Succession Stories

"No one's promised tomorrow." Host Laurie Barkman talks with Scott Arden, Chairman of Controllers Ltd and Managing Partner of Generational Wealth Solutions, about the intricacies of financial strategies for business owners. Controllers Limited focuses on advanced strategies for asset protection and generational wealth.  Focusing on growth, succession planning, and the importance of legacy, Scott emphasizes the need for business owners to prepare for transitions, whether through exit strategies or succession planning, and highlights the significance of teaching financial literacy to future generations. The conversation also touches on the psychological aspects of business ownership and the value of experiences over mere accumulation of wealth.   Key Insights Business owners often procrastinate on succession planning due to a false sense of security. Crucial to identify who will run the business in case of an owner's incapacitation. Protecting asset value can be as important as building asset value. Experiences and memories may be more valuable than simply accumulating wealth. Financial literacy is essential for future generations to manage inherited wealth. Engage the next generation in business operations or governance. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Financial Strategies for Business Owners 02:35 Understanding Business Growth and Exit Strategies 05:28 The Importance of Succession Planning 10:30 Psychology of Business Transition and Legacy 14:34 Rethinking Wealth: Experiences Over Accumulation 17:19 Teaching Financial Literacy to Future Generations   This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® Learn what every entrepreneur needs to know about building value and avoiding pitfalls! 📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook https://lauriebarkman.me/book   📣 Write a Podcast Review: ratethispodcast.com/successionstories Connect with Laurie Barkman:  Website: https://lauriebarkman.me LinkedIn: in/lauriebarkman YouTube: @LaurieBarkman_BTSherpa   Connect with Scott Arden: Website: https://generationalwealthsystems.com/ Website: https://www.controllersltd.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottarden/

🎙️ Business growth and succession planning start long before an exit. In this special Succession Stories swapcast, Laurie Barkman introduces the B.U.I.L.T.™ Method, a practical framework for building value and preparing for business transition. 🔓 This episode features Laurie's guest appearance on The B2B Growth Podcast with Mark Osborne, where the mic is turned around and she shares the thinking behind the B.U.I.L.T.™ Method for Business Growth and Transition. Designed for founder-led and closely held companies, the framework helps owners reduce dependency on themselves, strengthen operations, and prepare for leadership transition or exit — on their terms. 🎯 This conversation is especially relevant for owners in the built environment, including construction, engineering, architecture, and related professional services, where complexity, people, and relationships make transition planning both critical and challenging. 📊 The B.U.I.L.T. Method explained… Why succession planning should be integrated into business growth How the B.U.I.L.T. Method helps build transferable enterprise value Common transition challenges for built-environment companies How owners can prepare for what's next without rushing an exit 💬 Standout insight:  "Gen X business owners have seen what happens when owners never step away — and we want something better." - Laurie Barkman 🧭 If you're thinking about business growth, succession, or transition planning, this episode offers a clear, structured approach to building a stronger, more resilient company — long before an exit is on the table. This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® Learn what every entrepreneur needs to know about building value and avoiding pitfalls! 📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook https://lauriebarkman.me/book 📣 Write a Podcast Review: ratethispodcast.com/successionstories Connect with Laurie Barkman:  Website: https://lauriebarkman.me LinkedIn: in/lauriebarkman YouTube: @LaurieBarkman_BTSherpa

In this episode, Laurie Barkman is joined by Dr. Brianna Rhue, optometrist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Dr Contact Lens. Brianna shares her journey from a private practice owner to a tech maven, driven by the need to solve a critical "leaky bucket" problem: doctors losing contact lens sales to online retailers. She discusses the "entrepreneurial gene", the power of a "chip on your shoulder", and the lessons learned in building a full-blown tech platform from scratch. 💬 Quote from Brianna: "You have to get a really thick skin... as an entrepreneur, you are going to pave roads and you're gonna get arrows shot at your back. You're gonna get knocked off, you're gonna get made fun of... And if you don't have that core belief in yourself of your why, it makes those days really, really hard." Key Takeaways:  💡 How the "entrepreneurial gene" is planted by early exposure to risk and observing the "ups and downs". 👥 Why a "chip on your shoulder," often formed from childhood experiences, can be essential energy for an entrepreneur. 💰 The steep transition from medicine to tech, and learning a new language of SaaS, CAC (Customer Acquisition Cost), and LTV (Lifetime Value). 🏦 How Doctor Contact Lens solves the "leaky bucket" problem of doctors losing recurring revenue to online retailers. 🤝 Brianna's "Three Frogs" method for daily productivity: one joy, one easy, and one hard task to move the business forward. 🎧 Tune in to Succession Stories to learn how to identify a major pain point in your industry and build a tech solution to solve it.   This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® Learn what every entrepreneur needs to know about building value and avoiding pitfalls! 📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: btsherpa.com/book   📣 Write a Podcast Review: ratethispodcast.com/successionstories   Connect with Laurie Barkman:  Website: https://lauriebarkman.me LinkedIn: in/lauriebarkman YouTube: @LaurieBarkman_BTSherpa   Connect with Dr. Brianna Rhue: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannarhue

🎧 Tune in to learn the realities of entrepreneurship through acquisition, from the search process to surviving economic uncertainty in the first year.  Laurie Barkman sits down with Aashay Kumar, owner of Tri-Form, Inc. Aashay shares his story of leaving a corporate career to buy an existing manufacturing business. He demystifies the process of entrepreneurship through acquisition. Listen in as Aashay reflects on his acquisition journey including stealth search process, securing an SBA loan, diligence misses, and the ups and downs of the first 15 months of ownership. 💬Quote from Aashay Kumar: "Take the approach of being a learner from day one. Always ask questions. Always do more research than you think you have to, and be humble throughout the process." ________________________________________________________________________ Key Takeaways: 💡 Why buy vs. start: The value of buying a business with positive cash flow, especially if you don't have a specific problem you are trying to solve. 👥 Independent search vs. search fund: Why Aashay chose an independent path to maintain full ownership and control, rather than being diluted by a search fund. 💰 How to finance the deal: A look at navigating SBA loans, negotiating with multiple banks, and using a seller financing note to structure the deal. 🏦 The diligence "misses" to watch for: Aashay shares what he overlooked, including the condition of the building and smaller assets like a company truck. 🤝 "Fit first, financials second": Why the cultural fit and relationship with the prior owners (and their family members in the business) was a critical, non-negotiable part of the deal. This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® Learn what every entrepreneur needs to know about building value and avoiding pitfalls! 📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: btsherpa.com/book   📣 Write a Podcast Review: ratethispodcast.com/successionstories Connect with Laurie Barkman:  Email: laurie@btsherpa.com LinkedIn: in/lauriebarkman Book: Free Download YouTube: @TheBusinessTransitionSherpa    Connect with Aashay Kumar: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/aashaykumar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tri-form-inc/   

What does it take to finance a business transition or acquisition? In this episode, Laurie Barkman sits down with David Miller, Executive Vice President at Enterprise Bank, to demystify lending for business owners — from SBA loans to insider buyouts. David shares how banks assess deals, why management continuity matters most, and how entrepreneurs can become "bankable" when it's time to grow or exit. 💬 Quote from David Miller: "Don't think you can't buy a business just because you're not personally wealthy. If you have the right skillset and knowledge of the industry, there are flexible ways to make it happen." Key Takeaways: 💡 How SBA loans act as an "insurance policy" for banks — and a growth tool for small businesses. 👥 Why insider buyouts often outperform private equity or third-party acquisitions. 💰 How to match financing structures to your business goals and cash flow needs. 🏦 What "being bankable" really means — and how to build it before you need it. 🤝 Why having the right professional team (CPA, attorney, advisor) is critical in any business transition. 🎧 Tune in to Succession Stories to learn practical strategies for financing growth, buying a business, or preparing for your own successful exit.   This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa®   Get your copy of The Business Transition Handbook, the Amazon best-selling book that reveals what every entrepreneur needs to know about building value and avoiding pitfalls!   ✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: btsherpa.com/book   📣 Write a Podcast Review: ratethispodcast.com/successionstories  _________________________________________________________________   Connect with Laurie Barkman:  Email: laurie@btsherpa.com LinkedIn: in/lauriebarkman Book: Free Download YouTube: @TheBusinessTransitionSherpa  Connect with David Miller: Website: https://www.enterprisebankpgh.com/ LinkedIn: /in/david-miller-0b668386/   Special thanks to Ryan Nolf, Marketing Director, for producing this Succession Stories episode live in studio at Enterprise Marketing.   

Host Laurie Barkman welcomes Brandon Stanchock, CEO of SWF Industrial Inc. Brandon discusses his journey to take the helm of a family business. He emphasizes the importance of leadership, employee development, and implementing innovative collaboration strategies in the industrial sector. The conversation also highlights Brandon's commitment to providing support for employees and internal promotion programs. Brandon shares how his personal interests in travel, gaming, and podcasting align with his broader mission to help people reach their full potential both inside and outside the workplace. Takeaways: Embrace the entrepreneurial gene. Leadership, innovation, and employee development are key traits for entrepreneurial success. Navigating leadership challenges. Leading a family business requires adaptability and a focus on collaboration to drive growth. Support employee growth. Providing support and promoting from within strengthens company culture and fosters employee loyalty. Focus on performance management and succession planning. Proper planning ensures long-term success for both leadership and employees. Align personal passions with business goals. Staying connected to passions like travel, gaming, and podcasting helps balance professional and personal growth.   Quote of the Show: " Give yourself some grace, give yourself some time." - Brandon Stanchock   This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Get your copy of the Amazon best-selling book by nationally recognized expert, Laurie Barkman that reveals how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms....what every entrepreneur needs to know.  ✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: btsherpa.com/book   📣 Write a Podcast Review: ratethispodcast.com/successionstories  _________________________________________________________________   Connect with Laurie Barkman:  Email: laurie@btsherpa.com LinkedIn: in/lauriebarkman Book: Free Download YouTube: @TheBusinessTransitionSherpa  Connect with Brandon Stanchock: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonstanchock/  Company website: https://www.swfindustrial.com/    

Host Laurie Barkman welcomes Larry Whiteside Jr., an expert in information security, risk management, and entrepreneurship. Larry discusses his journey from cybersecurity to becoming the Co-Owner of Lifesaver Pool Fence of Tampa and Co-Founder of Confide.  Larry emphasizes the importance of passion, operational efficiency, and overcoming challenges in business. They delve into key trends in cybersecurity, focusing on AI and automation's growing influence. The conversation also highlights Larry's commitment to promoting diversity in the cybersecurity field and how his military background has shaped his entrepreneurial approach. He offers valuable insights on balancing multiple businesses, aligning passion with business ventures, and prioritizing strategic operational planning. Takeaways: Embrace the entrepreneurial gene. Outgoingness and exceptional storytelling are key traits for entrepreneurial success. Connecting with others and communicating your vision is essential. Navigating the transition to entrepreneurship. Financial instability and operational hurdles are common, but with perseverance and support from trusted partners, you can overcome these challenges. Promote diversity in your industry. Larry emphasizes the importance of fostering diversity in cybersecurity and encourages entrepreneurs to create more inclusive environments. Align passion with your business ventures. Staying connected to your passion helps maintain drive and resilience, especially during tough times. Focus on systemic operational planning. Managing multiple businesses requires trust in yourself and a strong commitment to strategic planning to ensure everything runs smoothly.   Quote of the Show: "Passion will continue to drive you forward." - Larry Whiteside Jr.   This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Get your copy of the Amazon best-selling book by nationally recognized expert, Laurie Barkman that reveals how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms....what every entrepreneur needs to know.  ✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: btsherpa.com/book   📣 Write a Podcast Review: ratethispodcast.com/successionstories  _________________________________________________________________   Connect with Laurie Barkman:  Email: laurie@btsherpa.com LinkedIn: in/lauriebarkman Book: Free Download YouTube: @TheBusinessTransitionSherpa  Connect with Larry Whiteside Jr.: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrywhitesidejr/  Company website: https://www.confide.group/    

