Podcast appearances and mentions of houston business journal

In this essential episode, we dive deep into the Profit First methodology and its game-changing impact on medical practices. Susanne Mariga, fractional CFO and co-author of "Profit First for Minority Business Enterprises," shares how implementing a simple five-bank-account system can create intentional profitability while improving patient care. This conversation addresses the critical gap in business education for medical professionals and offers practical solutions for building sustainable, profitable practices. Key Points: The traditional accounting equation (revenue - expenses = profit) often leads to practice owners working for free How the Profit First system creates intentional profitability through designated bank accounts Why profitable practices deliver better patient care and attract top talent The importance of building business value for eventual sale or retirement Practical steps for implementing Profit First, starting with small, manageable changes How automated banking systems can help enforce profitability The connection between practice profitability and work-life balance Resource Highlight: "Profit First for Minority Business Enterprises" by Susanne Mariga and Mike Michalowicz Each book purchase supports girls' education in Zimbabwe through Hope Worldwide Includes specific strategies for implementing Profit First Features tax strategy and pricing guidance for business owners Susanne's Bio: Susanne Mariga is a CPA and Fractional CFO specializing in high net worth tax strategies for 7 and 8 figure entrepreneurs using the Profit First System.  Susanne is the CEO of The Mariga Group which is a Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business, the 2021 Profit First Professional Firm Of The Year, and a recipient of the 2011 Houston Minority Supplier Development E-10 Award.  Susanne has been featured in the Houston Business Journal, MBE Magazine, and in a variety of other media outlets. She is the author of Kirkus reviewed and Publisher's Weekly's Editor's Pick, Profit First For Minority Business Enterprises which was written in collaboration with Mike Michalowicz, under the Profit First brand. She is the host of the Profit Talk Podcast.   Before founding her own firm, Susanne worked at Arthur Andersen LLP, as well as one of the Big 4 firms, KPMG.  Combining her industry knowledge with her own experience of growing a small business has allowed Susanne to help her clients design unique, profit-first based business plans that ensure success and long-term financial stability. As a Certified Profit First Professional (PFP) at the Mastery Level, she is passionate about helping entrepreneurs maximize their revenue, grow their business, and save dollars through sound tax strategies.   Find Susanne: Profit First for Minority Business Enterprises Company Website LinkedIn Susanne's Website Connect With Us: Be a Guest on the Show Thriving Practice Community Schedule Strategy Session with Tracy Tracy's LinkedIn Business LinkedIn Page Thriving Practice Community Instagram  

On Monday's show: State government can move fast or slow. Consider the speed with which the Texas Senate passed a bill calling for public schools to display the Ten Commandments, and how, so far, Gov. Greg Abbott seems to be slow playing what should be a simple call for a special election in a Houston-area Congressional district. News 88.7's Andrew Schneider updates us on both stories.Also this hour: We discuss the latest developments in residential real estate here in Greater Houston, which has long been a seller's market, with the help of Florian Martin of the Houston Business Journal and real estate agent Kristin Pomroy.Then, columnist Dwight Silverman talks about some recent developments in consumer technology.And Jeff Balke tells us about the UH Cougars men's basketball team making its sixth straight appearance in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament and updates us on Houston sports.

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Zane Carson Carruth is an award-winning international children's book author, a certified business etiquette and protocol professional and sits on numerous non-profit boards in Houston, TX as well as the Vice President of Carruth Foundation. Zane serves on the SPCA board of directors, Discovery Green Conservancy, TUTS (Theatre Under the Stars) and previously on The Houston Grand Opera Board for 6 years.Carruth has been honored to be named an ABC13 Woman of Distinction for 2020, Top Inspiring Woman Impact Maker for 2020, an honoree of The Houston Business Journal's Women Who Mean Business Award, named one of the March of Dimes Houston's Best Dressed 2023 recipients, and St Jude's Woman of Philanthropy for Houston TX 2021.She and her husband Brady were named Houston Treasures 2022 and Houston Heros 2023 by Texas Children's Hospital. She was also honored to serve as First Lady of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for the 2021 to 2023 season, when her husband, Brady Carruth was Chairman of the Board of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.She currently hosts a Live Broadcast titled Elegance, Polished Demeanor & Posh Living on USA GLOBAL TV & RADIO in Partnership with E360 TV the last Thursday of each month. She won the USA GLOBAL TV & RADIO 2023 Rising Star Host award for her very successful broadcast.LATEST BOOK: ABELLA AND THE HAUNTED HOUSE: Abella and Darcie befriend a haunted house and the ghost that lives there. Thanks to Abella's quick thinking and determined nature, they save the big, haunted house from being torn down. And in the process, make new friends in the weirdest places! Never underestimate the can-do spirit of these two little fairies.  http://WorldsFirstToothFairy.comhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWYx5e7rYZI

In this episode, Lisa and Sharon discuss:What sets the Birkman Method apart is different from other assessments for college and career clarity.How your teen can use the Birkman as a starting point to understand themself - not just academically, but also to their environment and others.How narrowing options can increase confidence and lead to more satisfying career choices.Why focusing on the “next first step” rather than a “forever future” can ease the pressure when planning for college and beyond.Key Takeaways: Birkman is unique because it pinpoints the motivations behind behaviors without burdening students with multiple questionnaires.Our needs and expectations are like the roots of a tree - they ground us and influence our personal health and well-being.Things you enjoy during personal time are just as crucial as work for long-term fulfillment.The Birkman system funnels all career possibilities into fewer select paths so your teen has options that are most likely to work for them. “It's a broad world out there of career opportunities. If you look at your top three or four percentiles of interest, those are going to be excellent cues about a healthy direction for you to head, whether it's something that you do on the side that makes you happy, or whether it's included in your day job.” – Sharon BirkmanEpisode Reference: Is now the right time for your teen's College Major and Career Planning? flourishcoachingco.com/quiz About Sharon Birkman: Sharon Birkman began her role as Birkman International's President and CEO in 2002, becoming Chairman in 2022. As the daughter of company founder and influential industrial-organizational psychologist, Dr. Roger W. Birkman, Sharon cultivated her deep expertise in human perception and organizational behavior through her lifelong interest in The Birkman Method. Before succeeding Dr. Birkman as CEO, Sharon served in several roles including VP Corporate Relations, Training, and Career Coaching. Sharon's leadership has been instrumental in ushering in a new era of product development, technology, and training initiatives during a time of unprecedented growth. In this period, Sharon and the business have been recognized with a multitude of awards. These include EY's Entrepreneur of the Year in 2016, the Women President's Organization's Mary Lehman MacLachlan Award for Economic Empowerment in 2017, Houston's Best and Brightest Places to Work For from 2014-2019, National Best and Brightest Places to Work For (2014-2018), the Houston Business Journal's Women Who Mean Business Award in 2017 and 2018, and as a Houston Power 50 Woman Leader in 2018.Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret). flourishcoachingco.com/video Connect with Sharon:Website: https://birkman.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-birkman-fink/ Connect with Lisa:Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingcoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

As a new recruitment business owner, how much do you invest in marketing and personal branding? Is the ROI worth it?   Our special guest, Sarah Englade, explained how she scaled to $1.5m in revenue in 18 months with the help of LinkedIn personal branding. She shared her strategies and how she overcame struggles when creating content, which can be helpful if you also find value in content creation.   Sarah Englade is the Owner & Founder of Monarch Talent Solutions, a boutique executive search firm specializing in senior roles in accounting, finance, and human resources throughout Houston, TX.    Before launching Monarch Talent Solutions in 2020, Sarah gained nearly a decade of recruiting and leadership experience at two global recruiting firms. Between 2012-2020, she successfully placing over 2,800 candidates and generating millions in revenue.    Now, Sarah is focused on humanizing the recruiting process, driven by her firm's core values.    Episode Outline and Highlights   [02:42] How Sarah got into recruiting by accident and how she excelled before launching her firm. [08:15] Understanding contributing factors to burnout in staffing and how to mitigate it early. [11:11] Keys to Sarah becoming a top producer. [13:15] The remarkable story of Monarch's launch during the pandemic. [20:17] Three action items kept Sarah going during the first 6 months of Monarch. [24:27] Sarah's book recommendations. [26:24] Journey and strategies in building a personal brand through LinkedIn. [36:33] Are you intimidated to do video content? Sarah shares her process. [41:48] What is the ROI in content and personal brand marketing? [48:21] Other elements that contribute to Monarch's successes on top of personal branding. [54:30] “You always have to be a student of learning” [56:16] Quick fire questions: Tech Stack and Metrics that matter for Sarah, and keys to resilience.   Three Steps That Keep Monarch On-Track in the First Six Months When Sarah launched Monarch during the pandemic, things were not as smooth sailing as expected. Most people would think that the first three months would get them positive traction, but for Sarah, it had already been around six months, and still, not much was happening. She started the company without a book of business and minimal business development experience.   If you are a new recruitment business owner, Sarah's insights on the three things that kept her going can be helpful. Sarah focused on three key things to keep her business going for the first six months:   Self-development and mindset: Sarah dedicated herself to reading books, listening to podcasts, and staying disciplined to work on her mindset and conquer her feelings of inferiority. She focused on personal growth and overcoming self-doubt. Metrics and consistency: She believed in using metrics to track her progress and committed herself to hitting her numbers. Sarah stayed consistent by posting her goals on a board, reviewing them daily, and compounding her activity to build confidence. Seeking mentors: Despite facing challenges finding local mentors, Sarah sought out mentors in business and recruiting from other parts of the United States. She leaned on their support and advice to navigate challenges and stay motivated in her entrepreneurial journey.   Strategies for Building a Personal Brand Through LinkedIn   A key discussion topic that resonated with me was Sarah's emphasis on personal branding and her strategies for building a brand through LinkedIn.   “As a new business owner you have to really be very smart with your money. But I always say this to people that scared money doesn't make money. As you know you have to spend money to make it. Like part of my budget and part of what's worked for me and my business model over the years has 100% been investing in marketing.”   Sarah was not a LinkedIn expert, as she had just explored it as recently as she started her business. She also is not as fond of being in videos as many of us are. She even gets a lot of bashers and trolls. Nevertheless, it doesn't stop her from consistently posting meaningful content!    Here are some takeaways shared in terms of strategies and processes Sarah used for creating and posting LinkedIn videos:   Quarterly video shoots with 20 videos created each time. Videos based on real conversations with her network to provide value. Content sourced from suggestions and personal experiences as a recruiter. Daily preparation: Early morning content creation on the day of recording by reviewing notes and conversations. Consistency in content creation: Maintaining a positive and helpful tone in videos. Continuous improvement: Embracing feedback and learning from each video to boost confidence and quality over time.   Long-term ROI from Content and Personal Brand Marketing   How much Sarah invested in marketing and building her personal brand benefited her business tremendously. It leads to client relationship building and trust from candidates that the best headhunter in their niche is handling them. Beyond that, Sarah and I believe personal branding has a more long-term ROI than you can measure. I think that Sarah explained it well:   “I think it varies on what you look at as the return on that investment. So for me, I'm a new business owner. I'm just coming up to four years. You know, many people think there's overnight success when you start any kind of company, especially in terms of staff and space, especially if you have experience. And I'm telling the truth about, you know, branding, you have to have the brand now because the first thing we all do is when we're looking up anything, whether it's a doctor, a restaurant, whatever it is, we google things, right? So we google to see credibility and that builds trust when we start seeing the reviews and people and all that good stuff. So in the very beginning, it is going to seem exhausting. You're going to be like, what is this even bringing to me?  Over time, it's going to help people find you. So that's the return. So it's not overnight. There is literally no elevator here to success. You have to take the stairs and this is part of that now. So I can honestly say that in the very beginning, I saw the return almost immediately and then it started to go like this a little and then it started to blow up again. And that's recruiting. It's like this. So the biggest thing for me is the reason why I continue and commit to creating this content. It's because we're in a down market, and we're not staying here. So when the market goes like this, I want them to remember my face, my name, my brand, and my company. And hopefully, with putting out as much content as I'm putting out, they do. So that's the whole return on it, which is making sure that you're staying front and center, no matter what kind of market we're actually in. “   Sarah Englade Bio & Contact Info   Sarah Englade is the Owner & Founder of Monarch Talent Solutions, a boutique executive search firm specializing in senior-level and mid-executive-level direct-hire roles in accounting, finance, and human resources throughout Houston, TX. Sarah serves as an executive headhunter within the firm, partnering with local high-performing companies to grow their teams. She also offers candidates career resources, including resume, interview support, job market trend updates, local continuing education opportunities, and more.    Before launching Monarch Talent Solutions in 2020, Sarah gained nearly a decade of recruiting and leadership experience at two global recruiting firms. In her roles, she was regularly recognized as a top producer, successfully placing over 2,800 candidates between 2012 and 2020 and generating millions in revenue. Now, Sarah is focused on humanizing the recruiting process, driven by her firm's core values.    Sarah volunteers at Dress for Success Houston, is a Greater Houston Women's Chamber of Commerce (GHWCC) member and has been a nominee for Houston Business Journal's 40 Under 40 from 2022-2024. Sarah has also been featured in several media outlets, including Shoutout HTX, Voyage Houston, GoSolo, CanvasRebel Magazine, Houston Made, Forbes Magazine for Houston's Extraordinary Women in Business, and LFN Network's Breaking The Silence Talk Show.   Sarah on LinkedIn Monarch Solutions website link Monarch Solutions on YouTube Monarch Solutions on Instagram - @monarchtalenthtx   People and Resources Mentioned   The Compound Effect - Darren Hardy Fanatical Prospecting - Jeb Blount Relationships First - Emily Frisella Claude.ai Rusty Gates Media Bullhorn Dripify   Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter If you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.  

In this episode of Building Texas Business, I sit down with Chantell Preston, CEO of Facilities Management Group. She takes us through her journey of transforming the healthcare industry - from an unexpected start managing facilities to founding Mentis Neuro Rehabilitation. Chantell's strategic moves in positioning her company through the pandemic era offer key leadership lessons. We discuss her transition in fostering trust and respect amongst staff, vital for a positive culture, especially in difficult times. Her reflections on setbacks emphasize emotional readiness for both failures and leadership burdens. Wrapping up on a lighter note of future dreams, from travel adventures to family time, Chantell offers a well-rounded portrait of an impactful leader. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS Chantell Preston shares her unexpected entry into the healthcare industry and how it led to her role in developing numerous healthcare facilities across Texas. We discuss Chantell's experience founding and successfully exiting Mentis Neuro Rehabilitation, a company focused on traumatic brain injury patients. Chantell explains her strategic decisions and leadership style transformation during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the shift from an authoritarian to a collaborative approach. We explore the importance of trust, respect, and open communication in maintaining a positive team culture, especially during challenging times. Chantell recounts the lessons learned from entrepreneurial setbacks, including the emotional toll of difficult business decisions and the significance of building strong relationships. We discuss the tactical choices made to support frontline workers and expand service lines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chantell reflects on her evolution from a closed-off, authoritative leader to a compassionate and empathetic one, inspired by her business partner's example. We talk about the challenges and liberation of breaking societal norms as a female leader and the importance of achieving work-life integration. Chantell shares her personal dreams of travel and family time, highlighting the difficulty of balancing a busy work schedule with personal aspirations. We discuss the advice Chantell gives to young entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of focus, having a supportive team, and being ready to pivot when necessary. LINKSShow Notes Previous Episodes About BoyarMiller About Facilities Management Group GUESTS Chantell PrestonAbout Chantell TRANSCRIPT (AI transcript provided as supporting material and may contain errors) Chris: In this episode, you will meet Chantell Preston, CEO of Facilities Management Group. Chantell is a self-described risk taker who emphasizes the importance of establishing trust and respect in building a strong company culture. Chantell, I want to thank you for coming on Building Texas Business. I appreciate you taking the time. Chantell: Thanks, Chris. I appreciate you inviting me to come on. Chris: So let's just kick this off by telling us a little bit about Facilities Management Group, the company you're currently CEO of. Chantell: Sure, so Facilities Management Group. We're really a platform company. We own and operate healthcare facilities throughout Texas. Initially, when I took it on, we had a hospital in Las Vegas, but we divested that and sold that to a local system there, and so now our main facilities are here in the Texas market. Chris: Okay, and I know this isn't your first venture in the healthcare space Tell us a little bit about how you got involved or found yourself being an executive in the healthcare industry. Chantell: Sure, it's kind of an interesting story, chris. I don't think any of us know when we graduate from college where we're going to end up in life, and I can truly tell you I never thought it would be health care. So you know, straight out of school I got a great opportunity to go to work for a small company that was developing ambulatory surgery centers. Didn't know anything about ambulatory surgery centers but I knew the folks that were in the organization. So took the leap of faith and I just wanted to learn every aspect. I felt like if? How could I go out and sell things if I didn't realize or understand how they were operated? So took the opportunity to really dive into the health care and learn both the development aspect as well as the operational aspect. Best thing I ever did. From there just kind of soared, I became very niched in regards to building healthcare facilities. I've built over 65 hospitals in my career, whether they're LTACs, rehabs, full acute care hospitals, linear accelerators. So I just kind of found a niche. I really enjoyed watching something from concept to operations. However, I got to a certain point in my life I decided I didn't want to be a consultant forever. So my previous partner and I started a company called Atlantic Health Group. We were going to be a surgery center company. We realized the market was saturated at that point, so we started a company called Mentis Neuro Rehabilitation. Mentis was assisted living rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury patients. To be honest, we really didn't know much about it when we started. We built an amazing team to operate the company for us and then we realized how much need there was for traumatic brain injury patients, so we continued down that path. I continued to build facilities to generate revenue, to build Mentus, so we didn't have to raise huge capital. So we bootstrapped everything together and we took Mentus from concept to exit in 2015. Chris: Wow. Chantell: So we exited the mid-market. And then comes back to what are you going to do with your life from there? So I really stayed for about a year and realized that just my heart wasn't in it anymore. Things changed. We built such an amazing culture, so really focused on what was the next phase of my life. That's when I ended up taking over facilities management group. One of my partners that was operating the entity got ill and so I stepped up and said I'll take over, and that's when we really developed Facilities Management Group. At that point, we had a lot of individual facilities running independently of each other and we wanted to build a platform company that we could have some synergistic services across all facilities. So that was 2018. And so that was a great ride. I learned a lot. Six months after I took over, covid hit so you can only imagine what happens with the hospital industry when that happens? Chris: Yeah, I'm sure there's. We'll get into that because there has to be a lot of good stories there, but I can't help but notice that, as you told, that is, you talked about being thrown in cold, knowing nothing about the industry healthcare that is but then you found yourself evaluating opportunities for surgical centers and then the mental health, brain injury type of facilities that you mentioned. I want to talk about what type of processes did you go through, and or with your partners, to evaluate the opportunities when you're like, okay, what's next or what else can we do? What are some of the things that you found to be valuable and useful in going through that process, as well as maybe some of the things you wish you hadn't done? Chantell: Sure, Great question, chris. You know, as we all go through our career, we, you know, we try to evaluate things. Everybody looks at things very differently and you know you probably say I'm a calculated risk taker. So, again, I wanted to be able to find a path where, you know, my number one was I wanted to help people. You know, I think most of us get into health care because we have this naivety that we really, you know we can make a change in the world, and I think we do, just maybe different than what we anticipate when we go in. So I think it's really about when I would look at each of the opportunities that came up. You know, again started at a small company and I wanted to learn as much as I could, and then I got recruited from there. Once I found a niche for myself, I didn't really have to go looking for jobs. People would come to me, but then it was like, okay, I learned some hard knocks at the same time as to going to work for folks, because they throw a lot of money at you or they say, oh, we're going to create this amazing environment, and then you get in and you realize this is not really a productive place for me to be and in those situations you just try to take, learn everything you can, you know, gain as much experience and knowledge, because I look at everything as a stepping stone to the next place. So when we, you know, when we started Atlantic, it was kind of an interesting scenario because I had a ton of development partners that I had already established that I was working for as an independent consultant. I didn't really want to be a consultant forever. I wanted to build something, I wanted to have some security. So I actually talked my partner, my business partner, into leaving his organization because he had a skill set that I didn't have. So he was really more around the finance side of things, operationally, and I was really more the development aspect. And so you know, and I was really more the development aspect, and so you know, I think it's really important when people look at their careers, a everything in life is a stepping stone to the next thing. I mean, you have to look at it that way. What can I get out of this particular situation to advance my overall objectives later? Chris: Sure. Chantell: But also who you're getting in bed with and I speak a lot to entrepreneurs. It's really important to pick your partners wisely. And when you say your partners, you know I tell people it's like a marriage. Oh well, we're best friends. We're never going to, you know, get sideways with each other. Well, it is important that when you're going into a partnership, you know even a company is what's it going to look like if we got divorced? I look at everything as it's kind of like a marriage. Chris: No, no, Look, I advise clients all the time into the same thing. You know, be careful, Don't do 50-50 unless you have a good deadline provision. But it is they are. I can attest from being on the litigation side of these things. They are truly business divorces when they go south, and we always tell people it's better to invest up front to getting your documents right. You don't want to think you and your best friends could ever go south, but there's a reason. There's a bunch of law firms and lawyers that stay busy because that's what happens. Chantell: Right, and I was fortunate not to go through that. To be honest, it was just, I was very cognizant and I think when I was younger I didn't realize the value I brought. So I felt like safety was in numbers, right, and sometimes we create an environment around us because it makes us feel protected and then at the end of the day you go, wait a minute, what about me? And so you know again, lessons learned. You know, we also have a tendency, you know, adhd. We're all entrepreneurs. We like to do lots of different things. You know a few mistakes that we made along the way was we started getting into things that we didn't know too much about, because it was the shiny penny oh this is great, let's go do this and then, oh my God, we would either lose a ton of money. You know a lot of headaches. We didn't stay focused on our core business and it kind of school of hard knocks a little bit. It took us a little bit of time to realize that, hey, we need to solely focus on, you know, our core business, mentis, and let's stop messing around with all this other stuff that seems like it's fun and exciting. Let's stay focused on our core business until we reach. You know what we were hoping to accomplish. Chris: That's great advice. The discipline of staying focused on your core and what you do best can't be overstated. So many people lose their way because of the distractions, and you're right. They end up costing more money than you expected and taking more of your time away, and it takes it away from your core, so then it suffers. Chantell: That's right, and people don't realize. You know, time is the one thing we'll never get back in life, and so if you're looking and focusing your attention on something else, what are you losing at your core business? And I see a lot of entrepreneurs and a lot of people oh, I want to go do this and this. Again, we did it Not successful, but we did it. And so now, when I'm looking at things and where do I want to go next, it's where do I want to spend my time, knowing that if I spread myself too thin or too many things, I won't be as successful as I want to be. Chris: Yeah, that's great advice. I hope people are taking notes on that. So let's go back. You kind of left us a minute ago taking over the reins at FMG, right before COVID hits. Obviously, you have to manage through that in the healthcare space. Take us back to that time. What were some of the things that you learned, having to manage through such an uncertain period of time? Chantell: When I took over FMG there was a couple things that identified very quickly. Again, they were all running as independent facilities and there was no collaboration and really the culture there was no culture. You know, in my previous organization with Mentis and a lot of the companies I've been involved with, culture was huge. You know, you wanted people to want to be there and fortunately we were able to quickly build a culture that we felt and it was actually proven true through COVID that people wanted to be there. You know I was very visible in our facilities. I wanted people to know me, I wanted to hear what they had to say. As a new CEO coming in, you know, tell me how can we help you do your job more effectively? How can we help you be happier? You know, looking at things in a different perspective, other than you need to be here nine to five every day, do exactly what we want, right? You know, when COVID hit, the uncertainty of everything I mean we were. Some of my facilities were emergency rooms at the time, some of them were hospitals. You know we had limited staff, we had limited services. You know, when COVID hit it was really interesting because with the unknown of nobody really understanding the magnitude of what was happening. It was decisions on a day to day basis. Right, you know, everything was a crisis every single day. It was a very time for me, as a leader, to figure out how could I continue to hold on to this culture that we had built so we didn't lose staff, right? So, but also giving our staff the ability to take a break every once in a while, even though we didn't really have folks to fill in for them, in for them. So it was a time that we really had to bond together. And again, me being in our facilities during that time, even though I really couldn't do much to help, but at least showing my face, saying hey, I'm here with you and I'm standing beside you, especially on some of those hard decisions, I think made a big difference for our success. Chris: Yeah, you raised an interesting point there because first of all, I mean I it's been four years and maybe the memories start to fade but health care frontline workers, right, that was ground zero for the response. So I can only imagine the taxing environment for your employees. Most CEOs can be there shoulder to shoulder with their employees and maybe actually get in, you know, step in on the manufacturing line or pick up something and help out in the shop, and if you're not a licensed physician or a PA or a nurse, you can't right, you couldn't do the work, you could just be there to encourage them. Chantell: That had to be a challenge. You know you're right, because we just want to jump in and help and but there was a lot of things that what I could do and again you know, spirits high, helping clean, I mean there was, you know, again it wasn't above anybody. We had to kind of all throw hands in, all hands on deck, to help out in any aspect. And so we did what we could to try to motivate and try to help give people some breaks and give them the resources that they needed, and that was a big thing. That we did was just trying to get the resources that they needed, and so it was a trying time, but again we came across. You know, as a CEO, I wanted to be able to expand our service lines because we knew what was coming. And you know, after we got kind of settled in and we realized this was going to be a longer, a longer path than we thought, we converted all of our ERs into hospitals so we could provide additional service lines. So there was things that we could do on the strategic and on the management side where we weren't necessarily in the trenches, but yet it provided our staff some amazing resources that they needed. Chris: So you talked about culture and how important it is. It doesn't have to necessarily be at FMG, but just in your role as a leader. What are some of the things that you have done to try to build that positive, sounds like collegial team environment type of culture at the various organizations you've been? I mean, is it kind of the same playbook every time, or you know? If so, what is it? And if it's changed, how do you adapt? Funny question I'm just going to. I'll give you a quick story. You know? If so, what is it? And if it's changed? Chantell: how do you adapt? Funny question. I'm just going to give you a quick story. You know there's a lot of people that have been with me for the last 10, over 10 years, so they've seen me kind of develop as a better leader as I've gotten a little bit older. So in my old days, I have to tell you I was probably very authoritarian, very dictatorship it's my way, no way. And leadership, it's my way, no way. And then, as I've gotten a little bit older and through you know my role at FMG I realized I can't continue to lead like this. This is not how to get the most productivity out of my staff, and so I changed a lot in regards to how to build a culture. And so now you know people will tell you these are the four principles I use authenticity, I want to build trust and respect. You know again, you know I'm going to be very direct with individuals. I don't beat around the bush and I think anybody that knows me knows that. Collaboration I want people to have the ability to have a say. I want them to take ownership. You know used to as my way. You know we're going to do things my way. Now it's let talk about it Because, in today's world, I want my staff members they're there for a reason and that's to come together in a path or a process that everyone feels like is going to be beneficial to the organization. Now, it doesn't mean I won't give them my thoughts, but again, that collaboration and that belonging, I want them to feel like they're part of the team. Whether you and I both know, in an organization everyone's valuable and I want everyone to realize how valuable each member is and where they fit within that organization. Authenticity, trust, collaboration yeah, those are communication too, you know. Chris: Oh, for sure. Chantell: We used to be like we wouldn't tell anybody anything, you know, just say here's our goals, to go do them. Now we really talk about why you know and really have those hard conversations about this is you know the company. And when we went through COVID I know everybody's tired of hearing the COVID stories, but when we went through COVID, you know we would tell them hey, this is why we're doing this. And it wasn't just oh, they're causing us all these headaches. You know they're pushing stuff down. No, it was. We're doing it because of X, y and Z, and that made people appreciate it a little bit more, versus us just shoving things down. Chris: Yeah. Chantell: And so I think communication is a big one as well. Chris: Couldn't agree more. I mean, I think you know, at the end of the day, all those things sound really good and are important, but if you're not communicating effectively, it won't matter. That's right. So, something that occurred to me, I want you to talk a little bit about being innovative, because I know for sure at FMG, because I just know enough about the story that in the middle of all that y'all did some pretty innovative things that other competitors of yours weren't doing. That required some really quick on the fly decisions to get some innovative things going. So tell us about that. It helped the patients and it helped your facility. Chantell: Sure, you know, one of the perks of dealing with a smaller organization is we can make quick decisions. So when all of this was happening, you know we did have to get innovative in regards to how we were running tests, how we were treating the patients, what we were doing when we couldn't find patients higher level of care. So there was a lot of innovation that we did, you know, whether it was streamlining our processes, whether it was, you know, the equipment that we were bringing in to try to mitigate certain things. I mean, there was a lot of stuff that we did that if we weren't going through that time, we probably wouldn't have been forced to do so quickly, if that makes sense. And so there was some stuff that we tried to do in regards to you know, I'm trying to think of some specifics. A lot of it's around the labs and the testing side of making sure that our patients are being treated in-house versus having to send things out. I mean, we just tried to do everything we could to control our own destiny. Advert Hello friends, this is Chris Hanslik, your Building Texas business host. Did you know that Boyer Miller, the producer of this podcast, is a business law firm that works with entrepreneurs, corporations and business leaders? Our team of attorneys serve as strategic partners to businesses by providing legal guidance to organizations of all sizes. Get to know the firm at boyermiller.com, and thanks for listening to the show. Chris: Well, for example, I know one of the things you did was very quickly developed an app so patients could schedule an appointment that you didn't have before. Chantell: Yeah, that's correct. We tried to do some things so people would mitigate being around other, you know, possibly infected COVID people. So, yes, we did do some things to try to limit exposure during that time, just because, again, we didn't know what was going to happen long-term. Chris: So I guess one thing that people may not know about you that we want to talk about is, in addition to this professional you know journey you've described, you do a lot and have done and continue to do a lot where you advise other entrepreneurs. I want to ask you a little bit what are some of the kind of the key nuggets of advice that you tend to provide, and maybe what are some of the mistakes you see young entrepreneurs making that you try to correct before what still can be corrected, I guess Sure, it's kind of interesting. Chantell: The world has changed a lot in regards to entrepreneurship. You know, in our day it was just work your ass off. You know 24-7 and just try to climb the ladder. You know now, with some things that have happened, you know, with technology, sometimes they have this misperception that it's just going to be easy, it's going to be rainbows and unicorns all the time. It's not. There was many nights we'd sit at the bar going, holy shit, how are we going to make payroll? So I mean again, I think it's bringing that true realism back into their world of hey, you're not going to go get a CPT code for a device that doesn't exist in six months. It just doesn't work like that. And I think sometimes these young entrepreneurs are given almost bad counsel because they think that things are just so easy. Well, so-and-so did it, so I can do it. I see that a lot. I do get the opportunity to speak to some of the entrepreneurship classes up at UT and I do probably focus more on the negatives versus the positives, because I've always learned more from my failures and my successes. Some of the things of hey look, be focused. You know you don't have to have everything figured out, but have a pretty good path of where you're headed. You know, and surround yourself with the folks that are going to build you up, not break you down. You know, as an investor as well. I look at who's the team. If you've got a good jockey, I'm going to go ahead and support you. Having that right team in place is so critical and you want it to be more than just one individual. You know you want to make sure if they get hit by a bus, somebody else is right there ready to take the company. So I think that there's just little things that you know. I would probably give some insight to the entrepreneurs of you know, again, you're going to have good times and bad times. The bad times will come and go. But again, being willing to pivot If something's not working, don't wait too long to pivot or to reevaluate maybe certain aspects of the organization. Chris: Okay, so you brought it up, but I was going to. You said you learn more from your failures than successes, so tell us a story it's story time now, chantel a failure or setback that you've encountered, experience that you survived because you're sitting here today, and what that learning was and how it made you better. Chantell: So we talked a little bit earlier about how we got a little bit outside of our wheelhouse of oh, let's go do some different things, because we, you know, have been very successful at what we were doing. We were trying to purchase a hospital group out of bankruptcy. We thought, oh, how hard can this be? We can run organizations, we can run ASCs. Why can't we do this? It was a very eye-opening experience because when we got in there, we hadn't really had a path forward as to what we were going to do or how we were going to do it. It was just like, oh, we'll figure it out as we go. We also didn't think about other things that could come in and really impact us that we couldn't control. So we had purchased, we were in the process of purchasing this group, they were in bankruptcy, and then we had a flood. Well, we had just finished remodeling a hospital here in town. The flood came in. It flooded the hospital. At that point we were kind of at a place where there was not much more we could do. It was a horrible time to have to tell all those individuals that worked so hard with us that we were going to have to let them all go and you know lessons learned. You know there was positives in there because I remember the day we were getting ready to tell these poor individuals we were going to fire them the night before. You know we probably drank too much and you know it was a very emotional situation because I'd worked hand in hand with these individuals for so long. Chris: Sure. Chantell: And I remember having to tell them in tears I mean, you know, I know we're not supposed to be emotional, but these are these people's livelihoods. I was emotional, I you know I was not in a great place and I remember, after that happened, one of the the janitors came up to me and she said don't worry, chantel, we're going to be okay. But are you going to be okay? Chris: Oh, wow. Chantell: And I realized, you know, even through this failure, we had built such great relationships with these individuals and made them feel valued in so many ways that you know again, that's probably a really good example of learning myself of how important it is for relationships you know and building that trust as a leader. Chris: Well, to what to point you made just a minute ago. There is emotion in business. For sure, people try to carve it out and maybe for decades that's been the mentality, but it's ignored the reality that there's emotion in business and you're affecting people's lives when you are hiring them and when you're firing them. So you know people that lose sight of that are missing the boat, and I think how you manage the emotion in the business is one thing, but don't make the mistake of thinking it's not there. Chantell: No for sure, and you know, again, my old days I would have never showed, you know, a whole lot of emotion. I will tell you, though, being authentic with people just builds more trust. And look, some people say I'm very challenging to work with. You know, because I'm very specific, I'm very direct, but you know where you stand with me at all times, you know, and I had a situation last year where I had to let someone go, and it was. I mean, I really love this person as an individual, but this just wasn't the right place for them, and I tried very hard to mentor, to get him to that place, and I just couldn't, and it was very emotional to have to say, hey look, this is not, you know, the best place for you. The greatest return was six months later. They contacted me and said thank you so much. The best thing you ever did was have that conversation, and now I found a place where I love I'm being respected, and so, again, I think we all have emotion. It's as you mentioned, it's how you use it. It's okay for people to realize that you're human. I mean you know I'm human, I mean, and so I have emotions, and there's people I like and, again, you are impacting their lives and they're impacting yours. Chris: For sure, and I mean I have a number of stories similar to the one you just shared, where you run into an employment situation that's not working. You, knowing that it's not working, have to make a decision, expend a ton of emotional energy over it, worried about it. My experience has been, I think I can say, almost every time, despite that hard conversation, that person ends up in a better place because it's where they were meant to be. And we say this all the time. We're not trying to be the largest organization. We just want to be the best for those that fit with our mission and what we're passionate about and our values. And doesn't mean we're right for everybody and that doesn't make people a bad person. Chantell: That's right. Chris: There there's another organization where they're going to fit. Chantell: And and, and she did say to me she goes thank you, because I always knew where I stood with you and thank you for always being very direct. You know and that's the other thing people hide from those conversations. I'd rather have those conversations, you know, leading up to it. Look, here's the expectations. Let's talk about how you can get there, and I'm always happy to mentor and advise, but at some point you have to say, hey, look, this just isn't the right place. Chris: Right. Chantell: And so, and that's OK too. Chris: So let's talk a little bit about as you built these companies. You've had to have key stakeholders and relationships with them that are part of the success, that's vendors, customers. Let's talk about what are some of the things that you've learned that have helped to kind of build, nurture and grow those types of strategic relationships, if you will. Chantell: Sure, most of the people that I still work with, I've worked with for many years and I think you know I tell people all the time my integrity is the only thing that I really is mine in this world. My kids have everything else, but my integrity is mine. I think it's really being fair with people. You know I'm loyal to a fault, but I'm also again, I don't want to say high maintenance, but I have great expectations of people as well. And so if you look at a lot of the vendors, you know, again, they've been with me forever because I'm very loyal to them, I'm very fair, I'm very direct and they're good to me. Chris: Right. Chantell: You know, and I think as I've gotten older I had never realized the importance of relationships and how you have to be very intentional with giving and taking Right Right. But I also know with my vendors, they do a great job for me. I'm going to, I want to give them out to everybody else. I mean, I'm going to drive business their direction. And so I think that you know, with the stakeholders, a lot of people make a mistake of. You know everyone's got to win. You know that's just the reality. There's an abundance for everyone in life. You know, one of my best friends is a direct competitor of us. We laugh all the time. We can't be friends in public, but we can be friends behind closed door. But there's an abundance for everyone in life and so if you treat people like that and you're fair, I think you know you win, everyone wins. Chris: Everyone wins, and that's the thing I think finding the way where everyone can win, sure, and there's the value in kind of reciprocity, right, when someone does treat you well, that you obviously should treat them well in return. But have that be a lesson how you should be treating others that you're coming into contact with, right, absolutely, absolutely. So you mentioned this earlier because I like to talk about leadership style and you've kind of alluded to some of your evolution. Any more you can share kind of on how you view your style, how you feel like it's evolved and maybe some of the things that have helped you make those steps to kind of grow from the command and control to the more collaborative leader. Chantell: I think self-awareness, I think when we're younger, we think we're invincible and we do no wrong. I think self-awareness, I think when we're younger, we think we're invincible and we do no wrong. I think self-awareness has been critical for me, just for personal growth, right. So I also realized, you know, I wasn't getting the most out of the people and I realized that how I came in impacted everybody around me, if that makes sense. Chris: Sure. Chantell: So when I walk in and I'm closed off, everyone's going to scatter. If I walk in and I'm in a great mood and I say hello to everybody, your energy that you put out, you get back. And so I think, as I've gone through my career path, I've realized that, getting more and really I had a great partner, business partner, that he would talk to everyone. I wondered how he got anything done some days because he was just the most jovial guy that loved everyone and he would sit and listen to people for hours and I used to say I don't know how you do this. Isn't this driving you crazy? You know, I just I want, I don't want to know what time it is, I want to know, yeah, I want to know what time it is. I don't want to know how to build the clock. And I realized how much everyone respected him because he not only cared about them on the job, he cared about the whole person. Right, and people felt that. And I finally asked him one day. I said can you teach me how to be like that? Because I want people to realize I do care. I may not come across and show it, and so I that's how I kind of evolved, of taking that time and realizing ten minutes out of my day of sitting down and really focusing and being present with people, how much more they wanted to be there, how much more productive they were, and so it's really again being the leader that you have to establish boundaries. I'm not saying you, you know, let everybody circumvent their ladder, but having the ability to really show how much you care for those individuals and also what's going to put them in a position to be a better employee, right, right. And look, I went through a big thing with my team about working from home. Okay, I hate working from home, ok. Chris: I hate working from home. I'm just going to tell you that I like the collaboration. I like everyone in the office. You know that you're in good company. There was literally an article in the online Houston Business Journal this morning about that topic and how everything is swinging back to five days a week in the office. Chantell: That's right, and it was a big fight in my office about that and I finally said, okay, let's compromise, because I realized that some of them were driving an hour both ways, okay. So Mondays and Fridays we have home days. Tuesday, wednesday, thursday, we're all in the office. So again, I met them where they wanted to be and how could they be most effective. And I realized, having that time at home, where they didn't have 5,000 people walking in their offices every day, they were more productive. And so again it's you know. You know you asked me a specific question about how I've changed. I mean, I've really come, you know, 180 in regards to who I was many years ago versus how I am now. Chris: Well, and what I hear you saying is there was an evolution and development in your leadership style that started to focus on and demonstrate humility and empathy, absolutely, you know, going back to kind of the work remote thing. I think those things, what you've got going on, can be successful because you have to start with why are we here? It's the why around the company, and we have to all agree that the company has to survive in order for any of us to have any benefits. That's right, right and so what's that going to take? And then where can there be some compromise around? You can't sacrifice productivity and you can't sacrifice delivery of services or you won't have the business. Right and right. It's really to me, getting clear around that, communicating, that we talk about communication with clarity and really everyone understanding the why absolutely, and I'll just we'll talk about the elephant in the room also being female, I mean. Chantell: So in my younger days I thought in order for me to gain respect, I had to be that authoritative bitch. You know. Basically Because that's what society told me, you know in order for me to be able to play in a man's world, I had to really be that person. You know, as my career, and I got to a point where I didn't need anybody's approval or permission. You know, I realized, got to a point where I didn't need anybody's approval or permission I realized, wait a minute, I can be my authentic self. I can be compassionate, I can be empathetic and I can still be a damn good leader at the same time. Chris: That had to be liberating. Chantell: It was very liberating, and I try to instill this with a lot of the women that I talk to now. It's okay to be who we are. Let's use our innate qualities that make us such great individuals in our professional lives. You know, and I mean again, people say I'm aggressive. That's okay, I'll take it and I can be, but it enables me to also utilize what I need to build the culture and the team that I want, and so I think that's also been, you know, the last 30 years. It's also changed a lot, you know, as a society, but that's also breaking the societal norms of, oh, I have to be a certain way in order to be a good leader. I don't think that's true anymore. Chris: I agree with you Again. I think there's been an evolution in how we think about business, corporate America, whatever. And again I go back to as long as we realize that there are certain fundamentals that, no matter what is going on, we have to do for the business to survive. Then we can look on the fringes and go okay, where can we make maybe some things a little more accommodating. Chantell: Exactly so. Chris: I like to talk about those a little bit. So what are some of the strategies that you've employed to kind of and you mentioned being a mom, being a leader, being an entrepreneur to help, not necessarily balance, but be successful in both your business and personal life? Chantell: Great question. Here's my theory behind that. There's no such thing as balance. Chris: That's why I didn't use the word. Chantell: I call it work-life integration. I can't say I've figured it all out, chris. I'll just be honest and I think it's being very intentional with your time. I used to let a lot of people control my time, meaning, you know, I was always willing to meet whenever they were available. I was willing to move around things because it was important to them. I've now really been intentional about taking control back of my own time, and that's time for myself in the mornings, that's time for my kids, but that's time for work too, and so I think we all have to establish boundaries. Because I used to work 24 seven. I'd be at dinner. I mean, my five-year-old used to say mom, please put the phone down, and I would thought I was that important that I had to respond to that email, right. That second, because that's how important I was. It's not true, and I think that really establishing you know we also try to get through our entire things to do list every day what are the top three priorities I really need to get done today? Okay, let's focus on those. First, because we all know once everybody starts coming to the office, you're going to get blindsided 5,000 different ways. So really prioritizing maybe three items that I need to get done that day and then all the rest of it's great if I do, but if I don't, it's okay to walk out of there at 4.30 to go to my kids' game, right. And so I'm really trying to be intentional with my time. I'm not going to say I'm successful all the time. Chris: You know, but I've really tried with that. You have to keep in mind no one's perfect right, but I think, if you have, those intentions, that thoughtfulness about how you're going to approach your day, and I totally agree with the work-life integration. I think that's a much better way to think about it than balance, I mean. Chantell: I've learned you can have it all. You just can't have it all at the same time. So, everything in life is about a give and take. It's about you know you're sacrificing something for something else. And so it's again where are you in your life, what's important to you? I mean, I waited late in life to have children, you know, and now I'm going to enjoy my kids. So again, doesn't mean I'm sacrificing my professional, but I do amazing conversation. Chris: I really appreciate it. I want to kind of turn to some less business topics that I like to cover with all my guests. So what was your first job? Chantell: My first job. I worked at Mount Asia when I was in high school. I loved scooping ice cream and I loved hosting birthday parties for small kids. Chris: Okay, so that was it. I was going to ask what Mount Asia was. It's that golf off I-10. Chantell: So yes, that was it. I was going to ask what Mountasia was. It's that golf off I-10. Chris: So, yes, that was my first job. I love it. Do you prefer Tex-Mex or barbecue? Chantell: Tex-Mex, of course. Chris: All right. And if you could take a sabbatical for 30 days, where would you go? What would you do? Chantell: Oh gosh, A sabbatical for 30 days. Chris: Does that exist I? Chantell: don't know. I think I would really just like to travel the world. You know, I spent so much time working I would never take more than two days off at a time. I never got to see a lot of the world, and so I think it would probably just grab my kids and just embrace a great trip with my family. Chris: That sounds great. Yeah, pick a spot and go enjoy it Absolutely. Very good. Well, again, this has been great. Thank you for taking the time to share your story Lots. Special Guest: Chantell Preston.

