The Minimalist CEO

Kevin Rothschild-Shea started as a one-person shop and through 14-years of perseverance has expanded his business, Architecture EL, to eight people and seven-figures. Kevin is in the challenging field of building multifamily housing, with the focus on affordable housing, especially in areas where people are underserved.  Kevin is licensed in Massachusetts, and CT, and holds memberships with the National Council of Architectural Registration Board and the American Institute of Architects. In 2020, Kevin's company received a Citation Award from the Western Massachusetts chapter of the American Institute of Architects for their design of the first branch of the New Valley Bank in Springfield, Massachusetts. In our conversation, Kevin explains the challenge of working in an industry with projects that can sometimes take three to five years to get approval and funding, even before being able to start the design process. He shares insights on his journey, including: ·        The turning point and not allowing regrets. ·        Living on the lean and stripping overhead. ·        His philosophy on being supportive of others. ·        If you have the desire to do something, do it and don't listen to naysayers. ·        The importance of family support.  Enjoy the show and be sure to stay tuned for our CEO Turning Point sessions with live coaching on Thursdays. Connect with Kevin: Website: https://architectureel.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArchitectureEL/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/architecture-el-inc./   Connect with Nate: Website:  http://www.theminimalistceo.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMinimalistCEO Twitter: https://twitter.com/natelindquist?lang=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwfOQkYaZZgOCiJCla3o_iA/featured LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelindquistresults/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My guest, Brandon Faust, has shared ideas in this episode that apply to all of us no matter what business we're in. Brandon is the Co-Owner and CEO of Mold Zero in Tampa, Florida. He confidently states that what has led to the success of his seven figures and continually growing company is that, more than anything, he wants to make a difference in people's lives. Brendon gets right to the heart of the matter as he shares how his infant son was severely suffering and miraculously the root cause was found. It turned out to be a pinhole wall leak where mold spores were blowing around the home. Brendon also had incorrectly diagnosed health issues related to a prior incident with unsuspected mold growing in his bedroom. Those two life experiences changed how his company went further into finding and creating healthy homes free of toxins. Brendon also discussed how maybe only one family member has mold sensitivities, and these toxicities could actually lead to brain and nervous system problems, including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Liver Cancer or other diseases and people don't realize the connection. Highlights of our conversation include: ·        Educating clients and putting their interests first helps to expand the company. ·        The challenge of overcoming trying to do it all on one's own. ·        Inspiring a team to understand what is the company's mission. ·        Mycotoxin detoxification requires a different expertise in the restoration industry. ·        The process of finding out the health of a house. ·        Changes needed in the restoration industry. Enjoy the show! Connect with Brandon: Website: https://www.moldzero.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoldZeroFL/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-faust-258043137/ Connect with Nate:  Website:  http://www.theminimalistceo.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMinimalistCEO Twitter: https://twitter.com/natelindquist?lang=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwfOQkYaZZgOCiJCla3o_iA/featured LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelindquistresults/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's the secret sauce in starting as an individual plumber to growing into a 60-person, $20 million dollar a year revenue company in just 13 years? Joseph Wood, Founder and President of Boston Standard Company, has created Boston's leading independent residential plumbing, heating and cooling company that keeps on growing. This year, the company has added electrical services to its portfolio. Joe has followed the rules of being a Minimalist CEO throughout his journey, based on the foundation of learning how his brother ran a company. Joe admits there are always challenges of leading a company, and those challenges are consistently changing.  In our conversation, we discuss how Joe overcomes obstacles and how listeners can benefit from his experiences, including the “un-special” sauce.  We discuss: ·        Managing is delegating. ·        Attracting good people to enter the trades for a career. ·        When you can't find mentors, create masterminds. ·        Figuring out the next steps to develop and meet consumer expectations. ·        Correct mistakes and just keep moving. ·        Getting more free time to get entrepreneurial things moving. Enjoy the show! Connect with Joseph: Website: www.bostonstandardplumbing.com Facebook: @bostonstandardcompany Instagram: @boston_standard_company Connect with Nate: Website:  http://www.theminimalistceo.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMinimalistCEO Twitter: https://twitter.com/natelindquist?lang=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwfOQkYaZZgOCiJCla3o_iA/featured LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelindquistresults/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To expand and grow, B2B companies need a Plug-and-Play Lead System. As my guest Jeremy Haug reminds us, a business needs to run without the leader present, the business is not dependent on you. That means putting systems in place, especially with getting leads and conversions. Jeremy is a world-class marketing expert and leader that has led multiple companies to the Inc 5000 and the Inc 500 award. Jeremy takes a very different approach to how he does marketing for companies. He looks for a joint venture opportunity so that he can develop a long-term relationship with a company, and work on the operational side of things from a technology perspective. Highlights of our conversation include: ·        Recurring revenue stabilizes the business. ·        Most clients need a strong CRM technology. ·        Company growth from $500K a year to $100K per month. ·        Every business should be built with the exit strategy in mind. ·        You have an obligation and responsibility to always market your business. Enjoy the show! Connect with Jeremy: Website: https://www.b2bbusinessexperts.