The Building Business Podcast

www.TheBuildingBusinessPodcast.comJason Dees is the President and Owner of Deesco Fire Protection.   With many years of experience in various aspects of the industry, Jason decided he wanted something more.  That drive pushed him to become an entrepreneur. Jason is a strong advocate for considering trades as an alternative to college.  He recognizes every person has their own path and that people should not shy away from that path because it is not what others are promoting. Jason is a driven individual with a desire to continue to scale his already-successful business.  During this episode, Jason offers several entrepreneurial tips: (1) do what you say you are going to do and when you say you are going to do it, (2) don't overpromise and underperform, (3) recognize that a lot of times the obstacle is the way, and (4) understand and manage your financials.Learn more about Jason and Deesco Fire Protection:Website:  Deesco Fire Protection LinkedIn: Jason DeesInstagram: Deesco Fire ProtectionFacebook: Deesco Fire Protection

www.TheBuildingBusinessPodcast.comBrian Johnson is the City Manager of Peachtree Corners, Georgia.  Before becoming a City Manager, Brian was an infantry officer.  His military career is expansive and impressive.  A small part of that career provided him the push to become a City Manager.  As an infantry officer involved in the invasion of Iraq, Brian was assigned responsibility for restarting the municipal services of a suburb of Baghdad.  This experience provided him inspiration for his post-military career.Peachtree Corners has received international attention for its involvement in promoting business, particularly technology-based businesses.  Curiosity Lab and its related ecosystem provide businesses of all sizes the opportunity to use infrastructure installed and paid for by the city to develop and innovate products.  This opportunity can provide substantial savings to businesses, as businesses frequently have to pay for access to similar infrastructure.Where you select to do business matters.  Peachtree Corners has done a great job of becoming a business magnet.Learn more about Brian and Peachtree Corners:Website: Peachtree CornersLinkedIn: Brian Johnson Instagram: Peachtree Corners

https://www.TheBuildingBusinessPodcast.comJudith Winfrey is a serial entrepreneur in the food industry.  She and her husband started Love Is Love Farm over 13 years ago.  First farming on a small plot of land owned by someone else, her farm has recently experienced a substantial expansion and now includes many acres of its own land.Judith has been involved in several aspects of the food industry, including as COO of a restaurant chain.  She is also one of the co-founders of Small Bites Adventure Club, which was featured on Episode 24 during my interview with co-founder Erin Croom.  In addition, Judith has been featured by the New York Times for her work as a food activist.In this episode, Judith shared an entrepreneurial tip: Keep your eyes on what you want to achieve and do not be distracted by things that are not a real concern.Learn more about Judith and Love Is Love Farm:Website:  Love Is Love FarmLinkedIn: Judith WinfreyFacebook: Love Is Love FarmInstagram: Love Is Love Farm

www.TheBuildingBusinessPodcast.comLeslie Mattson's background in running surgical centers led her on the path to entrepreneurship.  She identified a need in her industry and formed ALM Surgical Solutions to fill that need by providing services to people facing the same challenges she did prior to becoming an entrepreneur.ALM Surgical Solutions has a proven track record in opening successful centers, and has assisted clients with site selection, licensing, certification, accreditation, etc.  Combining hands-on services with external education resources, ALM Surgical Solutions looks to improve the lives of all service providers working at surgery centers and the experiences of the patients that use the centers' services.In this episode, Leslie shared several entrepreneurial tips:  (i) Being frugal is good, but do not be frugal to a fault, (ii) set appropriate boundaries and take care of yourself, (iii) listen and learn from what your clients are telling you, and (iv) build trusting relationships with people like you.Learn more about Leslie and ALM Surgical Solutions:Website:  ALM Surgical SolutionsEmail: leslie@almss.comLinkedIn: Leslie Mattson Facebook: ALM Surgical SolutionsInstagram: ALM Surgical Solutions

https://www.TheBuildingBusinessPodcast.comGreg Crafter has always had a passion for growing food.  After working for over 20 years in corporate America, he decided to follow this passion and start Produce'd.  Produce'd has developed vertical hydroponic systems to allow customers to easily grow some of their own food in a small space throughout the year.  The company's focus is the development of a more sustainable food system with plant nutrition and food safety.  In addition, Produce'd is passionate about educating youth by providing tours and first-hand exposure to a hydroponic farm.In this episode, Greg shares his entrepreneurial tip: Fail early, fail often, and continue learning.Learn more about Greg and Produce'd:Website: Produce'dLinkedIn:  Greg CrafterFacebook: Produce'dInstagram: Produce'dYouTube: Produce'd

