Talking Risks

IT ALL STARTED WITH KELLY KABOB This week we chat with Angela Cote' founder of AC, Inc. Franchise Growth Catalyst. Angela Cote (our fearless leader) has NOT been in franchising. She has experience on the franchisor side, as a multi-unit franchisee, and as a field coach. Her dad founded the iconic Canadian Franchise brand M&M Food Markets and she grew up in the franchise space (she even dressed up as Kelly Kabob as a kid at grand openings). From her life in franchising, Angela learned that strategic, ethical franchising means having specific frameworks and systems in place to optimize profitability. She founded AC Inc. to bring these systems and frameworks to help more franchisors succeed. Franchise Experts | Angela Coté Inc. | Scale Strategically (angelacote.com) ⁠Aspen Legal (aspenlawteam.com)⁠ NutritionHQ:  ⁠Home - NHQ Franchising

This week we sit down with Jason James and listen to his journey through the military and now founder of a very successful health and wellness chiropractic office and much, much more. Why Our Approach is Different?At James Healthcare & Associates Inc. we offer an array of services not found in most healthcare settings. Our ability to offer the best in medical and alternative treatments in one location means that our patients have more options. Our team will work with you to develop a treatment plan that makes sense for you. Make today the day that you change your life and your health. Schedule a free consultation today with our team so that we can get a better understanding of your needs. We will work with you one on one to help you overcome the pain you are experiencing. We look forward to hearing from you! (319) 524-3339 James Healthcare & Associates:   James Healthcare & Associates Inc. Keokuk IA - Pain Relief Today (jameshealthcareiowa.com) Aspen Legal (aspenlawteam.com) NutritionHQ:  Home - NHQ Franchising

This week we sit down with Danelle Brown founder of  Queen Bee Consulting At Queen Bee Consulting, Danelle specializes in branded, emotive video storytelling that engages and intrigues, turning viewers into subscribers and subscribers into clients. So whether you’re answering frequently asked questions, showcasing your products, or interviewing happy customers, I can help you establish yourself as the expert you are and stand out in a crowded market. When you partner with Queen Bee Consulting, Danelle can make video marketing simple through a full lineup of solutions, including: -Developing a long-term marketing strategy that focuses on your goals       and the topic ideas your customers are searching for -Storyboarding and scriptwriting that give you control of your message -Optimizing content so your videos are easily found on YouTube and Google -Helping you build trusting, genuine relationships with customers by  sharing your expertise -Turning viewers into brand advocates by creating viral content they can’t wait to share with friends and colleagues. -Embedding your YouTube content in emails, on your website, and in  other marketing platforms for maximum ROI Queen Bee Consulting:  Video Marketing for Small Businesses – Queen Bee Consulting Aspen Legal (aspenlawteam.com) NutritionHQ:  Home - NHQ Franchising

We sit down with Dan King founder of Heaterz Hot Chicken and owner of Alton Sports Tap Dan has a great story from nurse to Entrepreneur.  Also, check out their Facebook and Instagram pages and watch these guys GROW! (2) Heaterz | Alton IL | Facebook Heaterz (@heaterz_chicken) • Instagram photos and videos Heaterz Hot Chicken:  https://www.heaterzchicken.com/ Alton Sports Tap:  https://altonsportstap.com/ Aspen Legal (aspenlawteam.com) NutritionHQ:  Home - NHQ Franchising

We sit down with Damon and Melissa Bounds, Founders of Revheads this week. Damon and Melissa decided to open this dealership because they wanted change. They were tired of seeing the bigger shops ruining the joy of buying a classic car. Their promise is for BOTH their buyers and sellers. Their pledge includes transparency, the buying process, and most importantly the car's condition! Damon and Melissa have also tried to figure out how to make their pricing fair and enticing so people will come to join the Revheads family. They are not just another consignment shop. They are gearheads that love this hobby just like their future customers. So give them a chance to show you how selling your car should be! Facebook:  (2) Revheads | St. Louis MO | Facebook Instagram:  Revheads (@revheadsbadassrides) • Instagram photos and videos Aspen Legal (aspenlawteam.com) NutritionHQ:  Home - NHQ Franchising

