Enterprise Podcast Network

Lou Banach and Jeff Rasmussen, authors of the new book “Start It, Grow It, Sell It:  The Journey of Business” join Enterprise Radio. The book teaches business literacy as it pertains to starting, operating and ultimately selling a small business.

This episode of Enterprise Radio is working in conjunction with the Author Channel.

Listen to host Eric Dye & guests Lou Banach and Jeff Rasmussen discuss the following:

* What drove you to write this book?* What are the most important things to have in order to start a business?* What action should a business owner take to significantly increase the chances of long-term success?* What is the biggest mistake small business owners make?* When should a business owner begin making plans to sell their business?* What final advice do each of you have for business owners?

Lou D. Banach – Servant Leader,  Bank Executive, Author and Professional Speaker

Lou Banach is a Group Senior Vice President and a Segment Executive at Associated Bank. He has more than 30-years of business and banking experience. Currently, he is a Trustee for the Milwaukee-based Wisconsin Public Policy Forum, focused on regional government accountability.  He earned an MBA  from Penn State University, and he holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa.    He was a three-time All-American at Iowa and, during 1984, Lou won  a gold medal in the highly regarded  1984 Olympic Games, Los Angeles. Additionally, Mr. Banach served 6 years in the U S Army, including three years active duty at United States Military Academy. Lou is a published author of The New Breed: Living Iowa Wrestling and co-authored with his brothers a recent book entitled Uncommon Bonds: A Journey in Optimism. Lou currently lives near Oconomowoc, Wisconsin on Middle Genesee Lake with his wife and three children. Our family has two dogs, Harvey and Nala.

Jeff Rasmussen – Recovering CPA, Business Owner, Author and Speaker/Trainer

Jeff Rasmussen refers to himself as a recovering CPA with a short attention span.  He is currently the President of Fairway Auto Care Center and the principle consultant for Fairway Business Advisors.  He is living proof of the importance of working on the business instead of just in the business.  Jeff’s 35-year business career spans the disciplines of finance, operations, quality, sales & marketing and business ownership.  He has worked for a $ billion corporations as well as start-ups.  Jeff is an avid fisherman, hunter and Christ follower.  He is blessed to be married to an extremely patient wife, who is an ESL teacher.  Jeff and his wife have two adult sons, and belong to a highly energetic German Short-haired Pointer.  Jeff lives in Cameron, WI.

Book Summary

In our book,

Flynn Zaiger, CEO at Online Optimism, a full-service digital marketing agency based in New Orleans that specializes in website design, search engine optimization, social media, and pay-per-click advertising joins Enterprise Radio.

Listen to host Eric Dye & guest Flynn Zaiger discuss the following:

* Is traditional marketing dead? What’s the importance of digital marketing?* What are your most used digital marketing strategies? How are they used together to create a campaign?* What is one trend that clients are moving toward or that your agency has been directing clients toward?* How do you think marketing will change in the next 5 years?* What are the main metrics of success that you track in your campaigns?

Flynn Zaiger is the founder and CEO of Online Optimism, a digital marketing agency named one of New Orleans’ best places to work in three out of the last four years. Zaiger started the company with nothing more than a laptop and a lot of coffee after graduating from Tulane University in 2012. Today, Online Optimism has 10 full-time employees and has worked with over 100 organizations throughout the country. Zaiger prides himself on his company’s standout culture, employee benefits, and forward-thinking mindset that sets it apart from the traditional corporate office setting. With a dog-preferred workspace, free Friday lunches at the city’s hippest new restaurants, employee development, healthcare, and more, Zaiger firmly believes that happy employees produce the best work.

As manager of a Google Partner Agency, Zaiger is dedicated to helping businesses with everything they do online – from creating websites, to interacting with customers via social media, to calculating ROI on a multi-platform interactive ad campaign. Zaiger has shared his expertise on marketing and entrepreneurship with groups across the country, including New Orleans Entrepreneur Week and Sage Summit. He is an alum of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, and has been quoted on Forbes.com, Inc.com and Social Media Today for his expert opinion on a wide range of Internet marketing topics.

Website: onlineoptimism.com

Social Media Links:Facebook: facebook.com/OnlineOptimismTwitter: @onlineoptimism

People also listened to this: How can LinkedIn help people in eCommerce

Margie Hulse, a business coach, speaker, property investor and Joy of Business facilitator for Access Consciousness joins Enterprise Radio. Margie has over 20 years of experience in the creation, investment, promotion and marketing of multiple successful businesses.

Listen to host Eric Dye & guest Margie Hulse discuss the following:

* Can you tell us more about your journey to becoming a property investor and Joy of Business facilitator?* What is Joy of Business? * Do you have any tips for first-time investors? * What are some common mistakes you’ve seen people make when it comes to investing, and how can they avoid these mistakes?* What are some tools you’ve discovered through Joy of Business that have helped you in your own business?

Margie Hulse is a business coach, speaker, consultant, property investor and Joy of Business facilitator for Access Consciousness. She has over 20 years of experience in the creation, investment, promotion and marketing of multiple successful businesses. Having gained financial security for herself, she loves to show others just how easy it can be to do the same.

Website: margiehulse.com

Facebook: facebook.com/margieCFMW

People also listened to this: Personal Financial Planning as a Small Business Owner

Michelle Dippel, who serves as Central and South Texas Office Leader and Vice President for HNTB Corporation joins Enterprise Radio to discuss how they are delivering innovation through diversity.

Listen to host Eric Dye & guest Michelle Dippel discuss the following:

* You have extensive leadership experience with transportation infrastructure and serve as vice president, Central and South Texas office leader for HNTB Corporation, an employee-owned infrastructure solutions firm.  Can you tell us how you entered this field and some of your career highlights?* Today, we are talking about revolutionizing our region’s transportation system and transforming the industry.  Yet the need to implement innovation requires a new mindset. How is the industry changing conventional approaches and moving towards delivering innovation through diversity?* Does creating a diverse workforce happen organically or intentionally?* As companies continue to expand their workforce, what can they do to attract a diverse group of talented professionals? Where can they find the most diverse candidates to recruit and can you share an example of how HNTB approaches this?  * Recruitment is one part of establishing a diverse workforce. What are your recommendations on creating and nurturing a work culture of diversity? What are some of the challenges that must be overcome?* What role does leadership play in managing diversity well and how does this contribute to delivering innovation in the industry? Do you have a specific example that you can share with us?* Can you share the most important key learnings and your recommendations that companies can adopt to accelerate and build a more diverse workforce? 

Michelle Dippel serves as Central and South Texas office leader and vice president, overseeing offices in Austin, San Antonio, El Paso and Round Rock. She provides leadership in strategic planning, developing strong client relationships, and supporting major project pursuits and delivery. Dippel is based in Austin. 

Dippel’s experience includes NEPA project development and management ranging from Categorical Exclusions to Environmental Impact Statements and has specialized in complex agency coordination. As a Registered Professional Archeologist (RPA), she has evaluated environmental impacts to archaeological and historical resources in addition to water quality, wetlands, socio-economic resources, and biological resources and has a successful track record of leading and completing complex NEPA transportation projects in Texas. In addition to environmental issues and projects, Dippel can provide insights about: 

* Public transit: Becoming more commonly viewed as an investment in economic growth, stronger business and better quality of life, public transit can provide more than basic mobility. * Highways/tolling: Key to any strong regional economy is a strong highway transportation network. In certain cases, interstate tolling can be a viable transportation funding tool. 

Dippel is an active member of the Transportation Research Board and Women’s Transportation Seminar. 

In Central and South Texas, HNTB currently is working on, or has been involved with,

Kourtney Whitehead the author of “Working Whole: How to Unite Your Spiritual Beliefs and Your Work to Live Fulfilled” joins Enterprise Radio.

This episode of Enterprise Radio is working in conjunction with the Author Channel.

Listen to host Eric Dye & guest Kourtney Whitehead discuss the following:

* How can we assess the specific conflicts that our work exerts on our personal values?* How well can we be integrating our spiritual beliefs into our professional lives?* What actions will move us from feeling disconnected and uninspired with work, to realizing a deep level of satisfaction?* How can we negotiate real-world obstacles, like an untrustworthy boss or a job that makes us feel trapped?* Tell us how can we imagine a metaphorical TV show of our lives — as producer, writer and actor?

Kourtney Whitehead has focused her career on helping people reach their work goals, from executive searches to counseling to career transitions, through her positions at top executive recruiting firms and consulting companies. Her site, SimplyService.org, is an online community focused on supporting the creation of spiritually centered work lives. She is a sought-after speaker and podcast guest.

Her new book, Working Whole:How to Unite Your Spiritual Beliefs and Your Work to Live Fulfilled, shares how to unite spiritual and work life.

Website: www.simplyservice.org

Social Media Links:Instagram: @w_kourtneyFacebook: facebook.com/simplyserviceorg

People also listened to this: Bite Me! and other do’s and don’ts of dealing with our differences

Jim Lange, Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Attorney and IRA and Retirement Authority and has written six books on the subject matter joins Enterprise Radio.

