Beyond the Business

On this Christmas morning Episode, Pastor Josh Surratt of Seacoast Church in Charleston, SC joins Eric and Leslie for a lively and touching discussion. Josh is head Pastor of Seacoast and embodies charitable volunteerism. 

Andrew Hsu comes back to continue the conversation with Eric and Leslie. 

President of the College of Charleston, Andrew Hsu joins Eric and Leslie on this episode of #beyondthebusiness. Hsu shares his stories from his upbringing, ending at the explanation of how he came into his current role. 

Martin comes back to discuss the lessons embedded in his writings and tenants of mentorship. Learn more:  Martin

Retired Navy SEAL officer, author, speaker, and CEO Marty Strong joins Eric and Leslie to discuss his full, eclectic upbringing. Later on in the discussion turns towards Martin's philosophies of leadership and success. 

Chad Straughan is owner of Tidewater Pharmacy in Mt. Pleasant, SC. He rejoins Eric and Leslie on this episode of #beyondthebusiness to discuss how he came to start and own his own pharmacy. Chad discusses how his business adapted during the Covid-19 pandemic and they differentiated himself in a pressured industry. Learn more about Tidewater Rx and Chad

This episode of Beyond the Business welcomes owner of Tidewater Pharmacy in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Chad Straughan is a pharmacist and business owner. In this first episode he shares the story of his upbringing. Check out Tidewater

In this episode, Kelsey comes back to discuss the timeline of his coaching career and his mentality towards team success. He recognizes the winning contingencies of careers similar to his and is passionate in developing a unique and sacred work culture wherever he goes. 

Eric and Leslie are joined by Pat Kelsey, who is currently head basketball coach at the College of Charleston. In this first episode Pat shares stories from his upbringing and childhood. He has great insight as it pertains to work ethic and sustaining great energy. Ultimately, these traits have allowed Pat to develop strong leadership capabilities. Chapters0:00 - 4:55 Introduction 4:56- 12:00 Upbringing and Childhood12:00 - 16:15 Basketball 16:16 -18:24 "What did you want to grow up to be?" / Mentors18:25 - 20:00 Xavier / Moving 20:00 - Leadership Advice /  Skip Prosser Catch up on all the episodes here

John comes back to explain the competitive advantage of optimizing your business digitally.

Live from Toronto, Lexington, and Charleston!This week on Beyond the Business, Eric and Leslie welcome John Vuong. John is the founder and president of Local SEO Search, Inc. In this first of two parts he shares the story of his upbringing as the son of immigrant parents. John has a unique multicultural experience that has shaped the way he does business. John will come back next week to discuss how he started his business, offering advice for entrepreneurs. To learn more about John, visit here.  

"Sales isn't about selling, it is about listening and helping." Andrew, founder of RevFuel, comes back for a second appearance on Beyond the Business to dive into the history and offering of his current venture. 

The path of the entrepreneur! This episode of Beyond the Business welcomes College of Charleston graduate Andrew Block. Andrew is founder of RevFuel, a sales development agency and he joins Eric and Leslie on this episode to set the scene of his entrepreneurial journey. Check out Andrew here  and tune in next week! 

John is founder of the Value Builder System. He rejoins Eric and Leslie to discuss the professional business ventures and success philosophies of his career. 

John Warrillow is the founder of The Value Builder SystemTM, a practice management software for business advisors. His best-selling book Built to Sell: Creating a Business That Can Thrive Without You was recognized by both Fortune and Inc. as one of the best business books of 2011 and has been translated into 12 languages. John is the host of Built to Sell Radio, ranked by Forbes as one of the world's 10 best podcasts for business owners. In 2015, John wrote another best-selling book, The Automatic Customer: Creating a Subscription Business in Any Industry. John completes the trilogy with his latest book, The Art of Selling Your Business: Winning Strategies & Secret Hacks for Exiting on Top. Prior to founding The Value Builder SystemTM, he started and exited four companies, including one acquired by a public company. He lives with his family in Toronto. You can follow John's work by signing up at BuiltToSell.com.

In this episode, Marc comes back to discuss his beginnings and growth at LS3P, a flagship architectural firm.  He shares his philosophy on success and tenacity, offering advice to young professionals. Humility is a major key in being able to make the best of hard situations- Marc embodies this humility in his approach, allowing him to constantly be learning. 

Marc Marchant is CEO and principal of LS3P in downtown Charleston. He joins Eric and Leslie to share his upbringing and early stories of his eventual success as an architect. For more information on LS3P: https://www.ls3p.com/

Will, Founder and CEO of Worldwide Power Products, comes back to share more about what makes his business unique and effective. He shares the challenges of starting his business and the sacrifice needed for its eventual success. 

