By Shawnna Weber
5
77 ratings
The podcast currently has 16 episodes available.
Insurance is much more than a “necessary evil'' for your business. On this episode of Faces of Finance, host Shawnna Weber is joined by Meredith Messenger, an Operations and Risk Management Consultant and Founder & CEO of InsureGood. She joins our host to chat all about her experience in the insurance and risk management industry. Tune in to hear more about selecting your insurance provider, scaling risk management to businesses, and ways of systematically identifying, evaluating, and mitigating the negative impact of risk on you and your business.
Highlights:
About Meredith Messenger: Meredith Messenger is the go-to Operations and Risk Management Consultant for rapidly growing businesses. She is the perfect partner for visionary C.E.O.s; acting as their second brain and extension of their team, her firm works with leaders to quickly optimize operations, increase profitability, and reduce risks.
Meredith has spent almost two decades in various roles in the risk management and insurance industries and holds several advanced designations. She has held consulting and executive leadership roles with teams ranging from 3 to 25+ in several Fortune 100 firms. In addition, she has worked with hundreds of small businesses, helping them scale profitability. In 2020, Meredith founded InsureGood – a risk management firm that combines traditional, time-tested operational strategies and risk management with insurance expertise to position businesses for success while providing opportunities for underrepresented populations in the insurance industry. She serves on several boards, including the Connecticut Independent Agents & Brokers Association.
Meredith speaks regularly on stages of all sizes on topics related to business success including Leadership, Equity Diversity and Inclusion, Operations, and Risk Management.
Social Links:
Insure Good
Insure Good on LinkedIn
Insure Good on IG
Insure Good on Facebook
Quotes:
“As business leaders, we're constantly navigating the business landscape to minimize the negative impacts of risk while bringing out the potential for the rewards involved in the risks that we take as business owners.” - Meredith Messenger
“Insurance really is a tool for you to manage your finances and your cash flow more effectively.” - Meredith Messenger
Disclaimer: This podcast discussion is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical, legal or financial advice. You should contact your doctor, attorney or financial advisor to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Visit: www.edgysolutions.com
Tommy Mello is the founder of A1 Garage Doors, a $50 million-plus home service business with over 360 employees in 19 states. Tommy speaks about the inspiration behind his company, and gives tips for people who are establishing their businesses. We uncover the steps you need to take when expanding and how you can strategize your company’s growth. Tune in as we talk about standing out from your competition, and Tommy gives even more informative advice for business owners.
IN THIS EPISODE:
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
QUOTES:
“Go find a business you love and get involved with that business.” - Tommy Mello
“Some people say they want to be well rounded. That's the biggest mistake you could make.” - Tommy Mello
LINKS MENTIONED:
BOOKS MENTIONED:
BIO: Tommy Mello is the founder of A1 Garage Doors, a $50 million-plus home service business with over 360 employees in 17 states. He shares what he's learned at Homeservicesexpert.com to help fellow business owners grow their businesses.
Shawnna interviews Edgewood Business Solutions accounting executives Linda Welk, Katie Petty, and Deepa Mackrani on their tips and strategies to implement into year-end planning. First up, Linda explains why your accounts receivable detail report is so important and why you should review it before the end of the year. Learn about best practices for paying vendors, updating inventory, and recording home office expenses. Since people are working out of their homes more than ever due to COVID, Katie reminds us that home expenses are often overlooked and explores some of your options. Whether you're an entrepreneur, small business owner, or aspiring to be one - Edgewood is here to help.
Highlights:
Disclaimer: This podcast discussion is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical, legal, or financial advice. You should contact your doctor, attorney, or financial advisor to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.
Visit: www.edgysolutions.com
Many aspects of our family life intersect with our finances. A topic that comes up frequently is planning for our child's college education, both financially and being accepted into a college of choice. That's why we are lucky to have Liz Murphy, the Founder, and Owner of Liz Murphy College Advising, join the show. First, Liz explains why high school students need to start their college research during junior year. If you're confused about the application process, there are many benefits of collaborating with a college advisor. Tune in as Liz reveals the steps that parents should take to prepare for college financially, and she gives application tips for financial aid.
Highlights:
About Liz Murphy:
Liz Murphy: Founder/Owner, Liz Murphy College Advising
As an independent college consultant and a graduate of the UC Berkeley College Admissions and Career Planning program, I have successfully guided high school students on their college admission journeys for over eight years. In addition, I provide pro bono services to low-income and first-generation students. I was a parent leader in public and private education for fifteen years worked in the public health field for over ten years and taught high school biology and chemistry in the Peace Corps in Kenya. I bring significant experience in communication, research, and project management to my personalized college consulting practice. I am particularly interested in helping students pursue higher education in STEM and assisting students in applying to the University of California system.
