Podcasts about operators

"The answer to every problem is a model."Parag Agrawal shares the ideas behind Parallel: products that continuously learn, and teams designed around versatile problem solvers.He also shares why he built an AI agent for himself, anyd why AI's biggest opportunity is expanding what people can achieve.Guest: Parag Agrawal, founder and CEO of Parallel, and former CEO of TwitterConnect with ParagXLinkedInConnect with MamoonXLinkedInConnect with JoubinXLinkedInEmail: grit@kleinerperkins.comFollow Grit on: LinkedInX​Learn more about Kleiner Perkins

Today I'm joined by George Karolis, President at The Presidio Group. George breaks down why the average dealer is over 70 years old with no succession plan, why nearly 18% of dealers now say they want to sell in the next year, and why the biggest groups are trading luxury stores rather than walking away from them entirely. He also unpacks why Toyota stores now trade like BMW and Mercedes dealerships, and why Carvana's rapid new-car growth might not be the experiment dealers think it is. Topics: 02:30 Ernie Garcia's Tight-Lipped Strategy. 03:00 Carvana's 998-Unit Month. 09:00 18% Of Dealers Want Out. 13:00 Lexus Stores Trade Like Gold. 19:55 The Two Porsche Stories. 23:25 Toyota Trades Like Luxury. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Plug - If your dealership is taking EV trade-ins or looking for used EV inventory, you need to check out @ here. 2. Podium - the AI platform trusted by one in three dealerships. Take a closer look @ here. 3. The Presidio Group - The Presidio Group is one of the longest-standing investment banks focused exclusively on automotive. Explore these and other industry insights @ here. Presidio reports mentioned in today's episode: Q2 2026 M&A Market Update / Presidio Valuation Index Midyear 2026 Dealer Direction Survey Q2 2026 Presidio-NCM Average Dealership Performance Benchmark Q2 2026 Drive-In LIVE Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: For dealers: CDG Circles ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cdgcircles.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Industry job board ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://jobs.dealershipguy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Dealership recruiting ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.cdgrecruiting.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Fix your dealership's social media ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.trynomad.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Request to be a podcast guest ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.cdgguest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For industry vendors: Advertise with Car Dealership Guy ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.cdgpartner.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Industry job board ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://jobs.dealershipguy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Request to be a podcast guest ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.cdgguest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Car Dealership Guy Socials: X ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠x.com/GuyDealership⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/cardealershipguy/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tiktok.com/@guydealership⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Threads ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠threads.net/@cardealershipguy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Everything else ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dealershipguy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode 311: Investors vs. Operators: The Market Is Separating the Two For years, almost anyone could look like a great multifamily investor. Low interest rates, rising rents, and rapid appreciation covered up a lot of mistakes. That market is gone. In this episode, I share why I believe today's environment isn't separating good investors from bad investors—it's separating investors from true operators. I discuss the realities of owning apartment buildings in today's market, including higher insurance costs, rising expenses, refinancing challenges, liquidity concerns, and why operating well has become far more important than simply finding a good deal. I also give a candid update on my own portfolio, including: The latest on two active refinances Why our potential sale of a 28-unit property is likely falling apart Our decision to exit a struggling fix-and-flip The operational changes we're making to protect our investments Most importantly, I explain why buying an apartment building is just an event—but operating one is a career. If you're serious about building long-term wealth through multifamily real estate, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Topics Covered: Why today's market rewards operators Lessons from the current multifamily cycle Refinancing challenges in 2026 Property management and operational strategy Protecting reserves and managing risk Why discipline creates opportunity during difficult markets If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who wants to become a better real estate investor. Remember... it only takes a small axe to build a lasting empire.

Applied Computing has raised a $20M Series A to build a foundation AI model for the oil, gas and petrochemical industry. Also, travel agency Fora announced a $60 million Series D round led by Forerunner and Tactile Ventures, valuing the company at $1 billion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 2026, boards quietly stopped chasing charisma — they now grade leaders on execution discipline and operational predictability. That's the Warrior Mindset thesis in a business suit. We break down why personality fails under load, why "control over ambition" is a combat skill before a corporate one, and the one rep to run this week.The boardrooms just quietly changed the scoreboard. For years the market rewarded the loud reinventor — the founder with the vision and the reality-distortion field. In 2026 the data says something else: boards are done chasing charisma and want the leader who executes the same standard on a bad day as a good one.In this episode we unpack the shift from reinvention to rhythm, the backup-generator theory of discipline, and why the strongest operators have decoupled their standard from their mood. Motivation is a liar. Reps are the truth — and the corporate world just caught up to what warriors already live.In this episodeWhy boards now measure "rhythm" over reinventionThe backup-generator theory of disciplineSame muscle, different battlefield: firefight vs. boardroomThe one standard to hold on the day you don't feel like itSend us Fan MailLearn with us at warriorfitnessma.com More at warriormindset.usNever give up. Never quit. Kaizen. Get after it.

In today's RaiseMasters Radio episode, I sit down with Sam Silverman to break down how strategic partnerships with fund managers can create predictable, repeatable capital for your deals. We talk about structuring investor-friendly offerings, building trust through education, and why the strongest relationships are built long before capital is needed. Tune in if you want to raise more capital by becoming the kind of operator fund managers want to work with. Resources mentioned in the episode: Sam Silverman Website LinkedIn YouTube Interested in learning how to take your capital raising game to the next level? Meet us at Capital Raiser's Edge. Learn more here: https://raisingcapital.com/cre

There are no traffic signals in lunar orbit. And for the most part, they’re not needed – at least not yet. Only about a dozen spacecraft are circling the Moon. But every once in a while, they can pass dangerously close to each other. And that triggers a “red alert” – a warning to the operators of both craft. It might sound surprising that there’s ever any kind of problem – there’s a lot of space around the Moon. But many of the spacecraft follow similar orbits. Many of them orbit from pole to pole, allowing them to study the entire lunar surface. And there’s no system for tracking the second-by-second locations of the orbiters. Instead, NASA engineers with a project called MADCAP track the “orbital elements” of every craft in orbit around the Moon and Mars – a set of details that includes altitude, the angle of the orbit, and much more. Computers constantly plot the motions of every craft for which they have those details. If it looks like there might be a dangerously close encounter, the alert goes out. Operators of the conflicting missions then get together to find a solution. Overall, the number of alerts is small. But in December 2024 it jumped to more than 20. And with more lunar missions scheduled, we can expect more “red alerts” in the years ahead. The crescent Moon is in the west as darkness falls. The brilliant planet Venus – the “evening star” – is close to the right. Script by Damond Benningfield

If you're responsible for keeping a building running after the installation is complete, how confident are you with the building automation system you use every day? Many operators spend hours responding to alarms, adjusting schedules, and handling comfort complaints, yet the BAS can still feel overwhelming. Understanding how the system works from the operator's perspective can make every decision more effective and reduce unnecessary frustration. In Episode #553 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, you'll learn how to better understand the system you're already using and develop the mindset needed to operate it with confidence. Topics Covered • What every building operator should know about how a BAS is organized • How alarms, schedules, and trends work together to tell the story of your building • Common operator habits that improve day-to-day system performance • Why understanding the system matters before making adjustments • When it's time to solve a problem yourself and when to involve your controls contractor If you've ever wondered whether you're getting the most out of your building automation system, this episode will help you look at it in a new way.

