Clearing The Way

Watch episode 1 of Downtown Diaries on Youtube.Downtown Diaries Episode 1https://youtu.be/bnlaKWxjZxIBrought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development CorporationThis episode is brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development Corporation. If you're a business located in Washington, PA that needs help growing and working through your current challenges, or you are outside of Washington and looking for a place to get started or a space to expand into, reach out using the links in the description. The Washington CDC's services are free. No strings, No gotchas. My salary is covered. You pay nothing. I don't know how else to say it. There are organizations out here to help.

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success. Things I Use:Profit First by Mike Michalowicz: https://amzn.to/3EYNOdaPumpkin Plan by Mike Michalowicz: https://amzn.to/3mo1Ui8ATEM Mini Pro: https://amzn.to/3GBVi6CShure SM7B: https://amzn.to/3KQGgwtElectro-Voice RE20: https://amzn.to/4131a1cHave a suggestion for a suggestion for a guest? Email me at Bradley@clearingthewaypodcast.com. Brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development CorporationThis episode is brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development Corporation. If you're a business located in Washington, PA that needs help growing and working through your current challenges, or you are outside of Washington and looking for a place to get started or a space to expand into, reach out using the links in the description. The Washington CDC's services are free. No strings, No gotchas. My salary is covered. You pay nothing. I don't know how else to say it. There are organizations out here to help.Email me at bradley@clearingthewaypodcast.com for assistance!

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success. My guest today is Ryan Brown, owner of RiverPoint Realty. Ryan graduated from Robert Morris University with a Bachelors in Marketing. Ryan has over 15 years of experience in the Real Estate industry. He started as an agent and loan officer before becoming a Mortgage Broker. He was a Managing Partner for a Real Estate Investment company, CEO of a staging company, and owner of a Property Management Brokerage. In 2016, Ryan started RiverPoint Realty, a Full service real estate brokerage that works with buyers, sellers, and investors. Within 18 months, his team grew to over a dozen agents. RiverPoint trains all their agents to be real estate consultants and offer a level of knowledge and attention to detail that can't be found from other agencies in Pittsburgh. Ryan BrownWebsite: https://www.riverpointpgh.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-a-brown-9a8a1b28/Coffee's for Closers: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coffees-for-closers-a-real-estate-podcast/id1651276730Things I Use:Profit First by Mike Michalowicz: https://amzn.to/3EYNOdaPumpkin Plan by Mike Michalowicz: https://amzn.to/3mo1Ui8ATEM Mini Pro: https://amzn.to/3GBVi6CShure SM7B: https://amzn.to/3KQGgwtElectro-Voice RE20: https://amzn.to/4131a1cHave a suggestion for a suggestion for a guest? Email me at Bradley@clearingthewaypodcast.com. Brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development CorporationThis episode is brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development Corporation. If you're a business located in Washington, PA that needs help growing and working through your current challenges, or you are outside of Washington and looking for a place to get started or a space to expand into, reach out using the links in the description. The Washington CDC's services are free. No strings, No gotchas. My salary is covered. You pay nothing. I don't know how else to say it. There are organizations out here to help.Email me at bradley@clearingthewaypodcast.com for assistance!

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success. If you are starting to feel comfortable. If your business is in a good place. If you've seemingly got it all dialed in and figured out. This episode is for you. And if you aren't quite to any of these, still listen so you can avoid the pitfalls of these seemingly great things. Today, we discuss Complacency.Things I Use:Profit First by Mike Michalowicz: https://amzn.to/3EYNOdaPumpkin Plan by Mike Michalowicz: https://amzn.to/3mo1Ui8ATEM Mini Pro: https://amzn.to/3GBVi6CShure SM7B: https://amzn.to/3KQGgwtElectro-Voice RE20: https://amzn.to/4131a1cHave a suggestion for a suggestion for a guest? Email me at Bradley@clearingthewaypodcast.com. Brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development CorporationThis episode is brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development Corporation. If you're a business located in Washington, PA that needs help growing and working through your current challenges, or you are outside of Washington and looking for a place to get started or a space to expand into, reach out using the links in the description. The Washington CDC's services are free. No strings, No gotchas. My salary is covered. You pay nothing. I don't know how else to say it. There are organizations out here to help.Email me at bradley@clearingthewaypodcast.com for assistance!

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success. Maybe You got a great deal on storefront, but there isn't much foot traffic. Maybe You just moved to the area and don't know many people yet. Maybe You have a great network, but you're product or service just isn't something that they need. All of these things can make the early stages of your business a bit difficult. But I've got great news…There is a solution for you. Today, we discuss marketing.Things I Use:Profit First by Mike Michalowicz: https://amzn.to/3EYNOdaPumpkin Plan by Mike Michalowicz: https://amzn.to/3mo1Ui8ATEM Mini Pro: https://amzn.to/3GBVi6CShure SM7B: https://amzn.to/3KQGgwtElectro-Voice RE20: https://amzn.to/4131a1cHave a suggestion for a suggestion for a guest? Email me at Bradley@clearingthewaypodcast.com. Brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development CorporationThis episode is brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development Corporation. If you're a business located in Washington, PA that needs help growing and working through your current challenges, or you are outside of Washington and looking for a place to get started or a space to expand into, reach out using the links in the description. The Washington CDC's services are free. No strings, No gotchas. My salary is covered. You pay nothing. I don't know how else to say it. There are organizations out here to help.Email me at bradley@clearingthewaypodcast.com for assistance!

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success. Don't Neglect Your FINANCES!!!It's that simple. Enjoy.Things I Use:Profit First by Mike Michalowicz: https://amzn.to/3EYNOdaPumpkin Plan by Mike Michalowicz: https://amzn.to/3mo1Ui8ATEM Mini Pro: https://amzn.to/3GBVi6CShure SM7B: https://amzn.to/3KQGgwtElectro-Voice RE20: https://amzn.to/4131a1cHave a suggestion for a suggestion for a guest? Email me at Bradley@clearingthewaypodcast.com. Brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development CorporationThis episode is brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development Corporation. If you're a business located in Washington, PA that needs help growing and working through your current challenges, or you are outside of Washington and looking for a place to get started or a space to expand into, reach out using the links in the description. The Washington CDC's services are free. No strings, No gotchas. My salary is covered. You pay nothing. I don't know how else to say it. There are organizations out here to help.Email me at bradley@clearingthewaypodcast.com for assistance!

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success. You've gone through the steps we discussed last week and determined there is a demand for your product or service. Time to open those doors, right? Let's hold off just a bit longer, if we can. Let's set some clear goals, figure out why we are starting this business, and determine what steps need to be taken to get where we want to go. Things I Use:Profit First by Mike Michalowicz: https://amzn.to/3EYNOdaPumpkin Plan by Mike Michalowicz: https://amzn.to/3mo1Ui8ATEM Mini Pro: https://amzn.to/3GBVi6CShure SM7B: https://amzn.to/3KQGgwtElectro-Voice RE20: https://amzn.to/4131a1cHave a suggestion for a suggestion for a guest? Email me at Bradley@clearingthewaypodcast.com. Brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development CorporationThis episode is brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development Corporation. If you're a business located in Washington, PA that needs help growing and working through your current challenges, or you are outside of Washington and looking for a place to get started or a space to expand into, reach out using the links in the description. The Washington CDC's services are free. No strings, No gotchas. My salary is covered. You pay nothing. I don't know how else to say it. There are organizations out here to help.Email me at bradley@clearingthewaypodcast.com for assistance!

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success. Today's topic is market demand. One of the many common reasons many small businesses don't end up working out. It is something that is easy to overlook. You've got an idea. You've got a product. You get super amped up and excited about it. The research can wait, right? Probably not...Things I Use:Profit First by Mike Michalowicz: https://amzn.to/3EYNOdaPumpkin Plan by Mike Michalowicz: https://amzn.to/3mo1Ui8ATEM Mini Pro: https://amzn.to/3GBVi6CShure SM7B: https://amzn.to/3KQGgwtElectro-Voice RE20: https://amzn.to/4131a1cHave a suggestion for a suggestion for a guest? Email me at Bradley@clearingthewaypodcast.com. Brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development CorporationThis episode is brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development Corporation. If you're a business located in Washington, PA that needs help growing and working through your current challenges, or you are outside of Washington and looking for a place to get started or a space to expand into, reach out using the links in the description. The Washington CDC's services are free. No strings, No gotchas. My salary is covered. You pay nothing. I don't know how else to say it. There are organizations out here to help.Email me at bradley@clearingthewaypodcast.com for assistance!

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success. So you want that epic video. They are all the rage. Smooth camera movements, epic drone shots, perfect lighting. We want something that looks cool. Looks professional. But do we need to hire for that? And are we making a video for the right reasons? What is the goal of the videos? In this episode we discuss shooting your own content, hiring professionals, and what questions to ask when talking to professionals. Things I Use:Profit First by Mike Michalowicz: https://amzn.to/3EYNOdaPumpkin Plan by Mike Michalowicz: https://amzn.to/3mo1Ui8ATEM Mini Pro: https://amzn.to/3GBVi6CShure SM7B: https://amzn.to/3KQGgwtElectro-Voice RE20: https://amzn.to/4131a1cHave a suggestion for a suggestion for a guest? Email me at Bradley@clearingthewaypodcast.com. Brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development CorporationThis episode is brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development Corporation. If you're a business located in Washington, PA that needs help growing and working through your current challenges, or you are outside of Washington and looking for a place to get started or a space to expand into, reach out using the links in the description. The Washington CDC's services are free. No strings, No gotchas. My salary is covered. You pay nothing. I don't know how else to say it. There are organizations out here to help.Email me at bmartin@pcrg.org for assistance!

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success. Jess Garda is the owner of The Cheerful Balloon. Jess is a W&J graduate. She is a recent 2nd place finisher in I2E at Ignite. She owned a wedding and event planning business until the pandemic forced her to make some adjustments. She began The Cheerful Balloon in her home (and sometime Chicco where we would run into each other), but quickly ran out of space. She joined Ignite and soon was able to move out onto Main St here in Washington. The Cheerful Balloon creates eye-catching balloon decor, gifts, and designer partyware. Jess GardaWebsite: https://www.thecheerfulballoon.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecheerfulballoonco/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecheerfulballoonThings I Use:Profit First by Mike Michalowicz: https://amzn.to/3EYNOdaPumpkin Plan by Mike Michalowicz: https://amzn.to/3mo1Ui8ATEM Mini Pro: https://amzn.to/3GBVi6CShure SM7B: https://amzn.to/3KQGgwtElectro-Voice RE20: https://amzn.to/4131a1cHave a suggestion for a suggestion for a guest? Email me at Bradley@clearingthewaypodcast.com. Brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development CorporationThis episode is brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development Corporation. If you're a business located in Washington, PA that needs help growing and working through your current challenges, or you are outside of Washington and looking for a place to get started or a space to expand into, reach out using the links in the description. The Washington CDC's services are free. No strings, No gotchas. My salary is covered. You pay nothing. I don't know how else to say it. There are organizations out here to help.Email me at bmartin@pcrg.org for assistance!

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success. Doug Patterson is the owner of Pennsylvania Packinghouse. Doug purchased the business in 2018. The business was renamed from Mike's Packing in 2016. Pennsylvania Packinghouse works closely with local farmers to provide its customers with quality products. Doug PattersonFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/papackinghouseThings I Use:Profit First by Mike Michalowicz: https://amzn.to/3EYNOdaPumpkin Plan by Mike Michalowicz: https://amzn.to/3mo1Ui8ATEM Mini Pro: https://amzn.to/3GBVi6CShure SM7B: https://amzn.to/3KQGgwtElectro-Voice RE20: https://amzn.to/4131a1cHave a suggestion for a suggestion for a guest? Email me at Bradley@clearingthewaypodcast.com. Brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development CorporationThis episode is brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development Corporation. If you're a business located in Washington, PA that needs help growing and working through your current challenges, or you are outside of Washington and looking for a place to get started or a space to expand into, reach out using the links in the description. The Washington CDC's services are free. No strings, No gotchas. My salary is covered. You pay nothing. I don't know how else to say it. There are organizations out here to help.Email me at bmartin@pcrg.org for assistance!

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success. My guest today is Billy Cramer, owner of B. Cramer Clay. Billy grew up with with parents that were potters. He spent nearly 20 years in the restaurant industry before his parents convinced him to get back into ceramics as a side hustle. He has been creating functionally elegant pottery built for daily use. He work is fantastic. I have purchased several items from him. It's all great. Billy is a fellow disc golfer, slinger of delicious tacos, and one of those people that is just a joy to be around. Billy CramerWebsite: https://www.bcramerclay.com/Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BCramerClay?ref=shop-header-name&listing_id=1390862883Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcramerclay/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bcramerclay/Things I Use:Profit First by Mike Michalowicz: https://amzn.to/3EYNOdaPumpkin Plan by Mike Michalowicz: https://amzn.to/3mo1Ui8ATEM Mini Pro: https://amzn.to/3GBVi6CShure SM7B: https://amzn.to/3KQGgwtElectro-Voice RE20: https://amzn.to/4131a1cHave a suggestion for a suggestion for a guest? Email me at Bradley@clearingthewaypodcast.com. Brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development CorporationThis episode is brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development Corporation. If you're a business located in Washington, PA that needs help growing and working through your current challenges, or you are outside of Washington and looking for a place to get started or a space to expand into, reach out using the links in the description. The Washington CDC's services are free. No strings, No gotchas. My salary is covered. You pay nothing. I don't know how else to say it. There are organizations out here to help.Email me at bmartin@pcrg.org for assistance!

