Podcast appearances and mentions of Jackson Hewitt

I always enjoy having the opportunity to speak with business professionals and leaders. Fidel Guzman not only is such a professional, but he also works in the corporate training arena teaching his company's employees and leaders about leadership and continuous improvement. Fidel comes by his talents honestly. He grew up in an environment where he needed to learn and grow. He secured a Bachelor's degree and an MBA both from Northeastern Illinois University where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. Fidel started out wanting to be a kindergarten teacher, but he ended up taking a different road. He went to work for a company where he helped people progress within various industries. The company he worked for was bought by ION Group in Chicago, IL. Fidel flourished and became the Manager of Internal Training for the company. Mr. Guzman is quite adaptable and can train people within the organization even though they may well have their own expertise in different industries. Fidel and I talk about everything from leadership, the future of corporate training and we even take time to explore how AI is and will become more a part of his work and the work we all do. When not working Fidel has various outside activities. His most loved efforts go, of course, into being part of a family. He also serves as Vice President of Education for Toastmasters International. He loves to be involved in Mixed Martial Arts. He keeps quite busy at a variety of activities and clearly loves the challenges he gets to address along the way. About the Guest: Fidel Guzman is a dynamic and enthusiastic Learning & Develoment professional with a proven track record in instructional design, project management, and training development. With a Master of Business Administration from Northeastern Illinois University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude, Fidel has consistently demonstrated his commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. His extensive experience spans various industries, including finance, telecommunications, and fitness, showcasing his versatility and adaptability. Currently serving as the Manager of Internal Training at ION Group in Chicago, IL. Fidel and his small but mighty team facilitate onboarding programs and training initiatives for over 13,000 employees globally. He has experience developing comprehensive new hire onboarding curricula and career progression pathways for multiple departments, ensuring effective and innovative learning solutions. Fidel's leadership extends beyond his professional role, as he actively participates in numerous company committees focused on community volunteer events, work-life balance education, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Fidel's passion for personal and professional development is evident in his certifications, including “Creating a Coaching Culture” from SHRM and “Coaching Skills for Leaders and Managers” from PMI. Fluent in both Spanish and English, he leverages his bilingual skills to connect with a diverse audience. Outside of his professional endeavors, Fidel enjoys podcasting, judo, triathlons, hiking, and poetry, reflecting his well-rounded and adventurous spirit. In addition to his professional achievements, Fidel has a strong commitment to volunteerism and community involvement. He is serving as the Vice President of Education for Toastmasters International and has been an MMA class instructor and coordinator at St. Bruno Elementary. His dedication to helping others is further demonstrated through his role as an academic tutor at Berwyn Public Library. Ways to connect with Fidel: (1) Fidel Guzman, MBA | LinkedIn New Podcast- The Hero in the Mirror on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/44xD76FcF5YFMNyuigFmBm?si=2so3OWJdQby6F91ZaY1AUg The Hero in the Mirror also on Youtube: (3) HerointheMirror - YouTube About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset . Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Transcription Notes: Michael Hingson ** 00:00 Access Cast and accessiBe Initiative presents Unstoppable Mindset. The podcast where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. Hi, I'm Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe and the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast as we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion unacceptance and our resistance to change. We will discover the idea that no matter the situation, or the people we encounter, our own fears, and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessiBe, that's a c c e s s i capital B e. Visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities. And to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025. Glad you dropped by we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us.   Michael Hingson ** 01:21 Greetings, everyone. I am Michael Hingson, and you are listening to unstoppable mindset where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet, and today we get to do the unexpected. And of course, what the unexpected is is anything that doesn't have anything to do with inclusion or diversity. So that's most things you know, in a lot of ways. Anyway, our guest today is Fidel, and am I pronouncing it right? Guzman, yes, you got it. Oh, my goodness. Comes from listening to Guzman's who play baseball. Okay, I'll take that. That's a way. So Fidel reached out to me some time ago. We're going to be doing some speaking to his company ion. But in the meanwhile, I also convinced him that he had to come on unstoppable mindset and talk with us, tell us about himself, tell us a lot about what he does and why he does it, and help to contribute to our general theme, which is that we're all more unstoppable than we think we are, and we usually underrate ourselves. So we we try to improve by discovering that more people are unstoppable than we think they are, and that we thought they were. So that works out. Well, Fidel has a degree in business. He has a Masters of Business Administration. You graduated sigma cum laude, which is pretty cool. And I did cum laude, but I didn't get to do sigma or Magna, but that's okay, but that's okay anyway. Fidel, I want to welcome you to unstoppable mindset. We're glad you're here.   Fidel Guzman ** 02:56 Michael, it's a pleasure to be here. Thank you for having me.   Michael Hingson ** 03:00 Well, my pleasure, and I'm looking forward to to chatting and talking about some businessy things and anything else that you want to talk about. So let's start this way. It's always fun to do this. Why don't we start by you telling us kind of, maybe, about the early Fidel growing up and some of that stuff, and what got you started down the road of life as it were.   Fidel Guzman ** 03:20 Yeah, yeah, that's all right, yeah, let's let's go back. Let's go back to where it all started,   Michael Hingson ** 03:25 long time ago,   Fidel Guzman ** 03:30 definitely. So I'm born and raised in Los Angeles, Compton, Huntington Park area. I come from Mexican parents. They they they came here to the United States to give their their family a better future. Some first generation Mexican American, very proud. So actually, we do have a little diversity in here on this call. Oh, good. There we go. Yeah. So first generation Mexican American, my family traveled a lot when I was young. My dad's a truck driver, so wherever there was work, he would take us along. So we grew up and raised Los Angeles. I was seven or eight, then we ended up going to Mexico for a couple years, in Dallas, then St Louis, and then we ended up here in Chicago, here in the Midwest. Wow. Winter, the winters here were a bit surprising and tough. When I was in elementary school, I remember the first snow that I saw. It was, it was beautiful. After two weeks, I was like, All right, when is it? When is it gonna go away? And I was in for the the rude awakening that it's gonna it's gonna stick around for, for a few months or so, yeah, but I've had, you know, since then here, here in Chicago, we started to grow our roots. And I have five brothers and a sister. So I have a big family, a big Hispanic family, and I went to high school. My freshman year, I went to Lane Tech. Tech for all my folks who are familiar with the Chicagoland area. And then I ended up going to transferring over to Morton West in Berwyn. After I graduated high school, I went to Northeastern Illinois University, my alma mater, I got my undergrad in business management and marketing, and also got my Masters in Business Administration. So I am a proud double alumni from Northeastern Illinois University, and I really owe this, this community of Northeastern Illinois University, a lot with respect to the great teachers that they have there, the community that they try to build, and the friends and that I made along the way, as well as the education, of course, that helped, really helped me expand my career opportunities. After I graduated from Northeastern Illinois University with my undergrad, I started my first real corporate role inside of backstop solutions. And backstop solutions was a still, you know, it was a great company to be a part of lots of mentors. If I can, actually, I would like to give a quick shout out to a few mentors that I had along the way, such as Deanne Falk, Richard fu our CEO, our legacy CEO, Clint Coghill, Sarah Schroeder, and the current head of learning and development under ion. Alexander Lloyd and I really want to thank them for all their mentorship and leadership, because it's really helped me get and grow to the person that I am today. So with that, yeah, I am the manager of internal training at ion. We came I came in via an acquisition, when backstop was acquired, and throughout that period, like I was, I had some some free time, so to say, and ended up getting my Masters in Business Administration.   Michael Hingson ** 06:48 And so along the way, did you get yourself married and all that? Oh, my   Fidel Guzman ** 06:52 wife is going to kill me. Yes. Along the way, sorry about that. No, yeah, yeah, of course, yeah. Can't forget, can't forget about those significant others. But yes, I am married. My wife has a master's in occupational therapy, so she's in the medical field, and I'm in, like, the business learning and development side of things, so our conversations are pretty interesting, as well as our perspectives on things. I also have a daughter. She's 16, going on 17 people are usually very surprised when I tell them the age of my daughter, but had her early when I was in my early 20s, so young dad and she was a blessing. I wouldn't, wouldn't have it any other way.   Michael Hingson ** 07:33 That's that is great. Why did you decide to go into business and study business in college.   Fidel Guzman ** 07:42 So interestingly enough, when I got into college, I wanted to be a kindergarten teacher. I wanted to be cool Mr. Guzman, because I also really I love kids. I love working with kids. I was also a mixed martial arts program coordinator and instructor at an elementary school on the south side of Chicago for three years, and that was during my undergrad. And I taught all grades kindergarten through eighth grade, some of the basics in boxing, wrestling, jiu jitsu and kickboxing, so a bit of both. But as I was going through through my clinicals, as I was going through the the Yeah, the education aspect of it, I ended up wanting to switch majors. So I was like, I was like, hey, there's probably a lot more opportunity, a lot more opportunity for growth inside of the business segment. So I ended up switching my majors to business management, marketing, and somehow learning just found its way back into my life. So a lot of the stuff that I learned from some of those, those preliminary courses in in education. I mean, still, still resonate to this day, right? Understand your audience. Understand which students are visual learners, which ones are experiential learners. Which one need more repetitive exercise to to drill something in? So, yeah, the universe did not, did not lead me too far away from, from from teaching and being an instructor, and here I am. I know   Michael Hingson ** 09:08 that feeling well. So a couple things. First of all, I was born in Chicago, but we moved to California when I was five, but in Chicago, you start kindergarten at the age of four. So I went for a year to a special kindergarten class that my parents and others advocated for, for premature, blind kids, because there were a whole bunch in the Chicago area during the whole baby boomer area, a number of children were born prematurely and given a pure oxygen environment, which caused them to lose their eyesight. And so the bottom line is that happened to me among others. And so I went to the Perry school. I don't even know if it's around anymore. Somebody told me it wasn't around anymore, but that's where I went to school. And went there for a year of kindergarten, learned braille and other things. And then we moved to California. So I always wanted to be a teacher as well, and I came at teaching from a different standpoint, as you did. That is to say, Well, I wanted to be a teacher. My first job out of college wasn't directly teaching, except I ended up having to write training materials and do other things like that, and then I ended up going into sales, and what I learned is that the best sales people are really teachers. They're counselors. They guide and they help people, especially when you're dealing with major account sales, they help people look at products. They teach about what their product does and the really good sales people are brave enough to admit when their product might not be the best fit for someone, because it's also all about building trust. And good teachers are concerned about building trust as well. Of course.   Fidel Guzman ** 10:57 Yeah, one of my teachers when I was close to graduating, you know, one of the things that you know this teacher, Dr funk, if I remember correctly, he instilled in us, if you're able to synthesize what you learned and explain it to a five year old, you've done a good job. Like you, you you yourself understand that particular concept or that particular topic. And I really took that to heart. So now, you know, and a lot of these roles, if, from the the main instructor, I want and need to be able to explain it, you know, to my kid, to explain it in in simple terms. And, of course, you know, expand on it if needed. But, but   Michael Hingson ** 11:40 it ultimately comes down to you can provide all the information you want, but they have to teach themselves, really, and they're not going to do that, and they're not going to listen to you if they don't trust you. So trust is a vital part of what we do,   Fidel Guzman ** 11:56 exactly spot on,   Michael Hingson ** 11:58 and I have found that that developing that trust is so extremely important. I learned a lot about trust from working with guide dogs, right from the very first guide dog that I obtained back in 1964 when I was 14. It was all about building a team and I and although I didn't know how to really externally, say it necessarily, until many years later, internally, I understood that my job was to build a relationship and that I was going to be the team leader, and needed to be able to gain trust, as well as trust my teammate in in what we did. So worked out pretty well, though. So, you know, I was that was pretty cool. So what does ion do? What is ion?   Fidel Guzman ** 12:49 Yeah, I yeah for sure. So ion is a essentially, you can, you can think of it as a software company for the investment community. We provide a number of different platforms for them to streamline their processes and track information, or be end users of that of data.   Michael Hingson ** 13:07 So people buy your software and do what   Fidel Guzman ** 13:11 they can either leverage the data that's being provided to them, or they can include data within specific platforms.   Michael Hingson ** 13:20 Are you starting to see that this whole concept of so called AI is valuable in what you do, or, as I am working with that yet,   Fidel Guzman ** 13:30 yes, definitely, we are big on streamlining processes and making sure that we're maximizing the best use of everyone's time, and AI really has a really important component in that. So for for learning and development, one of the ways that we're using AI is for content creation, so whether it's just creating a simple outline for a course or starting to use that to create slides, but there, we're also taking a look at the way AI can be used on a regular basis to provide feedback for reps like let's say someone finishes a demo. If they want to do some self reflection, they can leverage AI to get some feedback on what worked well what didn't. Was there enough engagement? How was my use of technology, so on and so forth. So not only is AI being used from, you know, creating content, but also as, like a ad hoc instructor and and way to generate feedback,   Michael Hingson ** 14:31 well, and it offers so much versatility, you can really have it go many different ways. So it is very possible it can be an instructor, as you say, an ad hoc instructor, but it really can present its information in a good teaching way too. So you can have conversations with it. You can do the same sorts of things that you would do with a teacher. I think that AI clearly, is here to stay, but I think. Think over time, AI is going to evolve a lot. I am not of the opinion that AI will replace people for a variety of reasons, but I think that it's here and it's up to us to be smart as to how we use it.   Fidel Guzman ** 15:14 Definitely. I think one of the the tips that we always give people is AI does a really great job of a number of different things, but it's always going to need that human touch at the end of at the end of the day. So don't just take don't just take some content that AI has created and take it to heart. Make sure to review it. Make sure to put that personal touch on there and have it speak your language. Have it really resonate with the audience as well, especially that, oh, go ahead. Or also just on Super mechanical, super scripted,   Michael Hingson ** 15:49 well, and I think as AI grows, it's going to try to emulate, or we're going to use it to try to emulate people more and more, but it still isn't going to get to the point where it truly is me or you, and we do have to put our mark on it. I've used it to help create several articles, and what I've done when I do that is I'll tell it what I want it to write about, and let it do it, and it comes up with some pretty good ideas that I incorporate into the article, that I create, between what it provides and what I add to the mix. And it really should be that way. Exactly what I've really found interesting is the number of people like in classrooms, who say teachers, who say, you know, it's really harder and harder and harder to tell when a student uses AI to write a paper or if the student is doing it themselves. And the first time I heard that, immediately, my idea of what to do was something like this, let the student use AI if they want to, let the have ai do the whole paper. What you ought to do is to have one day after all the students turn their papers in, where you bring each student up to the front of the class and say, defend your paper. Now you have one minute if they don't really know, yeah. I mean, if they don't know what's going on, then they're not going to be able to do very well, and they fail.   Fidel Guzman ** 17:19 Yes, I am a big proponent of comprehensive exercises and also public speaking. How well? How well can you articulate the thought that you gave in that paper? Right? Some of those different talking points, right? Can you convey the same message in front of the classroom?   Michael Hingson ** 17:38 Yeah, and, and, you can tell if a person is just not necessarily a great public speaker, they're nervous, as opposed to whether they know the subject. And those, in a sense, are two different things. But you can use the fact that students are at the front of the classroom to help make them better speakers, too, which is a good thing.   Fidel Guzman ** 17:59 Yeah, no, yeah. I agree with you. If they are using AI, just, you know, turn around a paper, have them present in front of the classroom. Yeah, let's, let's talk a bit more about your paper, yeah, and, and really have it be an interactive exercise. I think that's really where the end goal is going to be, now that AI has really taken over the way the classroom dynamic has changed. So having more of those interactive exercises, really taking a look at comprehension, whether somebody really understands that topic, and giving giving students and an audience an opportunity to discuss, how do we how do we create a hive mind mentality around this particular topic, especially in a classroom, right whether, whether that's in a school setting, in academia, or whether that's in a corporate setting, inside of an office.   Michael Hingson ** 18:54 Several months ago, we had a guest on unstoppable mindset, who's an executive leadership coach in Northern California who was a major proponent of AI. And when he worked with companies, and especially with presidents and leaders who were stuck on how we evolve and how we grow, he would bring AI into all those meetings, and one day he was dealing with one such situation where he told the president, you got to use you ought to use AI to get some great ideas. The President took that to heart, called his senior leadership staff in and said, take the rest of this day and create ideas about how you think we ought to do things better, and so on, and use AI to do it. And when everyone came in the next day, they had a lot of innovative and creative ideas, and all loved the fact that he encouraged them to use AI. And that led to. Us having a discussion about, is AI going to really take over the jobs that people do? And both of us agreed, no, AI won't. Ai can't replace anyone. We can fire somebody and then put AI in their place, which doesn't really work well. But what is a better thing is let ai do what it does well. So example that he gave was say, you have autonomous vehicles. As autonomous vehicles become more and more prevalent, like trucks that are delivering supplies, like shipping vehicles and so on, let the autonomous vehicle drive, but the driver needs to still be in the cabin and needs to be behind the wheel, even though they're not doing anything, because they are going to let the autonomous vehicle do what it can do. But you can give those people other assignments to do for the company that will keep them busy and do things that otherwise might not be done quite as efficiently. So the bottom line is, you keep people busy, you use the autonomous vehicle, and it's a win win situation all the way around.   Fidel Guzman ** 21:08 Yeah, great. I I've heard something very similar to that, and maybe if I can, if I can synthesize this, it's going to be that we want to remove manual task out of people's times, and we want them to focus on more higher value add activities. Do   Michael Hingson ** 21:29 you think that's fair? I think that's true. Isaac Asimov, years ago, the science fiction writer, wrote a really wonderful science fiction story about a young man who lived in a society where everyone had a particular job to do, and you were matched with your talents. And so there you you're you take a test when you're, like, eight years old and or or even younger, and that starts you down the road of what it is you're supposed to do for the whole country. And then you take another test several years later, and that locks you into what you're trained to do. So you always do the same task, but you do it well, because that's what you're trained to do. Well, this kid was in the whole process taking his tests, and he just wasn't comfortable with what was going on. And eventually he ran away. And what, you know, he he took the last test, apparently they looked at him kind of funny when they looked at the results and he didn't like what was going on. And he just left. He said, I'm not going to do this. I don't, I don't. I don't want to be an engineer. I don't want to do whatever it is that they want. And they eventually caught up with him, and they caught him, and they said, Why'd you run away? And he told them, and then said, No, you don't understand what just happened. Some people in society are the people who create the tests, create the processes, and don't get trained to do a specific thing, because they're the innovators and the inventors that keep society going, and you're one of those kids, and this was like, what, 50 years ago that he wrote that? So it's, it is, it is really interesting, but, but very true and, and the reality is, we can be as creative as we choose to be, and some people are more creative than others, but there are always tasks that we can find for anyone to do, and that will make them very happy,   23:40 absolutely, definitely.   Michael Hingson ** 23:42 So it works out. You know, it does work out really well. Well, a question for you. You have a leadership philosophy, needless to say, and you lead a lot in instructional design, what, what are the core principles, or what are the things that kind of make up how you teach leadership, and what it is that you teach people to do, and how do you go about team development?   Fidel Guzman ** 24:13 Yeah, I think some of the core principles that I that I really focus on with learning and development and instructional design. Number one, it has to be collaboration. It really does take a community to put some some really good training sessions and training opportunities in place, and it's really leveraging all the expertise from different subject matter experts. Give them a chance to share their perspectives and their insights on certain things, but also, really, just to enhance, you know, the the use of these training programs, because people are more keen to listen to like, oh yeah, this guy's a subject matter he's an expert in this particular. Their space and for them to to hop on. So I think that collaboration aspect is, you know, getting the Lean In from managers like, hey, this training is important. Your employees are going to benefit from this training, whether it's just for to develop their their education, to develop their career, whatever that may look like. But I want to say one of the, the first guiding principles is going to have to be collaboration. The second one is going to have to be most likely continuous improvement. As we start to roll out a lot of these different training sessions, whether it's public speaking, whether it's product training, whether it's industry training, if we roll it out, we keep our ear to the ground and make sure that we're receptive to the feedback. We take a look at what works well, what doesn't work well, what needs to be tailored. How can we, how can we also manage this across different time zones? So ion is super global company, I want to say, over 13,000 employees in over 13 plus countries. So also managing what those training programs look like for everyone, for everyone, across the board. So besides the collaboration, besides the continuous improvements or the I like to also say that the Kaizen, the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen, right, making those small improvements, the last one I want to say is going to be innovation. How can we incorporate, right? We were talking about AI. How can we incorporate some of these ladies, latest tech trends into what our training delivery looks like, whether it's something as simple as, how do we include more polls throughout a lecture to keep people engaged and participate? How do we include knowledge checks at the end of every session to make sure that people are walking away with some of the key takeaways. So, yeah, collaboration, continuous improvement and innovation. Yeah, how do we stay innovative and stay creative? I think having having some fun, staying creative along the way Definitely, definitely resonates with your audience as you're trying to do different things and trying to keep things as engaging and and fun as possible.   Michael Hingson ** 27:06 What do you say to someone who says, Look, I've really learned all I need to learn. I'm not really interested in learning anything new. That is, I know, isn't that? Yeah, but you hear it a lot, I'm sure, or too much. I   Fidel Guzman ** 27:22 think some people get comfortable right, like, Hey, I'm comfortable with what I know. And learning does require a certain level of mental energy, and it also requires a certain level of you being willing to take on a new challenge, to take on and learn something new. So to them, I would genuinely ask, what's your interest? How can we supplement what this interest looks like? You know, what are your interests in other avenues? And I think that will plant a seed to let them know that learning and development should be something learning, right? Just learning in general, it should be something that you should do throughout your life. I recently started a podcast called the hero in the mirror, and I wanted to take a moment and actually, thank you, Michael. I don't know if you remember our initial conversation. But we were talking, we were talking about, you had asked me, What ideas do you have? What are you working on? Are you working on, any books, any podcasts? And I had mentioned, I was like, Hey, I actually have an idea for a podcast. And you pause for a moment, and you were like, what's stopping it? Yeah, and it was, it was kind of like, it kind of took me back. I'm like, What? What is stopping me? Right? And sometimes, and in coaching, we call it interference, like you're you probably have a fear of failure. You have a fear that something's not going to go right, or this task seems enormous, that you don't know where to start. Yeah, so making small, small mental changes, making small steps, I think, definitely add up. Since then, Michael, I've had I've had three episodes. I've had some great guests hop on and share their story of resilience and triumph. And as I'm starting to do more episodes, I'm I'm hearing stories of people willing to have that, that mindset of, I want to continue to learn, I want to continue to expand on the person that I am and make myself well rounded in these different, different areas. So So, long story short, if somebody says I don't, I don't need to learn anything, there's always room for growth. There's always room for interest, what, what interests you, and how? And how can we follow that interest and and supplement it with some some training content.   Michael Hingson ** 29:49 I know, for me, I'm extremely comfortable with what I know, and I'm extremely comfortable with what I've learned, but I'm also very uncomfortable in knowing there's a lot of stuff I don't know and that i. Still need to learn. So I love to learn right from the very beginning, when I first discovered the internet, I regarded it and still do, no matter what there is with the dark web and everything else, I think the internet is a treasure trove of information, and it's so fun to discover new things online. And there's so many ways to go. We've got so many places where we can go get books that we never had access to before all of us. There's so many places where we can go to learn about organizations, about people. They're just so many wonderful things, and it's only one way, because I also think there is a lot to be said for real personal interactions, but I think the internet is a wonderful treasure trove that gives us the opportunity to learn a whole lot that we don't necessarily know about, subjects that we don't know anything about.   