Small Business Matters

In the latest episode of the Small Business Matters Podcast, Dean Rosson joins Tim and Taylor for an eye-opening discussion about health and fitness, and their impact on small business. Specializing in transforming individuals, companies, and organizations to improve their profitability, Dean explains why establishing a wellness culture is also important for your company's health. The co-founder and president of Fit2Win Corporate Wellness also dispels several fitness myths, shares how to die young at a very old age, and describes how taking care of your employees ensures your customers are taken care of too. Episode Highlights: • What Matters to Small Business [0:3:29] • Implementing a Wellness Culture [0:05:14] • Dean's Story [0:10:23] • Valuable Lessons Learned from a Dumbbell" [0:17:14] • Programs for Small Business [0:22:42] • Rapid Fire [0:26:20] • Takeaways [0:32:19] • Contact Information [0:33:46] • SBM News [0:33:55]

In the latest episode of the Small Business Matters Podcast, entrepreneur, podcast host, and TV personality Richard Grove discusses his approach to managing growth, the pros and cons of running a family business, and strategies for making work engaging and enjoyable. The COO of Wall Control explains how he led the company to achieve over $100 million in lifetime retail sales by expanding its presence in the home improvement, commercial hardware, and industrial automation sectors. Richard also shares his experiences as the host of the Organization Conversation Radio Show & Podcast on Business RadioX, and as a regular contributor on the TV show "Renovation Hunters" on the Outdoor Channel. Episode Highlights: • What Matters to Small Business [0:2:42] • Finding Motivation [0:05:27] • Learning to Let Go [0:07:25] • Common Challenges for Small Businesses Owners [0:11:50] • Pros & Cons of Family Businesses [0:13:20] • Tactics for Work/Life Balance [0:15:41] • Best & Worst Mistakes [0:17:27] • Marketing Strategy for Growth [0:21:45]

In the first 2025 episode of the Small Business Matters Podcast, Sierra Piedmont's founder and CEO Scott Pate joins Tim and Taylor to discuss the importance of the client experience and delivery speed to small business success. Scott shares his journey as a third-generation entrepreneur who began in the oil industry and ultimately founded a business in environmental engineering. Please tune in for insights on leadership, maintaining a healthy level of passion for your business, and how walking the El Camino can change your business—and your life. Episode Highlights: • What Matters to Small Business [0:3:10] • How It Began [0:03:45] • Leadership Roles [0:06:49] • Employee Interaction [0:07:48] • Benefits of a Peer Group [0:09:15] • Competitive Advantages [0:11:40] • Learning from Mistakes [0:13:52] • Advice to Aspiring Business Owners [0:14:59] • Experiencing the El Camino [0:16:08] • Analogy Between Small Business and the El Camino [0:18:59] • Rapid Fire [0:20:40] • Contact Information [0:24:45] • Takeaways [0:25:12] • SBM Announcements [0:27:43]

In this episode, branding expert Andy Suggs stops by to shed light on one of the small business owner's most confusing areas of responsibility: marketing. Andy shares his expertise on defining and building your brand, understanding the 12 different brand archetypes, and common mistakes small businesses make. Tune in to learn how consumers digest information today, how Aaron Rents underwent a successful engagement that transformed their brand, and how a simple day of fishing turned into an epic tale. Episode Highlights: • What Matters to Small Business [0:1:58] • How It Began [0:02:46] • Defining Your Brand [0:04:19] • Examples of Great Branding [0:07:24] • What a Brand Engagement Looks Like [0:09:47] • Branding Mistakes Small Businesses Make [0:15:58] • About Reckon Branding [0:17:59] • Leading Client Onboarding [0:19:28] • What's Different Today [0:20:34] • Aaron Rents: Portrait of a Successful Brand Engagement [0:23:00] • One Piece of Marketing Advice [0:27:44] • Rapid Fire [0:30:13] • Takeaways [0:35:00] • Contact Information [0:35:55] • SBM Announcements [0:37:33

For more than 30 years, Thomas J. Ashenden has dedicated his career to representing injured people who have been the victims of negligence. Founded 24 years ago, Ashenden & Associates handles catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death cases arising from negligence involving automobiles, premises liability, medical negligence, hotel and apartment security negligence, and Workers' Compensation claims. Mr. Ashenden was named to the Georgia Super Lawyers list for 10 consecutive years. He was also honored to become certified as a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum based in Santa Cruz, CA, in 2000. Other honors include: • Named to Martindale-Hubbell's Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers in America • The Million Dollar Advocates Forum, certified member • “Leading Plaintiff's Lawyers in America, The Law Dragon 3000″, Member Peoples Law School, Past Chairman • AV Rating • Named to Georgia Super Lawyers List, 2014 – 2023 Show Notes: In this episode, Super Lawyer, Vistage member, and SBM coaching client Tom Ashenden shares the secret to success as a business owner and founding partner in a personal injury law firm. Tom credits his 23 years in business to humility and a commitment to ethics and treating people right. As a result, referrals continue to be his firm's largest new client generator. Episode Highlights: • What Matters to Small Business [0:2:55] • Entry into Personal Injury Law [0:04:05] • A Typical Engagement [0:04:33] • Secrets of Long Term Success [0:06:13] • Role as Leader [0:07:19] • Professional Training and Growth [0:10:17] • Ethics as a Differentiator [0:12:10] • Preparedness is Everything [0:13:23] • Changes in the Past 30 Years [0:13:59] • There are No Shortcuts [0:15:17] • Advice for Young Attorneys [0:16:11] • Working on Cases as the Owner [0:17:34] • Standout Cases [0:18:28] • Rapid Fire [0:22:51] • Contact Information [0:24:18] • Takeaways [0:24:58] • SBM Announcements [0:26:07]

Dr. Bernie Mullin is a globally recognized management and marketing consultant and speaker, renowned for his unique approach to sports marketing. Co-author of the book “Sports Marketing,” Bernie's career spans over 30 years as a chief executive or senior director in prominent organizations in professional sports, collegiate athletics, and entertainment venue operations. His focus on start-ups and turn-around situations has led to the development of winning organizations on the field, court, and ice, and the creation of sustained peak-performing organizations on the business side, achieving unprecedented levels of success. In his distinguished career, Bernie has received numerous additional honors and recognition including being dubbed “The Guru of Ticket Sales” by Sports Illustrated in 1993, “The Pirate of Profitability” in 1986 by the forerunner of the SportsBusiness Journal, and being named the Boy Scouts of America “Peach of an Athlete Award” recipient in 2008. Bernie is also the Founder and Chairman of The Aspire Group which works with its partners to maximize organizational effectiveness and grow revenues and attendance. Under Bernie's guidance, the firm generates over $200 million annually in revenue and has served 200+ brands and properties across 11 countries and three continents in 17 different sports. Show Notes: In this episode, sports guru Bernie Mullin explains how to build a winning brand through effective database development and management. Bernie also shares insights into knowing and activating your customers, how to hire a team of superstars, and negotiating with Pope Francis. Episode Highlights: • What Matters to Small Business [0:01:24] • Discovering a New Career [0:03:50] • A Typical Engagement [0:04:33] • Sports vs. Traditional Small Business [0:08:48] • Segmenting Your Audience [0:14:48] • WHOPPP Hiring Strategy: Hiring All As [0:15:48] • Rapid Fire [0:24:35] • Contact Information [0:27:32] • Takeaways [0:27:53] • SBM Announcements [0:30:44]

Pat Renn is a financial professional who has been cited in ABC, NBC, FOX, and CBS for his work in wealth management. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ with over 35 years of financial counseling experience, he is also the president and founder of The Renn Wealth Management Group. Pat once served as president of both the Georgia Society of the Institute of Certified Financial Planners and the Georgia chapter of the International Association for Financial Planning. A published author as well, Pat has written two books, Finding Your Money's Greater Purpose, and most recently, Your Financial Future and Legacy. He was born in Greece and moved with his family to the U.S. when he was 10 years old. Today Pat resides in metro Atlanta and is married with two sons. In his leisure time, he enjoys traveling, golfing, fly fishing, and wing shooting. Show Notes: In this episode, financial planner and successful small business owner Pat Renn joins our hosts for an informative discussion on succession planning. Pat shares insights on this important process and why many small business owners find it easier to get into business than it is to get out of it. Pat talks about the need to begin planning for your exit sooner rather than later, why many small business owners are choosing to work longer, the role shared values play in his hiring process, and how leaders need to set the pace. Tune in to learn how to maximize the value of your business, how to begin the succession planning process, and a little bit about wing shooting. Episode Highlights: • What Matters to Small Business [0:03:40] • Blind Spots [0:05:10] • The Continuity Plan [0:06:17] • Identifying Your Successor [0:07:39] • The Planning Process [0:09:39] • Current Trends [0:12:19] • Success vs. Failure [0:13:54] • A Collaborative Process [0:17:29] • Role of a Leader [0:20:08] • Rapid Fire [0:21:52] • Contact Information [0:26:31] • Takeaways [0:27:37] • SBM Announcements [0:29:35]