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-haug-93a1a5108/   Connect with Nate: Website:  http://www.theminimalistceo.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMinimalistCEO Twitter: https://twitter.com/natelindquist?lang=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwfOQkYaZZgOCiJCla3o_iA/featured LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelindquistresults/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tim Fagan is the President of both 1-800 Water Damage, a property restoration company and Blue Kangaroo Packoutz, a contents restoration company, part of the Belfor Franchise Group based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Tim has been in the restoration industry for over 25 years, starting part-time in his dad's business that had 17 employees and did about $700-thousand in annual sales. When he became full time and took over the company, Tim scaled quickly. Today, Tim handles 93 franchises in about 30 States. He has managed emergency losses in residential, hospital, university, business, manufacturing, multi-family and K-12 school facilities. In our conversation, Tim shares his various career choices and sports experiences that taught him leadership skills and gives him the expertise in leading the company today. We discuss:  ·        Creating long-time relationships for referrals. ·        The process for continuing education credits. ·        If you want to scale, what to look for in employees. ·        Understand your business's end goal and strategy to get there. ·        Successful businesses learn from other successful businesses. ·        Create a sustainable business model. Enjoy the show! Connect with Tim: Website: 1800WATERDAMAGE.com Website: https://www.bluekangaroopackoutz.com Instagram: @1800waterdamange Instagram: @BlueKangarooPackoutz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1800WaterDamageCorp Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueKangarooPackoutz Connect with Nate: Website:  http://www.theminimalistceo.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMinimalistCEO Twitter: https://twitter.com/natelindquist?lang=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwfOQkYaZZgOCiJCla3o_iA/featured LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelindquistresults/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Business owners often hear but ignore the advice on how one can be more productive through the use of a virtual assistant. Finding, training and using a VA properly can be a challenge and stressful.  Pavel Stepanov, CEO and Founder of Virtudesk, grew his VA company to the multi-million-dollar level by eliminating fears and objections busy professionals have as they look for high-quality and appropriate VAs. The Virtudesk team screens, hires, takes care of payroll, medical benefits and qualifies people that are a perfect fit for what one may require. They even take a team approach to back up your VA for seamless client productivity.  Pavel started using VAs in his real estate business and knows first-hand how the use of VAs helped him create businesses and a lifestyle that he enjoys and values. In our conversation, we discuss: ·        Eliminating distractions to increase productivity. ·        Using VAs in the real estate industry. ·        How Covid became a growth opportunity for the company. ·        Turning down opportunities for a better life balance. ·        Ignoring societal pressures to finish things just for the sake of finishing. Enjoy the show! Connect with Pavel: Website: https://www.myvirtudesk.com/ Instagram: https://www.myvirtudesk.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.myvirtudesk.com/ Twitter: https://www.myvirtudesk.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/virtudesk YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWXa0tYybr6QDjMi4txWuKw Connect with Nate: Website:  http://www.theminimalistceo.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMinimalistCEO Twitter: https://twitter.com/natelindquist?lang=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwfOQkYaZZgOCiJCla3o_iA/featured LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelindquistresults/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you get more sales when there is no opportunity for repeat business from a customer? That's the challenge facing Michelle Jackson, Marketing Director and co-owner of Get Dry Inc. in Florida. Michelle is getting her restoration company to the one-million-dollar mark with conscientious care, consistency and continual improvements to how she and her team helps people while preforming mitigation services for those affected by disaster. Part of Michelle's brand is wearing the suit out in the field in a male dominated industry. She's used to that outfit from her previous role as a bank branch manager and leading a team in superior customer service. And people always remember Michelle for being the go-to person in the community who takes part and volunteers in many local activities.  Michelle is honest and transparent in her efforts to increase and systematize her business. In our conversation, we discuss: ·        What to do when you don't have repeat customers. ·        Educating customers about the musty smell. ·        Keep your employees happy. ·        Know your role in the company. ·        Using templates to save time and money. ·        How outsourcing payroll saves six weeks of time each year. Enjoy the show! Connect with Michelle: Website: www.GetDryInc.com YouTube: https://youtu.be/tJLUZGXkE-Y Connect with Nate: Website:  http://www.theminimalistceo.com/ Instagram: @natelindquistmentor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMinimalistCEO Twitter: https://twitter.com/natelindquist?lang=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwfOQkYaZZgOCiJCla3o_iA/featured LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelindquistresults/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My thanks to all my listeners who requested that we bring this popular guest back for another conversation. Richard Whitten is CEO of Reconstruction Experts. He started as the Chief Financial Officer, then moved to the role of Chief Operating Officer. As CFO, he implemented accounting procedures and a performance reporting framework, and as COO he created standardized systems and processes to consistently generate high-quality outcomes. Our conversation in this episode goes deeper into company culture, growing a business, and how employees are supported in providing a great customer experience. Richard is open and honest on the success of the company and shares the special sauce to scale it to 9 figures.   