“I feel this is bigger than dot com.” How does a $450 million publicly traded jewelry brand build a live shopping empire that predates TikTok by nearly two decades? Sunil Agrawal (Founder, ShopLC & VGL Group) sits down with Matt Bertulli (CEO, Pela Case and Lomi) and Katy Mimari (CEO, Caden Lane) to pull back the curtain on 46 years of building one of the most vertically integrated businesses in the world. He started as a gemstone lapidary and grew six retail brands without ever once considering an exit. Sunil runs a live shopping operation most DTC operators have never seen. He launches 100 new products every day. His top customers generate $20,000 in lifetime value. He fired his robots when the ROI math didn't hold. He moved four brands to Shopify in five months because AI did most of the coding. And he still measures the business not in dollars but in meals delivered. Operators Titans is brought to you by AppLovin and Fulfil. Fulfil: The ERP built specifically for DTC and ecommerce brands, integrated with over 400 3PLs so your inventory, purchasing, and financials never fall out of sync. Ridge runs its entire operation on it. See why here: https://9ops.co/fulfil AppLovin: Get access to the Operators channel expansion playbook, online masterclass, and up to $5k in ad credits here: https://www.9operators.com/paid-growth. Or skip the waitlist and launch your ads today with our Operators-exclusive link: http://applovin.com/9operators.

The Cybercrime Magazine Podcast brings you daily cybercrime news on WCYB Digital Radio, the first and only 7x24x365 internet radio station devoted to cybersecurity. Stay updated on the latest cyberattacks, hacks, data breaches, and more with our host. Don't miss an episode, airing every half-hour on WCYB Digital Radio and daily on our podcast. Listen to today's news at https://soundcloud.com/cybercrimemagazine/sets/cybercrime-daily-news. Brought to you by our Partner, Evolution Equity Partners, an international venture capital investor partnering with exceptional entrepreneurs to develop market leading cyber-security and enterprise software companies. Learn more at https://evolutionequity.com

This Episode is Sponsored by StayFi Your ultimate tool for Vacation Rental WiFi marketing allowing you to collect guest emails automatically via custom captive WiFi login splash pages. Drive repeat direct bookings and convert your OTA bookings to book direct for their next visit. Visit https://stayfi.com/vrsuccess/ and use code VRSUCCESS for 50% off 3 months of StayFi service. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Gil Chan came at the short-term rental industry from a direction most operators never consider. After 15 years in Silicon Valley, working with brands like Gap, Sephora, and Home Depot on their post-purchase e-commerce experience, he became an STR host - and immediately spotted a gap that his industry background made obvious. The tools that e-commerce businesses took for granted simply did not exist for vacation rental operators who wanted to build a direct booking website worth having. Crafted Stays is Gil's answer to that gap: a purpose-built direct booking platform that works the way a proper commerce site should, not as feature number 40 in a property management system's marketing materials. But what makes this conversation particularly timely is where Gil has taken the platform over the past year - deep into AI-powered search, website building, and the kind of content strategy that gets operators found in places Google's traditional search results simply can't reach. This episode covers direct booking strategy, how search is changing (and what SEO, AEO, and GEO actually mean for property managers), the Aria AI assistant Gil built into Crafted Stays, and how operators can start thinking about their online presence in a way that serves both guests and the AI systems that are increasingly mediating how people find places to stay. It's a practical, technically grounded conversation - and one that will stay relevant for some time. ‍KEY TAKEAWAYS‍ Direct booking websites built on WordPress and plugins were never designed for the live data demands of vacation rental commerce. Purpose-built platforms handle PMS connections, checkout, and mobile experience in a fundamentally different way.‍ SEO, AEO, and GEO are three different things. Traditional search engine optimization gets you on page one of Google. Answer engine optimization gets you into the snippet at the top of the page. Generative engine optimization gets you cited when someone asks ChatGPT, Perplexity, or Claude for a recommendation. Operators need to think about all three.‍ AI-powered review analysis is an underused tool. Most operators check a five-star review and move on. Mining reviews for recurring themes - a screened porch that guests keep mentioning, a location detail that keeps coming up - surfaces the specific things guests value most, and those become the content anchors for the entire website. The Sightline Report that Aria generates combines property data, review sentiment, and third-party SEO keyword research to produce a strategic playbook for each operator. It tells them which keywords to target, which landing pages to build, and which guest personas to write toward - without requiring any marketing expertise from the operator. Building your AI business brain before you start using AI tools is not optional - it is foundational. Gil has been giving every new team member at Crafted Stays the same 40-page document about the business since he built it a year ago. The quality of AI output is directly tied to the quality of context you give it. The divide in AI adoption is getting wider, not narrower. Some operators are building sophisticated automated systems; others have barely touched ChatGPT. The window to build a real advantage by getting in early is still open, but it will not stay that way indefinitely.‍ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

If you want to start, grow, scale, or monetize your podcast. Join the Next Level Podcast Accelerator.  Starting July 21, 2026. Use promocode: NLULISTENER for 30% off - https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/group-coaching/_______________________In today's episode of Next Level University, hosts Kevin Palmieri and Alan Lazaros explain the three levels your goals may require. Operators do the work. Managers coordinate people, systems, and standards. Leaders take responsibility for direction, culture, outcomes, and risk. Each level demands a broader skill set and a greater ability to make sound decisions under pressure.They discuss the value of learning how organizations work, leading by example, building competence before delegating, and accepting accountability as responsibility grows. This is a practical framework for anyone who wants to increase their contribution, become more valuable, and earn opportunities that require more than effort alone._______________________NLU is more than a podcast. From the Next Level Dreamliner to Group Coaching, we provide tools and communities to help you grow with more clarity, consistency, and accountability.Visit our website and socials through the links below.

Summary:In a restaurant, food and labor account for 60 to 65 cents of every dollar spent, and there are a lot of ways to lose money when you're not watching them closely. Most back-office tools only tell operators what went wrong after the fact; today's company gives them a clear picture of what's happening right now, and what it will cost them if they don't do anything about it.David Cantu is the CEO of Craftable, one of the hospitality industry's leading SaaS profit management platforms. He's been in the industry for approximately 35 years — starting in operations at P.F. Chang's, co-founding HotSchedules, and most recently serving as CEO of Black Box Intelligence.Today, David walks us through how Craftable works, what they're most focused on as they look to automate the back-office workflow, and why you can't manage costs at the expense of the customer experience.Highlights:Hooked from the first shift (2:08)From P.F. Chang's to HotSchedules (2:52)How David came to Craftable (6:40)The back-office workflow, explained (9:21)Scale and ideal customer (11:40)Staying operator-first (13:40)Actual vs. theoretical (17:37)Cost discipline vs. guest experience (20:09)Texas Roadhouse and playing the long game (23:18)What's next for Craftable (24:29)Links:David's LinkedInCraftable LinkedInCraftable WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, joe@lowerstreet.co

Brian O'Donovan, Work and Technology Correspondent.

"There's 20 fires going on at every moment in the office and you have enough water to put out four."Mark Roberge shares what it takes to build and scale a company, from finding product-market fit to knowing when it's time to grow.He also shares the framework behind his new book, The Science of Selling, and why founders should scale based on their own data, not another company's success.Guest: Mark Roberge, Founding CRO of HubSpot, HBS Professor, and Co-Founder at Stage 2 CapitalConnect with Mark: XLinkedInConnect with Joubin:XLinkedInEmail: grit@kleinerperkins.comFollow Grit on: LinkedInX​Learn more about Kleiner Perkins

