Join us as we dive deep into the crucial distinction between Accounting and strategic financial management with Senior Business Coach, Kathryn Freeman. Discover why looking at your business finances purely through an accounting lens might be holding you back, and learn how to adopt a more strategic approach that goes beyond tax compliance and historical transactions. We explore real-world examples of how this shift in perspective can transform your decision-making, from equipment purchases to cash flow management, helping you build a more financially sustainable business for the long term.

In this episode we dive into the Ins  and Outs of Social Media Marketing for Small Business in 2025 with Shannon Hinderberger & Darlene Veenhuizen, the co-founders of Dash Content Collective. From highlighting challenges they see in the content creator space, to the increasing need to create authentic video content and how to capture audience attention, we focus on the importance of strategy and adapting to the ever-changing social media landscape. To learn more on this topic, check out their upcoming workshop “ Think Like a Content Creator” 

Date: January 28, 2 PM PST (will be LIVE for Q&A and recording sent out)

Cost: $17 with tons of actionable tips for making short-form social media video. 

CODE for 50% off: CREATOR

Sign up Here: https://dashcontentco.com/think-like-a-content-creator-class/ 

We are kicking off 2025 and the first podcast of the year with a focus on The Experience Mindset, Changing The Way You Think About Growth, a book by Tiffani Bova.

This is a read that several of us here at Nolan Consulting Group really enjoyed, it was part of an internal Book Club  and we thought it was worthwhile to bring to the podcast table as an entry point for 2025. The book examines how Customer Experience (CX) and Employee Experience (EX) are intricately intertwined and interdependent - and it’s those companies that recognize this and work to find success in both areas that see true growth and success. From stories of Chipotle and the Ritz Carlton to sticking data points from organizational research , it hits home the importance of how we approach and implement new strategies and process in the year to come. 

In this episode of Out of the Hourglass, Brian Nolan, Jim Bradley, and Molly Nolan delve into the trades industry's evolving landscape, and the influence of private equity on small business transitions. They announce the February launch of the Sellers & Acquisition Peer Group, designed to support business owners navigating valuation, sale preparation, and post-sale planning. The conversation explores the emotional and strategic aspects of exiting a business, the growing appeal of the trades, and the importance of building a network of advisors to maximize business value.

In this episode of Out of the Hourglass, Molly sits down with Ross Hartmann, founder of Kiingo AI, to explore the transformative potential of AI and generative AI for small businesses. They discuss practical applications of tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, emphasizing strategies to integrate AI into company culture, optimize efficiency, and maintain brand authenticity in AI-generated content. With insights into AI's capabilities, limitations, and the importance of hands-on training, Ross offers a roadmap for leveraging AI to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and elevate both customer and employee experiences. This conversation sets the stage for the exciting future of AI in business.

Our  conversation this week features Travis Ulrich, the CEO and co-founder of Webfoot Home Improvements based in Bend, OR. A few weeks ago, Travis shared with his Mastermind Group that Webfoot experienced a random, very extensive and unexpected OSHA Audit. Today - we’re hearing about the experience straight from Travis - how it happened, what went down,  what the process was like and we’ll spend some time talking about their safety program. The culture of the Webfoot Way prioritizes safety and they’ve made a point to implement this practice over the last 10 years, through ups, downs and various attempts to get the program right. Travis, his co-founder Gavin Hepp and their leadership team are champions of Safety within the organization and this investment in time and culture paid off with a glowing audit report. 

Join Mike Shannon and Molly Nolan as they delve into the transformative power of self-awareness in sales. They explore the role of mindset, emotional control, and belief systems in driving success, with insights from the Objective Management Group's assessments. Hear how overcoming limiting beliefs and setting clear expectations can unlock sales potential, and learn about the upcoming workshop in December, Mastering the Mindset, designed to help sales professionals improve performance and prepare for a successful year ahead.

Join us as we dive into the planning season with Molly Nolan and Jay Rogers. We’re speaking to what we’re seeing and how we’re involved with our clients; from budgeting tools, conversations and planning site visits, the essentials of effective business planning. We want to set the tone on the importance of this practice and empower teams through intentional goal-setting. Discover why getting aboard the planning schedule now can make all the difference in navigating growth, clarity, and team alignment for a successful year ahead!

Step into the Coaching Room with Sales Coach Mark Repkin and two high performing Sales Leaders, Mike Green from Fitzpatrick Painting & Josh Cornell from Kennedy Painting, as they share real-world insights on effective selling strategies. In this episode, we explore the importance of preparation, engagement, value of quantifying competency, utilizing coaching sessions, and creating tailored one-on-one coaching experiences. Whether you're a seasoned leader or new to sales management, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on elevating your approach. You’ll get to hear, in real time, the challenges that Mike & Josh are currently working through and Mark’s feedback and recommendations, a collaborative approach to mastering their sales tactics.

Kim Merryman, Vice President of Central Oregon Garage Door and Kyle Fetzer, President,  discuss their journey to becoming co-owners of Central Oregon Garage Door in April 2024. Highlighting the importance of trust, values alignment, and trusted advisors through this venture, Kim and Kyle share the timeline of closing the deal, the challenges and risks weighed and their future plans for the business. Their acquisition story is one of a roller coaster - ups and downs and unknowns along the way, it was their team of people and the culture of the organization that kept bringing them back every time.