In this episode of Struggles, presented by NCBI, Lisa Holly shares her powerful story of resilience through nearly two decades of business ownership. From inheriting her family’s moving company after a sudden loss, to navigating one of the worst recessions since the 1940s, to surviving a three-year lawsuit without employee liability insurance, Lisa’s journey is filled with lessons for every entrepreneur.

You’ll hear:

● The emotional day she took over the business and gave her team a choice to “fight” or walk away
● How a recession forced her to hire a business coach and rethink everything
● The costly mistake of not having Employee Protection Liability (EPLI) insurance—and why she tells every owner to get it
● How diversifying into four divisions, including art handling and medical equipment, kept the business alive during the pandemic
● Why loyalty, adaptability, and preparedness are non-negotiable in business survival

Lisa’s story is a raw, inspiring reminder that tough times can define—or destroy—a business, depending on how you respond.

Struggles Presented by NCBI — where business leaders navigate challenges together.

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Struggles: Navigating Challenges, Together is the go-to podcast for entrepreneurs and business leaders seeking to overcome the real, everyday obstacles of building and scaling a business. Each episode dives into the heart of entrepreneurship—sharing candid stories from founders across all industries, exploring the ups and downs of business struggles, and uncovering actionable solutions through conversations with experienced guests and subject matter experts.

Whether you’re grappling with the uncertainty of your next paycheck, navigating the leap from employee to business owner, or looking for leadership tips and financial management strategies, this podcast delivers practical insights you can apply immediately. We know that scaling challenges and leadership hurdles don’t discriminate by industry—that’s why our guests bring diverse, real-world experiences and proven approaches to turning adversity into growth.

Tune in for authentic discussions about the struggles that rarely make the highlight reels, from building a brand and networking to tracking your finances and developing the support networks that drive lasting success. Through expert interviews and raw personal narratives, you’ll find inspiration—and the tactics—to navigate your unique journey.


Join us on Struggles: Navigating Challenges, Together and discover how you can turn your toughest business moments into the building blocks of lasting success. Subscribe now and never miss a story that could transform your journey!

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In this episode of Struggles, presented by NCBI, Brian Butkowski sits down with Debbie Metzger, founder of Metzger Retail Lease Advisors. Debbie shares her remarkable journey through decades in the retail real estate industry, from working with major Cleveland developers to launching her own firm after a sudden career setback.

She reveals:

● How unexpected job losses led her to entrepreneurship
● The unique way she helps small businesses and franchisees navigate intimidating retail leases
● Real client success stories, including first-time business owners and complex negotiations
● Why she believes in educating clients rather than billing for every minute

Whether you’re a retail tenant, franchisee, broker, or landlord, you’ll learn how to approach lease negotiations with confidence—and why having the right advisor can make all the difference.

Struggles Presented by NCBI—where business leaders navigate challenges together.

Listen, learn, and get inspired to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles.

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In this episode of Struggles, host Chris Inman sits down with Corey Head, founder of SkyQuest, to discuss the journey of turning a passion for aviation into a thriving business. Corey shares how his unique approach to customer service in corporate aviation sets SkyQuest apart from traditional airlines, focusing on delivering memorable, efficient, and flexible travel experiences for clients. He opens up about the challenges of scaling the business, especially when it comes to hiring and managing a diverse team—from pilots to mechanics to dispatchers.

Corey reveals the lessons he’s learned along the way, including the importance of workplace culture, empowering employees, and creating a “triple win” for clients, team members, and aircraft owners. Hear inspiring stories, like how a passionate busboy from Corey’s favorite restaurant grew into a key member of the SkyQuest team, and insights into Corey's leadership philosophy, hands-on management style, and vision for the future of the company.

Join us for a candid exploration of the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, the value of investing in people, and the ongoing journey of building a business that puts both clients and employees first.

