Building Meaningful Businesses and the Mindset Behind Lasting Success With Mike Arzt
- Jennifer McPherson
- Jan 19
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 20
Mike Arzt is the Owner of The Public Works, a Denver-based creative agency focused on branding and content, and Battery621, a collaborative workspace and community hub for creative professionals. Under Mike's leadership, The Public Works has delivered award-winning projects and cultivated a client roster featuring Red Bull, Aspen Skiing Company, and Airstream. With a diverse background in action sports marketing, professional photography, and entrepreneurship, Mike is known for his relentless drive, community-building ethos, and hands-on approach.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
[01:39] Mike Arzt gives a brief introduction about himself and his companies
[06:39] How creative partnerships spark unique business opportunities
[07:49] The secrets behind working with world-renowned brands
[12:49] Why your biggest business obstacle might actually be yourself
[22:07] Advice Mike wishes he’d given his younger self
[25:29] How support groups and self-care drive entrepreneurial growth
In this episode…
Building something meaningful takes more than a good idea or perfect timing. It requires resilience, self-awareness, and the willingness to keep going when doubt creeps in. What really separates businesses that last from those that burn out?
For Mike Arzt, the answer starts from within. Drawing from his experience as a long-time entrepreneur and builder of community-driven ventures, Mike believes that the biggest challenges in business are often internal, not external. He shares how imposter syndrome, mindset shifts, and learning to get out of his own way have shaped his growth, ultimately influencing not just his companies, but the people around him.
In this episode of Own Your Next, Jennifer McPherson is joined by Mike Arzt, Owner of The Public Works and Battery621, to discuss building meaningful businesses that stand the test of time. They explore the mindset required for long-term success, the role of persistence and relationships in business, and how personal growth directly impacts leadership. Mike also talks about learning from setbacks and why the next chapter can be the most powerful yet.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Quotable Moments
“I think it's taken me this long to accept and understand that the biggest thing getting in my way of doing better and doing better for the people around me is me.”
“There's nothing like a good swift kick in the ass to go start freelancing.”
“I feel like the biggest freaking challenge and obstacles and everything is like, all like it's me.”
“I truly am energized by meeting great people.”
“I see this next ten years should be the best shit we've ever done.”
Action Steps
Invest in peer support and trusted communities: Having a safe space to share challenges helps entrepreneurs realize they are not alone and grow faster.
Practice consistent self-reflection: Recognizing internal roadblocks builds self-awareness and prevents mindset issues from limiting leadership effectiveness.
Commit to long-term persistence with clients and goals: Staying patient and engaged over time often creates opportunities that short-term thinking would miss.
Prioritize relationships over transactions: Strong, long-lasting relationships compound in value and often become the foundation of sustained business success.
Make space for personal growth and self-care: Taking care of yourself improves decision-making, emotional regulation, and how you show up for others.
Sponsor for this episode...
Chickenango helps brands connect with their communities through thoughtful, strategic communication.
Specializing in public engagement, branding, and messaging for sectors such as transportation, infrastructure, energy, and government, Chickenago turns complex projects into stories people can understand and care about.
With decades of industry experience, their team builds trust through authentic storytelling and genuine collaboration.
Discover how they’re making a difference at chickenango.com.
