Plant Your Flag with Bean Media

The reality of planting your flag and starting your own business can be daunting. When starting your own business, there is a lot that nobody tells you, and the reality of starting your business can give new entrepreneurs a whole cacophony of challenges.

Here on the 37th episode of the Plant Your Flag podcast, Mike Bean and Jeremy Mountain recap the last two episodes with the owner of Estelle Esthetics, Morgan Brink, and Mike Ford, owner of Fora M&A Consulting. Join us as they discuss what starting a new business looks like for new entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and fresh business owners.

In this episode of PYF, they discuss:
- Finding fulfillment in the work you do
- Overcoming doubt and pushing through failure
- Building business relationships that lead to new opportunities
- Knowing when it's time to hire and expand
- Managing the financial and operational challenges of business ownership

They go through the trials and triumphs that new business owners experience, such as hiring their first employee, managing finances, and learning to accept failure. All while they talk about how important it is for your role to be rewarding for these owners. 

Aside from the successes, Mike and Jer discuss the next steps for entrepreneurs to take after they start their solo business to grow beyond what they are now. 

Thanks for joining us on another episode of the Plant Your Flag podcast! If you liked the podcast, be sure to check out our other podcast episodes on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

=== Find Us! ===
Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/BeanMediaProductions
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/beanmedia/
LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/company/bean-media-productions/
Website: https://www.beanmediaproductions.com/

Listen:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/762c1F00LAMJXBSTATQ8gL?si=7695a335d2044918&nd=1&dlsi=85f6ed7dae244c6f
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-your-flag-with-bean-media/id1736171111

#podcast #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurmindset #businesssuccess

Watch the video on YouTube on the Bean Media Channel!

This podcast will be dedicated to the fearless ones who decided to stick their flag in the ground and start their venture. We will continue to talk about the entrepreneurship world and feature guests who inspire us and keep us going. Stay tuned!

She made the choice in her career to start her own business. That shocked everyone, but it turned out to be correct. Plant Your Flag is back with its 36th episode, and we are joined by another outstanding entrepreneur, Morgan Brink, owner and operator of Estelle Esthetics. 

She had an amazing journey, beginning with her career in healthcare. She left that industry, focused on her education, and eventually started her own beauty company in Buffalo, NY, focusing on eyebrow waxes and Brazilian waxes. Additionally, she was named Buffalo Business First’s 2026 30 Under 30 and the Buffalo News Best of 716 in 2025. Needless to say shes impressive.

On this episode of the Plant Your Flag Podcast, Mike Bean and Morgan Brink discuss her entrepreneurial journey into the world of business, along with what she's learned, what advice she has, and where she is going. 

Expect: 
- Entrepreneur Stories
- Business Advice
- Flag Planting
- Motivation for starting your own business
- And more on the 36th episode of the Plant Your Flag Podcast!

Thanks for joining us on another episode of the Plant Your Flag podcast if you liked the podcast, be sure to check out our other podcast episodes on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, or Apple Podcasts.

=== Find Us! ===
Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/BeanMediaProductions
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/beanmedia/
LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/company/bean-media-productions/
Website: https://www.beanmediaproductions.com/

Listen:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/762c1F00LAMJXBSTATQ8gL?si=7695a335d2044918&nd=1&dlsi=85f6ed7dae244c6f
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-your-flag-with-bean-media/id1736171111

Watch the video on YouTube on the Bean Media Channel!

This podcast will be dedicated to the fearless ones who decided to stick their flag in the ground and start their venture. We will continue to talk about the entrepreneurship world and feature guests who inspire us and keep us going. Stay tuned!

When you're selling a business, what really happens? Well, a mergers and acquisitions specialist such as Mike Ford from M&A consulting is here to answer your questions on the 35th episode of the Plant Your Flag Podcast!

Most successful business owners may get to the stage where they want to retire and sell their business. Alternatively, a business owner might be looking to expand and acquire a new business. Helping people buy and sell businesses is exactly what Mike Ford is here to do.

Preparing for this business exchange can be a process; certain changes may need to be made, and ensuring a buyer and a seller are a good fit for eachother is very important for the success of the deal and the businesses. That's why M&A consulting can be such a valuable tool.

Mike and Jer have known Mike Ford for a while, and it’s been exciting to witness his journey and plant his flag from the start to the present. He's an incredible person, and it's an honor to have him on the podcast!

Reach out to Michael Ford: https://fordmaconsulting.com/

===CHAPTERS===
00:00 - Outtakes
00:54 - Intro
02:37 - Who or what inspired you to plant your flag?
06:05 - Building relationships
08:53 - What mergers and acquisitions actually are 
12:50 - How has owning a business changed you?
15:09 - Athletes and business owners
17:30 - Getting the best results for both sides
19:27 - How to prepare to sell your  business
23:30 - Caregivers across states
26:15 - Where M&A consulting is going
30:00 - Challenges with mergers and acquisitions
33:53 - Aligning company culture
35:43 - The NYS Self-Employment Assistance Program
37:36 - How can Mike Ford help you?

Thanks again for joining us on another episode of the Plant Your Flag podcast. If you liked the podcast, be sure to check out our other podcast episodes on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

=== Find Us! ===
Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/BeanMediaProductions
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/beanmedia/
LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/company/bean-media-productions/
Website: https://www.beanmediaproductions.com/

Listen:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/762c1F00LAMJXBSTATQ8gL?si=7695a335d2044918&nd=1&dlsi=85f6ed7dae244c6f
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-your-flag-with-bean-media/id1736171111

#podcast #business #smallbusiness #buffalo #entrepreneur

Watch the video on YouTube on the Bean Media Channel!

This podcast will be dedicated to the fearless ones who decided to stick their flag in the ground and start their venture. We will continue to talk about the entrepreneurship world and feature guests who inspire us and keep us going. Stay tuned!

Business lessons are often learned as you continue on your entrepreneurship journey, but some can be learned too late. The Plant Your Flag Back is back with its 34th episode to share with you some of those lessons and experiences that we've had in our over 20 years of business experience!

In this episode, Mike Bean and Jeremy Mountain talk extensively about business owner, entrepreneur, writer, musician, and flag planter Robert Grant (O'mega Red), who was on the 33rd episode of our business ownership pod. His experiences and journey through business and life allow Mike and Jer to share their own insights about what matters in the world of networking, connections, transactions, and trust.

So join us to hear the latest insights into our business, digital marketing, and the ever-growing world of connection. 

=== CHAPTERS ===
00:00 - Outtakes
01:23 - What we learned from O'mega Red
04:42 - What a business owner looks like
07:44 - Faith and confidence in yourself and your company
10:00 - Why we want to tell entrepreneurs stories on the podcast
13:00 - Being authentic and uniting
17:42 - Be yourself and truthful in all your endeavors
19:06 - Connections and networking
21:50 - Be comfortable being uncomfortable
23:20 - Closing thoughts 

Thanks again for joining us on another episode of the Plant Your Flag podcast. If you liked the podcast, be sure to check out our other podcast episodes on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

=== Find Us! ===
Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/BeanMediaProductions
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/beanmedia/
LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/company/bean-media-productions/
Website: https://www.beanmediaproductions.com/

Listen:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/762c1F00LAMJXBSTATQ8gL?si=7695a335d2044918&nd=1&dlsi=85f6ed7dae244c6f
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-your-flag-with-bean-media/id1736171111

#podcast #business #smallbusiness #buffalo #entrepreneur

Watch the video on YouTube on the Bean Media Channel!

This podcast will be dedicated to the fearless ones who decided to stick their flag in the ground and start their venture. We will continue to talk about the entrepreneurship world and feature guests who inspire us and keep us going. Stay tuned!

Success rarely happens alone; that's why relationships are so important.  In this episode of the Plant Your Flag Podcast, entrepreneur, author, musician, and business leader Robert Grant (O'mega Red) shares his life experiences and story with the podcast!

Robert Grant has planted many flags in his entrepreneur journey. Through his experience with finance and in entertainment, he is the owner of F & E Consulting. But that is just one part of his vast story. From hosting the Celebration of Summer to doing collaborative concerts, O'mega Red has a wide perspective on the world, business, music, and more!

It was a huge honor having him on the show, and the more you talk with him, the more it becomes clear how impressive and successful he is!

Join O'mega Red along with Mike Bean as he shares his full story and how relationships, networking, and surrounding yourself with the right people helped shape his career across business and entertainment.

Thanks for joining us on another episode of the Plant Your Flag podcast. If you liked the podcast, be sure to check out our other podcast episodes on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

=== Find Us! ===
Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/BeanMediaProductions
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/beanmedia/
LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/company/bean-media-productions/
Website: https://www.beanmediaproductions.com/

Listen:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/762c1F00LAMJXBSTATQ8gL?si=7695a335d2044918&nd=1&dlsi=85f6ed7dae244c6f
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-your-flag-with-bean-media/id1736171111

Watch the video on YouTube on the Bean Media Channel!

This podcast will be dedicated to the fearless ones who decided to stick their flag in the ground and start their venture. We will continue to talk about the entrepreneurship world and feature guests who inspire us and keep us going. Stay tuned!

Welcome to the 32nd episode of the Plant Your Flag Podcast! In this Episode, we talk about what Businesses are actually doing with AI. Join Mike Bean and Jeremy Mountain as they navigate the new business landscape powered by artificial intelligence.

