Wing Lam is the Co-founder and Owner of Wahoo's Fish Taco. Wahoo's is a US-based restaurant serving Mexican-Asian infusion cuisine influenced by Brazilian flavors. Wahoo's has several franchises in California, Texas, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, and Japan. Wing was influenced by Brazilian cuisine while growing up in São Paulo, Brazil. He is also the Founder and Owner of the California Love Drop, an effort started at the height of the pandemic. Today, the California Love Drop continues to deliver food and essential supplies all over California, totaling 11,000 meals at 61 locations.

What happens when you spend most of your college free time surfing in Mexico? You befriend plenty of surfing pros, drink Mexican beer, and eat fish tacos. But that's not all.

When surfing buddies raised a question to restaurateur Wing Lam and his brothers, they never imagined an idea would turn into the fish taco restaurant empire that it is today. But at the onset of the pandemic, instead of fearing the consequences, Wing and his team set out to help the helpers. Eventually, a simple act of kindness turned into a state-wide charity that aids healthcare workers and first responders. So, what was the cause, and how did it turn into an overnight phenomenon?

Listen to this episode of the SpotOn Series with host Chad Franzen of Rise25 as he speaks with the Co-founder and Owner of Wahoo's Fish Taco, Wing Lam. Wing discusses how the restaurant became one of the first to introduce fish tacos to the US mainland. Additionally, he talks about how the pandemic affected business operations, the inception of the California Love Drop, and the future of Wahoo's Fish Taco.

Roy Sexton is the Director of Marketing at Clark Hill Law, a team of international legal advisors focused on helping businesses grow. Responsible for leading the team's marketing, branding, and communications efforts, Roy's 20 years of experience in the industry have fostered a passion for facilitating business growth, implementing strategies, and enhancing culture. Roy advises attorneys and has created opportunities for them to promote their practices. He serves as the President of the Legal Marketing Association International (LMA) and is the author of Reel Roy Reviews, Volumes 1 and 2.

People perceive the legal industry as strict and professional — but out of touch with modern mediums for connecting with consumers. As an industry that is apprehensive about incorporating technology, law firms are overlooking opportunities to expand their business. Unless its marketing strategies evolve, the legal industry risks becoming more disconnected from consumers.

Attorneys and their respective firms can stay current with trending marketing strategies while maintaining a professional presence. Roy Sexton, an experienced legal marketer, encourages attorneys to welcome technology and digital mediums into their practice as a channel for growing their client network. Leveraging podcasts and social media to communicate your brand and services is an efficient step in modernizing your marketing strategy.

In this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, John Corcoran welcomes Roy Sexton, the Director of Marketing at Clark Hill Law, to discuss the benefits of leveraging technology and digital mediums in the legal industry. Roy also offers reasons why the industry is cautious when adopting modern marketing strategies, how he encourages legal professionals to embrace innovations, and his contribution to rebranding a global entity.

Hospitality specialist Chris Tripoli is the Founder and former President of A' La Carte Foodservice Consulting Group, a group of experienced restaurant professionals who advise restaurateurs on how to open, operate, and successfully grow their business. Chris' 40-year career in the food service industry has allowed him to own, operate, develop, design, and consult. He has opened over 100 restaurants throughout his career. Chris lends his expertise as a writer, penning articles for Restaurants Startup, Growth Magazine, and restaurantowner.com. By teaching courses in the art of opening and expanding restaurant brands, he's also leading a new generation of food service professionals.

The food industry is incredibly competitive, yet new concepts continue to emerge. Along with cash flow, delicious food, and compelling marketing, there are other steps to consider to have a successful restaurant. So, how do successful restaurants compete and have longevity?

If you want to break into the food industry, you'll want to tune in to this episode featuring Chris Tripoli, a food service veteran with more than 40 years of experience. A piece of advice Chris offers is not to recreate the wheel. But what does that mean? Want to learn more?

Listen to this episode of the SpotOn Series with host Chad Franzen of Rise25 as he speaks with the Founder and former President of A' La Carte Foodservice Consulting Group, Chris Tripoli. They discuss the food service industry, including the most common factors new restaurateurs overlook, and the difference between an effective manager and an effective leader — plus, Chris offers advice for up-and-coming restaurateurs.

