PODCAST · business
Out of the Hourglass
by Nolan Consulting Group
Out of the Hourglass, presented by Nolan Consulting Group, is here to help Small Business Owners and Contractors alike visualize their goals, develop their team & build sustainable growth. You'll hear from our panel of NCG Coaches on a variety of topics, guest speakers from top industry resources, Business Owners sharing best practices and a focus on strategies across sales, marketing, business planning, human resources and more. We're here to take you "out of the hourglass" and reach YOUR Summit.
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Ep. 273: The Team That Wanted to Free Him: Pete Grandin on Building a Management Team That Transformed GrandScapes
Pete Grandin has spent over 40 years building GrandScapes into one of Rhode Island's premier landscaping companies — and the last few years have looked completely different. In this episode, Pete breaks down how building a structured management team transformed not just his business, but his day-to-day life. From delegating his maintenance division to empowering a team that now holds its own weekly meetings without him, Pete's story is a blueprint for what's possible when you invest in the right people. If you're a trades owner still carrying everything yourself, this one is worth your time.
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Ep. 272: Working Genius in Action — Hiring, Retention, and Leadership | with Alysa Medina of Painters USA
What if you could understand how someone approaches their work before you ever put them in a seat - and use that understanding to build stronger teams, reduce turnover, and make your toughest conversations more productive? Alysa Medina, Senior VP of People Operations at Painters USA, has done exactly that using the Working Genius framework. Today she walks us through how she's integrated it into hiring, onboarding, coaching, and daily leadership… and the remarkable results that followed, including dropping field turnover from 70% to 30–35%To learn more about Working Genius from Patrick Lencioni & The Table Group, visit https://www.workinggenius.com/
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Ep. 271: Hire for Potential – Introducing the POP™ Assessment with Jane Allen and Mark Repkin
Most hiring decisions are made on gut feel and most bad hires reveal themselves long after the interview is over. In this episode, we sit down with Jane Allen, owner of Smart Work Assessments, and Mark Repkin, NCG Sales Coach and Principal of Unicorn Sales Advisory, to introduce the POP™ (Predictor of Potential) Assessment a science-backed tool that Nolan Consulting Group is now certified to offer clients across sales, management, and key roles throughout a trades business. Jane and Mark break down what the assessment actually measures, how it differs from tools like DISC and Myers-Briggs, and how it can transform not just a single hire, but your entire hiring process. We're also sharing details on our upcoming May 20th workshop, designed to help NCG clients benchmark their current team and build a smarter foundation for future hiring.
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Ep. 270: Business is Messy – Finding, Hiring, and Keeping Your Number Two
Finding and keeping a strong "number two" is one of the most important — and most difficult — hires a trades business owner will ever make. In this episode of Business is Messy, Brian and Colin make the case that the best candidate probably isn't coming from your industry — and break down exactly where to look, how to bring them on, and how to lead them once they're in the door. From outcome-based compensation and reference checks to one-on-ones and the tough conversations most leaders avoid, this episode covers the full picture. If you've been putting off this hire — or struggling to make it stick — this one's for you.Today’s Podcast is brought to you by Painter Marketing Pros
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Ep. 269: The Leap and the Plan – How Watson & Sons Turned Pressure Into Progress
What does it take to go from a 5-person local plumbing company to a multi-location operation serving six counties - as an unknown in a brand new market? John Moskola, co-owner of Watson & Sons Plumbing, joins us to share the real story: the financial pressure, the contingency planning, the marketing investments that took months to pay off, and the coaching relationship that helped him see around corners. From a single keyword change that dramatically shifted their search visibility, to a new trenchless lining service opening doors with realtors and homeowners alike, John's story is a masterclass in trusting the process when the results aren't there yet. If you're a trades owner sitting on a growth decision and not sure if the timing is right, this one is for you.Today’s Podcast is brought to you by Hirebus
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Ep. 268: The Outside Perspective – What Level 2 Safety Certification Really Looks Like with Darren Lottes & Mason Mimnaugh
Safety programs don't protect your people - safety culture does. And there's a big difference between having policies on paper and actually living them on the job site. In this episode, Darren Lottes, National Safety Manager at Painters USA, and Mason Mimnaugh, Risk Management Consultant at Acrisure, walk us through what it really takes to achieve Summit Safety Level 2 certification, including the on-site verification process that separates companies that have a safety program from companies that are actively living one. From leveraging outside resources to connecting safety metrics to business growth, this conversation is a roadmap for any trades leader ready to take their safety culture to the next level.To connect with Mason Mimnaugh and learn more about Acrisure’s Risk Management Resources: [email protected]’s Podcast is brought to you by The Sherwin Williams Company
