On this episode of Breaking Business Barriers Brent & Jared take some time to reflect upon the first half of 2020. There's been plenty of challenges and there has been opportunities as well.

BBB podcast can be heard on Itunes, Soundcloud, Spotify, etc.

Brent and Jared welcomed Ron Bultongez to episode 72 of the Breaking Business Barriers podcast.

Ron shares his story of what his early years were like as a child growing up in the Congo (Africa). He recalls a deep sense of community along with very difficult living conditions-even life threatening.

There was a great amount of unrest in his homeland and he along with others made their way to the United States - New York city specifically. Can you imagine not even being a teenager moving across the globe to an advanced foreign land?

Ron's story is nothing short of breathtaking along with being filled with inspiration.

From the Congo to American Idol and beyond, Ron isn't just a talented musician, he's a college student, parent and someone focused on being a difference maker.

Ron can be found across all major social media outlets.

Preview Ron's newest single here: Fanlink.to/GetBackUp

Chris joined Brent and Jared on Breaking Business Barriers. He tells us about growing up in the United Kingdom (UK), joining the Royal Marines, coming to the United States and making his way to entrepreneurship.

It's a fascinating story of world travels, endurance, perseverance, and personal growth.

He has a passion for his family, marketing & sales, real estate and exotic cars.

Chris can easily be found on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-stockdale-7146699/ or he can be reached at https://real-revolution.com/

Enjoy this episode of Breaking Business Barriers

Allie Van Wagoner is co-founder and CEO of Metroplex Social.

An online magazine putting Dallas Fort Worth businesses in front of 2+ million potential customers every month.

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Innovative and collaborative, Metroplex Social is the hub of the Metroplex. Sharing the best of DFW and North Texas, Metroplex Social connects our growing community by engaging residents and visitors in honest, creative conversation. From must-see venues to DFW’s favorite dining and shopping, Metroplex Social delivers compelling story-telling to a diverse, educated, influential, and engaged readership.

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📌 Let’s talk about you.

You started a local business in your hometown because you had a dream to make it a better place.

You add value to your neighborhood through your products and services and then realized that you were expected to be a genius at online marketing!

But you started your business because you were good at your business. It is like THEY changed the rules on you.

And that is why Metroplex Social was started. We have seen this happen over and over again online. Really good businesses pushed to do “social media” without the support to make it great.

📌 If you are ready to have a partner who has your back online, let’s start this conversation ➡️ [email protected]

Brent and Jared, hosts of Breaking Business Barriers, had an opportunity to meet with Karen Klassen, owner of Spoons Cafe and The Garage. North Texas businesses located in McKinney.

Karen shares her story that includes moving on from a very good job in corporate America to finding happiness and fulfillment as a small business owner.

While hard work and perseverance fueled her success, along came COVID-19. Karen openly talks about the challenges of starting these businesses as well as dealing the unforeseen hurdles of recent times.

A truly inspiring story that can be heard here or any of the podcast platforms such as iTunes, Spotify, Soundcloud, etc.

Social media is changing and you (as a sales/service person) are one of two people...#1, you post way too much on social media about crap no one cares about and you constantly spam your sphere with terrible sales posts. Or you are #2, you are so afraid of being person #1, you do nothing.

Whether you are #1 or #2, you are leaving so much business on the table. Your sphere should be a huge source of business and even more so, referrals!

How to you successfully leverage your sphere? You must become a storyteller! Give people reasons to love you that have nothing to do with your business. Use your business to add value. Become the person people remember when you leave the room.

At KyleDraper.com, I empower you to not just understand social media, but grow to love it. I will expand your abilities to market yourself and expand your reach. Then you'll be ready to leverage your new found influence to grow your business and make a difference in people's lives.

Jared Tye joins Brent Duhaime as co-host of the Breaking Business Barriers podcast.

Over the last year, Jared has been on the show either as a guest or as a guest co-host.

His background includes being a small business owner, real estate finance and as a real estate agent located in the Dallas/Fort Worth market.

Here's an opportunity to get to know Jared.

Breaking Business Barriers podcast can be heard on any of the platforms such as iTunes, Spotify, etc.

Antonio Lopez joins Brent Duhaime on Breaking Business Barriers.

He talks to Brent about the decision process of making a change. One that he put careful thought and consideration into with the expectation to better fit his career.

Are you considering a change, Antonio shares some advice.

Brandon Straza joined me on this episode of Breaking Business Barriers to talk about leveraging this particular time in history (COVID-19) to get closer to family, create a new working environment, self evaluation, and to try new things.

He had a startup business that was getting off the ground during the great recession of 2007 thru 2009. That business continues to grow and thrive even against the headwinds of today.

I've included a picture of my work from home team. My wife Melanie Duhaime, Andre'a (nursing student) and my son Brandon (Senior in high school). The schedules are full between work and being students. We're definitely trying to make the best of it.

Join Brandon and I on episode #64 of Breaking Business Barriers.

Whether you are buying or selling a home in today's market place, the climb may not be as steep as you'd think. Jared Tye joins the show and breaks it down for us.

Jared's career in finance and real estate spans greater than 14 years.