Igniting the CEO Within

Michael brings over 27 years of experience in project management, mechanical engineering, and client development to AEC-ME. He has a vast knowledge in healthcare, life science, higher education, federal and municipal projects and has been highly involved with renovation and new build projects. Mike works closely with clients and team partners to realize goals by providing mechanical engineering solutions for building systems, providing sustainable ideas, and working within project budgets. Mike is a strong communicator, having built and maintained successful relationships with clients and partners across the country. He strives to build strong relationships and to provide high quality engineering consulting services.

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Mike Billig, P.E. PRINCIPAL Advanced Engineering Consultants - Mechanical Electrical www.aecme.com Connect with Mark on LinkedIn

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• There are many different paths to becoming a CEO.
• Building relationships is crucial for success.
• Continuous learning is essential for personal growth.
• Authenticity in leadership fosters trust.
• Succession planning is vital for business continuity.

Carajane Searcy Moore, the dynamic President and Partner of Hunt Big Sales and recently recognized as one of the Top Ten Sales Leaders in Global Gurus 2025. With over 16+ years at the helm, she has driven remarkable growth and implemented strategic changes that have propelled the company forward. As a seasoned entrepreneur and relationship builder, Carajane has not only guided Hunt Big Sales to success but has also empowered clients to significantly expand their own businesses, helping them secure over $21 billion in new deals. Prepare to gain invaluable insights from a true leader featured in publications like Oprah Magazine and Forbes.

Additional Resources:

Carajane Moore President @ Hunt Big Sales https://www.huntbigsales.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/carajanesearcymoore/

https://thesecrettobigsales.com/ , or to chat more with Carajane please schedule a meeting https://www.huntbigsales.com/get-started/schedule-a-consultation/

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• Focusing on customer feedback drives business success.
• Celebrating significant wins is crucial for company culture.
• Understanding why clients buy is key to ongoing success.
• Mentorship and coaching are essential for growth.
• Mistakes are part of the learning process in leadership.

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, host Mark McFatridge interviews Luke Dodds, the young and dynamic founder of Timber Garage, a custom wood furniture business. Luke shares his journey from discovering his passion for woodworking during the COVID-19 pandemic to building a successful business without pursuing a traditional college education. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, personal values, and integrity in business, as well as the influence of his family on his entrepreneurial spirit. The conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, the significance of quality craftsmanship, and Luke's vision for the future of Timber Garage.

Additional Resources:

Luke Dodds The Timber Garage Chief Executive Officer

https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-dodds-759b70297/

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• Luke Dodds started Timber Garage during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• He faced immense pressure to pursue a traditional education but chose entrepreneurship instead.
• Luke's father, a home builder, played a crucial role in his woodworking journey.
• He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and coaching in business success.
• Quality and integrity are non-negotiable values at Timber Garage.

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, Mark McFatridge speaks with Alex Perry, founder and CEO of Practically Speaking. They discuss Alex's unconventional journey to entrepreneurship, the importance of storytelling in leadership, and the nuances of effective communication, including body language. Alex shares her experiences of overcoming self-doubt, the challenges of building a business, and the significance of authenticity in leadership. The conversation emphasizes the power of communication as a tool for connection and influence in both personal and professional realms.

Additional Resources:

Alex Perry, Founder, Practically Speaking, LLC https://www.linkedin.com/in/pswithalex/

www.pswithalex.com

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• The journey to becoming a CEO is unique for everyone.
• Embracing challenges can lead to personal growth.
• Positive affirmation from others can be a powerful motivator.
• Storytelling is essential for effective leadership.
• Body language plays a crucial role in communication.

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, Mark McFatridge and Seth Pennington discuss the transformative power of CEO peer groups. They explore Seth's entrepreneurial journey, the importance of vulnerability in leadership, and the characteristics that make for successful peer group members. The conversation emphasizes the value of teamwork, accountability, and the shared experiences that come from being part of a peer group, ultimately highlighting how these groups can help leaders navigate challenges and grow both personally and professionally.

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Connect with Seth on LinkedIn

Quade Director

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• Joining a CEO peer group can change your life.
• Vulnerability is key to effective leadership.
• Peer groups provide accountability and support.
• Shared experiences in peer groups lead to growth.
• The ideal candidate for a peer group is someone feeling 'stuck'.

In this episode, Mark McFatridge, founder and CEO of Quade, shares the origin and purpose of Quade, a community designed for CEOs and business owners to support each other through peer groups. He discusses the importance of vulnerability, accountability, and the unique focus on the whole person in leadership. The conversation highlights the various components of Quade, including the Circle meetings, Sphere events, and educational resources, emphasizing the value of diversity and the investment required to be part of this transformative community.

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• Quade was inspired by Mark's experience in his first CEO peer group.
• The importance of vulnerability and trust in peer groups.
• Quade focuses on the whole person, not just business.
• Diversity in circles sparks interesting discussions.
• The Circle meetings are designed to foster accountability.

Denver Abernathy is the President of Promethius Consulting, an IT consulting firm he co-founded in 1999. He is the proud husband of Katie, and the proud father of two teenage daughters, Riley and Kennedy. In his spare time he enjoys working on his small family farm, spending time outdoors and reading.

Additional Resources: Denver Abernathy Promethius Consulting, LLC https://www.promethius.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/dabernat Connect with Mark on LinkedIn Learn more about Quade

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• Tech ethics is increasingly relevant with the rise of AI.
• Accidental entrepreneurship can lead to unexpected success.
• Problem-solving skills from farming can translate to business.
• Cybersecurity threats are evolving and require constant vigilance.
• Education is crucial in preventing cybersecurity breaches.

Success isn't a straight line—it's a wild ride! 🎢

In this episode, Mark sits down with Chris Allaire, Founder and CEO of Averity, to talk about the messy, unpredictable, and exhilarating journey of entrepreneurship.

From answering a sales ad in 1998 to building a game-changing tech recruiting firm, Chris shares the highs, the lows, and the "oh crap" moments that shaped his path. 💡

He breaks down what it really takes to survive downturns, why human connections fuel success, and how to keep pushing forward—even when the odds are stacked against you.

If you've ever thought about starting something of your own (or just want to hear a raw, unfiltered take on leadership), this one's for you! 🚀

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• The power of human connection: Business is built on relationships, not just transactions.
• Entrepreneurship is a fight: Setbacks will happen—it's about how you respond.
• Surviving downturns requires action: Adding value, staying authentic, and leaning on relationships can carry you through tough times.
• Mindset matters: Shifting from "What can I do?" to "What will I do?" makes all the difference.

HR isn't just paperwork and policies—it's the secret weapon for building amazing teams! 🚀

On this episode, Mark chats with Casey Webster, CEO of My HR Extension, about how she's turning HR on its head. From growing up in an HR-loving family to reinventing training with gamification (yes, escape rooms for compliance!), Casey shares how companies can ditch the boring and create cultures where people want to stay.

If you think HR is just red tape, this episode will change your mind! 🎙🔥

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• HR should think like sales & marketing: Engaging employees is just as important as attracting customers.
• Gamification enhances learning retention: Creating interactive experiences helps employees remember and apply key concepts.
• Feedback fuels growth: Effective leadership is built on honest, constructive conversations.
• Training should create an emotional connection: People remember experiences, not PowerPoints.

🎙️ In this episode, Mark chats with Greg Freeman, founder and CEO of Strive Financial Group! From mowing lawns to buy motorcycles to building a game-changing financial firm, Greg's journey is packed with grit, lessons from sports, and a passion for transparency.

Tune in for leadership insights, client-first strategies, and the secret to "chasing the horizon" in life and business.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Greg on LinkedIn

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• Transparency and Trust: Shifting to a client-first approach ensures both advisors and clients achieve success together.
• The Value of Discipline: Lessons from Greg's athletic background continue to inform his leadership style and work ethic.
• Collaboration Over Competition: Creating a culture of shared knowledge leads to better outcomes for teams and clients.
• Chasing the Horizon: Growth is a continuous journey rather than a fixed destination.