" Treat people well, work hard, have a plan." Host Laurie Barkman welcomes Travis Howerton, a technology and security expert with over 25 years of experience. Travis shares his journey from federal service and the nuclear weapons program to becoming the Co-Founder and CEO of RegScale. They discuss the entrepreneurial gene, personality assessments in team dynamics, and the challenges of scaling a business. Travis emphasizes the importance of empathy, hard work, and strategic planning. He also highlights the potential of automation and AI in the compliance industry. Travis discusses his future goals of starting a venture capital arm to support aspiring entrepreneurs in East Tennessee and provides advice on problem-solving and growth. The conversation provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of building and scaling a business.   Takeaways: Embrace risk-taking and innovation as key traits for entrepreneurial success. Cultivating a mindset that encourages experimentation and learning from failure can drive growth and open doors to new opportunities. Use personality assessments to enhance team collaboration. Understanding individual motivations and strengths helps build a more cohesive and effective team, ultimately contributing to a healthier company culture. Be prepared for the challenges of scaling a business. Focus on creating clear plans and strategies to navigate obstacles while emphasizing empathy and hard work to keep the team aligned and motivated. Consider giving back by supporting future entrepreneurs. Starting a venture capital arm or mentoring new talent can create a positive impact on your local community and contribute to the growth of the next generation of leaders.   Quote of the Show: "Treat people well, work hard, have a plan." - Travis Howerton   This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Get your copy of the Amazon best-selling book by nationally recognized expert, Laurie Barkman that reveals how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms....what every entrepreneur needs to know.  ✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: btsherpa.com/book   📣 Write a Podcast Review: ratethispodcast.com/successionstories  _________________________________________________________________   Connect with Laurie Barkman:  Email: laurie@btsherpa.com LinkedIn: in/lauriebarkman Book: Free Download YouTube: @TheBusinessTransitionSherpa  Connect with Travis Howerton: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travishowerton/  Company website: https://regscale.com/    

" Don't be a jack of all social media sites, master of none." Host Laurie Barkman interviews digital marketing expert Corey Perlman of Impact Social. They discuss Corey's entrepreneurial journey influenced by his parents' careers, the evolving landscape of digital marketing, and the role and potential of AI in the industry. Corey shares insights on building and managing successful teams, the importance of focusing on key social media platforms, and the power of video content. Additionally, he touches on his passion for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and his involvement in the Nurturing Fathers Program alongside his father, Mark. Listeners receive actionable digital marketing tips and inspiration for balancing entrepreneurship with personal purpose.   Takeaways: Pay attention to what the market is asking for. Follow positive signals when exploring new business opportunities or services instead of pushing an idea that isn't gaining traction. Prioritize platforms that align with your target demographics instead of attempting to be active on all social media platforms. Focus on a few and do them exceptionally well. Focus on the emotional and cultural fit of potential team members rather than just their resume. Enthusiasm, a positive attitude, and a good cultural fit can often outweigh experience. Stay open to learning and adapting over time. The industry changes rapidly, and keeping updated with new tools and practices will help you and your business stay competitive.   Quote of the Show: " Don't be a jack of all social media sites, master of none." - Corey Perlman   This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Get your copy of the Amazon best-selling book by nationally recognized expert, Laurie Barkman that reveals how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms....what every entrepreneur needs to know.  ✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: btsherpa.com/book   📣 Write a Podcast Review: ratethispodcast.com/successionstories  _________________________________________________________________   Connect with Laurie Barkman:  Email: laurie@btsherpa.com LinkedIn: in/lauriebarkman Book: Free Download YouTube: @TheBusinessTransitionSherpa  Connect with Corey Perlman: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyperlman/  Website: https://impactsocialmedia.com/  

"We're in the business of making people happy!" John and Mark X. Cronin are father-son co-founders of John's Crazy Socks. Host Laurie Barkman talks with John and Mark about the inspiring story of their unique business model, inclusion, and commitment to spreading happiness. Over half of their employees have differing abilities.  The discussion covers innovative approaches to customer satisfaction, success metrics, notable initiatives like the Unity Sock, and their role as advocates for people with disabilities. The episode also touches on their engaging community activities such as the weekly dance party and custom sock designs. Mark and John highlight the profound impact entrepreneurship can have on individuals and communities.   Takeaways: Focus on the positive impact your business can have in the community. A strong mission can differentiate your offerings from competitors. Know why you are in business and ensure your values are clear and driven through every action you take. Consider hiring people with different abilities. It can lead to better business practices and a highly motivated workforce. Engage with your customers on a personal level. Small touches like handwritten notes, added candies, and personalized messages can make a big difference.   Quote of the Show: " The customer can be dead wrong, but we're not in the business of being right. We're in the business of making people happy." - Mark Cronin   This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Get your copy of the Amazon best-selling book by nationally recognized expert, Laurie Barkman that reveals how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms....what every entrepreneur needs to know.  ✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: btsherpa.com/book   📣 Write a Podcast Review: ratethispodcast.com/successionstories  _________________________________________________________________   Connect with Laurie Barkman:  Email: laurie@btsherpa.com LinkedIn: in/lauriebarkman Book: Free Download YouTube: @TheBusinessTransitionSherpa  Connect with John's Crazy Socks: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mxcronin/  Website: https://johnscrazysocks.com/        

