Small Talk with Communities Unlimited

What does it take to ensure clean water for everyone? We crack open this big question with our special guests from Communities Unlimited, Gaylene Riley and Karen Conrad. Gaylene, who holds the position of Oklahoma State Coordinator, brings us behind the scenes of her job, overseeing technical assistance providers. These unsung heroes assist communities with their water systems, ensuring clean water is a reality for all. Karen, the Area Director of Central States, shares her unique perspective from her years working in a water treatment plant, throwing light on the immense dedication of workers who are committed to the crucial task of maintaining water quality.

As we navigate through this conversation, you'll learn how Communities Unlimited provides critical assistance for managerial and technical issues. With upcoming regulations like the lead service line replacement on the horizon, Gaylene and Karen discuss the importance of rallying resources to combat these challenges. They also enlighten us on how Communities Unlimited is educating communities about pressing environmental issues and the indispensable importance of water quality. The commitment and passion radiating from Gaylene and Karen for their role at Communities Unlimited are infectious and will leave you inspired. You're in for a treat as they share the fulfillment they derive from their vital work and the joy of making a difference in people's lives. Join us as we dive beneath the surface of the often-overlooked water industry and celebrate the heroes who keep our water clean.

Ever wondered how water systems in rural communities work, or more importantly, who makes it work? Stride into the world of Tammy McKeon, Lucas Guinne, and Bradley Pittman, from the Oklahoma Environmental team at Communities Unlimited, where they unravel their work on water and wastewater projects. Their tools of choice? The Technical Managerial Financial Assessment tool, board training efforts, and good old trust-building with communities they work with.

Dive into the nitty-gritty of financial, managerial, and technical support for water systems. How does the TMF Assessment Tool guide small systems to identify and tackle issues? How do the environmental team members foster trust, navigate varied cost structures of water systems, and make sense of financial record keeping and chemical costs of lab testing? We've got these questions covered and more, offering vital insights and practical knowledge.

Now, how about a little sneak peek into the work with tribal nations of northeast Oklahoma? Here, trust-building takes center stage, along with the power of networking and strong relationships. As we gear up for National Water Quality Month, we also tease the upcoming episode where we further explore what water quality entails. So buckle up for an enlightening journey through water systems and the passionate folks behind them.

Ready to unlock the secrets to small business success and operating sustainability? We promise you an enlightening conversation with Rhett Douglas, a senior management consultant from Communities Unlimited, laying out an array of offerings tailored for small businesses. We traverse through the spectrum of their unique one-on-one client services, educational webinars, and an LMS platform that provides online courses on topics like digital marketing and inventory management. Additionally, we shed light on their innovative cohort programs such as the Ideation cohort and the eWealth Health cohort, instrumental in shaping the business model canvas and encouraging owners to secure their future.

Ever wondered about the golden opportunities that government and private contracting services can bring to your business? Moving forward, we delve into a critical discussion about the significance of understanding business financials and the role of government and private contracting services. We share tidbits about the MBDA Business Center and the newly introduced e-team services. Discover how identifying suitable opportunities and having the three key documents in place can streamline your financial assessment process.

As we wrap up, we ignite a thought-provoking debate on franchising versus small local businesses. We evaluate the pros and cons, the role of the e-team in supporting business owners to turn their dreams into reality, and the criticality of establishing a network of small businesses in each community. Remember, the strength of local businesses is the cornerstone for generating generational wealth. So, whether you’re a small business owner or an enthusiast passionate about the dynamics of business growth, be prepared to walk away with valuable insights! So, don't wait - tune in, and let's explore the limitless potential of small businesses together!

Are you ready to unlock the secrets of small business success? Join us for an exciting conversation with Rhett Douglas, a senior management consultant at Communities Unlimited's E Team. Rhett shares his valuable insights on how the E Team helps small business owners create a profitable business model and ensures they have the right person driving their venture forward. With 14 members on the E Team, clients can tap into a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will set them on the path to success.

Discover the Entrepreneurial Wealth Health Model, a powerful tool that aims to help disadvantaged business owners build a lasting legacy. Rhett reveals how the E Team sources strategic partners and how these partners refer businesses to the team for assistance. Learn how they help businesses assess their current financial standing and growth goals, ensuring profitability even after taking out a loan.

Hear about the importance of overcoming skepticism in business education and the need for financial literacy among small business owners. Rhett explains how the E Team builds trust with clients, offering free services and education like walking them through programs such as Quickbooks and Wave Accounting. Don't miss this empowering conversation with Rhett Douglas and learn how Communities Unlimited is making a positive impact on small businesses and communities.

In Episode 7 we sit down with Carolyn Rudgely from Your Personal Chef, LLC and Rhett Douglas, Senior Management Consultant in Memphis, TN to learn about her experience working with Communities Unlimited's Entrepreneurship Team and the MemShop Program.

Episode 3 of our three-part series about housing with Audra Butler leads us into what Communities Unlimited is building with housing initiatives and what the future looks like.

CU Area Director of Housing Audra Butler joins us again to talk about funding opportunities in rural communities.  How-To's, Pitfalls to avoid, common mistakes, and more...

CU Area Director of Housing, Audra Butler, joins us to discuss Housing in rural communities.  This is Episode 1 of a Three-part series dedicated to the unique challenges and opportunities rural communities deal with concerning housing.

In this episode, CU Area Director of Broadband Catherine Krantz introduces us to Broadband funding by explaining some historical perspective, discussing what communities can do to prepare, and why so much funding is coming at once. 

Catherine Krantz, Area Director of Broadband at Communities Unlimited, joins us again to speak to rural communities about preparing for broadband and what you need to know. Also, swiss cheese.