Cheers To Business

In this episode, guest-host Johnny Gwin talks with Tommy Wetjen about how he built Gamers N Geeks, the Gulf Coast's largest gaming store specializing in card games, board games, dice games, miniatures, and video games. Tommy also shares how he has grown his business by creating an economic ecosystem with collaborators and like-minded merchants and vendors, making a unique experience that encourages all ages and types of gamers to feel welcome. Plus, Tommy spills the beans on purchasing, relaunching, and reinventing the CWL, the Combat Wrestling League, that will bring local wrestling back to the Gulf Coast.

In this episode, guest host Johnny Gwin talks with Scotty White about how he takes another step in building his business empire of Geekdom with his new Scotty's Toy Shop specializing in action figures and other pop culture collectibles. Scotty is not just an entrepreneur, podcaster, and comic book creator; he is now an action figure curator, doctor, and bounty hunter to find "that special toy that someone wants from their childhood memories and will bring them happiness." Cheers to Scotty White; he is creating revenue from doing something that he loves and is building a loyal and engaged community around his new toy shop, Scotty's Toy Shop. Check Out Gamers & Geeks Listen to EP107: Just Make The Thing with Scotty White Scotty's Jedi Lessons On Starting A Retail Business - Do your research. Know what you are getting into with a brick and mortar or online retail store and understand the market trends, opportunities, and challenges before you go "all in" - Build your network. Reach out to similar and successful business owners in the market that you want to start selling. - Start small. Before investing capital and time with a store, start selling from your collection to test the proof of concept for your store and products. //////// Learn More About Karen Simmons & CFO Consulting Karen C. Simmons, P.C. CFO Consulting Services

Business owners and employees leave money on the table year after year by not having the right retirement plan in place. In this episode, Karen talks with the Mobile, Alabama employer, employee, and personal retirement plan TPA specialist Crystal Sears of Azalea Administration. Crystal explains all the options employers and employees now have with 401(k) and other retirement plans and how to get started saving for your future. Plus, learn why setting up an employee plan is one of the best ways to hire, motivate, and keep your best team members and top producers. {Editor's Note: this is a rebroadcast of a past episode. Karen is taking the week off the show to spend time with her family for the Fourth of July holiday.} Learn more about Crystal Sears and Azalea Administration. Key Takeaways: 1. A 401(k) plan is it's a way to save money, but you're saving it for yourself. 2. Employee retirement plans for your help you find, motivate and keep your best employees. 3. Hire a qualified third-party administrator to set up and manage your company's retirement plans. 4. Cheap index funds won't cost you a lot of money, but they won't make you any money either. 5. Start the retirement plan process with your CPA, Accounting Department, or your HR department. 6. Find the right TPA specialist to administer your retirement plans.   Learn More About Karen Simmons & CFO Consulting Karen C. Simmons, P.C. CFO Consulting Services

On this episode, Karen talks with Trey Byrum, owner of the Alabama Pipe Welders Academy and Scottsman Tools in Mobile, Alabama, about the importance of learning a trade, creating a product, having faith, and giving back to your community. Trey details how his welding school started from chaos and tragedy into something magical from very humble beginnings. Plus, he will tell us what it is like to share the TV screen with Billy Bones on the National Geographic Channel. Key Takeaways - Learning a trade is transformative for the individual and plays a vital role in all communities. - Sometimes moving forward in life starts with stepping back and having to overcome big obstacles. - Making "giving back to your community" a part of your business model is rewarding and can be a big asset in motivating yourself and your team.   See Trey on National Geographic's Breaking Bobby Bones Alabama Pipe Welders AcademyLearn more here. Scottsman Tools Learn more here.      

The most valuable resource for any business is their customers, and while new customers are essential, acquiring new ones can cost as much as 7 times more than retaining a customer you already have. On this episode, guest host Johnny Gwin talks with the co-host of The Insurance Guys podcast and owner of Portal Insurance, the incomparable Bradley Flowers. Bradley delivers real-world stories, insights and essential tools for keeping your best customers to make sure your business survives and thrives. Check out Bradley on The Insurance Guys Podcast Bradley Flowers Steps For Customer Retention Evaluate your clients and identify your VIP customers. Calculate the lifetime value of your customers. Determine what keeps your customers coming back. Find and use essential CMR tools, automation, and processes. Automate but keep the human touch. Train your team to buy into the "love your customer" mindset. Manage customer expectations and overdeliver. Keep listening to your clients. Communicate with your clients in the way that they prefer. Satisfy, surprise & connect with your customers. ////// Learn More About DocRX DocRx is a family-oriented company dedicated to tailor operational solutions for patient health and compliance programs that increases the quality and efficiency of patient-centered care and always with the mission of the patient's health 1st. With over ten years of experience helping doctors and their patients with diagnostic testing, patient monitoring, medical supplies, compliance, wholesale pharmacy, physician dispensing billing, and more. DocRx is your patient and health compliance solution, both under one roof. To find out how DocRx can help your hospital, pharmacy, or physicians office see all their services at DocRx.com.

On this episode, guest host Johnny Gwin talks with singer/songwriter, music producer, session guitarist, and professional music businessman Eric Erdman about creating a career where he is the brand, product, factory, and the skilled labor. Eric demystifies the rock star mythos with tales of hard work, serious practicing, endless touring, and power networking to be able to travel the world entertaining thousands as his songs and talent. Plus, Eric shares his love of the talented musicians and unique musical sound of his hometown of Mobile, Alabama. Get To Know Eric Erdman Music Follow Eric on Spotify Hear Eric on Youtube Key Takeaways The music business is ever-changing with changing audience tastes to disruptive technology and isn't always glamourous. Practice, practice, practice, and learn to be multifaceted and flexible with your skills and abilities. Succeeding in the music business is not just practicing your craft but also putting sound business fundamentals into practice. Be yourself, but don't ignore the trends and realities of your market, industry, and business environment. Grow your industry network to increase your employment and learning opportunities. ////// Learn More About DocRX DocRx is a family-oriented company dedicated to tailor operational solutions for patient health and compliance programs that increases the quality and efficiency of patient-centered care and always with the mission of the patient's health 1st. With over ten years of experience helping doctors and their patients with diagnostic testing, patient monitoring, medical supplies, compliance, wholesale pharmacy, physician dispensing billing, and more. DocRx is your patient and health compliance solution, both under one roof. To find out how DocRx can help your hospital, pharmacy, or physicians office see all their services at DocRx.com.

Everyone is talking about Bitcoin, Ethereum, Doge Coin, and alt-coins. What the heck is this mass hype, and are you missing out if you are already not in "crypto"? On this episode, guest host Johnny Gwin talks with Mobile's serial entrepreneur, Scott Tindle, about why he has jumped headfirst into crypto and blockchain technology, the quickest way to get started in crypto, and his tips on trading bitcoin and crypto. Plus, Johnny and Scott run down all of the weird crypto jargon you are bound to hear over the next few years. Start Trading Crypto! Open Your Coinbase Account Here Use this link to open your Coinbase account, and you and Johnny will both get a $10 bonus. Key Takeaways Cryptocurrency and blockchain technology is an exciting, new, and expansive industry that has already touched most people's lives. The first place most people start with crypto is to open a Coinbase.com account. Bitcoin and Ethereum and the most well-known digital monetary asset, but there are thousands of cryptocurrencies and tokens. Don't just invest in hype, do your research and understand the details and fundamentals about the crypto projects you are looking to trade. Crypto markets are highly volatile, and all your principal capital can be lost. Learn disciplined and be patient with crypto trading, and do not fall into FOMO. This episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice.   Resources CryptoWendyO Youtube Channel  Bad Crypto Podcast Coinstats App Into The Block   ////// Learn More About DocRX DocRx is a family-oriented company dedicated to tailor operational solutions for patient health and compliance programs that increases the quality and efficiency of patient-centered care and always with the mission of the patient's health 1st. With over ten years of experience helping doctors and their patients with diagnostic testing, patient monitoring, medical supplies, compliance, wholesale pharmacy, physician dispensing billing, and more. DocRx is your patient and health compliance solution, both under one roof. To find out how DocRx can help your hospital, pharmacy, or physicians office see all their services at DocRx.com.

In this episode, Karen talks with the bold and dynamic Bridgette Jerkins of Royal Barbers located in Mobile, Alabama. She explains her unique style of training and guiding her customers' behaviors and expectations to benefit their experience and her bottom line. Bridgette also shares her experiences, challenges, and successes as a young businesswoman in a world dominated by male barbers and patrons. And lastly, Karen and Bridgette talk about the joy and headaches of working with their amazing daughters. This show is filled with 100s of laughs, tons of knowledge, and two amazing and strong women. Enjoy the show!   Key Takeaways Know your customers, location, and needs to customize a sensbile work schedule and profitable operation. Strive to create more than a business and service to your customers. Building a community around who and what you do. Learn to create a culture around your business that connects customers to your business and to you as an entrepreneur. Be comfortable being bold, demanding, assertive, and discerning with your business. ////// Learn More About DocRX DocRx is a family-oriented company dedicated to tailor operational solutions for patient health and compliance programs that increases the quality and efficiency of patient-centered care and always with the mission of the patient's health 1st. With over ten years of experience helping doctors and their patients with diagnostic testing, patient monitoring, medical supplies, compliance, wholesale pharmacy, physician dispensing billing, and more. DocRx is your patient and health compliance solution, both under one roof. To find out how DocRx can help your hospital, pharmacy, or physicians office see all their services at DocRx.com.  

On this episode, Karen and show producer Johnny Gwin have picked out the strongest and most brilliant moments of the most listened to guest of Cheers To Business, Dr. Gia Wiggins of Morale Resources. Gia is not just just an HR expert she is also a guru for motivating, maximizing and engaging your company workforce and leadership. Sit back, turn up the headphones, and soak up the brilliance that is Dr. Gia Wiggins. Key Takeaways - You don't always need an HR department, but make sure you can deal with your employee issues. - Always treat someone with respect, whether you are hiring them or letting them go. - Become adaptable. If you keep doing the same thing, you'll get the same results. - Be open and connect. Listen more to new ideas from your teams and empower them to do their job with less micromanagement. Check out all of Gia's Cheers To Business Episodes - Hiring, Firing, Engagement, and HR Secrets with Gia Wiggins >>> EP27 - Communicating The “Why“ with Dr. Gia Wiggins >>> EP105 - Reinvention and Clean Brooms with Karen and Gia >>> EP106   //////   Learn More About DocRX DocRx is a family-oriented company dedicated to tailor operational solutions for patient health and compliance programs that increases the quality and efficiency of patient-centered care and always with the mission of the patient's health 1st. With over ten years of experience helping doctors and their patients with diagnostic testing, patient monitoring, medical supplies, compliance, wholesale pharmacy, physician dispensing billing, and more. DocRx is your patient and health compliance solution, both under one roof. To find out how DocRx can help your hospital, pharmacy, or physicians office see all their services at DocRx.com.  

On this episode, Karen talks with Cheers all-star guest and founder of the Fizzi Fest, Lady Stacy Wellborn. Stacy shares the spark for her to take her passion for champagne and turn that into a popular and successful community festival that celebrates the good life and all things bubbles. Plus, she shares all the essential steps for you to transform your passion and obsessions into a thriving event and business. Key Takeaways - Don't let inexperience,  a long to-do list, or tough logistics stop you from creating an event or festival - Build a team of partners, sponsors, supporters , and like minded organizations around your event and mission to make it happen. - Be sure to know all the federal, state, and local laws, requirements and permits    Learn more about Fizzi Fest >>> Get Your Fizzi Fest Tickets >>> //////   Learn More About DocRX DocRx is a family-oriented company dedicated to tailor operational solutions for patient health and compliance programs that increases the quality and efficiency of patient-centered care and always with the mission of the patient's health 1st. With over ten years of experience helping doctors and their patients with diagnostic testing, patient monitoring, medical supplies, compliance, wholesale pharmacy, physician dispensing billing, and more. DocRx is your patient and health compliance solution, both under one roof. To find out how DocRx can help your hospital, pharmacy, or physicians office see all their services at DocRx.com.

On this special installment of The Best of Cheers To Business, Karen and show producer Johnny Gwin have gone thru two and half seasons to find some of the finest moments from one of their favorite things to talk about, turning that passion or hobby into a profitable business. So, sit back, pour yourself a glass of your favorite beverage, and soak in this informational and inspirational packed show that we are calling Cheers To The Side Hustle.   Featured Past Guests On This Episode - Scotty White: a self-described Comic book geek that's becoming a comic book author and animator. - Abe Partridge: a one-time Baptist preacher that's now rising up the charts as a folk musician and artist. - Tony Ingram: a sizzling hot homemade Salsa manufacturer. - John Serda: a beer lover that is growing a beer (and coffee) empire. - Chris and Laney Andrews: a couple that together is building a food tourism business from scratch.   //////////////   Learn More About DocRX DocRx is a family-oriented company dedicated to tailor operational solutions for patient health and compliance programs that increases the quality and efficiency of patient-centered care and always with the mission of the patient's health 1st. With over ten years of experience helping doctors and their patients with diagnostic testing, patient monitoring, medical supplies, compliance, wholesale pharmacy, physician dispensing billing, and more. DocRx is your patient and health compliance solution, both under one roof. To find out how DocRx can help your hospital, pharmacy, or physicians office see all their services at DocRx.com.

On this very special first-ever best off episode, Karen and show producer Johnny Gwin have picked the best moments (so far) from the show talking about and giving insights on sales. Some of our brilliant guests share their knowledge on what makes a good salesperson, hiring a top-notch sales force, selling tactics for any audience, and how even to sell yourself. Thanks so much for listening to our first 130 shows; ya'll are the best podcast audience in the world.   Featured Best-Of Guests (in order of appearance): Rhen Barlett - Episode 33 Mary Grothe - Episode 68 Cadie and Karen - Episode 49 Cam Marston - Episode 125 Melissa Cross - Episode 54 Ray Weinshenker - Episode 43 Cadie & Karen - Episode 1   //////////////   Learn More About DocRX DocRx is a family-oriented company dedicated to tailor operational solutions for patient health and compliance programs that increases the quality and efficiency of patient-centered care and always with the mission of the patient's health 1st. With over ten years of experience helping doctors and their patients with diagnostic testing, patient monitoring, medical supplies, compliance, wholesale pharmacy, physician dispensing billing, and more. DocRx is your patient and health compliance solution, both under one roof. To find out how DocRx can help your hospital, pharmacy, or physicians office see all their services at DocRx.com.

On this episode, Karen talks all things marketing with Sarah Bumgarner, Marketing Director at Saad Healthcare Hospice. Sarah shares her marketing experience and insights from inside a company and from an outside agency perspective. She and Karen discuss the importance of CFOs, CEOs, and upper management to see the marketing budget as a capital investment and the lifeblood to growing a company.   Key Takeaways - Sell marketing budgets and ideas in terms of ROI (Return On Investment) and increased productivity, not cost and expense. - Know your brand, be consistent, and build for something long-term. - Measure your social media marketing in ROI not in vanity metrics of likes and shares. - Create an obtainable goal, strategy, and plan before initiating any marketing tactic or campaign. - Be sure to communicate and connect with your internal audience just as much as your external targets.   //////////////   Learn More About DocRX DocRx is a family-oriented company dedicated to tailor operational solutions for patient health and compliance programs that increases the quality and efficiency of patient-centered care and always with the mission of the patient's health 1st. With over ten years of experience helping doctors and their patients with diagnostic testing, patient monitoring, medical supplies, compliance, wholesale pharmacy, physician dispensing billing, and more. DocRx is your patient and health compliance solution, both under one roof. To find out how DocRx can help your hospital, pharmacy, or physicians office see all their services at DocRx.com.

On this episode. Karen talks with Cheers To Business podcast producer Johnny Gwin about his newfound interest in a Fixed vs. Growth Mindset. A Fixed Mindset sees an overall intelligence, talent, or skill to be a fixed entity - something that cannot grow. A Growth Mindset is one in which an individual sees themselves as in a state of development in learning a skill over time. Using Carol Dweck's groundbreaking book as a starting place, Johnny and Karen have a lively discussion about how this change in mindset can improve how you learn, lead others, work, and live. Key Takeaways - A Fixed Mindset can limit one's ability to learn and thrive in learning a new skill or talent. - A Growth Mindset creates a process for one to develop and master skills over time using value over talent and process over results. - Learning comes from the failing in the process of mastering a new skill. - Learn to use the "not yet" technique. When struggling, remind yourself that you haven't mastered that skill, YET! Buy Mindset by Carol Dweck >>> //////////////   Learn More About DocRX DocRx is a family-oriented company dedicated to tailor operational solutions for patient health and compliance programs that increases the quality and efficiency of patient-centered care and always with the mission of the patient's health 1st. With over ten years of experience helping doctors and their patients with diagnostic testing, patient monitoring, medical supplies, compliance, wholesale pharmacy, physician dispensing billing, and more. DocRx is your patient and health compliance solution, both under one roof. To find out how DocRx can help your hospital, pharmacy, or physicians office see all their services at DocRx.com.  

On this episode, Karen talks with author and entrepreneur advocate Christoper Ray Coleman. Chris gives his insights on the how he doesn't look at business and decisions as good or bad but in terms of healthy or unhealthy. Chris stresses the importance of your entrepreneur choices and business growth models to be sustainable, healthy, and aligned with your heart, mind, and soul. Plus, Karen talks about her upcoming panel discussion at his controversial entrepreneur meetup called - FuckUp Nights Mobile. This event series uses the public sharing of professional failures as a tool for business growth, personal inspiration, and intending to ease the stigma and fear of screwing up big time in your business and life.   Learn more about Fuckup Nights Mobile >>> Get Your Ticket   Key Takeaways: When starting a business, start where you are and build a strong foundation. When starting a business focus on cash flow, sales and profits not just branding and marketing. Look long term when building your business. It's about the compound interest of doing the hard work, not just overnight success. You can be professional without having to look and sound professional. ////////////// Learn More About DocRX DocRx is a family-oriented company dedicated to tailor operational solutions for patient health and compliance programs that increases the quality and efficiency of patient-centered care and always with the mission of the patient's health 1st. With over ten years of experience helping doctors and their patients with diagnostic testing, patient monitoring, medical supplies, compliance, wholesale pharmacy, physician dispensing billing, and more. DocRx is your patient and health compliance solution, both under one roof. To find out how DocRx can help your hospital, pharmacy, or physicians office see all their services at DocRx.com.  

On this special episode, the host of the radio show What's Working with Cam Marston, Cam Marston, and he takes over the Cheers To Business microphones to have an in-depth interview and conversation with Karen Simmons. Karen shares about her childhood, somethings you might not know about her, what Karen gets out of the Cheers podcast, and what drives her in her life and many businesses.   Key Takeaways Karen likes to build, make and grow businesses and relationships. Build a team to complement strengths and work around weaknesses. Business owners need to build and grow their companies so that no company is dependent on them being ever-present to make it work.   Cheers To: I like to build, make and grow. That is exciting. I don't care if it's a tomato or a business. - Karen Simmons Look for a win-win-win. I don't believe in two wins; I believe in three wins. A win for you, the customer, and the community. - Karen Simmons ////////////// Learn More About DocRX DocRx is a family-oriented company dedicated to tailor operational solutions for patient health and compliance programs that increases the quality and efficiency of patient-centered care and always with the mission of the patient's health 1st. With over ten years of experience helping doctors and their patients with diagnostic testing, patient monitoring, medical supplies, compliance, wholesale pharmacy, physician dispensing billing, and more. DocRx is your patient and health compliance solution, both under one roof. To find out how DocRx can help your hospital, pharmacy, or physicians office see all their services at DocRx.com.  

On this episode, Karen talks with Cam Marston, President of Generational Insights and host of the radio show and podcast What's Working with Cam Marston. Cam Marston is the leading expert and speaker on the impact of generational change and its impact on the workplace and marketplace. He studies and analyzes generational and demographic trends and points out the differences and similarities between people and generations. He then presents his insights to companies and brands to better connect and communicate with their employees, customers, and communities. It's not only selling and communicating better this is info that lets you know how to get the most out of every relationship you have. Hear how Cam's world has changed with COVID and the lessons he has learned over the past year. Key Takeaways - Millennials are committing more to employers and are lasting a lot longer than the historical two-year job hops. - The primary tool for job retention for the millennial generation is for a company or organization to have a very clear mission and "why." - When communicating or selling to a Baby Boomer, articulate your expertise and history. - When communicating or selling to the Millennial or Gen Z markets, explain how you're going to change their future if they do business with you. Use more information about them and highlight the future benefits of your partnership. - Many businesses sell and communicate by pushing something they like to receive instead of concentrating on how your listener prefers to receive it. - Due to COVID many thought leaders, public speakers, and presenters have had to learn to become entertainers to deliver their messages online instead of live and in person. - Minimize generational bias in your company's culture, communication, marketing and values.   Cheers To: Most of my time is spent studying the demographic trends that are shaping the workplace in the marketplace. I gather the information, and then I organize it in a palatable way. - Cam Marston Demographics are not typically a sexy topic. But, I organize and deliver this data in such a way that it's palatable for the listener or the participant to gain something from it, to enjoy it, and most importantly, to do something with the content to a change of behavior that will make them a little bit more effective. - Cam Marston Many people sell, pitch, and write copy on their websites in their own generational values. And it's often very generationally biased and ineffective. - Cam Marston At some point, committing to an employer is becomes wealth building. - Cam Marston

On this episode, Karen talks with Tricia Petteys, COO/Co-founder of Payroll Vault Franchising, about the Employee Retention Tax Credit and how it can help your small business financially impacted by COVID-19. Overshadowed by the PPP loan program, the lesser-known and used Employee Retention Tax Credit was offered through the CARES act in 2020. Earlier in 2020, businesses were not eligible if they received a PPP loan, so almost no one took advantage of ERTC. However, with the updated Consolidated Appropriations Act that passed in December 2020, the government will allow businesses who received PPP loan funds to apply for the ERTC. So, get your pencils and notebooks out because Tricia outlines the Employee Retention Tax Credit major highlights, qualifications, and why it is essential for the operation and maybe your company's survival. Key Takeaways - ERTC encourages businesses to keep employees on their payroll. - ERTC is a refundable tax credit and is 50% of up to $10,000 in wages paid by an eligible employer whose business has been financially impacted by COVID-19. - Bars and Restaurants almost always qualify. - Engage with a payroll or tax professional to take a look at your payroll journals, taxes paid, and your PPP and your forgiveness window ASAP. - Consult with a professional about what 2020 and 2021 business revenue counts and what doesn't. - Confirm with your CPA or professional payroll company to see if your company and which of your employee can qualify for ERTC.   Resources Tricia Petteys  -  LinkedIn | Facebook | Youtube Payroll Vault -  Website | Blog IRS  -  FAQ Page

The last Cheers episode with Brandon Maye was so good that Karen asked him back to share more of his story from the football field to the business field. On this episode, Brandon talks more about his transition and lessons learned from peak-level athletics to his entrepreneurial life and his Brandon Maye Legacy Foundation. Plus, he shares his insights on having purpose, living a life without fear, and creating a cash flow business to fund your other companies and projects. Key Takeaways - The same principles and traits that make athletes successful can easily translate into the business world. - Live the life that you want and don't operate in fear. - Get maximum results by focusing on those things that you excel at and are the most important. - Money creates opportunities for you to have time. - Most business fail due to cash flow problems not infrastructure.   Resources: Brandon Maye  -   Website  |   Youtube   |   LinkedIn Check out the Brandon Maye Legacy Foundation  

On this episode, we hear the ups and downs of Brandon Maye's life journey from the football field to the field of business. A top high school recruit from a tough neighborhood, Brandon signed with Clemson University and eventually transferred to play for Mississippi State to be closer to his family. Unfortunately, an injury derailed his lifelong dream of an NFL career as he was never drafted. After falling into the "pit of despair," Brandon Maye picked himself back up, readjusted his life purpose, and using all of his acquired skills and a Master's degree to become a champion in life by building his kingdom and being an inspiration for his hometown's kids. Key Takeaways - Your past does not define your future. - Excelling in business requires finding purpose, sacrificing the distractions, be humble, and staying hungry to chase the dream. - Work to build a legacy and always create hope. Resources: Brandon Maye  -   Website  |   Youtube   |   LinkedIn Check out the Brandon Maye Legacy Foundation