Ohio State Alum D'Andre Martin is the Co-owner of The Pit BBQ Grille located in Columbus, Ohio, in the Northern Lights Shopping Center. Founded by four college friends, the young entrepreneurs consider The Pit BBQ Grille a community friend serving tasty food. D'Andre's other entrepreneurial ventures include real estate, where he's a realtor at Signature Real Estate. Additionally, he's the Co-owner of Beyond Barriers, a national trucking company, the Co-owner of Leafy Products, a bamboo toilet paper company, and the Owner of Just Chicken, a new concept restaurant set to launch in 2023.

Usually, popular destinations like Kansas City, Memphis, and all of Texas come to mind when one thinks of barbecue. Kansas City is famous for its smoke-style meats, Memphis is famous for its slow-cooked barbecue and dry and wet rubs, and Texas is famous for its brisket. But Cleveland is another destination popular for its barbecue, particularly its sauces.

When Columbus resident D'Andre Martin realized a void in the city's barbecue food scene, it led to a discussion with three of his college friends. Eventually, that conversation evolved into a restaurant concept, and The Pit BBQ Grille was born. Six years and three locations later, D'Andre and his partners still have work to do. So, what's next for The Pit BBQ Grille, and what makes it a standout barbecue joint?

In this episode of the SpotOn Series, host Chad Franzen of Rise25 speaks with D'Andre Martin, Co-owner of The Pit BBQ Grille, about the restaurant's unique take on Cleveland-style barbecue. D'Andre talks about the hardships the restaurant overcame in its early days, his other business ventures and their similarities to the restaurant industry, and what the future holds for The Pit BBQ Grille.

Nancie McDonnell Ruder is the Founder and CEO of Noetic Consultants, a marketing and leadership consulting firm providing B2B and B2C companies resources to create authentic brands. Nancie has over 20 years of experience in marketing strategy, branding, training, and consumer research. Since launching her company in 2002, she has provided guidance for household names including Nike, AT&T, SC Johnson, and the Walt Disney Company. Nancie is the creator of the Noetic art and science assessment and author of How Senior Marketers Scale the Heights: What is Still True, More True, & Newly True.

Entrepreneurialism is an appealing business venture for creative thinkers and innovators — although not every idea is successful. Launching a business requires a strong work ethic, a unique marketing strategy, and defined core values that drive your company's mission forward. In a saturated market, how can you create a successful business model unique from its competitors?

When Nancie McDonnell Ruder launched her marketing company, she didn't realize how beneficial core values would be to her brand's success. Nevertheless, when the company encountered adversity, its core values kept its team focused on the company's mission. If your company doesn't have a set of defined core values, you must make it a top priority — it will serve you well in uncertain times.

In this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Chad Franzen welcomes Nancie McDonnell Ruder, Founder and CEO of Noetic Consultants, to discuss launching her company and how it differentiates from competitors. Nancie talks about Noetic's journey, mistakes made, and turning points for the business. She also shares how she became an adjunct professor, her experience writing a book, and her daily routines.

Serial entrepreneur Dr. Jeff Danielson is the CEO of Big Fish Enterprises, a coaching and training company that allows him to pay it forward by investing in the future of young chiropractic doctors. Outside of his chiropractic practice, Dr. Danielson is the Co-owner of Trellis Hospitality, a Twin Cities restaurant concept, including Tamarack Tap Room, Woolley's Kitchen and Bar, Barley and Vine, and the Jordan Supper Club. Additionally, Dr. Danielson is an Owner of PS Steak and the Butcher and The Boar, two restaurants that fall under Jester Concepts.

Many people go into leadership with the mindset of being "the boss." But that is not what leadership is all about. So what exactly does it mean to be a leader?

According to entrepreneur and leader Dr. Jeff Danielson, leadership is having a servant's heart. Through life lessons and experience, Dr. Danielson – a chiropractor by trade and by heart – firmly believes that the only way to lead people is to love people. It's also through this motto that he's dedicated to paying it forward. As a result, he feels he's reaped the rewards of being a good steward. So, how has Dr. Danielson benefitted from having a servant's heart?

