearn more