Podcasts about operational

In this episode of The Distribution, host Brandon Sedloff sits down with Wade Madden, CEO of Olympus Property, for a deep dive into operational excellence and culture-driven leadership in multifamily real estate. Wade shares how his background in risk management and entrepreneurship shaped his disciplined yet people-first approach to scaling Olympus into one of the largest vertically integrated owner-operators in the country. He unpacks how being “operator first” translates into performance, why culture is a true driver of alpha, and how technology and AI are augmenting—not replacing—the human element that powers great property management. They discuss: • How Olympus scaled to 36,000 units and $9B in assets through a people-first operating model • The role of servant leadership and company culture in creating lasting operational alpha • Why bottom-up budgeting and direct feedback from property teams drive better performance • How Olympus integrates AI and technology to empower, not replace, on-site teams • Lessons from partnering with the Ritz-Carlton to elevate customer service across the portfolio • The current state of multifamily fundamentals, supply trends, and the outlook for 2026 Links: Wade on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wade-madden-73444646/ Olympus Property - https://www.olympusproperty.com/ Brandon on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bsedloff/ Juniper Square - https://www.junipersquare.com/ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:01:40) - Wade's background and career (00:04:07) - Scaling Olympus Property: Operations and growth (00:11:13) - Capital structure and investment strategy (00:16:13) - Operational excellence and team culture (00:28:34) - Staffing challenges in property management (00:29:33) - Vertical integration and control (00:30:17) - The importance of company culture (00:34:19) - Leveraging AI in property management (00:39:57) - Customer service excellence with Ritz-Carlton (00:47:48) - Market trends and future outlook (00:57:55) - Conclusion and contact information

In this episode of the Dental Boardroom Podcast, host Wes Read, CPA and financial advisor at Practice CFO, kicks off a new multi-episode series focused on the most common financial mistakes dentists make in both their personal and practice finances. After returning from an October break, Wes zeroes in on cash flow discipline, spending habits, tax inefficiencies, depreciation strategy, excess distributions, and the development of automated systems for long-term wealth.Wes explains how many dentists struggle with lifestyle inflation, unmanaged owner draws, and treating the business account like personal cash, often without understanding tax basis limitations. He highlights the “depreciation trap,” where large Section 179 write-offs paired with financed equipment purchases create short-term tax relief but long-term cash crunches. He encourages dentists to align depreciation schedules with loan terms to avoid future financial strain.Key Points:Automate savings and retirement contributionsMatch depreciation timelines with equipment loan termsAvoid treating the practice account as personal spendingMonitor tax basis before taking distributionsMaintain disciplined budgeting and lifestyle controlReinvest profits to strengthen practice efficiency and growth

Multifamily marketing does not work in a vacuum. In this episode of the Digible Dudes podcast, host Reid sits down with Leslie Mathis, founder of Streamline Multifamily, to unpack why campaigns fall flat when operations are not aligned, how to fix the disconnect between owners, operators, and agencies, and what great alignment looks like from concept to lease up.We cover Leslie's career journey and how she acts as a bridge between ownership and third party management, the market shift from easy leasing to tougher conditions, and the cadence required to win. Expect clear takeaways on weekly collaboration, shared goals, and educating stakeholders on what the data actually means so decisions are based on facts, not feelings.Leslie also breaks down where to invest for real resident value, why access control and seamless experiences often beat in unit gadget upgrades, and how to rethink concessions by reallocating a portion into targeted marketing and storytelling. We get into training gaps across on site and regional teams, outdated reporting and KPIs, and how AI should enable teams to synthesize data and deliver actionable guidance rather than generic outputs.If you want practical strategies to align marketing and operations, improve traffic quality, and turn insights into leases, this episode is a must watch for multifamily owners, operators, and marketers.Digible:⁠ https://digible.com/ Leave a Spotify Review: ⁠⁠⁠https://spoti.fi/3LfoEdU⁠⁠⁠ Leave an Apple Review: ⁠⁠⁠https://apple.co/3AA2zRj⁠⁠

In the latest episode of The Retail Tea Break Podcast, Melissa Moore chats with Paul O'Hea, pharmacist and co-owner of Inish Pharmacy Group and Isabel Hughes, head of marketing at Autoaddress. Together, they explore how teamwork, technology and trust shape modern retail; from maintaining a human touch in pharmacy service to tackling the hidden costs of bad address data. The conversation blends the practical challenges of peak-season trading with digital innovation, customer care and operational growth.Discussion Points:How Inish Pharmacy blends online convenience with in-store care and trust.Scaling operations and moving warehouses mid–holiday season.The role of clean, accurate address data in enhancing customer experience.The impact of express checkouts and digital wallets on address accuracy.The evolving Irish address landscape; Eircode, compliance and automation.Key Takeaways:Human touch still matters: Personal service builds loyalty, even in e-commerce.Bad data costs retailers: Clean address data reduces failed deliveries and customer complaints.Growth requires resilience: Operational challenges, like warehouse expansion, can strengthen long-term capacity.Convenience must meet accuracy: Retailers must balance frictionless checkouts with verified customer details.Technology is a team player: Smart integrations between retailers and data partners improve both service and efficiency.Check out https://www.inishpharmacy.com/Thank you to Autoaddress for sponsoring today's episode. You can solve your address data problems with Ireland's most trusted supplier of Eircode solutions. Improve data quality, reduce manual errors and deliver better customer experiences at https://autoaddress.com/

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Would you say your agency is truly profitable? Take a closer look and assess its structure, systems, and tools through the lens of business maturity. You may find you're still in the chaos stage, in need of structure and vision. Running an agency often starts with passion and talent, but keeping it running smoothly takes systems, leadership, and a strong operational backbone. This operational maturity doesn't happen overnight. As today's featured guest knows well, it's a process of reflection, restructuring, and relentless improvement. Harv Nagra is the Head of Brand Communications at Scoro and host of The Handbook: The Operations Podcast, where he explores how agencies and consultancies build scalable, profitable operations. As someone who has spent his career at the intersection of creativity, consultancy, and operations, he'll discuss the key stages of agency growth, the pitfalls of immature operations, and the leadership mindset required to scale sustainably. In this episode, we'll discuss: Understanding the agency maturity model. Evolving your agency from chaos to clarity. Growing your leadership to create framework. Data and the path to predictability. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources E2M Solutions: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by E2M Solutions, a web design, and development agency that has provided white-label services for the past 10 years to agencies all over the world. Check out e2msolutions.com/smartagency and get 10% off for the first three months of service. Why Most Agency Founders Aren't Natural Operators Harv has been in the agency space for most of his career, working in marketing and design, and, although he currently works as Brand Communicator for Scoro, he keeps his finger on the pulse of the industry via his podcast The Handbook, where he talks to owners about running great agencies and consultancies. After speaking with so many founders, Harv is aware that operations is often the blind spot for first-time agency owners. They were very good at delivering a service and ended up being an "accidental founder". People start agencies because they're great at marketing, design, or development, not because they planned to manage P&Ls or build operational frameworks. As a result, growth often outpaces structure, and operations fall behind. Early on, these agencies prioritize sales and survival, just trying to land enough business to stay afloat. But as Harv emphasizes, there's a point where founders must transition from doing great work to running a great business. Without operational clarity, even the most talented teams end up winging it, leading to burnout, inefficiency, and missed profit. Understanding the Agency Maturity Model One of Harv's biggest turning points came when his COO introduced him to the concept of a business maturity model. It was an eye-opener. He thought the agency was doing fine, until the framework revealed gaps he didn't even know existed. It showed him that agencies, like people, evolve through stages, from chaotic startups to structured, data-driven organizations. The models vary, but there are usually 5 stages: 1. People challenges 2. process challenges 3. Data and metrics 4. Technology and tools 5. Growth strategy The early stage is where chaos reigns. Processes are tribal, training is informal ("just learn from whoever you sit next to"), and there is no consistent way of working. As the business grows, pockets of best practices emerge, but without unified systems or documentation. The most mature agencies reach a level where processes are standardized, data is reliable, and leaders can make decisions based on insights rather than gut feelings. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of agencies ever get there. From Chaos to Clarity: Building Operational Maturity When Harv stepped into an operations role, his agency was stuck between chaos and maturity. Multiple entities were working in silos with inconsistent tools and workflows. Financial reporting was messy, and onboarding was informal. Everything began to change when they hired a finance director who helped formalize budgeting and systemize financial operations. Together, they redefined how projects were quoted, tracked, and managed, bringing consistency and visibility that had been missing for years. It's a common growing pain for agencies that scale faster than their systems. As Jason recalls, before implementing time tracking, he believed all clients were profitable. The data told a different story: 60% of projects were actually losing money. That realization forced him to fix pricing, reposition the agency, and rethink sales and operations from the ground up. The Leadership Shift: From Fighting Fires to Frameworks Many agency owners reach a ceiling because they're still running their business as they did in the early days. As he moved up the ladder, Harv and his team tried to get the agency's leadership team to realize they were spread too thin, with each senior leader juggling multiple internal roles alongside client work. Once leadership saw the problem, the real work began; creating clarity, documenting systems, and assigning accountability. The key here was clarity, so Harv and this finance director documented everything from budgeting to time tracking, to reporting and resourcing. It was a huge leap in maturity and it consolidated when the founders brought an interim COO who audited operations, restructured the organization, and helped senior leaders focus on strategic leadership instead of firefighting. Finally, there was a clear understanding of where the agency is going, who it serves, and how it operates. Without that, leaders end up managing chaos rather than building growth. Data, Tools, and the Path to Predictability As Harv's agency matured, the next challenge was data and technology. Their systems were outdated, and reporting was cumbersome. Upgrading their tech stack allowed them to collaborate across borders, manage multiple entities, and gain visibility into key metrics like capacity and revenue forecasting. This shift toward being data-driven enabled proactive decision-making instead of reactive problem-solving. Alongside technology, restructuring played a key role. The agency had to make tough decisions about team composition, ensuring the right people were in the right seats. As Harv put it, "Just because someone's been there from the beginning doesn't mean they're the right fit for the next phase." It's a difficult but necessary mindset for sustainable growth. Letting Go — The Hardest Step in Agency Maturity For founders,  growth means letting go. Letting go of old habits, outdated systems, and sometimes even long-time team members. Many owners treat their agency like a baby, and it's a mistake. When leaders cling too tightly, they become the bottleneck. True maturity happens when they can trust the team, delegate decisions, and focus on leading rather than managing. As Harv summarized, agencies should think of themselves less like families and more like sports teams where each player has a role, and the lineup changes as the game evolves. The goal isn't comfort, it's performance. That's what separates agencies that evolve from those that plateau. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.

