The Over 50 Entrepreneur

On this week's episode of The Over 50 Entrepreneur, we speak with attorney Melissa Houston, Founder and Principal of 929 Strategies. 929 Strategies is a government affairs consulting company committed to helping businesses pursue opportunities by overcoming challenges through providing public policy advice, so you can protect and grow your business. After serving decades in the public sector, Melissa wanted to continue to move Oklahoma in a positive direction by helping businesses. Listen as she walks us through:  How you can attract better people for your open positions—tapping into a workforce that has been disrupted How federal funds are being used to impact the trajectory of our state How to help legislators understand your business's bottom line—insider advice for the entrepreneurial community on engaging in public policy solutions And much more

On this week's episode of The Over 50 Entrepreneur, we speak with Amanda Holmes, CEO of Chet Holmes International. Chet Holmes built a system of 12 core competencies to double your sales, wrote “The Ultimate Sales Machine” and worked with Fortune 500 companies throughout the world. When he passed away in 2012, his daughter Amanda took the reins of the company. We talk to her about adapting her father's legacy for today, and what “The Ultimate Sales Machine” looks like in 2021, as well as:  More businesses were started during the COVID pandemic than ever before—how can your business cut through the clutter (and reach buyers) How to overcome the number one issue small businesses are facing today  The shrinking gap between marketing and sales (where you should focus your efforts NOW) And much more

On this week's episode of The Over 50 Entrepreneur Podcast, we speak with Bob Loudermilk, Founder of Second Half Events, Inc. The entrepreneurial drive grabbed a hold of Bob when he was just 13, leading him to start a neighborhood newspaper that he sold door to door. Bob says, “There was something in me that made me look for what businesses I could start.” Since that time, Bob's career has had many twists and turns, but at the heart of it has always been his desire to serve his community and help others succeed which led him to latest venture, Second Half Events, Inc. Second Half Events' focus is on everything for the 50+ generation. We'll talk to him about the upcoming Second Half Expo, as well as: The 5 pain points of people 50+ The top 2 concerns for those over 50 3 questions to help you find your next step How to leave a lasting legacy And more

Our special guest on this week's episode of The Over 50 Entrepreneur podcast is Sharina Perry, CEO of Utopia Genetics and Utopia Plastix, two businesses that emerged from her passion for constant learning, exploring, asking questions, and observing the world around her. While Sharina spent over 20 years building cable and internet infrastructure, her tenacity to create solutions has put her on a new path to create both plant-based health and wellness products and alternatives to plastics.We chat about the hardship of losing employment in order to launch her own business, as well as: The pivotal moment that inspired her to pursue the study of plants The development of a health and wellness line Pursuing FDA approval through clinical trials Her journey from prototyping products in her kitchen to production And more

Our special guest on this week's episode of the Over 50 Entrepreneur Podcast is Camilo Maldonado, Co-Founder & CEO of The Finance Twins, alongside his twin brother, Francisco, and the Founder of contactscompare.com. Camilo attended the University of Pennsylvania, studied finance at the Wharton School, holds an MBA from Harvard, has worked on Wall Street, and at a startup company, and is currently a contributor for Forbes. He strives to educate others on how they can achieve financial freedom.Camilo says, “This is my way of giving back. Now that I'm in a position where I have this privilege, I wanted to do something that makes a difference in people's lives and helps them become more comfortable with money.”We chat about his innate drive to overcome poverty and create financial freedom, as well as: The mission of Finance Twins The number one stressor for Americans The key to freedom as an entrepreneur Advantages of beginning a new business endeavor when you're over 50 And more

Our special guest on this week's episode of the Over 50 Entrepreneur Podcast is Brian Jackson, President at Woody Candy Company. The historic company was founded by Claude Woody when he returned from service in World War II in 1927. Brian applied his MBA in Finance, Accounting, and Operations Management, and his experience consulting, to taking over the operations of Woody Candy. Since taking over, he's honored the legacy of the company that's become a staple in the Oklahoma City Community.We chat about the transition of ownership, as well as: Food manufacturing regulations Previous introductions to production automation Woody Candy's commitment to handmade quality The changes Brian would have made if he had the opportunity to do it all over again And more

Our guest on this week's Over 50 Entrepreneur Podcast is CEO of the Value Builder System, John Warrillow. John is also the host of the Built to Sell Radio podcast as well as the author of Built to Sell: Creating a Business That Can Thrive Without You, The Automatic Customer, and The Art of Selling Your Business. John says, “Society places a tremendous premium on business ownership, so I think in many cases, we get a bit addicted to that sense of fulfillment that comes with running a company, even though in many cases we've stopped feeling the freedom.”We chat about Built to Sell, as well as: The importance of taking risks in business Becoming risk-averse when you are spearheading your business Always considering the next chapter Buying and selling with private equity groups  And more

Our special guest on this week's episode of The Over 50 Entrepreneur is Carol Roth, creator of Future File. She's a business advisor, company director, investor, speaker, and best-selling author of The Entrepreneur Equation. A “recovering investment banker” and small business expert, she also hosts her own podcast, The Roth Effect.We chat about her self-made start, as well as:  Her entrepreneurial spirit and early applications of business consulting Considering who you serve as a small business  Finding the right business support for continued expansion The number one thing small businesses should be focusing on right now ROI > ROE And more 

On this week's Over 50 Entrepreneur Podcast, our special guests are the makers of the Davis Collective: Ja'marc Davis, the Marketing Strategist, Jeremy Davis, the Mobilization Strategist, and Joel Davis, the Media Strategist. They are a team of strategists who partner with organizations and individuals to achieve their goals. They are Brand Builders, Content Creators, and Culture Curators who specialize in marketing and media, turning vision into action and dreams into reality.They share the heart and soul of the company vision, as well as: Combining their powers to tell clients' stories Translating the discipline of great attitude and effort from athletics to business Guidance of faith through their business, learning from stories, and telling stories Being mindful of who surrounds us during the inevitable business obstacles  And more

Grab a pen and notebook for this week's episode of the Over 50 Entrepreneur Podcast. As we approach the end of this calendar year, we explore both the big and intricate questions about your business this quarter and this whole year. 2020 has been absolutely pivotal, and this a great time to pause and evaluate where you've been and where you are headed to make the necessary adjustments to continue aiming for greater freedom and success in your business. “We know that companies that focus on freedom from the business owner perspective, and that is freedom of time and freedom financially, business owners that are successfully doing that not only have a healthier lifestyle, they have a healthier business. And, that business is typically worth more money than their competition.”This week's episode is all about emerging from COVID fatigue, as well as: What the challenges of 2020 revealed in our businesses Evaluating your current mental and physical health The real risk of burnout and failure in small business Deciding who you want to surround yourself with in the future Skilled engagement of social media And more

On this week's episode of the Over 50 Entrepreneur Podcast, we speak with Peter Roth, Area Vice President at Hyatt for the Northeastern US. A global citizen, Peter has managed hotels in the United States, Germany, Spain, Ecuador, Venezuela, Uruguay, Mexico, Chile and Russia. He has spent the past twenty five years offering five star customer experiences, and is now based as General Manager at Park Hyatt in New York. “This current moment in time is giving us the opportunity to revisit everything we have been doing, to tweak and reinvent. We have come to realize very quickly, that we need to be very open minded, entrepreneurial, and innovative. And we initiate that dialogue with our customers to make sure that when we come back out on the other side, we're not exactly the same as we were before,” says Peter. We chat about his leadership journey with Hyatt, as well as: Cultivating meaningful connection with your team The keys to providing a memorable Customer Experience Overcoming Coronavirus challenges The future of the hospitality industry And more

On this week's episode of The Over 50 Entrepreneur Podcast, we speak with bestselling author, mentor, and motivational speaker, Arthur Greeno. Arthur has been part of the Chick-fil-A family for thirty years, and we dive into the spark that inspired his journey to be a Chick-fil-A owner/operator. Resilient and hardworking from the start, Arthur witnessed the caring company culture at the heart of Chick-fil-a and became determined to learn how to be involved. He shares how the company carefully evolved by continuously identifying new ways to serve customers and create lasting, memorable experiences that have made Chick-fil-a the household name we know today.We discuss the wisdom gained over three decades of solving problems, as well as:  Opening a small store at 22 years old Surprising advantages to starting at a low volume location The difference between $20,000 in sales per month vs. $20,000 per day Faceplant moments - Getting sued and seeking advice from mentors about lawsuits The origins of the most efficient drive-throughs in fast food and implementing the famous phrase “It's my pleasure” And more

On this week's episode of The Over 50 Entrepreneur Podcast, we speak with Matt Jones, Founder of Verge Law. In addition to being an entrepreneur, Matt is also a lawyer for other entrepreneurs; his clients include all types of business owners, from startups to emerging growth companies. He has a deep interest in craft beers and co-founded a craft beer bar in a renovated Victorian house where he can often be found hanging out and taking counsel.Matt says, “From the start, I knew the tribe that I wanted to serve, and that's entrepreneurs. So, my whole objective was to figure out how to insert myself into that tribe. I knew that there was a path on the legal front for entrepreneurs and I knew there was a path for starting your own law firm, so it seemed like the marriage of those two is what intrigued me and allowed me to get into this ecosystem.”We chat about Matt's love for the law, as well as: His decision to work with other entrepreneurs and building his practice around that tribe His process for launching new businesses Common stumbling blocks for new entrepreneurs Honing in on your own lane And more

On this week's episode of the Over 50 Entrepreneur Podcast, we speak with special guest, Bill Davey. I first connected with Bill when I was looking for a company to come install a security system in my new home, and I quickly realized that he was an entrepreneur, not just someone trying to sell me a system. Bill has been the owner of several different companies, having been in the alarm and security business for over 30 years, and has recently published his first book.“Things weren't always easy during those first 10 years. It was stressful, but then it started to cash flow. When things start to cash flow, it's a different play. It was good to see— you kind of plant that seed for something tomorrow”, says Bill.We chat about the importance of sales to every business owner, as well as: How Bill started on his entrepreneurial path Learning to overcome objections in sales Planting the seeds for cash flow His experience with selling his business and post-sale regret And more

On this week's episode of the Over 50 Entrepreneur Podcast, we speak with Chuck Rahill of Wedel Rahill & Associates, CPAs. As businesspeople, we will always have questions from a tax perspective as we think about new opportunities or how we could be better structuring our businesses. While many of us may not be able to answer these questions ourselves, Chuck certainly can. He joins us on this episode to highlight what you should be conscious of regarding your taxes moving into 2021.“This has been the hardest professional year of my life. That being said, I say that with gratitude, because through this time, we've been working with our clients, actively engaged to keep them in business, make sure that we assisted them in applying for their PPP loans, making sure they were doing the right things with employees, and taking advantage of all the things that the government had provided during 2020,” says Chuck.We chat about Wedel Rahill & Associates, as well as: The current status of PPP loans The potential for tax changes in 2021 What we should be focusing on in terms of bookkeeping before the end of 2020 The spike in new business filings during quarantine Winning the tax game by controlling your income And more

In this week's episode of The Over 50 Entrepreneur, we chat with a guest full of grit and determination— Representative Kevin Hern, who is not just a congressman but also a successful entrepreneur, working in everything from real estate to hog farming. We're so excited to have Kevin on the show! Kevin vividly remembers writing his first software program in early 1985, which is what started him on his entrepreneurial journey, and looks back fondly on the roots that got him going. We'll chat with Kevin about what his self-employed life has taught him, as well as…  The best advice he's ever received What he would change if he could do it all over again Why he feels confident in uncomfortable situations The biggest takeaways from his time in Congress And more

On this week's episode of The Over 50 Entrepreneur Podcast, we're joined by a special guest who I've known all my life: my middle brother, Jason Hadrava. Jason is the co-owner of Titan Title & Closing, an Oklahoma-based, full-service escrow company. I know firsthand how hard he's worked to get to where he is today, and when I think about grit, determination, perseverance, and focus, I think of him. “Do your homework, make sure that you know what you're getting into, then go for it; don't be afraid that it's going to be a grind. There will be successes and there will be failures, you'll love it and you'll hate it, you'll have sleepless nights sometimes, but in the end, as long as you don't quit, you just grind through it, it'll be worth all the hard work,” says Jason.We chat about Jason's entrepreneurial journey, as well as: Learning to get comfortable with being uncomfortable The importance of surrounding yourself with the right network Lessons learned from previous entrepreneurial endeavors Leading by example And more

On this week's episode of the Over 50 Entrepreneur Podcast, we speak with James Roberts, CEO of Right Now Roofing. Often, when we think about entrepreneurs, we think about technology, social media, disruption, and other areas that tend to be more glorified in the business world. But, the truth is, there are many entrepreneurs who've created successful businesses in industries that are less than glamorous but are still driven and passionate about what they do, have a great time doing it, and make a ton of money. James is one such entrepreneur, and I was so excited to have him share his journey with us. “There are different types of job knowledge that you need to be an entrepreneur. For instance, I know I know how to install a roof and how to sell a roof, but what I didn't understand was the completely different job description of owning a company where you have employees, you have subcontractors, you have taxes, you have office staff, weekly payroll, and all these other things that have nothing to do with contracting a roof or installing roof. It's a completely different skill set and I had to OJT that rapidly,” says James.We chat about James' start in business, as well as: His journey from employee to entrepreneur Developing collaborative business relationships Creating additional revenue streams through diversification Working outside your comfort zone And more

One of the questions I get asked all the time is, “What is this podcasting thing?” People are always curious to know how and why I started this show, as well as how I benefit from continuing to do it every week. Having just come up on my first full year of podcasting, I thought it would be great to talk about exactly that.On this week's Over 50 Entrepreneur Podcast, I sit down to discuss my takeaways from my experience as a podcaster so far and answer some common questions. To help me do that, I'm joined by my good friend, Steve Gordon, of The Unstoppable CEO. Steve actually produces this show for me, in addition to hosting a show of his own, so I thought he might be the ideal  candidate to help me talk about this platform.We chat a little about my role with Epic Business Advisory, as well as:  My journey as a podcaster What I've learned from the amazing list of guests I've been able to speak with The business opportunities that have opened up through the show Building relationships and providing value to your network And more

On this week's episode of the Over 50 Entrepreneur Podcast, we speak with Stan Chase, Co-Founder and CEO of NvYA Technology. Prior to founding NvYA, Stan co-founded The Rock Island Group, which he sold in 2000, and Perimeter Technology Center, which he sold in 2012. He is also a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma City and Leadership Oklahoma, where he received the coveted Golden Bull Award as the distinguished graduate of that class.In addition to his career in technology, Stan is a retired Lieutenant Colonel of the US Military, where he served as an intelligence analyst for the USAF, an artillery officer, and Assistant CIO for the Oklahoma Army National Guard. He holds both a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in business management from Southern Nazarene University and currently lives in Edmond, Oklahoma, with his wife of 38 years.We chat about his transition from the military to entrepreneurship, as well as: The values he has carried forward through three businesses How NvYA Technology helps its clients benefit from technology through increased connectivity What business owners may not be thinking about with regards to evolving technology Building companies of value And more

Mark Bravo was at a crossroads in his life. He could continue with what he'd been doing… that wasn't fulfilling but was “safe.” Or he could strike out on a new path that followed his passion for running even though he had no assurances he would succeed.  Can you guess which way he went? Decades later he's still loving what he does as an entrepreneur, author, speaker, avid runner and running coach to some of the country's top athletes. Along the way, he learned life lessons and business strategies that could help you through tough times or to make big decisions. At the core of everything he does is something his mother taught him early in life. He shares that success secret, as well as…  How fear creates freedom – and what you can do to harness that power The real source of breakthroughs and growth  Life lessons he learned in his family's pawnshop  The most important part of any business – it's not the product or service  And more

On this week's episode of the Over 50 Entrepreneur Podcast, we speak with special guest, Case Lane. Case is an entrepreneur, traveler, and the Founder of Ready Entrepreneur, in addition to being a former diplomat, consultant, and corporate executive. Her business prepares aspiring entrepreneurs to understand how to take advantage of technology and global resources so they can achieve what she deems the “lifestyle freedom”.“When you're just looking out at the online world and thinking, I've got an idea, or even if you don't have an idea, you just know you want to do something, that's where I am. I help you look at the entire landscape and figure out what it is that you want, which platform you'd really like to be on, and then how to find that community and create content for that platform. That's what I do with Ready Entrepreneur,” says Case.We chat about how she defines lifestyle freedom, as well as: Setting realistic expectations around starting your own business Viewing business owners and entrepreneurs as problem solvers Scaling your business as a solo entrepreneur Her new book, Recast And more

On this week's episode of the Over 50 Entrepreneur Podcast, we speak with very special guest, Michele Rigby Assad. Michele is a former undercover officer for the CIA who trained as a counterterrorism specialist and served her country for over 10 years in Iraq and other secret Middle Eastern locations. Upon retirement from active service, Michele and her husband Joseph, also a former agent, joined a group of Americans who wished to aid persecuted Christians. Their efforts resulted in the evacuation of a group from northern Iraq which went on to be featured by ABC's 20/20 in December 2015. Michele also holds a Master's degree in contemporary Arab studies from Georgetown University. Today, she is a keynote speaker, a trainer, an author, and an international security consultant.We chat about Michele's journey to joining the CIA and her ultimate decision to leave active service, as well as: Her transition to entrepreneurship Working with companies operating in the Middle East Her book, Breaking Cover Her definition of freedom And more

You can make money and do work that is meaningful to you. That is Jim Whitt's philosophy, and he helps entrepreneurs and others find fulfillment in their businesses.  His purpose is to help people reach their full potential through his consulting, speaking, best-selling books, and other work he does through his company, Purpose Unlimited. He says if you don't have a purpose in your work, your business… even your life… your only motivation is reward and punishment. That's not sustainable and leads to unhappiness. Jim says having a purpose-driven business can completely change your mindset, leadership skills, hiring, and other aspects of the business.  We get into details on that, as well as what to do if you feel unfulfilled in your current line of work. Tune in to find out…  The biggest lie told about motivation The 4 criteria for identifying your true purpose Why most mission statements are worthless  The first question you must ask yourself if you want to change your life And more

On this week's episode of the Over 50 Entrepreneur Podcast, we speak with special guest Ramon Ray, author of The Celebrity CEO. Aside from being an author, Ramon is also a keynote speaker and entrepreneur who, over the course of his career, has created four different businesses, going on to sell two of those. Ramon brings energy and guidance to everything he does and is all about brand. Today, Ramon runs Smart Hustle Media, which produces events and content to inspire and educate business owners on how to start and grow their businesses.“Wanting to be perfect, or waiting for perfection, is a big Achilles heel with so many business owners. It doesn't mean you don't want to do things right and cautiously, but so many don't start because they're waiting for perfect. Somebody doesn't start because they're waiting for something to happen. They're waiting for the right time. The only right time is today. I'm not saying you shouldn't wait, but those who are waiting to start their first podcast— your voice is never going to be good enough. You're waiting to start your first blog— the first blog post is going to suck, guarantee it,” says Ramon.We chat about Ramon's entrepreneurial journey, as well as: His first steps during the inception of a business Building a brand What entrepreneurial freedom really looks like The importance of content frequency, and the process of curating content Making the decision to extract yourself from your business And more

You have heard of the concept of learning from your failures. But, says Andrea Waltz, just as important as learning a practical lesson is changing your whole attitude toward failure.  Andrea, Co-founder of the Courage Crafters speaking team and co-author of the book Go for No!, notes that failure is associated with negativity, feelings of rejection… and that emotional component of failure can have a tremendous – and often unseen – impact on your path to success. Even hearing something as simple as “No” during a sales conversation can be paralyzing. But, says Andrea, it shouldn't be. In fact, “no” can lead to opportunity on many levels. We get into detail on that, including…  The biggest myth about success and failure How to speak your prospect's “language” – and why it's vital Why should you increase your failures - exponentially The danger of assuming you know how much your prospect wants to spend And more

On this week's episode of The Over 50 Entrepreneur Podcast, we speak with special guest David Jenyns. David is an entrepreneur who systemized himself out of his own business and is now on a mission to do the same for other business owners. His latest book, Systemology, shares not only his expertise and experience but also resources and stories designed around helping other business owners. “Business owners, they start off looking for freedom, but then they most often find that's anything but what they actually get. They end up getting trapped into this business, and they get it off the ground and burn the candle at both ends, but there has to be a point at which that changes. You can't just stay trapped in that business forever and a few key things need to happen for that to happen,” says David.We chat about Davids's biggest takeaways after achieving freedom, as well as: Leaning into the uncomfortable as an entrepreneur Systemizing your small business How he came to work directly with Michael Gerber His latest book, Systemology And more

To take your small business to the next level, it can't be all you, 24-7, says Brandon Turner. You can't do everything – like you did when you were in startup mode. You have to automate processes, delegate tasks, and more – so that your business can grow, and you have the freedom to do what you enjoy.  It's time to get your time back, says Brandon, and he shows a methodical way to get things off your plate. The sooner you realize you are replaceable – and why that's a good thing – the sooner your business's transformation can begin. We get into all this in detail, including…  Leveraging technology for efficient delegation  A more effective way to train new employees How to figure out the biggest bottleneck in your business The absolute first task you should delegate And more

Nathaniel Harding saw a gap in the venture capital world and has rushed to fill it. As he puts it: “There's a lot of opportunity with startups happening and a lot of innovation in various sectors enabled by technology in different forms. But there's not enough organized capital investing in it. So you're really seeing a supply and demand mismatch.” Through his work at recently launched VC firm Cortado Ventures, he seeks to invest in the top tech startups in the region, in industries like energy, fintech, insurtech, aerospace, and more. He's looking for technology that's solving problems in the marketplace and has a use case in Oklahoma. He talks about that in detail and also explains his experiences as founder and president of Oklahoma City-based Antioch Energy, community and business leader, and Air Force captain led him to develop a series of best practices related to entrepreneurship, business development, mergers and acquisitions, seeking funding for new ventures, and more. Tune in to find out…  How his military experience shaped his leadership strategy Key factors he looks for in companies when investing venture capital The difference of small business versus venture investment What technology will allow the next generation of entrepreneurs to achieve And more