Top-of-the-funnel lead-generation activities are a critical ingredient for a successful recruitment business. How do you strategize your lead generation to stand out in this age where all your competitors are probably doing the same thing you are doing?  We are really lucky to be joined in this episode by Jeremy Jensen, the founder and CEO of Encore Search Partners, the largest privately owned executive search firm based in Houston, Texas. Before starting his recruitment firm, Jeremy used to run a lead generation company for different businesses such as recruitment and search firms. You will hear Jeremy's insights and strategy on lead generation activities and how he transitioned into becoming the recruitment business owner of a $12M search firm.  Episode Outline and Highlights [01:50] How Jeremy got into recruiting. [05:36] Business milestones - Overcoming adversity, rebranding, and hiring someone with more technical expertise. [13:02] Why recruitment business owners should hire and do things with others. [25:49] How EOS (Entrepreneur Operating System) can impact your business. [35:25] Jeremy's insights on Lead Generation as a core strength. [45:10] Encore Search's seven core values. [53:38] What made Encore Search win Best Place to Work in the Houston Business Journal?   From a Lead Generation Firm to a Recruitment Business - Jeremy's Story   Jeremy's story on what led him to the recruitment industry is fascinating. He started a lead generation company in 2010 - and upon realizing that more than half of his client base was sourcing and staffing businesses, he transitioned into putting up his recruitment business. His claim to fame was in lead generation, where he was the main lead generator, regularly feeding senior recruiters with leads.    His business grew and was billing a million in the third year when market and economic difficulty struck. He had to make a pivotal decision whether to shut his business and be a full-time employee or to keep on going. You will hear how his decision to stay in business paid off, and how implementing strategies to go national and hiring other senior leaders contributed to their growth.    I think many of our listeners can relate to what Jeremy went through. Starting your own recruitment business is not easy - you can get to the point where you are making 100k to zero in a month. Jeremy's inspiring thought process and decision-making can inspire our recruitment firm owners who are going through the same ordeal.   The Pillars of Lead Generation   Jeremy's transition from a lead-generation specialist to a recruitment business owner shows us the critical role of top-of-the-funnel lead-generation activities in business success. He shared insights on what makes lead generation his key strength. Here are the two pillars:   Content - he emphasized the importance of proper story-telling. “Because if you can induce an emotion from your audience, that creates resonance. I don't think that our audience wants to see five tips on how to make your resume more marketable.” Email Marketing - he shared why it is important to utilize new tools and platforms to reach as many as possible. “And so we try to constantly look for new, innovative ways to steal market share.”   Digital Marketing - Hiring a digital marketing coordinator to enhance brand loyalty and utilizing various platforms can significantly increase community engagement and brand building.   Having Structure in Place Means Sustainable Growth   Jeremy is a subject matter expert on EOS - Entrepreneurial Operating System. We discussed how a clear and consistent structure contributed to their business growth. He also touched upon the value of embedding core values to overcome big challenges they had to face by the time their business was growing.    He shared how excellence, resilience, gratitude, professionalism, coachable attitude, meticulousness, and competitiveness are deeply ingrained in daily operations, fostering culture through practices like core value spotlights during meetings. He also talked about transparency, and how it made their company a Best Place to Work award recipient in the Houston Business Journal.    Our Sponsor   This podcast is proudly sponsored by i-intro    i-intro® is an end-to-end retained recruitment platform. Their technology and methodology allow recruiters to differentiate themselves from the competition, win more retained business, bigger fees, and increase their billings. Their software combined with world-class training enables you to transition from transactional, contingency recruiter to consultative, retained recruiter. Instead of being perceived as a “me too” vendor, you'll be positioned as a “me only” solutions provider. Be sure to mention Mark Whitby or The Resilient Recruiter. Book your free, no-obligation consultation here: https://recruitmentcoach.com/retained.   Jeremy Jensen Bio and Contact Info   Jeremy Jenson is the Founder & CEO of Encore Search Partners. Jeremy is a subject matter expert on The Entrepreneurial Operating System and prides himself on building Houston's largest privately-held Executive Search firm on the back of his seven Core Values: Excellence, Resilience, Gratitude, Professionalism, Coachable, Meticulous, and Competitive. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with friends & his 3 sons. He is also a member of the Entrepreneurs' Organization, a global co-op of over 17,000 entrepreneurs, worldwide.   Jeremy on LinkedIn Encore Search Partners website link Jeremy on Instagram Path to Success podcast link   People and Resources Mentioned   Who Not How, by Dan Sullivan Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business, by Gino Wickman Rocket Fuel, by Gino Wickman   Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn  Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter   If you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.  

The Houston Business Journal recently awarded Kirksey Architecture Founder & Chairman Emeritus John Kirksey with a 2024 Landmark Award for Lifetime Achievement. In this episode, Kirksey President Wes Good joins HBJ Managing Editor Jonathan Adams to discuss the role of artificial intelligence in building design, and how he views the office of the future. 

It's no secret that relationships play a pivotal role in our recovery. While building resilience starts at the heart of wanting to overcome challenges and bounce back from relapse, having a strong support system is what often guides us back to health. If resilience is a reflection of who you are at your core, then relationships act as the mirror that allows you to see your true self.  In this conversation, Dr. Powers is joined by co-host George Joseph, with special guest Dr. Robert Hilliker. Robert's extensive 20-year career in addiction and mental health is marked by his profound dedication to fostering hope within clinical settings, co-founding The Lovett Center and Ethos Behavioral Health Group. In his educational journey, from earning a Master's degree at the University of Houston to completing a Ph.D. at the Institute for Clinical Social Work in Chicago, Rober has laid the foundation for his influential roles across several renowned institutions. Notably, his collaboration with Dr. Brené Brown at The Daring Way LLC and his leadership roles at The Council on Alcohol and Drugs Houston and The Menninger Clinic highlight his significant contributions to the field. Currently, as the Chief Clinical Officer of Ethos Behavioral Health Group, he continues to shape the future of mental health care. Innovation in clinical practice and education forms a cornerstone of Robert's work, evidenced by his Pilgrimage curriculum and Logos Groups, which reimagine treatment and community-based therapy. His commitment extends to teaching psychiatry residents at The University of Texas McGovern Medical School and leading groups at the Baylor College of Medicine. Recognized for his integrity and impact on the field with awards from the Menninger Clinic and the Houston Business Journal, Robert's life in Houston with his family mirrors his professional ethos, blending care, dedication, and a vision for transformative mental health practices. Topics Discussed: Why resilience is heavily influenced by your support system Understanding Hope as a relationship construct The power of asking tough questions  How to recognize Post-Traumatic Growth in your recovery Getting clear on your values and aligning your behavior with them   Connect with Robert Hilliker: Website: www.prairierecovery.com  Concierge Behavioral Healthcare: https://logosgroups.com/  IG: https://www.instagram.com/theprairierecovery/   Connect with us on Social! IG: https://www.instagram.com/positiverecoverymd/  FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/positiverecoverymd/ FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/577870242872032  TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@positiverecoverycenter  YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4JcDF1gjlYch4V4iBbCgZg Additional Links:  Want to receive the daily Positive Intervention from Dr. Powers' Positive Recovery Daily Guide? Subscribe here! https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/OtK48nO/dailypositiverecovery. About Positive Recovery Centers: Positive Recovery Centers is a strengths-based addiction treatment program with locations across Texas. We offer a full continuum of care, from medical detox to sober living, all supported by an ever-growing alumni community network.  Our evidence-based curriculum blends the best of the old with the new, supporting our mission: Recovery is best pursued when meaningful, intentional, positive habits are formed through empowerment and resilience instead of negativity and shame. If you or someone you know needs addiction treatment, please visit the website, or call the number below to schedule an assessment. We are here to help! Call: 877-476-2743 Address: 902 West Alabama Street, Houston, Texas 77006 Website: https://positiverecovery.com  Services: https://positiverecovery.com/services/  FAQ: https://positiverecovery.com/faq/ 

Our guest today is Sharon Birkman. As the daughter of company founder and influential industrial-organizational psychologist Dr. Roger W. Birkman, Sharon cultivated her deep expertise in human perception and organizational behavior through her lifelong interest in The Birkman Method.Sharon has been recognized with a multitude of awards, including EY's Entrepreneur of the Year, the Women President's Organization's Mary Lehman MacLachlan Award, National Best and Brightest Places to Work For, and the Houston Business Journal's Women Who Mean Business Award.In addition to her responsibilities at Birkman, Sharon volunteers her services as a Board Member of Houston Public Media, Goodwill Industries of Houston, and a long-time Board member for ESCAPE Family Resource Center. Sharon co-authored the book “The Birkman Method: Your Personality at Work” and authored the book “Creatures of Contact” by ForbesBooks.Birkman International is an industry-leading behavioral and occupational assessment company founded by innovative organizational psychologist Dr. Roger W. Birkman in 1951.The Birkman Method remains a preferred instrument to better understand interpersonal dynamics through positive psychology. It is used widely in the fields of career and life coaching, leadership development, human resources management, and organizational design today.Sharon Birkman - sbirkman@birkman.comChasing What Matters Instagram

Join Rita Santamaria as she sits down with Noel Collier, the driving force behind the Noel Collier Group at Keller Williams in Houston. A “40 Under 40” honoree by the Houston Business Journal, Noel's journey is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, she shares her deep-rooted commitment beyond real estate, delivering beds to mothers in need, driven by her unwavering faith. Gain insights into kickstarting your real estate career, utilizing social media, and network-building through phone contacts. Noel offers practical tips on managing work-life balance, scheduling, and starting a brokerage, alongside candid stories of her sales journey, and stressing the importance of coaching. Tune in for a captivating conversation with a true real estate superstar!

Jentry Kelley Owner/CEO Jentry Kelley Cosmetics   Jentry Kelley, Owner/CEO, Jentry Kelley Cosmetics was previously named to Houston Business Journal's Fast 100 Companies. During a time when several businesses temporarily and permanently closed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, Jentry and her team quickly pivoted their business model by taking virtual makeup lessons which doubled sales from her e-commerce store, leading to a 50% increase in gross sales. Today, Jentry Kelley Cosmetics is sold in more than 10 salons and spas throughout the Gulf Coast.

We're so excited for this next topic. It's a topic that's never been addressed on this podcast series and a topic that is rarely explored in the  field of play therapy. So settle in, grab something to take notes because Lisa is joined by Ludmila (Mila) Golovine to talk about using interpreters in play therapy.  Mila is the CEO and President of MasterWord Services, Inc. As a professional interpreter, Mila is familiar with the toll interpreting for survivors may have on the interpreters themselves. For the past 15 years, she has applied her training in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) therapy, Synergetic Play Therapy and Trauma Informed Care, as well as skills as a Master Certified Neuro-Linguistic Programming Practitioner and a Certified Demartini Method Facilitator to tirelessly help promote health and wellness for language professionals and raise awareness about the experiences of human trafficking survivors and their language access needs. See below to know a bit more about Mila and her organization MasterWord Services. We know that interpreters are sometimes used in play therapy, but there's not a lot of training for play therapists to understand what the interpreter experience is or how to attune and work collaboratively with the interpreter in the shared goal of helping the child heal.  This is a brilliant and powerful conversation! And has so much helpful information for us as therapists. In this episode you'll learn about …. The role of the interpreter and how to become aware of the language that is most comfortable for our clients; How to recognize the different cues in our play therapy sessions for our clients when we are speaking to the person in their primary language or in the language in which their trauma occurred; How the play therapist can be both the external regulator for both the child and the interpreter who is also becoming activated as they are channeling the trauma information through them (...as Mila shares, sometimes the interpreter becomes even more deeply affected than the therapist in the room);  How to set boundaries in a session that support interpreters who are asked to come into the session and relieve a trauma in a way to help us understand what the child is going through (...that's a huge ask! Let's appreciate this and make sure we are supporting interpreters in being in their window of tolerance.); The need for awareness and attuned collaboration between a play therapist and interpreter when facilitating healing for a client;  Why we do not want to use family members as interpreters;  The challenge interpreters have in the interpretation process itself (e.g., cultural cues, body language and non-verbal cues being different, etc.); The possible ruptures and challenges that can occur within the client-interpreter-therapist relationship with differences in culture and language and how to support interpreters in more mindfully aware ways; The attribution bias and how this can show up in the therapy session in the relationship between client and therapist; and The important takeaways and calls to action that Mila has for all of us as therapists when working with children and their families when there are language/cultural differences. Plus, check out the amazing trauma-informed resources that Mila has on her website MasterWord.com for interpreters that you can share with the interpreters you work with.  *Ludmila is also an advocate for social justice and is a nationally and internationally recognized speaker. Her work has been recognized by numerous awards, including California Healthcare Interpreting Association (CHIA) Trainer of the Year Award, Houston Business Journal's Women Who Mean Business Award; Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Gulf Coast Area regional winner, and Congressional Recognition G7 “Excellence in International Service” award. She's a rockstar!!!! Thank you Mila for your vision and your heart

“Third is vision. You know, there's a proverb that says, without vision, the people perish. We've got to cast a vision for what we're trying to accomplish. And so, while I tease people by saying what do you want to be when you grow up? There's a lot of truth to that. Where do you see yourself? If it's a sales culture? Where do you see your customer or your client or your member using your product or service? Where do you see them accomplishing the things they want to accomplish? Simply for lining up or aligning with what you have in your vision? value proposition. It's that vision for moving and compelling us forward.”  Curt Tueffert Top Five Tips For Slaying Giants In Your Business and Personal Lives1. Passion 2. Excellence 3. Vision 4. Value 5. Confidence TIME STAMP SUMMARY 01:34  You need to be passionate about what you are doing.06:49  Being the best version of yourself. 10:59  How to transcend your vision into the future.16:12  Be confident, but do not be arrogant.  Where to find Curt TueffertWebsite             http://www.peaksalesstrategy.com/ LinkedIn             https://www.linkedin.com/in/curttueffert                                                  Curt Tueffert BioCurt Tueffert leads Peak Sales Strategy with over 30 years of experience in sales and sales management. His expertise has earned him the title of “America's Master Sales Motivator.” Curt understands that motivation and knowledge go hand in hand when it comes to achieving success. He communicates this balance with the right tools to help people stay motivated. Curt is a professor of Advanced Professional Selling at the University of Houston, where he is ranked in the top 5% of professors based on student reviews. The Excellence in Selling program is the #1 program in the U.S. and is used as a model by many universities and colleges. Curt's articles on sales and marketing have been published in newspapers and corporate newsletters such as Selling Power, Sales & Marketing Magazine, and Houston Business Journal. He brings his real-world experience and ideas to his keynote, workshop, and seminar packages on Leadership, Motivation, Customer Satisfaction, and Sales.Audiences across America come away with new ideas, new tools, and a new level of energy after hearing Curt speak. When looking for real-world experience and real-world ideas, Curt delivers! Contact Curt today to benefit from his sales coaching, training, and speaking services.

Are you thinking of investing in multifamily properties anytime soon? Then this episode is for you! Join us in a no-holds-barred conversation with Robert Martinez as he offers timely real estate advice for the aspiring investor in today's market. Tune in now to fast-track your path to success.Key Takeaways to Listen forTop reasons why you need to invest in multifamily propertiesTips on how to cut costs and generate income in real estateActionable steps to buy your first apartment building the right wayKPIs that you should focus on as a property operatorWhy you should limit the number of people in your team in today's marketResources Mentioned in This EpisodeGoogleFacebook InstagramApartment RatingsYahooApartment Syndication Due Diligence Checklist for Passive Investor About Robert MartinezRobert holds an engineering degree from Texas A&M University and is the only two-time National Apartment Association Independent Rental Owner of the Year Paragon Award winner. Under Robert's visionary leadership, Rockstar Capital has earned 19 cities, state, and national apartment awards and was named #15 in the Houston Business Journal's “Fast 100” fastest-growing companies.Rockstar Capital currently manages 4,849 total units across 24 apartment communities. Robert shares a passion for soccer with his two boys, Ryan and Conner, and enjoys supporting their daily efforts in local club soccer.Connect with Robert Website: Apartment RockstarYouTube: The Apartment RockstarInstagram: @apartmentrockstarContact Number: (832) 942-1196To Connect With UsPlease visit our website: www.bonavestcapital.com, and please click here, to leave a rating and review!SponsorsGrow Your Show, LLCThinking About Creating and Growing Your Own Podcast But Not Sure Where To Start?Visit GrowYourShow.com and Schedule a call with Adam A. Adams

This week we're joined by Indra Gutiérrez, president of Gutier, a fully integrated services leader in design, procurement, construction, and project management. Indra shares her inspirational journey from adversity to empowered leadership and discusses how her identity and her challenges have shaped her career and contributed to her success. Indra has over sixteen years of experience working in the construction industry overseeing multi-billion-dollar engineering, procurement, and construction projects across the Gulf Coast Region. She oversees Gutier's business operations, business development, and organizational strategy. She has an Executive MBA from the University of Texas at Austin, an M.S. in International Business from Houston Baptist University, and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Houston. Indra is passionate about women's representation in the construction industry. She currently leads the Women's Network within Gutier. The network's mission is to empower the next generation of female leaders in the construction industry. She also serves on the alumni board for the Kendra Scott Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute, and she was recently selected as one of Houston Business Journal's 40 under 40. 

“You want to do everything you want to be everything to everyone. You want to be the perfect founder, but the perfect founder doesn't exist you need to be authentic and true to yourself and the type of leader you are.”     Named the 2021 Women Who Mean Business Honoree by the Houston Business Journal, Emily Cisek is the co-founder and CEO of The Postage, an all-in-one digital platform for life and family organizations but also for small businesses, succession, and legacy management. After experiencing the loss of three family members in six weeks, Emily started The Postage in 2020 to simplify how families organize their lives and navigate life transitions. Through collaborating with banks, The Postage can now support families and small businesses on a larger scale while bridging generational gaps and reinforcing banks as cornerstones of their communities. In today's episode, we sit down with Emily Cisek to discuss her brilliant business idea born out of her attempts to process her own grief and a desire to help her community navigate these significant life transitions. As a TEDx speaker on liminal spaces and transformative journeys, she empowers audiences to embrace life's transitional moments confidently. Join us to learn how Emily is single-handedly redefining the future of relationship banking through her visionary leadership and unrelenting dedication to remaining empathy-driven.  What we talk about:   End-of-life proceedings + separation of assets  Processing loss + navigating grief  Financial modeling  The power of delegation  Being capital efficient  Legacy, succession, and inheritance  Preserving life's most special + significant moments   Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can't wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!    Connect with Emily:  The Postage (Free for the first month with FIRST1FREE at checkout)  Linkedin  Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We're currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder's journey. You'll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE! Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista PodcastNetwork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts|TuneIn|GooglePlay|Stitcher|Spotify|iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website. 

Register in advance (or to view the recording) -- Ask a CEO: Building Cultures of Commitment September 14th at 1 pm ET Presented by Mark Parrish, hosted by Mark Graban This webinar provides an exciting and unique opportunity to ask an experienced CEO questions about leadership, culture, and continuous improvement. We'll be joined by Mark Parrish, a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Mark is a six-time CEO at public, private and private equity companies, to include Igloo Products Corp. and the Stuart Dean Company, Inc.Mark provides his audience world-class lessons in leadership and operational excellence gathered over three decades from within the "living laboratories" of myriad companies and industries. How can leaders create a company culture worthy of each and every employee's full 100% commitment? How can the “business goal” of making a dollar co-exist with the “noble goal” of making a difference? How do we navigate the waters of trust, engagement, and organizational politics? Come "Ask the CEO" yourself.The formal presentation will be brief – 15 minutes. The remainder of the hour will allow the audience to interact with Mark via moderated Q&A – submitted both in advance and during the session. About Mark Parrish: Mark Parrish is Managing Partner and co-founder of Parrish Partners, LLC, the twenty-year-old, southern California-based leadership and management consulting firm.   Previously, Mark was CEO, President, and Director of Igloo Products Corp., the 76-year-old, private equity owned, U.S.-based manufacturer of the iconic Igloo brand of commercial and consumer cooler and drinkware products.  While in his role at Igloo, Mr. Parrish was named the Houston Business Journal's “2017 Outstanding CEO.”   Immediately prior to joining Igloo, Mark was CEO, President, and Director of Stuart Dean Company, Inc., the 86-year-old, private family-owned, Manhattan-based international real estate restoration and preservation company.  Stuart Dean customers include the Empire State Building, the White House, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Apple stores worldwide.  Mark has an accomplished record of leading organizational transformations of U.S.-based manufacturers and service providers.  His contributions have yielded tremendous value creation with well-known consumer brands, such as Harley-Davidson and Simmons, and other industry leaders, including Ply Gem Windows, Interface, Inc., and Deceuninck North America, each world-class manufacturers known for their rapid product innovation.   Mark is a distinguished graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point.  During his ten years of uniformed service in Army Aviation, he served in five countries on three continents. As an AH-64 Apache pilot and Army “Top Gun,” he served in Operations Desert Shield/Storm, where he was awarded the Bronze Star and Air Medal for Valor.  He later earned two Master of Science degrees in Engineering and Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 

Michelle Ngome is an award-winning inclusive marketing consultant. As the founder of Line 25 Consulting, she trains and consults with organizations on how to create diverse and inclusive marketing strategies. She is the recipient of the Courageous Marketing Leader and Houston Business Journal's Diversity in Business awards with her efforts creating the African American Marketing Association (AAMA). Her contributions have been featured in numerous publications including The Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur, eMarketer, PR News, and Forbes. Currently, she hosts the Marketing For the Culture podcast powered by AAMA. Instagram Website My Life Without Limits is a podcast by Cerebral Palsy Alberta Music from Soundstripe: Astro Jetson by Mikey Geiger https://app.soundstripe.com/royalty-free-music Carlos is a Hispanic male with cerebral palsy. He has short dark hair, dark eyes, some facial goatee hair, and uses crutches/canes to help him walk.  Leah is a white female with shoulder length red hair, freckles, green eyes, wears glasses and is able bodied.  Follow us on Instagram @mylifewithoutlimitspodcast Support our podcast by buying us a coffee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mlwlpodcast lison@cpalberta.com for any questions! We acknowledge that what we call Alberta is the traditional and ancestral territory of many peoples, presently subject to Treaties 6, 7, and 8. Namely: the Blackfoot Confederacy – Kainai, Piikani, and Siksika – the Cree, Dene, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux, Stoney Nakoda, and the Tsuu T'ina Nation and the Métis People of Alberta. This includes the Métis Settlements and the Six Regions of the Métis Nation of Alberta within the historical Northwest Metis Homeland. We acknowledge the many First Nations, Métis and Inuit who have lived in and cared for these lands for generations. We are grateful for the traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who are still with us today and those who have gone before us. We make this acknowledgement as an act of reconciliation and gratitude to those whose territory we reside on or are visiting.

Empowering Minorities: Profit First Strategies  Susanne Mariga is a highly accomplished CPA and Fractional CFO, specializing in high net worth tax strategies for 7 and 8 figure entrepreneurs. She is the CEO of The Mariga Group, a distinguished Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business participant. Susanne Mariga has gained recognition for her expertise through features in esteemed publications like the Houston Business Journal and MBE Magazine. Under the esteemed Profit First brand, Susanne Mariga collaborated with Mike Michalowicz to write the book "Profit First For Minority Business Enterprises," which received positive reviews from Kirkus and was chosen as an Editor's Pick by Publisher's Weekly. Additionally, she serves as the host of the Profit Talk Podcast.  With experience growing her own small business, Susanne combines industry knowledge and personal insights to help clients create customized, profit-first business plans. Prior to founding The Mariga Group, she honed her skills at prestigious firms like Arthur Andersen LLP and a Big 4 firm.  In this episode, you will learn the following:   Adjusting prices to keep up with inflation: It is essential for business owners to regularly review and adjust their prices to account for inflation. Having a flexible budget: A flexible budget that can adapt to economic shifts is vital. Being flexible and avoiding long-term commitments: Remaining flexible and avoiding long-term commitments can be advantageous in uncertain times.  Links:  https://susannemariga.com/ Hi, I'm the Profit Answer Man Rocky Lalvani! I help small business owners simplify their financial reports to make more informed business decisions with fewer hassles. We utilize the Profit First system created by Mike Michalowicz Our Q&A call on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 1 pm Eastern: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/profit-first-monthly-qa-call-tickets-650137146707 Sign up to be notified when the next cohort of the Profit First Experience Course is available! Schedule your free, no-obligation intro call: https://bookme.name/rockyl/lite/intro-appointment-15-minutes Check out our website: http://profitcomesfirst.com/ Questions: questions@profitanswerman.com Email: rocky@profitcomesfirst.com Relay Bank (affiliate link) - https://relayfi.com/?referralcode=profitcomesfirst  Profit Answer Man Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/profitanswerman/ My podcast about living a richer more meaningful life: http://richersoul.com/ Profit First Toolkit: click here to sign up This episode is part of the SMB Podcast Network. Find other great interviews from around the internet just like this one at https://www.SMBPodcastNetwork.com Music provided by Junan from Junan Podcast Any financial advice is for educational purposes only and you should consult with an expert for your specific needs.  

Gil Baumgarten is a disruptive wealth management pioneer. After battling UBS in defense of 100% ETF portfolios, a direct assault on the firm's fee-rich mutual fund business, he was on the original beta-test team of six advisors permitted to run discretionary ETF portfolios in 2002. He has since been named one of the “Top-20 ETF Thought Leaders in the U.S.” by Barron's and The Wall Street Journal. Gil's fee-only fiduciary firm, Segment Wealth Management, is a top-15 firm in Houston as ranked by the Houston Business Journal. Gil is perennially named a top 50 advisor in Texas by Barron's, out of the state's 26,002 registrants. Gil is also the best-selling author of FOOLISH: How Investors Get Worked Up and Worked Over by the System. The book takes readers through the dark tunnels of the brokerage fee ecosystem and takes a deep dive on investors' self-harm tendencies driven by ego satisfaction. In this episode, Gil Baumgarten shares: What's happening to the financial system and what can we do to take control of our financial future How a fiduciary system can benefit you Insights on confirmational biases what we should be doing to guide ourselves through the current economic situation The importance of having a financial guide The best stocks to invest in The advantages of investing in ETFs Investment recommendations for investors with portfolio values of over 5 million dollars Investment recommendations for investors with portfolio values of under 5 million dollars Managing liquidity to create wealth and take control of our finances  The best route to sustainable wealth How the quality of the questions we ask ourselves impact the quality of the life that we lead How to create the mental ecosystem to produce the best financial results How to have a better result by avoiding taxes and fees idea or concept of beginning with the end in mind And much more...    Resources mentioned in today's show: Segment Wealth website: https://segmentwm.com/ FOOLISH: https://gilbaumgarten.com/book/ Gil's Musings: https://segmentwm.com/blog/ The Intelligent Investor - Benjamin Graham Money Master The Game: Tony Robbins If you would like more insights on profit maximization for your business, visit: www.ProfitHive.com.au

Allison Breanna Hudson currently serves as Division Manager in the Office of Community Affairs for the Houston Police Department. She has 20 years of experience in crisis communication, media management, and all things public safety. Prior to her move to the Houston Police Department, she served a year as program manager and advanced public information officer for the City of Houston Office of Emergency Management and ten years with the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office in Ascension Parish, Louisiana.Hudson has served in several volunteer roles as President of the Donaldsonville Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Donaldsonville, and the Arc of East Ascension. She has also served as Vice-President for the Iris Domestic Violence Center.After six short months of transitioning to Houston, Allison was awarded the Top 40 under 40 for the Houston Business Journal, making it her third 40 under 40 award; previously the Baton Rouge Business Report in 2016 and Xavier University Top 40 under 40 alumni award in 2016.Hudson also serves as an instructor for FEMA, teaching public information courses, Joint Information Center training, and crisis communication and social media classes.Allison's Email Socially UnacceptableThe marketing podcast that celebrates work mishaps and delivers lessons in your lunchbreakListen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySponsored by the Social Media Strategies Summit. Check out their website to learn more about their upcoming social media conferences for Public Safety and Government professionals. https://bit.ly/3IrRdDL

In this episode, Warren Spiwak interviews Pinnacle's Jeff Krimmel (Chief Strategy Officer), along with Nathanael Ince (VP Business Development) to dive into the impact that Pinnacle makes for their clients.  Pinnacle is known for helping industrial facilities in the oil and gas, chemical, mining, and water and wastewater industries better leverage their data to improve reliability performance, resulting in increased production, optimized reliability and maintenance spend, and improvement in process safety and environmental impact. Pinnacle is privately held, and has been consistently recognized for its growth by Inc Magazine, the Houston Business Journal, and more. For more information, visit pinnaclereliability.com Connect with Nathanael Ince on Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/nathanael-ince-541206a Connect with Jeff Krimmel on Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/jeffkrimmel   Oil and Gas Global Network Podcasts Apple Channel | OGGN.com OGGN on Social LinkedIn Group | LinkedIn Company Page | Facebook OGGN Events Get notified each month Warren Spiwak LinkedIn  

Seasoned Executive, Entrepreneur, and Board Director, Andy Canales joins us for an exciting discussion on the newest artificial intelligence chatbot sweeping the nation, ChatGPT. Andy most recently served as the founding Executive Director of Latinos for Education in Texas, leading a network of Latino teachers, leaders, and families to positively impact thousands of students across Houston. He began his career as a public-school teacher in low-income communities in Miami and New York City. He also serves on the boards of multiple organizations making a positive difference in the community, and is a Senior American Leadership Forum Fellow (Class XLVII) and a 2020 Houston Business Journal 40 under 40 honoree. Andy holds a B.A. in Political Science from Pepperdine University, a Master's of Science in Education from Hunter College, and an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management. As the son of Salvadoran immigrants and the first one in his family to graduate from college, Andy is driven by the belief that everyone should have access to opportunities for success. Tune in on Wednesday, July 5 @ 6pm EST!

Susanne Mariga, CPA, Fractional CFO, author and entrepreneur, joins The Free Lawyer today to show us how to best maximize profit in our law practice. Doesn't it often seem like we work so hard, trying to produce fees and generate new files, and yet have a hard time creating profit? Susanne shows us how to create that income we deserve by putting our profit first. She shares her wisdom on: -The Profit First system and how it can work in your law practice -How to keep your expenses in line with industry targets -How to intentionally create the profit we want and eliminate unnecessary expenses -Important tax tips for lawyers and entrepreneurs -Key tips for maximizing profits in your law practice -Crucial cash management tips Don't we all want to make more profit? Susanne shows us how! You will enjoy listening to her. Susanne Mariga is a CPA and Fractional CFO specializing in high net worth strategies for 7 and 8 figure entrepreneurs using the Profit First System. Susanne is the CEO of The Mariga Group which is a Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business, the 2021 Profit First Professional Firm Of The Year, and a recipient of the 2011 Houston Minority Supplier Development E-10 Award. Susanne has been featured in the Houston Business Journal, MBE Magazine, and in a variety of other media outlets. She is the author of Kirkus reviewed and Publisher's Weekly's Editor's Pick, Profit First For Minority Business Enterprises which was written in collaboration with Mike Michalowicz, under the Profit First brand. She is the host of the Profit Talk Podcast. Before founding her own firm, Susanne worked at Arthur Andersen LLP, as well as one of the Big 4 firms, KPMG. Combining her industry knowledge with her own experience of growing a small business has allowed Susanne to help her clients design unique, profit-first based business plans that ensure success and long-term financial stability.

Susanne Mariga is a CPA and Fractional CFO specializing inhigh net worth strategies for 7 and 8 figure entrepreneurs usingthe Profit First System.Susanne is the CEO of The Mariga Group which is a Goldman Sachs10,000 Small Business, the 2021 Profit First Professional Firm Of The Year,and a recipient of the 2011 Houston Minority Supplier Development E-10 Award.Susanne has been featured in the Houston Business Journal, MBE Magazine, andin a variety of other media outlets. She is the author of Kirkus reviewed and Publisher'sWeekly's Editor's Pick, Profit First For Minority Business Enterprises which was written incollaboration with Mike Michalowicz, under the Profit First brand. She is the host ofthe Profit TalkSupport the show

Loop38 explores human creativity, perseverance, and all that binds us all together. Works by George Lewis and Chen Yi look inward, considering humanity's inherent creativity and life force, while Carolyn Chen's work looks outward, contemplating our relationship with the environment. Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton joins the musicians of Loop38 to present the world premiere of a work by Martha Horst based on D.E.E.P.'s poetry about hope, aspiration, and the power of creation. About Loop38 Loop38 is a boundary-pushing, artist-driven new music ensemble based in Houston, Texas, that aims to build community around innovative, stimulating, and culturally relevant musical experiences. Loop38 specializes in the performance of contemporary classical music for solo instrument, chamber ensemble, and large ensemble—instrumentations that collectively allow the full timbral spectrum of an orchestra while showcasing the virtuosic solo capabilities of its performers. Named after the 38-mile freeway (“the loop”) that encircles our hometown, Loop38 focuses on presenting distinctive and memorable aural experiences that push stylistic boundaries, feature underrepresented voices, and incorporate meaningful collaborations with composers and artists of other disciplines. About Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton, poet Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton is an internationally known writer, librettist, educator, activist, performer, and the first Black Poet Laureate of Houston, Texas. Formerly ranked the #2 Best Female Performance Poet in the World (PSI), Her work has appeared in Houston Noir by Akashic Press (2019), Black Girl Magic by Haymarket Books (2019), the Texas Observer, and Fjords Journal, and on such platforms as NPR, BBC, ABC, Apple News, Blavity, Upworthy, and across the TedX circuit. Honored by Houston Business Journal as a part of their 2021 40 Under 40 class, She has served as a contributing writer to Texas Monthly, Glamour Magazine, and ESPN's The Undefeated. This season, Plumshuga: The Rise of Lauren Anderson has its world premiere at STAGES Houston, which D.E.E.P. directs and wrote the book for. She also is slated to perform in Unison for Da Camera Society of Texas, which she also wrote poems for. Her recently published memoir, Black Chameleon (Henry Holt & Co, 2023), explores the use of modern mythology as a path to social commentary. About Martha Horst, composer Martha Horst is a composer who has devoted herself to the performance, creation, and instruction of classical music. Ms. Horst has won the Copland Award, the 2005 Alea III International Composition Competition for her work Threads, and the Rebecca Clarke International Composition Competition for her work Cloister Songs, based on 18th century utopian poetry. She has held fellowships at the MacDowell Colony, Atlantic Center for the Arts, Wellesley Conference, Norfolk Chamber Music Festival and Dartington International School in the UK. Her work Piano Sonata No. 1, recorded by acclaimed pianist Lara Downes, was released nationally by Crossover Media. Dr. Horst is a professor of composition and theory at Illinois State University and has also taught at the University of California, Davis, East Carolina University, and San Francisco State University. She recently served as the composer-in-residence for the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra in Chicago, IL. This program is supported in part by funding from Texas Commission for the Arts, Houston Arts Alliance, and Poets & Writers.

Episode 73 - Don't Be Fooled By The Financial System Investing in the stock market is an enigma to most, even in those who invest in it. There is a massive amount of data to process, and you wouldn't know where to start. What if you can find that staring perspective that provides a very detailed insight into the stock market game? Join Mo Bina in this episode of the Purpose-Driven Wealth podcast as he talks with Gil Baumgarten about the Securities and Investment Industry and several key concepts to give you a unique insight into stock market investing.  Here's what you will expect in this episode… How Gil started: from a broker to starting his own firm. On financial advice: difference between a broker and a fiduciary  How Segment works with Schwab, their primary custodian.  Advantages of ETF over actively managed mutual funds. Advantage of having an advisor Chasing hot stocks and generating losses.  The way to build wealth. The kind of company Warren Buffet buys. Beta versus Alpha and the correct way to look at dividends. Talking about Gil's book Why people are making bad decisions on buying stocks. Understanding the market game. Finding somebody who understands the market. About Gil Baumgarten: Gil Baumgarten is a 38-year veteran of the securities and investment industry. After beginning his career at the venerable EF Hutton in the early 1980s, Gil became a top producer for UBS and Smith Barney, what is today Morgan Stanley. However, Gil found Wall Street routinely emphasized its own interests over those of the client. In 2010, Gil left the brokerage world to start Segment, a fee-only firm where the interests of the client could align with the interests of the firm. The Houston Business Journal ranks Segment among the Largest Houston-Area Wealth Management Firms. In 2021, Gil published his first book, FOOLISH: How Investors Get Worked Up and Worked Over by the System.  Gil Baumgarten Links: Segment Wealth Management: https://segmentwm.com/ FOOLISH the book: https://segmentwm.com/blog/ Gil's Musings: https://gilbaumgarten.com/book/ Disclosure: https://segmentwm.com/important-disclosure-information/ Connect with Mo Bina on… Website: https://www.high-risecapital.com/ Medium: https://mobina.medium.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5ISsEKBHlkX7lk9b68SKLA/featured Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highrisecapital/ For more information on passive investing in commercial real estate, please check out our free eBook — More Doors, More Profits — by clicking here: https://www.high-risecapital.com/resources-index  

This week, Kim Roxie—founder & CEO of Lamik Beauty, a makeup line for women of color made with vegan, natural and organic ingredients—discusses the mission behind creating the clean beauty makeup line that she wished her mother had. From at-risk to risk-taker, Kim's grace, kindness, and beauty are revealed in how she overcame adversity to become such a changemaker in the beauty industry. Today, she is a maverick shaping the economy in her hometown of Houston, and even has June 23rd named “Kim Roxie Day” for her contributions.   Kim leaves us with several key learnings on her path to reach this point of success and celebration. Kim and LAMIK Beauty have been featured on QVC, HSN, CBS News with Gayle King, and more. She also holds the title of first black-owned clean makeup brand carried by the major beauty specialty retailer—Ulta: “To come out of that environment and not become what you're told, it's pretty transformational.” “If your kids make a mistake, don't label them for what they've done. Sometimes things happen.” “It's actually you showing more of who you are that reveals your beauty.” “I had a gift for doing eyebrows. When I got diagnosed with alopecia, that was my calling card.” “I'm not going to act like I still don't grieve my hair sometimes. It's the love and kindness people show that makes a difference.  “My responsibility is to be ready when the opportunity comes.”   Bio: Southern belle, seasoned makeup artist, licensed esthetician and member of the Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW), Kim Roxie experienced firsthand how WOC have been overlooked in the clean beauty market. At the age of 21, with a $500 investment, she opened her own makeup shop that catered to multicultural women in her hometown, Houston, TX. After running it for 14 years, in 2020, Roxie launched LAMIK Beauty as an e-commerce clean beauty company making LAMIK the first black-owned clean makeup brand carried by the major beauty specialty retailer, Ulta.com- changing the clean beauty game in Houston, Texas and beyond.   Roxie has received numerous awards including the Barack Obama and Joe Biden Lifetime Achievement Award for Community Service, one of the Houston Business Journal's “40 under 40,” one of the Innovation Map Award's “Top Founder under 40”, one of the American Business Journal's Most Influential Young Executives and “one of the 30 Black Stars” by Face2Face Africa. The City of Houston formally named June 23rd as Kim Roxie day in her honor.   “I worked 7 days a week. I've helped thousands and thousands of women with their makeup and eyebrows. To then be upfront helping millions of people at one time was just a dream come true.”   Tune in to learn more from Kendra and Kim!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Kim Roxie—founder & CEO of Lamik Beauty, a makeup line for women of color made with vegan, natural and organic ingredients—discusses the mission behind creating the clean beauty makeup line that she wished her mother had. From at-risk to risk-taker, Kim's grace, kindness, and beauty are revealed in how she overcame adversity to become such a changemaker in the beauty industry. Today, she is a maverick shaping the economy in her hometown of Houston, and even has June 23rd named “Kim Roxie Day” for her contributions.   Kim leaves us with several key learnings on her path to reach this point of success and celebration. Kim and LAMIK Beauty have been featured on QVC, HSN, CBS News with Gayle King, and more. She also holds the title of first black-owned clean makeup brand carried by the major beauty specialty retailer—Ulta: “To come out of that environment and not become what you're told, it's pretty transformational.” “If your kids make a mistake, don't label them for what they've done. Sometimes things happen.” “It's actually you showing more of who you are that reveals your beauty.” “I had a gift for doing eyebrows. When I got diagnosed with alopecia, that was my calling card.” “I'm not going to act like I still don't grieve my hair sometimes. It's the love and kindness people show that makes a difference.  “My responsibility is to be ready when the opportunity comes.”   Bio: Southern belle, seasoned makeup artist, licensed esthetician and member of the Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW), Kim Roxie experienced firsthand how WOC have been overlooked in the clean beauty market. At the age of 21, with a $500 investment, she opened her own makeup shop that catered to multicultural women in her hometown, Houston, TX. After running it for 14 years, in 2020, Roxie launched LAMIK Beauty as an e-commerce clean beauty company making LAMIK the first black-owned clean makeup brand carried by the major beauty specialty retailer, Ulta.com- changing the clean beauty game in Houston, Texas and beyond.   Roxie has received numerous awards including the Barack Obama and Joe Biden Lifetime Achievement Award for Community Service, one of the Houston Business Journal's “40 under 40,” one of the Innovation Map Award's “Top Founder under 40”, one of the American Business Journal's Most Influential Young Executives and “one of the 30 Black Stars” by Face2Face Africa. The City of Houston formally named June 23rd as Kim Roxie day in her honor.   “I worked 7 days a week. I've helped thousands and thousands of women with their makeup and eyebrows. To then be upfront helping millions of people at one time was just a dream come true.”   Tune in to learn more from Kendra and Kim!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Upcoming Event!How Can Mindfulness Give You a More Abundant Retirement?Are you ready to let go of anxiety and find the peace of mind you seek as you prepare for your golden years? Your Answer Lies in These 5 Critical Retirement Questions: Am I on track for financial independence?What do I need to do to get on track?How do I design a mindful investing portfolio?How do I manage that portfolio and my income over time through changing markets?How do I prepare non-financially for retirement? What are the dominant variables in a happy retirement?Learn more: https://courses.mindful.money/mindful-retirement-review-workshop/Gil Baumgarten is a disruptive wealth management pioneer. After battling UBS in defense of 100% ETF portfolios, a direct assault on the firm's fee-rich mutual fund business, he was on the original beta-test team of six advisors permitted to run discretionary ETF portfolios in 2002. He has since been named one of the “Top-20 ETF Thought Leaders in the U.S.” by Barron's and The Wall Street Journal . Gil's fee-only fiduciary firm, Segment Wealth Management, is a top-15 firm in Houston as ranked by the Houston Business Journal . Gil is perennially named a top-50 advisor in Texas by Barron's , out of the state's estimated 26,002 registrants. Gil is also the best- selling author of FOOLISH: How Investors Get Worked Up and Worked Over by the System. Today, Gil joins the show to discuss his background in the financial services industry, the difference between fiduciary and non-fiduciary standards, and the psychology behind investing.

My guest on the show today is Mark Walker, Chairman and CEO of Direct Digital Holdings (NASDAQ: DRCT).Direct Digital Holdings, owner of operating companies Colossus SSP, Huddled Masses, and Orange 142, brings state-of-the-art sell- and buy-side advertising platforms together under one umbrella company. Direct Digital Holdings' sell-side platform, Colossus SSP, offers advertisers of all sizes extensive reach within general market and multicultural media properties. The company's subsidiaries Huddled Masses and Orange142 deliver services for middle market advertisers by providing data-optimized programmatic solutions at scale for businesses in sectors that range from energy to healthcare to travel to financial services. Direct Digital Holdings' sell- and buy-side solutions manage approximately 90,000 clients monthly, generating over 100 billion impressions per month across display, CTV, in-app and other media channels. Direct Digital Holdings is the ninth black-owned company to go public in the U.S and was named a top minority-owned business by The Houston Business Journal. Similar to last week's episode, I was also made aware of Direct Digital Holdings by Scott Weis from Semco Capital. Thank you, Scott! I invited Mark on today because I wanted to get a better understanding of the media buying (and selling) business, plus:  Defining middle market of advertisers; the company's target customer Looking at the competitive landscape for media buying and selling; and Understanding how Direct Digital Holdings serves both sides in the media placement transaction With that, please enjoy my conversation with Mark Walker, Chairman and CEO of Direct Digital Holdings. For more information about Direct Digital Holdings, please visit: https://directdigitalholdings.com/   Today's episode is sponsored by: Socialsuite takes the complexity out of Environmental, Social, and Governance or ESG reporting. Socialsuite helps organizations to measure, monitor and report on their progress to create value through ESG in order to raise capital, improve brand and reputation, as well as mitigate risk. Socialsuite's software platform makes ESG reporting fast, simple and affordable. Companies can start building a baseline report in under 60 minutes and start reporting publicly within 30 days. Start your ESG journey - today. Visit https://www.socialsuitehq.com/ to learn more. This podcast was recorded and is being made available by SNN, Inc. (together with its affiliates and its and their employees, “SNN”) solely for informational purposes. SNN is not providing or undertaking to provide any financial, economic, legal, accounting, tax, or other advice in or by virtue of this podcast. The information, statements, comments, views, and opinions provided in this podcast are general in nature, and such information, statements, comments, views, and opinions, and the viewing of/listening to this podcast are not intended to be and should not be construed as the provision of investment advice by SNN. The information, statements, comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast do not constitute and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to make or consider any investment or other course of action. The information, statements, comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast (including by guest speakers who are not officers, employees, or agents of SNN) are not necessarily those of SNN and may not be current. Reference to any specific third-party entity, product, service, materials, or content does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the SNN. SNN assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content contained in third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. The views expressed by guest speakers are their own and their appearance on this podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. SNN does not make any representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any of the information, statements, comments, views, or opinions contained in this podcast, which may include forward-looking statements where actual results may differ materially. SNN does not undertake any obligation whatsoever to provide any form of update, amendment, change, or correction to any of the information, statements, comments, views or opinions set forth in this podcast. SNN EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST. By accessing this podcast, the listener acknowledges that the entire contents and design of this podcast, are the property of SNN, or used by SNN with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this podcast may save and use information contained in the podcast only for personal or other non-commercial educational purposes. No other use, including without limitation, reproduction, retransmission, or editing of this podcast may be made without the prior written consent of SNN.

GHWCC Global Businesswomen's Pod Episode 49 (Rebroadcast): Meet two of Houston's powerful women leading the business news scene, Giselle Rodriquez Greenwood Editor-in-Chief, Houston Business Journal, and Maria Reeve, Executive Editor, Houston Chronicle.  They will share vision for the future of women leading in media and changes they would like to see in the newsroom.  They are interviewed by Bob Charlet, the dynamic Publisher of the HBJ & GHWCC Board Member. 

GHWCC Global Businesswomen's Pod Episode 49 (Rebroadcast): Meet two of Houston's powerful women leading the business news scene, Giselle Rodriquez Greenwood Editor-in-Chief, Houston Business Journal, and Maria Reeve, Executive Editor, Houston Chronicle.  They will share vision for the future of women leading in media and changes they would like to see in the newsroom.  They are interviewed by Bob Charlet, the dynamic Publisher of the HBJ & GHWCC Board Member. 

In 2006, Janis Burke, CEO of the Harris County - Houston Sports Authority became the third chief executive and the first woman to hold the position since the organization's inception. In addition to overseeing the $1.2 billion dollars of bond debt service for Houston's professional sports stadiums, under her leadership, Houston has been awarded major sporting events including: 2023 NCAA Men's Final Four; 2023 College Football Playoff Championship; 2026 FIFA World Cup; U.S. Olympic Trials; collegiate tournaments; numerous National and World Championships; AAU Junior Olympics, and the World Transplant Games. The Sports Authority was selected by its peers as one of the country's best on several occasions and was designated “Best Employer in Sports” by Front Office Sports Publication. In addition, Burke has been recognized individually by numerous organizations for her impactful work done in the local community. Amongst those, Conference USA and Rice University acknowledged her for outstanding contributions as a woman in the Houston sports industry, was named one of “Houston's 50 Most Influential Women” by Houston Woman Magazine, received the Sports Industry Impact Award from Sam Houston State University, and was identified by the Houston Business Journal as one of Houston's Most Admired CEO's. Burke also served as Board Chair for Sports ETA, the leading sports tourism trade association in the United States. Sports Tech Feed is brought to you by STWS. Learn more: https://sportstechworldseries.com/podcast/

Founders - you will be INSPIRED by and UPLIFTED from this delicious conversation with global clean beauty brand founder Kim Roxie!Southern belle, seasoned makeup artist, licensed esthetician and member of the Cosmetic Executive Women, our guest – Kim Roxie – experienced firsthand how multicultural women have been overlooked in the clean beauty market.At the age of 21, with a $500 investment, she opened her own makeup shop that catered to multicultural women in her hometown of Houston, Texas. After running her shop for 14 years Kim launched LAMIK Beauty in 2020 as an e-commerce clean beauty company making LAMIK the first black-owned clean makeup brand carried by the major beauty specialty retailer, Ulta.com – changing the clean beauty game in Houston, Texas and beyond.Kim has received numerous awards including the Barack Obama and Joe Biden Lifetime Achievement Award for Community Service, the Houston Business Journal's “40 under 40,” the Innovation Map Award's “Top Founder under 40”, the American Business Journal's Most Influential Young Executives and “one of the 30 Black Stars” by Face2Face Africa.She is so beloved by her hometown, that the City of Houston formally named June 23rd as Kim Roxie day in her honor!At 46:00 on the audio, Kim demonstrates how to use LAMIK's Revelation Brow Due while chatting with us - awe*mazing! https://lamikbeauty.com/collections/b...To learn more about LAMIK Beauty and to purchase products, please visit: https://lamikbeauty.comPlease follow LAMIK Beauty on social:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LAMIKCosmeticsInstagram: https://instagram.com/lamikbeautyTwitter: https://twitter.com/lamikbeautyThank you for carving out time to improve your Founder Game - when you do better, your startup will do better - cheers!Ande ♥https://andelyons.combestpodcastlforstartups #startupstories #startuplifeJOIN STARTUP LIFE LIVE MEETUP GROUPGet an alert whenever I post a new show! https://bit.ly/StartupLifeLIVECONNECT WITH ME ONLINE:https://twitter.com/AndeLyonshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/andelyons/https://www.instagram.com/ande_lyons/TikTok: @andelyonsANDELICIOUS ANNOUNCEMENTSArlan's Academy: https://arlansacademy.com/Scroobious - use Ande15 discount code: https://www.scroobious.com/How to Raise a Seed Round: https://bit.ly/AAElizabethYinTune in to Mia Voss' Shit We Don't Talk About podcast here: https://shitwedonttalkaboutpodcast.com/SPONSORSHIPIf you resonate with the show's mission of amplifying diverse founder voices while serving first-time founders around the world, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact through sponsoring the Startup Life LIVE Show! ande@andelyons.com.

Guest: Brendan Neef, Founder and CEO of Victory Transportation Systems. Victory has been selected for the Inc 5,000 list of the Fastest Growing Private Companies in America three times. And Victory has been recognized twice by the Houston Business Journal as one of the best places to work. Overview: Your company can only grow as fast as you and your team are growing. If you hit a roadblock that you just can't clear, the third-party perspective of a mentor or CEO coach could be essential to helping you break through.  On today's show, Brendan Neef discusses how working with CEO Coaching International accelerated his growth into a leader who can make tough choices, establish better plans, build a stronger team, and Make BIG Happen.

Join Mike Cavaggioni with Gil Baumgarten on the 155th episode of the Average Joe Finances Podcast. Gil shares his thoughts on timely finance topics, volatile market trends and the psychology behind smart investments.In this episode, you'll learn:How to stay strong during market volatilityHaving a healthy risk appetite when investingHow to start investing wiselyHaving the discipline to become wealthyAnd so much more!About Gil Baumgarten:Gil Baumgarten is a disruptive wealth management pioneer. After battling UBS in defense of 100% ETF portfolios, a direct assault on the firm's fee-rich mutual fund business, he was on the original beta-test team of six advisors permitted to run discretionary ETF portfolios in 2002.  He has since been named one of the “Top-20 ETF Thought Leaders in the U.S.” by Barron's and The Wall Street Journal. Gil's fee-only fiduciary firm, Segment Wealth Management, is a top-15 firm in Houston as ranked by the Houston Business Journal. Gil is perennially named a top-50 advisor in Texas by Barron's, out of the state's 26,002 registrants. Gil is also the best-selling author of FOOLISH: How Investors Get Worked Up and Worked Over by the System. The book takes readers through the dark tunnels of the brokerage fee ecosystem and takes a deep dive on investors' self-harm tendencies driven by ego satisfaction.Find Gil on:Company Website: https://segmentwm.com/Gil's Musings: https://segmentwm.com/blog/Personal Website: https://gilbaumgarten.com/Facebook: www.facebook.com/SegmentWealthManagementLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gil-baumgarten/  Average Joe Finances®All of our social media links and more: https://averagejoefinances.com/linksAbout Mike: https://themikecav.comREWBCON: Join me at the Real Estate Wealth Builders Conference. Use promo code “Mike” to save on tickets. https://averagejoefinances.com/rewbconImportant Tools and Resources that I UseFinancial Resources: www.averagejoefinances.com/resourcesCRM Tool: www.averagejoefinances.com/crmPay Off Your Mortgage in 5-7 Years:www.theshredmethod.com/averagejoefinancesFind a REALTOR® in any state: www.averagejoefinances.com/realtorMake Real Estate Investing Easier with DealMachine:www.averagejoefinances.com/dealmachinePodcast Hosting: www.averagejoefinances.com/buzzsproutPodcast Editing Services: www.editpods.com*DISCLAIMER* www.averagejoefinances.com/disclaimerSee our full episode transcripts here: www.averagejoefinancespod.com/episodesSupport the show

Want to become financially free through commercial real estate? Check out our eBook to learn how to jump start a cash flowing real estate portfolio here https://www.therealestateinvestingclub.com/real-estate-wealth-bookIn this episode of The Real Estate Investing Club I interview Robert Martinez, Robert holds an Engineering Degree from Texas A&M University and is the only two-time winner of the National Apartment Association Independent Rental Owner of the Year Paragon Award. Under Robert's visionary leadership, Rockstar Capital has earned 19 city, state and national apartment awards and was named #15 in the Houston Business Journal's “Fast 100” fastest growing companies. Rockstar Capital currently manages 4,849 total units across 24 apartment communities. Robert shares a passion for soccer with his two boys Ryan and Conner and enjoys supporting their daily efforts in local club soccer.. Robert Martinez is a real estate investor who has a great story to share and words of wisdom to impart for both beginning and veteran investors alike, so grab your pen and paper, buckle up and enjoy the ride. Want to get in contact with Robert Martinez? Reach out at https://www.theapartmentrockstar.com https://www.instagram.com/apartmentrockstar https://www.rockstar-capital.com.Enjoy the show? Subscribe to the channel for all our upcoming real estate investor interviews and episodes.************************************************************************GET INVOLVED, CONNECTED & GROW YOUR REAL ESTATE BUSINESSLEARN -- Want to learn the ins and outs of real estate investing? Check out our book at https://www.therealestateinvestingclub.com/real-estate-wealth-bookCONNECT -- Want to join one of the most active Facebook Groups for Real Estate Investors? Click here to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2940993215976264PARTNER -- Want to partner on a deal or connect in person? Email the host Gabe Petersen at gabe@therealestateinvestingclub.com or reach out on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabe-petersen/WATCH -- Want to watch our YouTube channel? Click here: https://bit.ly/theREIshow************************************************************************ABOUT THE REAL ESTATE INVESTING CLUB SHOWThe Real Estate Investing Club is a podcast and YouTube show where real estate investing professionals share their best advice, greatest stories, and favorite tips as a real estate investor. Join us as we delve into every aspect of real estate investing - from self-storage, to mobile home parks, to single family flips and rentals, to multifamily syndication!#realestateinvesting #passiveincome #realestateAfter Hours Entrepreneur: Your Guide to Profitable, 6-Figure YearsQuit your job. Make more money.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

In this episode, our host Jonathan Aymin sits down with Ian Ramirez owner of Madres Estates to discuss his plans for expanding their property to include new spaces for additional streams of revenue, the process he and his team uses to select vendors and build packages and why mentorship and your inner circle matter when you are building a business! About Our Guest: Ian Ramirez is an internationally trained opera singer who has sung across the globe from Portland, Oregon to Stuttgart, Germany. From opera to operations, Ian serves as the Co-Owner & Venue Director of Madera Estates, an award-winning Spanish and European inspired luxury wedding and event venue located in Conroe, TX. Hosting more than 100 weddings and events per year, he is responsible for overseeing the operational aspects of the venue, business development, and customer service. As a leader in the community, Ian operates a private voice studio and serves on the board of Interfaith Young Professionals. His accolades include Man of the Year through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Man & Woman of the Year campaign, PR Luxury Media's Do-Gooder of the Year, as well as a Five Who Share Award recipient through Interfaith of The Woodlands and Houston Business Journal's 40 Under 40. Venue Info: Madera Estates A SPANISH & EUROPEAN INSPIRED LUXURY EVENT VENUE 3201 N. Frazier St. Conroe, TX 77303 Website: www.maderaestates.com Email: ian@maderaestates.com Tel: (936) 441-9337 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maderaestates/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.co/in/ian-jos%C3%A9-ramirez-2b8a8991/ Twitter: @mymaderaestates Facebook: @maderaestates Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MaderaEstatesWeddingsandEventsConroe If you are a new or existing venue owner and want a professional team to operate and manage your venue business click here! https://www.cseventservices.com Thanks for checking out The Venue RX! Where we document and share best practices for owning & operating profitable world class venues! BE A GUEST! If you are interested in being a guest on our show, or you know someone who you would recommend, go to our website and submit a request! We will review your application and get back to you promptly. ► Website http://thevenuerx.com/submit Don't forget to smash that LIKE Button. Remember to SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube channel and click the BELL ICON to set alerts for all our new weekly videos! CONNECT WITH US & SUPPORT!!! ✩ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thevenuerx/ ✩ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thevenuerx ✩ Website: www.thevenuerx.com ✩ Anchor: https://bit.ly/3gKSshE LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ✩ Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3qW7ntS ✩ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3gIz7h3Android: https://bit.ly/3njXOTE

Robert Martinez holds an Engineering Degree from Texas A&M University and is the only two-time winner of the National Apartment Association Independent Rental Owner of the Year Paragon Award. Under Robert's visionary leadership, Rockstar Capital has earned 19 city, state and national apartment awards and was named #15 in the Houston Business Journal's “Fast 100” fastest growing companies. Rockstar Capital currently manages 4,849 total units across 24 apartment communities. Robert shares a passion for soccer with his two boys Ryan and Conner and enjoys supporting their daily efforts in local club soccer. In this episode, Robert talks about what led him to real estate approximately 10+ years ago and the journey to becoming a 2x National Apartment Owner of the Year award winner. Robert shares his philosophy that allowed him to grow his portfolio to over 5000 units. He also discusses his 6, 12, and 18 month predictions with us. Connect with Robert: Instagram: @apartmentrockstar YouTube: @TheApartmentRockstar Partner with us: www.pac3capital.com Follow the show on Instagram: @therealestatetakeoff

Listen to Mike Mantel , President & CEO of Living Water International on the Culture Eats Everything Podcast in conversation with Thomas Willis. Read more about Mike Mike Mantel : Dr. Michael J. Mantel has dedicated much of his life to mobilizing churches to bring water to the world's thirsty while sharing the love of Jesus Christ. As the president and CEO of Living Water International, a faith-based global humanitarian organization, Mike is a firm believer in the miracle of safe water, and in the biblical vision of the unity of the Body of Christ. Since 2008, Mike has led Living Water International through years of unprecedented growth by helping church communities around the world become more effective agents of gospel-driven change. Thirsting for Living Water is a response to the desire of many American churches to help their people find adventure and purpose in God's redemption story. Mike's 30 years of experience working with churches in the US and around the world offers a unique perspective on the global Church, as does his passion for helping church communities come alive through world-changing action. After earning a business degree from Calvin College in 1983 and a decade in business, Mike witnessed firsthand the impact of water when he visited impoverished rural communities in Senegal, West Africa, where his then-employer was sponsoring the drilling of wells. It was during this trip where Mike felt a divine invitation to help thirsty people access clean water—a catalyst for physical and spiritual change. Prior to joining Living Water International, Mike led various teams at World Vision, earned a PhD in Organizational Development from Benedictine University, enjoyed many years in business, and received the Distinguished Alumni Award from his alma mater Calvin College. Recently honored by the Houston Business Journal as a Most Admired CEO, Mike has authored, contributed to, or been featured in, articles in the Houston Business Journal, Houston Chronicle, USA Today, Chicago Tribune, Christianity Today, as well as other publications and a number of books. Mike serves as an elder at Grace Presbyterian Church. He, his wife Natalie, and their four daughters have traveled the world in service with others, and he cherishes the opportunity to invite others to make a difference at home, among near neighbors, and even to the ends of the earth. ______________________________ Mike Mantel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeljmantel/ Living Water International: https://water.cc/ _______________________________ Phoenix Performance Partners Website: https://www.phoenixperform.com/ Culture Eats Everything Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/culture-eats-everything/id1526731051 Culture Eats Everything Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1utf9dZh2PRQKxe6qg5I5M Tom Willis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasawillis/ Checkout our book: https://www.phoenixperform.com/book #CultureEatsEverything

