The Sharpen Podcast

This episode features Lindsay Howerton, owner of How Consulting LLC. Lindsay shares her extensive experiences in transforming organizations through effective leadership and strategic alignment, uncovering the profound impact of having a deep sense of purpose. Tune in to explore key insights into the significance of trust, cultural alignment, and overcoming fear to drive organizational success.

Drew Hiss, Chairman of Acumen, discusses his unique journey from founding Acumen to rejoining the CEO ranks within another organization. Dive into Drew's origin story, learning from entrepreneurial challenges and the critical role of community and wise counsel in achieving business success. Together, Drew and host Dan Cooper explore the values driving Acumen, the power of aligning peers with shared principles, and the innovative tools and strategies Drew implemented during his time as a CEO. Discover how Drew navigated organizational transformations, built a cohesive leadership team, and balanced the dynamics of personal faith and professional excellence. This episode offers rich insights into leadership, the journey of growth, and the transformative impact of staying connected to purpose and community in business endeavors.

Join us as we explore the future of business leadership and the integration of AI with special guest John Scott Dixon, CEO of Aidan Taylor Marketing. Discover practical strategies for upskilling your team and leveraging AI technologies to drive business success. Dixon shares insights from his course, 'Mastery of AI,' and discusses the transformative impact of AI on industries worldwide. Get ready to delve into the world of AI-driven innovation and learn how to position your business at the forefront of this technological revolution.

Growth Catalyst Russ Meinhardt shares about the complexities of professionalizing and eventually selling a family business. Learn how Russ rose from driving a forklift to leading the company, Old World Spices, and how he managed the intricate family dynamics along the way. Discover valuable lessons about growth strategies, dealing with private equity, and maintaining the family culture within a professional environment. Russ candidly shares his experiences of selling the business during the pandemic, the challenges of finding the right fit with private equity, and the emotional and strategic decisions involved in the process. This episode sheds light on integrating personal beliefs in business and offers key advice for those contemplating similar transitions.

Jeff Phillips, the Chief Lending Officer at Landmark National Bank and the Market President of Kansas City, shares his journey of becoming an intrapreneur within a banking organization, discovering the balance between working on the business versus in the business. Delve into Jeff's experiences and insights on leading a team, the transition from managing daily tasks to strategic planning, and how to cultivate a culture of learning and connection within a community-oriented financial institution. He reveals strategies for redefining personal success and prioritizing strategic thinking over routine tasks. Jeff and Dan also explore themes of mentorship, leadership, and fostering a supportive work environment driven by shared values and purpose. Tune in to uncover how faith and business intermingle and how you can transform your leadership style to become a force multiplier in your organization.

Fred Jentgen is launching a new Acumen team in Phoenix, Arizona! Fred shares his journey from a technology leader to an EOS implementer and founder of Unleashed Consulting Group. The conversation dives into the challenges and learning experiences Fred faced throughout his career, particularly leading through tragedy. He recounts the story of a key team member, Eric, who battled cancer at a young age, and how the team rallied together during this difficult time. Fred discusses the importance of role clarity, trust, and communication, and how these elements helped the team to persevere through adversity. Fred also touches on his personal faith journey and how it integrates with his professional life, offering hope and guidance during life's toughest moments. This episode is a deep dive into how leaders can prepare for and navigate through unexpected challenges while supporting their teams with empathy and understanding.

Nick Usher, President of GQue BBQ, delves into the intricacies of business growth. Discover how this barbecue brand, renowned for its authentic and high-quality offerings, has expanded from a single location to multiple outlets while maintaining its signature taste and culture. Nick shares invaluable insights on teaching the art of barbecue across various locations, handling exponential growth, and ensuring consistency in quality and customer experience. He emphasizes the importance of hiring from the heart, building a resilient support system, and developing emergency plans to tackle unforeseen challenges. This episode is rich with lessons on leadership, employee empowerment, and strategic planning that business owners across industries can apply for sustainable growth.

What does it take to follow your calling, build a mission-driven organization, and impact the highest court in the land? In this episode, host Dan Cooper sits down with Kelly Shackelford, CEO of First Liberty Institute, to explore the leadership principles behind his work defending religious freedom. Kelly shares how he navigated the choice between ministry and law, the unique business model that has propelled First Liberty's success as the largest legal nonprofit in the United States, and the long-term strategy that has led to pivotal Supreme Court victories. Along the way, he offers powerful insights on staying the course in the face of challenges and leading with conviction. This episode is an eye-opener for business leaders and anyone passionate about maintaining the freedom to practice faith openly. Gain valuable insights and motivation as Kelly Shackelford shares his vision for preserving religious liberties for future generations.

The latest episode of the Sharpen Podcast, hosted by Steve Van Diest, features a compelling conversation with Rick McCullough, a seasoned leader with over 40 years of experience in the business world. Rick shares his journey from leading public companies to finding his purpose in giving back to the community. This episode delves into the challenges of maintaining creativity in a corporate environment and the art of building consensus for strategic growth. Rick opens up about a critical turning point in his life that reshaped his approach to career and leadership. He also offers valuable insights on how to align corporate goals with team objectives and navigate through high-stake business decisions with integrity and empathy. For business leaders looking to enhance their strategies and understand the impact of strong cultural values, this episode is an enlightening listen.

Join host Dan Cooper as he sits down with Jon Schram, a successful serial entrepreneur known for selling the same company three times. Discover the significance of branding, exemplified by Jon's company, The Purple Guys, and learn how a simple color transformed into a memorable brand. Jon shares his intriguing journey — from the humble beginnings of unique branding strategies with purple shirts to executing successful business exits to different types of buyers. Understand the complexities and emotional aspects of selling a business and how Jon adapted to each sale, maintaining his attachment and evolving with every transition. This episode is a must-listen for business owners seeking inspiration, whether considering a company sale or enhancing their brand's presence. Gain insights into the value of simplicity in branding, achieving successful exits, and the importance of planning the next steps in business ventures.

Join Steve Van Diest as he hosts Dale Hahs, leader of AIS Industrial and Construction Supply. In this episode, they explore the challenges and triumphs of navigating an 80-year-old family business through technological, economic, and industry changes. Dale shares personal stories from his journey starting as an apprentice under his grandfather to stepping into the CEO role, and how his faith and leadership style guided the company through pivotal moments. Dale discusses the moments that defined his leadership, including transitions in industry practices and technology from the post-war era to today's digitized demands. He also touches on his preparation to pass the mantle to the next generation, emphasizing a foundation built on core values and continuous improvement. Discover how AIS adeptly balances heritage with innovation and learn valuable lessons from their story of resilience.

Join Dan Cooper as he delves into the world of Jack Stack Barbecue with CEO Travis Carpenter. In this episode, they explore the concept of "sacrificing sacred cows" in business, with a humorous nod to the barbecue industry. Discover how Travis led Jack Stack through transformative changes during COVID, including branching into grocery retail, embracing third-party delivery, and innovating with new menu offerings. Travis shares insights on navigating internal resistance to change, leveraging team input for successful adaptations, and maintaining a forward-thinking mindset in a complex business environment. Learn about Jack Stack's journey from a single Kansas City restaurant to a multi-faceted business with nationwide reach, and celebrate 50 years of flavor and innovation. Perfect for business owners and leaders looking for inspiration on growth, adaptability, and creating a lasting impact. Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with practical advice and a passion for barbecue.

David Riggs, a seasoned business leader and CEO of Pneuma, discusses the transformative power of listening to clients in the business world. This episode explores whether ego can interfere with our ability to truly hear our clients' needs and how businesses can thrive by prioritizing client feedback. David Riggs shares insights from his diverse career, highlighting his journey from corporate finance to founding Pneuma, a rapidly growing SEO, paid search, and website development firm. He emphasizes the importance of understanding customers' problems deeply and solving them effectively, advocating for a business model that goes against the grain of automation and embraces personalized client interactions. Throughout the conversation, David and Steve delve into how listening to clients has shaped Pneuma's success, informed its growth into two major hubs in Denver and Indiana, and driven its client-focused approach. They also discuss the psychology of consumer behavior, the significance of customer feedback in refining marketing strategies, and the balance between entrepreneurial ambition and client satisfaction. In the latter part of the episode, David opens up about his personal journey, sharing how his faith and values guide his leadership style and company culture. He emphasizes the importance of servant leadership, shared purpose, and supporting employees' personal aspirations as keys to fostering a dynamic and thriving work environment. Join this insightful discussion to discover how listening to clients can lead to sustainable business growth and a fulfilling entrepreneurial journey.

Host Dan Cooper sits down with Curt Sampson, Head of Growth for Monarch Inventory Services and Growth Catalyst at Acumen, to explore the intricate relationship between CEOs and COOs. As these roles are often referred to as the 'visionary' and 'integrator,' understanding their dynamic is crucial for business growth and success. Curt shares insights from his diverse career, starting from his days with large corporations like Hallmark and Newell Rubbermaid to his journey as a consultant and entrepreneur. He delves into the importance of aligning visions, executing strategies, and maintaining healthy tension between the CEO and COO to drive business forward. The discussion touches on the significance of communication, setting clear objectives, and the role of core values in achieving alignment. Whether you're a CEO considering the need for an operator or a COO navigating your position, this episode offers valuable takeaways on building a successful leadership team.

Join Steve Van Diest, co-host of the Sharpen Podcast, as he dives into the intricacies of business acquisition with Jeremy Hunka, a member of the Summit team in Colorado. Jeremy, a former chemistry major turned entrepreneur, shares his journey of buying and running Summit Cabinet Coatings, a cabinet refinishing business in Northern Colorado. In this episode, Jeremy discusses the transition from commercial real estate to owning a small business, the challenges he faced, and the importance of building trust with his new team. He offers valuable insights for both aspiring business buyers and current business owners considering selling their companies. Discover the key criteria Jeremy looked for when purchasing a business, the significance of operational systems and company culture, and the personal growth he experienced through this entrepreneurial journey. Whether you're thinking about buying a business or preparing to sell, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration.

In this episode, host Dan Cooper and guest Mike Farag delve into the strategic integration of real estate into business operations. Mike is the owner of Fervor Marketing, a full-service marketing communications agency for Christian nonprofits. Mike shares his journey of diversifying his business portfolio by incorporating real estate, discussing the strategic benefits and challenges he faced along the way. From the inception of the idea to the creation of a purpose-built meeting space called the Bonhoeffer, Mike explains how owning real estate has provided new opportunities for client engagement and business growth. He also offers practical advice on navigating the complexities of commercial real estate, from cost segregation to environmental studies.

Steve Van Diest and Dennis Corsi dive into the "Goldilocks" principle in the context of mergers and acquisitions. Discover how Dennis, a seasoned business owner and Growth Catalyst, navigated through too hot, too cold, and just right acquisition attempts with his firm, Armstrong Consultants. Learn valuable lessons on the importance of communication, maintaining focus during due diligence, and the significance of peer community support. Dennis also shares his personal journey post-acquisition, emphasizing the importance of taking time off for reflection and growth. Whether you're a maverick business owner or someone considering the next chapter in your career, this episode offers insights and inspiration for achieving extraordinary outcomes in business and life.

In this episode, we delve into the journey of transitioning from a key executive role to becoming the CEO, especially when your name isn't on the door. Our guest today is Darin Heyen, the diligent and meticulous CEO of Pearce Construction, a company he bought from its founder, Don Pearce. Darin shares his unique journey from an entry-level project manager to the sole owner of a reputable construction company. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of managing a business where the legacy name remains, and the importance of building a brand-centric rather than person-centric company culture. Listen in as Darin recounts his relationship with Don Pearce, the intricate process of buying the company, and the lessons learned during a long transition period. Whether you're a key executive considering a buyout or a founder looking to sell, this episode offers valuable insights into making a successful transition and ensuring the longevity of your business.

Join Steve Van Diest, co-host of the Sharpen Podcast by Acumen, as he invites his wife, Christine Van Diest, to share about the unique challenges and rewards of being married to an entrepreneur! Christine, a business owner herself, shares her invaluable perspective and experiences from their 31-year journey together. Christine discusses the emotional and logistical hurdles of supporting an entrepreneurial spouse, especially during the early years of business startups. She offers practical advice on maintaining a balanced family life, effective communication, and the importance of personal growth for both partners. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurial couples seeking to thrive both in business and in their personal lives. Tune in for heartfelt insights and actionable tips to navigate the complexities of marriage and entrepreneurship.