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Ep. 267: Your Brand Story – Video, Content & the Marketing Mindset That Changes Everything
Your brand story is one of the most powerful tools you have, but most businesses don't know how to tell it. In this episode, Molly sits down with Dennis Williams, co-founder & Partner of 3 Bridges Consulting and former broadcast journalist, to explore what it really means to define and elevate your brand in a crowded market. Dennis makes the case that every trades business should think like a media company, and breaks down the real cost of high-quality video and why AI-driven search is changing where your content needs to live. Practical, honest, and packed with perspective from someone who has built brands from the ground up.
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Ep. 266: Financial Clarity Meets Smart Staffing – Fractional Solutions for the Trades
Annie Newton, founder of ProfitWorks, joins the podcast to share how fractional CFO services and strategic remote talent placement are transforming trades businesses. From weekly cash flow discipline to "financial empathy" in reporting, Annie breaks down what commercial painting companies need to scale profitably. She explains why separating financial clarity from operational chaos is the first step toward smarter staffing decisions and sustainable growth.Today’s Podcast is brought to you by Protiv
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Ep. 265: Cash Flow: The Lifeblood of Business Growth
Cash flow is the number one reason businesses fail—even profitable ones. Luis Serrano, Founder of Serrano Bookkeeping, joins the show to discuss why trades businesses struggle with cash flow and how to fix it. From understanding the stress in-house bookkeepers face to implementing practical strategies for maintaining 2-3 months of operational capital, Luis shares insights on breaking the cycle of being "profitable but broke." Plus, NCG Business Coach Kathryn Freeman weighs in on real-world cash flow challenges, including the dangers of making financial decisions based solely on tax benefits without considering cash flow implications.Today’s Podcast is brought to you by PaintScout
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Ep. 264: From Big Ideas to Strategic Execution – Pete DiStefano's Leadership Journey
Pete DiStefano, President of DiStefano Brothers Companies, shares his 20-year journey from solo contractor to leading four thriving divisions: construction, floor coatings, closets, and electrical services. He gets candid about his early struggles with impulse-driven leadership and accountability, revealing the practical systems that helped him transform from visionary entrepreneur to intentional leader. If you're a trades business owner who sees the vision but struggles with execution, this conversation offers actionable insights on building structure that supports growth instead of stifling it.Guest: Pete DiStefano, President, DiStefano Brothers Companies Website: dbcri.com | Nolan Client Since: 2013Today’s Podcast is brought to you by Busybusy
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Ep. 263: Breaking Out of Autopilot — How Strategic Thinking Transforms Sales Results
Are your sales reps following a script, or thinking strategically about each opportunity? Jeff Cramer, Sales Coach for Nolan Consulting Group and founder of Perceptive Learning, tackles one of the most common problems in trades sales: autopilot selling. When reps run the same process for every customer, they create tactical fatigue—high volume, low profit, and constant price pressure. Jeff explains how to build a sales GPS that aligns every action with your business goals, why strategy must come before tactics, and how role-playing can transform your team's preparedness. If your reps are busy but not profitable, this conversation will change how you approach sales.Today’s Podcast is brought to you by Graco
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Ep. 262: Conquer the Chaos – The Balance of Family, Business & Finding Your Voice
COO of Coeur d'Alene Painting Group, Desiree Cleave, knows what it means to conquer the chaos - running multiple businesses, raising kids, and navigating family business leadership dynamics all at once. In this honest conversation, Des shares what it really took to find her voice in business, create the daily habits that set her up for success, and learn that sometimes the best thing you can do is just reroute. Today’s Podcast is brought to you by Acrisure
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Ep. 261: Business Is Messy — Sales Culture, Family Succession & Accountability Challenges
Business is Messy is back, bringing you practical solutions to the challenges every growing trades business faces. Brian Nolan and Colin Nolan are digging into three challenges facing their clients right now: shifting sales teams from immediate-results thinking to relationship-building, navigating the complexities of family business succession, and creating accountability systems that actually stick.Have a business mess you'd like Colin & Brian to address? Drop us a note at [email protected] and we'll put it in front of our Coaches on an upcoming "Business is Messy" episodeToday’s Podcast is brought to you by ProfitWorks.
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Ep. 260: Why Mental Health First Aid Matters — Equipping Leaders to Support Their Teams with Rob Vallentine
Rob Vallentine, National Mental Health Trainer, joins us following his powerful Grand Summit keynote that left attendees still reaching out months later with gratitude. Rob shares how equipping managers with mental health response skills can transform workplace culture, improve retention, and help leaders connect with their teams before problems escalate. Learn about the upcoming Mental Health First Aid Certification workshop in March - a practical training that teaches leaders how to notice warning signs, listen without judgment, and respond with confidence when team members are struggling.Today’s Podcast is brought to you by Safety Reports
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Ep. 259: Growing a Legacy – The Story of Kent Countryside Nursery with Susan Kussin Tompkins
Succession planning isn't just about paperwork—it's about trust, timing, and knowing when to let go. Susan Kussin Tompkins shares her 32-year journey at Kent Countryside Nursery & Landscaping, from unexpected tragedy to a proud, intentional transition. She discusses implementing Profit First across two revenue streams, using winter downtime strategically, and why starting succession conversations earlier make everything easier. This is real talk from a business owner who's preparing to watch her legacy thrive in the next generation's handsToday’s Podcast is brought to you by Spartan Digital Marketing
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Ep. 258: Building Culture Through Strategic Downtime — The CHP Paint Co. Story
Eric McDonald built CHP Paint Co.'s culture on a simple principle: you can't out-produce bad culture. After experiencing severe burnout in 2021, he made drastic changes—4-day work weeks, comprehensive benefits, employee recognition programs, and a two-week December shutdown. The results? Productivity increased, profitability soared, and December's "planned loss" became the strategic investment that transformed his entire year. Eric shares how to budget for culture and why bottom-line thinking beats chasing top-line revenue every time.Today’s Podcast is brought to you by Red Key Solutions
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Ep. 257: You Can't Give What You Don't Have – Developing Yourself and Your Key Leaders in 2026
Start 2026 strong by focusing on what matters most: developing yourself and your key leaders. Brian Nolan shares his personal development goal of completing a Half Ironman and explains why setting challenging goals creates the foundation for developing others. Using the field supervisor role as an example, he breaks down the three critical areas any key leader must master—emotional intelligence, financial management, and systems—to effectively develop their teams and drive business results.Today’s Podcast is brought to you by The Sherwin-Williams Company
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Ep. 256: Common Small Business HR Misconceptions (That Cost You Money)
HR compliance isn't just paperwork—it's what stands between your business and costly mistakes that can derail growth. In this conversation, Lisa DeMaria from Utopia Solutions breaks down the five most common HR misconceptions in trades businesses, from misclassifying workers to why your office manager can't do it all and the multi-state compliance traps that catch expanding companies off guard. This conversation gives you the roadmap to get HR right before problems show up at your door—protecting your business while creating the kind of culture that keeps great people around.Today’s Podcast is brought to you by Boolean Automation
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Ep. 255: Planning Check In – What our Coaches are Seeing in Every Annual Planning Session Right Now
Sydney Bates and Molly Nolan pull back the curtain on annual planning season, sharing key themes and lessons learned from the 20+ client site visits completed in recent months. Whether you've already done your 2025 planning or you're just getting started, this check-in covers what's working—from contingency planning and sales management structure to leadership development, geographic expansion, and the growing wave of business acquisitions. Discover why the most successful companies are heading into 2025 with both optimism and strategic backup plans in place.Today’s Podcast is brought to you by Painter Marketing ProsIf you want real growth in 2026, Painter Marketing Pros will show you how to unlock $50,000 to $250,000 plus in hidden revenue already inside your painting company. Get a custom 2026 Revenue Expansion Blueprint, guaranteed to uncover at least $50,000 in new revenue over the next 12 months, or they will pay you $1,000 for wasting your time. That's how confident they are in this blueprint.Visit https://grow.paintermarketingpros.com/blueprint-offer to secure your blueprint now. Space is limited.
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Ep. 254: AI Accelerator Workshop – A 6 Month Roadmap to Turn Strategy Into Competitive Advantage
Bill Drysdale, Principal of the Taysa Group, and Ross Hartmann, Founder of Kiingo AI, introduce NCG's new 6-month AI Accelerator Workshop designed specifically for trades businesses who want to gain a competitive edge through practical AI adoption. They explain why AI is a people and strategy challenge rather than a technical one, sharing how the program helps leaders develop clear implementation roadmaps, save time on administrative work, and amplify their team's capabilities without getting overwhelmed by complexity. With limited seats available starting in December, this peer-based workshop offers accountability, proven tools, and industry-specific applications that turn AI from buzzword into business advantage.Summit Members - Check your Summit Weekly or connect with your Coach to register!Today’s Podcast is brought to you by Protiv
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Ep. 253: "How You Do Anything Is How You Do Everything" - Building Career Ladders & Peer Feedback
When employees don't see a clear path forward, they leave—it's that simple. Dave Scaturro, Vice President & Director of Commercial Division at Alpine Painting shares how he & his team tackled this challenge by creating a comprehensive career ladder covering skills, safety, quality, culture, and leadership, then used feedback from his mastermind group of peer business owners to refine it over year and a half. The result: a system that's transforming how his team thinks about growth and retention in the trades.Today’s Podcast is brought to you by Hirebus
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Ep. 252: Behind the Scenes — Reflections from the 2025 Grand Summit
Fresh off the 2025 Grand Summit Conference in Seattle, Molly sits down with Coach Eamon to debrief his first Summit experience with over 200 trades industry leaders. From Tiffani Bova's "Experience Mindset" keynote to the deeply resonant conversation on leadership and mental health with Rob Vallentine, they share observations on standout sessions, unexpected moments, and what makes this community so unique.Today’s Podcast is brought to you by The Sherwin-Williams Company
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Ep 222 Re-Release: Highlights from the Experience Mindset, a Book by Tiffani Bova: Where EX & CX are Intricately Intertwined
We're re-releasing our very first episode of 2025 for a special reason - author Tiffani Bova was keynote speaker at this week's Grand Summit Conference in Seattle! When Colin and I discussed "The Experience Mindset" at the start of this year, we had no idea she'd soon be joining us to explore our conference theme: "The Intersection of Leadership & Technology." Her insights on how Customer Experience and Employee Experience are intricately intertwined made this the perfect way to kick off the Summit, examining why companies that excel in both areas achieve true growth and success.Today’s Podcast is brought to you by PaintScout.
