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In this podcast, Alexis Schomer discusses how she co-founded Your Startup Operations with Jenna after they met at a women's entrepreneurship event and bonded over their shared love of motorcycles. 

Their business provides virtual assistant services with a focus on creating comprehensive SOPs for small businesses, particularly in the home services, entertainment, and financial sectors. They also offer influencer marketing services that specialize in product trade collaborations, differentiating themselves through their hands-on approach to training, quality assurance, and building direct relationships between brands and creators.

How Alexis and Jenna Met

• Connected at a women's entrepreneurship dinner event called "Empower Her" hosted by mutual friend Melissa
• Instant connection due to similar personalities and interests
• Both entrepreneurs with separate businesses initially (Alexis ran a marketing agency, Jenna had an ops agency)
• Bonded over shared interests including motorcycle riding in LA
• Maintained friendship for several years before business partnership

Business Evolution

• Met again while judging a startup competition at CSUN
• Alexis wanted to transition into operations; Jenna was looking for an ops manager
• Alexis began shadowing Jenna, eventually taking over completely during Jenna's pregnancy
• Doubled revenue in her first year, leading to formal partnership
• Despite outside advice, both felt the partnership was the right move

YSO Services

1. Virtual Assistant (VA) Services:
   • Administrative and operational support for small businesses
   • Focus on process development and SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures)
   • VA management, training, and quality assurance
   • Client niches include home services businesses, entertainment industry, and financial services
2. Influencer/UGC Management:
   • Product trade collaborations for direct-to-consumer brands
   • Alternative to traditional influencer agencies
   • Direct relationship building between brands and creators
   • Specializes in finding influencers willing to create content for free products

Unique Value Proposition

• Business built almost entirely through referrals and word-of-mouth
• Creation of comprehensive SOPs as part of VA services
• Evolution of SOP approach: from documents with screenshots to task management systems
• Three-month onboarding process for new VA relationships
• US-based founders with entrepreneurial experience
• Consider themselves partners to small businesses, not just service providers
• Building community with clients

Business Growth Plans

• 2025 designated as "year of growth"
• Plans to develop more intentional "power partner" relationships
• Looking to increase PR and marketing efforts
• Exploring VA services for marketing agencies
• Testing AI tools while training team to use AI for efficiency

Contact Information

• Website: yourstartupoperations.com
• Can also connect with Alexis on LinkedIn

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Sometimes the most powerful conversations start when you least expect them. Nice to Meet You is a podcast that invites you into a new world, one story at a time. 

In this trailer, Rob Pene shares the heart behind the show: a space where entrepreneurs, creatives, authors, business owners, and thought leaders open up about their journeys, challenges, and defining moments.

From everyday insight to extraordinary experience, each episode is a reminder that legacy, wisdom, and growth often come through simply listening to someone else’s story. Whether you’re here for a fresh perspective, a spark of inspiration, or just a dose of meaningful conversation, you’re in the right place.

What to Expect:

• Real, unscripted stories from fascinating guests
• Conversations rooted in legacy, growth, and purpose
• A space to connect, reflect, and be inspired

Connect with the Show:

 🔔 Subscribe, follow, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.
 🌍 Share the show with a friend who loves a good story.

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In this conversation, Breezy Tupuola shares her journey into the education sector, detailing her experiences with traditional schooling and the inspiration behind launching the Elite Performance Prep Academy. 

She discusses the innovative approaches her micro school will take, including personalized learning, real-life skills training, and a flexible curriculum designed to meet the needs of each student. Breezy emphasizes the importance of community engagement and the unique pathways to graduation that her school offers, aiming to prepare students for successful futures.

Takeaways

▶️ Breezy's passion for education stems from her own experiences in traditional schooling.

▶️ The Elite Performance Prep Academy aims to redefine education through micro schooling.

▶️ Personalized learning is a key focus, allowing students to explore their interests.

▶️ Real-life skills are integrated into the curriculum to prepare students for adulthood.

▶️ The school will have a low teacher-student ratio to ensure individualized attention.

▶️ Electives will be tailored based on student interests and community resources.

▶️ Field trips and mentorship opportunities are part of the learning experience.

▶️ Students can earn high school diplomas and college credits simultaneously.

▶️ The school encourages students to advocate for their own learning paths.

▶️ Community engagement is vital for the success of the micro school.

Sound Bites

"I need to know how to do things."

"I wouldn't want that for my kid as well."

"We are launching in Orem, Utah."

"Our teacher-student ratio is one to ten."

"It's really personalized to those students."

Connect with Breezie

https://www.instagram.com/elitecentralutah

https://www.eliteperformanceprepacademy.com

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In this episode of Nice to Meet You, host Rob Pene interviews Pamela Adamson, founder of Elite Performance Prep Academy Georgia. Pamela discusses her innovative approach to education that combines personalized academics with professional athletic training in a microschool setting. 

This model aims to solve the hectic scheduling challenges faced by families with competitive student-athletes while providing high-quality education and character development.

About Our Guest

Pamela Adamson is a longtime youth sports advocate with over 24 years of experience in developing youth basketball programs. As a mother of three grown children and grandmother to nine, she understands firsthand the scheduling demands placed on families with children in competitive sports. 

Pamela and her husband previously founded a nonprofit basketball organization focused on competitive skill development and character building. She splits her time between managing a performance training center in St. George, Utah, and launching the new Elite Performance Prep Academy in Metro Atlanta.

Episode Highlights

• [02:10] Pamela shares how her family's sports background led to creating a nonprofit basketball organization 24 years ago
• [05:08] How Pamela discovered Elite Performance Prep and decided to bring it to Atlanta
• [06:09] Plans for the Georgia location to open in August in the Gwinnett County area
• [10:38] A detailed walkthrough of what a school day looks like at Elite Performance Prep Academy
• [14:11] What makes this model unique compared to other alternative education options in Atlanta
• [16:44] Information about Georgia's scholarship program that can provide over $6,000 toward tuition
• [18:09] The emphasis on teaching leadership and entrepreneurship skills to students
• [21:07] Pamela's message to parents considering this option for their student-athletes

Key Takeaways

1. Elite Performance Prep Academy combines academics, performance training, and sport-specific skill development all under one roof
2. Students complete academics in approximately half the time of traditional schools
3. Small class sizes (approximately 10:1 student-to-teacher ratio) ensure personalized attention
4. The curriculum emphasizes leadership, entrepreneurship, and practical life skills
5. Professional coaches provide specialized athletic training tailored to each student's sport
6. Georgia families may be eligible for scholarship funding to help with tuition costs

Connect with Elite Performance Prep Academy

• Website: eliteperformanceprepacademy.com
• Contact: Pamela Adamson at 435-619-1007
• Location: Opening August 2025 in the Buford/Suwanee area of Gwinnett County, Georgia

Nice to Meet You Podcast interviews busy professionals and the interesting things they're doing in their local communities. Hosted by Rob Pene.

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In this conversation, Alithie Rock shares her journey as a busy parent and educator, discussing the challenges of balancing family life and professional responsibilities. She reveals her passion for education and her vision for the Elite Performance Prep Academy, a new educational model designed to meet the unique needs of students, particularly those involved in sports. 

Alithie emphasizes the importance of community, collaboration, and personalized learning, while also addressing the funding and accessibility of education. The discussion highlights the innovative approach to education that Alithie is championing, aiming to empower students and families in Davis County, Utah.

Takeaways

▶️ Alithie Rock balances multiple roles as a parent and educator.

▶️ The chaos of parenting can be overwhelming but rewarding.

▶️ Education should focus on helping kids thrive, not just survive.

▶️ Alithie's passion for teaching has been lifelong.

▶️ The Elite Performance Prep Academy aims to bridge gaps in education.

▶️ Community collaboration is essential for educational success.

▶️ Funding options exist to support alternative education models.

▶️ Personalized learning can significantly benefit students.

▶️ Smaller class sizes allow for more individualized attention.

▶️ The academy is set to open in September with limited enrollment.

Sound Bites

"I wanted to focus on helping our kids."

"How can I contribute?"

"I have always had a passion for teaching."

"We want to be the solution."

