In this episode, Constance Carter, who built the largest African-American independently owned real estate firm in California, shares her journey as a successful entrepreneur and wealth activist, discussing her TED Talk on closing the wealth gap, the importance of community support, and her mission to empower Black women through the Net7 Collective. She reflects on personal hardships, the lessons learned from her business challenges, and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Connect with Constance Carter:
Website: https://www.constancecarter.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamconstancecarter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamconstancecarter/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/constancecarter/

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction to Constance Carter
(03:52) The Wealth Gap and TED Talk Insights
(06:35) Wealth as a Birthright
(09:37) Navigating Personal Hardships
(12:27) Transitioning and Self-Discovery
(15:31) Building Multiple Income Streams
(18:44) Challenges in Business and Million Dollar Mistakes
(26:41) Navigating Business Challenges
(30:01) Empowering Black Women Through Net7 Collective
(33:09) The Importance of Financial Literacy
(36:18) The Grow Yo Money Podcast
(43:26) Unapologetically Black: Building Community and Wealth
(47:24) Key Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

In this episode, Marlon interviews Kenneth Merritt, founder and CEO of Merritt Advisory Group. They discuss the importance of strategic and leadership advisory services for small to mid-sized businesses. Kenneth shares insights on common challenges faced by business leaders, the distinction between leadership and management, and the significance of cultural fit when hiring for the C-suite. The conversation emphasizes the need for clear strategies, role clarity, and the value of assessments in identifying organizational challenges and opportunities for growth. In this conversation, Ken Merritt discusses the importance of aligning vision with C-suite execution, the nuances of organizational strategy, and the critical differences between revenue growth and profitability. He emphasizes the need for strategic planning, hiring with purpose, and managing overhead effectively. Ken also shares actionable advice for business owners, highlighting the significance of measurable action plans and the value of building a strong people strategy to scale their businesses successfully.

Connect with Ken Merritt:
Website: https://merritt-advisory.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094869347746
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/merritt-advisory-group-llc/posts/?feedView=all

Chapters
(00:00) Introduction to Kenneth Merritt and Merritt Advisory Group
(01:00) Understanding Strategic Advisory Services
(03:10) Focus on Leadership Advisory
(03:31) Advisory Services
(05:14) Common Challenges for Small to Mid-Sized Businesses
(08:22) The Distinction Between Leadership and Management
(09:52) Recognizing Opportunities in Challenges
(10:23) The Importance of Assessments in Leadership
(12:42) Hiring for Cultural Fit in the C-Suite
(15:05) Strategic Planning to Scale The Business
(19:30) Aligning Vision with C-Suite Execution
(23:10) Understanding Growth: Revenue vs. Profitability
(26:21) Hiring for Position
(28:35) Managing Overhead and Strategic Decisions
(29:53) Use of a Consultant for Strategic Planning
(34:13) Key Advice for Business Owners

In this episode, Paul Seabrook shares his journey from starting a solo law practice to building a multimillion-dollar family law firm. He discusses the importance of embracing failure, learning from experiences, and the significance of hiring the right team. Paul emphasizes the need for work-life balance and how he navigated the complexities of running a growing business. He also highlights the role of effective marketing strategies and the importance of accountability in leadership.


Connect with Paul Seabrook and Seabrook Law Offices:
Website: https://seabrooklawoffices.com/paul-seabrook-esq/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeabrookLawOffices/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-seabrook-familylaw/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seabrooklaw/

Chapters
(00:00) The Journey of Paul Seabrook
(07:17) Lessons from Failure and Growth
(10:18) Balancing Work and Family Life
(12:37) Work-life Balance
(15:26) Marketing Strategies for Growth
(17:16) Firm Relaunch
(18:25) The Transition to Family Law Focus
(19:44) Growing the Firm by Replacing the Owner
(23:07) The Challenge of Accountability
(28:21) The Evolution of Business Growth
(34:14) Getting Unstuck
(39:50) Transitioning Roles in Business Management
(47:03) Key Lessons for Business Owners

In this episode of Kicking Ass and Taking Names, host Marlon Griffith interviews Jerry Holloway, the general manager of Lindsay Volkswagen of Dulles, located in Northern Virginia. They discuss Jerry's approach to customer success through building a workplace culture that prioritizes employees, his journey in the automotive industry, and the multifaceted role of a general manager. 

Jerry emphasizes the significance of employee development, company culture, and work-life balance in creating a successful dealership. The conversation also touches on negotiation strategies with manufacturers and vendors, highlighting the importance of partnership and feedback for continuous improvement. In this conversation, Marlon and Jerry discuss various aspects of effective business leadership, including the importance of self-awareness, communication, and systems in managing a diverse workforce. They explore how cross-training and open communication can enhance team dynamics and operational efficiency.

 Jerry shares insights on fostering a diverse workplace and the significance of mentoring young people through programs like Future Leaders in Mobility. The discussion culminates in practical advice for business leaders, emphasizing the need for adaptability, continuous learning, and leading by example.

Learn more about Jerry and connect with him: 
Website: https://theorg.com/org/lindsay-volkswagen/org-chart/jerry-holloway 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-holloway-3995943/ 

Chapters
(00:00) New Chapter
(06:49) Jerry's Journey in the Automotive Industry
(09:43) The Multifaceted Role of a General Manager
(12:23) Employee Development and Company Culture
(15:14) Customer Experience and Relationship Management
(18:18) Work-Life Balance and Personal Interests
(20:57) Negotiating with Manufacturers and Vendors
(29:50) Understanding Blind Spots in Business
(31:00) The Importance of Systems and Processes
(33:43) Effective Communication with Managers
(35:52) Self-Awareness in Leadership
(40:41) Diversity in the Workplace
(45:11) Future Leaders in Mobility Program
(49:23) Key Advice for Business Leaders

In this episode, Marlon Griffith Esquire hosts Allan and Kim Stephenson, franchise owners of Club Pilates. They share their journey from college to becoming successful business owners, highlighting their unique paths, the challenges they faced, and the inspiration behind their franchise.

The conversation delves into their experiences, the importance of health and fitness, and the role of faith in their decision-making process as they embarked on this entrepreneurial venture. In this conversation, Allan and Kim Stephenson share their journey of becoming franchise owners of Club Pilates, discussing the challenges and triumphs they faced along the way.

They emphasize the importance of taking risks, navigating the complexities of business ownership, and the growth they experienced as they expanded from one studio to three. Their insights provide valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the need for self-awareness, adaptability, and a strong support system.

Learn more about Allan and Kim and connect with them:
Website: https://www.clubpilates.com/location/laurel 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clubpilateslaurel 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clubpilateslaurel/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/club-pilates-san-diego/ 
Twitter: https://x.com/clubpilates

Chapters
(00:00) Introduction and Background
(07:56) From College to Careers
(12:43) The Journey to Franchise Ownership
(18:44) The Visionary's Inspiration
(30:54) Discovery Day Experience
(38:24) Faith and Commitment in Business
(39:58) Taking the Leap: Embracing Opportunities
(44:35) Navigating the Challenges of Business Ownership
(51:43) Growth and Expansion: From One Studio to Three
(59:22) Lessons Learned: Advice for Aspiring Franchise Owners

#Franchising #BusinessAdvice  #InvestmentOpportunity #kimberlytstephenson #AllanStephenson #clubpilates #clubpilateslaurel #clubpilateswoodmore #franchiseownership #clubpilatesriverdalepark

In this episode, Marlon Griffith interviews Stacey Brown Randall, a business owner empowerment expert, who shares her insights on generating referrals without asking. Stacey discusses her journey from experiencing business failure to building a successful referral-based business. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the science and psychology behind referrals, building trust, and maintaining relationships with referral sources.

The conversation also covers the significance of identifying ideal clients and the deeper meaning of referrals in building business confidence. In this conversation, Stacey Brown Randall shares her insights on generating referrals without asking, emphasizing the importance of understanding existing referral sources, the impact of thank you cards, and the necessity of a structured outreach plan.

She discusses the significance of building relationships over cold outreach, the role of mindset in business success, and the balance between professional and personal life as a family-first entrepreneur.

Website:  https://staceybrownrandall.com/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/staceybrandall

Instagram: gttps://www.instagram.com/staceybrownrandall/

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction to Referrals Without Asking
(12:42) Stacey's journey: From business failure to success
(18:24) Understanding the Science of Referrals
(22:51) Building the Trust Relationship
(24:45) Behavioral Economics: maintaining trust
(26:49) Getting quality referrals
(29:08) Creating the right strategy for your Niche
(34:05) The Salesperson Psychology
(39:18) 5 Steps to Generating More Referrals
(46:26) The Importance of Thank You Cards
(49:14) Creating a Referral Outreach Plan
(52:07) Navigating LinkedIn Connections
(56:38) Strategies for Developing Potential Referral Sources
(01:03:50) Key Advice for Business Owners


#ReferralMarketing #BusinessGrowth #ClientReferrals #RelationshipMarketing #PodcastEpisode #EntrepreneurTips #SmallBusinessAdvice #SalesStrategies #StaceyBrownRandall #KickingAssTakingNames #thegriffithlawgroup 

In this episode of Kicking Ass and Taking Names, host Marlon Griffith speaks with sales expert Chris Cocca about the critical elements of a successful sales strategy. They discuss the importance of having a documented sales process, the distinction between sales and marketing, and the need for accountability within sales teams. Chris emphasizes the significance of investing in training and development for sales professionals and the necessity of understanding qualified leads. The conversation also touched on the role of business owners in holding themselves accountable for sales performance and the importance of having a supportive accountability partner. In this conversation, Chris Cocca shares insights on the importance of accountability partners, building a customized business playbook, and crafting compelling client stories. He emphasizes the need for consistent messaging, integrating CRM with business processes, and leveraging data for business insights. The discussion also covers the significance of quarterly reviews for continuous improvement, the role of systems in business valuation, and the value of coaching in sales. Chris concludes with key advice for business growth, highlighting the necessity of investing in sales and developing effective coaching skills.

Takeaways:

(00:39) Introduction to Sales Strategy
(06:43) Understanding Sales vs. Marketing
(08:40) The Importance of a Sales Process
(10:35) The Role of Accountability in Sales
(13:50) Building Scalable Business Development Systems
(19:10) Identifying Qualified Leads
(21:50) Investing in Sales Training and Development
(23:28) The Owner's Role in Accountability
(27:41) The Importance of Accountability Partners
(29:07) Building a Customized Business Playbook
(30:04) Crafting Compelling Client Hero Stories
(33:05) Establishing a Consistent Messaging Framework
(36:53) Integrating CRM with Business Processes
(39:45) Leveraging Data for Business Insights
(41:15) Quarterly Reviews for Continuous Improvement
(43:19) Valuation and the Role of Systems
(44:20) The Value of Coaching in Sales
(48:37) Key Advice for Business Growth

In this episode of Kicking Ass and taking Names, host Marlon interviews Francis Joseph, a certified Profit First accountant, who shares her journey from aspiring doctor to successful accountant. They discuss the importance of proper accounting practices for small businesses, the roles of bookkeepers, controllers, and CFOs, and how to effectively use financial statements for growth. The conversation also delves into the Profit First methodology, emphasizing the need for business owners to prioritize profit and pay themselves appropriately. In this conversation, Frances Joseph and Marlon discuss the Profit First methodology, emphasizing its practical implementation for business owners. They explore the importance of understanding financial management, tax obligations, and strategic spending decisions. The discussion highlights the role of accountants and tax strategists in helping businesses thrive, as well as the significance of self-care for business owners. Key takeaways include the necessity of knowing one's numbers, planning for future growth, and the value of having the right financial professionals on your team.

Dr. Russell, currently the Executive Vice Chair, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Chief of Orthopaedic Trauma at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and a trailblazing leader in orthopaedic care, shares his journey and philosophy on leadership. The episode dives into Russell's "Do Nothing" leadership approach, first introduced to him while as a student at the Kellogg School of Management by Professor and author J. Keith Murnighan, emphasizing people empowerment, bottleneck elimination, and enabling his team to handle the implementation of goals.  Dr. Russell stresses the importance of “preparing to be lucky” by consistently developing oneself, which he describes as being ready for opportunities when they arise. He also advocates for showing up with consistency and punctuality, building trust, and focusing on people-oriented leadership.

In a broader conversation, Russell reflects on his diverse experiences across the southern U.S., tackling challenges in academic medicine and developing innovative techniques, including the widely used clamshell procedure. He also offers insights into the liberal arts education’s role in fostering well-rounded professionals who can communicate effectively and think critically, qualities he values deeply from his Denison University days.

In this episode of Kicking Ass and Taking Names, host Marlon Griffith sits down with Dave Chinn, founder of Negril Jamaican Eatery, to discuss the journey of building a successful restaurant business and beyond. From humble beginnings in Jamaica to running a beloved food institution in Washington D.C., Dave shares lessons on entrepreneurship, growth, navigating challenges, and the importance of family in business. He also opens up about the unique dynamics of working with his sons and the role of consistency and passion in achieving long-term success. Tune in for an inspiring conversation full of business wisdom and personal stories, along with some mouth-watering talk of Jamaican patties and rum cake!