SummaryIn this conversation Adam Back, and Matt Odell discuss the critical importance of self-custody in Bitcoin management, especially in light of past events like FTX. They explore the nuances of custody solutions for both individuals and businesses, emphasizing the need for secure practices and the balance between self-custody and third-party risks. The discussion also touches on treasury management for large companies and the emerging demand for proof of reserves to enhance operational security.TakeawaysSelf-custody is essential for protecting assets.The phrase 'not your keys, not your coins' highlights the importance of ownership.Small businesses can benefit from adopting Bitcoin as a treasury asset.Multi-sig solutions provide enhanced security for large organizations.Proof of reserves can increase confidence in custodial services.Operational security is a significant concern for companies managing Bitcoin.Single sig custody is sufficient for many individuals.Backup strategies should include fireproof and offsite storage.The recovery process for Bitcoin can be user-friendly.The industry is evolving towards better custody solutions.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Community Engagement00:56 The Importance of Self-Custody09:12 Custody Solutions for Businesses14:57 Prover Reserves and Industry Standards17:02 bp-introoutro_v2.mp4

In this episode the hosts critique a $4.28 million asking price for a Signal Security Franchise business in San Antonio earning ~$773K revenue—arguing it's overpriced, under‑differentiated and risky.Business Listing – https://www.bizbuysell.com/business-opportunity/san-antonio-tx-highly-profitable-security-business-for-sale/2350661/Welcome to Acquisitions Anonymous – the #1 podcast for small business M&A. Every week, we break down businesses for sale and talk about buying, operating, and growing them.

In this episode the hosts critique a $4.28 million asking price for a Signal Security Franchise business in San Antonio earning ~$773K revenue—arguing it's overpriced, under‑differentiated and risky.Business Listing – https://www.bizbuysell.com/business-opportunity/san-antonio-tx-highly-profitable-security-business-for-sale/2350661/Welcome to Acquisitions Anonymous – the #1 podcast for small business M&A. Every week, we break down businesses for sale and talk about buying, operating, and growing them.

This is an official recording of The City of Refuge, Melbourne.

In this episode of Bridge the Gap, BTG Ambassador and FSLA Board Member Damon Thomas, Senior VP of Operations at Providence Senior Living, joins the show. Damon shares practical insights on smooth senior living operations, leadership evolution, and the importance of culture in smaller, regional organizations. From his “daily alignment” meetings to managing the ever-present “top ten” list, Damon reveals how consistency and intentionality build thriving communities. Sponsored by Aline, NIC MAP, Procare HR, Sage, Hamilton CapTel, Service Master, The Bridge Group Construction and Solinity. Become a sponsor of the Bridge the Gap Network.Produced by Solinity Marketing.Connect with BTG on social media:YouTubeInstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedInTikTokMeet the Hosts:Lucas McCurdy, @SeniorLivingFan Owner, The Bridge Group Construction; Senior Living Construction Renovation, CapEx, and Reposition. Joshua Crisp, Founder and CEO, Solinity; Senior Living Development, Management, Marketing and Consulting.

To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/vi0mEQemsckIn this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, hosts Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry sit down with Gene Myers, founder and CEO of Thrive Home Builders in Denver, Colorado. Gene shares his journey from land developer to one of the most forward-thinking builders in the country, known for creating high-performance, net-zero energy homes. The conversation explores the environmental impact of building materials—especially concrete—the importance of operational and embodied carbon, and how builders can balance sustainability with affordability. Gene also discusses innovative building practices, including fiberglass foundations, solar energy strategies, and the importance of building homes that serve both people and the planet.Here's the link to Inspector Empire Builder: https://www.iebcoaching.com/events To check Gene's company, click here: https://thrivehomebuilders.com/TakeawaysGene Myers transitioned from land development to home building during the savings and loan crisis.Thrive Home Builders focuses on net-zero energy homes that are resilient, healthy, and sustainable.Net-zero homes produce as much energy as they consume annually, often using solar panels and battery storage.Concrete has one of the highest carbon footprints among building materials due to its production and transportation.Fiberglass foundation panels offer a promising alternative to concrete, with lower carbon impact and faster installation.Operational carbon (energy used to run a home) typically outweighs embodied carbon (carbon from materials and construction) over a home's lifetime.Gene emphasizes a rigorous cost-benefit analysis to ensure sustainability is attainable for everyday homebuyers.Partnerships with national labs and programs like Energy Star and DOE's Zero Energy Ready Home are key to Thrive's success.Builders should avoid “shiny new objects” unless they are cost-effective and scalable.Municipalities with climate action plans may value sustainable builders more than individual consumers.Building a strong, meaningful brand has long-term benefits and helps attract talent and opportunities.Chapters00:00 – Introduction and Sponsors01:32 – Guest Introduction: Gene Myers03:08 – Gene's Journey from Land Developer to Builder04:43 – What is a Net-Zero Energy Home?06:11 – Building Homes that Serve Communities07:48 – Advice for Builders: Don't Go It Alone10:16 – Leveraging Energy Star and DOE Programs12:11 – First Net-Zero Home and Choosing Solar Over Geothermal13:48 – Solar Leasing Options Explained15:45 – Balancing Sustainability with Cost19:29 – Why Thrive Avoids Geothermal and SIPs21:27 – The Carbon Footprint of Concrete25:00 – Fiberglass Foundation Panels as an Alternative28:08 – Operational vs. Embodied Carbon31:53 – Using OneClick LCA for Carbon Calculations33:26 – Offsetting Carbon Locally in Breckenridge35:47 – Municipalities vs. Consumers: Who Values Sustainability More?39:30 – What Thrive Homes Look Like

Meren Energy Inc (TSX:MER, OTCQX:MRNFF) investor relations manager Shahin Amini talked with Proactive's Stephen Gunnion about the company's upgrade from the OTC Pink to the OTCQX market, describing it as a strategic move to enhance investor outreach and market visibility. Amini said the upgrade supports Meren's broader plan for active engagement with investors, following the company's earlier consolidation and rebranding from Africa Oil. “The upgrade from OTC Pink to OTCQX is a very important step in our investor relations and communication plans,” he told Proactive. He explained the move is designed to boost visibility with brokers, funds and retail platforms in the US, leveraging the presence OTCQX provides on high-tier market data systems. Amini noted that OTCQX offers many of the benefits of a full listing but at a lower cost and regulatory burden, while still relying on Meren's existing Canadian disclosure standards. Looking ahead, he flagged the upcoming Q3 results, set to be published on 13 November, with potential for another quarterly dividend—bringing the total for the year to $100 million if approved. Operational catalysts include infill drilling in Nigeria, a potential final investment decision on the Preowei project, and a high-impact exploration opportunity in Namibia. He also highlighted progress on farm-down efforts in Equatorial Guinea. Visit Proactive's YouTube channel for more company updates, and don't forget to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and turn on notifications for future content. #MerenEnergy #OTCQX #OilAndGas #NigeriaOil #NamibiaExploration #EquatorialGuinea #InvestorRelations #DividendStocks #USInvestors #EnergyStocks #OilExploration #OTCMarkets #CapitalMarkets

In this episode the hosts dissect a two‑location Virginia car wash business listed at $10.999 M with ~$940K cash flow and debate whether it's a real estate play or a tough operating bet.Business Listing – https://www.empirebusiness.com/business-opportunity/10056/2-car-wash-locations-in-virginia-579956/Welcome to Acquisitions Anonymous – the #1 podcast for small business M&A. Every week, we break down businesses for sale and talk about buying, operating, and growing them.

