PODCAST · business
Lasting Business Solutions Podcast
by LCS Heating and Cooling in Partnership with Imprint Branding
The Lasting Business Solutions Podcast — Indy’s Launchpad for Sustained Business Success, Growth & Leadership! I’m Renee, your host and co-owner of LCS Heating & Cooling in Indianapolis, IN. Each week, we have real conversations with business leaders, industry experts, and entrepreneurs who are making an impact in Indianapolis. Whether you’re navigating challenges, growing your business, or building a lasting legacy, you’re in the right place.
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Built to Stand Out: Leadership, Culture, & Growth
What does it take to build a brand that truly stands out? In this episode, we sit down with Brian Miller, owner of Standout Wraps, to talk about branding, leadership, team culture, and the small details that separate average businesses from exceptional ones.In this conversation, you’ll discover:How solving customer pain points creates long-term loyaltyCreative ways to keep business flowing during slower seasonsHow gamification and friendly competition improve team moraleBrian’s unique compensation philosophy focused on quality over speedThe mindset shifts that help him stay motivated as a business ownerFrom poker-chip competitions to pizza-and-lesson team meetings watching Hell's Kitchen, this episode is packed with practical business insights and leadership lessons for entrepreneurs looking to elevate their company culture and customer experience.🎧 Be sure to FOLLOW for more conversations with business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders who are building lasting businesses.Stand Out Wraps WebsiteStand Out Wraps Socials:InstagramFacebookLinkedInYouTubeConnect with Renee Lucas and LCS#BusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #Branding #Leadership #CompanyCulture #SmallBusiness #MarketingStrategy #BusinessGrowth #StandoutWraps #PodcastInterview
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The Business Therapy Session: Reflecting on Q1 Progress
In this episode of the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast, Renee and Travis Lucas break down their Q1 2026 business review, sharing real insights on scaling a small business, improving leadership, and closing the gap between strategy and execution.They unpack their core framework—Focus, Implement, Measure—and discuss the challenges of business growth, including staying focused on high-impact projects, improving implementation systems, and using data and KPIs to drive better decisions.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to stay focused on high-impact priorities while managing daily operationsWhy implementation fails—and how to create systems that actually workHow to use data, KPIs, and accountability to scale your business with clarityIf you’re a business owner navigating the $5M–$6M revenue stage and struggling with delegation, leadership, and growth, this episode offers practical strategies and honest insights to help you move forward.👉 Subscribe for more content on leadership development, business strategy, and scaling your company.Connect with Renee Lucas and LCS#SmallBusinessGrowth #BusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurLife #ScalingABusiness #BusinessStrategy #podcast #EntrepreneurMindset
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Refresh Your Brand: Aligning Your Brand with Your Next Season
In this episode of the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast, host Renee Lucas sits down with Emily, co-owner of Lemon Seed Marketing, a branding and marketing agency specializing in the home services industry.Together, they break down one of the biggest misconceptions in business: the difference between simply having a logo and building a brand that actually drives growth.Emily shares practical, real-world insight into how small business owners can move beyond inconsistent marketing efforts and start investing strategically to become top-of-mind in their market.In this episode of the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast, Renee and Emily break down: ✔️ The difference between a logo and a real brand ✔️ Why word of mouth won’t scale your business ✔️ How to actually structure your marketing budgetIf your marketing feels inconsistent—or like you’re just “trying everything and hoping something works”—this episode will help you rethink your approach.👉 Take a step back and ask yourself: Do I just have a logo… or do I have a brand that people remember?LINKS: Lasting Business Solutions PodcastLemon Seed Marketing:https://www.lemonseedmarketing.com/https://www.facebook.com/lemonseedmarketing/https://www.instagram.com/lemonseedmarketing/
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Building Trust: It Isn't Automatic, It's Earned
