In this episode, Ben Hayes, Nick Baxter, and Austin Bockwinkel share how Freestone Insurance Group is building a nationally recognized insurance platform rooted in relationships and entrepreneurial drive. Ben reflects on his journey from professional golf to founding a full-service brokerage, and how an unplanned conversation with Shore Capital opened his eyes to what Freestone could become. The team discusses why they chose partnership over exit, how investing in talent and technology transformed their business, and what they look for in agency owners ready to join the platform. They talk about preserving the brands and cultures entrepreneurs have built, why the most exciting time to join is at the beginning, and how insurance remains a people-first industry where Freestone's future will be defined by the partners who choose to be part of the story.

Key Takeaways:

1. Entrepreneurial drive and trusted relationships form the foundation of durable growth in a people-first insurance industry.
2. Investing early in specialized expertise and operational infrastructure frees leaders to move from working in the business to building the business.
3. Choosing partnership over exit unlocks talent, technology, and strategic resources that accelerate scale without sacrificing culture or control.
4. The most compelling platforms preserve brand, legacy, and entrepreneurial identity while aligning incentives to create long-term shared value.

Chapters:

1. 00:00 - Introduction
2. 03:49 - A People-First Business
3. 06:10 - Investing in Talent and Infrastructure
4. 09:46 - Partnership Over Exit
5. 18:28 - Preserving Legacy and Driving Growth

Listen to our podcasts at:

https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts

You'll also find other Microcap Moments episodes, alongside our series Everyday Heroes and Bigger. Stronger. Faster., highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique.

Other ways to connect:

Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog

Shore University: https://www.shorecp.university/

Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university

This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

In this episode, Bill Clendenen, Charlie Talbot, and Michael Burcham focus on the critical role N-1 leaders play in building scalable companies and how great boards evaluate and develop that talent. They discuss why N-1 engagement in the boardroom strengthens succession planning, sharpens strategic alignment, and prepares leaders for larger roles. The conversation explores how CEOs can coach and position their teams for success, when to elevate value-creation roles versus hygienic functions, and how boards assess whether executives can scale with the business. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize that effective boards don’t just oversee performance but actively help build the next generation of leadership.

Key Takeaways:

1. Strong boards engage N-1s directly to assess succession readiness, reinforce strategic alignment, and build depth across the leadership team.
2. Board meetings serve as a proving ground where emerging leaders learn to think strategically, communicate clearly, and demonstrate their ability to scale with the business.
3. Effective CEOs act as coaches, preparing N-1s for the boardroom, creating stretch opportunities, and reinforcing accountability while protecting confidence.
4. High-performing boards don’t just evaluate current results; they actively help shape, develop, and elevate the next generation of leadership to sustain long-term value creation.

Chapters:

1. 00:00 – Introduction
2. 01:17 – Why N-1 Engagement Matters
3. 04:33 – When N-1s Should Lead
4. 08:05 – Coaching N-1s for the Boardroom

Listen to our podcasts at:

https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts

You’ll also find other Bigger. Stronger. Faster. episodes, alongside our Microcap Moments and Everyday Heroes series—highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique.

Other ways to connect:

Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog

Shore University: https://www.shorecp.university/

Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university

This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

In this episode, Bill Clendenen, Charlie Talbot, and Michael Burcham explore how CEOs can turn their boards into true strategic assets. They share practical guidance on building trust through transparency, setting realistic goals, and engaging board members outside the boardroom. The conversation focuses on how effective CEOs pressure test strategy, avoid surprises, and translate strategic plans into clear operational execution. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize that strong CEO board relationships are built on consistency, preparation, and open dialogue, enabling boards to support leadership, execution, and long-term value creation actively.

Key Takeaways:

1. CEOs maximize impact by using the board as a strategic partner through transparency, preparation, and consistent engagement.
2. Trust with the board is built through realistic goal-setting, open discussion of challenges, and a disciplined, no-surprises approach.
3. Keeping the strategic plan front and center aligns discussion, sharpens decisions, and connects strategy directly to execution.
4. Strong board engagement happens outside the boardroom, where prewiring and one-on-one conversations reduce friction and improve outcomes.

Chapters:

1. 00:00 – Introduction
2. 03:48 – Using the Board Strategically
3. 06:28 – Keeping Strategy Front and Center
4. 10:02 – Building Trust and Avoiding Surprises
5. 15:25 – Pre-Wiring Decisions and Board Dynamics

Listen to our podcasts at:

https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts

You’ll also find other Bigger. Stronger. Faster. episodes, alongside our Microcap Moments and Everyday Heroes series—highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique.

Other ways to connect:

Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog

Shore University: https://www.shorecp.university/

Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university

This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

In this episode, Bill Clendenen, Charlie Talbot, and Michael Burcham build on the foundation of great board design by focusing on how effective board members show up in practice. They explore the mindset, behaviors, and preparation that separate high-impact directors, emphasizing curiosity over judgment, role clarity, and alignment with the strategic plan. The conversation examines what strong board preparation looks like, how directors add value inside and outside the boardroom, and why understanding the CEO’s perspective is critical. Throughout, they highlight how great board members help translate strategy into results, support talent development, and proactively engage to accelerate value creation.

Key Takeaways:

1. Great board members lead with curiosity over judgment and clear role awareness, creating trust and stronger outcomes with management.
2. The most effective boards translate strategy into execution by aligning directors, investors, and CEOs around direction, pace, and results.
3. Preparation anchored in the strategic plan allows boards to stay forward-looking, ask better questions, and focus on what matters most.
4. High-impact directors extend their influence beyond meetings through proactive engagement, talent development, and targeted support for CEOs and teams.

Chapters:

1. 00:00 – Introduction
2. 01:12 – How Great Board Members Show Up
3. 03:11 – Turning Strategy Into Results
4. 09:37 – How Great Boards Prepare
5. 17:03 – Impact Beyond the Boardroom

Listen to our podcasts at:

https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts

You’ll also find other Bigger. Stronger. Faster. episodes, alongside our Microcap Moments and Everyday Heroes series—highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique.

Other ways to connect:

Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog

Shore University: https://www.shorecp.university/

Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university

This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

In this episode, Bill Clendenen, Charlie Talbot, and Michael Burcham explore what makes a great board member and how Shore Capital Partners designs boards to drive value creation. They discuss the purpose of the board, the importance of diverse and relevant operating experience, and why board composition matters as much as strategy. The conversation highlights the role of the Lead Independent Director in supporting CEOs, de-risking execution, and translating between management, the board, and investors. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize that effective boards ask the right questions, stay aligned with the strategic plan, and actively help management build and scale the business.

Key Takeaways:

1. Great boards accelerate value creation by pairing clear strategy with real operating experience to help management grow and reduce risk.
2. Diverse, complementary board composition turns governance into a competitive advantage beyond financial oversight.
3. The Lead Independent Director plays a vital role in aligning management, the board, and investors through trust, context, and ongoing engagement.
4. Effective boards stay aligned with strategy, ask better questions, and actively support the company’s evolution from growth to exit.

Chapters:

1. 00:00 – Introduction
2. 01:20 – The Purpose of a Great Board
3. 09:16 – The Role of the Lead Independent Director
4. 13:11 – How CEOs Should Use Their Board
5. 18:51 – How Boards Evolve Over the Hold Period

Listen to our podcasts at:

https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts

You’ll also find other Bigger. Stronger. Faster. episodes, alongside our Microcap Moments and Everyday Heroes series—highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique.

Other ways to connect:

Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog

Shore University: https://www.shorecp.university/

Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university

This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

In this episode, Carsten Bick shares his path from building healthcare services businesses to leading PhaseWell Research. He reflects on what drew him to clinical research, the opportunity to expand patient and physician access in a fragmented industry, and why people remain central to creating a successful platform. Carsten discusses scaling clinical trials through thoughtful partnerships, why culture and trust matter as much as process and technology, and how Shore Capital’s people-first approach aligned with his vision for long-term growth. He underscores the responsibility of building alongside experienced founders, staying close to patients, and letting purpose guide PhaseWell’s strategy and leadership.

Key Takeaways:

• People-first leadership comes first, shaping how teams are built, decisions are made, and care is delivered throughout the organization.
• Expanding access to clinical research requires engaging more physicians and patients in a highly fragmented industry.
• Trust, culture, and experienced partnerships enable growth while preserving quality, integrity, and alignment with mission.
• Long-term success is driven by staying close to purpose, investing in people, and building platforms alongside partners who share a long-term vision.

Chapters:

1. 00:00 - Introduction
2. 05:57 - Expanding Access in a Fragmented Industry
3. 17:17 - People-First Leadership
4. 20:27 - Building Trust Through the Right Partnerships
5. 24:57 - Purpose, Scale, and Long-Term Growth

Listen to our podcasts at:

https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts

You'll also find other Microcap Moments episodes, alongside our series Everyday Heroes and Bigger. Stronger. Faster., highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique.

Other ways to connect:

Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog

Shore University: https://www.shorecp.university/

Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university

This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

In this episode, Elizabeth Smyers shares her journey from occupational therapist to Chief Innovation Officer at PRO-spectus and the mission-driven mindset that fuels her work. Rooted in compassion and shaped by a willingness to step into the unknown, Elizabeth reflects on how solving one patient’s challenges led her to solving problems at scale. She brings a blend of curiosity, process discipline, and a “how can I help” spirit to every opportunity, fostering a culture where people lean in, take risks, and show up for one another and the patients they serve.

Key Takeaways:

• A “how can I help” mindset turns challenges into opportunities for impact
• Curiosity and adaptability create the path for unexpected career growth
• Process and discipline transform complexity into clear, achievable outcomes
• Culture thrives when people show up for one another with purpose and consistency

Chapters:

1. 00:00 - Introduction
2. 05:08 - Connecting Passion to Purpose
3. 08:41 - The Power of a “How Can I Help” Mindset
4. 18:11 - Looking Ahead at Innovation
5. 20:54 - A Nonlinear Career Path

Listen to our podcasts at:

https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts

There you will also find our other Everyday Heroes episodes, alongside our series Microcap Moments and Bigger. Stronger. Faster., highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique.

Other ways to connect:

Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog

Shore University: https://www.shorecp.university/

Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/

Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog

This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, nor a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

In this episode, Jordan Baltimore reflects on his unlikely path from volunteering to rake a baseball field to founding New York Empire Baseball and leading RISE. He shares how passion, curiosity, and a belief in what young athletes deserve shaped his vision for elevating youth sports. Jordan discusses why culture, coaching, and community sit at the heart of his model, how transforming coaching from a gig into a profession changes lives, and why Shore’s commitment to scaling culture, not just business, was the deciding factor in their partnership. He highlights the power of inspiration, the responsibility of shaping young athletes’ experiences, and how staying true to purpose continues to guide every decision he makes.

Key Takeaways:

• Passion for people, community, and the joy of the game creates the foundation for meaningful growth in youth sports.
• Elevating coaching from a gig to a profession strengthens culture and ensures every athlete receives consistent, inspiring development.
• Great experiences come from focusing on the core of youth sports, connection, learning, and life lessons, not just technology or metrics.
• The right partnerships are built on shared values, a commitment to culture, and a clear vision for scaling without losing what makes the work special.
• Inspiration thrives when leaders stay curious, invest in development, and create environments where young athletes and coaches can learn, grow, and belong.

Chapters:

1. 00:00 - Introduction
2. 06:22 - Passion for Community
3. 12:40 - Building Sustainable Coaching
4. 21:25 - Finding the Right Partner
5. 34:59 - The Future of RISE

Listen to our podcasts at:

https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts

You'll also find other Microcap Moments episodes, alongside our series Everyday Heroes and Bigger. Stronger. Faster., highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique.

Other ways to connect:

Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog

Shore University: https://www.shorecp.university/

Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university

This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

In this episode, Devenee Schumacher shares her journey from her grandmother’s kitchen to founding and building SDC Nutrition into a leading manufacturer in the health and wellness industry. She reflects on how her love of food, curiosity for science, and commitment to quality turned a homegrown idea into a company built on integrity and innovation. Devenee discusses how honesty and persistence guided her through the challenges of scaling a new market, why investing in people and doing what’s right creates lasting impact, and how true growth comes from staying grounded in purpose and passion.

Key Takeaways:

• Purpose and passion often begin with humble roots where love for craft and family spark lifelong curiosity and drive.
• Integrity and quality build trust in products, partners, and people and form the foundation of lasting success.
• Resilience and innovation thrive when leaders stay true to their values, adapt to change, and keep improving what they create.
• True fulfillment comes from doing what’s right, investing in others, and leading with honesty, purpose, and heart.

Chapters:

1. 00:00 - Introduction
2. 05:16 - Humble Roots and Lifelong Curiosity
3. 07:40 - Turning Passion into a Product
4. 14:07 - Integrity and Innovation in Manufacturing
5. 22:10 - Growth, Partnership, and Purpose

Listen to our podcasts at:

https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts

You'll also find other Microcap Moments episodes, alongside our series Everyday Heroes and Bigger. Stronger. Faster., highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique.

Other ways to connect:

Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog

Shore University: https://www.shorecp.university/

Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university

This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

In this episode, Ken Meyer shares his journey from growing up on a family farm to leading at Whole Foods and beyond. He reflects on how hard work, humility, and a people-first mindset shaped his 24-year career and guided him through major transitions from building teams to leading Whole Foods’ sale to Amazon. Ken discusses how trust, transparency, and empowerment drive lasting culture, why great leaders learn through failure, and how success comes from focusing on purpose, staying curious, and never losing sight of what matters most.

Key Takeaways:

• Lasting leadership begins with hard work, humility, and curiosity that keep growth grounded in purpose.
• Empowering people through trust, transparency, and context creates a culture where teams thrive and leaders emerge.
• Successful transformations happen when leaders build trust, communicate openly, and stay true to shared values.
• Fulfillment comes from focusing on what matters most, helping others grow, and creating impact that endures.

Chapters:

1. 00:00 - Introduction
2. 03:45 - Lessons from the Farm
3. 09:30 - The Power of Trust and Empowerment
4. 15:11 - Leading Through Transformations
5. 22:44 - Purpose and Fulfillment

Listen to our podcasts at:

https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts

You'll also find other Microcap Moments episodes, alongside our series Everyday Heroes and Bigger. Stronger. Faster., highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique.

Other ways to connect:

Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog

Shore University: https://www.shorecp.university/

Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university

This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.