Steve Reisig is one of the founding partners of SRSA Commercial Real Estate and specializes in the leasing and sale of office and industrial space. His impressive career includes over 33 years of experience in commercial real estate brokerage, consulting, and asset management and his portfolio boasts over One Billion dollars in sales and leases. Reisig along with his partner Barry Spizer, CCIM, received the F. Poche Waguespack Award for the highest volume of commercial real estate sales and leases in Louisiana. Reisig is a multi-million dollar producer and recognized by the Real Estate Board of New Orleans as a Life Member and Super Salesman for 27 consecutive years. Show Notes: In this episode, Tim and Taylor welcome one of Tim's oldest friends to the show. A successful entrepreneur in commercial real estate, Steve Reisig shares insights into today's market, how to maintain a strong business partnership for more than 40 years, the secret to working with your spouse, and what's ahead for the changing business. Tune in to learn the importance of trust between business partners, how to sustain a business through the hard times, and recognizing when you need help. Episode Highlights: What Matters to Small Business [0:03:23] The Journey to SRSA [0:04:33] Sustaining Your Business through the Hard Times [0:08:03] Maintaining a Strong Partnership [0:10:26] Working with Your Spouse [0:12:45] How Remote Work Effected Commercial Real Estate [14:18] Changes in Roles [0:19:56] Learning from Mistakes [0:24:01] Rapid Fire [0:27:19] Contact Information [0:30:00] Takeaways [0:30:45] SBM Announcements [0:30:42]

The voice of the Kansas City Royals, Joel Goldberg is also an Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, keynote speaker, and published author. He began dreaming of a career as a sportscaster at a young age, always wanting to deliver news of the previous night's game to his teachers. He's spent more than a quarter century on television, relying on relationship-building to tell athletes' stories. Joel's unique access enables him to share lessons learned from the baseball field to the boardroom as a motivational speaker and to homes everywhere through his business podcast, “Rounding the Bases”. Joel helps clients build a stronger culture and speak about the little things that add up to the big home runs in business and life. He is the author of “Small Ball Big Results” and believes that finding passion and a reason for doing the little things can unlock big results. Show Notes: In this episode, Tim and Taylor enjoy talking about two of their favorite things—baseball and small business. They're joined by Joel Goldberg, author, speaker, and the voice of the Kansas City Royals. Joel shares the similarities between small business and the business of baseball, the importance of managing failure well, why managers need to be adaptable, and the use of data in business and baseball. Episode Highlights: • The Business of Baseball [0:06:55] • Characteristics of Great Players [0:11:10] • What Makes a Manager Successful [0:14:11] • Focusing on Culture [0:18:14] • The Data Trend [0:22:22] • “Small Ball Big Results” [26:05] • Rapid Fire [0:28:28] • Contact Information [0:34:53] • SBM Announcements [0:36:23]

In 2021, Alina Lee founded Your Ad Attorney, LLC which serves as outside general counsel to companies in the marketing, tech, retail, utilities, and consulting spaces. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Alina was Senior Corporate Counsel for several corporations including Mailchimp and Southern Company Gas, worked as a corporate transactional attorney at Morris, Manning & Martin (MMM) in Atlanta, and practiced corporate transactional law for almost two years at Rogers & Hardin. Alina graduated from Vanderbilt University Law School, where she received Academic Excellence Awards in Comparative Law and Immigration Law and Policy. She attended the University of Georgia for her undergraduate degree in History while playing on UGA's varsity women's golf team, which was ranked top five in the nation. In her sophomore year, Alina became the youngest medalist of a NCAA Division I golf tournament when she tied for first place (no play-off) at the Ladies Puerto Rico Classic. Show Notes: In this episode, Tim and Taylor welcome Atlanta attorney turned entrepreneur, Alina Lee to the podcast. Alina discusses her journey from golf prodigy to attorney to business owner. Realizing unprecedented growth, Alina shares her surprise by the early success of her new law firm, the benefits of providing true work-life balance, and helping small businesses protect their intellectual property. Episode Highlights: • What Matters to Small Business [0:03:03] • Getting Started [0:03:31] • A Unique Market [0:05:00] • Leading the Firm [0:07:32] • Intellectual Property: Protecting Your Brand [0:08:27] • Surprising Success [10:11] • Learning on the Job [0:12:10] • Leveraging Lessons Learned through Golf [0:13:24] • Accountability in a Flexible Workplace [0:16:28] • Ideal Employee Profile [0:18:56] • Best and Worst Mistake [0:20:33] • What's Next? [0:23:03] • Maintaining Your Mental Health [0:24:24] • Rapid Fire [0:26:10] • Contact Information [0:30:00] • SBM Announcements [0:31:01]

Steve Reisig is one of the founding partners of SRSA Commercial Real Estate and specializes in the leasing and sale of office and industrial space. His impressive career includes over 33 years of experience in commercial real estate brokerage, consulting and asset management and his portfolio boasts over One Billion dollars in sales and leases. Reisig along with his partner Barry Spizer, CCIM, received the F. Poche Waguespack Award for the highest volume of commercial real estate sales and leases in Louisiana. Reisig is a multi-million dollar producer and recognized by the Real Estate Board of New Orleans as a Life Member and Super Salesman for 27 consecutive years. Show Notes: In this episode, Tim and Taylor welcome one of Tim's oldest friends to the show. A successful entrepreneur in commercial real estate, Steve Reisig shares insights into today's market, how to maintain a strong business partnership for more than 40 years, the secret to working with your spouse, and what's ahead for the changing business. Tune in to learn the importance of trust between business partners, how to sustain a business through the hard times, and recognizing when you need help. Episode Highlights: • What Matters to Small Business [0:03:23] • The Journey to SRSA [0:04:33] • Sustaining Your Business through the Hard Times [0:08:03] • Maintaining a Strong Partnership [0:10:26] • Working with Your Spouse [0:12:45] • How Remote Work Effected Commercial Real Estate [14:18] • Changes in Roles [0:19:56] • Learning from Mistakes [0:24:01] • Rapid Fire [0:27:19] • Contact Information [0:30:00] • Takeaways [0:30:45] • SBM Announcements [0:30:42]

Scott Wozniak, CEO of Swoz Consulting, has consulted with leaders on six continents, including Silicon Valley startups, family enterprises, and Fortune 500 companies. A member of Mensa, Scott reads over 200 books each year and has written three books, with a fourth coming at the end of 2023. He earned a master's degree in business with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership. Scott has worked with some of the leading brands of our time including multiple Silicon Valley “unicorns” and Nucor Steel. During an eight-year tenure with Chick-fil-A, Scott worked directly with the founding family and executive team to design leadership development programs, set strategy, and lead company-wide upgrades—and though he is not an employee there anymore, he regularly consults with their leaders. Scott enjoys working with leaders who have a passion for being great. Show Notes: In this episode, CEO of Swoz Consulting and 2021 SBM Conference speaker Scott Wozniak drops by to chat with Tim. Scott shared his thoughts on virtual vs. in-person work environments, the critical need for leaders to create clarity, and working with Chick-fil-A. Tune in to learn the importance of connection, community, and collaboration, how COVID accelerated change, and the role of today's small business CEO. Episode Highlights: • What Matters to Small Business [0:02:28] • Discovering a New Career [0:03:50] • The Leadership Performance [0:08:44] • Lessons Learned at Chick-fil-A [0:12:38] • Creating Clarity [0:16:47] • Post Covid Leadership [0:20:40] • In-Person vs. Virtual Workplace [0:22:35] • Swoz Consulting [0:26:08] • Book Release: Make Your Brand Legendary [0:30:16] • Rapid Fire [0:32:04] • Takeaways [0:37:34] • Contact Information [0:38:25] • SBM Announcements [0:39:12]