In this episode of the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast, Renee Lucas interviews Travis Lucas about one of the most important foundations of any successful business: trust with your clients. Whether you run a service-based business, lead a team, or work directly with customers, trust is the difference between a one-time transaction and a long-term relationship.In this episode, you’ll learn:The two biggest factors that cause clients to distrust companiesHow to recognize the success markers that show a client truly trusts youWhy building trust with your team internally is the first step to building trust with customersHow businesses unintentionally damage trust and relationships by having an agenda-driven approachPractical ways to create a customer experience that builds long-term loyalty and referralsIf you want to build stronger relationships, create loyal customers, and lead a business that people can trust, this conversation offers practical insights every business owner and leader should hear. Listen now and subscribe to the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast for more real-world leadership strategies and business growth conversations. Click HERE for links to Renee Lucas and LCS
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Spring into Growth - Building Benefits that Attract Top Talent
In this episode of the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast, Renee Lucas sits down with Travis Lucas to talk about one of the most important and most overlooked tools for hiring and retention: employee benefit packages. Renee and Travis break down:The non-negotiables every strong benefits package should include Why working with an insurance broker and offering supplemental insurance can make a big differenceHow competitors can win your employees over with benefits, even if your culture is strongEasy “add-on” perks and milestone plans that boost morale How to set clear boundaries around benefits so expectations stay healthyIf you’re not actively improving benefits and investing in your team, this episode is a wake-up call and a practical guide.Listen now and subscribe for more real-world leadership and business growth conversations from the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast.Click HERE for links to Renee Lucas and LCS
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Women in the Trades: Where Initiative Meets Opportunity
What does it really take to turn a job into a lifelong career—especially in an industry where women are still breaking barriers?In this powerful episode of the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast, host Renee Lucas sits down with Nikita Jenkins of LCS Heating and Cooling to talk about her journey from simply trying to pay the bills to building a meaningful, long-term career in HVAC. With seven years in the trades, Nikita shares how taking initiative, investing in herself, and developing strong communication skills transformed her confidence, her opportunities, and her future.Together, Renee and Nikita explore the mindset shift required to grow in technical industries and why success isn’t just about technical ability—it’s about relationships, awareness, and the courage to step outside your comfort zone.Whether you’re a business owner developing your team, a technician looking to grow, or a woman considering a career in the trades, this conversation will challenge you to see opportunity differently.In this episode, you’ll discover:The difference between having a job and building a true career pathWhy initiative—not just opportunity—is the key to advancementHow soft skills like communication and connection accelerate growthWhy confidence is one of the most powerful tools for personal and professional successHow stepping outside your comfort zone can change the trajectory of your lifeNikita’s story is a reminder that growth begins the moment you stop waiting and start taking action.If you’re ready to grow your confidence, your career, and your impact—this episode is for you.👉 Subscribe to the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast for more conversations on leadership, career growth, and building a business—and life—you’re proud of.Click HERE for links to Renee Lucas and LCS
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Why Great Leaders Don't Wing It: The Power of Daily Planning
Running a business in constant fire-drill mode isn’t just exhausting. It’s contagious. In this episode of the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast, Renee Lucas sits down with Travis Lucas to talk about why intentional planning is one of the most powerful leadership skills for business owners.When leaders live in chaos, it shows up everywhere: missed priorities, anxious teams, and reactive decision-making. Renee and Travis break down how even blue-collar and service-based businesses can plan their days with structure and flexibility, and why a strong daily plan compounds into better weeks, months, and years.You’ll hear practical insights on:How planning your day creates consistency without killing flexibilityHow to protect focused work and avoid letting important tasks disappearWhy having any system is better than living in constant reactionSimple ways to build a planning system that actually sticksIf you feel stuck reacting instead of leading, this episode will help you rethink how you plan your time and why it may be the key to sustainable growth.Listen now and subscribe to the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast for real-world leadership strategies that help business owners move from chaos to clarity.LINKS to Renee Lucas and LCS
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The Power of the Pause: How Stillness Fuels Better Leadership
What if self-care wasn’t about stepping away from your business, but learning how to pause inside it?In this episode of the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast, host Renee Lucas sits down with Enneagram expert and coach Jen Stanley to talk about self-care for business owners who feel constantly “on,” responsible, and stretched thin. Together, they unpack why so many leaders burn out, not from lack of hustle, but from never allowing themselves to pause with intention.In this conversation, you’ll learn:The risk business owners run when they never pause, even when things look successful on the outsideWhat a purposeful pause actually isSimple questions and mantras to help find your purposeWhy emotions aren’t bad—they just want to be noticedHow to make business decisions using full-body awareness, not just logic The difference between operating from best-case vs. worst-case thinkingWhy self-assurance is more sustainable than self-confidence and how to cultivate itJen also shares details about her upcoming Intermission Cohort, launching in February, designed to help women slow down long enough to realign for their next phase. If you’re a business owner, leader, or entrepreneur who feels productive but depleted, this episode will help you rethink self-care as a leadership skill, not a luxury.Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, mindset, emotional health, and building a business that doesn’t cost you yourself.LINKS to Jen Stanley and Living Well EnneagramLINKS to Renee Lucas and LCS
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Better Business Practice Groups: The Missing Piece in Sustainable Growth
What can a better business practice group do for your business?In this episode of the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast, Renee Lucas interviews Riley Senter, LCS Marketing and Customer Experience Manager, about his firsthand experience when Renee and Travis welcomed their better business practice group into their company. Rather than focusing on business theory, this conversation breaks down the real impact of having a better business practice group as an asset in your business.In this episode, Renee and Riley talk through:What a better business practice group is and how it can be used to elevate your businessHow outside business owners help uncover hidden expenses that are easy to miss in day-to-day operationsHow better business practice groups help leaders avoid “shiny object syndrome” and stay focused on essentialsWhy understanding how employees feel inside your business matters just as much as strategyThis episode is a powerful reminder that sustainable growth doesn’t happen in isolation. Listen now and subscribe to the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast for real-world conversations on leadership, growth, and building a business that lasts. LINKS:https://linktr.ee/LastingBusinessSolutions
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Simplify to Scale: Leadership Lessons for Growing Businesses
In this episode of the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast, host Renee Lucas sits down with her husband and co-owner of LCS Heating and Cooling Travis Lucas to tackle a critical leadership principle: simplify and clarify.With statistics showing that 50% of small businesses fail within five years, and 80% of the remaining businesses fail between years six and ten, this conversation dives into the hidden reasons businesses stall during growth phases. (Traction, Gino Wickman)Renee and Travis discuss:Why underpricing is like “1,000 pinpricks” that eventually bleed a business dryHow to identify the right person in the right seat using strengths-based tools like DISC profilesWhat to watch for during internal promotions and why healthy competition can reveal the best leadersWhy you can’t hold people accountable for what they were never trained or told to doThe essential follow-up action after delegationListen now and subscribe to the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast for more leadership strategies, business insights, and conversations that help your company grow with intention.Find Renee Lucas and LCS Heating & Cooling here:LCS Heating & CoolingHelpful LINKS to socials, contacts, and more
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What Really Drives Sales?
Welcome to the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast: Indy’s Launchpad for Sustainable Growth, Success, and Leadership.In this episode, Host Renee Lucas (LCS Heating & Cooling) and Andy Liechty (F.C. Tucker) unpack practical sales strategy that scales without burnout. Andy shares his “crockpot vs. microwave” approach to sales, the Delete–Delegate–Double Down framework for time management, and the non-negotiables that protect work-life balance while growing revenue.You’ll learn:How to turn a client database into repeat and referral marketingWhy empathy + teaching = higher conversion and customer retentionSetting boundaries that boost performance Tactical networking that compounds over timeSimple systems to stay top-of-mind (client touchpoints, events, updates)Subscribe for weekly episodes on business development, leadership, and sustainable growth.Andy Liechty is a successful real estate broker in the Indianapolis area. You can find him here:Talk to Tucker YouTubeFacebookFind Renee Lucas and LCS Heating & Cooling here:LCS Heating & Cooling
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20 Lessons Learned
Welcome to the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast!After celebrating 20 years in business, Renee and Travis Lucas, co-owners of LCS Heating & Cooling, are sharing their biggest business lessons from two decades of building, breaking, rebuilding, and growing a service-based company. Inspired by Developing the Leader Within You by John Maxwell, they created “20 Years and Learning,” a collection of insights for business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders in any industry. Tune to to learn why successful businesses must:Understand their “why” to stay focused and motivatedBuild and live by core valuesWork on the business, not just in itFix root causes instead of symptomsEmbrace necessary changeAND SO MUCH MORE!Subscribe for more real-world leadership strategies and sustainable business growth tools. Comment with a tip that has helped YOU grow or one big takeaway from their list!Find Renee Lucas and LCS Heating & Cooling here:LCS Heating & CoolingHelpful LINKS to socials, contacts, and more
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What if Your Greatest Setbacks Became the Foundation of Your Purpose?
Welcome to the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast: Indy’s Launchpad for Sustainable Growth, Success, and Leadership.In this episode, host Renee Lucas sits down with Michael Talbot, founder of Guardian Angel Restoration and a disabled U.S. Army veteran who lost his home multiple times to catastrophic flooding and mold. Out of his personal tragedy, Michael built a mission-driven company dedicated to “restoring hope when things seem lost.”Together, Renee and Michael dive into:How childhood adversity, military service, and three devastating home losses shaped Michael’s leadership style and client empathyThe turning point when a restoration crew at his own flooded home sparked his new careerThe three guiding questions Michael uses to shape community giving, partnerships, and marketingThis episode is packed with lessons on resilience, purpose-driven leadership, and how to build a profitable business that serves with compassion.Tune in for real-world strategies to turn crisis into calling. Don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations about leadership, entrepreneurship, and growing a values-driven business!
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Mindful Leadership: Practical Tools for Business Owners
Practical mindfulness for business ownersIf the only moment you truly control is this one, how would that change the way you lead today?On this week’s episode of the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast, host Renee Lucas sits down with Aimee Morgan (WBE-certified agency CEO, author of The Chaos Antidote) about mindfulness in the workplace. Aimee frames mindfulness as the skill of being fully present, aware of your senses, body, and thoughts rather than ruminating on the past or racing into the future. She and Renee unpack common unhealthy coping mechanisms (doom-scrolling, overworking, dissociating) and describe shifting toward healthier habits: limiting triggers (even deleting apps), taking mindful walks, and practicing trauma-informed mindfulness when heavy emotions are involved.Meditation is hard—especially for high-energy people so Amy suggests starting small, getting curious about body sensations, and letting thoughts “glide like clouds” instead of fighting them. She underscores boundaries at work, celebrating wins, and modeling gratitude. On the culture side, her team uses EOS, opens meetings with “what’s going well,” and deliberately designs a humane environment (natural light, standing desks, walking pad, walking meetings). The through-line: presence, movement, and gratitude make leaders healthier and teams more positive and resilient.Some key Takeaways in today's podcast: Reduce triggers. If content is fueling anxiety, remove the source (e.g., delete an app, take a break from social feeds).Start tiny with meditation. Expect discomfort; notice sensations; let thoughts pass “like clouds” instead of judging them.Use S.A.V.E.R.S. A simple structure: Silence, Affirmations, Visualization, Exercise, Reading, Scribing—about ~10 minutes each.Boundaries build health. Say no when needed; set expectations with clients and teammates; celebrate progress, not just problems.
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Business Plans, Mentors, & Mindset: The Truth About Starting a Business
Thinking about starting your own business? Don’t make this common mistake! Welcome to the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast: Indy’s Launchpad for Sustainable Growth, Success, and Leadership.In this episode, host Renee Lucas, co-owner of LCS Heating & Cooling, sits down with Kris Cole, co-owner of Marigold Catering Company and House of Marigold restaurants, to talk about the realities of entrepreneurship. From leaving the security of 401ks and health insurance to navigating the unknowns of business ownership, Kris shares powerful insights every entrepreneur needs to hear.You’ll discover:-Why every entrepreneur needs a business plan and mentorship- How collaboration beats competition when building a successful business- The importance of separating personal life from work life- Why leadership training is an investment, not an expense- The hidden surprises and struggles of starting a business“When you start a business, you aren’t going to know 99% of what you need to know, so you have to have an avenue or resource that you can get that information from.” – Kris ColeIf you’re a small business owner, startup founder, or future entrepreneur, this episode will give you the practical advice and mindset shifts you need to succeed.Listen now and subscribe to the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast for more real-world strategies, leadership lessons, and inspiring stories from business owners who have been where you are.Marigold Catering Co. The House of Marigold LCS Heating & Cooling
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Balance or Burnout: 3 Signs You Need to Slow Down
3 Warning Signs You’re Headed Toward Burnout (And How to Stop It!)Welcome to the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast: Indy’s Launchpad for Sustainable Growth, Success, and Leadership.In Part 1, host Renee Lucas interviewed her husband and co-owner of LCS Heating & Cooling, Travis Lucas, about the hurdles of rapid business growth. In Part 2, Renee and Travis tackle one of the most overlooked challenges in entrepreneurship: burnout. In this episode, you’ll learn:⚠️ The three biggest warning signs of entrepreneur burnout💭 Why ignoring balance leads to resentment, mental fatigue, and team strain⏸️ How guilt keeps leaders from taking time off—and how to move past it💡 Practical self-care strategies to set boundaries, refuel, and protect your mental health“Just because this is the way it’s always been doesn’t mean this is the way it has to be.” — Renee LucasNo matter what industry you lead, this episode gives you real-world strategies to:✅ Maintain work-life balance✅ Protect your mental health as a business owner✅ Build a sustainable company without burning out🎧 Tune in now and hit Subscribe to the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast for entrepreneurship tips, leadership advice, and small business growth strategies that help both you and your business thrive.www.lcsheatingandcooling.com
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Scaling Smart: Owner Mindset and the Hidden Cost of Growth
Welcome to the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast: Indy’s Launchpad for Sustainable Growth, Success, and Leadership.In Part 1 of a 2-part series, co-owners of LCS Heating and Cooling, Renee and Travis Lucas get real about owner mindset, mental health, and the hidden challenges that come with rapid business growth.“You can only take hard work so far without other things.” — Travis LucasThis episode covers key business scaling strategies, including:What to do when your growth outpaces your business planHow to evaluate staffing, customer service, and internal processes at each growth stageHiring from within vs. bringing in outside leadershipWhy cross-training, vacation planning, and documenting processes ensure sustainabilityThe critical question every owner must ask: Do I have the right person in the right seat?Renee’s Business Book Recommendation: The E-MythWhether you’re just starting out, leading a growing team, or navigating an unexpected surge in demand, this episode delivers practical advice, growth-mindset tools, and real-world leadership insights to help you handle the hard parts of scaling. Subscribe to the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast so you don’t miss Part 2, where Renee and Travis continue their deep dive into owner mindset and mental health in entrepreneurship.
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The First Manager: What to Know Before You Hand Over the Reins
Welcome to the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast!Are you wearing all the hats in your business? Struggling to lead, manage, and grow your team at the same time?In this episode, Renee Lucas, co-owner of LCS Heating and Cooling, sits down with Install Manager Dylan Southwood to explore how adding the right leadership can transform your business operations, strengthen your company culture, and reduce team burnout.“As business owners, we get wrapped up in our own stress... and we kind of forget about the stress we’re causing our team.” — Renee LucasIn this episode, you'll discover:How to know when your business is ready to hire its first managerThe power of clear job descriptions, roles, and responsibilitiesHow to shift from co-worker to confident manager with trust and transparencyWhat business owners and managers need from each other to succeedThe importance of adaptability, communication, and leadership mindset in small business management“If you want to be a manager, be ready to learn. You have to be able to adapt and overcome.” — Dylan SouthwoodWhether you're a growing business owner or a team leader stepping into management, this episode is packed with actionable advice you won’t want to miss. Subscribe to the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast for insights into leadership, team development, and sustainable small business growth.
