In this episode, Henry Harrison welcomes Alexandre Teplitxky, a veteran in construction technology marketing with more than a decade of experience at industry leaders like Procore, Autodesk, and AI startups. Today, he leads marketing at SmartPM Technologies, a company revolutionizing construction project management through AI-driven schedule analytics. Together, Henry and Alexandre dive into the challenges of delays in construction, why they’re the root cause of cost overruns, and how SmartPM uniquely addresses these issues by providing neutral, data-driven insights. Alexandre shares the founder’s journey of transforming 20 years of manual consulting work into a powerful software platform, giving project owners and contractors the ability to identify and address risks before it’s too late. This episode explores not only the technology shaping construction but also Alexandre’s personal journey into marketing, his passion for optimization, his angel investing in prefabrication startups, and his adventurous hobbies like paragliding and traveling to over 60 countries.

Key Topics Covered

• Alexandre’s background: from Procore and Autodesk to SmartPM Technologies

• Why construction delays are the biggest cost driver in the industry

• How SmartPM’s AI transforms raw schedule data into actionable insights

• The importance of ease of adoption for construction software

• Missteps of many tech startups: disrupting vs. understanding the industry

• Real-world examples of how SmartPM saves time, money, and relationships

• Alexandre’s entrepreneurial mindset and investment in prefabrication technology

• Personal passions: travel, paragliding, and building empathy through new experiences

Memorable Quotes

• “SmartPM’s mission is really to fight delay in construction. Delay is the root cause of many issues—cost overruns, strained relationships, and lost time.” – Alexandre Teplitxky

• “We’re not trying to disrupt. We’re trying to understand. Construction needs solutions built by people who’ve lived the pain.” – Alexandre Teplitxky

• “Our system brings a neutral, data-driven approach so owners and contractors can talk about facts, not finger-pointing.” – Alexandre Teplitxky

About the Guest

Alexandre Teplitxky is a marketing leader with over 10 years in the construction tech industry. He has held roles at Procore, Autodesk, and AI startups before joining SmartPM Technologies. Passionate about optimizing workflows, Alexandre has also invested in prefabrication startups and continues to support entrepreneurs shaping the industry. Beyond business, he’s an avid traveler (60+ countries) and paragliding enthusiast based in Santa Barbara, California.

Resources & Links

• Learn more about SmartPM Technologies - smartpm.com/

• Connect with Alexandre Teplitxky on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/alexteplitxky/

• Follow Henry Harrison and the Entrepreneurs, Business & Finance Podcast at HenryHarrison.com

Episode Overview: In this episode of Entrepreneurs, Business, and Finance, host Henry Harrison sits down with bestselling author Harry Hunsicker, a Dallas native with a fascinating journey from commercial real estate appraiser to full-time novelist. With nine published crime thrillers—including the gripping The Life and Death of Rose Doucette—Harry shares insights into the business of fiction, the craft of storytelling, and the perseverance required to break into the publishing world.

Whether you’re a budding author, a lover of mysteries, or just someone chasing a lifelong dream, this episode offers practical lessons and real-world wisdom on turning passion into a profession.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Second Career Success: How Harry transitioned from real estate to writing while managing both for nearly two decades.
• The Business Side of Writing: Finding an agent, getting published, and why he opted not to self-publish.
• Childhood Dreams Realized: Harry’s lifelong desire to write fiction and his very first story written on a typewriter at age 10.
• Craft vs. Creativity: The importance of outlining, revising, and writing books he would personally want to read.
• Research and Realism: How Harry blends deep research, Texas history, and real-world details into thrilling crime fiction.
• Facing Rejection: The truth about sending out 117 query letters and learning to embrace persistence.
• The Power of Place: Why all of Harry’s books are set in Dallas and how that adds authenticity to his storytelling.
• AI and the Writing World: His perspective on using ChatGPT as a research tool but not for writing fiction.
• Legacy and Lineage: As a 6th-generation Texan, Harry’s roots run deep—and they often show up in his work.
• Advice for Aspiring Authors: Practical encouragement and life lessons on following your dream no matter your age.

Notable Quotes from the Episode:

“You’ve only got so much runway left in life. If you’ve got a dream, go for it.” — Harry Hunsicker

“Writing is rewriting. It’s a craft. You don’t write anything perfect the first time.” — Harry Hunsicker

“I wanted to write a book I would want to read.” — Harry Hunsicker

About the Guest – Harry Hunsicker: Harry is the bestselling author of nine crime thrillers and a lifelong Dallas resident. His latest book, The Life and Death of Rose Doucette, has been praised for its realism, twisty plots, and vivid Texas settings. Formerly a commercial real estate appraiser, Harry is now a full-time writer, speaker, and literary force in the crime thriller genre.

Explore his books and sign up for his newsletter at HarryHunsicker.com

Connect with Henry Harrison and the Show: Host Henry Harrison brings deep business insight and real-world experience to every episode. Tune in weekly for engaging conversations with authors, founders, financial experts, and entrepreneurs from all walks of life. HenryHarrison.com

Episode: https://henryharrison.com/chris-brown-rj-byrd-search-group/

In this engaging episode of Entrepreneurs, Business, and Finance, host Henry Harrison sits down with Chris Brown, founder of RJ Byrd Search Group (https://rjbyrd.com/) and a longtime friend. Together, they explore Chris's fascinating journey from Washington, D.C., to Texas, building a career in staffing and recruiting and his inspiring mountain-climbing adventures.

Chris shares insights from his upbringing in Arlington, Virginia, his family’s ties to politics, and the pivotal moments that shaped his professional journey. The conversation covers everything from lessons learned on Capitol Hill to starting his own business in the competitive world of staffing. Plus, Chris opens up about the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, his commitment to delivering quality over quantity, and how his company has weathered economic storms and industry changes.

As a bonus, Chris shares stories about his adventures climbing mountains like Kilimanjaro and Aconcagua, how those experiences translate into business lessons, and the importance of resilience and determination in both life and entrepreneurship.

Key Highlights:

- Early Influences: Growing up in a politically connected family (grandfather Jim Wright was the 48th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives) and it impacted Chris’s values and career decisions.

- The Journey to Entrepreneurship: How Chris founded RJ Byrd Search Group in 2007 and his mission to focus on quality staffing services for small to medium-sized businesses.

- Overcoming Challenges: Navigating the 2008 financial crisis as a new business owner and adapting to industry changes, including the rise of AI and digital tools.

- Leadership and Integrity: The importance of building trust with clients and maintaining ethical standards in business.

- Adventures in Mountain Climbing: How climbing peaks like Everest and Kilimanjaro with his daughter taught him invaluable lessons about perseverance, mental strength, and teamwork.

- Board Memberships: Chris’s role in various boards, including Catapult Partners, and his passion for helping others succeed through mentorship and collaboration.

Memorable Quotes:

“Every new technology claims it will replace the recruiting industry, but nothing can replace the human connection.”

“Entrepreneurship isn’t just about building a business; it’s about creating something better, more efficient, and impactful.”

“Climbing mountains isn’t just a physical challenge—it’s a mental game. That same grit applies to running a business.”

Henry Harrison Dallas Texas: Navigating Business, Politics, and Purpose with James Dickey

In this episode of the Entrepreneurs, Business, and Finance Podcast, host Henry Harrison is joined by long-time friend and dynamic leader James Dickey.

James shares the incredible journey of his multifaceted career, from entrepreneurial ventures to political advocacy, highlighting his roles as an entrepreneur, nonprofit director, and former Chairman of the Texas Republican Party.

Epidsode: https://henryharrison.com/james-dickey/

Connect with James:

Learn more about Liberty for the Kids at https://libertyforthekids.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesdickey/

Key Topics Discussed:

• The Power of School Choice: James discusses his grassroots efforts with Liberty for the Kids, advocating for universal school choice in Texas.

• Lessons from Entrepreneurship: From founding a tech startup to selling to Oracle, James reflects on the struggles and successes of launching a business.

• Navigating Career Changes: How James transitioned between corporate roles, startups, and nonprofit leadership, always driven by purpose.

• The Role of Integrity in Business: Building trust and maintaining integrity as key factors for long-term success.

• Impact Through Advocacy: James shares how grassroots activism can drive meaningful legislative change.

Fun Facts:

• James started his career in insurance but quickly transitioned into entrepreneurial ventures.

• He co-founded a tech startup that became part of Oracle.

• James is proficient in sign language, a skill he developed to communicate with his brother.

Quotable Moments:

• “Integrity compounds in business. People know whether they can trust you, and that trust creates long-term success.”

• “Find something you love or at least like to do for your profession because you'll spend a large portion of your life doing it.”

• “Legislators listen to their constituents. If you want to make a change, speak up—it matters.”

Actionable Takeaways:

1 - Pursue What Matters: Align your career with your passions and values to create a meaningful impact.

2 - Build Relationships: Trust and integrity are essential for building lasting connections in business and advocacy.

3 - Get Involved: Grassroots activism can influence policy—reach out to your legislators and make your voice heard.

Climate AI & Sustainability in Manufacturing with Leise Sandeman, Co-founder of Pathways

Epidsode: https://henryharrison.com/leise-sandeman/

Pathways: https://pathwaysai.co/

Leise's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leise-sandeman/

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode, host Henry Harrison sits down with Leise Sandeman, the co-founder of Pathways, a company using AI to revolutionize sustainability in manufacturing. Leise shares her journey from Denmark to the U.S., her educational and professional background at Harvard, MIT, and McKinsey, and her passion for making sustainability accessible and actionable for businesses around the globe.

Key Takeaways:

1. Leise’s Journey to Entrepreneurship

Growing up in Denmark and her early exposure to sustainability.

Education at Harvard and MIT, where she met her co-founder, Alex.

The pivotal moments that inspired her passion for sustainability, from working at McKinsey to an immersive experience at Tata Steel in India.

2. The Vision Behind Pathways

The company’s mission: simplifying sustainability for manufacturers.

How Pathways automates life cycle assessments (LCAs) with AI, replacing manual, time-intensive processes.

The practical approach to reducing emissions by leveraging existing company data.

3. Challenges and Opportunities in Climate AI

The critical role of regulation in driving sustainability.

How AI is transforming the manufacturing landscape by making decarbonization pathways clear and actionable.

Real-world success stories, from small ready-mix concrete producers to large multinational manufacturers.

4. Mentorship and Building the Right Team

The importance of mentors who inspire belief and guidance.

The dynamic partnership with co-founder Alex, emphasizing shared values and hard work.

The disciplined approach to securing venture capital, ensuring alignment with investors knowledgeable about the manufacturing and sustainability sectors.

5. The Future of Pathways

Scaling up to serve the global materials manufacturing industry.

The company’s vision of creating a comprehensive data layer for sustainable manufacturing.

Leise’s optimistic outlook on leveraging technology for meaningful environmental impact.

Notable Quotes:

“Sustainability isn’t highbrow or elitist—it’s real, practical changes made every day.”

“Our customers are way smarter about decarbonization. Our job is to make the pathway visible for them to take action.”

“It’s a privilege to work on something I love every single day.”

In this episode, Henry Harrison speaks with Dianna Booher, a renowned communication strategist, Hall of Fame speaker, and prolific author of over 50 books with 4+ million copies sold. Dianna shares her journey from a challenging personal moment to becoming a successful entrepreneur and communication expert. With invaluable insights into writing, coaching, and creating products that provide long-term value, this episode is packed with advice for aspiring authors, entrepreneurs, and professionals looking to refine their communication skills.

Episode: https://henryharrison.com/dianna-booher/

Dianna Booher's Website: https://booherresearch.com/

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Dianna's Background and Achievements:

- Over 50 books published, 4+ million copies sold.

- Expertise in communication, executive presence, book writing, and coaching.

- Published by top-tier publishers like Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, and McGraw Hill.

2. The Journey to Entrepreneurship:

- Dianna’s transition from writing to consulting for Fortune 500 companies.

- How her first book led to a thriving training business.

- The importance of licensing content and maximizing ROI on intellectual property.

3. Communication Strategies and Writing Tips:

- Why clarity is crucial: "If you can’t write your message in a sentence, you can’t say it in an hour."

- Tips for mastering email productivity from her book Faster, Fewer, Better Emails.

- Creating personal presence: Look, talk, think, and act like a leader.

4. The Power of Mentorship and Continuous Learning:

- Dianna’s reliance on mentors to grow her business.

- Lessons on hiring and managing people effectively.

5. Overcoming Personal Challenges:

Building a career during tough times, including caring for two toddlers and a spouse struggling with severe depression

- The role of passion and persistence in building a successful life and career.

6. Insights into Writing and Publishing:

- Transitioning book ideas into training programs and licensing opportunities.

- Finding inspiration through client needs and market demands.

Quotes from Dianna Booher:

- "If you can’t write your message in a sentence, you can’t say it in an hour."

- "Find something you love to do, and then figure out a way to make a living at it."

- "Once you invest time in creating content, keep thinking: how can I get a better return on that time?"

Guest Resources:

- Latest Book: Faster, Fewer, Better Emails: Manage the Volume, Reduce the Stress, Love the Results

- Popular Book: Creating Personal Presence: Look, Talk, Think, and Act Like a Leader .

Actionable Takeaways for Listeners:

1. Focus on clarity: Whether writing an email or a book, ensure your message is concise and clear.

2. Leverage your skills: Turn your expertise into products or services with long-term value.

3. Seek mentors: Learn from those with experience to avoid costly mistakes.

4. Think entrepreneurially: Build systems and products that can work for you over time.

5. Keep learning: Personal and professional growth is key to staying relevant and successful.

Henry Harrison's Entrepreneurs, Business & Finance Podcast is a dynamic platform dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts with actionable insights, expert advice, and inspiring success stories.

Episode: https://henryharrison.com/clark-neily-of-the-cato-institute/

Connect with Clark Neily

X: https://x.com/ConLawWarrior

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clark-neily-0b27022/

Cato Institute Profile: https://www.cato.org/people/clark-neily

Episode Highlights:

Clark Neily's Background:

1. Vice President of Legal Studies at the Cato Institute since 2017.

2. Former litigator at the Institute for Justice (IJ) and a constitutional law professor.

3. Advocate for criminal justice reform, police accountability, and individual liberties.

Transition to the Cato Institute:

1. Neily shifted from public interest litigation at IJ to focus on criminal justice reform at Cato.

2. Highlighted issues with civil forfeiture and systemic injustices in the U.S. criminal justice system.

Major Contributions:

1. Played a key role in criminal justice reform and election process improvements.

2. Worked on significant policy recommendations to ensure a smooth presidential transition of power.

Key Topics Discussed

1. The Heller Case: Landmark Supreme Court case affirming the Second Amendment as protecting an individual's right to own firearms.

2. Clark shares behind-the-scenes insights into building the case and its impact on constitutional law.

Challenges in Public Interest Litigation:

1. Explains strategies for litigating against the government in a system with inherent biases toward state entities.

2. Advocated for leveling the playing field in constitutional litigation.

Teaching and Mentorship:

1. As a law professor, Clark emphasizes training students in public interest litigation to challenge government overreach effectively.

2. Encourages young lawyers to navigate an unlevel playing field and uphold constitutional principles.

Personal Inspiration:

1. Clark's father, a NASA scientist who contributed to the Apollo program, inspired his dedication to impactful work.

2. Discusses the importance of making meaningful contributions to society.

Resources Mentioned

Cato Institute: Libertarian think tank focused on public policy and constitutional rights. https://www.cato.org/

Institute for Justice: Public interest law firm protecting individual freedoms.

https://ij.org/

The Heller Case: Landmark Second Amendment Supreme Court decision. https://www.oyez.org/cases/2007/07-290

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Entrepreneurs, Business, and Finance, host Henry Harrison sits down with Neeti Khaitan, an accomplished entrepreneur and CEO of Accelerate Consulting Inc.

