Rob works as a program navigator and coach at R3 Coaching, which offers classes and training to be a "True Success," no matter if you are at work, at home, or just generally active in your community. R3 has a particularly focus on helping business leaders manage their time so that they can feel successful in every part of their lives. One of Rob's main specialties is more precise, effective communication – but we talk about so much more!

Welcome back to Hops + Handshakes! In episode 17 we sit down with long time friend of our host, Dr. Gabe Ellis. He give us a birds eye view of their childhood friendship and talk about family, life and business. Dr. Gabe shares with us what has made his chiropractor clinics successful and how he used patient testimonials to share the impact that a wellness ambassador can have on health. He also shares with us about a new start up project he is working on and why he believes it will help so many of his patients and more!

THE STATE OF BUSINESS BRANDING TODAY (AND HOW TO USE YOUR STRENGTHS WISELY): Sara is the founder and editor of The GR Guide, which covers local GR business, attractions, and marketing. Previously she worked as a digital strategist, account manager and marketing influencer at Digital Limelight Media – basically, she knows what she talking about, especially when it comes to marketing your brand the right way! We sat and talked with her about business, life, and what she’s learned about growing a new company.

YOUR TEAM NEEDS TO TEACH YOU, TOO

Kyle is president at Blackport Solutions, which is, in Kyle’s own words, “A boutique IT consulting firm specializing in network connectivity.” Primarily specializing in phone and internet services, Kyle’s company works with Michigan businesses to find the right data solutions and upgrades that businesses need to keep on growing.

Mitten Brewing Co with Karlis Vizulis: Karlis Vizulis: Karlis currently holds the position of CEO at PSI, or Performance Systematix, Inc. This company occupies a niche position in the supply line for microporous membranes and filter materials which are used for container venting, medical filtration, and other laboratory analysis processes. However, Karlis’ story goes way beyond microfilter materials – and has some very interesting points to make about how entrepreneurship can work!

MANAGING A BUSINESS IN MULTIPLE LOCATIONS WHEN YOU CAN’T BE THERE

Jovan Jovanovic: Jovan is a founding part of the Watson Intellectual Property Group. As a specialist in intellectual property law, he deals with patens, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, unfair competition, and related matters – pretty important stuff for a new venture to be aware of! As a whole, the Watsons Intellectual Property Group helps businesses understand property law and navigate important rights decisions when necessary. He currently lives in California, but came back for a Michigan (where he still manages an office) visit and talk about his work!

WHY BUSINESSES ALWAYS NEED TO PUSH AHEAD IN TECHNOLOGY

Keith Boswell: Keith works as a consultant and “accelerator” – someone who can step into a business in a digital leadership/consultant position to help transform that business in a cutting edge organization that makes use of the latest technology in all the right ways. What technology, and what right ways? That’s where Keith’s experience comes in! In the past, he has worked as a digital leader at the largest HMO in the country, a top U.S. retailer, and with a number of startups.

GRACEFULLY CHANGE YOUR CAREER PATH

Kristin Britt: Kristin is a managing partner and attorney with Britt Morant PC. She specializes in Family Law, Divorce, Estate Planning, Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Business Law. They are currently getting ready to expand, and the story of how she reached such a position – and the choices she made along the way – is an interesting one!

BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS BETWEEN WORKFORCE GENERATIONS

Paige Cornetet: Paige is the “chief millennial officer” of Millennial Guru, a business team focused on showing companies how to hire, train, coach and interact with younger workers. Rather than make this issue an HR-only topic, Paige and Millennial Guru approach it from a holistic angle, helping managers and leaders throughout the company understand the “capital – human, intellectual, and identity” that millennials bring to the table.

HELPING SMALL BUSINESS BRING THEIR IDEAS TO MARKET

Dante Villarreal: Dante is the vice president of business services at the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce (previously the regional director for the Small Business Development Center) – an ideal place to keep an eye on the growing business trends of the area, the challenges today’s entrepreneurs are facing, and what solutions provide the best answers for those who want to start their own businesses. We sat down to talk about how startups can succeed in the current business climate.