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Ep. 251: Beyond Your Trades Business – Pete Schnepp on Diversifying Into Commercial Real Estate
Pete Schnepp, Real Estate Investor and Founder of both Envision Service Group and Asset Stream Properties, shares his journey from running a successful painting business to building and maintaining an expanding commercial real estate portfolio. In this episode, Pete discusses why he chose commercial real estate over short-term rentals, how he evaluates deals, and the importance of having both an income engine and a wealth-building engine. He offers practical advice for trades business owners looking to diversify into real estate investing, including the value of taking action and the role of leverage in building long-term wealth.To learn more, visit https://assetstreamproperties.com/ and check out the Upcoming Deal Room Event on December 4thThis podcast is sponsored by Busybusy
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Ep. 250: Small Resets, Big Results – A Conversation About Dan Heath's Book, Reset
Kevin Muñoz and Kathryn Freeman dive into Dan Heath’s Reset, exploring why small, intentional resets often outperform massive overhauls. They discuss how to identify “bright spots” worth replicating, the power of giving your team ownership over change, and why the best time to reset isn’t January 1st—it’s right now. From Chick-fil-A’s drive-thru innovations to archery coaches who let athletes steer their own improvement, this conversation is packed with practical strategies for business owners ready to break the cycle of patching problems and start designing sustainable growth.
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Re-Release Ep. 220: AI Meets Small Business - A conversation with Ross Hartmann of Kiingo AI
We're re-releasing this fan-favorite episode with Ross Hartmann, founder of Kiingo AI, just in time for our Grand Summit Conference where Ross will be leading a breakout session on this very topic. Ross and Molly explore practical AI applications for small businesses, discussing how tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini can boost efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer experiences while maintaining your authentic brand voice. Whether you're AI-curious or already experimenting, this conversation offers actionable strategies to integrate AI into your business today.
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Ep. 249: Grand Summit 2025 — Seattle, Sessions & Why You Should Attend
Join Molly Nolan and Colin Nolan as they preview the 2025 Grand Summit Conference in Seattle- NCG's largest annual event bringing together business owners for learning, networking, and one-on-one coaching. Discover what's new this year, including keynote speaker Tiffany Bova, interactive Table Talks, sessions on AI and bot building, strategic wealth building, and business valuation, plus enhanced opportunities for collaboration among the Summit community. Registration closes October 3rd, so don't miss your chance to invest in your business growth at this can't-miss event!Register Here: https://sites.google.com/nolancg.com/grand-summit-2025-seattle/attendee-registration
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Ep. 247: Partnership at the Top – How GMs and Owners Work Together
We are jumping back into the world of Stewart Painting - a month ago we heard about their Board of Directors Progress and now we’re hearing about the Role dynamics of the General Manager & Owner! Sheldon Stewart, Owner & President and Kimberly Redfield, General Manager discuss the role of the GM and how they work together effectively, sharing real examples of boundary-setting, strategic planning, and building trust during leadership transitions. As the former Controller, Kim shares the the critical differences between the role of the controller and GM and how to balance immediate operational needs with long-term succession and board planning.
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Re-Release Ep. 199: Scaling your Business with Overseas Talent: Sharing Insights & Approach from Michael Murray
This week we are re-releasing an episode originally published in May of 2024 with Michael Murray, he Founder and President at Textbook Painting in Cleveland, OH. As we thinking about planning and budgeting for 2026, we thought it was timely to revisit the topic of hiring overseas talent and how you can build that into your organizational growth to support your scaling teams. Be sure to check out the show notes for tools & hiring platforms below from the podcast!Job Postings & VA Hiring Serviceshttps://www.onlinejobs.ph/https://remote.co/ ProfitWorksTools: https://www.tango.us/ https://www.notion.so/ https://vocaroo.com/ https://wise.com/us/ https://www.loom.com/ https://justcall.io/ https://www.ringcentral.com/
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Ep. 246: The Delicate Art of Passing the Egg – From Sales Promises to Operations Delivery
Nolan Consulting Group Coach, Eamon Lynch shares lessons from scaling operations at a billion-dollar remodeling company and applying those systems to smaller trades businesses. From bay window sales gone wrong to the critical handoffs between sales and operations, Eamon breaks down why "we say a lot of things" isn't good enough and how to build accountability that scales. Learn his approach to cross-departmental meetings and the communication strategies that turn chaos into consistent growth.
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Ep. 245: Don’t Hit Snooze on 2026 Planning – Why Now is the Time to Start Your Annual Plan
When the Summer days start fading, we start planning! Today we’re diving into the importance of starting your 2026 planning now - at the very least, getting those dates on the calendar in October or November. From vision setting and SWOT analysis to identifying Planning Discussion Items and breaking them into 90-day action steps, we explore the tools and structure that make planning retreats impactful. We also discuss the balance between big-picture dreaming and practical integration, and why getting out of the office fuels creativity.
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Ep. 244: Beating the Drum – Setting the Table for Sales Success with Gavin Hepp
Join us as we welcome Gavin Hepp, Co Founder of Webfoot Home Improvements and newest addition to the Nolan Sales Coaching team. Gavin shares his passion for "Setting the Table" - the critical foundation of every successful sales interaction that makes customers comfortable and sets clear expectations from the start. We dive deep into practical communication strategies, and discuss how to leverage texting effectively with clients and avoid the dreaded "ghosting" through structured follow-up processes.
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Ep. 243: Checking Back In — Stewart Painting's Board Journey Continues
Back in 2022, we sat down with Sheldon Stewart, Owner & President of Stewart Painting to talk about his early journey building a board of directors—well, we're back for round two to see how things have actually played out! This time we're joined by Sheldon's daughter Shayla Wilkinson, who's now wearing two hats as both marketing manager and board member, and they have made great progress. From navigating family business dynamics to mapping out a succession plan that'll bring in two outside board members by 2028, Sheldon and Shayla give us the real scoop on what it's actually like to evolve from a traditional family business into something with a serious governance structure.To listen to the first episode with Sheldon - Ep 110: A Member Story ~ Building Stewart Painting's Board of Directors
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Ep. 242: Safety Reports – Transforming Construction Safety with Digital Technology
In this episode, Molly sits down with Ryan Reber from Safety Reports by Align Ops to discuss the critical importance of safety in the construction industry and how digital technology is transforming traditional safety programs. They explore practical implementation strategies for safety software, getting field teams on board, and turning safety from a compliance burden into a competitive advantage using emerging safety technologies like AI and predictive analytics, that protects workers and improves business outcomesClick here to learn more about Safety ReportsTo connect with Ryan :[email protected] For more Safety focused conversations, check out the Painters USA perspectiveEp. 237: The Dual Impact – Safety Focus as a People Strategy and Business Advantage featuring Paul Cook & Darren Lottes
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Ep. 241: Cybersecurity for Small Business – It's Not Optional Anymore
In this episode of Out of the Hourglass, Molly sits down with Paul Grenci, President & Co-Founder of Red Key Solutions, to discuss the critical cybersecurity threats facing small businesses today. Paul reveals how automated hacking has made even 5-6 employee companies vulnerable targets and shares why 60% of businesses that experience a significant cyber event fold within six months. From multi-factor authentication basics to building a security-first culture from the top down, he offers practical advice that can help small businesses survive and thrive as they scale their operations.
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Ep. 240: The Heavy Backpack — Breaking Through CEO Isolation with Bill Drysdale
In this powerful conversation, Bill Drysdale, former General Manager of Fujifilm's $500M digital camera division and current Vistage Chair, opens up about the reality of CEO isolation and the "heavy backpack" of leadership responsibilities. Bill shares how he felt isolated despite being surrounded by colleagues and discusses the three major challenges that create the deepest isolation for CEOs - people decisions, financial strain, and legal/ethical issues. Drawing from his experience facilitating peer advisory groups, Bill reveals how vulnerability and peer connection can transform both decision-making and business performance, offering practical insights for leaders ready to break through isolation.
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Ep. 239: Compensation Planning for Growth – A Conversation with Utopia HR Solutions
Lisa DeMaria, founder of Utopia HR Solutions, joins us to discuss strategic compensation planning and employee retention for small to mid-sized businesses in the trades industry. We explore how to create competitive compensation packages that go beyond salary, including flexible benefits, performance-based incentives, and structured development programs that help retain top talent. Lisa shares practical insights on simplifying HR processes, tracking key metrics for success, and building a culture of growth through mentoring and individual development plans.To connect with Lisa or learn more about Utopia HR Solutions, visit https://www.utopiahr.com/
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Ep. 238: From Founder to Coach – Mike Freeman's Entrepreneurial Evolution
Join us as we sit down with Mike Freeman, Co-Founder of Mike's Quality Painting and One Day Concrete Coatings, and newest Associate Coach with Nolan Consulting Group. From starting a lawn mowing business with his brother at age 11 to building multiple successful ventures in Albuquerque, Mike shares his journey of creating opportunity-driven businesses that operate without constant owner involvement. He discusses how he successfully transitioned day-to-day operations while focusing on real estate investments and coaching, demonstrating the importance of strategic partnerships and complementary risk tolerances. Mike's story shows how prioritizing relationships, embracing calculated risk, and building the right systems can help trades business owners truly get "out of the hourglass.”
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Ep. 237: The Dual Impact – Safety Focus as a People Strategy and Business Advantage
Implementing robust safety practices creates a powerful dual advantage—protecting your most valuable asset, your people, while simultaneously driving business growth and opportunity. Paul Cook and Darren Lottes of Painters USA and pioneers of Safety within the Summit group, share field-tested insights on transforming safety from a compliance burden into a strategic cornerstone that builds team trust, reduces costs, and creates competitive differentiation. This is about creating an environment where protection and production reinforce rather than compete with each other. Summit Members interested in Safety Certification, please contact Jen Ware, [email protected] learn more about Safety Reports by Align Ops: Click HereSpecial Pricing Offer for Summit Members & Out of the Hourglass Listeners: 25% off User Fees for their 1st year of Safety Reports. OR Visit Linkhttps://www.safety-reports.com/?utm_source=NCG_Pod&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=website
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Ep. 236: Pain Points & Price Points – Winning the Objection Game Before It Starts
In this episode, Colin Nolan shares the importance of transforming objections into opportunities by mastering the art of uncovering customer pain. Discover why the most successful objection handling happens during discovery, not at the end of the sales process, and learn practical techniques to leverage emotional buying motives when facing resistance. If you're struggling with closing deals, this conversation reveals why the solution lies in how you open them.
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Ep. 235: The Hourglass Scorecard – A Tool for Business Assessment and Growth
Brian Nolan, Co-founder and President of Nolan Consulting Group, and Business Coach Sydney Bates discuss the rollout of the NEW Hourglass Scorecard, a dynamic assessment tool for trades businesses focused on building value and growth. They explain how this updated version of the Business Systems Checklist helps identify a company's current status and future goals, helps align expectations and develop customized strategies for companies at different revenue stages. It sets the stage for REAL implementation opportunities. Actually provides weight to the systems you’re looking to implement and the value of those opportunitiesTo access the Hourglass Scorecard Resources, connect with [email protected]!
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Ep. 234: What Small Business Owners Should Know When Choosing a Financial Advisor
Ever wonder how to find a financial advisor who really 'gets' your business? Join us as we chat with Michael Pallozzi of HFM Investment Advisors about navigating the financial advisory landscape as a small business owner. Michael shares his practical wisdom on why the right advisor should understand both your business and personal goals, how to spot red flags when interviewing potential advisors, and why having your wealth management and business planning under one roof creates powerful opportunities.To learn more about HFM Investment Advisors, check out https://hfmadvisors.com/
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Ep. 233: The Rise of AI Search & Digital Marketing for Home Service Businesses
Sarah Adkins, owner of Big Shark Marketing, discusses the evolution of digital marketing strategies, emphasizing the importance of adapting to AI-powered search and creating high-quality, authoritative content. She highlights the challenges businesses face in keeping up with marketing trends and offers advice on optimizing websites, utilizing AI tools, and implementing niche marketing approachesTo learn more or connect with Sarah Adkins, check out https://bigsharkmarketing.com/
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Ep. 232: Planning for the Unplanned – Every Business Owner Needs a Crisis Plan
Crisis planning should be non-negotiable for every business owner, regardless of age or company size. On today’s episode with Brian Nolan we discuss why having a comprehensive crisis plan isn't just about preparing for worst-case scenarios, but a strategic tool that protects your business, provides peace of mind, and ensures your team (and family) can confidently navigate unexpected challenges in your absence.
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Re-Release Episode #196: Unlocking the World of Crucial Conversations – High Stakes, Disagreeing Opinions and High Emotions
Whether it be a tough conversation you need to have with an employee or need to de-escalate an issue or job gone awry with a customer, we are unlocking the tools to better prepare ourselves for the dynamic of crucial conversations. With a passion for this topic, NCG Sr. Business Coach Colin is here to share key points from “Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking when the Stakes are High” with practical application to the relationships and conflicts we often encounter.
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Ep. 231: Budget B Agility – Preparing Your Business for Whatever Comes Next
Discover the importance of Plan B Budgeting with Kathryn Freeman, Senior Business Coach and Director of Operations, as we transition from Q1 to Q2. Learn why financial contingency planning is essential in today's market conditions and how having alternative budget scenarios ready can help business owners navigate uncertainty with confidence and be better leaders.
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Re-Release #179: Job Site Leadership – Their System vs. Our System and the 3-Legged Stool
For many businesses who experience the swing of seasonality, the wheels of the busy season are quickly starting to roll and it’s a great time to ensure your production team is prepared to lead effectively. We released an episode focusing on Job Site Leadership as a workshop preview back in December 2023 for one of our upcoming programs at the time. As we think about getting our field teams in the headspace to manage jobs, customers and employees- it is the perfect time for a re-release! Today we are revisiting that valuable conversation about Job Site Leadership with Colin Nolan, Sr. Business Coach. We delve into the core elements of effective job site leadership, explore who benefits most from understanding these concepts and why getting this role right is crucial for project success.
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Ep. 230: From Trades to Real Estate — How Dan Brady Built a Second Seven-Figure Business in the Short Term Rental Space
In this episode, we sit down with Dan Brady, owner of Dan Brady Painting and Adventure North Vacation Rentals, to explore his journey from CEO of Painting business to real estate investor. Dan shares how he built a thriving short-term rental business generating seven figures in annual revenue while maintaining his successful painting company in Northern Michigan. Discover the strategies, challenges, and creative solutions Dan employed when expanding into real estate, including his approach to property selection, renovation, and management. Whether you're considering diversifying your business or curious about the vacation rental market, Dan's practical insights and experience offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs looking to grow their portfolios.
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Ep. 229: A Journey to CEO & Intentionality – How Eric Tilghman Transformed His Leadership & Mindset Approach
This impactful conversation with Eric Tilghman, CEO of Tilghman Builders, walks us through his transformative journey over the last 10 years of becoming more intentional, goal-driven and embracing "the ideal day" concept that revolutionized his leadership approach.Eric offers practical insights on how this mindset shift has enhanced both his leadership approach and Tilghman Builders' company culture Whether you're looking to enhance your leadership, improve work-life integration, or build a stronger company culture, Eric's candid experiences offer a blueprint for translating personal philosophy into leadership success.
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Ep. 228: How I Show Up as a Leader
Nolan Consulting Group Co-Founder & President, Brian Nolan, explores the multifaceted dimensions of effective leadership - How do YOU show up as a Leader? Brian breaks down how leaders can better understand their personal leadership style through strengths identification, Working Genius assessments, DISC profiles, adapting to team needs and understanding blindspots. Discover practical frameworks to help you recognize blind spots and show up as your best leadership self.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Out of the Hourglass, presented by Nolan Consulting Group, is here to help Small Business Owners and Contractors alike visualize their goals, develop their team & build sustainable growth. You'll hear from our panel of NCG Coaches on a variety of topics, guest speakers from top industry resources, Business Owners sharing best practices and a focus on strategies across sales, marketing, business planning, human resources and more. We're here to take you "out of the hourglass" and reach YOUR Summit.
HOSTED BY
Nolan Consulting Group
CATEGORIES
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