Path to Profit: Lessons From Growth-Driven Business Leaders

What really makes a great workplace culture? Is it the perks, the people, or something deeper?In this episode, Charles Burdett, CEO and founder of Pip Decks, joins Stephen King to discuss the key elements that shape a thriving workplace—from trust and transparency to leadership and psychological safety. They explain how companies can foster an environment where employees feel valued, motivated, and empowered to do their best work. Plus, they share real-world examples and practical tips you can bring to your own team.Whether you're a leader, manager, or team member looking to improve your workplace culture, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Tune in!They discuss:The role of tools like Pip Decks in improving team dynamicsThe importance of psychological safety in the workplaceHow 121s are a fundamental part of managementA time-saving hack that has been a game-changer Best practices for performing high functioning teamsThe importance of defining a clear "why" for a company or project, drawing on Simon Sinek’s frameworkHow sharing financial information with employees can impact motivation and decision-makingThe role of leadership in setting an example, the importance of making quick hiring/firing decisions, and why hiring a CFO early can greatly benefit a company.Make sure to follow us on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn at @GrowthForce & Instagram at @GrowthForceHQ!

The workplace is evolving fast—so how do leaders keep up? As the boundaries between remote and in-office blur, adapting to this new era is crucial for fostering a thriving, engaged workforce.In this episode, Susan Kreeger, Co-owner of RealHR Solutions joins Stephen King to dive into the shifting dynamics of hybrid and remote work, the challenges of managing performance from a distance, and what it takes to build a company culture that keeps employees engaged. From balancing flexibility with productivity to setting clear boundaries that prevent burnout, we’ll explore strategies that help businesses thrive in this new era of work.They discuss:How to effectively manage teams, whether they’re remote, hybrid, or in-officeWhy structuring employee interactions—from hiring to onboarding—makes all the difference.How to create a workplace where employees feel valued, engaged, and motivated to stayHow a solid onboarding process boosts employee performance and retentionHow the workplace is evolving and what challenges come with balancing remote and in-office rolesHow to effectively measure performance in a hybrid work environment by focusing on goals and outcomesMake sure to follow us on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn at @GrowthForce & Instagram at @GrowthForceHQ!

What if success wasn’t about chasing profits but about igniting purpose, empowering people, and crafting a vision so sharp it cuts through the noise?In this episode, we sit down with a visionary leader who’s transforming the way we think about success in business. Discover why crafting a truly intentional vision is more than a mission statement—it’s the cornerstone of your business. Daniel Steere, Owner of Steering Ventures, joins Stephen King to explore an innovative framework that reveals unexpected blind spots, a game-changing perspective on making clients the real stars of your story, and why profits aren’t the goal—they’re the byproduct of aligning purpose and people. Packed with insights that challenge conventional wisdom, this conversation will inspire you to rethink how you lead and grow!They discuss:Daniel’s philosophy about people, profits, and purposeThe importance of a well thought out vision statementThe blindspot of his Wheel FrameworkHow to make the client your heroHow profit is a result of your people and purposeMake sure to follow us on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn at @GrowthForce & Instagram at @GrowthForceHQ!

“My sales and marketing team are working in silos.”Sound familiar? It’s not uncommon for these two departments to be out of sync. We are here to tell you when these two departments work together, revenue soars. Enter the M2S (Marketing To Sales) Framework, coined by none other than our guest: Austin LaRoche, CEO of ATAK Interactive. Austin joins our host Stephen King to talk about the key to aligning your teams, driving seamless conversions, and creating a unified force that doesn’t just attract clients but turns them into loyal advocates!Transform the way you approach marketing & dive deep into the nitty gritty. Get ready to take notes—this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss…They discuss:The M2S (Marketing To Sales) framework concept & how it simplifies the sales processHow to define your ICP (Ideal Client Profile)The difference between SEO & Paid SearchCPC (Cost Per Click) strategiesHow to get better conversionsThe importance of social proof2 things people evaluate when on your websiteROI of marketingVanity MetricsEOS & the concept of TractionMake sure to follow us on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn at @GrowthForce & Instagram at @GrowthForceHQ!

Unpack cybersecurity, starting with this motto: “just assume everything is bad.”Cybersecurity wizard, Scott Kreisberg from One Step Secure IT joins Stephen King to discuss all things technology: from phishing to preventing cybersecurity attacks, this tech focused episode provides practical tips to enhance your online security.Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a business leader, or just someone interested in the evolving world of cybersecurity, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice to help you stay ahead of cyber threats.They discuss:Innovations in cybersecurityStrategies to prevent cyberattacksHow your company culture can go in to prevent cyberattacksSimulated phishingThe change in tech over the yearsScotts 4 steps to digital communicationThe impact of remote workers in securityThe future of cyber securityMake sure to follow us on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn at @GrowthForce & Instagram at @GrowthForceHQ!Check out Scott’s new book: Tame The Tech Beast!

So, you’re ready to sell your business you built from the ground up - what’s your motivation? That’s the first question you should ask yourself.With over three decades of experience in finance and investment, Kirk Michie, Managing Partner of Candor Advisors, joins Stephen on this episode to discuss the Wild West of exit strategies.Kirk starts by emphasizing the "WHY" – how your motivations can guide the entire sale process and ensure a more favorable outcome.Whether you're contemplating selling your business now or in the future, this episode is packed with practical advice and expert perspectives to help you navigate this complex path to profit.They discuss:Kirk’s journey to managing partnerHow to find the right buyerHow to be a strategic buyerStarting with WHYThe importance of due diligenceReal client storiesWhy you should ignore “comparison is the thief of joy”How you can increase valuationMake sure to follow us on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn at @GrowthForce & Instagram at @GrowthForceHQ!

By now, you’re most likely familiar with the concept of 1:1 meetings (well… we hope so).But did you know it can be the missing key to unlocking employee engagement? Jennifer Loftus, owner of HR consulting firm Astron Solutions, joins Stephen King for not only one of the most talked about topics, but the MOST IMPORTANT topic: Employee Engagement.After all, your people are your biggest asset.Tune in to listen to Jennifer’s takeaways on the importance of keeping employees engaged, and how to do so in a remote environment. They discuss:Astron’s 25 year history.How the pandemic shifted workplace culture. The importance of your value proposition.The power of one to one meetings. The key to employee connectivity, even when remote.Real client stories engaged employees.How to get your employees to bring their best selves.The important discussion of employee compensation.The 5 elements of total rewards.Make sure to follow us on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn at @GrowthForce & Instagram at @GrowthForceHQ!

Are the riches really in the niches?We weighed in with Carolyn Boldt Co-founder, VP, & Director of Design of CrossFields Interiors & Architecture. Carolyn shares her journey and the strategic steps she took when ascending to Co-founder & Vice president, offering invaluable insights into leadership and business acumen. From designing for big enterprises to honing in on holistic health and wellness practices, Carolyn shares the “blueprint” for finding your niche. Carolyn walks us through how she successfully identified and catered to her ideal client, reshaping the trajectory of CrossFields' success.They discuss:Carolyn's background & what her team is currently working on.Michael Gerber's book, The E-myth & how she applied it to CrossFields.The steps Carolyn took when leaping Co-founder & VP.How she brought her company back to profitability.The riches are in the niches - how she chose her specific ideal client.Make sure to follow us on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn at @GrowthForce & Instagram at @GrowthForceHQ!

The past four years have challenged business owners to reshape both their financial and people strategies; Guy Geier, Managing Partner at FX Collaborative, is no different. Guy joins Steve on Path To Profit to talk about the reality of the new normal after the pandemic from a financial and cultural perspective, and actions taken by his architecture company when funds were tight to reach their current revenue of $25 million. Guy also shares the specific KPIs he consistently uses to manage his firm.This is a must-listen for any business owner who wants to find the “blueprint” for growing a successful firm!They Discuss:Guy’s story of becoming Managing Partner at FXCollaborativeHis shift to remote work and why they moved back to hybrid. The reality of his numbers during the pandemicWhat his company did when money was tight The specific KPIs Guy tracks for FXCollaborativeHow AI is affecting the architecture spaceHow architecture firms can leverage new AI technologyWhy Guy thinks other architecture firms need to be careful when using AI technologyCheck out the AEC Scorecard™ - the architecture industry’s FIRST scorecard made exclusively for their growing firm!Make sure to follow us on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn at @GrowthForce & Instagram at @GrowthForceHQ!

A strategic vision alone won't cut it. Russ Hawkins, CEO at Agilence Inc shares invaluable insights on leading struggling companies to financial success. As a seasoned leader with a track record of turning companies around, Russ delivers a masterclass in the art of transformation. His proven approach involves thorough a SWOT analysis, a proven people strategy, and the proper way to use data. With over $100 million raised and successful sales in three different companies, his experience is a goldmine for entrepreneurs and business leaders.We Discuss:Russ’s process when being brought into a new tech company to turn it into a platform for growth.Why a SWAT Analysis is the first step when coming into a new companyOne of the most important lessons a business owner can hearThe baseline before you can start thinking about expansionWhat supports the strategic vision of the businessRuss’ advice on how to stay on the good side of your investorsHow Russ suggests businesses find the right data for themThe story of a turkey and a bull & hope it relates to businessMake sure to follow us on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn at @GrowthForce & Instagram at @GrowthForceHQ!

Let this statistic sit with you: 40% of roles in SMBs can not be filled. In this episode, Rob Levin, CEO of WorkBetterNow is the guide on our venture into the heart of labor shortages and the talent crisis. Rob is no ordinary entrepreneur. Since its inception in 2018, he has steered his business to a staggering $7 million run rate, boasting an awe-inspiring 17% net profit. So, if you're racking your brain, wondering how to solve the ever-persistent Great ReShuffle this episode offers a different perspective. We Discuss:How Rob grew his new business to $7 million & 17% net profit since starting it in 2018The talent crisis and how 40% of roles in SMB’s can not be filled *The solution to the labor shortages What to look for when outsourcing talent in your businessWhen to hire in the U.S and when to hire overseas The benefits & best practices to finding talent overseasThe challenges to finding talent overseasHow to maintain culture when outsourcingDon’t forget the EXCLUSIVE WorkBetterNow offer! If you’re interested in working with Rob & his team, mention “GrowthForce” & you can get $150 off your services for each of the first 3 months! Make sure to follow us on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn at @GrowthForce & Instagram at @GrowthForceHQ!

Taxes are a labyrinth, so our seasoned experts unravel the complexities surrounding business taxes, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. State Tax Advisors new president, Hunter Epps, and Chairman & Founder Riley Epps, join Stephen King to discuss the intricacies of taxes and how a solid foundation is key to avoiding those dreaded, stress-inducing audits that can make even the most seasoned business owner break into a cold sweat.Plus, for all our remote/hybrid business owners- we take a deep dive into how to properly handle payroll with employees in different states. We Discuss:A Path To Profit exclusive announcement about State Tax Advisors change in leadershipHow to set up payroll when you have employees in different statesWhy getting your taxes right is importantThe first step in finding the right rules for TaxesHow you can avoid stressful audits The advantages of virtual assistants How Upwork can help with labor force challenges Make sure to follow us on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn at @GrowthForce & Instagram at @GrowthForceHQ!

Let’s rewind the clock back 25 years to the era of sending a press release through fax machines. Those days are long gone, but the press release still remains an effective marketing tactic to get in front of your target audience. Now, in a digital space. Mickie Kennedy, founder of eReleases joins this episode of Path To Profit to uncover the keys to unleashing the true potential of press releases.Mickie reflects on the challenges and triumphs that shaped the revolution of press releases.Whether you're an entrepreneur, marketer, or a curious listener, this episode is your backstage pass.We Discuss:The evolution of press releases over the last 25 years, from fax to emailHow Mickie came to launch eReleasesBest practices for getting journalists attentionThe important elements of an effective press releaseWhy small businesses need press releases just as much as bigger companiesThe dangers of micromanaging How he stopped micromanaging and started focusing on growing the businessMickie’s proudest press releaseMake sure to follow us on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn at @GrowthForce & Instagram at @GrowthForceHQ!

It starts with business innovation, growth, and customer-centric strategies; It ends with a 1.2 BILLION dollar software business. On this episode of Path To Profit, we are stepping into the world of business transformation and success with Gordon Henry, Chief Strategy Officer at Thryv, as your guide. As a data-driven strategist, Gordon reveals the key metrics and analytics that other business owners should pay close attention to in order to stay ahead of the game.