www.TheBuildingBusinessPodcast.comPete Kane has always loved marketing.  He has been involved in digital marketing since Facebook's infancy and is a proven digital marketing expert.  His business, Digital Growth ATL, focuses on digital marketing and online reputation management.  Pete understands it can be overwhelming to find customers online, but he also knows those customers are out there and the best ways to reach them.In this episode, Pete shares his entrepreneurial tip: FOCUS.  Focus on your business, the 80/20 rule, and on what parts of your business you should be working on versus those you should be outsourcing.Pete has generously provided a gift to the first ten listeners that reach out through the link below.  Take advantage of this free production of a review commercial video for your business by visiting: https://digitalgrowthatl.repvids.com/freereviewvideo.Learn more about Pete and Digital Growth ATL:Website: Digital Growth ATLLinkedIn: Pete Kane /   Digital Growth ATLFacebook: Digital Growth ATLTwitter: Digital Growth ALTInstagram:  Pete KaneYouTube: Digital Growth ATL

www.TheBuildingBusinessPodcast.comMeredith Bell has been an entrepreneur since 1982.  In her first business as a consultant and trainer, she conducted hundreds of programs for leaders and the members of their teams to help them communicate and work together more effectively.As Co-Founder and President of Performance Support Systems since 1991, Meredith has personally worked with thousands of entrepreneurs, leaders, consultants and coaches.  She understands what is required to build the loyalty and commitment that lead to repeat business and referrals, and has developed tools to help obtain and analyze client feedback and to develop the implementation of skills learned through leadership programs.Meredith knows communication is key to all relationships.  She has co-authored a book on this topic: Connect with Your Team – Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills.  In addition, she is the host of a podcast known as Strong for Performance.In this episode, Meredith shares her entrepreneurial tips: (i) lighten up and don't take things and yourself so seriously, and (ii) learn to turn adversity into opportunity.Learn more about Meredith:Website: Strong for Performance; Meredith BellLinkedIn: Meredith BellFacebook: Meredith BellTwitter: Meredith BellPodcast: Strong for PerformanceBook: Connect with Your Team - Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills

www.TheBuildingBusinessPodcast.comErin Croom is one of the co-founders of Small Bites Adventure Club.  The company's "vision is that every child receives the opportunity to discover, eat and love fruits and vegetables."Small Bites Adventure Club provides educational kits (to schools and homes) to help introduce children to fruits and vegetables.  These kits also introduce children to the farmers that grow their food and entry-level recipes to teach children to prepare food.   Each kit has a theme to capture the interest of the children.  Currently, nine out of ten children in the United States do not eat the recommended amount of vegetables, and some children go days without a single vegetable.  Small Bites Adventure Club is working to change that one classroom and one home at a time.In this episode, Erin shares two entrepreneurial tips: (i) find a group of mentors, and (ii) find your cohort of people that are in a similar stage of their businesses as you.Learn more about Erin and Small Bites Adventure Club:Website: Small Bites Adventure ClubLinkedIn: Erin Croom / Small Bites Adventure ClubInstagram: Small Bites Adventure ClubFacebook: Small Bites Adventure ClubTwitter: Small Bites Adventure ClubYouTube: Small Bites Adventure Club

www.TheBuildingBusinessPodcast.comJoe Perrone has been the owner of an auto body repair business in Connecticut for over 20 years.  Through his entrepreneurial journey, he has learned that being busy is not a badge of honor, and that not setting aside free time is detrimental to both your business and your health.Having experienced firsthand the price for not having free time, Joe has refocused his approach to business and life.  He now places a premium on free time and the benefits derived therefrom.  Having experienced the detriments and rewards of setting aside free time, Joe wants to share how to take control of your time.  As a professional coach, Joe helps his clients transition from being overcommitted to being committed to the right things to become the CEO of their own lives.Learn more about Joe and his free time expertise:Website: Joe Perrone's Coaching WebsiteLinkedIn:  Joe PerroneInstagram: Joe PerroneFacebook:  Time Freedom WarriorsYouTube: Joe Perrone