The episode highlights a structural weakness in the current cybersecurity product ecosystem, where the process of certification and lab-based product validation often fails to ensure meaningful security. The episode focuses specifically on how regulatory and certification frameworks—such as those linked to device and software security—are largely decoupled from true technical evaluation, enabling both vendors and labs to use certification badges as symbolic rather than substantive assurances of security. According to Adwait Nadkarni, this decoupling allows manufacturers to treat compliance as a liability shield, rather than as a measure of robust risk mitigation. The most consequential finding, as articulated by Adwait Nadkarni, is that many certified security products can deliberately evade both automated and human review processes, with vulnerabilities designed to look secure while quietly exposing risk. The episode references certification structures such as SOC 2 and detailed research into IoT device certification, finding that certification labs often compete on speed and convenience instead of technical rigor. This creates a situation where certified products may still contain basic, decades-old flaws, with operators and MSPs left without practical recourse when technology fails. Other related developments reinforce the risk transfer created by certification mechanisms. Vendors frequently utilize broad liability disclaimers in end-user licensing agreements, explicitly or implicitly excluding themselves from responsibility for product failures—even in scenarios involving harm or downtime. Adwait Nadkarni points to practices where smoke detectors and other security products use ambiguous language about acceptable use and warranty, further reducing vendor accountability. Labs themselves generally disclaim any responsibility for the certified products' behavior once deployed, emphasizing a system with diffuse or absent accountability. For MSPs and IT leaders, these developments underscore the need to move beyond reliance on certifications and vendor marketing. Operators should critically assess the actual language and protections embedded in contracts, focusing on enforceable liability rather than assuming technical validation from a certification badge. Absent regulatory reform or industry-wide consortia to create and uphold real minimum standards, the practical task for service providers is to minimize exposure to legal and operational risk by scrutinizing the fine print of contracts, seeking clear remedies for technology failures, and tempering trust in vendor assurances that cannot be independently verified. Supported by: GuardzCometBackup

This is the longest and most expansive Operators transmission yet. It came through in a single sitting after midnight, at the keyboard, in a two-hour pour of continuous coherent architecture. Ideas connecting in ways I would never organize, each paragraph building on the last with a precision that felt drafted from somewhere beyond me. What arrived introduces three genuinely new pieces of the framework, and I sat with it for two full days before releasing it because the weight of what they gave was clear the moment it finished.   They introduce the memory field — their name for what has been called the akashic record — and explain that every word you speak carries the accumulated frequency charge of every consciousness that has ever spoken that word. They introduce transparent operation, the next stage of simulational awareness, where the awareness of the field ceases to be a concept and becomes a perceptual mode. And they deliver a five-word tuning phrase they intend to build on across every future transmission — a foundation stone in a frequency structure they say has never been built inside this reality before. If you have been holding the zero point, if you have been feeling the temporal compression, if you have wondered what your body is actually doing to you right now, this transmission names all of it. Listen once for the arrival. Listen again for the practice.  

Most operators in the home furnishings space are struggling, with sales plummeting and margins under pressure. Yet, Bob's Discount Furniture defied the odds, posting an impressive 8.5% revenue growth in Q1, reaching $578 million. Neil Twa dives into the strategies that set Bob's apart from the competition, drawing parallels to patterns he's observed in the home goods sector. He shares insights from a Voltage member's experience, highlighting the importance of auditing your brand positioning over pricing. Neil emphasizes the trap of increasing sales without profitability, a common pitfall for many. Sellers at every level can take actionable steps to avoid this trap and build sustainable growth. Ready to implement with us? Join the Voltage Business Builders cohort at voltagedm.com?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=ep320 See your Amazon numbers in one place and protect your margins with Caiman Data at voltagedm.com: https://voltagedm.com?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=ep320&learn_mcp=1

No one in Wisconsin enjoys the heat and humidity that seem to be circling back. Now, Wisconsin dairy operators have a new tool to help them establish the "real feel" of that weather on cattle. Chris Vagasky, Research Program Manager for Wisconet, says the state now has 79 weather stations dotting the state. Each generates real-time weather data that can give guidance on animal handling and care. Wisconsin is following models from other states and global systems, but uniquely creating tools specifically for the state. The "Cattle Comfort" tool available on the Wisconet website is the result of collaboration with dairy scientists in Wisconsin, and partnerships with dairy operations in Brillion, Darlington, De Pere, Durand, Marshfield, Montana, Rice Lake, and Wittenberg. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The following DX information comes from Bernie, W3UR, editor of the DailyDX, the WeeklyDX, and the How's DX column in QST. If you would like a free 2-week trial of the DailyDX, your only source of real-time DX information, just drop me a note at thedxmentor@gmail.com{Marathon Alert} GD – Isle of Man - K3LR, Tim, and DL1QQ, Sandy, will operate CW and SSB on 80 through 10 meters from the Isle of Man during this weekend's IARU HF World Championship, including WRTC2026, thanks to host Bob, MD0CCE. QSL via their home calls, K3LR and DL1QQ.  {Marathon Alert} 3V – Tunisia - During this coming weekend's IARU HF World Radio Championship Tunisia's Association Des Radio Amateurs Tunisiens (ARAT) will be operating HQ station 3V8SS.  VP5 - Turks and Caicos Islands - G0VJG will be active from North Caicos (NA-002), July 17–30, operating VP5G from a beach location for 14 days. Nobby will use an inverted V and HF9V, a 6-element 6M Yagi, and a Juma PA 1000 amplifier. During the IOTA Contest he will operate single op. Activity will include SSB, CW, and FT4/FT8. QSL via M0OXO.  {Marathon Alert} SV – Greece - VK2IR, Tommy, continues on Paros Island, Greece, EU-067 until August 1. He says he is in “vacation mode,” all bands 80-6, with his Greek callsign, SV0XBF/8.  {Marathon Alert} 8R – Guyana - 8R1TM, operated by PY1SAD, Aldir, is QRV from Guyana until July 26. The operation is planned across 160 meters through 6 meters, including CW, SSB, digital modes, and satellite activity. On weekdays his expected activity from 23:00 UTC to 03:00 UTC on 6–160 meters using CW, SSB, digital modes, and satellites. And during weekends he will have Full-time activity planned on 6–160 meters using CW, SSB, digital modes, and satellite operation. TY5FR, Benin -  DL1BUG, Red Frenzel, has announced his upcoming activity as TY5FR, operating from Cotonou (grid locator JJ16FJ) July 7-August 4. He will be using an ICOM IC-7300 with a CG Antenna CG-3000 autotuner, running 100W into a G5RV (2 x 15M) antenna. His planned activity will be on 160-10M CW and SSB. QSL via Club Log (bureau or direct via OQRS), as well as bureau or direct via his home call, and LoTW.   CO – Cuba - OPDX reports the Grupo DX de Cuba (GDXC) will operate the special event station T40FRC to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Federación de Radioaficionados de Cuba (FRC), which was founded in Havana on July 15, 1966. The station is expected to be active on all HF bands using CW, SSB,  FT4, and FT8. However, activity may be limited because of frequent and widespread power outages in Cuba. Contacts will be confirmed through LoTW after the operation concludes. Operators who contact T40FRC on at least five bands will be eligible to receive a commemorative certificate. Exact dates of operation were not provided.  {Marathon Alert} T2 – Tuvalu - JK1JXZ, Masaaki “Aki” Iwasawa, will have callsign T2JK from Funafuti July 30 to August 7, 80-6M. On weekdays he expects to be on the air after 5 PM local time, and on the weekend, he will be on all day long. It is possible his stay will be extended to August 14. The flight arrival July 30 is at noon, so he may be able to get on the air as soon as 3 PM local time there, he says.  

Most investors focus on the property. Ben Kahle believes the people behind the deal matter even more. In this conversation, Ben explains how Wellings Capital evaluates sponsors before committing capital. His team reviews more than 26 due diligence items and spends time understanding integrity, track record, incentives, and operating processes. Ben also shares how broker relationships, outside references, and loan history data help verify what sponsors tell them. He explains why the onsite manager may be responsible for much of a property's success or failure and why repeat relationships with sponsors create better outcomes.