This week we sit down with Richard Ashe, CEO and Founder of Veteran Franchise Advisers. Rich Ashe is the founder and president of VFA and has 30 years of corporate, entrepreneurial, and franchise business experience. Rich served in the Marine Corps from 1976 to 1983. After serving in the Marines, he compiled over three decades of experience in business, received his degree in marketing and business management, and worked his way up the corporate ladder to vice president of global marketing for an international software company. During his career, Ashe has helped companies such as Chase Bank, Xerox, and Compaq Computer expand or start new businesses. He also participated in four startups, two IPO and launched two entrepreneurial businesses on his own – a computer training firm, CompuTutor, and a network consulting firm, LANDeZign. Rich is a Certified Franchise Consultant, a member of the Franchise Brokers Association, and served on the International Franchise Association VetFran committee from 2011 to 2013. Veteran Franchise Advisers:  Franchise Opportunities For Military Veterans - Free Expert Advice, Tools, And Resources (veteranfranchiseadvisers.com) Aspen Legal (aspenlawteam.com) NutritionHQ:  Home - NHQ Franchising

This week we sit down with Paul Stroh founder of  Lucky Dog Barks and Recreation - Dog Boarding, Dog Daycare Lucky Dog is owned by O'Fallon natives, Paul & Gina Stroh who have been in the pet care industry since 2005. Antonia Threlkeld is the manager.  Antonia has worked with Paul & Gina since 2013. All Bark Park caregivers and pet sitters are trained in animal first aid. At the Bark Park, we cater to each dog's personality and daily routine, so you can be sure your dog is in good hands.  Stop in, meet our team and tour our large, clean dog daycare and dog boarding facility.  And, we have COVID-19 protocols in place. It's no secret, dogs make us smile!  We keep their tails a-wagging while they play the day away with other dogs of their size. Lucky Dog Barks & Recreation:  Lucky Dog Barks and Recreation - Dog Boarding, Dog Daycare Aspen Legal (aspenlawteam.com) NutritionHQ:  Home - NHQ Franchising

This week we sit down with Karen Tinsley-Sroka owner and founder of My Scratch Offs.  http://www.myscratchoffs.com/ My Scratch Offs provides our clients with completely CUSTOM scratch off products for:    -Business Promotions- % or $ off, or BOGO, or Product Promotions (for mail or direct distribution)  -Employee Incentive/Safety Programs  -Giveaways for Events, Tradeshows, Business Promotions, etc...  -Event Planners: Wedding Save The Dates, Bridal, Wedding, Baby Shower, Gender Reveal announcements, and games.   We specialize in the short run.  1,000 custom scratch off cards or less.     Our prices are VERY competitive in the market.  W We are a full spectrum scratch off printer- We can supply you with just the scratch off sticker for you to DIY your project or we can provide you with a completed scratch off product.  We specialize in the short rue serve our customers worldwide from our website www.myscratchoffs.com.  Hit us up for free samples by mail.  info@myscratchoffs.com.    If you are in the St Louis, MO area- that is local to us!   Come visit us at 7 Bronze Pointe Blvd Suite B Swansea, Il 62226, or give us a call at 618.416.1623. Here is a link to the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) that Karen referenced during the show. https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/small-business-development-centers-sbdc My Scratch Offs:  Scratch Off Stickers, Make Your Own Scratch Offs, and More! (myscratchoffs.com) Aspen Legal (aspenlawteam.com) NutritionHQ:  Home - NHQ Franchising

This week we sit down with Dan Beck who is the owner and founder of Midwest Meals.  www.Midwestmeals.com Dan was always active between sports and working out. He is from a small rural northern Wisconsin town but had the opportunity to live in Southern California and study the health and fitness culture on the west coast. When he returned to Wisconsin in 2015, Dan had the realization that there were no meal prep services in a multi-state radius. As he finished his degree, he decided to launch Midwest Meals out of a shared commercial kitchen and operated as lean as possible. Week after week, their clients kept telling friends and family about Midwest Meals They quickly outgrew the shared commercial kitchen and began construction of a brand new, state-of-the-art facility in Eau Claire, WI the spring of 2017. After a long period of construction, they finally opened a brand new storefront and commercial kitchen at the beginning of 2018 - where they currently produce all of the meals. Midwest Meals are based on a rounded macronutrient intake, aiming for approximately 30% protein, 30% fats, and 40% carbs. However, we try to keep our meals as versatile as possible to accommodate specific dietary guidelines or goals. They are a very science-first company and actively look at the new and existing research around nutrition and what works! Midwest Meals:  Healthy Meals for Busy People™ (midwestmeals.com) Aspen Legal (aspenlawteam.com) NutritionHQ | General Health, Weight Loss & Sports Nutrition Supplements