As a Career Transition Coach and LinkedIn Strategist, Erin Andersen has extensive experience in writing resumes and cover letters, creating LinkedIn pages that stand out during your job search, and coaching on how to land your next job. Her areas of expertise are Transition, Toxic Work Culture Navigation, and LinkedIn. Erin also provides LinkedIn marketing strategy and training for small to medium sized businesses in regard to profile optimization and content strategy. She holds a Master of Science in Management from Wake Forest University and earned a BA in English Language from Furman University. Show Notes: In this episode, LinkedIn strategist Erin Andersen sits down with Tim and Taylor to share best practices for creating a successful LinkedIn strategy. The informative discussion explores the evolution of LinkedIn from a site primarily used for recruiting, to the business and networking platform we know today. Erin provides insights on all things LinkedIn, from creating individual and company pages and engaging versus posting to finding top talent on the platform. Tune in to learn what not to do on LinkedIn and how to leverage the tool to expand your brand and become known as a thought leader. Episode Highlights: • The Journey [0:02:53] • Target Client Profile [0:05:50] • What Not to Do [0:07:56] • LinkedIn as a Social Platform [0:09:57] • The Evolution of LinkedIn [0:12:11] • Individual Vs. Company Pages [0:14:03] • Favorite LinkedIn Tool [0:15:45] • Following Vs. Connecting [0:16:57] • Video Posts [0:18:17] • Engagement Vs. Posting [0:19:10] • Finding Talent on LinkedIn [0:22:26] • Free Vs. Premium Versions [0:23:59] • Rapid Fire [0:25:32] • Takeaways [0:27:55] • Contact Information [0:28:52] • SBM Announcements [0:29:40]

Jay McDonald is a successful Executive Coach to CEOs, business owners, and leaders in multiple industries, helping folks become their best while enjoying great personal lives, and improving results. He's also an experienced board member, having served on dozens of boards, chairing every board committee during his career. Jay is the author of Strategic Jaywalking: The Secret Sauce to Life & Leadership Excellence, and Co-Author of Corporate Banking: A Practical Approach to Lending. A Vistage Master Chair, currently leading five Vistage groups, Jay is a graduate and facilitator of the prestigious Stanford Vistage Executive Leadership Program. Show Notes: Tim and Taylor recently welcomed Tim's friend Jay McDonald to the podcast. Jay shares the lessons he's learned over a 40-year career that began in a bank mailroom. Tune in to learn why leaders must be willing to ask the difficult questions, the key to leading successfully in good times and in bad times, and why Jay keeps failing at retirement. Episode Highlights: • What Matters to Small Business [0:02:23] • The Journey [0:03:30] • Today's Most Difficult HR Issue [0:07:57] • Writing Strategic Jaywalking [0:11:30] • Best Mistake Made So Far [0:16:52] • Role of the Leader [0:20:17] • Leading in Good Times Verses Bad [0:22:35] • Rapid Fire [0:29:03] • Contact Information [0:35:26] • Takeaways [0:37:04] • SBM Announcements [0:37:37]

A skilled human resources trainer, Hunter Lott is dedicated to the rights of management and good business decision-making. He has presented to over 100,000 business owners and managers at all levels on topics such as hiring, motivation, leadership, firing, and staying out of court. Hunter is also the author of Please Sue Me-The Guide to Safe Hiring and Firing Practices for the Frontline Manager with a Short Attention Span. He serves as HR support for small businesses and a resource for individual leaders in their situational decision-making through his website HunterLott.com. An award-winning senior course leader for the American Management Association, Hunter is a top-rated speaker with the Society for Human Resource Management. He was named “Speaker of the Year” for Vistage in 2006 and received a lifetime achievement award from Vistage in 2012. Show Notes: When it comes to managing talent, Hunter Lott is the smartest person Tim knows. In this episode, Hunter blows the lid off common human resources myths. He provides insights into the major changes in human resources in the past few years, making HR a profit center, and the importance of treating employees and candidates like customers. Hunter, Tim, and Taylor discuss the differences in today's workforce and the need to get creative with employee benefits to maintain top talent. Episode Highlights: • What Matters to Small Business [0:03:14] • Consulting Small Business Owners [0:04:11] • Today's Most Difficult HR Issue [0:07:57] • Big Picture in HR [0:14:41] • Advice for CEOs Facing Layoffs [0:16:53] • Hire Slow, Fire Fast is a Thing of the Past [0:19:48] • Getting Creative with Employee Benefits [0:26:28] • HR as a Profit Center [0:29:59] • Rapid Fire [0:33:12] • Contact Information [0:36:00] • Takeaways [0:36:18] • SBM Announcements [0:37:04]

Lisa Dugan helps business owners and executives achieve their individual vision of success. She has been a Chairperson for 10 years with Vistage International and Partner and Executive Coach for 25 years with Bixler Consulting Group. In addition, Lisa co-authored several business books on executive presence and advancement strategies for success and is a popular presenter and panel moderator at Vistage International conferences and seminars. She is also an Executive MBA Advisory Board Member and Adjunct Professor at Kennesaw State University. Lisa is determined to add value to her clients' businesses, whether they're starting up, growing up, or selling out. Show Notes: In this episode, Lisa describes the role of the small business CEO as the quarterback and the importance of a strong support team around them. She also talks about the need to develop leaders sooner and how to close the readiness gap. Lisa, Tim, and Taylor discuss the reasons CEOs need to have tough, honest conversations with their employees and the courage it takes to lead a company today. Episode Highlights: • What Matters to Small Business [0:03:55] • The Engagement Process [0:06:09] • Post COVID Business [0:07:48] • New Growth Pattern [0:10:15] • Issues Facing Today's CEO [0:12:03] • Wearing the Business Coach Hats [0:14:17] • What to Expect from a Vistage Group [0:16:06] • Keys to Establishing a Strategy [0:17:58] • Strategy vs. Execution [0:19:37] • Attributes of an Outstanding Leader [0:21:11] • Weak Leadership Traits [0:24:17] • Rapid Fire [0:25:12] • Takeaways [0:28:55] • Contact Information [0:30:08] • SBM Announcements [0:30:47]

In 2013, Jonathan left a mid-sized firm, where he served as corporate counsel for large privately-held corporations and small businesses, to found InPrime Legal – a revolutionary way for businesses to approach legal. In doing so, he left the bloody red ocean of the traditional “bill-you-for-every-minute” law firm model and created a “blue ocean” of proactive and predictable legal services for small to mid-sized companies. For the past three years, Jonathan has been recognized by Georgia Trend as one of Georgia's Legal Elite and by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star. Under Jonathan's leadership, the Cobb Chamber of Commerce recognized InPrime Legal as a Top 25 Small Business for 2018. Show Notes: In this episode, Jonathan talks about the courage it takes to start your own business, the importance of advocating for your vision as a small business leader, how commitment to your business goals drives success, and how at its core, the purpose of every business it to serve its customers. Episode Highlights: • What Matters to Small Business [0:02:18] • Milestones Along the Way [0:04:17] • Common Growth Issues [0:07:48] • What's Changed in Small Business [0:11:11] • An Advocate Leader [0:13:09] • Changing the Business Model [0:15:45] • Interim CEO [0:19:23] • Rapid Fire [0:24:39] • Takeaways [0:28:12] • Contact Information [0:29:08] • SBM Announcements [0:29:51]

Diana Murphy is one of Atlanta's leading executive coaches and the host of the Regret-Proof Your Business Podcast. Focusing on business leaders struggling with work life balance, Diana helps her clients stop overworking and stay in growth - for themselves, their team, their clients, and their lives. Show Notes: In this episode, Diana shares insights on how small business owners can leverage their genius to grow and lead more effectively when more is required of them. It takes courageous leadership, but by getting more support, networking properly, and prioritizing commitments, business leaders can make more powerful decisions and create more positive outcomes. Episode Highlights: • What Matters to Small Business [0:02:04] • The Journey to Coaching [0:04:05] • Value of an Executive Coach [0:05:38] • An Uncertain Economic Climate [0:07:39] • Discovering Your Genius [0:09:38] • Confident Decision Making [0:11:47] • Conquering Imposter Syndrome [0:14:19] • Smart Networking [0:17:31] • Combining Business and Personal [0:21:02] • Rapid Fire [0:24:53] • Takeaways [0:29:02] • Contact Information [0:30:10] • SBM Announcements [0:31:00]

