Today my guest is Michelle Seiler Tucker, Founder and CEO of Seiler Tucker Inc. Michelle holds a Mergers & Acquisitions Master Intermediary title and is a 20-year veteran in the M&A industry. She has a wealth of experience regarding buying, selling, fixing and growing businesses. In addition to being featured in Inc. Magazine, Forbes and other publications, Michelle is in high demand as a keynote speaker and makes regular appearances on Fox Business News and CNBC. She is the best-selling author of Sell Your Business for more than It’s Worth and her latest book, Exit Rich, co-written by Sharon Lechter. 

 In this episode we dive into:

·         When and why to plan your exit from a business

·         The internal and external factors that can prompt the sale of a business

·         The best time to sell your business

·         Why there are more buyers for bigger companies

·         The dangers of having a business that is totally dependent on the owner

·         Why you should start planning your exit from the business on Day One

·         Why you should look at your business in the context of the end game

·         The relevance of the “GPS exit model”

·         Why a CPA may not be the best person to do a valuation on your business

·         Why most deals fall apart and why you should have backup buyers

·         The five different types of buyers

·         How to create a bidding war for your business 

·         The six P’s of selling a business

·         Why you should have non-competes on your upper level managers and key employees

·         How to become transformational instead of transactional

 To connect with Michelle Seiler Tucker:

Website: https://seilertucker.com/

Twitter:  @MSeilerTucker

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

Instagram: michelleseilertucker

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=michelle%20seiler%20tucker

Today my guest is Kerry Hannon, a leading authority and strategist on work and jobs, career transitions, entrepreneurship, leadership, personal finance and retirement. A frequent TV and radio commentator, millions of people have been motivated by Kerry’s can-do, down-to-earth message. Besides writing for high-profile publications like Forbes, Money, USA Today and the New York Times, Kerry is the best-selling author of 14 books, including Never Too Old to Get Rich: The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Starting a Business Mid-Life.

 In this episode we dive into:

 ·         Why a 50-plus person can start over and “re-engage in the world”

·         Why the stars don’t have to perfectly align when you start your business

·         Why you have to be serious about your business and not make rash decisions

·         The need to be financially fit for your “second act”

·         How to get financially “lean and mean”

·         Why it’s cheaper than ever to start a business

·         Why you shouldn’t tap into your retirement accounts to start a business

·         The benefits of sampling your entrepreneurial idea by volunteering or interning

·         Why physical fitness is vital to entrepreneurial success

·         Hot to tackle the problem of “ageism” when starting a business

·         Attaining spiritual fitness using methods such as yoga , tai chi or relaxing walks 

·         How to approach technology when you’re not comfortable with it

·         Accessing the numerous free resources, such as SCORE, as you get started

·         How to get the ever-necessary sales experience even if you’ve never sold anything

·         Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone

·         Why you shouldn’t rule out small business loans from banks and credit unions

·         Why older entrepreneurs have advantages over their younger counterparts

·         Why you should “give yourself permission” to try something new

·         Reasons to view your career as a patchwork quilt and not as something linear

To connect with Kerry Hannon:

 Website: https://kerryhannon.com/

Twitter: @KerryHannon  

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4Brinkley/videos

Today my guest is Ken Colao, founding principal and president of CNY. He is an accomplished leader and entrepreneur in the construction industry with more than 40 years of experience as a principal of several major firms, having completed more than $6 billion of building construction. 

 Back in 2001, Ken’s business was literally wiped out by the events surrounding the 9/11 terrorist attack. Yet he vowed to never give up, choosing instead to stay committed to his clients and employees, many of whom stuck by him as he rebuilt and repaid his debts while refusing to file for bankruptcy.  Ken attributes is committed to innovation and an employee-first mentality.  

 In 2017, Ken was named Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of The Year for the New York Region, in the category of Real Estate, Construction and Hospitality. This global program recognizes individuals who excel in innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. 

 In this episode we dive into:

• Why starting a business is a 24/7 proposition
• Why entrepreneurs need to focus on creating value for their customers
• How an effective cold call resulted in a high-rise construction project in New York City.
• How a company can recover after a crisis
• How to make your clients part of the solution when disaster strikes
• Why you shouldn’t do business with just one bank
• Why there is no substitute for a good reputation
• Why “integrity” is currency
• Why communication skills are an essential part of all relationships: business and personal
• The undeniable truth of the adage that hard work pays off
• Why “doing good” leads to business success
• How good leadership helps employees to be their best

To connect with Ken Colao:

Website:          www.cnygroup.com

Twitter:            @CNYGroup 

Instagram:       #cnygroup

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

LinkedIn:         https://www.linkedin.com/company/cny-group/

YouTube:        https://www.youtube.com/user/CNYGroup/videos

Today my guests are married Solopreneurs Webb Travis and his wife Kacey Taormina. Webb is a nationally known fitness coach who has trained celebrities, professional athletes, elite executives and everyday people. After being a top trainer in one of America’s top fitness organizations for eight years, Webb started a new chapter four years ago by going out on his own and is now one of the most sought-after and respected trainers in the United States. His wife Kacey is a real estate broker in southern California. Together, they are raising a family and growing separate businesses during COVID and the California shut down. From pivoting to online marketing, to continuing to find new and unique ways to drive the businesses forward, my guests share some great tricks and important advice if you are thinking about venturing out on your own. 