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Welcome back to another episode of Struggles, the podcast that delves into the everyday challenges we all face. I'm your host, Chris Inman, and in today's episode, we're catching up with Brian Butkowski from Bomb Image. 

Together, we'll explore the art of effective follow-ups in professional settings—whether it's after meeting someone at a networking event or when connecting with prospects. Brian shares his insights on building genuine relationships rather than simply adding people to email lists. We dive into the importance of staying top of mind, utilizing platforms like LinkedIn for meaningful interaction, and creating value-driven connections. 

So, if you're looking to enhance your follow-up game and build lasting professional relationships, this episode is for you. 

Here's what you can expect in this episode, complete with timestamps for your convenience:

• The Importance of Personal and Relevant Follow-Ups [00:00:00]
• Email List Protocols & Missteps to Avoid [00:00:27]
• The Role of LinkedIn in Business Follow-Ups [00:03:04]
• Handling Ghosted Quotes & Maintaining Professional Boundaries [00:04:52]
• Inviting Clients to Networking & Social Events [00:07:55]
• Building Your Personal Brand and Community Credibility [00:10:09]

Be part of our journey and subscribe to our podcast. Share your struggles or triumphs with us, and maybe join us as a guest to discuss the challenges you're tackling in your entrepreneurial journey. Let's overcome hurdles and succeed together!

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Welcome to Struggles: Navigating Challenges, Together – the podcast dedicated to exploring the common hurdles entrepreneurs face across all industries and discovering strategies to overcome them. Whether you're grappling with scaling challenges, navigating business struggles, or looking for leadership tips and financial management advice, this podcast offers a wealth of real-world stories, expert insights, and practical solutions. Join host Sarah Blasey as she converses with industry experts and seasoned entrepreneurs, uncovering the keys to turning obstacles into opportunities.

In each episode, we delve deep into relevant topics such as entrepreneurship, business struggles, and effective management practices, providing you with the tools and knowledge to succeed. Listen in as guests share their personal battles with shiny object syndrome, the importance of commitment to marketing strategies, and the invaluable role of relationship management.

In this episode of the "Struggles" podcast, our luncheon host Sarah Blesi is joined by panelists Chris Inman, Brian Butkowski, and Phil Vedda to discuss common marketing missteps that can hinder business growth. They explore themes such as shiny object syndrome, where businesses overly chase new trends like TikTok without strategy, and the importance of committing to and learning from a marketing plan instead of abandoning it prematurely. The guests emphasize the need for critical metrics and analytics in evaluating the effectiveness of marketing efforts and highlight the significance of following up with existing clientele to foster continued business growth. They advocate for a structured, repeatable approach to marketing and stress the value of personalized, direct engagement with potential clients. The episode encourages listeners to develop meaningful marketing strategies, establish accountability systems, and nurture professional relationships for sustained success.

[00:00:00] Accountability Partners and Objective Perspectives
[00:00:29] Introduction to the Podcast
[00:00:37] Major Marketing Missteps
[00:01:43] Understanding Shiny Object Syndrome
[00:02:39] TikTok and Demographic Alignment
[00:03:08] Questions Before Committing to Trends
[00:04:01] Importance of Strategy Commitment
[00:06:50] Importance of Metrics and Call to Action
[00:09:04] Sticking to a Marketing Routine
[00:10:40] Importance of Proper Follow-Up
[00:11:19] Success in Building Client Relationships
[00:13:24] Leveraging Referral Programs
[00:14:28] The Power of Personalized Follow-Up

Join us on Struggles: Navigating Challenges, Together, and let's turn our struggles into stepping stones towards success. Subscribe, listen, and share to keep the entrepreneurial conversation alive. We'd love to hear from you—reach out with your own stories of challenges and triumphs, and perhaps even join us as a guest on a future episode. Let's continue this journey, learning and growing together.

Keywords: entrepreneurship, business struggles, leadership tips, scaling challenges, financial management.

