Success Defined with Ben McDonald

When Marcus Whitney was 24, he and his family moved to Nashville, TN without any idea how things would work out. He had to convince himself that he was a good computer programmer to even begin a career. That seems like a world away from Marcus' resume now. Today he is a co-owner in 5 ventures, he is a strong advocate and investor in healthcare, and Marcus has a Ted Talk. He is also a co-owner of the Nashville Soccer Club, which will make its' debut in Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2020. Be sure to check out the Marcus Whitney's Audio Experience on your favorite podcast platform. You can see everything at www.MarcusWhitney.com, including signing up for the release of his new book, Create + Orchestrate! Connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcuswhitney/. Enjoy this incredible story and wide ranging conversation.  

Getting two unbelievable leaders to join the show at the same time leads to incredible conversation. That's what we have this episode, as Ruel Joyner and Michael Owens discuss reluctant leadership, stoicism, growing a family owned small business, handling 14 million visitors to the city of Savannah GA, and much more. Ruel is the owner of 24e Design as well as Commissioner of the Georgians First Commission. Michael is the President/CEO of the Tourism Leadership Council as well as the Chariman of the Georgia Travel Association. We get past surface level conversation and go deep throughout the entire show.  You can reach out to Ruel at Ruel@24estyle.com, or visit the company's site at www.24estyle.com. Feel free to talk with Michael at Michael@TourismLeadershipCouncil.com, or visit www.tourismleadershipcouncil.com and www.georgiatravelassociation.com.  If you have questions for me or know somebody who should be a guest on the show, email me at Ben@SkywardVenture.com. You can check out other episodes and clips of the shows at www.SkywardVenture.com.  

For 7 years, Chris Hervochon was happy working full time for somebody else while enjoying his side hustle. Finally one day during a meeting with a boss, something inside clicked and told Chris that it was time to do something else. That led to the creation of SOAR, a better way CPA.  Chris discusses some of his misperceptions going in to owning and running his own business. We talk about the evolution of building a brand, building word of mouth, and how he has seen the most success in getting more business for a new service company. You can follow or reach out to Chris at Chris@BetterWayCPA.com, 843-608-0298, linkedin.com/in/chrishervochon, betterwaycpa.com. Questions about this episode or if you are interested in being a guest on Success Defined, reach out to Ben@SkywardVenture.com.

Different perspectives and alternate opinions can often be an incredible strength in business. Fabio Ansaloni approaches his business hurdles with perspectives from doing business in many countries including Italy, France, Germany, and the United States. In this episode, Fabio talks about the challenges of going to a different country such as figuring out the culture and norms. We also go deep on the opportunities. Fabio, who is currently the COO of Mirage USA, values how working and living in so man countries has opened his mind to new possibilities most of us never experience. This episode is a must listen. We cover so many valuable aspects of doing business in a way that has not been covered on this podcast up until now. Enjoy the international flair, and be prepared to have a desire to travel and experience different cultures by the end! To find other shows or clips, visit www.SkywardVenture.com. If you have questions or want to be a guest on the show, reach out to Ben@SkywardVenture.com.

The workforce is changing, and our guest is leading the way in helping companies thrive with the evolving environment. Terri Gallagher, owner of Gallagher and Consultants, created the Workforce Solutions Ecosystem Model to allow organizations to find great talent and create a culture where "non traditional" workers such as temporary, contract, and the digital workforce can thrive. We get in to how this evolution is happening, how getting fired turned in to an amazing change in her life, how women can become great leaders and business owners, and how valuable it was learning inside Disney early in her career. For more information on Terri, check out www.gallagherandconsultants.com or see her great content at www.linkedin.com/in/terrig3.  To find more episodes and clips of Success Defined, visit www.SkywardVenture.com. For questions or comments, email Ben@SkywardVenture.com.

Jeff Pell led a successful career in logistics and sales. With the motivation and desire for Jeff and his wife to create something for themselves, they began researching potential businesses to start. They reflected on opportunity, business potential, and an area where they could positively impact their community. Jeff has been the owner and full time operator of Amada Senior Care of Knoxville for 8 months, and is quickly overachieving on their growth goals. Jeff attributes this to consistent and focused effort, as well as applying what he has learned throughout his career. Jeff's story of employee turned entrepreneur shares many valuable lessons and topics of thought! For more information on Jeff, check out his LinkedIn Page or visit his business Web Site. To find more episodes and clips, visit www.SkywardVenture.com. For questions or comments, email Ben@SkywardVenture.com.  