Episode: https://henryharrison.com/neeti-khaitan/

Accelerate Consulting: https://www.accelerateconsult.com/

Connect W/Neeti: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neeti-khaitan-411a251

Neeti shares her incredible journey from growing up in India to becoming a successful business leader in the United States. Surviving polio, Neeti talks about overcoming challenges, her deep love for America, and how she uses her experiences to fuel her business success.

Neeti reflects on her childhood in India, the support of her family, and how moving to the U.S. for education and work provided her the freedom to live her life fully despite her physical limitations. She also discusses her approach to life, emphasizing the power of a positive mindset and turning adversity into opportunities.

Throughout the episode, Neeti touches on her leadership experience, from running a call center to growing a business with 66,000 employees worldwide. She explains how she uses her certifications as a minority and disabled business owner to create value through her consulting company.

Neeti’s passion for giving back to the community is evident as she discusses her involvement with organizations such as the U.S.-India Chamber of Commerce, the Salvation Army, and other philanthropic initiatives focused on women, children, and education.

Neeti leaves listeners with a profound reminder to appreciate the present and make the most of each day.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Growing up in India and Moving to the U.S.:

◦ Neeti shares her early life in India, her family's influence, and her decision to come to the U.S. for university. She recounts the challenges and opportunities of navigating life with a disability and why she chose to stay in America.

2. Overcoming Challenges with Polio:

◦ Neeti opens up about being diagnosed with polio as a child and how her mother’s unwavering support helped her focus on her abilities rather than limitations. She explains her philosophy of “making lemonade out of lemons.”

3. Career Journey and Business Growth:

◦ Starting in a mid-level managerial position at a call center, Neeti quickly learned the ropes of business. Working with her family's business, Essar Group led by her cousin brother in the US, Anshuman Ruia, they scaled the company to a global level. More recently, her entrepreneurial spirit led her to launch Accelerate Consulting Inc., where she leveraged her status as a minority and disabled business owner.

4. Philanthropy and Community Involvement:

◦ Neeti’s dedication to giving back is central to her life. She talks about her work with various organizations, including the U.S.-India Chamber of Commerce and the Salvation Army, and the importance of helping others.

5. Life Lessons and Mindset:

◦ Neeti shares her belief in the power of mindset, focusing on how to turn challenges into opportunities and enjoy the present. Her message to the audience is to live fully, appreciate the moment, and embrace the curveballs that life throws your way.

Entrepreneurs, Business & Finance Podcast Show Notes
Host: Dallas' Henry Harrison
Guest: Dida Clifton, Founder of TheOfficeSquad

Epidsode: https://henryharrison.com/dida-clifton-theofficesquad/

Episode Summary:

In this episode of "Entrepreneurs, Business & Finance”, Henry Harrison sits down with Dida Clifton, the founder of TheOfficeSquad - a back-office solutions company offering comprehensive bookkeeping, administrative, and operational support. Dida shares her entrepreneurial journey of running a successful business for over 20 years and discusses the unique way TheOfficeSquad provides back-office solutions for entrepreneurs to keep their operations running smoothly.

Key Takeaways:

• TheOfficeSquad’s Approach to Operations: Dida explains how her company offers full-charge bookkeeping and day-to-day operations support, distinguishing it from accounting firms. TheOfficeSquad consolidates essential administrative functions under one roof, providing services like bookkeeping, light accounting, phone answering, and mail handling—all at a cost lower than hiring a full-time employee.

• The Value of Longevity and Building a "Squad": Dida prides herself on fostering long-term client relationships, with many staying for 5-7 years or even longer. The company emphasizes cross-training and having a “wingman” mentality, inspired by her military background, to ensure business continuity and support clients effectively.

• The Road to Franchising: After years of perfecting her business model, Dida is now franchising TheOfficeSquad, offering others the chance to start a business with her proven systems and support. Franchising offers the advantage of learning from her 23 years of experience, allowing franchisees to grow their own squads quickly and efficiently.

