7 Figures Club: A Business Growth Podcast

Andy Hilliard, CEO of Accelerance, is a passionate advocate for global software development. His journey began with a Peace Corps mission in Costa Rica and has led him to visit over 60 countries, fueling his belief in the power of cross-border collaboration.  With an MBA from Kellogg and experience at Cognizant, Andy founded Isthmus Costa Rica, a pioneering nearshore software development company. Now, he leads Accelerance in helping companies build successful global engineering teams.

Accelerance guides businesses in creating and executing effective software engineering strategies through global outsourcing partnerships. They provide expert advice on planning, sourcing, and managing these partnerships, ensuring companies reap the benefits of global talent without the associated risks. Accelerance boasts a network of certified software engineering partners in over 35 countries, carefully chosen for their ability to scale while maintaining a personalized approach.

If your company is seeking to expand its software development capabilities with a global team, Accelerance can help. They are committed to finding the perfect vetted and verified engineering team to match your specific needs and ensure a seamless, productive partnership.

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Roger Knecht, the President and CEO of Universal Accounting Center, is a dynamic leader with a passion for empowering accounting professionals. As the host of the celebrated podcast "Building the Premier Accounting Firm" and the author of two insightful books, "Your Strategic Accountant" and "Your Profit & Growth Expert," Roger is a recognized voice in the industry. His journey with UAC began in the late 1990s, and he has played a pivotal role in expanding its reach and influence.

Roger's dedication to helping others achieve their dreams is evident in his work as a business coach. He guides entrepreneurs to engage and manifest their goals, understand accounting principles, increase revenue, improve profit, and build value in their businesses. His "give-back" philosophy is reflected in UAC's commitment to providing free resources to individuals, both personally and professionally.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Roger is a self-proclaimed workaholic who balances his passion for work with a love for family, friends, and the great outdoors. He enjoys traveling, especially cruises and camping trips, and recently discovered the thrill of off-road side-by-side trail biking. His appreciation for God's creations is evident in his hobbies, which include landscaping, motorbiking, and firearms.

Roger's advice to potential students is to take baby steps, acknowledging that everyone's journey is unique and progress takes time. He believes in making the best choices available at the time and working steadily towards one's goals. His leadership at UAC is driven by his admiration for the dedicated individuals he works with, who consistently go above and beyond to help others succeed.

With over 40 years of experience, UAC, under Roger's guidance, has helped countless accounting professionals take their careers to new heights. By providing comprehensive training, certification, coaching, and support, UAC equips individuals with the confidence and competence to build thriving accounting businesses. Roger's passion for UAC stems from his belief in its mission and the exceptional people who make it possible.

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Brian Boyd is an attorney, real estate investor, and author based in Nashville, Tennessee. Specializing in real estate, construction, and business law, Brian leverages his legal expertise to guide clients through complex transactions. Alongside his wife, Dawn, Brian has successfully built a real estate portfolio generating a six-figure income. This accomplishment underscores his deep understanding of the real estate market and his ability to identify lucrative investment opportunities.

Brian's academic journey reflects his commitment to knowledge and professional development. He holds a BA from the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, a JD from Samford University's Cumberland School of Law, and an LLM in Taxation from Georgetown University Law Center. This extensive education equips Brian with a broad legal perspective, enabling him to provide comprehensive counsel to his clients.   

Beyond his professional pursuits, Brian enjoys a fulfilling personal life in Franklin, Tennessee, with his wife, Dawn, their son, Connor, and their three beloved dogs. He is also a dedicated practitioner of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, finding balance and discipline on the mats at his local gym.

Brian's advice to aspiring investors and entrepreneurs emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and research. He encourages individuals to actively seek out information through blogs, podcasts, and other educational resources, even if it means dedicating extra time and effort. He firmly believes that knowledge and education form the foundation for success in any endeavor.

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Shauna A. Wekherlien, CPA, MTax, CTC, CTS, affectionately known as the "Tax Goddess," is a force to be reckoned with in the world of tax strategy.  A top 1% ranked tax strategist, she's passionate about helping successful business owners, entrepreneurs, and high-wage earners navigate the complexities of the tax code and significantly reduce their tax burden. Since founding Tax Goddess Business Services, PC in 2004, Shauna has built a global team of tax specialists who share her commitment to clear communication and client empowerment.

Shauna's approach is anything but ordinary.  With her engaging and enthusiastic personality, she's been called a "pure joy" to work with, making the often-dreaded topic of taxes surprisingly "fun." Her proprietary program, Strategic Tax Coaching (STC), has yielded remarkable results, with a current average tax rate of just 6.92% for her clients.  With over 4700 tax plans written to date, the Tax Goddess team has saved clients a staggering sum of over $1.47 billion in taxes.

Beyond her impressive track record, Shauna is a zealous tax and financial educator. She's a highly sought-after speaker and best-selling author, known for her ability to break down complex tax concepts into easily digestible terms. Her expertise has been featured in numerous publications, including Forbes and Entrepreneur, and she's a frequent guest on television and podcasts, sharing her insights with audiences around the world.

Shauna's background in high-wealth financial planning management, business tax strategy, and wealth transfer strategy gives her a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the tax challenges faced by her clients. From tax structures and partnerships to cash flow management and real estate transactions, she offers comprehensive solutions tailored to each individual's needs.

From pioneering the Tax Goddess brand to revolutionizing the tax game, Shauna continues to be a trailblazer in every sense. She's breaking down barriers, empowering others to take control of their financial future, and proving that with the right strategy and a touch of fun, anyone can achieve tax success.

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Today's guest is Jessica Rhodes, a dynamic entrepreneur and the Founder of Interview Connections, the premier agency for booking guests onto podcasts worldwide. Jessica's journey to success is a testament to her unwavering determination and ability to identify and fill a crucial need in the market.

Jessica's early career in field management and political canvassing equipped her with essential skills in organization, communication, and leadership. These experiences laid the foundation for her entrepreneurial endeavors and shaped her approach to building a successful business.

In 2013, Jessica founded Interview Connections, recognizing the challenges podcasters faced in finding quality guests. Her company bridges this gap, connecting podcasters with ideal guests to create engaging content and expand their reach.

During the podcast, Jessica will delve into the strategy of podcast guesting, offering valuable insights for entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to leverage this powerful platform. She will also share the story behind Interview Connections, revealing how she turned her vision into a thriving business. Additionally, Jessica will discuss how she navigates the competitive landscape, demonstrating her resilience and adaptability in the ever-evolving world of podcasting.

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Victoria Hajjar is the founder of Ugli Ventures, a marketing consultancy dedicated to helping female entrepreneurs scale their businesses from six to seven figures in revenue. With extensive experience in marketing, Victoria has successfully guided numerous startups through their growth journeys.

A Google and Hubspot certified expert, Victoria possesses a deep understanding of the marketing landscape. She leverages this knowledge to assist her clients in refining their sales and marketing strategies, building high-performing teams, and developing into effective leaders.

Victoria's expertise extends across various industries, including hospitality, e-commerce, SaaS, B2C, and B2B. She has worked with clients globally, spanning the US, UK, China, Sri Lanka, Dubai, and Mexico. Her impressive client list includes notable companies such as SaaS Academy, Elevate Leadership, Fortress, and many others.

In addition to her consulting work, Victoria is a sought-after speaker and educator. She hosts the popular podcast "Marketing For Startups" and has been featured on CNN and in numerous webinars and forums. Her passion lies in empowering female founders to overcome marketing challenges and achieve sustainable profitability.

Victoria firmly believes that the key to unlocking business growth lies in mastering the fundamentals of marketing. She emphasizes the importance of understanding how marketing works and empowers her clients to take control of their strategies. By equipping female entrepreneurs with the right tools and knowledge, Victoria helps them break through plateaus and reach new heights of success.

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Kelly McDonald is a powerhouse in the world of business, renowned for her expertise in DEI, marketing, customer experience, and consumer trends. A prolific author and sought-after speaker, she has made an indelible mark on industries ranging from automotive to aerospace, working with titans like Toyota, Harley-Davidson, NASA, and more.

Kelly's dynamic speaking style and deep insights have earned her the distinction of being one of the most booked speakers in the U.S. Her presentations on leadership, marketing, sales, consumer trends, and people & culture consistently captivate audiences and leave them inspired to take action. Her bestselling books, including "It’s Time to Talk about Race at Work” and “Crafting the Customer Experience for People Not Like You,” offer practical guidance on navigating today's complex business landscape.

With features in major media outlets such as CNBC, Forbes, Fast Company, and Inc Magazine, Kelly's influence extends far beyond the stage and page. Her thought leadership on topics like diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as marketing and customer experience, has shaped conversations and driven progress across industries.

Based in Denver, Kelly balances her busy professional life with a passion for outdoor adventures, fitness, and the arts. When she's not traversing mountain trails or honing her boxing skills, you might find her practicing her cello or indulging in a bit of retail therapy. Her multifaceted personality and relentless pursuit of excellence make her a true inspiration to aspiring business leaders and anyone seeking to make a meaningful impact in their field.

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Robert Khoury is a man who wears many hats – and wears them well. He's a successful entrepreneur, a financial whiz, a dedicated philanthropist, and a family man. But at his core, Rob is a problem-solver who loves a good challenge.

With over 20 years in the financial industry, Rob has seen it all. From trading derivatives to managing portfolios, he's navigated the complex world of finance with skill and savvy. Now, as the co-founder and CEO of Agile Rainmakers, he helps other businesses achieve breakthrough results.

Rob's approach is both practical and transformative. He's not just about fixing problems; he's about helping people and businesses become their best selves. He's a coach, a mentor, and a trusted advisor.

But don't let his impressive resume fool you. Rob is also a down-to-earth guy who believes in having fun. He's passionate about his family, his community, and his alma maters, Princeton and Duke (hence the orange and blue in his company logo!).

Rob's motto? "Anything is possible." He believes in finding a way – or creating one – to achieve success. And he's living proof that with hard work, dedication, and a bit of Agile Rainmaking, you can turn epic challenges into fun and fulfilling opportunities.

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Mike Milan, widely known as Cash Flow Mike, brings over 20 years of experience in entrepreneurship, strategic planning, and finance to the table. Throughout his career, Mike has successfully transformed 14 startups into thriving businesses, earning him his well-deserved nickname. An army veteran with an MBA from Baylor University, Mike is not only a seasoned entrepreneur but also a passionate educator in financial management.

Mike's journey into finance began after facing a severe cash flow crisis in his high-growth hotel staffing company. This experience ignited his passion for mastering cash flow management, leading him to become a sought-after expert in the field. Mike authored two books, "The 7 Minute Conversation" and "Don’t Be A DUMB Business Owner," which focus on empowering business owners to use financial statements effectively to unlock hidden cash within their businesses. His dedication to helping others understand and optimize cash flow is further reflected in his creation of “The Clear Path To Cash,” a comprehensive financial management training program, and several FinTech products designed to enhance cash flow management.

In addition to his writing and software innovations, Mike co-hosts the podcast "Mike & Blaine," where he shares entrepreneurial insights and lessons with a broader audience. As the financial specialist behind the brand Cash Flow Mike, he continues to work closely with business owners, accountants, bookkeepers, and fractional CFOs, equipping them with the tools and knowledge needed to achieve financial stability and success. Mike's mission is clear: to eliminate cash flow as a reason for business failure and to help others build thriving, cash flow-positive enterprises.

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Benjamin Moróne is an American entrepreneur and innovator currently based in Warsaw, Poland. As the founder of Zabota, Benjamin has channeled his expertise into building a company that specializes in recruiting top-tier talent from Eastern Europe and Latin America, addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in these regions. His journey into the entrepreneurial world began in the United States, where he was among the first employees at a rapidly growing tech startup. Demonstrating exceptional leadership and a keen understanding of the industry, Benjamin quickly ascended the corporate ladder, solidifying his reputation as a dynamic and resourceful business leader.

Outside of his professional life, Benjamin is a passionate world traveler who has explored over 24 countries, always seeking new experiences and cultural insights. His travels have taken him to some of his favorite destinations, including Georgia and Poland, where he has immersed himself in the local cultures and landscapes. This global perspective not only enriches his personal life but also informs his approach to business, allowing him to connect with diverse teams and clients on a deeper level.

Benjamin's academic background includes an undergraduate degree in entrepreneurship from the University of St. Thomas, where he was recognized as a Schulze Innovation Scholar. This foundation in entrepreneurship and innovation has been instrumental in his career, equipping him with the skills and mindset needed to navigate the complexities of the global business landscape. With a blend of practical experience and academic knowledge, Benjamin continues to drive Zabota's mission forward, making a significant impact in the world of talent recruitment.

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