Ohio Business: Unfiltered

Katie Poole, CEO and second-generation owner of The Chimney Guys, shares the powerful story behind rebuilding her family business, growing a team of 30 employees, and becoming the leader she is today.In this episode of Business Unfiltered, Katie opens up about restarting the family business after her father unexpectedly passed away in 2018. At a time when she was a single mother facing serious financial challenges, Katie rebuilt The Chimney Guys with little more than her father's customer records, a 40-foot ladder, and the determination to create a better future.Today, The Chimney Guys serves homeowners throughout Central Ohio, providing chimney cleaning, inspections, maintenance, fireplaces, stoves, inserts, remodels, and complete chimney rebuilds.Katie also shares valuable lessons on:• Growing a business from necessity into a thriving company• Leading and developing a team of 30+ employees• Setting SMART goals that create real growth• Identifying and developing future leaders• Learning from leadership mistakes• Balancing strategic leadership with day-to-day operations• Creating systems and setting clear employee expectations• Building a strong company culture• Overcoming the pressure of business ownership• Using faith to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship• Moving from survival mode to purpose-driven leadershipOne of the biggest takeaways from Katie's story is that your circumstances do not define you. Her journey from rock bottom to leading a growing business is a powerful reminder of what resilience, leadership, faith, and perseverance can accomplish.If you're a business owner, entrepreneur, leader, or someone navigating a major transition in life, Katie's story offers practical lessons and genuine inspiration.Watch the full conversation and discover what it really takes to rebuild a business, develop people, and lead with purpose.If this episode resonated with you, give it a like, share it with someone who would benefit from Katie's story, and subscribe to Ohio Business Unfiltered for new episodes every week.Connect with Rick Plasket on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-plasket-4b6a157Visit ActionCOACH:https://rickplasket.actioncoach.comListen to Ohio Business Unfiltered:Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/033jtpIBICapFc5c0uLDjEApple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ohio-business-unfiltered/id1896769046Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/70038bf4-21c4-44ef-91a4-5fdca2d11607/ohio-business-unfiltered#BusinessUnfiltered #KatiePoole #BusinessOwner #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #SmallBusiness #BusinessLeadership #WomenInBusiness #FamilyBusiness #OhioBusiness #ChimneyGuys #BusinessGrowth #FaithAndBusiness #LeadershipDevelopment #RickPlasket #ActionCOACH #BusinessCoaching #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessStrategy #OhioEntrepreneur

What if the future of fitness isn't the gym—it's the platform connecting trainers and clients?In this episode of Business Unfiltered, Steve Pirt, Founder of FlexWerk, shares how he's transforming the fitness industry with a global platform designed to empower fitness professionals and enhance the client experience. Discover his entrepreneurial journey, the importance of focus and resilience, and the lessons he's learned building an innovative fitness business.👍 Don't forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more inspiring founder stories and business insights.I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.– Rick and the Ohio Business Unfiltered podcast teamConnect with Rick Plasket on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-plasket-4b6a157Visit the ActionCOACH website here: https://rickplasket.actioncoach.comListen to Ohio Business Unfiltered on these podcast platforms: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033jtpIBICapFc5c0uLDjEApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ohio-business-unfiltered/id1896769046Amazon Podcasts:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/70038bf4-21c4-44ef-91a4-5fdca2d11607/ohio-business-unfiltered#OhioBusinessUnfiltered #RickPlasket #ActionCOACH #OhioBusiness #BusinessCoaching #SmallBusinessOwner #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #ScaleYourBusiness #OhioEntrepreneur #ExecutiveCoaching #BusinessStrategy #WorkLifeBalance #MindsetMattersOhio Business Unfiltered is the podcast for Ohio business owners who want straight talk on what it actually takes to build a profitable, sustainable company. Each week, Rick Plasket sits down with entrepreneurs, executives, and business leaders from across the state to get into the real conversations — the obstacles they faced, the decisions that changed everything, and what they wish they had known sooner.Rick Plasket is a certified ActionCOACH, West Point graduate, and Army veteran with decades of experience spanning corporate leadership and business coaching. He works with business owners across Columbus and Ohio to help them stop working in their business and start working on it — building systems, developing teams, and reclaiming the freedom they got into business for in the first place. On Ohio Business Unfiltered, Rick brings that same direct, accountability-driven approach to every conversation.

What does it really take to build a startup from the ground up while balancing strategy, operations, fundraising, and growth?In this episode of Business Unfiltered, Rick Plaskett sits down with Gabrielle Blocher, CEO of Sunflower Fuels, to talk about the realities of leading an early-stage company in the sustainable agriculture and renewable energy space. Gabby shares her journey from the Naval Academy and Marine Corps logistics to Columbia Business School, startup leadership, and now building a company focused on miscanthus-based renewable products and sustainable fuel solutions.Gabrielle explains how Sunflower Fuels is working to turn unused agricultural land in Kentucky and surrounding states into a scalable source of lignocellulosic feedstock for products such as animal bedding, renewable packaging, building materials, and sustainable aviation fuel. She also gives a candid look at what it means to lead a revenue-generating but pre-profit startup, including the challenges of fundraising, balancing day-to-day execution with long-term strategy, and planning for future team growth.If you’re a founder, operator, investor, startup leader, or someone interested in clean energy, agtech, sustainability, entrepreneurship, or business growth, this conversation is packed with practical insight.In this episode, you’ll learn about:* Building a startup in the sustainable agriculture and renewable fuels space* The business opportunity behind miscanthus and underused agricultural land* What it’s like to be a CEO wearing “all the hats” in an early-stage company* Balancing operations vs strategic planning in a startup environment* How Gabby approaches goal setting, growth, and scaling a business* The hiring roadmap for a growing startup team* The realities of raising capital as a pre-profit startup* Leadership lessons from the military, consulting, and startup worldKey takeaway from Gabriell: make space for both the operational and the strategic sides of the business — because growth depends on both.If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews with founders, CEOs, and business leaders sharing real lessons from building and scaling companies.#BusinessUnfiltered #StartupLeadership #Entrepreneurship #CEO #CleanEnergy #RenewableEnergy #SustainableAgriculture #AgTech #StartupGrowth #Fundraising #BusinessPodcast #Leadership #SunflowerFuelsIf this resonated, give it a like and subscribe — new episodes weekly.I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.– Rick and the Ohio Business Unfiltered podcast teamConnect with Rick Plasket on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-plasket-4b6a157Visit the ActionCOACH website here: https://rickplasket.actioncoach.comListen to Ohio Business Unfiltered on these podcast platforms: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033jtpIBICapFc5c0uLDjEApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ohio-business-unfiltered/id1896769046Amazon Podcasts:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/70038bf4-21c4-44ef-91a4-5fdca2d11607/ohio-business-unfiltered#OhioBusinessUnfiltered #RickPlasket #ActionCOACH #OhioBusiness #BusinessCoaching #SmallBusinessOwner #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #ScaleYourBusiness #OhioEntrepreneur #ExecutiveCoaching #BusinessStrategy #WorkLifeBalance #MindsetMattersOhio Business Unfiltered is the podcast for Ohio business owners who want straight talk on what it actually takes to build a profitable, sustainable company. Each week, Rick Plasket sits down with entrepreneurs, executives, and business leaders from across the state to get into the real conversations — the obstacles they faced, the decisions that changed everything, and what they wish they had known sooner.Rick Plasket is a certified ActionCOACH, West Point graduate, and Army veteran with decades of experience spanning corporate leadership and business coaching. He works with business owners across Columbus and Ohio to help them stop working in their business and start working on it — building systems, developing teams, and reclaiming the freedom they got into business for in the first place. On Ohio Business Unfiltered, Rick brings that same direct, accountability-driven approach to every conversation.