Earlier this year, Jeff Green and Lauren Smith interviewed Sharon Birkman, the CEO of Birkman International, about finding your “why” using their proprietary social and psychological assessment, the Birkman Assessment. Since then, Jeff and Lauren have each taken the Assessment and personally debrief with Sharon. In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, Jeff, Lauren and Sharon come back together to discuss:What the Birkman Assessment isWhy the Birkman Assessment is a great tool for retirees as they consider the next phases of their livesJeff and Lauren's individual Birkman Assessment resultsHow we can all can leverage the Birkman Assessment to work better togetherResourcesWant to take The Birkman Assessment? Email Sharon directly: sbirkman@birkman.comUnderstanding The Birkman's Colors Connect with Sharon BirkmanEmail Sharon: sbirkman@birkman.com Call Birkman: 800-215-2760Birkman International Website About Our Guest: Sharon Birkman, CEO of Birkman InternationalAs the daughter of company founder and influential industrial-organizational psychologist Dr. Roger W. Birkman, Sharon Birkman cultivated her deep expertise in human perception and organizational behavior through her lifelong interest in The Birkman Method.Sharon, CEO of Birkman International, has been recognized with a multitude of awards, including EY's Entrepreneur of the Year, the Women President's Organization's Mary Lehman MacLachlan Award, National Best and Brightest Places to Work For, and the Houston Business Journal's Women Who Mean Business Award.In addition to her responsibilities at Birkman, Sharon volunteers her services as a Board Member of Houston Public Media, Goodwill Industries of Houston, and a long-time Board member for ESCAPE Family Resource Center. Sharon co-authored the book “The Birkman Method: Your Personality at Work” and authored the book “Creatures of Contact” by ForbesBooks.Birkman International is an industry-leading behavioral and occupational assessment company founded by innovative organizational psychologist Dr. Roger W. Birkman in 1951.The Birkman Method remains a preferred instrument to better understand interpersonal dynamics through positive psychology. It is used widely in the fields of career and life coaching, leadership development, human resources management, and organizational design today. Connect With Green Financial Group:jeff@greenfinancialgrp.com(713) 244-3030Schedule A Call With Jeff or LaurenGreen Financial GroupLinkedIn: Jeff GreenLinkedIn: Lauren Smith

ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner. Thanks again to Greenbuild, our October Sponsor. Greenbuild hosts the largest annual event for green building professionals worldwide where attendees learn and source solutions to improve resilience, sustainability, and quality of life in our buildings, cities, and communities. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2022, Greenbuild will take place in San Francisco, CA. Register with promo code DECODED to activate $50 savings on a Learning Package or redeem free expo hall access w/ the Sourcing Package - also works on virtual packages! Visit them at www.GreenbuildExpo.com. In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Colley Hodges, Sustainability Manager at the Houston Zoo. Colley leads one of the greenest zoo-based conservation organizations in the country. He is an architect and accredited professional under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system, WELL Building Standard, and Sustainable SITES initiative. Some of his efforts include carbon tracking and reduction, sustainable material selection, resource conservation, waste diversion, indoor air quality improvements, and sustainability education. In 2021, Colley was recognized as a 40 Under 40 honoree by the Houston Business Journal and Building Design + Construction magazine. Listen as Amanda and Colley discuss the Houston Zoo's conservation efforts and their connection to its steadfast mission to save wildlife. Its architectural design ties to animal care and welfare, while its sourcing efforts aim toward shrinking its footprint. Houston Zoo's laser focus on responsible sourcing is fueled by a project comprised of sustainably harvested wood, leading to the elimination of single-use plastics in its restaurants and retail stores. Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our new YouTube Channel so that you're notified of our vodcast episodes! Don't forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode! Interested in being a guest on the podcast? For consideration and scheduling, please fill out this form. Episode Resource Links Houston Zoo Website: https://www.houstonzoo.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/houstonzoo Twitter: https://twitter.com/houstonzoo

LISTEN NOW!! We want to congratulate Jennifer in her newly appointed role as Director of Climate and ESG Policy, at the American Petroleum institute ( API).Jennifer Stewart is a senior energy executive with over 30 years of legal, financial and environmental strategy experience. She is the Principal Advisor for Equitable Origin EO100™ Standard for Responsible Energy Development. She also serves as an independent Board Member of Paragon Integrated Services where she chairs the Sustainability Committee and has recently taken a board seat on Seek Ops. She has received recognition for women's leadership in the oil and gas industry, including the Houston Business Journal's Top Women in Energy, the National Diversity Council's Top 50 Women in Oil and Gas, and the Greater Houston Women's Chamber of Commerce Trailblazer Award.Jennifer grew up in Ohio, married her high school sweetheart whose job took them out of state. This led Jennifer into the first part of her career, working for the IRS. At the time she did not have her law degree and found herself working with lawyers, who quite frankly she felt more competent then or at least equal to. This sparked a fire in her to go back to school, despite the fact she had a full time job and two little kids at home. She quickly found herself drained, tired and unsure if she would be able to finish. She walks us through this period in her life and how she managed to pull it off. Jennifer found herself in an interview with South Western Energy, not knowing anything about upstream oil and gas. The first role of its kind at the company, as the Vice President of Tax. She felt isolated at the start, since the position was a brand new role, as an independent contributor. She talks about how she defined success for her, this strategy made her indispensable at SWN. She was quickly noticed and found herself being asked to take over as CFO in a not so normal situation. You have to listen to find out what happened. Throughout Jennifer's story she created roles that didn't exist before her, that are now common within companies today. She provides advice on creating value through self study and learning from the team when taking on a newly created position or job. This strategy brought her to becoming one of the most sought after leaders in the ESG, Certification and the Climate change space. We end the podcast on advice all parents need to hear, it sure made us think! Come hang out with us:Download on Apple Podcast——>> ClickDownload on Spotify———>>ClickConnect with Maisy and Jamie:Connect with Massiel Diez: Instagram | LinkedInConnect with Jamie Elrod: Instagram | LinkedInFollow FTB on Instagram | LinkedInJoin FTB NationIf your interested in working with us, please contact : flippingthebarrel@gmail.com To find out more about our mid-roll audio sponsor TechnipFMC please visit: TechnipFMCTo find out more about our pre-roll audio sponsor Varel Energy Solutions please visit: Varel EnergyTo find out more about website sponsor Nextier Energy Solutions please visit: Nextier Oilfield Solutions

In today's episode, we are extremely lucky to be joined by the realtor, business coach, and yogi, Haley Garcia. Leading an award-winning real estate team located in Houston, TX, the Haley Garcia Group is Compass' – country's largest independent real estate brokerage – #1 real estate team in Houston and was named one of the Houston Business Journal's Top 25 Real Estate Teams in 2021. Having been in the business for over 23 years, Marjorie picks Haley's brain on what's kept her passionate in her career. Haley also shares upstanding tactics on time-management skills, creating freedom in both one's life and headspace, and accountability. Tune in and find out more about Haley Garcia, Founder, and Leader of Haley Garcia Group, and Marjorie Adam of the Marjorie Adam Team at Nest Realty. GET THE BOOKS: Atomic Habits by James Clear & Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom

Ian Ramirez is an internationally trained opera singer who has sung across the globe. From opera to operations, he serves as the Co-Owner and Venue Director of Madera Estates, an award-winning Spanish and European inspired luxury wedding and event venue located in Conroe, TX. The architecturally stunning and beauty that is Madera Estates takes inspiration and visions from the historic town of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, an artist's haven and UNESCO World Heritage Site. As a wedding industry educator, Ian has been a featured speaker at the Wedding MBA in Las Vegas, NV, the Wedding Venue Conference, the Wedding Venue Map in Orlando, FL, as well as the International Live Events Association, Houston Chapter. Among his other accolades, Ian was named the Man of the Year through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Man & Woman of the Year campaign, Interfaith of The Woodlands Five Who Share Award recipient, as well as PR Luxury Media's Do-Gooder of the Year and Houston Business Journal's 40 Under 40.Sponsored by:UndersummerOutstanding DNA Learn more about Jeff Newkirk. Do you have any game-changers in your life? Be sure to let me know so we can celebrate their story and contribution to our world. Go to https://gamechangerswithjeff.com to enter your name to be on the podcast

In this weeks video, our host Jonathan Aymin sits down with Ian Ramirez from Madera Estates to discuss how to reduce friction in your sales process, how to build rapport with couples faster, and how to sell more weddings by asking the right questions. About Our Guest: Ian Ramirez is an internationally trained opera singer who has sung across the globe. From opera to operations, he serves as the Co-Owner and Venue Director of Madera Estates, an award-winning Spanish and European inspired luxury wedding and event venue located in Conroe, TX. The architecturally stunning and beauty that is Madera Estates takes inspiration and visions from the historic town of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, an artist's haven and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Named to Houston Business Journal's 40 Under 40, Ian is passionate about giving back to his community as well as sharing his knowledge with other wedding industry professionals. He has been a featured speaker at Wedding MBA, Wedding Venue Conference, Wedding Venue Map, as well as the International Live Events Association. Among his other accolades, Ian was named the Man of the Year through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Man & Woman of the Year campaign, Interfaith of The Woodlands Five Who Share Award recipient, as well as PR Luxury Media's Do-Gooder of the Year. Find Him Here: Website: www.maderaestates.com Instagram: @maderaestates Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.co/in/ian-jos%C3%A9-ramirez-2b8a8991/ Twitter: @mymaderaestates Facebook: @maderaestates Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MaderaEstatesWeddingsandEventsConroe Thanks for checking out The Venue RX on Youtube. We are a team of content creators bringing you weekly reviews, tutorials, and business coaching videos. For a look at all things motivation, mindset, podcast interviews, and more...this is the place to be! BE A GUEST! If you are interested in being a guest on our show, or you know someone who you would recommend, go to our website and submit a request! We will review your application and get back to you promptly. ► Website http://thevenuerx.com/submit Don't forget to smash that LIKE Button. Remember to SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube channel and click the BELL ICON to set alerts for all our new weekly videos! CONNECT WITH US & SUPPORT!!! ✩ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thevenuerx/ ✩ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thevenuerx ✩ Website: www.thevenuerx.com ✩ Anchor: https://bit.ly/3gKSshE LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ✩ Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3qW7ntS ✩ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3gIz7h3Android: https://bit.ly/3njXOTE ABOUT THE HOST Hi I'm Jonathan Aymin. I'm a business geek, lover of all things buffalo, foodie, author, podcaster, public speaker (on occasion!), and the founder of Common Sense Events, FLOE Group, and host of The Jono Show! Mainly I'm a dad of four. If you want to know more, visit my website or my social media channels! www.jonathanaymin.com www.instagram.com/jonoaymin

Meatballs, ghosts and pasta - all set! This week, dine in with Alex and special guest host, Sean, from Reddit on Wiki and the Shots & Thoughts Podcasts, as they discuss the history and haunts of the Old Spaghetti Warehouse in Houston, Texas. Who or what is haunting this former Italian chain restaurant? Did anyone die there? How's the lasagna? Tune in and learn more! Need a distraction? We got you.  Looking to support those affected by the recent events at the Robb County Elementary school? Please check out: https://www.gofundme.com/c/act/donate-to-texas-elementary-school-shooting-relief (https://www.gofundme.com/c/act/donate-to-texas-elementary-school-shooting-relief)  Listener discretion is advised. Shout out to our Patrons Tom, Bailey, Angela, Jon, Alicia, Lynn, Sissy, Shadow, Courtney & Cheryl! Thank you for supporting Weird Distractions on Patreon. You can also support the show on Patreon and get monthly bonus episodes, behind the scenes footage, and more! We're also on Buy Me a Coffee if you want to support the show with a one-time donation. You can also find us on Redbubble for some Weird Distractions merch. If you want to provide feedback or even your own weird story to be read on air in an upcoming Listener Distractions episode - please email: weirddistractionspodcast@outlook.com. If you're listening on Apple Podcasts, please consider rating & reviewing! It's the best way to support the show (for free). Thanks for listening! Weird Distractions is a proud member of the Cultiv8 network: https://www.patreon.com/cultiv8podcastnetwork/ (https://www.patreon.com/cultiv8podcastnetwork/)  Resources: Haunted Rooms America website - "THE GHOSTS OF SPAGHETTI WAREHOUSE, HOUSTON” - no author or date listed - https://www.hauntedrooms.com/texas/houston/haunted-places/spaghetti-warehouse (https://www.hauntedrooms.com/texas/houston/haunted-places/spaghetti-warehouse)  Wikipedia - Spaghetti Warehouse - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spaghetti_Warehouse#Houston,_Texas_(closed) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spaghetti_Warehouse#Houston,_Texas_(closed))  Spaghetti Warehouse website - http://www.meatballs.com/ (http://www.meatballs.com/)  The Tab website - “We visited Houston's most terrifying building” - no author or date listed - https://thetab.com/us/uh/2016/10/27/haunted-houston-507 (https://thetab.com/us/uh/2016/10/27/haunted-houston-507)  Preservation Houston website - New owner to rehab former Spaghetti Warehouse building” - no author listed - July 10th, 2018 - https://preservationhouston.org/news/2018/7/10/new-owner-to-rehab-former-spaghetti-warehouse-building (https://preservationhouston.org/news/2018/7/10/new-owner-to-rehab-former-spaghetti-warehouse-building)  National Weather Service website - “Hurricane Harvey & Its Impacts on Southeast Texas (August 25-29, 2017)” - https://www.weather.gov/hgx/hurricaneharvey (https://www.weather.gov/hgx/hurricaneharvey)  World Vision website - “2017 Hurricane Harvey: Facts, FAQs, and how to help” - by Chris Huber - September 7th, 2018 - https://www.worldvision.org/disaster-relief-news-stories/2017-hurricane-harvey-facts (https://www.worldvision.org/disaster-relief-news-stories/2017-hurricane-harvey-facts)  Houston Business Journal website - “Spaghetti Warehouse's downtown Houston property sold, building to be renovated” - by Jen Para - July 9th, 2018 - https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2018/07/09/spaghetti-warehouses-downtownhouston-property-sold.html (https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2018/07/09/spaghetti-warehouses-downtownhouston-property-sold.html)  YouTube video - “Exploring the haunted Spaghetti Warehouse - Houston, Texas” - uploaded by Horrified TV - uploaded March 25th, 2018  YouTube video - “New plans for old Spaghetti Warehouse” - uploaded by KHOU 11 - July 19th, 2018  New Haven Register - “Historic downtown building, long home to Spaghetti Warehouse, sells to developer” -...