This week we sit down with Doug Stritzel the Founder/ CEO of Pickelman's Gourmet Cafe. “Pickleman’s Gourmet Cafe” is a QSR company specializing in “Hirer Quality Food, Freshly Prepared.” Our menu provides the best options of quality food that appeals to all age groups and ethnicities. Our signature products include Award-winning many times over simply one of the best Toasted sandwiches, Gourmet Fresh Chopped Salads, proprietary soups, and thin-crust specialty pizzas. With more than thirty proprietary products, which include our own white and wheat bread, all the soups, all salad dressings, and a made from scratch Chocolate Chip cookies to name a few. The first Picklemans restaurant opened in October of 2005. The first franchised unit opened in 2009, and in 2010 Pickleman's has grown from 3 locations to 24 locations in five midwestern states. In 2022, our first system-wide Average Unit sales disclosure contained in our FDD reports system-wide sales just shy of thirty million dollars with 24 units for a system-wide Average Unit Volume of $1,271,500 per unit. Throughput in assembly-line fashion our original design is capable of industry-leading sales volumes. In addition, our first Drive-thru exceeded 2.1 million in sales in its first full calendar year of operations in an end cap location with a modest traffic count. 2022 will mark the first year we will invest in Marketing Our Franchising Opportunity. Our team is scaling up expecting to be prepared to open an average of two to three stores per month by the first quarter of 2023. In 2022, we have six locations under development with four potential new locations under lease/purchase negotiations and 14 outstanding units under Area Development Agreements. We are a people and their Family's first company, our metrics and brand loyalty afford our Brand the ability to pay above scale. There are no Gimmicks, no burgers, no fried chicken, just good food, freshly prepared. Big Dill our mascot, DillVille, USA is coming to a town near you! Pickleman's Franchising | Franchise | QSR Brands (picklemans.com) Order Sandwiches Online | Pickleman's Delivery (picklemans.com) Aspen Legal (aspenlawteam.com) NutritionHQ | General Health, Weight Loss & Sports Nutrition Supplements

This week we sit down with Randy Madison,  founder of Madison Rug Cleaning. https://youtu.be/z4Q3rQb0OtQ Madison provides powerful carpet, rug and upholstery cleaning that leaves your home and your workplace feeling clean, healthy, and fresh. Their powerful machinery is what makes us unique and allows deep cleaning of your rugs and carpets! There’s nothing quite like a clean, deodorized, disinfected, and sanitized home and workspace. Here in Madison County and southern Illinois, Madison Cleaning Services is a company that prides itself on delivering exactly that. Homeowners and business owners alike rely on us to provide a completely clean and we are proud to say, we do not disappoint. Give us a call today to book our services. Madison Rug Cleaning | St. Louis Carpet, Rug and Upholstery Cleaning Experts - Madison Rug (madisonrugcleaning.com) Aspen Legal | Aspenlawteam.com NutritionHQ | General Health, Weight Loss & Sports Nutrition Supplements

This week we sit down with Adam Kruse,  founder of Hermann London Real Estate.  Hermann London is the most trusted name in St. Louis real estate.  For more than a decade, they’ve been helping people to buy and sell residential and commercial properties in St. Louis while delivering exceptional services.  Driven by their experienced REALTORS®, Hermann London approaches every transaction with cutting-edge technology and unparalleled insight into the St. Louis market. In everything they do, they strive to put the interests of their clients first and are motivated by your success — not commission. They are not just real estate agents; their personal advocates, business advisors, and neighbors, committed to helping grow vibrant and thriving communities in St. Louis for you and your family. Hermann London Realtors | Today's Realtor for Today's Real Estate market in Saint Louis Aspen Legal (aspenlawteam.com) NutritionHQ | General Health, Weight Loss & Sports Nutrition Supplements

This week we sit down with Jason Durnett to discuss Cannabis, CBD & Hemp products.  Jason has crafted multiple cannabis & hemp products to meet your unique needs of personal wellness. Below are the links to Jason's products and resources to learn more. Ananda Brands midose (midoselife.com) ECO Therapy CBD Aspen Legal (aspenlawteam.com) NutritionHQ | General Health, Weight Loss & Sports Nutrition Supplements

This week we sit down with Brad Pfitzner and Steve Oravec founders of ApexNetwork Physical Therapy. At ApexNetwork Physical Therapy, we provide relief from the aches and pains that keep you from enjoying life. Our therapists are experts in the field. We listen, understand and develop customized treatment plans based on combined goals you set with us. From your first appointment until your last treatment, we remain focused on your health and ensure your progress one visit at a time. Home - ApexNetwork Physical Therapy (apexnetworkpt.com) Aspen Legal (aspenlawteam.com) NutritionHQ | General Health, Weight Loss & Sports Nutrition Supplements

In this episode, we sit down with Bernie is the founder and President of Axel Transportation. AXEL is the trusted transportation provider for the logistics needs of healthcare and education institutions. AXEL delivers transportation solutions specifically tailored to each client’s needs and focused on the customer experience. About Us – Axel Transportation (axel-trans.com) Aspen Legal (aspenlawteam.com) NutritionHQ | General Health, Weight Loss & Sports Nutrition Supplements

In this episode, Eric interviews Ricky on the journey that built NutritionHQ. Ricky was approved to start franchising NutritionHQ in 2020 and franchised his first store on October 20, 2020, to a former Complete Nutrition manager.  He has over 20 years of franchise experience as an owner and operator. He is also a veteran of the Air Force and has over 30 years of coaching, leading, and guiding individuals to success. NutritionHQ. is “Solution Focused” and we will do everything in our power to help you reach your goals. If we don’t have the products or tools, we will refer you to the expert that does. We love to see our customers nine-ten times per year; if you are visiting our store nine-plus times per year we are both successful. NutritionHQ | General Health, Weight Loss & Sports Nutrition Supplements Aspen Legal (aspenlawteam.com) Sponsorships

This week we sit down with Mr. BBQ, Kiwan Guyton. Founder of Mr. BBQ at Mystic Oak MR. BBQ AT MYSTIC OAK - Home (mrbbqatmysticoak.com) Aspen Legal (aspenlawteam.com) NutritionHQ | General Health, Weight Loss & Sports Nutrition Supplements

In this episode, we sit down with Shawn Kober, founder of Big Planet Media. Big Planet Media is a video production company providing high-end production services based out of Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. We are proud to create compelling and high-quality video content for corporate, commercial, entertainment, and non-profit. Specializing in Video Production / Aerial Photography and Video Editing Big Planet Media is a production company based out of Camdenton Missouri (4) Shawn Kober | Facebook (3) Big Planet Media | Facebook Aspen Legal (aspenlawteam.com) NutritionHQ | General Health, Weight Loss & Sports Nutrition Supplements Sponsor

In this episode, we sit down with Ron McCormick, founder of Heartland Supported Living. Heartland Supported Living, Inc. was established in 1997. At that time, the company provided Individualized Supported Living (ISL) services to individuals diagnosed with developmental disabilities.  There were two administrative staff and one secretary whose desk was a card table and she used a princess phone. Many of you probably don’t know what a princess phone is…. it was a very basic phone. Today, Heartland has 10 administrative staff, hundreds of support staff and provides Individualized Supported Living (ISL), Personal Assistance and in-home respite services through a contract with the Department of Mental Health (DMH), as well as Personal Care, Nurse visits and In-Home Respite to individuals with health and mobility concerns through a contract with the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). Our sister company Heartland Resource Council is a not-for-profit that offers Consumer Directed Services to individuals with health and mobility concerns through a DHSS contract. Heartland Supported Living (heartlandsl.com) Aspen Legal (aspenlawteam.com) NutritionHQ | General Health, Weight Loss & Sports Nutrition Supplements

In this episode, we sit down with Jillian Tedesco, founder of Fit-Flavors. Jillian began producing healthy, all-natural, pre-cooked/packaged meals that are portion controlled and ready to heat and eat. It started with cooking for a handful of clients that I was personal training…mostly as a favor to them because they did not have the time, knowledge, or care to cook. What I quickly found was that these clients were losing weight, gaining muscle, training harder and just felt better overall while eating the food I was preparing. The rest is history. It’s now our goal here at fit-flavors to make the world healthier…one person, one meal at a time. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, gain muscle, improve your health, or you’re just crunched for time and looking to keep a few healthy meals in your fridge… fit-flavors has a solution for you!” (66) Healthy Prepared Meals - YouTube Healthy Prepared Meals - Healthy Fast Food - fit-flavors Aspen Legal (aspenlawteam.com) NutritionHQ | General Health, Weight Loss & Sports Nutrition Supplements