In this episode, I’m joined by Dan Hillenbrand, the owner of Spring Green Lawn Care, Majestic Pool and Spa Service, and The Olie Gathering Place. Dan shares his journey from managing lawn services to building multiple successful businesses in Oklahoma City. He talks about the importance of consistency, the advantages of choosing a franchise model, and how he balances his time across three businesses. Dan also provides tips on overcoming challenges, strategic planning, and the role of supportive relationships in his success.

Timestamps

[00:45] Dan's background: From Las Vegas to Oklahoma City

[02:07] How Dan started his first business in college

[05:26] Choosing a franchise vs. starting from scratch

[07:41] Marketing support from the franchise system

[10:49] How Dan achieved significant growth in the franchise system

[15:00] How Dan acquired The Olie Gathering Place and made it an event space

[20:45] Dan’s decision-making process behind expanding from one business

[26:37] How Dan approached managing multiple businesses

[30:15] How L10 meetings helped Dan transform his business from a solo operation to a systematic organization.

[33:44] Tools and methods used by Dan to manage tasks and time

[37:29] One Technology Dan can’t live without

Quotes

● I've always been an entrepreneur at heart, even from being a kid. I feel comfortable in the home service industry, and that's why I took on Majestic Pools.

● Consistency in everything you do is the biggest thing I can say about success. Whether waking up at the same time every day or showing up for work, just staying consistent is key.

● Every little move I make is like playing chess. I'm playing chess all day long. I'll make this move, and we will have an effect on that move. And I'll have to continually move all over the game piece to make things work to my advantage.

● I don't know where the chess game came to me, but it feels like every time I make a move, I'm looking out to what's going to happen because of that move and then what's my next move after that.

Resources

Spring Green Lawn Care- www.spring-green.com

Majestic Pool and Spa Service- https://majesticpoolsokc.com/

The Olie Gathering Place- https://www.theolieokc.com/

Connect with Dan Hillenbrand on LinkedIn- linkedin.com/in/danhillenbrand

Networking Queen Sybil Hale on Building Connections and Running a Successful Sanitizing Business

In this episode, I’m joined by Sybil Hale, the founder and owner of Pros Make Ready Sanitizing Services, to discuss her journey as a business owner, her passion for connecting people, and the success of her networking group, Mix & Mingle Business Networking. Sybil shares her story of transitioning from a housekeeping service to a sanitizing business, the importance of networking, and how she finds balance in her busy life. She offers valuable insights and practical tips for anyone looking to grow their business through genuine connections and networking.

Timestamps:

[0:44] Sybil’s background

[1:43] Sybil's journey from starting a housekeeping service to becoming a connector

[3:19] How Sybil's compassion for elderly clients sparked Pros Make Ready Sanitizing Services

[6:00] Sybil's marketing strategy and the importance of referral-based business

[9:34] The benefits of whole-office or whole-home sanitizing systems

[13:58] The power of networking and community support

[18:56] Sybil's advice for networking effectively and following up after events

[21:51] How Sybil recharges and finds inspiration through prayer, music, and walking

[24:23] Sybil's openness to suggestions and valuing her team's input

[25:29] What Sybil wants to be known for

[26:49] How to connect with Sybil and attend Mix & Mingle Business Networking events

Quotes:

● It makes me very happy when I can connect somebody with somebody that is going to make a world of a difference in their life that they need. I love connecting people. That makes my heart probably the happiest.

● We are not a fly-by-night type of business. We are a long-term business. so therefore, it's getting that word out there, educating people why they need us.

● "Build relationships first. It's really the opposite of what I thought initially."

● During Covid, people understood the value of us, us. The thing is, covid is not a thing anymore. Right. I mean, I know it's still there, but it's not the scare of what it was. Right. But there's always gonna be something coming down the pike.

● Be genuine because if you're really there just to sit down and have a sales appointment, that's not how you network. People will not sit down with you when they find out you're gonna sit there and sell them.

● Get a buddy. It's so much easier when you have someone to go with you.

Resources:

Lets connect with Sybil Hale's on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554387150812

Mix & Mingle Business Networking website: https://mnmbusinessnetworking.com/

Pros Make Ready Sanitizing Services: https://www.prosmakeready.com/

An Inside Look at Strategic Communications with Linda Wesley

In this episode, I'm joined by Linda Wesley, the owner of Story Path Communications, who discusses her journey into strategic communications and the unique needs of small businesses and nonprofits. She shares insights into her approach to understanding client goals, crafting compelling stories, and the challenges and lessons she's learned as a business owner. Linda further discusses her journey of starting her own business, Story Path Communications, after moving back to Oklahoma City from St. Louis. She shares her initial hesitation, the valuable advice she received from other women business owners, and the moment she knew her business would succeed. Linda also provides tips on managing travel and work-related stress and her must-have technology for running her business.

Timestamps:

[00:44] Linda's focus on strategic communications for small businesses and nonprofits

[03:32] How Linda develops a customized communications strategy

[07:00] Benefits of emotional storytelling for nonprofits and small businesses

[14:01] Linda's insights on work-life balance and foundational systems

[19:36] The value of finding the right tools and platforms to streamline operations

[24:00] How Linda started her business in Oklahoma

[25:12] Linda's decision to resign from her state agency job and start her own business

[27:35] The most valuable advice ever received from other women business owners

[28:25] Overcoming self-doubt and finding reassurance from supportive individuals

[39:12] Linda's strategies for managing stress and unwinding as a business owner

Quotes:

● Different people perceive different things about those different words. Um, but I chose communications because it really is about every aspect of communications. And so it's the words you put on paper that come out of your mouth. It's the image you put forward for your company. And I feel like communications really encompasses all of those pieces.

● The reason I started my business and the reason I focus on small businesses and small nonprofits was that I knew that in this market, there really wasn't a lot of strategic support for those organizations at a price point they could afford.

● Communications plan and the full implementation, always start with who's your audience? What are your goals? What are we trying to do? And how can I help?

● I knew going into owning my own business, okay, there's a lot of work ahead of me. Yeah. There are many lean months when you start 'cause you must build a clientele, get your name out there, and make those connections.

● There's always that voice in the back of your head that questions, what if it doesn't work?

● Stubbornness is a helpful trait for a small business owner sometimes.

● I try to manage my stress on the front end so it doesn't build as much. That's not always possible. Um, but I try to get to the gym and swim, go for some walks with my husband and then, um, try to work in the garden a little bit and just get out in nature.

● I'd be lost, I'd be lost without my project management system. I would not be able to keep track of every client project in my head and where it is.

Resources:

Story Path Communications

Website: https://www.storypathcommunications.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StoryPathCommunications

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storypath-communications

Let's connect with Linda Wesley on:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindawesley

Click up project management tool: https://clickup.com/

In this episode, I sit down with Gunnar Hood, owner of WSI Summit, where he shares his entrepreneurial journey from a 25-year corporate career in financial services to building a successful digital marketing firm. He candidly discusses the challenges of transitioning to being a business owner, including grappling with imposter syndrome early on. Gunnar delves into the pivotal decision to adopt a recurring revenue model and prioritize delivering a "luxury experience" to clients through strategic assessments and a consultative approach. He also offers a fascinating perspective on the rise of AI and how businesses can harness tools like ChatGPT while maintaining the essential human element. Gunnar's wisdom spans valuable lessons on sales training, the importance of systems and processes, and always staying curious to understand your client's needs deeply.

Timestamps:

[00:46] Gunnar's background in financial services before transitioning to digital marketing

[01:57] Gunnar's journey of leaving the corporate world and starting a business

[05:39] Why Gunnar chose the WSI franchise opportunity

[08:16] How Sandler's sales training helped Gunnar transition to being a consultant

[11:15] The shift towards a recurring revenue model instead of upfront website builds

[14:20] Gunnar's approach to conducting strategic assessments for clients

[19:21] The importance of ensuring clients are the right fit

[23:45] Gunnar's thoughts on the rise of AI and its impact

[30:11] Benefits of writing effective prompts as "the greatest programming language"

[35:52] The concept of delivering a "luxury experience" to clients

[40:07] Gunnar attributes being curious and having systems as keys to success

Quotes:

● If somebody's looking for an insurance company, maybe the fact that their service team is JD Power certified will be another reason for them to work with us.

● If you are curious and you stay that way and not just go, oh, I know this, but you can always ask another question, it's gonna help you develop that relationship even stronger with people.

● It's funny to see it [AI] say, I'm so sorry. You know, let me go back and fix that.

● Luxury, once sampled, becomes a necessity; think about it.

● We realized that that wasn't a successful approach. It was a process for a lot of people. And we ended up pivoting at that point to say, let's go towards more of a recurring revenue model that smooths this out for them.

● In the last year, 95% of our new business came from referrals. And so to us, that was one of those reflection points that says, that's awesome. I mean, we're making a difference.

Resources:

WSI Summit website: https://www.wsi-summit.com/

Gunnar Hood on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gunnarhood/

Building a Flexible and Connected Business: The Story of Essential Offices

In this episode, I'm joined by Beth DeGraffenreid, owner of Essential Offices, which offers executive office spaces, virtual office services, and other services for business owners. Beth shares the fascinating story behind starting her company in 1989, initially providing shared office spaces and administrative support services at a time when personal computers were not ubiquitous.

She shares how her business has evolved over the past three decades to meet changing needs, from offering a professional community for solopreneurs and remote workers to providing flexible office solutions for larger corporations downsizing their real estate footprint. Beth provides insights into navigating the challenges of the pandemic, maintaining company culture across multiple locations, and her personal journey as an entrepreneur, including the times she considered quitting but persevered to see what was next.

Her story is an inspiring example of resilience, adaptability, and a passion for creating the ideal work environment.

Timestamps:

[00:52] Beth DeGraffenreid’s personal and professional journey

[02:02] Beth's background in accounting and database management

[03:22] How Beth started the business and the concept of "executive suites"

[05:57] How the company has evolved to focus on creating community

[07:18] The average lifespan of companies and the need for flexibility

[09:23] How Beth helps clients grow and transition through different stages

[11:45] Challenges of starting a business during difficult economic times

[14:54] Adapting the business during the COVID-19 pandemic

[20:55] Maintaining company culture across multiple locations

[26:46] Beth's hobbies and ways she de-stresses

[31:38] One piece of technology Beth can’t live without

Quotes:

● I wanted to have more control over my time, and I wanted to have more control over my work environment, you know, and a lot of people are talking about culture right now.

● The one thing that has lasted throughout all this time was that people don't want to be alone. And I think the pandemic has really stressed that, that even if you are a solopreneur, you don't want necessarily want to do what you're doing alone in, in a space by yourself.

● Companies need to be more flexible than your average real estate lease. You don't know how many people you're gonna have at you. You, you might Want to ramp up for a little while and then, and then take it back down and then ramp up. So you need to be able to be nimble in your business.

● I have a tough time quitting when things are difficult. I just want, it's, it's my gut reaction to make it better. Yeah. And then when it's better, it's fun again.

● I really want someone to be able to take their business from any stage to any other stage within our space. Yeah. Whether they're just beginning and they're ramping up and growing, or if, you know, they're doing some kind of a transition and they need to downsize for a little while that they can find space with us and find what they need and have community and have all the infrastructure all set up and ready for them.

Resources:

Essential Offices: www.essentialoffices.com

Beth DeGraffenreid's contact information:

Phone: (405) 848-8246

Email: [email protected]

Software

Evo: https://evo.tech/

In this episode, I’m joined by Mike Redwine, the executive vice president at Southern Nazarene University and 2023 chairman of the Northwest Chamber of Commerce. Mike shares his journey from being a high school math teacher and football coach to his current roles, and discusses his passion for education and community involvement. He also talks about the breadth of responsibilities he has in his current position and the importance of adaptability in the business world.

Tune in to gain insights from Mike's experiences and learn about his valuable contributions to the Oklahoma business community.

Key Highlights

[00:00:47] Mike’s biography

[00:01:19] Mike’s breadth of responsibilities

[00:04:29] Managing multiple teams and responsibilities

[00:08:43] The importance of being close to the problems and solutions

[00:11:21] Micromanagement and autonomy in a business

[00:16:12] Changes and challenges faced by Mike during his 15 years at SNU

[00:23:31] Challenges faced in coaching vs. being a business owner

[00:26:33] Mike’s role and connection with college students

[00:31:27] Benefits of patience and perseverance in coaching and business decisions

[00:32:41] Value of sticking to a well-thought-out plan in both coaching and business

[00:39:06] Navigating relational dynamics in coaching

[00:42:01] Importance of appropriate communication within an organization

[00:46:14] Aspects of technology that play a crucial role in Mike’s work

[00:50:43] The convenience of smartphones

Notable Quotes

● I'm really fortunate that our current (University) president is someone that's not just my boss, but is someone that's a friend and someone that I think you know, sees things enough through similar lenses that he can help me with blind spots and things.

● It's so easy to let my mind go to worrying about the three or four misses, and then meanwhile, you have all these other ones that need your attention.

● You learn about the problem, but the solution is generally best determined by someone that's close enough.

● When you're young, it's hard. It's hard. It's hard to get younger people, you know, and young is getting a little relative, too.

● One of the fun things about football is there's one contest per week. And the entire week is preparing for that one three-hour event.

● So I think it's great to try to make sure you're differentiating. Is this a important change we're doing or is this just, you know, we've dropped the first two games and I don't know what's going to happen anymore.

● In the end, I think we all feel that, well, I think good leaders feel that if they can, even if it is their idea, their concept that they're trying to have others execute, to get fingerprints on it by those that are the next level down.

● I'm guessing as business owners, when you have employees, you, you want success for them. And, and, and because, you know, certainly from job satisfaction to pay and benefits and all the other things that we, that we want to provide for others.

Resources

If you want to learn more about SNU contact Mike at:

Email: [email protected] or

University Website: https://www.snu.edu/

Are you worried about cyber threats? Visit https://yourit.com/ to learn more about our services and schedule a chat to find out how we can help you.

In this episode, I’m joined by Alyssa Weathers-Murphy, the owner of Siren Media, a woman-owned marketing agency in OKC. Alyssa shares her journey of starting her own business, from initially being reluctant to becoming a successful entrepreneur. She discusses her background growing up in a family-owned TV sales and repair business and how her passion for selling and marketing led her to start her own agency. Alyssa also talks about the challenges and successes she has experienced working with small businesses and nonprofits. She emphasizes the importance of networking and supporting other women in business. Alyssa's enthusiasm for helping young people and providing guidance and mentorship shines through as she shares her advice for those starting their careers.

Tune in to learn more about Alyssa's experiences and insights in marketing and entrepreneurship.

Key Highlights

[01:08] Alyssa's journey toward starting a marketing agency

[04:35] Alyssa’s struggle with imposter syndrome after graduating from college

[06:19] Alyssa's fascination with goth-related businesses and experiences in retail and makeup artistry

[07:39] Finding job connections through networking

[11:05] The mismatch between the offered products and the needs of small businesses.

[12:50] Career changes, embracing diverse roles, and discovering growth after unexpected job loss.

[17:22] How Alyssa founded a business

[18:15] Essential steps for aspiring business owners

[20:07] Impact of advocating for women in business

[24:45] Women's empowerment and raising confident individuals

[25:21] Navigating networking with college students for business guidance and opportunities

[29:23] Mentoring young business professionals

[34:19] What Alyssa enjoys most in what she does

[38:12] Finding business community and networking

[41:10] Business Networking International (BNI)

[44:57] Why Alyssa can not live without her iPhone

[45:11] How to connect with Alyssa

Notable Quotes

● So if anybody out there is thinking of starting a business, the first thing you need to make sure you're able to do Is get a few clients, two or three clients. Two, be ready to pay your living expenses for a few months. You need to build that on-ramp.

● If you're in whatever industry you're in, take some time, take a meeting a month or a meeting a week, and do coffee with a kid in college.

● I love working with small businesses. It's my passion to help them with branding, web design, social media, and advertising.

● Being let go from a job was the best career thing that ever happened to me. It forced me to take stock of my skills and start my marketing firm.

● Helping young people and those in transition is a big calling for me. I enjoy mentoring and providing guidance to those starting their careers.

● In business, everything is a negotiation. It's important for women to ask for what they want and claim their value. I encourage the younger generation to go for it.

● I believe in the power of networking and building connections. It's amazing how telling people in your network what you're looking for can lead to unexpected opportunities.

● Negotiating for what you want is essential in business. Don't be afraid to ask for what you deserve and claim your value.

● I'm passionate about empowering young people and helping them navigate their careers. It's important to support and mentor the next generation of business leaders.

Resources

Feel free to contact Alyssa at:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirenmediaokc/?hl=en

In this episode, I’m joined by Matt Tipton, owner of WHYHR, an HR firm catering to small and mid-sized businesses, and co-owner of Physicians Local, a marketing company serving physician-owned medical centers. Matt's journey from HR professional to entrepreneur is explored, focusing on his commitment to aligning strong HR strategies with business goals. Discussions cover the significance of education, workplace culture and addressing common HR challenges, including misclassification of employees and compliance issues.

Matt shares his journey of starting and growing his HR consulting business, emphasizing the importance of proactive HR solutions for small businesses. He discusses the challenges of remote work, employee classification, and maintaining HR compliance across different States. Matt also talks about his involvement in the Physicians Local project, a platform connecting patients with independent physicians, and his role in the direct primary care space, providing affordable and accessible healthcare options to employees.

Tune in and learn!

Key Highlights

[00:23] Matt's background

[01:33] The importance of HR for companies and why it matters

[03:09] Key HR topics for business owners and leaders in speaking engagements

[04:49] The evolution and impact of organizational culture in mainstream business discussions

[07:25] Identifying signs of culture erosion and conducting a self-check for business owners

[09:31] Leveraging stay interviews to gain valuable insights and improve company culture

[11:22] Navigating complex employment compliance challenges

[14:05] Determining the distinction between contractors and employees

[15:41] How Matt transitioned from an employee to a business owner

[19:43] Choosing between outsourcing HR to a consulting company or using a Professional Employer Organization (PEO)

[23:22] The importance of finding the right business model

[27:38] Starting "Physicians Local" and the motivation behind diversifying business ventures

[32:16] What the concept of Direct Primary Care entails

[36:57] Anticipating future changes in the job market and workplace regulations

[39:41] Navigating the challenges of hiring remotely and ensuring compliance with State regulations

Notable Quotes

● If you're going to build something for the long term, you have to have a good foundation.

● It's one thing to say, or, you know, make the top 10 list and however, you know, that may be judged that you're in that list. But the more difficult thing is when you have that one-on-one conversation with somebody who works in that company, will they support that statement? Are they going to say, yeah, this is one of the best places to work, and here's why.

● I don't think there's a business owner out there that wants to have a toxic work environment. A lot of those things happen because you're just busy.

● I always tell people when it comes to independent contractors versus employees, it never, those types of regulations get looser. So it only becomes, I would say, more strict in that we're going to see more on the, you know, falling into the employee category as opposed to an independent contractor.

Resources

Feel free to contact Matt on:

Website: https://whyhr.guru/

Email: [email protected]

In this episode, Chris Moroz interviews Kirsten Land, CEO of Land Enterprises Roofing, as she recounts her remarkable journey from a teacher to a roofing company leader. Kirsten shares how her background in special education shaped her effective sales management approach and discusses her transition into running the company after her husband's passing. Confronting imposter syndrome and team dynamics, Kirsten shares her story about enhancing resilience, personal development, and the transformational potential of navigating adversity.

Kirsten reflects on a pivotal moment that turned the tide for her business, a transformative realization following a tough period of employee departures and doubts about her capabilities. She discusses her strategy of documenting mistakes, her passion for enhancing customer service, and her sons' diverse activities.

Tune in and learn!

Key Highlights

[00:24] Kirsten's background

[01:15] How Kirsten transitioned from teaching to roofing

[05:00] Transitioning from a sales role to the CEO

[07:58] Navigating Imposter Syndrome and Embracing Learning as a Business Owner

[11:07] Why Kirsten decided to keep the business after her husband's death

[13:46] Navigating Challenges and Implementing a Personal Vision in Business Growth

[17:54] Defining Moments of Progress and Team Cohesion in Business Transformation

[20:19] Harnessing the Power of Journaling for Reflection and Progress in Business

[22:53] Balancing Seasonal Demand and Building a Resilient Roofing Business Model

[29:59] Personal Relaxation and Unwinding: Kirsten's Go-To Methods

[32:43] One piece of technology Kirsten cannot live without

[33:24] How to connect with Land Enterprise Roofing

Notable Quotes

● Nobody does anything great without help from other people.

● Sometimes a decision, even though it feels bad, doesn't mean that it's a bad, you know, bad decision. Sometimes we can let our emotions play too heavily into our decision-making.

● Just because someone is a good fit once doesn't mean they're always a good fit.

● Sometimes it's okay to realize, “Hey, it's just not working anymore. I appreciate what you've done in the past, but it's just not working now.”

Resources

Feel free to contact Kirsten on:

Website: https://landroofingokc.com/

Or call (405) 359-3951

In this episode, Chris Moroz interviews Christian Brim, the founder and CEO of Core Group, an Oklahoma-based accounting firm, as he shares his 26-year journey in building the company and the lessons he's learned. They discuss the transformative power of defining a clear target market while emphasizing the importance of self-awareness as an entrepreneur and the value of dedicating time to exploration and growth.

Christian further emphasizes the significance of trust in an organization's culture and how he implemented the Entrepreneur's Operating System (EOS) to improve their business. He shares the lessons from past failures and the importance of being aware of self-deception as an entrepreneur.

Tune in and learn!

Key Highlights

[00:50] Christian's background

[03:14] Why Christian decided to take on some clients separately

[04:46] How Christina keeps certain aspects separate while aligning with the company's main principles

[08:26] Self-growth, awareness, recognizing missed opportunities for change, and addressing blind spots

[10:18] Perry Marshall's concept of "Renaissance Time."

[14:26] Exploring the business pivot towards a specific industry niche and its adoption process

[19:01] The impact of COVID-19 on the acceptance of virtual service providers

[20:37] Perry Marshall's Definitive Sales Proposition (DSP) vs. Unique Sales Proposition (USP)

[25:32] How Christian nurtured and sustained his company’s culture

[29:01] The impact of aligning company values with the leader's values

[36:01] Some of the strategies that did not work for Christian

[43:32] One piece of technology Christian can't live without

Notable Quotes

● One of the things he talks about is Renaissance time. And it's this concept that you must intentionally set aside time in your day or week to explore those things, and how powerful that time, even though it's a small amount of time proportionate to what you do the rest of the week, you know, driving your long-term success.

● In the normal course, you, as an individual and certainly as a business owner, gravitate to those things where the outcome of your efforts is known, whether or not that's necessarily productive. It's a known factor. You know, if you do X, you get Y and the Renaissance time is really about spending time where you don't have any idea what the outcome is going to be.

● It takes a conscious choice to set your mind and set your time aside to explore.

● The real purpose of a target market in the EOS world is to define what you're going to spend time, money, and energy on attracting, not necessarily a litmus test to say if somebody that comes to you organically is not in that target market, that you can't take care of them, that's not the purpose.

● Values persist beyond what you do, how, or who you do it with. Values don't change over time.

● The values of the company cannot, cannot, and are not distinct from the leader of the owner of the organization. In other words, you can't come up with these values that other people hold that are antithetical to you that doesn't work.

Resources

Feel free to contact Christian at [email protected] if you have any questions or want to learn more about Core Group.

You can also visit their website at coregroupus.com to explore their services and discover how we can help your business succeed.

Books

Mastering the Rockefeller Habits https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Rockefeller-Habits-Increase-Growing/dp/0978774957

Traction https://www.amazon.com/Traction-Get-Grip-Your-Business/dp/1936661837

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team https://www.amazon.com/Five-Dysfunctions-Team-Leadership-Fable/dp/0787960756

 www.christianbrim.com