Houston, TXWill Perry is the CEO of Worldwide Power Products, the power-generation equipment provider he founded out of a spare bedroom in his townhouse in 2008. He joins Eric and Leslie this week to share stories and advice from his early years and the beginnings of his current business. See more about Woldwide: https://www.wpowerproducts.com/

Martin comes back to discuss the origin story and unique offerings of his company, Thoma Thoma. As co-founder and principal, he developed the company to help his clients "live their brand" and develop an effective work culture that attracts talent. 

Martin Thoma is a co-founder and principal with Thoma Thoma, a Little Rock-based brand development and activation firm.Thoma began his career in 1985 as a print journalist and copywriter, working for a number of newspapers and advertising agencies before forming Thoma Thoma with his wife, Melissa, in 1989.Initially a creative boutique, the firm quickly engaged with large and small companies alike. Thoma Thoma has created award-winning, results-getting work for Entergy Corporation, a $6 billion global energy services provider; Alltel Information Services, a $2 billion global information technology company; and Arkansas Children's Hospital, the sixth-largest pediatric medical center in the U.S. On the other end of the spectrum, Thoma Thoma has consulted and created for a host of small banks, insurance companies, services providers, hospitality venues, manufacturing firms, and retailers. This range of experience first inspired Thoma to begin exploring the application of large-company marketing principles to smaller businesses.In the 1990s, Martin and Melissa focused the entire energies of their firm on exploring and developing the tools to help clients "live their brands." Nearly every client engagement seemed to reinforce their philosophy that a brand was not so much a marketing discipline as a leadership principle.He is author of Branding Like the Big Boys, “A primer for small and middle market business owners and managers to grab market share, improve margins and increase loyalty in their businesses. Branding Like the Big Boys explores how big brands got that way and how you can apply the same methods to enjoy similar success.”For more information on Martin and Thoma Thoma visit https://thomathoma.com/

Stewart comes back on the show to discuss the trials of launching his own business. He reminds us that youth is the time to take chances and bet on yourself. This episode will inspire your inner entrepreneur and motivate you to be creative in your approach to growth.

Stewart C. Vernon is the Founder and COO of ASP - America's Swimming Pool Company, the nation's largest swimming pool cleaning, repair, and renovation franchise system. Founded in Macon Georgia in 2002, the business was born out of the need to provide a higher quality swimming pool company to customers in Vernon's hometown. Upon launching the business and experiencing rapid growth at the flagship location in Macon, Ga., Vernon looked for a way to expand both the business model and the ASP brand.In this first episode Eric and Stewart discuss the formational events that shaped Stewart's entrepreneurial spirit and his eventual business. For more information visit http://stewartvernon.com/

Andy comes back to share his wisdom on living an adventurous, purposeful, and independent entrepreneurial lifestyle. He also offers tips for growth concerned business owners, including. Andy stresses that young business owners must constantly ask for help- there are endless resources available, and people want to help. Humility in leadership, having a plan and end in mind are also vital for the entrepreneurial spirit. 

Leslie returns to help Eric welcome guest Andy McCarthy on this episode of #beyondthebusines!  Andy McCarthy is the Director of Organizational Design for The Building People, an award-winning firm working to transform the places we work and the built environment. He consults and advises business owners and organizational leaders on strategic growth after 10+ years of CEO and owner experience scaling and exiting multiple businesses. Andy serves on the board of Lowcountry Local First, the Association for Talent Development, and the South Carolina Specialty Food Association. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Biology and has a passion for learning, exploring, and all things outdoors. He lives in Charleston, SC with his wife Molly, their two little boys, and their dog Sonny.Andy has a plethora of great stories spread across his multitude of business ventures and offers great advice for local entrepreneurs, guiding them towards great available resources. 

In this episode of #beyondthebusiness, Dr. Youngblood owner of Charleston Upper Cervical Chiropractor continues the conversation on his practice with Eric.  Will takes a holistic approach to his practice, valuing the wellness of his patients as if they were members of his own family.  Matched with his expertise and inclination to innovate, Dr. Youngblood's natural entrepreneurial intuition has led to his success. His philosophy is centered around self belief, hard work, and full utilization of the available resources around us. 

This week on #BeyondtheBusiness we welcome Dr. William Youngblood, owner of Charleston Upper Cervical Chiropractic. Eric and Will share a great conversation on the upbringing and early pivotal moments that shaped Dr. Youngblood's path to success. His desire to help others, combined with an entrepreneurial spirit, allowed him to create his successful Lowcountry chiropractic practice. 