Many people think that to be successful as an entrepreneur, it is all about grinding away 24/7, working nights, weekends – time off? Work/life balance? – forget about it.  But, says time management coach Elizabeth Saunders, that's a recipe for overload and burnout… and will make you less successful in the long run. Where you invest your time is just as important as where you invest your money, notes Elizabeth. It impacts your productivity, relationships, success, and profitability, not to mention physical and mental health, and more. Elizabeth recommends starting with the hours you want to work… then molding your business to fit. We dig deep into that topic, as well as…  How to train clients and employees to respect your time 3 strategies for not letting stress and crises get the better of you  Creating the perfect to-do list A unique way to keep your energy up throughout the workday And more

When you provide a service to small businesses, you have to get to know people. You have to become known in the community, says Geoffrey Ludt, who took a unique approach to building business relationships when he moved to Oklahoma City from Portland a few years back. LinkedIn was critical to this strategy, but not in the way you expect.  We also talk about why he chose the payroll services niche and the “natural” strategic partnership that's opened up a whole new target market, as well as…  How he uses a CRM for more effective networking  The danger of vendor monopoly control – and what he's doing to change the game Why he uses personal goals to set business goals The role of HR in company culture And more

On this week's episode of the Over 50 Entrepreneur Podcast, we speak with a very special guest, Sean Kouplen. Sean is Oklahoma's 10th Secretary of Commerce and Workforce Development, as well as the Chairman and CEO of Regent Bank. In his role as Secretary of Commerce and Workforce Development, he oversees 36 of the state agencies who lead economic development, community development, and workforce development efforts for the state of Oklahoma. Under his leadership, the state has attracted over 65 new businesses since 2019.In 2008, Sean led an investor group that purchased 110 year old Regent Bank out of Nowata, Oklahoma. Since then, he's taken that bank and expanded it to Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Springfield, Missouri and now Bartlesville, growing from 72 million in assets to over 700 million, making it one of America's fastest-growing banks.We chat about Sean's entrepreneurial journey, as well as: What has stuck with him about his career in banking His role as the Secretary of Commerce and Workforce Development Attracting new businesses to Oklahoma Working remotely And more

Ellyn Hefner, of MassMutual in Oklahoma City, works with families who have children with special needs, assisting them with financial planning to ensure they get the care they need, as well as finding all the available resources out there. A key part of that process is making sure your disabled child is taken care of after you're gone. And in Ellyn's experience, not dealing with that now can have severe consequences.  Trusts, wills, guardianships, powers of attorney, and more are in Ellyn's toolbox. But a huge part of the job is helping families navigate tough conversations amongst themselves and with relatives. Tune in to get more details, including… Government benefits that are available for special needs kids The biggest mistakes parents make in this type of planning A must-have insurance for small business owners A tax-free savings account the government can't touch And more

Matthew McClintock is founding partner of Evergreen Legacy Planning, a Colorado-based law firm that helps businesspeople, high-net-worth families and individuals manage their finances efficiently, including minimizing tax liability. And he has a special interest – and expertise – in cryptocurrencies. Matthew started his own boutique law firm because he has a true entrepreneurial spirit, which is something he brings to the table when working with clients. One of his guiding principles is that business is about more than money. And he's always got his eye on the future, making sure to stay ahead of the curve on behalf of his clients for new opportunities and potential threats. We talk about that, as well as… Solving one of the major pitfalls of cryptocurrencies The most important part of being in business – it's not the money How cryptocurrencies fit into financial planning today (most people are missing something HUGE) The biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make with estate planning What is the blockchain, what are cryptocurrencies, and what's the difference between them

On this episode of The Over 50 Entrepreneur, we have a very special guest joining us— Rod Polston. If you've watched TV at any point in the last few years, you've probably seen his commercials for his business, Polston Tax Resolutions and Accounting. Rod started his journey in the field by working for a tax lawyer over high school summer breaks and throughout college, and he quickly came to fall in love with tax. This unique opportunity gave Rod a competitive advantage when he finished law school and started practicing. Rod's story is just incredible, and he has a lot of value to offer. Join us as we chat with Rod about his entrepreneurial journey, as well as… How Rod has scaled to 2 offices and over 120 employees. What Rod has learned through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship How a business partner changed Rod's business for the better Rod's tips for avoiding the owner's trap The advice Rod has for aspiring and new entrepreneurs And more

On this week's episode of The Over 50 Entrepreneur Podcast, we chat with Wall Street lawyer turned interview host, Jordan Harbinger. Jordan is a radio personality, voice actor, journalist, and podcaster, and his current podcast, The Jordan Harbinger Show, receives over 6 million downloads a month. He is also a husband and father who is dedicated to helping his listeners become better informed critical thinkers.“Okay, I need to actually start from the foundations of psychology, influence persuasion, networking, relationship maintenance. I need to break down what successful people in this area are doing, and have been doing for decades, and that's what I need to start teaching and learning,” says Jordan.We chat about Jordan's entrepreneurial journey, as well as: The importance of building your network The transition from Wall St to podcasting Early roadblocks and self-sabotage The Six Minute Networking Program And more

From large national banks to smaller state and local banks… from teller to CEO… over his 42 years in the banking industry, Mark Funke has seen – and done – it all.  He knows that banks can impact communities and spur entrepreneurship. And as a corporate leader, he learned how to rally teams to work together to achieve company goals.  He says relationships between bankers and entrepreneurs are key to business success, with bankers acting as advocates and advisors.  We talk about that in depth, as well as…  The role of big banks vs. community banks for small businesses How to avoid “losing touch” with customers as organizations grow  The 5+ traits of a successful small business  The biggest change in banking in the last 20 years And more

Best-selling coauthor of The Go-Giver series, speaker, entrepreneur, and mentor Bob Burg has a simple philosophy: shifting your focus from getting to “giving" (providing immense value to others) is both a more fulfilling and more profitable way of doing business.   It might seem counter intuitive, but by following that rule of focusing how you can give value to others, your business will be more profitable. You do that by listening to your prospect… understanding what they need, want, and desire… and then matching the benefits of your product or service that hit those marks. Bob says that's the only way to get the sale.  We get into the nitty-gritty on how to do that, including…  A strategy for pivoting your business in the current crisis Why money is an “echo” of value – and what that means in practical terms  The dangers of selling on price How to avoid becoming a commodity  And more

In this episode of The Over 50 Entrepreneur, we sit down with very special guest Eric Weisgarber. Eric runs The AMG Team— analytics, marketing, and growth— and is passionate about optimizing business processes in an efficient manner. Eric started his entrepreneurial journey by selling newspapers in Ohio— which is where he learned, through his go-kart, about his love for efficiency and operations at a young age. And, he says, the rest is history. We'll chat with Eric about his experiences as an entrepreneur thus far, including his first “apprenticeship” in advertising, as well as…  The low-income, high sales commission job in advertising (and what he had to sacrifice for the experience) Why you can't be in it for the money How to find new opportunities and pivot in the face of an unsteady industry The successes and challenges of entrepreneurship And more

Today's I'm joined by Jonathan Stranger and Jeff Cole of Prairie Wolf Distillery We discuss: How Jonathan and Jeff pivoted the distillery to produce hand sanitizer. The challenge of going from 4000-5000 cases of liquor per year to 4000-5000 cases of hand sanitizer per week. The surprising results they're seeing now. How their team has come together to rise to the moment. How they're supporting first responders across Oklahoma. Tune in now...-Rick

In this episode of The Over 50 Entrepreneur, we chat with Gary Black of Black Optical. Gary started his journey in the optical industry working as a part-time salesperson at Sunglass Hut, which turned into a career over the following 11 years. Then, 13 years ago, Gary decided to take the plunge and start Black Optical! “And as long as my intentions are right, and I understand my customer's needs, then anything can kind of be overcome,” says Gary while reflecting on how he faced the challenges of starting a business. We'll chat with Gary about what it was like to start a business, the challenges he faced and how he overcame them, as well as… The difference between working for a corporation and working for yourself How to overcome the occasional loneliness of entrepreneurship Gary's favorite business book How Gary scaled his business The 2 big things Gary has learned through entrepreneurship What sets Black Optical apart And more

Today's podcast has two parts. In the first part, I'm joined by Sereta Wilson, owner of Annie's Ruff House and Yellow Dog Coffee, and in the second part I sit down with Bob Thompson, owner of Midway Deli in Norman. We discuss: When first signs of economic struggle hit Norman. How Sereta is pivoting Yellow Dog Coffee Company to meet shifting demand. Why being in close contact with your bank is critical right now. How to stay in touch with your customers in difficult times. How to grapple with the big unknowns in business right now. Tune in now...-Rick

Athena Captain had to build a sales and marketing system from scratch, one that was based 100% on referrals. She'll be the first to admit that it was no easy task. There were setbacks, serious missteps, and more.  But it was well worth it. Turner and Son Homes went from three referrals per quarter to 26 to 30 per month. That's in a very niche market that saw the emergence of 17 new competitors while she was developing her system, which she uses as Director of Sales and Marketing for Turner. These days she also helps clients set up their own personalized prospecting systems as part of her consulting and coaching practice. She says one of the most important things business owners must understand is that everybody in an organization is in sales in some way. We talk about what that means in practical terms, as well as…  The most important role you have as a business owner How to identify effective salespeople in the hiring process What you must realize about self-worth and achievement Why successful sales isn't about selling And more

