How do you help overworked business owners achieve their big dreams?

In this episode, Ben Wolf, founder and CEO of Wolf's Edge Integrators, shares his journey from "late onset entrepreneurship" as a bankruptcy attorney to running one of the world's largest fractional COO firms.

After being laid off from his law firm, Ben took a leap into the entrepreneurial world, eventually becoming COO of a fast-growing startup. But when a subsequent COO role turned toxic, he hung up his own shingle as a fractional executive.

Ben discusses the power of persistence in business development as an introvert. He set measurable goals like 30 reach-outs per week and focused on providing value to build trust over time.

As the author of "Fractional Leadership," Ben aims to educate business owners on how fractional executives with real-world experience can help them break through growth barriers.

Ben sees a bright future for the fractional executive model. His goal is for Wolf's Edge Integrators to positively impact thousands of companies and employees within the next few years.

Mentors that Inspired Ben:

• Marcus Sheridan (author of They Ask, You Answer) - appeared on Ben's podcast after a stimulating LinkedIn debate

• Mark O'Donnell (Visionary at EOS Worldwide) - shared insights on Ben's podcast

• Joshua Sprague (creator of the 30-Day Writing Challenge) - his step-by-step course helped Ben write his book in just 8 weeks

Tune in for insights on overcoming introversion in business development, navigating leadership crises, and the rising demand for fractional executives.

References: Website - ⁠https://wolfsedgeintegrators.com/⁠

Wolf's Edge Integrators LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolfsedgeintegrators/mycompany/?viewAsMember=true 

Ben's Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminwolf/

Anthony Codispoti, AddBack Benefits Agency

https://www.addbackbenefitsagency.com/

Transcript | The Power of Persistence: Ben Wolf's Journey from Introvert to Successful Fractional COOhttps://addbackbenefitsagency.com/the-power-of-persistence-ben-wolfs-journey-from-introvert-to-successful-fractional-coo/

Youtube - Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack BenefitsAgency

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-2KCy3zqjALje6hwzWT0VA

How do you help small business owners achieve lasting success and build generational wealth?

In this episode, Craig Paxson, a fractional COO, certified strategy planner, and business coach, shares his insights on creating profitable and sellable businesses that stand the test of time.

As the founder of Visionary Results, Craig works with overworked and under profitable business owners to help them increase profitability and create lasting value in their companies. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on both the financial aspects and the intangible factors that make a business attractive to potential buyers or successors.

Craig discusses his 3-step system for helping business owners gain control over their week, plan for the quarter, and align their actions with their 3-year vision. He also shares his 7 operating principles, which include embracing continuous learning, taking action, seeking diverse perspectives, and maintaining a no-jerks policy.

Throughout the episode, Craig opens up about his personal challenges, including discovering he had Asperger's syndrome later in life and pushing himself out of his comfort zone to become a more effective communicator and leader. He credits his participation in Toastmasters for helping him develop his public speaking skills and confidence.

With his passion for coaching and mentorship, Craig aims to help business owners not only achieve financial success but also experience personal growth and fulfillment. He emphasizes the importance of measuring progress, identifying areas for improvement, and embracing both incremental changes and bold innovations to drive profitability.

References: 

Website - https://visionaryresults.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigpaxson

Listen to Craig’s Toastmasters - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpNur8tojag

Learn more about Craig's work - https://go.visionaryresults.com/inspired-stories

Anthony Codispoti, AddBack Benefits Agency

https://www.addbackbenefitsagency.com/

Transcript | How Craig Paxson Overcame Fear of Public Speaking to Become a Successful Business Leader

https://addbackbenefitsagency.com/how-craig-paxson-overcame-fear-of-public-speaking-to-become-a-successful-business-leader/

Youtube - Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack BenefitsAgency

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-2KCy3zqjALje6hwzWT0VA

How do you build a successful real estate investing business in the mobile home niche?

In this episode, Adrian Smude, founder of Lifestyle Real Estate Investing, shares his journey from being evicted as a tenant to becoming a thriving mobile home investor.

After experiencing the challenges of being a problematic tenant and losing money on a failed property investment, Adrian discovered the untapped potential of the mobile home market. He now focuses on acquiring and renting out mobile homes to underserved communities.

Adrian attributes his success to his problem-solving mindset, willingness to learn from hard times, and ability to adapt to change. He emphasizes the importance of building long-term relationships, networking, and educating others about the mobile home industry.

References: 

Website - https://adriansmude.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriansmude

Facebook -https://adriansmude.com/facebook/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lifestyle_rei/

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSZfWD1Pet4fmp4qbVGPNaA

Get your Free 14 Myths Debunked E-book - https://www.lifestyle-rei.com/inspired

Anthony Codispoti, AddBack Benefits Agency

⁠https://www.addbackbenefitsagency.com/⁠

Transcript | From Eviction to Successful Real Estate Investor, with Adrian Smude

Youtube - Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack BenefitsAgency

⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-2KCy3zqjALje6hwzWT0VA

How do you navigate career transitions and build a thriving business as a fractional executive?

In this episode, Jessica Spino, a fractional CMO and COO, shares her journey of embracing her diverse skill set and carving out a unique role in the business world.

After exploring various fields, from communications to education to nonprofit work, Jessica found her calling in operations and marketing. She pivoted into a fractional position, providing her expertise to multiple companies.

Jessica attributes her success to her creativity, adaptability, and willingness to take bold leaps. She emphasizes the significance of letting your personality shine, going the extra mile, and staying determined in your job search.

She also discusses her inspiring initiative, the Blue Sky Sisterhood, a live event series and membership community aimed at empowering mothers and their teenage daughters to discover unconventional career paths.

At her core, Jessica strives to create a meaningful legacy for her children by staying true to herself. She highlights the impact of word-of-mouth referrals, partnering with clients who align with your values, and embracing technological advancements.

References: 

Website - https://jessspino.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessspino

Anthony Codispoti, AddBack Benefits Agency

https://www.addbackbenefitsagency.com/

Transcript | From Ivy League to Entrepreneurship: Jessica Spino's Journey as a Fractional CMO and COOhttps://addbackbenefitsagency.com/from-ivy-league-to-entrepreneurship-jessica-spinos-journey-as-a-fractional-cmo-and-coo/

Youtube - Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack BenefitsAgency

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-2KCy3zqjALje6hwzWT0VA

How do you build a successful recruiting firm with a people-first approach?

In this episode, Chris Allaire, founder and CEO of Averity, shares his journey transforming the recruiting industry with a team-based, service-oriented model.

After recognizing the need for change in the recruiting field, Chris pioneered a new approach at Averity. He built teams focused on specific tech niches who work together to best serve clients and candidates.

Chris believes understanding people is crucial to success in recruiting. He emphasizes the importance of knowing your team members as human beings first - their personalities, motivations, and goals.

He also discusses navigating economic challenges, including having to lay off 75% of his staff in 2023. Chris shares lessons learned and the importance of gratitude and believing in your path forward.

Chris aims to build a people-oriented business driven by the philosophies of "if it's not fun, it's not worth doing" and "find something you're good at and do it better than anyone else." He advises leaders to seek help, learn from others, and stay humble.

References: 

Website - https://www.averityteam.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisallaire

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AverityTeam

Twitter - https://twitter.com/AverityTeam

Anthony Codispoti, AddBack Benefits Agency

⁠https://www.addbackbenefitsagency.com/⁠

Transcript | How to Build a Successful Recruiting Firm Through a People-First, Team-Based Approach, with Chris Allaire of Averity

https://addbackbenefitsagency.com/how-to-build-a-successful-recruiting-firm-through-a-people-first-team-based-approach-with-chris-allaire-of-averity/

Youtube - Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack BenefitsAgency

⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-2KCy3zqjALje6hwzWT0VA

How do you build an innovative and purpose-driven business?

In this episode, Bryan Vielhauer, president of Cincinnati print shop Decal Impressions, shares his journey transforming a struggling company into an innovative digital services provider.

After acquiring the near-bankrupt business, Brian stabilized operations and saw opportunities in digital printing and ecommerce. He made the transition from traditional print to web design, graphic design, marketing and more.

Bryan believes caring about clients and embracing new technologies sets Decal Impressions apart. He discusses the importance of proactive communication and being an authentic partner.

He also reveals his passion project of building an electric car in 2007 to explore sustainable transportation.

Ultimately, Bryan aims to build a values-driven, community-impactful team. He emphasizes self-evaluation, learning from failures, and focusing on what matters most.

References: 

Website - https://decalimpressions.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-vielhauer-6353009/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Decal-Impressions

Twitter - https://twitter.com/DecalImpress

Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/decalimpressions

Decal Imperssion’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/4784722
Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtdgyd7ojXEikGJQlBRn10A

Anthony Codispoti, AddBack Benefits Agency

⁠https://www.addbackbenefitsagency.com/⁠

Transcript | How an Old School Print Shop Transitioned to Digital Success, with Bryan Vielhauer

https://addbackbenefitsagency.com/how-an-old-school-print-shop-transitioned-to-digital-success-with-bryan-vielhauer/

Youtube - Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack BenefitsAgency

⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-2KCy3zqjALje6hwzWT0VA

How do you build a business that’s true to yourself? 

In this episode, marketing agency founder Stephen Christopher shares how he built a purpose-driven company serving the home services industry. After his mortgage business failed in 2008, Stephen started over in digital marketing.

He explains his philosophy around conscious business and personal development. By focusing on feeling good first, Stephen believes you attract the opportunities and abundance you seek. He cautions against just following the next guru or book without true inner work.

Though his agency delivers results through SEO, PPC and other tactics, Stephen says caring about their clients is what really sets them apart. He discusses the importance of being an authentic partner, giving critical feedback both ways. Stephen also shares why he created an outbound calling solution to follow up on leads.

Ultimately, he aims to build a values-driven team that makes a positive impact on technicians, families and communities. Stephen emphasizes staying open, having fun and not stressing about the future of digital marketing or robot plumbers.

References:

Website - https://witdelivers.com/ 

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenchristopher

Anthony Codispoti, AddBack Benefits Agency

https://www.addbackbenefitsagency.com/

Transcript | How to Build a Business (and Life) that is Full of Abundance, with Stephen Christopher

https://addbackbenefitsagency.com/how-to-build-a-business-and-life-that-is-full-of-abundance-with-stephen-christopher/

Youtube - Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack BenefitsAgency

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-2KCy3zqjALje6hwzWT0VA

How can leaders build mental toughness to overcome adversity?

In this episode, mental performance coach Brian Bergford shares how he helps leaders and athletes overcome adversity and unlock high performance. After a difficult childhood, Brian studied psychology and developed an approach to get to the core "truth" of a situation.

He explains how he overcame a lifelong phobia of water to become a national champion swimmer. Brian emphasizes starting with small daily actions and failures to build mental toughness over time. His breathing exercise is one technique to control anxiety and excitement.

Though he coaches in sports, Brian mostly works with business owners, executives and other high achievers. He knows how to "pierce the veil" and address not just surface problems but the root cause holding someone back. Brian shares tangible ways to foster a champion mindset in yourself and your team.

References: 

Website - https://www.bergfordperformance.com/

LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-bergford-35158912b

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brianbergford/

Anthony Codispoti, AddBack Benefits Agency

https://www.addbackbenefitsagency.com/

Transcript | Unlocking High Performance: A Coach's Keys to Success in Business and Sports, with Brian Bergford

https://addbackbenefitsagency.com/unlocking-high-performance-a-coachs-keys-to-success-in-business-and-sports-with-brian-bergford/

Youtube - Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack BenefitsAgency

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-2KCy3zqjALje6hwzWT0VA

How embracing remote work can enhance company culture virtually?

In this episode, Mike Whaling, founder of 30 Lines, shares how his digital marketing agency transitioned to being fully remote during the pandemic. After shutting down their office in early 2020, Mike realized they needed to be more intentional about communication and collaboration.

To foster connection among employees, 30 Lines holds annual in-person retreats focused on relationship building. They also encourage casual interactions through pets and kids making cameo appearances on video calls.

On the process side, the agency sets guidelines around meeting-free focus time as well as designated collaboration days. Mike is constantly looking for new ways to build culture in a distributed environment, like highlighting wins and milestones virtually.

Though managing a remote team presents challenges, 30 Lines has expanded well beyond their Ohio headquarters. Mike sees opportunities to leverage AI and other technologies to work smarter. He remains driven by serving client needs above all else.

References: 

Website - https://30lines.com/mike-whaling/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikewhaling

Anthony Codispoti, AddBack Benefits Agency

https://www.addbackbenefitsagency.com/

Transcript | Enhancing Digital Marketing for Property Management Companies with a Proprietary Tech Stack, with Mike Whaling

https://addbackbenefitsagency.com/enhancing-digital-marketing-for-property-management-companies-with-a-proprietary-tech-stack-with-mike-whaling/

Youtube - Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack BenefitsAgency

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-2KCy3zqjALje6hwzWT0VA

How can perseverance in the face of adversity lead to award-winning sales success?

In this episode, Michael Shonk shares his journey to becoming an award-winning medical device sales executive. After establishing himself as a top sales rep by mastering product knowledge and forging deep doctor relationships, Michael was faced with new competitive threats from a global medtech giant.

Through tireless preparation and passionately educating customers on his company’s superior offering and service, Michael prevailed in defending his territory. He re-doubled his efforts to cement his hospital system partnerships.

This process revealed broader industry reimbursement challenges, which Michael took on through building coalitions and engaging political allies. Though not seeing his ambitious plan through due to internal company politics, the experience illustrated Michael's competitiveness and problem-solving abilities.

He remains driven by patient impact over sales goals, though has lost motivation on the career front. Michael now channels his relentless desire for self-improvement towards excelling in amateur golf tournaments.

References: 

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-shonk-28705156/

Website - http://www.avanos.com/

 http://www.mycoolief.com/

Email - [email protected]

Anthony Codispoti, AddBack Benefits Agency

https://www.addbackbenefitsagency.com/

Transcript | Dominating the Sales Game: Insights from a Golf Champion, with Michael Shonk

https://addbackbenefitsagency.com/dominating-the-sales-game-insights-from-a-golf-champion-with-michael-shonk/

Youtube - Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack BenefitsAgency

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-2KCy3zqjALje6hwzWT0VA