Ask Brien Show

By Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForgeBusiness Entrepreneurship Management

Ask Brien Show episodes

May 05, 2023Building a Company with Outcomes that Matter to Everyone
Today we are joined by Co-Founder & CEO at ClinNEXUS, Dr. Greg Caroll. Dr. Caroll talks with us about how he shifted from being a doctor to a medical entrepreneur. He discusses the importance of team building and leadership and his company’s success working together to build their incredible company. Dr. Caroll shares some excellent tips about transitioning from one career to another and searching for gaps when starting your entrepreneurial career. Tune in today to learn more!
IN THIS EPISODE:
[6:54] How many years was Dr. Greg Caroll a doctor, and what was his background?
[9:07] What is Dr. Greg Caroll’s new business?
[12:40] Who is their customer?
[13:16] What was the biggest challenge in starting this business?
[14:48] How did they find their first customer?
[15:50] Are there any scalable issues due to medical laws?
[17:05] Can you apply standard entrepreneur practices in the medical field?
[17:55] Is it common for an MD to have an MBA?
[19:17] Was it always part of Dr. Greg Caroll’s long-term trajectory to work as a doctor and then shift to an entrepreneur?
[21:28] What are some of the challenges and rewards that Dr. Greg Caroll has faced while being in leadership?
[24:00] When did Dr. Greg Caroll know it was time to add to his team?
[25:14] What does Dr. Greg Caroll think about the type of business to set up – LLC, Corp., etc?
[26:01] What are the critical positions on Dr. Greg Caroll’s team?
[28:58] What is ClinNEXUS’s marketing strategy?
[32:22] What are the three most essential skills for an entrepreneur?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Find an area where there is a need, and identify the customer you can go to school and understand. Learn what their pain points are, what it is they are looking for, etc.
As a successful entrepreneur, you must be able to adjust, course correct, and communicate your vision as you make the course corrections.

BIO:
Recognizing service gaps in healthcare as an emergency medicine, urgent, and virtual care physician for 20+ years, Greg leverages his deep commercial experience to assemble and deliver revenue growth to venture and private equity-backed healthcare start-ups.
He leads ClinNEXUS, a venture capital-backed, multi-channel care transition services platform. This will help patients navigate medications, social needs, and symptom management without multiple visits to an office or avoidable re-admissions.
He takes inspiration from his parent’s complex need healthcare experience, as well as the availability of technical advances, combined with additional insights gained in tele-health during the pandemic to disrupt the care industry.
Career Highlights
Secured $200M+ high-impact service partnership revenue growth as member of Executive team
Established Digital Addiction Medicine Platform while securing $10M+ series A funding
Raised company valuation 350%+ from seed to series A with development of ‘outside-in’ ecosystem

LINKS MENTIONED:
Ask Brien Podcast
ClinNexus Website
Legal Stepz Website
This podcast is sponsored by:
LegalStepz
Providing the Easiest Way to Handle Legal Issues
Legal Stepz Website
Albany Farms Twisted Noodles
Domestically made Ramen Noodles
https://www.albanyfarms.com/twisted-noodles
Please contact Produce Your Podcast if you want to increase visibility, leads and sales for your business.
35 min
April 28, 2023Building a Data Bank Business with Daniel Uribe of GenoBank.io
Today we are joined by Daniel Uribe, the Co-Founder & CEO of GenoBank.io. GenoBank is a DNA data bank that stores people’s DNA and can be used by researchers to find cures for rare diseases. Daniel was inspired to create this business after his son was diagnosed with a rare disease. During this episode, Daniel talks about what his company does, how they securely store DNA data and the encryption process. He also talks on the team building side about how his company operates and how they plan to scale in the future. Tune in today for this interesting conversation!
IN THIS EPISODE:
[6:08] Where did the name GenoBank come from?
[8:04] How does the process of storing DNA work?
[15:10] How can researchers take this data to look through the information with it being encrypted?
[17:26] How has Daniel built a team at GenoBank, and how do they operate?
[20:20] What challenges has Daniel come up against with hiring/team management?
[24:28] How will GenoBank scale in the future?
[27:43] What is the focus of the business development person on the team?
[31:26] How do people use GenoBank?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
The concept of GenoBank is that people will anonymously enter their DNA into the bank, and then researchers can utilize that information to search for a cure.
Your DNA is a family reference, not just an individual. It involves your parents, grandparents, etc.
Find out with your doctor what is happening with your biodata, and invite them to enter it with GenoBank.

BIO:
GenoBank.io is the first anonymous DNA Test kit with blockchain.
Our Patent Pending DNA Saliva Kit will allow our users to participate and take advantage of the Genomic Revolution, maximizing privacy by using Blockchain Networks to keep track of all the data sets and Genomic Reports (insights) without exposing their personal data!
LINKS MENTIONED:
Daniel Uribe’s LinkedIn
GenoBank.io Website
[email protected]
Twitter: duibb
Ask Brien Podcast
This podcast is sponsored by:
LegalStepz
Providing the Easiest Way to Handle Legal Issues
https://www.legalstepz.com/
Albany Farms Twisted Noodles
Domestically made Ramen Noodles
https://www.albanyfarms.com/twisted-noodles
Please contact Produce Your Podcast if you want to increase visibility, leads and sales for your business.
34 min
April 14, 2023Making Women’s Wealth the New Normal with Lisa Easton
Today we are joined by manifesting and wealth mentor Lisa Easton. Lisa walks us through her marketing strategy and how she helps her clients shift their limited money beliefs so they can create significant financial success in their lives. Lisa shares the top things she learned while working for millionaires and billionaires and how she took those lessons to build her own business. She helps women create wealth in 3 years instead of 30 with her Millionaire Morning Mamas course. Tune in today for some incredible tips on building wealth in your life.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[7:54] What is Lisa Easton currently working on right now?
[8:45] What was Lisa’s experience before creating her company, Millionaire Morning Mamas?
[9:19] What were the top 3 things Lisa learned working with millionaires and billionaires?
[14:33] Why are niches essential and key to business success?
[16:22] What made Lisa shift from working with millionaires and billionaires to becoming her own CEO?
[18:35] What was Lisa’s experience being mentored, and why are they essential to business success?
[20:35] How doe Lisa run her Millionaire Morning Mamas course?
[23:23] What mindset shifts are necessary to reach a 7 figure business?
[26:51] What has Lisa’s marketing strategy looked like throughout her business?
[30:03] Lisa talks about her next business venture of luxury bags.
[32:43] What is Lisa’s 12-week digital course?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Removing limited beliefs about money is the first step to shifting the mindset. Then step into a wealth mindset – embody that through your actions. This will lead you to financial success. Mindset has to shift first; it is the foundation of everything. Most common limiting belief: I’m not capable, and I’m not worthy.
Investing isn’t just financial; you can also invest your time in learning all kinds of skills. There is so much available online for free. If you financially can, investing in courses, 401k, real estate, etc, are great ways to get a return on your investment.
Pay attention to your audience and tribe. They will tell you exactly what it is they want and what their pain points are. Use social media to attract more people and understand what they are wanting. Focus on getting your followers to know, like, and trust you at the beginning of your business, which will build a solid community.

BIO:
I am the CEO and Founder of Millionaire Morning Mamas. I’m a mindset and wealth coach with a specific focus and passion for helping women break through their financial ceiling and create a life of first-class financial freedom.
I spent 15+ years directly supporting multi-billionaire executives and got a front-row seat to learn exactly how they used manifestation to attract and create their lives of exponential wealth. Luckily for you – I was taking notes!
I used those skills to take my life from struggling single mom of four with $55k of debt to extraordinary financial success and CEO of multiple thriving businesses in just a few years.
Today, I teach women just like you how to do the same.
LINKS MENTIONED:
Millionaire Morning Mamas Academy Website
Lisa’s Instagram
Ask Brien Podcast
37 min
March 31, 2023Building a Weight Loss Business Empire with Ilana Muhlstein
Today we are joined by nutrition expert Ilana Muhlstein. Ilana has created a weight loss program different from any others available. She takes into account the different needs that people have and their ways of life. She has also created her own line of meal delivery that came out last year and is launching a houseware kitchen line to make cooking and portions more accessible for people. Ilana gives some great tips on creating businesses and growing social media (she has over 3M followers across all social media). Tune in today to learn more!
IN THIS EPISODE:
[6:50] Who is Ilana Muhlstein?
[10:40] What is the key to Ilana’s weight loss program?
[15:19] Ilana’s advice for a filling breakfast meal?
[18:45] What goes into launching a meal delivery service?
[25:55] What are Ilana’s other programs that she offers?
[28:12] How did Ilana work through weight gain and pregnancy?
[32:55] What is the one tip Ilana could give to grow social media? She currently has 3M followers across social media.
[34:13] How do her plans work for individuals?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
When creating a business, find someone to partner with that has a different zone of genius than you so you each have your area of expertise but aren’t spreading yourself too thin.
Losing weight doesn’t have to be complicated. Finding a sustainable way to eat for your lifetime is the goal! Learning an order to eat that will keep you full, satisfied, and your blood sugar balanced can go a long way in creating weight loss.
Listen to your clients, customers, and following! They will tell you exactly what they are looking for/what they need. Once you find the missing gaps, you can create a solution, and they will come to buy your product/program.

BIO:
I serve as a nutrition consultant and have the privilege of consulting for and investing in many food, fitness, and wellness companies. I love using my expertise to lead nutrition seminars, cooking demonstrations, and my Mind and Body Reset Retreats designed to change lives.
With my third pregnancy, I developed a program with Beachbody LLC called 2B Pregnant to help guide women with their increased food cravings, aversions, and nutritional needs. Now with three kids, Olivia, Julian, and Gideon, I’ve been fortunate enough to share my learnings and teachings with my private clients, online communities, book readers, retreat guests, and private clients.
LINKS MENTIONED:
Ilana Muhlstein’s Instagram
Ilana Muhlstein’s TikTok
Ilana Muhlstein’s Facebook
Ilana Muhlstein’s YouTube
Ilana Muhlstein’s Website
Ask Brien Podcast
37 min
March 24, 2023A Successful Marketing Strategy with Harrison Schaen of Targus
Today we are joined by Harrison Schaen, the director of e-commerce for Targus. Harrison talks to us about his high school basketball days and how that experience propelled him into a successful businessman. He talks about how Targus does business, its products, and its marketing strategy. Tune in today to learn more about SEO and how implementing keywords into your website and marketing can move the needle in your business.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[7:57] Harrison gives a summary of his background and experience.
[9:33] What does Harrison do at Targus?
[11:46] What are the main products that Targus sells?
[14:35] Are all Targus products sold over the internet?
[15:32] How does Targus market its products?
[16:35] Harrison’s experience at Princeton.
[19:34] How did Harrison’s basketball days help with working in the business?
[20:27] What was the biggest challenge Harrison had in business?
[22:08] What is the best thing you can do for SEO? What should your website have?
[23:58] Can you SEO your company using a free platform like Wix, Weebly, or Squarespace?
[25:06] Does SEO go with the domain or the platform?
[27:24] How does Harrison deal with health issues and his business success?
[33:31] How much money do you need for a PPC campaign?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Speed wins! Ensure your website is optimized before you focus on SEO so that you know the speed is fast enough for a high volume of audiences.
Take 30% of whatever your revenue is and invest that in marketing.
As a new business, start with a free website. Use SEO and keyword phrases to gain traction on your website, then convert over to your own platform.

BIO:
As a varsity and professional basketball standout, entertainment and computer science entrepreneur, and graduate of Princeton University, the last decade has been a series of strategic steps on a path towards growing the community through art, entertainment, and science.
Since moving to San Diego, I have acted as Communications Co-Lead for Startup San Diego and Executive Director of San Diego Startup Week, Speaker at San Diego Startup Week, Guest speaker at the Collaboratory for Downtown (San Diego) Innovation program, Mentor at Startup Weekend and the ConnectAll program, and Professor of Web Development at UCSD and LEARN Academy, and Professor of User Experience and User Interface design at IgniteMe, and Board Member of the Central San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce.
My passion has been finding patterns in technology, teams, and testing theories until they can be proven over and over again with minimal optimization. As the creator of the LADDER development methodology, co-creator of a system for rapid prototyping known as JETFEUL, and co-creator of the workshop for communicating complex ideas inter-departmentally (the MARS Model), I have helped grow hundreds of businesses, including Issue Fixers, a company which grew to over 60 employees in over 14 countries in the last 6 years.
In my professional career, I have been a Salesperson, Designer, Product Manager, Account Manager, Marketing Manager, Web Developer, Sr. Developer, Technical Director, Director of Engineering, Professor, Founder, and CTO. I have been a resident of San Diego since 2011, working for companies such as NTN Buzztime, Mirum, Bask Digital, Smashtech, GoMeta, UCSD, and LEARN Academy.

LINKS MENTIONED:
Targus.com
Email: [email protected]
LomaLindaLivingDonor.org – Kidney Donor Site to see if you are a match for Harrison Schaen
Ask Brien Podcast
37 min
March 17, 2023IT and Cyber Security with Justin Winder and SMS Datacenter
Today we are joined by the President of the SMS Datacenter Justin Winder. Justin talks with us about the most significant challenges around security that his customers face today and what actions businesses can take to make their information more secure. He walks through SMS Datacenter’s marketing and sales strategy and how they promote their offers. Tune in today to learn some valuable information to keep your company safer.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[6:23] Justin gives a summary of his background.
[7:36] What areas of IT is Justin involved in?
[13:42] What are the three biggest challenges customers face today?
[14:15] How do they make sites more secure?
[18:25] Justin gives a snapshot of his entrepreneurial journey.
[22:34] How does Justin handle personality conflicts and people management?
[26:09] What is Justin’s current sales and marketing strategy?
[31:42] How does SMS Datacenter work with retail businesses?
[34:30] What is Ransomware?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Transparency and authenticity as a tool for communication make you an outstanding leader.
Ultimately sales come down to building trust; it’s key for the customer to know that there are depth and layers within organizations.

BIO:
SMS is a leading provider of Managed Services, Colocation Services, Private Managed Cloud, and IT Strategy & Consulting. Our success is based on building long-lasting relationships with our clients who are leaders in their respective industries, offering and developing innovative IT solutions.
LINKS MENTIONED:
SMS Datacenter Website
Phone: 949-223-9220
Ask Brien Podcast
38 min
March 10, 2023Re-Introducing The Ask Brien Hosts – Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForge
It’s been a while since we talked about who we are and our entrepreneurial experience, so today, we are diving in! Both Peter and Traci discuss their backgrounds and the different experiences they’ve gone through while building a business. This episode has some great information from the technological differences over the last 30 years to advice on what qualities we look for when creating a business partnership!
IN THIS EPISODE:
[7:28] Peter’s background and his journey with entrepreneurship.
[18:43] Traci’s background and her journey with entrepreneurship.
[24:57] How do you find the right people to work with?
[25:53] How challenging can it be to have a business partner?
[29:00] What qualities would Traci look for in a business partner?
[33:33] Business Partnerships all come down to trust

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
If you know what kind of business you want to launch but aren’t an expert in that field, network with the community to find someone who is passionate about the same area and is an expert.
There are other options for having partnerships that are not legal partnerships, such as revenue share relationships, strategic partnerships, and collaborations.

LINKS MENTIONED:
Ask Brien Podcast
36 min
March 03, 2023Steps for Hiring your First Employees and Challenges of Post-Pandemic Employment
Today we are joined by Angie Besler, HR & Communications Manager at Belle Fourche in South Dakota. Angie walks us through the process of hiring your first employee and discusses what information is key to having when posting your first role. She talks with us about how the pandemic has impacted employee expectations, from unlimited paid time off to the quality of work. Tune in today to learn some great tips on the hiring process and items to prepare before the interview.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[6:43] Angie explains what she does in Human Resources.
[7:30] What areas does Angie delve into on a daily basis with her current position and with Albany Farms?
[8:22] Angie discusses the process of hiring your first employee.
[11:12] What are the best software tools for tracking employee time, requests, etc., and what should you look for in various companies?
[13:53] Where is the best place to look for employees to hire?
[15:02] How do you know what qualities to hire for and what salary to pay employees?
[18:42] How has the pandemic impacted the HR aspects of hiring and recruiting potential employees?
[20:10] Is unlimited PTO the new expectation for employees?
[21:34] Finding employees who actually want to work seems complicated. Is that a generational issue?
[23:49] What is the process of letting an employee go who doesn’t end up being the right fit?
[26:30] What is HR’s role in keeping the team connected and providing employee growth opportunities?
[27:50] How does a company determine what benefits are included?
[31:43] What can employers ask during the interview process?
[32:27] How does Angie handle employees who are hard workers but are struggling at work?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Many employees are now interested in unlimited PTO, which some companies offer. New employers must strategize around this area and understand what they want to provide.
Be clear about expectations during the interview and hiring process. Vetting out employees during the interview process and understanding their work ethic can go a long way. Sometimes people will join a company, and their work ethic is quite different than their performance.
Make sure you understand the process when hiring your first employee. This includes what forms you need to complete, benefits you want to offer, review periods, etc.

BIO:
Our story began in 2014 as a small company with a big dream. So where did we go? The center of the United States, Belle Fourche, SD. People may ask why ramen? But our question is, why not? Ramen is versatile, convenient, and affordable ~ appealing to ALL age groups, budgets, and lifestyles!
LINKS MENTIONED:
Albany Farms
Ask Brien Podcast
36 min
February 24, 2023Economic Development in a Rural Community Explained
Today we are joined by Hollie Stadler, the Executive Director at Belle Fourche Development Corp. Hollie shares with us what Belle Fourche Development Corp does in their rural community and how what types of services they offer to small businesses and entrepreneurs. She also discusses some of her biggest takeaways and lessons she learned in sales and marketing through her past job working with wineries. Tune in today for some great tips to implement into your sales strategy!
IN THIS EPISODE:
[7:57] Hollie Stadler introduces herself and explains how Belle Fourche Development Corp helps businesses.
[14:00] Who are the three biggest clients Hollie has worked with?
[16:02] What is the biggest challenge Hollie has had to deal with?
[18:36] What are some of the biggest takeaways from being in sales and marketing?
[20:50] Hollie shares advice on how to get comfortable with sales.
[22:08] How has media impacted how business is done now?
[24:25] What is one of the biggest learning experiences Hollie has had that helped her grow?
[25:18] What advice does Hollie have for businesses during challenging times?
[27:38] How can the younger generation work towards keeping personal connection at the front of their business?
[31:30] What are the three top things Belle Fourche can do for its clients?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Sales are about creating relationships and understanding what’s in it for potential clients and customers.
You are never done; you have to keep sharpening yourself, keep reinventing yourself, and keep learning.

BIO:
Hollie Stalder is a 21-year veteran in the newspaper industry with a passion for community involvement and development. Prior to joining the Belle Fourche Development Corp in late October of 2014, she was the publisher for four years of the local community newspaper, the Butte County Post. Those four years in the Belle Fourche community developed relationships and a vested working knowledge of the business community that inspired her to pursue the director position with the Development Corp. when it opened late summer of 2014.
Her 21-year career in newspaper spanned two media companies with full engagement in all aspects of the business – circulation, sales & marketing, management, customer service, writing, and photography. Most of which carries through in her role with the Development Corp.
She and her family enjoy a rural lifestyle in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota and have since 1993. Stalder has spent most of her life in South Dakota. Only about 11 years were spent out of state for college, work, and traveling abroad. She has deep connections to Belle Fourche and the Tri-State community.
She served for 10 years on the Northern Hills Junior Achievement board and is involved with the South Dakota High School Rodeo Association, Northern Hills Little Britches rodeo, Belle Fourche Hometown Thursdays, and the Black Hills State University School of Business Advisory Board.

LINKS MENTIONED:
Belle Fourche Economic Development Website
Belle Fourche Economic Development Facebook
Ask Brien Podcast
36 min
February 10, 2023Millionaire Morning Mamas Academy with Lisa Easton
Today we are joined by manifestation and wealth mentor Lisa Easton. Lisa started her company, Millionaire Morning Mamas Academy, with no business experience and told us the strategies she used to create a successful company. She walks through her company, how she got started, and what funnels she uses to get clients from cold leads to purchasing her course. Lisa is starting a new company bringing luxury handbags to market, so she talks about the difference between selling a product and online courses. Tune in today to learn how to manifest the life and business that you want and hear some great tips on business building.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[7:50] Lisa tells us about her background and what Millionaire Morning Mamas Academy is.
[12:09] How long did it take for Lisa to know that her business would be successful financially?
[12:30] What does the company do for people?
[14:26] What was the biggest challenge Lisa faced in her business?
[16:07] What is Lisa’s digital course, and how are people directed to the course?
[18:16] What is Lisa’s projection for her business in the next 12 months?
[20:02] What do Lisa’s upcoming revenue streams look like for 2023?
[20:36] What does bringing a product to market with her luxury bag collection look like?
[22:15] How will Lisa launch the luxury bag collection, and how will that business be run?
[24:00] What recommendations does Lisa have about getting mentors when starting and running a business?
[25:13] What was the best piece of advice she got from her mentors?
[27:55] How did Lisa market her course?
[31:07] What’s the difference between aspirational dreams vs. realistic expectations?
[35:07] What’s the typical life cycle for clients to work with Lisa 1:1?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Knowing when to outsource, bring on help, and hire employees is essential in building your business. You will get to a point where your time focuses on things that are not profiting your business; that’s when to bring people in.
Don’t recreate the wheel; get mentors who have the skills or are living the life you want and learn from them.
Invest in yourself, embody what you want, laser focus – nix the distractions and focus on your opportunities.
Starting a business requires that you build relationships with your potential clients. They need to feel that they like, know, and trust you before they even consider investing in your products or services.

BIO:
LISA IS THE LIGHT FOR WOMEN STRUGGLING TO ACHIEVE FINANCIAL FREEDOM WHO WANT TO ATTRACT AND GROW THEIR MONEY TO CREATE GENERATIONAL WEALTH
After ending a toxic 23-year marriage, Lisa found herself $55k in debt, standing in front of her 4 college-aged kids, and knew she couldn’t let them – or herself – down. She decided to stop focusing on just the money and heal herself and her place in life. Only when she began doing the inner work was she able to gain the wisdom she needed to develop a system that attracts millions.
Now, through her 20-minute-a-day system, she shares her know-how and guides women through their own journey. She shows women how to take control, attract and grow their wealth, and create a life of financial freedom for themselves and their loved ones.
With her no-BS style, Lisa knows exactly how to guide women from being in debt and overwhelmed to manifesting millions. With warmth and wisdom, she shows women how to attract the abundance that is their birthright.
LINKS MENTIONED:
Millionaire Morning Mamas Academy Website
Lisa Easton Instagram
Lisa Easton TikTok
Email: [email protected]
Ask Brien Podcast
38 min

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