What's the most important value to have when you're running your own business? According to Molly McGrath, Founder of Hiring and Empowering Solutions, it's accountability. Listen in as Host Laurie Barkman talks with Molly about her unique perspective on the entrepreneur gene - a desire for control and freedom, stemming from an anti-authoritarian mindset. Molly highlights the importance of teaching employees to be intrapreneurs, involving them in decision-making processes, and implementing incentive-based compensation models. The episode also emphasizes the significance of accountability, time management, and having a clear vision for both personal and professional growth.   Takeaways: Make a list of tasks that drain your energy versus those that light you up. Use this list to create job descriptions and hire the right team members to take on these tasks. Establish a culture of accountability within your business. Hold daily huddles or weekly stakeholder meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and ideas. Provide employees with the resources and support needed to achieve their goals, fostering growth and fulfillment within your team. Begin planning your exit strategy early, so that you are prepared when the time comes for you to leave your business.   Quote of the Show: " When you have a board of directors in your life that supports you and shines a flashlight on you, it really helps." - Molly McGrath   This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Get your copy of the Amazon best-selling book by nationally recognized expert, Laurie Barkman that reveals how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms....what every entrepreneur needs to know.  ✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: btsherpa.com/book   📣 Write a Podcast Review: ratethispodcast.com/successionstories  _________________________________________________________________   Connect with Laurie Barkman:  Email: laurie@btsherpa.com LinkedIn: in/lauriebarkman Book: Free Download YouTube: @TheBusinessTransitionSherpa  Connect with Molly McGrath: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-hallmcgrath/  Website: https://hiringandempowering.com/    

What does six generations of entrepreneurship get you? Find out as Host Laurie Barkman talks with Jim Haviland, Business Operating System Coach at Impact Architects and Chief Operating Officer at CallPlease.  Jim shares his insights on building and exiting organizations, the entrepreneurial gene, and the importance of exit planning. He discusses the significance of having a clear purpose, the necessity of mentors and operating systems, and offers advice on long-term planning for entrepreneurs. Tune in for valuable lessons and inspiration for both budding and experienced entrepreneurs.   Takeaways: Implementing a structured operating system can greatly enhance your business's efficiency and success rate. It helps you grow faster and minimizes the risk of business failure. Define what 'done' looks like for your projects. Be clear and specific about your objectives to ensure everyone in the organization is aligned. Regularly dedicate time to long-term planning. Consider both a 10-year and a 3-year horizon and actively work towards those goals. Aim to build a business that is not just profitable but also a valuable asset that can be transferred or sold in the future. This includes minimizing owner dependency and investing in aspects that increase business value.   Quote of the Show: " If you want to build something that's really valuable, you can do that but you have to be serious about it. You don't just show up and punch the clock." - Jim Haviland   This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Get your copy of the Amazon best-selling book by nationally recognized expert, Laurie Barkman that reveals how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms....what every entrepreneur needs to know.    ✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: btsherpa.com/book   📣 Write a Podcast Review: ratethispodcast.com/successionstories  _________________________________________________________________   Connect with Laurie Barkman:  Email: laurie@btsherpa.com LinkedIn: in/lauriebarkman Book: Free Download YouTube: @TheBusinessTransitionSherpa  Connect with Jim Haviland: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimhaviland/  Website: https://www.impactarchitects.io/    

