Bar Napkin Business

Mike Smith is anything but the traditional startup entrepreneur. He's the founder of The Bay, an indoor skate park and creative haven for teenagers in Lincoln, Nebraska. He's also a must-see speaker, consultant, ambassador, author, and founder of Leadership Live, Find Your Grind, and Rabble Mill.  In this interview, we talk about:  Making outrageous commitments for the sake of a cause people care about Finding the right talent to move your company forward and putting people first Balancing demands on your time and prioritizing what matters Focusing on what you’re good at and relying on team rock stars to fill in the gaps Going from small beginnings to being a national celebrity and how that’s impacted his life and those around him  He recently published a book titled "Legacy vs. Likes" geared toward students and adults who are ready to challenge themselves to pursue a passion—especially if they're down to do good for the world along the way. "Legacy vs. Likes" dares you to stop talking and start doing. Learn more about Mike through his various organizations and leadership pursuits: https://www.mikesmithlive.com/speaker#speaker/bio https://www.leadershiplive.tv/about.php https://www.findyourgrind.com/about https://www.rabblemill.org   Connect with Mike: -@mikesmithlive (all social channels) -@findyourgrind (IG, Twitter), @findyourgrindofficial (FB) -@rabblemill (all social channels)  

Chris Brester is the CEO of Brester Construction, a second generation, family-owned company. Brester Construction is a general contracting and construction management firm based out of Lincoln, Nebraska. They’ve built their reputation by providing the highest level of integrity, quality and service in the work they do. In this interview we talk about: Chris' first work in construction at 10 years old Making his own mark on an established family business The importance of hiring for hustle and work ethic Tips to create a culture that keeps your first employees around The company values that motivate everything they do Learn more about Chris and Brester Construction on their website: www.bresterconstruction.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BresterConstruction.  

Spencer Munson's short stint working in a record store ignited his love of music that led to his full-time career as a music festival organizer and promoter of the arts. He's responsible for bringing 100 bands to Lincoln each year through Lincoln Calling, as well as filling the downtown with the sounds of Jazz each summer at the Sheldon Art Gallery. Learn about the challenges of building a non-profit organization, costly mistakes every festival organizer must learn, why music festivals are essential to attracting young talent, and how he makes money and manages artists inside his operation.  Lincoln Calling is a week filled with amazing music and local artisans surrounded by community and professional development. Over the course of one week in the fall Lincoln Calling draws thousands of concertgoers from around the country to catch over 100 bands in Downtown Lincoln. About Lincoln Calling: Lincoln Calling is the city’s premier, non-sports cultural event that specifically targets millennials and young professionals. In 2018 and beyond, this music festival that highlights some of the country’s and state’s most exciting emerging artists, is only growing bigger and better. With YP Week, Startup Week and more non-musical programming joining the fold, and killer headliners already confirmed, Lincoln Calling is on the cusp of securing a spot in the national music festival conversation. By supporting artists, venues and local promoters, it makes Lincoln’s music and arts scene even stronger. By drawing regional crowds to businesses in the heart of Lincoln, it helps stimulate our economy. And by injecting an influx of undeniably cool people and youth culture into the city, it makes Lincoln a more appealing place to live, work and play — valuable evidence for businesses aiming to attract and retain top talent. It is our vision is to make the state a globally recognized cultural destination. lincolncalling.com www.instagram.com/lincolncalling_ https://www.facebook.com/LincolnCalling/ https://twitter.com/LincolnCalling_ About Jazz in June: Jazz in June invigorates Lincoln’s cultural landscape and provides distinctive character as the community’s “signature free event.” It sparks community engagement among all demographics in the city and supports positive urban culture in downtown Lincoln. This community-centric program traditionally serves 25,000 people over the course of four Tuesdays in June. In 2017, Jazz in June enjoyed success not only with well-attended performances, but also within the community and classroom. Artists spent hours leading youth workshops in cultural and education centers. The musicians also discussed career paths and theory while engaging students in the University’s music department. With the overwhelming success of 2017’s performance by 5-time GRAMMY Award-winner Terence Blanchard, Jazz in June is striving to book more world renown artists and educators in the future. The majority of Jazz in June planning is undertaken by a part-time dedicated staff member and a board of volunteers. These individuals plan and execute fundraising, research, community partner development, educational programs, and new marketing strategies. It is the organization’s objective to create a diverse volunteer staff and stable funding base for the community series. The comprehensive funding plan includes support from local foundations, corporations, and individuals. With ample and diverse sources of funding the organization can stay financially viable through any economic climate. The audience of Jazz in June is a reflection of the Lincoln community. People of all ages, economic backgrounds, and diverse heritage regularly attend the program, achieving several key missions of the program. Jazz in June will strive to benefit the community through strong partnerships with other local organizations, elected officials, advocacy groups, businesses, and faith communities. The development of more education before and during the event through culturally sensitive workshops, youth interaction, and interdisciplinary collaboration will continue. The series will also feature artists of color and further support diversity on stage and in the audience. jazzinjune.com https://www.instagram.com/jazzinjuneunl https://www.facebook.com/jazzinjuneunl/ https://twitter.com/JazzInJuneunl

