The Entrepreneur Ethos

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In the world of startups, founders are often laser-focused on product development, leaving crucial back-office tasks like accounting as an afterthought. Yet, ignoring this foundational piece of the puzzle can lead to disastrous consequences when it's time to scale or raise funding. Without proper systems in place, businesses risk losing investor trust, facing compliance issues, or simply running into operational chaos. But how can entrepreneurs find a balance between driving their product forward and keeping their financial house in order?

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Ethos, Jarie Bolander chats with the co-founders of KBA Partners—Kasia Rzepnikowska, Angel Zhao, and Barbara Legnitto Hansson—who turned their decades of experience in high-growth companies like New Relic into a boutique firm that helps startups navigate the complex world of finance and accounting. Drawing on their unique backgrounds in taking companies from fledgling startups to billion-dollar valuations, they offer actionable advice on building a financial infrastructure that’s not just about staying compliant but enabling growth.

This conversation dives deep into how early-stage companies can avoid the common pitfalls of financial mismanagement, why accounting should be seen as an asset rather than a burden, and how having the right systems in place early can provide the peace of mind needed to focus on what really matters—growing your business. From setting up basic bookkeeping to managing the complexities of scaling, these experts share practical, real-world insights that every entrepreneur needs to hear.

If you’re a founder who wants to sleep better at night knowing your financials are rock solid or an entrepreneur navigating the tricky waters of startup growth, you won’t want to miss this episode. Hit play and learn how to lay the groundwork for long-term success with guidance from industry veterans who’ve been there and done it. Tune in now and start securing your startup’s future!

Barbara Legnitto Hansson LinkedIn

Angel Zhao LinkedIn

Kasia Rzepnikowska on LinkedIn

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In the crowded fitness industry, gyms and studios face the constant challenge of standing out and retaining loyal members. With increased competition, changing customer expectations, and the complexity of managing day-to-day operations, business owners need more than just passion – they need precision and smart technology to succeed. On this episode of The Entrepreneur Ethos podcast, host Jarie Bolander talks with Tim Green, COO of TeamUp, about how fitness businesses can leverage technology to streamline their services and enhance customer experiences.

Tim shares his journey from building a marketing business to transforming TeamUp into one of the leading fitness management platforms, catering to thousands of businesses worldwide. He explains how focusing on customer needs and automating key processes, such as scheduling and memberships, can make the difference between thriving and surviving. As the fitness industry shifts post-COVID, Tim offers practical advice on how businesses can use digital tools to reduce manual work, foster stronger client relationships, and scale efficiently without burning out.

If you’re a fitness business owner looking to simplify your operations or an entrepreneur interested in the intersection of tech and service-based industries, this conversation is a must-listen. Discover how embracing customer-centric technology and data-driven decisions can help your business stand out in an increasingly competitive market. Tune in to learn how to combine human touch with cutting-edge tools to keep your fitness community engaged and growing.

Tim Green on LinkedIn

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In today's digital age, finding trustworthy recommendations is more challenging than ever. With countless fake reviews, paid endorsements, and the overwhelming noise of online opinions, it’s hard to know what advice you can truly rely on. This episode of the Entrepreneur Ethos podcast addresses this very problem. Host Jarie Bolander sits down with Eric Colbert, the co-founder of VouchVault and partner at Spark6, to explore how entrepreneurs can cut through the clutter and build trust in a world where authenticity is often in short supply.

Eric’s journey is a fascinating one, starting from his days in the punk rock music scene to becoming a successful entrepreneur. His story is filled with valuable lessons, from navigating the complexities of global manufacturing to the strategic growth of a tech agency. In this conversation, Eric shares how these experiences have culminated in the creation of VouchVault—a platform designed to revolutionize how we discover and share recommendations by leveraging the power of trusted, word-of-mouth advice.

If you're an entrepreneur struggling to make your mark or simply looking for ways to connect more authentically with your audience, this episode is for you. Eric offers actionable insights on building a brand that stands out in a saturated market, all while staying true to your values and vision. Don’t miss out on learning how to turn the challenge of finding reliable recommendations into an opportunity for growth and connection. Tune in now!

Eric Colbert on LinkedIn

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Standing out requires more than just a great idea—it demands relentless drive, strategic vision, and a deep passion for building something meaningful. In this episode of the Entrepreneur Ethos podcast, host Jarie Bolander interviews Marc Smookler, a seasoned entrepreneur whose journey from investment banking to launching successful ventures offers a blueprint for modern entrepreneurship.

Marc dives into his evolution from analyzing other businesses to becoming a hands-on creator, sharing the lessons learned and the grit required to succeed. Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale, Marc’s insights on aligning with the right people, embracing hard work, and staying committed to your vision are invaluable.

If you’re searching for actionable strategies to boost your entrepreneurial success, this episode is a must-listen. Marc’s experience highlights the importance of matching energy with opportunity, and how a strong work ethic, coupled with a clear focus, can help you build a business that truly makes an impact. Don't miss out on learning how to harness your potential and create something that resonates in today’s competitive market.

Tune in now to discover how to transform your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.

Marc Smookler on LinkedIn

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In today's digital landscape, standing out in a sea of content can be daunting. Many entrepreneurs need help to rise above the noise and connect with their audience meaningfully. The key to overcoming this challenge lies in mastering the art of storytelling. In this episode of the Entrepreneur Ethos podcast, host Jarie Bolander sits down with Tom Marks, a seasoned business leader and author of "The Second Best Business Book Ever Written," to uncover the secrets of effective storytelling.

Tom Marks brings a wealth of experience from his career in advertising and marketing, sharing the fascinating story of his father's contribution to the success of Orville Redenbacher's Popping Corn. Through his journey, Tom emphasizes the importance of thought leadership built on wisdom, trust, honesty, ethics, and causes.

Listeners will discover practical strategies to develop a compelling personal brand and create impactful content. Tom and Jarie delve into timeless lessons from ancient philosophers, illustrating how their teachings on rhetoric and persuasion are crucial in today's content-saturated world. Whether you're a small business owner or a corporate executive, this episode offers valuable insights on how to craft a narrative that truly resonates with your audience. Listen now to transform your brand and connect with your audience like never before.

Tom Marks on LinkedIn

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In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive world, many aspiring entrepreneurs struggle tlöo carve out their niche and make a lasting impact. The challenge of building a standout brand, navigating complex startup ecosystems, and maintaining authenticity can seem insurmountable.

In this episode of the Entrepreneur Ethos podcast, host Jarie Bolander sits down with Dan Gonzales, an author and seasoned podcast host, to explore these challenges and uncover the keys to entrepreneurial success. Dan’s journey from an uncertain young professional to a venture capital analyst and soon-to-be author with Penguin Random House SEA offers a wealth of insights and practical advice.

Discover how resilience and authentic storytelling can transform your entrepreneurial journey. Learn about the importance of building meaningful connections and leveraging networks for startup success. Dan shares his firsthand experiences, highlighting the highs and lows of Silicon Valley’s dynamic startup culture.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of professional growth and stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of innovation. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how to build a brand that stands out and truly resonates with your audience. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Dan’s unique perspective on thriving in a globally connected world. Listen now and elevate your entrepreneurial journey!

Dan Gonzales on LinkedIn

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Are you struggling to rise above the noise in a world saturated with content and competition? In this episode of the Entrepreneur Ethos podcast, Jarie Bolander sits with Bryan Wish, the founder of Arcbound, to discuss the critical importance of building a personal brand in today's digital age. Bryan shares his inspiring journey from a young writer to a successful entrepreneur dedicated to helping others tell their stories authentically.

You'll hear about the challenges Bryan faced, including nearly running out of money and learning to listen to his intuition, and how these experiences shaped his approach to personal branding. This episode offers valuable insights into why trust and authenticity are more important than ever, especially for business leaders and entrepreneurs looking to make a meaningful impact.

Tune in to discover actionable advice on developing a brand that resonates, creating impactful content, and navigating the complexities of personal and professional growth. Don't miss Bryan's unique perspective on the future of marketing and how you can stay ahead of the curve. Listen now to learn how to build a brand that stands out and truly connects with your audience.

Bryan Wish on LinkedIn

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Adam Robinson, CEO of Retention.com, shares his compelling journey from a high-pressure career in investment banking to the dynamic world of entrepreneurship. Adam offers a unique perspective on the challenges of making such a significant career shift and provides valuable insights into the lessons learned along the way. He discusses how his background in trading credit default swaps at Lehman Brothers equipped him with the skills and resilience needed to navigate the startup landscape.

Adam delves into the innovative strategies he has employed to build and grow his business, emphasizing the power of leveraging LinkedIn for networking and brand building. He talks about the critical moments that shaped his entrepreneurial journey and the importance of creativity and adaptability in overcoming obstacles. His approach to building a personal brand and establishing a robust online presence offers practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make their mark.

The episode also highlights the significance of having a dedicated and motivated team. Adam shares his insights on team building and leadership, discussing how a cohesive team can drive a startup towards success. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the intricacies of startup culture and the resilience required to thrive in the entrepreneurial world. Tune in to gain actionable insights and be inspired by Adam Robinson's remarkable story.

00:00 - Work experience feels like a movie scene.

04:57 - Financial success inspires entrepreneurship.

07:30 - Learn skills and observe for success.

12:06 - Challenges and rewards of starting a startup.

14:40 - Successful startup collaborations through experience.

19:09 - Hardships and uncertainties in starting a company.

23:08 - Boosting product success with LinkedIn strategy.

24:02 - Providing scripts and leads, facing mixed reviews.

29:25 - Personal branding and offering free value.

32:19 - Effective onboarding and customer service approach.

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Dive deep into the profound significance of water-related challenges and the monumental impact of water in our everyday lives. Have you found invaluable insights into the art of building a business, attracting investors, and the pivotal role of a deeply personal mission in nurturing successful companies? This is the path Brian Sheng took.

From the realm of software automation to the transformative potential of AI and technology, explore how these groundbreaking innovations are addressing pressing global issues such as the water crisis.

Jarie Bolander sat with Brian Sheng of Aquria and discussed the resurgence of hardware, the transition away from SaaS models, and the burgeoning frontier of renewable infrastructure. Learn from the firsthand experiences, challenges, and triumphs of transitioning from investor to founder, and understand the indispensable role of human engagement in driving impactful, top-tier outcomes.

This episode intricately weaves together personal anecdotes, industry insights, and unwavering optimism for the transformative synergy of technology and human ingenuity. Don't miss out on this captivating episode brimming with actionable wisdom and inspiring narratives that will leave you motivated to break through perceived boundaries and make a meaningful impact. Tune in now on The Entrepreneur Ethos!

Brian Sheng on LinkedIn

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Have you ever looked around and wondered why some obvious problem or opportunity hasn't been addressed? Why hasn't someone created a product or service to fill that gap? That's exactly the situation Alexis Eizinas found herself in when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. As women around her stopped dyeing their hair due to lockdowns, Alexis noticed many embracing their natural silver and gray hair. But they had questions - what to do about eyebrows, how to prevent yellowing, and more. Despite having over 30 years of experience in the beauty industry, Alexis realized there were no dedicated hair care products for women going gray gracefully. 

From that light bulb moment was born SILVERING, Alexis' company celebrating and amplifying the beauty of silver hair. In this inspiring conversation, Alexis shares her entrepreneurial journey - identifying an unmet consumer need, finding the courage to fill it herself after corporate life, and pushing past pandemic hurdles to get her brand off the ground. You'll hear how sometimes the most innovative ideas come from simply looking around with fresh eyes at the problems we've all learned to live with. Alexis' story showcases the power of challenging assumptions and believing in the authentic beauty of people's natural selves.

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