This episode of Success Defined, we have Steve Milo on as our guest. Steve started a collectible and comic mail order business in college. He grew the company was a leader in the e-commerce world. But after investors convinced him to sell, all of the shares Steve received in the exit were worthless after the tech bubble popped. Steve went on to create and build VTrips, an online vacation rental platform. We discuss how he is growing strategically, the importance of great employees, not getting investors in the business who don't align with your vision, and much more. Check out www.vtrips.com, or learn more about Steve on his LinkedIn Page. Get more episodes and clips of the show here.

Kicking off Season 2 of Success Defined, we have Kevin Quat. Kevin is the Owner of Absolute Island Management, a property management company overseeing more than 400 properties. Kevin was able to start his own firm by jumping at an opportunity when others weren't willing to do the job right the first time. It was full throttle from there as Kevin learned the ropes of entrepreneurship on the job. We discuss how to harness personal qualities, what is most important about leading a team, how to maintain focus on your goals, and keeping what's most important top of mind.Learn more about Kevin's business at www.absoluteisland.com. We will be talking more, so if you have questions you want Kevin to answer, email me at BenMcDonaldFA@gmail.com.

Eric Acton is a Chief Digital Officer, Chief Technology Officer, has started his own companies, and worked for major corporations. His experience goes well beyond and C-Suite Title. Eric has been in positions that instilled a belief of innovation. Whether Eric is working for companies like Dell or advising a startup, Eric Acton's experience allows him to find the area of disruption. In this, Eric discusses the typical issues with why major corporations fail. He goes in to different leadership styles and how to assemble a team in order to achieve business success. Eric also elaborates on what Intrapreneurship means to him and how passion can be contagious and start a necessary change. The best place to find Eric is on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericacton/ or on Twitter @thmadaustralian. Reach out to Eric with thoughts and questions. If you have questions or comments about the show, you can reach me at BenMcDonaldFA@gmail.com.

Mekenzie Riley has competed multiple times at the Crossfit Games. She is also a Registered Dietician who runs her own company. After a childhood of athletics, Mekenzie would work out for 3 hours on a daily basis. When she was introduced to Crossfit, the variety, competitions, and constant improvement were appealing. Mekenzie talks about what it takes to dedicate yourself to being one of the best in the world at something. We go in to sacrifice and aligning your life to fit your version of success. Mekenzie also talks about how she can be a professional Crossfit athlete and still run her own nutrition consulting company. The best place to follow or reach out to Mekenzie is on Instagram @itskenzieriley. With questions or comments about the show, reach out to me at BenMcDonaldFA@gmail.com

Erin Padgett owns and operates Erin Padgett Events and Paige & Elliott Bridal Boutique. After starting and growing her events company for a few years, Erin was ready for more. She saw a gap in the market and knew that she could fill that gap well. Now she bounces back and forth between two locations and working with 9 employees.   Erin talks about how she has been able to empower her employees so each company can run while she is at the other location. She goes in to how she maintains focus on her personal life outside of work. This is a great story to show not only can you take control of your own life and schedule, but you can grow and try new things if you set your mind to it. Check out Erin's event planning company at www.erinpadgettevents.com and her Bridal Boutique at www.paigeandelliott.com. Please reach out to me with questions or comments about the show at BenMcDonaldFA@gmail.com.

Mac Lackey had 2 business exits each for 8 figures- in his 20's. He went on to create and sell 3 more businesses so far. Mac has sat on the Board of Directors for public companies, he is passionate about entrepreneurship and has invested in many startups. Possibly most impressive of all, Mac has been able to make his wife and daughters a top priority through it all with his philosophy called Life Wealth. We go in to what Life Wealth is compared to Work Life Balance. We talk about the benefits and downfalls of starting a business with a partner. Mac shares his thoughts on building a startup team, raising capital, building a company to sell, and so much more. Be sure to check out www.maclackey.com for all of his content. Specifically, we reference a tool he has built to guide entrepreneurs in raising capital. You can find that at www.maclackey.com/secrets. Questions or comments about the show? Reach out to me at BenMcDonaldFA@gmail.com.

Cliff Gardner has been a CFO and a NASCAR and MLB licensee He created and eventually sold the largest online auto parts platform. Now, Cliff runs Schedule Any Lesson, a site that connects instructors, coaches, and teachers with lesson takers. A passion for baseball and a dedication to his family highlight the well rounded person Cliff has become. In this podcast, we discuss the turning point that got Cliff out of Corporate America. Cliff also goes in depth on how he built great teams through culture and setting expectations. Cliff used the sweat equity he received from creating and selling the largest online auto parts platform to begin a venture he and his son were passionate about. Schedule Any Lesson is disrupting the instructor marketplace by not taking the 30-40% most sites take from instructors. Cliff believes teachers and coaches are the backbone of our country, and he wants to create a platform that is not only a strong business opportunity, but also a place for lesson takers to find great instructors. Cliff is offering an entire year free for all instructors interested in creating an online presence. If you are a coach, teacher, or other instructor, be sure to jump on this opportunity! Just check out www.scheduleanylesson.com and email Cliff at cliff@scheduleanylesson.com.  With any other questions or comments about the show, email me at BenMcDonaldFA@gmail.com. 

Jesse Cole owns and runs a multi million dollar company, is a successful author, and a keynote speaker around the country. He can also be simply known as The Yellow Tux Guy. Jesse began by running a fledgling baseball team as General Manager. He took risks, thought differently, and created an exciting atmosphere at the ballpark. Today, his company Fan's First Entertainment, focuses on creating a show filled with entertainment. There happens to be a baseball game going on at the same time. In Jesse's recent book, Find Your Yellow Tux, he helps people running businesses begin to think about their brand differently and find ways to stand out within the crowd. In this episode, we hit on a lot of his primary focuses as Jesse gets extremely practical and offers listeners and viewers real strategies you can implement today. We also go in to how he has created a culture within Fan's First that has allowed primarily people in their first job flourish. Jesse and his employees measure their success and weigh their decisions on the amount of impact they can make. This, along with countless other takeaways, fill this jam packed episode of Success Defined. Jesse challenges the listeners and viewers to reach out to him with questions. Use him as a resource and email him today at Jesse@FindYourYellowTux.com. Check Jesse out at www.findyouryellowtux.com, and follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. He's easy to find- simply search Yellow Tux Jesse Cole! For additional questions or comments about this episode or Success Defined, you can reach me at BenMcDonaldFA@gmail.com. 

In this episode, we talk with Joel David. After achieving his initial vision of success, being a strength and conditioning coach for a professional basketball team, his definition of success began to evolve. Joel is now focused on using his knowledge and experience to have a larger positive impact through his company My Fitness Foundation, an in person and online personal training company. We talk about how Joel's experiences have helped him identify how to best reach and add value to more people. We dig deeper in to his motivations of impact and fulfillment. Joel takes us through habits such as a morning routine that has turned around his focus and efficiency. We also discuss why too many people fall for instant gratification. Check out Joel at www.myfitnessfoundation.com, on Facebook @JoelDavidFit, or on Instagram @JoelDavidFit. With questions or comments about the podcast, or if you know somebody who we should have on as a guest, feel free to reach out to benmcdonaldfa@gmail.com.

In this episode, we talk with Nate Andreu. Nate is an Engineer turned Crossfit Gym Owner. Nate bought Crossfit Eternal Davidson and began the massive turnaround while still holding down his full time engineering job. We talk about the evolution of his priorities and what pushed him over the edge to leave his comfortable career to pursue his passion of health and fitness. We go in to the surprises Nate faced of taking over an existing business. We also go in to how his business has thrived by valuing his employees and lining the coaches up with the business goals. You can quickly tell through his constant reinvesting in to the gym that his priorities are focused on making his members' experience the best part of their day Check out Nate at www.cfedavidson.com, on Instagram @CFEDavidson, on Facebook @CFEDavidson. With questions or comments about the podcast, or if you know somebody who we should have on as a guest, feel free to reach out to benmcdonaldfa@gmail.com.

In this episode, we talk with Drs. Marc and Jolene Fondino. Marc and Jolene own Davidson Chiropractic in Davidson, NC. We talk about how they handle running a business together as spouses, as well as how their son helps them step away from the business when they get home. You also get to hear about how they went from both losing their income at the same exact time to buying their dream practice- without the ability to get a business loan. The creativity and problem solving to achieve this is incredible. We look at their past and how life experiences led each of them to becoming a Chiropractor. Each of them share what success means to them. How have these two built a practice for years and been able to stay true to their priorities without giving in to external pressures?  Check out Marc and Jolene at www.davidsonchiro.com or reach out to Marc with any questions at doc41075@gmail.com.  With questions or comments about the podcast or if you know somebody who we should have on as a guest, feel free to reach out to benmcdonaldfa@gmail.com. 

Today we take a quick look at the journey of my first company and the future of this podcast.