Today on the podcast, Gary sits down with Joe Rinderknecht, founder of Upgrade Partners Capital, a fund of funds, and Cowboy Capital, a real estate investment firm specializing in value-add multifamily properties. With nearly a decade of experience in commercial real estate, Joe has owned and invested in roughly 600 apartment units across Montana, Idaho, Utah, Texas, and Ohio. His background spans property and construction management, asset management for large portfolios, and capital raising for a range of projects. In this conversation, Joe shares his approach to overcoming analysis paralysis through actionable steps like 10-minute napkin underwriting, dives into his strategies for investment and market selection, tells us how he honed his skills in asset management, and shares why understanding every part of the process matters. He also opens up about Tiny's Tribe, the nonprofit he founded in memory of his brother and grandmother. Tune in for an inspiring and insightful discussion packed with practical advice, personal stories, and lessons on taking action even when fear stands in the way.Key Points From This Episode:We're introduced to today's guest, Joe Rinderknecht.Joe shares his real estate journey and how he got into commercial real estate.He recounts his first encounter with LIHTC section 42. Joe's advice on overcoming analysis paralysis.His strategy for potential investment properties and market selection.How Joe got into and learned the ropes of asset management. He sheds light on Tiny's Tribe nonprofit work.How to get in contact with Joe. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Joe Rinderknecht on LinkedInJoe Rinderknecht on InstagramJoe Rinderknecht on EmailCowboy CapitalTiny's Tribe on FacebookObsidian CapitalLevi Allen on LinkedInAsset Management Mastery Facebook Group Invest SmartBreak of Day Capital Break of Day Capital InstagramBreak of Day Capital YouTubeGary Lipsky on LinkedIn

In this episode the hosts dissect a two‑location Virginia car wash business listed at $10.999 M with ~$940K cash flow and debate whether it's a real estate play or a tough operating bet.Business Listing – https://www.empirebusiness.com/business-opportunity/10056/2-car-wash-locations-in-virginia-579956/Welcome to Acquisitions Anonymous – the #1 podcast for small business M&A. Every week, we break down businesses for sale and talk about buying, operating, and growing them.

"Get your hands dirty: credibility in Japan is built in the field, not the boardroom". "Bridges beat barriers: headquarters alignment turns local problems into solvable projects". "Make people proud: structured "poster sessions" spark ownership, ideas and nemawashi". "Decisions at the edge: push market choices to those closest to customers, then coach". "Trust travels: clear logic, calm feedback, and consistency convert caution into commitment". Belgian-born power-electronics engineer turned global executive, Erwin Yseijin leads Semikron Danfoss in Japan with more than three decades across Japan, Germany, and Taiwan. Beginning as a hardware engineer in switch-mode power supplies and motor drives, he joined a Japanese semiconductor firm in Munich in 1989 and relocated to Japan in 1992, learning operations, production planning, quotations, and logistics from the inside. Subsequent leadership roles at Infineon included Japan and a five-year post-merger integration in Taiwan overseeing ~50 R&D engineers and close OEM relationships across PCs, routers, and wireless. After a gallium-nitride startup stint in Dresden, he joined Semikron, later Semikron Danfoss, leading APAC reorganisation, factory consolidation, and a direct-plus-distribution sales model, before becoming Japan President. Fluent in the technical, commercial, and cultural languages of the region, he specialises in aligning headquarters and local teams, and in building pragmatic, customer-led organisations in Japan. Erwin Yasvin exemplifies the hands-on leader who earns trust in Japan by showing up where problems live. His credo—"get your hands dirty"—is not metaphorical. When customers escalate issues, he goes with sales to uncover root causes and secure head-office commitments on the spot. That credibility shortens cycles in a market where 100% quality is table stakes and where the service "extra mile" extends even a decade beyond a nominal warranty. A European by training and temperament, he learned Japanese corporate practice from the inside in the early 1990s, when multilayered hierarchies still defined decision flow. Rather than railing against the pyramid, he mined its upside: leaders who rise through layers bring practical judgement and empathy for shop-floor realities. Yet he also streamlined speed by bridging headquarters and Japan—translating commercial logic, technical constraints, and customer detail into decisions the field can act on. He builds voice and pride through "poster sessions": monthly forums where team members present customers, markets, wins, and bottlenecks to peers. That design triggers nemawashi—quiet pre-alignment—and fosters cross-functional curiosity. By picking one or two ideas from each session and ensuring execution, he turns speaking up into visible impact. Decision rights sit with those closest to the market. Each salesperson owns one or two verticals—motor drives, wind, solar, energy storage, UPS—with accountability for target customers, competitive intel, product needs, and pricing. Headquarters supports with budgets for samples and after-warranty analysis, signalling trust with money. Where ambiguity or urgency is high—such as the 2022 exchange-rate shock—he decomposes the "working package" into digestible actions, avoiding paralysis. Mistakes are coached privately and framed as leadership accountability: if an error occurred, expectations weren't clear enough. Monthly one-on-ones, written agendas, and evidence-led conversations establish a durable logic chain that travels across language boundaries. Culture-wise, he neither copies a Japanese firm nor imposes a foreign pace. Instead, he articulates values—efficient workdays, transparent processes, skill development—while adapting compensation to local norms through a hybrid bonus model that blends guaranteed and performance-tied elements. Asked how outsiders should lead in Japan, Yasvin stresses credibility, example, and constancy: be present in the hard moments, don't over-promise, and speak in clear, digestible steps. In a country where consensus and detail orientation are prized, leaders win by aligning logic with respect—turning caution into momentum without sacrificing quality. Q&A Summary What makes leadership in Japan unique? Japan blends layered hierarchies with high expectations for managers to understand field-level problems. Leaders gain status less by slogan and more by track record. Consensus is built through nemawashi and formalised via ringi-sho, with detail-rich documentation that honours uncertainty avoidance while preserving quality. The upside of layers is decision empathy; the downside can be speed—unless leaders bridge across functions and headquarters. Why do global executives struggle? Many push headquarters logic without translating it into local realities: customer expectations of zero defects; service beyond written warranty; and process fidelity (e.g., traceability standards) that must integrate into Japanese customers' own systems. Leaders also misread how "pride" shows up—quietly, not publicly—and miss mechanisms (like poster sessions) that let people contribute without confrontation. Is Japan truly risk-averse? Not exactly; it's uncertainty-averse. When leaders clarify the "box" and broaden it gradually, teams will step forward. Decomposing problems (e.g., FX pass-through frameworks) turns ambiguity into executable steps. Decision intelligence—structured data, clear thresholds, defined triggers—reduces uncertainty and enables action without violating quality norms. What leadership style actually works? Lead by example; be visibly present at customer flashpoints. Push decisions to the edge (market owners), back them with budgets, and coach in private. Use structured forums to surface ideas, then implement a few to prove that speaking up matters. Keep corporate values intact (efficient workdays, skill building) while tuning incentives to local practice. How can technology help? Operational dashboards that tie customer issues to root-cause analytics, plus digital twins of power-module reliability and logistics flows, elevate conversations from anecdote to evidence. Traceability systems aligned to global standards reduce manual re-entry and delays, while decision thresholds (e.g., FX bands) automate price updates and ensure fair, consistent application. Does language proficiency matter? Helpful, not decisive. Clear logic, written agendas, data, and diagrams travel farther than perfect grammar. Leaders who frame problems visually, confirm next actions, and close the loop consistently can overcome linguistic gaps, while continuing to study Japanese accelerates trust and nuance. What's the ultimate leadership lesson? Credibility compounds. Show up in the hard moments, keep promises small and solid, convert ideas into implementation, and protect quality while increasing speed through better alignment. Over time, trust becomes a structural advantage with customers and within the team. About the Author Dr. Greg Story, Ph.D. in Japanese Decision-Making, is President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training and Adjunct Professor at Griffith University. He is a two-time winner of the Dale Carnegie "One Carnegie Award" (2018, 2021) and recipient of the Griffith University Business School Outstanding Alumnus Award (2012). As a Dale Carnegie Master Trainer, Greg is certified to deliver globally across all leadership, communication, sales, and presentation programs, including Leadership Training for Results. He has written several books, including three best-sellers — Japan Business Mastery, Japan Sales Mastery, and Japan Presentations Mastery — along with Japan Leadership Mastery and How to Stop Wasting Money on Training. His works have also been translated into Japanese, including Za Eigyō (ザ営業), Purezen no Tatsujin (プレゼンの達人), Torēningu de Okane o Muda ni Suru no wa Yamemashō (トレーニングでお金を無駄にするのはやめましょう), and Gendaiban "Hito o Ugokasu" Rīdā (現代版「人を動かす」リーダー). In addition to his books, Greg publishes daily blogs on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, offering practical insights on leadership, communication, and Japanese business culture. He is also the host of six weekly podcasts, including The Leadership Japan Series, The Sales Japan Series, The Presentations Japan Series, Japan Business Mastery, and Japan's Top Business Interviews. On YouTube, he produces three weekly shows — The Cutting Edge Japan Business Show, Japan Business Mastery, and Japan's Top Business Interviews — which have become leading resources for executives seeking strategies for success in Japan.

In an AI push, Amazon has already axed 14,000 jobs and that total is reportedly going to hit 30,000.

In this episode of The Tech Leader's Playbook, Avetis Antaplyan sits down with Sam Goodner, the serial entrepreneur and former CEO of Catapult Systems — Microsoft's top-ranked consulting partner at the time of its acquisition. Sam shares his 30-year journey from starting a small IT consulting firm in 1993 with just $17,000 in the bank to scaling multiple companies to eight- and nine-figure exits, including turning a parking tech startup into a unicorn.Through vivid stories and practical lessons, Sam reveals the disciplines behind operational scalability, decentralized leadership, and what it truly takes to build a company that can run — and grow — without its founder. He discusses his book Like Clockwork: Run Your Business with Swiss Army Precision, the frameworks he used to recession-proof his companies, and how he transformed chaos into predictable growth. From his military lessons in Switzerland to his role as an angel investor mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs, Sam offers a masterclass in clarity, systems, and execution — proving that growth isn't luck, it's discipline.TakeawaysGreat businesses scale through clarity, disciplined execution, and time, not luck.Founders often become the bottleneck — true leadership means empowering others to decide and own outcomes.Operational scalability starts when the company can run and grow without the founder.Create rules of empowerment: if a decision is right for the customer, company, ethical, aligned with values, and you're accountable — act.Codify best practices with playbooks, especially for sales and hiring.Hire people better than you, then get out of their way.Mentorship and coachability accelerate growth more than any funding round.Recession-proofing begins before the downturn — diversify industries, services, and recurring revenue streams.Every company needs to define what it's best in the world at and its unfair advantage.Founders should spend 95% of their time on the business, not in it.Focus on discipline and systems, not just ideas — execution is where companies win.Success evolves from climbing mountains to helping others climb theirs.Chapters00:00 Intro: Scaling Beyond Chaos01:30 From Developer to Founder: The Birth of Catapult Systems03:20 Bootstrapping to Profitability in the 90s06:00 Why Raising Money Isn't Always the Answer07:30 Investing in Flash Parking: Spotting a Unicorn in an Unsexy Industry12:00 The Power of Coachability and Mentorship16:50 Breaking Founder Mode and Achieving Operational Scalability21:00 Building Playbooks for Sales and Talent Acquisition26:00 Decentralized Decision-Making and the Rules of Empowerment37:00 The Swiss Army Precision: Inside Sam's Book “Like Clockwork”43:00 Recession-Proofing Your Business51:00 Balancing Focus and Diversification55:00 Defining Your Unfair Advantage57:00 The Aha Moment: Realizing You're the Bottleneck59:00 The Third Chapter: Giving Back and Mentoring Entrepreneurs01:01:00 Closing Thoughts: Build Systems, Empower People, Stay DisciplinedSam Goodner's Social Media Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/samgoodner/Sam Goodner's Websites:https://samgoodner.com/

Send us a textMinor league veteran and Game Day Advising founder Mike Van Hise breaks down how teams can squeeze more revenue from the same building—without gutting budgets or fan experience. We talk menu engineering, speed vs. margin at concessions, season-seat strategy, staffing math, and a simple “3% better” rule that compounds into real profit. If you lead marketing, ticketing, or operations, this is a tactical roadmap you can use this homestand.Key Topics CoveredClarity over cuts: Why operational efficiency starts with knowing where money flows (and leaks), not slashing line items.Concessions that move: Menu simplification, bottles/cans vs. fountain, and designing for speed so fans buy twice, not once.Presentation = price: “Cook to order” stations (grill, tacos/nachos) that lift perceived value and per caps.Ticketing mix that protects you from weather: Targeting a 33/33/33 revenue blend (season seats / groups / singles) and pushing pre-sold to 55–66%.Season seats the right way: Focus on business buyers; don't waste cycles trying to jump a single-game fan to 70 games.Change management: Killing “this is how we've always done it” by building trust and showing a clear plan.Smart staffing: Use entry-gate data, cross-train roles, and cut idle time early to avoid morale hits later.The 3% Rule: Micro-efficiencies across 150–200 budget lines, vendor prepay discounts, and compounding gains.Per-cap wins: Right number of beer taps, local SKUs for pricing power, and distributor intel (what's actually selling).Fail small, learn fast: Encourage $100–$500 tests; avoid the $10,000 mistake. Keep a “Book of Bad Ideas.”Timestamps00:00 – Why operational efficiency = clarity, not cuts02:53 – Defining operational efficiency for sports teams06:01 – Concessions: menu design, SKUs, and speed vs. margin08:59 – Ticketing strategy: groups vs. season seats (and when to push each)11:57 – Overcoming “we've always done it this way”15:03 – Baseball's timing reality: build for 90–130 sec windows17:53 – Game entertainment efficiency (and why fireworks always work)20:56 – The “Book of Bad Ideas”: inventory, concerts, and learning loops21:21 – Over-prep vs. under-prep: where margins die23:22 – Culture: allow small mistakes; forbid big ones28:12 – The 3% improvement rule (and vendor discount plays)33:11 – Per-cap levers: cook-to-order, local beer, the right number of taps37:40 – What Game Day Advising actually does (and how to engage)Call to ActionBook a 30-minute consultation with Mike and the Game Day Advising team to map your top efficiency wins for next season.Check out Mike's article on season seat strategy and grab his full-club assessment overview. (Links in episode description.)Resources MentionedGame Day Advising – Operational efficiency, ticketing, F&B support (link)Season Seat Strategy article by Mike - (link)Sports Marketing Machine on LinkedInSports Marketing Machine on InstagramBook a call with Jeremy from Sports Marketing Machine

Amber Nguyen, Vice President of Process Innovation & Transformation Leader for Mission Fed Credit Union, discusses the use of Agile methodology to significantly improve its operational performance. Amber chats about the variety of careers at Mission Fed, as well as the credit union's long history of community outreach.About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 19 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Eric Resnick joins host Brandon Sedloff to discuss his remarkable journey from a lifelong passion for skiing to leading one of the world's most prominent travel and leisure investment firms, KSL Capital Partners. Eric shares how early lessons in combining vocation with avocation shaped his career, from his first role at McKinsey to helping professionalize the ski industry with Vail Resorts. He details KSL's evolution from its early recreation roots to its current global platform investing across hotels, resorts, health clubs, and hospitality businesses. The conversation explores the firm's investment philosophy, the development of the Ikon Pass, and the operational discipline behind building authenticity at scale in leisure-focused businesses. They discuss: • The origins of KSL and its transformation from recreation to global travel and leisure investing • Lessons from the early institutionalization of the ski industry and creation of the Epic and Ikon Passes • How KSL creates value through operational excellence and alignment between real estate and operations • The future of travel: luxury experiential trends, wellness, and the role of AI in shaping guest experiences • Leadership lessons on authenticity, culture, and staying nimble in times of uncertainty Links: Eric Resnick on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-resnick-1b96a8b6/ KSL Capital Partners - https://www.kslcapital.com/ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:01:51) - Meet Eric Resnick: CEO of KSL Capital Partners (00:14:43) - The evolution of Vail Resorts and the ski industry (00:18:14) - Founding of KSL Capital Partners (00:22:24) - KSL's investment strategy and industry impact (00:24:01) - The intersection of real estate and private equity (00:29:39) - Challenges in raising a first-time fund (00:30:58) - Key factors for success in platform investing (00:34:24) - KSL's current scale and investment strategies (00:40:51) - The Icon Pass: revolutionizing the ski industry (00:46:40) - Future trends in travel and leisure (00:52:01) - Balancing authenticity and scale in hospitality (00:55:41) - Navigating volatility and cybersecurity concerns (00:59:19) - Conclusion and final thoughts

In the latest episode of our podcast, we cover the operational backbone of ecommerce businesses with industry thought leader Aran Kapila, CEO of leading integration platform HighCohesion. As ecommerce continues to grow, and tech stacks diversify, the importance of robust operations is more critical than ever. Aran shares invaluable insights on how businesses can streamline their operations to support growth and efficiency.Why ecommerce teams should listen:Scalability insights: learn how to prepare your operations for scaling, whether you're a fast-growing startup or an established brand. Efficiency tips: discover strategies to maintain quality and efficiency in back-office processes during rapid growth.Expert advice: learn from Aran and James' experience with large-scale integrations and operational transformations across various ecommerce platforms.Future-proofing: understand the importance of proactive planning and documentation to future-proof your business operations.Key discussion points:Operational transformation: the critical role of operational planning and minimising risk based on business size and tech maturity. Integration challenges: the importance of maintaining seamless tech stack integrations to avoid operational bottlenecks.Documentation and process flows: the need for thorough documentation to ensure smooth transitions and scalability.Project management: the necessity of having dedicated project management resources to oversee complex transformations.Chapters:[00:30] Introduction and Episode Overview[02:30] Importance of Operational Planning[08:30] Integration Challenges and Solutions[16:00] Role of Documentation in Scalability[21:00] Project Management in TransformationsThis episode is useful for teams looking to enhance their operational capabilities and drive sustainable growth. Tune in to gain actionable insights and strategies from industry experts.Subscribe to get the latest trends and insights in ecommerce direct to your inbox: http://eepurl.com/gJFLtj

Join me as I interview some of the leading voices that are building on Bitcoin - Philip Walton Bringing affordable energy to Africa, Value transfer over payments & Time2Build by Roy and how Arkade is enhancing Bitcoin's layer 2 with Tiero.  Timestamps:(00:00) - Intro(2:37) - Philip's background and the genesis of Gridless(4:20) - Why build Gridless in Africa? (06:09) - Difference between Energy generation & distribution(10:24) - Communities affected by Bitcoin mining(12:45) - Operational challenges for Gridless(17:23) - Costs for operating Bitcoin mining machines(21:23) - Mini grids (23:00) - Regulatory risks (25:07) - Global macro trends that impact Gridless(27:31) - “Payments are a fiat mindset” Roy Sheinfeld(30:40) - Value transfers are permissionless & provide optionality(32:48) - Time2Build by Breez(39:40) - What are the different forms of Nodeless?; Concerns with Spark transactions(48:09) - What are the fees associated with Breez? (51:30) - What is Arkade? Tiero explains…(57:00) - How does batching transactions work?; Unilateral exit costs(1:01:48) - What is Arkade script?(1:10:00) - Use cases of Arkade and Arkade Script(1:21:04) - Future of ArkadeLinks: https://x.com/LuganoPlanB https://x.com/ouagawalton https://x.com/GridlessCompute https://x.com/roy_breez https://x.com/Breez_Techhttps://x.com/tierotiero https://x.com/Arkade_OS  Sponsor:CoinKite.com (code LIVERA)Stephan Livera links:Follow me on X: @stephanliveraSubscribe to the podcastSubscribe to Substack

This week, Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Sonaya Williams. The two talk about the journey of building and scaling sustainable businesses, the vital importance of documenting systems and operations, a fundamental part of Saniya's role as a fractional COO, and how deliberate choices in business design can lead to greater freedom in life. In this episode, we discuss: How intentional planning and a strong team foster work-life integration What leaders often overlook when building teams and running business operations When Sonaya realized the importance of aligning her business structure with her personal life goals Why documenting processes and systems is essential—even for solo entrepreneurs How Sonaya helps her clients become intentional about their business and lifestyle vision Sonaya Williams is a Fractional COO, systems strategist, and founder of The CEO Partner® and Your Expat Life™. Guided by the mantra “do less, better,” she helps high-achieving women turn expertise into steady revenue while reclaiming family time.  A former Wall Street financial-systems analyst, she launched her agency from a one-bedroom condo in New Jersey and replaced her six-figure salary in nine months. Her Streamline & Scale with Systems™ framework—clear offers, automation, and lean teams—has shortened workweeks and boosted margins for hundreds of CEOs, most by referral.  Based in Doha with her husband and two energetic daughters, Sonaya hosts the podcast STILL: The Business of Doing Less, Better, proving success with peace is the new baseline. Website: https://theceopartner.com/   Social Media Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonayawilliams/    

Most founders think they'll know when they're ready to exit, but readiness doesn't arrive with an offer sheet. It's forged in the years before the deal, through every decision made when no one's watching. In this powerful episode, Jerome Myers exposes the hidden gap between financial readiness and founder readiness, where many leaders lose more than money: they lose purpose, relationships, and identity. You'll discover why waiting feels safe but quietly destroys value, how to recognize when you've already started your next exit, and how to build the muscle of readiness long before the market, or life, forces your hand. This isn't about selling your business. It's about designing your evolution.[00:00 – 04:00] The Illusion of Readiness Exit readiness is more than revenue or valuation; it's about emotional and operational alignment Many founders mistake momentum for readiness, avoiding the deeper work of letting go Readiness must be trained like a muscle, not treated as a milestone [04:00 – 08:00] The Real Cost of Waiting A founder-dependent company loses up to 50% of its value Avoidance creates silent erosion—financial, relational, and personal The cost of unreadiness shows up in distance from loved ones and disconnection from self Freedom fades when your title becomes your identity [08:00 – 12:00] Building True Readiness Three pillars of readiness: Operational, Emotional, Strategic Operational: Can the business run without you? Emotionally: Can you let go without losing yourself? Strategic: Don't just plan what you're leaving—plan what you're stepping into Introduces the NEXT Framework: Nourish → Evaluate → Explore → Transcend [12:00 – 15:00] Designing the Next Chapter Complete the Exit Readiness Assessment to measure alignment in seven key areas Clarity—not cash—reveals whether you're truly ready Reclaim one hour a week for “future design.” Protect it like a board meeting with your future self Curiosity—not capital—is the founder's greatest asset [15:00 – 17:00] Evolving by Design Readiness is built through reflection, honest conversation, and consistency Say it out loud: “I'm beginning to think about what comes next” Don't wait for the crisis to evolve; create momentum while you still have leverage “The best exits aren't timed—they're earned” Key Quotes: “Readiness isn't a moment—it's a muscle.” - Jerome Myers “Waiting feels safe until it costs everything that actually matters.” - Jerome Myers  Join industry leaders shaping the future and secure your spot at the Exit Planning Summit today! https://exitplanningsummit.com/speakers Ready for your next chapter?Start Your Assessment Now

Jon Weiskopf is the Founder and CEO of Blue Eyed Capital, a purpose-driven investment firm focused on helping people of color invest in high-performing real estate that delivers both financial returns and meaningful impact. After a successful engineering career that included designing Apple's flagship retail stores around the world, Jon left corporate life to pursue a more meaningful mission—one grounded in sustainability, social responsibility, and leaving a better world for his children. His impact-focused approach to multifamily investing prioritizes operational efficiency, environmental upgrades, and tenant well-being as pathways to long-term success.     Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.     Key Takeaways Real estate impact investing is not charity—it's smart, sustainable business Operational efficiency matters more than rent growth for long-term value Utility cost trends are critical indicators of property performance risk Personal alignment with your investing mission prevents burnout and increases longevity Finding properties close to home can reduce risk and improve responsiveness Capital access and relationship-building are essential for resilience in tough markets     Topics From Apple to Apartment Investing Jon's career began in engineering, including 10 years leading Apple's retail development globally A burnout and desire to spend more time with family pushed him to rethink his priorities After attending a real estate event, he realized his background in construction and systems was an untapped advantage Finding Purpose in Real Estate Named after his wife and children, Blue Eyed Capital was born from a desire to create legacy and impact Jon's “why” includes modeling values for his kids and using his skills to improve the world Leaving Apple and taking a three-month leave of absence gave him clarity and relief from corporate stress Why Impact Investing Is Smart Business Jon focuses on improving underperforming Class C properties with outdated systems Instead of relying on rent increases, he drives returns through sustainability upgrades and energy efficiency Better-performing systems (HVAC, lighting, etc.) lead to tenant stability, lower expenses, and long-term ROI What Most Investors Get Wrong Many operators don't understand the compounding effects of rising utility costs Passing on utility bills to tenants only works until affordability breaks down Energy-efficient upgrades generate increasing savings year over year—unlike cosmetic renovations Choosing the Right Properties Looks for good bones: buildings that are structurally sound but need systems updates Willing to walk away from deals if fundamentals (e.g., plumbing) don't check out Proximity to home has become increasingly important for asset management responsiveness Capital Raising and Private Lending Jon warns new operators not to underestimate the difficulty of raising capital Missed investor commitments and slow funding timelines require backup plans He's built a parallel business in private lending to create consistent cash flow between deals    

Join the vBrownBag crew for an insightful session with guest (and host!) Damian Karlson as he breaks down OpenStack for VMware administrators. From Broadcom's shake-up to cultural, operational, and technical migration differences, Damian offers a practical, grounded walk-through of what it means to move from VMware to OpenStack. ☕️ Chapters 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:07:10 – Why organizations are leaving VMware 00:20:45 – Technical differences 00:33:00 – Operational differences 00:43:30 – Culture shift and community resources Resources: https://www.openstack.org/vmware-migration-to-openstack/vmware-to-openstack-migration-guide https://www.openstack.org/coa/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/damiankarlson/ #OpenStack #VMware #OpenInfra #CloudMigration #vBrownBag

Holly is a growth catalyst, leadership advisor and former executive with a strong Commercial and Operational background. She has deep experience scaling low to mid-market companies, and building growth oriented omni-channel brands Holly's background is in the Consumer and Healthcare sectors. She's worked for industry leading companies such as EssilorLuxottica, L'Oreal and Duracell/Gillette, and smaller start-ups, across Beauty, Luxury/Fashion and Lifestyle/Outdoor. As the former CEO for Costa del Mar, a purpose-driven lifestyle brand, she led a full-scale business and brand transformation and created a platform for global expansion. She is also the former President of Luxottica Wholesale North America, where she had responsibility for a $1B portfolio of 30 brands and a team of 1000 employees. She was the first female appointed to lead a Luxottica subsidiary and received the global award for Entrepreneurship from the company founder, Leonardo Del Vecchio. Holly is the founder of Mariposa Advisors, a business consulting firm started in 2021, that supports entrepreneurs and executives focused on next level growth. She also serves as an Operating Executive, Board Chair and Director for a Private Equity firm. Holly is passionate about developing next-generation talent and devotes significant time to coaching and mentoring emerging leaders and supporting non-profit organizations.

Want to stop the revolving door of teachers and create a rock-solid childcare team? Kris talks with Jami Hartmann from Trainual about how the right systems can transform your center's operations. They dig into practical strategies for finding great staff, training them effectively, and keeping them motivated. Jami shares some great insights on getting your whole team aligned, creating smooth onboarding, and using technology to make documentation easier. If you're struggling with staff turnover and want to build a more consistent, high-performing center, this episode is packed with real-world solutions that can help you level up your team.   Key Takeaways: [5:00] Kris launches her new book, The Antidote to Fear! [9:02] Alignment is at the core of what Trainual offers, and to think of it as a digital version of your childcare center. [10:05] The need for operational consistency to deliver exceptional customer service and meet parent expectations. [10:35] Jami shares her professional journey, including her transition to Trainual, impacting the maternity leave policies, and the challenges of balancing work and motherhood. [12:35] The beauty of Trainual's supportive work environment. [17:33] Fun fact — Jami was on Wheel of Fortune as a teenager! [19:30] Jami explains how Trainual helps childcare centers by providing a centralized platform for documenting and training staff. [22:09] Graduating from Google Docs and how Trainual allows for the creation of standard operating procedures and having a well-documented and accessible playbook for childcare centers. [26:33] Successful documentation needs everyone on the leadership team to contribute and take ownership of their processes. [28:54] More about the AI component of Trainual, including the content creation piece. [33:31] Jami identifies the top challenges in the childcare industry, including finding and retaining staff and managing parent communication. [35:47] It can be a red flag when a center has constant turnover and a revolving door of staff. [41:55] Jami shares Trainual's plans for future product development, including enhancing AI capabilities and integrating with other tools. [44:33] The feature of a public share link that parents can always refer back to.   Quotes: “At the core of what we do is really about alignment.” — Jami [9:06]   “The inconsistency, or consistency in operations based on how your staff knows the playbook, is the cornerstone for going towards great customer service and giving parents that exceptional experience. It's very difficult to do that if you aren't all on the same page together.” — Kris [10:19]   “At the core of that growth is that we genuinely care about our customers, and our success is dependent on our customers' success.” — Jami [13:17]   “Trainual works really well for any people-powered business.” — Jami [30:42]   Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!   Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray @iamkrismurray The Child Care Success Company The Child Care Success Academy The Child Care Success Summit Grow Your Center Childcare Education Institute: Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal Trainual Jami Hartmann LinkedIn

You may soon be eligible for one of Clark's favorite saving & investment accounts - The HSA. Big changes are coming to the HSA world in 2026. Also today, despite the end of EV credits, how much cheaper it is to run an EV vs a hybrid vs a gas engine car?  Clark helps you calculate what makes the most sense financially over time, when it comes to your vehicle choice.  HSA Changes: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 EV vs Hybrid vs Gas: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: IRS Announces New Tax Brackets and Other Changes for 2026 Where Should I Set Up My Health Savings Account (HSA)? Reminder: The Basics of Using HSA Funds 5 Money Tips To Know Before You Travel Abroad Your Passport Could Be Useless -- Even if It's Not Expired NYTimes: How Much It Costs to Drive an E.V. and a Gas Car in Every State How To Buy a Used Car How To Refinance a Car Loan: A Step-by-Step Guide Auto Loan Refinance Calculator - Clark Howard Clark.com resources: Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com  /  Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While many financial advisory firms seek to move 'upmarket' and serve high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients, these clients typically require (and often demand) a different level of service—and can benefit from a more integrated experience across legal, tax, and financial domains. For these firms, creating efficient operational systems is paramount, particularly when it comes to the processing and security of their frequent high-dollar transactions.  Stephanie Hughes is the CEO of Wiss Family Office, a multi-family office based in Florham Park, New Jersey, that oversees approximately $1 billion in AUM for 220 households. Listen in as Stephanie shares how her firm delivers a “one-stop shop” experience that reduces client stress by consolidating financial, tax, and legal services under one roof. We talk about the importance of integration and internal communication across service lines, the tools her team is building to monitor client activity and prevent fraud, and how internal workflows support the firm's high-volume, high-stakes client transactions. Stephanie also explains the value of being affiliated with a tax firm, and how that connection drives both strong referrals and immediate client trust. For show notes and more visit: https://www.kitces.com/460

Ralph Keiser, CEO of ArcheHealth, highlights the severe financial pressures that hospitals are confronting as a result of rising costs and declining reimbursements. Reductions in reimbursements are threatening hospitals that serve underinsured populations. Costs are increasing due to tariffs on medical device components and the general price inflation on medical supplies and drugs.  ArcheHealth is focused on helping hospitals improve operational efficiency to lower the expense of delivering care. Ralph explains, "The tariff index is going to come mostly around medical devices and device components. So plastics, metals, packaging, things that the device manufacturers use to deliver their products to hospitals and health systems, those will likely get passed through. It won't be huge incremental costs, so there will be additional costs due to tariffs. It depends on a couple of things. Do you have a strong contract that sort of embargoes your current price? Then maybe in the next contract term you'll see that pass through or the contract so the supplier to pass through, you'll see them. We're monitoring month by month the current or last month's spend was on these items, and do we see a chart impact by manufacturer by line." "One thing that I want to make sure we talk about, too, isn't just shared impact. So the cost to a hospital for devices and drugs averaged 8.9% more in 2024. So just by nature of the market raising its prices for goods that hospitals use to cover patient care, those moved up without tariffs 8.9% last year. We think we're tracking increases that are happening despite the tariff overlay or on top of the tariffs. We still think that the pressure on hospitals is due to the price of therapeutics, and is going to continue to go up, tariff or not. And so I want to mention that because this is the ongoing impact of the cost of MedTech and drugs that gets passed through to the consumer." #ArcheHealth #AIinHealthcare #HealthTech #HealthcareOperations archehealth.ai Download the transcript here

Ralph Keiser, CEO of ArcheHealth, highlights the severe financial pressures that hospitals are confronting as a result of rising costs and declining reimbursements. Reductions in reimbursements are threatening hospitals that serve underinsured populations. Costs are increasing due to tariffs on medical device components and the general price inflation on medical supplies and drugs.  ArcheHealth is focused on helping hospitals improve operational efficiency to lower the expense of delivering care. Ralph explains, "The tariff index is going to come mostly around medical devices and device components. So plastics, metals, packaging, things that the device manufacturers use to deliver their products to hospitals and health systems, those will likely get passed through. It won't be huge incremental costs, so there will be additional costs due to tariffs. It depends on a couple of things. Do you have a strong contract that sort of embargoes your current price? Then maybe in the next contract term you'll see that pass through or the contract so the supplier to pass through, you'll see them. We're monitoring month by month the current or last month's spend was on these items, and do we see a chart impact by manufacturer by line." "One thing that I want to make sure we talk about, too, isn't just shared impact. So the cost to a hospital for devices and drugs averaged 8.9% more in 2024. So just by nature of the market raising its prices for goods that hospitals use to cover patient care, those moved up without tariffs 8.9% last year. We think we're tracking increases that are happening despite the tariff overlay or on top of the tariffs. We still think that the pressure on hospitals is due to the price of therapeutics, and is going to continue to go up, tariff or not. And so I want to mention that because this is the ongoing impact of the cost of MedTech and drugs that gets passed through to the consumer." #ArcheHealth #AIinHealthcare #HealthTech #HealthcareOperations archehealth.ai Listen to the podcast here

In this letter to the editor, Clark County resident Larry Roe discusses Vancouver Public Schools' financial shortfall, arguing it results from overspending beyond state allocations and a lack of reserves. He calls for fiscal responsibility, better budgeting, and levy requests that prioritize local needs. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-vps-has-no-operational-reserves-and-no-credible-plans-to-raise-them/ #Opinion #LetterToTheEditor #Vancouver #VPS #EducationFunding #PublicSchools #FiscalResponsibility #SchoolBoard #WashingtonState #EducationPolicy #ClarkCounty

Former Health Minister, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, has criticized the NDC government, accusing it of failing to complete or make operational any of the Agenda 111 hospital projects initiated under the previous administration

We're all familiar with the stress that comes with moving - but commercial relocations are even more demanding. There's a lot more that could go wrong… and a lot more at stake. But the Nashville experts at True Friends Moving Company (615-240-2811) can help.https://www.truefriendsmovingcompany.com/nashville/commercial-moving/ True Friends Moving Company City: Nashville Address: 700 East Old Hickory Blvd Website: https://www.truefriendsmovingcompany.com/

In this conversation, Oscar Serrano shares how his deep operational experience has shaped the way he leads commercial strategy today. From growing up in Majorca—where tourism is part of daily life—to leading global hospitality brands, Oscar explains why understanding every aspect of operations is essential to delivering both exceptional guest experiences and strong business results.You'll hear how this operational mindset influences sales, marketing, and brand development at UMusic Hospitality, and why the most successful commercial leaders never lose sight of the guest journey. A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

Fresh out of the studio, Yuying Deng, Co-founder and CEO of Esevel, shares her transformative journey from corporate lawyer to healthcare operator to tech entrepreneur with our guest host Yana Fry from Yana TV. Yuying discusses how the pandemic's sudden shift to remote work in April 2020 revealed critical gaps in IT infrastructure for distributed teams, inspiring her to launch Esevel—a platform now serving companies across 88 countries. Yuying challenges the traditional HQ-centric worldview, advocating that "HQ should be a mindset, not a location," and shares how Esevel deliberately builds leadership opportunities for talented professionals regardless of whether they're based in Manila, Singapore, or São Paulo. Last but not least, Yuying shares what great would look like for Esevel's future: becoming the indispensable tool companies think of first when scaling global teams, while proving that talent and performance matter more than location."Many companies that say they do distributed and remote work actually still have a very HQ-centric worldview. That means leadership is in HQ, strategy is formed in HQ, and high-impact jobs are in the HQ as well. So when they hire remote and distributed teams. For example, in the Philippines, Brazil, and India they use these more as back-office functions. So you have very talented people who join them there, thinking that they could rise in a global company. But very soon they find that they hit a glass ceiling and are no longer able to advance, and so they move on to another firm. I think that's a massive waste of talent, especially if you're talking about here in Asia. This is the world's fastest-growing region. People are ambitious, people are bright, and they are able to take on leadership positions if they're given the opportunity to. This is one thing that we have really tried to reverse at Esevel. You do not have to be at HQ in order to rise into a leadership position. As long as you perform your job and perform it well, we look at performance more than location. So I think that is one thing that has to shift: HQ shouldn't be a location. HQ should actually be a mindset. And I think that's something that a lot of remote companies or distributed work companies have correct when it comes to that." - Deng YuyingEpisode Highlights:[00:00] Quote of the Day by Deng Yuying[02:00] Introducing Yuying Deng, CEO of Esevel[02:25] From lawyer to operator to founder[03:32] MBA at INSEAD shaped entrepreneurial journey[03:53] Built community care division for Orange Valley[04:24] Family business dynamics and PE exit lessons[05:44] Esevel: IT operations platform for distributed teams[07:56] Company DNA shaped by pandemic remote work[08:38] Importance of staying close to customer problems[10:16] Managing operations across 88 countries globally[12:39] Failure is a feature, not a bug[14:33] Operational complexity and doing boring work well[16:35] Future of hybrid and remote work[19:48] HQ should be a mindset not location[21:25] Characteristics needed for remote work success[22:40] Growth opportunities regardless of employee location[24:58] Founding a company is like raising child[26:52] No perfect time for major life decisions[29:31] Ethical principles learned from parents[30:33] Vision for Esevel and family independence[32:28] Partnership requires mutual support for success[35:48] Rising through adversity with determination[36:34] Legacy focused on happy, independent childrenProfile: Yuying Deng, CEO of Esevel: https://esevel.comLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuyingdeng/Guest Host: Yana Fry from Yana TV:  https://www.youtube.com/@yanatvsgLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanafry/Podcast Information: Bernard Leong hosts and produces the show. The proper credits for the intro and end music are "Energetic Sports Drive." G. Thomas Craig mixed and edited the episode in both video and audio format.

Ben Maller talks about Derek Carr reportedly turning down an offer to un-retire and play for the Bengals, Cam Ward giving himself an 'F' grade with the Titans, rumors that Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase will be permanently banned from MLB, Password: Word Game of the Stars, and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Masters of Moments, host Jake Wurzak sits down with his colleague and DoveHill's Chief Investment Officer, Charles Paloux, to discuss their firm's recent acquisition of the White Barn Inn in Kennebunkport, Maine. Jake and Charles take listeners behind the scenes of the deal, from the story of how it came together to the strategy behind investing in luxury experiential hotels. They also share how the property's unique history, location, and design make it one of the most compelling additions to the DoveHill portfolio. They discuss: Charles's career journey from France to leading hotel investments in the U.S. The strategy behind DoveHill's Opportunity Fund II and focus on experiential assets Why Kennebunkport and the White Barn Inn represent enduring hospitality value Key elements of the property's success, from its iconic restaurant to the innovative houseboat suites How thoughtful capital improvements and community engagement can enhance both guest experience and investment returns Connect & Invest with Jake: Follow Jake on X: ⁠https://x.com/JWurzak⁠ 1 on 1 coaching with Jake: ⁠https://www.jakewurzak.com/coaching⁠ Learn How to Invest with DoveHill: ⁠https://bit.ly/3yg8Pwo⁠ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:02:16) - Charles' journey in the hospitality industry (00:14:04) - The White Barn Inn acquisition (00:18:14) - Operational excellence and future plans (00:35:25) - Revenue potential (00:42:43) - Sourcing capital and investor strategy (00:46:47) - Guest room enhancements and CapEx (00:49:40) - Spa and guest experience improvements (00:54:47) - Future investments and market strategy (01:01:22) - Staff happiness and CapEx projects (01:03:31) - Conclusion and contact information

Nonprofits often face a silent crisis: they can't fund the very infrastructure that keeps their mission alive. While donors love to support visible programs, few realize that unrestricted gifts – the ones that cover salaries, compliance, and basic operations – are what make real impact possible. When organizations underfund their “overhead,” they enter a starvation cycle that weakens long-term sustainability. By reframing unrestricted giving as mission fuel, nonprofits can help donors see that trust, not just passion, drives meaningful change. Restricted gifts show commitment. Unrestricted gifts show belief in leadership.

In this episode, the team breaks down the decision every IT services leader wrestles with: Grow, Buy, or Grow to Sell. You'll hear where firms typically hit operational ceilings, why acquisitions amplify your go-to-market (for better or worse), and what it takes to be truly “ready to sell.” We cover the cash and capability requirements behind each path, common traps (buying to fix sales, serial deals without integration, ignoring working capital), and a simple framework to choose based on time horizon, risk tolerance, and valuation goals. Whether you're building toward a premium exit or debating your next add-on, you'll walk away with practical steps to drive multiple expansion now.Three paths, three realitiesGrow (organic): sharpen ICP, offers, pricing power, utilization, and pipeline discipline.Buy (inorganic): clear thesis, cultural fit, day-0/30/90 integration plan, and post-close GTM.Grow to sell: clean financials/QofE-ready, recurring mix, concentration reduction, leadership bench.Decision drivers: time horizon, leadership bandwidth, cost of capital, integration capacity, risk profile.Valuation levers: recurring revenue %, margin quality, growth durability (Rule of 40/45), customer concentration, integration track record.Common pitfalls: buying to “fix” sales, underestimating change management and working capital, skipping playbooks.Playbooks that travel: discovery→close process, delivery runbook, ICP x offer matrix, integration day-0/30/90, KPI cadence.Outcome framing: optionality done right = two good outcomes (keep growing or transact at a premium).Thinking about building, buying, or prepping for exit? Revenue Rocket has led hundreds of IT services transactions and integrations. If you're weighing the path (or want a sanity check on the math) let's talk: info@revenuerocket.com KEY TAKEAWAYSAcquisitions magnify GTM—they don't fix it.Operational maturity decides whether you stall at ceilings or scale past them.If premium exit is the goal, optimize recurring mix, margins, and concentration now.Model post-close working capital and integration costs, not just purchase price.“Grow to sell” is a discipline game: clean books, durable pipeline, and leadership redundancy. RELATED EPISODESQuestions to Ask before you Consider an M&A initiative. Listen now >>All Roads Lead to M&A. Listen now >>Episode 90: Selling in vs Selling Out. Listen now >>Episode XX: Rule of 45. Listen now >> Listen to Shoot the Moon on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.Buy, sell, or grow your tech-enabled services firm with Revenue Rocket.

In this episode, NVK, CEO of CoinKite, discusses the advancements in Bitcoin self-custody solutions, particularly focusing on the Coldcard wallet and its new spending policies. The conversation explores the challenges businesses face in self-custody, the complexities of accounting for Bitcoin transactions, and the growing trend of Bitcoin treasuries among corporations. NVK emphasizes the importance of self-custody, the future of Bitcoin custody solutions, and the evolving landscape of Bitcoin adoption in the financial markets. The discussion also touches on the ongoing debates within the Bitcoin community regarding the Bitcoin Core development and the implications of debt in treasury companies.Takeaways:

Why This Episode Is a Must-Listen Are you ready to move beyond traditional approaches to real estate and discover today's smartest wealth-building strategies? This episode of Inspired Money brings together five investors  to demystify how property investment is adapting to a tech-driven, data-first era. Whether you're just getting started or scaling up your portfolio, this conversation offers actionable insights on asset selection, risk management, advanced financing, and making an impact—with a wealth-building lens you won't want to miss.  Meet the Expert Panelists Ken McElroy is a multifamily real estate investor, author, and CEO of MC Companies, which manages more than $2 billion in assets nationwide. A popular YouTube creator, podcast host, and founder of The Collective Advisors Mastermind, he is dedicated to teaching others how to achieve financial freedom while giving back through the Sharing the Good Life Foundation. https://kenmcelroy.com Neal Bawa is the CEO and Founder of UGro and Grocapitus, two data-driven commercial real estate investment firms with a portfolio of over 4,800 units and $1 billion in assets under management. Known as “The Mad Scientist of Multifamily,” he is a leading voice in applying analytics, PropTech, and FinTech to transform real estate into a more transparent and tech-enabled asset class. https://grocapitus.com Jay Papasan is a bestselling author and longtime executive at Keller Williams Realty International, where he has led education, publishing, research, and strategic content for the world's largest real estate company. CEO of Produktive and co-author of The ONE Thing (3.5M+ copies sold), Jay also co-owns Papasan Properties Group with his wife Wendy and hosts The ONE Thing and Think Like a CEO podcasts. https://www.jaypapasan.com J Scott is an entrepreneur, investor, and bestselling author of five real estate books that have sold over 500,000 copies worldwide. A former Silicon Valley executive at Microsoft and eBay, he's now a partner at Bar Down Investments, where he currently owns and operates a $200M multifamily investment fund with over 1,100 units. https://www.jscott.com Paul Moore is the Founder of Wellings Capital, a firm that manages 8 private equity commercial real estate funds. He is a seasoned commercial real estate investor with experience in multifamily, self-storage, and large-scale developments. An entrepreneur and author of two real estate books, Paul has completed over 100 property investments and regularly shares his expertise through podcasts, media appearances, and industry events. https://www.wellingscapital.com This episode is sponsored by Runnymede Capital Management. Get your free 3-minute financial plan at https://www.inspiredmoney.fm/getplan and discover your retirement age, income, and strategy today. Key Highlights 1. The Power and Pitfalls of Niche Asset Classes  Paul Moore's perspective on “boring but beautiful” sectors like self-storage and small-bay industrial assets emphasizes their recession resistance and long-term cash flow. He underlines: “A great property can be ruined by a mediocre operator, and a mediocre asset can be saved and prosper under a great asset manager.” This theme of specialized knowledge—versus chasing trends—is critical for sustainable, risk-adjusted returns. 2. Leveraging Data, AI, and Hyperlocal Analysis Neal Bawa demonstrates how real estate investing is being revolutionized by artificial intelligence and predictive analytics. “All of our rent comps are now done by a tool called Manus…We're able to manage our properties better because our weekly reports on asset management are AI-generated,” Neal shares. The key is using tech not just for efficiency, but for smart, precision targeting in investment decisions. 3. Strategic Asset Management—From Landlord to Business Owner Ken emphasizes the essential mindset shift from simply being a landlord to managing properties as scalable businesses. “If the asset is in really, really good shape, it's well capitalized, it's maintained, financially maintained…then it actually helps when you start to exit.” Operational excellence—including robust asset management and leveraging both people and systems—drives sustainable value. 4. Aligning Values and Wealth: Impact Investing in Real Estate  This episode dives into strategies for doing well while doing good. Jay Papasan highlights, “The money is good for the good it can do...wealth is great because we can make great change with it.” Both he and J Scott discuss setting impact goals, engaging community, and integrating purpose into investment models—showing that profitability and purpose aren't mutually exclusive. Call-to-Action Your Inspired Money challenge for the week: take one step to move from “landlord thinking” to “asset manager thinking.” Review a property you own, or one you're considering, and calculate its Net Operating Income. Ask yourself, "What simple change could increase cash flow or reduce costs?"  Mentioned in this Episode: Warren Buffett Charlie Munger John Arrillaga The Perfect Investment: Create Enduring Wealth from the Historic Shift to Multifamily Housing (Paul Moore) CoStar Real Estate Manager Yardi Manus William Wilberforce Amazing Grace (2006 film)   Find the Inspired Money channel on YouTube or listen to Inspired Money in your favorite podcast player. Andy Wang, Host/Producer of Inspired Money

In this episode of The Distribution, host Brandon Sedloff sits down with Carlos Rodriguez Jr., president and COO of Driftwood Capital, to discuss the evolution of one of the most vertically integrated hospitality investment platforms in the U.S. Carlos shares his family's multigenerational journey from Costa Rica's first Holiday Inn to today's expansive network of hotels and funds, highlighting Driftwood's strategic shift from private capital syndication to institutional-scale investing. He explains how data, technology, and an operationally driven mindset have become key differentiators in hospitality investing, and how Driftwood's GP fund model and lending platform have positioned the company for long-term growth in an evolving market. They discuss: The origin and structure of Driftwood's GP fund and its role in scaling the business How operational data informs investment decisions across acquisitions, lending, and development The role of AI and Project Domino in transforming Driftwood's efficiency and decision-making Carlos's approach to leading organizational change and building team-wide adoption of new technology Why private credit presents a unique opportunity in today's hospitality landscape Links: Driftwood Capital - https://driftwoodcapital.com/ Carlos on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-rodriguez-jr-210a4521/ Brandon on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bsedloff/ Juniper Square - https://www.junipersquare.com/ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:02:01) - Carlos' career and background (00:05:56) - Scaling Driftwood Capital (00:14:09) - Operational philosophy and strategies (00:19:31) - Leveraging technology and AI in hospitality (00:24:18) - Capital side challenges and data connectivity (00:26:14) - Importance of data organization (00:28:15) - Technology journey and team formation (00:30:26) - AI integration and employee adaptation (00:35:24) - AI's impact on the hospitality industry (00:38:59) - Investment opportunities in hospitality (00:43:26) - Private credit in hospitality (00:45:38) - Conclusion and contact information

Kimberlee Duval, vice president of finance at Cymbiotika and Sam Levy, senior vice president of growth strategy at NetSuite, join the NetSuite Podcast at SuiteWorld 2025 to discuss the journey of one of the fastest-growing wellness brands. From rapid direct-to-consumer growth to breaking into major retailers like Target, Cymbiotika has transformed how it operates while staying true to its mission. Kimberlee shares how the finance team guided the move to NetSuite to support global expansion, streamline order management, and manage the complexities of sourcing ingredients across multiple currencies. With more than a dozen NetSuite implementations under her belt, Kimberlee explains how ERP has been the foundation for Cymbiotika's growth, including the role of NetSuite Advanced Customer Support (ACS) in driving ongoing success. Sam provides perspective on how NetSuite helps businesses like Cymbiotika navigate operational change, adopt AI, and scale efficiently. Together, they discuss how NetSuite's unified platform simplifies distribution, marketing, and financial management, while unlocking the flexibility wellness brands need to adapt to evolving business models.

Barings' John Lippmann and CBRE Investment Management's Elisabeth Troni share strategies for navigating risk and unlocking value in core real estate investment portfolios. From alternatives to secondary markets, top funds are adapting to outperform in a shifting landscape.Key takeaways on evolving investor strategies: · Alternatives are reshaping core portfolios, with newer funds allocating heavily to data centers, seniors housing and single-family residential.· Operational expertise is a performance driver, particularly in shorter-lease-term asset types that require service-oriented models.· Smaller markets offer strategic upside, with investor focus shifting to high-growth, affordable areas like El Paso and West Palm Beach amid demographic and affordability trends.· Flexible fund structures allow managers to hold through market cycles and avoid forced sales in illiquid environments.· Benchmarking tools enhance insights into income vs. appreciation return potential and help investors measure returns.

SummaryIn this conversation, Adam Back, and Matt Odell discuss the critical importance of self-custody in Bitcoin management, especially in light of past events like FTX. They explore the nuances of custody solutions for both individuals and businesses, emphasizing the need for secure practices and the balance between self-custody and third-party risks. The discussion also touches on treasury management for large companies and the emerging demand for proof of reserves to enhance operational security.TakeawaysSelf-custody is essential for protecting assets.The phrase 'not your keys, not your coins' highlights the importance of ownership.Small businesses can benefit from adopting Bitcoin as a treasury asset.Multi-sig solutions provide enhanced security for large organizations.Proof of reserves can increase confidence in custodial services.Operational security is a significant concern for companies managing Bitcoin.Single sig custody is sufficient for many individuals.Backup strategies should include fireproof and offsite storage.The recovery process for Bitcoin can be user-friendly.The industry is evolving towards better custody solutions.KeywordsBitcoin, self-custody, asset protection, treasury management, proof of reserves, multi-sig, custody solutions, small business, large companies, operational security

In this conversation, Eric Malzone and Tony Scrimale dive into the evolving fitness landscape, focusing on the rise of high value, low price (HVLP) gyms, the role of private equity, and the critical importance of operational excellence. Tony draws from his 28 years of industry experience to share insights into the growth of CR Fitness and its unique approach to personal training and member integration. They also discuss challenges and opportunities for independent operators, highlighting the importance of collaboration to better serve the deconditioned population. The discussion sheds light on the future of fitness, underscoring the need to adapt to market trends while maintaining a strong sense of community. Key Takeaways Tony Scrimale has 28 years of experience in the fitness industry. CR Fitness emphasizes personal training and seamless member integration. The HVLP model is shifting toward larger gym spaces with added amenities. Private equity is driving significant growth in fitness brands. Consolidation among major brands is an increasing trend in the industry. Independent operators should carefully evaluate acquisition offers from larger brands. Operational excellence is a cornerstone of CR Fitness's success. Trainers at CR Fitness are empowered to build strong client relationships. The future of fitness will focus heavily on serving the deconditioned population. Industry collaboration is crucial for sustainable, long-term succes https://www.sportalliance.com/en/perfect-gym/  https://www.withflex.com/