AI has been infiltrating every business and industry since neural network transformers were discovered in 2017. This allowed key models like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok, and so many more AI systems to enter the public space, where entrepreneurs have access to them.

How are private and public businesses leveraging these and other AI systems? Mostly through automation and optimizing their work processes. So far, what we see is not often businesses looking to replace people but using AI to make everyday tasks much more efficient.

In this episode, we will discuss:
- How businesses are actually using AI
- Using AI as an entrepreneur
- How AI can improve a business's workflow
- Why AI is not as threatening as it seems
- What Meta is doing with their Andromeda AI
- And more AI topics

We hope you enjoy this deep dive into AI systems and how real businesses (like us) are actually using AI to improve how they operate themselves. If you want to learn more about AI and Business, watch the 31st episode of the podcast with John Porter, a tech leader who breaks down exactly how he is helping non-technical founders use AI solutions for their business.

---===CHAPTERS===---
00:00 - Intro
01:23 - Improving our business with AI
03:26 - Work Process Management
05:01 - AI is not replacing you 
07:55 - Connecting systems with Artificial Intelligence
09:42 - Snake oil salesmen and AI gurus
12:04 - AI after the AI boom
14:05 - Meta Andromeda 
17:15 - Humans are capable
19:00 - AI and layoffs
20:20 - What is the Plant Your Flag Podcast
24:07 - Things are ever-changing in SEO, digital marketing, and AI
29:18 - The immeasurable effects of marketing
31:32 - Outro 
32:17 - Outtakes

Thanks again for joining us on another episode of the Plant Your Flag podcast. If you liked the podcast, be sure to check out our other podcast episodes on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

=== Find Us! ===
Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/BeanMediaProductions
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/beanmedia/
LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/company/bean-media-productions/
Website: https://www.beanmediaproductions.com/

Listen:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/762c1F00LAMJXBSTATQ8gL?si=7695a335d2044918&nd=1&dlsi=85f6ed7dae244c6f
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-your-flag-with-bean-media/id1736171111

#podcast #business #smallbusiness #buffalo #entrepreneur

Watch the video on YouTube on the Bean Media Channel!

This podcast will be dedicated to the fearless ones who decided to stick their flag in the ground and start their venture. We will continue to talk about the entrepreneurship world and feature guests who inspire us and keep us going. Stay tuned!

Tech Leader John Porter explains what AI actually does for business and how companies are really using artificial intelligence to optimize workflows, improve scalability, and solve operational problems. Luckily for us, he has joined us for the 31st episode of the Plant Your Flag podcast!! 

In Episode 31 of the Plant Your Flag podcast, Mike Bean sits down with John Porter to discuss using AI tools safely and responsibly in businesses. They also discuss the business John Porter founded, Squared Sigma, which helps other businesses optimize work processes, solve business problems, and improve scalability for large clients and small solo entrepreneurs. 

John Porter is a veteran in the tech industry, working for major companies like Oracle, SAP, DecisionLink, and Xfactorio. Now he has founded his new business, Squared Sigma, where he provides AI solutions to everyday business problems to give entrepreneurs and employees their time back and to improve efficiency for everyone.

In this episode, we'll discuss:
- How businesses are actually using AI today
- Common mistakes companies make when adopting AI
- How AI improves productivity and scalability
- Why AI isn’t replacing jobs the way people think
- How entrepreneurs can leverage AI without technical experience

Thank you for joining us on episode 31 of the Plant Your Flag podcast. If you want to see more of the podcast, be sure to check out our other podcast episodes on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

—-===CHAPTERS===—

00:00 - Intro
01:06 - Building business solutions
03:53 - Optimizing value opportunities 
05:42 - AI in the tech industry
06:47 - How to correctly use AI in your business
07:42 - What John Porter and Squared Sigma does for technology and business
09:58 - Not using AI recklessly 
11:44 - Becoming an entrepreneur
13:06 - Solving problems and optimizing work processes 
14:53 - What motivates John Porter
16:08 - Helping businesses thrive
18:34 - Curiosity and corporate tech
21:45 - The support system behind a successful entrepreneur 
25:58 - Being stuck in the corporate world
26:59 - AI is not causing layoffs in tech
28:11 - The good and bad ways to use AI in business
30:04 - Why should I use a solution
31:30 - How to contact John Porter about leveraging AI
33:22 - Outro
33:57 - Outtakes

=== Find Us! ===
Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/BeanMediaProductions
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/beanmedia/
LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/company/bean-media-productions/
Website: https://www.beanmediaproductions.com/

Listen:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/762c1F00LAMJXBSTATQ8gL?si=7695a335d2044918&nd=1&dlsi=85f6ed7dae244c6f
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-your-flag-with-bean-media/id1736171111

Watch the video on YouTube on the Bean Media Channel!

This podcast will be dedicated to the fearless ones who decided to stick their flag in the ground and start their venture. We will continue to talk about the entrepreneurship world and feature guests who inspire us and keep us going. Stay tuned!

Bill Neu, an entrepreneur, real estate agent, and now family hero, is our newest addition to our collection of outstanding entrepreneurs on the Plant Your Flag Podcast! On the 30th episode of the podcast, old coworkers and friends Bill Neu and Jer speak about Bill's new business, Gramma's house.

Gramma's house isn't your regular construction business. Bill started this concept to help the elderly age in place by making modifications to their homes. Bill Neu is adamant that no one wants to go to a nursing home, and through his business, he can help your grandparents live in their homes much longer and much safer.

Starting a business is a very hard thing to do, but if you do something you love that gets you out of bed each morning that truly matters to you, there is nothing more rewarding.

Thanks for joining us on another episode of the Plant Your Flag podcast if you liked the podcast, be sure to check out our other podcast episodes on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

=== Find Us! ===
Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/BeanMediaProductions
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/beanmedia/
LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/company/bean-media-productions/
Website: https://www.beanmediaproductions.com/

Listen:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/762c1F00LAMJXBSTATQ8gL?si=7695a335d2044918&nd=1&dlsi=85f6ed7dae244c6f
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-your-flag-with-bean-media/id1736171111

Watch the video on YouTube on the Bean Media Channel!

This podcast will be dedicated to the fearless ones who decided to stick their flag in the ground and start their venture. We will continue to talk about the entrepreneurship world and feature guests who inspire us and keep us going. Stay tuned!

To find out what really happens when you bet yourself, you may have to try to find success the hard way. Starting your own business might be the riskiest and hardest thing you can do. On the Plant Your Flag podcast, we seek out these incredible entrepreneurs who bet on themselves and take that leap to plant their flags.

On the 29th episode of the Plant Your Flag Podcast, Mike and Jer discuss the most recent business owners, entrepreneurs, and flag planters who told their business startup stories.

Thanks for joining us on another episode of the Plant Your Flag podcast if you liked the podcast, be sure to check out our other podcast episodes on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

Want to be a guest on PYF? https://youtu.be/53spFvBjlJk

=== Find Us! ===
Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/BeanMediaProductions
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/beanmedia/
LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/company/bean-media-productions/
Website: https://www.beanmediaproductions.com/

Listen:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/762c1F00LAMJXBSTATQ8gL?si=7695a335d2044918&nd=1&dlsi=85f6ed7dae244c6f
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-your-flag-with-bean-media/id1736171111

Watch the video on YouTube on the Bean Media Channel!

This podcast will be dedicated to the fearless ones who decided to stick their flag in the ground and start their venture. We will continue to talk about the entrepreneurship world and feature guests who inspire us and keep us going. Stay tuned!

Depression and mental health have long been stigmatized in America. Dan Lukasik is here to share his depression journey on the 28th episode of the Plant Your Flag podcast. He has gone through his own battle with depression as a lawyer and has made it his mission to help those with mental illness all over the country. 

He has made two documentaries about depression and mental illness, one about his brother, "My Brother Lost in Time: a Bipolar Life," and another about a young boy Dan Lukasik mentored titled "Travels with George: A Journey Through Depression Connection and Friendship."

Dan Lukasik is now the NYS Judicial Wellness Coordinator, Lawyer, a Filmmaker, a Law Professor, a Well-Being Advocate & CLE Presenter, and a Keynote Speaker who addresses problems with mental illness and depression in the legal world and far beyond.

Dan sat down with Mike today to tell his story of his journey with depression, but also to share the motivation and making of his two films, as well as how businesses can and should care about mental health in the workplace. Dan also shares many more insights, stories, and more on the 28th episode of the Plant Your Flag podcast.  

Thanks for joining us on another episode of the Plant Your Flag podcast if you liked the podcast, be sure to check out our other podcast episodes on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

=== Find Us! ===
Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/BeanMediaProductions
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/beanmedia/
LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/company/bean-media-productions/
Website: https://www.beanmediaproductions.com/

Listen:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/762c1F00LAMJXBSTATQ8gL?si=7695a335d2044918&nd=1&dlsi=85f6ed7dae244c6f
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-your-flag-with-bean-media/id1736171111

Watch the video on YouTube on the Bean Media Channel!

This podcast will be dedicated to the fearless ones who decided to stick their flag in the ground and start their venture. We will continue to talk about the entrepreneurship world and feature guests who inspire us and keep us going. Stay tuned!