Fidel Guzman ** 30:55 The Internet is a double sided sword. It is. You can find information that will support right? Maybe you know an opinion that you have on the other side of that, you can find lots of information that does not support independent opinion that you have. And also it's a rabbit hole. Soon as you start going out that rabbit hole. But the one thing I do appreciate from the internet is the channels of communication that it's built. Yeah, and I'm appreciative of being able to have connected with you on LinkedIn, and that's turned out to us having this podcast here today.   Michael Hingson ** 31:34 I think that for me, I'm not as interested on going online and in finding something to change an opinion as much as I am finding something that will tell me about something that I didn't know as much about. Now I might change my opinion from what I thought it might be, but I I really love to try to really get as much as possible into dealing with facts or substance to teach me things, and then I'll form my own opinion from that. Yeah, you know what I'm saying. Of course,   Fidel Guzman ** 32:11 gets a good grounding of all the all the materials, synthesize it yourself.   Michael Hingson ** 32:19 Yeah, I think we should do that. I think we have to be the one to synthesize whatever it is we're dealing with. That's That's our responsibility, and that should always be the way it is, which is, and I don't want to get political or anything, but which is one of the reasons that I say any politician who says, Trust me will be the first person I won't trust until I verify. I am a firm believer in trust, but verify. I don't care who it is. I think it's so important that we really take the time every single person needs to take the time to study what's going on, and and, and really look at all sides of something. I think that's important. I listen to newscasts regularly, and I like to listen to newscasts from all sides. Some I find why I don't want to listen to them very much, because of what they do or don't do, but I still think that it's important to really understand all sides of a subject.   Fidel Guzman ** 33:29 Absolutely, I totally agree with you.   Michael Hingson ** 33:32 So you know, I think it is kind of neat to to have that opportunity, and I think we learn so much when we take the time to really study. I'm amazed. I was at a restaurant once, and my wife and I were there. We were talking about newspapers and what we get from newspapers or online, and our waitress came up and Karen said, so do you read the newspaper? And this woman's 30 years old, and she says, No, I don't. I don't have time, you know. And how little she learns, because she doesn't really seek information, which is too bad.   Fidel Guzman ** 34:07 Yep, you people have to be receptive. People have to be receptive to to gaining new bits of information. And sometimes people are just happy knowing like you, like you mentioned earlier, just happy knowing what they're what they know, just comfortable in in their own space, until some more power to that, more more power to them, more power to them,   Michael Hingson ** 34:31 until something happens to disrupt the happiness and surprises them, because they really didn't learn enough to know that that was a possibility. Yep, I never thought I would be doing a podcast, but when the pandemic occurred, I started to learn about it, and learned all the value of it. Now, I had been at our campus radio station at UC Irvine for six years, and I was program director one year, so I understood radio, and when I started learning about podcasts. They went, this is really pretty cool, and I had never thought about it, and had never been interviewed on a podcast, but I realized I know what I can can do with this, and I know that I can sound intelligent on the air. And so I started to learn about it, and here we are now, just today, actually, we published online and in YouTube episode 324 of unstoppable mindset since August of 2021 Congratulations, Michael. Well, thank you. It's a lot of fun. We actually went to two episodes a week in August of 2022 Oh, wow, because we had such a huge backlog. Yeah, and I don't mind having a huge backlog, but it was growing way too much. So we went to two episodes a week, and and it's a lot of fun to to do it. And as and as I love to tell people, for me, the most important thing is I get to learn from every single person who comes on the podcast. It's so neat to be able to do that, of course. So it works out really well. Well for you, what kind of challenges have you faced? What have you done to overcome challenges, and what are some of the biggest challenges you faced, and how you did you deal with them?   Fidel Guzman ** 36:17 Okay, yeah, that's great. That's some of the questions I use on on my podcast, here in the mirror. So I'm on the I'm on the other side of that chair today. Yes, no, it's good. It's good. It's a good question. So I want to say, you know, there are, there are three main, three main challenges that really stand out for me. One I'm very vocal about, and that is my speech impediment, my stuttering problem. It was really bad when I was little kid. I had a speech pathologist. Even now, talking to you on this podcast, I have to be very conscious with what I'm saying. Some of the listeners might might have caught it in the beginning when I get too excited about a particular topic, or if I haven't formulated my thought yet, but the speech impediments is something that has really made public speaking a passion for me. It was hard for me to have a voice when I was a little kid, I used to try to raise my hand and answer a question when I was in elementary school, and the teacher would be like, All right, next one like you had, you had your turn. And so I, you know, I've struggled, you know, to have a voice. I struggled with just completing sentences, and the way that I overcame that is through a speech pathologist that really gave me the confidence to believe in myself. I remember one exercise she gave me one day is she grabbed me from my classroom. She would pick me up from my classroom every Tuesday and Thursday, and she picked me up one day, and I was kind of down in the dumps. I didn't really like going to the class. We weren't really advancing much. And she's like, Hey, we're going to try something different tonight. Different today. She's like, today I'm going to have the order of pizza. And I was still a little little fat kid, like fourth or fifth grade, so I was like, oh, yeah, I'm all for it. What's going on here? And she was like, but the catch is, you need to order this pizza without stuttering. And you know, right away, kind of my heart dropped. And she's like, okay, like, don't, don't worry, we're gonna practice exactly what you want to order. And she's like, What do you want? And I'm like, Well, I want a large pepperoni pizza with an RC, a two liter RC Cola delivered to McPherson Elementary. And she's like, okay. She's like, write it down. I'm like, Alright, great to like, write it down again. I must have written it like, 10 times. She's like, No, now practice it. So about 15 minutes of doing that, she was like, All right, I think you're ready. She hands me the phone and, you know, I pick it up. My heart's in my throat, and I'm just like, like, I'm like, hi, you know, I want to order a large pepperoni pizza with a two liter RC Cola delivered to McPherson elementary for Fidel Guzman, and I was just astonished. I hung up the phone. I was happy for two reasons. Number one, I was going to get some pizza. Number two, I was able to say it a complete, full sentence without stuttering. And she she really believed in me and instilled in me that confidence that I could overcome this. But it wasn't an overnight success. It still required me go going to the speech pathologist, you know, throughout my elementary school, throughout all those years, and even as an adult, continuing to practice and hone that in in high school, doing presentations, in college, doing presentations. So right now, I am the VP of education for our America's Toastmasters Club, and this is one story i i always tell people, and they're like, No, you don't stutter. I'm like, if I get too excited, I'll lower my words. But that was that was one challenge, that was one challenge, and it's. Is it's still something I have to be very conscious of. And I've caught myself a couple times earlier in this podcast where I kind of mumble a little bit or get caught up in a particular word. But besides that one, I want to say that the second one was more of my in college. In college, I struggled paying for school. I mentioned I'm first generation Mexican American, and I was one, one of the first, first of my brothers to attend college full time. And I did all I could to make ends meet, two, three jobs, just paying for tuition. Financial aid was great, you know, it really helped me with a portion of that, but a lot of it really ended up, you know, being due onto me. And then I had my daughter, and it was just a struggle. I was like, How can I be a dad? How can I be a student? How can I work on my career? And I had gone to a financial aid workshop, and the one thing that stood out in this workshop was when they were talking about scholarships granted in high school when you're about to graduate, they talk to you about it, but it doesn't. It doesn't really materialize until you're until you receive that bill. Yeah, you're just like, hey, here's, here's a $2,000 bill for this college class. And you're like, oh, man, this is, this is not, this is not cheap. It's pretty expensive. And the one thing you know that stood out was, you know, let the scholarships, and they started talking about scholarship applications, and I found that there were a couple common denominators with the scholarships. Number one, they wanted two letters of two letters of recommendation. Number two, they want an essay. What are you going to do with your degree? How are you going to make a positive impact in the community? And number three, sometimes, typically an interview. And so I ran with it. I was like, they want two letter, letters of recommendation. They want one essay. They want an interview. No problem. And I made that my part time job. On the weekends, I would just apply, apply, apply. And I started getting some small wins. I started getting a $250 scholarship here, a $500 scholarship there, $1,000 scholarship, you know, here, and all of it started to add up, and it started to gain momentum. And I was lucky enough to get, get, get accepted for a number of different scholarships and complete my my college education, and even, you know, be strong willed enough to go back and do it again and try to try to get my masters. So those were two, two big ones, but I'll pause here and see if you have any questions around those two challenges for me. Michael, no,   Michael Hingson ** 42:41 but I I really admire what you did. You You made a choice and you followed it through. And I think that's of course, the whole issue is that we have to make choices and we need to follow through. And if we find that, we need to refine our decisions. We do that. I know when I was a student and a program director at the university radio station, I wanted everyone to listen to themselves. I thought it was a great idea to have everyone listen to themselves on the air. And the way you do it is you record it and you give it to them. And I didn't anticipate how hard that was going to be, because for me, I was used to doing it for myself, yeah, but I I didn't realize how much resistance I was going to get from literally everyone at the radio station, they were not interested in and I'm thrilled about doing it at all. What I and the engineer at the station did eventually was to put a cassette recorder in a locked cupboard, and whenever the microphone was activated, the recorder would go on. So, you know, you didn't have to hear the music. You just wanted to hear yourself talk. And we, we really took a major step and said, You have to listen to these recordings. We gave each person a cassette. We expect you to listen to these recordings and improve accordingly. What I didn't say much was, I know what it's like. I'm my own worst critic, and I have to listen to it, so you guys do now. I've changed that, and I'll get to it in a second, but we pushed everyone to do it, and it wasn't long, not only before we started seeing improvement, but before the people themselves started recognizing that they were really getting comfortable listening to themselves and that they were taking this to heart, and by the end of the year, we had people who were loving it and wanting their cassette every day or every week, and also a. Some of them went into broadcasting. For me, what I learned, and it took many years before I learned it is I'm not my own worst critic. I shouldn't be negative, as I said earlier, I'm the only one who can really teach me. I'm my own best teacher. And I think when you make that mind shift from being your own worst critic to your own best teacher, it really puts things in a much more positive light. And I've said that before on the podcast, and I will continue to say it, because I think it's a very important   Fidel Guzman ** 45:29 concept. We actually have a similar exercise for our America's Toastmasters Club, where we'll we'll record some speeches, and we'll have people listen back to their recorded speech. And a lot of people say like, man, it's cringe to hear yourself on the on the other side, on the other side of those iPhones, but it is a very useful exercise. You get a better understanding of your your filler words, your eyes, your arms, your vocal variety, your body language. And if you're looking to be a great, I don't want to say public speaker, but if you're just looking just to speak better in general, even when it's an on a presentation, on a call, or if you have to give up a toast at a wedding or a quinceanera, for you to be able to, yeah, critique yourself and gather feedback from your from your own recording   Michael Hingson ** 46:23 well. And the reality is, the more of it you do, and the more you listen to it, having been up there in front giving the speech, you also see how people react. And if you continue to observe and listen to the recordings as you go forward, you will improve, yeah, for sure, which is which is really important. And one of the things that I try to do regularly now is to record talks. When I go and give a speech somewhere, I will record it so that I can listen to it and I enjoy it, because I discover Did I really say that I shouldn't have said it quite that way, but I'll do better next time. But listening to it helps such a tremendous amount,   Fidel Guzman ** 47:13 especially with those filler words. So when you really listen to the recording, you'll be like, Man, I use a lot of likes or SOS or ands or buts, and if you want to speak eloquently, it is, I mean, like anything, you just gotta practice it. You gotta practice it, and you have to be receptive to that, the feedback. And you have to also celebrate the small wins. One thing I am a big proponent on is celebrate the small wins. Yeah. So if you are able to do your your first speech at a Toastmasters clubs like we, we give you tons of accolades, because it is not an easy fit, an easy feat. If you're able to do the second one, even better. You're, you're progressing, and you're, you know, you're increasing your understanding of some of the fundamentals of public speaking. Yeah, so you're preaching to the choir here.   Michael Hingson ** 48:05 Yeah, no, I understand. Oh yeah, it's good, but it is really important to do, and it's fun to do. If you decide to make it fun, and if you decide that you want to become a better communicator there. There are lots of us and all that sort of stuff that people do. I've heard some people say that's really not such a bad thing. Well, I've got to say that I've never really been used to having a lot of us. And you know, there's a guy out here who I don't think he's alive anymore. He used to be a sports announcer out here. His name was Jim Healy, and you may have heard him when, well, out here in Los Angeles, anyway, he was on K lac, and he had somebody, well, he had a recording of somebody, one of the sports jocks, and he announced that he was going to play this recording, and what you're going to hear is this guy in 60 seconds say, you know, 48 times, that's and he did what's amazing, that   Fidel Guzman ** 49:17 when you when you get to Some of those, it's like, what do they say? Nails on a chalkboard? You're like, Oh, yeah. Like, what are you trying to say? Just, just say it. To say, to say the damn thing.   Michael Hingson ** 49:30 Yeah, talk a little bit slower and just say it.   Fidel Guzman ** 49:33 One thing that I'm trying to be conscious, more conscious of is pauses, like those deliberate pauses, those deliberate pauses to collect your thoughts, like I often need, just to collect myself, but also to build suspense the message and the message that you're trying to give, especially when you're in front of a group of people, in front of an audience, and you're pausing there, they're just like, oh, what? So what is he? What is he gonna say next? What's up? What's going on with this pause? So it's also you have this arsenal of tools when it comes to to public speaking and to engage with an audience and to keep them, to keep them interested in what your next thought is going to be. What What am I going to say next? How am I going to, you know, align this topic to something else that I want to discuss.   Michael Hingson ** 50:24 I love, yeah, I've discovered the value of pauses. You can make a pause last too long, and one of the things you learn is how long to make a pause. But I love pauses. They really do add a lot of value. There they get. Well, you talk a lot about continuous improvement, and clearly you you really love the whole concept. What's an example of a project where you instituted continuous improvement, and how do you make that happen? Thanks, Michael.   Fidel Guzman ** 50:56 Let's pause again. Yeah, right. I know. Yeah. All right. Michaels, Michaels, throw me. Well, not much of a curveball, but yeah, no, that's good. So I know continuous improvement. And one project that I worked on, I want to say one that comes to mind is last year I hosted a series of product boot camps. And what these product boot camps really were, were product training and networking opportunities within ion. I had just gone through the acquisition of backstop into the into the ion family, and I saw a need. I saw a need there for some product training. And what I did is I started to coordinate with subject matter experts, hence the collaboration and community principles that I have with learning and development. And started to piece together a boot camp. So a series of training sessions, and we discussed location, we discussed different components that we can include on there. We discussed remote hybrid in person, what some of those options were, and we had about, I want to say, five or six of these boot camps in 2024 and what I noticed is that for each of the boot camps we would tailor it a little bit, because each of these different products that were under specific umbrellas were for certain audiences, you know, for certain segments of the business. So we had to, I had a template, but we had to tweak that template a little bit. Who do we want to come in here? Who do we want to come in for this particular topic? When do we take breaks? If it's in person, you know? Do we take longer breaks if it's in person? How do we include some interactive components to it? How do we test people's knowledge, whether it's through live polls, whether it's using an LMS platform to do knowledge checks? How do we create a certificate based program around this? And for each of those, it was a learning experience. It was a learning experience because we, every subject matter expert, is different, right? You're building different relationships with different people, and even their style of talking or their style of teaching on a particular topic is going to be different. So those continuous improvements throughout each of those boot camps really started to to resonate and just to showcase themselves. And for each of those, we had a similar template for all of them, but we made minor tweaks to make sure that it was as engaging and and thoughtful as possible.   Michael Hingson ** 53:36 Wow. Well, that's pretty cool. Um, and I think that the very fact that you would make the tweaks and you recognize the need to do that was pretty insightful, of course, because for me, I know when I speak, some people early on told me you should write a talk and you should, you should just give that talk. I tried that once. I didn't like what I sounded like when I read a talk, and I haven't done it since. And I also realized that I do better, and sometimes it isn't necessarily a lot, but when I customize every talk so I love to go early and try to hear speakers who speak before me, or get a chance to meet people at an event, because I will learn things invariably that I will put into the talk. And sometimes I'm tweaking talks up to and including the start of the talk, and sometimes I will tweak a talk when I'm speaking and I'm getting the impression just from all the fidgeting, that maybe I'm not getting through to these people, or I'm not really doing this in the best way possible. And I will change until I get what I expect to be the audience. Reaction, because I know what an audience is like when they're fully engaged, and I also know that not every audience is the same, so I hear what you're saying. I think it's important to do that.   Fidel Guzman ** 55:13 Yeah, for you to be able to do that on the fly, kudos, kudos to that. But yeah, we you got to be able to understand that audience, understand that audience, understand what's what's going on, the dynamic of that, of that situation. So you're, you're a veteran at at this, so no surprise there.   Michael Hingson ** 55:31 Well, that's a lot of fun. Well, what do you do when you're not working you, I know you're involved in various activities and so on. So what do you do when you're, yeah, not an eye on writing, doing, training, stuff and all that.   Fidel Guzman ** 55:45 A number of different hobbies. My wife calls me the Energizer Bunny, because I'm always running around doing something, but some of my main things is right now judo. I did wrestling in high school, and I did mixed martial arts when I was getting my undergrad. And I love martial arts. I think iron sharpens iron. It's good to be around a good group of, good group of people, people who are who are like minded, people who are looking to continue to develop themselves. And yeah, if you're in a room full of tough guys, you have no other choice than to start to be a tough guy yourself. So I love martial arts. I did a couple Judo tournaments, judo and jujitsu tournaments last year, where I placed. And let's see, besides that, triathlons, I love to run, I love to bike, I love to swim. I did my first triathlon last year. I really enjoyed it. I thought it was a phenomenal experience. I mean, it's two three hours of non stop movement, but it was, it was great just to be part of that, of a huge event like that, besides the martial arts and the constant running and swimming and biking, the last thing I want to say is writing and poetry. I have started to compile all all my poems. Hopefully, in the next year or so, I'll, I'll launch a small book of poems. And, yeah, I'll keep you, I'll keep you posted on that. But I do, I do like to write on the sign, you know, hopefully a book of poems. And, you know, since since having my daughter, I've always liked children's books. I would, I would love it if I could launch my my own series of children books, and I'm working on a couple templates with that. So, yeah, stay staying busy, staying busy, physically active, but also mentally   Michael Hingson ** 57:40 active. So you haven't written any books yet. I have a   Fidel Guzman ** 57:44 couple ideas, a couple ideas of what, what kids books want to do, but you don't have any books published yet? No, none yet. None yet. Well, we're anxious to see that happen. You got, you got it, you're gonna, you're gonna light that fire. You're gonna light that fire as well. No, and again, right? I do appreciate you for for really, really motivating me to start my own podcast, because you had really said, like, what's stopping you? Like, like me, I'm stopping myself, you know. But even yet, yeah, even like, you know, being an author, I know that you're an author, you know, I would love to have a conversation offline with you. You know what that publishing experience was like, because I think that's my biggest interference right now with that, is like, I don't know where to start with the publishing. I know I can self publish. I know I can go through publishers and like, the internet, like we said, a double sided sword, yeah, you have information that tells you you should just self publish, and then you have other bits of information. Was like, You should go through a publishing company and just like, where do I Where do I choose? But I think that's why having mentors, you know, and getting to network with people who are experienced, such as yourself, and these different avenues of public speaking and being a keynote speaker and having a podcast, being a podcast host and being an author. I think, I think it's great, and you are definitely an inspiration to me. Michael, well, thank you.   Michael Hingson ** 59:11 You're familiar with Jackson Hewitt, the accounting and tax company. You got it? Okay? So I can't remember whether it was night, whether it was 2016 or 2017 but I got invited to go speak at one of their events, and I did. And while I was there, I met a woman, and I didn't know what she did, and she she, she worked at a Jackson Hewitt, and I just happened to say, what do you own of a firm? Because most of the people there were supposed to be company owners. And she said, No, maybe someday. And I said, why not? You ought to own a company. You ought to you ought to become a company owner. You'll go further Anyway, last year, she sent me an email, and she said, I've never forgotten that, and I think it was like a year later, or two years later, she's. After I and she met, she said, I got my first company, and I now own 10 branches. Wow. Back, I said, that's pretty cool. Oh,   Fidel Guzman ** 1:00:09 Michael, Michael, you are just making ripples in the universe. Just ripples doing something. Yeah, that's good. I don't want to get too religious, but you're doing God's work, man, well,   Michael Hingson ** 1:00:18 I hope so. You know, expect Hill. Hill. Guy, guide, or she'll guide, yeah, but so what do you think is the future of work, of workplace training and learning?   Fidel Guzman ** 1:00:30 Yeah, I think we, we touched a little bit upon this. But you know, AI, you know, definitely, how can we leverage AI for content creation, creating outlines and also using it as feedback. But I also want to to bring back the the in person training. I know we've all gotten very comfortable with, you know, doing stuff remote, but similar to the example that we talked about earlier, where that teacher was like, oh, all these, all these kids are using AI for these papers, and how do I really test their comprehension? That's, that's something you know, that in person activity, yeah, I think definitely has a tremendous amount of value, not just for the instructor, but for the end learner. Yeah. So I think, I think a mixture of like, okay, great, you know, how can we use AI to create content? How can we use it to provide, you know, feedback for people to continue to improve on certain areas. But how can we bring back that in person component?   Michael Hingson ** 1:01:38 Well, see, oh, go ahead,   Fidel Guzman ** 1:01:39 yeah, to, to to unify. It was probably that pause, that to to unify, to unify a vision, you know, a vision of of continuous improvement. You know that to unify, that vision of what a team might be aiming for, yeah. So, yeah. So, I think, I think, you know, long story short, it's going to be, you know, leveraging a bit of AI and still bringing back that, that in person aspect. Well,   Michael Hingson ** 1:02:05 you know, I I've done virtual presentations as well as, of course, lots of in person presentations. I much prefer in person to virtual but my main reason for that is that I can tell what the audience is feeling. I get a lot more information if I'm doing an in person talk than I would get if I'm just doing a virtual talk. Now I've done it long enough that I mostly can do pretty well at a virtual talk, but it's still not the same, yeah, and I still don't get exactly the same information, but I can do virtual talks, and I do and it, and it's fun and and I can play games with it, because I can always turn my video off and really drive people crazy. But you know what? What advice would you give to an aspiring leader who wants to to evolve and make make changes to their organization or to themselves and so on.   Fidel Guzman ** 1:03:06 So advice I would give for aspiring leaders. I think the the main one that I really focus on is opportunities and challenges. Be ready to embrace any opportunities that come your way, but just know that each of those opportunities, it's going to come with its own set of challenges, and be prepared for both, and be okay with dealing both at the same time. And you know last, but you know not least, is that there are there are lots of stories of triumph, and to really curate yours. What does your story of triumph look like? What is your passion and how does, how does all of that connect?   Michael Hingson ** 1:03:53 And it may be evolving, and it may be different in five years than it is today, but both memories are important, yeah, which is cool. Well, Fidel, we've been doing Can you believe we've been doing   Fidel Guzman ** 1:04:08 this for over an hour? Time flies and you're having fun,   Michael Hingson ** 1:04:12 absolutely. And I really appreciate you being here and being a part of this, and I really appreciate all of you who have been listening to us and watching us. We're really excited that you're here. I hope that this has been valuable for you as well, and that you've learned something. Fidel, if people want to reach out to you, how can they do that? I   Fidel Guzman ** 1:04:31 want to say LinkedIn, feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn. What's your LinkedIn identifier? You can find me as Fidel Guzman, comma, MBA, and I'll also give you a link so you can, you can accompany it alongside this episode, yeah, but feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn. That's going to be the easiest way to get in touch with me. And I'll also have some links if you want to check out my podcast. And hopefully I'll have, I'll have that book of poems out, yeah, soon.   Michael Hingson ** 1:04:59 Well, that will be. Good. Well, thank you again and again. Thank you, all of you. If you'd like to reach out to Fidel, I'm sure he would appreciate it. I would, and you're welcome to reach out to me.