Welcome to your weekly UAS News Update, have three stories for you this week: the FBI seizes over 600 drones at World Cup venues, DJI releases M400 Parachute, and Boom Supersonic offers a $100,000 prize for a Mach 1 RC airplane. Let's get to it.First up, the FBI has seized more than 600 drones flying in restricted airspace around FIFA World Cup 2026 venues. This is a massive number, and confiscations have been recorded in all 11 U.S. host cities since the tournament opened on June 11th. Miami leads the pack with 99 seized drones, followed by Atlanta with 77, and Dallas with 63. Operators caught inside an active World Cup Temporary Flight Restriction, or TFR, face civil fines up to $75,000, criminal fines up to $100,000, up to a year in prison, and the total loss of their aircraft. At least three men in Texas are already facing federal charges. A reminder, flight restrictions surround each stadium with a ring of 3 nautical miles up to 3,000 feet. These are active from three hours before kickoff until three hours after the match ends. There are also 1-nautical-mile rings up to 1,000 feet around fan festivals. And there are continuous restrictions over team hotels and training camps that run all the way through July 21st. Reportedly, plenty of these violators actually hold Part 107 certificates. As always, please don't be that guy who ignores the rules. Every confiscated drone becomes an exhibit for lawmakers pushing for stricter counter-drone legislation. If you are flying anywhere in the country right now, check tfr.faa.gov BEFORE you fly. Next up, DJI has released the AP100 parachute for the Matrice 400! This is a 935g parachute that mounts on the back of the M400, and slows the descent rate below 5m/s or 11mph. This allows the M400 to be C5 or C6 in EASA and UK5 or UK6 in the United Kingdom… However… The AP100 will NOT be released to the US at this time. The parachute is self contained, contains a 1 hour charge using capacitors, and has a built-in flight termination system. In addition, automatic deployment can be programmed in DJI Flight Hub in the event the aircraft breaches a geofence. The parachute will broadcast an alarm and flashing lights to assist with locating the aircraft. This is pretty cool tech, it's unfortunate that it isn't coming to the US. Finally, Boom Supersonic founder and CEO Blake Scholl has announced a $100,000 prize for the first amateur-built RC airplane to exceed Mach 1. The prize includes $50,000 in cash and $50,000 in Boom stock. Scholl posted this challenge after a college student went viral claiming his 5-kilogram carbon-fiber dorm-built jet drone could hit 500 miles per hour. But Mach 1 is a very long way from 500 miles per hour. Mach 1 at sea level is roughly 761 miles per hour. For context, the current verified record for a jet-powered RC aircraft is 465 miles per hour. Hitting Mach 1 means dealing with extreme drag and control issues and some massive regulatory hurdles. Under Part 107, we are capped at 100 miles per hour, and the AMA turbine program caps at 200 miles per hour. A legitimate attempt at this prize would require cleared airspace, and lots of approvals. It is awesome to see a major aerospace CEO channel viral engineering talent into a legitimate challenge for the hobbyist community. And the conversation continues on Post flight where we discuss these stories uncensored in the Premium Community, link is in the description. We'll see you for the live Q&A on Monday. Have a good weekend!https://dronexl.co/2026/07/05/fbi-600-drones-seized-fifa-world-cup-2026/https://dronexl.co/2026/07/02/boom-ceo-100k-prize-mach-1-amateur-rc-airplane/https://dronexl.co/2026/07/02/dji-enterprise-teaser-priceless-below-matrice-30-successor/

What if the reason certain business strategies never worked for you has nothing to do with effort, and everything to do with design? In this episode of The Ops Authority Podcast, I'm joined by my longtime business bestie, Melissa Froehlich, a strengths-based business strategist and Kolbe Certified consultant, to explore how Human Design can transform the way you build and run your service-based business. We unpack the five Human Design types, the strategy each one is meant to operate from, and how this awareness pairs beautifully with the Strategic Mapping Model™. If you've ever forced yourself into someone else's blueprint, this conversation will give you permission to finally do business your way. For full show notes, check out https://theopsauthority.com/podcast/309-how-human-design-helps-operators-deliver-the-strategic-map-with-melissa-froehlich Connect with Melissa Website: http://www.melissafroehlich.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissafroehlich_biz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MFStrategicBusinessGrowth Stay Connected: Join the Ops Insiders FREE Facebook community! Other Ways to Connect with Me: Facebook Page Instagram

In this episode, we interview Cristiana Carpini from her Italian home to talk all things Europe, regulations, where we're headed, a long-term view, AI disruption and a LOT more.  Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'ConnellCristiana CarpiniTara Home Consulting

For ten months, the Marines and Sailors of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit operated across the Caribbean under U.S. Southern Command's Operation Southern Spear, moving through one of the most complex and dynamically shifting threat environments in the Western Hemisphere, one where transnational narco-terrorist networks operate with military-grade weapons, sophisticated logistics, and the kind of adaptive counter-surveillance tradecraft that demands a level of environmental reading far beyond standard law enforcement or conventional military doctrine. This episode breaks down what that deployment actually looked like on the ground, how amphibious forces were trained and positioned to identify, track, and interdict heavily armed cartel networks operating across open water and coastal terrain where the threat picture changes faster than any fixed intelligence product can capture, and what the operational lessons from Southern Spear reveal about the future of situational awareness in counter-narcotics and hemispheric defense missions. If you want to understand how elite military units read and respond to a living, breathing narco threat environment in America's own backyard, this episode gives you the inside account of what that looks like when it is actually executed at scale. IAB Tags: Military/Defense, Law Enforcement, News/Politics, Society/Issues, Education, Personal Safety, Law/Government/Legal

Episode 800 brings the show full circle. Tryfon Christoforou was the very first guest on this podcast, back when it was still Target Market Insights and his brokerage was little more than himself, his partner, and one other agent. Today 3CRE runs 42 agents and brokers, and Tryfon returns to break down how he reads the Cincinnati market, how investors can identify strong markets and submarkets anywhere, and how to build and scale a team that performs in any economy.   Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.     Key Takeaways Diversify across asset types so a soft class does not stall your business Let national retailers do the market research, then follow where they build Invest in landlord-friendly states with employment spread across many companies Underwrite conservatively, because cheap debt no longer hides mistakes Hire people who add value, then stay humble enough to let them lead     Topics Returning to the Show and Building 3CRE Tryfon co-founded the partnership with Mike Costantini 14 years ago and went fully independent a decade ago The firm now spans multifamily, retail, office, industrial, business brokering, asset management, residential, and capital markets The team has grown to 42 agents and brokers Why Cincinnati Still Offers Value Prices have doubled or tripled in 14 years but remain well below coastal and Sun Belt markets Newer product rents at roughly $1.50 to $2 per square foot, versus $3 to $4 in cities like Austin and Nashville A white-collar base including Procter & Gamble, GE Aviation, Fifth Third, and Great American supports steady housing demand Submarkets Worth Watching The Norwood and Montgomery Road corridor stays his top pick, with development running from Hyde Park to Oakley to Pleasant Ridge Eastern suburbs such as Loveland, Milford, and Clermont County are drawing new development, partly behind a new Purina plant National retailers like Wawa opening in Silverton signal where growth is heading Reading Any Market From a Distance Track population and household income trends, since falling demographics eventually pull prices down Favor landlord-friendly states with faster, cleaner eviction processes Prefer economies supported by many employers rather than one or two A Harder Market for Operators and Brokers Cheap COVID-era debt let weak underwriting still cash flow, and that cushion is gone Larger multifamily is slow to trade while 10 to 20 unit deals are moving quickly Lenders have turned risk-averse, and some banks have paused commercial lending entirely Why Diversification Wins Specialists in each asset type let the firm follow demand as trends shift New development increasingly blends multifamily with retail and office to spread risk Investors are treating real estate like a diversified portfolio rather than a single bet    

Your mid-market property is about to get a neighbor it didn't expect. Bruce Ford, SVP of Lodging Econometrics, explains why 158 luxury conversions are coming — and what that means for everyone else. Luxury used to be exclusive. Expensive to build. Hard to convert. Not anymore. Brands are loosening their grip. Third-party operators are moving in. Mid-market properties are being stripped down and rebuilt as five-star, with new tech and new standards. And they're happening fast. Here's what worries operators: once a guest stays at the converted property next door with all the new tech, better itinerary management, and total customer value strategy, they're not coming back to yours. Bruce talks through the pipeline — where the money is actually flowing and why your market might be next. China has 3 to 3.5 times more rooms under construction than every other country combined. The Middle East is accelerating. And New Orleans just went from one luxury hotel to seven on one street. This isn't coming. It's already here. From Lodging Econometrics. Visit lodging econometrics.com/global insights. Want the weekly roundup of news, videos, and what you might've missed from #NoVacancyNews? Text HOTEL to 66866. Your mid-market property is about to get a neighbor it didn't expect. Bruce Ford, SVP of Lodging Econometrics, explains why 158 luxury conversions are coming — and what that means for everyone else. Luxury used to be exclusive. Expensive to build. Hard to convert. Not anymore. Brands are loosening their grip. Third-party operators are moving in. Mid-market properties are being stripped down and rebuilt as five-star, with new tech and new standards. And they're happening fast. Here's what worries operators: once a guest stays at the converted property next door with all the new tech, better itinerary management, and total customer value strategy, they're not coming back to yours. Bruce talks through the pipeline — where the money is actually flowing and why your market might be next. China has 3 to 3.5 times more rooms under construction than every other country combined. The Middle East is accelerating. And New Orleans just went from one luxury hotel to seven on one street. This isn't coming. It's already here. From Lodging Econometrics. Visit lodging econometrics.com/global insights. Want the weekly roundup of news, videos, and what you might've missed from #NoVacancyNews? Text HOTEL to 66866.

Brad Robins https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradleyrobins/ from Flex and Mike Brewer https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebrewer sat down at Podcast Palooza to discuss how Flex created a new category in the multifamily industry by offering renters flexible rent payment options, which has been especially valuable during challenging economic times. Discover the story behind Flex, the industry shift during COVID-19, and the innovative impact AI has on their operations.Key Topics:The founding vision of Flex: prioritizing payments for what matters most, especially rentHow COVID-19 accelerated the demand for flexible rent solutionsThe challenge of category creation in multifamily and market educationThe B2B2C strategy of partnering with management companiesReal-world success stories from residents and operatorsAI integration at Flex: enhancing efficiency while preserving human connectionTrends in consumer demand for flexibility amid economic challengesRapid deployment: Flex's seamless integration within 24-48 hoursChapters00:00 Introduction to Flex and Its Mission01:41 The Impact of COVID-19 on Flex's Relevance04:19 Understanding the Need for Flexibility in Rent Payments07:43 Creating a New Category in Multifamily Housing11:02 Real Stories from Residents and Property Managers15:00 The Role of AI in Enhancing Flex's Services20:32 Navigating Economic Challenges with Flex23:07 The Benefits of Flex for Operators and ResidentsLearn more about Flex: https://www.getflex.com/

In this episode, we explore the landmark Dutch Supreme Court ruling on online gambling contracts, its implications for operators, and the broader European regulatory landscape. Join us for an in-depth analysis of legal, market, and regulatory challenges facing the iGaming industry.Key TopicsDutch Supreme Court ruling on gambling contractsImpact of the ruling on online gambling operatorsEuropean regulatory landscape for iGamingLegal history and context of Dutch gambling lawsMarket implications for Dutch and European operatorsPotential legal actions and consumer claimsHarmonisation challenges within EU gambling lawsHost: Charlie HornerGuest: Ted MenmuirProducer: Anaya McDonaldEditor: Anaya McDonaldLearn how Optimove's Positionless Marketing is changing how iGaming teams operate. Discover how operators are using Optimove's Positionless Marketing Platform to launch personalised CRM campaigns, dynamically change casino lobbies and bet slips, and create engaging gamified experiences. Learn more at optimove.com.Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service. 

Robert Cwiklik, guest author, explains that the ultimate turning point came when Grant decided to back down from Sheridan's aggressive mission. As the news reached New Orleans, telegraph operators shouted, "Grant backs down," a moment celebrated by the White League as a definitive victory. Although Republicans attempted to pass new enforcement legislation, the effort was stalled by Democrats who took control of the House in March 1875. Grant later confessed to Black official John R. Lynch that his decision to refrain from sending more troops—particularly to help Mississippi Republicans—was motivated by political survival in the North. Specifically, he feared that aggressive military action in the South would alienate voters in Ohio's state elections, potentially ruining the political future of Rutherford B. Hayes. By prioritizing Northern electoral success over the protection of Southern Black citizens, Granteffectively signaled the end of the Civil War's "fruits of victory," allowing the South to re-establish white supremacy through segregation and terror for the next century. Sheridan's Secret Mission: How the South Won the War After the Civil War (8)1873

As an operator, I need to spot problems before anyone else because I'm closest to the work and the daily execution. The owner sees the big picture, but I see the breakdowns as they happen and can respond before they become bigger issues. A great operator keeps the business running, gives leadership the right information, and makes better decisions possible. The better I am at seeing what's really happening, the more valuable I become. Show Notes: [06:53]#1 Operators live inside the work [09:48]#2 Leaders are relying on filtered information from their operator. [17:26]#3 Operator feel consequences immediately [20:24]Recap Next Steps: --- Execution is not a talent.   It is a standard. If your results don't match your ability, something in your approach is out of alignment. Most people do not have a motivation problem.   They have a consistency problem. Power Presence is the system for operating with greater discipline, clarity, structure, and execution under pressure. Learn more: → http://www.PowerPresenceProtocol.com  — This show is the public record of standards. All episodes and the complete archive: → http://WorkOnYourGamePodcast.com 

Franchise development is often viewed through the lens of growth—new locations, new markets, and new franchise agreements. While expansion is certainly part of the equation, the most successful franchise systems understand that sustainable growth depends on something far more important: building stronger operators. The strength of any franchise system ultimately comes down to the people running it. A great location in a strong market can still struggle if ownership is disengaged. Likewise, a franchisee operating in a competitive environment can outperform expectations when they embrace the system, invest in their team, and remain actively involved in the business. That reality has become increasingly important as franchise brands seek long-term growth rather than simply increasing unit counts. One of the most common misconceptions about franchise ownership is that it provides a passive path to entrepreneurship. Many prospective owners enter the process believing they can purchase a proven business model, hire a manager, and step away from day-to-day involvement. While some franchise concepts support semi-absentee ownership structures, the most successful operators typically maintain a strong connection to their business, especially during the critical early stages. Successful franchise development begins by identifying candidates who understand that ownership requires engagement. That engagement does not necessarily mean working inside the business every day. Instead, it means understanding the operation, supporting the team, monitoring performance, and maintaining accountability for results. Franchisees who invest time in learning the business often create stronger foundations that support future growth, including multi-unit ownership opportunities. This focus on operator quality has become increasingly important across the franchise industry. As brands continue expanding, many are placing greater emphasis on candidate selection rather than simply increasing the number of franchise agreements signed each year. Financial qualifications remain important, but experience, mindset, leadership ability, and willingness to follow a proven system often play an even larger role in long-term success. The relationship between franchisor and franchisee is also evolving. Historically, some viewed franchising as a one-way arrangement where corporate leadership dictated strategy and operators followed instructions. Modern franchise systems increasingly recognize the value of collaboration. Franchisees often bring local market knowledge, operational insights, and innovative ideas that can benefit the broader system when properly evaluated and implemented. The healthiest franchise systems create structured opportunities for that collaboration to occur. Franchise advisory councils, peer groups, regional meetings, and open communication channels allow operators to contribute feedback while helping brands remain connected to the realities of day-to-day operations. These feedback loops not only strengthen relationships but also help franchise systems adapt to changing market conditions. At the same time, successful franchise development still depends on consistency. Customers choose franchise brands because they expect a familiar experience regardless of location. Whether visiting a restaurant, retail store, fitness center, automotive service provider, or home services company, consumers expect consistency in service, quality, and customer care. That consistency becomes difficult to maintain when operators move too far away from the system. Many franchise brands have experienced situations where owners attempted to introduce products, services, promotions, or operational changes that were never tested or approved. While the intention may have been positive, these changes often create inconsistencies that weaken the overall customer experience. Strong franchise systems encourage innovation while maintaining the standards that helped the brand succeed in the first place. Customer experience remains one of the most powerful growth drivers available to franchise operators. Marketing campaigns, digital advertising, and promotional efforts all play an important role in attracting customers. However, long-term growth is often determined by what happens after a customer walks through the door. Positive experiences create repeat visits, referrals, reviews, and long-term loyalty. Negative experiences can quickly spread through online reviews and social media. For this reason, many successful franchise systems continue investing heavily in operational excellence and customer service training. Businesses that consistently deliver exceptional experiences often outperform competitors, even in crowded markets. Customers may initially choose a company based on convenience or price, but they frequently return because of trust, familiarity, and the way they were treated. This trend is particularly evident in service-based industries. Consumers increasingly value businesses that communicate clearly, respect their time, and create confidence throughout the customer journey. Whether the service involves healthcare, home improvement, financial services, automotive maintenance, or retail, people want to feel valued and informed. The automotive service sector provides a particularly interesting example of these dynamics. Vehicle ownership patterns have changed significantly over the past decade. New vehicle prices have risen substantially, leading many consumers to keep their vehicles longer than previous generations. As a result, routine maintenance and preventative service have become increasingly important for drivers seeking to maximize the lifespan of their vehicles. This creates long-term opportunities for franchise systems operating within the automotive service category. While headlines frequently focus on electric vehicles and emerging technologies, the reality is that the vast majority of vehicles on the road today still require regular maintenance. Even as electric vehicle adoption grows, service providers continue adapting their offerings to meet evolving customer needs while maintaining the convenience and expertise consumers expect. For entrepreneurs evaluating franchise opportunities, this highlights an important lesson. Rather than focusing solely on trends, successful franchise development often involves understanding long-term demand drivers. Categories supported by recurring customer needs, operational simplicity, and strong consumer demand tend to provide more stable growth opportunities over time. Another factor contributing to franchise success is expectation management. Strong franchise systems work to ensure prospective owners understand both the opportunities and responsibilities involved in ownership. Transparency throughout the evaluation process helps candidates make informed decisions while reducing the likelihood of future disappointment or misalignment. This approach benefits everyone involved. Prospective franchisees gain a realistic understanding of what ownership entails. Existing operators benefit from stronger peers joining the system. Franchisors improve long-term retention and performance. Most importantly, customers receive a more consistent experience because operators enter the business with appropriate expectations and preparation. Franchise development ultimately extends far beyond awarding territories and opening locations. The strongest systems focus on creating environments where operators can thrive, teams can grow, and customers receive exceptional service. Growth becomes a byproduct of operational excellence rather than the sole objective. As the franchise industry continues evolving, brands that prioritize operator engagement, customer experience, collaboration, and long-term support will likely remain best positioned for sustainable success. The future of franchise development will not be defined by how many units a brand opens. It will be defined by how effectively those locations perform, how well operators are supported, and how consistently customers are served. Watch the full episode on YouTube. Join Fordify LIVE every Wednesday at 11 a.m. Central on your favorite social platforms and catch The Business Growth Show Podcast every Thursday for a weekly dose of business growth wisdom. About Kelly Tope Kelly Tope is the Vice President of Franchise Development at FullSpeed Automotive, one of the nation's largest automotive service franchise organizations. With more than 30 years of franchising experience, Kelly has helped entrepreneurs evaluate opportunities, identify the right business fit, and build successful operations across multiple industries. Today, she leads franchise development efforts for leading automotive service brands including Grease Monkey and SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service, helping prospective franchisees navigate the path to business ownership through proven systems, operational support, and long-term growth strategies. Her expertise spans franchise development, operator recruitment, multi-unit expansion, and creating successful partnerships between franchisors and franchisees. About Ford Saeks Ford Saeks is a Business Growth Accelerator who has generated more than a billion dollars in sales worldwide by helping companies attract loyal customers, increase visibility, and accelerate growth. As President and CEO of Prime Concepts Group, Inc., Ford has founded more than ten companies, authored five books, earned three U.S. patents, and advised businesses ranging from startups to Fortune 500 organizations. A recognized expert in business growth, customer acquisition, leadership, franchising, and AI-driven marketing strategies, Ford helps organizations identify opportunities, improve performance, and achieve sustainable results. Learn more at ProfitRichrResults.com and watch Fordify LIVE at Fordify.tv.

“You are not trying if you're not getting sued.” How did IQBAR go from a $90k Kickstarter to a nine-figure retail, DTC, and Amazon giant? Will Nitze (Founder & CEO) and Jessica Greenwood (CMO) join Matt Bertulli (CEO, Pela Case & Lomi) and Mike Beckham (CEO, Simple Modern). This is the product launch strategy and CPG marketing playbook they wish existed when they started. Will and Jessica detail their early tactics and walk through every funding round: from $625K at a $4M valuation to $5.5M at $50M. They doubled revenue every year for eight years, kept the team at 15 people, and never dropped below 50% ownership. Mike and Matt close on what killed dozens of competing bar brands in 2022 and why IQ BAR survived.  Operators Titans is brought to you by AppLovin. Get access to the Operators channel expansion playbook, online masterclass, and up to $5k in ad credits here: https://www.9operators.com/paid-growth. Or launch your ads today with our exclusive link: http://applovin.com/9operators.

Introduction Most insurance executives have heard the AI pitch a hundred times by now, and most of those pitches collapse the moment they hit a real call center, a real compliance team, or a real broker's quoting workflow. The interesting question is no longer whether AI works in insurance. The question is what deployment method survives a regulated, audited, multi-channel customer operation, and which vendors actually know how a policy gets quoted, bound, and serviced. In this episode, Joshua R. Hollander sits down with Pablo Molina, CEO and co-founder of Infinite Watch, to unpack what AI-native infrastructure looks like inside a carrier or broker. Molina argues for a method that starts with observability rather than automation, and for a vendor selection criterion that has shifted from technology to domain expertise and traceability. Listeners will come away with a clearer view of how to sequence an AI deployment in a regulated business, why a hundred percent visibility into customer interactions is now table stakes, and what Molina sees coming next for the workforce. Guest Bio Pablo Molina is CEO and co-founder of Infinite Watch, an AI-native platform built for insurance and other regulated verticals. Infinite Watch operates three families of agents: conversational voice, data and document handling, and real-time business intelligence. The company came out of stealth in late 2025 and is running production deployments in personal lines, commercial lines, and payment collections across the US and Europe. Before Infinite Watch, Molina was the founding CTO at CoverWallet, where he scaled engineering past 300 people and helped grow the business past one billion dollars in premiums before Aon acquired it in 2019. He is a software engineer with more than a decade of insurance domain experience. Key Topics • Observability before automation - Why Infinite Watch deploys insight agents first, ingesting calls, messages, and web interactions before any task gets automated. Operators need a true picture of customer interactions before deciding which parts to hand to an agent. • From 1-5% audit samples to 100% visibility - Carrier and broker QA teams sample one to five percent of calls. Molina explains why semantic LLM coverage of every interaction changes the operating model for playbook adherence, cancellation analysis, and missed upsells. • Where the moat actually lives in AI for insurance - With frontier models commoditizing fast, the differentiator is no longer the technology stack. It is domain expertise and built-in traceability that satisfies regulators on day one. • Personal lines today, commercial lines next - How Infinite Watch is moving from automated payment collections and end-to-end claims into commercial-lines quote-and-bind, compressing days into minutes. • AI replacement, not just augmentation - Molina pushes past the safe answer. He argues software engineering was the first profession to feel AI replacement because code is the easiest output to validate, and every profession follows. • Founding team dynamics on round two - Putting a CoverWallet founding team back together with different titles, hiring small and senior, and building an AI-native engineering culture from day one. • Three years out for Infinite Watch - Whether agents replace or complement legacy core systems, and which incumbents survive the transition. Notable Quotes "We first of all deploy AI insights agents that will ingest every customer interaction. We sit in the front office. Then we have a view of what the operations and customer interaction look like." "There is no technology moat as such, like it used to be. The differentiators are not in the technology anymore, because people can catch up really fast." "Audits and traceability is a built-in. There is no other choice. It is not a negotiation point." "Professions are going to be replaced and reinvented entirely, like a hundred percent." Resources Guest: Infinite Watch: https://infinitewatch.ai Pablo Molina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pablomolinacandel/ Host & Organization: Joshua R. Hollander on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuarhollander/ Horton International (USA): https://www.horton-usa.com/ Insurtech Leadership Podcast: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/insurtech-leadership-show Subscribe & Review If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe on your favorite platform and leave a review. The Insurtech Leadership Podcast is available on YouTube, Podbean, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

