Capital to the Coast BNI
by Mike Manning
The Capital to the Coast BNI Podcast features conversations with business owners, entrepreneurs, and sales professionals about how they grow their businesses through relationships and referrals. Each episode shares real stories and practical insights on networking, clear messaging, and building a strong book of business. If you're a service-based business owner who wants more referrals and stronger business connections, this show is for you.
Episodes
-
Someday Starts Today: Peter Richon on Investing, Retirement & Business Growth
What does it mean to plan for someday? Peter Richon of Richon Planning explains why the best time to start preparing for your financial future is today. Peter shares lessons on investing, retirement planning, financial habits, spending, and why business owners need to think beyond their business…
more -
Don't Overthink and Take Action: Business Lessons from Scott Ball
What does it take to build a business that serves clients well without taking over your life? Mike Manning talks with Scott Ball, owner of Scott Ball Insurance, about nine years in business, the importance of relationships, and lessons learned along the way. Scott shares why business owners need…
more -
Denise Stewart: Why Taking Action Beats Waiting for Perfect
Can you build a successful business and still enjoy the life you're building? Mike Manning talks with Denise Stewart, owner of Denise Stewart Coaching, about happiness, entrepreneurship, and why business owners need to stop waiting for everything to be perfect before taking action. Denise shares...
-
The Hustle Behind the Business: Steven Lipscomb on Sales, Persistence & Growth
Steven Lipscomb didn't wait for someone to give him a business opportunity—he created one. After being told repeatedly that he was too young to get the internships he wanted, Steven started selling discount cards while in college. Nearly ten years later, Lions Eye Promotions has grown into a...
-
One Problem at a Time: Brian Bennett's Approach to Small Business Growth
In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, Mike Manning talks with Brian Bennett, owner of Clearline Experts, about operational clarity, delegation, business systems and the challenges that come with growing a small business. Brian helps business owners solve one operational problem at a...
-
How to Build a Real Estate Business on 100% Commission
What does it really take to build a business when you're working 100% on commission? Mike Manning talks with Ty Bellette, a residential Realtor with RE/MAX Choice in Fayetteville, about building his real estate business from the ground up. Ty shares the reality of his first six months, working a...
-
Stop Doing Everything Yourself: Carla Payne on Delegation, Referrals & Small Business Growth
What do small business owners waste the most time doing? According to Carla Payne of Aging Care Matters: Trying to do everything themselves. In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, Mike Manning talks with Carla about building a service-based business, growing through referrals, hiring and...
-
How Dr. Tim and Coach Jackie Built a Specialized Business by Knowing Their Expertise and Choosing Wisely
What happens when you know you have a service that can help people — but you have to build an entire business around it? In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, Mike Manning talks with Dr. Tim Beck of Neurofit Connections about building a specialized service-based business with his wife,...
-
Proactive vs. Reactive: How to Take Control of Your Small Business
Are you building your business—or simply reacting to whatever happens next? In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, Mike Manning explores how service-based small business owners can become more proactive with business growth, marketing, referrals, time management and business systems. You'll...
-
Reverse Engineering Business Success: How Small Business Owners Can Build the Business They Really Want
How do you build a business that supports the life you actually want? In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, business coach and BNI Trainer Mike Manning shares the Reverse Engineering framework he uses with coaching clients. Learn how to: Define your ideal business Reverse engineer your…
more -
Protecting Your Biggest Investment: Jeremy Simpson on Home Inspections, Trust & Preventing Costly Mistakes
Should you have a home inspection on a brand-new house? Absolutely. In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, Mike Manning sits down with Jeremy "JB" Simpson, owner of JB Simpson Home Inspections, to discuss why inspections are about far more than checking boxes. Jeremy explains how home...
-
The Power of Saying No: Michael J. Solar on Building a Business That Creates Freedom
What if the fastest way to grow your business isn't saying "yes" to more opportunities—but learning when to say "no"? In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, Mike Manning talks with business consultant, former Marine, former police officer, and entrepreneur Michael J. Soler about building...
-
Building a Referral-Based Medicare Business with Bonnie Beliveau, Beliveau Insurance
Most people don't think about Medicare until they have to. That's exactly why this conversation matters. In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, Mike Manning sits down with Bonnie Beliveau of Beliveau Insurance to discuss how she left a successful corporate accounting career and built a...
-
From Craftsman to CEO: Todd Saunders, Saunders Construction and Renovation
What does it take to turn a skilled trade into a thriving business? In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, host Mike sits down with Todd Saunders, owner of Saunders Construction & Renovation, to discuss his journey from commercial construction professional to successful business owner. Todd...
-
From Staffing to Referrals: How John Ipock and Blue Arbor Build Trust, Teams, and Business Growth
What does it take to build a business that lasts more than 45 years? In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, Mike Manning sits down with John Ipock of Blue Arbor, a staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions company serving businesses across North Carolina and beyond. John shares how Blue...
