Louisiana Business Weekly

Louisiana Business Weekly walks down a different path this episode by visiting with brother and sister duo, Hasan Abbas and Aisha Abbasova, who are not yet to market with what could be a game-changing invention. They have invented an AI cane for the visually impaired. Where most canes rely on lidar or other sensory technology, their cane is guided by a camera with multiple levels of AI directing it.

The two are very close to having a prototype ready, but their journey into the business world is already over half a decade in the making.

Inspired by their grandfather, who lost his sight following a traumatic accident, they have been working on this project for a handful of years. This past year, they took part in a cohort for the Baton Rouge Young Entrepreneur's Academy. They worked with developers, mentors, CEO's and more to refine their business. Side note, Everyone taking part in YEABR registers their business with the Secretary of State's office.

Along with the guidance they got through YEABR, they alos won the Pitch Night competition at the end of the course. Since then, they have reveived more seed funding through other sources and are inching closer to seeing their [roduct come to life.

Name recognition and branding have become incerasingly important in today's marketing world, which is why this week's episode features Danny Paline from Five Star Printing and Signs. brian talked with Danny about his path and what led him into the business. They also talked about the challenges that covid brought to the marketing world increases in tehnology, and where the business is headed. Danny also talked about the importance of customer focus and relationship building.

This week, Brian steps into the world of 3D printing with Jace Dugas, Owner of Additive Innovations. They talk about the benefits of 3D printing, the applications of it, and the various fields that are adapting to it. They also talk about the challenges that come with keeping up with technology; as well as the challenges of the lack of understanding of that technology and lack of trust in the product from the general public, though that trust is building at a great rate.

This week, we dive into the world of artificial intelligence with Henry Hays of Henry Hays Consulting. We talk about the emergence of AI in mainstream business, regardless of the type of business or industry. We talk about adaptability being linked to mindset on the front end. We talk about the cost of implementing an AI plan versus the cost of falling behind on efficiency on numerous fronts by ignoring where the world of AI is headed. We talk about defining your market and how that definition will help the direction you take to utilize AI.

Henry pulls back the curtain on how his business makes implementation of AI in your business easier. In other words, how to turn the unknown into the known and demystify AI.

To kick off the third season of Louisiana Business Weekly, Brian handed off to Carey Guglielmo, former host of The Brand BR,  to guest host the show, Carey welcomed in Charlie and Nathan Bellz of Impress Designs to talk about their business. They talked apparel, growth, logistics, and focus.

They also committed some of the discussion to talk marketing, technology, AI, and customer service

Brian sat down with Tiffany Chandler Didier, from Talk Formals to talk about the world of fashion in Baton Rouge. They talked about growing a small business, defining your niche, and a talked a lot about customer service.

Brian takes this episode in house! As Guaranty looks ahead to its 100th Anniversary, Brian welcomes in President and CEO Flynn Foster to talk about the evolution of the company. They talk about Guaranty's origins, history, growth, changes, and plans for the next hundred years.
they also spend some time talking about workplace culture, relationships, and the importance of people.

On this episode of the show, Brian sat down with Chuck Chenevert, Owner of Livingston Roofing. They talk a bit about roofing, but much more about family business as Livingston Roofing has been in Chuck's family since the 50's. They talked about adapting to new markets and new times while remaining true to the core principles.They also talked about specialization in the roofing world and why Livingston focuses on residential versus commercial and why they have shied away from the fortified roof program. Brian and Chuck also talked about some of the nigger hurdles that roofers are facing in today's world, namely workforce issues.

On this week's episode, Brian sat down with Jesse Simpson to talk turf. Simpson Sports Engineering specializes in turf fields for outdoor sports. The conversation revolved around how did Jesse find his way into that business? How do you get started with such a niche product? How do you grow or scale up? and of course, where is the business headed.Naturally, Brian had a few questions about the product itself. He asked about the science behind it, how it's acquired, and how often advancements in technology change the nature of the product.

This week Brian welcomed in David and Marissa Hofstatter, owners of Restoration 1. Restoration 1 specializes in property disaster services, and they have been growing at a pretty remarkable clip. They talked about their growth, what got them into the business, and how to manage customer care when every customer is at one of the lowest times in their life.

They also talked about growth and scaling as Restoration 1 has recently moved into their 5th new facility in 7 years.

More than any other topic, this is the first episode of Louisiana Business Weekly where Brian has interviewed a husband and wife duo running the company. They talked about strengths and challenges and maximizing their individual personalities to benefit the business while not letting work invade their home too much.