Business is F'n Hard

In this 34th episode of Business is F'n Hard, social media star Emilio Dela Peña reveals how he leveraged over 1 million followers to build a flight simulator franchise with a mind-blowing €1 customer acquisition cost.Key Chapters:00:00 - Introduction02:22 - The Entrepreneur's Mindset: Failing Fast to Learn Fast03:34 - The Power of a Uniform: Creating The Greatest Show05:55 - The Origin Story: From Travel Blog to Marketing Guru07:20 - Using a Personal Brand to Open Impossible Doors09:05 - The Business Model: A Paid Lead Magnet to Sell Trips12:45 - The Target Audience Was Not Who I Thought It Was14:45 - How to Find Your Audience with a Minimum Viable Community15:21 - The Future Goal: 1,000 Flight Simulators Across the World#podcast #entrepreneurship #businessCONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS!Emilio Dela PeñaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilio-de-la-pe%C3%B1a-21174b1a8/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emiliodelap/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emiliodelapCONNECT WITH THE BIFH CREW!BIFH Linktree: https://linktr.ee/BusinessIsFNHardOur podcast is running on EOS! Want to get your leadership team aligned, gain traction, and achieve real company growth? Book a free EOS Intro Call with us now: https://www.businessisfnhard.com/eosYou can also listen to all of our episodes on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! https://linktr.ee/businessisfnhardSee you on our next live episode!

In this 33rd episode of Business is F'n Hard, CEO Brian Fisher reveals why you must hire people smarter than you, how a SWOT analysis saved his company from a major downturn, and the marketing "dumb tax" that cost him $10,000.Key Chapters:00:00 - Introduction01:12 - Becoming a better CEO through networking02:23 - The challenge of finding and hiring knowledgeable people 03:46 - Surviving major economic downturns 04:03 - Turning a SWOT analysis into a strategic plan 05:40 - The challenge of marketing a podcast 07:07 - Paying a "dumb tax" to ineffective marketing agencies 08:13 - How Brian spends his weekends 08:42 - The importance of a business plan and financial projections #podcast #entrepreneurship #businessCONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS!Brian FisherLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-fisher-72174413/Website: https://www.bcforg.com/CONNECT WITH THE BIFH CREW!BIFH Linktree: https://linktr.ee/BusinessIsFNHardOur podcast is running on EOS! Want to get your leadership team aligned, gain traction, and achieve real company growth? Book a free EOS Intro Call with us now: https://www.businessisfnhard.com/eosYou can also listen to all of our episodes on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! https://linktr.ee/businessisfnhardSee you on our next live episode!

In the 32nd episode of Business is F'n Hard, guest host Angie, joined by Robyn Abernathy from National Lift and Lauren Huff from Curves Fitness for Women, gets real about the chaotic grind of business, from battling economic slowdowns and keeping clients hooked to leveling up work-life balance and flexing those stress-management skills.Key Chapters:00:11 Meet the Guests: Robin Abernathy and Lauren Huff02:40 Challenges in Business: Economic Impact and Location Issues07:31 Balancing Work and Personal Life12:48 Coping with Stress: Techniques and Strategies23:41 The Power of Positivity in Leadership25:18 Fun and Engaging Team Building Activities27:12 Motivating Clients with the Three C's29:17 Celebrating Wins and Building a Positive Work Environment32:07 The Importance of Personal Connections in the Workplace38:05 Promoting Your Business and Upcoming Events#podcast #entrepreneurship #businessCONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS!Robyn AbernathyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robyn-abernathy-b485629b/Website: https://www.nlt.com/Lauren HuffFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/curvesmemphistnsoutheast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curvesmemphisse/CONNECT WITH THE BIFH CREW!BIFH Linktree: https://linktr.ee/BusinessIsFNHardOur podcast is running on EOS! Want to get your leadership team aligned, gain traction, and achieve real company growth? Book a free EOS Intro Call with us now: https://www.businessisfnhard.com/eosYou can also listen to all of our episodes on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! https://linktr.ee/businessisfnhardSee you on our next live episode!