-
Financial Clarity Creates Personal and Business Confidence | Julie Rashid of Anchor12 Financial Coaching
Many people work hard, but few have complete clarity around their finances. In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, I sit down with Julie Rashid of Anchor12 Financial Coaching to discuss why financial clarity matters, how small habits create long-term success, and why avoiding your numbers…
more -
Your Clients Are Your Bosses: Matt Yablunosky, owner of Retain Revenue, on Customer Service, Trust, and Business Growth
What makes a business unforgettable? It’s not always price. It’s not flashy marketing. And it’s rarely the fanciest pitch. In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, Mike Manning sits down with Matt for a conversation about what really drives business growth: strong customer service,...
-
Digital Marketing That Actually Works: Targeting the Right Customer at the Right Time with Matt Haveramp--Enradius and The North Carolina Ad Network
In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, Mike Manning talks with Matt Haveramp of Enradius and the North Carolina Ad Network about digital marketing, customer targeting, relationship-based sales, and how small business owners can stop wasting advertising dollars. They break down…
more -
Why You Must Keep Marketing During Your Busy Season | Avoid the Feast or Famine Cycle--Mike Manning, The Pitch Perfect Coach
Are you too busy to market your business? That might be the biggest mistake you can make. In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, Mike Manning breaks down why small business owners must continue marketing—even during their busiest seasons—to maintain a strong sales pipeline and consistent...
-
How Clear Messaging Drives Referrals--Nick Dowgul, North State Law
In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, Mike Manning sits down with Nick Dowgul, owner of North State Law, to discuss how clarity, specialization, and preparation impact referrals and business growth. Nick shares insights on professional licensing defense, the importance of relevant...
-
What You Should Really Walk Away With From a Networking Event--Mike Manning, The Pitch Perfect Coach
Why do most networking events fail to generate referrals? Because most business owners don’t prepare. In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, Mike Manning (business coach and BNI Trainer) shares a practical breakdown of how to approach networking with intention—so you can stop wasting time…
more -
From Transactions to Relationships: How to Win More Referrals--Lukas Belletete, Insurance Serice Center
Most industries—especially insurance—are built to be transactional. Quick quotes. Fast decisions. Minimal interaction. But Lukas Belletete with Insurance Service Center took a different approach—and that’s exactly why his business grew. In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, Lukas breaks…
more -
How Networking Drives Referrals--Lori Denham, High Point Bookkeeping
Most small business owners think they have a marketing problem… But in reality, they have a clarity and consistency problem. In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, Mike Manning sits down with Lori Denham of High Point Bookkeeping to break down how she built her business through networking,...
-
From Burnout to Breakthrough: How Devin Desjarlais Built a Photography Business Around Story, Family, and Referrals
📝 Spotify Description In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, Mike Manning sits down with Devin, a lifestyle family photographer who turned burnout into a thriving business built on purpose, storytelling, and strong referral relationships. Devin shares how a single comment in college…
more -
From Dog Training to Fishing Charters: A Small Business Growth Story--Shane Gentry, Nanny's Revenge Fishing Charter
On this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, host Mike Manning shares a small business success story featuring entrepreneur Shane Gentry, owner of Nanny’s Revenge Fishing Charter and Sally Said So Dog Training. Shane discusses his journey as a small business owner and entrepreneur, sharing how he...
-
Staying Top of Mind: Simple Marketing and Networking Strategies for Small Business Owners
In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, host Mike Manning shares practical strategies for staying top of mind in business, building stronger referral relationships, and consistently generating opportunities through networking. If you're a small business owner, entrepreneur, or service...
-
The 5-Minute Response Rule (And How AI Can Help) | Angela Chamberlain, Kana Consulting
In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, host Mike Manning talks with Angela Chamberlain of Kana Consulting about how small businesses lose leads, why speed to lead matters, and how AI tools are changing the way companies respond to potential customers. Angela is a business consultant and BNI...
-
How BNI Referrals Tripled My Business-Big Ed Leigh, Special T's Apparel
In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, we talk about how BNI networking and referral marketing can help grow a small business. Ed “Big Ed” Leigh of Special T's Apparel shares how building relationships through BNI helped him triple his business and eventually replace traditional advertising...
-
Growing a Business Through Referrals and Ideal Client Partnerships-Tom Hessler, Natural Restoration
In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, host Mike Manning sits down with Tom Hessler, founder and CEO of Natural Restoration, to discuss how focusing on the right relationships and ideal clients can drive significant business growth. Tom shares how his engineering background helped him build…
more -
How to Explain What You Do Clearly: Problem. Process. Outcome
Struggling to explain what you do clearly when networking or meeting potential clients?In this episode, I share a simple messaging formula — Problem, Process, Outcome — that helps service-based business owners create an elevator pitch that actually generates referrals and clients.Most business...
-
How a Cleaning Business Grew Through Networking and BNI-Alana Morentin
In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, hostMike Manning sits down with Alana Morentin, founder of Five Diamond Cleaning Service, to share her inspiring journey from personal setbacks to building a successful cleaning business. Alana explains how she started her company during the COVID...
-
Why Small Business Owners Should Outsource Bookkeeping-Heather Phillips
In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, host Mike Manning sits down with Heather Phillips, owner of Triangle Business Solutions, to discuss why bookkeeping is one of the most important systems small business owners need to get right. Heather shares her journey from working in healthcare as a...
-
From Coast Guard Rescue to Business Operations Expert-Jon Blakely, Engaged Management
In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, host Mike Manning sits down with Jon Blakely, founder of Engaged Management, to discuss how businesses can grow by focusing on their core strengths while outsourcing operational challenges. John shares insights from over 40 years of experience in...
-
Building an Event Business from the Ground Up-Ben Horak, Dream Entertainment NC
In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, host Mike Manning talks with Ben Horak, owner of Dream Entertainment NC, about building a successful event company from the ground up. Ben shares how what started as DJing on the side eventually turned into a full-scale event production company…
more -
Reverse Engineering Your Business Goals for 2026 | Mike Manning, The Pitch Perfect Coach
As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time for business owners to reflect, reset, and start planning for the year ahead. In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, host Mike Manning discusses a practical approach to setting and achieving business goals for the coming year. Instead of...
-
Building Financial Foundations & Investing for the Future--Phillip Passey, Pillar Financial Services
How do you start investing if you feel like you don’t have enough money? And what are the financial fundamentals everyone should understand before chasing the latest investment trend? In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, host Mike Manning talks with Philip Passey, financial advisor and...
-
Turning Vision Into Action: Goal Setting, Vision Boards, and Business Growth --Ginny Seeley, Outcome Academy
In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, host Mike Manning talks with Ginny Seeley, founder of Outcome Academy, about turning vision into real results in business and life. Jenny shares her journey from a career in the medical laboratory field to becoming a business strategist and…
more -
How to Start a Podcast to Grow Your Business--Mike Manning, The Pitch Perfect Coach
Podcasting has become one of the most powerful ways for small business owners and entrepreneurs to share their expertise, grow their audience, and build meaningful connections. In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, host Mike Manning talks with producer Amnon Nissan about how business…
more -
From Minor League Baseball to Mortgage Lending --Andrew Buchbinder, Mortgage Investors Group
What does it take to change careers, move across the country, and build a new business from scratch? In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, host Mike Manning talks with Andrew Buchbinder of Mortgage Investors Group about his unique journey from 18 years in minor league baseball to becoming…
more -
Building a Real Estate Book of Business Through Past and Present Relationships--Scott French, Relevate Real Estate
How do you build a successful real estate business when you’re just getting started? In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, host Mike Manning talks with Scott French of Relevate Real Estate about launching a new career in real estate and building a book of business from the ground up. Scott...
-
The Financial Side of Entrepreneurship Every Business Owner Must Understand | Shelley Cole, Balanced Bookkeeping of NC
What financial mistakes do small business owners make when trying to manage their own bookkeeping? In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, host Mike Manning sits down with Shelley Cole, owner of Balanced Bookkeeping of NC, to discuss why accurate bookkeeping is one of the most important...
-
From Carpet Cleaning to Restoration: Building a Business Through Networking--Ryan Strickland, 911 Restoration of Fayetteville
What does it take to build a successful service business while responding to emergencies, managing employees, and growing through relationships? In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, host Mike Manning sits down with Ryan Strickland, owner of 911 Restoration of Fayetteville and Raleigh, to...
-
How Referral Networking Grows Your Business--Braven Troy, Aflac
How do you grow a business through referrals, networking, and consistent prospecting? In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, host Mike Manning talks with Bravin Troy of Aflac about building a career in insurance, the power of BNI networking, and how entrepreneurs can grow their business by...
-
Stay Ahead of the Season: A 90-Day Marketing Strategy for Small Business Owners--Mike Manning, The Pitch Perfet Coach
How far ahead should business owners be planning their marketing and sales strategies? In this solo episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, host Mike Manning shares a powerful concept that can help entrepreneurs avoid slow seasons and create more consistent revenue: staying 90 days ahead of your...
-
How BNI Builds Trust, Referrals, and Business Growth--Steve Hand, Triangle and Coastal BNI Executive Director for
What makes referral networking work—and why do some business owners thrive in it while others struggle? In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, host Mike Manning sits down with Steve Hand, Executive Director for the BNI Triangle and Coastal Regions, to discuss how relationship-building…
more
About this show
The Capital to the Coast BNI Podcast features conversations with business owners, entrepreneurs, and sales professionals about how they grow their businesses through relationships and referrals. Each episode shares real stories and practical insights on networking, clear messaging, and building a strong book of business. If you're a service-based business owner who wants more referrals and stronger business connections, this show is for you.
Hosted by
Mike Manning
Categories