Visual artist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Fer Caggiano comes back on #beyondthebusiness for another episode with Eric and Leslie.  Fer stresses that it is an imperative for entrepreneurs to  stay focused on their vision and mission. Not getting constantly bogged down by potential future roadblocks is a key for sustainable creative energy.  Being an artist and a business owner is emotionally demanding- Fer offers some words of wisdom and resources to help. Check her out!www.fercaggiano.com

Charleston, SC. Artist, philanthropist, and entrepreneur Fer Caggiano joins Eric Cox and Leslie Haywood for this episode of #beyondthebusiness!Fer Caggiano is a Brazilian-born painter known for her colorful, textured impasto landscapes, still lifes, and portraits. Fer studied at New York's Art Students League, where she began receiving recognition and awards for her work. After three years, she moved to London and immersed herself in the studio, developing as an artist independently. Though she was exhibiting in well-known galleries, Fer felt there had to be more to life than fame, so she left London to serve as a resident artist at a Buddhist temple. Her four-year spiritual journey reminded her of her early desires to protect the world. She redirected her artistic life toward bringing joy and shining a light on matters that deserve attention. Fer's work has been exhibited and collected around the world.This first part covers the childhood and cosmopolitan upbringing of Fer. With expertise in marketing and a knack for entrepreneurship, Fer has fueled her artistic expression with a motivation for positive global change. www.fercaggiano.com

Helen Perry, Personal and Corporate Brand Image Consultant calls back in for a second episode of Beyond the Business with Eric Cox and Leslie Haywood. A central pillar of Helen's work revolves around refining her client's ideal impression management. She discusses the challenges of her consultancy, showing her undying hustle and evolving mission. "Dump the frump!" This episode has some great tools for polishing our impression on others and therefore improving our calibre of communication.  Helen's skills and expertise are applicable to all people wanting to reach their goals more efficiently and authentically. 

Houston, TX. Helen Perry facilitates people. An expert in the field of presentation, she guides individuals and groups with a keen eye, quick wit and a highly effective approach. As a Corporate and Personal Image Consultant and Humorist since 1983, she has served numerous corporations such as McKinsey & Co., Baker Botts, The Memorial Hermann Healthcare System, Merrill Lynch, Deloitte and Tiffany & Co.Helen joins Eric and Leslie on this episode of #beyondthebusiness to share stories from her upbringing and childhood. Tune in next week to hear more about her business and rise to success!

Alfred rejoins Eric and Leslie  for his second appearance on Beyond the Business.  Alfred believes in learning through interaction and collaboration with people. Clearly defining success and beauty is a major key to reaching goals- Alfred embodies this philosophy as seen through his unavoidable success in all his endeavors.  

This episode of Beyond the Business welcomes prominent Charleston local Alfred Pinckney. As part of a two episode segment, Alfred first shares his upbringing and foundational experiences.  Alfred provides great insight into the fascinating history and economic development of the Lowcountry mixed with timeless advice. His humility, compassion, and wisdom is palpable throughout the conversation with Eric and Leslie- making this a truly noteworthy show. Tune in next week to hear the full story!

President and CEO of South Carolina Federal Credit Union, Scott Woods, comes back on the show for a follow up appearance on #beyondthebusiness. Prior to accepting this role, he served as Chief Financial Officer of SCFCU, Chief Financial Officer of SRP Federal Credit Union, Chief Financial Officer of S.C. Telco Federal Credit Union and as a Senior Financial Institution Auditor with KPMG Peat Marwick, CPAs. Woods received his Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Charleston and hisMBA in Finance from Auburn University. Woods is also a graduate of the Southeast Regional Credit Union Management School, the Credit Union National Association Financial Management School and holds both Certified Public Accountant and Certified Internal Auditor certificates. Woods currently serves on the Board of Vizo Financial Corporate Credit Union as well as on the boards of the Credit Union National Association, the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, PaymentsFirst, Inc. and South Carolina Financial Solutions. In this episode, we dive deep into the career transitions and experiences of Scott. Humility and leadership are highly correlated and Scott embodies this philosophy through his work and methods of communication.

President and CEO of South Carolina Federal Credit Union, Scott Woods joins Eric and Leslie in this episode of #beyondthebusiness.  Getting to know Scott, we see the early events and formative conditions that led to his eventual success and growth in leadership. This has episode has a great collection of stories, lessons, and conversations leading into next week's episode. 

Frank Wells is Founder and CEO of Holy City Med Urgent and Primary Care. He rejoins us this week to discuss the mechanisms of his current business venture and  System Of Serving Others. This episode outlines Frank's entrepreneurial journey as well as his own personal journey of growth and adaptation. Part II is also a great episode for aspiring business owners and ambitious managers. 

This week on #beyondthebusiness Eric and Leslie welcome Frank Wells, Founder and CEO of Holy City Med Urgent and Primary Care. Frank discusses his upbringing, initial interest in dentistry, and his personal philosophy of service to others. An eclectic career history, established work ethic, and a constant desire for learning has allowed Frank to grow in skill as a manager and entrepreneur. Tune in next week to hear more about Frank and his current business! 

Richard rejoins us this week to share stories from his early professional career. He has an incredible work ethic and personal philosophy towards success and leadership. Richard provides some perspective on time management and how it fits into the essentials of achieving goals.  Check out part I to get the full picture. 

This week on Beyond the Business Eric and Leslie welcome guest Richard Hearn.  Richard is CEO of FPX, an  international manufacturing company.  He provides some great context to the early workings of his career, showing a knack for entrepreneurship.  This episode is a testament to the advantages of mood following behavior. Richard is keen to taking action, however he still values the practice of slow, sustainable growth.  

In this episode of #beyondthebusiness Jim Garrett rejoins Eric and Leslie for a deep dive into the applications of Jim's work ethic and personal philosophy of success.  This is a great episode for absorbing leadership skills and applying them for real world uses, especially in the spirit of entrepreneurship.  Jim believes there is opportunity in chaos- a timely message given the context of the last year. 

This week's guest is Jim Garrett, Market President here in Charleston for Colliers International.  Jim is extremely knowledgable in the world of commercial real estate  brokerage and his expertise is palpable throughout this the episode. This first sit down with Jim focusses his early life and upbringing, painting the context for future success.  

In this episode of #BeyondtheBusiness we get a deep dive into the professional ventures of James Scalo, President and CEO of Burns Scalo Real Estate. James continues to share his message of collaboration and work ethic with Eric and Leslie. Our guest discusses his book and personal philosophies as well, making this a great episode for entrepreneurs, managers, and business owners. 

This week's guest is James Scalo, President and CEO of Burns Scalo Real Estate in Pittsburgh, PA. In this first episode James shares stories from his upbringing and his personal philosophy on developmental success. He shares a great perspective on vulnerability and the liberation that comes with ownership.  

Dr. Jack Schaeffer  joins us again for this second episode on #beyondthebusiness.  Our guest shares some great take aways for entrepreneurs and managers. We are walked through some of our guest's most memorable ventures, including the creation of 20 South Battery bed and breakfast. The property has an incredibly historic past, the description of which is beautifully painted by Dr. Shaeffer. 

We start off the new year with an even greater guest! Dr. Jack Schaeffer joins Eric and Leslie in discussion of Jack's early years, Charleston history,  and an introduction to his eclectic  professional ventures. 

In this final episode of the year, hindsight is "2020". Eric and Leslie discuss some of the year's highlights, challenges, and memorable lessons all while optimistically heading into 2021, the seventh year of #BeyondtheBusiness! It was a year of unique challenges, forcing adoption of new perspectives and questioning of the status quo. We want to thank all of our loyal listeners and hope you continue your journey with us into the new year. 

Guest Greg Wood joins Eric and Leslie on this episode of Beyond the Business. Airing on December 26, 2020 this final show of the year picks up from last week and dives deeper into his career within the world of golf the and personal philosophy of our guest. Greg seeks to set a good example as a leader and has developed a refreshing approach to mistakes.  He attributes his success to active listening, concise communication, and personal accountability. In any endeavor, sustainability is dependent on a trust of the process itself. This is a great episode for managers, entrepreneurs, or anyone trying to become a more effective leader.  

This first episode with guest Greg Wood focuses on his upbringing and early formative years. Early law school aspirations were put aside when a unique opportunity presented itself. Greg shares his introduction and journey into the world of golf. He also offers some great words of wisdom for young aspiring entrepreneurs. 

Rick joins us a second episode here on #BeyondtheBusiness.In this episode he dives deeper into his experience in banking and finance.  Rick, like many prior guests, believes in the importance of mentorship and creating a great work environment. Follow Rick! Twitter and Instagram:  @RickSaundersCEOCheck out First Reliance! Facebook, Instagram, and twitter @firstreliance

CEO of First Reliance Bank, Rick Saunders joins Eric and Leslie for this week's episode of Beyond the Business. Calling in from Florence, South Carolina Rick shares his upbringing and the catalytic events of his eventual success. He also grants some great words of wisdom and advice for business people. Follow Rick! Twitter and Instagram:  @RickSaundersCEOCheck out First Reliance! Facebook, Instagram, and twitter @firstreliance

Jeroen Corthout joins us remotely from Antwerp, Belgium for this second episode of #beyondthebusiness. Jeroen shares the early years of Salesflare, his prime role in its development, and the nuances of the businesses that persist to today.  Salesflare is an extremely power, highly automated CRM used by small businesses to help streamline sales.