" It's really hard out there. Other people will beat you up. You don't have to do it to yourself." - Jennifer Bisceglie This week on The Entrepreneur Gene - a featured series of Succession Stories - Host Laurie Barkman talks with Jennifer Bisceglie, Founder and Executive Vice Chair of Interos. Jennifer discusses the concept of identity for owners- as part of the business and outside of your company. She shares the challenges of managing a business that heavily relies on U.S. federal contracts and navigating rapid administrative changes. Jennifer also talks about the impacts of AI on supply chain risk management, as well as the excitement to come within the field. Additionally, the episode highlights Jennifer's advocacy for women in business and involvement with Women Impacting Public Policy International. Tune in for insights into building a scalable and valuable business, handling unpredictability, and maintaining a balanced life.   Takeaways: Cultivate interests and activities outside your business to maintain a healthy work-life balance. This could include hobbies, family time, or community involvement. When the time is right, bringing in external leadership, such as a new CEO, can help scale your business. This allows you to focus on strategic aspects and areas where your expertise is most valuable. Clearly define your business's purpose and align your strategies to create value for your team and customers. Keep a broader perspective during challenging times. Identify what you can control and build resilience by focusing on these areas.   This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Get your copy of the Amazon best-selling book by nationally recognized expert, Laurie Barkman that reveals how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms....what every entrepreneur needs to know.  ✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: btsherpa.com/book   📣 Write a Podcast Review: ratethispodcast.com/successionstories  _________________________________________________________________   Connect with Laurie Barkman:  Email: laurie@btsherpa.com LinkedIn: in/lauriebarkman Book: Free Download YouTube: @TheBusinessTransitionSherpa  Connect with Jennifer Bisceglie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-bisceglie-3328b2/  Website: https://www.interos.ai/        

" The flip of one-to-one communication to a one-to-few communication is going to become priceless. It's all about connection." - Casey Cheshire What kinds of risks are the ones worth taking when it comes to entrepreneurship? Casey Cheshire, CEO of Ringmaster Conversational Marketing, believes smart risks are the key to success.  Host Laurie Barkman talks with Casey about the importance of risk tolerance, learning from failures, and the need for smart risk-taking in business. They also explore the future of marketing with the advent of AI and the significance of maintaining human connections in an increasingly automated world. Casey's military background, personal entrepreneurial journey, and passion for authentic marketing strategies provide a rich and engaging discussion on what it truly means to be an entrepreneur.  Takeaways: Focus on creating meaningful relationships through various mediums to foster long-term success. View entrepreneurship as a muscle that can be developed with practice and effort. Engage in activities that build skills necessary for entrepreneurship, such as problem-solving and risk management. Take calculated, smart risks rather than reckless ones. Although challenging, niching down can lead to better targeting and business efficiency. Test narrow focuses to see if they drive better results without betting the farm. This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Get your copy of the Amazon best-selling book by nationally recognized expert, Laurie Barkman that reveals how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms....what every entrepreneur needs to know.  ✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: btsherpa.com/book   📣 Write a Podcast Review: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories  _________________________________________________________________   Connect with Laurie Barkman:  Email: laurie@btsherpa.com LinkedIn: in/lauriebarkman Book: Free Download YouTube: @TheBusinessTransitionSherpa  Connect with Casey Cheshire: LinkedIn: in/caseycheshire Website: ringmaster.com     

"The big learning for me is leaning on your team, leaning on your network, leaning on your colleagues. Because you don't have the capacity to be thoughtful in all of these different areas." - Christopher Antonopoulos What does it take to be an entrepreneur? Christopher Antonopoulos, CEO and Founder of Measured Results Marketing, claims the secret is the genetic propensity and how it combines with environmental factors. Christopher shares anecdotes about his journey from a resourceful childhood selling vegetables to leading a successful marketing firm. He and Laurie also discuss the future of marketing automation, the role of AI, and practical strategies for handling business uncertainties. Christopher offers insights into building effective teams, the importance of dealing with ambiguity, and leveraging networks for success. The episode is filled with valuable advice for entrepreneurs on embracing innovation and making impactful business decisions.   Takeaways: Cultivate confidence in your decisions and actions. Don't let fear of failure prevent you from taking calculated risks. Develop the ability to make decisions with incomplete information. Comfort with ambiguity and a willingness to navigate uncertain situations is crucial. Always be open to learning, whether through formal education, mentorship, or experimenting within your business. Strive for a 360-degree view of your customers. Use analytics and insights to tailor your products and services to their needs and preferences.   This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Get your copy of the Amazon best-selling book by nationally recognized expert, Laurie Barkman that reveals how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms....what every entrepreneur needs to know.    ✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: https://btsherpa.com/book   📣 Write a Review: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories  _________________________________________________________________   Connect with Laurie Barkman:  Email: laurie@btsherpa.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriebarkman/ Book: https://btsherpa.com/book YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessTransitionSherpa  Connect with Christopher Antonopoulos: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cantonopoulos/  Website: https://www.measuredresults.com/      