This week's program is a very special two-parter! We begin with a piece produced by our Forward Radio intern and UofL student, Eli Herold, in conversation with Mark Steber, Chief Tax Officer of Jackson Hewitt Tax Services, who shares some valuable advice for complex tax returns, especially for Gen-Z tax filers, including advice on cryptocurrencies, investments, sports betting, and side gigs. Mark Steber is responsible for key initiatives at Jackson Hewitt that support overall tax service delivery and quality assurance. Mark also serves as a Jackson Hewitt liaison with the Internal Revenue Service, states and other government authorities. With more than 35 years of tax experience and deep knowledge of the federal and state tax codes, Mark is widely referenced as a national, well-versed expert on consumer income tax issues, especially electronic-tax and tax data-protection issues. The second half of the show is devoted to bringing you some highlights of the great community conversation we had at Forward Radio's 8th Birthday Party on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at Maybe It's Fate, a cooperative community center and art gallery at 1425 Story Avenue in Butchertown. Listen in as we bring you some of the live conversations we had with community non-profits, our live musician for the evening, Logan Leet, and many others who came out to celebrate with us and help us raise funds to stay on the air! If you couldn't make it out or would like to give us a birthday present, it's never too late to donate! We rely entirely on listener support and you can always chip in at https://www.forwardradio.org/donate Truth to Power airs every Friday at 9pm, Saturday at 11am, and Sunday at 7pm on Louisville's grassroots, community radio station, Forward Radio 106.5fm WFMP and live streams at https://forwardradio.org