One nugget that Richard shares sets the tone for this interview. He said, “We all make mistakes, but what we do next really defines us.” There is so much wisdom for any company leader to learn today, and I hope you also enjoy our previous conversation in Episode 19. Highlights include: ·        Anticipating and planning for a great customer experience. ·        Client planning, setting expectations and running a seamless execution. ·        Creating a system to balance capacity with what the company offers. ·        The essentials of Customer Care, Creativity and Communication. ·        Scaling a company requires making investments. ·        How work cultures are changing in all industries. Enjoy the show! Connect with Richard: Website: https://www.reconexp.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reconstruction-experts/ Facebook: @ReconstructionExpertsinc Instagram: @reconstruction_experts   Connect with Nate: Website:  http://www.theminimalistceo.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ian Bentley, CEO of Pivot and Scale, is the perfect example of a Minimalist CEO as he repeats his message, “Focus on your niche and expertise. Do your one thing exceptionally well and you will succeed.” Ian was a founder of the lead generation agency Cyber Ventures and the branded consumer automotive site Autotropolis, one of the nation's largest privately held Lead Providers in the automotive industry. The companies were acquired by Autobytel for an 8-figure liquidation exit, growing to $10 million in annual revenue with no VC or Angel Investing.  Today, Ian shares his expertise by consulting digital agencies and giving them a blueprint and tools to leave the traditional retainer model and adapt a Pay Per Lead strategy. Ian teaches how to streamline the operations, giving an agency the ability to scale fast! In our conversation, we discuss: ·        As a leader, it's about checks and balances, not micromanaging. ·        Find somebody better to do the task than you can. ·        Salespeople and commission structures. ·        Working with the philosophy stated in The Pumpkin Plan. ·        The importance of taking imperfect action. Enjoy the show! Connect with Ian: Website: www.PivotandScale.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianbentley1/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theianbentley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bentley/ Book Recommendation: The Pumpkin Plan by Mike Michalowicz   Connect with Nate:   Website:  http://www.theminimalistceo.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the biggest challenges for companies today is finding and keeping outstanding talent. Managers are 70 percent responsible for employee engagement, and those managers need support. The definition of the word leadership has changed over the years, and the approach is a transition to a “coach” culture. Tim Cosby, President/CEO of Real Retention, runs a training and consulting firm that works with leaders to help them keep their best people and transform corporate culture in a way that results in higher retention, productivity, profitability and employee satisfaction. Throughout our conversation, we discussed how the culture of leadership has changed and examples of great leadership. We both share our lessons and stories of what works in the changing environment, especially acknowledging what needs to be changed with younger hires. Highlights of our conversation include: ·        Why corporate culture is important in retaining top talent. ·        Leaders may want to change, but don't know how. ·        The importance of being transparent, authentic, and vulnerable. ·        Overcoming resistance to the coaching culture. ·        The importance of focus. ·        How great leaders lead by engaging and empowering employees. Enjoy the show! Connect with Tim: Website: https://realretention.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tcosby/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realretention Connect with Nate Lindquist Website:  http://www.theminimalistceo.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Daniel Lee earned his B.S. in Management from North Carolina State University and his M.B.A. from Rockhurst University in Kansas City. After graduating, he spent most of his career in the insurance industry working in multiple leadership roles for two national insurers. He spent 15 years developing teams, improving processes, and delivering positive customer experiences. He enjoyed his clients and found he had a lot in common with small business owners. After doing a serious soul searching and evaluation of what he wanted in his life and career, he took the leap and purchased Windura Inc., a small business of premium windows and doors. In my teaching and coaching, I have a process called the GIFTS Formula. I enjoyed how Daniel graciously answered and compared his thoughts and considerations before purchasing his business as it applies to my process. There is a lot to be learned from Daniel's wisdom. We also discussed: ·        Determining priorities; using my time or delegating? ·        Company core value: Do what you say you are going to do. ·        Why the company now focuses on specific projects and says no to others. ·        Why it's not selfish to take care of yourself. Enjoy the show! Connect with Daniel: Website: https://www.windura.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dglee1/   Connect with Nate: Website:  http://www.theminimalistceo.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Richard Whitten started as the Chief Financial Officer, then moved to the role of Chief Operating Officer and is now the Chief Executive Officer of Reconstruction Experts. As CFO, he implemented accounting procedures and a performance reporting framework, and as COO he created standardized systems and processes to consistently generate high-quality outcomes. The years of working in multiple business environments have allowed him to create scalable systems to help the company grow.  