Basic Business Advice: Presented by White Law Office, Co.

In this episode of Basic Business Advice, the Eques team is joined by Kevin Bille, Host of the Good Stuff with Kevin podcast. Kevin has over 20 years of coaching exeperience and loves impacting and adding value to people. Tyler, Chris, and Jordan pick his brain about driving towards success and overcoming complacency

Stories from the Bench covers some of the most memorable, bizarre, and haunting stories from Thomas D White's multi-decade law career. In Episode 1, Thom begins by talking about his background and personal history before sharing the story of Krista Harrison's tragic death. He closes this episode with the details of an eccentric woman's unfortunate end, a case known as The Witch's Murder.

This episode of Basic Business Advice features Jake Calhoun, the Director of Product Marketing at ProVia. Chris, Ken, and Jordan pick Jake's brain about the importance of customer-based service and marketing, followed by a breakdown of how digitalization and social media has changed the marketing world. The crew wraps up with a discussion about common mindsets in marketing and how they can affect outcomes.

In this episode of Basic Business Advice, Tyler, Chris, and Ken are joined by Kevin West, CEO and founder of Invisible Insights. Kevin share his love of the unconventional with the team as they discuss the success that comes from disrupting patterns.

In this episode of Basic Business Advice, the Eques team gets meta with a podcast about podcasting. Chris, Ken, and Jordan are joined by Todd Hixenbaugh, a podcast creator and consultant. The group takes a close look at the rising popularity of the podcast sector and what it takes to make a podcast successful.

This episode of Basic Business Advice features Chris, Ken, and Jordan alongside Nick Pickrel, owner of Kingsway Services & Canal Dover Furniture. Nick shares his journey with the Eques team, complete with all his starts, stops, and bumps in the road. Tune in to hear him share his story about how he dives into opportunities without letting fear hold him back.

In this episode of Basic Business Advice, the Eques team is joined by Aaron Raber from Spray Foam Solutions. Chris, Ken, and Jordan take a deep dive into Aaron's incredible journey as a business leader and mental health advocate. Join them as they discuss creating and maintaining

How do you effectively do a retreat for your team? Should it include everyone or just key leaders? Should you go off-site or stay in-house? What types of things should be discussed?The BBA Crew tackles these questions and more on the latest episode of Basic Business Advice. 

Sometimes managers just aren't doing a great job. How do you deal with it? Do you put them on a short leash and tell them they need to improve? Do you replace them? Do you let them continue to underperform? Do you even realize they are underperforming?

Is it better to focus on your competitors, or focus on yourself? Should you lean into competition or shy away from it? Does someone else have to lose in order for you to win?The crew holds no punches as they answer these questions and more on the latest episode of Basic Business Advice!

Working with family can be great! It can also be terrible. Anyone who has worked in a family business can tell you that things can get complicated.The BBA gang has experience and insight into working in a family business, and what it takes to be successful. 

Do you have a growth mindset or a fixed mindset? What's the difference? Does it even matter? Dan, Chris, Jordan, Ken, and maybe a few special guests discuss why having a growth mindset is so important in business and in life.

What can the Antonio Brown situation teach us about finding and keeping high performers on your team? Well, as it turns out, quite a bit! The crew gets fired up about dealing with high performers, slackers, and everything in between! 

Today's episode is a good one! It's a live recording from the 2021 Small Business Conference, and it is actually the first time we have had an in-person podcast!.The energy is high, the laughs are plenty, and the advice is good..Tune in to hear maybe the best episode to date!

Chris and Jordan discuss how EQUES got started, and a lot of the lessons learned along the way. Chris talks about mistakes he made, things he did right, and where EQUES is heading in the future!

In this week's episode, we discuss The Parade of Imaginary Horrible Things. Ken talks about when to take the leap and tells Jordan to completely change his personality. Plus, find out what 75% of the people told Dan not to do.

Jordan Mullet discusses the top hurdles in selling and why there are so many bad salespeople, Chris White is impressed by the washer serviceman. The guys also talk about selling yourself, selling your product or service, and getting your team to participate in sales

Does social media influence the way consumers view our businesses?How should business owners approach the use of social media?What is your position on using your business's social media platform for personal opinions?What pitfalls do business owners fall into with social media?We answer these questions and more on the most recent episode of Basic Business Advice. 

What are the pros and cons of making a decision by committee?How is a committee different from seeking advice/guidance/input?Do committees allow for leaders to hide and avoid taking responsibility?Do committees really reach better decisions?Where are committees the best and worst fit?

On today's episode of Basic Business Advice, Christopher White and Jordan Stoltzfus discuss the future of the professional workspace, White Law Office moving into a new HQ, and a rebrand for White Law Office!

How do you deal with criticism? Do you react positively or negatively? How do your employees react to it? In this episode, Christopher White, Dan Owolabi, Ken Hochstetler, and Jordan Mullet dive into this topic. 

In this episode of Basic Business Advice, our panel of Christopher White, Ken Hochstetler, Dan Owolabi, and Jordan Mullet, dive into the topic of measuring and mitigating risk. How do you measure it? How do you mitigate it? 

Today's episode is a little different. Today we get to sit down with a very special guest, Peter Dunn. Peter is kind enough to provide us with some insight into his journey from China born missionary kid to becoming the founder of the number one supplier of US-made wall décor.Peter Graham Dunn is the founder of P. Graham Dunn, the nation’s top supplier of US-made wall décor. He was born in China, grew up in Canada, married a steady Mennonite girl, LeAnna, helped raise four children, and continues to reside with LeAnna on their family farm in Ohio’s Amish Mennonite community.Peter has recently written a book, titled Unlikely Entrepreneur: From China To Amish Country. Peter will also be doing a book signing this Saturday, April 10, at Faith View Books! This is something you won't want to miss!

This episode features Christopher White, Dan Owolabi, Jordan Mullet, and Ken Hochstetler discussing the benefits of accountability in the workplace and how to have personal accountability and how to keep others accountable.

Today's episode of Basic Business Advice is a bit different.In today's episode, we sit down and get to know Dan Owolabi, what makes him tick, and some lessons he's learned throughout his journey. Dan Owolabi is an author, speaker, and the Executive Director of Branches Worldwide. Pull up a chair and join the conversation!

Business: JTK, LLCOwners: James KirkAge of Business: 18 monthsType of Business: Brand/AdvertisingEmployees: 1Scenario: James started JTK because he had the ability to help other businesses and organizations capture their brand in creative eye-catching ways. And he has had some early success in acquiring local clients. Recently a large retailer saw James’ work and called to hire him for a big project. James knows this is going to take a lot of time and energy, and he isn’t sure what will have to his regulars if he has to dedicate all the time this project is going to require. On top of that, James is, at his core, an artist and not a business owner. He has muddle thru thus far, but the business gets what time he has leftover, which usually isn’t his best time or a lot of it. James is uncertain about how to proceed with building his creativity into a business. The opportunity is presenting itself for him to not just be creative on a larger scale but also start building his personal income. What do you guys have to say to James?

What is it that drives us to build new things?Why is it when we look at an old building, we see not what it is, but what it can be?What is it about the entrepreneurial spirit that pushes us forward into what is next, instead of settling for what is?

Today's episode of Basic Business Advice is a bit different.In today's episode, we sit down and get to know Jordan Mullet and what makes him tick. He walks us through his journey of going from a door-to-door salesman, to sales manager, to escape room owner, and everything in between.Pull up a chair and join the conversation!

Business: Solo, LLCOwners: Ben SoloAge of Business: 3Type of Business: ConsultingEmployees: 2Scenario: Ben started his consulting business, hoping that he would plug into his community and be a resource. Ben has done such an excellent job with writing content that resonates with his community that he is swamped with requests to take on new companies, work with new entrepreneurs, do a podcast, write a book, on and on and on. And while Ben is excellent at helping others navigate challenges, he is stuck in an overwhelmed position with just his assistant to help. Ben has a slightly manic look about him as he sits down to coffee with you three. How do you help Ben find a way forward?

Business: A+ RetailOwners: Alex AndersonAge of Business: 8 yearsType of Business: Retail/SalesEmployees: 18Scenario: Alex is exhausted. Not because the business is having difficultly, but because of Phil. Phil is the top salesperson for the company, but he is also the biggest energy drain for Alex and everyone else. Phil isn’t overtly antagonistic, but he constantly complains and has his hand out for more compensation and recognition. Alex would like to terminate Phil, but there isn’t a clear way to replace all of the sales Phil is generating. Alex looks stretched thin when you three sit down for a cup of coffee. Where do you start?