From Thursday on the Chris Hand Show | Aired on April 10, 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Procrastinated on your taxes? You're not alone—but time's almost up. Matt McClure shares urgent insights from Jackson Hewitt's Mark Steber on what you must do before April 15 to avoid major penalties. From filing extensions to natural disaster relief, don't miss this last-minute tax survival guide.   -- Call us now by dialing #250 on your cell phone and say the key-word “MONEY” Listen to Previous Episodes: https://peakfinancialfreedomgroup.com/radio/ Connect with Dan & Jim:  info@peakfin.com |  (916) 791-7063 Subscribe to our YouTube to watch Clips from our radio and TV shows: https://www.youtube.com/@peakfinancialfreedomgroup About Peak Financial Freedom Group: At Peak Financial Freedom Group our top priority is to help you stop worrying about your money. We believe it's time for a new approach to retirement planning. It's why we've created The Peak Plan for Financial Freedom, with two main goals of making sure you never suffer a big loss like 2008 ever again and your income is dependable and predictable to last for as long as you live. Peak Financial Freedom Group provides comprehensive financial planning and investment management to retirees and pre-retirees in Roseville, CA and beyond.

Unleashed: The Political News Hour with Nate Cain – From Elon Musk's DOGE team targeting mysteriously wealthy Congress members to Jackson Hewitt allegedly coaching illegal migrants on tax windfalls, the cracks in the system are widening. Trump's administration guts another unaccountable agency, slashes funds to sanctuary cities, and battles election fraud in Wisconsin with 5,000 suspect registrations...

From Monday on the Chris Hand Show | March 31, 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Monday on the Chris Hand Show | March 31, 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:00 Show open/ Mark Steber- Chief Tax Officer at Jackson Hewitt- on why preparing income tax return for members of Generation Z could be complicated. 6:52 Healthy recipes for people with diabetes with cookbook author Janyne Jones 14:26 Face the State: The one-year anniversary of a devastating tornado in the Indian Lake area. 30:22 Face the State: Governor DeWine's Face the State. Report on an exhibit that honors the memories of 23 members of the Lima Company who never made it home.

Join host Adam Larson in an engaging conversation with John Hewitt, a remarkable figure in the accounting world. Despite never taking an accounting course, John has built multi-million dollar companies like Jackson Hewitt and Liberty Tax. In this episode, he shares how his father inspired his entrepreneurial journey and offers insights into franchising and self-employment. Whether you're considering entrepreneurship or curious about building a billion-dollar business, John provides valuable advice on risk-taking, differentiation, marketing, and delivering exceptional customer service. Tune in for actionable insights and inspirational stories on this episode of the Count Me In Podcast Sponsor:Today's episode is brought to you by U.S. Bank. U.S. Bank is a trusted financial partner for our clients, businesses and communities. We believe in doing the right thing and putting people first. It's an honor to be recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute for the tenth consecutive year. From commercial credit cards and program management tools to innovative payment technologies and transportation offerings, U.S. Bank Corporate Payment Systems has the right solution to help your organization reduce payment costs, enhance control and streamline your entire payment processing function. We'll partner with you to uncover your challenges and provide smart, clear and honest guidance to help you meet the financial goals for your business. Visit usbank.com/corporatepayments to learn more.

