Entrepreneur Intel

For nearly 30 years, Chris built Mobile Air from a garage into a multi-state niche manufacturing company. He went from getting crushed by competitors with a 20-year head start to charging two to three times their price, and customers wanted his equipment more.He prototyped equipment on real job sites, told contractors "if it doesn't work, you won't pay for it," and slowly built something no one else could copy.Then he sold to private equity. And something he didn't expect happened. He lost himself.We talked about:→ Why the first five years nearly killed his business and how he reinvented it from the kitchen table→ What watching Lehman Brothers collapse on TV taught him about timing an exit→ The moment on a golf course that made him walk away from retirement and start coaching entrepreneursChris now runs T-Rex Advisory, where he helps business owners go deeper than the tools and systems. He works with entrepreneurs on the stuff no one talks about: ego, identity, purpose, and what happens when the thing you built for decades is suddenly gone.If you've ever wondered what it actually costs to build something from nothing and what's left when you let it go, tune into this episode.Thank you Chris for your time in coming on and sharing your story!~~~~~This episode is brought to you by Stealth Consulting.*Connect with Wes*https://stealthconsulting.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleymathews/https://www.instagram.com/stealth_consulting/

After COVID wrecked the cash flow of the business he spent 13 years building, John Glon burned through a bank loan, withdrew emotionally, and started blaming everyone around him for problems he created. But when a coach finally showed him the truth, that he was was running from his business, John knew something needed to change. His leadership style needed a refresh.Through Bloom Growth, John learned and now coaches founders and leadership teams to stop with the blame game and instead face the hard conversations that are holding them back.In our conversation, we also discuss:➤ Why John fired his largest client and how it changed his team's energy overnight➤ The trap of putting loyal people in seats they've outgrown➤ Who ACTUALLY challenges the Visionary when nobody on the team wants to step in the ring~~~~~This episode is brought to you by Stealth Consulting.*Connect with Wes*https://stealthconsulting.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleymathews/https://www.instagram.com/stealth_consulting/

Jon Bowerman and I have been business partners for almost 20 years; we started a digital marketing company in '09 and sold it in '21.Through that time, we'd seen entrepreneurs get taken advantage of by agencies who cared more about monthly retainers than actual results. So we built something different. We built Stealth.In this conversation, we discuss:→ Why the visionary/integrator partnership model is the only thing that kept us sane→ The moment we realized every entrepreneur faces the same three marketing disasters→ How AI is changing the game (and why most agencies see it as a threat instead of a tool)Here's the honest truth nobody tells you about entrepreneurship and what all the "gurus" try to cover up:You can't do it alone, and even if you could, you shouldn't.~~~~~This episode brought to you by Stealth Consulting.*Connect with Wes*Web: https://stealthconsulting.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleymathews/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stealth_consulting/

Stephen Wojno took a bankrupt company from $7 million to $28 million by age 26. He ran a 300-person manufacturing operation. Now he's the Chief Intelligence Officer at Stealth Consulting building AI systems for small businesses.Steve said something that stopped me cold.AI can already do 47% of your workload. You just need to know how to point it in the right direction.Most businesses think AI will solve all their problems the moment they turn it on. It won't. You have to train it like an intern. You have to document your processes first. You have to build the foundation before any of this works.Stephen breaks down:→ Why a 20-person company can now operate like a 200-person company→ How to turn your B-players into A-players with the right tools→ Why your salespeople can never fill out your CRM correctly and what to do about itAnd why 2026 is the year you either start building with AI or get left behind.~~~This episode brought to you by Stealth Consulting.*Connect with Wes*Web: https://stealthconsulting.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleymathews/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stealth_consulting/

Patrick Thean, an award-winning entrepreneur, USA Today bestselling author, and one of the world’s leading experts in strategy execution is the guy CEOs call when growth stalls.Today, Patrick shares why most companies don’t grow: 1) they can’t keep commitments2) they crave crisis3) they avoid the boring, necessary work.He describes a shift from trying to solve every problem on his own to learning how to recognize issues early, trust his team, and truly let go.My takeaway: real leadership growth begins with openness... a willingness to welcome feedback, even when it’s uncomfortable or challenges the assumptions you’ve held for years.- - - - -This episode brought to you by Stealth Consulting.*Connect with Wes*Web: https://stealthconsulting.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleymathews/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stealth_consulting/

Brent Peterson built and sold his company just as the world was changing.It's when he found out... Owners can’t stay on as the core of the business. It only ends in disaster.While he misses the team and the energy, Brent knows his vision belongs to someone else now.People think entrepreneurs always have to grind, but what if the smartest move is knowing when to really walk away?- - - - -This episode brought to you by Stealth Consulting.**Connect with Wes**Web: https://stealthconsulting.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleymathews/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stealth_consulting/

Natalie Kaminski shares her story of arriving in the U.S. at 18 with just $500, hustling through tech jobs, and climbing her way from QA engineer to COO, before founding JetRockets and leading it through explosive growth and global relocation.Natalie talks about learning on someone else's dime, why embracing what you do best matters, the real impact of AI on tech agencies, and how she faced the ultimate test... moving her entire team out of Russia when war broke out.

Tom Schwab, founder and "Chief Evangelist Officer" of Interview Valet, joins to discuss how meaningful conversations (NOT marketing noise) build real trust to drive business growth. Tom shares how podcast guesting has evolved into one of the most effective ways to connect with audiences, build authority, and leverage AI to increase discoverability.We cover...- Why RELATIONSHIPS remain the ultimate currency in business- How AI is reshaping marketing and lead generation- Efficiency vs Effectiveness in marketing- How to create valuable content that compounds over timeResourcesClicksand: How Digital Marketing is Ruining Your Business by Bill Troy- - - - -This episode brought to you by Stealth Consulting.Connect with WesWeb: https://stealthconsulting.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleymathews/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stealth_consulting/

Haig Berberian didn’t just sell other people’s products — he built the capability to make his own. We dig into how he went from brokering food to taking possession, then launching a USDA plant to control quality, safety, and margins. We talk 2008 survival, credit when you’re broke, why phone calls still win, and what it really takes to scale premium sausage and meats.We also get honest about leadership and life: EO as a founder’s tribe, stepping back so your team can step up, lessons from caring for a parent, and why e-commerce isn’t always the move when you’re crushing B2B. Unfiltered, practical, and very real. Thank you for watching!This episode brought to you by Stealth Consulting.Connect with Wes:Web: https://stealthconsulting.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleymathews/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stealth_consulting/

Dave Kustin is a brand strategist and co-founder of ContentBacon, a company he built to solve a problem he saw in the market: businesses either hiring a random freelancer for $5 or paying massive retainers to big agencies—without much in between. With ContentBacon, Dave set out to create something different: scalable, transparent, and focused on delivering real content that actually works.In this episode, Dave shares his journey from running an agency to launching a service company built for scale. He opens up about how joining EO (Entrepreneurs’ Organization) gave him the accountability and vision to grow, why letting go of being the “creative director” was so tough, and how he learned to be creative about building a company instead of just designing campaigns.We also get into the realities of content marketing in 2025—why simply churning out AI-generated blogs won’t cut it, and why human fingerprints are more important than ever in creating content that resonates. Dave explains how his team uses AI as a partner for ideation and heavy lifting, but always relies on professional writers and editors to keep the heart in the work.If you’ve ever struggled with scaling your business, debated whether content is really worth the investment, or wondered how AI is changing the game, this episode is packed with insights. Dave also shares practical tips, like how to start building content just by answering your top 10 FAQs, and why messy first drafts are better than waiting for “perfect.”Join us for this conversation if you’re an entrepreneur, visionary, or team leader who wants to create a business that scales without losing its soul.Here’s what we talked about:- How Dave built ContentBacon, a scalable “anti-agency” for content marketing.- Why EO and accountability groups helped him think bigger and scale.- Why content still needs a human fingerprint in the age of AI.- Start your content strategy by answering your top 10 FAQs.- Why “perfect” content doesn’t exist—and messy drafts win.Dave Kustin’s Social Links: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/davekustin/Links:Entrepreneur Intel: https://entrepreneurintel.com/Stealth Consulting: https://stealthconsulting.comFollow Wesley Mathews on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleymathews/