I frequently speak about how transparency creates transformation. Rich generously shared insights on how he has worked to create a trust-based organization to help everyone succeed. His thoughtful leadership focuses on bringing out the best in his team, so they routinely exceed client expectations and improve the lives of the individuals they work with and serve.  Rich and I discussed how to create a culture change within an organization and the challenge to align employees with company goals while positioning them to be successful.  Some topics we cover include: ·        Developing and communicating a vision for the company. ·        Creating a foundation for trust. ·        Reconstruction Experts-a model of client-focused reconstruction services. ·        Starting in multifamily HOA and moving into commercial and municipal markets. ·        Explaining the referral partner network and how the company contributes to partners. ·        The relationship with property management companies. Enjoy the show! Connect with Richard: Website: https://www.reconexp.com Facebook: @ReconstructionExpertsinc Instagram: @reconstruction_experts LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reconstruction-experts/   Connect with Nate Lindquist Website:  http://www.theminimalistceo.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whitney Hill is in the hot market of building Accessory Dwelling Units, ADU, sometimes referred to as granny flats. Whitney is based in San Diego where there is a housing shortage, but other areas of the country are also creating new legislation for ADU's. Last year, Whitney, the Co-Founder, Head of Business Operations & Development at Snap ADU and her partner, Mike Moore, are on target to reach $10-million in sales. Before co-founding Snap ADU, Whitney spent several years as a developer of high-end homes on the east coast. Before turning to real estate, she built a decade of strategic and tactical experience working as a management consultant at Bain & Company and as an operations manager for industrial supply distributor McMaster-Carr. She has a BA from Yale University and received her MBA from NYU Stern. I've nominated Whitney to be an honorary Minimalist CEO because of her wealth of knowledge, and the strategies she executes to reach such a fast trajectory in sales. Here's just a few highlights from our conversation: ·        Finding the niche marketplace and staying focused. ·        Creating a team with different perspectives. ·        The competition and differentiating. ·        Educating and being transparent with homeowners. ·        Building systems, growing with the right tools and outsourcing. ·        Setting client expectations. ·        Just never… don't go! Enjoy the show! Connect with Whitney: Website:  www.snapADU.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/snapadu/ Instagram:  @whitney.seibel @snap.adu @moore_construction LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitney-hill/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/snap-adu   Connect with Nate: Website:  http://www.theminimalistceo.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kenny Schwamb starting his plumbing career when he was just 12 years old! Even after finishing his Master of Criminal Justice degree, Kenny went right back to work as a plumber at his brother's company. He worked his way up to become a manager and eventually started his own business called Order A Plumber. A strategic alliance helped to catapult Kenny to grow his business, while learning more of what it takes to run a successful company. Today, Order A Plumber is a full-service plumbing company specializing in service and repair, renovation, and construction work for residential and commercial industries.  From being scrappy to now running a six-million-dollar company, even with Covid setbacks, Kenny has a great story to share about his journey to success. In our conversation we discussed: ·        Build on the momentum of affiliate alliances and joint ventures. ·        Keep building relationships, even with competitors. ·        Even in business, give everything and expect nothing in return. ·        Continually reinvest in your business and take chances. ·        Take time for yourself at every stage of the business. Enjoy the show! Connect with Kenny: Website: https://www.orderaplumber.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/orderaplumber Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orderaplumber/ Connect with Nate Lindquist Website:  http://www.theminimalistceo.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A successful Chicago White Sox minor league baseball player, Joe Gillikin knows how to bring a team together as he does with his company, AdvantaClean in Oklahoma City. Joe is a successful business owner who has learned to delegate and partner with others to grow his company to over a one-million-dollar yearly revenue business. He received his degree in Business Administration from the University of Central Oklahoma College of Business and continues a long-term relationship with REDBUD Construction, Inc. Joe is in the restoration business space focused primarily on the mitigation, environmental side of restoration. In our conversation, we discussed: ·        The challenge of delegating and building out a team. ·        Giving value to referral partners. ·        Being an educator to the trades. ·        Constantly training technicians internally. ·        A program to train staff members of property management companies. ·        A long-term goal-establish national catastrophe teams. Enjoy the show! Connect with Joe: Website: https://www.advantaclean.com/oklahoma-city-ok/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdvantaClean/   Connect with Nate Lindquist Website:  http://www.theminimalistceo.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Laurel Sagen, owner of Laurel Buys Houses, is a licensed contractor and private real estate investor in Sacramento. In today's episode, she honestly shares her unfortunate failures and how she made her way back to success. For over 20 years, Laurel has helped thousands of people by buying their home-no matter the condition or situation. Her work has been featured on HGTV and multiple home tours.  