In this episode, Dana and Melanie chat with Dena Jalbert, founder and CEO of Align Business Advisory Services. Dena shares how she went from working in corporate finance to starting her own firm that helps business owners navigate mergers and acquisitions. She talks about the challenges of breaking into a male-dominated industry, the risks she took to launch Align, and why every business owner should always be "exit ready." Dena also dives into what it really takes to sell a business, the importance of finding the right buyer, and how Align is changing the game for founder-led companies. This episode is full of honest advice and real stories about building and selling businesses.

Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listening to this episode with earphones. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media accounts, as well as our hosts' social media accounts:

The Trades Accelerator:

• Instagram: @TheTradesAccelerator
• Facebook Group: The Trades Accelerator
• LinkedIn: The Trades Accelerator
• YouTube: The Trades Accelerator

Dana Staszkiewicz:

• Instagram: @DanaStaszkiewicz
• Facebook: Dana Staszkiewicz
• LinkedIn: Dana Staszkiewicz

Melanie Sloane:

• Facebook: Melanie Sloane
• LinkedIn: Melanie Sloane
  
  
  

DISCLAIMER: I hereby declare that I do not own the rights to this music/song. All rights belong to the owner. No Copyright Infringement Intended.

#thetradesaccelerator #tradesindustry  #podcast #businesssuccess #businessgrowth #business  #empoweringwomen #womenintrades #leadership #womeninbusiness #careerjourney #businessgrowth #entrepreneurship, #womeninbusiness, #businessgrowth, #mergersandacquisitions, #startuplife, #femalefounder, #exitstrategy, #businesssuccess, #leadership, #founderled, #businessadvisory, #alignadvisory, #smallbusinesstips, #businesspodcast, #breakingbarriers

In this episode, Melanie and Dana dive into the essential role onboarding plays in shaping the employee experience. They share their journey from chaotic first days to a streamlined, trust-building process that retains top talent. Discover actionable tips to make new hires feel welcome, empowered, and ready to contribute from day one. Whether you're a small business owner or scaling up your team, you'll learn how to craft an onboarding process that reflects your brand, reinforces your culture, and sets employees on the path to long-term success.

Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listening to this episode with earphones. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media accounts, as well as our hosts' social media accounts:

The Trades Accelerator:

• Instagram: @TheTradesAccelerator
• Facebook Group: The Trades Accelerator
• LinkedIn: The Trades Accelerator
• YouTube: The Trades Accelerator

Dana Staszkiewicz:

• Instagram: @DanaStaszkiewicz
• Facebook: Dana Staszkiewicz
• LinkedIn: Dana Staszkiewicz

Melanie Sloane:

• Facebook: Melanie Sloane
• LinkedIn: Melanie Sloane
  
  
  

DISCLAIMER: I hereby declare that I do not own the rights to this music/song. All rights belong to the owner. No Copyright Infringement Intended.

#thetradesaccelerator #tradesindustry  #podcast #businesssuccess #businessgrowth #business  #empoweringwomen #womenintrades  #onboardingsuccess, #employeeexperience, #retentionmatters, #buildingtrust, #newhirejourney, #employeeretention, #workplaceculture, #hrbestpractices, #smallbusinesstips, #teambuilding, #leadershipinsights, #businessgrowth, #onboardingtips, #firstimpressionsmatter, #employeeengagement

In this episode, we tackle the ever-elusive concept of work-life balance. We share our personal journeys, challenges, and changing perspectives on what balance really means. From the early days of chasing perfection to discovering the importance of mental, physical, and emotional well-being, we unpack the realities of managing work, family, and personal growth. Whether you’re a business owner, manager, or just trying to juggle it all, this episode will inspire you to rethink what balance means in your life.

Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listening to this episode with earphones. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media accounts, as well as our hosts' social media accounts:

The Trades Accelerator:

• Instagram: @TheTradesAccelerator
• Facebook Group: The Trades Accelerator
• LinkedIn: The Trades Accelerator
• YouTube: The Trades Accelerator

Dana Staszkiewicz:

• Instagram: @DanaStaszkiewicz
• Facebook: Dana Staszkiewicz
• LinkedIn: Dana Staszkiewicz

Melanie Sloane:

• Facebook: Melanie Sloane
• LinkedIn: Melanie Sloane
  
  
  

DISCLAIMER: I hereby declare that I do not own the rights to this music/song. All rights belong to the owner. No Copyright Infringement Intended.

#thetradesaccelerator #tradesindustry  #podcast #businesssuccess #businessgrowth #business  #empoweringwomen #womenintrades  #worklifebalance #burnout #selfcare #mindsetshift #personaldevelopment #businessowners #mentalhealthmatters #productivitytips #stressmanagement #workplacewellness

In this episode, we explore the importance of financial planning and budgeting for both personal and business success. We share our experiences with building effective budgets, tackling financial challenges, and creating strategies to drive growth and profitability. From addressing money blocks to breaking down the numbers, we provide practical insights to help you achieve your financial goals. Join us as we discuss how to turn financial planning into a powerful tool for success!

Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listening to this episode with earphones. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media accounts, as well as our hosts' social media accounts:

The Trades Accelerator:

• Instagram: @TheTradesAccelerator
• Facebook Group: The Trades Accelerator
• LinkedIn: The Trades Accelerator
• YouTube: The Trades Accelerator

Dana Staszkiewicz:

• Instagram: @DanaStaszkiewicz
• Facebook: Dana Staszkiewicz
• LinkedIn: Dana Staszkiewicz

Melanie Sloane:

• Facebook: Melanie Sloane
• LinkedIn: Melanie Sloane
  
  
  

DISCLAIMER: I hereby declare that I do not own the rights to this music/song. All rights belong to the owner. No Copyright Infringement Intended.

#thetradesaccelerator #tradesindustry  #podcast #businesssuccess #businessgrowth #business  #empoweringwomen #womenintrades #financialplanning #budgetingtips #businessgrowth #financialsuccess #moneymanagement #budgetforsuccess #profitability #smallbusinessfinance #personalfinance #moneymatters

In this episode, we’re diving into the world of fractional workers—think part-time CFOs, marketing directors, and other experts who can make a big difference in your business without being full-time employees. We’ll talk about how this approach is changing the game for trades businesses, helping them grow, stay flexible, and get access to top-level talent without breaking the bank. Whether you’re already using fractional roles or just curious about how they work, we’ve got tips and insights to help you make the most of this trend.

Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listening to this episode with earphones. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media accounts, as well as our hosts' social media accounts:

The Trades Accelerator:

• Instagram: @TheTradesAccelerator
• Facebook Group: The Trades Accelerator
• LinkedIn: The Trades Accelerator
• YouTube: The Trades Accelerator

Dana Staszkiewicz:

• Instagram: @DanaStaszkiewicz
• Facebook: Dana Staszkiewicz
• LinkedIn: Dana Staszkiewicz

Melanie Sloane:

• Facebook: Melanie Sloane
• LinkedIn: Melanie Sloane
  
  
  

DISCLAIMER: I hereby declare that I do not own the rights to this music/song. All rights belong to the owner. No Copyright Infringement Intended.

#thetradesaccelerator #tradesindustry  #podcast #businesssuccess #businessgrowth #business  #empoweringwomen #womenintrades #fractionalworkers #parttimeexperts #businessgrowth #tradesbusiness #topleveltalent #fractionalroles #businessflexibility #costeffectivesolutions #smallbusinesssuccess #expertinsights

In this episode, we explore the biggest issues companies face when they’re struggling and how to overcome them. From the lack of a clear vision to not knowing your financial numbers, we discuss how these gaps can derail progress. Join Melanie Sloane and Dana Staszkiewicz as they share their personal experiences tackling these challenges, the steps they took to create alignment across teams, and how small, consistent improvements led to big changes. Whether you're a business owner or part of a growing team, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you navigate tough times and move toward success.

Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listening to this episode with earphones. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media accounts, as well as our hosts' social media accounts:

The Trades Accelerator:

• Instagram: @TheTradesAccelerator
• Facebook Group: The Trades Accelerator
• LinkedIn: The Trades Accelerator
• YouTube: The Trades Accelerator

Dana Staszkiewicz:

• Instagram: @DanaStaszkiewicz
• Facebook: Dana Staszkiewicz
• LinkedIn: Dana Staszkiewicz

Melanie Sloane:

• Facebook: Melanie Sloane
• LinkedIn: Melanie Sloane
  
  
  

DISCLAIMER: I hereby declare that I do not own the rights to this music/song. All rights belong to the owner. No Copyright Infringement Intended.

#thetradesaccelerator #tradesindustry  #podcast #businesssuccess #businessgrowth #business  #empoweringwomen #womenintrades #leadership #womeninbusiness #careerjourney #businessgrowth #visionstrategy #teamalignment #financialtips #overcomingchallenges #companysuccess #businessadvice #growthmindset #leadershiptips #strategicplanning

In this episode, we’re thrilled to chat with Jazmin Ramirez, Senior Director of Partners at CI Web Group! Jazmin dives into her exciting journey—from her early days as a web strategist to becoming a leader in digital marketing. We explore how AI is changing the game, from smarter customer service to simplified website management with low-code tools. Jazmin shares practical tips on how business owners can harness AI for growth, stay efficient, and keep up with evolving tech trends. Plus, she opens up about the importance of mentorship, pushing beyond job titles, and staying grounded as you level up in your career. Join us for an inspiring, tech-savvy conversation that’s packed with tips and insights for everyone looking to make the most of today’s digital tools!

Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listening to this episode with earphones. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media accounts, as well as our hosts' social media accounts:

The Trades Accelerator:

• Instagram: @TheTradesAccelerator
• Facebook Group: The Trades Accelerator
• LinkedIn: The Trades Accelerator
• YouTube: The Trades Accelerator

Dana Staszkiewicz:

• Instagram: @DanaStaszkiewicz
• Facebook: Dana Staszkiewicz
• LinkedIn: Dana Staszkiewicz

Melanie Sloane:

• Facebook: Melanie Sloane
• LinkedIn: Melanie Sloane
  
  
  

DISCLAIMER: I hereby declare that I do not own the rights to this music/song. All rights belong to the owner. No Copyright Infringement Intended.

#thetradesaccelerator #tradesindustry  #podcast #businesssuccess #businessgrowth #business  #empoweringwomen #womenintrades  #consultingservices #businessgrowth #leadership #tradesbusiness #digitalmarketing #ai #mentorship #careergrowth #marketingtrends #websitedesign #businesstips #growthmindset #technologytrends #ciwebgroup

In this episode, Melanie and Dana dive into the essentials of effective branding, breaking down what makes a brand memorable and consistent. They discuss everything from logos and colors to the culture and tone that shape a brand’s personality. Dana shares actionable tips for building a strong brand image on a budget, emphasizing the small details that have a big impact. They highlight the importance of a brand style guide and show how even small tweaks can elevate a brand without major costs. Perfect for business owners who want to refine their brand, this episode is packed with practical advice. Plus, they offer a chance for you to schedule a brand assessment with The Opus Agency for personalized insights!

Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listening to this episode with earphones. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media accounts, as well as our hosts' social media accounts:

The Trades Accelerator:

• Instagram: @TheTradesAccelerator
• Facebook Group: The Trades Accelerator
• LinkedIn: The Trades Accelerator
• YouTube: The Trades Accelerator

Dana Staszkiewicz:

• Instagram: @DanaStaszkiewicz
• Facebook: Dana Staszkiewicz
• LinkedIn: Dana Staszkiewicz

Melanie Sloane:

• Facebook: Melanie Sloane
• LinkedIn: Melanie Sloane
  
  
  

DISCLAIMER: I hereby declare that I do not own the rights to this music/song. All rights belong to the owner. No Copyright Infringement Intended.

#thetradesaccelerator #tradesindustry  #podcast #businesssuccess #businessgrowth #business  #empoweringwomen #womenintrades #womeninbusiness #brandingessentials #buildyourbrand #businesstips #consistencyiskey #smallbusinessgrowth #brandstrategy #marketingtips #brandidentity #entrepreneurmindset #theopusagency

In this episode, Dana and Melanie welcome Chelsea Garber, founder of Ascend Equity and ROI by Design. Chelsea shares her unique journey from high-end interior design to the world of multifamily real estate investment, where she’s driven to empower women to achieve financial freedom. Chelsea talks about launching her companies, the role design plays in enhancing living spaces, and the importance of building generational wealth. They also explore Chelsea's insights on balancing dual careers, growing a successful team, and leading with purpose. Chelsea shares her experiences with Connect Her, a networking group she created to bring women together in finance, and provides tips for anyone interested in entering real estate or building wealth. Whether you’re interested in design, investing, or women’s empowerment, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice.

Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listening to this episode with earphones. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media accounts, as well as our hosts' social media accounts:

The Trades Accelerator:

• Instagram: @TheTradesAccelerator
• Facebook Group: The Trades Accelerator
• LinkedIn: The Trades Accelerator
• YouTube: The Trades Accelerator

Dana Staszkiewicz:

• Instagram: @DanaStaszkiewicz
• Facebook: Dana Staszkiewicz
• LinkedIn: Dana Staszkiewicz

Melanie Sloane:

• Facebook: Melanie Sloane
• LinkedIn: Melanie Sloane
  
  
  

DISCLAIMER: I hereby declare that I do not own the rights to this music/song. All rights belong to the owner. No Copyright Infringement Intended.

#thetradesaccelerator #tradesindustry  #podcast #businesssuccess #businessgrowth #business  #empoweringwomen #womenintrades #leadership #womeninbusiness #careerjourney #financialfreedom #realestateinvesting #multifamilyrealestate #womenempowerment #generationalwealth #interiordesign #femalefounders #investmenttips #buildingwealth #networking

In this episode, Dana and Melanie chat with Kelly Murphy, a dynamic general manager in Alliance Pavers. Kelly opens up about her unexpected career shift from hospitality to construction, working her way up from receptionist to GM in a male-dominated industry. She shares insights into the leadership challenges she’s faced, how she earned the respect of her team, and her strategies for building a strong company culture. Kelly also discusses the importance of balancing work and personal life, especially as a new mother, and how her passion for problem-solving keeps her motivated every day.

Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listening to this episode with earphones. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media accounts, as well as our hosts' social media accounts:

The Trades Accelerator:

• Instagram: @TheTradesAccelerator
• Facebook Group: The Trades Accelerator
• LinkedIn: The Trades Accelerator
• YouTube: The Trades Accelerator

Dana Staszkiewicz:

• Instagram: @DanaStaszkiewicz
• Facebook: Dana Staszkiewicz
• LinkedIn: Dana Staszkiewicz

Melanie Sloane:

• Facebook: Melanie Sloane
• LinkedIn: Melanie Sloane
  
  
  

DISCLAIMER: I hereby declare that I do not own the rights to this music/song. All rights belong to the owner. No Copyright Infringement Intended.

#thetradesaccelerator #tradesindustry  #podcast #businesssuccess #businessgrowth #business  #empoweringwomen #womenintrades #leadership #womeninbusiness #careerjourney #constructionlife #worklifebalance #smallbusiness #womenintrades #growthmindset