In today’s episode, I interviewed Elisa Rodriquez with M & I Interiors.  Elise shares how to succeed as a woman, a minority-owned business in a male-dominated industry the challenges she has faced, and what has led to her success.    We discuss her journey of leaving her 20+ year corporate career to go all in her business. Some of the highlights are:

• Knowing the pathway to funding and what she wishes she had known earlier
• How to be an advocate for change
• The importance of building a network of other business owners
• In an industry where others think you might not belong you need to be BOLD, Raise your Hand, and let your voice be heard
• Her favorite saying keeps her passion alive and gives her motivation to keep going even when things get tough. 

Connect with Elise

https://www.miinteriorsllc.com/

https://www.facebook.com/interiorsllc

-------------

Connect with Jennifer:

Are you an existing locally owned business with a desire to grow.  I help you fast-track your revenue, improve your profits and position yourself as an expert and leader in your community to attract more customers.  Learn more: 

https://nextwavebusinesscoaching.com/

Schedule a 30 minute complimentary strategy session with Jen:
https://nextwavebusinesscoaching.com/apply-now-questionnaire/

Get access to Grow Your Local Business growth tips

https://mailchi.mp/nextwavebusinesscoaching.com/email-newsletter-sign-up

Meet Your Host:

Jennifer Kok, Profit and Growth advisor for service-based women entrepreneurs. Women Entrepreneurs hire me to scale and grow their businesses profitably without burnout. I bring financial clarity, strategic focus and structure to the decision-making process. 

Because the truth is, business owners make decisions all day long, but the ones that really matter are often the hardest ones. Should I hire? Raise my prices? Invest in marketing? Let go of a draining client? Expand, or simplify?

My clients, on average, see anywhere between $1k-$4k increase in net income each month without hustle, overwhelm, and burnout.
Learn More about my Programs.

Get your copy of Make Waves: How Women Entrepreneurs Stop Reacting. Start Profiting and Build a Business That Lasts. 

Connect with me:
Website:
Facebook:
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
YouTube: 

Gina Jacquart Thorsen is the 3rd Generation CEO and co-owner of Jacquart Fabric Products home of the Stormy Kromer brand.  In this episode we deep dive into her experiences and life lessons she learned growing up as an entrepreneur’s kid, the decision to choose to work in the family business, and how you navigate the CEO role after her father retired. 

We share:

- The rich history of growing a small-town business into a global brand

- How sometimes you have to be at the right place at the right time, be visionary, and willing to take risks which her Dad, termed “Plucky”

- Her experience working with Dad on Saturdays in the family business and the life lessons that come with it. 

- How to transition ownership and roles in a family-owned business

- The importance of communication with family members and the brilliant idea Gina came up with after her Dad retired as CEO

Contact Gina: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginathorsen/

https://www.stormykromer.com/

------------------

Connect with Jennifer Kok:

Grow Your Local Business Blueprint Learn More: 

https://nextwavebusinesscoaching.com/

Chat with Jen
https://nextwavebusinesscoaching.com/apply-now-questionnaire/

Get access to Grow Your Local Business growth tips

https://mailchi.mp/nextwavebusinesscoaching.com/email-newsletter-sign-up

Meet Your Host:

Jennifer Kok, Profit and Growth advisor for service-based women entrepreneurs. Women Entrepreneurs hire me to scale and grow their businesses profitably without burnout. I bring financial clarity, strategic focus and structure to the decision-making process. 

Because the truth is, business owners make decisions all day long, but the ones that really matter are often the hardest ones. Should I hire? Raise my prices? Invest in marketing? Let go of a draining client? Expand, or simplify?

My clients, on average, see anywhere between $1k-$4k increase in net income each month without hustle, overwhelm, and burnout.
Learn More about my Programs.

Get your copy of Make Waves: How Women Entrepreneurs Stop Reacting. Start Profiting and Build a Business That Lasts. 

Connect with me:
Website:
Facebook:
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
YouTube: 

Join me as I interview Steve and Bernadette Powers, owners of XD Power Fitness.  They purchased an existing business during the pandemic and share the good, bad, and ugly of acquiring an existing business in this episode.  Since taking over this business three years ago, they have doubled their membership, positioned themselves as a community resource, and learned much about entrepreneurship. 

They will share what questions to ask before you sign, how to be prepared for your new day-to-day reality, and how to be sure your family is ready for this venture.  We even discuss how to find a business to buy. 

Contact Bernadette and Steve Powers at XD Power Fitness

Instagram: @xdpowerfitness

Facebook:  @xdpowerfitness

Website: XDPowerFitness.com

Email: [email protected] 

Phone: 616-538-4400
--------------

Connect with Jennifer Kok

Grow Your Local Business Blueprint Learn More:
https://nextwavebusinesscoaching.com/

Chat with Jen
https://nextwavebusinesscoaching.com/apply-now-questionnaire/

Get access to Grow Your Local Business Growth Tips

https://mailchi.mp/nextwavebusinesscoaching.com/email-newsletter-sign-up

Meet Your Host:

Jennifer Kok, Profit and Growth advisor for service-based women entrepreneurs. Women Entrepreneurs hire me to scale and grow their businesses profitably without burnout. I bring financial clarity, strategic focus and structure to the decision-making process. 

Because the truth is, business owners make decisions all day long, but the ones that really matter are often the hardest ones. Should I hire? Raise my prices? Invest in marketing? Let go of a draining client? Expand, or simplify?

My clients, on average, see anywhere between $1k-$4k increase in net income each month without hustle, overwhelm, and burnout.
Learn More about my Programs.

Get your copy of Make Waves: How Women Entrepreneurs Stop Reacting. Start Profiting and Build a Business That Lasts. 

Connect with me:
Website:
Facebook:
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
YouTube: 

One decision most entrepreneurs wrestle with is when to hire employees to help you grow your business.  This can be challenging both emotionally and financially. 

In this episode today with Jessica Crosby, Delight in Designs Interiors, she shares:

• How she took her passion and created a business. 
• How she had been dreaming of starting a business for years and what gave her the courage to jump in. 
• How she has skyrocketed her business in just 5 short years
• And how she tackled head-on the recurring problem that kept coming up over and over that was slowing her business's progress.

Be inspired to keep growing your business with today’s episode of Main Street Success Stories

Connect with Jessica Crosby, 

https://www.delightindesigns.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-forst/

Connect with Jennifer Kok

Grow Your Local Business Blueprint

Learn More: https://nextwavebusinesscoaching.com/

Chat with Jen
https://nextwavebusinesscoaching.com/apply-now-questionnaire/

Get access to Grow Your Local Business growth tips

https://mailchi.mp/nextwavebusinesscoaching.com/email-newsletter-sign-up

Meet Your Host:

Jennifer Kok, Profit and Growth advisor for service-based women entrepreneurs. Women Entrepreneurs hire me to scale and grow their businesses profitably without burnout. I bring financial clarity, strategic focus and structure to the decision-making process. 

Because the truth is, business owners make decisions all day long, but the ones that really matter are often the hardest ones. Should I hire? Raise my prices? Invest in marketing? Let go of a draining client? Expand, or simplify?

My clients, on average, see anywhere between $1k-$4k increase in net income each month without hustle, overwhelm, and burnout.
Learn More about my Programs.

Get your copy of Make Waves: How Women Entrepreneurs Stop Reacting. Start Profiting and Build a Business That Lasts. 

Connect with me:
Website:
Facebook:
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
YouTube: 

How to turn a side hustle into a full-time career? 

In today’s episode, I interviewed Cory Maguire, Green Crown Real Estate who shares how he went from part-time realtor to full-time all while supporting a family of 6 and then during the pandemic decided to create his own brokerage.  Today he shares the importance of:

• Mindset and habits
• The energy and faith to tell yourself “You Just Gotta Do It”
• Surrounding yourself with good mentors
• Creating a culture and business that others want to be a part of
• Looking and listening for the signs telling you it is time to go all in

49% of today’s Americans have a side hustle, it is a popular way to enter into entrepreneurship.  The question becomes how do you know when the time is right to pursue that passion and make it your full-time career?  Listen in to find out. 

-----------------

Connect with Cory

https://www.greencrowngr.com/

[email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/greencrowngr

https://www.instagram.com/greencrowngr/

-------------------

Connect with Jennifer

Grow Your Local Business Blueprint

Learn More: 

https://nextwavebusinesscoaching.com/

Schedule a 30 minute complimentary strategy session with Jen:
https://nextwavebusinesscoaching.com/apply-now-questionnaire/ 

Get access to Grow Your Local Business growth tips:

https://mailchi.mp/nextwavebusinesscoaching.com/email-newsletter-sign-up

Meet Your Host:

Jennifer Kok, Profit and Growth advisor for service-based women entrepreneurs. Women Entrepreneurs hire me to scale and grow their businesses profitably without burnout. I bring financial clarity, strategic focus and structure to the decision-making process. 

Because the truth is, business owners make decisions all day long, but the ones that really matter are often the hardest ones. Should I hire? Raise my prices? Invest in marketing? Let go of a draining client? Expand, or simplify?

My clients, on average, see anywhere between $1k-$4k increase in net income each month without hustle, overwhelm, and burnout.
Learn More about my Programs.

Get your copy of Make Waves: How Women Entrepreneurs Stop Reacting. Start Profiting and Build a Business That Lasts. 

Connect with me:
Website:
Facebook:
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
YouTube: 

In this episode, we sit down with Lynn Ross, the visionary owner of Toy and Baby Boutique Mother and Earth. Join us as Lynn shares her inspiring journey of building and evolving her business, highlighting the importance of fun in every aspect of her entrepreneurial venture.

Lynn delves into key business strategies, exploring the wisdom behind following trends and the impact it has on the bottom line. She also provides valuable insights on expanding the lifetime value of your current customer base, emphasizing the significance of positioning yourself as an expert to attract and retain clientele.

Tune in to discover Lynn's expert advice on addressing the common challenge of customers saying, "I didn't even know you were here." Learn practical solutions to ensure your business remains visible and accessible to your target audience.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MotherandEarth
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motherandearth/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@motherandearth
--------------

Are you eager to develop a strategic roadmap that positions you as the industry expert, attracting a steady stream of customers to your business? If the answer is yes, don't hesitate to reach out and learn more about this opportunity!

Grow Your Local Business Blueprint:  Demand. Passion. Expertise Unleashed
https://nextwavebusinesscoaching.com/apply-now-questionnaire/

Connect with Jen:

www.Nextwavebusinesscoaching.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferowenskok/

 DM me on LinkedIn and mention you are a podcast listener!

Meet Your Host:

Jennifer Kok, Profit and Growth advisor for service-based women entrepreneurs. Women Entrepreneurs hire me to scale and grow their businesses profitably without burnout. I bring financial clarity, strategic focus and structure to the decision-making process. 

Because the truth is, business owners make decisions all day long, but the ones that really matter are often the hardest ones. Should I hire? Raise my prices? Invest in marketing? Let go of a draining client? Expand, or simplify?

My clients, on average, see anywhere between $1k-$4k increase in net income each month without hustle, overwhelm, and burnout.
Learn More about my Programs.

Get your copy of Make Waves: How Women Entrepreneurs Stop Reacting. Start Profiting and Build a Business That Lasts. 

Connect with me:
Website:
Facebook:
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
YouTube: 

Today’s guest, Shannon Wilburn, started her business from her living room and went on to build a national franchise reaching $47M per year.  Grab your pen and paper, her journey is beyond amazing and this episode is packed with practical business tips. 

If you are interested in learning what it takes to grow your locally-owned business to a national franchise I invite you to tune in.  In this episode, we talk about:

- The mindset shift that is necessary to go from business owner to franchise owner

- How to test if your business model is right for franchising

- The number one thing to be aware of to avoid making a detrimental mistake

- The 5 steps you should consider before building a franchise business

Connect with Shannon:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonwilburn/

https://shineexecutivecoaching.com/

Connect with Jennifer Kok

Grow Your Local Business Blueprint:

 https://nextwavebusinesscoaching.com/

Chat with Jen:
https://nextwavebusinesscoaching.com/apply-now-questionnaire/

Get access to Grow Your Local Business Growth Tips:

https://mailchi.mp/nextwavebusinesscoaching.com/email-newsletter-sign-up

Meet Your Host:

Jennifer Kok, Profit and Growth advisor for service-based women entrepreneurs. Women Entrepreneurs hire me to scale and grow their businesses profitably without burnout. I bring financial clarity, strategic focus and structure to the decision-making process. 

Because the truth is, business owners make decisions all day long, but the ones that really matter are often the hardest ones. Should I hire? Raise my prices? Invest in marketing? Let go of a draining client? Expand, or simplify?

My clients, on average, see anywhere between $1k-$4k increase in net income each month without hustle, overwhelm, and burnout.
Learn More about my Programs.

Get your copy of Make Waves: How Women Entrepreneurs Stop Reacting. Start Profiting and Build a Business That Lasts. 

Connect with me:
Website:
Facebook:
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
YouTube: 

Join us for another episode where we talk with Kevin Shark, Founder of the Great Lakes Shark Sock Company.  We discuss what it takes to launch a product-based business, the challenges he overcame, and how one man can make a difference in their community.  

Interested in learning how you too can fast track your growth in your locally owned business, reach out to Jennifer here at: https://nextwavebusinesscoaching.com/apply-now-questionnaire/

Follow Jennifer for business best practices and growth tips: https://mailchi.mp/nextwavebusinesscoaching.com/email-newsletter-sign-up

3 Tips To Grow Your Local Business Free Guide: https://mailchi.mp/97234fe9ff8f/morefoottraffic

Connect with Kevin Shark across all channels: 

Great Lakes Shark Sock Company

linkedin.com/in/kevin-shark--67257a68    

https://www.facebook.com/greatlakesshark

www.greatlakesshark.com 

[email protected]

Meet Your Host:

Jennifer Kok, Profit and Growth advisor for service-based women entrepreneurs. Women Entrepreneurs hire me to scale and grow their businesses profitably without burnout. I bring financial clarity, strategic focus and structure to the decision-making process. 

Because the truth is, business owners make decisions all day long, but the ones that really matter are often the hardest ones. Should I hire? Raise my prices? Invest in marketing? Let go of a draining client? Expand, or simplify?

My clients, on average, see anywhere between $1k-$4k increase in net income each month without hustle, overwhelm, and burnout.
Learn More about my Programs.

Get your copy of Make Waves: How Women Entrepreneurs Stop Reacting. Start Profiting and Build a Business That Lasts. 

Connect with me:
Website:
Facebook:
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
YouTube: 

Meet Your Host:

Jennifer Kok, Profit and Growth advisor for service-based women entrepreneurs. Women Entrepreneurs hire me to scale and grow their businesses profitably without burnout. I bring financial clarity, strategic focus and structure to the decision-making process. 

Because the truth is, business owners make decisions all day long, but the ones that really matter are often the hardest ones. Should I hire? Raise my prices? Invest in marketing? Let go of a draining client? Expand, or simplify?

My clients, on average, see anywhere between $1k-$4k increase in net income each month without hustle, overwhelm, and burnout.
Learn More about my Programs.

Get your copy of Make Waves: How Women Entrepreneurs Stop Reacting. Start Profiting and Build a Business That Lasts. 

Connect with me:
Website:
Facebook:
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
YouTube: 

In this week's episode, we are talking about some of the simple yet crucial steps, Jen Smits (Fresh Start Studios) took to skyrocket her revenue. Be sure to check out all that she offers in both the Grand Rapids and Metro Detroit areas on her website and Instagram below.  

Website: https://www.freshstartstudios.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/fresh.start.studios

Jennifer Kok, founder of Next Wave Business Coaching, owned and operated her own business for 20 years, pivoted during a recession to build a profitable business all while making time for her busy family.  Today she uses her experience to help existing businesses scale with the Grow Your Local Business Blueprint. 

Interested in learning more about my FREE 30-minute no-obligation business strategy session??

Fill out this quick form here: https://nextwavebusinesscoaching.com/apply-now-questionnaire/

Oh, and grab your FREE copy of 3 steps to GROW your local business from listening to this episode: https://mailchi.mp/97234fe9ff8f/morefoottraffic

Meet Your Host:

Jennifer Kok, Profit and Growth advisor for service-based women entrepreneurs. Women Entrepreneurs hire me to scale and grow their businesses profitably without burnout. I bring financial clarity, strategic focus and structure to the decision-making process. 

Because the truth is, business owners make decisions all day long, but the ones that really matter are often the hardest ones. Should I hire? Raise my prices? Invest in marketing? Let go of a draining client? Expand, or simplify?

My clients, on average, see anywhere between $1k-$4k increase in net income each month without hustle, overwhelm, and burnout.
Learn More about my Programs.

Get your copy of Make Waves: How Women Entrepreneurs Stop Reacting. Start Profiting and Build a Business That Lasts. 

Connect with me:
Website:
Facebook:
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
YouTube: