Entrepreneur Intel

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Eckhoff, Fractional CRO at Sales Growth International. He is an award-winning sales leader with experience across startups, scale-ups, and Fortune 500 companies. He emphasizes the significance of having a robust sales structure and offers insights into the changing landscape of sales, including the resurgence of face-to-face meetings and personalized buyer journeys. This episode provides valuable advice for entrepreneurs on leveraging fractional executives and effectively integrating sales technologies. Takeaways:Importance of Founder-Led Sales: In the initial phases of a startup, founders often play a crucial role in sales. Their deep understanding of the product and vision helps in building customer relationships and securing early sales.Evolving Role of AI: AI is transforming sales by enhancing human capabilities rather than replacing them. AI tools can automate repetitive tasks, generate actionable insights, and provide recommendations to improve sales performance.Resurgence of Face-to-Face Meetings: Despite the rise of digital communication, face-to-face meetings are making a comeback. In-person interactions can enhance engagement and provide a personal touch that digital meetings may lack.Integrated Sales Infrastructures: A well-integrated sales infrastructure ensures that all components of the sales process work seamlessly together. This includes CRM systems, marketing automation tools, and data management platforms.Timing for Fractional CRO/Sales Executive: For startups, the decision to bring in a fractional Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) or a sales executive depends on several factors, such as growth stage, revenue targets, and sales complexity.Balancing Pipeline Sources: Sustained growth relies on a balanced pipeline that includes inbound leads, partner referrals, and sales team-generated prospects. Quote of the Show:“Fractional is the new black. Everybody's looking at how I can get talented people who understand, who have the experience … at a cost that I can afford as an entrepreneur.” - Michael EckhoffLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeleckhoff/Email: michael@salesgrowthinternational.comWays to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

9/26/24 • 43:30

In this episode, we dive deep into the realities of entrepreneurship with Ryan Hogan. From navigating early failures to hitting product-market fit, Ryan shares the tough lessons learned along the way. Whether discussing the early false starts, how to pivot effectively, or scaling businesses like Hunt A Killer, this episode offers invaluable insights for entrepreneurs. The message is clear: never give up, because the difference between success and failure is perseverance.Takeaways:Perseverance is Key: Entrepreneurship is a journey full of failures and micro wins. The only way to succeed is to keep pushing forward, even when the path is unclear.The Power of Pivoting: Understanding when to pivot is crucial—whether it's adjusting marketing or product strategies, flexibility is necessary to meet market demands.Validate Ideas Quickly: You can validate a business idea over a weekend by setting up a basic test, such as selling a product to gauge market interest.Adapting to Changes: Businesses must constantly evolve. From Facebook's changing algorithms to navigating AI and a rapidly shifting economy, staying agile is essential.The Shift Towards Recruiting as a Service (RAS): The concept of Recruiting as a Service (RAS) is introduced as a subscription-based model, providing a modern solution to outdated recruitment practices.Quote of the Show:“The only difference between success and failure is, are you going to persevere? Are you going to continue, or are you going to give up?” - Ryan HoganLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanehogan/Website: https://talentharbor.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@talentharbor Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

9/12/24 • 41:31

In this insightful episode, Cameron Herold, a seasoned COO and author of six books, joins Wes to dive deep into the unique dynamics between CEOs and COOs. Cameron shares his journey from an EO member to scaling companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK, and how his entrepreneurial upbringing shaped his approach to the COO role. The conversation explores the delicate balance of the CEO-COO relationship, the importance of trust and communication, and the role of the COO in driving business success. Cameron also discusses the founding of the COO Alliance, a mastermind community specifically for second-in-command leaders, and offers his perspective on the value of fractional COOs. Takeaways:The Power of EO: Cameron credits the Entrepreneur's Organization (EO) for his personal and professional growth, highlighting its impact on his journey.The COO’s Unique Role: The COO must complement the CEO, filling in gaps and executing the vision while bringing their own entrepreneurial spirit.Communication is Key: Successful CEO-COO relationships require open communication, mutual trust, and understanding each other’s strengths and weaknesses.The Value of Mastermind Groups: Cameron emphasizes the importance of communities like the COO Alliance, where COOs can learn, share, and grow together.Fractional vs. Full-Time COOs: While fractional COOs can be valuable for smaller companies, Cameron argues that full-time COOs are crucial as businesses scale.Quote of the Show:“The COO's job is to make the CEO look good, and the CEO's job internally is to make the COO look good.” - Cameron HeroldLinks:Twitter: https://x.com/CameronHerold?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5EauthorLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronherold/Website: https://cameronherold.com/Links to books: https://cooalliance.com/camerons-books/Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

8/29/24 • 37:45

In this episode, we sit down with Tullio Siragusa to discuss the importance of involving executives, creating scalable systems, and how fractional roles can provide significant value without long-term commitment. We also explore how to nurture a culture where employees feel empowered and engaged. Takeaways:Involvement & Scalable Systems: Keep executives engaged and develop scalable systems for sustained success. Fractional Roles: Leverage fractional C-level executives to access high-level expertise without the full-time commitment. Empowerment & Culture: Build a culture where employees feel part of something greater, find meaning, and have opportunities to make an impact and grow. Regular Feedback: Implement systems for regular feedback and performance evaluations to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with goals. Alignment with Vision: Ensure that every aspect of your operations aligns with the company’s vision and strategic goals for cohesive growth. Quote of the Show: "Don't try to rush, make it happen tomorrow. Give yourself a 10 year plan to where you want to be and be patient.” - Tullio Siragusa Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tulliosiragusa/Website: https://tulliosiragusa.com/Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

8/15/24 • 43:54

In this episode, we delve into the critical role of financial education for founders, especially those without a conventional finance background. Our guest, a seasoned fractional CFO, shares his approach to educating first-time founders about financial management and the art of interpreting business numbers. He emphasizes the importance of clean bookkeeping, understanding financial statements, and strategic financial planning. Takeaways:The guest highlights the lack of proper financial education among founders and the general population. He takes an educational approach, helping clients understand their business numbers and manage finances effectively.Discussing the transition from a closed book to an open book management style, the guest explains how transparency in financials can demystify profit perceptions among employees.The importance of data in business decisions is stressed. The guest explains how customer data, such as NPS surveys, can impact financial modeling and forecasts.The episode covers when it's beneficial for a company to hire a CFO or a finance professional, highlighting the early investment in bookkeeping. The guest describes the typical relationship with a founder, from initial financial operations to strategic planning and scaling.Strategies to build trust and verify financial integrity within a business. Clarifying the roles of a bookkeeper, fractional CFO, and tax accountant, and how they work together to maintain a healthy financial ecosystem.Quote of the Show:“I take an education or educational approach to finance,  Not only am I presenting the numbers, I'm helping them understand the numbers of their business and learn how to manage them better” - Patrick McCarthyLinks:Twitter: https://x.com/theideamonkeyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gmichaelmaddock/Website: https://www.maddockdouglas.com/ https://flourishadvisoryboards.com/Book Link: https://www.mike-maddock.com/authorWays to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

8/1/24 • 40:26

The episode touches on various aspects of entrepreneurship, particularly focusing on the role of peer groups and forums in business development and personal growth. Mike discusses the critical importance of having diverse perspectives in peer groups to avoid blind spots and enhance problem-solving capabilities. He emphasizes that successful peer groups consist of individuals with different strengths and roles (such as operators, strategists, rainmakers, visionaries, tech orchestrators, and integrators) who can offer varied insights into challenges faced by business owners. Takeaways:The speaker reflects on their experience with developing a successful business strategy involving insurance and market analysis. They emphasize the importance of expertise in crafting effective questionnaires that determine customer eligibility, highlighting their ability to fill a market gap worth 300 million dollars.They discuss the significance of peer groups like EO and YPO in their entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the transformative role of forums in personal and business growth. They outline common pitfalls in peer groups and the importance of diverse perspectives for problem-solving.Finally, they introduce their advisory board service, Flourish Advisory Boards, designed to provide diverse perspectives (six different lenses) for entrepreneurs seeking growth and problem-solving solutions.Quote of the Show:“Advertising and marketing are a tax you pay for a bad idea.” - Mike Maddock Links:Twitter: https://x.com/theideamonkeyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gmichaelmaddock/Website: https://www.maddockdouglas.com/ https://flourishadvisoryboards.com/Book Link: https://www.mike-maddock.com/authorWays to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

7/18/24 • 46:25

Want to bring your Idea to the next level? Most visionary entrepreneurs struggle with implementing their ideas onto paper. Jamie Munoz is a Fractional Integrator with Catalyst Integrators. She teaches the reason for an Integrator, process of Fractional Integration and how it can help bring your vision to life. Enhance your ideas and businesses to optimize your time and outcomes. Takeaways:The importance of harnessing human energy effectively, whether personal or within a team, is emphasized. This involves self-awareness and inner work.Discuss how professionals act as fractional COOs, focusing on operational execution and implementing the EOS framework. They help translate the visionary's ideas into actionable plans and ensure their implementation across the organization.Jamie talks about how unlike full-time roles, fractional integrators provide flexibility and scalability, making them ideal for smaller companies or during growth phases without the need for a full-time executive.The discussion also touches on personal experiences, such as transitioning from a full-time integrator role to founding Catalyst Integrators. This shift highlighted the need for fractional integrators in smaller organizations and the benefits they bring, especially in times like the COVID-19 pandemic when virtual operations became crucial.The conversation explores how fractional integrators build trust within leadership teams and organizations. They act as unbiased third-party facilitators who integrate into company culture while providing expertise and a fresh perspective.Quote of the Show:“The integrator role is a very clear seat that plays a puzzle piece to the visionary.” - Jamie MunozLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-munoz/ Website: https://www.catalystintegrators.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Jamie-Munoz-10042848/?_rdr Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

7/4/24 • 40:14

In this insightful conversation, Wes chats with Steve Hernandez, the CEO and President of The North Group. Steve shares his journey from being a military personnel to becoming a prominent figure in the intelligence and security industry. He discusses the importance of situational awareness, the complexities of handling threats in both personal and corporate realms, and provides valuable advice on business risk management. Additionally, Steve dives deep into the dark world of human trafficking and the importance of safeguarding against digital exploitation. Entrepreneurs and leaders will find this episode particularly useful as Steve provides pragmatic advice on crisis management, stakeholder protection, and the evolving landscape of security. Takeaways: Leaders must have situational awareness and preparedness. This means being acutely aware of the environment and potential risks your organization may face and having plans in place to address these risks before they materialize.Create and maintain strong communication channels. Ensure that every team member knows they are not alone, and foster a culture of openness where concerns and observations about potential threats can be shared and addressed promptly.Invest in pre-crisis risk management. Being proactive in identifying and mitigating potential risks is far less costly and more effective than dealing with the aftermath of a crisis. This includes having security assessments, creating emergency protocols, and educating employees on these measures.Understand and prepare for the broader impacts of risks. Analyze the second and third-order effects of potential risks. For instance, supply chain disruptions can have cascading impacts on various aspects of the business, from financial health to workforce stability.Leverage technology for security and risk management. Utilize advanced tools for data collection, analysis, and threat monitoring. Ensure your company's data and communications are secure, especially when dealing with sensitive information or traveling internationally.Adopt a trust-but-verify mindset in professional relationships. While it's essential to foster trust within your team and with external partners, verification processes should be in place to prevent exploitation of that trust, ensuring the integrity and security of operations.Focus on building resilient systems and processes. Ensure that your company has robust systems to handle disruptions, including backup plans and redundancies to maintain operations under various scenarios. Continuous refinement and testing of these systems are crucial to organizational resilience.Quote of the Show:“You can't have a company full of donkeys when you're trying to raise thoroughbreds.” - Steve HernandezLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevehernandeztng/ Website: https://tngdefense.com/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

6/27/24 • 45:36

Meet Dave VanderJagt, a Fractional CRO with over 15 years of experience in developing and managing high-performing B2B and B2C revenue teams. Dave discusses the critical role of a Fractional CRO, especially for companies under $20 million in revenue, and how aligning marketing, sales, and customer success is essential for growth. Dave joins Host Wes Mathews to explore the challenges of transitioning from founder-led sales to a structured team approach, the importance of having the right data and process-oriented models, and the role of AI in sales.Takeaways:Success in creating revenue does not depend on inherent superpowers but on a data-driven approach to marketing, sales, and customer success. Having the right people in the right roles is crucial for any organization's go-to-market strategy.Your team needs to work cohesively across functions like sales, marketing, customer success, and customer support to achieve significant growth. The CRO is responsible for building, running, and leading this unified team to maximize growth potential.For organizations, even those pre-revenue, having a Chief Revenue Officer can be highly beneficial to structure and lead revenue generation efforts, especially if the company is funded and must quickly return investor dollars.For effective CRM usage, start by using it consistently to manage your client base and revenue, then analyze where your leads and deals originated to recognize your successful strategies.To succeed in sales-led growth companies, it's crucial to quickly learn, build, execute, and pivot effectively. Focus on tracking key leading indicators such as meetings booked, qualified opportunities, and pipeline progression to validate your efforts and drive results.When selecting a CRM, consider the internal expertise and proficiency your team already has with a particular platform to avoid potential opportunity costs associated with learning a new system. The first priority upon gaining traction and initial revenue is to understand the unit economics of your business, such as customer acquisition costs and annual contract value, to inform your sales strategy.Quote of the Show:“If you think it’s just a sales or marketing game, you’re going to hamper your growth.” - Dave VanderJagtLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dvanderjagt/ Website: https://vanderjagtcro.com/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

6/20/24 • 43:08

Joining the show this week is a 5x sales leader who helps SaaS startups find opportunities to break new ground and make things grow. Please welcome to the show, CEO and Founder at Elizabeth Andrew consulting, Elizabeth Andrew!Elizabeth sits down with Host Wes Mathews to dive into some of the biggest challenges startup founders face. Elizabeth shares the challenges of founder led sales, the obstacles to overcome when returning to the workforce and the importance of learning on the job.  Takeaways: One of the most important lessons in entrepreneurship is that anything is possible, even amidst challenging times. Never give up, as success is achievable by anyone willing to persevere.The most significant obstacle for people returning from a career break is the perception that they are out of touch with current tools and trends. To combat this, immerse yourself in industry events and actively seek out learning opportunitiesStartup success heavily depends on effective sales; relying solely on the product's intrinsic value is a common mistake. Early sales hires should be strategic, avoiding premature VP appointments or inexperienced salespeople to ensure sustainable growth.Consider being conservative with funding even when it is available, to avoid running out of funds. Be sure to cherish small milestones in your startup journey, as these moments signify growth and progress.If you're entering the job market without prior experience, especially post-2020, you need a strong work ethic and motivation to succeed. Ensuring team engagement in a remote or hybrid work environment is crucial.It is important to conduct an audit to identify and address weaknesses within a company. Establishing a clear ideal customer profile and implementing effective sales processes can significantly improve outreach and sales functions.Quote of the Show:“I like wearing a lot of hats. I'm good in the startup space. I like building, I like growing, I like solving problems.” - Elizabeth AndrewLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethaandrew/ Website: https://elizabethandrew.com/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

6/13/24 • 40:23

This week’s guest has a rich background in corporate finance, and experience managing over $85M in assets. Please welcome to the show, Founder and Fractional CFO at Midwest CFOChris Gwinn! Chris sits down with Host Wes Mathews and shares invaluable lessons from his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of finding high-demand, recurring revenue models. Chris also offers practical tips for business owners to ensure profitability, strategic planning, and financial forecasting.  Takeaways: Entrepreneurs should focus on finding and selling a product or service that solves a pressing, high-urgency problem for customers, which makes sales easier and ensures more predictable cash flows. To increase recurring revenue, form strategic partnerships and focus on understanding customer purchase frequency and proactively meeting their needs rather than just maximizing short revenue spikes. In order to effectively manage your business finances, start by ensuring your financial data is clean and well-organized to understand the profitability of different services and make strategic decisions. To accurately determine your gross margin, subtract the costs of producing your goods or services from your revenue, ensuring all expenses are cleanly categorized. Understanding industry-specific margins leads to better financial management.Secure financing when business is thriving, not just when in need, to ensure you have the resources to fuel growth during challenging times. Maintain a cash reserve of 200% to 400% of monthly overhead to weather economic storms and seize opportunities.To effectively manage business finances, focus on key performance indicators such as revenue, profitability, and customer metrics, while understanding essential financial statements like accounts receivable, balance sheets, and profit and loss statements.Business owners should consider adopting the EOS framework for its simplicity and effective operational models. Success hinges on a professional EOS implementer and a strong integrator (COO) to align goals and ensure smooth execution.Quote of the Show:“It's going to be really, really difficult to figure out how to create a profit in your business if you don't understand what your margin is.” - Chris GwinnLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-gwinn-cfa-96383b26/ Website: https://midwestcfo.com/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

5/30/24 • 41:42

Join Host Wes Mathews on Entrepreneur Intel as he sits down with Jonathon Hensley, CEO and Chief Product Officer at Emerge. Jonathan shares profound lessons on leadership, strategy, and leveraging AI in business. Learn about his journey from Silicon Valley enthusiast to successful entrepreneur, and get insights into building a strong vision, fostering team alignment, and driving business growth. This episode is packed with valuable advice for both new and seasoned entrepreneurs. Takeaways:The most important lesson in entrepreneurship and leadership is to ensure alignment between your company's vision, team's work, and market offerings. Help every individual understand their impact and contribution towards the company's goals.When it comes to AI, it's essential to understand the cycle it is in and the potential it holds. As we move beyond the hype, focus on leveraging AI to enhance expertise and human connections.Embrace challenges and seek opportunities for growth in areas where you feel uncomfortable. Adapt and evolve your business to align with market and technological changes for long-term success.When building a team in a startup, it's crucial to understand the outcomes needed for each role and hire individuals who share the passion to achieve that success. Clear goals and aligning roles with outcomes are key to effective team building.Entrepreneurs should focus on creating a vision that is both inspiring and measurable, ensuring that it provides clear direction and purpose to the team. Aligning the vision with specific objectives that serve a greater purpose can motivate the team and drive success in achieving long-term goals.Every entrepreneur needs to understand the fundamentals of strategy, and planning is not strategy. Strategy necessitates knowing the problem you are solving, and the value you bring customers. From there you can strategize what you will bring to customers. The core of a successful product revolves around value. Before you start building, step back and assess the value you are creating, and how what you are building is going to actually deliver on the value. Quote of the Show:“It fundamentally has to start with what's the problem that you want to solve, right?” - Jonathon HensleyLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathonhensley/ Website: https://www.emergeagency.com/ Book Link: https://a.co/d/aKcbwog Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

5/23/24 • 43:21

Joining host Wes Mathews on this week’s episode of Entrepreneur Intel is a founder who has been on the Inc 5000 list several times, and is currently educating the next generation of entrepreneurs. Our guest is none other than President of Bauer and Associates, and Founder & Entrepreneur-in-Residence of Inc Magazine's Inc. Young Entrepreneurs, Dan Bauer!Wes and Dan sit down to dive into the work of Inc’s young entrepreneurs, and the skills that are essential to any entrepreneur. Dan shares the importance of hiring the right people, the need to not fall in love with your first idea, and how to encourage organic interactions between clients and employees. Takeaways:As an entrepreneur, it’s important to stay fluid with your ideas. While you may be drawn to your first idea, an overfocus on it can be restrictive. Pivoting from an idea you love to one you like, but can fall in love with works quite well. When you consult with clients, it’s important to have the right employees. Hire and train slowly, but don’t be afraid to fire fast. One wrong employee can cause multiple clients to leave. There are four main components of entrepreneurship to keep in mind. Entrepreneurs need to be focused on gaining knowledge, having the right perspective, building a strong network, and developing a strong brand. While there have been previous entrepreneurship training programs aimed at students, they often left out key elements. Programs that were run by colleges had too much of an academic focus, and others are too tech focused. For students planning for their future, becoming an entrepreneur should be on their radar. Many employers are less focused on pure academic accomplishments, and successful business acumen is desirable. A good leader is one who has strategies and frameworks for employees, but still allows them to work organically with clients. Allowing for that organic element creates stronger bonds with clients. Quote of the Show:“It's the second or third iteration of it [an idea] that really hits the sweet spot.” - Dan BauerLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bauerdan/ Website: www.bauer-inc.com Website: https://www.nslcleaders.org/youth-leadership-programs/business-entrepreneurship/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

5/16/24 • 45:23

Today’s guest is an entrepreneur who has successfully exited a company, wrote two books, and co-founded an organization that advocates for increased awareness around liver transplants. He’s served as the Global Chair of EO, and helps teach entrepreneurs how to be their best. Please welcome to the show, Co-Founder of Living Liver Foundation and the Global School of Entrepreneurship, David Galbenski!David joins Host Wes Mathews for a conversation on the challenges of rapid growth. David shares what it takes to make the INC 500 list twice, the importance of having your integrator, and when the right time to sell is.  Takeaways:As an entrepreneur, you need to remember the three P’s: Passion, Purpose, and Potential. If you can align yourself at the intersection of all three, you increase your chances at whatever you do. While you may have internal motivators for selling a company, it’s important to wait for the right external factors to sell. When the economy is strong, the offers that come in will be higher. Waiting for the right offer will maximize profit. Fast growth is good, but you have to be prepared for the consequences. As you continuously move you will be outstripping your leadership capacity, the level of quality you want, and your own capital. Balancing growth with these factors is crucial. Letting your clients pay you net 30 or 60 is gracious, but can have significant risks during times of recession. If one of your clients goes bankrupt, and you are an unsecured creditor, you won’t be able to recuperate your losses. When looking to sell, you always want to pursue a few potential buyers at the same time. By comparing buyers, you can get a clearer picture of what your company is worth, and multiple buyers can increase the closing price. While the financial aspect of selling a business can be exciting, there can be an emotional toll as well. To ease things, make sure you are taking care of employees through the transaction, and that you have a clear plan for post exit. As a visionary entrepreneur, having an integrator is crucial as they can take your ideas and put them into action. It doesn’t matter if your integrator is your spouse, best friend, or total stranger, as long as you have one. Quote of the Show:“Fast growth I realized is like being on one of the craziest roller coaster rides in the world.” - David GalbenskiLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgalbenski/ Website: https://www.gse.mba/ Website: https://livingliver.org/ Website: https://edwardlowe.org/ Book Link: https://a.co/d/5S3aW0M Book Link: https://a.co/d/1wbOmUI Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

5/9/24 • 45:40

Instilling authenticity in your company starts with leaders, and requires them to be vulnerable. Our guest this week helps entrepreneurs build their company vibe, and connect better with their employees. Please welcome to the show, Founder and Principal at Affect Advisors, Bill Green! Bill sits down with host Wes Mathews for a candid conversation on how entrepreneurs can be better leaders. Bill shares the importance of living with authenticity, why you should have regular one on one conversations with employees, and how to build a company VIBE.Takeaways:The most important thing for entrepreneurs to keep in mind is to live life with authenticity. Freedom comes from thriving authentically, and by showing up with your authentic self, make yourself happy so you can help others become happy. Good leaders coach with care. When an employee starts to slip in performance, try to identify what is going on beyond metrics. Difficult life events can affect a good employee's performance, and require understanding rather than reprimanding. When you start offering your services to others, it’s crucial to establish a niche that you excel at. While it’s tempting to offer every service a client may want, having a cohesive core offering ensures you succeed in the early stages of business. When pricing your services, it’s best to avoid hourly rates if possible as they center the conversation around time. It’s best instead to focus on the value you are delivering to clients, and set pricing from there. Strategy and culture are two crucial aspects of business, but there is an often overlooked missing middle. The vibe in the middle can connect strategy and culture, but when done poorly can create friction and conflict. There are four key elements to a creating company VIBE. V is vulnerability, and being vulnerable in front of employees. I is insight and reflects your self knowledge. B is for your beliefs, and how you live them. E is for the energy you bring to work Every leader needs to have routine conversations with their people. Conversations can be casual, but you should always ask employees what they are working on right now, the challenges they are facing, and what ways you can help.Quote of the Show:“The simple things are sometimes the most high impact.” - Bill GreenLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-green-detroit/ Website: https://meetbillgreen.com/about Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

5/2/24 • 42:43

Joining the show this week is a former Navy SEAL and Marine who uses his entrepreneurial expertise to inform a community of over 30,000 strong. Please welcome to the show, CEO and Founder of the SOFX Network, Sam Havelock! Sam sits down with Host Wes Mathews to explore the importance of having focus, and other strategies for entrepreneurs. Sam shares the importance of building trust, how privacy is an important aspect of community, and how to cut through the noise.  Takeaways: Focus is the most important thing for any entrepreneur to have. Many entrepreneurs have a strong vision and a drive to feed their own intellectual curiosity. However, without focus, you can end up chasing every idea you create. When you work in a profession that is heads down and fast paced, you often don’t have time to understand what the rest of the world is saying about you. Having a quick access feed that aggregates and summarizes allows professionals to stay in the loop. When creating media, it’s important to tailor your content to your audience. For the special forces community, quick updates on happenings matter more than opinions on command decisions. While entrepreneurs aren’t running secret missions, they do have some overlap with special operations forces. Both groups are under-resourced, have more tasks to accomplish than time to accomplish them, and are less risk averse than peers. In the current media landscape of news and social media, it is a challenge to cut through the noise. The best way to reach an audience is by targeting a specific niche and creating a high trust environment. Creating a walled garden for your community can be attractive to users as it creates a sense of privacy. Users who don’t have to worry about their data being sold or used to train AI will have a better connection with your community. While situations don’t always pan out as expected, it’s always worth taking a swing at an idea. Failure is better than regret, and if you can afford to take those risks, you should take them. Quote of the Show:“It’s really all about the people.” - Sam HavelockLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samhavelock/ Website: https://www.sofx.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sam.havelock/?hl=en Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

4/25/24 • 45:27

Being the best version of yourself applies not only to business, but your personal and family life as well. Our guest this week is someone who helps entrepreneurs achieve a better life that’s possible for them and those around them. Joining the show this week is Owner of MKD Wealth Coaches, Joe Mackey!Joe joins Host Wes Mathews to share why grit and determination are the most crucial skills for any entrepreneur. Joe also explains the difference between offering help and taking action, how to set up a self-sustaining business, and the value of spending time with potential customers.  Takeaways:The most important attributes for entrepreneurs to have are grit and determination. Success is hard to get, and requires you to do the difficult things that many others don’t want to do. Knowing your target market goes beyond just the target industry or similar firmographics. Considering who you enjoy working with, the motivations of customers, and their personal attributes allows you to have stronger bonds with your customers. While family office services are typically reserved for people with upwards of a few hundred million dollars, the benefits can be felt starting at $20 million. Having a firm that manages your finances Whether it’s disease or natural disaster, crises cause people to worry about their financial investments. When challenging times arise, the best thing you can do is communicate with your clients and help instill a sense of ease in them. While entrepreneurs are often the driving force behind sales for their organizations, it’s crucial to create a “self-sustaining” business. By allowing your business to run without depending on your presence, you allow your business to thrive even if you need a break.While it may seem counterintuitive, spending time in informal meetings with potential clients is an effective way to build relationships. Strong relationships create strong business, but require a slow building of trust. There is a difference between offering support and taking action. Rather than simply offering condolences or well wishes when something bad happens to a client, be present and figure out actionable ways you can help them through tough times. Quote of the Show:“We want to free them up to be the best version of themselves they were created to be as an entrepreneur, as a spouse, as a parent.” - Joe MackeyLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mackeyjoe/ Website: https://www.mkdwealthcoach.com/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

4/18/24 • 48:11

Dive into the world of luxury real estate with this week’s guest. He’s a pilot, marketer, and real estate mogul who's changing the game one property at a time. Through his creativity and a bit of daredevilry, he is redefining property marketing. Please welcome to the show, Real Estate Agent at Signature Sotheby's International Realty, Dylan Tent!Dylan and Wes dive deep into why consistency is the cornerstone of any business. Dylan shares the importance of utilizing your background to give you a competitive edge, the changing landscape of the real estate industry, and how to ask the right questions. Takeaways:As an entrepreneur, having consistency is one of the most important attributes. While it can be tempting to try new solutions after limited outreach, a consistent approach is one that wins in the long run. While your prior background may not fully relate to your current business venture, it can still play a crucial role in success. Embracing your background can give you fresh perspectives and help distinguish you from your competitors. When a customer compares you to your competitors, it’s imperative that you know what your advantage is. While your quality of service may be comparable, knowing what factors set you apart allows you to better your niche. Investing in real estate is all about acquiring a solid cash flow. AirBNB properties offer high cash flow, but require a lot of time. Multi family housing offers a safer investment with less maintenance. When looking to make an investment into your own home, the best areas to invest in are kitchen, bathrooms, paint, and carpet. Other aspects of houses are too personalized to guarantee a solid return. While low to middle end real estate is still over inflated, luxury properties offer good potential for buying and selling. As most buyers are paying with cash, they aren’t concerned with high interest rates. When selling real estate, you need to ask the right questions. A given buyer could be moving due to a job, divorce, or simply a change in scenery. Understanding your buyer’s motivation allows you to better meet their needs.Quote of the Show:“You can't serve somebody until you know what's motivating them.” - Dylan TentLinks:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helirealtor/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-tent-95b104113/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeliRealtor/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

4/11/24 • 33:25

In the highly competitive beverage industry, differentiating your product is key; a strong story paired with an even stronger omnichannel strategy is a recipe for success. Here to help entrepreneurs refresh their strategy is Co-Founder of Key Sparkling Water, Mike Pilkington!Mike and Wes sit down to crack open the secrets to success in the food and beverage world. Mike shares his lessons learned from Deathwish Coffee, the importance of hiring a HR partner early, and why you need to know your brand’s story.  Takeaways: Success in entrepreneurship is all about the people. It’s one thing to have a vision, but it’s another to take that vision and bring others together around it. A good team that drives greatness is crucial. Extending your passion to your employees is the secret to scaling a small business. When your employees are as passionate about the mission as you are, they feel ownership of results and work hard. An HR partner is an essential early stage hire. When your HR partner is aligned on mission, they will hire people who are stronger fits, and will help make a cohesive company culture. Every company needs to have a culture of accountability. Whether it’s about owning client deliverables or taking out the trash, you want employees who say “I’ll do it” rather than ask “who will do it?”In a crowded market, knowing your brand story is what will set you apart. Understanding what makes you unique, why a customer would buy your product, and the problem that you are solving for them will help differentiate your company. Understanding where your customers are is key to your distribution strategy. While many consumers buy beverages off a store shelf, DTC allows you to better control your narrative, and platforms like Amazon give you a wide reach. When you are running an omnichannel strategy, it’s important to stay consistent across all channels. While messaging can vary by channel, it’s best to keep pricing and promotional details consistent. Quote of the Show:“We weren't selling coffee. We were selling a way you felt every single morning. We were selling a movement. We were selling camaraderie.” - Mike PilkingtonLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-pilkington-yes/ Website: https://keysparklingwater.com/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

4/4/24 • 45:09

Could real estate be the secret to your success as an entrepreneur? This week’s guest thinks so. His company has saved his clients over $2B total through tax incentives. Joining the show is CEO of CORE Solutions Group, Terry Judge!Terry sits down with Wes to dive into the world of cost segregation. Terry outlines what cost segregation is, how you can utilize it, and how you can apply it to previous real estate purchases. Takeaways:Everyone needs a mentor. Whether it’s a formal mentor, or simply a more senior employee you shadow, having someone to show you the ropes is crucial for career success. Cost segregation is an aspect of the tax code that allows real estate investors to write off their property within 1 - 5 years. When someone buys a building, they can end up writing off almost 30%-40% of the purchase price in year one. To implement cost segregation, it’s important to work with a CPA who is familiar with it. Staying compliant is important, and working with a firm that knows the ins and outs of the tax code is crucial to success. When utilizing cost segregation, you need to understand what aspects of a property can and can’t be depreciated. While many aspects of the building itself can be depreciated, aspects like the land it is on cannot. The amount of your income that comes from real estate determines how much you can depreciate against. Real estate professionals can depreciate against most if not all of their income, while people who charge rent may only against rental income. If you previously bought a property, but are only just learning about cost segregation, don’t worry! Through a one time automatic consent with the IRS, you can go back and redo your depreciation, carrying it forward to the current year.Quote of the Show:“If you're going to succeed in any endeavor, why not seek out somebody that's already doing what you want to achieve and just mimic and copy.” - Terry JudgeLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coresolutionsgroup/ Website: https://coresolutionsgroup.net/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

3/28/24 • 48:59

Our guest this week is an entrepreneur who uses her 50 years of experience to drive impact. Through her cosmetology skills, she’s been a force for good in the childhood cancer community for over 20 years. Please welcome to the show, Founder and CEO of Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan, Maggie Varney!Maggie joined Wes Mathews to discuss the work she is doing, and how she got started. Maggie shares her motivations for starting a non profit, the importance of providing a space for kids to feel like themselves, and the best ways for someone to get involved. Takeaways:One of the most important things for an entrepreneur to have is a mentor. Whether it’s before you start your business, or 3 years into your career, having a mentor sets you up for success and can save you from learning lessons the hard way. Inspired by a 16-year-old's need for a wig, Maggie Varney started Wigs 4 Kids to provide help to children with cancer in Michigan. 500 children are diagnosed with cancer each year in Michigan, and there are different requirements for children's wigs, like head size. To help share the work of nonprofits, Google offers qualifying organizations $10,000 a month in pay per click ad credits. Understanding how to take advantage of programs like these can help get the right eyes on critical services. By providing additional programs beyond just wigs, Wigs 4 Kids creates a space for kids with cancer to experience normality. As many patients are limited due to compromised immune systems, a safe space allows them to have activities they would otherwise miss. For a kid, a wig is more than just a prosthetic. Beyond changing how they look, a wig changes how they feel. Having a wig and support provides them with both a sense of hope and wellness. Through the use of corporate sponsorships, companies can directly do good in their communities by sponsoring wigs and services. These sponsorships foster community as well as companies get to know about the children they are providing wigs for. Quote of the Show:“I am not going to chase the dollar. I'm going to focus on the kids.” - Maggie VarneyLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggievarney/ Website: https://www.wigs4kids.org/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

3/21/24 • 54:52

When it comes to running a business, you need to have good leadership skills. Our guest this week is a leadership expert who has a holistic approach to entrepreneurship. Joining the show this week is Owner of Chester Street Residence, Scott Seltzer.Scott shares his journey into running a family business. He dives into the challenges of caring for a community, the necessity to be a strong leader, and why he brings 100% of himself to work each day.  Takeaways:One of the most important things in entrepreneurship is to care for your employees. Whether your employees have concerns or exciting news, a good leader is there to listen and understand. When planning to have a child take over the family business, it’s important to have them start at the ground level. A holistic experience of the business functions will give them a good understanding of how it runs, and will help them build trust with other employees.Embrace the positivity and purpose in senior living, where genuine love for people is key. Choose to show up with energy and enthusiasm every day, as your attitude can inspire and uplift those around you.When creating a senior care facility, one of the most important aspects is community. Creating a space where people feel cared and accommodated results in better patient satisfaction, and higher employee engagement. When dealing with major events like COVID, it’s important to align your mission with the needs of the community. Balancing safety and community allowed people to receive the care they needed, and still see family. Approach requests with empathy and politeness. Choose to show up as a leader with a positive mindset and calm demeanor, as handling challenges gracefully is a conscious choice that leads to better outcomes.As a business owner, it’s common to experience frustrating situations. Rather than focusing on the source of the frustration, focusing on the solution helps you see the path forward. Quote of the Show:“To me, leadership is just about solving problems and helping people get better.” - Scott Seltzer Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-seltzer-6177b01/ Website: https://www.chesterstreetresidence.com/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

3/14/24 • 46:55

As a Visionary, do you often feel scattered and overwhelmed? You're not alone! In this episode we sit down with the “visionary’s visionary” to help business owners find better balance. Our guest this week is Author of “Unscatter the Chatter” and Founder of iMatter, Bob Shenefelt!Host Wes Mathews joins Bob to discuss some of the biggest challenges visionary entrepreneurs tend to face. Bob shares the ways that visionaries can bring better structure to their work, the importance of letting go of the vine, and why every leader needs to find the alignment between themselves and their business.  Takeaways:The key lesson in entrepreneurship is to have the courage to pursue your vision and build a team to support you in areas where you may not excel. Understanding your strengths and delegating tasks to capable individuals is crucial for successEmbrace structure and clarity in your ideas to effectively convey your vision to others. Simplify your plans and delegate responsibilities to achieve success smoothly. There is value in structure around what matters most. As a visionary, it's important to let go of trying to do everything and find the right integrator to complement your skills. Embracing your visionary role and seeking support from an integrator can lead to sustainable growth and success in business.Focus on identifying what you excel at and surround yourself with supportive people to leverage your strengths effectively. Delegate tasks that are not aligned with your strengths or target market to allow your team to thrive and achieve successAs an entrepreneur, it’s important to carve out time for yourself. While recreational time can be refreshing, it can also be another business tool. Activities like golf can be relaxing, yet also serve as a way to connect with potential clients. Focus on setting meaningful daily intentions through prioritizing important goals over urgent tasks to have a fulfilling and productive day. Embrace simplicity, gratitude, and community support to drive positive outcomes and achieve personal growthAs an entrepreneur, you can often face self doubt or feelings of imposter syndrome. Self affirmations can help create a positive mindset. It’s important to stop asking “am I successful?” and start affirming “I am successful”.Quote of the Show:“There's value in structure around what matters most and who matters most.” - Bob ShenefeltLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-shenefelt/ Website: https://www.imatter.com/ Book Link: https://a.co/d/gtEU1iy Book Link: https://a.co/d/9h5ZPxj Book Link: https://a.co/d/dVAm0oD Book Link: https://a.co/d/1sYDyqh Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

3/7/24 • 43:23

As an entrepreneur, are your customers buying because they believe in your product, or because they believe in you? This week’s guest explains the difference, and why it’s important for entrepreneurs to know. He’s a skilled entrepreneur, and 4x founder with 2 successful exits. Please welcome to the show, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Targatek, Bill Adams Jr!Bill sits down with Host Wes Mathews to discuss the future of entrepreneurship. Bill shares the importance of humility, how for many entrepreneurs their most successful product is their expertise, and how AI will change business for the better.  Takeaways:One of the most important skills to have as an entrepreneur is humility. While you may have a game plan, it’s important to allow yourself to adapt to roadblocks that arise to prevent disappointment. In business, people are driven to success by either their ego, or their paycheck. While there is no wrong answer, it is important to know your personal motivations. For entrepreneurs, they tend to be more ego driven. When it comes time to scale the business, many entrepreneurs try to “clone” themselves. If you are working off of an established framework, it is easy to hire other people with those skills. But if you are unique in your offerings, it becomes more difficult.One of the best ways to acquire more business is through customer referrals. If you are targeting specific industries, there is a good chance that your customers know other people in the industry who are encountering the same problem. In the past 10 years AI has ushered in a level of change similar to the industrial revolution. While there are many key players, there is still a large degree of first mover advantage. While tools like Chat GPT have garnered attention, they are largely aimed at the corporate workforce. In the current landscape, there is a lack of AI tools that are aimed at executive leaders. For many entrepreneurs, it’s not the product they offer that customers are drawn to, but rather the skills and ability of the entrepreneur. Understanding what your true product is allows you to focus more strongly on what you offer. Quote of the Show:“My job was to take all the technology pro-head and to figure out a way not to change a company, to change an industry” - Bill AdamsLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wadamsjr/ Website: https://targa.ai/ Book Link: https://a.co/d/iXs9eUz Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

2/29/24 • 46:09

This week’s featured guest is someone who has successfully launched and exited 5 tech companies. He’s a 4x New York Times Best Selling Author, and recipient of the United States Presidential Champion of Change Award. Welcome to the show, Co-Founder of Muditā Venture Partners, Platypus Labs, and ImpactEleven, Josh Linkner!Josh joins Host Wes Mathews talks about his journey of entrepreneurship and his philosophy of 'finding a way'. Josh shares his venture into venture capital, his experiences as an author, and how his jazz guitar skills made him a better entrepreneur.  Takeaways:Entrepreneurs have the ability to make things possible despite challenges by finding a way and showcasing ingenuity and resolve. The key is to navigate obstacles with determination and agency to overcome adversities and succeed in various industries.In starting a new venture, consider embracing unconventional ideas and strategies that differentiate you from the competition. Identify untapped opportunities like digital promotions that others may be overlooking to stand out in the market.As an entrepreneur, it's important to diversify your investments and not have all your net worth tied up in a single business to reduce risk. Taking some profits off the table can provide financial security while continuing to build and grow your businessKnowing when to transition from being innovative on the fly to organized and structured in leadership is crucial as a company grows. It's essential to recognize when your skills and approach need to adapt to the changing needs of your organization.Entrepreneurs should focus on solving a significant problem in a novel way rather than just falling in love with an idea. Seeking to be unique in addressing a specific problem can attract early-stage investors and set businesses apart from the competition.It’s important to challenge conventional approaches when facing challenges or opportunities. Embracing the idea of doing the complete opposite of what's been done before can lead to success.For entrepreneurs, true fulfillment comes from creating impact, solving tough problems, and fulfilling one's potential rather than just seeking leisure and relaxation. Entrepreneurs are wired to constantly innovate and contribute.Quote of the Show:“Instead of being cutthroat, what if we did it and we were supportive and we prioritized generosity and kindness and compassion.” - Josh LinknerLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshlinkner/ Website: https://muditavp.com/ Website: https://impacteleven.com/ Website: https://platypuslabs.com/ Website: https://joshlinkner.com/ Books: https://joshlinkner.com/body-of-work/#books Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

2/22/24 • 42:46

Our guest on this week’s episode is an entrepreneur who helps nonprofit organizations be their best. Over 13 years, his organization has invested more than $51 Million into Detroit neighborhoods. Please welcome to the show, Author of “Next Level Nonprofit” and Founder and  CEO of Life Remodeled, Chris Lambert!Chris joins Host Wes Mathews for a discussion on what nonprofits get right, and what they need to improve. Chris shares how he brings together organizations to make the most impact, the lessons nonprofits can learn from for profit businesses, and the importance of providing people with the right opportunities. Takeaways:Ensuring the right talent is well-placed becomes crucial in forming a cohesive and efficient team. Prioritize building a team that shares a unified vision and invests in their development for sustained successIn the nonprofit world, you want to be doing things for communities, not to communities. Understanding the true needs, wants, visions, and values of a community is a crucial first step before any work can happen. Solving problems in business is about finding the right who, not the right how. By having a strong understanding of your mission, you can focus on hiring people who align with that vision, rather than just strictly problem solving. Making meaningful change in communities is about giving people access to the opportunities they deserve. By putting pathways in front of people, you give them agency to be involved in their own progress. As a nonprofit, it can be tempting to chase grants to expand your services. While alluring, it’s important to focus on your mission, and allow yourself to prioritize the services that you excel at. One of the biggest challenges facing nonprofits is their internal team structure. Leadership needs to align peoples’ positions with their passions, and provide coaching across the board. While nonprofits differ from for profit organizations, they can borrow much of the same advice. By distilling and translating many of the prominent business knowledge out there, nonprofits can take a page from business books and grow sustainably. Quote of the Show:“We don't wanna do things to communities or for communities, we only wanna do the work we do with communities.” - Chris Lambert Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lambertliferemodeled/c Website: https://liferemodeled.org/ Book Link: https://a.co/d/9IgXlXi Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

2/15/24 • 49:19

This week's guest is an entrepreneur who believes in making the world a healthier place. She literally grew up in her industry, being exposed to entrepreneurship from her parent’s business. Welcome to the show, Managing Partner at Fitness Things, Kristen Tassielli!Kristen joins Host Wes Mathews and shares her journey in the fitness industry and how she has grown her business through a dedication to excellent service, relational integrity, and wise business strategies. She also highlights the value of relationship building, and the importance of authenticity and deep connections with her employees, customers, and vendors.  Takeaways:Success in business isn't measured by size but rather by profitability and sustainable growth. Entrepreneurs should heed the advice that scaling wisely is often more beneficial than just scaling up.The essence of entrepreneurial success lies not in the size of the business but in the agility to adapt; diversification is imperative. For those carving out their niche, embracing a multifaceted approach and meeting industry standards is fundamental to growth.Starting a business involves overcoming significant barriers, like the need for substantial upfront inventory and the challenges of managing logistics. A smaller, well-managed venture can still thrive, dispelling the myth that bigger always equates to better.While collaboration with your competitors may seem counterintuitive, having good relationships can present unique opportunities. A strong relationship can lead to a business acquisition when an owner is looking to retire. In business, demonstrating a proven track record and consulting to ensure success is more valuable than size—experience speaks. Fostering relationships and delivering on promises breeds credibility and leads to growth.In business, fostering enduring relationships hinges on the steadfast commitment to your word and transparent communication, especially when facing hurdles. Upholding integrity in managing and delivering on expectations is paramount for entrepreneurs.Joining an entrepreneurial community is an enriching experience, offering an energy boost, inspiration, motivation, and a wealth of ideas. More importantly, it creates a supportive space for problem-solving among peers.Quote of the Show:“I can't make decisions knowing that this is gonna affect so many people, without getting in there for a minute.” - Kristen Tassielli Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-tassielli-b36b945/ Website: https://fitnessthings.com/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

2/8/24 • 41:05

Joining the show this week is a titan in the sports broadcasting industry. With nearly 50 years of broadcasting experience, serving as an announcer for both the Detroit Lions and Michigan Wolverines, he is recognized as “the voice of Michigan football”. Welcome to the show, Jim Brandstatter!Jim joins Host Wes Mathers and narrates his illustrious career as a football broadcaster. He shares his thoughts on his former coaches, how he got started in the industry, the evolution of college football, and his ventures into the world of writing Takeaways:Embrace a philosophy of perpetual learning to surpass your accomplishments of today with those of tomorrow. For entrepreneurs, this translates into constant self-improvement and a recognition that mastery is a moving target, not a final destination.Achieving success in business hinges on the collective triumph of the team, not just the accomplishments of an individual. It's pivotal to embrace team-building and collaboration, as they are foundational to industry success and recognition.The shifting landscape of college sports creates an environment where education is being overshadowed by a semi-professional ethos and rampant transfers for financial gains. This trend raises questions about the true purpose of collegiate athletics.The landscape of collegiate sports is undergoing a transformation with the Name, Image, and Likeness regulations and transfer portal, leading to a predicted decline of the NCAA's influence, particularly in football and basketball.Leveraging his Michigan football broadcasting experience and Detroit roots, Jim secured his spot among the Detroit Lions play-by-play team despite competition, highlighting the importance of local knowledge and a personalized approach in sports broadcasting. Seizing a life-changing career opportunity with both passion and apprehension emphasizes the significance of commitment to excellence and meticulous preparation in sports announcing. Quote of the Show:“If you ever think that you're the best, then you've given up a few spots.” - Jim BrandstatterLinks:Twitter: https://x.com/jimbrandstatter?s=20 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-brandstatter-b314282b/ Website: https://www.jimbrandstatter.com/ Podcast: https://the-brandy-show.simplecast.com/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

2/1/24 • 51:57

Many entrepreneurs strive towards achieving work-life balance, when in reality they should be striving for work life harmony. Here to explain the difference is Mid life Men’s Coach and CEO of Shredded Fathers, Joseph Warren!Joseph joins Host Wes Mathews to delve into the concept of 'Work-Life Harmony', which Joseph believes is all about prioritizing what matters most in life and focusing on personal fulfillment alongside career success. Joseph also shares the challenges of overcoming your own pride, the importance of carving out time for personal relationships, and the benefits of finding Takeaways:Adapting and embracing change is key in entrepreneurship. Letting go of the need for control and being open to new approaches can lead to greater personal fulfillment and success in business.Work-life balance is a misleading concept that leads to constant juggling and exhaustion. Instead, focus on achieving work-life harmony by integrating and prioritizing various aspects of your life, resulting in increased fulfillment and reduced stress.Prioritizing what truly matters in life, such as fulfilling relationships and personal well-being, can lead to a more rewarding and impactful professional journey. It’s important to optimize time at work to leave you with more personal time. Entrepreneurs should recognize the value of seeking mentoring and coaching in both their business and personal lives. Just like elite athletes, continuous guidance can help them break through barriers and achieve higher levels of success.Entrepreneurs often face the challenge of balancing success in their careers with maintaining fulfilling family lives. While financial support is important, it’s crucial to also carve out time to strengthen personal relationships.Having a community is an effective method for personal growth. A community helps combat isolation, provides solutions to common challenges, and promotes prioritization of what truly matters in your personal and professional life.Entrepreneurs should prioritize their lives to avoid burnout and achieve harmony by focusing on high-value targets and making decisions aligned with their priorities. This helps maintain sustainable productivity and clarity, ensuring long-term success.Quote of the Show:“For me, work life harmony, it looks like prioritizing my life.” - Joseph WarrenLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephwarrenceo/ Website: https://www.shreddedfathers.com/#/ Website: https://www.josephwarren.net/ Free Resource: https://shreddedfathers.myclickfunnels.com/free--9e34e Broken Catholic Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/broken-catholic-challenging-dogma-with-raw-biblical-truth/id1270337955 Your First $100k Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-first-100k-copy-the-business-marketing-and/id1278494718 Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

1/25/24 • 51:19

Our guest this week is an experienced entrepreneur who is driving the real estate industry forward. He took a company from a $25,000 investment to a $30 million company. Welcome to the show Chief Executive Officer at Great Lake Investments, Mike Kalis!In this candid conversation, Mike and Host Wes Mathews discuss the challenges of rapid growth. Mike shares the need to balance money and growth, and emphasizes the importance of knowing your 'enough' and investing wisely in business.  Takeaways:Putting yourself first as a business owner is crucial, rather than solely focusing on your cause and vision. By understanding the difference between a sustainable business and a lucrative investment, you can ensure long-term success.Starting a business can be as simple as taking action and making connections. By leveraging existing resources and identifying opportunities for improvement, you can not only benefit your current company but also pave the way for future success.While a common belief among entrepreneurs is that rapid growth will lead to investors, it isn’t always the case. Working with people in your community is a more reliable way to ensure funding. Promoting and nurturing passionate individuals from within the company, who have a holistic understanding of the business, proves to be the best approach for leadership and growth. Organic training and promotion brings effective results in an organization.Implementing unique and creative marketing strategies, such as sending customized gift packages to potential clients, can attract attention and differentiate your company from competitors, leading to successful partnerships and substantial revenue growth.Building a platform without sufficient technological expertise can lead to costly mistakes and missed opportunities. Consider establishing a separate tech company to develop and license products, ensuring a more effective and profitable outcome.Knowing the point at which one is content and satisfied with the size and success of their business is crucial. It allows for a more focused and intentional approach, creating an opportunity to excel within a specific scope rather than constantly seeking rapid growth.Quote of the Show:“We wanted to create a story worth telling, and nobody can take my story.” - Mike KalisLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikekalis/ Website: https://www.greatlakeinvestments.com/ Website: https://www.greatlakerealty.com/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

1/18/24 • 53:50