In this 31st episode of Business is F’n Hard, Calvin talks real growth, real pain, and real wins with fractional COO Forrest Derr and podcasting powerhouse Matt Halloran.Key Chapters00:00 - Introduction00:58 - Meet the Guests: Forrest Derr & Matt Halloran04:13 - Forrest on Clients Who Don’t Know Their Numbers07:19 - Matt’s Transformation with a Fractional COO10:54 - Fractional vs. Full-Time: When to Choose What16:06 - How to Help First and Still Get Paid19:21 - Hiring Great People vs. Good Enough24:02 - Managing Legacy Employees in a Scaling Business27:47 - EOS and the Power of Letting Go30:24 - Embracing AI Without Losing the Human Edge35:12 - Final Thoughts & Guest Plugs#podcast #entrepreneurship #businessCONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS!Forrest DerrLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/forrestderrMatt HalloranLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-halloran/CONNECT WITH THE BIFH CREW!BIFH Linktree: https://linktr.ee/BusinessIsFNHardYou can also listen to all of our episodes on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!https://linktr.ee/businessisfnhardOur podcast is running on EOS!Want to get your leadership team aligned, gain traction, and achieve real company growth?Book a free EOS Intro Call now: https://www.businessisfnhard.com/eosSee you on our next live episode!

In this 30th episode of the Business is F’n Hard podcast, we explore how our inner language, leadership boundaries, and the courage to change shape the way we grow as entrepreneurs with Whitney Schreck and Fonde Bridges.Key Chapters:00:00 - Introduction01:06 - Meet your host and today’s powerhouse guests02:31 - Whitney on building practical leadership skills03:04 - Fonde on language, mindset, and “healthy words”04:43 - What people get wrong about communication07:19 - Rhythms of personal and professional formation10:05 - Relationships, self-talk, and the gut-level truth14:14 - Witchy wisdom: transcend, transmute, or transform17:02 - Language, storytelling, and spelling as a spell21:14 - Let your narrative empower you24:41 - Business moments that truly humbled them27:48 - Boundaries, personal policy, and self-management31:50 - Trusting your intuition (especially when you’re new)35:48 - “This is the way”: honoring the journey37:26 - Business mistakes they’ll never repeat42:01 - What Whitney and Fonde are working on next#podcast #entrepreneurship #businessCONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS!Whitney SchreckLinkedIn:   / whitneyschreck  Website: https://whitisms.com/Program: https://litleader.thinkific.comFonde BridgesLinkedIn:   / fondebridges  Website: https://www.healthywordsglobal.comPatreon:   / healthywords  CONNECT WITH THE BIFH CREW!BIFH Linktree: https://linktr.ee/BusinessIsFNHard🎧 Listen to all of our episodes on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!https://linktr.ee/businessisfnhardOur podcast is running on EOS!Want to get your leadership team aligned, gain traction, and achieve real company growth?🎯 Book a free EOS Intro Call now: https://www.businessisfnhard.com/eosSee you on our next live episode!

In this 29th episode of Business is F'n Hard, we get brutally honest about leadership, burnout, and building a business with heart alongside Anatoly Spektor, Doug, and James Wheeler.Key Chapters:00:00 - Introduction01:25 - Meet the Guests: Doug, James & Anatoly  03:33 - What’s Kicking Your Butt in Business?  05:50 - Challenges of Entering a New Industry  07:39 - Learning to Say No and Focus  09:10 - Leading with Empathy  11:21 - Building Trust Within the Team  13:51 - Company Values and Culture in Remote Teams  23:21 - Leveraging Reputation to Grow Fast  30:02 - Final Thoughts and Where to Connect  #podcast #entrepreneurship #businessCONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS!Anatoly SpektorLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anatolyspektor/Doug WheelerWebsite: https://signarama.com/locations/ny-tullyJames WheelerWebsite: https://signarama.com/locations/ny-tullyCompany: https://countryside-excavation.com/CONNECT WITH THE BIFH CREW!BIFH Linktree: https://linktr.ee/BusinessIsFNHardWe're powered by the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to bring clarity, accountability, and real traction to growing businesses—if you're ready to get unstuck, book an EOS Intro Call with our Professional EOS Implementer Calvin Smith here: https://calendly.com/calvinjsmithSee you on our next live episode!

