In this special episode of the Purposeful Prosperity Podcast, we feature captivating conversations exploring the world of purpose-driven businesses by selected Inc. 5000 leaders and their impact on prosperity. This episode equips you with actionable insights and inspiring stories from successful, purpose-driven entrepreneurs and industry trailblazers. Discover how these leaders align their actions with their mission, navigate challenges, and create prosperous futures for themselves and their communities.

KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED: - Loop & Tie: Offering choice-based corporate gifting to support small businesses and promote sustainability. - Corpino: Helping innovators bring their ideas to life and encouraging collaboration. - Insperity: Supporting small businesses and driving economic growth in communities. - Linker Finance: Empowering community banks and credit unions to support small businesses and individuals. - Developers.net: Connecting Latin American talent with global job markets to foster career growth.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTES:

"You don't have to be a lonely genius to create something. You just have to have the belief that you can make something amazing." - Alejandro from Corpino "Corporate gifting should be about supporting small businesses and promoting sustainability." - Lindsey from Loop & Tie

“Go out and support small businesses. It's just so important. I know that Amazon's a really convenient service, but when you buy locally and you support those makers, you're really supporting their families and just their livelihood. So I encourage you just to be thoughtful about your purchases.” - Lindsey from Loop & Tie

“We believe that creativity and bringing new things to the market or to the world is what moves us forward” - Alejandro from Corpino

"We're all about helping businesses grow so that communities prosper." - Laura from Insperity “Just be a good human and a good citizen of the world. Pay it forward. What goes around comes around, right?” - Laura from Insperity

"We want to ensure that community banks, credit unions, and fintechs have access to the same state-of-the-art technology that bigger banks do." - Jorge from Linker Finance

"We're bridging the gap between people who need these opportunities these jobs, and companies in the US and Canada that need IT talent." - Anwar from developers.net

LET'S CONNECT:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Purposeful_Prosperity  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heyjacksmith Website: https://www.heyjacksmith.com/podcast

FOLLOW FORTUNA BMC: Facebook: www.facebook.com/fortunabusinessmanagement Instagram: www.instagram.com/fortunabmc Twitter: www.twitter.com/FortunaBMC Website: www.fortunabmc.com

In this episode of Purposeful Prosperity, we feature Liz Steblay, the Co-Founder and Chief Advocate of the Professional Independent Consultants of America (PICA). Liz shares how her previous success in building the Proko Agency led her to create PICA, a platform where aspiring entrepreneurs can learn and support one another to achieve their career goals. 

Liz discusses the advantages of self-employment, such as increased flexibility, minimized time wastage, and lower tax rates. Liz also emphasizes the importance of finding fulfillment and purpose in one's work. She shares her catchphrase, "Friends Don't Let Friends W2," highlighting the benefits of being paid on a business-to-business basis. Liz offers valuable advice and resources for individuals considering solopreneurship, including her article on nine considerations and a companion webinar. She also announces her upcoming book, "Succeeding as a Solopreneur: Six Steps to Taking the Leap, Winning Clients, and Generating Wealth," set to be released in partnership with Inc Magazine.

TOPICS DISCUSSED: 

- Introduction to PICA and its role in supporting solopreneurs - Liz Steblay's journey from Proko Agency to founding PICA - Advantages of self-employment for consultants - Lowering tax rates and saving more money as a solopreneur - The importance of time management and work-life balance - Fulfillment and purpose in building a successful consulting career - Overcoming fear and uncertainty when considering self-employment - Resources and advice for aspiring solopreneurs - Announcement of Liz Steblay's upcoming book, "Succeeding as a Solopreneur: Six Steps to Taking the Leap, Winning Clients, and Generating Wealth"

NOTEWORTHY QUOTES:

"What drives you? What fulfills you? That's the prosperity part." – Liz Steblay

“You need to ask yourself these questions, and you need to talk to somebody close to you, because you're not going to do this alone. You need to talk to your spouse, or your best friend, or somebody who can support you, because when times get tough, They've got to remind you why you wanted to do this in the first place.” – Liz Steblay

“My calling is to help more people. I love seeing people launch their businesses, and then I get these notes back that say, I won my first client, and I followed the rules from your billing rights class, and I got way more money than I thought I was going to, and I don't make any money from PICA. So, it's those types of emails and notes that I get back, and I'm like, yeah, this is what floats my boat. This is what gets me going. And that, you're right, that's the prosperity part.” – Liz Steblay

"Prosperity is not just about the dollars in your bank, it's about the happiness and fulfillment." – Jack Smith

LET'S CONNECT:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Purposeful_Prosperity TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heyjacksmith Website: https://www.heyjacksmith.com/podcast

FOLLOW FORTUNA BMC: Facebook: www.facebook.com/fortunabusinessmanagement Instagram: www.instagram.com/fortunabmc Twitter: www.twitter.com/FortunaBMC Website: www.fortunabmc.com

In this special episode of Purposeful Prosperity, we feature Ingrid Thibodeux, the CEO of Citi Approved Enterprise, a full-service general contracting firm. Ingrid shares her journey from starting a construction company after Hurricane Katrina to expanding her business into new industries. She discusses the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry and how she overcame them. Ingrid also shares her passion for educating and giving back to the community, particularly in the realm of financial literacy. This episode also highlights the importance of mental health and the role it plays in achieving success and prosperity.

TOPICS DISCUSSED: - Ingrid's transition from construction to the broader scope of Citi Approved Enterprise - Overcoming challenges as a woman in a male-dominated industry - The importance of purpose in navigating unfamiliar territory - Ingrid's commitment to educating and training others, specifically in financial literacy - Assisting clients through the insurance adjusting process to recover fair settlements - The impact of mental health and the utilization of therapy and life coaching

NOTEWORTHY QUOTES:

"I'm a woman in a male-dominated industry. And I just stepped out on faith, and I'm almost 18 years in and out." - Ingrid Thibodeux

"But really what makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside is that I love educating and paying it forward."- Ingrid Thibodeux

I give a damn. And if something's wrong or there's something, an emergency with their family and they need to reach me, I always want to know what's going on in the company." - Ingrid Thibodeux

There is nothing wrong with supporting your mental health. This is a hard-ass grind. And if we don't put our mask on first, what good are we to our people?" - Jack Smith

LET'S CONNECT:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Purposeful_Prosperity  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heyjacksmith Website: https://www.heyjacksmith.com/podcast

FOLLOW FORTUNA BMC: Facebook: www.facebook.com/fortunabusinessmanagement Instagram: www.instagram.com/fortunabmc Twitter: www.twitter.com/FortunaBMC Website: www.fortunabmc.com

In this episode of Purposeful Prosperity, we feature Bobby Mesmer, CEO of RMG Erectors and Constructors. Bobby discusses his journey as a business leader and his passion for giving back. He shares his experience in the pre-engineered building industry and how he turned his company into the world's largest pre-engineered building erector. 

Jack and Bobby delve into the importance of mentorship and how Bobby is using his knowledge to support and coach other entrepreneurs. Bobby also shares his passion for racing and how it ties into his desire to train and support young drivers. Additionally, he also talks about his plans to start a nonprofit organization focused on helping children and battered women and the impact he wants to make in various communities.

TOPICS DISCUSSED: - Bobby Mesmer's journey in the pre-engineered building industry - Building RMG Erectors and Constructors into the world's largest pre-engineered building erector - The importance of mentorship and giving back - Bobby's plans to start a nonprofit organization focused on helping children and battered women - How listeners can support Bobby's initiatives - Bobby's passion for race car driving and training young drivers

NOTEWORTHY QUOTES:

"When you become a business leader, you can either maintain being a business leader or you can be a person that can start to give back and really start to make a difference." - Bobby Mesmer

"I have all this knowledge, I have all this passion, I have all this stuff, and I can't just hold it into myself. God didn't create me for that. God created me to give it back out there." - Bobby Mesmer

“I like to give back my knowledge and the things that I've learned through business and things I've learned over the years and the things that I know that I can make change.” - Bobby Mesmer

“It's not about what I'm doing, it's about what we can do globally, and for everybody, and for the people.” - Bobby Mesmer

LET'S CONNECT: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Purposeful_Prosperity TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heyjacksmith Website: https://www.heyjacksmith.com/podcast

FOLLOW FORTUNA BMC: Facebook: www.facebook.com/fortunabusinessmanagement Instagram: www.instagram.com/fortunabmc Twitter: www.twitter.com/FortunaBMC Website: www.fortunabmc.com

Unlock the keys to prosperity in todays episode of Purposeful Prosperity Podcast with financial guru, Mackey McNeill. Join entrepreneur, investor and founder, Jack Smith, in a deep and enlightening discussion with his friend, Mackey, the founder of The Prosperity People and author of 'The Prosperity Playbook.'

This episode takes us on a journey through Mackey's financial philosophy and explains how she shifted her financial advisory approach. Mackey also passionately shares about helping entrepreneurs avoid bankruptcy, emphasizes the importance of sound data systems for strategic planning and decision-making, and takes us a step up the prosperity ladder.

Mackey ultimately encourages each of you to find your own prosperity by living your own dreams, not anyone else's. Don't let this unique episode slip away. Tune in now, stock up on insights, and kick-start your journey to prosperity!  

Topics Discussed: - Defining prosperity as money, time, and mind freedom - Shifting from transactional to relational financial advisory - The importance of financial data integration in strategic planning - Prosperity Ladder & why it's essential in the path to prosperity - Finding your inner voice, meditation and yoga for inner-looking - Moving from traditional to sustainable farming

NOTEWORTHY QUOTES:

"Prosperity to me is achieving the three freedoms of prosperity. And the first one is Money freedom. When we think about prosperity, we think about money...The second one is Time freedom.  If we achieve money freedom, but we don't have time freedom, what have we really accomplished?...So creating time freedom is super important to having the life that you want. And the third piece is mind freedom...So we really have to have all three of these things to live our most full potential." - Mackey McNeill

"And I think that's what we're all here to do, to live our most valuable personal lives. And that's what is true for us. What do we want to bring? What do I want to bring into the world?" - Mackey McNeill

"I believe that most of us are indoctrinated to live our world from the outside in. We look outside and we see, what do we want and we go after that. But finding a place, meditation, yoga, inner looking is a big part of my life. Finding out what's true for you...So I would encourage everybody to go live their dream, the dream that's inside of you." - Mackey McNeill

"Prosperity means something different for everybody and that you can't know what prosperity means for me or for you or for our listeners without asking questions and listening and understanding the relationship that you have with those individuals." - Jack Smith 

LET'S CONNECT: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Purposeful_Prosperity TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heyjacksmith Website: https://www.heyjacksmith.com/podcast  

FOLLOW FORTUNA BMC: Facebook: www.facebook.com/fortunabusinessmanagement Instagram: www.instagram.com/fortunabmc Twitter: www.twitter.com/FortunaBMC Website: www.fortunabmc.com

Dive into an inspiring podcast episode that uncovers the dynamic role of passion in women leadership and entrepreneurship, featuring Melissa Washington, CEO of the Women Veterans Alliance. The discussion revolves around how passion ignites a fire beyond profit, serving as the catalyst for genuine impact. Melissa's journey echoes this sentiment, showcasing her evolution from passion to purpose, culminating in her national organization supporting women veterans – a testament to the profound influence of aligning business with personal passion.

 By creating an atmosphere of community and addressing specific needs, Melissa and her team significantly enhance the lives of countless women veterans, providing not just support, but a sense of purpose and recognition within their community. She discusses the power of intertwining business ventures and events with passion, not only for personal fulfillment but for making an impactful difference in the lives of not just women, but everyone.

Melissa's unwavering commitment to service shines through as she discusses the transformative impact of purposeful entrepreneurship. Tune in now to this engaging episode and unlock the secrets to leadership and entrepreneurship driven by passion.