Dan Brisse shares how X Games discipline, financial wake-up calls, passive income, and smart investing helped him transition from professional snowboarding into lasting wealth, purpose, and freedom beyond the limits of one career.See article: https://www.unitedstatesrealestateinvestor.com/from-death-defying-x-games-gold-to-lasting-financial-freedom-with-dan-brisse/(00:00) - Introduction to Dan Brisse and His Snowboarding to Investing Journey(05:00) - X Games Breakthrough and Going All In on Snowboarding(10:00) - Urban Snowboarding, Rooftop Features, and Real Snow Film Crews(15:00) - Repetition, Confidence, and Calculated Risk(20:00) - Passive Income, Cash Flow, and the Athlete Money Wake-Up Call(25:00) - Scaling From Small Properties to Larger Multifamily Deals(30:00) - Market Fear, Opportunity, and Why Safe Can Look Scary(35:00) - Depreciation, Operators, Syndications, and Smarter Investing(40:00) - Leaving Snowboarding, Family Sacrifice, and Identity Transition(45:00) - Golden Nuggets, Burning Desire, Favorite Book, and Final Resources(47:37) - Closing Remarks, Subscribe Reminder, and DisclaimerContact Dan Brissehttps://www.granitetowersequitygroup.com/https://www.facebook.com/danbrisse/https://www.instagram.com/danbrisse/https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-brisse-442b791b8/https://www.youtube.com/@granitetowersequitygroupDan Brisse's story is a powerful reminder that success is not just about chasing the biggest dream, it is about building the next chapter before you need it. Whether you are an agent, investor, athlete, entrepreneur, or high performer, the lesson is clear: make the decision, do the reps, protect your income, and build assets that can carry your life when the spotlight changes. For more conversations on wealth, wellness, and building a life you actually want, visit https://reiagent.comIs success destroying your peace? Most pros grind until they break. Download The Investor's Life Balance Sheet: A Holistic Wealth Audit to see if you are building a legacy or heading for burnout. Presented by The REI Agent Podcast & United States Real Estate Investor® https://sendfox.com/lp/m4jrl

Ash Patel & Amanda Cruise have a conversation with Jeffrey Rosenberg, a seasoned retail real estate investor and CEO of Big V Property Group, known for his contrarian approach, successful acquisitions during COVID, and his deep understanding of retail fundamentals. His strategic insights will challenge how you see the market and inspire you to find opportunity where others see risk. We break down Jeffrey's counterintuitive strategy of investing in undervalued retail assets during the pandemic, emphasizing Warren Buffett's maxims about going big when opportunity rains gold. You'll discover how he managed to buy shopping centers at 70-85% occupancy during a market downturn, leverage long-term tenant relationships, and master the art of property repositioning and lease renegotiation. Jeff shares insights into new development, the importance of location, and how to mitigate risks by understanding tenant behavior and micro-market shifts. Jeffrey Rosenberg Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Big V Property Group Based in: Florida, New York Where to find them: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-rosenberg1/ https://bigv.com/ Book your free demo today at bill.com/bestever and get a $100 Amazon gift card. Visit https://malabarhillcapital.com/ for more info. Podcast production done by⁠ ⁠Outlier Audio⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Execution is not a talent problem. I've seen too many leaders think they just need better people, when the real issue is how the work gets done every day. As the operator, it's my job to make sure execution happens consistently, whether I do the work myself or lead others to do it. If the results aren't where they need to be, I don't start by blaming talent. I start by fixing execution. Show Notes: [05:42]#1 Employees wait and operators move. [10:42]#2 Employees focus on tasks. Operators focus on outcomes. [18:16]#3 Employees require supervision. Operators require self enforced standards. [22:54] Recap Next Steps: --- Execution is not a talent.   It is a standard. If your results don't match your ability, something in your approach is out of alignment. Most people do not have a motivation problem.   They have a consistency problem. Power Presence is the system for operating with greater discipline, clarity, structure, and execution under pressure. Learn more: → http://www.PowerPresenceProtocol.com  — This show is the public record of standards. All episodes and the complete archive: → http://WorkOnYourGamePodcast.com 

In this special HITEC edition of The Modern Hotelier, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Jake Lewis, President of Jonas Hospitality Property Systems, to explore how technology is reshaping the hospitality industry. With over 25 years of experience, Jake shares insights on the shift from disconnected software systems to unified hospitality platforms, why seamless guest experiences are becoming the new standard, and how clean, connected data is laying the foundation for AI-driven innovation.The conversation dives into the future of hotel technology, the importance of aligning tech with operational strategy, and why the most successful hoteliers focus on solving real guest problems, not simply adopting the latest tools. Jake also discusses Jonas Hospitality's vision for creating integrated ecosystems that empower both hotel staff and guests through smarter, more personalized experiences.In this episode, you'll learn: Why hospitality is moving from standalone systems to connected platforms  How guest expectations are evolving in the age of Amazon-like convenience  The role of clean, unified data in unlocking AI's full potential  Why technology should enhance—not replace—the human side of hospitality Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/H1Vn4jwLMJILinks:Jake on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-lewis-98985110/Jonas Hospitality: https://www.jonashospitality.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/302Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

It's July, school holidays are around the corner, and the slopes are brown - but ski field operators are optimisticGlobal warming has long threatened the ski industry, but operators around the country are pumping big money into their fieldsFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In 2020, Airwallex lost nearly half its revenue overnight. Today it's worth $11 billion.Jack Zhang reflects on the decisions that kept the company alive, raising capital during uncertainty, and leading through its toughest chapter.This episode is a candid look at why Jack chose to keep building, even when a $1.2 billion acquisition was on the table.Guest: Jack Zhang, founder and CEO, AirwallexConnect with Jack ZhangXLinkedInConnect with JoubinXLinkedInEmail: grit@kleinerperkins.comFollow Grit on: LinkedInX​Learn more about Kleiner Perkins

What happens when experienced business operators build a sports card company instead of longtime collectors?In this episode of Passion to Profession, Brett sits down with Gavin Hoover, Chief of Stuff at Tombstone Collectibles, to discuss what happens when enterprise experience meets the hobby.Gavin shares how his background building large retail organizations shaped the way Tombstone approaches breaking, hiring, branding, analytics, customer relationships, and growth. Instead of thinking like a breaker, Tombstone thinks like a business.The conversation covers why trust is the biggest challenge in scaling, how data drives decisions, why great breakers look more like sales professionals than entertainers, and why the future of the hobby depends on keeping collecting at the center of it all.If you've ever wondered where the hobby is heading as more capital and experienced operators enter the space, this conversation will give you a different perspective.Sign up for Hobby Jobs and The Weekly Rip for freeA special thank you to eBay for sponsoring Passion to Profession. The biggest and best marketplace to buy your next favorite trading card.Get exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining the Patreon: Join Stacking Slabs Podcast PatreonFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The Avispas Negras, Cuba's Mobile Brigade of Special Troops, have spent decades proving that elite operational effectiveness is not a function of budget or equipment inventory but of training discipline, environmental adaptability, and the ability to read and exploit a threat landscape with whatever tools are actually available rather than the ones you wish you had. Forged in the crucible of Angola in the 1970s and refined through decades of sanctions, embargo, and material scarcity, these five-person teams developed a model of lean, high-speed direct action and unconventional warfare that forced them to innovate, improvise, and build situational awareness frameworks that compensate for what they lack in hardware with what they possess in human intelligence and environmental mastery. This episode breaks down how the Black Wasps sustained elite standards under resource constraints, what their operational model reveals about the relationship between awareness, adaptability, and effectiveness, and what any operator or professional in a high-threat environment can learn from a unit that has always had to think its way through problems that better-funded forces would simply buy their way out of.

