Discipline, leadership, partnerships, and purpose—these four things show up again and again in the story of every successful entrepreneur I know. They're not buzzwords but survival tools. Without them, it’s easy to get lost in the chaos of running a business or trying to grow one from scratch. And when you have all four working together, you can see and feel it.

That’s why I was so excited to sit down with my friend Shane Miller on my podcast. Shane is the CEO and co-founder of New Story Lending, and someone I’ve had the pleasure of working with on countless deals. His story is powerful, not just because he’s built a successful business, but because of how he’s done it.

Let me break down the highlights of our conversation.

Early Drive and Entrepreneurial Roots

Shane didn’t just wake up one day and decide to become a business leader. It started early.

He had his first taste of leadership, serving on a youth council at his church when he was just a kid. He was already managing responsibilities and working with others at an age most of us were just trying to pass spelling tests.

Like many entrepreneurs, Shane caught the bug young. He was mowing lawns, hustling cassette tapes at school, and working as a dishwasher in his grandparents’ restaurant by age nine. That restaurant, by the way, is the same one he’d end up owning and running years later. His entrepreneurial mindset was already forming long before his first official business.

Military Discipline and the Foundation of Structure

Being in the military has greatly shaped Shane’s approach to business. He joined the Army’s SMP program while attending Clemson and later became an infantry officer. That experience gave him the kind of structure and daily discipline that’s rare.

Waking up early, making the bed, showing up on time, grinding through hard physical and mental work—it’s all routine in the military.

But for Shane, that discipline translated directly into how he runs his businesses. He’s consistent, methodical, and unshaken when things get tough. That structure is something a lot of entrepreneurs struggle to build, especially in the early years.

Lessons Learned from Chaos, Failure, and Focus

In the early stages of our careers, both Shane and I tried to do too much. We were all over the place. I started a restaurant and a real estate brokerage at the same time. Shane dabbled in several industries, too. We both realized that when you chase too many things, you end up being average at all of them.

Here are a few big lessons Shane shared:

• You can’t be great at everything. Find your lane.

• When your businesses support each other, they’re easier to grow.

• Focus creates clarity. Clarity drives growth.

Once Shane focused his energy on the housing economy (mortgages, rentals, construction), his businesses started to thrive.

Systems, Delegation, and “Who, Not How”

Early on, Shane learned the hard way that without solid systems, burnout is inevitable. Now, he’s known for his ability to build processes and empower people around him.

The Influence of “Who Not How” Philosophy on How Shane Built His Business

Shane is a big fan of the book, Who Not How. The idea is simple: stop trying to do everything yourself and start finding the right people to do it better than you can.

That mindset changed everything for him. He’s intentional about hiring people who are stronger in the areas where he’s weaker. He gives them room to make decisions and grow.

It’s not about ego. It’s about building something bigger than yourself.

Faith, Partnership, and Building a New Story

The name “New Story” isn’t just a clever business name. It’s rooted in Shane’s belief that anyone (no matter their background) can rewrite their story, especially when it comes to homeownership. Faith plays a central role in how Shane leads, builds, and makes decisions. It keeps him grounded.

His partnership with Juan Rodas is another big reason New Story Lending has grown so quickly. They balance each other out, trust one another, and lead the business together.

The Role of Resolve

If you take away one word from Shane’s story, let it be this: resolve. The ability to stay steady when things go wrong, the will to show up and do the work, even when it’s not fun—that’s what makes or breaks an entrepreneur. Not talent and not luck, but just plain old-fashioned resolve.

We also talked about work-life balance. And, to be honest, we both agree it’s kind of a myth, at least in the early days.

You do what needs to be done. Then, when the time is right, you create more balance for your family and your future. That’s how it worked for us.

Importance of Continuous Learning

Shane and I both believe that success means being a lifelong learner. That means:

• Reading great books, like Who Not How

• Listening to real estate podcasts, like HomeBrew

• Surrounding yourself with smart people

• Staying sharp on things like loan options, business trends, and systems

No matter how far along you are, there’s always more to learn.

Want to hear my entire conversation with Shane? Listen to our podcast episode!

Know More About What’s Brewing in Business and Real Estate in South Carolina on HomeBrew Podcast!

Shane’s story isn’t just about making money. It’s about doing business with heart, building with purpose, and surrounding yourself with the right people. Whether you’re in real estate, lending, or chasing your own dream, his advice is solid gold.

Tune into the HomeBrew Podcast to hear more from the builders, entrepreneurs, and community leaders moving South Carolina forward, one story at a time.

And, looking to buy or sell a home in South Carolina? Contact us at JW Martin Real Estate! 

Apply as a Guest on HomeBrew Podcast! 

Are you building something cool in business, real estate, or your local community in South Carolina? Come share your story with us on the HomeBrew Podcast. It’s a great way to get your voice out there, grow your network, and inspire others who are grinding just like you.

Apply Now