Even with mistakes, Laurel has created outstanding success. There are so many lessons that Laurel shares, including:  ·        The inspiration of reading Rich Dad, Poor Dad and Retire Rich, Retire Young. ·        Buying rentals with partners following the Rat Race game. ·        Having 30 rentals before flipping her first house. ·        Having eight-million and then being worth a negative one-million. ·        Letting go by having a team work for her and her partner. ·        The power of learning in Masterminds. ·        Practicing the freedom multiplier.   Get a copy of Laurel's free book, Your Next Move, in the link below. Enjoy the show! Connect with Laurel: Website: laurelbuyshouses.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurelbuyshousesSacramento LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurelsagen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lbhsac/ Free book: https://www.laurelbuyshouses.com/laurels-free-book/   Connect with Nate Lindquist Website:  http://www.theminimalistceo.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ami Feller has gone through all the difficulties of running a business. She first started in the roofing business as her brother's helper and worked her way to be the crew chief. The company moved from Iowa to Texas and learned first-hand about the market differences that made them, “almost bankrupt.” Her brother continued the business, and Ami went to corporate America. Feeling dissatisfied with the corporate grind, she rejoined her brother, who was growing the business with lessons he had learned along the way.  She learned a new talent called sales. On her first call, that was to be a $375 repair job, she sold a half-million-dollar roof!  In our conversation, Ami shares how she became known as the Home Roofer Chick on YouTube, and how she continues to grow her business.  We discussed: ·        Learning the culture of work crews that vary across the country. ·        Transitioning from job sites to sales. ·        A new perspective on loving customers and the community. ·        Building a team of competent people. ·        Marketing and branding. Enjoy the show! Connect with Ami: Email: info@FellerRoofingNB.com Website: www.RooferChick.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FellerRoofingNB YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/c/fellerroofingnb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fellerroofingnb/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgGxoHOgRhMWfiYq0p3nKzA   Connect with Nate Lindquist Website:  http://www.theminimalistceo.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Indursky, President of ENCON, started at the ground level of the family business doing every chore and entry level task assigned to him. Those early days prepared him from running a $5-million company in 2000 to growing it to over $35-million. David feels so fortunate to be in a generational business. His dad, Marty, still comes to work every day at age 82. David is a leader to be admired for how he has handled the challenges and growth in the company. He is also proud of his team, who has donated over half a million dollars to charities nationwide. In our conversation, we discussed the challenges of growing a company including:  ·        Making a shift to a systems mindset. ·        Handing over customers to team members. ·        Changing from the public to the private sector. ·        Looking at other industries for mentors and peer advice. ·        Core values and giving back to the community. ·        How to succeed at team building. Take notes and enjoy the show! Connect with David Indursky: Website: https://www.enconmech.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/enconmech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-indursky-2b81917   Connect with Nate Lindquist: Website:  http://www.theminimalistceo.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Austin Massey is one of the owners of Viator Coffee Co. and the General Manager of their downtown Elgin location. With over 15 years in the food service industry, and a degree in Hospitality Management from Harper College in Palatine, IL., Austin brings all of his experience into running his business at the highest caliber, not just to make the best coffee drinks and food possible, but ultimately to create a culture of people who love coffee and others really well, while maintaining the goal of establishing themselves as the industry standard in service and job security through providing opportunities for employees to engage in coffee education, media, design, community outreach, guest services, leadership, and professional development.   In our discussion we explored making his new café “pandemic proof.” Here are some of the other beneficial topics covered on this week's show: ●    How depth in conversations and community can be created around coffee. ●    Why owning a café is difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic. ●    How business owners need to be able to pivot when changes occur. ●    Why it's important to make connections with the customers you serve. ●    How restaurants need good food and drinks and good servers.   Connect with Austin: Links Mentioned: viatorcoffeecart.com Guest Contact Info: Instagram @viatorcoffee Connect with Nate Lindquist Website:  http://www.theminimalistceo.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frank Farmer is the founder and President of American Metal Roofs (AMR) based in Michigan. Trained as a physician, Frank has used his medical knowledge to develop methods of analyzing a home's health. In that process, he gathers information that is crucial for an impactful and profitable sales presentation. In 2013, Frank was appointed to the Board of Governors for the Home Improvement Professional Executive Council (HIPEC).   Frank also sits on the Board of the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) providing sales and marketing guidance to North American metal roofing manufactures and contractors. In 2018, Frank received the “Legends of the Home Improvement” award for his leadership and development of the residential metal roofing industry. His reputation as a business innovator and problem solver has made him a recognized authority in the metal roofing industry. Along with others at American Metal Roofs, Frank consults with many other contractors and other businesses through their advisory company, Metal Roofing Consultants.  