In this 28th episode of Business is F'n Hard, Rob Huston unpacks his journey from rescuing a struggling family oil business to embracing AI-powered productivity, revealing how resilience, relationships, and relentless adaptation are the real keys to staying ahead.Key Chapters:00:00 - Introduction00:49 - Meet Rob Huston: Oil, AG, and AI02:14 - From Oil Production to Asset Management06:30 - Escaping the Firefighting Phase09:30 - Real AI Tools That Actually Help16:21 - How to Filter AI Hype from Real Value18:55 - AG Marketing Lessons for Business Owners26:40 - The Power of Relationships and Integrity27:31 - What’s Kicking Rob’s Ass Right Now?30:57 - Humbling Moments and Final Takeaways#podcast #entrepreneurship #businessCONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS!Rob HustonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robahuston/CONNECT WITH THE BIFH CREW!BIFH Linktree: https://linktr.ee/BusinessIsFNHardWe're powered by the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to bring clarity, accountability, and real traction to growing businesses—if you're ready to get unstuck, book an EOS Intro Call with our Professional EOS Implementer Calvin Smith here: https://calendly.com/calvinjsmithSee you on our next live episode!

In this 27th episode of Business is F’n Hard, Ericka Young and Sandy Wright share raw, powerful truths about resilience, leadership, and the personal sacrifices behind building and sustaining real businesses.Key Chapters:00:00 - Introduction01:06 - Meet Ericka Young and Sandy Wright02:03 - Ericka’s Origin Story: Starting a Business at 1702:49 - Sandy’s Journey from Marketing to Coaching05:46 - The Hiring Crisis and Post-COVID Workforce Shifts10:51 - The Cost of Employee Turnover and Culture Building14:54 - Shifting from Doing It All to Delegating17:22 - Work-Life Balance and Family Support in Business24:09 - The Truth About Unique Entrepreneurial Journeys30:45 - Humbling Moments and Powering Through Adversity#podcast #entrepreneurship #businessCONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS!Ericka YoungWebsite: https://youngsmovingservice.com/ Sandy WrightLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandy-wright/CONNECT WITH THE BIFH CREW!BIFH Linktree: https://linktr.ee/BusinessIsFNHardWe're powered by the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to bring clarity, accountability, and real traction to growing businesses—if you're ready to get unstuck, book an EOS Intro Call with our Professional EOS Implementer Calvin Smith here: https://calendly.com/calvinjsmithSee you on our next live episode!

In this 26th episode of Business is F'n Hard, Aaron Lewis shares hard-won wisdom on leading with love, sustaining growth, and building a business—and life—rooted in purpose, discipline, and grit.Key Chapters:00:00 - Introduction01:20 - Meet Aaron Lewis and His 20-Year Business Journey02:30 - What's Working and What's Hard in Business Right Now04:20 - The Pressure of Pricing and Market Competition06:57 - Lessons from 10 Years Ago: Systems and Training08:43 - Consultant Impact and Embracing EOS10:41 - Personal Growth, Health, and Energy Optimization14:09 - Finding Peace Through Spiritual Discipline16:09 - Building a Culture That Truly Cares21:13 - The Future of Commercial Services and Staying Competitive#podcast #entrepreneurship #businessCONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS!Aaron LewisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronwardlewis/CONNECT WITH THE BIFH CREW!BIFH Linktree: https://linktr.ee/BusinessIsFNHardWe're powered by the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to bring clarity, accountability, and real traction to growing businesses—if you're ready to get unstuck, book a call with our Professional EOS Implementer Calvin Smith here: https://calendly.com/calvinjsmithSee you on our next live episode!