In today's episode, Dan Cooper invites Ben Olsen of Tarsus CFO Services to delve into the often confusing world of financial roles within a business. We discuss the differences between a bookkeeper, a controller, and a CFO, and why understanding these distinctions is crucial for any business owner. With wit and expertise, Ben provides clear insights into how these roles contribute to a company's financial health and strategic growth. We explore topics such as the typical responsibilities of each financial role, when and why a business might need a controller versus a CFO, and the impact of efficient financial management on business decisions. Ben also shares practical advice for businesses experiencing growth pains and offers tips on how to assess your current financial setup to determine if you need additional expertise.

Join co-host Steve Van Diest as he sits down with Sean Taylor, co-founder of Cornerstone Christian Counseling. In this episode, they explore the intersection of business, ministry, and marriage, offering valuable insights for business owners and CEOs looking to grow and thrive. Sean shares his journey of starting a faith-based counseling practice with his wife, Angie, and the unique challenges and rewards of running a business as a couple. They discuss the importance of maintaining healthy boundaries between work and personal life and offer practical tips for couples who work together. Additionally, Sean delves into the significance of seeking professional counseling for business owners and their employees, highlighting when and why to consider it. This episode is packed with wisdom on balancing multiple roles, fostering healthy relationships, and achieving personal and professional growth. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that provides actionable advice for integrating faith and business, while also taking care of mental health. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate the complexities of business, ministry, and marriage.

Join us for another down-to-earth conversation packed with wisdom and humor! Dan Cooper interviews Levi Messer on his movement from a trailblazing, sales-superhero style of leadership to something more collaborative, humble, and sustainable. One key takeaway: the value (and necessity) of a strong operating system! Learn how Levi grew personally and professionally, built a strong leadership team, and embraced a mission to change people's eternity through his work. Discover insights and practical advice for business owners looking to achieve sustainable success.

We all strive to balance our personal and professional lives - but how much more challenging can that be when you're combatting the patterns modeled to you, when your business is growing by leaps and bounds, and when the joyfully chaotic life of a young family is complicated further by processes of adoption? What can it look like for balance and calm to prevail, even then? Steve Van Diest interviews Jonathan Hachmeister about his experience as the son of a founder, as the father of young children, and as the leader of a growing company in this episode of the Sharpen Podcast.

Our desire to add value to the world doesn't just vanish after we exit the business leadership seat. So what can a meaningfully productive retirement look like? Dan Cooper interviews Augie Grasis about his experience in this episode of the Sharpen Podcast.

Steve Van Diest interviews Justin Donat about his experience of twisting the classic business advice, "Hire out of your weaknesses," in negative ways.

Join Dan Cooper and Roper DeGarmo for a frank discussion of AI and its practical applications in the world of business leadership.

How can you ensure your marketing team is directly impacting the bottom line? What are the best and most profitable applications of AI in the marketing sphere? Robin Emiliani, Co-Founder & CMGO at Catalyst Marketing Agency, explores these questions and more in this insightful conversation with our co-host, Steve Van Diest.

Sean Miller, Chairman of the Miller Group, dives into succession planning, values-based business leadership, and how to set a company's next generation of leaders up for success in this insightful conversation with Acumen CEO Dan Cooper. Episode Summary 0:06-0:56 Dan Cooper introduces himself and his guest, Sean Miller, who recently transitioned from CEO to Chairman of the Miller Group in Kansas City. He sets up listeners for today's topic: succession strategy, especially in the context of a family-owned business, and setting the table for the next generation. 0:57-7:14 Sean Miller describes his insurance and employee benefits company and its history and services. He speaks to the recent transition in leadership to his niece, and recounts the story of his own unwilling transition into leadership, alongside his brother, when his father was diagnosed with terminal cancer. After briefly considering selling the company, Sean and his brother brought the business through many iterations before working with The Table Group to connect the organization deeply with its values, mission, and purpose. This transformative process changed the culture radically. Ever since, the Miller Group has consistently ranked as the Best Place to Work for their business size in Kansas City. Sean attributes much of this to the consistency of the business's values, which are maintained by retaining leadership within the family. 7:15-16:45 Dan clarifies that there are two different parts to Sean's transition puzzle: leadership and ownership. Sean agrees and focuses in on the leadership piece. His niece, Amber, came on board about 10 years ago and was quickly identified as a manager and leader, so Sean began handing her assignments. This included their smallest practice, the personal lines practice, which was marginal, not bringing in much revenue, and run by a problematic employee. Amber increased the revenue by 500% over three years, made it a profitable practice for the organization, and let go of the problematic employee. She proved she was able to identify and address challenges, so she was moved on to the next tricky side of the business, and then the next! She made all the right moves wherever she went, learning along the way and instilling the Miller values and culture. Sean began bringing in other leaders to support, and when he intentionally began to do less and less, he watched Amber rise to the occasion. He is proud to say she is respected for her merits and accomplishments far beyond her ownership of the Miller name, which isn't enough in a family-led business. Family businesses, Sean asserts, are tricky; you aren't just managing a business, but unique and complicated interpersonal relationships as well. He shares how the family members in the organization are able to have their own lanes, and talks about how he worked to transition some of his pieces over to others during his movement out of the CEO seat. Ultimately, he and his brother transitioned in a structured, intentional way that retained customers and processes successfully. 16:46-17:39 Dan summaries the best practices Sean put into place during the transition: mentorship, trusting the successor with challenges, accurately identifying the areas of high potential while also moving the successor from area to area for practice, and ultimately removing the previous CEO from his seat as the “hub”of the organization. 17:40-21:18 Dan asks about the heart piece of Sean's transition: how did he know, in both his head and his heart, that it was time to transition? Sean shares that his executive team and the Miller family had a strategic planning meeting about 5 years ago when everyone wrote down on a card where they wanted the company to be, in terms of their revenue, in 10 years. Both he and his brother had put smaller numbers than anyone else, indicating that their interest in growth had deeply waned. This told him it was time to hand things off to the next generation! He also shared about his love of mentorship as he's aged, and the greater joy he finds in watching the next generation make wins than he even did in his own. 21:19-26:22 In terms of the ownership transition, Sean shares that they transitioned 1% to each of their kids a few years back, just as his father had done with Sean and his brother. His father had gifted them a portion of ownership, and then allowed them to purchase the company over several years through donations to the donor-advised fund, so they've done the same with their own children. They are now determining what to do next: possibly a 10 year compensation agreement, since the children can't yet afford to buy them out? Figuring this out is the goal for the year. He points to a parallel example he'd heard of, where two brothers wound up in a lawsuit against each other when one chose to change his process with his own children versus his brothers. Sean and his brother talk about that situation frequently as a cautionary tale, with the key takeaway being that ownership needs to be kept equal between the business-active children, with ownership staying no higher than 5% for those not active in the business. 26:23-27:25 Dan queries: who's on the deal team, in such a complicated process? Sean shares that they have consulted everyone from consultants and psychologists to accountants and estate planning attorneys. 27:26-27:52 Sean and Dan discuss the importance of starting the transition plan very early. 27:53-30:05 Dan asks Sean to share final tips. Sean emphasizes the importance of maintaining relationships. He asserts that the family members in the process need to know each other well and meet frequently and regularly. He also believes in the important of not talking about business at family events, of not tripping over each other and getting in one anothers' lanes, and of the benefits of growing, as it gives a wider range of opportunities for the different family members. Communication, of course, is also key. 30:06-33:40 Dan asks Sean about his faith's impact on his story and the Miller Group's business. Sean shares that the group's purpose is to serve and help others for the greater glory of God. That statement is even on his dad's tombstone! They also place God, family, and community first, with that statement on the wallpaper in their lobby. They are upfront about that when they hire people - that they incorporate prayer and the Bible in their daily routines. Faith is a huge part of the company's culture, and they are explicit about it! 33:41-35:26 Dan asks how Sean is improving himself currently, and Sean shares more about his new role as Growth Catalyst at Acumen, and his work on fundraising for his diocese. He wants to continue adding value to the lives and community around him, beyond his role as CEO of the Miller Group. 35:27-36:33 Dan closes out by requesting Sean's contact information. Website: millercares.com Sean's mobile number: 816-686-9046 Sean's email: seanm@millercares.com Dan shares more information about learning more about Acumen at acumenimpact.com.