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success. My guest today is Renee Benn, Owner & Inventor of Pick N Peel Stones. Renee spent a few years in sales before spending 15 years as an office manager. She moved on to work as an HR Specialist, Bookkeeper, and Administrative Assistant. In 2020, she took all of that previous experience to start PickNPeel stones, a fidget, sensory stone created to help calm your brain. Renee Benn Website: http://picknpeelstones.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/picknpeelstones/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/picknpeelstones/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@picknpeelstones?lang=enThings I Use:Profit First by Mike Michalowicz: https://amzn.to/3EYNOdaPumpkin Plan by Mike Michalowicz: https://amzn.to/3mo1Ui8ATEM Mini Pro: https://amzn.to/3GBVi6CShure SM7B: https://amzn.to/3KQGgwtElectro-Voice RE20: https://amzn.to/4131a1cHave a suggestion for a suggestion for a guest? Email me at Bradley@clearingthewaypodcast.com. Brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development CorporationThis episode is brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development Corporation. If you're a business located in Washington, PA that needs help growing and working through your current challenges, or you are outside of Washington and looking for a place to get started or a space to expand into, reach out using the links in the description. The Washington CDC's services are free. No strings, No gotchas. My salary is covered. You pay nothing. I don't know how else to say it. There are organizations out here to help.Email me at bmartin@pcrg.org for assistance!

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success. My guest today is Amy Pelkey, Founder of Pause to Remember. She graduated from the University of Southern Maine for a degree in Nursing. She later attended graduate school at the University of Pittsburgh. Amy has nearly 20 years of experience as a CRNA and a certified yoga instructor. Pause to Remember supports female licensed healthcare providers grieving after pregnancy or infant loss. She offers virtual support groups, an eBook, and Podcast.Amy PelkeyWebsite: https://www.pausetoremember.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pausetoremember/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pausetorememberPause to Remember PodcastApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pause-to-remember/id1622365228Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7DDQ66KQa91gkwNhgiIQapGoogle: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hcHAua2FqYWJpLmNvbS9wb2RjYXN0cy8yMTQ3NDk1MzAzL2ZlZWQThings I Use:Profit First by Mike Michalowicz: https://amzn.to/3EYNOdaPumpkin Plan by Mike Michalowicz: https://amzn.to/3mo1Ui8ATEM Mini Pro: https://amzn.to/3GBVi6CShure SM7B: https://amzn.to/3KQGgwtElectro-Voice RE20: https://amzn.to/4131a1cHave a suggestion for a suggestion for a guest? Email me at Bradley@clearingthewaypodcast.com. Brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development CorporationThis episode is brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development Corporation. If you're a business located in Washington, PA that needs help growing and working through your current challenges, or you are outside of Washington and looking for a place to get started or a space to expand into, reach out using the links in the description. The Washington CDC's services are free. No strings, No gotchas. My salary is covered. You pay nothing. I don't know how else to say it. There are organizations out here to help.Email me at bmartin@pcrg.org for assistance!

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success. Clay Kilgore is the Executive Director of the Washington Historical Society and host of Laid Back History. Clay graduated from Penn State with a Bachelors in History. Clay spent 8 years as the Historical Director at the David Bradford House and has experience as a Consulting Historian for a major television network. He began working with the Washington Historical Society in 2002. After 10 years there, he became Executive Director and has been in that roll since 2012. Clay is a man of many talents from being a legit blacksmith to video production. He is involved in what seems to be every organization in Washington and has been a MASSIVE reason that this area has been able to lean on its history to drive growth and development. Clay KilgoreWebsite: https://www.wchspa.org/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@washingtoncountyhistorical9076Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lemoynehouseThings I Use:Profit First by Mike Michalowicz: https://amzn.to/3EYNOdaPumpkin Plan by Mike Michalowicz: https://amzn.to/3mo1Ui8ATEM Mini Pro: https://amzn.to/3GBVi6CShure SM7B: https://amzn.to/3KQGgwtElectro-Voice RE20: https://amzn.to/4131a1cHave a suggestion for a suggestion for a guest? Email me at Bradley@clearingthewaypodcast.com. Brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development CorporationThis episode is brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development Corporation. If you're a business located in Washington, PA that needs help growing and working through your current challenges, or you are outside of Washington and looking for a place to get started or a space to expand into, reach out using the links in the description. The Washington CDC's services are free. No strings, No gotchas. My salary is covered. You pay nothing. I don't know how else to say it. There are organizations out here to help.Email me at bmartin@pcrg.org for assistance!

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success. Maria Patterson is the owner of Fussy Revival Boutique. Fussy Revival opened in February of 2021 as an online clothing store dedicated to helping women find confidence in themselves. They have had several successful pop-up events and in May, will be moving into a brick and mortar location. Maria PattersonWebsite: https://fussy-revival.myshopify.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fussyrevival/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fussyrevivalHave a suggestion for a suggestion for a guest? Email me at Bradley@clearingthewaypodcast.com. Brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development CorporationThis episode is brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development Corporation. If you're a business located in Washington, PA that needs help growing and working through your current challenges, or you are outside of Washington and looking for a place to get started or a space to expand into, reach out using the links in the description. The Washington CDC's services are free. No strings, No gotchas. My salary is covered. You pay nothing. I don't know how else to say it. There are organizations out here to help.Email me at bmartin@pcrg.org for assistance!

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success. Summer Voelker, owner of Kindred Flower Farm. After several years of regular yoga practice, she became a certified yoga instructor in 2017. She is Pennsylvania Master Naturalist, Reiki Master, and Treasurer of the Upper Chartiers Creek Watershed Association. Summer is a current I2E participant over at Ignite. Kindred Flower Farm opened in 2020. You can find them at tons of the local markets dealing all of their fresh flowers and dried flower wreaths. They also offer several fresh flower weekly flower subscriptions, so if you are looking for the perfect gift for your loved ones, check that link down below. Summer VoelkerWebsite: https://www.kindredflowerfarm.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kindredflowerfarm/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kindredflowerfarm/Have a suggestion for a suggestion for a guest? Email me at Bradley@clearingthewaypodcast.com. Brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development CorporationThis episode is brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development Corporation. If you're a business located in Washington, PA that needs help growing and working through your current challenges, or you are outside of Washington and looking for a place to get started or a space to expand into, reach out using the links in the description. The Washington CDC's services are free. No strings, No gotchas. My salary is covered. You pay nothing. I don't know how else to say it. There are organizations out here to help.Email me at bmartin@pcrg.org for assistance!

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success. Shana Brown is the Director of the Washington Business District Authority. We sat down to discuss the importance of building a sense of community and the impact that has on the businesses in an area. We also covered how some of the steps that a business owner can take if they want to be the catalyst for change in their town. Shana BrownWebsite: https://downtownwashingtonpa.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/downtownwashingtonpa/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downtownwashingtonpa/Have a suggestion for a suggestion for a guest? Email me at Bradley@clearingthewaypodcast.com. Brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development CorporationThis episode is brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development Corporation. If you're a business located in Washington, PA that needs help growing and working through your current challenges, or you are outside of Washington and looking for a place to get started or a space to expand into, reach out using the links in the description. The Washington CDC's services are free. No strings, No gotchas. My salary is covered. You pay nothing. I don't know how else to say it. There are organizations out here to help.Email me at bmartin@pcrg.org for assistance!