Send us a textLegendary entrepreneur John Hewitt joins us to share his incredible journey in revolutionizing the tax preparation industry. From managing H&R Block locations to founding Jackson Hewitt and Liberty Tax Service, John's story is a testament to the power of innovation and perseverance. Discover how he embraced technology early on, using Apple computers to change the tax landscape in the 1980s, and how his strategic decisions helped him navigate industry challenges, like launching Liberty Tax Service in Canada due to a non-compete clause.Unlock the secrets of exponential business growth as John reveals his strategies for creating two top 100 retail franchise chains. He emphasizes the importance of resilience and setting audacious goals, even in the face of competition. Dive into his unique marketing approaches, such as guerrilla marketing, and learn how he transformed customer service through personal engagement. John's insights into leadership and mindset shifts offer valuable lessons on transitioning from an entrepreneur to a CEO and creating leaders from followers.Finally, explore John's latest venture, Loyalty Brands, and his focus on mentorship and delegation. With a diverse portfolio spanning tax, accounting, construction, and the pet industry, John shares how attitude and effective time management are crucial to entrepreneurial success. His reflections on maintaining a positive mindset and prioritizing personal goals are enlightening for anyone aiming to stay focused amidst challenges. Get inspired by John's wisdom, and don't miss out on a free copy of his autobiography, "I Compete," for more fascinating stories from his entrepreneurial journey.https://www.loyaltybrands.com/Thanks for listening & being part of the Mindset Cafe Community.----------------------------------------------Connect With Devan:https://www.devangonzalez.com/connect----------------------------------------------Follow On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/devan.gonzalez/https://www.instagram.com/mindsetcafepodcastLet me know what topics or questions you want covered so we can help you achieve your goals faster.----------------------------------------------P.S. If you're not already a part of the The Mindset Cafe Community Page I would love to have you be a part of the community, and spread your amazing knowledge. The page is to connect and network with other like minded people networking and furthering each other on our journeys!https://www.facebook.com/groups/themindsetcafe/

Ever wondered how to build a successful business empire? In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, Gary Heldt speaks with John Hewitt, a serial entrepreneur and franchising expert who has founded two of the top 100 retail brands in the country, including Jackson Hewitt and Liberty Tax. John shares his journey from building his first tax software for an Apple computer in 1981 to creating Loyalty Brands, a company with eight franchises in various industries. He discusses the common mistakes people make when getting into a franchise and the importance of following the system. John also talks about the importance of culture, attitude, and perseverance in achieving success as a franchisee.   Key Takeaways: → John Hewitt, founder of Jackson Hewitt and Liberty Tax, shares his journey and insights on building successful franchises. → John emphasizes the importance of following the franchise system, stating that those who deviate often face challenges. → He highlights the significance of culture, attitude, and drive in achieving success as a franchisee. → John discusses the importance of perseverance and hard work in overcoming obstacles and achieving long-term success. → He shares his mission of having fun, improving lives, and creating opportunities for others through franchising. Quotes from guest: “My job as a franchisor is to give you the best system in the industry, and I've been doing that for 55 years, so that's what my expertise is.”   “The journey is the joy, the the payment at the treasure at the end of the rainbow is anti climatic.”   Visit website: https://loyaltybrands.com/ Relevant hashtags: #franchising #entrepreneurship #businesssuccess #loyaltybrands #podcastinterview Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to John Hewitt, a true pioneer in the tax preparation and financial services industry, having founded and scaled two companies to over $500 million in value - Jackson Hewitt Tax Service and Liberty Tax Service. Throughout his illustrious career spanning 55 years, John has always kept sight of his driving purpose – to change lives. He takes pride in having a monumental positive impact on franchisees, employees, and customers. We'll be exploring his strategies for scaling successful empires, overcoming barriers, financing growth models, and more. KEY TAKEAWAYS One of the key ingredients is that you have to get buy-in from everhyone involved. You have to have a dream that’s fairly accurate then get your employees, customers, vendors, investors, etc to buy-in to where you’re going. As a franchisee, one of the things you want from your franchisor is consistency and quality. Whoever offers the worst service in your system will determine what your brand name is worth. We call every customer and ask them how we did, which no one else does, in the franchise world, they send and email, text, or send them a survey. It’s been great for us because not only do we police our brand, but our customers love to be called and asked how we can improve our service to them. Plus, we get higher staff retention and get more referrals. Anything that’s systemic should be able to be provided by software and computers. We divide issues up into ‘tip of the iceberg’. If it’s something that is systemic – an iceberg – we’re looking for a solution to it, if it’s just a one-off situation then we don’t build systems or use software for it. I’ve been doing it this way since 1981, making things expeditious and consistently high quality. Train your staff so they can go anywhere and be successful, but treat them so well that they want to stay. It comes from creating a culture and an attitude in your organisation, and the attitude starts with employees first: If you want your customers to be treated well by your employees you have to treat your employees well, you have to listen and be loyal to your team and build a team of a people with a great attitude. You can’t teach a great attitude. BEST MOMENTS ‘There are two major parts of growth: The amount of money you spend, and the amount of money you take in, you always have to make sure they’re balanced.’ ‘I’ve been in taxes for 55 years: There are only 2 certainties in life: death and tax, it’s recession proof.’ ‘In the pet industry we’ve seen young people in the past 10 years delay having children. Sometimes I ask if they have children and they say: “I have 2 dogs, those are my children.”’ ‘Brand loyalty is such a cool and important thing to have which is why my company is called Loyalty Brands.’ ABOUT THE GUEST John Hewitt is a visionary entrepreneur renowned for founding two of the largest tax preparation companies in the United States - Jackson Hewitt Tax Service and Liberty Tax Service. As the pioneer behind the "Hewitt" in Jackson Hewitt, John grew the company to over 1,300 offices and $483 million in sales before selling it in 1997. Undeterred, John founded Liberty Tax in 1997, rapidly expanding it to over 4,000 offices in the U.S. and Canada. By 2012, Liberty Tax was one of the top 100 largest retail organizations in North America. Now John is applying his strategic prowess to investing, John helps entrepreneurs build their own empires as CEO of Loyalty Brands. Guided by ambition and faith, he continues to compete - and win - on an extraordinary level. ABOUT THE HOST Sabine is a corporate strategist turned entrepreneur. She is the CEO and Managing Partner of Alchemy Crew a venture lab that accelerates the curation, validation, & commercialization of new tech business models. Sabine is renowned within the insurance sector for building some of the most renowned tech startup accelerators around the world working with over 30 corporate insurers, accelerated over 100 startup ventures. Sabine is the co-editor of the bestseller The INSURTECH Book, a top 50 Women in Tech, a FinTech and InsurTech Influencer, an investor & multi-award winner. Twitter LinkedIn Instagram Facebook TikTok Email Website

The IRS is now accepting tax returns for the 2024 tax year. As usual, the deadline to file is April 15th, but if you are thinking of procrastinating, think again! Matt McClure speaks with Mark Steber of Jackson Hewitt Tax Service about importance of filing soon, changes to tax law this year, and more things to consider.   Call us now by dialing #250 on your cell phone and say the key-word “MONEY” Listen to Previous Episodes: https://peakfinancialfreedomgroup.com/radio/ Connect with Dan & Jim:  info@peakfin.com |  (916) 791-7063 Subscribe to our YouTube to watch Clips from our radio and TV shows: https://www.youtube.com/@peakfinancialfreedomgroup   About Peak Financial Freedom Group: At Peak Financial Freedom Group our top priority is to help you stop worrying about your money. We believe it's time for a new approach to retirement planning. It's why we've created The Peak Plan for Financial Freedom, with two main goals of making sure you never suffer a big loss like 2008 ever again and your income is dependable and predictable to last for as long as you live. Peak Financial Freedom Group provides comprehensive financial planning and investment management to retirees and pre-retirees in Roseville, CA and beyond.

 My guest today is Suzanne Darmory, the Chief Marketing Officer at Profundo, the only minority-owned fintech platform in the tax industry, committed to fostering inclusivity in the communities they serve. In addition to founding her own boutique agency, The Agency That Sold Agnesi, she has spent her career on both the client side—working with companies like IBM, L'Oréal, and Jackson Hewitt—and the agency side in New York (Arnold Deutsch, Gray, JWT) and London (Bates UK, Euro KG, Ogilvy Mather).Suzanne brings over 25 years of international experience championing Fortune 500 brands and articulating their visions through innovative marketing and advertising initiatives. Her track record of driving transformative change, paired with a relentless focus on results, has solidified her reputation as a renowned industry leader.She has been recognized by Mars as one of the Top 100 Influencers in Marketing and Advertising, by Business Leaders Magazine as one of the Top 100 Business Leaders, and by Refinery29 as one of the 29 Most Powerful Women in Digital. She has also been featured on the Where Are the Boss Ladies list. 

Send Bidemi a Text Message!Click here to enroll in the Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US) course. Use promo code TBPSALE for 20% off before January 31, 2025.In this episode, host Bidemi Ologunde spoke with Greg Ross-Munro, a third generation programmer, and the founder and CEO of Sourcetoad, a custom enterprise software engineering firm with offices in the USA and Australia. Sourcetoad's team of developers have built applications and games for clients like Viking Cruises, Jackson Hewitt, Procter and Gamble, Luxottica, the US Special Forces, and dozens of startups.Greg has participated, judged, organized, and sponsored almost every event of note in the Tampa Bay startup scene including Tampa Bay Bar Camp, Startup Weekend, Startup Bus (where he is also on the Board of Directors), Ignite, WaVE, and the Tampa Bay Entrepreneurship Gala. Additionally, he has been a regular and willing mentor of many young entrepreneurs while serving as a regular guest speaker at USF and UT.Greg grew up in Africa, and has lived and worked in Japan. He delights in good Scotch whisky and suffers from a dark sense of humor, and an incomprehensible patience with beautiful but temperamental British sports cars.Support the show

In this must-listen episode of Behind the Numbers, host Dave Bookbinder sits down with John Hewitt, an entrepreneurial legend and the mastermind behind Loyalty Brands. With a 55-year career that includes founding Jackson Hewitt Tax Service and Liberty Tax, John reveals the leadership principles and strategies that have fueled his success—and how giving back is the ultimate measure of achievement. What You'll Learn in This Episode:

“Without downs, the ups wouldn't be as high.” In this episode, Nick speaks with John Hewitt, a successful entrepreneur and CEO of Loyalty Brands. John shares his unique journey from playing in the World Series of Poker to founding billion-dollar companies. He emphasizes the importance of purpose, giving back, and the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. John discusses the significance of mentorship, leadership, and the need for calculated growth strategies in business. He concludes with valuable advice for self-mastery and success, highlighting the importance of perseverance and finding joy in one's work. What to listen for: John's transition from the World Series of Poker to entrepreneurship, founding multiple billion-dollar companies. The importance of having a purpose and improving lives. Ups and downs in business are essential for growth and perspective. Mentorship and active listening are crucial for effective leadership. Calculated growth requires understanding the needs for people and resources. Team dynamics and adaptability are key to managing growth. Finding the right fit for team members is essential for success. “Our mission statement says it all, and that is having fun improving lives.” Discover the value of finding purpose and joy in your work. How having “fun” as part of your mission creates a balanced approach to success. The benefits of fostering a work culture rooted in enjoyment and positivity. Why improving lives should be at the core of your business goals. Attracting a team that aligns with a mission of impact and enjoyment. “Most people only want to… improve their own lives. And so they manipulate other people. A rare minority… understand the real purpose of life is to serve others and to make a difference.” The contrast between self-interest and genuine service – why it matters. Integrity over manipulation: building a lasting legacy. How focusing on contribution over competition leads to a more meaningful life. Understanding the long-term impact of prioritizing service to others. Why making a difference is the most fulfilling goal of all. “The more you give, the more you receive. So it's self-fulfilling… as you experiment with giving, you, you get more, you receive more.” Embracing generosity as a path to personal abundance. How giving creates a positive cycle of goodwill and support. The rewards of giving beyond just material returns. Tips for starting small with acts of generosity and seeing the impact. Why giving without expectation often brings surprising rewards in return. About John Hewitt Having previously founded both Jackson Hewitt and Liberty Tax Service, John has used his 55 years of tax experience and remarkable business acumen to develop the next stage in his unmatched franchise success: Loyalty Brands.  https://loyaltybrands.com/  https://loyaltybrands.com/free-icompete-book/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/loyaltybrandsinc  https://www.instagram.com/loyalty_brands Resources: Interested in starting your own podcast or need help with one you already have? Send Nick an email or schedule a time to discuss your podcast today! nick@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Thank you for listening! Please subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-Star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-and-self-mastery-show/id1604262089 Watch Clips and highlights: www.youtube.com/channel/UCk1tCM7KTe3hrq_-UAa6GHA Guest Inquiries right here: podcasts@themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Your Friends at “The Mindset & Self-Mastery Show”

Welcome to another episode of The Advisory Board Podcast, where we bring together the best minds in franchising to share real-world insights that help you build a successful franchise brand. Big thanks to our episode sponsor, ClientTether, for making today's conversation possible!In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with John Hewitt, a true legend in the world of franchising. John has spent 55 years in the industry, building not one but two of the top 100 franchise brands—Jackson Hewitt and Liberty Tax. Now leading Loyalty Brands, John is working towards creating a third household name with ventures in tax preparation, construction, and mobile grooming.John shared his incredible journey, from starting at H&R Block in 1969 to becoming a trailblazer in computerizing tax returns and scaling franchise empires in both the U.S. and Canada. His experience offers unique insights into why some franchise brands thrive, while others fail. We dove into John's three key reasons franchises often struggle:Diluted Focus: Many business owners try to grow their franchise while still running their core business, leading to divided attention and suboptimal outcomes in both ventures.Franchise Management Skills: Managing franchisees is vastly different from managing employees. Franchise owners are independent-minded and require a nuanced leadership approach.Overly Burdensome Fees and Rules: Excessive fees and onerous regulations can crush a franchisee's ability to succeed. John stressed the importance of prioritizing “happy, successful franchisees” as the cornerstone of any thriving franchise system.John's honesty was refreshing, as he advised budding franchisors to reconsider their ambitions unless they are fully aware of the financial, managerial, and strategic challenges ahead. With the sobering statistic that 80% of franchises started today won't last a decade, John's candid advice offered both a reality check and a roadmap for those determined to succeed.Tune in to hear John's reflections, lessons learned, and invaluable advice on navigating the franchise world. And once again, thanks to ClientTether for sponsoring today's insightful episode!