In this 25th episode of Business is F’n Hard, Giordo Dagnino and Luis Ortiz open up about Gen Z ambition, creative risk-taking, and redefining success on their own terms.Key Chapters:00:00 - Introduction01:08 - Meet Giordo and Luis: Where They Are Now02:32 - What They're Struggling With Today04:52 - Giordo’s Gap Year and Lessons Learned08:56 - Luis’s Journey Into Music and Higher Education13:14 - Redefining Success as Gen Z17:03 - University vs. Alternative Career Paths22:27 - Building a Business vs. 9-to-5 Jobs26:40 - Passion Projects: Cars, Music, and More36:15 - Role Models and Final Reflections#podcast #entrepreneurship #businessCONNECT WITH THE BIFH CREW!BIFH Linktree: https://linktr.ee/BusinessIsFNHardWe're powered by the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to bring clarity, accountability, and real traction to growing businesses—if you're ready to get unstuck, book a call with our Professional EOS Implementer Calvin Smith here: https://calendly.com/calvinjsmithSee you on our next live episode!

In this 24th episode of Business is F'n Hard, three dynamic entrepreneurs—Katrena Friel from Australia, Clay Goforth of Dark Horse Retail Group, and Arkansas rice farmer Jessica James—open up about the complexities of family businesses, the grind of entrepreneurship, and the unrelenting challenges in their industries.Key Chapters:00:00 - Introduction02:04 - Katrena on Becoming the Expert and Building Personal Brands  02:36 - Clay’s Retail Journey and Launching Dark Horse Retail Group  03:56 - Jessica’s Multigenerational Family Farm and Agricultural Advocacy  05:52 - What’s Kicking Your Butt Right Now? Commodity Challenges  10:25 - Value-Adding in Agriculture and Business Adaptation  15:56 - Generational Dynamics in Family Businesses  19:56 - Family Business Culture and External Employees  28:10 - Mentorship, Expertise, and Facing the Unknown in Business  #podcast #entrepreneurship #businessCONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS!Katrena FrielLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrenafrielClay GoforthLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theclaygoforthJennifer JamesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-james-fieldgoodlifeCONNECT WITH THE BIFH CREW!BIFH Linktree: https://linktr.ee/BusinessIsFNHardWe're powered by the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to bring clarity, accountability, and real traction to growing businesses—if you're ready to get unstuck, book a call with our Professional EOS Implementer Calvin Smith here:  https://calendly.com/calvinjsmithSee you on our next live episode!

In this 23rd episode of Business is F'n Hard, Jessica Crum from Silver Lake Studio and Spencer Kilgore from Project Hope and Saving Grace share their journeys through entrepreneurship and nonprofit leadership. Tune in to hear insights on leadership, failure, and the power of slowing down!Key Chapters:00:00 - Introduction01:59 - Jessica’s Journey: From Fashion to Nonprofit03:05 - Spencer’s Story: Building Community Relations12:13 - Challenges in Business: Capacity and Hiring24:23 - Reflecting on Early Business Challenges24:41 - The Importance of Hiring a Consultant26:55 - Lessons from Failure35:12 - Overrated Business Advice41:07 - Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts#podcast #entrepreneurship #businessCONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS!Jessica CrumLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-crum/Spencer KilgoreLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-kilgoreCONNECT WITH THE BIFH CREW!BIFH Linktree: https://linktr.ee/BusinessIsFNHardThis podcast is powered by the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to bring clarity, accountability, and real traction to growing businesses. If you're ready to get unstuck, book a call with our professional EOS implementer, Calvin Smith, here: https://calendly.com/calvinjsmithSee you on our next live episode!

In this 22nd episode of Business is F'n Hard, we sit down with a true powerhouse—Dr. Hagit Gregory, who’s balancing businesses, degrees, and motherhood like a pro. How does she manage it all without crashing? This one’s for anyone who’s ever tried to do too much… and kept going anyway.Key Chapters:00:00 - Introduction01:20 – Who Is Dr. Hagit Gregory?03:00 – Becoming a Lifelong Learner04:50 – Running a Child Development Center09:00 – Constant Fires and Funding Battles12:00 – Birth of Training Innovations14:50 – CDA Credentials and Her Vision20:00 – Managing Overload and Burnout24:00 – The Power of Taking a Break29:00 – Final Thoughts and How to Connect#podcast #entrepreneurship #businessCONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS!Dr. Hagit GregoryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-hagit-gregory-edd-670683245CONNECT WITH THE BIFH CREW!BIFH Linktree: https://linktr.ee/BusinessIsFNHardWe run this podcast on EOS—the Entrepreneurial Operating System—which helps us grow this podcast, and it can help you level up your business too. Curious about how EOS could work for you? Book a call now: https://calendly.com/calvinjsmithSee you on our next live episode!

In this 21st episode of Business is F'n Hard, we welcome Jim Moore, founder and CEO of Mark IV Capital, and Emilio Dela Pena, director of Siente el Mundo. Jim shares his experiences of overcoming personal and professional hardships, illustrating the importance of perseverance and family. Emilio offers insights on leveraging artificial intelligence to create immersive experiences and the value of understanding customer needs. Tune in to hear their inspiring stories and gain valuable insights on navigating the tough road of entrepreneurship!Key Chapters:00:00 - Teaser00:44 - Meet the Guests: Jim Moore and Emilio Dela Pena02:07 - Jim Moore's Journey: From Basketball to Business04:24 - Emilio Dela Pena: Immersive Experiences and Personal Branding07:35 - Challenges and Triumphs: Overcoming Business Obstacles31:55 - Seeking Business Advice32:33 - Overcoming Dark Times33:17 - Moments of Doubt34:48 - Faith and Perseverance37:33 - Lessons from Failure43:28 - Customer-Centric Business50:18 - Balancing Business and Family53:27 - Valuing Self Beyond Money56:06 - Current Business Ventures01:00:24 - Final Thoughts and Plugs!#podcast #entrepreneurship #businessCONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS!Jim MooreLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-moore-a3062745Emilio Dela PeñaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilio-de-la-pe%C3%B1a-21174b1a8/Instagram: instagram.com/emiliodelapCONNECT WITH THE BIFH CREW!BIFH Linktree: https://linktr.ee/BusinessIsFNHardSee you on our next live episode!

In the 20th episode of Business is F’n Hard, hosts Calvin Smith and Steve Hintz engage in an enlightening conversation with Heather Applegate, owner of Pivot X Coaching, and Charity Miller, CEO and founder of Lyme Group Consulting. Together, they share valuable insights on building relationships, the importance of social media presence, and the mental resilience required to overcome business obstacles. This episode offers a real and candid look at the trials of being an entrepreneur, while also providing actionable advice for those on similar paths, so don’t miss it!Key Chapters:00:00 Teaser00:48 Introduction: Celebrating the 20th Episode!02:07 Heather Applegate's Coaching Journey03:24 Charity Miller's Business Insights05:31 The Art of Selling and Lead Generation18:31 Overcoming Fear and Building Confidence21:41 Navigating Life's Waves22:19 Lessons from Kids' Stories23:10 Overcoming Fear and Anxiety24:48 The Reality of Social Media for Entrepreneurs27:55 Building a Business Amidst Challenges28:39 Family Influence and Risk-Taking32:28 Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship35:04 The Inconsistencies of Entrepreneurship38:26 Final Thoughts and Elevator Pitches#podcast #entrepreneurship #businessCONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS!Heather ApplegateLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-applegate/Website: https://www.thepivotx.com/Charity MillerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charity-miller-b1718584Website: https://limegroupconsulting.com/CONNECT WITH THE BIFH CREW!BIFH Linktree: https://linktr.ee/BusinessIsFNHardSee you on our next live episode!

In this 19th episode of Business is F'n Hard, we’re joined by Kyndsie Huston, Joss Vargas, and Brenda Calzada from ScaleSource, and we talk about what it's really like to work from home. Kyndsie, who is the General Manager and EOS Integrator, talks about how businesses can better scale when teams work from home. Joss, Head of Operations, talks about how to get foreign workers to trust you and be responsible. Brenda, a Recruitment Operations Specialist, clears up some common misunderstandings about people who work from home and explains why these people are more dedicated than you think. If you're a business owner who doesn't know when to hire help, this episode is for you!Key Chapters:00:00 - Teaser01:05 - Introduction01:57 - Meet the Guests: Kinsey, Joss, and Brenda04:51 - Challenges in Business: What's Kicking Your Butt?09:56 - Remote Work Misconceptions and Benefits16:23 - Hiring Fast, Firing Fast: Does It Work?19:55 - Setting Clear Expectations in Remote Work21:40 - Building Trust and Accountability Remotely23:52 - Effective Communication Strategies27:23 - Advice for Stressed Entrepreneurs32:37 - Exciting News and Final Thoughts#podcast #entrepreneurship #businessCONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS!Kyndsie HustonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyndsiehustonsprofile/Joss VargasLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jos-vargas/Brenda CalzadaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bcalzadanav/ScaleSource Website: https://scalesource.com/CONNECT WITH THE BIFH CREW!BIFH Linktree: https://linktr.ee/BusinessIsFNHardSee you on our next live episode!