www.TheBuildingBusinessPodcast.comKaren Rands formed the Compassionate Capitalist Movement to fund innovation, create jobs, and create wealth for entrepreneurs and investors.  From her perspective, the greatest wealth, generational wealth, comes from growing a successful business or from investing in successful businesses.Karen uses her 20+ years experience coaching entrepreneurs and working with investors to speak about compassionate capitalism and the economic impact of entrepreneur / investor ecosystems.   She is the author of Inside Secrets to Angel Investing, a best-selling book on how to invest in entrepreneurs so that people can create wealth and share in the success of entrepreneurs without all the risks.  In addition, Karen is the podcast host of the Compassionate Capitalist Show. In this episode, we discuss Karen's journey from corporate America, to learning about angel investing, to educating others about angel investing.  In addition, Karen shares her entrepreneurial tip: do a business plan to answer the question "is it worth it?"Learn more about Karen and her Compassionate Capitalist movement:Website: Kugarand Capital Holdings / The Compassionate Capitalist ShowLinkedIn: Karen RandsInstagram: Karen RandsFacebook: Karen RandsTwitter: Karen Rands YouTube: The Compassionate Capitalist MovementBook: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing

www.TheBuildingBusinessPodcast.comSarah Soliman has over a decade of experience in production.  Her company, Soliman Productions, covers the meetings industry at large.  Recently, Sarah was included in the Orlando Business Journal's 40 Under 40 list.  She has also been recognized for her work in the industry by several organizations.   In 2014, she won IAEE's Rookie of the Year Award.   In 2018, Sarah was honored with the Rising Star Award for the second quarter of 2018 by the MPI Greater Orlando Chapter and was also a finalist for the Emerging Leader Award by the Association For Women In Events.  In 2019, Sarah was recognized as a Rising Star by Meetings and Conventions, an Industry Changemaker by MeetingsNet and an Industry Trendsetter by Meetings Today.  She is a recipient of the Smart Meetings 2019 Smart Women in Meetings Entrepreneur Award and a 2019 Connect Association 40 Under 40 honoree.Sarah is a talented entrepreneur, and a natural leader.  While her business was previously primarily based on in-person same-day meetings and conventions, she quickly adapted to the COVID environment and was able to weather the storm and strengthen her company and her team in the process.  In this episode, we discussed Sarah's journey from TV, radio, and events to taking the leap of faith into entrepreneurialism.  In addition, Sarah shares here entrepreneurial tip: learn to overcome imposture syndrome.Learn more about Sarah and Soliman Productions, Inc.:Website: Soliman Productions, Inc.LinkedIn: Sarah Soliman Instagram: Soliman Productions, Inc.Facebook: Soliman Productions, Inc.Twitter: Sarah Soliman / Soliman Productions, Inc.YouTube: Soliman Productions, Inc.

www.TheBuildingBusinessPodcast.comJoanne Hayes is a 25-year veteran of the publishing industry, having worked for 12 years as an Account Executive for an award-winning Journal Register Company newspaper group, Southern Rhode Island Newspapers, and 3 years as the Marketing Director of SO Rhode Island, a publication of the award-winning magazine company Providence Media, prior to her move to Atlanta in 2009.Simply Buckhead Magazine was conceived by her company, ValueStream Media Group, and began publication in 2010, with Joanne at the helm as Publisher and Founder.  The publication quickly became the “must-read” publication for people who live, work, shop, dine, entertain, travel, have families, homes, and pets and participate in philanthropic efforts, and has literally been read online all over the world.  ValueStream Media Group is a media partner and sponsor to CURE Childhood Cancer, No Kid Hungry, Bert's Big Adventure, Atlanta Community Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, The Nsoro Foundation and Joanne serves as a Board Member for the Doggies on the Catwalk Foundation.During this episode, Joanne shares her  entrepreneurial tip: seek out a mentor that can help you identify your gifts. Learn more about Joanne and Simply Buckhead Magazine:Website: Simply BuckheadLinkedIn: Joanne Hayes / Simply BuckheadInstagram: Simply BuckheadFacebook: Simply BuckheadTwitter: Simply Buckhead

https://www.thebuildingbusinesspodcast.comAnita Rajendra is a passionate entrepreneur.  She is the Founder and CEO of La Belle Bump, as well as the Co-Founder and CEO of Mina & Vine.  La Belle Bump is a service business that rents maternity and nursing clothes. Mina & Vine is a complimentary product business, introducing a patent-pending nursing scarf.Prior to launching these businesses, Anita was a marketing leader with consumer marketing experience at Fortune 500 Companies. She held strong track records of generating successful results through planning, leading, inspiring, and taking initiative in the full scope of marketing executions.  She has been recognized as highly ambitious, people-oriented, and quality conscious.Among her talent as an entrepreneur, she is skilled with digital/interactive marketing, social media marketing, mobile marketing, strategic & tactical brand marketing, media planning, agency & partner relationships, and promotions.During this episode, Anita shares three entrepreneurial tips: (i) stop talking and start doing, (ii) done is better than perfect, and (iii) network even when you do not need anything.  Learn more about Anita, La Belle Bump, and Mina and Vine:Website: La Belle Bump / Mina and VineLinkedIn:  Anita Rajendra / La Belle Bump / Mina and VineInstagram: La Belle Bump / Mina and VineFacebook: La Belle Bump / Mina and VineTwitter: La Belle Bump / Mina and VinePintrest: La Belle Bump

