Self Made Strategies

On this episode we sat down with Michael Vertolli, President and Chief Executive Officer of ComTec Systems. Mike joined ComTec in 1989 as a member of the technical engineering team. Five years later in 1994, he purchased a controlling interest in the company and assumed overall control of operations. Mike helped the company develop from a two-person consulting firm into one of Inc. Magazine’s fastest growing privately-owned technology firms in the United States.

Check out ComTec here: comtecsystems.net

On this episode you will hear about:

* How process creates progress

* Best practices for processes

* How to build great teams

* Letting the metrics make the (unemotional) decisions

Production Credits:

The Self Made Strategies Podcast is a SoftStix Productions LLC jawn. This episode was hosted, produced, and edited by Tony Lopes, and Michael Vertolli joined us remotely via Google Meet.

Executive Producer - Tony Lopes (SoftStix Productions LLC - [email protected])

Host/Director - Tony Lopes

Guest - Michael Vertolli

Editor - Tony Lopes

The Self Made Strategies Podcast is sponsored by CollegeCast LLC (www.collegecastpodcasts.com).

Make sure you subscribe to the Self Made Strategies Podcast on your favorite podcasting platform, so you can catch the latest episodes.

Copyright 2018 - 2021 SoftStix Productions LLC, all rights reserved.

www.selfmadestrategies.com

On this episode, you will hear from Amanda Rabideau, the CEO of Arch Collective. Amanda built her career growing businesses using effective marketing, strategy, and sales practices. Over the past fifteen years, she has worked with large enterprises like Dell, Microsoft, CoreLogic, and tech start-ups including Cloudstaff, New Relic, and OraMetrix (acquired by Dentsply Sirona March 2018). Throughout her career, Amanda served as a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs as they launched and expanded their businesses. This passion for helping entrepreneurs led Amanda to start Arch Collective. She now devotes her career to empowering entrepreneurs and business leaders to grow their companies through effective marketing and commercialization.

Check out Arch Collective here: www.arch-collective.com

On this episode you will hear about:

* How Amanda uses her experiences at large organizations to help Series A startups grow.

* Why Amanda eventually took the leap into starting Arch Collective.

* What you can learn from large companies to improve your marketing strategies.

* The differences between large corporations and a startup (mainly when it comes to setting up processes).

* Advantages that a startup has over a large entity.

Production Credits:

The Self Made Strategies Podcast is a SoftStix Productions LLC jawn. This episode was hosted, produced, and edited by Tony Lopes, and Amanda Rabideau joined us remotely via Google Meet.

Executive Producer - Tony Lopes (SoftStix Productions LLC - [email protected])

Host/Director - Tony Lopes

Guest - Amanda Rabideau

Editor - Tony Lopes

The Self Made Strategies Podcast is sponsored by CollegeCast LLC (www.collegecastpodcasts.com).

Make sure you subscribe to the Self Made Strategies Podcast on your favorite podcasting platform, so you can catch the latest episodes.

Copyright 2018 - 2021 SoftStix Productions LLC, all rights reserved.

www.selfmadestrategies.com

On this episode, you will hear from Robert L. Mickles, the Co-Founder/Director/Editor of 360 Digital Studios.  Rob is a filmmaker based out of Croydon, Pennsylvania, who has been doing full service production studio work, with a knack for collaboration, since before attending college.  Video production takes Rob all over the world. He typically serves the following areas: Philadelphia, NYC/NJ, DMV area (DE/MD/VA/D.C), Texas, California, Las Vegas and Florida. 

His new film, "Off-Time," is a passion project that has taken almost a decade to complete.  He and his business partner, Brian, have self-funded most of the project, all while keeping up with client work.

Check out 360 Digital Studios: www.360digitalstudios.com

Follow 360 Digital on Instagram: www.instagram.com/360digitalstudios

On this episode you will hear about:

* How Rob and Brian built 360 Digital and worked their way up to a flourishing production company.

* Why they invested in RED cameras, taking a risk on (very) expensive tools.

* How Rob worked on his new film, "Off-Time," on the side and how they managed to self-fund the majority of the project.

* Rob's advice on how to keep your team motivated and working toward a long term goal.

* How Rob keeps a fresh eye when editing his own work.

Production Credits:

The Self Made Strategies Podcast is a SoftStix Productions LLC jawn. This episode was hosted, produced, and edited by Tony Lopes, with support from Director of Photography, Michael Leary (www.onefifteenfilms.com). The episode was recorded live, although we were socially distanced, and 360 Digital Studios (Croydon, PA).

Executive Producer - Tony Lopes (SoftStix Productions LLC - [email protected])

Host/Director - Tony Lopes

Guest - Robert L. Mickles

Director of Photography - Michael Leary

Editor - Tony Lopes

The Self Made Strategies Podcast is sponsored by CollegeCast LLC (www.collegecastpodcasts.com).

Make sure you subscribe to the Self Made Strategies Podcast on your favorite podcasting platform, so you can catch the latest episodes.

Copyright 2018 - 2021 SoftStix Productions LLC, all rights reserved.

www.selfmadestrategies.com

On this episode, you will hear from Dr. Mike Simpson.  Dr. Mike is best known for his role as an investigator on the History Channel’s docu-reality series "Hunting Hitler." He has served over three decades in the military as an Airborne Ranger, a Green Beret, and a doctor of emergency medicine assigned to the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC).

Trained as a demolitions expert, SWAT sniper, high altitude low opening (HALO) parachutist, civilian paramedic, Special Forces medic, operations and intelligence sergeant, and board-certified emergency medicine physician, Dr. Mike now uses his extensive knowledge of training and medicine to help men over forty achieve peak physical condition.

Check out Dr. Mike Simpsons book out here: Honed

Visit greybeardperformance.com to hear more about how you can reinvent yourself with the warrior mindset.

Check out Mike's podcast The Mind of the Warrior Podcast: Mind of the Warrior.

On this episode you will hear about:

* How to reinvent yourself even after age 40.

* Success is what happens when you run out of excuses.

* How Dr. Mike took the best aspects of being a Special Forces Operator and applied that same mindset to medicine, and to being an entrepreneur.

* How to stop living your "Plan B" and live the life you really want.

* Why you should not let society tell you what is "Normal."

* How to achieve wellness through the "Warrior-Athlete" lifestyle.

* Why you set your own limits, nobody else does.

* Do what you love and everything else will sort itself out.

Production Credits:

The Self Made Strategies Podcast is a SoftStix Productions LLC jawn. This episode was hosted, produced, and edited by Tony Lopes. Dr. Mike Simpson joined us remotely, via Google Meet.

Executive Producer - Tony Lopes (SoftStix Productions LLC - [email protected])

Host - Tony Lopes

Guests - Dr. Mike Simpson (drmikesimpson.com)

Editor - Tony Lopes

The Self Made Strategies Podcast is sponsored by CollegeCast LLC (www.collegecastpodcasts.com).

Make sure you subscribe to the Self Made Strategies Podcast on your favorite podcasting platform, so you can catch the latest episodes.

Copyright 2018 - 2021 SoftStix Productions LLC, all rights reserved.

www.selfmadestrategies.com

Nardeep Khurmi is an acclaimed writer, director, and actor hailing from the suburbs of Philly by way of Switzerland and England. You can usually catch him on some mountain likely out of breath. Or pigging out on some delicious street food. He studied at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, FAMU International in Prague, Czech Republic, Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB), and recently completed a 5 year training with teacher Stephen Book. 

His work spotlights underrepresented communities, and he splits his time working on thought-provoking, moving, socially relevant narratives and absurdist comedy pieces. ​He is currently developing a feature film about a trans-American road trip exploring a surrogate father-daughter relationship against the backdrop of America's current border and immigration crisis. Nardeep is also an accomplished actor. His recent credits include 911, SWAT, The Odd Couple, and recurring roles on Jane the Virgin and The Bold and the Beautiful. He is currently recurring on Legendary Entertainment and the Nerdist's show Orbital Redux, a revolutionary Sci-Fi show filmed and aired live, and is a heavy recurring on the Disney animated show Mira, Royal Detective, where he voices more than 10 characters.

Check out Nardeep's IMBD and his new film (currently in preproduction) Land of Gold!

Help crowdfund Land of Gold here: http://www.landofgoldfilm.com/ and https://seedandspark.com/fund/landofgold#wishlist.

On this episode you will hear about:

* Nardeep talks about his film, Land of Gold (how the idea came to him, and why he chose this subject).

* How going on instinct sometimes helps you to be faster and more efficient.

* Why journaling is a critical tool for the creative process.

* The reasons you should create a project "bible" when you are creating anything (products, services, marketing campaigns, films, etc.).

* Why pen and paper is still the best medium, and why you should just keep scribbling your ideas down until you feel "ready."

* How to get feedback from your trusted advisors.

* Nardeep will give you the secret sauce for boosting your own creative energy and using your imagination.

* Why you should never delete anything (when you're being creative).

* How improv can help you to be more creative and stay in the present moment.

* Why ultimately you need to just put your shit out there (perfection is the enemy of done).

* Nardeep and I get pretty deep, giving you some philosophy and motivation to get your projects going.

Production Credits:

The Self Made Strategies Podcast is a SoftStix Productions LLC jawn. This episode was hosted, produced, and edited by Tony Lopes. Nardeep Khurmi joined us remotely, via Google Meet.

Executive Producer - Tony Lopes (SoftStix Productions LLC - [email protected])

Host - Tony Lopes

Guests - Nardeep Khurmi (www.nardeepkhurmi.

Joris Bryon is the founder and CEO of Dexter Agency, a remote team of e-commerce conversion optimization and email marketing specialists.  The agency serves high-revenue e-commerce stores that are ready for continuous growth. With over 1500 A/B tests under his belt, Joris wrote the book “Kill Your Conversion Killers” to help all the

online stores he hasn’t worked with (yet).

Check out Joris' free e-book (that we mention during the episode) to learn more!

On this episode you will hear about:

* Common misconceptions about conversion optimization.

* Why you need to A/B test your website.

* The reasons that best practices are no longer enough.

* Why you should not just do what your competitors are doing.

* What you should be testing.

* Why growing your audience may not be the solution for you.

* The top 3 things Joris recommends testing.

Production Credits:

The Self Made Strategies Podcast is a SoftStix Productions LLC jawn. This episode was hosted, produced, and edited by Tony Lopes. Joris Bryon joined us remotely, via Google Meet.

Executive Producer - Tony Lopes (SoftStix Productions LLC - [email protected])

Host - Tony Lopes

Guests - Joris Bryon (dexter.agency)

Editor - Tony Lopes

The Self Made Strategies Podcast is sponsored by CollegeCast LLC (www.collegecastpodcasts.com).

Make sure you subscribe to the Self Made Strategies Podcast on your favorite podcasting platform, so you can catch the latest episodes.

Copyright 2018 - 2021 SoftStix Productions LLC, all rights reserved.

www.selfmadestrategies.com

Raúl Galera is the Chief Advocate at ReferralCandy, an app that allows e-commerce brands to set up and run customer referral programs. ReferralCandy is the leading platform in terms of referral marketing for e- commerce brands. Founded over 10 years ago, ReferralCandy has helped over 30,000 brands leverage the power of word-of-mouth and turn their customer base into their marketing team.

Referral marketing is a blend of organic content, community marketing and influencer marketing. Word-of-mouth is a powerful channel for both successful global names as well as new, niche brands. Referral marketing blends perfectly with brands that have a clear customer-centric approach, making it affordable for companies of any size to attract new customers while retaining existing ones. Raúl has been leading ReferralCandy’s partnership efforts for the past five years, working alongside marketing agencies, media and tech companies.

Check out referralcandy.com to learn more!

On this episode you will hear about:

* How referral marketing has evolved over the past decade.

* What the future of referral marketing will look like.

* The difference between word of mouth and referral marketing.

* How an affiliate and a referral program/marketing differ.

* For upcoming brands we look at: When is the right time to start a referral program?

* How referral marketing will fit within your marketing strategy.

* 3 key strategies to introduce a successful referral program to customers.

* How the COVID-19 Pandemic has affected the way brands are approaching referral marketing.

Production Credits:

The Self Made Strategies Podcast is a SoftStix Productions LLC jawn. This episode was hosted, produced, and edited by Tony Lopes. Raúl Galera joined us remotely, via Google Meet.

Executive Producer - Tony Lopes (SoftStix Productions LLC - [email protected])

Host - Tony Lopes

Guests - Raúl Galera (referralcandy.com)

Editor - Tony Lopes

The Self Made Strategies Podcast is sponsored by CollegeCast LLC (www.collegecastpodcasts.com).

Make sure you subscribe to the Self Made Strategies Podcast on your favorite podcasting platform, so you can catch the latest episodes.

Copyright 2018 - 2021 SoftStix Productions LLC, all rights reserved.

www.selfmadestrategies.com

On this episode, we sat down with Mark Rockwell. Mark spends his time helping frustrated business owners build healthy thriving companies and find their love of being an entrepreneur again. Mark works with business owners who are frustrated by their inability to scale up and become more profitable. He helps them create their vision, and implement an operating platform that builds a healthy, thriving company.

Mark is both an attorney and entrepreneur. He has started and grown several companies during his career, and he has struggled with the same frustrations and setbacks all business owners experience.

Check out coachrockwell.com/ to contact Mark.

On this episode you will hear about:

* How to create an “operating system” for your business.

* Why “operating systems” help organizations increase their profitability and scalability.

* Why vision and values are so important for an organization’s success.

* What you can do to notice immediate efficiency improvements and operate more smoothly.

* The secrets of effective time management.

Production Credits:

The Self Made Strategies Podcast is a SoftStix Productions LLC jawn. This episode was hosted, produced, and edited by Tony Lopes. Mark Rockwell joined us remotely, via Google Meet.

Executive Producer - Tony Lopes (SoftStix Productions LLC - [email protected])

Host - Tony Lopes

Guests - Mark Rockwell (coachrockwell.com)

Editor - Tony Lopes

The Self Made Strategies Podcast is sponsored by CollegeCast LLC (www.collegecastpodcasts.com).

Make sure you subscribe to the Self Made Strategies Podcast on your favorite podcasting platform, so you can catch the latest episodes.

Copyright 2018 - 2021 SoftStix Productions LLC, all rights reserved.

www.selfmadestrategies.com

 

On this episode, we sat down with Joey Mure and Russ Morgan, of Wealth Without Wall Street. Russ and Joey are serial entrepreneurs and currently operate 19 short term rentals along with several other investment strategies. They love to talk about the challenges and motivations they experience as business owners and helping others pursue financial freedom.

The wall street mindset separates families, entrepreneurs, and business owners from their money while others use it for their advantage. The secret to freedom is having your money work for you, not someone else, when wealth building. Both Russ and Joey work tirelessly to be the hub for financial insight and education for individuals, business owners and investors nationwide. We believe that taking control over your finances will lead to greater prosperity and a more stress free way of life. We invite you to join our community as you take control of your path to financial freedom. Joining the community will allow you to make better decisions regarding your financial future through coaching, access to legal and tax experts, and networking with like minded individuals who are exploring multiple ways to create passive income.

Russ’ creativity, fresh ideas, and knack for problem solving are indispensable assets to his role at Wealth Without Wall Street. Russ would describe himself as competitive, creative, and passionate; his colleagues would likely add that he is helpful and abundant. Joey’s strengths in building relationships, asking great questions, and influencing and empowering people with the Wealth Without Wall Street message make him invaluable to the company’s mission. He is relational, impactful, and a true leader. His colleagues would add that he’s thoughtful, funny, and a family man.

Check out https://go.wealthwithoutwallstreet.com/passport for a free gift from Russ and Joey.

On this episode you will hear about:

* How to create certainty in your future and create a life worth living.

* Three simple steps to Financial Freedom.

* How to stop sending money away and use it to work for you.

* Why chasing zero debt will never get you anywhere.

* How you might be able to earn a return in two places at the same time with the same money.

Production Credits:

The Self Made Strategies Podcast is a SoftStix Productions LLC jawn. This episode was hosted, produced, and edited by Tony Lopes. Joey Mure and Russ Morgan joined us remotely, via Google Meet.

Executive Producer - Tony Lopes (SoftStix Productions LLC - [email protected])

Host - Tony Lopes

Guests - Joey Mure and Russ Morgan (www.wealthwithoutwallstreet.com)

Editor - Tony Lopes

The Self Made Strategies Podcast is sponsored by CollegeCast LLC (www.collegecastpodcasts.com).

Make sure you subscribe to the Self Made Strategies Podcast on your favorite podcasting platform, so you can catch the latest episodes.

Copyright 2018 - 2021 SoftStix Productions LLC, all rights reserved.

www.selfmadestrategies.com

 

On this episode, we sat down with Rachel Marshall and Bruce Wehner, of the Money Advantage.

The Money Advantage is a team of financial freedom architects for wealth creators. Using their 3-step roadmap, you maximize your money by keeping more of what you make, protecting it, and turning it into cash-flowing assets. Their family office model brings you the concierge service usually reserved for the ultra-wealthy – a team of licensed professionals to coordinate every part of your financial life. This includes strategies for cash flow, long- term tax reduction, estate and business legal planning, creative whole life insurance strategies (Privatized Banking), and alternative investments.

Rachel Marshall is the Co-Founder, Chief Financial Educator, and Content Strategist of The Money Advantage. She is known for making money simple, fun, and doable. She’s currently writing a book about her near-death experience and how it became the springboard for her family’s multi-generational legacy of more than money.

Bruce Wehner is the Lead Advisor of The Money Advantage, where he designs and communicates the individualized solutions that help their clients increase cash flow and financial control. Bruce leans on his experience as an educator and varsity head coach, lifelong entrepreneur, and real estate investor. He is a Nelson Nash Institute Authorized Infinite Banking Practitioner who has been practicing Infinite Banking since his parents started his first policy when he was a young child.

Bruce and Rachel are the co-hosts of The Money Advantage podcast, the popular business and personal finance show.

Visit The Money Advantage here: themoneyadvantage.com

On this episode you will hear about:

* 3 infinite banking secrets for investors and entrepreneurs.

* How to earn a return on the same money in 2 places at the same time.

* 3 keys to maximize profitability without hustling or cutting back.

* 3 things investors need to know before using infinite banking.

* How you might be able to earn a return in two places at the same time with the same money.

Production Credits:

The Self Made Strategies Podcast is a SoftStix Productions LLC jawn. This episode was hosted, produced, and edited by Tony Lopes.  Rachel Marshall and Bruce Wehner joined us remotely, via Google Meet.

Executive Producer - Tony Lopes (SoftStix Productions LLC - [email protected])

Host - Tony Lopes

Guests - Rachel Marshall and Bruce Wehner

Editor - Tony Lopes

The Self Made Strategies Podcast is sponsored by CollegeCast LLC (www.collegecastpodcasts.com).

Make sure you subscribe to the Self Made Strategies Podcast on your favorite podcasting platform, so you can catch the latest episodes.

Copyright 2018 - 2021 SoftStix Productions LLC, all rights reserved.

www.selfmadestrategies.com