 In this episode we dive into:

·         How to pivot your business during the pandemic

·         How to manage social media

·         Why video can be a powerful tool in growing your business

·         Why entrepreneurs need to focus on how to be of value to others

·         Why you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help

·         The importance of focusing on customers you want to attract

·         Why “one size fits all” marketing doesn’t work

·         The importance of exceeding your customers’ expectations

·         Why delegation is so important

·         How to raise a family while running a business

·         The benefits of getting involved in your community and giving back

To connect with Webb Travis:

Website:  https://turf.wodify.com/OnlineSalesPortal/Home.aspx

Website:  https://www.webbtravis.com

Instagram:  @WebbTravisPt 

Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/webb.b.travis

Twitter:  @WebbTravisPT 

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/webb-travis-26a87334

To connect with Kacey Taormina:

Website:  https://www.kaceytaormina.com

Instagram:  @KaceyTaormina 

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/kacey.taormina

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kacey-taormina-87a66b17/

Today my guest is Michael Schneider, a New York-based hospitality and industry connector and business leader. He is also a savvy and successful serial entrepreneur. Michael founded the Boutique Design brand in 2005, which was later acquired by a publicly traded company for $45 million. He has spent the last 15 years leveraging relationships and developing innovative ways for his clients to market their businesses. His newest venture is NEXT events, which connects buyers to suppliers and creates mutually beneficial relationships.

 In this episode we dive into:

·         The need to survive and thrive for the long term

·         The advantages of being a scrappy entrepreneur

·         Why your main motivation should be to fill a need rather than simply making money

·         How to build solid and lasting relationships with customers

·         The many benefits of using a virtual assistant 

·         Practical advice on raising seed money

·         The importance of “making space” in your life

·         Why it’s important to give back to your community

To connect with Michael Schneider:

Website:  www.nexteventsusa.com 

Website:  www.hospitalitycares.org

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/michaeldschneider/

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

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldschneider5/

Michael Caito is the owner and CEO of Management Action Programs, Inc. (MAP). A visionary, nose-to-the-grindstone leader, Michael’s entrepreneurial roots date back to the early 1990s when he joined two partners in launching Restaurants on the Run with a mere $6,000. Michael spent the next 20 years building that business through a strategic lens, adopting MAP’s accountability system along the way. When the company sold in 2015, it was valued at 12x EBITDA and scaled 10 markets, 600 people and $40 million in revenue. A member of Entrepreneurs’ Organization for 20+ years, Michael has served as a past Global Chairman and traveled to over 25 countries, engaging with countless company owners and organizations. Michael is also active in the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO).

 In this episode we touch on:

• The power of writing down your company goals 
• How to scale a business through the MAP Consulting system
• How to fund growth
• How to implement a goal setting system 
• How to overcome challenges to 10x a company 
• The benefits of hiring a business coach 
• How to identify the vital factors of your business
• The benefits of integrating and networking within your industry
• A secret to helping increase your sales price during an acquisition 
• Running your business in lifestyle mode vs. growth mode 
• Building psychological safety with your senior team 
• The benefits of identifying and nurturing your village

To get in touch with Michael Caito:

Email: [email protected] 

Website: https://www.mapconsulting.com

TEDEX Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wALh23YHB_k

Today my guest is Ken Colwell, a seasoned strategic and operational leader with extensive experience working within entrepreneurial ecosystems and interacting with relevant private and public sector stakeholders at all levels in order to accomplish objectives. He has consulted for hundreds of start-up ventures and is the Founder of Innovative Growth Advisors. Dr. Colwell is currently dean of the School of Business at Central Connecticut State University. He was previously dean of the School of Business, Public Administration and Information Sciences at Long Island University–Brooklyn. 

 Ken has written an exceptionally helpful and enlightening book for entrepreneurs. It’s called, “Starting A Business QuickStart Guide: The Simplified Beginner’s Guide to Launching a Successful Small Business, Turning Your Vision into Reality, and Achieving Your Entrepreneurial Dream.” As one reviewer put it, this best-selling book “is a treasure for anyone who is new to entrepreneurship and wants to build a startup. From conceptualizing your idea to bringing it to life, from defining your core value proposition to deliver it to your dream customers, this book will give you the blueprint you need to build entrepreneurial success.”
 
In this episode we dive into:

• The difference between an idea and an opportunity
• The nature of the true entrepreneurial spirit
• The ways in which entrepreneurs should think about possibilities
• The true importance of a business plan 
• Why the journey of an entrepreneur is not just a job, it’s a lifestyle
• Why you need the right mindset to be successful
• The reason there is “no failure, only learning”
• Why there is no such thing as an overnight success
• The importance of being “stubborn but flexible”
• How to determine when it’s time to change your business model

 To connect with Ken Colwell:

 Twitter: @profkenc

Quora: https://www.quora.com/profile/Ken-Colwell-1

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Starting-Business-QuickStart-Guide-Entrepreneurial/dp/1945051825/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=ken+colwell+starting+a&qid=1610658189&s=books&sr=1-1

Today my guest is Marie-Dominique Rail, otherwise known as Chef Marie, founder and CEO of MCHEF. Chef Marie first became interested in cooking as a young girl, growing up in Montreal. She started working in restaurants at the age of 16, and through dedication and hard work she became an accomplished private chef who worked in Montreal, Geneva, Milan and now Las Vegas. Besides her culinary achievements, Chef Marie has proven to be a prolific entrepreneur, leveraging her love and expertise of food into her own line of specialty organic herbs and spices as well as a lifestyle food guide. Her thriving business also offers cooking classes as well as cake and pastry delivery. Amid all this, Chef Marie also hosts a lively podcast known as MCHEF Burst of Flavors.

 In this episode we dive into:

·         The importance of doing your homework before launching a business

·         The role of creativity and thinking outside the box

·         Why you should have a mentor to help guide your journey

·         Why patience is a must for entrepreneurs

·         How Amazon can boost your business

·         Why you should consider participating in trade shows

·         Tips on using Facebook and other social media to market your business

·         The best way to look at barriers and challenges

·         The work/life balance and why you should take some time for yourself each day

 To connect with Chef Marie:

 Website: www.mchef.com

Instagram: mchefspices 

Twitter: mchef_ca 

LinkedIn: mariedominiquerail 

Facebook: mchef.ca / topchefmarie 

Pinterest: mchefspices 

Podcast: MCHEF Burst of Flavors

Scott Thornton: The Business of Intellectual Property, Trademarks and Copyrights

 Today my guest is Scott Thornton, the founder and principal attorney at The Thornton Firm, LLC, headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. His law practice centers around patent and intellectual property law with a primary emphasis focused on patent applications and prosecution. Scott graduated magna cum laude from the University of New Mexico with a double major in chemistry and history. He earned his law degree from Touro Law Center in New York. 

 Scott’s firm is able to represent clients in all 50 states in matters pertaining to federal patents, trademarks and copyrights. Having found his calling in patent law through reading the collective works of America's founders and scientific luminaries from Newton to Hawking, he enjoys both the scientific and philosophical underpinnings of America’s patent system. 

 In this episode we dive into:

·         Why you should trademark your business name

·         The difference between state and federal trademarks

·         How to find out if someone else has already claimed your name

·         How to get a trademark on your own

·         The difference between a trademark and a service mark

·         Why you should trademark your Web address

·         The threat and consequence of cybersquatting

·         Common law trademark rights

·         An explanation of copyrights

 To connect with Scott Thornton:

Website: www.thethorntonfirm.com 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thethorntonfirm/ 

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

Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/thethorntonfirm 

Today my guests are Don Tran and Prime Hall, co-founders and partners of two businesses: Deep End Fitness and the Underwater Torpedo League, also known as UTL. These businesses were started about three years ago and are centered around a new gladiator sport that is played in swimming pools, mostly underwater, as well as a fitness program that helps people gain strength and confidence. The two men are veterans of the U.S. Marine Corps and both served in the elite Special Forces.

 In this episode we dive into:

• Problem-solving at a high level
• The benefits of SWOT system (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats) 
• The need to “adapt and overcome”
• A case study of marketing a franchise
• The importance of risk mitigation
• Tips on structuring a business and why a C-Corp may be a viable option.
• Different ways of raising capital, including crowd-funding and SBA loans
• Growing your team
• The value of continuous learning
• The importance of mentors 

To connect with Don Tran and Prime Hall:

Website: www.deependfitness.com & www.utlnation.com 

Instagram: deependfitness & underwater_torpedo_league 

Twitter: utlnation 

LInkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-tran-105769122/ & https://www.linkedin.com/in/primehall/