What does it really take to lead a second-generation family business in today's fast-changing world?In this episode of Business Unfiltered, Rick Plaskett sits down with Meredith, owner of Marles Printing Company, to discuss the realities of taking over a family business, adapting through COVID, embracing AI, and balancing entrepreneurship with personal life.After unexpectedly stepping into leadership, Meredith transformed her business by shifting from traditional printing to a more flexible brokerage model while continuing to grow through referrals, networking, and exceptional customer service.In this conversation, you'll learn:How to successfully transition into family business leadershipLessons from running a business for over 40 yearsWhy marketing consistency matters more than perfectionHow AI is changing small businesses and the printing industryStrategies for adapting after COVIDThe importance of work-life balance for entrepreneursTips for networking, referrals, and long-term business growthHow small business owners can stay competitive in a changing marketplaceWhether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, family business leader, or aspiring CEO, this episode is packed with practical insights and honest advice from someone who's lived the journey.Guest: Meredith – President, Marles Printing Company👍 If you enjoyed this interview, please Like, Subscribe, and turn on notifications for more real conversations with successful business owners.#BusinessUnfiltered #FamilyBusiness #Entrepreneur #SmallBusiness #Leadership #BusinessOwner #Marketing #AI #BusinessGrowth #WorkLifeBalance #Printing #Entrepreneurship #CEO #BusinessSuccess #NetworkingIf this resonated, give it a like and subscribe — new episodes weekly.I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.– Rick and the Ohio Business Unfiltered podcast teamConnect with Rick Plasket on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-plasket-4b6a157Visit the ActionCOACH website here: https://rickplasket.actioncoach.comListen to Ohio Business Unfiltered on these podcast platforms: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033jtpIBICapFc5c0uLDjEApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ohio-business-unfiltered/id1896769046Amazon Podcasts:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/70038bf4-21c4-44ef-91a4-5fdca2d11607/ohio-business-unfiltered#OhioBusinessUnfiltered #RickPlasket #ActionCOACH #OhioBusiness #BusinessCoaching #SmallBusinessOwner #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #ScaleYourBusiness #OhioEntrepreneur #ExecutiveCoaching #BusinessStrategy #WorkLifeBalance #MindsetMattersOhio Business Unfiltered is the podcast for Ohio business owners who want straight talk on what it actually takes to build a profitable, sustainable company. Each week, Rick Plasket sits down with entrepreneurs, executives, and business leaders from across the state to get into the real conversations — the obstacles they faced, the decisions that changed everything, and what they wish they had known sooner.Rick Plasket is a certified ActionCOACH, West Point graduate, and Army veteran with decades of experience spanning corporate leadership and business coaching. He works with business owners across Columbus and Ohio to help them stop working in their business and start working on it — building systems, developing teams, and reclaiming the freedom they got into business for in the first place. On Ohio Business Unfiltered, Rick brings that same direct, accountability-driven approach to every conversation.

How AI Is Transforming Small Businesses & Trucking Operations | Ryne Bandolik InterviewCan AI really help business owners save time, increase revenue, and scale faster? In this episode of Business Unfiltered, Rick Plaskett sits down with entrepreneur and Jobs Done Labs founder Ryne Bandolik to discuss how AI automation is reshaping business operations, sales, marketing, and growth.Ryan shares his journey from engineering and trucking to building AI-powered systems that help companies streamline workflows, reduce inefficiencies, improve conversion rates, and reclaim valuable time. He also reveals how he uses AI in his own trucking business and what business owners should focus on to stay competitive in the AI era.In this episode, you'll learn:✅ How AI agents can automate repetitive business tasks✅ Ways to improve sales, marketing, and conversion rates✅ The role of AI in trucking and logistics✅ Why referrals and trust are critical for business growth✅ How to scale a business using automation and funnels✅ The mindset shifts needed for entrepreneurial success✅ Ryan's advice for new business ownersWhether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, consultant, or AI enthusiast, this conversation offers practical insights into leveraging AI for real-world business results.Connect with Ryne Bandolik:📧 [email protected]💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rynebandolik/Subscribe for more interviews with business leaders, founders, and growth experts.#AIForBusiness #BusinessAutomation #ArtificialIntelligence #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #SmallBusiness #SalesFunnels #AIAgents #TruckingIndustry #LeadershipIf this resonated, give it a like and subscribe — new episodes weekly.I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.– Rick and the Ohio Business Unfiltered podcast teamConnect with Rick Plasket on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-plasket-4b6a157Visit the ActionCOACH website here: https://rickplasket.actioncoach.comListen to Ohio Business Unfiltered on these podcast platforms: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033jtpIBICapFc5c0uLDjEApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ohio-business-unfiltered/id1896769046Amazon Podcasts:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/70038bf4-21c4-44ef-91a4-5fdca2d11607/ohio-business-unfiltered#OhioBusinessUnfiltered #RickPlasket #ActionCOACH #OhioBusiness #BusinessCoaching #SmallBusinessOwner #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #ScaleYourBusiness #OhioEntrepreneur #ExecutiveCoaching #BusinessStrategy #WorkLifeBalance #MindsetMattersOhio Business Unfiltered is the podcast for Ohio business owners who want straight talk on what it actually takes to build a profitable, sustainable company. Each week, Rick Plasket sits down with entrepreneurs, executives, and business leaders from across the state to get into the real conversations — the obstacles they faced, the decisions that changed everything, and what they wish they had known sooner.Rick Plasket is a certified ActionCOACH, West Point graduate, and Army veteran with decades of experience spanning corporate leadership and business coaching. He works with business owners across Columbus and Ohio to help them stop working in their business and start working on it — building systems, developing teams, and reclaiming the freedom they got into business for in the first place. On Ohio Business Unfiltered, Rick brings that same direct, accountability-driven approach to every conversation.