"There is a better way."

Connect with Alithie Rock and EPPA

https://www.instagram.com/elitelaytonutah

https://www.eliteperformanceprepacademy.com

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In this conversation, Linda Willits discusses her journey in education, focusing on the establishment of the Elite Performance Academy in Lehigh, Utah. She emphasizes the need for a new approach to education that combines academics with athletics, allowing students to thrive in both areas. 

Linda shares her personal experiences and the motivations behind creating micro schools, aiming to provide a more tailored educational experience for youth, particularly those involved in sports. The conversation also covers the academy's structure, goals, costs, and the importance of empowering students through entrepreneurship and life skills.

Takeaways

▶️ The current education system has not changed significantly in decades.

▶️ Education should focus on real-life applications, not just tests.

▶️ Linda's background in sports influenced her educational journey.

▶️ The idea for microschools came from her daughter's interest in homeschooling.

▶️ Elite Performance Academy offers a unique blend of academics and athletics.

▶️ The academy aims to serve families looking for alternative education options.

▶️ Students will receive personalized attention with small class sizes.

▶️ The state of Utah offers scholarships to subsidize cost

▶️ The daily schedule includes both academic and athletic training.

▶️ Empowering youth through entrepreneurship is a key focus of the academy.

Connect with Linda Willits:

• https://www.instagram.com/elitelehiut
• https://www.eliteperformanceprepacademy.com

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In this engaging podcast episode, Rob Pene interviews Betsy Pepine, a successful entrepreneur and real estate expert. Betsy shares her journey of personal and professional growth, emphasizing the importance of breaking free from constraints, both in life and in business. She discusses her passion for real estate, the evolution of the industry, and the significance of building trust with clients. 

Betsy also highlights the power of referrals, emotional awareness, and the role of curiosity in entrepreneurship. Throughout the conversation, she offers valuable insights and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, encouraging them to seek mentorship and embrace their unique paths.

Takeaways

▶️ Betsy Pepine's journey is about breaking free from personal and professional constraints.

▶️ Real estate is not just about selling houses; it's about building trust and relationships.

▶️ The real estate industry has evolved significantly over the past 20 years.

▶️ Referrals are a powerful and cost-effective way to grow a business.

▶️ Emotional awareness is crucial for personal growth and understanding oneself.

▶️ Curiosity drives entrepreneurial success and innovation.

▶️ Mentorship can provide invaluable guidance for new entrepreneurs.

▶️ Writing down thoughts can help clarify and overcome obstacles.

▶️ Betsy emphasizes the importance of serving others in business.

▶️ Understanding life events is key to navigating real estate transactions.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Betsy Pepine

06:08 The Evolution of Real Estate

11:59 The Power of Referrals

17:46 Navigating Life Events and Real Estate

24:08 Curiosity as an Entrepreneurial Trait

29:58 Conclusion and Resources

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In this engaging conversation, Rob Pene and Rhonda Parker-Taylor explore the themes of perseverance, emotional intelligence, and the journey to personal success. Rhonda shares her experiences of overcoming challenges, the importance of self-reflection, and the impact of emotional intelligence on relationships and career success. 

They discuss the dangers of comparison, the significance of finding one's story of success, and the necessity of resilience in navigating life's ups and downs. Rhonda emphasizes the power of passion and purpose, and how these elements contribute to a fulfilling life. The conversation concludes with insights on storytelling and the importance of community support in personal growth.

Takeaways

▶️ Anything is possible for anybody out there.

▶️ Comparison destroys you.

▶️ If it's meant to be, it's up to you.

▶️ Luck is preparation and opportunity.

▶️ Your story is just that.

▶️ Regret is its own kind of animal.

▶️ You can find joy in every second.

▶️ It's up to you to find out what the truth is.

▶️ You have to change your course once you realize you've made that mistake.

▶️ The story of success is finding your passion in it.

Sound Bites

"Anything is possible for anybody out there."

"Comparison destroys you."

"If it's meant to be, it's up to you."

"Luck is preparation and opportunity."

"Your story is just that."

"Regret is its own kind of animal."

"You can find joy in every second."

Connect with Rhonda

https://rhondaparkertaylor.com

Episode Sponsors

https://thedigitalwritingfirm.com

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In this episode of 'Nice To Meet You', host Rob Pene speaks with Brittany Hansen, a tech entrepreneur and advocate for sustainability. They discuss Brittany's personal growth over the past year, her journey into the world of sustainability and technology, and the importance of brand storytelling in engaging consumers. 

Brittany shares insights on the luxury market's role in innovation, the regulatory challenges surrounding sustainability, and the need for businesses to connect authentically with their customers. The conversation highlights the significance of accessibility in information and the evolving expectations of consumers in today's market.

Takeaways

▶️ Brittany's life over the last year has been a 'rebound' filled with personal and professional growth.

▶️ Sustainability in business requires direct communication between companies and consumers.

▶️ Luxury markets are key drivers of innovation in sustainability.

▶️ Sustainability practices are becoming increasingly important for consumer trust.

▶️ Accessibility in information is crucial for informed consumer choices.

▶️ Brittany transitioned from being a stay-at-home mom to a tech entrepreneur.

▶️ Brand storytelling is essential for differentiation in a crowded market.

▶️ Consumers are now more value-based in their purchasing decisions.

▶️ QR codes can enhance consumer engagement by providing instant information.

▶️ The future of sustainability and technology is promising and requires collaboration. 

Sound Bites

"Rebound: My life over the last 12 months."

"Luxury is where innovation happens."

"Sustainability is a spectrum."

"QR codes are an invitation to engage."

"We are excited for what's coming."

"We need to change the world. It's time."

Connect with Brittany

viiision.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-a-hansen

Episode Sponsors

https://thedigitalwritingfirm.com

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In this conversation, Rob Pene interviews Murphy Su'a, a renowned coach with extensive experience in youth baseball. They discuss Murphy's background, his coaching methodologies, the importance of communication, decision-making in sports, and cultural insights gained from coaching around the world. Murphy emphasizes the need for patience and understanding in coaching, as well as the significance of teaching the rules of the game. 

The conversation highlights the impact of coaching on personal development and the importance of creating a positive culture within teams. In this conversation, Murphy Su'a shares his experiences and insights on coaching youth and high school baseball. He emphasizes the importance of making practices enjoyable for young athletes, the challenges of parental involvement, and the need for patience and understanding in coaching. 

Murphy discusses his current role as a head coach at Lawndale High School, his aspirations for developing a strong baseball program, and the significance of mentorship in helping athletes succeed. He encourages those feeling stuck in their pursuits to reevaluate their direction and seek guidance.

Takeaways

✅ Murphy Su'a has impacted thousands of youth in baseball.

✅ Coaching is not just about skills; it's about personal development.

✅ Communication is key in coaching and must be taught effectively.

✅ Decision-making in sports mirrors decision-making in life.

✅ Cultural differences influence coaching styles and practices.

✅ Patience is essential for coaches to help players learn.

✅ Teaching the rules of the game is often overlooked.

✅ Creating a positive team culture is crucial for success.

✅ Fun and engagement are important in youth sports coaching.

✅ Coaches should adapt their methods based on the age and skill level of players. Make practices enjoyable to keep kids engaged.

✅ Coaching is about developing the athlete's experience.

✅ Patience is crucial when working with young athletes.

✅ Understand your audience and adjust your coaching style accordingly.

✅ Parental involvement is essential in youth sports.

✅ Reevaluate your goals if you feel stuck in your journey.

✅ Find a mentor to guide you in your pursuits.

✅ Building a strong program takes time and commitment.

✅ Encourage athletes to develop a passion for the sport.

✅ Create a supportive environment for both players and parents.

Sound Bites

"It's a game of numbers."

"Make it enjoyable for the kids."

"You have to know your audience."

"The parents are crucial to your club."

"If you build it, they will come."

"I'm really excited about that."

"Find the right mentor or coach."

"If you're stuck, reevaluate your direction."

"Turn that rut into a groove."

Connect with Murphy Su’a:

[email protected]

Episode Sponsor:

https://thedigitalwritingfirm.com