In this episode, I am joined by guest Jon Wolf, founder of The Rally Co. With operating a full-service marketing agency Jon gets to do work such as brand strategy, advertisement design, content development, and much more. We talk through his journey from starting the agency with his business partner 2 years ago to now bringing on employees. In the marketing agency world, it is common to outsource work to freelancers but at The Rally Co., they try to keep most work in-house.

In this episode, I talk through various topics that were covered in past episodes of Innovation Illuminated. This serves as a recap for March 2024. I cover specific quotes, tips, and knowledge that guests share with me.

In this episode, I am joined by guest Paul Decker, who has recently retired from his role as Chairman of the Waukesha County Board. Paul realized at a young age that life is about asking the right questions to dig deep into getting an understanding of where people's motives come from. At age 45 Paul was diagnosed with a deadly form of Lung Cancer which he had to battle through rough rounds of Chemo.

In this episode, I am joined by guest Gaulien "Gee" Smith, the owner of Gee's Clippers Barbershop. Gee has been cutting hair since the age of 12 and decided to open his own barbershop in his 20s. The barbershop has grown out of the first 2 locations and now is located at 2200 N Doctor M.L.K. Jr Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53212. We talk about the process of growing the barbershop to fit 25+ barbers and also how Gee had to learn how to manage and train barbers.

In this episode, I am joined by guest Hayden Pauls, the co-owner of Fly Kicks. Fly Kicks is an online sneaker reseller that started with Hayden and his girlfriend Sydney selling shoes out of the basement in high school. Now in college, they have a space downtown in Whitewater Wisconsin where they keep and ship out inventory across the world.

Website: https://flykicksco.com/

Everything: https://linktr.ee/flykicks.co

Thank you to our sponsor

In this episode, I am joined by guest Bill Bachman, the founder/ principal of Bachman Brand Development. As a brand development agency, Bill has worked on lots of packaging designs for large companies such as Modelo Beer, Briggs & Straton, Mueller Braces, and more.

We talk through his whole work experience journey going from wantrepreneur to entrepreneur. After 20 years of being a business owner, Bill has some great experiences under his belt.

Link to download short-form videos of this episode: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1oVrVPpnkl0KBx8NPhEABD4kRlzrVl-8j?usp=sharing

Thank you to our sponsor Ez Fade: https://ezfadeco.com/Innovation Illuminated Social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovationilluminated/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094495578028

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@innovationilluminated LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/99175829/admin/feed/posts/

In this episode, I am joined by guest Elzie Flenard. Elzie is the Mayor (owner) of Podcast Town, an agency that helps businesses start and run a podcast. Before starting the agency, Elzie started a podcast in 2016 (that he still does today) where he interviews business owners to learn from their knowledge.

In this episode, I recap what I have learned from guests who were featured on the podcast this past month. I have learned so much and hope you all have as well.

Like you, I am constantly seeking knowledge, absorbing new and insightful information with each episode. Feel free to contribute to our collective pursuit of learning by leaving comments with questions for our guests in specific business fields. Your curiosity fuels this podcast.

Link to download short-form videos of this episode:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1PzatHdZgtkFtwEHLlnu_JyndKb8zG3n0?usp=drive_link

Thank you to our sponsor Ez Fade: https://ezfadeco.com/

Innovation Illuminated Social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovationilluminated/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094495578028

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@innovationilluminated LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/99175829/admin/feed/posts/

In this episode, I am joined by guest Scott Berkowitz, who is the owner of a manufacturing business. Scott makes products for big box retailers such as Tjmaxx and Marshalls. These retailers (buyers) come to Scott's business and ask for them to get something made such as a wind chime. Scott then reaches out to his manufacturers in China to get the product made.

This is an interesting interview since it is a hard business to get into and understand the business. Scott got into the business by forming a relationship with a wealthy man who lived down the road from him. This man was manufacturing lamps and other standing light fixtures in China and then selling them to big box retailers.

Like you, I am constantly seeking knowledge, absorbing new and insightful information with each episode. Feel free to contribute to our collective pursuit of learning by leaving comments with questions for our guests in specific business fields. Your curiosity fuels this podcast.

Link to download short-form videos of this episode:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZlagwcFC3rJhvl0Cc78NHAn2ltQlres1?usp=drive_link

Thank you to our sponsor Ez Fade: https://ezfadeco.com/

Innovation Illuminated Socials

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovationilluminated/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094495578028

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@innovationilluminated

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/99175829/admin/feed/posts/

In this episode, I am joined by guest Jim Marshall the founder of Spectrum Investment Advisors. Spectrum oversees almost 4 Billion Dollars worth of client assets. Jim is recently also an author with his published book “The American Tailwind.” Spectrum has been awarded “Best Place To Work” by multiple different outlets so Jim and I discuss how a business owner can build/maintain such a great company culture.

We talk about how Jim started the business, gaining clients' trust, what investment account options are there for someone who is self-employed vs. employed, the story or Warren Buffer, and lots to do with his new book.

Like you, I am constantly seeking knowledge, absorbing new and insightful information with each episode. Please contribute to our collective pursuit of learning by leaving a comment on YouTube with who you would like me to interview along with what you are cautious to learn. I do read all of the YouTube comments. Curiosity is what fuels this podcast.

Guest Socials:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-marshall-0449977/

Website: https://spectruminvestor.com/

Link to buy “The American Tailwind”: https://www.theamericantailwind.com/

Dale Carnegie Sales Course: https://www.dalecarnegie.com/en

Link to download short-form videos of this episode:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1mpqLJTD2vKoLIYbdFC7Ac6FTUmz7WIWk?usp=drive_link

Thank you to our sponsor

Ez Fade: https://ezfadeco.com/

Innovation Illuminated Social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovationilluminated/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094495578028 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@innovationilluminated 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/99175829/admin/feed/posts/