Send us a textUnlock the secrets to entrepreneurial success with John Hewitt, the mastermind behind Jackson Hewitt and Liberty Tax, as he joins us on the Elevate Media Podcast. John reveals how his father's relentless spirit guided his path, despite early setbacks. He shares valuable lessons on learning from mistakes and the critical role of resilience, using real-life examples of legendary entrepreneurs who overcame multiple failures. In this episode, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the franchise model and how it offers a proven system for franchisees to follow. John also provides essential strategies for navigating the challenges and reaping the rewards of entrepreneurship.Discover the keys to building a successful business, emphasizing the importance of capital and the right skill set. John discusses the high success rates of franchisees, with many achieving millionaire status, and how novices can often outperform seasoned professionals in seasonal businesses like the tax industry. We delve into the growing influence of the Hispanic demographic on business trends and the strategic advantages of franchising. Plus, John shares his top three pieces of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: find a passion, work hard, and persevere. Whether you're an early retiree or just starting, this episode offers invaluable insights and inspiration to fuel your entrepreneurial journey.Support the showThis episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something. =========================== ⚡️PODCAST: Subscribe to our podcast here ➡ https://elevatemedia.buzzsprout.com/ ⚡️Need post-recording video production help? Let's chat ➡ https://calendly.com/elevate-media-group/application ⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ support@elevate-media-group.com Our mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting. Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer

John Hewitt, Founder of Loyalty Brands, advises finding an industry you love, working hard, and persevering. Using their pet grooming business as an example, where all the owners are passionate about pets, they emphasize that life is too short to dread your work. Instead, you should look forward to Mondays and be proud of what you do.  John reflects on the idea that the only two guarantees in life are death and taxes, making them a reliable business. However, a third certainty is mentioned: change.Loyalty Brands is a synergistic group of franchise businesses and services designed to dovetail together to help the franchise buyer to prosper both quickly and over the long term. Each of the Loyalty franchise concepts are easily knitted together to provide interested prospects a portfolio of businesses that are exciting for them to consider.  The brands under the Loyalty umbrella include ATAX Tax Service, Zoomin Groomin, Loyalty Business Brokers, CR3 Exterior Remodeling, Little Medical School, The Inspection Boys, and Ledgers Accounting and Business Services.John advises that even if someone has no experience in a specific field like plumbing, HVAC, or cutting hair, they should still consider it if the business model resonates with them. He highlights his experience in the tax industry, where many newcomers had no prior knowledge of taxes. He explains the benefits of the industry, such as its seasonal nature, recession-proof status, and the challenge of dealing with the IRS. John encourages anyone interested in an unfamiliar industry to spend time in the field to see if they enjoy it before fully committing.Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated with our latest episodes. Hit the bell icon to get notifications every time we upload a new podcast!*This video is sponsored by SEOSambaCheck out the video podcast on my Youtube channel and don't forget to like and subscribe!Link to Free Assessment: https://www.zorakle.net/assessment/welcome/ionfranchisingLink to Website: eyeonfranchising.comLink to Youtube: https://youtu.be/dKCZSRm6gZc?si=D48EANvqhSpyqsEd

Send us a Text Message.Feeling overwhelmed by leadership demands and struggling to make a meaningful impact? In today's episode, we explore insights from John Hewitt, a trailblazer in the tax industry. As co-founder of Jackson Hewitt, founder of Liberty Tax Service, and CEO of ATAX, John has transformed the industry with over 10,000 offices across the US and Canada. His innovative work in tax software and office development set industry benchmarks. Recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year by the International Franchise Association, John has guided over 5,000 franchisees and authored iCompete: How My Extraordinary Strategy for Winning Can Be Yours.John shares how relentless grit and passion have shaped his success, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and feedback in leadership. If you seek practical advice on leading with resilience and making a lasting impact, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to discover transformative strategies that could redefine your approach to leadership.To connect with John Hewitt and gain further insights, visit LoyaltyBrands.com. Books MentionedMade in America by Sam WaltonHow to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale CarnegieThe Effective Executive by Peter Drucker iCompete: How My Extraordinary Strategy for Winning Can Be Yours by John HewittReady to Finish 2024 Strong?Don't wait until December to address your challenges. There's a few months left in 2024, now is the time to plan for a strong finish! Book a free strategy call with Dr. William Attaway to create a plan for impactful results. Support the Show.Join Dr. William Attaway on the Catalytic Leadership podcast as he shares transformative insights to help high-performance entrepreneurs and agency owners achieve Clear-Minded Focus, Calm Control, and Confidence. Free 30-Minute Discovery Call:Ready to elevate your business? Book a free 30-minute discovery call with Dr. William Attaway and start your journey to success. Special Offer:Get your FREE copy of Catalytic Leadership: 12 Keys to Becoming an Intentional Leader Who Makes a Difference. Connect with Dr. William Attaway: Website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube

https://youtu.be/evKyda1DKpo John Hewitt, CEO of Loyalty Brands, is driven by a deep commitment to changing lives through entrepreneurship, fueled by his passion for helping others and belief in the power of business to create opportunities. We learn about John's journey from developing the first tax software with his father to building billion-dollar companies like Jackson Hewitt Tax Service and Liberty Tax.  John explains his "Kill CEO Disease" framework, which consists of three steps: Engage, Listen, and Improve.  --- Have Fun and Improve Lives with John Hewitt Good day, dear listeners, Steve Preda here with the Management Blueprint Podcast. And my guest today is John Hewitt, the CEO of Loyalty Brands and the serial entrepreneur in the Tax & Accounting, Pets, and Marketing Industries. John, welcome to the show. My pleasure. Thanks for having me. Well, I'm excited to have you. You're a very seasoned entrepreneur and you started a billion dollar companies. And I'm really curious, why does one become a serial entrepreneur in the first place? Well, simplistically, you become a serial entrepreneur if two things. Number one is if you're an entrepreneur at heart. Secondly, then you sell your first business, then you go on to the second business. So, the reason I'm a serial entrepreneur is I saw my first entrepreneurial start and actually most people think of my start at Jackson Hewitt but actually when I built Jackson Hewitt Tax Service, which it became a billion dollar company, but actually I started in 1981 when my dad and I developed the first tax software for a Apple computer. And when we couldn't sell it, we couldn't find anyone to buy it. Then we had to look for our second company and we found a company here in Virginia Beach called Mel Jackson Tax Service. We bought six offices from his widow and we grew it to, today it's 6,000 offices, 23rd largest retail franchise chain in the country. And along the way we sold it. And so now I had to start, now I'm beginning to be a serial entrepreneur because now I started Liberty Tax. And again, I built Liberty Tax to be a half a billion dollar company with 4,000 locations and sold that. Many people my age would retire and relax, and I think most people would. But to me, that seems ridiculous. I'm at the pinnacle of my knowledge and experience and wisdom. And my goal has always been to help other people, but through business, through entrepreneurship, I'm able to help thousands and thousands of people.Share on X I brought in 5,200 franchises. So with me, it's like an obsession that when I, you know, when I was a kid, when I was in high school, I was cocky and I thought, you know, I'll just make a few million dollars and retire. Then along the way, I said, well, that's silly. What would I do? I'm a life master, bridge player, and a master chess player and I play, but those aren't as much fun as what I do every day and that's pay it forward and changing people's lives. I've helped develop a thousand millionaires and my 5,200 franchises had over a hundred thousand employees. The joy is in the journey. And if you're an entrepreneurial spirit, then you're a serial entrepreneur, as long as you have more than one company. Yeah. Love it. The joy is in the journey. That's a great alliteration as well. So what does it take for a franchisee to be successful? I was always wondering about this because in my mind, a franchisee starts with an advantage and a disadvantage. So, the advantage is that they got a ready-made system that they just have to execute on. The disadvantage is they're gonna lose three, four, five, 6% of their net profit that they can hand over to the franchisor. So how does that work out and what is the secret and how do you actually scale a franchise business if it's even possible? Acquiring a franchise is cheaper than starting it from scratch and even ongoing. And it's hard to understand because it looks like you're sharing your profits with another organiz...

Your host, Catherine Cantey, talks with Founder & CEO of Loyalty Brands, John Hewitt.In this episode we dive into some great insights about integrity, dealing with failure, and why having happy franchisees is key to long-term success. Whether you're a business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just curious about franchises, this episode is packed with useful tips and advice.Join us to learn how to navigate the franchise world and what it takes to grow your business into a national powerhouse.We talk about:-The backstory on Jackson Hewitt franchises,-8 new franchises in the works,-The biggest thing holding business owners back from success.To learn more about John's work, visit Loyaltybrands.Com.If you'd like to be a guest on The Business Vitality® podcast, click HERE.For more information, visit CatherineCantey.com.

John Hewitt (founder Jackson Hewitt & Liberty Tax Service) used his 55 years of tax experience and remarkable business acumen to develop the next stage in his unmatched franchise success: Loyalty Brands. He's the foundation on which our company's foundation is built. Loyalty Brands is a synergistic group of franchise businesses and services designed to help the franchise buyer prosper quickly and over the long term. Decades of documented franchise and business success have enabled Loyalty Brands to develop a business system that drives customer loyalty, repeat business, and financial stability. The proven systems allow franchise businesses to run smoothly and efficiently while achieving consistent, measurable growth.

On episode #228 of The Author Factor Podcast, I am having a conversation with John T. Hewitt. John is a legendary entrepreneur, having founded Jackson Hewitt and Liberty Tax, two of the largest tax preparation companies in the United States. With over 55 years of experience, John has built multibillion-dollar companies and continues to revolutionize the franchise industry with his current venture, Loyalty Brands.In his bestselling book, iCompete: How My Extraordinary Strategy for Winning Can Be Yours, John shares the philosophies and strategies that propelled him to success. One big reason listeners will find John's book interesting is his candid recounting of both triumphs and mistakes, offering practical lessons and inspiration for aspiring business leaders and entrepreneurs.Learn more about John Hewitt by visiting LoyaltyBrands.com.For more details about our short, helpful book publishing program, visit BiteSizedBooks.com.

John Hewitt, The Great-Grandaddy of Tax, joins the Positive Polarity Podcast this week. John is the founder of Loyalty Brands, Jackson Hewitt, Liberty Tax, and Zoomin Groomin just to name a few! Dave and John talk about franchising and developing a system of doing business to run a successful franchise. John challenges us to set stretch goals and dream big.

