Make Space For More

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Make Space for More podcast, host Melissa Swink interviews Kristen Powers, the executive director of Benevolence Farm, a nonprofit focused on supporting formerly incarcerated women. Kristen shares her journey into nonprofit work, the mission of Benevolence Farm, and the challenges and growth the organization has experienced. 

Tune in to learn about the nonprofit’s approach to community support, innovative reentry programs, and the personal stories that drive their mission. Kristen also discusses her evolving role as an executive director and the tools and strategies she employs to sustain energy and focus within the nonprofit sector.

Key Highlights:

• Learn why traditional reentry programs often fall short, and how Benevolence Farm is revolutionizing the approach to supporting formerly incarcerated women.
• Discover how authentic leadership and innovative thinking can transform lives through sustainable community solutions.
• Get an inside look at navigating nonprofit leadership challenges while maintaining mission focus and preventing burnout.
• Find out how strategic planning and systems creation can help mission-driven organizations scale their impact effectively.
• Learn valuable lessons about building and maintaining community support networks that drive meaningful change.

About Our Guest: 

Kristen Powers (she/her/hers), Executive Director of Benevolence Farm, believes that we are more than our worst mistakes. As director of a rural reentry nonprofit, Kristen, who also goes by KP, is honored to work alongside formerly incarcerated women who are creating innovative reentry programs and advocating for systemic change. It is her hope that we can learn to create communities capable of addressing harm and safety together, outside of prisons and jails. Kristen loves the fact that her own life was changed by moving to a farm and now gets to work at one.

About Melissa:

Melissa Swink, Founder & CEO of Melissa Swink & Co., has a team of virtual assistants who provide administrative and marketing support for small businesses and non-profits.

Since 2012, Melissa and her team have helped more than 100 businesses grow through the services they offer, and she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create profitable, scalable businesses they love.

Her work is all about doing what works (and eliminating what doesn’t) and driving real, measurable results. Visit www.melissaswink.com to learn more! 

Thanks for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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Episode Summary

In this episode of the Make Space for More podcast, host Melissa Swink welcomes Karen Widas, a payment solutions expert. They discuss Karen's journey into the credit card processing industry, the complexities of payment solutions for businesses, and the importance of evaluating different payment systems to save costs. 

Tune in to learn various tools and technologies that can enhance business efficiency, including QuickBooks and ChatGPT, plus signs that it’s time to reassess our payment processing methods!

Key Highlights:

• Discover why your current payment processing system might be quietly eating away at your profits, and what to do about it.
• Learn the crucial difference between flat-rate and interchange-plus pricing models, and why choosing the wrong one could cost you thousands.
• Understand how integrating the right payment solution with your existing tools can transform your business efficiency and cash flow.
• Find out how Karen builds trust with her clients through transparency and customized solutions.
• Get the inside scoop on how combining payment solutions with tools like QuickBooks and ChatGPT can streamline your entire operation.
• Learn why a "one-size-fits-all" approach to payment processing could be holding your business back from optimal growth.

About Our Guest: 

Karen Widas is a payment solutions expert who helps manufacturers, distributors and service-based businesses reduce credit card processing fees and streamline operations. Through her company, she delivers secure, transparent, and customized systems that improve cash flow and simplify PCI compliance.

About Melissa:

Melissa Swink, Founder & CEO of Melissa Swink & Co., has a team of virtual assistants who provide administrative and marketing support for small businesses and non-profits.

Since 2012, Melissa and her team have helped more than 100 businesses grow through the services they offer, and she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create profitable, scalable businesses they love.

Her work is all about doing what works (and eliminating what doesn’t) and driving real, measurable results. Visit www.melissaswink.com to learn more! 

Thanks for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are really valuable and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Make Space for More podcast, host Melissa Swink discusses the intersection of health, productivity, and business growth with guest Kymberly Klimek, PharmD, B.S, a functional medicine pharmacist. They explore how optimizing health can enhance leadership and productivity, the importance of understanding one's body, and the role of functional medicine in addressing chronic health issues. 

Kymberly shares her personal health journey, the significance of testing, and how to create personalized health plans for optimal wellness. The conversation highlights the importance of a holistic approach to health and the potential for healing through lifestyle modifications.

Key Highlights:

• Discover why your unexplained fatigue or brain fog might be holding your business back from its full potential.
• Learn how understanding your body's unique needs can transform your health and your leadership effectiveness.
• Uncover the surprising connection between hormone balance and your ability to show up powerfully in your business.
• Find out why popping supplements without proper testing is like throwing darts blindfolded, and what to do instead.
• Understand how investing in your health is more than self-care – it's a strategic business decision that impacts your bottom line.
• Learn why traditional medicine might be missing the root cause of your health challenges, and how functional medicine takes a different approach.
• Discover practical ways to optimize your energy and focus without sacrificing your busy schedule.
• Get the inside scoop on why "powering through" health issues can actually sabotage your long-term success.

About Our Guest: 

Kymberly Klimek, PharmD, B.S. is a Functional Medicine Pharmacist with advanced training in endocrinology, hormone balance, and root-cause healing. After personally overcoming years of chronic health struggles through functional and lifestyle medicine, she now helps others restore their health by addressing the whole person—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. As an enrolled member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, she integrates both science and indigenous healing perspectives to guide clients toward true, lasting wellness. Visit her website at www.innatehealingandperformance.com

About Melissa:

Melissa Swink, Founder & CEO of Melissa Swink & Co., has a team of virtual assistants who provide administrative and marketing support for small businesses and non-profits.

Since 2012, Melissa and her team have helped more than 100 businesses grow through the services they offer, and she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create profitable, scalable businesses they love.

Her work is all about doing what works (and eliminating what doesn’t) and driving real, measurable results. Visit www.melissaswink.com to learn more! 

Thanks for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are really valuable and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Make Space for More podcast, host Melissa Swink interviews Jen Fietz, founder of Stoke RGA, who shares her journey from finance to marketing and the unique approach her company takes in helping manufacturers grow. They discuss the importance of strategic alignment, the challenges of rebranding, and the process of conducting a growth gap analysis. Tune in to discover the importance of specialized expertise in your area of business and the benefits of seeking an outside perspective when navigating business challenges.

Key Highlights:

• Authentic business growth stems from strategic alignment between marketing efforts and core business objectives.
• Manufacturers need more than traditional marketing tactics; they need a comprehensive growth strategy (including a “growth gap analysis”) that considers the entire business ecosystem.
• Gaining an outside perspective can transform your rebranding journey from daunting to strategic.
• Measuring outcomes, not just implementing ideas, is crucial for sustainable business growth.

About Our Guest: 

Jennifer leads Stoke RGA as a founder, growth architect, and fierce advocate for execution that actually delivers outcomes. A proud woman-owned business leader, she brings strategic clarity, financial rigor, and a deep respect for the manufacturing mindset to everything she does. With a background in corporate finance and years of experience advising mid-market manufacturing companies, she’s known for helping leadership teams cut through complexity, align around what matters, and build momentum that lasts. Raised in a family of manufacturers, Jen understands the pressure to perform—and leads with a sharp focus on outcomes, not ideas. At Stoke RGA, she ensures every initiative is built for impact, grounded in execution, and designed to move the needle.

About Melissa:

Melissa Swink, Founder & CEO of Melissa Swink & Co., has a team of virtual assistants who provide administrative and marketing support for small businesses and non-profits.

Since 2012, Melissa and her team have helped more than 100 businesses grow through the services they offer, and she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create profitable, scalable businesses they love.

Her work is all about doing what works (and eliminating what doesn’t) and driving real, measurable results. Visit www.melissaswink.com to learn more! 

Thanks for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are really valuable and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Make Space for More podcast, host Melissa Swink interviews Shelby Ashley, a fractional CFO who specializes in helping business owners understand their financials and make informed decisions. They discuss the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of cash flow management, and the distinct roles of CFOs, accountants, and bookkeepers. 

Tune in to hear Shelby’s insights on when to engage a fractional CFO, the risks of ignoring financial planning, and the significance of building a strong team. The conversation also touches on Shelby's personal journey in starting her business and the resources available for early-stage entrepreneurs. You don’t want to miss these takeaways!

Key Highlights:

• Discover the crucial difference between a CFO, accountant, and bookkeeper – and why you might need all three for your business.
• Learn why understanding your cash flow is about more than just tracking expenses; it’s also about planning for sustainable growth.
• Get the inside scoop on when it's time to bring in a fractional CFO to level up your business strategy.
• Uncover how proper financial planning helps you escape the 24/7 work trap and build a business you actually love.
• Understand the power of financial forecasting in making confident business decisions (goodbye, analysis paralysis!)
• Find out why many business owners hit a growth ceiling, and how the right financial expertise can break through it.
• Learn the strategic approach to building your dream team without breaking the bank.

About Our Guest: 

Shelby Ashley is a Fractional CFO who helps business owners get clear on their numbers so they can make smarter decisions and actually enjoy running their business. She’s all about keeping things simple, paying yourself well, and building a business that doesn’t run you into the ground. Shelby lives in Huntsville, AL but serves clients all over the United States. When she's not buried in spreadsheets, she loves hanging out with her husband and four year old son. Visit her website to get a free consultation and financial assessment at www.optimizedfinancialsolutions.com. Check out Shelby’s podcast here!

About Melissa:

Melissa Swink, Founder & CEO of Melissa Swink & Co., has a team of virtual assistants who provide administrative and marketing support for small businesses and non-profits.

Since 2012, Melissa and her team have helped more than 100 businesses grow through the services they offer, and she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create profitable, scalable businesses they love.

Her work is all about doing what works (and eliminating what doesn’t) and driving real, measurable results. Visit www.melissaswink.com to learn more! 

Thanks for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are really valuable and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Make Space for More podcast, host Melissa Swink is joined by her 10-year-old daughter, Ava, for a lighthearted conversation about business! They discuss the inspiration behind Melissa's virtual assistant company, the services offered, and the evolution of her role over the years. 

Tune in to hear their conversation, which also touches on hiring practices, experiences with team members and clients, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Melissa emphasizes the importance of impact in work and shares valuable lessons learned throughout her journey. You’ll gain a unique perspective of business through the eyes of a fifth grader!

Key Highlights:

• Experience an insightful mother-daughter conversation about entrepreneurship that brings business insights down to earth. Ava brought the questions to this interview!
• Discover how Melissa's business evolved from solo consulting to leading a thriving virtual team (and why that matters!)
• Learn what really makes the perfect client relationship tick (hint: it's not just about the work).
• Enjoy some sweet (and sometimes funny!) mother-daughter moments as they discuss what it's like to run a growing company.
• Find out why making an impact - both for clients and team members - is at the heart of everything Melissa does.
• Hear straight-talk advice about what makes team members succeed or struggle in the virtual assistant world.
• Gain an understanding of how structured workdays and clear boundaries help create a thriving business. Even a 10-year-old gets it!

About Melissa:

Melissa Swink, Founder & CEO of Melissa Swink & Co., has a team of virtual assistants who provide administrative and marketing support for small businesses and non-profits.

Since 2012, Melissa and her team have helped more than 100 businesses grow through the services they offer, and she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create profitable, scalable businesses they love.

Her work is all about doing what works (and eliminating what doesn’t) and driving real, measurable results. Visit www.melissaswink.com to learn more! 

Thanks for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are really valuable and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Make Space for More podcast, Melissa Swink shares some exciting news - she's been accepted into the prestigious Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program! She pulls back the curtain on why this opportunity feels like the perfect next step for her business, and how she's preparing both herself and her team for this intensive journey.

Tune in to hear Melissa's candid thoughts on why she’s investing this time in her personal growth while still running her growing business. You'll learn how she's strategically preparing for 15-20 hours of weekly coursework (yes, you read that right!) while ensuring her clients continue receiving the exceptional support they've come to expect. Plus, she shares her vision for how this program will shape the future of Melissa Swink & Co. and benefit her entire community of clients and followers.

Key Highlights:

• Growth requires stepping out of your comfort zone. Discover why Melissa said "yes" to this transformative opportunity.
• Sometimes the best way to serve your clients better is to invest in yourself first. Learn how this program aligns with Melissa's commitment to continuous improvement.
• Want to know the secret to scaling while studying? It's all about empowering your team and creating rock-solid systems.
• Building relationships with other growth-minded entrepreneurs isn't just about networking; it's about creating a community of future possibilities.

About Melissa:

Melissa Swink, Founder & CEO of Melissa Swink & Co., has a team of virtual assistants who provide administrative and marketing support for small businesses and non-profits.

Since 2012, Melissa and her team have helped more than 100 businesses grow through the services they offer, and she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create profitable, scalable businesses they love.

Her work is all about doing what works (and eliminating what doesn’t) and driving real, measurable results. Visit www.melissaswink.com to learn more! 

Thanks for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are really valuable and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Make Space for More podcast, Melissa Swink tackles a challenge many growing businesses face: Effective delegation. Because when delegation isn't working, it's usually not a people problem; it's a process problem. You’ll learn about the foundational systems that transform delegation from a simple task handoff into a strategic business advantage. Melissa explains how proper systems bridge the crucial gap between expectation and execution. Discover practical insights on implementing tools, documenting standard operating procedures (SOPs), and leveraging templates that create clarity and consistency. 

Whether you're struggling with delegation right now or looking to scale your business more effectively in the future, this episode provides actionable strategies to build support systems that enable sustainable growth. Learn how to create an environment where your team feels empowered, tasks are completed independently, and your business can truly scale, all through the power of systematic delegation.

Key Highlights:

• Process gaps, not people problems, are often the hidden barrier to successful delegation - addressing these systematically transforms team performance.
• Effective delegation requires a strategic foundation of tools, templates, and SOPs that bridge the gap between expectation and execution.
• When you build robust systems around delegation, you create a self-sustaining cycle of team empowerment and reduced management overhead.
• Strategic documentation transforms tribal knowledge into scalable processes, enabling faster onboarding and consistent results.
• Implementing the right project management tools creates clarity, accountability, and measurable outcomes for both leaders and team members.
• Creating systematic handoff processes ensures your team understands not just the “what” but the crucial “how” and “why” behind tasks and responsibilities.
•  Well-designed templates and SOPs serve as silent team members, working 24/7 to maintain consistency and reduce decision fatigue.
• Building delegation support systems isn't just about task management. It’s about creating a framework for sustainable business growth and scalability. 

About Melissa:

Melissa Swink, Founder & CEO of Melissa Swink & Co., has a team of virtual assistants who provide administrative and marketing support for small businesses and non-profits.

Since 2012, Melissa and her team have helped more than 100 businesses grow through the services they offer, and she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create profitable, scalable businesses they love.

Her work is all about doing what works (and eliminating what doesn’t) and driving real, measurable results. Visit www.melissaswink.com to learn more! 

Thanks for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are really valuable and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Make Space for More podcast, host Melissa Swink interviews Jay Morth, a professional ballroom dancer and dance studio owner. Jay shares his unique journey into the world of dance, starting from his childhood experiences with his father to his professional career and eventual transition into business ownership. 

Tune into their conversation to hear about mentorship, entrepreneurship challenges, the importance of community, and learning how to balance personal life and business. Melissa and Jay talked about the importance of continuous learning and the value of finding the right support system, too!

Key Highlights:

• Transforming personal challenges into professional passion can lead to unexpected entrepreneurial opportunities.
• Strategic mentorship and industry connections prove valuable in bridging the gap between artistic talent and business acumen.
• Creating a supportive community environment is essential for sustainable business growth and personal fulfillment.
• Implementing effective delegation strategies, including outsourcing key tasks, enables focused business leadership.
• Maintaining a harmonious work-life integration is crucial for long-term entrepreneurial success.
• Investing in continuous professional development keeps both business innovation and personal passion alive.

About Our Guest: 

Jay owns and instructs at Ballroom by Jay, which is a Ballroom Dance Studio in Green Bay WI. He has competed professionally in American Smooth in the Midwest where he and his partner were finalists. Jay offers a complimentary 1st dance lesson. Visit his website at www.ballroombyjay.com

About Melissa:

Melissa Swink, Founder & CEO of Melissa Swink & Co., has a team of virtual assistants who provide administrative and marketing support for small businesses and non-profits.

Since 2012, Melissa and her team have helped more than 100 businesses grow through the services they offer, and she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create profitable, scalable businesses they love.

Her work is all about doing what works (and eliminating what doesn’t) and driving real, measurable results. Visit www.melissaswink.com to learn more! 

Thanks for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are really valuable and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.

Episode Summary

You’re in for a treat with this week’s podcast episode! Host Melissa Swink interviewed Shanne Soulier, founder of Big Spirit Inc. They discussed how to grow a business intentionally, the challenges of starting and managing a company, and the importance of building a supportive team. Shanne shared his journey from freelancing to establishing a successful marketing firm, emphasizing the value of relationships, coaching, and effective systems. Listen to learn about the significance that promotional products have on client engagement and the need for a balanced work structure.

Key Highlights:

• Building intentional business growth requires a strategic balance of relationship nurturing and operational excellence.
• Transitioning from solo entrepreneur to team leader becomes seamless when leveraging freelance and part-time talent strategically.
• Investing in targeted coaching and mentorship accelerates business growth by providing structured guidance and accountability.
• Creating effective systems and workflows allows business owners to shift from working in their business to working on their business.
• Implementing a structured weekly schedule optimizes productivity while maintaining quality client relationships.

About Our Guest: 

Driven to help promote the prosperity of his community, Shanne Soulier founded

Big Spirit Inc in 2012, a marketing firm that Brings Visions to Life Through Culturally Conscious Marketing Solutions. At Big Spirit, we help organizations Clarify their vision, Align their goals, and Transform their brand through expert graphic design, promotional products, and multi-media print marketing.

About Melissa:

Melissa Swink, Founder & CEO of Melissa Swink & Co., has a team of virtual assistants who provide administrative and marketing support for small businesses and non-profits.

Since 2012, Melissa and her team have helped more than 100 businesses grow through the services they offer, and she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create profitable, scalable businesses they love.

Her work is all about doing what works (and eliminating what doesn’t) and driving real, measurable results. Visit www.melissaswink.com to learn more! 

Thanks for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are really valuable and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.