Brian Doyle is a former Air Force pilot who commanded 31 combat missions before moving into the business world, working at GE Capital, and eventually becoming CEO of Holden Advisors. Today, he helps $100M–$5B companies increase profitability by building pricing strategies that actually get implemented—and embraced—by sales teams.In this episode, Brian shares how lessons from the cockpit translate to leading in business, from staying calm under pressure to keeping your “cross check” on all parts of the operation. He opens up about navigating COVID just weeks into his CEO role, the dangers of relying too heavily on one client, and why process and discipline are just as important as big ideas.Brian also talks about bridging generational gaps inside organizations, building trust between sales teams and leadership, and using EOS to keep everyone aligned. Whether it’s negotiating with giants like Amazon or helping companies understand their true value, he explains how to create pricing power without losing customers.Join us for a candid look at leadership, strategy, and execution from someone who’s flown through turbulence—both in the air and in business—and come out stronger.In this episode, we talked about:How 31 combat missions as an Air Force pilot shaped Brian’s leadership and decision-making.Why Holden Advisors blends value-based pricing strategy with hands-on implementation.Lessons from rapid growth tied to a single major client.Pivoting to virtual delivery weeks into his CEO role.Using a pilot’s “cross check” to avoid business blind spots.Leveraging EOS to align big ideas with disciplined execution.Bridging gaps between sales teams and leadership.Adapting communication styles for Millennials and Gen Z.Negotiating with giants like Amazon while protecting pricing.Connecting with younger generations in a changing workplace.Brian Doyle's Social Links: Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianadoyle Company Website: https://holdenadvisors.com Links:Stealth Consulting: https://stealthconsulting.com/ Follow Wesley Mathews on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleymathews/ Skypayments: https://www.skypaymentsgroup.com/ 

Youssef Tawfik is a former national basketball player from Egypt who left a safe career in big tech to build his own company, Revi. Today, he’s helping businesses around the world use software and AI to modernize, especially the ones still stuck doing things with pen and paper in 2025. In this episode, Youssef shares his journey from working in big tech to building scalable solutions. He talks about how he knew it was time to bet on himself and offers valuable insights for any visionary founder or business leader looking to modernize operations, leverage AI responsibly, and bring their team along for the ride. Youssef breaks down exactly how small businesses can start automating today by just looking at the tools they already use. He also debunks the myth that “AI is here to replace people” and shows how you can use AI tools to work faster, better, and smarter. We also talk about the human side of bringing in new tools. Youssef shares how to help your team get excited about change, not scared of it. From setting up systems the right way to making sure your data is clean and organized, he explains how to actually prepare your business to use AI in a way that works. Join us today if you’re a founder, entrepreneur, or team leader. This episode will help you make smarter decisions around AI and automation and show you how to grow a business that can keep up with your biggest ideas.Youssef Tawfik's Social Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/youssef-tawfik11/ Company LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/revi-agency/Company Website: https://revi.agency/Company Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/revi.agency/Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yousseftawfik11/Links:Stealth Consulting: https://stealthconsulting.com/Follow Wesley Mathews on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleymathews/Skypayments: https://www.skypaymentsgroup.com/

Jason Hansen is a Certified Living Benefits Expert and founder of Midwest Family Financial. For over 20 years, he’s helped entrepreneurs and families use life insurance to protect their future, build tax-free income, and avoid financial disaster.  Today, Jason joins me to break down a topic that confuses a lot of people: life insurance. We talk about what it really is, the difference between term and permanent life insurance, and how living benefits can help you while you’re still alive, not just after you die.  Jason breaks down how founders can use the right type of policy to cover worst-case scenarios, tap into their death benefit while still alive, and create a cash reserve they can borrow from at any time without involving the IRS. We explore the strategy of using permanent life insurance as a cash flow and investment vehicle, explaining the infinite banking concept in plain English. Jason also shares real-life stories, like the policy he used to help his son buy a truck and how Walt Disney used life insurance to build Disneyland.  Jason also shares certain policies that allow chronically ill and terminal patients can access up to $20,000 a month without you having to pay extra. Join us today as we break down complex topics into understandable concepts, explore how to build a policy that works for you, and help you protect your future without getting overwhelmed by sales jargon.Jason Hansen's Social Links:CEO of midwest family financial ( http://midwestfamilyfinancial.com ) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-hansen-8078a7149/Links:Stealth Consulting: https://stealthconsulting.com/Follow Wesley Mathews on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleymathews/Skypayments: https://www.skypaymentsgroup.com/

Josh Snyder is the VP of Sales at Zerion Software and FieldApps AI, where he helps companies dump inefficient processes and build custom AI-powered software without writing a single line of code.  In today's episode, Josh shares how his team transformed from a traditional software company into a cutting-edge AI wrapper business that builds tools from simple client conversations. Josh joins me to dive into: how AI is removing the complexity from software development, drastically reducing costs, and putting powerful tools into the hands of business owners who know their operations but not necessarily how to code. He explains how his team can turn a 30-minute discovery call into a working front-end prototype within hours. We explore; real-world examples in agriculture, utilities, and digital marketing, discuss the rising role of creative problem-solvers in AI development, and unpack how AI is changing hiring, data collection, strategy execution, and customer engagement. If your business is just getting started, Josh shares actionable advice on how you can identify operational problems, ask the right questions, and use tools like ChatGPT and Claude to create momentum for growth. Join us today if you're curious about how to future-proof your business, or want to stop wasting time on manual tasks and start using AI to grow smarter and faster!Josh Snyder Social Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-snyder-746336a/Links:Stealth Consulting: https://stealthconsulting.com/Follow Wesley Mathews on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleymathews/Skypayments: https://www.skypaymentsgroup.com/

Dave Lava and Ilyssa Grant have quietly helped business owners save millions by rethinking how payment processing ‘should’ work. With backgrounds in business, tech, and entrepreneurship, they saw the flaws in the traditional system and decided to build something better. Today, they work with companies across the country to help them take back control of their revenue.Today, Dave and Ilyssa joined me to talk about what most people get wrong about credit card fees and why accepting them as “just part of doing business” could be a huge mistake. We dive into how they’ve helped businesses cut costs without cutting corners, and the small shifts that you can make in how you accept payments that can easily lead to massive savings over time. They also share the journey that brought them into this space, including the early resistance they faced and the breakthroughs that changed everything. Their story is one of persistence, innovation, and a refusal to follow the crowd. What they’ve built now not only helps businesses save money, it makes the entire process simpler and more transparent.We explore the future of technology and digital payments might look like and how they can affect your business. Dave and Ilyssa also expose to you a behind-the-scenes look at where digital payments are going, and what you can do as a smart business owner to stay ahead. Join us today if you’ve ever wondered why you're paying so much just to get paid or how to break free from the system that keeps taking a cut.Ilyssa Grant Social Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilyssagrant/Links:Stealth Consulting: https://stealthconsulting.com/Follow Wesley Mathews on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleymathews/Skypayments: https://www.skypaymentsgroup.com/

Alek Ivanov is the founder of Synergy3, an HVAC company that’s grown to over 30 team members and more than $8 million in revenue. But his path to success was anything but smooth: and from arriving in the U.S. with just $8 to building a thriving business from the ground up, Alek bares it all.Today, Alek joins me to dive into the emotional and practical journey of entrepreneurship. Alek shares the chance encounter that led him into the HVAC industry, and the three factors that helped him build a team that thrives - even when he’s off biking solo across Iceland or competing in an Ironman.We also get real about turning your most hurtful moments into fuel for your success. Aleks shares exactly how he lost over $500,000, Plus the toughest lessons and internal shifts he went through to break through the $3M bottleneck in his businessJoin us today whether you’re in home services or any entrepreneurial space as we discuss the SOPs, the cost of poor partnerships, mental health, and what it really takes to chase big goals like building a $100M business.Alek Ivanov's Social Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/alek-ivanov-8209a410/Links:Stealth Consulting: https://stealthconsulting.com/Follow Wesley Mathews on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleymathews/Synergy3: https://synergy3.com/

How can SaaS fuel your business growth and keep you ahead of the curve? In this week’s episode of Entrepreneur Intel, host Wes Matthews sits down with Nathan Tyler, an experienced founder and SaaS expert, to uncover how data-driven decision-making can transform your company.Nathan shares his journey from building a web agency to creating BlinkMetrics, a SaaS platform that gives entrepreneurs real-time insights into their key business metrics. Learn how SaaS tools can automate performance tracking, eliminate guesswork, and help you scale with clarity.Discover why knowing your numbers is the ultimate growth hack—and how the right SaaS can help you avoid costly blind spots, streamline operations, and make better business moves every day.Takeaways:SaaS is the key to unlocking accurate, real-time business data—helping you catch issues early and seize growth opportunities fast.Tracking the right metrics with SaaS tools lets you lead with confidence, not guesswork.Great SaaS products focus on both user experience and world-class customer support—because software should solve problems, not create new ones.Entrepreneurs who leverage SaaS tools like BlinkMetrics gain a competitive edge by staying on top of their business performance daily.Quote of the Show:“The best entrepreneurs don’t guess—they measure. SaaS turns your business blind spots into growth opportunities.” – Nathan TylerLinks:BlinkMetrics: www.blinkmetrics.comStealth Consulting: www.stealthconsulting.comIf you're an entrepreneur looking to scale smarter, cut through the noise, and master your business metrics, this episode is a must-listen. Don’t miss it!

