Columbus Entrepreneurs' Podcast

On today’s episode, Steve Cox joins Kevin to talk about his business venture: i9 Sports. Steve talks about his experience moving from a corporate job to the entrepreneurial world, and some of the struggles and triumphs of starting the business. As the business is growing, Steve talks about the evolution and what sorts of things they are hoping to achieve in the next few years. As a new member to EO, he talks about his experience so far, and what he’s hoping to get out of being involved in the organization.

Key Takeaways:

[:27] Steve shares his lifeline so far: He grew up on a farm in southern Indiana, and from there started his professional career working as a service technician for Impact Printers. Growing up, he always wanted to own his own business. His entrepreneurial bend started when he ran an auto racing school for a couple of years. Through this, he got to interact with a lot of different successful people, and decided this avenue would allow him to do something good. He and his wife felt there was a need in youth sports, so they started i9 Sports in Columbus in 2007.

[3:23] His grandfather played a role in inspiring him to start his own business. Steve had great admiration for how his grandfather started and maintained his own farm, and this innate part of his childhood translated to his careers working for other people, and ultimately impacted his decision to start something himself.

[5:!8] Steve talks about the process of leaving a corporate/sales job and taking on something more independent. Steve and his wife looked at many different models for business that met their pre-determined criteria.

[7:12] Highs and Lows: The economy had collapsed right after their first season, and those were scary times. Steve also found that he was hanging on to too many things for too long. By 2009-2010, this balance began to work out so that by 2011-2012, the work-life balance was better than anything he’d had before. Despite the ups and downs, he wouldn’t trade the journey for anything.

[11:01] Steve talks a little bit about the work-life balance between his family and daughter and i9 Sports. Perhaps being exposed to this business will ignite his daughter’s entrepreneurial spirit. While Steve is not actively encouraging entrepreneurship for his daughter, he is hoping his example will foster an independent drive.

[12:55] As Steve’s business — and responsibility — grew, he realized he didn’t have many business owner friends that would understand some of the things he was going through. He works with Scott Everheart who introduced him to EO.

[16:00] Having recently gone through Forum training and being put into a Forum, Steve was surprised at the emotional commitment these meetings have.

[17:30] What’s next for Steve and i9? They just acquired an add-on business called Elevate Basketball Academy that is an actual physical space they were able to take over. Currently he’s working out how to integrate that business into their i9 business, with their two different focuses. They’re also spending a lot of time on helping their staff be successful, learning from them, and rewarding and recognizing them (Steve calls this his “people project”).

[22:00] Steve and Kevin talk about some of the different sport ventures they do at i9, and the growth and the chance in which sports were added and which have become most popular. He also talks about their “niche”: practice and play in the same day, presenting a very professionally run organization, and finally keeping the focus on the kids rather than the parents’ competitive needs.

[24:34] Some of the marketing techniques that Steve used initially were signs out on the roads and also going into the schools. As they’ve grown and become more well-known, they continue to stay relatively aggressive with marketing to replenish their enrollment as kids move on from the program. They still use the sign and go into the schools, and they’ve started using a social media presence.

[26:53] Steve has been trying to stay out of the way and let go of more as the business and staff has grown. His current focus is on trying to integrate the Elevate program, and also working on more long-term projects and maintaining business relationships with their partners. Kevin and Steve talk about the future of the business and what plans they have for the next few years, especially to continue to grow it locally.

[29:20] His experience in EO so far has been positive and great. Steve would take advice from anyone about how to maximize the opportunities provided by EO. Getting involved in regional events is a great way to get more involved.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Columbus Chapter of Entrepreneurs’ Organization

i9 Sports Website

Elevate Basketball Academy Website

Danielle Walton, Co-Founder and Lead Strategist of Adept Marketing, joins Kevin on this episode of the Columbus Entrepreneurs’ Podcast. In this episode, she shares the road to starting her business, some of the philosophies their company is built on, and where they see themselves in a few years’ time.

Key Takeaways:

[:32] Danielle shares a bit of her background: She grew up in Canton, OH, and went to Miami University for college. Upon graduating in 2001, she took a full time position with Deloitte Consulting (where she had previously done an internship), where she travelled between North Carolina, Michigan, Louisiana, and Ohio.

[6:00] After about four years with Deloitte, she started looking at marketing opportunities, and she took a position at Lifestyle Communities. At Lifestyle, she met her current business partner, and together they essentially ran the marketing agency. In 2006, they pitched their business plan to a franchise company, and opened PR Store in Columbus in 2007. When they realized it wasn’t going to work, they got out of the franchise, and launched Adept Marketing in June of 2008.

[12:23] Where were the struggles Danielle and her business partner faced while getting this business started? The hardest part was during the PR Store phase, and figuring out how they could transition into their own business and continue supporting themselves. About a year and a half in, Danielle and her business partner, Justin, also had to decide whether they wanted to be consultants or whether they wanted to be involved in the operations of the business. The people side of things has been a challenge in building and retaining the culture, as well as recruiting and hiring.

[15:40] The struggle in recruiting and hiring is finding people with experience. About a year and a half ago they started a Digital Marketing Associate program that is specifically for people right out of school who don’t have the experience. This program has been great for many applicants, but they still need people who can bring expertise and experience.

[17:11] Danielle talks about some of the aspects and philosophies of their company that might be a little different than some of the other agencies out there.

[22:14] Danielle talks about how EO became a part of her world. While she was first introduced to it when she was working at Lifestyle Communities, where their goal was to be able to qualify for EO/YPO. EO has been great at providing an additional sounding board for ideas and shared experiences.

[24:25] Danielle talks about how her and her business partner’s roles within their small business. In addition, she talks about their dynamic and what makes them good partners. They were colleagues before they were friends, and their strengths and weaknesses balance each other out.

[26:17] They are on the path for growth. Currently they are forecasting three to five years ahead, to make sure they can meet their metrics goals. By 2020, their goal is to reach $15,000,000. But more than the revenue, it’s about building an organization that allows people to grow and have opportunity.

[31:15] This podcast has been a great way to connect with other people from EO. It has helped Danielle feel like she could talk to more people in gatherings and such, because of the podcast. It has been a great help to her and many of the other guests on the show!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Columbus Chapter of Entrepreneurs’ Organization

Adept Marketing

Lifestyle Communities

Deloitte Consulting

In this episode, founder and CEO of Two Caterers, joins Kevin to talk about her current ventures. After a successful start-up, she is now working to expand her company to a multi-unit venture. She shares her story of how she got started, some of the current struggles she’s facing with an established business and a start-up, and how EO has benefitted her along the way.

Key Takeaways:

[0:30] Angela begins the episode by sharing her history and her lifeline. Growing up in Akron, education was not necessarily an important part of her family’s background. When she was 19, she travelled to Germany, worked in a hotel, and travelled and saved $5000. When she moved back to the states, she studied at Ohio State. On graduation, after a few small jobs, she and a friend started their catering company, Two Caterers.

[6:38] Highs & Lows: They started their sandwich shop/catering business in a bar, and then ended up in a new location that had fallen through for some other friends. This is where the business really started. Her business partner left, and Angela ended up having to buy the business from her — listen to hear how she got the money!

[12:28] What happens after Angela joined EO? Once she joined EO, she finally felt like she had all these people who understood her place in life, and consequently found a host of opportunities and new experience. Since joining EO, she bought her own building for the catering company, and now they are looking at expanding to a food truck and a second location.

[18:17] During these experiences, she learned that her real talent is being able to putting things together that will help or empower other people to be part of something.

[20:15] What’s next — what does the future look like for Angela and her business? She started working with a facilitator for EOS, so they’ve created a one-year, three-year, and ten-year plan. Sweet Carrot was always intended to be multi-unit, so the second one is on it’s way. The ten-year picture is to open as many Sweet Carrots as the world wants.

[22:16] Kevin and Angela talk about capital. While they have some investors for Sweet Carrot, the seed money only goes so far. There’s a bridge period between the size they are now and having enough EBITDA to be interesting to an equity investor. Despite their success with Sweet Carrot, Angela was told she would probably never be able to finance the growth with the help of a bank.

[26:38] When looking for people who might want to invest in seed capital, Angela had a really hard time finding other female business owners who would hear her pitch. When you don’t have access to the same networks, it can be difficult to get started. Kevin and Angela talk about how it is also difficult to obtain financial help, once you’re relatively established but still looking to grow.

[30:13] Angela talks about how EOS is working with her business, and she and Kevin talk about what they’ve learned about leadership by going through the EOS process. What does it mean to lead your company and not just work in it every day?

[37:15] Her employees have been shared between the two ventures, so they could have the opportunities that come with both. There are labor laws that have made this difficult for some employees, but for the most part they have been able to provide growth for employees between companies.

[39:13] Angela’s motto for her life: “Hang in there baby,” via a motivational poster from the 70’s. She has taken it to mean, if an opportunity presents itself, go for it!

[40:20] Within the community of EO members, the best thing to do for each other is to be there for them to talk, or vent, or bounce ideas off each other. When you can relate to others in a similar situation, it can be very affirming.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Columbus Chapter of Entrepreneurs’ Organization

Two Caterers

Sweet Carrot

In today’s episode, Sandy joins Kevin to talk about her story and her work to make companies more functional by determining their personalities. She talks about her personal and business ventures, as well as her current company, and the events that led to its creation.

Key Takeaways:

[:45] Sandy shares her lifeline: Growing up in the West, Sandy left to find new opportunity at an internship in Columbus. She worked writing resumes for a search firm under the condition that once it was profitable, she could hire in someone to run it, and be a marketing consultant. Her work ethic developed during childhood, from taking care of her family. She joined EO about ten years ago.

[5:53] How did her business evolve from its first conception? She started in corporate marketing, working for an executive search firm, and wanted to do it on her own, and be able to branch out into some different areas.

[7:27] When did she realize that this was something she could make a career out of? A few years into the business, she was maintaining a healthy number of clients. She joined with a design firm to really start a company and start hiring other outside employees. She had an idea that she could determine the personality of a company based on how employees are experiencing the company, and her brother wrote the software, and things started taking off from there (including a book deal!).

[11:55] It wasn’t without its trials and tribulations. Sandy talks about the ups and downs of this process — selling her company and taking her team with her, and then many of her team getting laid off. When that company went under, the team decided to try and get it back on its feet. It remains a great story about the strength of culture.

[14:30] Sandy talks about a bit about her book, which she didn’t get to tour, but received good publicity. It’s essentially a culture assessment. This book/assessment helps companies find their core ideologies.

[16:45] Kevin and Sandy advocate for EO, as well as EOS. It has been a tremendous help for her company, as well as other companies she works with to implement it.

[21:24] What are common struggles preventing companies from taking off to the next level? Many get stalled when trying to get everybody to really understand their roles in the company. Whether an integrator or a visionary, you have to understand how your role works with others in the company to get everyone on the same page, so people can get done what they need to get done.

[26:50] Sandy talks about some of the personal events that happened that affected her business journey as well.

[30:35] Sandy’s main goals right now are to help entrepreneurs run on EOS; help them find out who they are, and what they’re great at. When they use all the tools, they can achieve their vision as a healthy team.

[33:02] What advice does Sandy have for entrepreneurs that haven’t found EO yet? Be smart — ask a lot of questions, and align yourself with people who are like you, and whom you respect.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Columbus Chapter of Entrepreneurs’ Organization

MarketingWorks

Sandy’s Book: Companies Are People, Too

In this episode, Kevin meets with Kristen Harris, co-founder of Portfolio Creative. They talk about how the business got started, working with a compatible business partner, as well as where they hope to grow in the future. Kristen talks about some key aspects of EO that have contributed to the evolution of their business, as well as some ways members of EO can get involved in more of what the organization has to offer.

Key Takeaways:

[0:38] Kristin shares her lifeline: her parents were very entrepreneurial as Kristin was growing up, and she didn’t feel like that was what she wanted to do. She went to school for retail advertising, and worked for Limited brands for several years in the marketing departments. Events aligned to create the best time for her and her co-founder Catherine to start their business, Portfolio Creative.

[4:44] She and her business partner had worked together previously, but they knew each other as coworkers. Because they are opposites, they are very complementary of each other as business partners.

[6:33] The idea of their business is to help companies find creative talent, and to help creative people find more opportunities. In her experience as a hiring manager, she noticed that there wasn’t really a central hub to find people. They have evolved as the creative industry (as well as marketing and advertising) has changed, and they’re now working with very large companies.

[9:27] The early years: Kristen talks about the early days of their company and getting started. It was helpful that they had contacts at Limited brand and they knew it was working, when they started to hiring other people (besides themselves). The evolution from being self-employed to being an employer has been a very cool, humbling thing for Kristen and her team.

[12:13] Portfolio Creative does pursue a lot of awards and recognitions as part of their marketing strategy. Kristen shared the hard work of going for these types of things, but also how they can be rewarding and motivating for the company’s growth.

[15:08] Kristen talks about their use of EOS in the company. It has been most beneficial in providing a platform to discuss everyone getting on the same page and moving the same direction.

[17:19] How did Kristin get started in EO? In between people sharing about their personal experiences with EO, and the mentorship chair reaching out, Kristen reflects a bit on what her being in EO has done for their company.

[19:46] Portfolio Creative is part of Goldman Sach’s 10,000 small businesses program, a program that encourages growth in small businesses, by hiring more people and contributing to the economy. It is a lot of thinking and researching about their company, but it has been good for re-discovering some things about their business.

[25:36] What’s the next thing for Portfolio Creative? As a really small business that works with really big businesses, they are exploring more opportunities of other types of work and services — trying to utilize some of the strengths they already have to help their clients in different ways.

[27:18] What were some of the big impacts from mentors on Kristen and her business? The EO Mentorship program has always been a part of her business and personal life, but she really feels that the mentors she’s connected with have been wonderful.

[31:14] How can Kevin or the EO chapter help Kristen in her business endeavors? Kristen already feels very fortunate to be surrounded by so many interesting, knowledgeable people, that she feels like she can ask if she needs anything. Kristen encourages people to get involved in the EO Mentorship program, and hopes to see more people participate in that.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Columbus Chapter of Entrepreneurs’ Organization

Portfolio Creative

Goldman Sach’s 10,000 Small Businesses

Delivering Happiness

Contact Kristen via email

Kevin has two guests join the show today. Jeff and Mark are in the same forum group at EO, and they come on the show to talk about their different entrepreneurial ventures. Both Mark and Jeff have their own companies, and they share the twists and turns of how they got started, what their goals moving forward are, as well the ways in which EO has influenced and inspired them. Tune in for a fun show!

[:52] Jeff shares his lifeline — after going to school and studying photography, he moved to California to either be an actor or figure something else out. From ending up at the wrong place for an interview, to landing a job with that company, and eventually deciding to pursue photography, Jeff now owns his own company (built from the ground up), EclipseCorp.

[6:39] Although Jeff and his wife met in California, they moved back to Columbus to buy a house and start a family. Turned about to be a good decision, as the market in Columbus had a lot of potential. Look where they are now!

[8:25] Mark shares his lifeline — he also grew up in Cincinnati and received his degree in Landscape Architecture from Ohio State University. After deciding he wanted to be a developer who hired landscape architects, he got a Master’s degree from Florida, and gained professional experience working for several different firms. From a huge opportunity in Pittsburgh, he and his business partners started their own company called Stanbery Development.

[14:00] The progress and growth of Stanbery was quite successful in the years leading up to the crash. The crash was a really tough time for the company, but they were able to work with the banks to stabilize their properties, and were able to keep four of their original properties.

[15:16] After the crash, members of the company took a break from real estate for a few years. Mark got into World of Beer — this venture taught him a lot about operating businesses, and now they are working to reposition their Stanbery business into the mixed-use arena.

[19:46] How did Jeff and Mark become involved with EO? Mark’s business partner “forced him into it kicking and screaming,” but since joining, he has gotten involved with forum, the board, and is currently involved with a GSEA regional position. Jeff was inspired during a lunch to see if he wanted to be part of a forum, and has enjoyed peer-to-peer learning, and has also been involved with the board on a regional level.

[25:17] Jeff is now a strategic coach, which encourages stepping away and letting other people run your business, while you work on your business. The tools and tips have been a tremendous help in growing not only his business, but himself as well.

[27:35] Mark’s company has spent several sessions with Scott Fritz, and now they are working to get everyone on the same page, so they can decide on a laser focus for moving forward.

[29:50] Top 5/Bottom 5 — both Mark and Jeff share some of their bottom five moments. Not all are specifically business related, but this shows how personal struggles can affect business struggles. They talk about the strength of forum as a place to share some of these struggles (and joys) and find support.

[36:12] What are the next steps for these guys? Jeff is looking to expand their physical location as well as expand their market. Mark is really hoping to get their big mixed-use project off the ground within the next 12 months.

[39:27] Mark and Jeff share how people can help them in their business, as well as other ways to get involved in EO. Mark talks about GSEA, which really helps students entrepreneurs.

Columbus Chapter of Entrepreneurs’ Organization

EclipseCorp

Stanbery Development

World of Beer

The 40 Hour Work Year

Today’s guest, a Columbus Student Entrepreneur Award winner, is involved in the student entrepreneur program of EO. Currently pursuing his undergraduate degree at Ohio State, David Butcher is also running a business called FlyBy BBQ. In this episode, David talks about the start of his current business, what inspired him to become an entrepreneur, the various business plan competitions he’s been involved in, and he shares some advice for young people who want to become entrepreneurs.

Key Takeaways:

[:47] David shares how he got to where he is now: His entrepreneurial ambitions stemmed from his family, watching his dad turn his normal job into a business that not only supported his family, but also gave opportunity to other community members. The past few years have been David trying to figure out exactly what it is he wanted to do. This culminated into his current project: FlyBy BBQ.

[3:56] While he was working on a different idea for a business plan competition at Ohio State, his meetings led to many observations about how people like to eat. FlyBy is working to revitalize barbeque and make it something fun.

[5:02] As a student who also has a running business, what is more important? David reckons it’s usually about a 70-30 ratio of business to school. His preparations in high school set him up to be in a good place with his college courses before he even got there.

[6:19] David reflects on his experience in different business plan competitions. His biggest takeaway has been realizing that the importance of a business plan is being able to start something — once you get started, there is opportunity for ideas to develop and change as you go along. But you have to take that first step forward. He also speaks about how valuable the actual pitch is — designing and being able to articulate your story is important for doing well.

[11:10] What was David’s entrepreneurial spark? Although David’s dad showed him what it was, he never really taught him about it. As a kid David really admired
Steve Jobs, and he was inspired by the idea that he could change things and build his own things and have influence. His school environment also fostered growth and independence, which was really empowering for his entrepreneurial spirit.

[15:04] Many people from the younger generation have a desire to make an impact on the world. David and Kevin talk about entrepreneurship as a vehicle to make this impact. David feels that with the way things are constantly changing, entrepreneurship allows you to do something for yourself, and if something happens, it’s on your own terms. From the financial side, many people are enticed by the monetary reward and feel it’s worth the risk.

[17:40] David talks about his team for FlyBy BBQ. Using his resources, he found people who were knowledgeable in their fields, and their expertise would benefit the operations of his business.

[18:41] How can Kevin and EO help FlyBy BBQ? David is always looking for feedback and people to share their story. They’re currently in their last phase, which is the food truck. It’ll be launching in Dayton in mid-April in the Fair Warren/Beaver Creek area, so come on down!

Mentioned in This Episode:

FlyBy BBQ

Find them on social media: flybybbq

Columbus Chapter of Entrepreneurs’ Organization

Michelle Merkel’s entrepreneurial spirit was nurtured from a very young age. She would sell her crafts at schools, and eventually, stores. Her father taught her to chart stocks and invest in the market. By the time Michelle’s childhood finances reached $10K, she funded her own backpacking trip through Europe. She now pays it forward by instilling her children with a mindset for success, and supports them in their business ventures. Michelle joined EO to gain valuable insights from other business owners, to share with other like-minded entrepreneurs, and learn how to hire and maintain good employees.

Key Takeaways:

[:42] Michelle shares her “lifeline” — She learned the value of a dollar and how to chart stocks from her entrepreneurial kin. She attended DePaul University to prepare herself for her future financial planning business. She has three children with her husband Greg, who is also an entrepreneur.

[4:50] Michelle joined EO to find a like-minded, entrepreneurial community.

[6:19] Michelle encouraged her daughter, Brooke, to take a course from local business owners. The course ended with a Shark Tank, through which Brooke’s idea was funded. Rev1 Ventures selected Brooke’s idea to develop a mobile app for teens to organize and trade gift cards. Watch Brooke’s TEDx talk on youtube.

[11:09] Michelle knew from a young age she wanted to have her own money. She sold craft items in stores and saved enough money to go backpacking through Europe.

[12:48] Being an employer has its challenges. Michelle is interested in gaining valuable information from EO forums about hiring and maintaining good employees. She is also looking for insights on employer-employee relationships.

[14:53] Michelle wants to be a good role model, and create a legacy her children can be proud of.

[15:47] Michelle is working on defining commitments within her business.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Columbus Chapter of Entrepreneurs Organization

Rev1 Ventures

Brooke Yoakam TEDxColumbus

Today’s guest is Bill Troy, who will be the incoming EO Education Chair, and the President Elect for 2018-2019 year. In this episode, Kevin and Bill talk about Bill’s start in entrepreneurship, starting his own business and writing a book, and how EO has helped him navigate some of the twists and turns he has experienced in his career.

Key Takeaways:

[1:04] Bill shares his “lifeline” — after meeting his wife in college, he left college and went to broadcasting school, and after broadcasting school he got into the radio business for about ten years. When they switched gears to follow his wife’s career, they ended up in Columbus, and he started his own internet-based market research company, Troy Research.

[5:15] What did Troy recognize in himself that he had the entrepreneur mentality? For him, the missing piece was sales. After he did that for his work with a market research company, he had the knowledge and the confidence to start his own business.

[6:19] Getting integrated into the Columbus community: coming from the city, the adjusting was difficult, but once they settled in their home in Ohio they realized that it is a great place to be.

[9:01] Bill’s financial advisor encouraged him to join EO. Immediately, being a part of EO helped Bill realize that all the things that made him think he wasn’t an entrepreneur were actually the evidence that he was an entrepreneur. Bill talks about how he got involved in other aspects of EO, particularly becoming a member of the board.

[11:24] Bill talks about the impact of forum as a process, and how the principles apply to other areas of his life.

[14:20] This involvement, and the experiences he gained through the work he had to do, actually ended up having an effect on the growth of his personal business. Bill’s story is a great example of the kinds of things people are experiencing by being involved in EO.

[16:08] Being able to see and recognize that there is a bottom and top five percent is really important because it leads to the ability to turn one into the other (preferably your bottom five into your top five).

[19:00] Bill and Kevin talk about Bill’s book, and how the idea for that came around. As Bill is changing directions in his business to focus more on using online marketing tools for relationship-based marketing rather than impersonal transactions, he is hoping this book will help bring in some others who believe in the same things.

[22:57] Where does Bill see things going in the future? For Civilis Marketing, they are working toward building a business that is not “Bill-related.” Ideally as they move forward his wife will take over more over the actual running of the business. Bill also talks about the services they are hoping to provide through Civilis Marketing.

[27:11] Kevin asks the age old question: how can he, or anyone in the audience, help Bill out? Bill really wants members to be more proactive about getting involved. When members take ownership of growing their interests through the program, it helps everyone.

[31:51] Both Kevin and Bill are writing books — they talk about the different routes of publishing and what the process has been like for Bill so far.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Civilis Marketing

Troy Research

Contact Bill: [email protected]

Columbus Chapter of Entrepreneurs’ Organization

Joelle Brock owns an IT consulting firm called Leading Edje and also serves as the current Education Chair and will become President of EO. In today’s episode, Kevin and Joelle talk about the start up of Leading Edje, her involvement in EO, and what her professional and personal goals are, moving forward.

Key Takeaways:

[1:03] Joelle shares her “lifeline” — growing up she wanted to be a sportscaster, got a degree in journalism, and through her experiences post-college, she got into IT services and now is the owner of an IT consulting firm. In addition to her business lifeline, she also shares some of her personal lifeline.

[7:25] Joelle talks about what things were like when she was starting her company. Her childhood influenced her financial management as well as her conservative approach. Shortly after the last firm she was with sold, despite other plans, she begin to get her business started.

[10:50] Joelle has been part of EO for about six years. She attributes a lot of her company’s growth to experiences learned and shared in EO.

[12:13] Coming into EO, Joelle was looking for experience share on growing your business and producing a healthy life balance. One of the most important things for her is getting resources from people who have done it before on a relatable scale.

[14:35] What are some of the challenges Joelle is currently facing with her business? They are always looking for good talent, and recently have been looking to expand their markets while retaining their culture.

[18:00] Joelle talks about the culture she’s built at her company. They adopted the Rockefeller habits, and it has been a total game-changer. It has created a very clear, easy-to-use system to run and grow your business — all centered around their core values.

[21:03] Joelle talks about some of her influences and mentors, and how important the community in Columbus has been for the start and growth of her company. In addition to business mentors, Joelle discusses her husband as a mentor, and how her family factors into her entrepreneurship ventures.

[27:18] Joelle and Kevin discuss her experience as the Education Chair for EO, and how that has prepared her for taking on the role of President next year. She shares some of her ideas and goals for the coming year as well.

[30:51] Joelle talks about the importance of board representation. Ideally there would be as many forums represented on the board as possible. Kevin and Joelle talk about how you can get involved.

[32:51] The goals Joelle are working on are getting more volunteers for EO, as well as more IT talent for her company, and connections in Nashville.

[34:20] Joelle brags on her leadership team, and what are the important factors to consider during the hiring process. She talks about the dynamic of her leadership team, and what makes them so effective.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Columbus Chapter of Entrepreneurs’ Organization

Joelle’s Website - Leading Edje