In our discussion we explored transitioning from a physician to a genuine sales wizard. Here are some of the other beneficial topics covered on this week's show: ●    How thank you gifts can be used as a powerful tool to help with referrals. ●    Why having ethics, morals, and values is important for every salesperson. ●    How using a consultative approach is better for relationship building. ●    Why having a unique high-quality product allows businesses to stand out. ●    How providing a solution to a problem will drive business your way.   Connect with Frank: Links Mentioned: americanmetalroofs.com Guest Contact Info: Facebook facebook.com/AMRmichigan Connect with Nate Lindquist Website:  http://www.theminimalistceo.com/   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greta Bajrami is the CEO and founder of Golden Group Roofing. Greta Bajrami grew up in Worcester, Massachusetts where she attended Worcester State University. Greta Bajrami had no roots or prior connections to the world of exterior remodeling, when she recognized a need for quality, and implementing technology to expand the customer experience. Greta innovated the construction process and elevated the customer experience. Greta Bajrami's excellence and success within the construction industry has gained her local and national attention throughout the USA. Worcester Business Journal named Greta as 40 Under 40 Class of 2017. Remodelers Magazine recognized her innovation by awarding her the Big 50 award 2019, their most recent national award; the Bizz Award for 2020.   In our discussion we explored going from a tough industry to being best in the business. Here are some of the other beneficial topics covered on this week's show: ●    Why business owners' products need to make their customers feel good. ●    How the energy businesses put out needs to be custom and unique to them. ●    Why only thinking about numbers makes salespeople seem pushy. ●    How salespeople need to focus on what's proprietary about their product. ●    Why structure is so important for entrepreneurs who are just starting out.   Connect with Greta: Links Mentioned: goldengrouproofing.com Instagram: @goldengrouproofing Facebook: facebook.com/GoldenGoupRoofing Connect with Nate Lindquist Website:  http://www.theminimalistceo.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kevin Godfrey is an Occupational Health and Safety Expert specializing in biohazard remediation. He is, also, an active founder of TrustedSafe.org (an ATP Hygiene Testing & Monitoring company) and one of the largest distributors of Selectrocide (an EPA List N-approved chlorine dioxide disinfectant). Kevin is also Director of Fitness Safe, handling oversight of COVID-19 cleaning protocol compliance for over 2,000 gyms throughout NYS. In our discussion we explored the most helpful service for gym-owners in history. Here are some of the other beneficial topics covered on this week's show: ●    How offering a unique selling position can put businesses into new markets. ●    Why companies want the stamp that says they are clean and safe. ●    How it's important to find the right niche so you have fewer competitors. ●    Why entrepreneurs have to delegate tasks so they can streamline and grow. ●    How having systems in place is important when scaling a business. Connect with Kevin: Links Mentioned: trustedsafe.org Instagram @trustedsafe Facebook facebook.com/trustedsafe Connect with Nate Lindquist Website:  http://www.theminimalistceo.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brandon Hurd is Founder & Managing Director of BHRS Companies, a real property services firm headquartered in Jacksonville, FL since 2014. His consortium of founded companies comprises of successful and complimentary commercial real estate, construction management, traditional and non-traditional contracting, and modular building manufacturing business units serving clients throughout the United States. After his departure from a leading global enterprise he is now able to focus his time and attention on developing and growing successful businesses of varying phases. Since inception his teams have transacted, advised, managed and built over $500M in projects for their clients.  He formed BHRS Companies and began to promote a dynamic, performance-based culture through team building after realizing the commercial construction and real estate industries had enormous potential for growth. He remains involved in all facets of the business from daily operations to strategic long-term planning. Brandon also participates in development of customer solutions and interactions with BHRS' clients and team members on a regular basis. He believes in setting the high mark industry-wide and leading by example for both colleagues and clients. This environment has led to sustained growth in both construction management and contracting businesses. Brandon is a licensed general and building contractor in multiple states, as well as licensed real estate broker in the State of Florida. In our discussion we explored the power of exceptional complimentary services. Here are some of the other beneficial topics covered on this week's show: ●    Why assembling the right system is critical to a business's success. ●    How it's important to build a strong network to gain organic growth. ●    Why having the right customers is better than having the most customers. ●    How honesty and integrity is important for any business relationship. ●    Why it's important to have a strategic growth plan to stick to. Connect with Diana: Links Mentioned: bhrscompanies.com Guest Contact Info: Twitter @bhrs_companies Facebook facebook.com/BHRSCompanies LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/bhrs-companies Connect with Nate Lindquist Website:  http://www.theminimalistceo.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Rubino is the President of All American Restoration. He has quickly become one of the nation's experts on mold remediation for individuals who are immunocompromised. He is a council certified Mold Remediator by IICRC and ACAC and a contributing member, sponsor, and speaker for the Indoor Air Quality Association. He works with roughly seventy-five to 100 families each year as they return to their homes after mold issues. His upcoming book, "The Mold Medic: An Expert's Guide to Mold Removal" was released on November 10, 2020. In our discussion, we explored adding science to restoration services to better serve customers. Here are some of the other beneficial topics covered on this week's show: ●    Why many remediation jobs have to be re-done after hurricanes. ●    How it's important to choose a niche within your given field. ●    Why mold damage can actually make people really sick. ●    How following your passion will lead to outstanding work. ●    Why mold has to be remediated in the correct manner. Connect with Michael: Links Mentioned: allamericanrestoration.com Guest Contact Info: Instagram @allamerican.restoration Facebook facebook.com/AllAmericanRestorationTM Connect with Nate Lindquist Website:  http://www.theminimalistceo.