TOPICS DISCUSSED:

- Melissa's military journey, including deployments and becoming a Marine Corps wife - Transitioning from military life to civilian life and the challenges faced by women veterans - The founding of the Women Veterans Alliance and its mission to support women veterans - Purpose and passion in Melissa's journey and the significance of serving women veterans - Overview of the Women Veterans Conference and its unique features - The impact of the conference on the well-being of women veterans - Women Veterans Giving, its purpose, and support for women veteran entrepreneurs - The creation and significance of the Women Veterans Magazine - How the magazine raises awareness and provides valuable resources for women veterans - Introduction to Veteran Events and its focus on storytelling and representing women veterans

NOTEWORTHY QUOTES:

"A lot of times the passion may come and then the purpose, and then sometimes the purpose may come and then the passion." - Melissa Washington

“To me, if we can build, continue to build community for women veterans where they have a safe environment, where they can come and feel like they can take their masks off and be themselves, that is so important to someone's well-being.” - Melissa Washington

"How can we bring awareness that women serve? How can we continue to tell our stories?" - Melissa Washington

“As an entrepreneur and as a leader, without passion, you just have a job. And I think for us to put that “why” into it and to teach our team and our customers and all of that, I think that's really how we help people make a better difference in the world.” - Jack Smith

“Cause it's all about, you know, people think prosperity means money, but prosperity is quality of life, right? It's, the moments in the day and how do you feel about who you are and your contributions to the world, which, you know, money is one of those, but that's not the only thing.” - Jack Smith

LET'S CONNECT: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Purposeful_Prosperity TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heyjacksmith Website: https://www.heyjacksmith.com/podcast

FOLLOW FORTUNA BMC: Facebook: www.facebook.com/fortunabusinessmanagement Instagram: www.instagram.com/fortunabmc Twitter: www.twitter.com/FortunaBMC  Website: www.fortunabmc.com

Featuring Kumar Vijayendra, Founder of Footsteps LLC and author of "The Sustainable Entrepreneur" in the latest episode of the Purposeful Prosperity Podcast with Jack Smith. Kumar shares insights into the four P's of sustainability and how small business owners can embrace them as their North Star. He passionately advocates for expanding our responsibility beyond narrow circles, encouraging listeners to consider the broader implications of their decisions on employees, customers, the environment, and the overall purpose of their endeavors. 

This episode is not just about theory; it's a call to action. Kumar delves into the influence consumers wield in shaping a sustainable future. He discusses the evolution of sustainability for businesses, the importance of participating in sustainability efforts to improve the planet, and his experience launching a government program to enhance citizen services. 

Tune in to this engaging conversation to discover how you can make a sustainable impact on your business and community.

TOPICS DISCUSSED: - Introduction to Footsteps LLC and Kumar Vijayendra's book, "The Sustainable Entrepreneur" - The four P's of sustainability: people, planet, profit, and purpose - Evolution of sustainability for businesses, from profit-driven approaches to embracing philanthropy and business ethics - Factors driving businesses to participate in sustainability efforts: consumer preferences, collaboration with larger businesses, competition, incentives, and venture capitalist interest - Kumar's experience launching a government program to improve citizen services - The importance of embracing sustainability for businesses to improve the planet and leave a legacy

NOTEWORTHY QUOTES:

“So any important business decision, any important strategic decision we're making, we want to evaluate the consequence of that decision on each of these four P's…All of those, these are like the four legs of a table. All of them have to be there.” - Kumar Vijayendra

“Number one, everyone who's done business or who is doing business today, you are in the business because you wanted to do something more than just yourself, something bigger than just meeting your immediate needs. You had a calling.” - Kumar Vijayendra

“All of us have this intrinsic human desire, intrinsic human wish to impact the lives of people around us. We get limited by who we consider ourselves responsible for.” - Kumar Vijayendra

“So it's important for us as leaders to really make sure that we're not only doing what makes money, but what makes the world a better place.” - Jack Smith

“Without a planet, there are no future generations. So now we are looking extraterrestrials as well, but right now we have one place to live and we're not taking good care of our environment or the world that has taken care of us today.” - Jack Smith