https://www.thebuildingbusinesspodcast.comDan Rosenfelt is the President of Third Rail Studios, an Atlanta purpose build film and television studio consisting of 60,000 square feet of sound stages, 70,000 square feet of mill and support space, almost 30,000 feet of office and amenities space, and a team that provides best in class service. In this episode, we discuss Dan's journey from being a location scout in Philadelphia after graduating from college, through his career developments in Los Angeles, including working for the Jim Henson Company, working as an assistant to a literary agent, becoming Director of Development for Weed Road Pictures, and working Vice President of Business Development and Operations at Riverfront Stages.  We also discuss his journey to Georgia to run Third Rail Studios.  As a part of Georgia's booming film and television industry, Third Rail Studios has hosted a variety of television and big screen productions.  In addition, Dan promotes the next generation of his industry by providing internships to students of the film and television industry, giving them an opportunity to get hands-on experience working at a studio.During this episode, Dan shares a few entrepreneurial tips: (i) have a passion for the product, (ii) you can be nice in a cutthroat industry and get ahead, (iii) networking is one of the most important things you can do, and (iv) don't get bogged down by what you don't know.  Learn more about Dan and Third Rail Studios:Website: Third Rail StudiosLinkedIn: Dan Rosenfelt / Third Rail StudiosInstagram: Dan Rosenfelt / Third Rail StudiosFacebook: Third Rail StudiosTwitter: Dan Rosenfelt / Third Rail Studios

www.TheBuildingBusinessPodcast.comJohn Hope Bryant is the Chairman and CEO at Operation HOPE, Bryant Group Ventures, and The Promise Homes Company.In November of 2020, LinkedIn named John Hope Bryant #10 on their Top Voices of 2020, along with Brene Brown, Sara Blakely, Mark Cuban and Arianna Huffington.  John has also been named American Banker magazine 2016 “Innovator of the Year”, Inc.'s “The World's 10 Top CEOs” (honorable mention), and, in 1994, he was named one of Time magazine's “50 Leaders for the Future.”  John is an American entrepreneur, author, philanthropist, and prominent thought leader on financial inclusion, economic empowerment, and financial dignity.John Hope Bryant is the founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of Operation HOPE, Inc. the largest not- for-profit and best-in-class provider of financial literacy, financial inclusion, and economic empowerment tools and services in the United States for youth and adults; chairman and chief executive officer of Bryant Group Ventures and The Promise Homes Company, the largest for-profit minority-controlled owners of institutional-quality, single-family residential rental homes in the U.S., and co-founder of Global Dignity.The last five U.S. presidents have recognized his work, and he has served as an advisor to the last three sitting U.S. presidents, from both political parties. He is responsible for financial literacy becoming the policy of the U.S. federal government. In January 2016, he became the only private American citizen to inspire the renaming of a building on the White House campus, when the U.S. Treasury Annex Building was renamed the Freedman's Bank Building. The Freedman's Banks, founded by President Abraham Lincoln, legacy has become the narrative of the work of Operation HOPE—to help all people in the ‘Invisible Class' become fully integrated into our nation's economy. In April 2017, a historical marker, also inspired by Bryant, to honor the final flight of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to Memphis on April 3, 1968, was installed at the Memphis International Airport 49 years to the day that Eastern Flight 381 arrived from Atlanta.A member of the founding class of The Forum of Young Global Leaders, and founding member of Clinton Global Initiative, Bryant is a LinkedIn Influencer, contributor to Huffington Post, THRIVE Global and Black Enterprise, and a member of the World Economic Forum and OECD Expert Networks.  He also frequently guests on CNBC's Squawk Box.His Facebook Live “Silver Rights” Series has received 40+ million views, and serves as an engaging platform to foster essential discussion in the digital age around financial inclusion and social uplift. This series led directly to a Facebook sponsoring episodic streaming series entitled ‘Delivering The Memo', inspired by Bryant's newest bestselling book, THE MEMO.He has received hundreds of awards and citations for his work, including, Oprah Winfrey's Use Your Life Award, and the John Sherman Award for Excellence in Financial Education from the U.S. Treasury. Bryant recently received an honorable mention in Inc. magazine's “The World's 10 Top CEOs” article that spotlights global servant leaders as the visionaries behind some of the most successful organizations.Bryant is the author of bestsellers (book links below), and I highly recommend reading his most recent book, Up From Nothing: The Untold Story of How We (All) Succeed.  He is one of the only bestselling authors on economics and business leadership in the world today who happens to also be African-American.Learn more about John and Operation Hope:

Annie Eaton is an immersive content producer, specializing in engaging and interactive virtual reality and augmented reality experiences. She currently serves as the CEO of Futurus, an Atlanta-based software development company, and Executive Producer of Amebous Labs, a virtual reality-focused game studio. Annie has received numerous awards for her work in the technology field.  She has received the Woman of the Year award presented by WIT, the Rising Star of the Year award presented by Women in IT, Technologist of the Year award from the Technology Association of Georgia, and was a finalist for the Atlanta Business Chronicle's Small Business Person of the year.  In addition, Futurus, has been named to Inno's list of the top 50 most innovative companies in Atlanta.During this episode, Annie shares her entrepreneurial tip: if you can avoid taking on outside investors, hold off for as long as possible.  Learn more about Annie, Futurus, and Amebous Labs: Website:  Futurus / Amebous Labs / XR Atlanta LinkedIn: Annie Eaton / Futurus / Amebous LabsInstagram: Futurus / Amebous LabsFacebook: Futurus / Amebous LabsTwitter: Annie Eaton / Futurus / Amebous LabsAmebous Labs' Game: Loam

Maria Fundora and her husband, both Cuban immigrants, are restauranteurs with big hearts and a passion to help people.  They own and operate Casa Nova Italian Restaurant in Alpharetta, Georgia.  They have owned this restaurant for over twenty years.  From long term employees (some that have been there all along), to eating a meal everyday with her team, to giving meals in support of first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic, she and her business want to make people feel good.In addition to the family atmosphere they have created at the restaurant with both the restaurant team and their guests, my guest formed a nonprofit dedicated to fighting pancreatic cancer after the loss of her mother to the disease.  This organization is supported by its premier partner, Kroger, as well as other household names such as Red Bull, Heineken, Coca Cola, Chobani, Kraft/Heinz, and many others.During this episode, Maria shares two entrepreneurial tips: (i) erase the word impossible from your vocabulary and (ii) focus on how you make people feel.Learn more about Maria, Casa Nuova, and Purple Pansies:Website:  Case Nuova / Purple PansiesInstagram: Case Nuova / Purple PansiesFacebook: Casa Nuova / Purple PansiesTwitter: Case Nuova / Purple Pansies

Michael J. Coles is a co-founder of the Great American Cookie Company and former CEO of Caribou Coffee. After a successful 19-year career in the clothing business, Michael tested his entrepreneurial skills in 1977, when he co-founded Great American Cookie Company with a joint investment of only $8,000. Shortly after starting the company, he was involved in a near-fatal motorcycle accident and was told by doctors he would never walk again unaided. As he recovered through a self-designed rehabilitation program, he took the company from its first store in Perimeter Mall in Atlanta to hundreds of stores nationwide and, at the same time, set three coast-to-coast bicycling records. Michael's commitment to community service led him to run for public office in 1996 as the democratic nominee for the House of Representatives in the Sixth District of Georgia, and in 1998 he won the democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, challenging Senator Paul Coverdell. In 2003, Coles accepted the corporate reins of Caribou Coffee Company as chairman, CEO and president. Over the next five years, Coles more than doubled the size of the company, extending the brand reach domestically and abroad. In September 2005, he successfully took the company public on NASDAQ under the symbol CBOU. Coles went on to join others in founding Charter Bank & Trust and served as its chairman, taking the bank public and selling the publicly traded company to Synovus Bank.  Coles is also the former chairman of Brand Holding Company and chairman of Brand Bank. Michael was appointed by Governor Roy Barnes in 1999 to chair the Georgia Film, Video and Music Advisory Board.  During his four years as chairman, Michael and his board successfully passed HB610, which was the first-ever tax incentive of its kind in Georgia. That bill allowed the film industry to begin a rebirth, going from $170 million in 1999 to over $1.5 billion in economic impact by 2003. Today, Georgia's film industry generates over $12 billion in economic impact. Having contributed much of their time and resources to education, the arts, environment and philanthropic organizations, Michael and his wife, Donna were honored as the Georgia Philanthropists of the Year in 1995. Michael was appointed by Governor Roy Barnes in 2001 to serve on the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. In recognition of Michael's success, leadership, and benevolence, Kennesaw State University, under the authority granted by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, declared that the institution's School of Business be named and known in perpetuity as the Michael J. Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University.  In 1999, Michael received the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree from Kennesaw State University. On October 17, 2018, Michael officially launched his book titled “Time to Get Tough: How Cookies Coffee and a Crash Led To Success in Business and Life.” During this episode, Michael shares many entrepreneurial tips, including, you don't have to be the smartest person in the room, and surround yourself with good people and you'll be surprised at how good they will make you look.

Deke Copenhaver currently serves as Principal of Copenhaver Consulting, LLC, a niche consulting firm in Augusta, Georgia serving the needs of businesses, nonprofits and local governments. In May of 2019 he published his first book “The Changemaker: the Art of Building Better Leaders.”Deke served as Mayor of Augusta, Georgia from 2005 through 2014.  Since leaving office, Deke hosted “There it is With Deke Copenhaver,” a daily call-in radio show on WGAC New Talk Radio.  In addition, Deke has served as Managing Consultant for the Augusta Economic Development Authority.Deke has spoken at many national conferences on topics including city design, economic development, healthcare, veteran's issues, and the non-profit industry. He currently authors a monthly column on leadership published by the Georgia Municipal Association.Deke has been recognized as one of Georgia Trend Magazine's “100 Most Influential Georgians” seven times. Southern Living Magazine named Deke as one of their “Heroes of the New South” for his passionate work in helping to revitalize Augusta's historic inner-city African American neighborhoods. In 2010, Deke was awarded the “Exemplary Service for Community Unity” award by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Committee. Deke was the 2013 recipient of the Robert F. Cocklin Award presented by the Third Region of the Association of the United States Army for his exceptional support of AUSA, our nation's military and their families. In 2014, the Greater Augusta Arts Council recognized Deke with the President's Award for his support of and commitment to the arts. In 2017, Deke was recognized by Leadership Augusta with their Ruth Crawford Community Leadership Award. In 2017, Copenhaver was presented with the First Annual Invest Augusta Cyber Leadership Award.During this episode, Deke shares his entrepreneurial tip: don't be afraid to go against the status quo.

Doug Jackson is the co-founder of Shared Vision, an advertising agency with offices in both Atlanta, GA and St. Petersburg, FL.   Shared Vision is industry-agnostic and size-agnostic, providing services to start-ups and Fortune 100 companies.  Several of its clients are household names, such as Smirnoff, Delta Airlines, Diageo, and Hard Rock.Before becoming a provider of advertising services, Doug was a consumer of those services as an entrepreneur in the technology space.  His former company grew from its founding group of 10 to over 1100 employees at the time it was sold.  Fourteen years ago, taking his experience as a consumer of advertising services, Doug partnered with his co-founder, Michelle Tannu, to form Shared Vision.  Focused on the client-experience and the employee-experience, Shared Vision has built a culture that has resulted in very low employee and customer attrition.  

Michelle Enjoli Beato is a bilingual keynote speaker and career and leadership mentor who has spent her entire career connecting people and ideas through the art of storytelling, travel, and a hot cup of coffee!Michelle has a passion for human interest stories and professional development.  She has translated these into a career in television broadcasting, public relations, event management, digital marketing, mentoring and public speaking.During this episode, Michelle discusses her path from her dream job in television (which she landed as a college student) to her move from New York to Atlanta with Mercedes-Benz USA.  She also discusses her work with Delta Airlines and the formation of her own business, Connect.  She continues to work with television networks, entrepreneurs, and global brands with a staff of 5 to an employee count of 80,000 plus.In addition, she was recently selected as one of twelve inaugural speakers for Tedx in Southampton, England.  There were over 100 applicants, and Michelle is one of only two Americans to be selected.  During this episode, Michelle shares her entrepreneurial tip: recognize that every piece of adversity will be useful in some way.

Joe Koufman has always been a connector of people. In his 20+ years working in marketing and business development, he has built out a large and distinguished network of corporate and agency contacts.Joe founded Setup in early 2014 to help marketers level up. Today, Setup connects marketers with agencies, talent, and resources to fill gaps.Prior to founding Setup, Joe spent six years as SVP of Marketing and Business Development at Engauge (acquired by Publicis Group in 2013 and merged with Moxie), focusing on landing marquis clients such as Hershey's, Cisco Systems, AMC Theatres, Chick-fil-A, Newell Brands, and Turner Broadcasting. Before Engauge, Joe spent eight years leading strategic accounts for KnowledgeStorm (acquired by TechTarget in 2007) such as Computer Associates, Cognos (now IBM), and Oracle.In this episode, we discuss Joe's journey from managing big-brand retail to forming a business around his passion for matchmaking.  In addition, he shares several entrepreneurial tips, including: (1) don't do it, unless you are 100% committed, and (2) find your tribe.

Nadia Bilchik is an internationally renowned television personality, communication and professional development training expert, author, and keynote speaker.  She has anchored and hosted feature programs for CNN International, CNN Airport Network, MNet Television (South Africa), and has reported for CNN Weekend. Nadia was formerly Editorial Producer for CNN's Weekend Morning program.Nadia's dynamic, entertaining, and substantive approach to communication skills training, comes from her extensive experience in conducting training workshops, coaching business professionals and delivering keynote addresses to a broad range of audiences both in the USA and globally, as well as interviewing high-profile figures, celebrities and corporate leaders. Among others, she has interviewed President Nelson Mandela, Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Anthony Hopkins, Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon, and George Clooney.Nadia's clients include: The Coca-Cola Company, Samsung, Porsche, Home Depot Corporation, Georgia Tech, Starbucks, ESPN, Hudson Bay Company, Turner Broadcasting – CNN, TruTV, Cartoon Network, INPO, Accenture, Commercial Real Estate Women's “CREW”, affiliates nationally, Jamestown LP, Arnall Golden Gregory, Lathams, MSL Group, North Easter University, The Women's Food Service Forum, ERC Worldwide – Corporate Relocation Specialists, and Network of Executive Women “NEW”.In this episode, we discuss Nadia's journey from South Africa to Atlanta, as well as from television to keynote speaker, trainer, and author.  Nadia shares stories about her experiences in journalism and entrepreneurialism as the President of Greater Impact Communication.  In addition, she shares several entrepreneurial tips, including: (1) build a foundation and (2) be consistent.

After spending a decade litigating in the courtroom, John Miles often found litigation too expensive, too time-consuming, and not in the best interests of clients. To provide a better way to resolve disputes, he formed Miles Mediation & Arbitration Services, LLC in 2000. Today with offices in Atlanta, Savannah, Charlotte, and with more on the way, his company offers ADR services to attorneys and corporations nationwide.  In addition, Miles Mediation & Arbitration has been named the best ADR firm in Georgia for the last six years. In this episode, we discuss John's journey from litigating insurance defense cases through the building and growing of one of the country's premier alternative dispute resolution firms.  John shares the evolution of his company, how the ADR market has expanded, and a few entrepreneurial tips: (1) every entrepreneur must possess the power of optimism, and (2) growth requires putting the right people in the right roles and then allowing them to do their jobs.

Craig Lucie started Lucie Content to shine a light on the positive events happening in our world and to share compelling stories that resonate with his clients' audiences. He has two decades of news experience, has won an EMMY for Best News Anchor, and has received multiple other EMMY nominations.  He has also received several AP Awards for his reporting and has contributed reports to newscasts that have won the prestigious Edward R. Murrow award. The Georgia Association of Broadcasters also recognized him as the best on-air personality in the state, and the Atlanta Business Chronicle named him as one of the 40 Under 40 award recipients. Craig has appeared on ABC's World News Tonight, CNN, MSNBC, FOX News and HLN. While covering a State of the Union Address, he was recently one of a few journalists invited to have dinner with President Donald Trump in the State Dining Room of The White House.In this episode, we discuss Craig's journey behind and in front of the camera.  From filming family events with a camcorder as a child, to his award-winning career as a journalist and news anchor, and through the founding and operation of Lucie Content, Craig has dedicated his entire career creating impactful content.  In addition, Craig shares his entrepreneurial tips: delegate and as Nike's slogan goes, Just Do It.

Joel Manby is the former CEO of Saab Automobile USA, Herschend Enterprises (during which he appeared on CBS's Undercover Boss), and SeaWorld.  In addition, Joel is the author of Love Works.  Through his journey as a corporate leader, particularly through the experiences he gained at Herschend Enterprises, he discovered how framing leadership through agape love is the key to success.In this episode, we learn about Joel's journey from his childhood in Battle Creek, Michigan through his tenures as CEO of Saab, Herschend, and SeaWorld.  We discuss the concept of agape love (also known as servant leadership), and how he has used this principle to guide his leadership style.  In addition, he shares his entrepreneurial tip: In a crisis, although potentially counterintuitive, double down on love.In Love Works, Joel shares his stories, both of his successes and his struggles.  In addition, he discusses how leading through agape love can change corporate culture and have a positive impact on the company's bottom line.  The book is real, inspiring, and, at times, raw.  I found Love Works easy to read, practical, and enjoyable.You can learn more about Joel Manby and order a copy of his book, Love Works, at JoelManby.com.

Rich Casanova is the Co-Founder of the Pro Business Channel and Global Podcast Studios, based in Atlanta, Georgia.In this episode, we learn about Rich and his two podcast-related businesses.  In addition, Rich shares with us his entrepreneurial tip: Don't wait for perfection to take action.Rich began his broadcasting career in California at KSKS-FM.  Rich got the radio bug early in his career, which later prompted the formation of the Pro Business Channel where he is the Founder and Chief Visionary Officer.  The Pro Business Channel produced Planning Successfully, a podcast series I previously hosted.Within the first 18 months of launching the Pro Business Channel, the network generated over 750,000 downloads.  Due to Rich's success, many sought his advice to begin their own podcasts.  Moving with the market, Rich formed Global Podcast Studios ("GPS").GPS has the goal of making podcasting easy and affordable.  GPS offers a full range of podcasting services, including studio rental, professional audio engineering, editing, jingle production, recording ebooks, and more.

Paula Canaday-Daeke is the Founder of Fiscally Balanced, LLC, based in Atlanta, Georgia.  In this episode, we learn about Paula, Fiscally Balanced, and AADMM.  In addition, Paula shares with us two entrepreneurial tips: Set up Quickbooks before your business goes live and Understand the Amount of Time it Will Take to Run Your Business.After spending many years in corporate America and considering her lifetime passion has been helping others master their personal money matters, it seemed a natural evolution to utilize her business experience and couple it with her passion to establish Fiscally Balanced.  Paula gains great satisfaction in teaching and equipping others with skills for strong and responsible money practices.  She also recognize life situations for others require her to step in and take over daily financial paperwork and tasks. Organization, analysis and planning are among Paula's strengths.  Paula can assist whether you want to gain education and insight or let her handle the management of your daily financial matters.  

Gabrielle Mills is the Co-Founder of Sourced, based in Peachtree Corners,  Georgia.In this episode, we learn about Gabrielle, Sourced, and what motivates her to succeed.  In addition, Gabrielle shares with us her entrepreneurial tip: Understanding that your identity as an person is not tied to your business.More about Sourced - Sourced is an award-winning business with the goal of  being the reason clients have more time.  Sourced's services include marketing, bookkeeping, office assistance, and placement.   Gabrielle has been quoted regarding the purpose of Sourced to say:"We wanted to create a business that provided impactful, valuable support for businesses, meeting them where they are, helping them scale where they want to be, and not putting them into a box.  We support businesses by giving them flexible options to grow their business in a way that makes sense for them."

Josh Simpson is the Managing Partner of Simpson & Simpson Accounting, LLC, based in Woodstock, Georgia.In this episode, we learn about Josh and his accounting firm, its philanthropic work with U.S. Military Veterans.  Josh also shares with us his entrepreneurial tip: Don't be afraid to charge the value of your services.About Josh:Operation Iraqi Freedom III VeteranCertified Public Accountant Ernst & Young LLP AlumniBachelors of Business Administration, Major in Accounting (Kennesaw State University)Skilled in Business & Personal Tax, Financial Reporting, Auditing, Reviews, IRS Resolutions, Financial & Business Strategies

Megan Wells is the Co-Founder of Two Birds Films.  In addition, check out Megan's personal website for more information about her work and her keynote speaking.In this episode, we learn about Megan and Two Birds Films.  In addition, Megan shares with us her entrepreneurial tips: (i) Understanding your power and what you have to offer, and (ii) understanding the roller coaster of entreprenuership.Megan is a multi-award winning branded content, commercial and documentary director. She has worked with major international broadcast, agency and brand clients, some of which include: Red Bull, Under Armour, Google, The NBA, MLB, PGA and NASCAR, ESPN, Fox Sports, Yahoo! Sports, Gatorade, Dove Beauty, Acura, Ziploc, Delta Airlines, the Home Depot, EDC, Primavera Sound, Bestival, Roskilde, Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo. She has written and directed several syndicated branded content and entertainment series, and is most known for telling real, authentic and relatable human stories. Her clients would tell you she is not only a powerful visual storyteller, but uses every opportunity to allow space for real human stories, emotion and performances to fill the lens, so viewers can more deeply engage with the content she's creating. She has been a keynote presenter at conferences and universities around the world as a leader in the conversation surrounding branded content and entertainment, as well as a featured guest on several global podcasts, speaking about creativity, content creation, the history of storytelling and the evolution of digital media. Meg has been awarded six times at the New York Festival's World's Best, four times at the Cannes Corporate Media and Television Festival, and once at the Sports Emmy Awards.