Today on the podcast I'm joined by Deemah Ramadan, CEO of DBG Construction. We discuss: How starting her business as a "recession baby" prepared Deemah for dealing with what's happening today. The secret to getting through to the other side of this... Why you should turn off the news. Gracefully "releasing" people from your life when they're dragging you down. How Deemah is dealing with the #1 challenge she (and all of us) is facing right now. Tune in now...-Rick

In today's episode, we sit down with Rich Karlgaard, an American journalist, bestselling author, and award-winning entrepreneur and speaker. Rich was named publisher of Forbes magazine in 1998, and has written 3 amazing books:  Life 2.0: How People Across America Are Transforming Their Lives By Finding The Where Of Their Happiness (2004) The Soft Edge: Where Great Companies Find Lasting Success (2014) Late Bloomers: The Power of Patience In A World Obsessed With Early Achievement (2019) You're in for an absolutely fantastic interview as we chat with Rich about his inspiration for his books, early achievement, as well as… The late bloomer approach Sharing what you're really passionate about Rich's “faceplant” moment How blanket societal pressures on kids can do more harm than good 

Today on the podcast I'm joined by Russ Teubner and Jennie Lowe. Russ is the owner of Host Bridge Technology and Jennie is Russ' daughter--owner of Flow, a marketing consulting company based in California. We discuss: Why some businesses won't feel the impact of the current crisis for months. The challenge of decision-making while we're in the current fog. How to be nimble right now, to follow the new opportunities. Ways to test new offers right now. How to stay sane and focused in the midst of chaos. Tune in now...-Rick

In today's episode, we sit down with John Jantsch-- founder of Duct Tape Marketing, and author of a book by the same name. John has spent almost 3 decades as a business owner where his observation and documentation of the entrepreneurial lifestyle have led to success.“So I just at some point said, I have to create this process where I can walk in and kind of one sales call, say, here's what I'm going to do. Here's what you're going to do, here are the results we hope to get and here's what it costs,' says John on the origins of Duct Tape Marketing. We'll chat with John about what he may change if he had to start over, why he chose to go into marketing, and… What he's grateful for The advice he'd give aspiring and new entrepreneurs How he defines freedom, and The benefits of meditation for entrepreneurs

Today on the podcast I'm joined by Christin Mugg, an estate-planning attorney, and principal at Mugg-Winston Law. We discuss The practicalities of trying to keep your business viable during the lockdown. The critical need for personal estate planning (and having all the right documents in case you get seriously ill). The importance of setting up your business continuity documents so your business carries on, even if you or a partner becomes ill. The strange balance between optimistically looking towards the boom that will come after this crisis and the fear of facing the dramatic loss of business right now. The new opportunities and innovations that are emerging (even now) to change how you do business for the better.  Tune in now...

In today's episode, we sit down with Chad Watts and Branden Baxley, founders of Scars and Stripes Coffee, who aim to provide meaningful employment to veterans across the United States.“I didn't want to hurt a veteran, I wanted to help a veteran,” said Chad Watts as he was brainstorming his business. In order to do so, Chad and Branden decided to focus on rekindling the comradery veterans were once accustomed to in the service...with extraordinary results. We chat with Chad and Branden about their mission, their business model, their biggest hurdles, and... Onboarding new vendors and helping them launch How having systems in place make growth easier The biggest challenges they're continuing to overcome, and Their goal to reduce suicide rates among veterans

Today on the podcast I'm joined by Cory Miller. Cory's a seasoned and successful entrepreneur. We discuss our current thinking on the world crisis we're living through, plus... Why you need to find a group of entrepreneurs to talk with right now. Why entrepreneurs are the most equipped people to handle the chaos of the current situation. How you and I, as entrepreneurs, will lead society out of this challenge. Tune in now...Cory's ideas will help you process what's happening today and begin to chart your bigger future starting tomorrow.-Rick

Jim Holman was in the automotive industry for 50 years as a car salesman, dealership manager, car dealer, and more. He loved his work. He was instrumental in creating the famous Mary Kay cosmetics pink Cadillac program. One dealership he was involved in actually went public and had to answer to Wall Street.  It's been a rollercoaster. So he was ready for retirement. Of course, that doesn't mean he's not working.  In fact, he's developing a new business model to take advantage of an ongoing industry trend promoted by a particular automotive-minded billionaire. We explore that, as well as… Differentiating your business in a commodity industry Key differences between cash flow and profit that many businesspeople don't understand  The biggest mistakes business owners make when borrowing money The importance of downtime in any career And more