In this episode, Claudette and Chris Kirkwood sit down withus to share the raw, unfiltered story of how they built not one, but two thriving businesses in the wild world of specialty soda and candy.

What started as a garage experiment inspired by craft beerquickly snowballed into coast-to-coast wholesale with Vintage Soda Company and two busy Rocket Fizz retail stores in Alberta.

From shipping truckloads of glass-bottled pop across Canadato chasing down quirky customer requests like pickle soda and spruce beer, their growth has been anything but predictable.

Claudette and Chris open up about the real stuff mostbusiness owners face: the scary leap from a stable job with a pension to full-time entrepreneurship, the chaos of rapid growth, brutal supply chain shocks (hello, skyrocketing freight and tariffs), and what it actually takes to run two businesses while raising a young family—without losing your mind oryour marriage.

They also reveal how getting serious about their numberscompletely changed the game—cutting stress, reducing wasted work, making smarter pricing decisions, and giving them the confidence to outlast lowball competitors who eventually fade away.

Plus, they walk us through the emotional (and financial) reality of deciding when it’s time to sell one of the businesses and what it takes to build something that’s actually valuable to a buyer.

If you’ve ever wondered how to scale without burning out,protect your margins when everything gets expensive, or turn your business into a real asset instead of just another job, this conversation is packed with honest insights you won’t want to miss.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Vintage Soda and Rocket Fizz

02:46 The Journey of Starting a Soda Business

05:01 Growth and Demand for Unique Beverages

07:21 Challenges in Shipping and Costs

09:50 Unique Beverage Offerings and Customer Requests

12:25 Transitioning to a Full-Time Business

14:49 Family Dynamics and Business Decisions

15:21 Navigating Stress and Decision-Making in Business

16:13 The Leap of Faith: Leaving a Steady Job

17:21 Building a Profit Plan for Success

18:37 Adapting to COVID-19: Challenges and Opportunities

20:29 Understanding Margins and Pricing Strategies

22:28 Responding to Market Changes and Competitors

25:45 Streamlining Operations with Technology

29:48 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

37:33 Reflecting on Growth and Future Plans

45:14 Navigating Business Growth and Family Time

47:56 Realistic Expectations in Entrepreneurship

49:43 Understanding Business Numbers and Financial Planning

52:43 Valuing Your Business and Confidence in Offers

01:01:43 The Importance of Continuous Learning andAdaptation

01:05:18 Exploring New Ventures and Product Trends

01:07:27 Creating Family Traditions and Work-Life Balance

 Hosts are Greg Forzani and Dennis Taekema.

Our guests are Claudette and Chris Kirkwood Owners of Vintage Soda Company www.vintagesodacompany.com and Rocket Fizz Candy Airdrie and Edmonton www.rocketfizz.com

Subscribe for more business growth tips!

Don’t forget to like and share with fellow entrepreneurs!

Visit our website www.forzanibusinesseducation.com to learn more about our tools and programs designed for More Profit and Less Stress in your business so you can turn it into a Valuable Asset.

— Follow Us —

Instagram: / forzanibusinesseducation

Facebook: / forzanibusinesseducation

Twitter: https://x.com/GregForzani

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

— Business Training Program —

www.forzanibusinesseducation.com/programs

— Book a FREE Discovery Call —https://my.forzanibusinesseducation.com/widget/bookings/forzani-discovery-call

— Want to become a licensed coach? Book a Discovery Call –

https://my.forzanibusinesseducation.com/widget/bookings/coach-license-call

In this episode, Claudette and Chris Kirkwood sit down withus to share the raw, unfiltered story of how they built not one, but two thriving businesses in the wild world of specialty soda and candy.

What started as a garage experiment inspired by craft beerquickly snowballed into coast-to-coast wholesale with Vintage Soda Company and two busy Rocket Fizz retail stores in Alberta.

From shipping truckloads of glass-bottled pop across Canadato chasing down quirky customer requests like pickle soda and spruce beer, their growth has been anything but predictable.

Claudette and Chris open up about the real stuff mostbusiness owners face: the scary leap from a stable job with a pension to full-time entrepreneurship, the chaos of rapid growth, brutal supply chain shocks (hello, skyrocketing freight and tariffs), and what it actually takes to run two businesses while raising a young family—without losing your mind oryour marriage.

They also reveal how getting serious about their numberscompletely changed the game—cutting stress, reducing wasted work, making smarter pricing decisions, and giving them the confidence to outlast lowball competitors who eventually fade away.

If you’ve ever wondered how to scale without burning out,protect your margins when everything gets expensive, or turn your business into a real asset instead of just another job, this conversation is packed with honest insights you won’t want to miss.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Vintage Soda and Rocket Fizz

02:46 The Journey of Starting a Soda Business

05:01 Growth and Demand for Unique Beverages

07:21 Challenges in Shipping and Costs

09:50 Unique Beverage Offerings and Customer Requests

12:25 Transitioning to a Full-Time Business

14:49 Family Dynamics and Business Decisions

15:21 Navigating Stress and Decision-Making in Business

16:13 The Leap of Faith: Leaving a Steady Job

17:21 Building a Profit Plan for Success

18:37 Adapting to COVID-19: Challenges and Opportunities

20:29 Understanding Margins and Pricing Strategies

22:28 Responding to Market Changes and Competitors

25:45 Streamlining Operations with Technology

29:48 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

37:33 Reflecting on Growth and Future Plans

45:14 Navigating Business Growth and Family Time

47:56 Realistic Expectations in Entrepreneurship

49:43 Understanding Business Numbers and Financial Planning

52:43 Valuing Your Business and Confidence in Offers

01:01:43 The Importance of Continuous Learning andAdaptation

01:05:18 Exploring New Ventures and Product Trends

01:07:27 Creating Family Traditions and Work-Life Balance

 Hosts are Greg Forzani and Dennis Taekema.

Our guests are Claudette and Chris Kirkwood Owners of Vintage Soda Company www.vintagesodacompany.com andRocket Fizz Candy Airdrie and Edmonton www.rocketfizz.com

Subscribe for more business growth tips!

Don’t forget to like and share with fellow entrepreneurs!

Visit our website www.forzanibusinesseducation.com to learn more about our tools and programs designed for More Profit and Less Stress in your business so you can turn it into a Valuable Asset.

— Follow Us —

Instagram: / forzanibusinesseducation

Facebook: / forzanibusinesseducation

Twitter: https://x.com/GregForzani

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

— Business Training Program —

www.forzanibusinesseducation.com/programs

— Book a FREE Discovery Call —https://my.forzanibusinesseducation.com/widget/bookings/forzani-discovery-call

— Want to become a licensed coach? Book a Discovery Call –

https://my.forzanibusinesseducation.com/widget/bookings/coach-license-call

This is a great business turnaround story!

In this in-depth interview, Steve Armistead shares his journey from owning a franchise to turning around a business, negotiating tough leases, and building a strong company culture.

Discover practical strategies for growth, staff retention, and financial mastery that can transform your business. In this in-depth interview, Steve shares his journey through businessgrowth, challenges with leasing and location decisions, and insights into buying, selling, and managing franchises and businesses.

Learn practical lessons on making tough decisions, the importance of knowing your numbers, and how to build successful partnerships.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Steve Armstead's Journey

02:21 The Birth of Livin Clean

04:43 Transitioning from Franchise to Independent Business

07:03 Challenges Faced in the Early Years

09:36 The Turning Point: Seeking Help

12:01 The Importance of Strategic Decisions

14:59 Lessons Learned from Expansion

17:18 The Hiring Process and Staff Management

19:54 Conclusion and Future Aspirations

22:56 Implementing a New Hiring Process

29:58 Building a Positive Workplace Culture

39:52 Transitioning to a Balanced Work-Life

40:54 Negotiating Lease Agreements Effectively

58:20 Mindset Shift in Business Decisions

59:38 Negotiating the Future: Transitioning from Franchise

01:00:01 The Hard Decisions: Closing Locations

01:02:11 Lessons Learned from Failure

01:04:14 Focusing on Profitable Ventures

01:06:05 Attracting Buyers: The Selling Process

01:14:33 Transitioning to a New Venture: Lessons fromFranchising

01:22:31 Creating Effective Checklists and Playbooks

01:22:31 Transitioning to the Cleaning Industry

01:25:21 Analyzing Market Opportunities

01:28:00 The Dynamics of Business Partnerships

01:29:08 Fun and Lighthearted Moments

Hosts are Greg Forzani and Dennis Taekema.

Our guest is Steve Armistead, Director and Owner of Livin Clean www.livinclean.ca

Subscribe for more business growth tips!

