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"There's always a solution. It might be over, might be under, might be around, or straight through." These words of wisdom from Adrienne Wilkerson, co-founder of Beacon Media + Marketing, perfectly capture the mindset needed to navigate what she calls "the messy middle" of entrepreneurship.

From her beginnings as Alaska's first full-service digital marketing agency to becoming a specialized partner for mental health and behavioral health businesses nationwide, Adrienne's journey demonstrates the power of stubborn determination coupled with strategic flexibility. Her two-time Inc. 5000 company has weathered industry disruptions and major pivots by embracing change rather than resisting it.

During our conversation, Adrienne demystifies the difference between logos and comprehensive brands, breaking down the seven essential elements every business needs for authentic marketing. She shares why niching down—though initially terrifying—ultimately creates clarity that attracts ideal clients. Her insights on building company culture through relentless communication of values, and leveraging different learning styles in leadership, provide actionable strategies for creating stronger teams. The discussion extends to modern marketing approaches, distinguishing between quick-win lead generation and the longer-term trust building that creates loyal clients who "know, like, and trust" your business.

Want to get just 1% better in your business today? Adrienne suggests looking for simple solutions to complex problems. Rather than focusing on what's broken, identify what's working in your business—a person, system, service or product—and find straightforward ways to duplicate that success. Listen now to discover how this approach can help you navigate your own "messy middle" with confidence and clarity.

🎙️ Connect with Chrissy Myers and discover how resilience, expertise, and community can transform your world:

🔗 Follow Chrissy on LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes insights, leadership tips, and updates on her journey as the CEO of two thriving businesses.

📘 Grab your copy of 'Reluctantly Resilient' to learn how Chrissy turned challenges into opportunities and how you can do the same in your life and business.

🤝 Explore Clarity HR and discover how Chrissy’s team simplifies HR for small businesses, giving you peace of mind to focus on what matters most.

💼 Visit AUI to see how Chrissy's employee benefits expertise can help you build a healthier, happier workforce.

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Reaching that 15-30 employee threshold brings a crucial decision for business owners: is it time to hire a dedicated HR person? Before taking that leap, Julie Wheeler of Clarity HR makes a compelling case for considering fractional HR services as a strategic alternative that could save your business money while providing superior expertise.

When businesses cross this growth threshold, they typically face one of two scenarios: either they've experienced a negative event highlighting their compliance gaps, or their office manager has become overwhelmed as simple HR tasks evolve into complex responsibilities requiring specialized knowledge. The misconception that employment regulations only matter once you reach 50 employees leaves many small businesses vulnerable to costly mistakes.

Wheeler explains that fractional HR offers distinct advantages over hiring a single full-time generalist. Rather than paying for 40 hours weekly of limited expertise, fractional services provide access to a collaborative team of specialists with diverse industry knowledge and regulatory expertise. This approach delivers high-level guidance that might otherwise be unaffordable, especially considering the rising salaries commanded by experienced HR professionals.

Perhaps most valuable is the unfiltered perspective fractional HR professionals provide. Unlike employees who might hesitate to challenge the owner's perspectives, external consultants can directly address problematic practices without fear of repercussions. "An employee doesn't always have that leverage to say 'you hired me as an expert, why aren't you taking my advice?'" Wheeler notes. "We're going to give them our best advice to protect them and their organization, regardless of whether they're going to be happy with that answer."

For business owners wondering if they need HR support, Wheeler offers a simple litmus test: listen to your employees. When staff members begin questioning policies, seeking clarification on procedures, or documenting issues independently, these are strong indicators your HR infrastructure needs attention. These challenges are common in growing businesses, and addressing them proactively creates an environment where expectations are clear and the organization is protected from compliance risks.

Ready to explore if fractional HR is right for your business? Schedule a discovery call with Clarity HR today and take the first step toward comprehensive HR support tailored to your organization's unique needs.

🎙️ Connect with Chrissy Myers and discover how resilience, expertise, and community can transform your world:

🔗 Follow Chrissy on LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes insights, leadership tips, and updates on her journey as the CEO of two thriving businesses.

📘 Grab your copy of 'Reluctantly Resilient' to learn how Chrissy turned challenges into opportunities and how you can do the same in your life and business.

🤝 Explore Clarity HR and discover how Chrissy’s team simplifies HR for small businesses, giving you peace of mind to focus on what matters most.

💼 Visit AUI to see how Chrissy's employee benefits expertise can help you build a healthier, happier workforce.

Send us a text

The difference between a struggling small business and a thriving one often comes down to how they approach employee benefits. Most business owners think they have benefits figured out—but as Alice Rhodes, Vice President of Employee Benefits at AUI reveals, they absolutely do not.

Benefits shouldn't be treated as just another monthly expense. When employers make drastic changes without considering the human impact, the consequences can be devastating. "I had people in tears," Alice shares about one company that suddenly switched employees from a $250 deductible plan to an $8,000 deductible. This short-sighted approach to cost-cutting often leads to losing key talent and creating unnecessary workplace tension.

Even small businesses with just 3-10 employees can offer competitive benefits packages when they approach the process strategically. From low-deductible plans with copays to HSAs that provide tax advantages and flexible spending options, small employers have more options than they realize. The key is working with a knowledgeable broker who understands the specific needs of your team and can navigate the complex world of insurance offerings.

Perhaps most critically, business owners must recognize the serious compliance requirements surrounding benefits administration. Mistakes with COBRA, inconsistent waiting periods, or discriminatory practices can result in substantial penalties—fines accumulate per day, per employee, per occurrence, potentially reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars. Some violations even carry the risk of jail time. As Alice advises, "Don't confuse 'this works' with 'this works well.'" A benefits strategy that truly works well goes beyond merely checking boxes—it becomes a powerful tool for attracting and retaining the talent your business needs to thrive.

🎙️ Connect with Chrissy Myers and discover how resilience, expertise, and community can transform your world:

🔗 Follow Chrissy on LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes insights, leadership tips, and updates on her journey as the CEO of two thriving businesses.

📘 Grab your copy of 'Reluctantly Resilient' to learn how Chrissy turned challenges into opportunities and how you can do the same in your life and business.

🤝 Explore Clarity HR and discover how Chrissy’s team simplifies HR for small businesses, giving you peace of mind to focus on what matters most.

💼 Visit AUI to see how Chrissy's employee benefits expertise can help you build a healthier, happier workforce.

Send us a text

Are you unwittingly turning away potential customers because of an inaccessible website? Digital marketing expert Elizabeth Orley shares her personal awakening to the importance of accessibility after breaking her arm and suddenly finding herself unable to use a computer mouse with her dominant hand. This eye-opening experience transformed her understanding of how digital spaces can either welcome or exclude users based on their abilities.

Contrary to popular belief, digital accessibility isn't just about accommodating people with permanent disabilities. It benefits anyone who might be experiencing temporary limitations, aging-related changes in dexterity, or even someone who's simply forgotten their reading glasses. As Orley points out, "If we're not designing for everybody, then what are we doing?"

Beyond the ethical imperative, there are compelling business reasons to prioritize accessibility. The same elements that make your website accessible to screen readers—like proper heading structure and descriptive alt text—also improve your SEO performance. Google's algorithms crawl websites similarly to how accessibility tools do, making accessibility and search visibility two sides of the same coin.

Small business owners should be particularly concerned about the legal risks of inaccessible websites. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires digital spaces to be accessible, and lawyers are increasingly targeting non-compliant sites. Even if your business operates from a state without strict accessibility laws, you can be sued by customers from California or New York if you sell to those markets. With settlements averaging $15,000-$20,000 (not including remediation costs), accessibility isn't just good practice—it's protection against potentially devastating legal expenses.

Ready to make your digital presence more accessible? Start by using free tools like WAVE (wave.webaim.org) or Google's Page Speed tool to evaluate your current compliance. For social media, ensure all information appears in your post text rather than only in graphics, and always add descriptive alt text to images. When posting videos, manually review auto-generated captions for accuracy, knowing that 80% of videos are watched with no sound.

Take the first step toward digital accessibility today. Your customers—present and future—will thank you for it.

🎙️ Connect with Chrissy Myers and discover how resilience, expertise, and community can transform your world:

🔗 Follow Chrissy on LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes insights, leadership tips, and updates on her journey as the CEO of two thriving businesses.

📘 Grab your copy of 'Reluctantly Resilient' to learn how Chrissy turned challenges into opportunities and how you can do the same in your life and business.

🤝 Explore Clarity HR and discover how Chrissy’s team simplifies HR for small businesses, giving you peace of mind to focus on what matters most.

💼 Visit AUI to see how Chrissy's employee benefits expertise can help you build a healthier, happier workforce.

Send us a text

Ever find yourself dreading those human resources responsibilities that come with running your business? You're not alone. Many small business owners view HR as a necessary evil – a department that exists to say "no" and create endless rules. Julie Wheeler of Clarity HR is on a mission to change that perception.

In this enlightening conversation, Julie shares how she accidentally fell into HR and discovered her passion for helping businesses succeed through better people management. With 23 years of experience and a background in employment law, she brings unique insights into why small businesses struggle with human resources and how fractional HR services can transform that relationship.

The concept is brilliantly simple: get professional HR expertise for the exact amount of time you need it. Whether that's two hours weekly or twenty, fractional HR provides small businesses with a resource that understands their unique culture and challenges without the overhead of a full-time position. Julie explains how this approach helps business owners stop procrastinating on difficult employee decisions – often the most costly mistake they make.

Perhaps most valuable is Julie's practical advice on employee handbooks (they're not written in stone!), having difficult conversations with team members (they actually want clear expectations), and avoiding the compliance pitfalls that trap so many businesses. With over 80% of employers unknowingly violating the Fair Labor Standards Act, having expert guidance can save you from substantial penalties.

Ready to take off that HR hat and focus on growing your business? Discover how Clarity HR's hands-on approach differs from typical consultants and PEOs. Their team doesn't just provide template solutions – they become an extension of your organization, helping create systems that reflect your unique culture while protecting you from costly mistakes. Connect with Julie and start transforming your approach to people management today.

🎙️ Connect with Chrissy Myers and discover how resilience, expertise, and community can transform your world:

🔗 Follow Chrissy on LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes insights, leadership tips, and updates on her journey as the CEO of two thriving businesses.

📘 Grab your copy of 'Reluctantly Resilient' to learn how Chrissy turned challenges into opportunities and how you can do the same in your life and business.

🤝 Explore Clarity HR and discover how Chrissy’s team simplifies HR for small businesses, giving you peace of mind to focus on what matters most.

💼 Visit AUI to see how Chrissy's employee benefits expertise can help you build a healthier, happier workforce.

Send us a text

Ever wonder why finding a good health insurance broker feels impossible, especially as a small business owner? Alice Rhodes from AUI pulls back the curtain on the often-mysterious world of employee benefits with refreshing candor and deep expertise from her 25-year career.

"I never just send stuff because their head's going to pop off," Alice explains, highlighting her personalized approach to guiding small businesses through the complex insurance landscape. While most brokers overwhelm clients with 80-page quotes and disappear until renewal time, Alice emphasizes the importance of regular communication and truly understanding each business's unique needs.

The podcast tackles common misconceptions head-on. Contrary to popular belief, working with a broker doesn't increase your insurance costs – carriers set the commissions regardless of whether you work directly with them or through an agency. Alice shares a compelling success story where shopping around helped a 20-employee business upgrade from a $3,000 deductible plan to a $500 deductible while simultaneously saving 20% on premiums.

For businesses under 50 employees (where health insurance isn't legally required), Alice outlines various options beyond traditional group plans, including Health Reimbursement Arrangements and voluntary benefits that cost employers nothing while giving employees access to valuable group rates. She explains how self-funded plans provide valuable insights into utilization patterns, allowing businesses to better educate employees about preventive care and other benefits.

The conversation serves as both a wake-up call and a roadmap. If you haven't heard from your benefits broker since your last renewal, you're likely missing opportunities for significant savings and improved coverage. Your broker should be reaching out approximately every six months, not just when it's time to renew your policy.

Whether you're a business owner frustrated with rising premiums or an HR professional trying to maximize your benefits budget, this episode delivers practical insights you can implement immediately. Connect with Alice on LinkedIn or call 1-800-671-7665 to transform your approach to employee benefits from a necessary evil into a strategic advantage.

🎙️ Connect with Chrissy Myers and discover how resilience, expertise, and community can transform your world:

🔗 Follow Chrissy on LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes insights, leadership tips, and updates on her journey as the CEO of two thriving businesses.

📘 Grab your copy of 'Reluctantly Resilient' to learn how Chrissy turned challenges into opportunities and how you can do the same in your life and business.

🤝 Explore Clarity HR and discover how Chrissy’s team simplifies HR for small businesses, giving you peace of mind to focus on what matters most.

💼 Visit AUI to see how Chrissy's employee benefits expertise can help you build a healthier, happier workforce.

Send us a text

Bill Snow's entrepreneurial journey begins with a moment many of us can relate to—a family vacation derailed by car trouble. That frustrating experience sparked a revelation that transformed his career path and led to multiple successful businesses.

"When you're saying no to something, you're saying yes to something else," Bill shares, highlighting one of his hard-won lessons about entrepreneurial focus. As a franchise developer for Rad Air Complete Car Care, co-owner of Atomic Autosports, and host of the Late to Grid podcast, Bill knows firsthand the challenges of balancing multiple ventures without burning out.

The conversation explores how genuine transparency revolutionized his approach to customer service in the automotive repair industry. Through digital vehicle inspections, online estimates, and automated updates, Bill's businesses build trust in an industry often viewed with skepticism. This commitment to clear communication extends to his team as well, creating a culture where everyone understands the bigger picture.

Bill's evolution in time management offers practical wisdom for overwhelmed entrepreneurs. Moving away from anxiety-inducing to-do lists to strategic calendar blocking, he emphasizes the importance of creating "white space" for thinking and reflection. His candid discussion about preventing burnout includes recognizing warning signs and incorporating regular self-care practices like exercise and pursuing personal interests.

Perhaps most valuable is Bill's closing advice: "Figure out who's in your room and make sure it's the right people." He emphasizes that surrounding yourself with supporters who elevate rather than drain you is crucial for sustainable growth. Sometimes this means making difficult decisions about business relationships, even with friends.

Whether you're managing multiple businesses or just starting your entrepreneurial journey, this episode offers actionable strategies to help you maintain focus, build customer trust, and achieve your ambitious goals—all while preserving your wellbeing along the way.

🎙️ Connect with Chrissy Myers and discover how resilience, expertise, and community can transform your world:

🔗 Follow Chrissy on LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes insights, leadership tips, and updates on her journey as the CEO of two thriving businesses.

📘 Grab your copy of 'Reluctantly Resilient' to learn how Chrissy turned challenges into opportunities and how you can do the same in your life and business.

🤝 Explore Clarity HR and discover how Chrissy’s team simplifies HR for small businesses, giving you peace of mind to focus on what matters most.

💼 Visit AUI

🎙️ Connect with Chrissy Myers and discover how resilience, expertise, and community can transform your world:

🔗 Follow Chrissy on LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes insights, leadership tips, and updates on her journey as the CEO of two thriving businesses.

📘 Grab your copy of 'Reluctantly Resilient' to learn how Chrissy turned challenges into opportunities and how you can do the same in your life and business.

🤝 Explore Clarity HR and discover how Chrissy’s team simplifies HR for small businesses, giving you peace of mind to focus on what matters most.

💼 Visit AUI to see how Chrissy's employee benefits expertise can help you build a healthier, happier workforce.

Send us a text

Ever wonder what happens when entrepreneurs who've poured their hearts into building businesses finally step away? Financial advisor Gary Sirak tackles this crucial question head-on, revealing why some business owners literally die shortly after retirement—and how to ensure you don't become that statistic.

Gary shares the profound wisdom gained from decades helping business leaders prepare for life's next chapter. The conversation quickly moves beyond basic financial calculations to the more meaningful questions: What will you do with the 40 hours a week your business once consumed? Where will you find purpose and passion? How will you maintain your identity when you're no longer "the boss"?

Drawing from his own entrepreneurial journey, Gary explains how a pivotal conversation with his father transformed his approach to business: "I started waking up thinking, whose problem can I solve today? Not how much money can I make." This shift not only made him more successful but created the foundation for a fulfilling life beyond work. He introduces listeners to his practical "wish list" approach, encouraging everyone to rediscover forgotten passions and imagine new possibilities.

The discussion tackles the unique challenges business owners face—from their tendency to reinvest everything in their companies without building outside assets, to the impatience that makes traditional investment strategies feel frustratingly slow. Sirach offers actionable strategies for building financial security while maintaining the entrepreneurial spirit.

Whether you're decades from retirement or already contemplating your exit strategy, this episode delivers crucial insights about identity, purpose, and creating a life where business success becomes just one chapter in a much longer, equally rewarding story. Gary's expertise, combined with his refreshingly honest advice about family businesses, mentorship, and handling setbacks, makes this conversation essential listening for anyone building a business—and a life.

🎙️ Connect with Chrissy Myers and discover how resilience, expertise, and community can transform your world:

🔗 Follow Chrissy on LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes insights, leadership tips, and updates on her journey as the CEO of two thriving businesses.

📘 Grab your copy of 'Reluctantly Resilient' to learn how Chrissy turned challenges into opportunities and how you can do the same in your life and business.

🤝 Explore Clarity HR and discover how Chrissy’s team simplifies HR for small businesses, giving you peace of mind to focus on what matters most.

💼 Visit AUI to see how Chrissy's employee benefits expertise can help you build a healthier, happier workforce.

Send us a text

Freedom of choice may be entrepreneurship's greatest gift. While corporate employees rarely select their colleagues, business owners—especially franchisees—can intentionally choose their culture and community. This powerful insight anchors our conversation with Terese McGroarty, whose entrepreneurial journey began at just 21 when she and her husband borrowed family funds to purchase their first Shell auto care franchise.

Terese shares how they expanded to three locations before making a deliberate lifestyle choice: selling their 24/7 Shell stations to purchase a Goodyear franchise that allowed Sundays off. This decision exemplifies how business ownership enables alignment between work and personal priorities. Years later, after selling their Goodyear franchise and exploring different paths, Therese found her calling as a franchise consultant with FranNet—where she now helps others navigate similar journeys.

Drawing from decades of experience, Terese offers valuable wisdom about the dangers of closed-mindedness in business exploration. She recounts stories of potential franchise owners who completed thorough validation but allowed external opinions or unfounded fears to derail their plans. Her process helps clients systematically evaluate opportunities by speaking with franchisees at various performance levels—those excelling, those performing adequately, and those struggling—to gain comprehensive understanding before making commitments.

Perhaps most compelling is Terese's perspective on franchise culture. "When you're going into business for yourself, you get to decide about the culture," she explains, noting how different franchise systems develop distinct personalities—some more faith-based or fun-oriented, others more corporate. This often-overlooked consideration can significantly impact long-term satisfaction, as franchisees become part of a community that shapes their growth.

For established business owners, Terese advocates scheduling intentional recharge time to build longevity. Whether through morning devotionals, scheduled workouts, or daily walks with audiobooks, she demonstrates how deliberate self-care prevents burnout. Her parting wisdom resonates deeply: always focus on your clients' needs rather than your own, and consistently put one foot in front of the other to achieve incremental improvement.

Whether you're considering franchise ownership or seeking to strengthen your existing business, this conversation offers practical guidance for making intentional choices that align with your values and vision. The entrepreneurial path may be challenging, but with proper due diligence and self-awareness, it offers unparalleled freedom to create the business—and life—you truly desire.

🎙️ Connect with Chrissy Myers and discover how resilience, expertise, and community can transform your world:

🔗 Follow Chrissy on LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes insights, leadership tips, and updates on her journey as the CEO of two thriving businesses.

📘 Grab your copy of 'Reluctantly Resilient' to learn how Chrissy turned challenges into opportunities and how you can do the same in your life and business.

🤝 Explore Clarity HR and discover how Chrissy’s team simplifies HR for small businesses, giving you peace of mind to focus on what matters most.

💼 Visit AUI to see how Chrissy's employee benefits expertise can help you build a healthier, happier workforce.

Send us a text

What happens when you take a successful small business owner and give them the tools to think bigger? The transformation can be extraordinary.

Most entrepreneurs reach a critical point where they've mastered the startup phase but feel stuck in day-to-day operations, unable to achieve the next level of growth. The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program at Tri-C addresses this exact challenge through comprehensive executive education specifically designed for established small business owners.

Erika Hill, Executive Director of the program, explains how this unique curriculum differs from traditional business education. Rather than studying distant corporate case studies, participants directly apply business principles to their own operations. From leadership development to financial management, the program forces owners to step back and take a holistic view of their business—considering not just growth metrics but how business decisions impact their personal lives and long-term goals. The curriculum encourages participants to explore various growth paths, whether adding locations, developing complementary products, or entering new markets.

What makes this opportunity truly extraordinary is that it's completely free, funded by the Goldman Sachs Foundation with clear objectives: strengthen the economy by helping businesses increase sales and create jobs. Graduates consistently report that the program was life-changing, providing not just business skills but a powerful network that sustains them through both growth periods and economic challenges.

Connect with Erika on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikahill/

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🎙️ Connect with Chrissy Myers and discover how resilience, expertise, and community can transform your world:

🔗 Follow Chrissy on LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes insights, leadership tips, and updates on her journey as the CEO of two thriving businesses.

📘 Grab your copy of 'Reluctantly Resilient' to learn how Chrissy turned challenges into opportunities and how you can do the same in your life and business.

🤝 Explore Clarity HR and discover how Chrissy’s team simplifies HR for small businesses, giving you peace of mind to focus on what matters most.

💼 Visit AUI to see how Chrissy's employee benefits expertise can help you build a healthier, happier workforce.

🎙️ Connect with Chrissy Myers and discover how resilience, expertise, and community can transform your world:

🔗 Follow Chrissy on LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes insights, leadership tips, and updates on her journey as the CEO of two thriving businesses.

📘 Grab your copy of 'Reluctantly Resilient' to learn how Chrissy turned challenges into opportunities and how you can do the same in your life and business.

🤝 Explore Clarity HR and discover how Chrissy’s team simplifies HR for small businesses, giving you peace of mind to focus on what matters most.

💼 Visit AUI to see how Chrissy's employee benefits expertise can help you build a healthier, happier workforce.