Top Business Leaders Show

Florian Pfahler is the Founder of Hannah's Bretzel, an innovative sandwich chain in Chicago known for its organic pretzel bread and commitment to sustainable practices. Originally from Stuttgart, Germany, Florian moved to the US in 1992 with a background in marketing and advertising. His passion for healthful, flavorful food and the absence of traditional German pretzels in Chicago led him to start his restaurant in 2005. Florian emphasizes the importance of ingredient purity, taste, and eco-conscious operations. He leads his business with a strong focus on team culture and the well-being of his staff, which he believes is key to their success.

The restaurant industry is constantly evolving, with new trends and challenges shaping the landscape for both established and emerging businesses. How can restaurant owners adapt to changing consumer preferences and market conditions while maintaining a successful and sustainable operation?

According to Florian Pfahler, who launched Hannah's Bretzel in 2005, adapting to changing consumer preferences and market conditions requires a multifaceted approach. He emphasizes the importance of embracing technology by shifting from walk-in traffic to online ordering and delivery platforms to meet evolving customer habits. Prioritizing sustainability is another key factor, with Florian implementing eco-friendly practices such as using biodegradable packaging, composting, and powering operations with renewable energy. Lastly, Florian stresses the importance of building a strong team by cultivating a positive work culture with benefits like unlimited vacation to increase employee loyalty and productivity.

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Rise25's Chad Franzen chats with Florian Pfahler, Founder of Hannah’s Bretzel, about his journey in founding Hannah's Bretzel, a Chicago-based restaurant chain. Florian shares insights on adapting to industry changes, maintaining sustainability practices, and creating a positive work culture. He discusses the impact of the pandemic on the restaurant industry, the importance of quality ingredients, and his plans for future expansion.

Eric Slaymaker is the Founder and CEO of Wingers Restaurant & Alehouse, a family-friendly sports alehouse known for its robust craft beer selection and tasty wings. He has a rich history in the restaurant industry, following in the entrepreneurial footsteps of his father, who was a franchisee of several nationally recognized brands. Eric, along with his brother Scott, has also been a franchise owner of various restaurant brands and played a pivotal role in franchising the Wingers brand. In addition to his extensive experience in restaurateuring, Eric was a founding partner of alternative radio stations in the 1990s and often performs with the Irish rock band, The Young Dubliners.

The restaurant industry faces dynamic challenges and evolving consumer preferences, requiring constant adaptation for success. What strategies can entrepreneurs adopt to sustain their business during uncertain times?

According to restaurant industry veteran Eric Slaymaker, adaptability and operational efficiency are key to thriving in the restaurant business. Eric emphasizes the importance of building strong teams, focusing on customer experience, and maintaining a flexible approach to menu offerings. These strategies helped him navigate economic downturns and changing consumer preferences.

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Rise25's Chad Franzen welcomes Eric Slaymaker, Founder and CEO of Wingers Restaurant & Alehouse to discuss his journey in the restaurant industry, lessons learned from his years of experience, and insights on how to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. Eric shares why Wingers is a good franchise opportunity and describes the ideal franchisee. He also reveals which menu item has replaced wings as the brand’s most popular offering.

David Steele is the Co-founder and Executive Chairman of Flour + Water Hospitality Group, the Co-founder and Managing Partner of Great Gold Hospitality Group, and the Founder and CEO of One Wealth Advisors. The Four + Water Hospitality Group’s restaurants have become a cornerstone of San Francisco's culinary scene. FWHG brings a range of resources to its clients, from consulting to providing expertise in many aspects of development and operations to ensure clients reach their goals and vision. With a background in finance and entrepreneurship, David blends business acumen with creativity, leading multiple acclaimed restaurants, including Flour + Water, Flour + Water Pasta Shop, and Penny Roma.

The restaurant industry often struggles with the balance between artistic culinary vision and sound financial management. How can restaurateurs effectively manage this balance to ensure both creative and economic success?

According to seasoned entrepreneur and restaurateur David Steele, the key to managing the balance between culinary artistry and financial stability lies in understanding its relationship to capital. David emphasizes the significance of effectively utilizing capital and the interdependence between outside investors and operators. He believes a healthy tension between business principles and artisanship is essential to ensure financial responsibility without sacrificing creativity. This approach has given his ventures a distinct advantage in the competitive restaurant industry.

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Rise25's Chad Franzen welcomes David Steele, Co-founder and Executive Chairman of Flour + Water Hospitality Group, to discuss his journey from dishwasher to successful restaurateur. David shares insights on the importance of community, the evolution of his restaurant concepts, and the significance of treating team members with respect and dignity. He also touches on scaling restaurant operations while maintaining quality and customer satisfaction.

Austin Holmes is the CEO of Signal Raptor and President of Publicity for Good. A serial entrepreneur, he played a key role in scaling his wife Heather Holmes’ PR firm, growing their monthly revenue from $12,000 to $163,000. Previously serving as a Naval Special Operations EOD tech, he brings a disciplined, systems-focused approach to his current roles. Austin engages in various ventures, including digital media, e-commerce, and the food industry, and co-founded Press Demand, a SaaS platform for media pitching. He is also a dedicated father with a purpose-driven philosophy and a passion for accessible PR.

Entrepreneurship requires a unique blend of honesty, continuous improvement, and a desire to make the world better. But how can military experience translate into successful business leadership?

According to Austin Holmes, CEO of Signal Raptor and President of Publicity for Good, the transition from military to entrepreneurship can be challenging, but it provides valuable skills in operational planning, organizational management, and leadership. Austin has transitioned into his current role after serving as a Naval Special Operations EOD tech. He highlights that those skills, combined with a mission-driven focus and the ability to build strong teams, can be crucial in scaling businesses and developing innovative solutions in various industries.

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Rise25's Chad Franzen welcomes Austin Holmes, the CEO of Signal Raptor CEO, for a conversation about his journey from Naval Special Operations to successful entrepreneur. Austin shares insights on scaling his wife's PR firm, developing a SaaS platform for media pitching, and balancing family life with multiple business ventures. He also discusses the importance of purpose-driven businesses and making PR more accessible through technology.

Michael Karsch, CEO and Chairman of Juice Press, is an accomplished entrepreneur with 25 years of diverse business experience. He began his career by establishing a successful hedge fund, growing it from $150 million to $3 billion. Michael then transitioned to the food and beverage industry, acquiring Juice Press, which he expanded from four to 80 stores. His strategies involved scaling businesses, operational insights, and a focus on health-oriented retail. Michael continues to innovate within Juice Press and through catering logistics, constantly seeking new opportunities. He is dedicated to offering premium, healthy food options while exploring franchising avenues.

Transitioning from one industry to another can reveal unique insights into business management and growth. How does one leverage their previous experiences to successfully navigate a new sector?

According to Juice Press Chairman and CEO Michael Karsch, transitioning from the hedge fund industry to the food and beverage sector necessitated a shift from a passive investment role to a hands-on operational role. This change allowed him to directly influence the company’s destiny, unlike stock picking, where control is limited. His involvement in Juice Press provided an opportunity to create a vertically integrated business, shaping the brand's entire supply chain and customer experience.

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Rise25’s Chad Franzen welcomes Michael Karsch, CEO and Chairman of Juice Press, to discuss his secrets to success in the health food sector. From understanding the operational complexities and customer behaviors to innovative product development, Michael shares the intricate journey of expanding Juice Press. He sheds light on the balance between rapid expansion and maintaining high standards while emphasizing the importance of evolving with consumer trends.

Dr. Jeremy Weisz is the Co-founder of Rise25, a company whose mission is to help businesses connect to their ideal prospects, referral partners and strategic partners using a podcast. With over 15 years of experience in podcasting, he has been featuring top entrepreneurs with video interviews since 2010 and was a senior producer at one of the early top business podcasts, helping to put systems in place for backend operations. Jeremy strongly believes that podcasting is an essential tool for B2B businesses, as it fosters valuable connections and relationships that can lead to clients, referral partners, and even business partnerships.

John Corcoran is the Co-founder of Rise25. He is a former Clinton White House Writer and Speechwriter to the Governor of California, with a diverse background spanning law, entrepreneurship, and writing. John has authored three books on relationship building and client acquisition. He has been hosting the Smart Business Revolution podcast since 2012, interviewing entrepreneurs and business leaders from various fields. John’s experience includes working in Hollywood and Silicon Valley, and running his own law firm catering to small businesses.

As the owner of a digital agency, have you ever questioned the real value of attending conferences geared toward your industry? With the hassle of travel, the costs involved, and the time away from day-to-day operations, is it really worth it? 

According to Rise25 Co-founders John Corcoran and Dr. Jeremy Weisz, business conferences offer immense value that often extends far beyond the scheduled sessions and keynote speakers. They believe the true worth of these events lies in the organic connections and spontaneous conversations that occur when like-minded professionals gather in one place. From casual chats at the hotel bar to impromptu networking during meal breaks, these unscripted interactions frequently spark game-changing insights, lead to valuable partnerships, and foster a sense of community that is difficult to replicate in a virtual setting. John and Jeremy emphasize that even a single meaningful conversation can justify the investment in attending a conference, as it may unveil a fresh perspective, introduce a groundbreaking solution, or forge a relationship that propels your business to new heights.

In this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, John Corcoran and Dr. Jeremy Weisz, the Co-founders of Rise25, join host Chad Franzen to dive into the benefits of attending digital conferences for agency owners. They reveal how interactions with other attendees – whether from a podcast, over dinner, or during a chance meetup – can foster trusting relationships that are vital for business success. In the vast landscape of conferences, from intimate gatherings to grand events, they outline the unique opportunities each provides.

Heather Holmes is the Founder and CEO of Publicity for Good, a millennial-run communications firm that provides high-level disruptive publicity and social media services across industries. A seasoned professional in communication and marketing, Heather is dedicated to fostering community growth and brand development. With an inspiring journey guiding aspiring PR professionals and entrepreneurs, she champions ethical values, as demonstrated by her unique lifestyle of living off the land. Her dedication to sustainable living and self-sufficiency adds depth to her expertise, which extends to nationally recognized food brands and restaurants. 

The public relations industry can play a crucial role in amplifying brand stories and driving positive impact. What strategic approaches and mindsets are key to growing a purpose-driven business in this industry?

According to Heather Holmes, a public relations veteran, authentically connecting your brand's story to meaningful causes and current trends is crucial. Inspired by PR's power to reach new audiences and scale businesses, Heather started her own agency with the goal of amplifying brands that create positive change. Despite facing challenges like the pandemic, her consistency, entrepreneurial spirit, and focus on pitching relevant narratives enabled Publicity for Good to grow from a startup to a team of 30, generating millions of impressions. For long-term success, it’s important to integrate authentic storytelling, leverage connections, understand what the media wants, and align PR with the overall marketing strategy.

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Heather Holmes, the Founder and CEO of Publicity for Good, joins Rise25's Chad Franzen. Heather discusses her journey to building Publicity for Good into a renowned, purpose-driven PR agency, and shares insights on the power of storytelling and media relationships to amplify brands and drive positive change. She also delves into balancing entrepreneurship and parenthood, her vision for her agency, and strategies for successful PR campaigns.

Andrew Dana is the Founder and Co-owner of Timber Pizza Company and Call Your Mother Deli. He started both successful restaurant concepts in Washington, D.C., establishing them as local favorites known for their high-quality and creative food offerings. Prior to launching his two restaurant brands, Andrew served as the Director of Business Development at Everfi, a company that powers social impact through education. He prides himself on being a new dad, a Washington D.C. native, and an encyclopedia of carbohydrate knowledge.

Opening just one successful restaurant takes passion, persistence, and a focus on creating an unforgettable customer experience. But what are the primary factors in building a whole brand of thriving restaurants?

According to Andrew Dana, Co-owner and Founder of Call Your Mother Deli and Timber Pizza Co., the key to building a successful restaurant brand involves a few core elements. First, it's crucial to have a deep passion for the product — developing a unique, high-quality menu item through trial-and-error and a focus on quality ingredients is vital. However, Andrew emphasizes that the experience is just as important as the food itself — creating a fun, memorable atmosphere through factors like music, ambiance, and exceptional customer service. At the heart of Andrew's approach is cultivating a vibrant, engaged work culture. He prioritizes hiring people who will have fun and enjoy coming to work every day, offering them perks like gym memberships, language classes, and opportunities for career growth to incentivize his team and show they are valued.

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Andrew Dana, Co-owner and Founder of Call Your Mother Deli and Timber Pizza Co., chats with Rise25's Chad Franzen about keys to building successful restaurant brands. Andrew shares his passion for carbohydrates and how it inspired his pizza concept. He explains how starting with a mobile pizza oven allowed him to learn the business before opening his first brick-and-mortar location, and emphasizes the importance of creating a memorable customer experience.

Sharon Seivert is the CEO of CORE Coaching & Consulting, LLC, a global professional services organization that provides customized one-on-one coaching for business leaders and owners. With a distinguished background as CEO of a Group Health Plan, Sharon's expertise lies in guiding leaders and businesses to sustainable growth strategies. Her acclaimed book The Balancing Act serves as the cornerstone of CCC's six-point system, emphasizing holistic success. Through her pragmatic approach and international perspective, Sharon elevates individuals and organizations to new heights of achievement and well-being.

Building an inclusive workplace is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity in today's diverse world. Fostering an environment where every individual feels valued and respected both enhances employee satisfaction and drives innovation and productivity. How can organizations proactively address challenges to create a culture of diversity and inclusivity in the workplace?

Leadership coach Sharon Seivert offers a transformative approach to leadership development and workplace well-being. Through her holistic coaching methodologies, she guides leaders to reclaim their power, cultivate inclusive environments, and navigate challenges with resilience. Through her transformative approach, Sharon also helps leaders align their core values with their professional endeavors, fostering sustainable success and personal fulfillment. As an advocate for diversity and inclusion, she believes in creating workplaces where every individual's voice is valued and respected. To cultivate a more inclusive workplace culture, prioritize values-based leadership, actively promote diversity and inclusion initiatives, and empower employees to voice their perspectives without fear of reprisal. 

In this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Rise25’s Chad Franzen sits down with Sharon Seivert, the CEO of CORE Coaching & Consulting, LLC, to talk about navigating challenges to build an inclusive workplace. Sharon discusses common reasons people are suffering in the workplace, why diversity and inclusion matter in coaching, and how to be a holistic leader.

Jason Ogden is the President and Partner at Syrup, a marketing agency specializing in fostering revenue and maturity for B2B companies. With a robust background in finance and operations, Jason spearheads revenue-generating initiatives, account services, and financial operations at Syrup. Prior to his role at Syrup, Jason served as the Director of Finance at Codesmith Development, where he established core financial and accounting practices and managed various financial functions, including reporting, forecasting, and cash requirements. A graduate of The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business, Jason brings a wealth of expertise in economics to his endeavors.

Crafting a winning marketing strategy is the cornerstone of business success in today's competitive landscape. It involves meticulous planning, creative execution, and a deep understanding of target audiences. How can your business leverage innovative approaches to stand out and captivate your audience in the ever-evolving digital marketplace?

B2B marketing expert Jason Ogden explores the importance of having a clear brand strategy, emphasizing the need for strategic planning over mere aesthetic appeal. This underscores the role of technology as a tool rather than a standalone solution. With this approach, organizations are less likely to adopt technology without clear objectives or strategies in place. Jason also explains the ethical considerations and potential of modern data and AI in shaping marketing strategies. To propel your business forward with marketing, ensure a strategic focus, harness technology wisely, and strike a balance between immediate gains and long-term capability building.

In this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Rise25’s Chad Franzen sits down with Jason Ogden, the President and Partner at Syrup, to talk about crafting a winning marketing strategy. Jason discusses creating a successful brand strategy, how companies can effectively balance their marketing budget, and how to measure the success of marketing initiatives.