" When it's built with your own hands or with your own will, I felt like it was a little bit more of my own success than somebody else doing it for me." - Matt Chiaradonna Have you ever been thrown into running a business? Matt Chiaradonna, a family business entrepreneur leading JC Fence and Founder of Elite Technique sure has. Host Laurie Barkman talks with Matt about his journey from growing up in a family business, the impact of his father's tragic accident, and his path to operating two successful businesses. He offers advice on developing leaders, balancing legacy, and finding purpose both within and outside the business. This episode delves into the importance of grit, mentorship, and strategic growth in entrepreneurship. Takeaways: For entrepreneurs, establishing clear processes early on in the business can facilitate growth and make it easier to delegate tasks. Focus on identifying and nurturing potential leaders within the organization to drive future growth. Highlight the importance of traits such as determination, grit, and setting one's own destiny, which are prevalent in successful entrepreneurs. Emphasize the value of having a mentor who has successfully navigated similar challenges. This can provide guidance and insights that are pivotal for growth.   This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Get your copy of the Amazon best-selling book by nationally recognized expert, Laurie Barkman that reveals how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms....what every entrepreneur needs to know.    ✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: https://btsherpa.com/book   📣 Write a Podcast Review: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories  _________________________________________________________________   Connect with Laurie Barkman:  Email: laurie@btsherpa.com   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriebarkman/   Book: https://btsherpa.com/book   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessTransitionSherpa    Connect with Matt Chiaradonna: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-chiaradonna-0b9894339/  Website: https://www.getelitetechnique.com/  Website: https://www.jcfencenorthshore.com/  

" I followed what's in my heart and I'm moving forward to fill this gap and this need for the workplace of the future." - Pete Schramm Host Laurie Barkman interviews Pete Schramm, Founder and CEO of Lattitude. A serial entrepreneur, award-winning speaker, and bestselling author of Pathfinders, Pete is on a mission to foster meaningful, sustainable relationships in the workplace. As the founder of Lattitude, he's cultivating leadership and engagement through career mapping and mentorship software. The episode touches on challenges in the workplace, especially with hybrid and remote work environments. Pete also highlights the necessity of marketing, sales, and having a clear game plan in business while sharing his passion for connecting people and giving back through various nonprofits.   Takeaways: Focus on having a wonderful team around you to create enterprise value. Communication and intentional belonging are key to keeping the team aligned and motivated. Clearly and effectively communicate your game plan, start small with changes, but don't stop. Build trust and transparency with your team while managing change. Consider building a personal board of advisors to guide and support your entrepreneurial journey. Seek mentors who can provide diverse perspectives and insights. Regularly measure and understand the engagement, connection, and well-being of your team. Use tools like engagement surveys and share the results and planned actions.   This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Get your copy of the Amazon best-selling book by nationally recognized expert, Laurie Barkman that reveals how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms....what every entrepreneur needs to know.  ✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: https://btsherpa.com/book 📣 Write a Review: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories  _________________________________________________________________   Connect with Laurie Barkman:  Email: laurie@btsherpa.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriebarkman/ Book: https://btsherpa.com/book YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessTransitionSherpa  Connect with Pete Schramm: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-schramm/  Website: https://golattitude.com/      

"I love giving voice to people who don't necessarily or historically have a voice with those who are selling to them." - Cooper Munroe Host Laurie Barkman speaks with Cooper Munroe, CEO of The Motherhood, a leading influencer marketing agency. They delve into Cooper's journey from corporate PR to creating The Motherhood, sparked from a blog post about Hurricane Katrina. Cooper discusses the unique challenges and attributes of women entrepreneurs, the evolution of influencer marketing, and her commitment to paying influencers for their valuable work. Tune in to hear how Cooper transformed her vision into a thriving business and what she envisions for the future legacy of The Motherhood.   Takeaways: Entrepreneurs should aim to find the balance between time and treasure early in their journey to avoid burnout and ensure the sustainability of their business. Work towards making your revenue stream more predictable. This can help in financial planning and provide stability for the business. Storytelling can be a powerful tool for connecting with your audience. Consider how your business can leverage storytelling to build a strong brand and engage customers. Always ensure that those contributing to your business, especially influencers and content creators, are fairly compensated for their work. This can foster loyalty and a positive working relationship.   This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Get your copy of the Amazon best-selling book by nationally recognized expert, Laurie Barkman that reveals how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms....what every entrepreneur needs to know.  ✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: https://btsherpa.com/book 📣 Write a Review: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories  _________________________________________________________________   Connect with Laurie Barkman:  Email: laurie@btsherpa.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriebarkman/ Book: https://btsherpa.com/book YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessTransitionSherpa  Connect with Cooper Munroe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coopermunroe/  Website: https://www.themotherhood.com/    

"Entrepreneurship is in everyone. It just gets expressed in different ways." Luke Williams Show host Laurie Barkman welcomes Luke Williams, Founder/CEO of IdeaSkills and Clinical Associate Professor of Innovation and Design at NYU Stern School of Business.  They discuss whether entrepreneurship can be taught and delve into the importance of fostering innovative mindsets within established companies. Luke shares insights from his book 'Disrupt' and discusses the balance between maintaining business continuity and introducing disruptive ideas. Luke also emphasizes the significance of learning over investment and provides advice for business owners struggling with innovation. The episode concludes with Luke's journey from Australia to becoming an educator and innovation expert and his passion for creating more competent innovators. Takeaways: Continuously work on developing the capabilities needed to be competitive in the future alongside keeping the existing business running. This is crucial for maintaining a balance between today's needs and future opportunities. Create diverse teams to ensure a wide range of perspectives and ideas. This diversity can foster innovative thinking and help develop balanced solutions that might not emerge from a homogenous group. Encourage the influx of fresh, disruptive thinking and assess the value of ideas based on how much they help the organization learn and adapt. Develop a "test and learn" budget to experiment with new ideas without the pressure of immediate returns. Allow small-scale testing of innovative ideas to see what works and can then be scaled up.   This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Get your copy of the Amazon best-selling book by nationally recognized expert, Laurie Barkman that reveals how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms....what every entrepreneur needs to know.    ✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: https://btsherpa.com/book   📣 Write a Review: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories  _________________________________________________________________   Connect with Laurie Barkman:  Email: laurie@btsherpa.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriebarkman/ Book: https://btsherpa.com/book YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessTransitionSherpa    Connect with Luke Williams: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukegwilliams/  Website: https://www.youtube.com/@IdeaSkills  Book: https://www.amazon.com/Disrupt-Think-Unthinkable-Transformation-Business/dp/0137025149    

"Simply treating people with respect, with dignity and agency, has been really counterculture and I hope that that becomes a more infectious and attractive way to work." - Brea Starmer Host Laurie Barkman interviews Brea Starmer, Founder and CEO of Lions and Tigers. Brea shares her experience of turning a layoff into a successful business, her passion for empowering careers for women and mothers, and the unique approach of intrapreneurship. The discussion covers Brea's personal journey, the challenges she faced, the importance of values in business, and the exciting future of the industry. Takeaways: Hire support staff early on, such as operations and HR personnel, to allow you to focus on strategic areas like business development and leadership. Recognize the different stages of your business and life. Sometimes you'll be optimized for growth and wealth, while at other times, the focus may shift to health and personal well-being. Maintain an active presence on professional networks such as LinkedIn to share your journey, connect with other entrepreneurs, and attract potential clients and employees. Concentrate on tasks that only you can do and delegate others. This ensures you are working on the most impactful areas of the business.   This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Get your copy of the Amazon best-selling book by nationally recognized expert, Laurie Barkman that reveals how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms....what every entrepreneur needs to know.  ✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: https://btsherpa.com/book 📣 Write a Review: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories  _________________________________________________________________   Connect with Laurie Barkman:  Email: laurie@btsherpa.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriebarkman/ Book: https://btsherpa.com/book YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessTransitionSherpa  Connect with Brea Starmer: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/breastarmer/   Website: https://lionsandtigers.com/