In this 18th episode of Business is F'n Hard, we dive into the evolving world of digital marketing with Rachael McCone Davenport, owner of The Footstep Group, and Joshua Ang Price, owner of Hybrid Strategies LLC. We discuss the challenges small business owners face in standing out online, adapting to new platforms, and using AI tools like ChatGPT effectively. Rachael shares insights on staying authentic while scaling her business, while Joshua reveals resources and strategies to help rural and minority-owned businesses thrive. Tune in to hear how we tackle the realities of digital marketing today with Rachael Davenport & Joshua Ang Price.Key Chapters:00:00 - Introduction00:58 - Host Welcome & Guest Introductions01:31 - Joshua’s Entrepreneurial Journey04:25 - Rachael’s Path to Entrepreneurship07:09 - Challenges in Small Business10:52 - Shifting to Digital Marketing16:08 - Leveraging AI for Business Growth21:52 - Resources for Small Business Owners27:55 - Staying Authentic in Branding30:10 - What’s Next for Our Guests#podcast #entrepreneurship #businessCONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS!Joshua Ang PriceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-ang-priceSBA Loan Info: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loansSBA Resource Partners for free mentorship and technical assistance with business plans, budgets, etc.: https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partnersHybrid Strategies Contact Info:Email: joshua.ang.price@gmail.comWork Phone: 904-290-3226Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoshAngPriceTwitter/X: https://x.com/JoshAngPriceRachael McCone DavenportLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-mccone-davenport-8939133The FootStep Group: https://footstepgroup.com/Rachael Davenport Coaching: https://www.rachaeldavenportcoaching.com/homeCONNECT WITH THE BIFH CREW!BIFH Linktree: https://linktr.ee/BusinessIsFNHardSee you on our next live episode!

In this 17th episode of Business is F’n Hard, producer Jeroel Maranan fills in for Calvin and Kyndsie to host two incredible guests in the travel industry: Geisha Cumberbatch, owner of La Rosa Negra Travel by Dream Vacations, and Yolande Joseph Turner, co-owner of Sea2Shore Vacation. These travel experts talk about how they became entrepreneurs, the problems they've faced in the business, and the strategies they use to keep up with changing travel trends.Geisha and Yolande both talk about the current state of travel, how they adapt to uncertain times, and how important it is to give great service to clients. They talk about the real challenges of having a travel business, like dealing with travelers who aren't sure what to do and airlines that have problems. This show is full of useful information that you won't want to miss if you work in the travel business or just love to travel.Key Chapters:00:00 - Introduction01:07 Meet the Guests: Geisha and Yolande03:46 Biggest Challenges in the Travel Industry07:20 Adapting to the Current Travel Landscape12:43 The Value of Travel Agents23:52 Cultural Immersion and Making Connections24:33 Building Lifelong Friendships25:08 Challenges and Fears in the Travel Industry27:00 The Importance of Positivity and Community30:50 Personal Touch in Client Relationships36:18 Advice for Aspiring Travel Entrepreneurs40:13 Upcoming Travel Events and Opportunities43:30 Contact Information and Social Media44:34 Final Thoughts and Gratitude45:12 Closing Remarks and Farewell#podcast #entrepreneurship #businessCONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS!Geisha CumberbatchLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geisha-cumberbatch-b29b321b2Yolande Joseph TurnerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yolande-joseph-turner-330a8034bWebsite: https://yturner.dreamvacations.comCONNECT WITH THE BIFH CREW!BIFH Linktree: https://linktr.ee/BusinessIsFNHardSee you on our next live episode!

In this 16th episode of Business is F’n Hard, we dive deep into the realities of scaling a business, raising capital, and finding the right partners to take things to the next level. Brian Wagers shares how he went from a solo real estate investor to managing hundreds of properties, pooling investor capital, and navigating the unpredictable commercial market. Jeremy Duckworth reveals his wild career shift from NASCAR to Hollywood, the struggles of building a media business, and how he’s changing his model to create consistent revenue streams. From hiring challenges to market volatility to partnership pitfalls, this episode is packed with hard-won lessons every entrepreneur needs to hear! Key Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 01:38 - From Sales to Real Estate: How Brian Built His Investment Empire 04:05 - From Race Cars to Film Sets: Jeremy’s Unconventional Path to Success 08:51 - The Hardest Part of Business: Hiring, Firing & Scaling Smart 13:26 - Avoiding Burnout While Growing: Jeremy’s Game-Changing Business Model 17:49 - The Right People in the Right Seats: Hiring for Growth in 2025 24:39 - How to Build Partnerships That Actually Work 27:18 - Finding Talent & Raising Capital in Niche Industries 29:12 - What’s Next? Big Moves in Real Estate & Media 32:08 - Final Advice: Stop Working IN Your Business & Start Working ON It #podcast #entrepreneurship #business CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS! Brian Wagers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwagers Website: https://wagerscapital.com/ Jeremy Duckworth LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-duckworth-7b863843 Website: https://bodhighproductions.com/ CONNECT WITH THE BIFH CREW! BIFH Linktree: https://linktr.ee/BusinessIsFNHard See you on our next live episode!

In this 15th episode of Business is F'n Hard, we dive into the intricate and rewarding world of entrepreneurship with two inspiring guests. First, we meet Cristin Smith, Director of Franchisee Onboarding and Training at Empower Brands, who shares her journey from working in her family’s restaurant business to helping franchisees achieve their goals. Cristin reflects on the challenges of balancing family dynamics in business, setting boundaries, and creating a thriving professional environment. Next, we’re introduced to Lauren Dozier, founder and CEO of Dozier Financial Services. Lauren takes us through her transition from being a financial analyst for a Fortune 500 company to starting her own bookkeeping business. She shares her challenges with client acquisition, building trust, and scaling her business—all while balancing motherhood and the possibility of collaborating with her husband. This episode is packed with heartfelt advice, actionable insights, and stories of resilience. Whether you’re juggling family business dynamics, looking to grow your client base, or simply seeking entrepreneurial inspiration, this episode will leave you energized and ready to tackle your next challenge. Key Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 01:35 - Meet Cristin Smith: From family business to franchise onboarding 06:54 - Meet Lauren Dozier: Transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship 11:52 - Lauren’s challenges: Client acquisition and trust-building strategies 16:34 - Cristin’s perspective: Navigating boundaries in family businesses 21:19 - Lessons learned: The importance of grace and understanding 24:39 - Actionable insights: Building trust with potential clients 29:21 - Empower Brands’ growth: Cristin’s goals for the next year 32:48 - Scaling Dozier Financial Services: Lauren’s plans for 2025 35:22 - The balance of family and business: Lessons from Cristin and Lauren 38:58 - Closing thoughts: How to connect with Lauren and Cristin #podcast #entrepreneurship #business #EntrepreneurshipJourney #FamilyBusinessTips #BuildingTrust CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS! Lauren Dozier LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-dozier-9301878a/ Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook, or visit her website at dozierfinancialservices.com Cristin Smith LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristinlandon/ Learn more about Empower Brands at empowerbrands.com. CONNECT WITH THE BIFH CREW! BIFH Linktree: https://linktr.ee/BusinessIsFNHard Subscribe to Business is F'n Hard on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. Don’t forget to share this episode with someone who could use a boost of entrepreneurial motivation! Tune in, take notes, and get ready to tackle your own business challenges head-on. Let’s grow together! See you on our next live episode!