The Authority Company

What does it take to build wealth, create freedom, and avoid the traps most entrepreneurs fall into? In this episode of The Authority Company Podcast, Joe Pardavila sits down with Cliff Nonnenmacher, CEO and co-founder of Franocity and co-author of Beyond the Brand: The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Fearless Franchising. Cliff shares his journey from selling golf balls as a kid to guiding hundreds of aspiring franchise owners today.

He explains: * Why franchising mitigates risk compared to starting from scratch * How discipline, systems, and fit determine success * Why most small businesses struggle to sell, but franchises retain value * The five societal trends shaping franchise opportunities today * How fear and ego stop people from pursuing business ownership

From the lessons of McDonald’s and Subway to the rise of brands like Jersey Mike’s and CertaPro Painters, Cliff reveals what separates thriving franchises from failures. Whether you’re considering franchise ownership, curious about business models, or looking to rethink your career path, this conversation delivers practical insights you won’t want to miss.

On this episode of The Authority Company Podcast, Joe Pardavila welcomes back Damon Stafford, CEO of Alpine Intel and author of Believe in Better: The Evolution of Core Principles that Pioneered an Industry. 


 



Damon returns to share why profitability is more than a short-term goal. It’s a discipline and a journey. He explains why founders should stop chasing “growth at all costs,” the importance of listening deeply to customers, and how to recognize early warning signs that your business is drifting off the path to profit. 



 



The conversation dives into: 



* Why profitability at the transaction level matters more than top-line growth. 



* The pitfalls founders face when selling to private equity. 



* Why some mergers and acquisitions fail and what makes others thrive. 



* The “Profitability Triangle” of people, process, and technology. 



* Why CEOs must understand transactions without becoming micromanagers. 



* How to know when it’s time to bring in a CFO. 



 



Damon also shares practical takeaways for leaders who are close to profitability but need a clear plan to cross the finish line. If you want a candid look at sustainable growth and how to build a company that lasts, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Authority Company Podcast, Joe Pardavila sits down with transformational business leader Kim Skanson, author of Attitude Advantage: The Timeless Power of Positive Perspective. Kim shares how the lessons of resilience and optimism she learned from her grandmother shaped her leadership style and fueled her career across Fortune 50 companies like Target, Cargill, and Travelers. She explains why a positive mental attitude (PMA) is not about ignoring challenges, but about staying grounded, transparent, and intentional in how you respond to them. From breaking through barriers as a woman in technology, to balancing her roles as an executive, mother, and mentor, Kim reflects on the pivotal moments that defined her journey. She also offers practical advice on leading with authenticity, managing time with intention, and pursuing growth without self-imposed ceilings. If you want insights on resilience, leadership, and the mindset that turns setbacks into opportunities, this conversation will inspire you to rethink how you show up in both business and life.

On this episode of The Authority Company Podcast, Joe Pardavila sits down with Dr. Sherry McAllister, author of Adjusted Reality: Supercharge Your Whole Being for Optimal Living and Longevity. Dr. McAllister shares her personal journey from aspiring pediatric oncologist to passionate chiropractor after a devastating car accident changed the course of her life. Sherry and Joe discuss the historic struggles of chiropractic pioneers, the AMA’s campaign to discredit the profession, and why so many people still misunderstand chiropractic care. Dr. McAllister also explains how chiropractic adjustments work, the importance of patient empowerment, and the “seven pillars” of whole-being health she outlines in her book—including her favorite, revitalizement. Listeners will come away with a new perspective on drug-free healing, the power of lifestyle choices, and how to reimagine their own path to optimal health and longevity.

On this episode of The Authority Company Podcast, Joe Pardavila sits down with executive career strategist Gina Riley, creator of the Career Velocity™ System and author of Qualified Isn’t Enough. Drawing on her background in executive search and career coaching, Gina shares why being “qualified” is only the starting point for landing competitive leadership roles.

They explore:

• How hiring attitudes toward transferable skills have shifted since the pandemic
• Why “job hugging” is shaping today’s workforce
• The pitfalls of relying solely on resumes and applicant tracking systems
• The importance of a unique value proposition in standing out from equally qualified candidates 
• How to navigate interviews with confidence using her RARE Candidate Framework
• The hidden job market and strategies to access it
• Challenges executives face in mid-career transitions, including age bias, and how to overcome them

Packed with insights from her book and coaching practice, Gina provides practical advice for leaders who want to sharpen their presence, tell their story effectively, and position themselves as the clear choice for high-stakes opportunities.

On this episode of The Authority Company Podcast, Joe Pardavila sits down with Reverend Kevin T. Taylor, pastor, C-suite executive, and author of A Charge to Keep: Immutable Leadership Lessons from the C-Suite to the Pulpit. Reverend Taylor shares how lessons from the pulpit and the boardroom overlap, offering practical guidance for leaders navigating change, tough decisions, and the growing empathy deficit in today’s world. He unpacks the importance of forgiveness and redemption, balancing faith-based values with real-world leadership challenges like layoffs, and why intentional diversity drives stronger outcomes. The conversation also highlights personal stories from his journey, including the $6,000 “miracle check” that saved a church from foreclosure, the realities of change resistance in academia and organizations, and the role of consistent character in both private and public life. Whether you’re leading a business, a nonprofit, or a congregation, Reverend Taylor’s timeless leadership lessons will help you lead with purpose, principle, and compassion.

In this episode of The Authority Company Podcast, host Joe Pardavila sits down with Dr. Ramin Farhood and Dr. Kirk Shepard, co-authors of Voices of Oncology and co-founders of the Medical Affairs Professional Society (MAPS). Together, they share how breaking down silos, fostering collaboration, and elevating the patient voice are reshaping the future of oncology drug development. Farhood and Shepard reflect on their decade-long partnership in oncology, the lessons learned from working across functions, and why they believe true progress depends on bringing every perspective to the table—from scientists and regulators to patients and advocates. They discuss the “moonshot” mindset, the surprising insights from more than 30 contributors to their book, and how advances in AI and real-time FDA review processes are accelerating the path from research to treatment. This conversation highlights the optimism, challenges, and collaborative breakthroughs driving innovation in cancer care—and why building a global community of experts is essential to finding cures.

Joe Pardavila sits down with David C. Blivin, Founder and Managing Director of Cottonwood Technology Funds and author of Crossing the Cactus: A Blueprint for Tech Commercialization Success Outside Silicon Valley.

With over 30 years of experience investing in hard science startups, David shares why breakthrough ideas don’t only come from Silicon Valley, and how communities across the U.S. and Europe can keep innovation, jobs, and economic growth close to home.

Dave also explains how his approach flips the script from “money follows management” to “management follows money,” and why workforce development and policy incentives matter just as much as capital.

This conversation is a must-listen for founders, policymakers, and investors who want to grow innovation beyond the traditional tech hubs.

In this episode of The Authority Company Podcast, Joe Pardavila sits down with Julia Putzeys, founder and GM of Trash Panda, the fast-growing app that flags harmful ingredients in your food with a simple barcode scan. Julia shares how her career in product management and software development (including a stint at the NFL) combined with her passion for nutrition to inspire Trash Panda.

She explains: * The moment she realized how little most of us know about food ingredients. * How Trash Panda makes it easy to understand what’s in your groceries. * Why packaged foods aren’t always the enemy and how to read ingredient lists. * The challenges of building and monetizing a mission-driven app in a crowded space. * Her commitment to transparency and independence—no paid brand partnerships.

If you’re interested in healthier eating, startup stories, or creating tech with purpose, this conversation offers practical insights you can use right away.

Download Trash Panda on the App Store or Google Play, and follow Julia on social media at @TrashPandaApp.

Former NFL quarterback and current behavioral healthcare CEO BJ Coleman joins Joe Pardavila to share how he made the leap from professional sports to leading high-performing teams and turning around struggling facilities. Drawing from his book The Pivot, BJ breaks down the transferable skills that helped him succeed off the field, including consistency, discipline, and preparation. He explains how “two and a half second moments” from his quarterback days apply to high-stakes decision-making in business, why failing faster accelerates growth, and what it takes to be a true turnaround leader. From managing front-of-house culture in healthcare to guiding organizations through change, BJ offers a candid playbook for facing life’s biggest transitions and coming out stronger.