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Business Credit 101: Build It, Use It, Protect It
🎙️ Is This Debt Worth It? Building Smart Business Credit | Mark Knaack on The Lasting Business Solutions PodcastIn this episode of The Lasting Business Solutions Podcast, host Renee Lucas sits down with financial expert Mark Knaack to unpack a critical but often misunderstood topic: business credit.From understanding the difference between personal and business credit to rebuilding after bankruptcy, Mark shares practical strategies every entrepreneur needs to know. Learn how to manage cash flow, avoid common financial pitfalls, and make smarter decisions around debt and credit that actually grow your business.💬 “Is this debt going to generate more value than cost?” – Mark Knaack🧠 Key Takeaways:• Business credit is not personal credit — it's tied to your EIN, not your SSN• Structure matters — a properly formed business entity helps build strong credit• Rebuilding after bankruptcy? Starting fresh with a new LLC and EIN is often best• Good debt grows revenue or improves operations — ask the right questions• Cash flow tells the real story — more than a P&L ever will• You need a team — accountant, attorney, insurance agent, and advisor are essentialThis episode could be a financial game-changer. Whether you're just launching or recovering from setbacks, Mark Knaack offers clear insights to help you build a sustainable, scalable business from the ground up.🔔 Subscribe for more episodes on leadership, strategy, and scaling your business.#BusinessCredit #SmartDebt #CashFlow #EntrepreneurTips #IndyBusiness #LastingBusinessSolutions #SmallBusinessFinance
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Setbacks Don’t Define You: Renee’s Story of Resilience
Welcome to the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast!You’ve heard the story of how LCS began in Episode 1, Part 1 and Part 2. Now get a behind-the-scenes look at Renee Lucas’s personal journey, co-owner of LCS and host of the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast.From navigating ulcerative colitis and grieving the loss of close friends to running a business with her spouse and losing another to a hurricane, Renee has faced more than her fair share of challenges. But each obstacle helped shape the resiliency she has today. “I know what it feels like to be alone, and I don’t want people to feel that way.” –Renee LucasIn this episode, Renee shares:How her career shifted from music therapist to woman in the tradesWhat it looks like to ‘stay in your lane’ when running a business with your spouseWhat motivated her to start the Lasting Business Solutions PodcastA sneak peek at her next exciting business adventureTune in for a powerful reminder that setbacks don’t define you—they refine you. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode that helps fuel your personal and professional growth. Episode 1, Part 1Episode 1 Part 2
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Networking That Works: Turning Conversations into Connections with Brody Dell
Welcome to the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast! If you don’t know how to network in an effective manner, it can be a complete waste of time. So how do you make meaningful connections that actually benefit your business?In this episode, Renee Lucas welcomes back Brody Dell, the 2024 BNI Member of the Year, to share actionable tips on how to maximize your networking efforts and build relationships that generate real results.Together, they dive into:Setting realistic networking goals and preparing with intentionThe biggest thing that can hold businesses backHow to teach others to refer your business with confidenceStructuring an impactful 10-minute introduction Understanding the long-term timeline for networking payoff“If you go into the room thinking about all you can get from others, you will never actually take away all you can from a networking experience.” —Brody DellWhether you are new to networking or looking to sharpen your skills, this episode is PACKED with real-world insights to help you build lasting connections and grow your business.Listen now and subscribe to the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast for more inspiring stories, business strategies, and leadership advice that helps you and your business grow with purpose.