LET'S CONNECT: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Purposeful_Prosperity   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heyjacksmith Website: https://www.heyjacksmith.com/podcast

FOLLOW FORTUNA BMC: Facebook: www.facebook.com/fortunabusinessmanagement Instagram: www.instagram.com/fortunabmc Twitter: www.twitter.com/FortunaBMC Website: www.fortunabmc.com

In this episode of the Purposeful Prosperity Podcast, Jack Smith interviews Merritt DeGraw, a digital transformation leader and Chief Technology Officer of Fortuna BMC. Merritt highlights the crucial need for individuals and businesses to shift their mindsets in response to today's rapidly changing business landscape. He emphasizes embracing new thinking patterns in the face of technological advancements such as AI, automation, and robotics, allowing for a focus on impactful activities while also addressing customer needs beyond mere transactions. Merritt shares his experience of being part of one of the fastest-growing companies in North America and discusses the challenge of doing a lot with limited resources.

Tune in to this episode emphasizing the importance of simplicity, curiosity, and maximizing impact with limited resources, and discussing how businesses can create positive change by not just thriving in a shifting market but also by empowering underserved communities.

TOPICS DISCUSSED: - Merrit's journey in blending business, technology, and faith - Using technology to transform people's lives - Building world-class IT departments and global-scale data centers - Managing remote teams and expanding businesses internationally - Demand response solutions and using Bitcoin mining to manage power allocations - Dispelling misconceptions about Bitcoin mining and data centers - Forward-looking initiatives in hydrogen power generation, vertical farming, and nanotechnology - Supporting veterans in deploying their technical capabilities in emerging technologies

NOTEWORTHY QUOTES:

“If you look at a lot of what's coming to the marketplace, people have to transform their way of thinking, and providing that pathway is very important.” - Merritt DeGraw

"We were changing people's lives. We were allowing them to get back to doing stuff that they weren't able to do before; using whatever prosperity that I have to be able to help out communities and/or people live better lives." - Merritt DeGraw

“I look at opportunities where I'm able to both, you know, make money, of course, but also transform people's lives” - Merritt DeGraw

“Grow through simplicity. It's not that you can't grow, but you need to just the minimum amount to continue to get the maximum impact.” - Jack Smith

“That's what technology really does, right? It's an augmentation of our lives. It's here to make us easier.” - Jack Smith

LET'S CONNECT: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Purposeful_Prosperity  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heyjacksmith Website: https://www.heyjacksmith.com/podcast

FOLLOW FORTUNA BMC: Facebook: www.facebook.com/fortunabusinessmanagement Instagram: www.instagram.com/fortunabmc Twitter: www.twitter.com/FortunaBMC Website: www.fortunabmc.com

Join us for another episode of Purposeful Prosperity, featuring James Barrood, founder and CEO of Innovation Plus. James shares his journey in the entrepreneurship world and discusses the importance of community building and elevating organizations. James delves into the role of AI for Good and the challenges and opportunities surrounding AI, including misinformation and ethical considerations. James also highlights the significance of entrepreneurship and the impact of immigrant entrepreneurs on innovation.

James emphasizes the value of community and connections in entrepreneurship. He talks about his role as an "Uber connector," helping entrepreneurs and innovators connect with partners, investors, and talent. By elevating organizations and individuals through podcasts, events, and networking, James aims to foster growth and success within the ecosystem.

The conversation then shifts to the topic of AI for Good. James discusses two organizations, AI for Good and TechAid, which leverage AI to address societal challenges. He highlights the benefits of AI, such as automation and transformation, but also acknowledges the risks, including bias, job displacement, and misinformation.

The episode concludes with a focus on entrepreneurship and its impact on society. James emphasizes the importance of persistence, learning from failure, and the role entrepreneurs play in driving innovation.

Don't miss out on this thought-provoking conversation! Tune in now to learn how entrepreneurship, along with the contributions of immigrant entrepreneurs, drives innovation and shapes our world.

TOPICS DISCUSSED:

- James Barrood's background and experience in the entrepreneurship world - The mission and role of Innovation Plus in building a global community - Elevating organizations and individuals through networking and events - The importance of community and connections in entrepreneurship - AI for Good and TechAid: Leveraging AI to address societal challenges - Benefits and risks of AI, including bias, job displacement, and misinformation - The importance of entrepreneurship in driving innovation and societal progress - Supporting veteran entrepreneurs and their impact on the business economy - The significance of immigrant entrepreneurs in fueling innovation

NOTEWORTHY QUOTES:

“Entrepreneurs will always be the leading edge, making society better through innovation and improve products and services.” - James Barrood

“You just never know what possibilities there are until you put yourself out there.” - James Barrood

“And so it's that persistence and learning from failure, which is so important and vital to the business economy, but also society.” - James Barrood

“When you're emboldened with purpose, it's important to make sure you stay relevant. I think that's what the key to staying on the leading edge of technology and whatever purpose inspires you.” - Jack Smith

“It's not just the dollar transaction, but the impact and that quality of life, which is as much a part of wealth as money, right?” - Jack Smith

LET'S CONNECT:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Purposeful_Prosperity

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heyjacksmith

Website: https://www.heyjacksmith.com/podcast

FOLLOW FORTUNA BMC:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/fortunabusinessmanagement

Instagram: www.instagram.com/fortunabmc

Twitter: www.twitter.com/FortunaBMC

Website: www.fortunabmc.com

The latest episode of Purposeful Prosperity with Jack Smith features Diana Potts, the Chief Operations Officer at Fortuna BMC. Diana talks about her military background, living overseas, and the unique perspective it gave her. She emphasizes the importance of making a difference and living a fulfilled life. Diana discusses her experience as a business owner, her success in disaster response, and her passion for helping underdog businesses thrive. She also delves into her expertise in water filtration and the growing significance of water issues worldwide. Diana highlights the importance of family, community, and supporting veterans and neglected neighborhoods.

Join Jack and Diana as they explore the transformative power of taking chances, seizing opportunities, and embracing a life without regrets. Diana's insights and experiences will inspire you to step outside your comfort zone, pursue your passions, and create a life of purposeful prosperity. This is a conversation you don't want to miss! Tune in now and embark on a journey towards purposeful living and boundless success.

TOPICS DISCUSSED:

- The impact of living overseas and its influence on one's perspective

- Challenges faced as a military spouse and mother of veterans

- Diana's decision to start her own business and the learning curve involved

- Making a difference through disaster response and environmental responsibility

- Consulting for veteran-owned and eight A-businesses

- Involvement in writing the DoD Environmental Sustainability Plan and working with the Army Energy Task Force

- Being a North Carolina representative on the business advisory council to the White House

- The importance of water and the increasing global water issues

- Developing water filtration technology and addressing water scarcity

- The energy-water-food nexus and the need for sustainable solutions

- The significance of family, community, and supporting neglected neighborhoods

NOTEWORTHY QUOTES:

"I will not die an unlived life." - Diana Potts           

“So whenever we bring new things to the table, it's how can we do this and how does it help our community? How does it help our veterans?” - Diana Potts

“Never, never, never do we sit still.” - Diana Potts

“Not dying with an unlived life means that you took the chances, you reached out for the opportunities that were presented to you, and you were as prepared as you could be. And, you know, they say no regrets. That's really what that means, right?” - Jack Smith

“So it's all about service. Making money is just a byproduct. When you do good, when you make an impact in the world, and you're doing so purposefully, and you make sure that people need it, and that it's profitable, you use that, you put that profit back into the community, and reinvest it.” - Jack Smith

LET'S CONNECT:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Purposeful_Prosperity

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heyjacksmith

Website: https://www.heyjacksmith.com/podcast

FOLLOW FORTUNA BMC:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/fortunabusinessmanagement

Instagram: www.instagram.com/fortunabmc

Twitter: www.twitter.com/FortunaBMC

Website: www.fortunabmc.com