In this episode of Simply Business, host John Jennings sits down with Drew LaMaster, Partner and Director of Employee Benefits at Insuramax. Drew shares his 20-year journey in the insurance industry, his transition into leadership, and his passion for fostering a positive company culture. He also dives into the pressing challenges business owners face with rising healthcare costs and explains how innovative solutions like ICHRAs (Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements) are changing the game.

Tune in to learn how Drew balances his career with family life, his insights on leading multi-generational teams, and how he helps businesses save millions on healthcare. Whether you're a business owner or interested in the evolving world of employee benefits, this episode is packed with valuable lessons on leadership, innovation, and success.

Topics Covered:

- The path from agent to partner: Drew’s leadership insights

- Innovative insurance solutions like ICHRAs

- Navigating the challenges of rising healthcare costs

- Balancing work and family as a business leader

- Creating and maintaining a positive company culture

Contact Information: To connect with Drew, reach out via email at [email protected] or call (502) 479-4065.

In this episode of Simply Business, I sit down with Lindsay Paulson, the COO of Mulberry Builders, a construction company based in Lexington, Kentucky. Lindsay shares her inspiring journey from starting in hospitality to becoming COO of a rapidly growing construction firm. We dive deep into her experiences, including the challenges of scaling the company, navigating leadership as a young female in a male-dominated industry, and the importance of putting the right people in the right roles.

Lindsay also highlights Mulberry Builders' commitment to community impact through their work with St. Jude and the construction of Kentucky’s first human trafficking recovery home. Whether you’re a business owner, aspiring leader, or curious about the construction industry, this episode offers valuable lessons on leadership, growth, and community service.

Tune in for actionable insights and an inspiring story of resilience, humility, and purpose!

In this inspiring episode of "Simply Business," host John Jennings sits down with 18-year-old entrepreneur Ethan Hilton, the co-founder and CEO of Caseflood.ai, a groundbreaking company that has developed the first AI receptionist for law firms. Despite his young age, Ethan has already built multiple successful ventures and is making waves in the legal tech industry.

Ethan shares his journey from his early entrepreneurial ventures in second grade to his time as a competitive Fortnite gamer, and eventually, to founding a legal tech company that led him to where he is today. He talks about the challenges of building a startup, the importance of partnering with people who have complementary skills, and how his passion for innovation drives him to keep pushing forward.

This episode also delves into Ethan's thoughts on the value of college in today's world, especially for young entrepreneurs, and how he balances the decision between continuing his education at Carnegie Mellon and focusing on his rapidly growing business.

Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, a business owner looking for inspiration, or someone curious about the future of AI, Ethan's story is a powerful reminder that it's never too early—or too late—to chase your dreams and live without regrets.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of complementary skill sets in building a successful startup
• How AI is revolutionizing client qualification in law firms
• The changing landscape of education and entrepreneurship
• Why following your passion is crucial to avoiding regret

Connect with Ethan Hilton:

• LinkedIn: Ethan Hilton
• Website: Caseflood.ai

Don't miss this inspiring conversation with one of the most promising young entrepreneurs of our time!

In this episode of "Simply Business," we're joined by Katie Hutchinson, Founder and CEO of KHIT Consulting, a woman-owned IT project management and consulting firm celebrating its 5-year anniversary. Katie opens up about her inspiring journey from starting KHIT Consulting to becoming a leader in a male-dominated industry.

Katie shares her unique leadership philosophy, emphasizing a work environment where failure is seen as a step toward growth and innovation. She also discusses the challenges and rewards of being a woman in tech, her passion for solving business problems through technology, and her expertise in working with electronic health record (EHR) platforms, specifically the MyEvolv product.

We explore how KHIT Consulting customizes and automates EHR systems like MyEvolv to improve efficiency and allow healthcare professionals to focus more on patient care. Katie also shares her vision for the future of KHIT Consulting, including the exciting possibilities in AI and robotic process automation.

Tune in to learn more about:

• The journey of building a successful woman-owned business in the tech industry.
• Katie’s approach to leadership and fostering a supportive company culture.
• How KHIT Consulting enhances EHR platforms like MyEvolv to streamline healthcare processes.
• The future of AI and robotic process automation in business.

Don’t miss this insightful conversation with Katie Hutchinson, filled with valuable lessons for entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, and business leaders alike!

Join us in this insightful episode of "Simply Business" as we sit down with PJ Thelen, CEO of Rove IQ. PJ shares his inspiring journey from a corporate leader to an entrepreneurial CEO, delving into the risks, challenges, and triumphs he faced along the way. With a background in corporate America, including roles at Arthur Anderson and Kroger, PJ brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to the table.

In this episode, PJ discusses:

• His transition from corporate life to leading a startup.
• The emotional and operational challenges of entrepreneurship.
• The innovative technology behind Rove IQ and its impact on high-foot-traffic areas.
• Strategies for shortening sales cycles and scaling a business.
• The importance of building a collaborative and talented team.
• Staying updated with the latest in technology and AI advancements.
• Encouraging advice for aspiring entrepreneurs to take risks and embrace failure as a learning opportunity.

Tune in to hear PJ’s unique perspective on entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting your entrepreneurial journey, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with others who might benefit from PJ's story. Leave your comments and let us know what you found most inspiring!

In this episode of "Simply Business," John Jennings sits down with Julie Benton, the dynamic president of And-well Agency, a marketing firm specializing in health, wellness, and education. Julie shares her inspiring journey from intern to president, revealing the secrets behind her leadership success and the agency's unique culture. Discover how Andwell Agency's mission-driven approach and innovative "healthy conversations" philosophy foster open communication and drive growth. Julie also delves into the challenges and rewards of rebranding, managing a multi-generational workforce, and embracing AI to enhance creativity and efficiency. Tune in to learn valuable insights from a leader who is transforming the landscape of healthcare and education marketing.

Episode Highlights:

• Julie Benton’s career progression and leadership insights
• The unique focus and mission-driven culture of Andwell Agency
• The importance of “healthy conversations” in fostering open communication
• Strategies for managing and motivating a multi-generational team
• How AI is revolutionizing operations and creative processes at Andwell
• Julie’s advice for businesses undergoing significant cultural or branding changes

Join us for an episode filled with inspiration, practical advice, and a fresh perspective on leadership and marketing in the healthcare and education sectors.

In this episode of "Simply Business," John Jennings sits down with Michael DeLon, founder and president of Paperback Experts. Michael shares his inspiring journey from working in Christian radio and a startup, to serving in the ministry, and eventually becoming a marketing consultant. He opens up about the challenges he faced, including a major turning point when he couldn't gain clients due to his ministry background. This led to the transformative decision to write a book on marketing, which established his credibility and significantly boosted his business.

Michael discusses the unique process his company uses to help business owners write books without writing a word, through speaking their content. He emphasizes the power of a book as a marketing tool, sharing success stories like that of Brad, a financial advisor whose business skyrocketed after publishing his book. Michael also delves into the dynamics of working with his son in the family business and the importance of financial preparedness.

Listeners will gain valuable insights on leveraging books to build credibility, innovative content creation methods, and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Tune in for an engaging and informative conversation filled with actionable takeaways for business owners.

Website: https://paperbackexpert.com/

In this insightful episode of "Simply Business," host John Jennings sits down with Kirstie Matzek, the CEO of Shawnee Christian Healthcare, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) based in Louisville, Kentucky. Kirstie has been in the role for a little over a year. She shares her remarkable journey from starting as a receptionist to rising through the ranks to become the CEO.

Kirstie delves into the challenges she faced during this transition, particularly the significant leap from being a Director of Operations to leading an entire organization. She candidly discusses the reality of leadership being "lonely at the top" and how she navigated this isolation by building strong support networks and seeking mentorship.

A central theme of the conversation is Kirstie's mission-driven leadership. She passionately speaks about her commitment to serving the underserved communities of West Louisville, a drive deeply rooted in her personal connection to the area. Kirstie emphasizes the importance of consistency and transparency in leadership, highlighting how these principles have been instrumental in transforming the organizational culture at Shawnee Christian Healthcare.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the complexities of leading a healthcare organization in a challenging environment, the importance of staying true to one’s mission, and the strategies Kirstie employed to foster a patient-centered culture. She also offers advice for business leaders contemplating a transition to roles with more meaningful impact.

Tune in to be inspired by Kirstie Matzek’s story of resilience, dedication, and transformative leadership.

Key Takeaways:

• Kirstie’s career progression from receptionist to CEO

• The challenges and mindset shifts in transitioning to a CEO role

• The impact of mission-driven leadership on organizational culture

• Strategies for navigating the complexities of leading a Federally Qualified Health Center

• The importance of consistency and transparency in building trust and driving change

Advice for business leaders seeking more purpose-driven careers

Listen now to this compelling episode and learn how to lead with purpose and make a lasting impact in your community.

On this episode of "Simply Business" we delve into the extraordinary journey of Henry Camp, the owner and president of Shipper Solutions. With over 44 years in the logistics industry, Henry's story is one of resilience, innovation, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Starting at the age of 28, Henry took over his family business, transforming it from a small operation into a leading name in third-party logistics. His entrepreneurial spirit, first ignited during his college days selling stereos to fund his education, laid the foundation for a career marked by strategic growth and innovative solutions.

In our conversation, Henry shares the leadership insights he gained over four decades, highlighting the importance of transitioning from working in the business to working on the business. He recounts the challenges he faced and the strategies he employed to build a company where he could focus on long-term goals rather than daily operations. Henry also unveils the secrets behind Elucidate, their revolutionary inventory management software, which has set new industry standards by reducing inventory while improving availability. His ability to turn significant challenges into opportunities for growth, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, is a testament to his adaptability and strategic thinking.

Henry's impact extends far beyond Shipper Solutions. He shares fascinating stories of how his company has grown its footprint worldwide, consulting for major brands like Adidas and managing inventories in diverse markets. His latest venture in the aviation sector aims to revolutionize engine overhauls with unprecedented turnaround times, showcasing his continual drive to innovate and lead in various industries.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or simply interested in compelling success stories, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice. Henry's narrative is not just about business success; it's about finding unique solutions, maintaining a decisive competitive edge, and staying resilient in the face of challenges. Tune in now to hear Henry Camp's inspiring journey and gain actionable tips for your own business success.

In this episode of "Simply Business," host John Jennings interviews Dwight Busche, the owner and president of Xtreme Fabrications. Dwight shares his unique journey from being a corporate employee to purchasing and transforming Xtreme Fabrications into a competitive player in the industry.

Dwight discusses the motivations behind his leap into business ownership, highlighting his desire to prove his capabilities rather than seeking traditional rewards like independence or status. He also candidly shares the challenges he faced, including losing a major customer shortly after acquisition, and the strategic pivots he made to steer the company towards complex welding and machining.

Listeners will gain insights into the evolving manufacturing landscape in Kentucky, the importance of industry reputation, and the continuous need for innovation. Dwight's reflections on leadership, building a flexible and supportive work environment, and maintaining work-life balance are both inspiring and practical for aspiring business owners.

This episode is packed with valuable lessons on perseverance, strategic adaptability, and the real-life challenges of business ownership. Tune in to hear Dwight's story and his advice for those considering the entrepreneurial path.

Links: Xtreme Fabrications: XTRfab.com

Join us for this insightful conversation and learn what it takes to navigate the complexities of business ownership and lead a company to success.