Don’t forget to like and share with fellow entrepreneurs!

Visit our website www.forzanibusinesseducation.com to learn more about our tools and programs designed for More Profit and Less Stress in your business so you can turn it into a Valuable Asset.

— Follow Us —

Instagram: / forzanibusinesseducation

Facebook: / forzanibusinesseducation

Twitter: https://x.com/GregForzani

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

— Business Training Programs —

www.forzanibusinesseducation.com/programs

— Book a FREE Discovery Call — https://my.forzanibusinesseducation.com/widget/bookings/forzani-discovery-call

— Want to become a licensed coach? Book a Discovery Call – https://my.forzanibusinesseducation.com/widget/bookings/coach-license-call

Disclaimer: The More Profit Less Stress podcast is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The content, opinions, and views expressed by the hosts, guests, or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of More Profit Less Stress podcast, its producers, or affiliates. The information shared is not intended as professional financial, legal, tax, or business advice and should not be relied upon for making business decisions. Listeners should consult qualifiedprofessionals, such as financial advisors, accountants, or attorneys, for advice tailored to their specific circumstances. More Profit Less Stress Podcast, its hosts, guests, and producers assume no liability for any actions taken or not taken based on the content of this podcast. All content is provided “as is” without warranties of any kind, express or implied, regardingits accuracy, completeness, or applicability. Any reliance on the information provided is at the listener’s own risk.

In this insightful interview, Katie Imler shares her journey from passion for horses to building a successful business, emphasizing the importance of routine, financial tracking, team building, and balancing family life. Discover practical strategies for small business owners to implement effective systems, make data-driven decisions, and foster a growth-oriented mindset.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Equine Business and Passion

10:53 Transitioning from Passion to Business Ownership

17:34 Understanding Business Fundamentals and FinancialLiteracy

26:17 Pricing Strategies and Market Reception

33:11 Building a Strong Team and Reducing Turnover

37:38 The Unconventional Hiring Process

43:04 Balancing Family and Business

56:17 The Loneliness of Leadership

01:00:57 Building a Sustainable Business for the Future

Hosts are Greg Forzani and Dennis Taekema.

Our guest is Katie Imler, Owner of Coulee Equine Conditioning &Rehabilitation www.couleeequine.ca

Subscribe for more business growth tips!

Don’t forget to like and share with fellow entrepreneurs!

Visit our website www.forzanibusinesseducation.com to learn more about our tools and programs designed for More Profit and Less Stress in your business so you can turn it into a Valuable Asset.

— Follow Us —

Instagram: / forzanibusinesseducation

Facebook: / forzanibusinesseducation

Twitter: https://x.com/GregForzani

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

— Business Training Programs —

www.forzanibusinesseducation.com/programs

— Book a FREE Discovery Call —

https://my.forzanibusinesseducation.com/widget/bookings/forzani-discovery-call

— Want to become a licensed coach? Book a Discovery Call –

https://my.forzanibusinesseducation.com/widget/bookings/coach-license-call

Disclaimer: The More Profit Less Stress podcast is provided forinformational and entertainment purposes only. The content, opinions, and views expressed by the hosts, guests, or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of More Profit Less Stress podcast, its producers, or affiliates. The information shared is not intended as professional financial,legal, tax, or business advice and should not be relied upon for making business decisions. Listeners should consult qualified professionals, such as financial advisors, accountants, or attorneys, for advice tailored to their specific circumstances. More Profit Less Stress Podcast, its hosts, guests, and producers assume no liability for any actions taken or not taken based on the content of this podcast. All content is provided “as is” without warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding its accuracy, completeness, or applicability. Any reliance on the information provided is at the listener’s own risk.

Watch this till the end, we have an important announcement!

This episode tackles the alarming rise in business failure rates despite the abundance of resources and coaching. We talk about why many businesses struggle, how to choose the right advisors, and the importance of fundamentals, numbers, and realistic expectations for success.

Chapters

00:59 The Rising Business Failure Rate

01:58 Why Are Business Failures Increasing?