This episode of Enterprise Radio is working in conjunction with the Author Channel.

Listen to host Eric Dye & guest Jim Lange discuss the following:

* There’s been a lot of news about new legislation that may impact IRAs and retirement plans. So, what are some of the big potential changes in the proposed legislation for IRA and retirement plan owners? * Could you give me an idea of what the impact of this law would be for someone with a million dollar IRA? * What has to happen for this proposed legislation to become law?* What should our listeners be doing about the potential changes now? * Should our listeners consider making additional Roth IRA conversions as soon as this year?* Should our listeners be changing their estate plans now? 

Jim Lange, CPA/Attorney, is author of “Retire Secure,” “The Roth Revolution,” and “The 214,000 Mistake: How to Double Your Social Security and maximize your IRAs – Proven Strategies for Couples 62-70.” He is also President of two interrelated companies that provide financial services to IRA and retirement plan owners.  Jim is the founding President of a CPA firm that does tax planning and preparation.  The second company is a registered investment advisory firm that provides cutting-edge Roth IRA conversion strategies and conservative money management.  The companies are located in Squirrel Hill in one location where he has been practicing for over 30 years.

Jim is a nationally-recognized IRA, 401(k) and retirement plan distribution expert.  Jim is also the President and Founder of The Roth IRA Institute™ which helps financial professionals and IRA and retirement plan owners to get the most from their retirement plans using Roth IRA conversions as an integral part of the planning strategy. Jim is currently traveling the country as an invited presenter for some of the world’s top insurance companies, money managers and industry associations such as Nationwide, Merrill Lynch, Transamerica, Jackson National, Morgan Stanley, American Institute of CPAs, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and several Financial Planning Associations.

Jim is the author of two editions of the best seller, Retire Secure! Pay Taxes Later.  Larry King wrote the foreword for the book, and Ed Slott, CPA, wrote the introduction. Retire Secure! enjoys glowing testimonials from the industry’s best: Charles Schwab, Roger Ibbotson, Bob Keebler, Jane Bryant Quinn and 60 other financial professionals. Charles Schwab calls Retire Secure! “a road map for tax-efficient retirement and estate planning.” Jane Bryant Quinn said that, “Retire Secure! covers two areas particularly well – Roth IRA conversions and Estate Planning for IRA owners.”

Jim is also the best-selling author of The Roth Revolution: Pay Taxes Once and Never Again. Ed Slott, “America’s IRA Expert,” wrote the foreword and said “The Roth Revolution offers readers...

Kortney Kutsop, the Senior Director at Universum that delivers the critical talent market insights, winning brand strategies and compelling, story-led communication organizations need to compete more effectively for the talent joins Enterprise Radio. Kortney discusses the findings and results of the 2019 Most Attractive Employers in the U.S. report, released recently from Universum Global.

Listen to host Eric Dye & guest Kortney Kutsop discuss the following:

* Tell us about Universum. When were you founded and what is the mission and vision of the company. * Lets talk about the US study that was just released. Tell us some of the key findings. * How many participated in the study and what are the demographics of the participants. * Who are the top employers this year and what fields are they in. * Do you feel that based on the findings, that employers meeting the needs of potential employees as outlined in the findings? * Why do you feel banking jobs are on the rise in the US. * How does young talent prioritize compensation, career aspirations and other benefits? * Where do newcomers to the list rank and what attributes they’re offering to attract new employees? 

Kortney Kutsop is the senior director at Universum. Universum delivers the critical talent market insights, winning brand strategies and compelling, story-led communication organizations need to compete more effectively for the talent.

Kortney has over 13 years of employer branding experience. She has developed and implemented recruitment and branding strategies for many of Universum’s clients including Fortune 500 companies.

Kortney is an expert on employer brand research and EVP development. Her experience positions her for providing best practices and advice on how to deploy the employer brand. 

Website: universumglobal.com

Social Media Links:Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/universumInstagram: instagram.com/universumglobal

People also listened to this: Bite Me! and other do’s and don’ts of dealing with our differences

Lynne Schinella, an internationally renowned behaviour and communications trainer that created the video training program “Working With People You Just Don’t Get!” and author of Bite Me! and other do’s and don’ts of dealing with our differences joins Enterprise Radio.

This episode of Enterprise Radio is working in conjunction with the Author Channel.

Listen to host Eric Dye & guest Lynne Schinella discuss the following:

* Poor relationships and communication issues amongst work colleagues can often hugely impact workplace productivity. As a business manager or owner how do you know if you’ve got an issue with poor relationships within your team and what can happen if you don’t do anything about it. * There are many  personality profiling systems out there, why did you create RIPE Personality Profiling? What is unique about it?* Tell us about your training programmme – Working With People You Just Don’t Get! who is it for and what can participants expect from it?* What other advice do you have for organisations and teams that want to improve team working?

Lynne Schinella is an internationally renowned behaviour and communications trainer and author who works with individuals and organisations to help them better connect with influence and respect. Lynne’s audiences get real value from her practical down to earth approach, her honest, engaging and entertaining delivery and her talent for making the complex simple and relevant. Lynne is the creator of RIPE Personality Profiling System and has trained organisations all over the world on how to work with the strengths and challenges of being an Apple, Mango, Lime or Banana and work more effectively as a team with huge success. 

Lynne is the creator of video training program Working With People You Just Don’t Get! And the author of Bite Me! and other do’s and don’ts of dealing with our differences.

Website: www.lynneschinella.com.au

Social Media Links:Instagram: instagram.com/lynneschinellaFacebook: facebook.com/lynneschinella

People also listened to this: How to Mirror the Performance of the Best of the Best

Adrian Fortino, Managing Director at Mercury, where he leads Mercury’s Midwest office in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and focuses on investments in enterprise SaaS, intelligent manufacturing and industrial IoT joins Enterprise Radio.

Listen to host Eric Dye & guest Adrian Fortino discuss the following:

* What is the transition like, moving from entrepreneur to venture capitalist? * What is the venture capital eco system like in Michigan? * As a former entrepreneur, what advice can you give entrepreneurs pitching venture capitalists? * What is the craziest pitch you have ever received? * Why does Mercury Fund focus on middle America?

Adrian Fortino is a Managing Director at Mercury, where he leads Mercury’s Midwest office in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and focuses on investments in enterprise SaaS, intelligent manufacturing and industrial IoT. Adrian received his BSE in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan and an MBA with High Distinction from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.

Outside of Mercury, Adrian serves on the board of Michigan Venture Capital Association and the advisory board of First Capital Fund. He also leads the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan-sponsored Catapult, which connects entrepreneurs in Southeast Michigan with emerging and innovative non-profits in the region.

Website: www.mercuryfund.com 

Social Media Links:Twitter: @mercuryfund Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/adrianfortino

People also listened to this: Introducing Celebrity Lifestyle Manager: Gold Mac Ivor

Ludwina Dautovic, CEO and Founder of The Room Xchange, an online marketplace that connects busy, time-poor households with a spare bedroom, with guests who provide two hours of help around the house each day in ‘Xchange’ for food and accommodation joins eCommerce Radio to talk about the importance of knowing your why.

Listen to host Eric Dye & guest Ludwina Dautovic discuss the following:

* How have you maintained focus on the core purpose of The Room Xchange?* You call yourself a Social Impact. Can you explain what that means? * How do you keep your messaging clear across all your marketing channels? * As a CEO founder, what do you do when the daily grind gets you down? * What drives you?

Ludwina Dautovic is the Founder and CEO of The Room Xchange, an online marketplace that connects busy, time-poor households with a spare room who are in need of household support, with guests who provide two hours of help around the house each day in Xchange for food and accommodation. It’s win-win and it’s changing the way people live. 

Ludwina, from Melbourne Australia, has been a successful entrepreneur for 24 years. She started her journey in 1995 producing and presenting television for cable TV. She also produced innovative and creative video content for businesses in the retail & service industries and was commissioned to produce media training for schools across Australia.

As the digital era arose, she was all in. Ludwina was one of the first B2B podcasters and interviewed the CEO’s of major corporations worldwide. She wrote and self-published her first book titled ‘It’s That Easy – Online Marketing 3.0’. She then combined her technological expertise and business experience to provide advisory services to businesses developing their brand online. 

Today, Ludwina is a keen investor in emerging and innovative technologies and is passionate about disruptive market leadership. 

In her role as founder and CEO of The Room Xchange, she has successfully completed her first capital raise and is now embarking on her second with the aim of leading the company towards a global market. 

Ludwina believes that resilience and being clear about your ‘why’ is what keeps you moving forward as a founder and CEO. 

Website: www.theroomxchange.com 

Social Media Links:Facebook: facebook.com/theroomxchangeTwitter: @theroomxchange  

People also listened to this: The worlds first climate-positive notebook