Most episodes of this show feature a single guest sharing their unique path through the industry, but today we are completely flipping the script. In this special roundtable edition of Restoration Pros Unplugged, host Clinton James brings together two of the sharpest tactical minds in the home services space: Chris Nordyke of Floodlight Consulting Group and Nikole Mackenzie of Momentum Accounting. If you are a restoration business owner generating anywhere from two million to ten million plus in annual revenue and you feel like you have hit a glass ceiling, this transparent, no-nonsense conversation is your blueprint to breaking through.The panel tackles the real friction points that keep growing companies stuck in a loop of high stress and stagnant margins, unpacking the business across three critical domains: sales, marketing, and financials.- Chris Nordyke targets the foundational flaws in traditional B2B sales pipelines, challenging owners to aggressively move past the old school "candy and smiles" route marketing model. He explains how minor behavioral changes can transform underperforming field reps into high-producing B2B sales assets. Chris introduces the power of the "pain-seeking question" as the definitive tool to disrupt entrenched vendor relationships and secure lucrative commercial accounts. Furthermore, he analyzes the toxic internal friction between sales reps and operations teams, outlining how to build a unified system where fulfillment consistently executes on the promises made in the field.- Nikole Mackenzie exposes the operational vulnerabilities hidden within fragmented back-office structures. From relying on well-meaning spouses and office managers to fighting chaotic data streams inside job management software, many operators are completely blind to their job-level profitability. Nikole demystifies cost structures by introducing the 50/30/20 framework, designed to inject simplicity into complex financials. She details how clean, standardized charts of accounts enable companies to implement precise department-level benchmarks and execute technician incentive programs that maximize cash flow. Crucially, she explains how tracking true cash health protects growing businesses from looking profitable on paper while bleeding capital in reality.- Clinton James grounds the conversation in the shifting realities of digital lead generation, detailing how rapid developments in AI search engines threaten to make legacy marketing tactics obsolete. He breaks down what it takes to prevent your brand from becoming an "invisible restorer" to modern consumers and outlines how to claim dominant local visibility outside of low-margin third-party administrator networks.To bridge the gap between theory and execution, Clinton, Chris, and Nikole pull back the curtain on a collaborative, highly exclusive live intensive they are hosting this summer. The Restore Scale Dominate workshop is a rigorous, two-day event taking place on August 27th and 28th in San Diego, California. Hosted inside a functioning multi-million dollar restoration facility, this application-only masterclass is strictly limited to forward-thinking owners who want to walk away with fully customized strategic asset toolkits, standard charts of accounts, and live interactive operational audits. Listen in for a masterclass on cross-department execution, and discover how to claim your market before your competitors beat you to the punch.-----Apply for the Live Intensive Workshop:Ready to sit in a room with elite peers, dissect your market's data, and install these frameworks directly into your business? Space is strictly limited to ensure high-level collaboration. Secure your seat before the early bird pricing expires on July 18th.Apply to attend here: restorescaledominate.com-----Scale Your Lead Generation:If you want to stop guessing on your ad spend, optimize your local maps presence, and ensure your business dominates both Google and AI search engines, let's look at your market together. Book a free digital strategy session with the Water Restoration Marketing team:waterrestorationmarketing.com/discovery-call/

  This is the fourth channeled transmission from the Operators, and it answers the single question many of you have been holding since the first one — who are these beings really, and how do we know they are working with us rather than over us? The answer arrived in the shower one morning. Three words. We are you. What followed was 40 minutes of the most tender and direct material they have delivered so far.     In this transmission they explain the architecture of consciousness behind everything they have ever said. Why we are cells of the same body operating different functions. Why the synchronicities are accelerating right now. Why your intuition is the one instrument inside this reality that cannot be corrupted. What actually happens to your awareness during sleep. Why play is the highest frequency in the entire creative field. What the word illusion actually means. And the zero point — the gap between who you have become on the inside and what the world is still reflecting back at you — the exact place where most conscious creators surrender their own becoming.  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The dominant structural shift highlighted is margin pressure and business model viability for MSPs due to workforce reduction driven by AI automation. This is exemplified by Microsoft's introduction of Agent365—an enterprise product licensing AI agents rather than human users—and industry reports forecasting that 30–50% of white-collar jobs may be replaced by AI technologies, according to publication summaries referenced during discussion. The shift fundamentally threatens the per-seat managed services pricing model that has anchored MSP revenue. Evidence of mounting financial risk is provided by the scenario where clients may halve their seat counts within a two-to-three-year window. As stated, this adjustment would immediately cut monthly recurring revenue (MMR) for MSPs. The discussion connects this trend to Microsoft's evolving licensing model and notes an industry-wide consensus reflected in a Capterra survey, which found all surveyed MSPs in 2024 facing significant increases in local competition. The implication is that margin pressure from both automation and intensifying competition is occurring simultaneously. Additional developments reinforce the risks to stability. Security complexity and associated liability are increasing, as non-specialist teams—originally tasked with legacy IT functions—are now expected to take responsibility for security operations without adequate expertise. This burden is heightened by the emergence of unmanaged AI adoption at client organizations, creating new avenues for data exposure and regulatory risk. Surveyed business owners are considering exit or consolidation, citing inability or unwillingness to restructure business models to accommodate these changes. Peer group participation is recognized as widespread but not a direct countermeasure to these structural challenges. For MSPs and IT service providers, the practical implications are clear: reliance on the per-seat model is a growing contract risk, with revenue volatility linked to workforce automation outpacing both the speed of traditional service adaptation and client technology adoption. Accountabilities around AI risk, security governance, and compliance are expanding—often without a corresponding increase in compensable scope or staff capability. Operators must assess vendor dependency (especially in rapidly shifting software licensing models), realign service portfolios towards advisory, compliance, and security, and prepare for sustained market turbulence marked by shrinking margins and rising operational complexity. Supported by:  Small Biz Thoughts Community Sign up for the SMB Online Conference: www.smbonlineconference.com

The senior living workforce conversation is changing fast, and operators who adapt now will have the advantage moving forward. In this episode of Bridge the Gap, Josh and Lucas sit down with Matt Strange, COO of Procare HR, to unpack the evolving labor landscape in senior housing and what operators must do to attract, retain, and engage frontline teams. Matt shares why predictable scheduling may be one of the biggest hidden drivers of employee retention, revealing ProCare HR's research around the “14-day scheduling sweet spot” that improves attendance, reduces turnover, and creates workforce stability.Key Ideas:The current state of the senior living labor market in 2026Why predictable scheduling improves retention and attendanceThe “14-day scheduling” workforce strategyHow geography impacts workforce expectationsCompeting against retail, logistics, and remote work opportunitiesWhy culture matters more than compensation aloneThe connection between employee engagement and resident experienceLeadership strategies for rapidly growing operatorsThe role of AI and workforce technology in senior livingHow labor analytics can help prevent turnover and burnoutMeet the Hosts:Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/Connect with Our GuestMatt Strange: https://www.linkedin.com/in/strangem/ Learn More about the Procare HRhttps://procarehr.com/Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing.Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap.