Succession Stories

" Treat people well, work hard, have a plan." Host Laurie Barkman welcomes Travis Howerton, a technology and security expert with over 25 years of experience. Travis shares his journey from federal service and the nuclear weapons program to becoming the Co-Founder and CEO of RegScale.

They discuss the entrepreneurial gene, personality assessments in team dynamics, and the challenges of scaling a business. Travis emphasizes the importance of empathy, hard work, and strategic planning. He also highlights the potential of automation and AI in the compliance industry. Travis discusses his future goals of starting a venture capital arm to support aspiring entrepreneurs in East Tennessee and provides advice on problem-solving and growth. The conversation provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of building and scaling a business.

Takeaways:

• Embrace risk-taking and innovation as key traits for entrepreneurial success. Cultivating a mindset that encourages experimentation and learning from failure can drive growth and open doors to new opportunities.

• Use personality assessments to enhance team collaboration. Understanding individual motivations and strengths helps build a more cohesive and effective team, ultimately contributing to a healthier company culture.

• Be prepared for the challenges of scaling a business. Focus on creating clear plans and strategies to navigate obstacles while emphasizing empathy and hard work to keep the team aligned and motivated.

• Consider giving back by supporting future entrepreneurs. Starting a venture capital arm or mentoring new talent can create a positive impact on your local community and contribute to the growth of the next generation of leaders.

Quote of the Show:

• "Treat people well, work hard, have a plan." - Travis Howerton

This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Get your copy of the Amazon best-selling book by nationally recognized expert, Laurie Barkman that reveals how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms....what every entrepreneur needs to know.

✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: btsherpa.com/book

📣 Write a Podcast Review: ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

_________________________________________________________________ Connect with Laurie Barkman: Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: in/lauriebarkman Book: Free Download YouTube: @TheBusinessTransitionSherpa Connect with Travis Howerton:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travishowerton/

Company website: https://regscale.com/

" Don't be a jack of all social media sites, master of none." Host Laurie Barkman interviews digital marketing expert Corey Perlman of Impact Social. They discuss Corey's entrepreneurial journey influenced by his parents' careers, the evolving landscape of digital marketing, and the role and potential of AI in the industry. Corey shares insights on building and managing successful teams, the importance of focusing on key social media platforms, and the power of video content. Additionally, he touches on his passion for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and his involvement in the Nurturing Fathers Program alongside his father, Mark. Listeners receive actionable digital marketing tips and inspiration for balancing entrepreneurship with personal purpose.

Takeaways:

• Pay attention to what the market is asking for. Follow positive signals when exploring new business opportunities or services instead of pushing an idea that isn't gaining traction.

• Prioritize platforms that align with your target demographics instead of attempting to be active on all social media platforms. Focus on a few and do them exceptionally well.

• Focus on the emotional and cultural fit of potential team members rather than just their resume. Enthusiasm, a positive attitude, and a good cultural fit can often outweigh experience.

• Stay open to learning and adapting over time. The industry changes rapidly, and keeping updated with new tools and practices will help you and your business stay competitive.

Quote of the Show:

• " Don't be a jack of all social media sites, master of none." - Corey Perlman

This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Get your copy of the Amazon best-selling book by nationally recognized expert, Laurie Barkman that reveals how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms....what every entrepreneur needs to know.

✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: btsherpa.com/book

📣 Write a Podcast Review: ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

_________________________________________________________________ Connect with Laurie Barkman: Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: in/lauriebarkman Book: Free Download YouTube: @TheBusinessTransitionSherpa Connect with Corey Perlman:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyperlman/

Website: https://impactsocialmedia.com/

"We're in the business of making people happy!" John and Mark X. Cronin are father-son co-founders of John's Crazy Socks. Host Laurie Barkman talks with John and Mark about the inspiring story of their unique business model, inclusion, and commitment to spreading happiness. Over half of their employees have differing abilities.

The discussion covers innovative approaches to customer satisfaction, success metrics, notable initiatives like the Unity Sock, and their role as advocates for people with disabilities. The episode also touches on their engaging community activities such as the weekly dance party and custom sock designs. Mark and John highlight the profound impact entrepreneurship can have on individuals and communities.

Takeaways:

• Focus on the positive impact your business can have in the community. A strong mission can differentiate your offerings from competitors.

• Know why you are in business and ensure your values are clear and driven through every action you take.

• Consider hiring people with different abilities. It can lead to better business practices and a highly motivated workforce.

• Engage with your customers on a personal level. Small touches like handwritten notes, added candies, and personalized messages can make a big difference.

Quote of the Show:

• " The customer can be dead wrong, but we're not in the business of being right. We're in the business of making people happy." - Mark Cronin

This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Get your copy of the Amazon best-selling book by nationally recognized expert, Laurie Barkman that reveals how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms....what every entrepreneur needs to know.

✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: btsherpa.com/book

📣 Write a Podcast Review: ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

_________________________________________________________________ Connect with Laurie Barkman: Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: in/lauriebarkman Book: Free Download YouTube: @TheBusinessTransitionSherpa Connect with John's Crazy Socks:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mxcronin/

Website: https://johnscrazysocks.com/

What's the most important value to have when you're running your own business? According to Molly McGrath, Founder of Hiring and Empowering Solutions, it's accountability.

Listen in as Host Laurie Barkman talks with Molly about her unique perspective on the entrepreneur gene - a desire for control and freedom, stemming from an anti-authoritarian mindset. Molly highlights the importance of teaching employees to be intrapreneurs, involving them in decision-making processes, and implementing incentive-based compensation models. The episode also emphasizes the significance of accountability, time management, and having a clear vision for both personal and professional growth.

Takeaways:

• Make a list of tasks that drain your energy versus those that light you up. Use this list to create job descriptions and hire the right team members to take on these tasks.

• Establish a culture of accountability within your business. Hold daily huddles or weekly stakeholder meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and ideas.

• Provide employees with the resources and support needed to achieve their goals, fostering growth and fulfillment within your team.

• Begin planning your exit strategy early, so that you are prepared when the time comes for you to leave your business.

Quote of the Show:

• " When you have a board of directors in your life that supports you and shines a flashlight on you, it really helps." - Molly McGrath

This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Get your copy of the Amazon best-selling book by nationally recognized expert, Laurie Barkman that reveals how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms....what every entrepreneur needs to know.

✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: btsherpa.com/book

📣 Write a Podcast Review: ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

_________________________________________________________________ Connect with Laurie Barkman: Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: in/lauriebarkman Book: Free Download YouTube: @TheBusinessTransitionSherpa Connect with Molly McGrath:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-hallmcgrath/

Website: https://hiringandempowering.com/

What does six generations of entrepreneurship get you? Find out as Host Laurie Barkman talks with Jim Haviland, Business Operating System Coach at Impact Architects and Chief Operating Officer at CallPlease.

Jim shares his insights on building and exiting organizations, the entrepreneurial gene, and the importance of exit planning. He discusses the significance of having a clear purpose, the necessity of mentors and operating systems, and offers advice on long-term planning for entrepreneurs. Tune in for valuable lessons and inspiration for both budding and experienced entrepreneurs.

Takeaways:

• Implementing a structured operating system can greatly enhance your business's efficiency and success rate. It helps you grow faster and minimizes the risk of business failure.

• Define what 'done' looks like for your projects. Be clear and specific about your objectives to ensure everyone in the organization is aligned.

• Regularly dedicate time to long-term planning. Consider both a 10-year and a 3-year horizon and actively work towards those goals.

• Aim to build a business that is not just profitable but also a valuable asset that can be transferred or sold in the future. This includes minimizing owner dependency and investing in aspects that increase business value.

Quote of the Show:

• " If you want to build something that's really valuable, you can do that but you have to be serious about it. You don't just show up and punch the clock." - Jim Haviland

This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Get your copy of the Amazon best-selling book by nationally recognized expert, Laurie Barkman that reveals how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms....what every entrepreneur needs to know.

✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: btsherpa.com/book

📣 Write a Podcast Review: ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

_________________________________________________________________ Connect with Laurie Barkman: Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: in/lauriebarkman Book: Free Download YouTube: @TheBusinessTransitionSherpa Connect with Jim Haviland:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimhaviland/

Website: https://www.impactarchitects.io/

" It's really hard out there. Other people will beat you up. You don't have to do it to yourself." - Jennifer Bisceglie

This week on The Entrepreneur Gene - a featured series of Succession Stories - Host Laurie Barkman talks with Jennifer Bisceglie, Founder and Executive Vice Chair of Interos.

Jennifer discusses the concept of identity for owners- as part of the business and outside of your company. She shares the challenges of managing a business that heavily relies on U.S. federal contracts and navigating rapid administrative changes.

Jennifer also talks about the impacts of AI on supply chain risk management, as well as the excitement to come within the field. Additionally, the episode highlights Jennifer's advocacy for women in business and involvement with Women Impacting Public Policy International.

Tune in for insights into building a scalable and valuable business, handling unpredictability, and maintaining a balanced life.

Takeaways:

• Cultivate interests and activities outside your business to maintain a healthy work-life balance. This could include hobbies, family time, or community involvement.

• When the time is right, bringing in external leadership, such as a new CEO, can help scale your business. This allows you to focus on strategic aspects and areas where your expertise is most valuable.

• Clearly define your business's purpose and align your strategies to create value for your team and customers.

• Keep a broader perspective during challenging times. Identify what you can control and build resilience by focusing on these areas.

This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Get your copy of the Amazon best-selling book by nationally recognized expert, Laurie Barkman that reveals how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms....what every entrepreneur needs to know.

✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: btsherpa.com/book

📣 Write a Podcast Review: ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

_________________________________________________________________ Connect with Laurie Barkman: Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: in/lauriebarkman Book: Free Download YouTube: @TheBusinessTransitionSherpa Connect with Jennifer Bisceglie:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-bisceglie-3328b2/

Website: https://www.interos.ai/

" The flip of one-to-one communication to a one-to-few communication is going to become priceless. It's all about connection." - Casey Cheshire

What kinds of risks are the ones worth taking when it comes to entrepreneurship? Casey Cheshire, CEO of Ringmaster Conversational Marketing, believes smart risks are the key to success.

Host Laurie Barkman talks with Casey about the importance of risk tolerance, learning from failures, and the need for smart risk-taking in business. They also explore the future of marketing with the advent of AI and the significance of maintaining human connections in an increasingly automated world.

Casey's military background, personal entrepreneurial journey, and passion for authentic marketing strategies provide a rich and engaging discussion on what it truly means to be an entrepreneur.

Takeaways:

• Focus on creating meaningful relationships through various mediums to foster long-term success.

• View entrepreneurship as a muscle that can be developed with practice and effort. Engage in activities that build skills necessary for entrepreneurship, such as problem-solving and risk management.

• Take calculated, smart risks rather than reckless ones.

• Although challenging, niching down can lead to better targeting and business efficiency. Test narrow focuses to see if they drive better results without betting the farm.

This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Get your copy of the Amazon best-selling book by nationally recognized expert, Laurie Barkman that reveals how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms....what every entrepreneur needs to know.

✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: btsherpa.com/book

📣 Write a Podcast Review: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

_________________________________________________________________ Connect with Laurie Barkman: Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: in/lauriebarkman Book: Free Download YouTube: @TheBusinessTransitionSherpa Connect with Casey Cheshire:

LinkedIn: in/caseycheshire

Website: ringmaster.com

"The big learning for me is leaning on your team, leaning on your network, leaning on your colleagues. Because you don't have the capacity to be thoughtful in all of these different areas." - Christopher Antonopoulos

What does it take to be an entrepreneur? Christopher Antonopoulos, CEO and Founder of Measured Results Marketing, claims the secret is the genetic propensity and how it combines with environmental factors. Christopher shares anecdotes about his journey from a resourceful childhood selling vegetables to leading a successful marketing firm.

He and Laurie also discuss the future of marketing automation, the role of AI, and practical strategies for handling business uncertainties. Christopher offers insights into building effective teams, the importance of dealing with ambiguity, and leveraging networks for success. The episode is filled with valuable advice for entrepreneurs on embracing innovation and making impactful business decisions.

Takeaways:

• Cultivate confidence in your decisions and actions. Don't let fear of failure prevent you from taking calculated risks.

• Develop the ability to make decisions with incomplete information. Comfort with ambiguity and a willingness to navigate uncertain situations is crucial.

• Always be open to learning, whether through formal education, mentorship, or experimenting within your business.

• Strive for a 360-degree view of your customers. Use analytics and insights to tailor your products and services to their needs and preferences.

This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Get your copy of the Amazon best-selling book by nationally recognized expert, Laurie Barkman that reveals how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms....what every entrepreneur needs to know.

✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: https://btsherpa.com/book

📣 Write a Review: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

_________________________________________________________________ Connect with Laurie Barkman: Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriebarkman/ Book: https://btsherpa.com/book YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessTransitionSherpa Connect with Christopher Antonopoulos:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cantonopoulos/

Website: https://www.measuredresults.com/

" When it's built with your own hands or with your own will, I felt like it was a little bit more of my own success than somebody else doing it for me." - Matt Chiaradonna

Have you ever been thrown into running a business? Matt Chiaradonna, a family business entrepreneur leading JC Fence and Founder of Elite Technique sure has. Host Laurie Barkman talks with Matt about his journey from growing up in a family business, the impact of his father's tragic accident, and his path to operating two successful businesses.

He offers advice on developing leaders, balancing legacy, and finding purpose both within and outside the business. This episode delves into the importance of grit, mentorship, and strategic growth in entrepreneurship.

Takeaways:

• For entrepreneurs, establishing clear processes early on in the business can facilitate growth and make it easier to delegate tasks.

• Focus on identifying and nurturing potential leaders within the organization to drive future growth.

• Highlight the importance of traits such as determination, grit, and setting one's own destiny, which are prevalent in successful entrepreneurs.

• Emphasize the value of having a mentor who has successfully navigated similar challenges. This can provide guidance and insights that are pivotal for growth.

This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Get your copy of the Amazon best-selling book by nationally recognized expert, Laurie Barkman that reveals how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms....what every entrepreneur needs to know.

✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: https://btsherpa.com/book

📣 Write a Podcast Review: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

_________________________________________________________________ Connect with Laurie Barkman: Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriebarkman/ Book: https://btsherpa.com/book YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessTransitionSherpa Connect with Matt Chiaradonna:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-chiaradonna-0b9894339/

Website: https://www.getelitetechnique.com/

Website: https://www.jcfencenorthshore.com/

" I followed what's in my heart and I'm moving forward to fill this gap and this need for the workplace of the future." - Pete Schramm

Host Laurie Barkman interviews Pete Schramm, Founder and CEO of Lattitude. A serial entrepreneur, award-winning speaker, and bestselling author of Pathfinders, Pete is on a mission to foster meaningful, sustainable relationships in the workplace. As the founder of Lattitude, he's cultivating leadership and engagement through career mapping and mentorship software.

The episode touches on challenges in the workplace, especially with hybrid and remote work environments. Pete also highlights the necessity of marketing, sales, and having a clear game plan in business while sharing his passion for connecting people and giving back through various nonprofits.

Takeaways:

• Focus on having a wonderful team around you to create enterprise value. Communication and intentional belonging are key to keeping the team aligned and motivated.

• Clearly and effectively communicate your game plan, start small with changes, but don't stop. Build trust and transparency with your team while managing change.

• Consider building a personal board of advisors to guide and support your entrepreneurial journey. Seek mentors who can provide diverse perspectives and insights.

• Regularly measure and understand the engagement, connection, and well-being of your team. Use tools like engagement surveys and share the results and planned actions.

This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Get your copy of the Amazon best-selling book by nationally recognized expert, Laurie Barkman that reveals how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms....what every entrepreneur needs to know.

✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: https://btsherpa.com/book

📣 Write a Review: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

_________________________________________________________________ Connect with Laurie Barkman: Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriebarkman/ Book: https://btsherpa.com/book YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessTransitionSherpa Connect with Pete Schramm:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-schramm/

Website: https://golattitude.com/