Christopher Aumueller first came up with the idea for FanWord while playing tennis in college. Using his design skills, he mocked up an early prototype. With a small loan from his family, he paid a developer to bring that prototype to life. He's quick to acknowledge that the early "product" is not even close to what the platform is today! In this interview, we dig into the business he’s building, the mistakes he’s made along the way, and how he keeps an open mind to pivot toward what the customer wants in the end. FanWord is a college sports news & media platform. At FanWord, we believe that each athlete and team has an inspiring story to tell. Our goal is to highlight these stories, give them the recognition they deserve, and establish a supportive community of college sports enthusiasts. Website: http://bit.ly/fanword_homepage Blog: http://bit.ly/fanword_blog Facebook: http://bit.ly/fanword_facebook Twitter: http://bit.ly/fanword_twitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/fanword_instagram LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/fanword_linkedin

Dennis Doerfl and his cofounder first developed the idea for Fourstarzz Media while they were working for Groupon in Europe, recognizing the need for an influencer marketing "search engine" to make it easier in deploying influencer marketing as an effective tactic for businesses all over the world. Fourstarzz helps marketers find social media personalities – known as influencers – faster by leveraging extensive data analysis to not only find advertising campaign-relevant influencers but also provide the necessary information to connect marketers with the appropriate influencer agents or networks. For more information, visit www.fourstarzz.com In this episode with Dennis, we cover questions such as: What is a micro influencer and how could they boost your brand message online? Should you compensate influencer marketers to represent your brand? Where do you go to find these influencers? Which platform is still the hottest and most results-driven for influencer marketing? Why does Dennis believe the Midwest is one of the best places to build and grow a business? Connect with Fourstarzz on social media: https://twitter.com/_fourstarzz_ https://www.instagram.com/fourstarzz/ https://www.facebook.com/fourstarzzmedia/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/10515033/

If you've ever watched Saturday Night Live or attended a show at Second City in Chicago, you're familiar with the concept of Improv -- at least as an observer. But Gina Trimarco believes improv training can be beneficial for executives, sales professionals, and anyone who has to communicate to do their job!  In this episode we talk about:  How to build a product that people need when they want something else Running tests to identify how to position your product How Gina leveraged free tools like TripAdvisor for her improve theater to be the #1 attraction in her area Why you have to use the customer’s words in your marketing The hidden benefits of hosting a weekly podcast Gina Trimarco is the founder and owner of Carolina Improv and Pivot10 Results where she helps shift people problems into performance results. She is also the host of the Pivotal Leader Podcast, featuring interviews with modern and pivotal business leaders who share their experiences and anecdotal success stories to inspire rising leaders to shift their own organizational cultures to higher success. Learn more at pivot10results.com or listen to the The Pivotal Leader on iTunes. If you visit Myrtle Beach, make sure to stop in for a show at Carolina Improv as well! 

source. eat fit was founded in 2014 by Dawn Steffen and her brother to remedy the frustration of being able to eat clean and fit on the go. They make fresh, healthy meals daily that are ready to eat that last up to 7 days. But with this comes many unique challenges, such as keeping food fresh, being healthy without being boring, and remaining a leader in the ultra-competitive health and fitness industry.  In this episode we talk with Dawn about: The biggest surprise she found in running her business The importance of partnerships and securing the right vendors How she used custom software to streamline her operation Why you have to “live it” to grow your business Learn more about Dawn and source. eat fit at https://www.sourceeatfit.com/ or visit them on Facebook or Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/sourceEATFIT/ https://www.instagram.com/source.eatfit/   

Matt Motsick is the CEO of SWIVEL Software, and the founder of Catapult (he has since sold and exited the company). SWIVEL Software empowers digital logistics for freight forwarders and importers/exporters.  The company boasts a mix of customers from across the supply chain spectrum that have a global network of offices using its web-based systems.  In this interview we talk about: His first client and how that experience shaped his product offering How he scraped together $100,000 of starting capital to build a company that would later sell for millions Tips for negotiating with venture capitalists The importance of hiring the right people to achieve your vision What it’s like to lead a company in the US that’s based in Hong Kong Matt also serves as an advisor/mentor to the TechStars Kansas City location. Learn more about SWIVEL Software at their website: http://swivelsoftware.com or on social media @swivelsoftware.

Levrack triples your storage space by combining the best of pallet racking and mobile-aisle shelving. A company that's only a few years old, the concept was birthed out of an agricultural operation that saw an opportunity to better utilize space on the shop floor. Enlisting the help of an engineer friend, the founders developed a solution that has agricultural and garage enthusiasts buzzing with excitement.  Discover the challenge of manufacturing a product, managing logistics, and the power of influencers and reality TV to generate interest and drive sales. Learn more about Ryan and his company, Levrack, at www.levrack.com.  Check out photos of their product on social media at www.levrack.com/facebook. 

The newest idea on the street is blockchain technology. While it's not new by any stretch, it's rapidly gaining popularity as the go-to technology to build and develop. In both private spaces and corporate board rooms, people are having conversations about block chain and how it will revolutionize our world. Because of this, people like Edward Weniger and Kyle Tautenhan have started setting up groups to facilitate discussion and idea sharing about this topic. The founders of the Blockchain Development Group, and brains behind the Midwest Block-a-thon, the largest blockchain event in the region, Edward and Kyle talk about what to expect at this event, why blockchain is so intriguing, and how you can get involved.  This episode is guest hosted by Luke Hansen, founder of CompanyCam and a self-professed blockchain/bitcoin enthusiast.  Learn more at www.block-a-thon.com. 

Casey Donner is the founder of Kiss and Makeup, a Beauty Boutique. But she is also a local social media influencer in her city, leveraging her accounts to connect with followers and brands in her area about beauty, makeup, and more. In this episode we talk about: Building a business through contractors instead of employees How she handles being a local “social media influencer” and what makes a successful social media influencer event The battle against the changing Facebook algorithm  How she targets prospective clients with Facebook ads The importance of transparency in building a brand  The creepy and dark side of social media  Learn more about Casey and her business on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Kiss-And-Makeup-A-Beauty-Boutique-366527456694312/.

Tyler Sprunk started his first business when he was still in college. Excited by the opportunity to put his marketing and advertising skills to work, he and his business partners owned and operated Forgelight Creative for nearly 3 years before they decided to call it quits.  Now, over a year later, Tyler is putting his lessons learned to good use as the CMO of a different Midwest-based marketing agency and he's not afraid to talk about learning from failure. In this interview we talk about the challenges he faced in his first business, what he learned the hard way in building and growing an agency, the importance of pricing your services, and how a bad hire or client fit can challenge a young company.  Connect with Tyler on LinkedIn or Twitter. Learn more about his current role at www.simplestrat.com/about.

Ciara Searight is the founder of the first circus gym in Nebraska and the epitome of starting a business on a bar napkin, with the vision for her first business starting on a napkin at Yia Yia’s pizza. Ciara is also the owner of Tangerine Salon, which will be celebrating its 10 year anniversary. In this episode we talk about what it’s like to be the first to do something different, her perspective on risk and getting out of your comfort zone, and why a little bit of publicity can go a long way. Learn more about Ciara’s businesses on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/TangerineHairArtistSalon/ https://www.facebook.com/BigTopCenter/  

Courtney Lockridge started a business in college called Nebraska Wedding Day. She grew that magazine and media platform to a regional leader and later sold the business in order to focus on her family. She says she's still an entrepreneur at heart, but she's shifted her focus to....MLM? Courtney recently decided to become a market partner for Monat, a direct sales company that offers specialty hair products. But does joining an MLM company mean that you're an entrepreneur? Or just a sales person? Is it a pyramid scheme? What's the risk if you can just start selling?  In this interview, we dive into a lively discussion of what she believes are positive and negatives points of coming into a MLM opportunity, and how Facebook and online communities have become a new "norm" for social selling but don't replace the face to face meetings. Learn more about Courtney at courtneylockridge.mymonat.com. 

Dan Sloan is one of the owners of The Mill Coffee & Tea. A self-professed recovering accountant, he's been running his business for decades - long before the emergence of Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, or even McCafe Coffee. Despite the prevalence of national chains and the development of new coffee brands nationwide, The Mill has continued to grow and prosper in the community of Lincoln Nebraska. On this episode of Bar Napkin Business, we talk about going from one location to four, building a brand people want to be part of, the importance of hiring for talent even when you think you can't afford it, and why people choose to frequent a local coffee house (hint: it has to do with experience!). Learn more about The Mill Coffee & Tea at www.themillcoffee.com or visit them on Facebook.

opendorse is the athlete marketing platform that helps the biggest brands in sports share content on social. Started as an idea while founders Adi and Blake were running a social media agency, they've now secured millions in funding and work with hundreds of athletes, agencies, and brands to share content online. In this episode we talk to co-founder Adi Kulanic about coming to America when he was little, his short time as a professional athlete, how they started the company, and challenges they've experienced along the way.   Learn more at www.opendorse.com or follow them on social media. 

Erik Hustad is best known as the co-founder of a Midwest foodie favorite - Honest Abe's restaurant. From food truck to a brick and mortar food and beverage business, Erik's learned a thing or two about building an experience that customers want to be part of. He's also learned when to call it quits, how to pivot quickly, and how to swallow your pride and learn from failure. In this podcast episode, we talk about his journey from culinary school in Seattle to starting and growing a restaurant group in Lincoln, Nebraska. Learn more about Honest Abe's at grounduprestaurants.com or follow them on Facebook. 

Brandon Akert was a college student when he pitched the idea for Gate 25 Restaurant. After approaching dozens of people and getting shot down, he eventually found a believer to invest in his idea - and that started him down the path of entrepreneurship. In this episode, we talk about the story of Gate 25, how he structured his financial risk, the new endeavors he’s working on, and the lessons learned along the way. We also learn about the one thing that scares him more than anything else. Get the details, menu, and more at www.gate25lnk.com or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Today's world is driven by word of mouth online - and that word of mouth often comes in the form of online reviews. Whether you like it or not, your business is just as susceptible to a bad review as it is a good review.  Jessica Sodeke has been reviewing businesses on Yelp for years - at such a level that she's earned the title of "Elite Yelp Reviewer" by the platform itself. She's reviewed over 400 places and posted nearly 4,000 photos of her experiences. Get an inside perspective on her tips for businesses to earn five star reviews, how to manage bad reviews, and why storytelling is essential to your customer experience.  Read Jessica's reviews and connect with her on Yelp at https://jsodeke.yelp.com. 

Ben Pankonin is the CEO and Cofounder of Social Assurance, a marketing and software company that helps financial brands market with confidence.  In this interview with Ben, we dig into the concept of trust - and why it takes admitting that you've been through a challenge in order to build it. We also talk about the foundational elements of a good story and why conflict, or "the hard stuff", in inevitable in building a brand that people want to follow.  Ben has been recognized as the Silicon Prairie News 2017 Executive of the Year, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce 2017 Entrepreneurial Spirit Award Winner, and Pipeline Innovator of the Year.  Learn more about Social Assurance at www.socialassurance.com.