I survived the college admission process with my own children, who graduated from Gonzaga University (2015) and UC Berkeley (2017). Every year I tour dozens of colleges and universities throughout the United States; attend professional conferences, college fairs, and workshops; and network with fellow professionals in the field. I keep up-to-date on changes and developments in the world of higher education in order to best inform and guide my students and families.
Website LinkedIn
Disclaimer: This podcast discussion is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical, legal, or financial advice. You should contact your doctor, attorney, or financial advisor to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Visit: www.edgysolutions.com
In this episode, Shawnna interviews Zack Leland and Lisa Fortenbaugh. Zack is a Commercial Insurance Producer at PIASC Insurance Services based out of Commerce, CA. Lisa is the Founder and CEO of Platinum HR Consulting Group. First up, Zack explains the benefits behind employment practices liability insurance (EPLI). The panel explores insurance coverage for wrongful termination, sexual harassment, discrimination, and emotional distress. Lisa and Zack also explain workers’ compensation, the importance of safety training, and why your HR consultant should be collaborating with your insurance brokers.
Highlights:
About Zack Leland:
Zack Leland was born and raised in Santa Cruz, CA. After attending California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and majoring in Biochemistry, he relocated to Orange County, CA. He is licensed in property and casualty insurance with a sole focus on business insurance. He has held many different positions in the insurance industry including account manager, sales manager, wholesale insurance, and producer. His specialties include harder to place workers’ comp accounts, including construction, logistics, and temporary staffing agencies. His current position is Commercial Insurance Producer at PIASC Insurance Services which is based in Commerce, CA.
LinkedIn PIASC Insurance Services StaffingInsure
About Lisa Fortenbaugh, MS, SPHR:
Lisa Fortenbaugh is the Founder and CEO of Platinum HR Consulting Group. Lisa possesses over twenty-five years of comprehensive national and international Human Resource experience. She holds a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Chapman University, a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and maintains the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) Certification from the Society for Human Resource Management. Lisa believes that the most important resource in a company is its “Human Resource”. After over two decades managing Human Resources for organizations of different sizes, Lisa knew there was a need for small businesses to have access to the same HR expertise that large corporations have. Lisa founded Platinum HR Consulting Group with one main goal, to offer customized HR solutions for small businesses.
LinkedIn Email: [email protected]
About Platinum HR:
Platinum HR is a strategic partner providing custom Human Resource business solutions to help clients attract, support, develop, and retain a competitive workforce and achieve their business objectives. They develop client-focused partnerships and innovative solutions. Each solution is different and may include items such as: an HR Assessment, Employee Handbook, monthly HR support, customized onsite training, review of the hiring process, performance management, compensation, etc. While each roadmap created is different, the end result is the same; a customized solution that increases productivity, profitability, employee engagement and legal compliance. These results create the competitive advantage that a company needs to compete in their respective market.
Website
Disclaimer: This podcast discussion is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical, legal, or financial advice. You should contact your doctor, attorney, or financial advisor to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Visit: www.edgysolutions.com
In this episode, Shawnna interviews Michelle A. Miller, a Business Development Manager for American Express. Michelle helps businesses navigate which American Express credit card to select and guides clients through the application process and the best utilization of their credit card. She gives us tips for businesses that are looking for a credit card company to collaborate with for their business needs. She talks about the full suite of business and corporate offerings and then walks us through the onboarding process for new clients. Michelle also explains what makes American Express unique.
Highlights:
About Michelle A. Miller:
Michelle Miller is a Manager of Business Development with American Express. She works with various businesses and corporations in the San Francisco East Bay with revenues up to $300M and educates them on how they can leverage American Express solutions to maximize cash flow, earn rich rewards, and streamline their payment processes to ultimately fuel the growth of their companies. She is passionate about putting the customer first and always excited to learn about new businesses. Before joining American Express, Michelle spent 10 years supporting Fortune 500 tech companies with their digital marketing campaigns at Google. Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn or through Edgewood Business Solutions if you’d like to explore a business card solution with American Express.
Disclaimer: This podcast discussion is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical, legal or financial advice. You should contact your doctor, attorney or financial advisor to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Visit: www.edgysolutions.com
In this episode, Shawnna interviews Systems Administrator and IT Consultant, Rick Shingu. Rick helps businesses discover their true potential by finding ways to apply IT systems that make them more productive and proactive. First, Rick explains why he prefers a cloud-based system over an on-premise system. Rick talks about how a cloud-based system will allow for consistent and automatic maintenance, promotes remote work, and has a generally low start-up cost for smaller companies. Rick also offers advice to business owners on how hiring a specialized IT consultant can set their company up for success. Stay tuned as Rick reveals what questions companies should be asking their IT department.
Highlights:
About Rick Shingu: Rick Shingu has expertise in IT support, IT infrastructure, and IT services. He has a passion for technology and was always the go-to person for tech within his family when growing up. Rick graduated from California State University, Monterey Bay with a Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Information Technology with an emphasis in Network and Security. He gained further valuable experience while running an IT department for an international food and beverage company. With this experience, he saw the potential and power for IT within a corporation, so he started his own IT consulting business. He recently relocated to the Los Angeles area and works with Clinical IT Systems, focusing on compliance-based applications and hardware. Rick works to help businesses discover their true potential by finding ways to apply IT systems that make them more productive and proactive. His experience pushes him to apply the most recent technologies for automation and compliance.
Disclaimer: This podcast discussion is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical, legal or financial advice. You should contact your doctor, attorney or financial advisor to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Visit: www.edgysolutions.com
In this episode, Shawnna interviews a broker for office property leasing and sales in the Central Valley at Colliers International, Erica Frey. When deciding between leasing and buying, Erica says it comes down to your business model. For small businesses, when lease rates are high, it may be better to acquire the property. Erica then explains the process of property acquisitions and how not every transaction will be the same. It can vary between a matter of days to years. However, Erica reveals the general steps that take place to complete a transaction. Later, Erica explains what a business owner needs to know before looking into commercial real estate.
In this episode:
Disclaimer: This podcast discussion is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical, legal or financial advice. You should contact your doctor, attorney or financial advisor to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Visit: www.edgysolutions.com
About Erica Frey:
Erica Frey has the select distinction of being named the broker for office property leasing and sales in the Central Valley at Colliers International. She is a graduate of Pepperdine University, where she received a BA in Public Relations. Immediately after graduation, she launched her real estate career in Beverly Hills, leasing and selling residential properties. In 2012, she joined CBRE, Inc. in the Stockton Office managing the marketing, account communications, and coordinating all elements of commercial office real estate consultation services and transactions.
She has experience in Landlord and Tenant Representation, Seller and Buyer Representation, and Build-to-Suit lease transactions. She is known as the go-to Office Broker for commercial office space in the Central Valley: commercial office property in Lodi, commercial office property in Stockton, and commercial office property in Tracy, commercial office property in Modesto; She services the Central Valley Regions North of Lodi, California, to South of Modesto, California, to West of Tracy, California and East of San Andreas, California.
Her core values are integrity, honesty, and unparalleled work ethic. She is dedicated to providing clients with the most up-to-date information on the state of the market and its trends giving them a realistic outlook on what they can expect to achieve in today’s market.
Colliers International LinkedIn
Visit: www.edgysolutions.com
In this episode, Shawnna interviews Ojesa Asejo-Clark, a recruiting manager for Robert Half Finance & Accounting, the world’s first and largest specialized financial recruitment firm. Ojesa places finance and accounting professionals with companies throughout the Central Valley. She explains how employers can pick the right recruiter for their business and what employers should do when they find the right fit. Listen in as Ojesa gives tips for both candidates and employers to ensure successful recruitment. She also describes how to compose a proper job description and what the recruitment landscape looks like during COVID-19.
In this episode:
Disclaimer: This podcast discussion is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical, legal, or financial advice. You should contact your doctor, attorney, or financial advisor to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.
About Ojesa Asejo-Clark:
Ojesa Asejo-Clark is a recruiting manager for Robert Half Finance & Accounting, the world’s first and largest specialized financial recruitment firm. In her role, Ojesa places highly skilled finance and accounting professionals with companies throughout the Central Valley. Before joining Robert Half in 2017, Ojesa cultivated 20 years of experience in various leadership roles at financial institutions such as Bank of the West, Oak Valley Community Bank, and Rabobank.
LinkedIn: Ojesa Asejo-Clark
www.roberthalf.com/salary-guide
Visit: www.edgysolutions.com
In this episode, Shawnna interviews Ally MacWilliams, a graphic designer who specializes in brand design and marketing. Ally explains that branding isn't just a logo; it helps a business stand out and reach their target audience. While most business owners do not have a clear idea of the branding they want for their business, Ally says that it's just a matter of doing some discovery exercises. Tune in as Ally explains branding, brand boards, why authenticity is essential, and the pitfalls of social media marketing.
In this episode:
Disclaimer: This podcast discussion is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical, legal or financial advice. You should contact your doctor, attorney or financial advisor to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Visit: www.edgysolutions.com
About Ally MacWilliams: Ally MacWilliams is a graphic designer specializing in helping companies bring their brands to life by creating their visuals including logos, business cards, marketing collateral and more. Her past as a stationery designer gave her a love of typography and print design, which are elements she uses heavily in her current role as a brand designer. Ally loves to tackle various project types and loves working with all, but nothing inspires her more than getting to work with female owned businesses!
LinkedIn AllyMacDesigns.com Instagram: @allymacdesigns
The podcast currently has 16 episodes available.