Entrepreneurs, Executives, & Eccentrics

In this episode, Lee Norwood shares how she built a successful college consulting business focused on helping families navigate the complex college admissions process while avoiding full tuition costs whenever possible. She explains the challenges students and parents face with college applications, financial aid, Common App, and school selection, especially for first-generation families and students without access to strong school counseling support. Lee also discusses her entrepreneurial journey from pharmaceutical sales into education consulting, the importance of mentorship and networking, and how she created College Sharks, a scalable online platform designed to make expert college admissions guidance more affordable and accessible for families nationwide.TakeawaysMany high school counselors are overloaded, leaving students without enough personalized college guidance.Families should start college visits early to help students understand different campus environments and preferences.College pricing is often negotiable through scholarships, merit aid, and strategic planning.First-generation students and families without college experience face added challenges during admissions.The Common App simplifies applications but also encourages students to apply to too many schools.Successful college consulting requires both admissions knowledge and an understanding of student personality and goals.Lee transitioned from pharmaceutical sales into entrepreneurship through networking and mentorship.Buying an existing business gave Lee a foundation of reputation, systems, and client trust.College Sharks was created to scale expert college admissions advice at a lower price point through structured video lessons and workbooks.Lee believes entrepreneurship requires self-motivation, adaptability, and a willingness to solve scaling problems creatively.Today's guest, Lee Norwood, can be found at:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leenorwood/Your host, Scott Turman, can be found online at:Website: https://scottturman.com/, https://brightray.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottturman/IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14602682/Keywordscollege admissions, college consulting, Common App, college applications, financial aid, scholarships, college tours, higher education, first-generation students, entrepreneurship, mentoring, networking, educational consulting, college essays, merit aid, student counseling, homeschool families, college planning, admissions strategy, College Sharks, business scaling, online education, parent guidance, college affordability, student success

In this conversation, Toby Thomas shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting from his early days in mechanical sales to founding Insight Solutions, a national service company. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, including the importance of understanding customer needs, navigating growth, and dealing with imposter syndrome. Toby reflects on his exit strategy, life after selling his business, and his humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. He also touches on the impact of COVID-19 on his personal and professional life, and his experiences in the entertainment industry.TakeawaysToby started his first business, Insight Solutions, at 28.The entrepreneurial journey is filled with highs and lows.Understanding customer needs is crucial for business success.Imposter syndrome is common among entrepreneurs.The importance of surrounding yourself with supportive people.Toby's first dollar came from a $6,700 check.Selling the business was a pivotal moment in Toby's life.Life after the exit involved new ventures and personal growth.Toby engaged in humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.COVID-19 opened new opportunities for investment and growth.Today's guest, Toby Thomas, can be found online at:Website: https://battlespringsranch.com/Website: https://alpha-inc.com/Website:https://www.palominocap.com/ensite-solutions-llc/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toby-thomas-10848618/Your host, Scott Turman, can be found online at:BrightRay Publishing: ⁠https://brightray.com/⁠⁠⁠Entrepreneur Website: ⁠https://scottturman.com/⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottturman/⁠Keywordsentrepreneurship, business growth, customer understanding, software development, imposter syndrome, exit strategy, humanitarian efforts, COVID-19 impact, entertainment industry, personal growth