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Diana Rodriguez-Zaba, President of ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba, stands as a pillar of strength for her staff, clients, family and community. In the middle of the 2008 recession, she launched two ServiceMaster brands. Her business has grown to become one of Illinois' most successful franchises, proudly serving one of the largest territories in the Chicagoland area and Suburbs. With an extensive background in real estate rehabbing, human resource development, business management and franchising, Diana brings a unique perspective to running her company. Most recently, she quickly shifted gears and focused on helping area businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic. Her re-opening strategies have also targeted much-needed restoration work in minority neighborhoods impacted by waves of riots and protests. Growing the franchise into a profitable disaster restoration business is one of Diana's proudest achievements. She continually develops marketing initiatives and builds solid relationships with local and national insurance carriers. In our discussion we explored the double opening of ServiceMasters, recovery, and giving back. Here are some of the other beneficial topics covered on this week's show: ●    Why having a great website and blogs helps businesses get noticed. ●    How a good website can be as effective as a good salesperson. ●    How COVID-19 has changed the service and cleaning industries. ●    Why any business owner needs to understand who their audience is. ●    How having a lot of good reviews can lead to more business for people. Connect with Diana: Website: servicemasterbyzaba.com Twitter: @servicemasterz Facebook: facebook.com/servicemasterz LinkedIn: linkedin.com/servicemasterchicagoland  Connect with Nate Lindquist Website:  http://www.theminimalistceo.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael La-Van began as a Realtor in 2015 after working 8 years in the correctional field and became one of the top realtors in Orange County, NY. He began to take on new challenges as he learned the business and started his own investment company, Homes BY LV LLC, Rehabbing properties in the local area. This experience has lead him to starting his own construction business formulating HLV Contractors. He has renovated over 30 homes in the past three years and has gained a positive reputation in the area as one of the most trustworthy contractors. Not only does Michael help people purchase their home, he also helps them renovate it.  In our discussion we explored building businesses with the trust factor. Here are some of the other beneficial topics covered on this week's show: ●    Why it's important for people to lock into something and give themselves a target. ●    How the first steppingstone to starting a business is to be mentally involved. ●    How contracting and building homes is a serious endeavor not for everyone. ●    How people can get two checks as the investor and realtor when selling a house. ●    Why keeping positive relationships with people is vital for any business. Connect with Michael: Links Mentioned: lavangotthekeys.com homesbylvllc.com Guest Contact Info: Instagram @pophlv_realestate Facebook facebook.com/MichaelLaVantherealtor facebook.com Connect with Nate Lindquist Website:  http://www.theminimalistceo.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Reedy is a self-made business success who went from swinging a hammer to overseeing hundreds of workers. He knows how to build something great. Mike is a natural entrepreneur, who by age 20 had opened his own electronics store and grew it into the biggest cell phone retailer in the region. He then moved into real estate, accumulating and flipping properties—and learning the ins and outs of the home industry along the way.   By 2005, Mike realized he could combine his management and customer service experience with his home-building knowledge, and found his niche. While many contractors have a narrow range of knowledge, he had a wealth of insight on the numerous categories of home exteriors. Working right alongside his crews, Mike began constructing a business that specialized in quality exterior work but also customer service—advising homeowners on when to repair v. replace, and the value of their different options, especially the savings when combining multiple projects such as roofs and gutters.   The business took off, and in 2013, Quality Built Exteriors broke its first million. By 2018, Mike was doing over $4 million in sales. Over 60 percent of his business is from repeat customers, which confirms Mike has created a winning formula.  In our discussion we explored letting your business tell you to grow. Here are some of the other beneficial topics covered on this week's show: ●    How a good salesman can help turn a business around and make more profit. ●    Why business owners must know the life span of their business and when to exit. ●    How it's important to have customers who are the right fit for your business. ●    Why it's vital to focus on the relationship and doing the right thing for customers. ●    How having a marketing system in place will only benefit your business. Connect with Mike: Links Mentioned: qualitybuiltexteriors.com Guest Contact Info: LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/mike-reedy-6012b42 Connect with Nate Lindquist Website:  http://www.theminimalistceo.