04:01 Business as a Long-Term Investment

05:52 Profitability and Business Longevity

07:37 Challenges in Business Education and Mentoring

08:24 Why Many Coaches and Advisors Fail

09:26 The Limitations of Mindset-Only Coaching

10:36 The Importance of Technique and Application

11:20 Success Comes from Skills and Results

12:37 The Flaws of Business Books and Advice

13:45 The Impact of Poor Business Advice

15:53 The Value of Proper Mentorship

17:02 The Role of Numbers and Financials

18:03 Applying Advice in Real Business Scenarios

19:23 Evaluating Business Coaches and Advisors

20:27 Guarantees and Trust in Coaching

20:57 The Importance of Business Metrics

23:03 Choosing the Right Support and Mentorship

24:26 Drawing a Line from Advice to Profitability

25:57 Assessing Testimonials and Success Stories

26:23 The Limitations of AI in Business Advice

28:16 The Value of Practical Application

29:37 Evaluating Franchise and Business Opportunities

30:34 The Dangers of Bad Business Models

31:52 Our Coaching Program and Support System

33:57 Success Rate and Business Transformation

35:35 Measuring Business Success and Profitability

If you want to become a licensed coach, check out this link https://www.forzanibusinesseducation.com/become-a-licensed-coach

Subscribe for more business growth tips!

Don’t forget to like and share with fellow entrepreneurs!

Visit our website www.forzanibusinesseducation.com to learn more about our tools and programs designed for More Profit and Less Stress in your business so you can turn it into a Valuable Asset.

— Follow Us —

Instagram: / forzanibusinesseducation

Facebook: / forzanibusinesseducation

Twitter: https://x.com/GregForzani

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

— Business Training Programs —

www.forzanibusinesseducation.com/programs

— Book a FREE Discovery Call — https://my.forzanibusinesseducation.com/widget/bookings/forzani-discovery-call

Disclaimer: The More Profit Less Stress podcast is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The content, opinions, and views expressed by the hosts, guests, or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of More Profit Less Stress podcast, its producers, or affiliates. The information shared is not intended as professional financial, legal, tax, or business advice and should not be relied upon for making business decisions. Listeners should consult qualifiedprofessionals, such as financial advisors, accountants, or attorneys, for advice tailored to their specific circumstances. More Profit Less Stress Podcast, its hosts, guests, and producers assume no liability for any actions taken or not taken based on the content of this podcast. All content is provided “as is” without warranties of any kind, express or implied, regardingits accuracy, completeness, or applicability. Any reliance on the information provided is at the listener’s own risk.

Explore how AI, especially voice AI, is transforming small business communication, data utilization, trust, and growth strategies. Laurent Cohen from GetOblic shares insights on leveraging AI to level the playing field between small and largebusinesses, ensuring trust and security while enhancing customer interactions.Explore the transformative potential of voice AI in business, the journey of Laurent into AI technology, and practical insights on navigating market disruptions and leveraging AI for growth.

Key  Topics

-             Voice AI for small business

-             Data security and trust in AI

-             AI-driven business growth The evolution of voice AI and its impact on business

-             Laurent's journey into AI and voice technology

-             Strategies for navigating market disruptions and crises

-             The importance of customer-centric innovation in AI

-             Practical applications of voice AI for small and large businesses

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Voice AI and Its Impact on Small Businesses

02:10 Leveling the Playing Field for Small Businesses

05:05 ThePsychological Impact of Missed Calls

09:23 Data-Driven Voice AI: The Importance of Quality Data

12:36 Crowdsourcing Knowledge for Enhanced AI Performance

15:54 The Future of Voice Interaction and Local Businesses

17:46 Ensuring Trust and Security in Voice AI

19:40 Free Trials and Subscription Models for Voice AI

23:26 Addressing Job Loss Concerns and Embracing AI

24:31 Enhancing Human Potential with AI

26:55 The Role of Human Judgment in AI

28:46 The Importance of Human Interaction

31:56 AI as a Tool for Business Growth

36:26 Building Trust in AI Interactions

46:58 The Journey into Voice AI

49:13 Seizing Opportunities in AI

50:02 The Evolution of Voice Technology

52:37 Lessons from Business Failures

55:20 The Value of Experience in Problem Solving

57:37 Commitment vs. Motivation

58:28 The Volcano Story: A Business Journey

01:05:12 Understanding Business Ownership and Responsibility

01:13:39 The Struggles of Business Owners

01:14:55 The Value of Experience in Entrepreneurship

01:16:52 The Naivety of Outsiders

01:19:21 Personal Hobbies and Leisure Activities

Hosts are Greg Forzani and Dennis Taekema.

Our guest is Laurent Cohen, CTO and Founder of GetOblic www.getoblic.com  

http://www.linkedin.com/in/laurent-cohen-usa

Subscribe for more business growth tips!

Don’t forget to like and share with fellow entrepreneurs!

Visit our website www.forzanibusinesseducation.com to learn more about our tools and programs designed for More Profit and Less Stress in your business so you can turn it into a Valuable Asset.

— Follow Us —

Instagram: /forzanibusinesseducation

Facebook: /forzanibusinesseducation

Twitter: https://x.com/GregForzani

— Business Training Programs —

www.forzanibusinesseducation.com/programs

— Book a FREE Discovery Call — https://my.forzanibusinesseducation.com/widget/bookings/forzani-discovery-call

Disclaimer: The More Profit Less Stress podcast is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The content, opinions, and views expressed by the hosts, guests, or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of More Profit Less Stress podcast, its producers, or affiliates. The information shared is not intended as professional financial, legal, tax, or business advice and should not be relied upon for making business decisions. Listeners should consult qualified professionals, such as financial advisors, accountants, or attorneys, for advice tailored to their specific circumstances. More Profit Less Stress Podcast, its hosts, guests, and producers assume no liability for any actions taken or not taken based on the content of this podcast. All content is provided “as is” without warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding its accuracy, completeness, or applicability. Any reliance on theinformation provided is at the listener’s own risk.

Want your employees to be more efficient and happier at their workplace? Don't skip the conversations about self-care.In this podcast episode, Greg, Dennis, and Sandra discuss the importance of fostering a culture of self-care and healthy nutrition in the workplace. They explore how employee well-being directly impacts performance, customer experience, and overall business success. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, they emphasize the need for small changes that can lead to significant improvements in energy levels and workplace morale. The conversation highlights the role of leadership in modeling healthy behaviors and creating an environment where employees feel empowered to make better choices for their health. Takeaways- Implementing a culture of self-care can enhance employee performance.- Nutrition plays a crucial role in energy levels and productivity.- Creating a supportive environment encourages healthy choices among staff.- Small changes in diet can lead to significant improvements in well-being.- Leaders must model healthy behaviors to influence their teams.- Employee well-being directly affects customer experience and satisfaction.- Awareness of nutrition can lead to self-policing among staff.- Fostering a culture of health benefits both employees and the business.- Measuring the impact of nutrition on performance is essential.- Encouraging open conversations about health can improve workplace culture.Chapters00:00 Intro & Welcome 00:37 Sandra’s pet store background & why nutrition matters for staff 01:13 Lunch choices, carbs, and post-meal energy crashes 02:06 Brain energy use + tying nutrition to staff “why” (loving animals) 04:22 Physical vs. mental work + illusion of cheap food 06:04 Leading by example & bodybuilding/construction parallels 08:09 Creating awareness, staff self-policing, and health culture shift 11:49 Small changes, pro sports analogy, stretching/walk examples 14:58 Impact on customers, KPIs, mistakes, and energy crashes 18:27 Blood sugar monitoring + selfish business benefits 22:13 Personal life spillover & billiards performance example 25:04 Training tip: “Bring good food” + VAK/energy links 29:33 Compounding habits, group activities, and funny headstand story 34:41 End Closing: Fun, responsibility, and high-energy culture powerSubscribe for more business growth tips! Don’t forget to like and share with fellow entrepreneurs! Visit our website www.forzanibusinesseducation.com to learn more about our tools and programs designed for More Profit and Less Stress in your business so you can turn it into a Valuable Asset. — Follow Us — Instagram: / forzanibusinesseducation Facebook: / forzanibusinesseducation Twitter: https://x.com/GregForzani LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregforzani/ — Business Training Programs — www.forzanibusinesseducation.com/programs — Apply for a FREE Business Strategy Session — www.forzanibusinesseducation.com/FS — Book a FREE Discovery Call — https://my.forzanibusinesseducation.com/widget/bookings/forzani-discovery-call

The ignorance is the biggest price to pay in business.

In this episode, Greg Forzani and Dennis Taekema talk with Nathan Lauzon, a Calgary entrepreneur behind Notorious Suites (basement suite development & legalization) and Royal Radon (radon mitigation services). Nathan shares straight talk on:

• Why legalizing basement suites is non-negotiable (safety, value, compliance)
• The real dangers of radon in homes
• Launching a second business while running the first
• Why profit > revenue every time
• How understanding your numbers prevents expensive mistakes
• Cash flow, hiring, and quick, informed decisions
• Lessons from his childhood paper route (work ethic + accountability)
• Construction industry reputation challenges and the cost of staying ignorant

If you're in trades, real estate, or building a business that lasts, this episode delivers practical, no-BS insights from someone living it.

 Takeaways

-             Radon gas is a serious health risk and the leading cause of lung cancer.

-             Understanding your business numbers is essential for success.

-             Entrepreneurship requires hard work, sacrifice, and a willingness to learn.

-             Starting a new business can be done alongside an existing one if planned properly.

-             Confidence in business decisions comes from understanding your numbers.

-             Many trades businesses operate without a clear understanding of their costs.

-             The construction industry often lacks professionalism, creating opportunities for those who do it right.

-             The biggest debt in business is ignorance.

-             Understanding cash flow is crucial for survival.

-             Profitability is more important than revenue.

-             Hiring decisions should be based on data and confidence.

-             Business is like a video game; you need to level up.

-             You can’t provide quality service without charging appropriately.

-             The condition of a business's heart is its profitability.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nathan Lauzon and His Businesses

05:40 Understanding Basement Suites and Legalization

12:17 The Importance of Radon Awareness

19:47 Starting and Growing a Business in Construction

27:58 The Entrepreneurial Journey and Work Ethic

29:49 The Leap into New Ventures

31:21 Mindset and Decision-Making in Business

34:09 Understanding Numbers for Confidence

36:01 Mitigating Risks with Financial Knowledge

38:00 The Importance of Professionalism in Trades

39:36 The Dangers of Ignorance in Business

42:42 Learning from Experience and Growth

46:27 The Balance of Cash Flow and Profitability

49:03 Strategic Changes for Incremental Gains

58:23 When to Hire: Understanding Business Growth

01:00:05 The Value of Pricing in Service Industries

01:02:06 Understanding Business Expenses and Profit Margins

01:04:23 The Importance of Financial Planning for NewVentures

01:05:34 Lessons from Childhood: The Paper Route Experience

01:10:38 Sibling Dynamics in Business: Collaboration vsCompetition

01:11:35 Fun and Personal Insights: A Lighthearted Conclusion

Our hosts are Greg Forzani and Dennis Taekema.

Our guest is Nathan Lauzon a Founder of www.notorioussuites.com and www.royalradon.com

Subscribe for more business growth tips!

Don’t forget to like and share with fellow entrepreneurs!

Visit our website www.forzanibusinesseducation.com to learn more about our tools and programs designed for More Profit and Less Stress in your business so you can turn it into a Valuable Asset.

— Follow Us —

Instagram: / forzanibusinesseducation

Facebook: / forzanibusinesseducation

Twitter: https://x.com/GregForzani

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregforzani/

— Business Training Programs —

www.forzanibusinesseducation.com/programs

— Apply for a FREE Business Strategy Session —

www.forzanibusinesseducation.com/FS

— Book a FREE Discovery Call — https://my.forzanibusinesseducation.com/widget/bookings/forzani-discovery-call

The shocking truth no one talks about…. Today most of thesmall businesses fail… In this episode, Greg Forzani and Dennis Taekema discuss the alarming business failure rate, which has risen to 90-95%. They explore the reasons behind this trend, emphasizing the lack of foundational business education, the impact of ego, and the importance of understanding financialfundamentals. The conversation highlights the need for entrepreneurs to set personal goals, navigate the overwhelming advice available, and recognize the competitive advantages small businesses can have if they learn to play the game effectively.

Takeaways

-             90 to 95% of businesses fail over their lifetime.

-             Many entrepreneurs start businesses without understanding the fundamentals.

-             Business education is often lacking in schools.

-             The failure rate is not dependent on revenue but on foundational issues.

-            Proper financial understanding is crucial for success.

-             Ego can prevent business owners from seeking help.

-             Advice from others can be misleading without context.

-             Understanding your numbers is key to making informed decisions.

-             Personal goals should guide business objectives.

-             Small businesses can have a competitive advantage if they understand the game.

Chapters

00:00 The Reality of Business Failure Rates

02:54 Motivations Behind Starting a Business

05:45 Understanding Business Value and Asset Building

08:02 The Importance of Business Education

11:05 Challenges in the Business Landscape

13:25 The Role of Ego in Business Success

16:05 Navigating Business Advice and Information

18:25 The Importance of Financial Understanding

20:50 Building a Sustainable Business Model

23:34 Working Backwards to Achieve Business Goals

26:52 Strategic Intent in Business and Sports

28:46 Understanding the Foundation of Business Success

30:30 The Importance of Financial Literacy

33:13 Navigating Business Loans and Financial Risks

34:36 The Competitive Advantage of Small Businesses

36:50 Aligning Business Goals with Personal Aspirations

37:49 Mastering the Game of Business

41:47 Understanding the Rules of Business

Subscribe for more business growth tips!

Don’t forget to like and share with fellow entrepreneurs!

Visit our website www.forzanibusinesseducation.com to learn more about our tools and programs designed for More Profit and Less Stress in your business so you can turn it into a Valuable Asset.

— Follow Us —

Instagram: / forzanibusinesseducation

Facebook: / forzanibusinesseducation

Twitter: https://x.com/GregForzani

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregforzani/

— Business Training Programs —

www.forzanibusinesseducation.com/programs

— Apply for a FREE Business Strategy Session —

www.forzanibusinesseducation.com/FS

— Book a FREE Discovery Call — https://my.forzanibusinesseducation.com/widget/bookings/forzani-discovery-call

Disclaimer: The More Profit Less Stress podcast is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The content, opinions, and views expressed by the hosts, guests, or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of More Profit Less Stress podcast, its producers, or affiliates. The information shared is not intended as professional financial, legal, tax, or business advice and should not be relied upon for making business decisions. Listeners should consult qualifiedprofessionals, such as financial advisors, accountants, or attorneys, for advice tailored to their specific circumstances. More Profit Less Stress Podcast, its hosts, guests, and producers assume no liability for any actions taken or not taken based on the content of this podcast. All content is provided “as is” without warranties of any kind, express or implied, regardingits accuracy, completeness, or applicability. Any reliance on the information provided is at the listener’s own risk.

What if many flawed hiring decisions are silently bleeding yourbusiness dry—costing you thousands in turnover, lost productivity, and endless frustration?

In this episode of the More Profit Less Stress podcast, hosts Greg Forzani and Dennis Taekema dive headfirst into the brutalrealities of hiring and sky-high staff turnover—and reveal the game-changing fixes that top performers are already using to crush it.

They break down why your job ads might be attracting all thewrong people... and how to rewrite them to magnetize the absolute best talent right from the start.

You'll hear eye-opening insights on ruthless applicant filtering, the underrated power of group interviews to spot real team players, and why a thorough, no-BS evaluation process is your secret weapon against costly mistakes.

But it doesn't stop there—the duo hammers home the real MVP:forging an unbreakable company culture that makes great employees want to stay forever.

By ditching chaotic hiring habits for a smart, systematic approach, businesses can slash turnover, supercharge efficiency, boost morale, and finally build a team that drives massive growth with far less drama.

If you're tired of the endless hiring carousel and ready to transform your team into a high-performance powerhouse, this episode is packed with actionable gold you can't afford to miss!

Takeaways

-             Most business owners dislike the traditional hiring process.

-             Job ads often fail to attract the right candidates.

-             Hiring should focus on personality and cultural fit, not just skills.

-             Group interviews can reveal more about candidates than one-on-one interviews.

-             A well-structured hiring process saves time and resources.

-             Candidates should be filtered through a series of questions.

-             The hiring process should be a two-way street for both employer and employee.

-             Creating an emotional connection in job ads is crucial.

-             Involving current employees in the hiring process fosters accountability.

-             A working interview can provide insight into a candidate's capabilities.

Chapters

00:00 The Challenges of Hiring and Staff Turnover

05:16 The Importance of Finding the Right Fit

09:23 Hiring for Passion and Pride

13:49 Creating Engaging Job Advertisements

17:49 The Hiring Process: Slow and Steady Wins the Race

22:26 Filtering Candidates Effectively

26:09 Structured Interviews and Candidate Evaluation

27:15 Understanding Perspectives in Hiring

28:10 Creating a Positive Company Culture

29:49 The Value of Rehiring Former Employees

32:24 Building a Work Family

35:39 The Power of Group Interviews

38:37 Testing Skills in One-on-One Interviews

42:29 The Importance of Fit in Hiring

46:10 Leveraging AI in Hiring Processes

50:10 Continuous Improvement in Hiring Practices

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