In this fascinating episode, John Hewitt, CEO of Loyalty Brands Inc, shares how went from $0 to $480M in 15 years, then built one of the top 10 fastest growing franchises ever, and helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs become millionaires.You will discover:- How to stop struggling to win the game that everyone else is playing and create success your way- The million dollar difference between listening well and doing it the hard way- Who should be self-employed and who shouldn't
John Hewitt is best known for his success in the tax preparation industry, having founded two of the largest tax preparation companies in the United States - Jackson Hewitt and Liberty Tax. In 1982, John Hewitt founded Jackson Hewitt, a tax preparation company. Jackson Hewitt grew to over 6,000 locations nationwide at the top of the company's success. Jackson Hewitt was sold to Cendant Corporation for over $480 million in 1997. In 1998, he founded Liberty Tax, a major player in the tax preparation industry with over 4,000 locations (at one time) in the United States and Canada. In addition to his success in business, John is also a philanthropist who has dedicated his time and resources to helping others through fighting world hunger and other charitable endeavors.
Want to learn more about John Hewitt's work at Loyalty Brands Inc? Check out his website at https://loyaltybrands.com/

In this episode, Ty-Shaun-Dra interviews John Hewitt, the founder of Jackson Hewitt and Liberty Tax. They discuss John's journey in the tax industry and his experiences in scaling and selling his businesses. They also explore the challenges in the tax industry and the importance of customer service. John shares his insights on overcoming personal and professional barriers and highlights the significance of focusing on a specific clientele. He also discusses his strengths and weaknesses in business and provides advice on making decisions when starting or purchasing a business. In this conversation, John Hewitt discusses various aspects of running a successful business. He emphasizes the importance of finding a niche with future potential and creating replicable systems. Collaboration and the ability to adapt are key in system creation. Building rapport with customers leads to retention and referrals, which are crucial for business success. Hewitt also highlights the value of guerrilla marketing and the mindset required to be an entrepreneur. He introduces Loyalty Brands and explains how it operates. The conversation concludes with Hewitt sharing his purpose of improving lives.TakeawaysThe tax industry offers opportunities for entrepreneurs to fill niches and provide specialized services.Customer service is crucial in the tax industry, and exceeding customer expectations should be a priority.Overcoming personal and professional barriers requires perseverance and the ability to learn from mistakes.Successful businesses are built on the strengths of their leaders and the ability to communicate and inspire others. Find a niche with future potential for long-term business success.Create replicable systems that can be taught and followed.Building rapport with customers leads to retention and referrals.Guerrilla marketing can be a valuable tool for local business promotion.Connect with John Hewittvisit Loyaltybrands.comFb @loyaltybrandsfranchisesIg @loyalty_brandsX @loyalty_brandsLinkedIn Support the Show.Join the Kingdom Fanatics community! Get access to exclusive content, green room access with guest and more. Visit our website; Like & Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok and make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel! We greatly appreciate all the love and support. To donate to the show, sow a seed here.Be Blessed AND Be A Blessing

John Hewitt, CEO of Loyalty Brands and co-founder of tax company Jackson Hewitt discussed his journey from Math major at the University of Buffalo to running very successful income tax preparation companies. Although highly sucessful, John's journey came with its same of obstacles and challenges. Marc and John discuss all of the phases of his career, his latest book, and all of the wisdom he has gained along the way. The journey lead him to found a new company called Loyalty Brands. This company aims to help up and coming franchise buyers to find their way through his franchise services.

In this episode of "United States of Small Business," host John Quick sits down with John T. Hewitt, the renowned entrepreneur behind some of the most successful tax preparation businesses in North America. Hewitt, who founded both Jackson Hewitt and Liberty Tax Service, shares the compelling story of his rise from a young tax preparer at H&R Block to a trailblazing CEO who has profoundly influenced the tax industry. Discover the key lessons Hewitt learned through decades of innovation and leadership, including how he pioneered the use of specialized tax-preparation software. Additionally, Hewitt offers invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs about starting and scaling a business, and reflects on the personal and professional heroes who shaped his career trajectory. Tune in to gain insights from a seasoned entrepreneur who transformed an entire industry and continues to impact the world of business with his latest ventures at Loyalty Brands. Check out his new venture here: https://loyaltybrands.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/usofsmallbusiness/message

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Inner Edison podcast – the show designed to illuminate the entrepreneurial journey! Today, we have the distinct pleasure of hosting the remarkable John Hewitt, a titan in the tax preparation industry. From founding Jackson Hewitt and transforming it into a company worth $483 million, to launching Liberty Tax and later on Loyalty brands, John's entrepreneurial spirit is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and strategic thinking. Join us as we probe his astounding career journey. He shares invaluable insights into building successful businesses, overcoming near-bankruptcy, and innovating with technology long before it was the norm. John's story isn't just about successes – it's about facing challenges head-on, adapting to changing landscapes, and always staying ahead of the game. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, John's reflections on leadership, perseverance, and the importance of listening to customers are sure to inspire and inform. Don't miss out on this extraordinary conversation with John Hewitt – only here, on today's episode of the Inner Edison podcast. Follow Ed on all social media outlets @EdParcaut Need more information? Please visit https://www.edparcaut.com #InnerEdisonPodcast #Entrepreneurship #BusinessChallenges #JohnHewitt #EdParcaut #SuccessStories #TaxIndustry #BusinessGrowth #Franchising #LoyaltyBrands #BusinessAdvice #OvercomingAdversity #Inspiration  

Ready to explore the secrets of successful franchising? In this episode of The Agent of Wealth Podcast, host Marc Bautis is joined by John Hewitt, a renowned American entrepreneur with over 50 years of experience. Hewitt is best known for his success in the tax preparation industry, having founded two of the largest tax preparation companies in the United States, Jackson Hewitt and Liberty Tax. Both companies represent two of the top 100 largest retail organizations in North America!John Hewitt is also the best-selling author of iCompete: How My Extraordinary Strategy For Winning Can Be Yours and the CEO of Loyalty Brands.Tune in to explore the secrets of successful franchising!In this episode, you will learn:John Hewitt's journey from tax preparation to founding franchises.The common challenges of starting a franchise in the 21st century.How franchisees can create well-established systems (and constantly improve them).How to acquire your first franchise, including financing options and startup costs.How to know if franchising is right for you.And more!Resources:Episode Transcript & Blog | www.loyaltybrands.com | john@loyaltybrands.com | iCompete: How My Extraordinary Strategy For Winning Can Be Yours | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call

John Hewitt, founder of both Jackson Hewitt as well as Liberty Tax Services, explains what makes the secret sauce of franchising, and why he might be the one person on Earth who thinks Berkshire Hathaway is doing something very wrong.Hear John's full interview in Episode 454 of The Action Catalyst.

Overtime with Outland is Action Catalyst host Adam Outland's reflections and commentary on discussions with each of his esteemed and accomplished guests. In this segment, Adam dissects Episode 454, with John Hewitt, founder of both Jackson Hewitt as well as Liberty Tax Services, author, and CEO of Loyalty Brands.

John Hewitt, founder of both Jackson Hewitt as well as Liberty Tax Services, talks about being a world traveler without ever leaving the USA, fighting with his father while also making business history, the secret sauce of franchising, the biggest lesson from almost facing bankruptcy, competing against his own software and systems (and winning), why he might be the one person on Earth who thinks Berkshire Hathaway is doing something wrong, the pain of change, and practicing extreme brevity. And listen to the end to find out how Action Catalyst fans can get his book for free!

What would it take to create a national business services franchise? How do you go about transforming a small business from nothing into a multi-billion-dollar company? Today's guest is John T. Hewitt has achieved both of these feats. John is an entrepreneur at the peak of his game. John was the co-founder of Jackson Hewitt, the founder of Liberty Tax Service, and is now the CEO of Loyalty Brands. He's also a franchise expert with over 50 years of experience. Join Scott and John as they explore: * How John's father inspired him to become an entrepreneur, leading him to co-found Jackson Hewitt Tax Service, which grew into a billion-dollar company.* Aiming to be number one in everything you do.* How setting big, hairy, audacious goals is crucial for achieving greatness, yet many entrepreneurs set goals that are too low or too high.* John's goal in writing his book, iCompete, was to help others avoid the same mistakes he made and give back to the community by sharing his insights.* How growth is an important ingredient of a company's culture, and that once a company stops growing, it's almost impossible to maintain a great culture.* Culture is a critical factor in determining a company's success, and it should be treated as a balance sheet item.* Entrepreneurs who aren't risk tolerant or self-starters often fail.* The need to change in order to improve, and that learning is the only way to do so.* The importance of core values and a winning attitude in business. * John's concern about the growth of franchising, citing that too many successful mom-and-pop businesses are becoming franchisors without proper knowledge or expertise.Thanks to John Hewitt for being on Business, Bourbon & Cigars. Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-t-hewitt-9917b7149/ Learn more about John and Loyalty Brands: https://loyaltybrands.com/john-hewitt/ Get John's book, iCompete: How My Extraordinary Strategy for Winning Can Be Yours: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1682610063 BUSINESS, BOURBON & CIGARSBe sure to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes. * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3SN2fHn * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/74bfJL9J2fjevQEvi17ekU * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MePlusUltraNetwork/podcasts * Business, Bourbon & Cigars is the preeminent resource for ambitious leaders who want a backstage pass to the top. Each episode, we sit down with ultra-successful executives and industry leaders who share their insider strategies for growth and success. And of course, we may even sip on some of the finest bourbon and light up our favorite cigars while we chat.* Each week, we bring you in-depth interviews with high-level executives and industry leaders who have a proven track record and deep understanding of what it takes to grow a business. They'll share their no-nonsense approach, the challenges they faced on their journey to the top, and the strategies that helped them overcome obstacles and forge their own path to ultra-success.ME PLUS ULTRA * Transform your business and

In this episode, Eric interviews John Hewitt, a legendary entrepreneur with over 55 years of experience in building successful businesses and franchises such as Jackson Hewitt and Liberty Tax. John shares his journey from starting at H&R Block to creating a billion-dollar company, emphasizing the significance of innovation, like developing the first tax software for Apple computers, and the power of effective franchise marketing. Hewitt highlights his commitment to helping others succeed, detailing how he helped over 1,000 people become millionaires through his unique approach to business. He stresses the importance of having a vision, creating a system that franchisees can follow, and differentiating in the marketplace. John also discusses his bestselling book 'I Compete', offering insights into competitive success and sharing advice for marketers on how to stand out in a crowded market.00:00 Introduction to the Episode and Guest00:21 John Hewitt's Remarkable Journey in Business02:51 The Secret to Franchise Success04:59 The Importance of Following the System in Franchising07:09 Marketing Strategies for Franchise Success10:16 John Hewitt's Philosophy on Life and Business12:28 Final Thoughts and Advice for Marketers

Founder of Jackson-Hewitt and Liberty Tax Services, John Hewitt came onto the platform and talked about his illustrious business career. He is now focused on Loyalty Brands where he helps build businesses in all sorts of industries. https://loyaltybrands.com/

In this episode, John Hewitt joins On Top of PR host Jason Mudd to discuss three ways franchisors can use PR to grow their company. Guest:John Hewitt is a renowned entrepreneur who has made a significant impact in the business world through his innovative ideas and strategic thinking. He is best known for his success in the tax preparation industry, having founded two of the largest tax preparation companies in the U.S.Five things you'll learn from this episode:1.  How to use PR to build your credibility2.  How PR efforts can MAKE you money3.  The mindset needed to take advantage of PR opportunities 4. Where to start when looking for PR opportunities5.  Why maintaining relationships with journalists is important Quotables“Part of what a leader has to do is have a somewhat rational goal and be able to sell that goal.” - John Hewitt“You need a rival to inspire people and show them the path that you're on.” - Jason Mudd“PR creates that brand name, and it creates support from the local community.” - John Hewitt“We often call this newsjacking. That's the term we use for when something's happening in the news, and you twist it or position it to your benefit.” - Jason Mudd“If you get to start all over again and you don't do it much better, then you're an idiot.” - John Hewitt“Building relationships with people and not rushing into relationships but just building them slowly over time is important to public relations.” - Jason Mudd“I've gotten more comments when I've provided substantive commentary and expert, helpful advice when I'm quoted in the news.” - Jason Mudd“How can someone do business with you if they've never heard of you.” - Jason Mudd“Happy successful franchisees, that's our mantra. If franchisees are happy and successful, you can't stop growing by leaps and bounds. If they're not, you can't grow.” - John Hewitt“There's nothing more fun than changing and improving lives.” - John Hewitt  If you enjoyed this episode, would you please share it with others and leave us a review?About John HewittJohn T. Hewitt is an American entrepreneur and founder of Jackson Hewitt, Liberty Tax Service, and Loyalty Brands. Together these companies account for approximately 10,000 tax preparation and business services franchises in the USA and Canada. In addition, Hewitt is a pioneer in the development and use of specialized tax-preparation software, which is now the industry's standard practice.After leaving Jackson Hewitt in 1996, John decided to launch a new company that would be the vehicle for further marketing and brand development innovations, Liberty Tax Service. The new company initially focused its operations in Canada. Liberty Tax Service was launched there when Hewitt purchased a Canadian tax company on September 1, 1997. The new concern achieved a huge measure of success by opening more than 4,000 offices in North America by 2012 which made it the fastest-growing major tax-preparation company in history. Liberty Tax Service is best known for the costumed "wavers" dressed as the Statue of Liberty used in front of offices across the country. Hewitt left Liberty Tax Service in 2018 and founded LoyalSupport the show On Top of PR is produced by Axia Public Relations, named by Forbes as one of America's Best PR Agencies. Axia is an expert PR firm for national brands. On Top of PR is sponsored by ReviewMaxer, the platform for monitoring, improving, and promoting online customer reviews.

John Hewitt is a renowned American entrepreneur who has made a significant impact in the business world through his innovative ideas and strategic thinking. He is best known for his success in the tax preparation industry, having founded two of the largest tax preparation companies in the United States - Jackson Hewitt and Liberty Tax. Both companies represent two of the top 100 largest retail organizations in North America. John Hewitt has: • Founded and grew two of the largest retail chains in North America • In 2012, Liberty Tax Service operated over 4,000 locations in the U.S. and Canada • International Franchise Association Entrepreneur of the Year (2005) • Accounting Today - Top 100 Most Influential People (2000-2012) • Best Selling Author – iCompete: How My Extraordinary Strategy For Winning Can Be Yours (2016) • Inc. Magazine (1992) - Jackson Hewitt ranked 2nd in the tax industry and was one of the fastest growing private companies in the United States John Hewitt is the "Hewitt" in "Jackson Hewitt Tax Service," after which he founded "Liberty Tax Service" with over 6,000 offices. John sold his interest in Liberty for nearly 500 million dollars. Now John and his partners and friends are helping Entrepreneurs discover how to become CEOs - "Building Their Empires" for the King of Kings. He is the author of the fascinating book iCompete and the CEO of Loyalty Brands.

