In this episode, Candise Shanbron and Justin Cernitz interview each other. Candise's perspective is shaped by her belief in the need for authentic and candid conversations about the challenges faced in business and relationships. This belief stems from her dissatisfaction with self-help books’ lack of relatability and practicality. On the other hand, Justin views the podcast as a platform for sharing personal experiences and lessons learned, helping others navigate the complexities of these areas. Both hosts value the importance of multiple perspectives, including a female perspective, and plan to compile the best takeaways from their podcast into a book.

Here are the takeaways from this episode:

Quotes:

"I always pride myself of never checking the box and going through the motions in anything in life and really doing things with intention and being real earnest about it and solving problems and like I said, not going through the motions and checking the boxes." - Candise Shanbron

"If you ignore the possibility of obstacles and pitfalls, you're never going to grow or succeed because you're always going to think that it's just supposed to go one way. And if you don't recognize that there are those issues out there, you're never going to be able to figure out how to work around them." - Justin Cernitz

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In this episode, Candise Shanbron and Justin Cernitz interview Krista Jones, a professor of animal sciences and a veterinarian, and Dave Bristol, a creative individual passionate about personalized and unconventional wedding experiences, who have combined their unique backgrounds to create Whimsically You, a business dedicated to providing personalized, unconventional wedding experiences. Krista believes that traditional weddings often need more personalization and represent the unique personalities and interests of the couple. She aims to incorporate the couple's hobbies, history, and individuality into their wedding celebration. On the other hand, Dave believes in creating a business that aligns with one's lifestyle and values, and he finds fulfillment in connecting with people and providing them with meaningful memories. Together, they aim to bring playfulness and creativity into weddings and other community events, challenging the conventional norms and offering a more personalized and unconventional approach.

Here are the takeaways from this episode:

-       The importance of innovation in the wedding industry offering couples a chance to break away from traditional norms and infuse excitement into their big day.

-       The significance of perseverance and balancing business growth with personal values.

-       Why open and honest communication is essential for resolving conflicts and maintaining a successful partnership.

-       How marketing and educating potential clients on the advantages of selecting your business holds particular value when introducing innovative concepts to the market.

Quotes:

" I think traditional weddings are wonderful if that's what people want, but I think oftentimes we fall into these patterns of just doing things the way it's expected to be done, as opposed to thinking about what really represents us and who we are and the kind of celebration that we want to have. And so we definitely wanted to bring in a lot of our sort of unique history and personality and our hobbies and things like that, and a lot of ourselves into the wedding.” - Krista Jones

“The goal is we can keep having it be fun as it grows and develops, as opposed to turning it into a thing that has to work because we're vitally dependent on it. And then maybe we get a little too wound up, we get a little too anxious, we push too hard, something like that because we don't want to stop being fun.” - Dave Bristol

“I've made a lot of changes in my life. I've been a musician, I was in software, blah, blah, blah, and even things like healthy eating or exercise. You can make a drastic change and throw yourself at it and I just don't believe it's sustainable. Whereas when you make these incremental changes, you make it a process that's enjoyable, then it just becomes this part of your life.” - Dave Bristol

“You have to have a lot of adaptivity, right? As we play test ideas, we have to come back, revise them. We have to sort of constantly be thinking about new things and managing these projects on a timeline, making sure we're able to deliver them, all of those kinds of things.” - Krista Jones

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In this episode, Candise Shanbron and Justin Cernitz speak with Christian and Erica Pleasant, influential figures in the real estate industry with community outreach and empowerment advocacy backgrounds. Christian, known for his expertise in production and video, has significantly impacted the community through his real estate work and community outreach. His professional relationship with Erica, a dynamic speaker, published author, and event organizer, has been instrumental in promoting their shared goals and visions. On the other hand, Erica leverages her expertise in real estate and community outreach to inspire individuals to embrace their potential and achieve their goals.

Here are the takeaways from this episode:

-       Importance of taking calculated risks and viewing failures as valuable learning experiences.

-       Discover the power of setting boundaries and standards confidently, personally and professionally.

-       Learn the art of achieving quick results while maintaining a keen eye for analysis and risk management.

-       The importance of unwavering perseverance and adaptability.

Quotes:

"You have to face your fears you got to face. I did have to come out of your shell, and that was something that I had to learn much later in life than I would have wanted to because I'm that person that I want to learn all my lessons early on as soon as I can do it." – Candises Shanbron

“Drown all of the outside noise because you know how you hear those horror stories, and I feel like you all are the experts I would lean to the experts because I feel like you'll hear people that say, oh, you absolutely can't do business with your spouse. Don't do it. It's horrible. But I would look at the use of the world like you two. I feel like have you're an example of you're bringing forth examples of how it could work. So start looking for what you want versus what you're scared of." - Erica Pleasant

“I feel like when you guys are out on that beach having that cocktail, and you're looking back, there will be far less regrets when we look back and say, well, I stood in my truth in that moment. So that's what I would say. Like, set the standards unapologetically." - Erica Pleasant

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In this episode, Candise Shanbron and Justin Cernitz speak with Shawn Sunsvold, co-founder of Gold Bear Media, and his wife, Kelly Sunsvold, who has built a successful digital marketing agency through their dynamic partnership. Shawn, with his background in sales and marketing, and Kelly, with her passion for design and print production, believe in the power of partnership in overcoming personal and professional challenges. Shawn emphasizes the importance of communication, flexibility, and understanding the financial aspects of the business. At the same time, Kelly highlights the significance of humility, resilience, and the ability to turn challenges into opportunities. Their experiences have shaped their perspective that couples can overcome challenges and achieve growth in their personal and professional lives by working together and leveraging each other's strengths.

Here are the takeaways from this episode:

Quotes:

"We call ourselves engagement specialists. So we're seeing growth from our clients' platforms using kind of like our secret sauce for engagement. We have a very specific strategy that we use, and month over month, our clients are growing by like 10% to 20% on their platforms." - Kelly Sunsvold

"I think if you can keep as a business owner and if you're married to your business owner, your business partner, keeping an open hand about it and really just kind of letting it organically evolve and see where your strengths are. But it takes conversation. Like, I cannot emphasize that enough." - Kelly Sunsvold

“Beyond the roles, I think it was just trying to figure out time, too, because now we're both full time in the business.” - Shawn Sunsvold

“Be flexible because things change, and from yesterday to today to tomorrow, things could change. Up, down, up, down, left, right, whatever it is, they're going to change constantly. And as business owners, I think we have to be flexible to be able to see what's happening and choose a direction.” - Shawn Sunsvold

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In this episode, Candise Shanbron and Justin Cernitz speak with Natalie Lacey, a successful entrepreneur with a strong Catholic background, and Aaron Lacey, a former Green Beret with a unique perspective on entrepreneurship, who have both faced and overcome the realities and challenges of starting and running a business. Natalie's insights on entrepreneurship revolve around the importance of self-identity and purpose, emphasizing the need to understand oneself deeply and one's calling in life and business. She also highlights the role of faith and open communication within a partnership. On the other hand, Aaron believes that entrepreneurship requires challenging oneself, dividing tasks based on individual strengths, and having difficult conversations. He also underscores the importance of family support and answering essential questions about identity and purpose.

Here are the takeaways from this episode:

·      Discover how the right timing can be the secret to achieving your business and personal goals.

·      Learn the art of impeccable preparation before making game-changing decisions in your entrepreneurial journey.

·      Explore the transformative impact of cultivating a supportive network of mentors and partners in your entrepreneurial pursuits.

·      Find out how maintaining a harmonious work-life balance can be the key to successful entrepreneurial endeavors.

·      Dive into entrepreneurship and uncover strategies for facing challenges head-on and thriving with a pragmatic approach.

Quotes:

"But timing is everything. You always hear timing is everything." - Aaron Lacey

"We really want them to build bridges and their family, too, and be able to share their love in a way that will transfer generations of playtime." - Natalie Lacey

"Your business is not your relationship. They're interrelated, but they're two different things." - Candise Shanbron

"One of the biggest lessons we've learned is that a high-quality introduction to someone, like a good reference is absolutely invaluable.” - Natalie Lacey

"I think the American culture is one of the few that has it backward. And you know, just from living in Europe, they pride themselves, and most European countries will pride themselves on family quality of life first rather than the job." - Aaron Lacey

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In this episode, Candise Shanbron and Justin Cernitz speak with Dr. Richard Kaye, a seasoned business growth strategist with over two decades of experience, and Angela Legh, a writer, entrepreneur, and columnist for the Los Angeles Tribune, who have dedicated their careers to blending love, business, and life lessons. Through his successful chiropractic practice and work with entrepreneurs, Dr. Kaye emphasizes the importance of seeing people as souls, fostering personal growth, and accepting individual journeys. Drawing from her own traumatic experiences and work in children's literature, Angela Legh believes in teaching compassion and understanding early on, recognizing that hurt people hurt people. Dr. Kaye and Angela Legh have used their unique insights to assist others in navigating the complexities of personal and professional relationships.

Here are the takeaways from this episode:

·      How personal challenges and difficult experiences can be a powerful source of inspiration for creative endeavors and personal growth.

·      Why fostering open and honest conversations, especially with children, is essential for emotional well-being and preventing issues caused by repressed emotions.

·      Combining kindness with professional expertise can be a winning formula for achieving personal and business goals.

·      Embracing your unique life journey and finding ways to harmonize personal and professional aspects successfully despite challenges and sacrifices.

Quotes:

"The repression of feelings is really part of all the world's ills. So if we could just teach kids how to face those feelings, then, oh my gosh, we can avoid a lot of problems." - Angela Legh

"We don't see the world as it is. We see it as we are." - Dr. Richard Kaye

“Nothing's a waste. Everything is a learning process. You are exactly where you need to be right now.” - Angela Legh

"We can beat up on ourselves for the shit we didn't know, or we can lay a path into the future of where we choose to be. And we can use our pains from the past as an anchor to hold us down, or we can use that pain as fuel to propel us forward." - Dr. Richard Kaye

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In this episode, Candise Shanbron and Justin Cernitz speak with Marialexandra Garcia, a seasoned bridal designer and trailblazer in the garment industry, and Christian Lisogorsky, a business professional with a keen understanding of the LGBTQ+ market, have been challenging gender norms and empowering individuals through their work in inclusive clothing. Through her brand Outplay, Garcia has created clothing options for individuals who have been ignored by the industry, including those resorting to harmful methods to present themselves authentically. Her insights were gained through focus groups and listening to the experiences of the LGBTQ+ community, and she discovered her clothing line also resonated with women who have had mastectomies. Lisogorsky, on the other hand, acknowledges that clothing is a means of self-expression and representation, and his perspective is driven by a desire to fill the gap in the market for clothing that aligns with the identities of the LGBTQ+ community.

Here are the takeaways from this episode:

·      How clothing narrates personal stories and the absence of inclusive choices can hinder self-expression, affecting confidence and self-esteem.

·      The importance of learning from errors and unity and how mistakes fuel evolution

·      How establishing a space where everyone feels acknowledged, amplifies self-expression by defying societal expectations.

·      Why inclusive clothing fosters an inclusive, accepting society, encouraging self-expression and nurturing a supportive environment that discourages judgment and discrimination.

Quotes:

"Clothing is what we use to represent ourselves to the entire world. It tells a story about us. And when you don't have an option to find something that helps you tell your story, it affects you deep down because you don't have a way to express yourself like everybody else" - Marialexandra Garcia

"I think the biggest lesson is very simple and I'm going to say everybody says it's simple. It's not easy to do, but it's very simple. It's a discipline and consistency, a congruency small steps every single day and being better, 1% better every single day takes you to success. And it's a long tail game. This is a marathon, it's not sprint." - Christian Lisogorsky

"We made a crazy amount of mistakes and very expensive mistakes. But trust me, we don't make those mistakes again. And we've gotten better and better and better because of those mistakes." - Marialexandra Garcia

“When did we stop celebrating failures? Because when we were kids, when we were learning how to walk, our parents would celebrate our failures so we can become successful knowing that.” - Christian Lisogorsky

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In this episode, Candise Shanbron and Justin Cernitz speak with Eric and Evelyn Michiels, who faced challenges in their marriage and business partnership as house flippers. Their different ideas about how a house should look created a divide, leading to a decision to no longer work together. The conversation discusses conflicting priorities in house flipping, the importance of clear communication and understanding in resolving conflicts, and the challenges of balancing personal and professional lives.

Here are the takeaways from this episode:

·      The importance of staying strong and flexible in the face of failure.

·      Overcoming adversity and learning from it are integral to transforming setbacks into victories.

·      Addressing conflicts head-on and seeking common ground can prevent partnership issues from escalating.

Quotes:

“Nobody ever wants to talk about the failures. Nobody ever wants to talk about the trials and tribulations of how they got somewhere.” – Candis Shanbron

“If your work is not producing how you want it to produce, then it creates additional tension that mounts up.” – Eric Michiels

“I was very excited when we Started, and I would just say got disappointed because of all the problems that we got, but very disappointed and very overwhelmed.” Evelyn Michiels

“We see different opportunities for us in the future. But again, once these things have been solved, these financial stresses that were causing us to fight even beyond the business, I think [working together again is] something that we can definitely consider.” – Eric Michiels

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In this episode, Candise Shanbron and Justin Cernitz speak with Joe and Judy Roetheli. The Roethelis faced challenges in marketing and fulfilling orders but overcame them through persistence and innovation. They emphasize the importance of mentors and staying true to one's passion. Yummy Combs is a revolutionary dog treat that addresses dental health issues in dogs, and the founders conducted scientific studies to ensure its effectiveness. The conversation also discusses the lessons learned from starting Greenies and the significance of perseverance and taking risks.

Here are the takeaways from this episode:

·      The pivotal role of perseverance in overcoming obstacles on the entrepreneurial path.

·      How mentorship's guidance and insights are highlighted as essential tools for navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.

·      What a genuine enthusiasm for one's work and innovative approaches contribute to product success.

·      Why you should consider a comprehensive approach to pet health, including dental care and nutrition.

·      Guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing resilience, innovation, and staying true to a vision.

Quotes:

“We never planned to start a company. We just were trying to find something to make our dogs… have better breath... They just smelled horrible.” – Judy Roetheli

“If you're going to [start a business], make sure you're doing it for a passion of yours, something you're really interested in, and not for the money. Because if you're doing it solely for the money, when those really tough times come, you're going to throw in the towel. If your heart is in here and it is that thing that drives you, you're not going to throw in the towel.” – Joe Roetheli

“We have kind of a philosophy of ours, big picture of life and it goes you learn, you earn, and then you yearn to return.” – Joe Roetheli

“We believe that we had the right people, the right product, and we're at the right time, and we don't know if it ever can be replicated by anybody again, because the people we hired had cultural and moral philosophies that we held.” – Judy Roetheli

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In this episode, Candise Shanbron and Justin Cernitz interview Byron and Krissy Wolfe, the couple behind CFOAF. They discuss their experiences and lessons learned in providing small businesses with financial leadership and advisory services. They emphasize the importance of staying in their respective lanes and trusting each other's expertise. The podcast covers topics such as defining roles and responsibilities, coping mechanisms and communication strategies, conflict resolution, and the role of a fractional CFO in driving business growth. They stress the significance of clear communication in building solid and successful relationships and the need to avoid assumptions and have open and honest conversations.

Here are the takeaways from this episode:

·      Why fostering open dialogue, avoiding assumptions, and adapting to diverse communication styles is crucial

·      Why building trust in both personal and professional relationships is fundamental.

·      How a data-driven approach to decision-making, facilitated by fractional CFOs, plays a pivotal role in propelling business growth.

·      Why balancing personal and professional lives within a partnership involves managing separate workspaces, creating designated alone time, and adapting strategies as circumstances evolve.

·      How the foundation for a strong partnership lies in trust, effective communication, and the strategic use of each other's strengths.

Quotes:

“But as we know, you can know your numbers. You can know them inside and out. But if you don't know how to interact with people, if you don't interact with your clients, your customers, your employees, just knowing the numbers isn't enough to make it work. – Bryon Wolfe

“Communication is huge. We had to figure out that we have to kind of be a little blunt sometimes.” – Bryon Wolfe

“There were times when we definitely disagreed on the vision and how to get there.” – Krissy Wolfe

“It doesn't matter how much practice you have. Nobody's perfect at hiring. People can be different in an interview than they are in real life.” – Krissy Wolfe

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