Common Threads

After a few month break, David Alan is back with a new episode of Common Threads. On this episode, DA is joined by friend and business CPA - Stan Kleja of the Bernice Schweiss firm. Stan has been paramount in the business learnings and evolution for David in his journey as an entrepreneur. Stan & David talk very candidly about the importance of a business owner always knowing their numbers, doing the work with the finances, not being afraid of those finances, and what it's like to work with a trusted CPA that is an extension of your own company. This is a fantastic episode for any business owner or someone who is looking to start a business. If you have any questions or would like to reach out to Stan directly his email is stankleja@berniceaschweissllc.com.

Jordan Reber, Executive Vice President at ARL Logistics, joins David on this week's episode to talk about his journey in the Logistics / Freight industry, and how he has led innovation efforts that has ARL leading the pack. David & Jordan also talk about the importance of networking and cross promotion to continue growth no matter what industry you're in. Learn more about ARL Logistics here: https://www.arlnetwork.com/logistics

In his role as dean, Stephen Tanzilli, J.D., has broad oversight of all undergraduate and graduate programs in the Rowland School of Business at Point Park University. He continually works to create mutually beneficial partnerships with the corporate community & city and is taking all the necessary steps to continue to transform the Rowland School of Business into a true learning laboratory for the University's students, alumni and the business community. Steve joins David on this week's episode to discuss his journey from law, sports management, to education and everything in between.

Sammy Spina, NFL agent & friend, joins David on this week's episode to discuss his journey from Western, PA to becoming an NFL agent, representing some of the biggest names in the NFL. Rooted in his faith and and commitment to always treating people well, Sammy's story is the kind that everyone cheers for. Check out Sammy's social media and personal website: Twitter: @sammyjspina Instagram: @sammyjspina https://sammyspina.com/

Dave Caliguiri, owner & creator of 202 Hometown Tacos, saw a need & a want for his community. An area that did not have any kind of taco restaurant allowed Dave the opportunity to create his business and fill that want. Listen in as Dave & David talk business, the journey, and giving back to the community. Check out 202 Hometown Tacos! 407 Lincoln Ave, Bellevue, PA 15202 https://www.202tacos.com/ https://www.instagram.com/202_hometown_tacos

Brandon Rumbaugh is no stranger to challenge and adversity. After stepping on an IED in Afghanistan in 2012, he lost both of his legs and underwent months of rehab and treatments. But Brandon took that challenge head-on and turned it into self-motivation. Now, Brandon shares his story of challenge and obstacles to create motivation in others, inspiring those he meets with his optimism and passion to help others. Brandon shares his story with David on this week's episode of Common Threads. Book Brandon as a motivational speaker at: http://brandonrumbaugh.net/ Brandon's engineering, surveying and environmental company: http://brsolutions.us/

On this week's episode, David is joined by friend & fellow entrepreneur, Chaz Jannuzi - Owner of Match One Medical. Chaz turned a tragic event into an idea for a medical device solution that combats opioid dependencies, and acts as an alternative treatment for doctors to prescribe. Listen to Chaz's story about the journey, challenges, and wins that he has experienced during this innovative creation. Learn more about Match One Medical: http://matchonemedical.com/

Pittsburgh icon, Pittsburgh Dad, or as we know him personally, Curt Wootton...joins David on this week's episode to talk about how it all started for him, from the life experiences growing up; absorbing the essence of the character (aka his actual dad), through the journey that took him across the country and back. This is a fun episode, and YES, we hear a couple of yinzer rants about the Ravens & potholes. http://www.pghdad.com/ https://www.instagram.com/pittsburghdad/ https://www.facebook.com/pittsburghdad https://twitter.com/Pittsburgh_Dad

Josh Yerecic, of Yerecic Label, joins David on this week's episode. Josh talks about his commitment to evolution & processes within his family's long-standing business of 50+ years, to continue to propel them into more national growth. Yerecic Label: For over 50 years, Yerecic Label has served the retail, grocery and fresh food industries with on-pack label solutions that connect with shoppers. www.ylfresh.com

Renee Kostas, founder & innovator of Posh Local, joins David to chat about how she evolved her fashion start-up from an initial idea to a new innovative shopping model in the fashion industry. Check out Posh Local: https://www.poshlocalpgh.com/ Follow on social: https://www.instagram.com/poshlocal/ https://www.facebook.com/poshlocalpgh

Brian Teyssier is one of the top Realtors in the Pittsburgh region since 2007. Brian was ahead of the pack when it came to creative self-marketing and using social media & video content to build his business long before it was the norm. He & David talk about marketing, staying true to yourself, and staying focused on the entrepreneurial vision. Check out Brian here: www.instagram.com/briansellspittsburgh www.instagram.com/briansellsmiami https://www.remax.com/real-estate-agents/brian-teyssier-pittsburgh-pa/100043497

Rocco Cozza, the Founder & Managing Attorney of the Cozza Law Group PLLC, joins David for a deep chat about their strong friendship that was rooted in business & partnership. Rocco & David talk about how important it is to always remain a good human being during the business journey and how they both find peace and drive within chaos. Listen in as two friends provide a wealth of lived business experiences and educate anyone listening at the same time. Cozza Law Group, PLLC: www.cozzalaw.com

Kevin O'Laughlin, a loan officer with Movement Mortgage, has a built an entrepreneurial career around knowing how to make the right moves at the right times. Listen as he tells David all about his journey and the key moments that shaped his future. Learn more about Kevin and Movement Mortgage: https://movement.com/

Ricci Minella is Chef-Owner of Burgh Bites, a fleet of full-service food trucks in the Pittsburgh region, and the Chef-Owner of Brick & Mortar, a gourmet "grass roots" restaurant just outside of the city. Through his passion for cooking and entrepreneurship, Ricci grew Burgh Bites from its humble beginnings as a food cart in 2011 to the full-service food truck and catering business it is today. Ricci & David talk about their humble beginnings of finding their business calling, whether it was on purpose or by a string of unexpected events. This episode will also make you hungry! Check out Ricci's businesses here: http://burghbitestruck.com/ https://eatbricknmortar.com/

Ben Fisher is the owner & visionary of the Big Fish Contracting Company. He and David go way back, growing up in the same area. Ben shares his stories about learning at a very early age the importance of customer service, a strong work ethic, and trusting his skill sets, and how all of those things created the foundation for his very successful contracting company. Check out Ben's company at www.thebigfishco.com.

Corey Diethorn is a former college basketball player who found his calling as a real estate entrepreneur and house flipper. Corey shares with David stories about his journey as a business owner, and its impact on him personally. Don't miss Corey's story about the FBI kicking in the door of one of his properties.

On this week's episode, David & Chris are joined by DBM's Chief Marketing Officer & Lead Digital Strategist, Derek Ciocca, to discuss Super Bowl commercials and how small businesses can generate content that is just as impactful, and how video content can be maximized no matter the budget.

On this week's episode, David & Chris talk about how important it is for a business owner to not get discouraged by competition, and how to use it to their advantage.

On this week's episode, David & Chris chat about their origin stories on how they got started in their industries, and the "why" behind their drive to innovate within each industry.

David & Chris talk about the adversities & watch-outs that an entrepreneur or start-up can expect to face early on. David shares an amazing story of adversity that he fought through, involving the WWE, KFC, Shawn Michaels, and New York City all in a 24-hour countdown race against the clock.

David & Chris launch the inaugural episode of the Common Threads podcast. They discuss the self growth & business learnings that have come from a wild 2020, and how building a strong inner foundation can prepare a business owner for anything.