How do you build a team that thrives together and drives business success? In this week’s episode of Entrepreneur Intel, host Wes Matthews sits down with Jay Hawreluk, founder of AcuMax Index, to explore how understanding team dynamics can transform your organization.Jay shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting with nothing but a vision in 2012, and how he developed a revolutionary tool to help businesses hire smarter, reduce turnover, and improve productivity. Discover why team dynamics play a critical role in aligning individual strengths with organizational goals and how neuroscience-backed insights can help you get it right every time.Takeaways:Neuroscience is the game-changer in understanding innate human wiring and building effective teams. Aligning roles with individuals’ natural wiring fosters stronger team dynamics and reduces workplace stress.By focusing on the strengths and limitations of each team member, you can create a collaborative environment that drives results. Making the right hire isn’t just a cost-saving move—it’s a path to building a happier, more productive workplace.Quote of the Show: “When you align people to their wiring, their success fuels the team’s success.” - Jay HawrelukLinks:AcuMax Index: www.acumaxindex.comWhether you're hiring for growth or building a collaborative workplace, this episode dives into the core of team dynamics and how it shapes organizational success. Don't miss it!

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Harvey, founder of The Roof Resource, to explore his journey of disrupting the roofing industry. By applying innovative business models akin to Airbnb, Mike has redefined how roofing services are delivered, saving homeowners significant costs and earning their trust. He shares insights into his franchise model, the power of customer-centric innovation, and his vision for scaling this unique approach to other industries.Takeaways:The "Airbnb of Roofing": Mike’s innovative approach connects homeowners with roofing solutions at half the traditional cost, without owning materials or contractors.Overcoming Challenges: Building trust with customers was initially a hurdle, but referrals and exceptional service created lasting credibility.The Power of Process: Proprietary systems like their custom CRM and robust agreements make The Roof Resource scalable and unique.Franchise Growth: With an affordable franchise model and extensive support, entrepreneurs can join this revolutionary movement.Future Expansion: Mike plans to expand into windows, gutters, and beyond, while maintaining a sharp focus on roofing for now.Quote of the Show: "We’re not just selling roofs; we’re delivering a service that transforms how people think about home improvement, saving families thousands and building trust.” - Mike Harvey Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-harvey-a53bb7116/Website: https://harveysroofingllc.com/Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

In this episode, we explore the crucial relationship between visionaries and integrators in business, discussing how their collaboration can drive success and sustainability. Our guest shares insights on fostering the right company culture, the importance of behavioral assessments, and best practices for hiring and onboarding. We also dive into strategies for overcoming challenges faced by entrepreneurs, including loneliness in leadership, effective delegation, and scaling with purpose. This episode is packed with actionable advice for business leaders looking to sharpen their skills and enhance team dynamics.Takeaways:Visionary-Integrator Synergy: The partnership between visionaries and integrators is essential for scaling businesses effectively. Visionaries focus on long-term goals, while integrators ensure daily operations align with these objectives.The Right People in the Right Seats: Using tools like Culture Index, Colby, and Working Genius can help identify team members' strengths and align them with the right roles, fostering better outcomes and reducing friction.The Value of Behavioral Assessments: Assessments like Acumax and Patrick Lencioni's frameworks provide deep insights into team dynamics and individual contributions, ensuring healthier work environments.Hiring Lessons Learned: Cutting corners by hiring cheaper talent can lead to repeated failures. Investing in experienced professionals yields long-term benefits and avoids costly mistakes.Overcoming Visionary Challenges: Tools like the Vision/Traction Organizer (VTO) and Strategic Coach’s Impact Filter help visionaries clarify goals and improve communication with their teams.Regular Alignment Meetings: Weekly or biweekly "same page" meetings between visionaries and integrators strengthen alignment and ensure the business moves forward cohesively.Quote of the Show:"Integrators get into the details, but visionaries are always looking down the field and beyond—this dynamic, when respected, is how businesses truly thrive." - Robert Wolfe Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisatmccurdy/Website: https://www.cbltm.com/Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

In this episode of Entrepreneur Intel, we delve into the insights shared by Ben Quintana, who is the Principal at Kis Solutions. The conversation explores innovative approaches to advertising, creative strategies, and customer experience optimization. Ben brings a unique perspective rooted in data-driven decision-making and the application of economic principles to foster impactful customer interactions.Takeaways:Customer-First Strategies: Ben emphasizes the power of prioritizing customer experience in shaping successful marketing campaigns.Data-Driven Marketing: The integration of data analysis and economic principles is essential for achieving marketing success.Transparent and Integrated Shopping Experiences: Innovations in automotive retail are highlighted, showcasing how transparency can enhance customer trust and engagement.Challenging the Status Quo: Success often lies in questioning conventional methods and embracing new technology and partnerships.Revenue Technology Leadership: Insights from Ben on implementing MarTech tools and managing multi-million dollar tech stacks to drive GTM effectiveness.Quote of the Show: "The key to marketing success lies not just in the numbers, but in telling a story that the customer can connect with — one that’s transparent, concise, and built on trust.” - Ben QuintanaLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-quintana-4a43682/Website: https://www.kissolutions.tech/Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

In this episode, Charles Leikauf, a fractional CFO and e-commerce marketing expert, shares insights into achieving marketing efficiency and driving revenue growth for e-commerce businesses. He discusses challenges with ad platforms, the importance of data accuracy, and strategies to optimize marketing spend. Charles also talks about how he works with clients to streamline financials and manage growth, using a playbook to guide decisions. If you're looking to boost your marketing effectiveness, this episode provides practical tips for making smarter ad spend decisions.Takeaways:Data-Driven Decisions: Platforms like Facebook, Google, and Snapchat all provide data, but attribution can be misleading. It's crucial to rely on accurate data for making strategic decisions on ad spend.Marketing Efficiency Ratio (MER): By focusing on MER, you can determine the optimal ad spend to achieve the highest possible return.CFO’s Role in E-commerce Growth: Charles emphasizes the importance of financial accuracy, setting clear goals, and using playbooks to guide businesses through cost management and scaling strategies.Leveraging Sales Teams for High-Ticket Items: Adding salespeople to call abandoned carts can significantly boost revenue for higher-ticket items like massage tables or other specialty products.Overcoming Fear of Spending on Ads: Many entrepreneurs fear investing in ads, but Charles uses financial modeling to show the potential return on investment, helping businesses confidently scale their ad spend.Quote of the Show:"If I had a box, it's a little black box, and I could feed a dollar into it and it popped out four, you better believe I'm taking out a second mortgage and I'm putting every dollar I can into that box." - Charles LykoffLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cleikauf/Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/profit-surge-group/Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

In this episode, we dive into the creation and innovative mission of ZEC, a platform designed to modernize and simplify board meetings. Born from the founders’ personal frustrations at Moosejaw and CrowdRise, ZEC addresses the inefficiencies of traditional board presentations, which often spanned over 100 hours of preparation for decks exceeding 130 slides. By integrating cutting-edge AI and infusing lighthearted elements into a serious process, ZEC transforms board meetings into more productive and enjoyable experiences. The discussion covers how the platform enhances preparation, ensures security, and fosters a collaborative environment that aligns with today’s technological advancements.Takeaways:Origin of ZEC: The idea for ZEC came from firsthand experiences with cumbersome board presentations at Moosejaw and CrowdRise, where the shortest deck was 134 slides, taking over 100 hours to create and resulting in repetitive, unproductive meetings.Building on Familiar Ground: ZEC was co-founded by the guest, his brother, and Edward Norton. Their team comprises members from Moosejaw and CrowdRise, allowing for a seamless startup phase where everyone spoke the same language and could collaborate effectively.ZEC’s Target Market: The platform is suited for any organization with a board, from enterprises to nonprofits. Notably, 25% of ZEC’s users are nonprofits, a segment they did not initially anticipate.Vision for ZEC: ZEC aims to modernize board meetings similarly to how DocuSign revolutionized signing documents. The platform prioritizes accessibility and collaboration, recognizing the limitations of traditional slide decks in today’s digital landscape.Infusing Fun into the Process: ZEC’s branding includes creative, lighthearted touches—such as sending cookies to client teams before board meetings, with notes that bring humor to otherwise tense situations.Integration of AI: ZEC leverages AI, powered by a secure backbone based on ChatGPT, to significantly reduce preparation time and enhance the quality of presentations. The platform’s AI is tailored to executive needs, turning users from content authors into editors.Security Focus: Understanding the sensitive nature of board content, ZEC has implemented robust security measures to ensure compliance, meeting stringent due diligence standards.Quote of the Show: "We’re trying to modernize the board meeting experience in the same way DocuSign modernized signing documents. It’s about transforming a process that’s outdated and making it not just efficient, but engaging.” - Robert Wolfe Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-w-0abaaa273/Website: https://www.zeck.app/Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

In this insightful episode, Wes speaks with Mario Lupia, an expert in operations and leadership, about the challenges faced by visionary entrepreneurs and how structured processes are essential for achieving their ambitious goals. The discussion centers around balancing visionary ideas with realistic operational strategies and the importance of having an experienced operator to transform vision into execution.Takeaways:Visionaries often have grand ideas but may struggle with practical execution, as they tend to focus more on the big picture and less on the step-by-step process required to achieve it.Establishing a clear end goal is essential before creating strategies to achieve it. Without a defined outcome, the steps to get there may become disorganized or misguided.Tools like the Vision Traction Organizer (VTO) from EOS are highly effective in aligning visionaries and operators by clearly documenting core values, long-term targets, and actionable plans. This alignment helps ensure that everyone is on the same page.Operators play a crucial role in translating high-level goals into actionable steps, providing structure, timelines, and foresight to prevent potential setbacks. They serve as the bridge between vision and reality.Effective operators ask tough questions and challenge assumptions to ensure realistic goal-setting and resource allocation. They don’t just accept ideas at face value but delve deeper to highlight gaps and foster better decision-making.Quote of the Show:“A visionary might see the end result, but it’s the operator who steps in and says, 'Here’s how we’re going to get there.'” - Mario LupiaLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-lupia-57a460/Website: https://opfficiency.com/Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

In this episode, Wes is joined by Mark Scrimenti, an expert in fractional leadership, to discuss the power of fractional executives and how businesses can scale effectively using frameworks like EOS. Mark shares his experience transitioning from digital marketing to fractional COO and how businesses can benefit from having strategic support without the commitment of a full-time executive. They explore the challenges of being a visionary leader, managing growth, and the importance of setting clear goals while embracing iterative improvements.Takeaways:- Fractional executives bring a strategic edge to companies by focusing on specific needs while offering flexibility.- The role of a fractional COO is often temporary, aimed at setting up systems for growth and eventually handing over responsibilities to an internal team member.- The key to a successful fractional leadership model is regular communication, accountability, and a structured approach to planning and goal-setting (e.g., EOS, OKRs).- Visionaries need to embrace imperfection, iterate often, and allow their businesses to evolve in response to feedback and changing market conditions.- Building a healthy, growth-oriented culture within the company is crucial for long-term success.Quote of the Show:“Done is better than perfect. If you get it out there, you get real market feedback, and you just keep improving.” – Mark ScrimentiLinks:- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrimenti/- Website: https://vividpathconsulting.com/Ways to Tune In:- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 - Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 - Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

In this episode, we sit down with a seasoned entrepreneur Alexandra Satine Co-Founder and Fractional COO/CFO at Your-Cohort. She shares her journey from building her first business in her 20s to gaining two decades of experience working with Fortune 500 companies and VC-backed startups. She discusses the importance of betting on yourself, managing time, and balancing operations, finance, and people in business. Tune in to learn about her unique perspective on startup infrastructure, the differences between self-funded and VC-backed companies, and how founders can set themselves up for success by building strong teams and financial models. Takeaways:Betting on Yourself: Building your cohort and company begins with believing in yourself, as no one will be more invested in your success than you.The Value of Time: Time is the most valuable resource, and entrepreneurs should focus on making the most of it while also giving back to others.The Entrepreneur's Journey: Moving from Venezuela to the U.S. at 20, the guest shares her experiences working in retail, manufacturing, and finance, ultimately leading her to build her own business.Operations, Finance, and People: The importance of these three pillars in any business, and how balancing them is crucial for growth and sustainability.VC vs. Self-Funded: The guest dives into the differences between VC-backed companies and self-funded ventures, highlighting the expectations, timelines, and pressures associated with each.Building the Right Team: Hiring the right talent early on is key for success, as mistakes in this area can lead to a costly waste of time and resources.Financial Literacy: Entrepreneurs must educate themselves on finance, from understanding a P&L to knowing how to structure their business and hire the right professionals, such as bookkeepers, to guide them.Quote of the Show:"At the end of the day, it's about betting on yourself, and not waiting for someone's approval. No one will ever believe in you like you believe in yourself." - Alexandra Santine Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-satine-78907020/Website: https://www.yourcohort.co/Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

In this episode, we dive into the transformative relationship between a visionary entrepreneur and a Fractional COO with our guest Melissa Rose Fractional CMO at Operate Light. The conversation highlights the critical need for founders to recognize when they can no longer do it all themselves, and how hiring the right COO, even fractionally, can propel their business forward. Through real-life anecdotes, the guest outlines the unique benefits of fractional leadership, including the ability to achieve quick wins, navigate chaos, and ultimately free the visionary to focus on the big picture.Takeaways:Fractional COO Benefits: Hiring a fractional COO offers expertise without the full-time cost, allowing visionaries to focus on their strengths.Visionary Bottleneck: Entrepreneurs often become bottlenecks in their own companies by trying to manage everything, and a COO helps them step out of that role.Quick Wins Matter: Achieving small but impactful wins early on helps maintain momentum and keeps visionaries engaged.Tailored Solutions: Not all processes fit every founder, so a good COO tailors their approach to the needs and personality of the visionary.People and Processes: Visionaries are often not great at managing people or processes, and COOs can bridge that gap effectively.On the Importance of Delegation: Many entrepreneurs feel they need to do everything themselves or hire someone with minimal experience, but delegating to someone more experienced can save time and money in the long run.Balancing Vision and Execution: A visionary needs a COO to focus on the details while they pursue the bigger picture, creating a harmonious balance between creativity and operations.Managing Expectations: One of the biggest challenges for COOs is managing the rapid expectations of visionary leaders who crave quick results, but the relationship works best with a mix of immediate wins and long-term planning.Quote of the Show:“A Fractional COO brings high-level experience and guidance without the long-term commitment and cost.” - Melissa RoseLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-rose-coo/Website: https://www.operatelight.com/Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Eckhoff, Fractional CRO at Sales Growth International. He is an award-winning sales leader with experience across startups, scale-ups, and Fortune 500 companies. He emphasizes the significance of having a robust sales structure and offers insights into the changing landscape of sales, including the resurgence of face-to-face meetings and personalized buyer journeys. This episode provides valuable advice for entrepreneurs on leveraging fractional executives and effectively integrating sales technologies. Takeaways:Importance of Founder-Led Sales: In the initial phases of a startup, founders often play a crucial role in sales. Their deep understanding of the product and vision helps in building customer relationships and securing early sales.Evolving Role of AI: AI is transforming sales by enhancing human capabilities rather than replacing them. AI tools can automate repetitive tasks, generate actionable insights, and provide recommendations to improve sales performance.Resurgence of Face-to-Face Meetings: Despite the rise of digital communication, face-to-face meetings are making a comeback. In-person interactions can enhance engagement and provide a personal touch that digital meetings may lack.Integrated Sales Infrastructures: A well-integrated sales infrastructure ensures that all components of the sales process work seamlessly together. This includes CRM systems, marketing automation tools, and data management platforms.Timing for Fractional CRO/Sales Executive: For startups, the decision to bring in a fractional Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) or a sales executive depends on several factors, such as growth stage, revenue targets, and sales complexity.Balancing Pipeline Sources: Sustained growth relies on a balanced pipeline that includes inbound leads, partner referrals, and sales team-generated prospects. Quote of the Show:“Fractional is the new black. Everybody's looking at how I can get talented people who understand, who have the experience … at a cost that I can afford as an entrepreneur.” - Michael EckhoffLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeleckhoff/Email: [email protected] to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

In this episode, we dive deep into the realities of entrepreneurship with Ryan Hogan. From navigating early failures to hitting product-market fit, Ryan shares the tough lessons learned along the way. Whether discussing the early false starts, how to pivot effectively, or scaling businesses like Hunt A Killer, this episode offers invaluable insights for entrepreneurs. The message is clear: never give up, because the difference between success and failure is perseverance.Takeaways:Perseverance is Key: Entrepreneurship is a journey full of failures and micro wins. The only way to succeed is to keep pushing forward, even when the path is unclear.The Power of Pivoting: Understanding when to pivot is crucial—whether it's adjusting marketing or product strategies, flexibility is necessary to meet market demands.Validate Ideas Quickly: You can validate a business idea over a weekend by setting up a basic test, such as selling a product to gauge market interest.Adapting to Changes: Businesses must constantly evolve. From Facebook's changing algorithms to navigating AI and a rapidly shifting economy, staying agile is essential.The Shift Towards Recruiting as a Service (RAS): The concept of Recruiting as a Service (RAS) is introduced as a subscription-based model, providing a modern solution to outdated recruitment practices.Quote of the Show:“The only difference between success and failure is, are you going to persevere? Are you going to continue, or are you going to give up?” - Ryan HoganLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanehogan/Website: https://talentharbor.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@talentharbor Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

In this insightful episode, Cameron Herold, a seasoned COO and author of six books, joins Wes to dive deep into the unique dynamics between CEOs and COOs. Cameron shares his journey from an EO member to scaling companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK, and how his entrepreneurial upbringing shaped his approach to the COO role. The conversation explores the delicate balance of the CEO-COO relationship, the importance of trust and communication, and the role of the COO in driving business success. Cameron also discusses the founding of the COO Alliance, a mastermind community specifically for second-in-command leaders, and offers his perspective on the value of fractional COOs. Takeaways:The Power of EO: Cameron credits the Entrepreneur's Organization (EO) for his personal and professional growth, highlighting its impact on his journey.The COO’s Unique Role: The COO must complement the CEO, filling in gaps and executing the vision while bringing their own entrepreneurial spirit.Communication is Key: Successful CEO-COO relationships require open communication, mutual trust, and understanding each other’s strengths and weaknesses.The Value of Mastermind Groups: Cameron emphasizes the importance of communities like the COO Alliance, where COOs can learn, share, and grow together.Fractional vs. Full-Time COOs: While fractional COOs can be valuable for smaller companies, Cameron argues that full-time COOs are crucial as businesses scale.Quote of the Show:“The COO's job is to make the CEO look good, and the CEO's job internally is to make the COO look good.” - Cameron HeroldLinks:Twitter: https://x.com/CameronHerold?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5EauthorLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronherold/Website: https://cameronherold.com/Links to books: https://cooalliance.com/camerons-books/Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

In this episode, we sit down with Tullio Siragusa to discuss the importance of involving executives, creating scalable systems, and how fractional roles can provide significant value without long-term commitment. We also explore how to nurture a culture where employees feel empowered and engaged. Takeaways:Involvement & Scalable Systems: Keep executives engaged and develop scalable systems for sustained success. Fractional Roles: Leverage fractional C-level executives to access high-level expertise without the full-time commitment. Empowerment & Culture: Build a culture where employees feel part of something greater, find meaning, and have opportunities to make an impact and grow. Regular Feedback: Implement systems for regular feedback and performance evaluations to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with goals. Alignment with Vision: Ensure that every aspect of your operations aligns with the company’s vision and strategic goals for cohesive growth. Quote of the Show: "Don't try to rush, make it happen tomorrow. Give yourself a 10 year plan to where you want to be and be patient.” - Tullio Siragusa Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tulliosiragusa/Website: https://tulliosiragusa.com/Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

In this episode, we delve into the critical role of financial education for founders, especially those without a conventional finance background. Our guest, a seasoned fractional CFO, shares his approach to educating first-time founders about financial management and the art of interpreting business numbers. He emphasizes the importance of clean bookkeeping, understanding financial statements, and strategic financial planning. Takeaways:The guest highlights the lack of proper financial education among founders and the general population. He takes an educational approach, helping clients understand their business numbers and manage finances effectively.Discussing the transition from a closed book to an open book management style, the guest explains how transparency in financials can demystify profit perceptions among employees.The importance of data in business decisions is stressed. The guest explains how customer data, such as NPS surveys, can impact financial modeling and forecasts.The episode covers when it's beneficial for a company to hire a CFO or a finance professional, highlighting the early investment in bookkeeping. The guest describes the typical relationship with a founder, from initial financial operations to strategic planning and scaling.Strategies to build trust and verify financial integrity within a business. Clarifying the roles of a bookkeeper, fractional CFO, and tax accountant, and how they work together to maintain a healthy financial ecosystem.Quote of the Show:“I take an education or educational approach to finance,  Not only am I presenting the numbers, I'm helping them understand the numbers of their business and learn how to manage them better” - Patrick McCarthyLinks:Twitter: https://x.com/theideamonkeyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gmichaelmaddock/Website: https://www.maddockdouglas.com/ https://flourishadvisoryboards.com/Book Link: https://www.mike-maddock.com/authorWays to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

The episode touches on various aspects of entrepreneurship, particularly focusing on the role of peer groups and forums in business development and personal growth. Mike discusses the critical importance of having diverse perspectives in peer groups to avoid blind spots and enhance problem-solving capabilities. He emphasizes that successful peer groups consist of individuals with different strengths and roles (such as operators, strategists, rainmakers, visionaries, tech orchestrators, and integrators) who can offer varied insights into challenges faced by business owners. Takeaways:The speaker reflects on their experience with developing a successful business strategy involving insurance and market analysis. They emphasize the importance of expertise in crafting effective questionnaires that determine customer eligibility, highlighting their ability to fill a market gap worth 300 million dollars.They discuss the significance of peer groups like EO and YPO in their entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the transformative role of forums in personal and business growth. They outline common pitfalls in peer groups and the importance of diverse perspectives for problem-solving.Finally, they introduce their advisory board service, Flourish Advisory Boards, designed to provide diverse perspectives (six different lenses) for entrepreneurs seeking growth and problem-solving solutions.Quote of the Show:“Advertising and marketing are a tax you pay for a bad idea.” - Mike Maddock Links:Twitter: https://x.com/theideamonkeyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gmichaelmaddock/Website: https://www.maddockdouglas.com/ https://flourishadvisoryboards.com/Book Link: https://www.mike-maddock.com/authorWays to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

Want to bring your Idea to the next level? Most visionary entrepreneurs struggle with implementing their ideas onto paper. Jamie Munoz is a Fractional Integrator with Catalyst Integrators. She teaches the reason for an Integrator, process of Fractional Integration and how it can help bring your vision to life. Enhance your ideas and businesses to optimize your time and outcomes. Takeaways:The importance of harnessing human energy effectively, whether personal or within a team, is emphasized. This involves self-awareness and inner work.Discuss how professionals act as fractional COOs, focusing on operational execution and implementing the EOS framework. They help translate the visionary's ideas into actionable plans and ensure their implementation across the organization.Jamie talks about how unlike full-time roles, fractional integrators provide flexibility and scalability, making them ideal for smaller companies or during growth phases without the need for a full-time executive.The discussion also touches on personal experiences, such as transitioning from a full-time integrator role to founding Catalyst Integrators. This shift highlighted the need for fractional integrators in smaller organizations and the benefits they bring, especially in times like the COVID-19 pandemic when virtual operations became crucial.The conversation explores how fractional integrators build trust within leadership teams and organizations. They act as unbiased third-party facilitators who integrate into company culture while providing expertise and a fresh perspective.Quote of the Show:“The integrator role is a very clear seat that plays a puzzle piece to the visionary.” - Jamie MunozLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-munoz/ Website: https://www.catalystintegrators.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Jamie-Munoz-10042848/?_rdr Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

In this insightful conversation, Wes chats with Steve Hernandez, the CEO and President of The North Group. Steve shares his journey from being a military personnel to becoming a prominent figure in the intelligence and security industry. He discusses the importance of situational awareness, the complexities of handling threats in both personal and corporate realms, and provides valuable advice on business risk management. Additionally, Steve dives deep into the dark world of human trafficking and the importance of safeguarding against digital exploitation. Entrepreneurs and leaders will find this episode particularly useful as Steve provides pragmatic advice on crisis management, stakeholder protection, and the evolving landscape of security. Takeaways: Leaders must have situational awareness and preparedness. This means being acutely aware of the environment and potential risks your organization may face and having plans in place to address these risks before they materialize.Create and maintain strong communication channels. Ensure that every team member knows they are not alone, and foster a culture of openness where concerns and observations about potential threats can be shared and addressed promptly.Invest in pre-crisis risk management. Being proactive in identifying and mitigating potential risks is far less costly and more effective than dealing with the aftermath of a crisis. This includes having security assessments, creating emergency protocols, and educating employees on these measures.Understand and prepare for the broader impacts of risks. Analyze the second and third-order effects of potential risks. For instance, supply chain disruptions can have cascading impacts on various aspects of the business, from financial health to workforce stability.Leverage technology for security and risk management. Utilize advanced tools for data collection, analysis, and threat monitoring. Ensure your company's data and communications are secure, especially when dealing with sensitive information or traveling internationally.Adopt a trust-but-verify mindset in professional relationships. While it's essential to foster trust within your team and with external partners, verification processes should be in place to prevent exploitation of that trust, ensuring the integrity and security of operations.Focus on building resilient systems and processes. Ensure that your company has robust systems to handle disruptions, including backup plans and redundancies to maintain operations under various scenarios. Continuous refinement and testing of these systems are crucial to organizational resilience.Quote of the Show:“You can't have a company full of donkeys when you're trying to raise thoroughbreds.” - Steve HernandezLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevehernandeztng/ Website: https://tngdefense.com/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

Meet Dave VanderJagt, a Fractional CRO with over 15 years of experience in developing and managing high-performing B2B and B2C revenue teams. Dave discusses the critical role of a Fractional CRO, especially for companies under $20 million in revenue, and how aligning marketing, sales, and customer success is essential for growth. Dave joins Host Wes Mathews to explore the challenges of transitioning from founder-led sales to a structured team approach, the importance of having the right data and process-oriented models, and the role of AI in sales.Takeaways:Success in creating revenue does not depend on inherent superpowers but on a data-driven approach to marketing, sales, and customer success. Having the right people in the right roles is crucial for any organization's go-to-market strategy.Your team needs to work cohesively across functions like sales, marketing, customer success, and customer support to achieve significant growth. The CRO is responsible for building, running, and leading this unified team to maximize growth potential.For organizations, even those pre-revenue, having a Chief Revenue Officer can be highly beneficial to structure and lead revenue generation efforts, especially if the company is funded and must quickly return investor dollars.For effective CRM usage, start by using it consistently to manage your client base and revenue, then analyze where your leads and deals originated to recognize your successful strategies.To succeed in sales-led growth companies, it's crucial to quickly learn, build, execute, and pivot effectively. Focus on tracking key leading indicators such as meetings booked, qualified opportunities, and pipeline progression to validate your efforts and drive results.When selecting a CRM, consider the internal expertise and proficiency your team already has with a particular platform to avoid potential opportunity costs associated with learning a new system. The first priority upon gaining traction and initial revenue is to understand the unit economics of your business, such as customer acquisition costs and annual contract value, to inform your sales strategy.Quote of the Show:“If you think it’s just a sales or marketing game, you’re going to hamper your growth.” - Dave VanderJagtLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dvanderjagt/ Website: https://vanderjagtcro.com/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

Joining the show this week is a 5x sales leader who helps SaaS startups find opportunities to break new ground and make things grow. Please welcome to the show, CEO and Founder at Elizabeth Andrew consulting, Elizabeth Andrew!Elizabeth sits down with Host Wes Mathews to dive into some of the biggest challenges startup founders face. Elizabeth shares the challenges of founder led sales, the obstacles to overcome when returning to the workforce and the importance of learning on the job.  Takeaways: One of the most important lessons in entrepreneurship is that anything is possible, even amidst challenging times. Never give up, as success is achievable by anyone willing to persevere.The most significant obstacle for people returning from a career break is the perception that they are out of touch with current tools and trends. To combat this, immerse yourself in industry events and actively seek out learning opportunitiesStartup success heavily depends on effective sales; relying solely on the product's intrinsic value is a common mistake. Early sales hires should be strategic, avoiding premature VP appointments or inexperienced salespeople to ensure sustainable growth.Consider being conservative with funding even when it is available, to avoid running out of funds. Be sure to cherish small milestones in your startup journey, as these moments signify growth and progress.If you're entering the job market without prior experience, especially post-2020, you need a strong work ethic and motivation to succeed. Ensuring team engagement in a remote or hybrid work environment is crucial.It is important to conduct an audit to identify and address weaknesses within a company. Establishing a clear ideal customer profile and implementing effective sales processes can significantly improve outreach and sales functions.Quote of the Show:“I like wearing a lot of hats. I'm good in the startup space. I like building, I like growing, I like solving problems.” - Elizabeth AndrewLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethaandrew/ Website: https://elizabethandrew.com/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

This week’s guest has a rich background in corporate finance, and experience managing over $85M in assets. Please welcome to the show, Founder and Fractional CFO at Midwest CFOChris Gwinn! Chris sits down with Host Wes Mathews and shares invaluable lessons from his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of finding high-demand, recurring revenue models. Chris also offers practical tips for business owners to ensure profitability, strategic planning, and financial forecasting.  Takeaways: Entrepreneurs should focus on finding and selling a product or service that solves a pressing, high-urgency problem for customers, which makes sales easier and ensures more predictable cash flows. To increase recurring revenue, form strategic partnerships and focus on understanding customer purchase frequency and proactively meeting their needs rather than just maximizing short revenue spikes. In order to effectively manage your business finances, start by ensuring your financial data is clean and well-organized to understand the profitability of different services and make strategic decisions. To accurately determine your gross margin, subtract the costs of producing your goods or services from your revenue, ensuring all expenses are cleanly categorized. Understanding industry-specific margins leads to better financial management.Secure financing when business is thriving, not just when in need, to ensure you have the resources to fuel growth during challenging times. Maintain a cash reserve of 200% to 400% of monthly overhead to weather economic storms and seize opportunities.To effectively manage business finances, focus on key performance indicators such as revenue, profitability, and customer metrics, while understanding essential financial statements like accounts receivable, balance sheets, and profit and loss statements.Business owners should consider adopting the EOS framework for its simplicity and effective operational models. Success hinges on a professional EOS implementer and a strong integrator (COO) to align goals and ensure smooth execution.Quote of the Show:“It's going to be really, really difficult to figure out how to create a profit in your business if you don't understand what your margin is.” - Chris GwinnLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-gwinn-cfa-96383b26/ Website: https://midwestcfo.com/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

Join Host Wes Mathews on Entrepreneur Intel as he sits down with Jonathon Hensley, CEO and Chief Product Officer at Emerge. Jonathan shares profound lessons on leadership, strategy, and leveraging AI in business. Learn about his journey from Silicon Valley enthusiast to successful entrepreneur, and get insights into building a strong vision, fostering team alignment, and driving business growth. This episode is packed with valuable advice for both new and seasoned entrepreneurs. Takeaways:The most important lesson in entrepreneurship and leadership is to ensure alignment between your company's vision, team's work, and market offerings. Help every individual understand their impact and contribution towards the company's goals.When it comes to AI, it's essential to understand the cycle it is in and the potential it holds. As we move beyond the hype, focus on leveraging AI to enhance expertise and human connections.Embrace challenges and seek opportunities for growth in areas where you feel uncomfortable. Adapt and evolve your business to align with market and technological changes for long-term success.When building a team in a startup, it's crucial to understand the outcomes needed for each role and hire individuals who share the passion to achieve that success. Clear goals and aligning roles with outcomes are key to effective team building.Entrepreneurs should focus on creating a vision that is both inspiring and measurable, ensuring that it provides clear direction and purpose to the team. Aligning the vision with specific objectives that serve a greater purpose can motivate the team and drive success in achieving long-term goals.Every entrepreneur needs to understand the fundamentals of strategy, and planning is not strategy. Strategy necessitates knowing the problem you are solving, and the value you bring customers. From there you can strategize what you will bring to customers. The core of a successful product revolves around value. Before you start building, step back and assess the value you are creating, and how what you are building is going to actually deliver on the value. Quote of the Show:“It fundamentally has to start with what's the problem that you want to solve, right?” - Jonathon HensleyLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathonhensley/ Website: https://www.emergeagency.com/ Book Link: https://a.co/d/aKcbwog Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

Joining host Wes Mathews on this week’s episode of Entrepreneur Intel is a founder who has been on the Inc 5000 list several times, and is currently educating the next generation of entrepreneurs. Our guest is none other than President of Bauer and Associates, and Founder & Entrepreneur-in-Residence of Inc Magazine's Inc. Young Entrepreneurs, Dan Bauer!Wes and Dan sit down to dive into the work of Inc’s young entrepreneurs, and the skills that are essential to any entrepreneur. Dan shares the importance of hiring the right people, the need to not fall in love with your first idea, and how to encourage organic interactions between clients and employees. Takeaways:As an entrepreneur, it’s important to stay fluid with your ideas. While you may be drawn to your first idea, an overfocus on it can be restrictive. Pivoting from an idea you love to one you like, but can fall in love with works quite well. When you consult with clients, it’s important to have the right employees. Hire and train slowly, but don’t be afraid to fire fast. One wrong employee can cause multiple clients to leave. There are four main components of entrepreneurship to keep in mind. Entrepreneurs need to be focused on gaining knowledge, having the right perspective, building a strong network, and developing a strong brand. While there have been previous entrepreneurship training programs aimed at students, they often left out key elements. Programs that were run by colleges had too much of an academic focus, and others are too tech focused. For students planning for their future, becoming an entrepreneur should be on their radar. Many employers are less focused on pure academic accomplishments, and successful business acumen is desirable. A good leader is one who has strategies and frameworks for employees, but still allows them to work organically with clients. Allowing for that organic element creates stronger bonds with clients. Quote of the Show:“It's the second or third iteration of it [an idea] that really hits the sweet spot.” - Dan BauerLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bauerdan/ Website: www.bauer-inc.com Website: https://www.nslcleaders.org/youth-leadership-programs/business-entrepreneurship/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

Today’s guest is an entrepreneur who has successfully exited a company, wrote two books, and co-founded an organization that advocates for increased awareness around liver transplants. He’s served as the Global Chair of EO, and helps teach entrepreneurs how to be their best. Please welcome to the show, Co-Founder of Living Liver Foundation and the Global School of Entrepreneurship, David Galbenski!David joins Host Wes Mathews for a conversation on the challenges of rapid growth. David shares what it takes to make the INC 500 list twice, the importance of having your integrator, and when the right time to sell is.  Takeaways:As an entrepreneur, you need to remember the three P’s: Passion, Purpose, and Potential. If you can align yourself at the intersection of all three, you increase your chances at whatever you do. While you may have internal motivators for selling a company, it’s important to wait for the right external factors to sell. When the economy is strong, the offers that come in will be higher. Waiting for the right offer will maximize profit. Fast growth is good, but you have to be prepared for the consequences. As you continuously move you will be outstripping your leadership capacity, the level of quality you want, and your own capital. Balancing growth with these factors is crucial. Letting your clients pay you net 30 or 60 is gracious, but can have significant risks during times of recession. If one of your clients goes bankrupt, and you are an unsecured creditor, you won’t be able to recuperate your losses. When looking to sell, you always want to pursue a few potential buyers at the same time. By comparing buyers, you can get a clearer picture of what your company is worth, and multiple buyers can increase the closing price. While the financial aspect of selling a business can be exciting, there can be an emotional toll as well. To ease things, make sure you are taking care of employees through the transaction, and that you have a clear plan for post exit. As a visionary entrepreneur, having an integrator is crucial as they can take your ideas and put them into action. It doesn’t matter if your integrator is your spouse, best friend, or total stranger, as long as you have one. Quote of the Show:“Fast growth I realized is like being on one of the craziest roller coaster rides in the world.” - David GalbenskiLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgalbenski/ Website: https://www.gse.mba/ Website: https://livingliver.org/ Website: https://edwardlowe.org/ Book Link: https://a.co/d/5S3aW0M Book Link: https://a.co/d/1wbOmUI Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

Instilling authenticity in your company starts with leaders, and requires them to be vulnerable. Our guest this week helps entrepreneurs build their company vibe, and connect better with their employees. Please welcome to the show, Founder and Principal at Affect Advisors, Bill Green! Bill sits down with host Wes Mathews for a candid conversation on how entrepreneurs can be better leaders. Bill shares the importance of living with authenticity, why you should have regular one on one conversations with employees, and how to build a company VIBE.Takeaways:The most important thing for entrepreneurs to keep in mind is to live life with authenticity. Freedom comes from thriving authentically, and by showing up with your authentic self, make yourself happy so you can help others become happy. Good leaders coach with care. When an employee starts to slip in performance, try to identify what is going on beyond metrics. Difficult life events can affect a good employee's performance, and require understanding rather than reprimanding. When you start offering your services to others, it’s crucial to establish a niche that you excel at. While it’s tempting to offer every service a client may want, having a cohesive core offering ensures you succeed in the early stages of business. When pricing your services, it’s best to avoid hourly rates if possible as they center the conversation around time. It’s best instead to focus on the value you are delivering to clients, and set pricing from there. Strategy and culture are two crucial aspects of business, but there is an often overlooked missing middle. The vibe in the middle can connect strategy and culture, but when done poorly can create friction and conflict. There are four key elements to a creating company VIBE. V is vulnerability, and being vulnerable in front of employees. I is insight and reflects your self knowledge. B is for your beliefs, and how you live them. E is for the energy you bring to work Every leader needs to have routine conversations with their people. Conversations can be casual, but you should always ask employees what they are working on right now, the challenges they are facing, and what ways you can help.Quote of the Show:“The simple things are sometimes the most high impact.” - Bill GreenLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-green-detroit/ Website: https://meetbillgreen.com/about Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

Joining the show this week is a former Navy SEAL and Marine who uses his entrepreneurial expertise to inform a community of over 30,000 strong. Please welcome to the show, CEO and Founder of the SOFX Network, Sam Havelock! Sam sits down with Host Wes Mathews to explore the importance of having focus, and other strategies for entrepreneurs. Sam shares the importance of building trust, how privacy is an important aspect of community, and how to cut through the noise.  Takeaways: Focus is the most important thing for any entrepreneur to have. Many entrepreneurs have a strong vision and a drive to feed their own intellectual curiosity. However, without focus, you can end up chasing every idea you create. When you work in a profession that is heads down and fast paced, you often don’t have time to understand what the rest of the world is saying about you. Having a quick access feed that aggregates and summarizes allows professionals to stay in the loop. When creating media, it’s important to tailor your content to your audience. For the special forces community, quick updates on happenings matter more than opinions on command decisions. While entrepreneurs aren’t running secret missions, they do have some overlap with special operations forces. Both groups are under-resourced, have more tasks to accomplish than time to accomplish them, and are less risk averse than peers. In the current media landscape of news and social media, it is a challenge to cut through the noise. The best way to reach an audience is by targeting a specific niche and creating a high trust environment. Creating a walled garden for your community can be attractive to users as it creates a sense of privacy. Users who don’t have to worry about their data being sold or used to train AI will have a better connection with your community. While situations don’t always pan out as expected, it’s always worth taking a swing at an idea. Failure is better than regret, and if you can afford to take those risks, you should take them. Quote of the Show:“It’s really all about the people.” - Sam HavelockLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samhavelock/ Website: https://www.sofx.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sam.havelock/?hl=en Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

Being the best version of yourself applies not only to business, but your personal and family life as well. Our guest this week is someone who helps entrepreneurs achieve a better life that’s possible for them and those around them. Joining the show this week is Owner of MKD Wealth Coaches, Joe Mackey!Joe joins Host Wes Mathews to share why grit and determination are the most crucial skills for any entrepreneur. Joe also explains the difference between offering help and taking action, how to set up a self-sustaining business, and the value of spending time with potential customers.  Takeaways:The most important attributes for entrepreneurs to have are grit and determination. Success is hard to get, and requires you to do the difficult things that many others don’t want to do. Knowing your target market goes beyond just the target industry or similar firmographics. Considering who you enjoy working with, the motivations of customers, and their personal attributes allows you to have stronger bonds with your customers. While family office services are typically reserved for people with upwards of a few hundred million dollars, the benefits can be felt starting at $20 million. Having a firm that manages your finances Whether it’s disease or natural disaster, crises cause people to worry about their financial investments. When challenging times arise, the best thing you can do is communicate with your clients and help instill a sense of ease in them. While entrepreneurs are often the driving force behind sales for their organizations, it’s crucial to create a “self-sustaining” business. By allowing your business to run without depending on your presence, you allow your business to thrive even if you need a break.While it may seem counterintuitive, spending time in informal meetings with potential clients is an effective way to build relationships. Strong relationships create strong business, but require a slow building of trust. There is a difference between offering support and taking action. Rather than simply offering condolences or well wishes when something bad happens to a client, be present and figure out actionable ways you can help them through tough times. Quote of the Show:“We want to free them up to be the best version of themselves they were created to be as an entrepreneur, as a spouse, as a parent.” - Joe MackeyLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mackeyjoe/ Website: https://www.mkdwealthcoach.com/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

Dive into the world of luxury real estate with this week’s guest. He’s a pilot, marketer, and real estate mogul who's changing the game one property at a time. Through his creativity and a bit of daredevilry, he is redefining property marketing. Please welcome to the show, Real Estate Agent at Signature Sotheby's International Realty, Dylan Tent!Dylan and Wes dive deep into why consistency is the cornerstone of any business. Dylan shares the importance of utilizing your background to give you a competitive edge, the changing landscape of the real estate industry, and how to ask the right questions. Takeaways:As an entrepreneur, having consistency is one of the most important attributes. While it can be tempting to try new solutions after limited outreach, a consistent approach is one that wins in the long run. While your prior background may not fully relate to your current business venture, it can still play a crucial role in success. Embracing your background can give you fresh perspectives and help distinguish you from your competitors. When a customer compares you to your competitors, it’s imperative that you know what your advantage is. While your quality of service may be comparable, knowing what factors set you apart allows you to better your niche. Investing in real estate is all about acquiring a solid cash flow. AirBNB properties offer high cash flow, but require a lot of time. Multi family housing offers a safer investment with less maintenance. When looking to make an investment into your own home, the best areas to invest in are kitchen, bathrooms, paint, and carpet. Other aspects of houses are too personalized to guarantee a solid return. While low to middle end real estate is still over inflated, luxury properties offer good potential for buying and selling. As most buyers are paying with cash, they aren’t concerned with high interest rates. When selling real estate, you need to ask the right questions. A given buyer could be moving due to a job, divorce, or simply a change in scenery. Understanding your buyer’s motivation allows you to better meet their needs.Quote of the Show:“You can't serve somebody until you know what's motivating them.” - Dylan TentLinks:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helirealtor/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-tent-95b104113/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeliRealtor/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

In the highly competitive beverage industry, differentiating your product is key; a strong story paired with an even stronger omnichannel strategy is a recipe for success. Here to help entrepreneurs refresh their strategy is Co-Founder of Key Sparkling Water, Mike Pilkington!Mike and Wes sit down to crack open the secrets to success in the food and beverage world. Mike shares his lessons learned from Deathwish Coffee, the importance of hiring a HR partner early, and why you need to know your brand’s story.  Takeaways: Success in entrepreneurship is all about the people. It’s one thing to have a vision, but it’s another to take that vision and bring others together around it. A good team that drives greatness is crucial. Extending your passion to your employees is the secret to scaling a small business. When your employees are as passionate about the mission as you are, they feel ownership of results and work hard. An HR partner is an essential early stage hire. When your HR partner is aligned on mission, they will hire people who are stronger fits, and will help make a cohesive company culture. Every company needs to have a culture of accountability. Whether it’s about owning client deliverables or taking out the trash, you want employees who say “I’ll do it” rather than ask “who will do it?”In a crowded market, knowing your brand story is what will set you apart. Understanding what makes you unique, why a customer would buy your product, and the problem that you are solving for them will help differentiate your company. Understanding where your customers are is key to your distribution strategy. While many consumers buy beverages off a store shelf, DTC allows you to better control your narrative, and platforms like Amazon give you a wide reach. When you are running an omnichannel strategy, it’s important to stay consistent across all channels. While messaging can vary by channel, it’s best to keep pricing and promotional details consistent. Quote of the Show:“We weren't selling coffee. We were selling a way you felt every single morning. We were selling a movement. We were selling camaraderie.” - Mike PilkingtonLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-pilkington-yes/ Website: https://keysparklingwater.com/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

Could real estate be the secret to your success as an entrepreneur? This week’s guest thinks so. His company has saved his clients over $2B total through tax incentives. Joining the show is CEO of CORE Solutions Group, Terry Judge!Terry sits down with Wes to dive into the world of cost segregation. Terry outlines what cost segregation is, how you can utilize it, and how you can apply it to previous real estate purchases. Takeaways:Everyone needs a mentor. Whether it’s a formal mentor, or simply a more senior employee you shadow, having someone to show you the ropes is crucial for career success. Cost segregation is an aspect of the tax code that allows real estate investors to write off their property within 1 - 5 years. When someone buys a building, they can end up writing off almost 30%-40% of the purchase price in year one. To implement cost segregation, it’s important to work with a CPA who is familiar with it. Staying compliant is important, and working with a firm that knows the ins and outs of the tax code is crucial to success. When utilizing cost segregation, you need to understand what aspects of a property can and can’t be depreciated. While many aspects of the building itself can be depreciated, aspects like the land it is on cannot. The amount of your income that comes from real estate determines how much you can depreciate against. Real estate professionals can depreciate against most if not all of their income, while people who charge rent may only against rental income. If you previously bought a property, but are only just learning about cost segregation, don’t worry! Through a one time automatic consent with the IRS, you can go back and redo your depreciation, carrying it forward to the current year.Quote of the Show:“If you're going to succeed in any endeavor, why not seek out somebody that's already doing what you want to achieve and just mimic and copy.” - Terry JudgeLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coresolutionsgroup/ Website: https://coresolutionsgroup.net/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

Our guest this week is an entrepreneur who uses her 50 years of experience to drive impact. Through her cosmetology skills, she’s been a force for good in the childhood cancer community for over 20 years. Please welcome to the show, Founder and CEO of Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan, Maggie Varney!Maggie joined Wes Mathews to discuss the work she is doing, and how she got started. Maggie shares her motivations for starting a non profit, the importance of providing a space for kids to feel like themselves, and the best ways for someone to get involved. Takeaways:One of the most important things for an entrepreneur to have is a mentor. Whether it’s before you start your business, or 3 years into your career, having a mentor sets you up for success and can save you from learning lessons the hard way. Inspired by a 16-year-old's need for a wig, Maggie Varney started Wigs 4 Kids to provide help to children with cancer in Michigan. 500 children are diagnosed with cancer each year in Michigan, and there are different requirements for children's wigs, like head size. To help share the work of nonprofits, Google offers qualifying organizations $10,000 a month in pay per click ad credits. Understanding how to take advantage of programs like these can help get the right eyes on critical services. By providing additional programs beyond just wigs, Wigs 4 Kids creates a space for kids with cancer to experience normality. As many patients are limited due to compromised immune systems, a safe space allows them to have activities they would otherwise miss. For a kid, a wig is more than just a prosthetic. Beyond changing how they look, a wig changes how they feel. Having a wig and support provides them with both a sense of hope and wellness. Through the use of corporate sponsorships, companies can directly do good in their communities by sponsoring wigs and services. These sponsorships foster community as well as companies get to know about the children they are providing wigs for. Quote of the Show:“I am not going to chase the dollar. I'm going to focus on the kids.” - Maggie VarneyLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggievarney/ Website: https://www.wigs4kids.org/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

When it comes to running a business, you need to have good leadership skills. Our guest this week is a leadership expert who has a holistic approach to entrepreneurship. Joining the show this week is Owner of Chester Street Residence, Scott Seltzer.Scott shares his journey into running a family business. He dives into the challenges of caring for a community, the necessity to be a strong leader, and why he brings 100% of himself to work each day.  Takeaways:One of the most important things in entrepreneurship is to care for your employees. Whether your employees have concerns or exciting news, a good leader is there to listen and understand. When planning to have a child take over the family business, it’s important to have them start at the ground level. A holistic experience of the business functions will give them a good understanding of how it runs, and will help them build trust with other employees.Embrace the positivity and purpose in senior living, where genuine love for people is key. Choose to show up with energy and enthusiasm every day, as your attitude can inspire and uplift those around you.When creating a senior care facility, one of the most important aspects is community. Creating a space where people feel cared and accommodated results in better patient satisfaction, and higher employee engagement. When dealing with major events like COVID, it’s important to align your mission with the needs of the community. Balancing safety and community allowed people to receive the care they needed, and still see family. Approach requests with empathy and politeness. Choose to show up as a leader with a positive mindset and calm demeanor, as handling challenges gracefully is a conscious choice that leads to better outcomes.As a business owner, it’s common to experience frustrating situations. Rather than focusing on the source of the frustration, focusing on the solution helps you see the path forward. Quote of the Show:“To me, leadership is just about solving problems and helping people get better.” - Scott Seltzer Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-seltzer-6177b01/ Website: https://www.chesterstreetresidence.com/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

As a Visionary, do you often feel scattered and overwhelmed? You're not alone! In this episode we sit down with the “visionary’s visionary” to help business owners find better balance. Our guest this week is Author of “Unscatter the Chatter” and Founder of iMatter, Bob Shenefelt!Host Wes Mathews joins Bob to discuss some of the biggest challenges visionary entrepreneurs tend to face. Bob shares the ways that visionaries can bring better structure to their work, the importance of letting go of the vine, and why every leader needs to find the alignment between themselves and their business.  Takeaways:The key lesson in entrepreneurship is to have the courage to pursue your vision and build a team to support you in areas where you may not excel. Understanding your strengths and delegating tasks to capable individuals is crucial for successEmbrace structure and clarity in your ideas to effectively convey your vision to others. Simplify your plans and delegate responsibilities to achieve success smoothly. There is value in structure around what matters most. As a visionary, it's important to let go of trying to do everything and find the right integrator to complement your skills. Embracing your visionary role and seeking support from an integrator can lead to sustainable growth and success in business.Focus on identifying what you excel at and surround yourself with supportive people to leverage your strengths effectively. Delegate tasks that are not aligned with your strengths or target market to allow your team to thrive and achieve successAs an entrepreneur, it’s important to carve out time for yourself. While recreational time can be refreshing, it can also be another business tool. Activities like golf can be relaxing, yet also serve as a way to connect with potential clients. Focus on setting meaningful daily intentions through prioritizing important goals over urgent tasks to have a fulfilling and productive day. Embrace simplicity, gratitude, and community support to drive positive outcomes and achieve personal growthAs an entrepreneur, you can often face self doubt or feelings of imposter syndrome. Self affirmations can help create a positive mindset. It’s important to stop asking “am I successful?” and start affirming “I am successful”.Quote of the Show:“There's value in structure around what matters most and who matters most.” - Bob ShenefeltLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-shenefelt/ Website: https://www.imatter.com/ Book Link: https://a.co/d/gtEU1iy Book Link: https://a.co/d/9h5ZPxj Book Link: https://a.co/d/dVAm0oD Book Link: https://a.co/d/1sYDyqh Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614