Drew Dudley is an internationally acclaimed leadership speaker, Wall Street Journal bestselling author, and creator of the renowned TED talk “Everyday Leadership (The Lollipop Moment)”. With an impressive client list that includes small businesses as well as large corporations including McDonald's, J.P. Morgan and American Express, to name a few, Drew is on a mission to help people unlearn dangerous lessons on leadership. Show Notes: In this episode, Drew sits down with Tim and Taylor to talk about the value of simple moments, integrating our “To Do” lists with our “To Be” lists, and corporate verses personal goals. Drew shares his insights on post-pandemic leadership and debunking the Imposter Syndrome once and for all. Episode Highlights: • The Story Behind the TED Talk [0:03:50] • Understanding Simple Moments [0:09:40] • Leadership Misconceptions [0:14:40] • Time to Get Personal [0:18:49] • The Great Resignation [0:22:30] • This Is Day One [0:24:41] • Forget Imposter Syndrome [0:27:09] • Effective Leadership Post Pandemic [0:31:46] • Rapid Fire [0:37:32] • Contact Information [0:45:22] • Takeaways [0:45:45]

Aviva Wolmer graduated from the University of Baltimore Law School with plans to become a criminal defense attorney for juveniles. What she thought would be a brief return to her family's business culminated in her serving as CEO. When she became CEO of Pacesetter, she immediately joined a Vistage group to get the support and guidance of people in similar positions. For six years, she relied on the wisdom of the group to help her process complex issues and make tough decisions on topics such as talent, M&A, and change management. Now as a Vistage Chair herself, Aviva gets to create an environment that brings diverse perspectives and experiences to CEOs who have a desire to grow and scale their businesses or achieve their visions faster. Aviva strives to inspire others to become the leaders they can be through helping them envision their goals and dreams (personal and professional) and empowering them with the clarity and accountability they need to achieve them. Show Notes: In this episode, Aviva Wolmer shares her journey from law school graduate, to CEO, to Vistage Chair. She talks about how important it is for leaders to listen to their employees, overcoming the imposter syndrome, and the benefits of belonging to a peer group. Episode Highlights: • What Matters to Small Business [0:02:55] • The Journey to CEO [0:03:38] • It's Lonely at the Top [0:07:00] • Dynamics of a Family Business [0:08:30] • Benefits of Peer Groups for CEOs [0:10:38] • The Role of CEO [0:14:03] • Shifting into Coaching [0:15:07] • Imposter Syndrome [0:18:03] • Current Business Trends [0:20:05] • Retaining Talent [0:21:05] • Best Mistake as CEO [0:22:18] • Rapid Fire [0:23:38] • Contact Information [0:26:09] • Takeaways [0:26:54] • SBM Announcements [0:28:00]

For the first episode in the new year, Tim and Taylor welcome Aventure Aviation CEO, Zaheer Faruqui, to the podcast. Founded in 2001, Aventure Aviation is the “Auto Zone of Aviation”, a world-class, award-winning commercial and military aviation parts supplier and provider of component repair management services. What began as a small business in Zaheer's garage in Peachtree City, was recently awarded the President's “E” Award for Exports at the Department of Commerce in Washington, DC, the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports. Show Notes: In this episode, Zaheer Faruqui shares his unique approach to the role of CEO, caring for customers, employees, and owners. The founder of Aventure Aviation also talks about the importance of core values when hiring new employees, understanding your customer's customer, and the advantages that being nimble provides for small businesses. Episode Highlights: • What Matters to Small Business [0:02:07] • Immigrating to the U.S. [0:05:17] • The Role of CEO: Listening First [0:09:33] • Dynamics of a Family Business [0:13:15] • Mistakes Made: Good and Bad [0:16:42] • The COVID Pivot [0:20:39] • Advice to New Entrepreneurs: Be Nimble [0:23:35] • Rapid Fire [0:25:44] • Contact Information [0:31:36] • Takeaways [0:32:42] • SBM Announcements [0:34:20]

King of Pops started as a conversation that three brothers were having on an epic trip through Central America. Over the years, that conversation turned into a dream and when the youngest of the three, Steven, was laid off from his corporate job during the Great Recession – that dream became a reality. A few months later, Steven's brother Nick left his job as a lawyer to become the second employee. The brothers went from layoffs and courtrooms to making people happy. The first King of Pops sale took place out of a Mexican paleta pushcart on a neighborhood street corner in Atlanta in 2010. Today, King of Pops continues to sell their sweet treats out of pushcarts but they've also expanded into catering, fundraising, and wholesale. Created in response to the pandemic's impact on business, their Neighborhood Partner program helps folks start their own King of Pops biz in their communities. Over the past 10 years, the entrepreneurs took advantage of opportunities that led to additional ventures: King of Pups (pops for man's best friend), King of Crops (a farm for growing ingredients for pops), and Food10 (a regional food distribution company). Show Notes: In this episode, King of Pops Co-founder Nick Carse stops by to talk about Atlanta's favorite popsicles. Nick shares his success story with Tim and Taylor including leaving a career in law behind to start a business, what it's like working with family, having the courage to pivot, building a brand, and making people happy. In this Episode: • What Matters to Small Business [0:01:42] • Getting Started [0:02:57] • A Pandemic Pivot [0:06:33] • Shifting from Employees to Resellers [0:09:51] • It's All in the Family [0:12:01] • Realizing Success [0:15:23] • Adopting EOS [0:17:25] • Expanding Operations [0:20:04] • Distribution in the Future [0:24:57] • Building the Brand [0:26:17] • Rapid Fire [0:29:44] • Contact Information [0:33:04] • Takeaways [0:34:02] • SBM Announcements [0:35:12]

Small Business Matters president Tim Fulton recently returned from his tenth sabbatical and his third El Camino. In this episode, Tim sits in the guest chair to share about his latest journey, the benefits of taking time away from your business, and what led him to take that first sabbatical 10 years ago. In this Episode: • Making the Sabbatical Decision [0:01:49] • El Camino Santiago [0:04:10] • The Purpose of the Journey [0:09:25] • Kodak Moments [0:13:42] • Life Lessons Learned [0:21:57] • Rapid Fire [0:29:13] • SBM News [0:34:53]

Ali Jamal is the chief executive officer of Stablegold Hospitality, a real estate investment company that specializes in affordable accommodations for low/no income individuals and families. What started in 2011 as one rundown and shutdown hotel is now a thriving business, which includes approximately $50 million in assets under management, 1500 rental units – consisting of 12 independently operated extended stay hotels and single family residential housing and employs more than 150 people across the U.S. Stablegold was selected as the number one most Innovative Urban Development companies in the world by Fast Company Magazine for its innovative approach to affordable housing. Additionally, Ali has an Executive MBA from Northeastern University and has earned a certificate from the Stanford Business School Executive Program in Leadership. Ali currently participates in a nonprofit board role for Shelters to Shutters, he is a Founding Member of the Forbes Real Estate Council, a contributing writer for the Atlanta Business Chronicle Leadership Trust and is presently serving as the Lead for the Southeastern United States, Ismaili Professionals Network (IPN). Ali is also an active peer advisory board member of both the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and Vistage. Show Notes: Every great business has a great story and Ali Jamal recently stopped by to discuss his story with Tim and Taylor. The innovative business owner shared insights into finding a narrow niche, knowing your customers, understanding your business, and the benefits of joining a peer group. In this Episode: • What Matters to Small Business [0:02:25] • Getting into Real Estate [0:04:02] • Investment and Strategy [0:13:28] • Shifting Leadership Role [0:14:50] • Best and Worst Mistakes [0:16:12] • The Impact of the Pandemic [0:18:52] • Peer Group Benefits [0:20:45] • Sharing His Story [0:22:35] • Rapid Fire [0:23:57] • Contact Info [0:28:09] • Takeaways [0:28:29] • SBM Announcements [0:30:13]

In the early 90s, Gus Cawley moved to Atlanta with lofty goals and a degree in accounting from Le Moyne College. He paid his dues working on accounts payables during the day and selling subscriptions for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution door to door at night. Gus diligently combed the Sunday classifieds and faxed resumes until he landed a job as a CPA. Years later, Gus would put his job-hunting skills to work for others, leaving a successful position at Ernst & Young to begin a career in the recruiting industry. Within three months, Gus was ranked as one of the top three financial services recruiters in the world. He eventually founded a recruiting business of his own, sold it, and started another, then another. Today, Gus is the chief executive officer of three recruiting firms including Staff Financial Group, which places top-tier accounting and finance professionals in Atlanta, Charlotte, Raleigh, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Tennessee, and various locations throughout the Country. Gus is also the creator of ZipApply, a productivity tool for job seekers designed to help people get hired faster, a 2020 Vistage Impact Award Winner, and a contributing writer for the Forbes Business Council in Atlanta. Show Notes: In this episode, Gus Cawley joins Tim and Taylor to talk about finding and retaining workforce talent. An expert in attracting high-level talent, Gus shares insights into today's talent shortage, what top candidates are looking for, the importance of speed in the hiring process, how to maximize LinkedIn groups, and the importance of peer mentoring. In this Episode: • What Matters to Small Business [0:02:35] • Journey from New York to Georgia [0:05:33] • Dynamics of Current Labor Market [0:09:45] • How Technology Changed the Game [0:13:08] • Active vs. Passive Job Candidates [0:14:58] • The Compensation Pie: Freedom & Flexibility [0:17:40] • The Role of CEO [0:19:12] • Candidate Testing [0:22:21] • Advantages of Peer Groups [0:23:36] • Rapid Fire [0:25:57] • Contact Info [0:31:10] • Takeaways [0:31:36] • SBM Announcements [0:34:27]

Shaun Bradley has lived the American dream. He has gone from selling peanuts at Green Bay Packer games as a boy, to Naval Academy graduation and service in the U.S. Navy as a young man. He then co-founded and served as CEO of Bradley-Morris, Inc. (BMI). Shaun is known as a Founding Father of the modern military recruiting industry, which in its various forms has now placed tens of thousands of veterans into positions in American industry - all at no cost to them. Shaun and BMI were honored in the White House as one of the top small businesses in the country. BMI opened in 1991 in a 250 square foot executive suite in Atlanta, Georgia and grew to become a multi-location, multi-state operation, placing over 15,000 veterans with annual sales eclipsing $15M. It became one of the largest non-franchise staffing firms in the United States. After retiring from BMI in 2007, Shaun added book author to his list of accomplished and published Small Business Veteran : My Journey from Lambeau Field to the White House. Today, Shaun serves as a Vistage CEO Peer Advisory Board Chair, where he facilitates the important discussions and learning necessary for sustained success among a larger network of CEOs, executives, and business owners. Most importantly, his Vistage role provides Shaun with the opportunity to do what he loves most – build and maintain valuable and rewarding relationships. Show Notes: In this episode, Tim and Taylor welcome Vistage Chair Shaun Bradley to the podcast. In a lively and interesting conversation, Shaun shares the differences between military and small business leadership, the challenges facing today's small business owners from talent shortages to tax increases, the importance of CEO peer groups, the role of the small business leader, and lessons learned selling peanuts. In this Episode: • What Matters to Small Business [0:03:14] • From Naval Officer to CEO [0:04:33] • Military verses Small Business Leadership [0:07:28] • Small Business Challenges in 2021 [0:10:12] • Who was Successful During COVID [0:12:15] • Becoming a Vistage Chair [0:15:30] • The Role of the Small Business Leader [0:20:18] • Becoming an Author [0:25:42] • Rapid Fire [0:30:21] • Contact Information [0:34:29] • Take Aways [0:35:26] • SBM Announcements [0:36:50]

When Randall was 18, he joined the U.S. Army as a military intelligence signals analyst and directly supported numerous military operations throughout the world. After the Army, Randall joined a large, cleared defense contracting firm where he supported missions that solved some of the intelligence issues after 9/11. He has an unparalleled level of expertise in the use and integration of leading-edge information technologies, and he specializes in enhancing organizational infrastructure operations. Randall founded Zapata Technology in 2007 and since then has led all efforts to help shape the company’s rapid expansion into new business markets and to create many new strategic business partnerships. Under Randall’s leadership, the Augusta-based Zapata Team is a two-time winner of Washington Technology’s Fast 50 and Inc. 5000. Show Notes: Intelligence expert and Zapata Technology founder Randall Zapata joins Tim and Taylor to talk about keeping data safe, reinventing your small business every seven years, the importance of over-communicating with your employees, battling the mental health challenges of COVID, and the benefit of a CEO peer group. In this Episode: • What Matters to Small Business [0:02:54] • Keeping Customers Safe [0:03:58] • Jumping In at a Young Age [0:04:51] • The Importance of Culture [0:06:07] • Leadership Role [0:10:01] • Serving the Government [0:11:58] • COVID Adjustments [0:13:29] • The Zapata Studio [0:15:20] • Benefits of a Peer Group [0:16:40] • Learning From Mistakes [0:19:47] • Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs [0:21:07] • Rapid Fire [0:22:49] • Take Aways [0:28:45]

Allan Adams has been the State Director for the Small Business Development Center at the University of Georgia for over 16 years. Prior to becoming the Director, Allan held various positions for the SBDC and has served as an Aid in both the U.S. House and Senate. Allan earned a degree in Political Science from UGA and an MBA from Brenau University in Atlanta and has been a friend of Tim's for 20 years. Show Notes: In this episode, the State Director of the Georgia SBDC joins Tim and Taylor to discuss the many ways they help small businesses, minimizing the risk of failure, serving over 20,000 small businesses during the pandemic, and the role luck plays in small business success. In this Episode: • What Matters to Small Business [0:02:13] • How the SBDC Can Help Your Business [0:03:11] • Funding and State Partnerships [0:06:14] • Diagnosing Small Business Problems [0:08:20] • Minimizing the Risk of Failure [0:10:57] • The Role Luck Plays [0:12:48] • The Impact of the Pandemic [0:14:13] • The Post Pandemic Landscape [0:17:16] • Leadership Role within the SBDC [0:19:49] • SBDC Business Consultants [0:22:12] • Best Advice for Small Business Owners [0:24:10] • Returning to Washington [0:25:38] • Rapid Fire [0:28:00] • Contact Information [0:31:00] • Take Aways [0:31:46]

Jeff Cunningham works with entrepreneurs and visionaries to help them design and achieve ambitious deals and build and sell profitable companies. He created a business model for developing a Proactive Legal Plan™ to make the legal relationship predictable, efficient, and affordable for businesses who watch their cash flow first. A Partner at Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP, Jeff coordinates the legal and compliance operations for entrepreneurs, newly-formed enterprises, emerging growth, and established, growing companies, allowing them to focus on the things that they do to make money. Jeff earned a Juris Doctor degree from Georgia State University College of Law, an MBA from Georgia State University, and a BS in Economics from Vanderbilt University. Show Notes: Jeff Cunningham joined Tim and Taylor to talk about his 20+ year career helping small business owners focus on the things that make them money. Jeff discussed the role of an attorney as a strategist, COVID's impact on small businesses, the value of a peer group, and the current trends in mergers and acquisitions. In this Episode: • What Matters Most to Small Business [0:01:57] • Common Challenges for Small Businesses [0:03:00] • Traits of an Entrepreneur [0:05:38] • Role with Small Business Clients [0:08:04] • A Unique Business Model [0:11:36] • Small Business Legal Mistakes [0:13:46] • Marketing a Law Firm [0:15:01] • COVID from a Legal Point of View [0:17:03] • Leveraging Peer Groups [0:19:20] • The 2020 Mergers & Acquisitions Market [0:20:54] • Strategies for Acquisitions [0:25:04] • Rapid Fire [0:26:29] • Contact Information [0:32:21] • Take Aways [0:32:58]

Founder and President of SalesReformSchool™, Adam Shapiro helps individuals and companies improve sales performance by on-boarding or "in-boarding" customer-facing individuals, teams, and enterprises. Mostly, this means helping clients integrate brand and other marketing efforts into their sales conversations, tools, and processes. Adam earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia after graduating cum laude from the University of Texas in Austin with a B.A. in History. Adam made the unusual transition from attorney to sales executive to entrepreneur leveraging the "think around the corner" process he learned in law school. Show Notes: Tim and Taylor welcome guest Adam Shapiro to discuss all things sales. Adam shares his insights on the marriage between marketing and sales, the difference between the challenge and the relationship salesperson, tips on hiring sales personnel, and the tension between effectively closing a sale and the sales quota. In this Episode: • What Matters Most to Small Business [0:02:34] • How is Professionalism Defined in Sales? [0:03:07] • The Marriage Between Marketing and Sales [0:05:02] • From Attorney to Sales Executive [0:07:25] • Thinking Around Corners [0:09:00] • Wearing the Sales Manager Hat [0:10:34] • How the Pandemic Affected Sales Management [0:13:23] • Sales in a Virtual World [0:15:54] • Relationship Sales During a Crisis [0:18:06] • Hiring Salespeople [0:19:55] • QB Review with Your Best Customers [0:23:36] • The Great Conductor [0:326:40] • The Appropriate Close vs. the Sales Quota [0:29:27] • Clowning Around for CHOA [0:32:52] • Rapid Fire [0:35:18] • Contact Information [0:41:54] • Take Aways [0:42:16]

Business Ethics Advisors founder Kevin Foster provides training to prepare business professionals nationwide to identify the personal characteristics and circumstances leading to unethical behavior. He also created an 8-week Ethical Leadership Accelerator Group Mentoring Program for Next-Gen and emerging leaders who are tasked to maintain and develop the organization’s ethical culture in their managerial roles. Kevin has been featured in two articles on ethics, governance, and compliance in Financier Worldwide Magazine, an international publication covering corporate finance and board-level issues. He is a former financial executive with FDIC-Division of Liquidation, Standard Chartered Bank, and Dr. Pepper Co., a 30-year veteran in real estate, and a former CPA with Peat, Marwick & Mitchell (now KPMG). Show Notes: In this eye-opening episode of Small Business Matters the Podcast, guest Kevin Foster joins Tim and Taylor to talk about workplace ethics. Kevin openly shares about his personal journey from corporate real estate attorney to convicted felon. He describes the six circumstances that lead to unethical behavior and just how easily an employee can make a bad decision. In this Episode: • Circumstances Surrounding the Conviction [0:02:19] • Lessons Learned [0:07:19] • Deciding to Share the Story [0:09:32] • E.T.H.I.C.S. Toolkit [0:12:24] • Auditing Ethics [0:17:16] • Surviving Prison [0:21:39] • Reporting Unethical Behavior [0:24:12] • The Affects of COVID [0:27:00] • Rapid Fire [0:33:55] • Contact Information [0:37:57]

Neil Campbell, MS is the executive director of the Georgia Council on Substance Abuse, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building and supporting community alliances to reduce the impact of addiction through education, advocacy, and training. Neil is a passionate advocate for public policy around a recovery-oriented system of care and a peer recovery workforce. Show Notes: In this episode of Small Business Matters the Podcast, Tim and Taylor welcome guest Neil Campbell to discuss the issue of substance abuse and the workplace. Neil shares the importance of connection to a person in recovery and the impact business owners have on an employee who may be struggling with substance abuse or recovery. Listeners learn how to address the issue with an employee, what language to avoid, and how to provide the necessary support for recovery. In this Episode: • What Matters Most to Small Business [0:01:43] • Measuring a Global Objective [0:03:45] • Neil's Journey [0:05:18] • Agency Funding [0:08:03] • Leadership Role [0:08:24] • Questions Around Substance Abuse [0:14:46] • How Substance Abuse Affects Small Business [0:17:43] • Addressing Conerns with an Employee [0:19:24] • COVID Impacts Support Resources [0:22:03] • Hiring People in Recovery [0:25:41] • Mistakes Made Dealing with Recovery Issues [0:28:24] • The CARES Academy [0:31:28] • Rapid Fire [0:34:32] • Contact Information [0:37:35] • Take Aways [0:39:01]

In addition to the founder and CEO of Corporate Culture Consulting, John Waid is a facilitator, international keynote speaker, author of the Culture-Driven Series of books, and a recognized thought leader on corporate culture. Show Notes: In this episode of Small Business Matters the Podcast, John Waid joins Tim and Taylor to talk about the importance of company culture in small businesses. John describes the three types of behavioral values, Aspiring, Growth, and Operational, and how they dictate culture, affect employee retention, and ultimately, impact profitability. In this Episode: • What Matters Most to Small Business [0:01:53] • John's Career Path [0:02:57] • Organizational Culture [0:05:22] • Culture Tactics [0:07:04] • Behavior Reflecys Values [0:10:57] • Growth Impacts Culture [0:13:50] • Typical Engagement [0:15:03] • Culture is Unique to Company [0:17:42] • Generic Values Verses Real Culture [0:22:58] • International Differences [0:26:08] • Rapid Fire [0:28:32] • Contact Information [0:32:28] • Take Aways [0:34:11]

Jennifer Koon is a Marketing Communications Professional with more than 25 years of corporate and agency-side experience with firms big and small. In 2001, Jennifer founded Michael Mackenzie Communications which develops and manages marketing and public relations programs for growing technology firms and professional service providers. Clients include Managed IT solution providers, law firms, CPA firms, HR & financial consultancies, and other services organizations with complex sales. Show Notes: In this episode, Tim and Taylor sit down with Jennifer Koon to discuss the importance of knowing when and how to invest in marketing, lead nurturing, marketing automation, and understanding your unique sales proposition. Key Points in this Episode: • Contributions to Small Business [0:02:59] • Key Milestones [0:04:18] • Role Within the Agency [0:05:12] • Impatience as a Strength and a Weakness [0:06:47] • Understanding Value Proposition [0:07:56] • Identifying Your Value Proposition [0:09:14] • When to invest in Marketing [0:13:28] • Creating a Marketing Campaign [0:14:53] • Marketing Automation [0:17:30] • Referral Marketing Program [0:20:18] • What Works & What Doesn't [0:22:47] • Rapid Fire [0:26:27] • Take Aways [0:31:25] • Contact Information [0:32:24]

An entrepreneur focused on creating value for clients and shareholders, John Hightower is also a 16 year consulting veteran with a tenacious approach to “roll-up-the-sleeves” and optimize results. John thrives by creating solutions in fast-paced, inter-departmental projects, and innovative/disruptive product sets. In 2017, he co-founded Arch + Tower, an FD Company that helps businesses win in the Experience Economy. Show Notes: In this episode, John Hightower discusses the concept of leading with a servant mentality and flipping the organizational chart in order to improve the customer experience. Key Points in this Episode: • Contributions to Small Business [0:02:34] • Career Highlights [0:03:39] • Pirates, Paddlers, and Passengers [0:06:20] • The Impact of Remote Work [0:08:30] • The Lagging Indicator [0:11:18] • Employee Exp. Drives Customer Exp. [0:13:10] • Is the Customer Right? [0:15:18] • Achieving a Customer Focused Culture [017:19] • Best Mistakes [0:19:59] • Advice for Small Business Owner [0:23:33] • Latest Read: "Death by Meeting" [0:27:06] • Favorite Leaders [0:30:16] • Importance of Self Care [0:31:30] • School Traditions [0:33:03] • Contact Info [0:34:57]

Alex Muñoz is the owner and principal at CSR, a services and consulting firm that specializes in the assessment, recommendation, and delivery of organizational performance enhancement and/or remediation. Throughout his career, Alex has sought those types of situations that "nobody wants and are the most difficult" as they also tend to be the most interesting and challenging. An Atlanta native, Alex graduated from Georgia Tech with a Bachelor’s degree in Management and received a Master’s degree in Information Systems from George Washington University. After a 15-year career in manufacturing, health information management, and financial services, Alex broadened his experience even more by working in diverse industries ranging from multiple professional service verticals (e.g., law, medical, engineering, etc.) to the non-profit sector. He was instrumental in the turn-around of a public company that started at $18MM and subsequently sold for over $300MM. Show Notes: In this episode, Tim and Taylor sit down with Alex Muñoz and discuss the importance of asking for help, knowing your organization's purpose, how to wake away from a client, focusing on your strengths, and "holding court" at the family dinner table. Key Points in this Episode: • Contributions to Small Business [0:02:10] • The Road to Today [0:03:38] • The Keys to Growth [0:04:57] • Benefits of an Advisor [0:07:52] • The Path to Entrepreneurship [0:10:32] • Best and Worst Mistakes [0:15:47] • Selecting Clients Carefully [0:19:40] • Advice for Small Business Owners [022:01] • Working through the COVID-19 Crisis [0:23:38] • Rapid Fire [0:26:55] • Recharging Your Battery [0:30:10] • Takeaways [0:31:46] • Contact Info [0:32:50]

Mary Ritz, Ph.D. discovered her ability and desire to teach at a young age. Years later, she combined these skills with her keen insight into customer service and an engaging business coach emerged. Today, Dr. Ritz is known as a dynamic leader, speaker, facilitator, and consultant. She has enjoyed repeated success guiding strategy development, business performance improvement, and teambuilding for customer-centric operations in various industries including financial services, communications, retail, hospitality, and consulting. A highly organized manager and coach, Dr. Ritz has the ability to quickly assess an organization’s needs and provide the tools to resolve difficulties, enhance learning, and improve performance. She is the founder and owner of Almenta International and holds a Ph.D. in Business with a focus on Customer Centricity. Show Notes: In this episode, Tim and Taylor welcome Dr. Mary Ritz to discuss the importance of customer service, investing in your people, and essential, ongoing professional development. Dr. Ritz also shares how to best take care of your organization's biggest asset: the customer. Key Points in this Episode: • Contributions to Small Business [0:03:01] • Leadership [0:04:06] • The Need for Profesional Development [0:04:57] • Feeding Your Team [0:06:14] • The Path [0:07:55] • Embracing Challenge and Expanding Your Vision [0:10:21] • Favorite Mistakes [0:12:56] • Our Customers are Our Biggest Asset: [15:01] • Universal Leadership Debate [017:32] • SBM Mastermind Group [0:20:18] • Rapid Fire [0:21:54] • Once Quarantine Ends [0:24:48] • Contact Info [0:25:37] • Takeaways [0:26:17] • What's happening at SBM [0:27:20]

As the Founder and CEO of VMT Consulting, Veronica Maldonado-Torres empowers leaders and businesses to thrive. A small business champion and supplier diversity advocate, Veronica is a catalyst of growth for both small businesses and large corporations, bringing thought-leadership and innovation to the supplier development space. Veronica excels at building strategic alliances and fostering win-win relationships between small businesses and corporate America. For over a decade, she has successfully guided the development and growth of more than 150 firms across multiple industries ranging from $1M-$100M in annual revenue. In addition to a seasoned business strategy consultant, Veronica is also a well-respected trainer and speaker. Show Notes: In this episode, Veronica Maldonado-Torres shares her passion for small business and the family history behind it. She discusses the opportunities and challenges today's economy presents to the Hispanic business owners, the risks exposure all small businesses face, and how to navigate your business during COVID-19. Veronica also stresses the business leader's role as both shepherd and cheerleader. Key Points in this Episode: • Contributions to Small Business [0:02:53] • A Passion for Small Business [0:03:34] • Building a Client Base [0:10:47] • Risk Exposure [0:14:42] • Typical Client Engagement [0:17:03] • Challenges and Opp Hispanic Businesses Face [0:20:37] • Best and Worst Mistakes [0:23:15] • Navigating through COVID-19 [26:35] • Rapid Fire [035:54] • Takeaways [0:20:45] • Contact Info [0:42:22]

Peachtree Junk Removal - Ryan Tabb - 680 The Fan - 4 - 15 - 20 by

In 2006, Beth Armknecht Miller founded Executive Velocity as an outlet for her trademark enthusiasm and energy for assisting clients with their most valuable asset – their people. Her proven approach provides expert advice on leadership capabilities and builds succession plans for organizational continuity. Beth also served as a Chair with Vistage for 13 years. Beth is a graduate of Babson College and Harvard Business School’s OPM program. She is certified in Myers Briggs, Hogan, Business DNA, Foundations of NeuroLeadership, Strategic Workforce Planning, and Facilitation and Advanced Facilitation from Leadership Strategies. Available on Amazon, Beth's latest book, “Are You Talent Obsessed?”, is a compilation of her best practices for business leaders. Contact Info: beth.miller@executive.velocity.com Show Notes: On this episode of Small Business Matters the Podcast, Tim and Taylor talk shop with Beth Miller, the talent whisperer. As it relates to small business, Beth explains the importance of hiring the right people, timely onboarding, asking important questions, and understanding your weaknesses as a leader. Key Points in this Episode: • Contributions to SB [0:02:32] • Succession Planning [0:02:59] • Typical Client [0:04:08] • Aspirin vs. Vitamin [0:05:00] • The Role of the Leader [0:06:21] • Developing the Next Leaders [0:06:52] • Hiring Mistakes [0:07:57] • Internal vs. External Hiring [0:09:33] • "Are You Talent Obsessed?" [0:10:29] • The Role of a Coach [0:11:41] • Favorite Coaching Question [0:13:04] • Best and Worst Mistake [0:14:00] • Emotional Intelligence [0:15:30] • Best Advice [0:16:15] • Rapid Fire [0:17:44] • Takeaways [0:20:45] • Contact Beth [0:22:00]

Tim and Taylor Fulton from Small Business Matters go deep into the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing, ripple effects, and what business leaders must do now in the face of disruption. Key Points in this Episode: • The Effects on Everyday Life [0:01:32] • Experiencing the Outdoors [0:03:36] • Managing Expectations [0:04:10] • Feelings of Uncertainty [0:07:17] • Small Business Concerns [0:08:56] • Where's the Opportunity [0:10:45] • On Hold [0:11:50] • Moving Forward [0:15:05] • The Ripple Effects [0:16:30] • Impacts on Company Culture [0:19:19] • Technology Shift [0:27:52] • What should Business Leaders Do? [0:30:35] • Surviving and Learning from Disaster [0:38:46] • We're Here to Help [0:45:25]

Health and Fitness guru Rami Odeh owned and operated a successful fitness center in Sandy Springs, GA for more than 20 years. One year later, Rami continues to help people change their lives and companies lower healthcare costs through consulting, coaching, and public speaking. He is also the author of "Quiet the Noise", available on amazon.com. Show Notes: On this episode of Small Business Matters the Podcast, Rami Odeh shares his experiences around entrepreneurship, surviving 2008, understanding the Why, the importance of knowing when to ask for help, and developing an exit strategy. Key Points in this Episode: • Contributions to SB [0:01:56] • Exit Strategy [0:03:33] • Lessons Learned [0:07:26] • The Importance of Resilience [0:10:53] • Leadership [0:11:50] • Best & Worst Mistakes [0:15:24] • Wellness Programs [0:21:25] • "Quiet the Noise" [0:24:00] • The Spiritual Benefits of Exercise [0:26:50] • Advice for Getting Healthy [0:30:30] • Rapid Fire [0:37:17] • Takeaways [0:40:21] • Contact Rami [0:41:12]

When he was just a boy, Trace Blackmore often went to work with his father. Decades later, Trace combined the skills his father taught him with the business knowledge he’d gained over the years to start his own water treatment business. Today, Trace is not only the President of Blackmore Enterprises, he is also the host of Scaling Up! H2O, the popular podcast for water treatment professionals with 10,000 subscribers and growing. Show Notes: On this episode of Small Business Matters the Podcast, Trace drops by to talk about following in his father’s footsteps, venturing out on his own, and the importance of creating a positive work culture within your organization. Key Points in this Episode: • Contributions to SB [0:01:40] • Getting Started [0:02:17] • Building the Business [0:04:02] • Client Engagement and Sales Cycles [0:05:28] • Role as President [0:07:04] • Consistent Growth [0:08:01] • Planning Tools [0:09:05] • Mistakes Made and Lessons Learned [0:10:36] • Creating a Positive Work Culture [0:12:13] • Establishing Core Values [0:14:15] • Scaling Up! H2O Podcast [0:16:32] • Rapid Fire [0:19:23] • Takeaways [0:26:14]

Rick Mayo founded a personal training business, Alloy Personal Training Center, in 1992. In the past decade, he and his team began helping major brands and independent gyms, health clubs, and fitness businesses around the world deploy personal training systems through a licensing model under the Alloy brand. A subject matter expert on health and fitness, Rick is also a featured conference speaker, both Internationally and domestically and contributes regularly to industry publications such as "Men's Health" nationwide. Show Notes: In this episode of Small Business Matters the Podcast, a long-time friend of SBM stops by to chat with Tim and Taylor about internal communication, embracing change within your business, focusing on your core offering, and the most important role of CEO - thought leader. Key Points in this Episode: • Contributions to SB [0:02:40] • Getting Started [0:04:15] • Time to Learn about Business [0:06:06] • Systemizing the Business [0:07:33] • CEO's Most Important Role [0:09:46] • Team Buy-In [0:11:31] • Lessons Learned [0:14:27] • Adopting a Cause Beyond Profit & Growth [0:16:14] • Advice for Small Business Owners [0:18:20] • Rapid Fire [0:20:16] • Takeaways [0:23:21] • Contact Info. [0:24:49]

Bryan Gray became an entrepreneur at the ripe old age of 14 and later led two companies onto the Inc. 500 List. Today, Bryan serves as Chief Executive Officer & Neuro Selling Practice Leader for the Revenue Path Group (RPG). He is also President of MediaSauce, a contributing member of RPG, and leads the business development and strategic direction of both the organization as well as client work. Show Notes: On this episode of Small Business Matters the podcast, Bryan Gray shares his insights on neuromarketing, the importance of understanding the buyer's decision-making process, and understanding the "Why You" and "Why Now" in the sales process. Key Points in this Episode: • Contributions to SB [0:02:07] • Becoming an Entrepreneur [0:02:56] • Three Deadly Cs of B2B Sales [0:04:09] • Connecting Value to Marketing Efforts [0:06:16] • Understanding the Buyer [0:06:58] • The Customer's Decision Process [0:08:50] • Mistakes Small Business Makes [0:11:00] • Getting Your Name Out There [0:13:02] • Why You, Why Now [0:15:00] • Marketing and Sales Collaboration [0:16:30] • Neuromarketing: Messages that Resonate [0:18:11] • Tools for Understanding Your Audience [0:20:12] • Examples of Marketing Success and Failure [0:24:17] • Rapid Fire [0:28:49] • Takeaways [0:32:00] • ebook Offer [0:34:32]

Eric CoryelI helps organizations identify their strategic position, move accountability down into the organization, and most of all create accountable teams that deliver results. To support these efforts, he also helps individuals and teams establish meaningful metrics, problem solve, deal with their real issues by having difficult conversations, and become accountable to each other. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Eric honed his team leadership and accountability skills throughout his career during which he served in various business roles from purchasing manager to CEO. Twelve years ago, Eric founded Core Connections, LLC dedicated to helping organizations become more agile, customer-responsive, and efficient through the creation of accountable teams. In addition to a popular Vistage speaker, Eric is also a lifelong Wisconsin Badgers fan. Show Notes: Recently, on Small Business Matters the podcast, Eric Coryell stopped by to chat with Tim and Taylor about leading and building accountability teams, the hiring process, five steps in building an accountable team, and the importance of shared fate. Key Points in this Episode: • Contributions to SB [0:02:00] • Leading Accountable Teams [0:02:40] • New Hires [0:04:00] • Building verses Evolving [0:07:00] • 5 Steps to Building a Team [0:08:12] • Importance of Shared Fate [0:10:00] • Building Trust [0:11:00] • Small Business Struggles [0:12:23] • Turning Point for Eric [0:14:25] • Organizational Charts [0:16:12] • Behaviors that Impact Teams [0:20:01] • Sized for Success [0:23:36] • Rapid Fire [0:25:18] • Takeaways [0:28:57]

President of Home Town Mortgage in Alpharetta, GA, Steve Beecham is also an author and popular keynote, Vistage, and motivational speaker in greater Atlanta. Never afraid to take a chance in business, Steve began his entrepreneurial career in retail as the owner of a men's and women's clothing store. Over the years, Steve honed his personal skills in the areas of sales, client relations, and business management. Today, he shares his techniques for helping companies and individuals succeed in business through networking and leveraging their social connections. Show Notes: In this episode of Small Business Matters the Podcast, Steve Beecham stops by to talk about his system for increasing sales, without hustling business. Selling in the village, as Steve describes it, is based on earning referrals and depends largely on understanding the way others see you and your business. Steve also shares two important rules for getting where you want to go in business and the wort and best business mistake he ever made. Oddly enough, they're one and the same. Key Points in this Episode: • Contributions to SB [0:01:42] • Getting Started [0:02:48] • Best Advice Received [0:05:30] • Buzz [0:08:18] • Creating Positive Buzz [0:14:10] • Spin & Drip [0:15:32] • Overcoming Negative Buzz [0:18:33] • Best & Worst Mistakes Made [0:20:41] • Referral Strategy [0:23:11] • Rapid Fire [0:26:00] • Takeaways [0:27:50]

Radio disk jockey turned business owner and Vistage Founder, Bud Carter has had a successful and colorful career. Arriving in Atlanta during the 80s, Bud was the owner and general manager of a corporate outplacement company. He was also the founder of Vistage (known then as Tech) and became the first Vistage Chair in Atlanta in 1987. Thirty years later, Bud still chairs his two original Vistage groups. Bud has served on 11 private and publicly listed company boards, and is the author of "Pithy Business Quotes" available on Amazon. Show Notes: In this episode of Small Business Matters The Podcast, Bud Carter shares his insights and experience gained as the founder and 30 year Vistage Atlanta Chair. From the role of the Small Business CEO, to the growing complexities and demands on businesses today, Bud's speaks to the changes he's seen in workplace culture, products and services, and managing the workforce. Always entertaining, Bud also shares his affinity for BBQ, good jazz, and the Atlanta Braves. Key Points in this Episode: • Contributions to SB [0:02:30] • Founding Vistage [0:03:00] • The Role of Vistage Chair [0:04:14] • Changing Role of CEOs [0:05:49] • Mistakes of Today's CEOs [0:07:59] • Improvements in SB Management [0:09:45] • Career Diversity [0:11:55] • . "Pithy Business Quotes" [0:13:20] • Proudest Moment [0:16:39] • Unusual Vistage Meetings [0:17:31] • A Love of Radio [0:19:25] • Rapid Fire [0:20:03] • Takeaways [0:28:26]

John Fenton leveraged the leadership skills he learned as a collegiate athlete to build a successful career in finance, ultimately serving as a managing partner with BDO USA's Atlanta office. A member of the Forbes Coaching Council and a Certified Brain Management Consultant, today John helps entrepreneurs and executives improve their leadership skills with confidence, clarity, and awareness. John has also been published by Forbes.com, and authored the best selling book entitled "5 Minute Mastery". Show Notes: In this episode of the Small Business Matters podcast, John sits down with Tim and Taylor to discuss how a near-death experience changed his life and led to a new career focused on helping entrepreneurs and executives benefit from his experience. John also discusses his new workbook, "5 Day 5 Minute Freedom Challenge", designed to help business leaders master what's important and transform stress into success. Key Points in this Episode: • SB Time Constraints [0:02:34] • John’s Vision [0:03:41] • Finding Your Center [0:04:58] • The Wake Up Call [0:06:30] • Managing Your Thoughts [0:07:40] • Time to Unplug [0:09:45] • Principals of Effective Leadership [0:12:29] • Establishing Trust [0:16:03] • Another Health Scare [0:19:17] • A Football Analogy for Business [0:24:15 • Rapid Fire [0:27:21]

Cindy Miller, CEO of Cindy Miller Communications, discusses the importance of a crisis communication plan as well as best-practices for small business communications, marketing and public relations.

With a passion for plants and horticulture, Josh Rutter launched Tropics North, a nursery farm in South Florida, with little experience in business. A couple decades later, Tropics North generated tens of millions of dollars in annual revenue with clients stretching across Florida and the Caribbean. Josh sits down with small business matters to talk about how he started Tropics North, some of the challenges he faced and what business owners can learn from his mistakes. We also discuss Hurricane Andrew and how the devastating storm changed Tropics North and Josh as a business owner. Josh Rutter is now a business consultant working with small to mid-size businesses in the Miami area. Listeners can reach Josh by email at jbr@thirdmaritime.com.