Scaling a business is exciting, but doing it the right way takes strategy and intention.

In this episode of The Corporate Dropout, Troy McCollum, CEO of Layer 9 IT, shares how he turned an unexpected setback into a thriving IT firm. After getting fired by his own dad, he took a leap of faith and built a company that now operates in multiple states. Troy opens up about the biggest lessons he has learned in leadership, hiring, and creating a business that runs efficiently and sustainably.

He breaks down the challenges of scaling, the role IT plays in business success, and the key to building a team that sticks. Whether you are leading a company, expanding your team, or refining your growth strategy, this conversation is packed with valuable insights.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

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This week on The Corporate Dropout, we're catching up with Chef Kip Poole, the brains (and taste buds) behind Yorkies and the CROP Foundation. Kip shares how he's turned his passion for food into a mission to create opportunities for aspiring chefs. We chat about the ups and downs of opening a restaurant, finding inspiration for new flavors, and why purpose is a huge driver in determining success.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

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Get ready to feel the burn – this week's episode of The Corporate Dropout is habanero hot! Rachael is joined by Chef Maria Covarubbias, the culinary genius behind Cien Chiles. We talk about how Maria accidentally created a hot sauce empire while navigating the choppy waters of the CPG industry during the pandemic. We also learn more about Maria's culinary adventures, pandemic pivots, and her secret ingredient for success!

Warning: This episode may cause sudden urges to quit your job and start a food business. Listen at your own risk! And stick around for a surprise at the end - a 15% off coupon code to spice up your life with Cien Chiles!

To learn more, visit the show notes.

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In this week’s episode, Rachael and D’Asia sit down to chat about Rach’s wild career journey and what led her to becoming her own boss! The gals are dishing about how to network as a young professional, leaving lasting impressions that matter, and self-advocating in the workplace. 

But Rach isn't holding anything back - she's getting real about her personal battles with burnout, struggling to balance it all, and why starting up Mix+Shine was an absolute must for creating a career that fits her life. Plus, you’ll hear D'Asia’s perspective about agency culture and how M+S checks every box for her.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

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This week, we're chatting with Mike Abramowitz – a seasoned entrepreneur, author, business coach, and philanthropist. Mike takes us through his business journey, sharing the highs and lows that have defined his path. 

Mike dishes about how he picked himself up after the 2008 financial crisis and the comeback that led him to training over 5,000 sales reps and generating a massive 17 million in sales! He breaks down how implementing automation, delegation, and systemization allowed him to scale multiple six-figure businesses and how he founded PB&J for Tampa Bay, a local charity focused on feeding those in need.

Tune in as Mike shares the value of using technology and virtual assistants to reclaim your time and schedule as well as practical insights that have allowed him to achieve both financial and personal time freedom.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

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In this week’s episode, Mix+Shine’s D’Asia Lasala and Hannah Seda join Rachael to discuss the recent marketing strategies observed in the film industry. Together, they explore the impacts of over branding and over marketing, as well as the underlying motives driving these tactics.

The trio talks about success stories of movies with minimal marketing investments, such as Saltburn and Oppenheimer, emphasizing the effectiveness of unconventional promotion strategies and the influence of word-of-mouth. Additionally, they examine the impact of celebrity PR missteps and controversies on movie performance, providing insights into the adaptive dynamics of film, marketing, and social media.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

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In this week’s episode, we catch up with Jen Pressley, the Head of Leesa Sleep. Jen walks us through her unique career path, sharing pivotal moments that shaped her journey to becoming a female leader in business. She discusses how she integrates her creative instincts into her professional endeavors, using the fundamentals of design to craft exceptional customer experiences in e-commerce.

We also delve into her role as a strategic leader at Leesa Sleep, where she drives brand revitalization efforts and fosters strategic partnerships to drive growth and innovation. Tune in as Jen shares insights into her leadership philosophy as a woman navigating a male-dominated industry, and her passion for empowering other women to excel in their careers.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

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In this episode, we sit down with Megan Riggs, CEO and founder of Crunchy Hydration, a functional beverage company with a unique twist. Megan shares her entrepreneurial journey, from leaving the corporate world to starting her own business—emphasizing the importance of self-care and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Megan talks about the challenges and triumphs of breaking into the competitive beverage market, and gives us a sneak peek into the brand's future plans and exciting innovations.

Tune in to discover the story behind Crunchy Hydration, the impact of Megan's island lifestyle on her business practices, and the key lessons she learned along the way.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

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Today we sit down with Paige Staylor, owner of Pop VB in Virginia Beach, VA. Paige discusses her journey to finding a passion for balloon decor and how she developed it into a successful business venture. She talks about scaling her team of hardworking, trustworthy individuals and how they navigate building an efficient business for themselves and their customers. She shares lessons learned as a new business owner, how she overcame imposter syndrome, and reveals upcoming plans for Pop VB’s future.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

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We sit down with Jessica Masciangelo, co-owner of Either Ore Jewelers Strawbridge in Virginia Beach, VA. Jessica shares her incredible journey from a 12-year-old occasionally helping her mom at the store to becoming a co-owner of this thriving business. She talks about the importance of building genuine relationships with customers and her passion for creating custom jewelry pieces that carry deep personal significance. She even reveals her exciting plans for the future, including traveling trunk shows and intimate bridal consultations.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

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