Mastering Success in Franchising: Unlocking John Hewitt's JourneyA Conversation with Living Legend John HewittThe Walk in Victory podcast, hosted by NaRon Tillman, features a conversation with John Hewitt, the founder of two national tax companies, Jackson Hewitt and Liberty Tax Service. Hewitt shares his journey of success, the obstacles he faced, and offers insights into his mindset which led to his accomplishment. He discusses the importance of having differentiators in business and shares his secrets to build a national brand. Hewitt emphasizes making complicated things simple, continual improvement, using obstacles as stepping stones, and cherishing the transformation process over the end goal.Time Line00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:45 Discussing the Importance of Financial Planning02:54 The Power of Mindset in Achieving Success05:30 Interview with John, a Successful Entrepreneur05:43 John's Journey in the Franchising Business08:35 The Leap from Employee to Entrepreneur15:36 Overcoming Adversity and Rapid Expansion19:47 The Drive to Change Lives and Continuous Growth23:43 The Power of Competition24:03 The End of a Non-Compete and a New Beginning25:26 Staying Competitive in a Changing Landscape26:36 Learning from Past Mistakes27:15 The Power of Guerrilla Marketing29:10 Creating Unique Differentiators29:54 The Importance of Perspective in Business35:58 Starting Over with a New Franchise41:54 The Strategy of a Chess Player43:46 The Value of Continuous Improvement43:58 Closing Thoughts and Contact InformationImportant LinksWalk In VictoryWrite Your Non-Fiction Book Using AIContact John

Welcome to today's episode. It promises an extraordinary peek into the world of franchising mastery. Join us as John Hewitt, the legendary founder of Jackson Hewitt and Liberty Tax, unveils the secrets behind his franchise empire. Whether you're eyeing franchise ownership or seeking inspiration from a true entrepreneurial giant, this session is packed with invaluable insights. Get ready for a masterclass in business growth and success. Don't miss out on this powerful episode that could redefine your approach to building your own empire. Host:  Marcia Riner - CEO of Infinite Profit Guest:  John Hewitt- CEO of Loyalty Brands Key Points Discussed: Introduction to John Hewitt: John Hewitt is highlighted as a significant figure in the franchising world, especially in the tax preparation industry. His role in founding two of the largest tax preparation companies in the US, Jackson Hewitt and Liberty Tax, is emphasized. Entrepreneurship and Profitability: The podcast focuses on strategies for small business owners to increase profitability and growth. Marcia Riner, the host, introduces herself as a business growth strategist, aiming to guide businesses toward higher profitability and a successful exit strategy. Franchising as a Business Model: John Hewitt's journey into the tax preparation industry began with his interest and subsequent work in tax preparation as a young adult. His venture into franchising is discussed as a strategic move that propelled his companies to significant growth. Success Through Franchising: Hewitt's approach to franchising, his emphasis on creating a system that guarantees success for franchisees, and his personal experiences and strategies that led to the exponential growth of his franchises are discussed. The resilience of the tax preparation industry, even during economic downturns, is also highlighted. Innovations in Tax Preparation: Hewitt shares his experience with developing tax preparation software and how technology has played a role in the evolution of tax services. The conversation also touches on the importance of software in enhancing service quality and efficiency. Building and Selling Franchise Businesses: The podcast delves into Hewitt's experience with building Jackson Hewitt and Liberty Tax into successful franchises and eventually selling these businesses. The discussion provides insights into the challenges and successes of growing a franchise model. Advice for Entrepreneurs and Franchisees: John Hewitt offers advice on what makes a franchise successful, emphasizing the importance of having happy, successful franchisees. He shares insights into the common pitfalls of franchising and how to overcome them. Looking Forward: The episode concludes with information on how listeners can access resources like the Profit Booster Playbook and engage further with the topics discussed through the podcast platform. John is offering a free copy of his book: ICompete Just email him @ john@loyaltybrands.com   Want to supercharge your business, avoid profit plateaus, operational headaches, and growth roadblocks?  Marcia has created a brand-new Profit Booster Playbook just for you.  You'll uncover 5 essential strategies and the quick way to take action on them. This is not just a single page report, its 25 profitable pages with impactful strategies, actionable steps, and expert guidance to elevate your profits painlessly. Make 2024 your best year ever.  Download this free playbook at www.BoostingProfit.com   Please subscribe & ring the bell for reminders about next week's show About Marcia Riner.  She is a business growth strategist who helps business owners dramatically increase their revenue, profit, and the value of their company. In fact, she can show prospective clients a clear pathway to profit and an impactful ROI for working here before hiring her firm. Through her proven Profit Booster™️ strategies, she gets results. Marcia is the CEO of Infinite Profit and more information can be found at https://www.InfiniteProfitConsulting.com Got questions? Text Marcia @ (949) 229-2112 ♾️

With tax season here, we're talking with Mark Steber, the Chief Tax Information Officer at Jackson Hewitt who is the company's liaison with the IRS. He's the perfect guy to help us understand what we need to know about filing our tax returns this year. What's the best way for taxpayers get organized and get ready to file? And is there actually a benefit to filing early?

Struggling to Scale Your Startup? Discover Billion-Dollar Secrets from John Hewitt Entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts often struggle with the challenge of scaling their startups. In this episode of Fordify LIVE! The Business Growth Show, host Ford Saeks sits down with the legendary John Hewitt to uncover the strategies that turned his visions into the powerhouse brands Jackson Hewitt and Liberty Tax. On this episode they discuss, Foundational Strategies: Insights from John's journey of founding and scaling major tax preparation franchises. Cultivating a Winning Culture: Essential elements for building a productive and loyal team. Business Innovative: John's perspective on embracing change and driving business growth. Real-time Engagement: Live interaction with John, providing answers to your burning questions. This episode stands out as a crucial resource for entrepreneurs seeking to grow their businesses. It's filled with practical advice and inspiring success stories, offering a comprehensive look into John Hewitt's journey and strategies. The insights provided are particularly valuable for those aiming to scale their ventures and achieve significant milestones in their business endeavors. Watch the full interview on YouTube here. Join us every Wednesday at 11AM Central on your favorite social platforms for Fordify LIVE! and catch The Business Growth Show Podcast every Thursday. Get first-hand insights from industry leaders and business experts to fuel your business journey. About John Hewitt: John Hewitt is a distinguished American entrepreneur, acclaimed for founding Jackson Hewitt and Liberty Tax, two of the top retail chains in North America. Born in Detroit and raised in Hamburg, New York, Hewitt's entrepreneurial journey began at H&R Block, leading to the creation of his innovative tax preparation companies. His ventures, characterized by groundbreaking software and customer-focused services, have earned him numerous accolades, including Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and International Franchise Association's Entrepreneur of the Year. Hewitt's commitment extends beyond business; he's actively involved in philanthropy, notably in the fight against world hunger. His book, "ICompete," and his place in several Business Halls of Fame, highlight his significant contributions to entrepreneurship and the tax industry. Find out more about him here: Loyalty Brands   About Ford Saeks: Ford Saeks, a dynamic Business Growth Innovator with over two decades of experience, stands at the forefront of corporate growth and innovation. He is the charismatic host of FORDIFY LIVE and THE Business Growth Podcast, where his extensive business acumen is showcased. Ford's approach to driving sales and customer engagement blends practical insights with the latest trends, including the impactful use of AI in business. His shows offer a platform for insightful discussions with industry leaders, sharing valuable knowledge and strategies for business success. Discover more at ProfitRichResults.com and Fordify.tv.

John T. Hewitt, CEO of Loyalty Brands, Discusses His Entrepreneurial Journey and the Importance of Servant Leadership Loyaltybrands.com Show Notes About The Guest(s): John T. Hewitt is a renowned American entrepreneur who has made a significant impact in the business world through his innovative ideas and strategic thinking. He is best known for his success in the tax preparation industry, having founded two of the largest tax preparation companies in the United States, Jackson Hewitt and Liberty Tax. With over 54 years of experience in the industry, John has built a reputation for his expertise and leadership skills. Summary: John T. Hewitt, the founder of Jackson Hewitt and Liberty Tax, joins Chris Voss on The Chris Voss Show to discuss his new company, Loyalty Brands. Loyalty Brands is a conglomerate of different franchisors that offer franchise opportunities in various industries, including tax preparation, insurance, business brokerage, staffing services, and more. John shares his insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, and the importance of setting audacious goals. He emphasizes the value of servant leadership and the need to delegate and allow employees to make mistakes and learn from them. John also highlights the benefits of franchising and the role of systems in achieving exponential growth. Key Takeaways: Setting audacious goals is essential for achieving exponential growth. Servant leadership involves doing what's best for every person and allowing employees to make mistakes and learn from them. Delegating tasks and hiring people with different skill sets are crucial for building a complete team. Rolling out new systems and improving them requires flexibility and a willingness to learn from customers and employees. Franchising offers a higher chance of success compared to starting a business from scratch. Quotes: "The number one attribute that enabled me to achieve exponential growth is always wanting what's best for every person." - John T. Hewitt "Smart people learn from their mistakes, but wise people learn from the mistakes of others." - John T. Hewitt

Interview recorded - 17th of November, 2023On this episode of the WTFinance podcast I had the pleasure of speaking with Lawrence Lepard - Founder of Equity Management Associates and a sound money advocate. During our conversation we spoke about Lawrence's current thoughts on the market, risk of everything bubble bursting, whether the FED can land the plane, geopolitical shifts, why something is going to break, Bitcoin and more! I hope you enjoy. 0:00 - Introduction1:16 - What is happening in the markets?6:17 - Has the FED landed the plane?9:30 - Monetary inflation vs real inflation?14:24 - Geopolitical shifts14:58 - Commodity super cycle to crash16:17 - Stock market doesn't always go up17:38 - Higher yields for longer?21:03 - Dollar is better than other currencies24:03 - Something is going to break soon30:48 - Any other assets that will protect wealth during monetary debasement?33:08 - Concern about Bitcoin correlation with the NASDAQ?35:38 - Spot ETF a bad thing for Bitcoin?38:08 - One message to takeaway from our conversation?Larry founded Equity Management Associates, LLC (EMA) in 2006. EMA is an equity investment management firm that invests in growing private and public companies located around the world. Since 2008, EMA has focused on investing in companies which mine the monetary metals, gold and silver. Larry presently serves on the Board of Directors of two development-stage gold mining companies: Lavras Gold Corp. (Toronto/Brazil) and Rise Gold Corp. (California). He has been a frequent guest of many media outlets including Bloomberg Television for his expertise on the monetary metals market. Prior to founding EMA, he spent 13 years at Geocapital Partners (Geo) in Fort Lee, NJ. There, he was one of two Managing General Partners and was responsible for four venture capital funds, aggregating ~$500 million. At Geo, he invested and/or served on the boards of many successful deals including Autoweb, Jackson Hewitt, Netcom, and Realtor.com. Prior to Geo, Larry spent seven years at Summit Partners in Boston, MA and Newport Beach, CA, where he established Summit's West Coast office. Larry was a General Partner in Summit I and Summit II and invested and/or served on the boards of Chips & Technologies and Software Spectrum, among other investments. Earlier in his career, Larry worked in the Mergers & Acquisitions Group of Smith Barney, Harris Upham & Co.Lawrence Lepard - Website - https://www.ema2.com/Twitter - https://twitter.com/LawrenceLepardWTFinance -Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wtfinancee/Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/67rpmjG92PNBW0doLyPvfniTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wtfinance/id1554934665?uo=4Twitter - https://twitter.com/AnthonyFatseas

Adam and Matt break down more of the RM and Jackson-Hewitt auctions before speaking with Aaron Shelby about the valuation of Shelby cars over the past couple of years and the future of Shelby American. Thank you for supporting our sponsors: OReillyauto.com MakersAndFixers.com/CarCast

Matt gets into Acura winning the Daytona Rolex 24 and tuning his Ford Mustang Mach 1 before giving a recap of the RM and Jackson-Hewitt auctions.

Bald Bryan joins Adam today as he talks to comedian Leanne Morgan. Leanne tells the story of how she got into comedy after selling jewelry before the three take a look at a controversial Jackson Hewitt commercial and dive into the sex life of Suzanne Somers. The three then compare the finer points of parenting and youth sports. PLUGS: Watch Leanne Morgan's new special, ‘I'm Every Woman' premiering on Netflix April 11th See Leanne Morgan live: San Jose, CA - San Jose Improv - Tonight through Saturday West Nyack, NY - West Nyack Levity Live Comedy Club - Feb 9th through 11th And for more dates, go to: LeanneMorgan.com And follow Leanne on Instagram, @LeanneMorganComedy Listen to Bryan Bishop's podcast, ‘The Film Vault, with new episodes every Friday Check out Bryan's book, ‘Shrinkage' with personalized signed copies available at BryanBishop.com And follow Bryan on Instagram, @BaldBryan THANKS FOR SUPPORTING TODAY'S SPONSORS: This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp BetterHelp.com/CAROLLA