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success. In this episode, we discuss the importance marketing and taking accountability for your own foot traffic.Have a suggestion for a suggestion for a guest? Email me at Bradley@clearingthewaypodcast.com. Brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development CorporationThis video is brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development Corporation. If you're a business located in Washington, PA that needs help growing and working through your current challenges, or you are outside of Washington and looking for a place to get started or a space to expand into, reach out using the links in the description. The Washington CDC's services are free. No strings, No gotchas. My salary is covered. You pay nothing. I don't know how else to say it. There are organizations out here to help.Email me at bmartin@pcrg.org for assistance!

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success. Today we discuss Bank Accounts. I know...It's a boring topic. But changing the way that my accounts were set up alleviated SO MUCH STRESS. Profit First by Mike Michalowicz: https://amzn.to/3EYNOdaHave a suggestion for a suggestion for a guest? Email me at Bradley@clearingthewaypodcast.com. Brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development CorporationThis video is brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development Corporation. If you're a business located in Washington, PA that needs help growing and working through your current challenges, or you are outside of Washington and looking for a place to get started or a space to expand into, reach out using the links in the description. The Washington CDC's services are free. No strings, No gotchas. My salary is covered. You pay nothing. I don't know how else to say it. There are organizations out here to help.Email me at bmartin@pcrg.org for assistance!

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success. In today's episode, we discuss the balance of passion and reality, overcoming setbacks, the importance of planning, and the unlikely transition from selling dog treats to helping develop a city. Mark Kennison is the owner of President's Pub and 19 North. Mark is a Washington and Jefferson alumni and lifelong Washington, PA resident. He has been responsible for the start of tons of Washington staples over the last decade or more. He was the founder of Upper Crust, The Italian Deli & Rachel Rose's Coffee Shop which are now Chicco Baccello, President's Pub, 19 North And Forbidden Cellars (I think?). Mark's recent focus on 19 North has brought a ton of traffic downtown and has provided the downtown area with a fantastic event venue that has hosted multiple concerts, comedy shows, winter farmers markets, jazz festivals, and plenty of others. Mark KennisonPresident's Pub: https://presidentspub.com/ 19 North: https://venue19north.com/

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success. In today's episode, we discuss the difficulties of taking over a family business and the importance of succession planning. Evan Chambers, President of Chambers Insurance Agency. Evan graduated from Fordham University in 2014. While at Fordham, Evan had several finance internships. After graduating, he spent a year and a half as an accounting analyst before coming back to Washington in 2015 to join his father's team at Chamber's Insurance. The agency was opened in 1953 by Evan's grandfather. In 1979, Evan's father, Chris, joined the team. When Evan joined, he focused on Personal Lines and brought his experience from the financial world to assist in the company's accounting and technology. In 2020, his younger brother, Mac, joined the team. After his father's passing in May of 2021, Evan took over and became the 3rd generation president of the agency. Evan ChambersWebsite: https://chambersinsurance.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanchambersinsurance/

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success. Today, we are going to learn a little bit about a local business owner who is helping tons of organizations in the area. My guest today is Stephanie Masters, owner of Stephanie Masters Consulting and Nonprofit Sidekick. Stephanie's career has touched several industries, from banking, to higher ed, to nonprofit. Throughout much of her career, her roles have focused on developing people. Stephanie and I chatted about hiring your first employee in episode 6. Stephanie MastersWebsite: https://nonprofitsidekick.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nonprofit.sidekick/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-masters-4ba7332/

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success. Today, we discuss B2B sales. How do we improve? What are we doing wrong? What do I need to know? My guest today is Jeff Hancher, Founder of Jeff Hancher Enterprises and host of The Champion Forum Podcast. We discussed Jeff's origin story starts in episode 7. If you want to hear a bit more about Jeff's humble beginnings and life in corporate America, give that a listen. Jeff HancherWebsite: https://www.jeffhancher.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-hancher/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeff.hancher/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechampionforumPodcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-champion-forum-podcast-with-jeff-hancher/id1456048671

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success. In this episode, we discuss Bookkeeping. We cover the difference between accounting and bookkeeping, what to look for in a bookkeeper, questions to ask, and why it should be important to your business.My guest today is Shelley Teller, owner of S. Teller Business Solutions. Shelley has an a ton of time in business support roles. She spent several years as a graphic designer and Creative Director before transitioning to Xerox where she was began as a document advisor. She moved up to become an On-site Document manager before leaving Michigan and heading to PA where she began working as an Account Manager at a Business Support Services company. After a few years there, she moved on to become a Print Shop Manager, then a Business Center Manager. She has been operating a photography business for over 10 years and in January of 2022, she opened S. Teller Business Solutions, a Virtual Bookkeeping business. Shelley finished 2nd in the February '22 I2E program at Ignite. Shelley TellerWebsite: https://stellerbusinesssolutions.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stellerbusinesssolutions/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stellerbusinesssolutionsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelleteller/Brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development CorporationThis video is brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development Corporation. If you're a business located in Washington, PA that needs help growing and working through your current challenges, or you are outside of Washington and looking for a place to get started or a space to expand into, reach out using the links in the description. The Washington CDC's services are free. No strings, No gotchas. My salary is covered. You pay nothing. I don't know how else to say it. There are organizations out here to help.Email me at bmartin@pcrg.org for assistance!

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success. Clearing the WayApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/clearing-the-way/id1632477169Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5j4bJQP9IrjXllbyVb9Td8?si=XsChciA4Qmi45zek91P0tAYouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC70IdR2_OMcE16cmClr1nDAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/clearingthewaypodcast/Website: https://www.didius.us/clearingtheway

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success. Today we discuss avoiding the post-holiday sales slump.The key takeaways: 1) Be Active. Stay top of mind for your customers. 2) Think about your customers New Year's Resolutions.3) More Promotions if you can stomach it. 4) What are your new products/services for this year? Clearing the WayApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/clearing-the-way/id1632477169Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5j4bJQP9IrjXllbyVb9Td8?si=XsChciA4Qmi45zek91P0tAYouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC70IdR2_OMcE16cmClr1nDAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/clearingthewaypodcast/Website: https://www.didius.us/clearingthewayBrought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development CorporationThis video is brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development Corporation. If you're a business located in Washington, PA that needs help growing and working through your current challenges, or you are outside of Washington and looking for a place to get started or a space to expand into, reach out using the links in the description. The Washington CDC's services are free. No strings, No gotchas. My salary is covered. You pay nothing. I don't know how else to say it. There are organizations out here to help.

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success. Today we discuss jumpstarting your new year. The key takeaways: Check in regularly. If you have a big change or big opportunity, reevaluate your list. And most importantly, keep a couple people in the know and make sure you hold each other accountable. Clearing the WayApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/clearing-the-way/id1632477169Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5j4bJQP9IrjXllbyVb9Td8?si=XsChciA4Qmi45zek91P0tAYouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC70IdR2_OMcE16cmClr1nDAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/clearingthewaypodcast/Website: https://www.didius.us/clearingthewayBrought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development CorporationThis video is brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development Corporation. If you're a business located in Washington, PA that needs help growing and working through your current challenges, or you are outside of Washington and looking for a place to get started or a space to expand into, reach out using the links in the description. The Washington CDC's services are free. No strings, No gotchas. My salary is covered. You pay nothing. I don't know how else to say it. There are organizations out here to help.

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success. Today we discuss working with friends as clients. Clearing the WayApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/clearing-the-way/id1632477169Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5j4bJQP9IrjXllbyVb9Td8?si=XsChciA4Qmi45zek91P0tAYouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC70IdR2_OMcE16cmClr1nDAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/clearingthewaypodcast/Website: https://www.didius.us/clearingthewayBrought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development CorporationThis video is brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development Corporation. If you're a business located in Washington, PA that needs help growing and working through your current challenges, or you are outside of Washington and looking for a place to get started or a space to expand into, reach out using the links in the description. The Washington CDC's services are free. No strings, No gotchas. My salary is covered. You pay nothing. I don't know how else to say it. There are organizations out here to help.

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success. Today's topic is “setting communication boundaries with clients.”In most cases, your client is NOT trying to take advantage of you. They are simply communicating with you in a way that they find to be appropriate. And a way that you have also been ok with. They are not trying to get more out of you for free. They arent doing anything malicious. They simply have not run into any walls yet. And that's because you haven't built any. Set clear guidelines for communication. Your clients are not mind readers. If they aren't using the appropriate forms of communication, correct it early.Clearing the WayApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/clearing-the-way/id1632477169Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5j4bJQP9IrjXllbyVb9Td8?si=XsChciA4Qmi45zek91P0tAYouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC70IdR2_OMcE16cmClr1nDAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/clearingthewaypodcast/Website: https://www.didius.us/clearingthewayBrought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development CorporationThis video is brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development Corporation. If you're a business located in Washington, PA that needs help growing and working through your current challenges, or you are outside of Washington and looking for a place to get started or a space to expand into, reach out using the links in the description. The Washington CDC's services are free. No strings, No gotchas. My salary is covered. You pay nothing. I don't know how else to say it. There are organizations out here to help.

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success. My guest today is Mike Skubovius, Conductor of Creativity at Skubo Creative. Mike graduated from PTI in 2008 and went on to gather 10 years of experience in graphic design. He began working as Skubo Creative full time in May of 2019 and focuses on Branding, Print Design, Website Design, Video Production, and Marketing. Mike was featured in Episode 2. In this episode, we discuss Branding. What do people mean when they talk about branding? How concerned should you be about it? Mike SkuboviousWebsite: https://www.skubocreative.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skubocreative/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkuboCreative

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success. Today's topic: Websites... Do you actually need one? Today I am going to try to walk you through a list of questions that should help you determine and when you actually need to spend the time and money on a website.Short answer is probably yes, you most likely do need one but maybe not as soon as you think.Clearing the WayApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/clearing-the-way/id1632477169Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5j4bJQP9IrjXllbyVb9Td8?si=XsChciA4Qmi45zek91P0tAYouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC70IdR2_OMcE16cmClr1nDAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/clearingthewaypodcast/Website: https://www.didius.us/clearingthewayBrought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development CorporationThis video is brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development Corporation. If you're a business located in Washington, PA that needs help growing and working through your current challenges, or you are outside of Washington and looking for a place to get started or a space to expand into, reach out using the links in the description. The Washington CDC's services are free. No strings, No gotchas. My salary is covered. You pay nothing. I don't know how else to say it. There are organizations out here to help.

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success. The holidays are upon us. Everyone is running discounts and promotions. Should we be doing that? Should I just pick some random products to offer discounts on? How do I run a successful discount campaign? Clearing the WayApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/clearing-the-way/id1632477169Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5j4bJQP9IrjXllbyVb9Td8?si=XsChciA4Qmi45zek91P0tAYouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC70IdR2_OMcE16cmClr1nDAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/clearingthewaypodcast/Website: https://www.didius.us/clearingtheway

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success. Today, we discuss “pivoting.” My guest today is Lauren Hyland. Lauren and I discussed Social Media and the importance of Finding Your Janice in Episode 10 (https://player.captivate.fm/episode/08a58dc6-f68b-461b-a9c6-11863874ff6d). Lauren is a social media wizard. Someone is always on top of the most recent trends. Someone who is not on LinkedIn, although this might be changing. Lauren and I both started our businesses around the same time and were constantly bouncing our struggles off each other. We've both had to “pivot” several times in the few years of our businesses. Lauren will be starting her own podcast in the coming months. In this discussion, we determine 4 key indicators that a pivot may be in your future. -Your time and money are plateaued/maxed-No one is buying-You're making sales but you're not making money-You're marketing / messaging feels forced and doesn't come easy to youLauren HylandWebsite: https://stan.store/thelaurenhylandInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelaurenhyland/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurenhylandcoTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thelaurenhylandClearing The WayApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/clearing-the-way/id1632477169Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5j4bJQP9IrjXllbyVb9Td8?si=XsChciA4Qmi45zek91P0tAYouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC70IdR2_OMcE16cmClr1nDAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/clearingthewaypodcast/Website: https://www.didius.us/clearingthewayBrought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development CorporationThis video is brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development Corporation. If you're a business located in Washington, PA that needs help growing and working through your current challenges, or you are outside of Washington and looking for a place to get started or a space to expand into, reach out using the links in the description. The Washington CDC's services are free. No strings, No gotchas. My salary is covered. You pay nothing. I don't know how else to say it. There are organizations out here to help.

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success. Today's episode about choosing your Point of Sale (POS) and knowing how to make sure you are getting what's right for you. Understanding the fees, subscriptions, hardware costs, hardware compatibility, and everything else associated with your POS can be overwhelming. If you don't know much about the systems, how can you know if someone is actually providing the service that is best for your business. There are 2 keys takeaways: 1) Don't be afraid to "Pause" and do more research. 2) Ask the right questions. What questions should you ask? What do I pay? Is there a monthly subscription fee? Do you have a monthly payment for your hardware? When do I need to pay? Daily? Weekly? Monthly? How does this impact your cashflow? Is the amount the same each month? If not, is there an easy way for you to track what that number will be? How do I get my money? Can I make a transfer anytime? Can you schedule it? What does it do better than the competition? What's the cost difference? What will it cost to change? What features will be lost? What will be gained? How much will it cost to implement the change? It will definitely take time, but do you need to hire someone else to implement the change or can you do it yourself? Are you even capable of doing it yourself? What will it cost to get out of your current system? Can you just stop using your system or are you locked in for a certain amount of time? What does that contract look like? What is the upfront cost for the new system?If you need help, please reach out. Don't get screwed or taken advantage of just because you don't know any better. City of Washington Citywide Development CorporationThis episode is brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development Corporation. This video is brought to you by the City of Washington Citywide Development Corporation. If you're a business located in Washington, PA that needs help growing and working through your current challenges, or you are outside of Washington and looking for a place to get started or a space to expand into, reach out The Washington CDC's services are free. No strings, No gotchas. My salary is covered. You pay nothing. I dont know how else to say it. There are organizations out here to help. Email: bmartin@pcrg.orgSchedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/washcdc/general?month=2022-11Clearing the WayApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/clearing-the-way/id1632477169Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5j4bJQP9IrjXllbyVb9Td8?si=XsChciA4Qmi45zek91P0tAYouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC70IdR2_OMcE16cmClr1nDAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/clearingthewaypodcast/Website: https://www.didius.us/clearingtheway

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success.  Today's episode is a solo episode. The topic: Overcoming Overwhelm. I've got a couple quick tools that I use when I am caught in overwhelm and feeling unproductive. 1) Make a list It is super simple. Just write down everything that needs to be done. That alone can and likely will feel like a daunting task, especially when you are the owner of your company. You've got a TON on your plate. Don't overthink it. But just make a list. Not in your head. An actual list. Use your tablet, paper, a napkin. Anything to actually capture the list. The level of detail necessary varies for me. If I am in a really deep slump, I need to be super detailed. If I catch it early, the list can be a little more “surface level”. Some examples Surface level - “Edit Neal's video”. “Meet with Joe Bob” Detailed - Find Music. Find Sound effects. Make selections. Edit Rough Cut. Color Grade. Find Joe Bob's Contact info. Send Joe Bob my Availability. Prep for Joe Bob. As you complete the tasks, mark them off. This is super important for me. If I don't do this step, I get to the end of the day and feel like I haven't done anything. If you are feeling frisky, you can prioritize the list. Don't spend too much time here though. It is easy to get caught “refining your list” over and over, rethinking whether this is more important than that. 2) Time blocking Next up. Time blocking. Take that precious list that you just created. Open your calendar. Start adding these items to the calendar. I like to do this on Sunday, but do what works for you. I normally add everything for the week at once. You are going to have some things that come up through the week that may derail some of the plan, but stick to it as close as possible. 3) Productive Procrastination This one is a little bonus. I am a procrastinator. Especially when I am stuck in these little ruts. I procrastinate and then get to the end of the day knowing that I didn't get done everything that I needed to. In comes “Productive Procrastination.” These are the things that would be nice to get done, but they aren't priorities. I use these to help me get into a rhythm. These are generally tasks that I want to work on. Updating business cards, updating your logo, things like that. Clearing the Way Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/clearing-the-way/id1632477169 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/clearing-the-way/id1632477169) Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5j4bJQP9IrjXllbyVb9Td8?si=XsChciA4Qmi45zek91P0tA (https://open.spotify.com/show/5j4bJQP9IrjXllbyVb9Td8?si=XsChciA4Qmi45zek91P0tA) YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC70IdR2_OMcE16cmClr1nDA (https://youtube.com/channel/UC70IdR2_OMcE16cmClr1nDA) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clearingthewaypodcast/ Website: https://www.didius.us/clearingtheway

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success.  My guest today is James Protin, owner of the Protin Group, host of the James Protin Podcast, speaker, author, Leadership coach, and Director of Business Development at GPI. James started his career in project management. After 8 years, he transitioned to Business Development and Marketing. He spent the next 15 years working for Engineering and consulting firms as the Director and VP of Business Development and Marketing. In 2015, James started the Protin Group, providing strategic consulting services focusing on Business Development, Advocacy, Marketing, Public Relations, and Leadership Coaching. In 2020, he was brought on as the Director of Business Development at GPI. James was a Board Member for Leadership Washington County, President of the Mon Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Chairman of the BVA Charitable Trust. In February of this year, 2022 he entered the world of podcasting. The James Protin Podcast highlights people with powerful stories that focus on love, faith, gratitude, forgiveness, and redemption. James Protin Website: https://jamesprotin.com/ The James Protin Podcast: https://jamesprotin.com/episodes/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-protin-08109213/

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success.  Today's Topic: Communication My guest today is Jeremy Widenhofer, owner of Chitwood Communcations. Jeremy graduated from Indiana University Bloomington with a Bachelors in Public and Environmental Affairs. He then attended the University of Pittsburgh to receive his Masters in Public and International Affairs. Jeremy spent a few years in the corporate world as an Account Manager before transitioning to over to the government. He spent the next 12 years within the government and Department of State where he was responsible for creating the Presidential Daily Brief, building national security solutions, and collaborating with the FBI and the military on high stakes situations. In 2020, Jeremy started Chitwood Communications. Chitwood Communications gives you the resources, knowledge, and confidence to elevate your interpersonal and sales skills that will grow your business. Jeremy Widenhofer Website: https://chitwoodcommunications.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-widenhofer-332283173/

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success.  Today will be another “expert” episode. Financial Planning for Small Business Owners. Topics include: Starting out Splitting personal and business finances? Planning for Taxes? Planning for “unforeseen” challenges? Retirement planning Should I still be focusing on a 401k? Should I be investing/saving still when I barely have clients? Planning for expansion? How do you begin think about scaling in terms of money? Hoe much can be done on your own and when do I need help? My guest today is Joe Piszczor, Certified Financial Planner at Stein Wealth Advisors. Joe graduated from Mercyhurst College in 2005 with a degree in Business Management. In his time there, he was active in student government and was a member of both the Football and Wrestling teams. In 2006, Joe started his first job in Finance.He spend the next 12 years as a Personal Financial Advisor. In 2018, he became Director of Financial Planning. In 2020, Joe moved on to Stein Wealth Advisors where he is still a Certified Financial Planner. Joe is super active in the community here in Washington. He has served on the Boards of Leadership Washington County, Literacy Council of Southwest PA, Financial Planning Association of Pittsburgh, and The David Bradford House Historical Association. He is a 15 year member of the Rotary Club of Washington and a Trustee of the Washington County Community Foundation. Joe is the Host of a soon-to-be available Podcast, Cup of Joe, where he attempt to make people financially literate. In many episodes, Joe will choose a topic and try to explain it to me. I will ask the questions that many of us have and hopefully by the end, we will all be better informed. Joe Piszczor Website: https://www.steinwealth.com/ Email: joe@steinwealth.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joepiszczor/ DISCLAIMER The economic views shared are for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice for the viewers personal situation. Clients should contact us at Stein Wealth Advisors or your own financial advisor if your not an client for specific investment advice. Financial Planning and Investment Advice are specific services provided by Stein Wealth Advisors. This content is not to be interpreted to be specific or actionable advice and is for education purposes only. Please consult your counselors for specific advice on your individual situation. Investment advisory services provided by NewEdge Advisors, LLC doing business as Stein Wealth Advisors as a registered investment adviser. Securities offered through NewEdge Securities, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. NewEdge Advisors, LLC and NewEdge Securities, Inc. are wholly owned subsidiaries of NewEdge Capital Group, LLC.

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success.  My guest today is Andrew Gradert, Co-Founder of Maestros' Sauce Company. Andrew graduated from West Liberty University with a Bachelors in Business Administration and Computer Information Systems. He received his MBA from Waynesburg University in 2012. Andrew began working at PPG as an IT Security Analyst in 2010. He moved on to become a Senior Auditor and Analytics Lead before starting his current role as a Global Data Governance Manager. In 2019, Maestros' Sauce Company was founded. Maestros takes pride in their ability to create sauces that satisfy a craving for both heat and flavor. As of September 20th, Andrew sits in 15th place out of 49, 6 spots ahead of me, in the North Strabane Disc Golf Handicap League. Andrew Gradert Website: https://maestrossauceco.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-gradert-ab966b51/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maestros_sauceco/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoMaestros/

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success.  Today's Topic is a little different: Buying a Home as a New Business Owner Topics Covered: Preparing to purchase a home How much cash is needed? What is different for a business owner? My guest today is Bob Stienstraw. Real Estate Agent with RiverPoint Realty, Managing Owner of Leading Properties and Co-Owner of ACE Atlantic Investments. Bob graduated from Clarion University in 2015 with a Bachelors in Business Administration. He has worked in Real Estate since then. Bob and I graduated together, played sports together all through school, and have been friends for years. Bob Stienstraw Website: https://www.riverpointpgh.com/meet-the-team/robert-stienstraw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-stienstraw-4308a1a8/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bob-Stienstraw-Team-Real-Estate-Professionals-820412404691981 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stienstraw96/

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success. My guest today is E.J Kleckner, owner of Rusty Golf Brewing. Ej graduated from Penn State in 2010. He spent almost 8 years in Real Estate Development until moving on to retail sales and operations. In 2013, he opened Yesterday's New, an antique store in Canonsburg. In 2017, EJ opened Rusty Gold Brewing, a brewery in Canonsburg that really just nails it. They've got fantastic food and fantastic beer and in my option has the best wings in the area. By far. And the sleeper menu item is the hummus. EJ Kleckner Website: https://rustygoldbrewing.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rustygoldbrewery/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rustygoldbrewery/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/earl-kleckner-346676b/

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success. Today's Topic: When and How to Start? We covered: How do you know if your idea is viable? If a product, should I design the thing first? Do I need a business plan? What even is a business plan? When should I make a business plan? How early should I think through the numbers? How do I even think about the numbers? How can you test it? Should I drop everything and start or ease into it? I've decided the business is right for me, now what? Do I file for my LLC? What types of professionals do I NEED immediately? Accountant? Lawyer? Bookkeeper? Can I do it all myself at the beginning? My guest today is Max Miller, Associate Professor, Director of Entrepreneurial Studies and Director of Ignite Business Incubator at Washington and Jefferson College. Max graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1990 with a Bachelors in English. He went straight to the University of Pittsburgh where he gathered a Corporate Law degree. Max spent the next 10 years as a corporate lawyer. In 2004, Max received his MBA from Northwestern University. Max spent the next few years working with a major corporation in process improvement and implementation. Over the next several years, he moved through a few new organizations where he was the Chief Administrative Officer, Director of VIP Experiences, Executive Vice President, and COO. In 2016, he joined the staff of Washington and Jefferson College. Max has also started a few businesses of his own. He has been the President and Chief Tasting Officer for Raise Your Spirits for the last 17 years where he helps organizations build lasting internal and external relationships using unique tasting experiences. Max leads the Ideas to Enterprise program at Ignite where local small businesses join a 5 week program that teaches business owners the fundamental skills for leading a successful business. Max Miller Ignite Business Incubator: https://www.igniteforsuccess.org/ Raise Your Spirits: https://www.raiseyourspirits.net/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-miller-0975681/

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success.  My guest today is Jordon Miller, Owner of Nocturnal Addiction Bowfishing. Jordon has a Bachelors degree in Occupational Safety and Health. He has worked in Safety and Compliance in the Oil & Gas industry for over 10 years. He began as an equipment operator and worked his way up as high as Regional Safety and Compliance Manager. In 2016, he opened Nocturnal Addiction Bowfishing, a Pittsburgh area based fishing charter. The Nocturnal Addiction fleet has grown to 2 20ft. fishing boats and potentially a third house boat? Maybe we will get into that? Jordon is currently the Bowfishing state record holder with a 49.7 pound common carp and a 25.7 pound smallmouth buffalo. He is also a USCG Licensed Captain. Jordon Miller Website: https://nocturnaladdictionbowfishing.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nocturnal_addiction_bowfishing/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nocturnaladdictionbowfishing/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl0QpJWMG5nsUFGe6POS9pg

Welcome back to Clearing the Way. A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success.  Today's Topics Include: Importance of Social Media Where should you be posting? How often should you post? Finding your target customer (aka Janice) How to be more efficient on social media. Today will be another “expert” episode. We are going to dive deep into marketing and social media. Today's episode features another old friend, Lauren Hyland, owner of Hyland Consulting. Lauren gradated from Liberty University with a marketing degree and an MBA. While in school, Lauren worked as a marketing consultant focusing on direct mail campaigns. Her next role was with a larger landscaping group as a marketing coordinator. Here, she gained experience in social media marketing, event coordination and advertising. At this point things took a little bit of a turn. She began working for an insurance agency where she was tasked with sales and consulting, but also, surveying buildings and working in SketchUp? What? After a few years in there, she discovered she was being laid off right around the time she found out she was pregnant with child number 1. She ventured back home to Washington and began working as a Marketing Research Analyst and at the same time, started working on her own. Hyland Consulting was born in December of 2018. Hyland Consulting is constantly evolving, but the core remains the same, help entrepreneurs to improve mindset and emotional intelligence. Lauren Hyland Website: https://stan.store/thelaurenhyland Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelaurenhyland/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurenhylandco TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thelaurenhyland

This is “Clearing the Way." A resource for small business owners. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success.  My guest today is Todd King, Director of Business Development at J.T. King Investments, Founder of Power Team Advisors, and Executive Coach & Managing Partner at Fortune Practice Management. Todd graduated from West Virginia University in 2006 with a Bachelors in Public Relations. Todd purchased his first business at 21 which helped him pay for the remainder of his time at WVU. Out of school, he opened J.T. King Investments and began working in sales. In 2014, he and a partner founded Schmitt's Saloon Music Hall where he negotiated, booked, and executed concerts with artists including Chris Stapleton and Uncle Kracker. In 2020, Todd opened Power Team Advisors and began working with Fortune Practice Management. Todd has been helping business owners spanning several industries for over a decade. Todd King: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtkinginv/ Website: https://www.powerteamadvisors.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/powerteamadv/

Welcome back to “Clearing the Way." A resource for small business owners. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success.  My guest today is Jen Lucas, Founder of Yang & Yin Health. Jen graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2003. She spent 6 years working in Event Management before transiting to Project Management in 2012. She opened Yang & Yin Health in 2017 with the mission of nourishing the customers' mind, body, and soul. Yang & Yin Health created a line of products that showcase the health benefits of green tea. Yang & Yin expanded in 2022 with the addition of a sound healing studio. Jen Lucas Website: https://yangyinhealth.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yangyinhealth/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/yangyinhealth

Welcome back to “Clearing the Way," I'm your host, Bradley Martin. My goal is to be a learning resource for small business owners. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success.  My guest today is another special one for me. Jeff Hancher, Founder of Jeff Hancher Enterprises, host of The Champion Forum Podcast, and the biggest reason that “Clearing The Way” even exists. Jeff's origin story starts with the humblest of beginnings. With a sick mother and a father that was struggling, he experienced an event at a Social Security office that as a child had a massive impact on him. Jeff is a veteran of the Army. He spent 23 years at Cintas, starting as a route driver. He got a massive wake up call after he completely botched his first interview for a sales position. He went on a learning rampage, got that sales job and ended up working his way up to a Sales Director role. In early 2019, he started The Champion Forum Podcast. Later that year, he made the decision to leave the company that he had spent over 20 years with to spread his knowledge to a larger audience. Jeff and I have known each other for a few years now. I was introduced to him while doing some video work for another customer. I honestly wasn't sure how I felt about him at first. I was a new business owner, probably a little arrogant, and I hadn't really been exposed to the training/coaching world yet. Then I started editing the footage from that event. I found a few nuggets. He reached out to me for a few video projects. The more we worked together, the more I realized “well…I'm a moron. I like this dude.” Jeff Hancher Website: https://www.jeffhancher.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-hancher/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeff.hancher/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechampionforum Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-champion-forum-podcast-with-jeff-hancher/id1456048671

In this episode, Bradley Martin and Stephanie Masters talk through the hiring process. The discussion covers: Are you ready to hire? How do I make a job description? Where do I find candidates? Are referrals always best? What should I ask in the interview? How do I know who is best for the job? What NOT to do in the interview On-boarding This is “Clearing the Way." A resource for small business. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success.  Today's episode is going to be a little bit different. The first episode of the Expert Discussions. Today's focus: HR. Hiring, interviewing, On-boarding, management, culture. Idk how much of that we will actually get to, but here we go… My guest today is Stephanie Masters, owner of Stephanie Masters Consulting AND as of very recently, Nonprofit Sidekick. Stephanie graduated from Towson University with a Bachelors in Art Education. She spent 5 years as an Activities Director at a long term care facility before transitioning to a staffing management position at a staffing agency. This is where it appears that the “HR” focus begins. She advanced in that company up to a Branch Manager. Stephanie moved on to become a Training Lead at a relatively large bank and spent the next nearly 15 years working in training and development for various banking institutions, universities, and technology & brand consulting firms. In 2017, Steph finally decided to branch out on her own starting Stephanie Masters Consulting. She assists businesses with recruiting, hiring, on-boarding, career growth, and leadership development. In July of this year (2022), Stephanie and her business partner opened Nonprofit Sidekick, which focuses on supporting nonprofits. Stephanie is certified in Franklin Covey Time Management, Gallup Strengths, Loominger Voices 360, Predictive Index Talent Optimization, and too many more too list them all. I kept hearing her name come up, but didn't actually get to meet Steph until I took interest in my current role at the Washington CDC. My view of anything HR related prior to talking to Steph was not super positive. I never really thought the term Human Resources at most organizations was true to the name. In most places I had worked, HR was just payroll and things like that. Working with Steph REALLY opened my eyes to the gap that most organizations that I've worked with had. Spending time actually focusing on the development of your employees makes a massive difference. From the employee perspective, the entire experience is so much more welcoming. It makes it feel like the organization ACTUALLY cares about your growth and your future. It was difficult prepping for this one. I was making the intro and got a little bummed that we wouldn't be diving into your past much in this conversation, but we will do another one of these and focus on all of that and the business owning. Stephanie Masters LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-masters-4ba7332/ Website: https://nonprofitsidekick.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NPSideKick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nonprofit.sidekick/

Welcome back to “Clearing the Way," I'm your host, Bradley Martin. My goal is to be a learning resource for small business owners. I talk with sales and HR experts, other small business owners, and anyone else that can provide you with information to clear your way to success. My guest today is Jose Rosa, Owner of Everest Eats. Jose attended Newberry College, where he played baseball. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelors in Business Administration. Jose spent the next few years traveling the world coaching baseball. In 2013, he moved to Pennsylvania and began a career in Environmental Health and Safety. This career introduced him to the various chemicals that we are exposed to in our everyday lives. He and and his wife Katy began making several lifestyle changes to combat these toxins. They began regularly practicing meditation and yoga and eventually made the transition to plant based foods. In November of 2019, they made the plunge into small business, opening Everest Eats, a plant-based meal delivery service in the Pittsburgh Area. Jose reached out not long after that and we have worked together on and off ever since. They have continued to expand their service area and have started to offer catering and training. They've hosted several tasting events that have been super successful. As someone who isn't plant-based, I can confirm that their food is fantastic. Everest Eats is currently working on a crowdfunding project to expand into a larger kitchen space which I know has been a challenge of it's own. In this episode, we discuss the importance of building and maintaining relationships. Jose Rosa Website: https://www.everesteats.com/ Email: orders@everesteats.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everesteats/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EverestEatsPlantBased

Welcome back to “Clearing the Way," I'm your host, Bradley Martin. My goal is to uncover the challenges that small business owners have faced along their way so that you can be better prepared when you experience something similar.  My guest today is fun one. One of my longest friends, Preston Miller, owner of Rusted Barrel BBQ. Preston choke slammed me in 5th grade because I pulled his chair out from underneath him as he sat down. Preston graduated from Triangle Tech with an associates degree in Welding. He has worked in oil & gas for almost 10 years, working his way up as high as an Operations Supervisor. Preston has been a live-long cook, which is actually something that him and I have bonded over since early in our friendship. We used to doctor up our ramen noodles with shrimp and whatever else we could find in his house. In May of 2019, he decided to take it a bit more seriously, investing in a food truck and opening Rusted Barrel BBQ. In this episode, we discuss how poor planning and communication can impact both your business and personal relationships. Preston Miller Website: https://www.rustedbarrel.com/ Email: rustedbarrelbbq@aol.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rusted_barrel_bbq/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RBLBBQ/