Building a Family Business for the Next Generation | Leadership, Succession & Entrepreneurship with Justin BrightWhat does it take to build a successful family business and prepare the next generation to take over?In this episode of Business Unfiltered, Rick Plaskett sits down with Justin Bright, owner of Brighter Logistics, to discuss entrepreneurship, leadership, succession planning, sales growth, and the challenges of building a business that lasts beyond one generation.Justin shares his journey from aspiring professional golfer to entrepreneur, how he built Brighter Logistics from the ground up, and why teaching the next generation the value of hard work is critical for long-term success. He also discusses leadership lessons, family business dynamics, hiring salespeople, and the mindset required to grow a company while maintaining strong family relationships.In This Episode:✔ How Justin built Brighter Logistics from scratch✔ The realities of running a family-owned business✔ Succession planning and preparing the next generation✔ Leadership lessons learned over 15+ years in business✔ Why work ethic is still the ultimate competitive advantage✔ The challenges of hiring and managing sales teams✔ Entrepreneurship, freedom, and long-term business growth✔ Books and resources that shaped Justin's mindsetWhether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, family business leader, or aspiring founder, this conversation is packed with practical insights on building a sustainable company and creating a legacy.Connect with Justin Bright📧 [email protected]🌐 BrighterLogistics.comDon't forget to Like, Subscribe, and turn on Notifications for more candid business conversations and leadership insights.#FamilyBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #SuccessionPlanning #SmallBusiness #SalesLeadership #Logistics #BusinessOwner #BusinessUnfilteredIf this resonated, give it a like and subscribe — new episodes weekly.I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.– Rick and the Ohio Business Unfiltered podcast teamConnect with Rick Plasket on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-plasket-4b6a157Visit the ActionCOACH website here: https://rickplasket.actioncoach.comListen to Ohio Business Unfiltered on these podcast platforms: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033jtpIBICapFc5c0uLDjEApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ohio-business-unfiltered/id1896769046Amazon Podcasts:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/70038bf4-21c4-44ef-91a4-5fdca2d11607/ohio-business-unfiltered#OhioBusinessUnfiltered #RickPlasket #ActionCOACH #OhioBusiness #BusinessCoaching #SmallBusinessOwner #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #ScaleYourBusiness #OhioEntrepreneur #ExecutiveCoaching #BusinessStrategy #WorkLifeBalance #MindsetMattersOhio Business Unfiltered is the podcast for Ohio business owners who want straight talk on what it actually takes to build a profitable, sustainable company. Each week, Rick Plasket sits down with entrepreneurs, executives, and business leaders from across the state to get into the real conversations — the obstacles they faced, the decisions that changed everything, and what they wish they had known sooner.Rick Plasket is a certified ActionCOACH, West Point graduate, and Army veteran with decades of experience spanning corporate leadership and business coaching. He works with business owners across Columbus and Ohio to help them stop working in their business and start working on it — building systems, developing teams, and reclaiming the freedom they got into business for in the first place. On Ohio Business Unfiltered, Rick brings that same direct, accountability-driven approach to every conversation.

🏢 From Blue-Collar Roots to Building a Thriving Cleaning & Restoration Business | Ken Taylor | Ohio Business: UnfilteredWhat does it really take to build a successful service business from the ground up?In this episode of Ohio Business: Unfiltered, host Rick Plaskett sits down with Ken Taylor, founder of Common Courtesy Cleaning, to discuss the realities of entrepreneurship, business growth, leadership, customer retention, and building a company through hard work and community relationships.Ken shares his journey from a blue-collar upbringing in Northwest Ohio to launching and growing Common Courtesy Cleaning into a trusted provider of cleaning, restoration, mitigation, and specialty services throughout Central Ohio. Along the way, he reveals valuable lessons about marketing, hiring, company culture, controlled growth, and creating a business that serves both customers and employees.Whether you're a small business owner, entrepreneur, service contractor, or aspiring leader, this conversation is packed with practical insights and real-world wisdom.🔹 In This Episode You'll Learn:✅ How Ken built Common Courtesy Cleaning from scratch✅ Why word-of-mouth marketing still outperforms paid advertising✅ The importance of controlled business growth✅ Hiring strategies that focus on people and culture✅ Leadership lessons from entrepreneurship✅ How to build a strong reputation in your local market✅ The role discipline plays in business success✅ Why customer retention is the key to long-term growth✅ Lessons from the restoration and cleaning industry💡 Key Takeaways:• Discipline is the foundation of success• Growth should be intentional, not chaotic• Strong customer relationships create lasting business opportunities• Great businesses are built by serving people first• Word-of-mouth remains one of the most powerful marketing tools available📍 About Ken Taylor:Ken Taylor is the Founder and Owner of Common Courtesy Cleaning, a Central Ohio-based company specializing in residential and commercial cleaning, carpet cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, restoration services, water mitigation, mold remediation, biohazard cleanup, and more.📞 Connect with Ken Taylor:Phone: (614) 940-1653Email: [email protected]🔔 Subscribe for More Business Leadership ContentIf you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, leadership, business growth, sales, marketing, and small business ownership, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Turn On Notifications for future episodes.🎙️ Connect with Rick Plaskett:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-plasket-4b6a157🌐 Learn More:ActionCOACH: https://rickplasket.actioncoach.com🎧 Listen to Ohio Business: Unfiltered:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033jtpIBICapFc5c0uLDjEApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ohio-business-unfiltered/id1896769046Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/70038bf4-21c4-44ef-91a4-5fdca2d11607/ohio-business-unfilteredAbout Ohio Business: UnfilteredOhio Business: Unfiltered is the podcast for Ohio business owners who want straight talk on what it actually takes to build a profitable, sustainable company. Each week, Rick Plaskett sits down with entrepreneurs, executives, and business leaders from across Ohio to discuss the challenges, decisions, and lessons that shape successful businesses.Rick Plaskett is a certified ActionCOACH, West Point graduate, and Army veteran with decades of experience in leadership, business coaching, and organizational growth. Through candid conversations and practical insights, he helps business owners build stronger systems, develop better teams, and create businesses that work without consuming their lives.#KenTaylor #CommonCourtesyCleaning #OhioBusinessUnfiltered #RickPlaskett #OhioBusiness #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessOwner #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #BusinessLeadership #CleaningBusiness #RestorationBusiness #MarketingStrategy #CustomerRetention #ServiceBusiness #BusinessPodcast #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessCoaching #ActionCOACH #OhioEntrepreneur

Kurt Nederveld, founder and CEO of Rainstar Capital Group, joins Rick Plasket on Business Unfiltered to talk about 12 years of building one of the most diversified debt advisory platforms in the country. Rainstar sits across $20M+ middle market companies, small businesses, commercial real estate deals, and equipment lending — with 250 registered lenders spanning banks, hedge funds, private equity, and specialty finance. Kurt breaks down how the firm works, why bank financing often falls short during growth phases, and how AI is now changing the way they generate leads and process loans.Beyond the business model, this episode gets into leadership — the realities of being a Type A CEO, how Kurt structures his day between strategy and client work, and why he still gets personally involved in larger transactions rather than delegating everything away. He also shares what has shaped him as a leader, including experiences most people wouldn't talk about on a podcast.What you'll take away:Why businesses that are growing often outgrow their bank debt — and what the B, C, and D lending tiers actually offerHow Rainstar uses CFO-level tools to help clients weigh the cost of alternative capital against the revenue opportunity it unlocksKurt's approach to time-blocking: mornings for strategy, afternoons for leading by doingWhy he still works directly with clients as CEO, and where he draws the line on delegationHow Rainstar is using AI for lead generation and loan process automation — and why they're prioritising that over headcount growthThe hiring philosophy: culture fit and right timing over filling seats"Every great deal dies seven times" — and what it takes to be the advisor who gets it across the lineConnect with Kurt Nederveld:Website: rainstarcapitalgroup.comEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtanederveldIf this conversation gave you something useful, like and subscribe — new episodes drop weekly.I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.