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Out of the Wreckage: Choosing Growth Over Defeat
Welcome to the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast! Have you ever felt like you’re spiraling into a black hole, where one thing goes wrong, and suddenly the weight of defeat feels overwhelming? In this powerful episode, Renee Lucas, co-owner of LCS Heating & Cooling, sits down with Brody Dell, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for EcoBak Restoration. Brody shares his incredible story of resilience after a devastating car accident that left him in a coma for seven days and resulted in the loss of his leg. His journey is a testament to the power of mindset, perseverance, and choosing growth over defeat.Together, Renee and Brody dive into how to:Create time and space to process both success and hardshipStay sharp and avoid the trap of complacencySurround yourself with the right people to keep moving forward“So many things come from a place of good intentions that eventually makes us complacent or not care ....Take business for example. People will say, ‘oh you are doing so great!’ Well maybe my goal is at a different level than where I am at right now. I am doing great, but that shouldn’t stop me from continuing to move forward, work forward, and drive us.” —Renee LucasDon’t miss this inspiring conversation full of real-world advice for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone striving for more.And stay tuned—Brody will be back for Part 2 to talk all things networking and how to build the relationships your business needs to thrive. Subscribe now so you don’t miss it!
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From Customer to Client: Building Loyalty Through Trust & Culture
Welcome to the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast! “You want to be the company that people feel like they can have a relationship with and that they can trust.” – Travis LucasBut how do you become that company?In this episode, Renee Lucas invites Travis Lucas back onto the podcast to dig into the difference between customers and clients and why that difference matters. Travis shares lessons from personal experiences, including how to respond to customer critiques and why listening matters more than defending. This episode explores:The difference between a transactional customer and a relationship-driven clientThe importance of consistency and team culture in building client confidenceThe question every business should ask: What is the experience our clients are actually having?If you’re a business owner, manager, or any team lead, this is an episode you don’t want to miss! Tune in and learn how to turn every customer into a loyal client who trusts your team and your service.
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Making the Move: A Story of Growth, Change, and New Beginnings, featuring Andy Stone
Welcome to the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast! In this episode, Renee Lucas sits down with Andy Stone, owner and operator of A & B Farmhouse, to discuss the signs it might be time to make a change in your business.Andy shares his journey of launching a business in the small town of Brazil, Indiana, and growing it into a profitable—and beloved—local staple. After facing a few years of stagnant profits, Andy took a hard look at his business operations, made strategic changes, and positioned himself for both immediate success and a secure retirement.Throughout their conversation, Renee and Andy explore:How to keep your company’s vision at the forefront of your business modelThe importance of community engagementThe real meaning of profitability and the payoff of consistent marketingKey signs that parts of your business may need to changeAfter a lot of analysis, Andy decided to take A & B Farmhouse to Noblesville, IN in February of 2025. “I wouldn’t change any part of my business history. Everything happens for a reason. If I had not moved to Brazil, there wouldn’t be an A & B Farmhouse or an A & B Homes. All of that leads to the next step. What I built there is leading me to the next step of where I need to be.” —Andy StoneIf you're searching for real-world wisdom, practical advice, and encouragement for taking your next business steps, this episode is for you. Tune in to the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast—we’re here to help you grow with confidence!
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Stop Doing Business Alone: Join a Best Practice Group
Best Practice Groups– Why Every Business Owner Needs OneIn this episode of the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast, Renee and Travis Lucas dive into the powerful impact that best business practice groups can have on your company’s growth, regardless of your industry or field.From refining internal processes to understanding cost vs. profit, these groups offer more than just business solutions—they provide accountability, camaraderie, and strategic guidance. “Double digit percentage profit boosts are what you are striving for in a best business practice group, and you will achieve it.” – Renee Lucas Before joining a better business practice group, Renee and Travis share how LCS was experiencing the lowest average profit margin in their field. With the help of their groups and business coaches, LCS has now risen to a consistent 15-17% profit margin. “It’s easy to get wrapped up in excuses… but excuses will leave you exactly the same.” – Travis LucasIf you’re serious about leveling up your business, this will help you understand why joining a best business practice group or hiring a coach might be the smartest move you make all year.
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Purpose-Driven Culture: Why Core Values Matter
In this episode of the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast, Renee Lucas sits down with LCS Dispatcher Heather McKinnon to explore the power of purpose, mission statements, and core values in building a successful business and a fulfilling workplace.“A lot of businesses brush mission statements and core values off as not important... but it has made a really big difference, not only in our business but also in our quality of life.” – Renee LucasTogether, Renee and Heather discuss how clearly defined values—like LCS’s commitment to streamlined processes—create consistency, reduce conflict, and improve both the employee and customer experience. Heather shares that her personal values of integrity and honesty shape the way she works, and how companies that truly live out their values help employees feel a deeper sense of purpose.Whether you’re launching a new company or re-evaluating your current culture, this episode offers insights into why purpose-driven businesses stand out and how they inspire both employees and clients.Up next: Renee and Travis talk about the role of peer groups and business coaching in creating lasting success. Don't miss it!
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Episode 1, Part 2 - From Burnout to Breakthrough: The Reality of Business Ownership
Owning a business comes with a lot of assumptions—you make all the money, set your own schedule, and call the shots. But what if you’re not experiencing those perks? Does that mean you’re doing something wrong?For Travis and Renee Lucas, co-owners of LCS Heating & Cooling, the first ten years of business ownership looked nothing like the dream. Renee found herself resenting the business and even her employees, while Travis stood at the edge of a mountain bike course, feeling hopeless and envious of others’ free time.“On the outside, we looked like superstars. On the inside, we had no idea what we were doing.”Sound familiar?Through hard-earned lessons and pivotal turning points, Renee and Travis share how they climbed out of burnout, embraced mentorship, and redefined success on their own terms. From hitting rock bottom to tackling challenges one bite at a time, this podcast will guide you through the realities of small business ownership and leadership."Understand your own identity—who you are, who you want to be, and where you want to take this."Your business journey doesn’t have to be a solo trek. The Lasting Business Solutions Podcast brings you real insights from real business owners who’ve been where you are. Join us as we navigate growth, leadership, and lasting success—together.➡️Our Business: LCS Heating & Cooling➡️Our YouTube: Lasting Business Solutions
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Episode 1, Part 1 - Our Race to Rock Bottom: The Reality of Business Ownership
Welcome to the Lasting Business Solutions Podcast: Indy’s Launchpad for Sustainable Growth, Success, and Leadership.Are you navigating the challenges of starting your own business? Struggling to balance work and family life? Wondering what true business success looks like? Or finding yourself working long hours—physically and emotionally drained—without seeing the results you envisioned?If any of these sound familiar, this podcast is for you!Join Renee Lucas, co-owner of LCS Heating & Cooling, as she interviews her husband Travis about two decades of hard-earned business lessons. From understanding the difference between cash flow and profit to overcoming the struggles of a rock-bottom start, they’ll dive into the realities of entrepreneurship, leadership, and building a lasting business.Let’s talk strategy, sustainability, and success—because your business journey doesn’t have to be a solo one. Subscribe now and start building a business that lasts!➡️Our Business: LCS Heating & Cooling➡️Our YouTube: Lasting Business Solutions
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Trailer — Lasting Business Solutions Podcast
Welcome to Indy’s Launchpad for Sustained Business Success, Growth, and Leadership. Hosted by Renee Lucas of LCS Heating and Cooling in Indianapolis, IN, this podcast brings real conversations with business leaders, industry experts, and entrepreneurs who are making an impact in Indianapolis and beyond. Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or leader navigating challenges, scaling your business, or building a legacy—this podcast is for you.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Lasting Business Solutions Podcast — Indy’s Launchpad for Sustained Business Success, Growth & Leadership! I’m Renee, your host and co-owner of LCS Heating & Cooling in Indianapolis, IN. Each week, we have real conversations with business leaders, industry experts, and entrepreneurs who are making an impact in Indianapolis. Whether you’re navigating challenges, growing your business, or building a lasting legacy, you’re in the right place.
HOSTED BY
LCS Heating and Cooling in Partnership with Imprint Branding
CATEGORIES
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