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Minimalist CEO Podcast with Nate Lindquist Episode 003 with Matt DiBara Matt DiBara mixed his first bag of concrete at age 9 and from then on, spent most of his childhood learning the trade. He attended a vocational high school for bricklaying and placed 2nd in the country before branching out to enroll at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, where he earned a degree in Construction Management and Environmental Design. After graduating, Matt took over his family's construction business and relocated to Los Angeles, where he went on to be mentored by the likes of marketing guru Jay Abraham and business tycoon Mike Agugilaro of CEO Warrior fame. Since then, he has built up DiBara Masonry to become the leading masonry and concrete company in the county, working on some of the most prestigious and well known celebrity homes in the city, in addition to restoring a number of Hollywood's most famous cultural landmarks. Matt's true passion, however, rests in educating homeowners by empowering them with in-depth industry insight, much of which can be found in his upcoming book The Undercover Contractor: How To Not Get F*cked By Your Contractor and his recent podcast, The Undercover Contractor Podcast.  In our discussion we explored being a fourth-generation mason. Here are some of the other beneficial topics covered on this week's show: ●    How working as a laborer gives people a sense of humility. ●    Why becoming CEO forces people to tap into what they are good at. ●    How choosing who to hire is an important and long process. ●    Why communication is important for any leader to be successful. ●    How it's important to be the first one on the job and the last one to leave. Connect with Matt: Links Mentioned: dibaramasonry.com Guest Contact Info: Facebook facebook.com/dibaramasonry Connect with Nate Lindquist Website:  http://www.theminimalistceo.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Russ Stephens is the co-founder of the Association of Professional Builders, a business coaching company dedicated to improving the residential construction industry for both builders and consumers. Russ is a firm believer that residential home builders deserve to be earning more money for the service they are providing and that consumers deserve a superior service than they currently receive. The problem is the difficulty of delivering world-class service on tiny margins, or without having the proper systems in place. In order to maximize client experience and overcome these difficulties, the Association Of Professional Builders helps builders systemize their building company. The result is an improved client experience which leads to more demand. This allows an increase in margins and ultimately the ability to scale their businesses into desirable building companies that possess real value and can be sold as an asset. In our discussion we explored mastering the builder's growth blueprint. Here are some of the other beneficial topics covered on this week's show: ●    How teaching builders to generate and close more leads improves their margins. ●    Why building new homes creates huge amounts of positive cashflow. ●    How there are many intricacies to setting up residential construction businesses. ●    Why people shouldn't put all their eggs in one basket or only commit to one thing. ●    How the builders who are struggling don't have a sales and marketing plan. Links Mentioned: apbbuilders.com/minimalistceo Connect with Russ: Guest Contact Info: Twitter @apbbuilders Instagram @apbbuilders Facebook facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuilders LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/russstephens Connect with Nate Lindquist Website:  http://www.theminimalistceo.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

JD Summa is the Founder and CEO of Kings Capital Construction Group, Inc, established in 2009. He is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organization, defining the culture, promoting a safe & healthy environment and driving customer engagement. His drive to elevate KINGS, powerful leadership, and a tireless commitment to excellence has helped build a solid reputation and earn the attention of repeat clients and industry leaders. Amongst other accolades, JD was named one of Westchester's 2013 40 under 40 Rising stars, KINGS chosen by INC 5000, US fastest growing companies for 4 consecutive years (2014-2017) and included as one of Forbes Magazine's New York Business Leaders in 2014. A consistently effective leader and entrepreneur, he is presently the principal owner of several successful companies and a real estate developer and investor in commercial and multi-family properties. He believes in the importance of civic responsibility and is a champion of many important community initiatives, not just with our clients but our neighbors as well. With a dedication to these values, KINGS is notably host to its Annual Holiday Benefit in support of underprivileged neighborhood families. KINGS is also a corporate partner with PCNY & Garden of Eden, supplying 16,000 turkeys & 40,000 pounds of food to neighborhoods and schools from the Bronx, NY to Boston, MA. Amongst his support in other local and regional causes, JD is actively involved in the advocacy of the community and is a Board member to the Youth Bureau of White Plains, Promise to Aid and 100 Donors. In our discussion we explored how culture and commitment wins over college and credentials. Here are some of the other beneficial topics covered on this week's show: ●    Why people need to speak to their current clients to achieve organic growth. ●    How construction workers shouldn't step outside of their expertise. ●    oHow Why small projects and large projects require different skill levels to complete. ●    How demonstrating that your company is exceptional leads to more jobs. ●    Why surrounding yourself with experts will help you succeed in every way. Connect with JD: Links Mentioned: KingsCapitalGroup.com Guest Contact Info: Twitter @kingscapitalgrp Instagram @kingscapitalconstruction Facebook facebook.com/kingscapitalconstruction LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/kings-capital-construction-group-inc Connect with Nate Lindquist Website:  http://www.theminimalistceo.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Minimalist CEO Podcast with Nate Lindquist is all about Nate's Minimalist CEO Method, developed to help business owners redefine and grow their businesses by finding “new” demand in places they never thought to look, where's there no competition. Nate himself has launched more than 140 businesses.  Join Nate in conversation with successful business owners and experts who share the secrets you can use to have a better business and a better life.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices