Small Business Confidential

Brook and A’marri talk about the importance of being decisive in business—how to manage your time, cut out stress, and stop letting small issues snowball. From management habits to mindset shifts, they share real tools for working smarter, not harder.
6:30 Brook shares a quote from Mark Cuban about how adaptability is key to business success—and how real-life problems force you to change plans.
11:15 A’marri discusses identifying time-wasters in business, from inefficient employees to indecisive customers, and how to make structural fixes.
13:45 Brook explains how she learned to stop over-explaining estimates and how being direct helped her avoid unnecessary stress.
18:15 Brook tells a story about refusing to mediate someone else’s management issue—and how it saved her time and taught ownership.
24:45 Brook and A’marri reflect on flexible work schedules, what it really means to “clock out,” and how real productivity often happens after hours.

One of the key pillars of success in business or real estate is knowing how to manage people. If you can’t manage people—or don’t learn how—it’s going to be an uphill struggle, to say the least. In this episode, Mike, Brook, and A’marri break down what real-world management actually looks like.
3:00 Brook opens the discussion with a key management rule: be friendly, not friends, and learn how to balance respect with authority.
6:15 A’marri shares how overexplaining leads to confusion and time-wasting, and why clarity is more powerful than reasoning.
11:00 Mike breaks down a classic management moment from The Godfather, showing how simple authority gets things done.
21:00 Mike tells a real story about assuming new hires know how to clean up—and how that mistake cost them with a long-time client.
34:30 Brook and Mike stress the value of scripting and being prepared—how it reduces anxiety and leads to better leadership decisions.

Brook, Mike, and A’marri discuss the productivity benefits of mid-day naps, workouts, and unplugging—plus how recharging can lead to better problem-solving in business and real estate.
1:00 Mike shares how business changes and legacy software led them to reimagine company systems—and why their new programmer is now required to nap.
3:30 Brook explains how his afternoon runs help reset his energy and problem-solve, often leading to clearer, more focused decisions.
6:20 The team talks about “stepping off the treadmill” and creating space in the day to think more strategically and make better choices.
11:00 A’marri describes how aligning your workday with your natural energy dips can help avoid burnout and boost productivity.
28:00 Mike explains how he uses short naps and routine breaks to reach creative solutions—including one that landed them a major contract.

Brook and Mike discuss the power of scripting and planning for quick Airbnb turnarounds and for selling properties.
2:00 Mike introduces the idea of scripting your day and how vital it is for managing real estate and small business operations effectively.
3:00 Brook breaks down how she handles violation lists—deciding what can be done in-house, what needs to be outsourced, and the importance of being proactive before a house closes.
6:15 Mike reflects on the harsh realities of running a small business—juggling subs, maintenance issues, and why passion alone isn’t enough for success.
10:30 Brook explains how organizing work around the weather and staying in close communication with subs can save time, money, and stress.
21:15 Mike shares the three business fundamentals every small business owner should master: sales, creative marketing, and financial literacy.

More of a general meeting between A'marri and Brook as they discuss the week, work they have, working with software developers, how to solve problems creatively, qualities needed to manage and lead and much more.
2:00 Mike and Brook discuss their love for the movie Heat and its deeper life lessons beyond crime.
4:20 Mike compares being an entrepreneur to a lifestyle rather than just a career choice.
5:00 Brook explains how "the action is the juice" applies to business—it's the process, not just the payoff.
6:45 Mike discusses the struggles of running a business, making payroll, and financial pressures.
6:30 Mike highlights the importance of financial planning and using spreadsheets to stay afloat.

In this episode of Small Business Confidential, A'marri and Brook have a laid-back chat about their week at work, covering time management, goal setting, and getting things done. Brook talks about balancing work with having a newborn and how routines help him stay productive. They also discuss the ups and downs of work life and share insights from Scott Galloway about focusing on mastering your skills instead of just following your passion.
2:10 Brook shares his experience balancing work and family life with a newborn at home, emphasizing the importance of maximizing time and being strict with schedules, even amidst daily chaos and unexpected events.
4:55 A'marri and Brook discuss goal-setting, highlighting how daunting tasks feel more achievable once you start taking actionable steps, similar to breaking down complex projects into manageable pieces.
6:55 Brook talks about his cold plunge routine, explaining how small morning habits like cold plunges or making the bed can set a productive tone for the day, helping overcome sluggish starts and boosting motivation.
18:00 Brook references insights from Scott Galloway, challenging the "follow your passion" advice, and instead promoting the idea of mastering a skill you're good at to build a successful and sustainable career.

Mike and Brook get into the details of why young people, or people who are fixated with their passion, they've got a vision, they're going to be an artist, but they don't have anything back office. They don't have any concept of money or paying their bills, or just overly focused on that vision in front of them.
01:10 Mike introduces the topic of why artists struggle financially, questioning the "starving artist" cliché and why passion alone isn’t enough to succeed.
03:15 Mike references an article about how many New York residents rely on financial support from their parents or trust funds, highlighting the hidden advantages that allow some people to pursue artistic careers without financial worries.
07:45 Mike emphasizes that being an artist requires the same dedication as running any business, comparing it to the relentless work ethic of professional athletes.
11:05 Mike emphasizes the importance of teaching kids the value of hard work over passion, arguing that discipline and responsibility should come before chasing interests or hobbies
22:30 Brook and Mike conclude that artists starve because they aren't taught how to manage money or sustain themselves financially, emphasizing the need for business knowledge.

Mike, Brook and A'marri discuss goal setting and strategic planning for your 
business. Your data should tell a story. Within that story are learning lessons that 
need to be applied to your new strategies. This goes for your business as well as your personal life. Some things are black and white and others are gray and nuanced. Be disciplined in your routine, but allow new ideas and creativity to process in the background of your mind after a power nap, run, workout or Mike's favorite, a "shower moment". We reflect in January as we prepare for the stress testing moments that show up later in the year in the middle of the action.
2:50 Mike and Brook discuss the importance of reviewing last year's performance, analyzing revenue, expenses, and whether certain investments were truly profitable.
4:35 Mike uses the analogy of weight loss to explain how business owners should track their progress, emphasizing the importance of writing everything down, measuring results, and making adjustments just like a fitness journey.
9:00 Mike, Brook and A'marri discusses the significance of tracking every expense, no matter how small, and how financial awareness can lead to better decision-making.
16:30 Mike emphasizes the importance of reflection and strategic thinking, encouraging business owners to take time to analyze what is working and what needs to change.
32:00 Amarri highlights the idea that data should tell a story, and decisions should be driven by the patterns and insights found in the numbers.

In this episode of Small Business Confidential, hosts Mike and Brook Reilly explore the financial realities of running a business, focusing on managing cash flow, setting goals, and evaluating profitability. They share their experiences in contracting, rental properties, and overcoming financial hurdles. They highlight the importance of planning, monitoring key metrics, and addressing inefficiencies to avoid financial pitfalls. The discussion also covers lessons learned from past mistakes and the value of implementing systems to effectively manage costs and revenues.
1:14 Mike discusses the struggles of managing cash flow during the slow season, including strategies to prioritize payments and plan for financial stability.
8:15 Mike recounts a pivotal mistake in 1992 involving mismanaged labor hours and its impact on profits, illustrating the importance of accurate tracking.
18:00 Brook introduces their company’s "dashboard talk" system, a weekly review of costs, revenues, and overhead to ensure financial clarity.
27:30 Final reflections on professionalism in business, setting financial goals, and the importance of mentorship or consulting to achieve success.

In this episode of New Years and Setting Goal, hosts Brook Reilly and A'marri discuss effective goal-setting strategies for personal and professional growth. They explore the importance of reflecting on past goals, setting actionable and realistic objectives, and adapting plans to fit individual lifestyles. The conversation highlights overcoming challenges like lack of motivation and maintaining discipline, with examples from fitness, financial planning, and personal development. Brook and A'marri emphasize the value of small, consistent steps and mental resilience in achieving long-term success.
1:28 Brook and A'marri introduce the topic of goal-setting for the new year and reflect on the importance of setting realistic, actionable goals.
6:11 Brook discusses the importance of creating a clear plan to achieve goals and the value of seeking guidance or expertise when necessary.
16:25 Brook reflects on how evaluating past challenges can help refine goals and overcome obstacles in the new year
20:39 Brook and A'marri explore the power of discipline, emphasizing how pushing through challenging days can build resilience and foster long-term commitment.
25:10 A'marri highlights the mental aspect of staying consistent, even when circumstances are tough, as a key to creating meaningful and lasting change.