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In this episode of the podcast "Struggles," hosted by Chris Inman, guest Corey Head from SkyQuest discusses the unique aspects and benefits of private charter services offered by his company. Corey explains how SkyQuest provides efficient and personalized travel solutions for corporate clients and others with specific needs, such as time constraints and difficult-to-reach destinations. He highlights the safety and convenience of using private charters, emphasizing their ability to access a vast number of airports beyond those serviced by commercial airlines. Corey also talks about SkyQuest's supplementary services for companies with their own fleets and the role of private charters in medical transport, including organ transportation. The episode underscores the value of private charters in saving time and enhancing work-life balance, making them appealing to high-end clients who value efficiency and productivity.

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Welcome to "Struggles: Navigating Challenges, Together," the podcast dedicated to helping entrepreneurs across all industries tackle the common hurdles they face on the path to success. Join host Chris Inman as he dives deep into the real-world challenges of entrepreneurship, exploring leadership tips, scaling challenges, and financial management strategies through engaging conversations with industry experts and real-life entrepreneurs.

In this episode of "Struggles," host Chris Inman talks with Dave Skoglund from Multi-Dimensional Services about the role of assessments in personal development and sales strategy. Dave highlights the importance of recognizing individual strengths and communication styles through tools like the DISC program, which can improve workplace relationships and efficiency. The conversation also explores how certain personality traits relate to career roles and how assessments can enhance client interactions, emphasizing the value of self-awareness in professional dynamics.

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Dive into the world of entrepreneurship with "Struggles: Navigating Challenges, Together," where we explore the common hurdles faced by business leaders across all industries. Each episode features compelling real-world stories, expert insights, and practical solutions, empowering entrepreneurs to overcome obstacles and drive their success. Whether you're grappling with leadership hurdles, scaling challenges, or financial management, our podcast is your guide to navigating the complex landscape of business.

In this episode of "Struggles," Chris Inman welcomes Anthony Lautanen from the Auspi Group to discuss the intricacies of shipping contract negotiation, specifically focusing on how the Auspi Group assists companies in renegotiating contracts with FedEx and UPS using data analytics and benchmarking. 

Anthony explains that their services are generally catered to companies with a shipping spend of over $500,000 to ensure substantial reach and savings. Throughout the discussion, Anthony highlights the importance of a combined technological and human approach in their operations, emphasizing the need for strong client relationships. 

The conversation further delves into the impact of the "Amazon effect" on consumer expectations around shipping timelines and costs. Anthony also shares his desire to connect with larger corporations in Cleveland and outlines the typical roles in a company that benefit from their services. 

The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to support local sponsors like the Auspi Group.

Key Topics:

• Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgment [00:00]
• Anthony Lautanen Discusses Amazon's Evolving Shipping Strategies [00:00]
• The Auspi Group's Role in Renegotiating Shipping Contracts [01:23]
• Identifying Discounts and Financial Assessment [02:20]
• The Amazon Effect on Consumer Expectations [04:05]
• The Role of Technology in Shipping Solutions [06:08]
• Connecting with Companies in Cleveland [07:32]

Tune in and subscribe to "Struggles" for insightful conversations and transformative advice, tailored to help entrepreneurs navigate their challenges and achieve lasting success.

Let us know what you are struggling with as a business owner

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Welcome to Struggles: Navigating Challenges Together, "Struggles" is designed to illuminate entrepreneurs' common hurdles across all industries and provide actionable strategies to overcome them. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just dipping your toes in the entrepreneurial waters, our show offers a wealth of real-world stories, expert insights, and practical solutions tailored to your needs.

In this episode of Struggles hosted by Chris Inman with guest Laura Hardin, a corporate communication specialist, delve into the significance of effective communication within small businesses. Laura emphasizes transparent communication to prevent misunderstandings and foster a team-oriented environment. They discuss strategies such as involving employees in decision-making, promoting authenticity, and ensuring leadership accessibility.

Let us know what you are struggling with as a business owner

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