– Rick and the Ohio Business Unfiltered podcast teamConnect with Rick Plasket on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-plasket-4b6a157Visit the ActionCOACH website here: https://rickplasket.actioncoach.comListen to Ohio Business Unfiltered on these podcast platforms: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033jtpIBICapFc5c0uLDjEApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ohio-business-unfiltered/id1896769046Amazon Podcasts:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/70038bf4-21c4-44ef-91a4-5fdca2d11607/ohio-business-unfiltered#OhioBusinessUnfiltered #RickPlasket #ActionCOACH #OhioBusiness #BusinessCoaching #SmallBusinessOwner #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #ScaleYourBusiness #OhioEntrepreneur #ExecutiveCoaching #BusinessStrategy #WorkLifeBalance #MindsetMattersOhio Business Unfiltered is the podcast for Ohio business owners who want straight talk on what it actually takes to build a profitable, sustainable company. Each week, Rick Plasket sits down with entrepreneurs, executives, and business leaders from across the state to get into the real conversations — the obstacles they faced, the decisions that changed everything, and what they wish they had known sooner.Rick Plasket is a certified ActionCOACH, West Point graduate, and Army veteran with decades of experience spanning corporate leadership and business coaching. He works with business owners across Columbus and Ohio to help them stop working in their business and start working on it — building systems, developing teams, and reclaiming the freedom they got into business for in the first place. On Ohio Business Unfiltered, Rick brings that same direct, accountability-driven approach to every conversation.

Todd Sullivan has built and sold four companies, played professional hockey, and is now on his fifth venture — ExitWise, a marketplace that connects business owners with exited founders who've sold companies to some of the biggest names in the world. In this episode, Todd talks to Rick Plaskett about what most founders get catastrophically wrong when it's time to sell, why your investment banker and attorney are not actually on your side, and how having someone in your corner who's already been through the emotional rollercoaster of M&A can be the difference between a deal dying and a deal closing.The conversation covers the full arc of what ExitWise does — from working with founders 2-3 years before they're ready to sell, right through to closing — and why personality fit between a seller and their M&A team matters more than the size of previous deals. Todd also shares his thinking on goal-setting, why his superpower is zero to one, and what the goalie mindset from his hockey days taught him about running a business.What you'll take away:Why ExitWise clients sell for 30% or more above market — and what role exited founders actually play in getting thereThe red flag Todd watches for immediately: if your attorney is taking weeks to turn around an NDA, he'll walkWhy searchers and fundless sponsors have ruined multiple deals — and why Todd advises staying away from themThe difference between what a banker wants, what a lawyer wants, and what you actually need as a founder going into a saleHow exited founders translate emotion into finance and back again — and why bankers say they've saved deals because of itTodd's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: treat it as a career, go work inside the industry you want to disrupt, and launch with customers already in handWhy his magic wand answer is a tighter ICP — and why AI is changing how quickly they can prepare a business to go to marketConnect with Todd Sullivan:Website: exitwise.comEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddfsullivanLike and subscribe for new episodes every week.I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.– Rick and the Ohio Business Unfiltered podcast teamConnect with Rick Plasket on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-plasket-4b6a157Visit the ActionCOACH website here: https://rickplasket.actioncoach.comListen to Ohio Business Unfiltered on these podcast platforms: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033jtpIBICapFc5c0uLDjEApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ohio-business-unfiltered/id1896769046Amazon Podcasts:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/70038bf4-21c4-44ef-91a4-5fdca2d11607/ohio-business-unfiltered#OhioBusinessUnfiltered #RickPlasket #ActionCOACH #OhioBusiness #BusinessCoaching #SmallBusinessOwner #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #ScaleYourBusiness #OhioEntrepreneur #ExecutiveCoaching #BusinessStrategy #WorkLifeBalance #MindsetMattersOhio Business Unfiltered is the podcast for Ohio business owners who want straight talk on what it actually takes to build a profitable, sustainable company. Each week, Rick Plasket sits down with entrepreneurs, executives, and business leaders from across the state to get into the real conversations — the obstacles they faced, the decisions that changed everything, and what they wish they had known sooner.Rick Plasket is a certified ActionCOACH, West Point graduate, and Army veteran with decades of experience spanning corporate leadership and business coaching. He works with business owners across Columbus and Ohio to help them stop working in their business and start working on it — building systems, developing teams, and reclaiming the freedom they got into business for in the first place. On Ohio Business Unfiltered, Rick brings that same direct, accountability-driven approach to every conversation.

Joseph Badger didn't plan on ending up in insurance. His career wound through economics academia, telecoms marketing, custom home design, HR leadership, and teaching business seminars across the US before a temporary role with Colonial Life became the foundation for Upper Room Solutions. In this episode, Joseph talks to Rick Plaskett about what it actually looks like to build a business with the intention of one day not being needed in it — and why that's harder emotionally than most founders expect.The conversation covers Joseph's leadership philosophy, which centres on self-awareness, the difference between being nice and being kind, and what he calls "leading with a limp" — the idea that acknowledging your own flaws makes you a better leader, not a weaker one. He also shares a story from the night before recording that captures exactly the kind of successor relationship most business owners spend years hoping for.What you'll take away:Why Joseph structures his role around making himself unnecessary — and how that's changed where he spends his timeThe distinction between being nice (doing things so people like you) and being kind (doing the right thing for someone, regardless of whether they want it)How personality profiling tools like DISC aren't just for sales — and why he teaches them as life skillsWhat "leading with a limp" means in practice, and why leaders who haven't worked through their own wounds can cause serious damage to the people around themHis magic wand answer: sales discipline — and why even great hunters on a sales team need structure to stay focusedThe custom-forged sword from Nepal, and what it meant about the successor relationship he's built over yearsConnect with Joseph Badger:Website: upper-room-solutions.comPhone: 440-915-8442LinkedIn: Upper Room Solutions — linkedin.com/company/upper-room-solutionsIf this resonated, give it a like and subscribe — new episodes weekly.I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.– Rick and the Ohio Business Unfiltered podcast teamConnect with Rick Plasket on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-plasket-4b6a157 Visit the ActionCOACH website here: https://rickplasket.actioncoach.comListen to Ohio Business Unfiltered on these podcast platforms: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033jtpIBICapFc5c0uLDjEApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ohio-business-unfiltered/id1896769046Amazon Podcasts:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/70038bf4-21c4-44ef-91a4-5fdca2d11607/ohio-business-unfiltered#OhioBusinessUnfiltered #RickPlasket #ActionCOACH #OhioBusiness #BusinessCoaching #SmallBusinessOwner #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #ScaleYourBusiness #OhioEntrepreneur #ExecutiveCoaching #BusinessStrategy #WorkLifeBalance #MindsetMattersOhio Business Unfiltered is the podcast for Ohio business owners who want straight talk on what it actually takes to build a profitable, sustainable company. Each week, Rick Plasket sits down with entrepreneurs, executives, and business leaders from across the state to get into the real conversations — the obstacles they faced, the decisions that changed everything, and what they wish they had known sooner.Rick Plasket is a certified ActionCOACH, West Point graduate, and Army veteran with decades of experience spanning corporate leadership and business coaching. He works with business owners across Columbus and Ohio to help them stop working in their business and start working on it — building systems, developing teams, and reclaiming the freedom they got into business for in the first place. On Ohio Business Unfiltered, Rick brings that same direct, accountability-driven approach to every conversation.