Today’s episode is one you won’t want to miss, as we dive into the lifeblood of every successful business: Sales and Marketing.

Joining us is Alison Mullins, founder and CEO of Rep Methods, a sales training and consulting firm that empowers entrepreneurs and sales professionals to go beyond simply taking orders and become true rainmakers. 

With over two decades of experience in sales, merchandising, and marketing, Alison has transformed countless businesses by helping them embrace proactive, human-centric sales strategies. 
She is also the author of The Art of Selling: We Make Order Makers, Not Order Takers, a bestselling guide that has inspired many to elevate their sales game.

But this episode is about more than just sales techniques. Alison will share her personal journey as an entrepreneur—how she built her own brand, navigated challenges, and turned her vision into a thriving business. Her insights will offer inspiration and actionable takeaways to help you unlock the potential of your sales and marketing efforts.

So, sit back and get ready to learn from one of the best in the business. This is The Reluctant Entrepreneur Podcast, and I’m thrilled to welcome Alison Mullins to the show! 

Alison's Information:
Alison Mullins
Rep Methods
https://www.repmethods.com

Alison's Books
The Art of Selling
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGL9VJR4

Beyond Order Makers
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0960128700

Alison referenced the following company during our conversation:
Strong Brand Social
https://strongbrandsocial.com/collections/all-courses

Building a business is hard enough. It requires grit, determination, and a willingness to face challenges head-on. 

But what happens when you add family to the mix? How do you manage the unique complexities of running a business with those closest to you? 

Today, we’re diving into that very topic with our guest, Cathy Rinne, CEO of Flex-Line Automation Flex-Line Automation has thrived in the world of industrial automation, and Cathy has not only built a successful company but done so while navigating the dynamics of a family-run business.

In this episode, we’ll talk about the unique challenges and rewards that come with mixing family and business, how Cathy has overcome obstacles along the way, and what lessons she has for entrepreneurs who are considering walking this path. 

Cathy's Contact Info:
Cathy Rinne
FlexLine Automation
[email protected]
https://flex-lineautomation.com

Today, I’m thrilled to welcome Kristin Zhivago, an accomplished entrepreneur, business leader, and the owner of Zhivago Partners, a digital marketing agency dedicated to helping businesses grow through customer-centric strategies. 

Kristin’s entrepreneurial journey began long before she founded Zhivago Partners. With decades of experience as a revenue coach and a deep understanding of how customers want to buy, she has built her business around aligning marketing strategies with buyer behavior.  

Kristin is also the author of the highly acclaimed book Roadmap to Revenue: How to Sell the Way Your Customers Want to Buy, a practical guide for businesses looking to thrive by truly understanding their customers. 

Her agency is known for its commitment to quality, collaboration, and what she calls a “jerk-free bubble,” a culture where trust and kindness fuel innovation and results.  

In this episode, Kristin shares her insights into what it takes to build a successful business, her strategies for overcoming challenges, and her philosophy of entrepreneurship grounded in empathy and resilience. 

So, whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or someone contemplating starting a business, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways.  
Let’s dive into the conversation with Kristin Zhivago on this episode of The Reluctant Entrepreneur Podcast.  

Zhivago Partners:
https://zhivagopartners.com

My guest today is Jonathon Narvey. Jonatgon is the Founder and CEO of Mind Meld PR, a public relations agency specializing in technology companies. 

With a background in journalism, he leverages his storytelling skills to help tech brands gain media coverage. Under his leadership, Mind Meld PR has secured placements in major outlets such as Forbes, Business Insider, and Bloomberg. 

Jonathon emphasizes the importance of crafting compelling narratives to achieve effective PR results. 
In addition to his PR work, Jonathon shares insights on creative processes and media strategies through various platforms, including his YouTube channel. His agency, Mind Meld PR, has been recognized among Vancouver's top PR firms. 

His approach combines journalistic expertise with PR strategies to help tech companies effectively communicate their stories and achieve media visibility.

I’ll ask Jonathon to share his journey from a traditional 9-5 job to the Founder of a successful PR company.

Jonathon's Company:
https://www.mindmeldpr.com

Today, I’m excited to introduce Dr. Kristin Wild, founder and CEO of Modern Health Solution, a company redefining health and wellness by addressing health challenges at their root: the cellular level.

Starting, scaling, and sustaining a business is no easy feat. It’s often accompanied by high levels of stress, and the statistics are sobering. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 70% of all business startups ultimately fail. A measurable percentage of these failures can be directly linked to burnout. 

Dr. Wild understands the stakes of this stress all too well, both as an entrepreneur and as someone who has fought her own health battles.nHaving endured a decade-long struggle with three autoimmune diseases that nearly took her life, Dr. Wild embarked on a profound journey of self-study, formal education, and hands-on experimentation. 

She brings a unique blend of expertise, holding a Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD in Metaphysics, complemented by a diploma in Applied Psychology. Her relentless pursuit of answers led her to uncover groundbreaking approaches to restoring health at the cellular level, insights she now integrates into her business and shares with the world.

In this episode, Dr. Wild opens up about her entrepreneurial journey, her battle against burnout, and how her personal health struggles shaped her mission. 

We’ll discuss the challenges of building a business in a high-stakes industry, her strategies for overcoming adversity, and her vision for helping others reclaim their health.

This is an inspiring and candid conversation you won’t want to miss. Tune in as we learn from Dr. Kristin Wild’s extraordinary story of resilience, innovation, and purpose.

Modern Health Solution
https://modernhealthsolution.com

My guest today, is Martin Pazzani. Martin  describes himself as a seasoned global executive, a classically trained Chief Marketing Officer in consumer goods and services who morphed into a highly entrepreneurial CEO and startup advisor. He is highly experienced in the executive C-suite, inside an ad agency, with investor groups and shareholders, and as an entrepreneur. 

Martin has worked at several well-known companies. He was the first Chief Marketing Officer of Bally and Crunch as well as with dozens of Fortune 500 company clients and a portfolio of start ups on six continents where he acquired potent skills for aligning marketing, sales & operations, achieving strategic advantage, driving growth, and orchestrating all the pieces toward lofty goals.

Today, Martin is a serial entrepreneur, immersed in two principal areas -- fitness technology for people above age 50, and ultra-premium craft spirits -- with a common thread that requires a balance of entrepreneurship, strategic vision, marketing savvy, and a penchant for re-imagining the future.
Martin earned three college degrees in just over five years. A B.A. in Psychology, B.S. in Marketing, and an M.B.A. 

Martin says he’s always been drawn to difficult challenges. He's climbed to the summits of major mountains on all seven continents, explored Antarctica, Easter Island, Ngorongoro Crater, the Equatorial Rain-forests, the deserts of United Arab Emirates, Mexican volcanoes, and in addition, as a former F2000 race driver, he has a keen appreciation for the value of precision, speed and high performance. 

Martin is also the best-selling author of  The Secrets of Aging Well: GET OUTSIDE, The Mountains Made Me An Entrepreneur -- due in Fall 2025, and The Secrets of Aging Well: THE GET OUTSIDE WORKOUT, due in Winter 2025. And today, he’s my guest on The Reluctant Entrepreneur Podcast. 

Martin's Book:
SECRETS OF AGING WELL: GET OUTSIDE
https://www.amazon.com/SECRETS-AGING-WELL-Healthier-Recharge/dp/1952654092/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1RS9SB7V42E6G&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.3Fm6QoMe2BACasR3faHRKw.A6SDq1ovO7iwPfrpRl6NRoySgNATwSBFdZ09jjSucnQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Secrets+of+Aging+Well%3A+GET+OUTSIDE&qid=1732080558&sprefix=the+secrets+of+aging+well+get+outside%2Caps%2C159&sr=8-1

Contact Martin:
[email protected]
http://www.pazzani.com

Today, I’m thrilled to dive into the world of innovation, resilience, and growth with a guest who has been a pioneer in the field of business communications. Joining me is Philip Portman, the CEO and visionary force behind Textdrip, a groundbreaking platform that’s transforming how businesses connect with their audiences through strategic text messaging.

Philip’s journey as an entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring. From navigating the highs and lows of startup life to building a successful company that empowers businesses to engage with customers meaningfully, he has proven to be a resilient and creative leader in the industry. Philip is also the host of the Success is podcast. 

In today’s conversation, we’ll explore Philip’s insights on what it takes to build a sustainable business, how he’s innovating SMS marketing, and his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make their mark.

So, whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, there’s something here for everyone to learn. So, grab a seat, settle in, and get ready to be inspired by the story and insights of Philip Portman. 

Philip's Company Information:
Textdrip
https://textdrip.com

Chapters:
00:00:00 Innovation, Resilience, and Growth with Philip Portman  
00:03:17 Entrepreneurial Beginnings and Childhood Ambitions  
00:06:47 Journey of a Reluctant Entrepreneur  
00:10:17 Revolutionizing Texting Platforms  
00:13:55 Bootstrapping and Company Values
00:17:31 The Importance of Trust in Leadership  
00:21:18 Overcoming Anxiety for Effective Delegation
00:24:57 Encouraging Innovation and Learning from Failure  
00:28:28 The Invention of the Mouse and GUI Revolution  
00:32:05 The Evolution of Texting Compliance and the 10 DLC Industry  
00:35:35 The Evolution of Texting Regulations for Businesses
00:39:09 Challenges with Text Messaging Regulations
00:42:19 Navigating Compliance and Regulations in SMS Industry
00:45:46 Preventing Nefarious Activities on Platforms  
00:49:20 Building Healthy Habits for Success  
00:52:52 Overcoming Impostor Syndrome and Embracing Confidence
00:56:24 Entrepreneurship in the United States: Opportunities and Challenges  
01:00:59 Ingredients for Success: Beyond Monetary Goals
01:04:20 Redefining Success as an Entrepreneur  
01:08:18 Importance of Balance and Scheduling Downtime for Entrepreneurs
01:11:23 Embracing Creativity in Entrepreneurship  
01:14:48 Balancing Work and Relaxation for Entrepreneurs  
01:18:05 Balancing Tech Entrepreneurship with a Horse Ranch
01:21:24 Contact and Resources: The Reluctant Entrepreneur by Mike Konrad

Whenever I speak to business groups on the subject of entrepreneurship, I stress the importance on making a social impact, far beyond the goal of selling products or services. I believe every company should be greater than the sum of its parts.

My guest today started a business with the sole goal of creating a social impact. Genevieve Piturro is an author, speaker, and the founder of the nonprofit organization Pajama Program. 

She spent two decades as a television marketing executive in New York City before a pivotal moment in 2001 led her to establish Pajama Program. While volunteering at a shelter, a child's question about pajamas inspired her to start delivering pajamas and books to children in need. Her programs delivered 350,000 sets of new pajamas and storybooks, 22,500 families learned to foster healthy sleep routines through Sweet Dreamzzz for Early Childhood Programming, and 15,491elementary students learned the importance of bedtime at Storytime Plus, and all of this was just in 2024! Cumulatively, Pajama Program has delivered over 7 million pajamas and books to children in the United States.

Piturro's journey from corporate life to nonprofit work is detailed in her book, "Purpose, Passion, and Pajamas," published in August 2020. 

She is also a sought-after speaker, sharing insights on purpose-driven leadership and the importance of human connection. Her story has been featured on platforms such as Oprah, TODAY, and CNN, and today, she's my guest on The Reluctant Entrepreneur Podcast.

Pajama Program's Website:
https://pajamaprogram.org

Genevieve Piturro's Website:
https://www.genevievepiturro.com

Genevieve Piturro's Books:
Purpose, Passion, and Pajamas
https://www.amazon.com/Purpose-Passion-Pajamas-Transform-Connection/dp/1632992906/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1596023848&sr=8-1

Purpose, Passion, and Moxie
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CHL7H1RX/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3GZCD9AR3H090&keywords=purpose+passion+and+moxie&qid=1694454935&sprefix=purpose+passion+and+mox,aps,212&sr=8-1

From his childhood job shoveling snow, earning $70 a month, to becoming a serial entrepreneur, 19 time number one best selling author, speaker, and interactive online personality and influencer, Mike Koenigs shares his journey of entrepreneurship, the challenges, successes, and more.

Mike Koenigs company can be found here:
https://superpoweraccelerator.com/reinvent/
https://www.mikekoenigs.com 

Mike Konrad's Book:
The Reluctant Entrepreneur - Anatomy of a Business Start-Up - From Uncertainty to Unstoppable 
Available as a paperback, ebook, and audio book here:
https://tinyurl.com/3esumcuz 
Mike Konrad's Website:
https://www.mikekonrad.com

I’m your host, Mike Konrad, the author of The Reluctant Entrepreneur - Anatomy of a Business Start-Up - From Uncertainty to Unstoppable, available on Amazon as a paperback, e-book, and an audible book, and I’m excited to share real stories that reveal the many paths people take to build their own businesses. 

Whether you stumbled into entrepreneurship or you’ve always known it was your calling, this podcast is for you.

Let’s start with what it means to be a reluctant entrepreneur. Many entrepreneurs don’t set out with a grand plan to build a business. Maybe you worked for a company that didn’t value your vision, and one day you thought, “I could do this myself”, that was my story. Or maybe life pushed you in an unexpected direction—losing a job, facing a personal crisis, or discovering a passion that grew into a business. Reluctant entrepreneurs often find themselves starting a business not because they always dreamed of it, but because it was the best—or only—option available. 

And then there are intentional entrepreneurs. These are the people who’ve known from the start that they were meant to create something of their own. 

They may have planned meticulously, crafted their vision, and followed a well-laid path to build a business. Intentional entrepreneurs are often seen as risk-takers, those with a drive to innovate, disrupt, and lead in their industries. 

But even with all the planning in the world, intentional entrepreneurs face their own share of unexpected challenges, setbacks, and doubts.

On The Reluctant Entrepreneur podcast, we celebrate both types of entrepreneurs—the ones who jump in with both feet, and the ones who tiptoe cautiously into the water. 

So, join me as we explore the many ways people navigate the complex and rewarding world of entrepreneurship. 

Whether you’re here for inspiration, advice, or just a great story, I hope you find something valuable in every episode of The Reluctant Entrepreneur Podcast.