• Lessons in Entrepreneurship: Dida shares some hard-earned lessons on growing a business, such as the importance of active participation in networking and the value of listening to experienced mentors. She emphasizes that entrepreneurs must balance confidence with humility and be willing to learn from the right sources.

• Military Background and Business Mindset: Drawing from her experience in the Air Force, Dida created a business culture at TheOfficeSquad centered around loyalty, systems, and backup plans. She highlights how these principles have shaped the company and contributed to its success.

• Balancing Work, Life, and Dreams: Dida talks about how the flexibility of being an entrepreneur has allowed her to spend time with family, travel with her pilot husband, and achieve a work-life balance. Her story underscores the potential for freedom that comes with building a business designed to run independently.

Notable Quotes:

• "Once they become a client, it takes about three months before the light bulb comes on and the systems start working. Then, they stay with us for an average of 5 to 7 years."

• "The ultimate goal for a franchisee is to grow a squad that works without you."

• "TheOfficeSquad is here because someone once told me, 'You can't scale bookkeeping.' And I said, 'Hold my beer. We're going to do that.'"

How to Get in Touch:

• Interested in Franchising?
 Visit https://www.theofficesquad.com/ and click the "Franchise" button in the top right corner. For direct inquiries, email [email protected]

• Looking for Office Support? 
Visit https://www.theofficesquad.com/ and click "Contact Us" to speak with their team.

Guests: Marc Ramirez and Olivia Hajioff, musicians and educators, collectively known as the Marcolivia Duo.

Host: Dallas' own Henry Harrison

Connect with Marcolivia: Youtube - www.youtube.com/@ohajioff

Facebook - www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100042407153728

Episode - henryharrison.com/marcolivia/

Episode Summary:

In this inspiring episode, Henry Harrison welcomes Marc Ramirez and Olivia Hajioff, the accomplished musicians behind the Marcolivia Duo. As the podcast’s first musicians, Marc and Olivia bring a unique perspective to the show, offering insights into how the world of music intertwines with entrepreneurship and business principles.

Henry and Marc have shared a special bond since they were 10 years old when they played soccer together and became best friends. Later they were in each other's weddings and so now with Olivia they share memorable milestones. Marc and Olivia have built an extraordinary music career together, performing globally as well as teaching around the world and at their private studio. Dr. Ramirez and Dr. Hajioff (PHD's in music) share how they transitioned from being university professors to successfully running their music business of performing and teaching.

Highlights & Key Takeaways:

1. The World of Professional Music:

- Marc and Olivia discuss the joys and challenges of being professional musicians. Their passion for music is evident from their performances across the Unites States, Europe and Japan

- including at prestigious venues like The Kennedy Center near their home in the Washington DC area.

- The duo shares the evolution of their career and their passion for teaching including details of what it's like to teach students of all ages — from children to retirees.

2. Performing & Teaching as a Business:

- While their primary focus is music, Marc and Olivia discuss the business side of their work — running a private music studio, scheduling performances, and balancing teaching.

- The couple reveals how they connect with presenters and maintain relationships with conductors to secure repeat bookings and how they navigated the challenges of marketing themselves in the early stages of their careers.

3. Summer Festivals & International Teaching:

- The duo shares their experiences at summer music festivals and teaching in scenic and exotic locations, across the US, Europe to Japan. They provide a glimpse into the unique format of summer teaching, including masterclasses and chamber music instruction.

4. Balancing Passion with Practice:

- The Marcolivia Duo dives into classical music, sharing how they select pieces, prepare for concerts, and stay disciplined with daily practice.

- The couple also discusses the complexities of learning or re-learning concertos, often dedicating months to perfecting each piece before performances.

5. On Teaching & Nurturing Students:

- Marc and Olivia’s devotion towards their students and love for teaching shines through as they share stories about guiding students of various ages. They highlight the unique joys and challenges of helping children and adults discover their love for music.

- Their goal is not only to create proficient musicians but to instill a lifelong enjoyment of music in their students.