“ Give yourself some grace, give yourself some time.” In this episode of The Entrepreneur Gene, the host welcomes Brandon Stanchock, CEO of SWF Industrial Inc. and experienced podcaster. Brandon discusses his journey from over 15 years in project management to taking the helm of a family business. He emphasizes the importance of leadership, employee development, and implementing innovative collaboration strategies in the industrial sector. The conversation also highlights Brandon's commitment to providing support for employees and internal promotion programs. Brandon shares how his personal interests in travel, gaming, and podcasting align with his broader mission to help people reach their full potential both inside and outside the workplace.

Takeaways:

• Embrace the entrepreneurial gene. Leadership, innovation, and employee development are key traits for entrepreneurial success.
• Navigating leadership challenges. Leading a family business requires adaptability and a focus on collaboration to drive growth.
• Support employee growth. Providing support and promoting from within strengthens company culture and fosters employee loyalty.
• Focus on performance management and succession planning. Proper planning ensures long-term success for both leadership and employees.
• Align personal passions with business goals. Staying connected to passions like travel, gaming, and podcasting helps balance professional and personal growth.

Quote of the Show:

• “ Give yourself some grace, give yourself some time.” - Brandon Stanchock

____________________________________

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 here: https://btsherpa.com/book   

____________________________________

Connect with Laurie Barkman:

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

Website: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/  

Book: https://btsherpa.com/book 

Course: https://freedom-finder.thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/freedom-finder-course  

Connect with Brandon:

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

Company website: https://www.swfindustrial.com/ 

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/just-some-bs/id1740283767  

For all episodes visit:

https://www.entrepreneurgene.live/  

“Passion will continue to drive you forward.” In this episode of The Entrepreneur Gene, the host welcomes Larry Whiteside Jr., an expert in information security, risk management, and entrepreneurship. Larry discusses his journey from cybersecurity to becoming the Co-Owner of Lifesaver Pool Fence of Tampa and Co-Founder & President of Confide. He emphasizes the importance of passion, operational efficiency, and overcoming challenges in business. They delve into key trends in cybersecurity, focusing on AI and automation’s growing influence. The conversation also highlights Larry’s commitment to promoting diversity in the cybersecurity field and how his military background has shaped his entrepreneurial approach. He offers valuable insights on balancing multiple businesses, aligning passion with business ventures, and prioritizing strategic operational planning.

Takeaways:

• Embrace the entrepreneurial gene. Outgoingness and exceptional storytelling are key traits for entrepreneurial success. Connecting with others and communicating your vision is essential.
• Navigating the transition to entrepreneurship. Financial instability and operational hurdles are common, but with perseverance and support from trusted partners, you can overcome these challenges.
• Promote diversity in your industry. Larry emphasizes the importance of fostering diversity in cybersecurity and encourages entrepreneurs to create more inclusive environments.
• Align passion with your business ventures. Staying connected to your passion helps maintain drive and resilience, especially during tough times.
• Focus on systemic operational planning. Managing multiple businesses requires trust in yourself and a strong commitment to strategic planning to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Quote of the Show:

• “Passion will continue to drive you forward.” - Larry Whiteside Jr

____________________________________

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 here: https://btsherpa.com/book   

____________________________________

Connect with Laurie Barkman:

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

Website: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/  

Book: https://btsherpa.com/book 

Course: https://freedom-finder.thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/freedom-finder-course  

Connect with Larry:

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

Company website: https://www.confide.group/ 

For all episodes visit:

https://www.entrepreneurgene.live/  

“Treat people well, work hard, have a plan.” Laurie 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 here: https://btsherpa.com/book   

____________________________________

Connect with Laurie Barkman:

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

Website: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/  

Book: https://btsherpa.com/book 

Course: https://freedom-finder.thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/freedom-finder-course  

Connect with Travis:

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

Company website: https://regscale.com/ 

For all episodes visit:

https://www.entrepreneurgene.live/  

“Don't be a jack of all social media sites, master of none.” Laurie interviews digital marketing expert Corey Perlman, Owner 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 here: https://btsherpa.com/book   

____________________________________

Connect with Laurie Barkman:

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

Website: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/  

Book: https://btsherpa.com/book 

Course: https://freedom-finder.thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/freedom-finder-course  

Connect with Corey:

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

Website: https://impactsocialmedia.com/ 

For all episodes visit:

https://www.entrepreneurgene.live/  

“We’re in the business of making people happy.” John and Mark Cronin, a father-son co-founding duo of John’s Crazy Socks join Laurie today to discuss entrepreneurship and inclusion. John and Mark share the inspiring story of their business journey, emphasizing key entrepreneurial insights. They discuss their unique business model, including over half of their employees with differing abilities, and their commitment to spreading happiness. The discussion covers their 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 here: https://btsherpa.com/book   

____________________________________

Connect with Laurie Barkman:

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

Website: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/  

Book: https://btsherpa.com/book 

Course: https://freedom-finder.thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/freedom-finder-course  

Connect with John and Mark:

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

Website: https://johnscrazysocks.com/ 

For all episodes visit:

https://www.entrepreneurgene.live/  

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. Molly shares her unique perspective on the entrepreneur gene, describing it as 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 this board of directors everywhere in your life that will support you with this and shining that flashlight on you, I think 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 here: https://btsherpa.com/book   

____________________________________

Connect with Laurie Barkman:

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

Website: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/  

Book: https://btsherpa.com/book 

Course: https://freedom-finder.thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/freedom-finder-course  

Connect with Molly:

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

Website: https://hiringandempowering.com/ 

For all episodes visit:

https://www.entrepreneurgene.live/  

What does six generations of entrepreneurship get you? Find out in this episode with Jim Haviland, an experienced entrepreneur, Partner and 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 here: https://btsherpa.com/book   

____________________________________

Connect with Laurie Barkman:

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

Website: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/  

Book: https://btsherpa.com/book 

Course: https://freedom-finder.thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/freedom-finder-course  

Connect with Jim:

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

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

Website: 

For all episodes visit:

https://www.entrepreneurgene.live/  

Today’s guest Jennifer Bisceglie, the Founder and Executive Vice Chair of Interos, discusses the concept of identity, both of the business and having one 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 her significant contributions through her 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.

Quote of the Show:

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

____________________________________

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 here: https://btsherpa.com/book   

____________________________________

Connect with Laurie Barkman:

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

Website: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/  

Book: https://btsherpa.com/book 

Course: https://freedom-finder.thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/freedom-finder-course  

Connect with Jennifer:

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

Website: https://www.interos.ai/ 

For all episodes visit:

https://www.entrepreneurgene.live/  

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.

Quote of the Show:

• “The big learning for me there 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

____________________________________

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 here: https://btsherpa.com/book   

____________________________________

Connect with Laurie Barkman:

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

Website: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/  

Book: https://btsherpa.com/book 

Course: https://freedom-finder.thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/freedom-finder-course  

Connect with Christopher:

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

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

For all episodes visit:

https://www.entrepreneurgene.live/  

What kinds of risks are the ones worth taking when it comes to entrepreneurship? According to Casey Cheshire, the Founder of Ringmaster Conversational Marketing and the host of The Hard Corps Marketing Show, smart risks are the key to success. Casey shares insights on 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.

Quote of the Show:

• “ The flip of this one-to-one communication or just a one-to-few communication is going to become priceless. It's all about connection.” - Casey Cheshire

____________________________________

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 here: https://btsherpa.com/book   

____________________________________

Connect with Laurie Barkman:

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

Website: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/  

Book: https://btsherpa.com/book 

Course: https://freedom-finder.thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/freedom-finder-course  

Connect with Casey:

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

Website: https://ringmaster.com/ 

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Marketing-Automation-Unleashed-Strategic-Growth/dp/1599327384 

For all episodes visit:

https://www.entrepreneurgene.live/