Ted wears many hats - too many hats. He is the owner, the head of sales, the head of finance, the head of marketing, and the head of HR, as well as the person who knows how to operate the processes and systems inside the business better than anyone else. He has created a business that is realizing moderate success, but he feels like he is so bogged down in operating his business that he cannot see what is next for it. He thinks he needs to work more hours and find better employees. He feels like no one is as dedicated and committed as he is. What do you say?

Sam wants to buy the local coffee shop and become "her own boss." Ignoring the difficult environment for the foodservice industry right now, what does Sam need to be thinking about as she looks at the business? How would you advise to evaluation and make the decision to buy the business?

Becky is getting ready to graduate college and needs advice about entering the workforce. Given the exceptionally competitive environment for jobs right now, her biggest question is how to make herself stand out to potential employers. As employers, employees, owners, and coaches, what kind of advice can you give Becky?

Business: Longshot, LtdOwners: Ed and TerryAge of Business: 5 yearsType of Business: SoftwareEmployees: 10ish (largely independent contractors)Scenario: Ed and Terry had a dream of starting the next industry disrupter in their garage, and they had early success. Enough that they were able to court and convince some relatives, friends, and local community leaders to invest in their startup. While they were great designers, they were pretty lousy businessmen. They often found that they burned through the money they raised faster than they had “planned.” Longshot, Ltd was always on the edge of having no money, and more than a couple times the company had less than $100 to its name. Because of the infrequency of their ability to pay on time, they had a revolving door of independent designers. 4 years into this and Ed is starting to show the strain of constant pressure and Terry is getting fed up with the constant lack of capital. The product is receiving mixed early reviews but they can’t seem to get out of beta testing. The strain and tension are making them angry at each other and their communication is starting to breakdown. One of their investors has stepped in to see if this endeavor is worth saving. She has asked that the three of you sit down and talk to Ed and Terry about Longshot and see if you can give them the advice to heal their relationship, get their business on track, and move towards a full launch of the product. Where do you start?

Business: Upward, IncOwners: Partnership GroupAge of Business: 40 yearsType of Business: ManufacturingEmployees: 250+Scenario: Jake is a mid-level manager looking to become a future partner at Upward, Inc. He studied hard at a good school, got an MBA from a good graduate program, and started out at Upward, Inc at an entry-level position 4 years ago. He feels like the only reason he made middle management was because of a group of retirements that opened a slot for him, not because of his track record, knowledge, or experience. He has worked extra hours, put in for learning opportunities, and is looking for a way to distinguish himself to the partners as a leader and great candidate for future partners. As you sit across the table from him he asks, “how do you catch the attention of leadership and distinguish yourself from the crowd?”Tune in to hear Christopher White, Dan Owolabi, Ken Hochstetler, and Jordan Mullet dive into this business scenario.

Owners: Dan MilesAge of Business: 22 YearsType of Business: Delivery & LogisticsEmployees: 25 Employees & 2 ManagerScenario: Dan has been in the delivery and logistics business for over two decades. This is a business he launched in his 40’s and he is starting to question what is next for him and for Delivery Inc. Dan has not done any succession planning, but he does have a manager who has been with him for the past 15 years and several family members that work for the company. He feels the pull to create security for his family's future, but the truth of the matter is none of them is qualified to lead as his manager. Dan is talking to you three over breakfast at the local greasy spoon. How do you advise him to start his transition and who should get Delivery Inc?Tune in to hear Christopher White, Dan Owolabi, Jordan Mullet, and Ken Hochstetler dive into this business scenario.

Adam has just started his light manufacturing company in January of 2020, right before everything had turned sideways with closures and quarantines. He left his full-time job to begin manufacturing parts for local larger manufacturers. He and his first employee started immediately with orders from one of the larger local manufacturers, but as the larger manufacturers work dried up, so did Adams. He does not know if he can make it until the economy gets back into full swing. He is sitting across the table from you asking for your advice. What do you say?Tune in to hear Christopher White, Dan Owolabi, Jordan Mullet, and Ken Hochstetler dive into this business scenario.

Jane Smith has a 6-year old consulting business. She currently has 4 employees. Tune in to this episode to hear some unique scenarios facing Jane, and how to best approach them. This episode of BBA is filled with advice, insight, and even some disagreements.

John Jones and James Smith have a 6-year old manufacturing business. They currently have 25 employees and 2 managers. Tune in to this episode to hear some unique scenarios facing John and James, and how to best approach them.