To learn more, join host Chad Franzen of Rise25 as he chats with Dr. Jeff Danielson, the CEO of Big Fish Enterprises and Owner of Trellis Hospitality. The two discuss entrepreneurship, Trellis Hospitality, and paying it forward.

A proud son of Italian immigrants, Joey Cioffi is the Founder and CEO of the Salad House, a family-friendly, fast-casual, healthy salad concept in New Jersey. Joey's father, who immigrated to the United States with only $20 in his pocket, heavily influenced his decision to start his own eatery. With the same work ethic as his father, Joey has worked in all areas of food service, including dishwashing to fulfilling catering orders. He launched the Salad House flagship in 2011 — six more followed, and three new locations are set to open soon.

Joey Cioffi grew up in the restaurant business, but after feeling "handcuffed" to the family pizzeria, he decided to make his own path. As faith would have it, Joey was destined to pick up where his father left off and run his own food joint. So what was the defining moment that pushed him back into food service?

After hearing his wife's desire for a nearby chopped salad eatery, Joey happened upon an empty storefront in his neighborhood, a lightbulb went off, and the rest, as the saying goes, is history. But was the business an overnight success?

Listen to this episode of the SpotOn Series with host Chad Franzen of Rise25 as he speaks with the Founder and CEO of Salad House, Joey Cioffi. They discuss Joey's background in the restaurant industry, his career as an emerging entrepreneur, and franchise goals and opportunities.

Cindy Machles is the Co-founder and CEO of Glue Advertising and Public Relations, a full-service advertising agency that assembles talent to meet clients' immediate goals and growth objectives. A leader and pioneer, Cindy was among the first to apply marketing and branding strategies used in consumer markets to the healthcare industry. In 2022, she was recognized by the Top 100 Innovators and Entrepreneurs Magazine for her initiatives on women's issues. She is an avid mentor for startups through the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Chicago and the CMO for SecureCHEK AI.

Communication is the backbone of marketing. The best marketing pitches are quick and to the point while wholly communicating whatever it is you're trying to sell. What other marketing tips can help you thrive?

Entrepreneur and marketing expert Cindy Machles envisioned a strategic and innovative communications company that would disrupt the way marketing companies operated. Thus, Glue was created. Rather than recycle the standard marketing model, Cindy and her business partner provide a better client experience with hands-on leadership, quick response times, and a flawless delivery system that is on time and within budget. When running a marketing agency, your goal is to make your client's life easier and build their business faster.

In this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Chad Franzen welcomes Cindy Machles, Co-founder and CEO of Glue Advertising and Public Relations, to discuss the fundamental elements of marketing and the importance of being a strong communicator. Cindy shares how her company's business model sets them apart from competing agencies, the challenges she's overcome in her multiple roles, and the key to a good business pitch.

Experienced franchisee Andrew Howell is the President of Amazing Brandz, a food concepts company which includes Tropical Smoothie Cafe and Another Broken Egg. Andrew boasts a lengthy career in the restaurant and hospitality industry and is skilled in customer service, food safety, leadership, and negotiation. Before starting his career, Andrew earned a bachelor's degree in political science. He's currently enrolled in the University of Central Florida MBA program.

While franchises allow for company expansion, it's also a great way for aspiring entrepreneurs to become business owners. If this is a venture you've considered, be sure to do your homework. So, what does it take to be a successful franchisee?

Entrepreneur and serial franchisee Andrew Howell explains there are many factors to consider. If you want to get rich quickly, owning a franchise may not be for you. To be a successful franchise owner, be prepared to get your hands dirty and put in late hours. In the end, the sacrifice and commitment pay off. But where does one start when considering buying into a franchise?

In this episode of the SpotOn Series, join host Chad Franzen of Rise25 as he sits down with Andrew Howell, President of Amazing Brandz. The two discuss Andrew's concepts, including Tropical Smoothie Cafe and Another Broken Egg. Additionally, he talks about the lessons he's learned as a franchisee, how to decide if a franchise is a correct fit for you, and the deciding factors that go into franchise locations.

Restaurateur Hengam Stanfield is the Owner of Mattenga's Pizzeria, a family-owned eatery in San Antonio, Texas. Hengam is a wife, mother of four, Iranian immigrant, and electrical engineer-cum-entrepreneur. With no prior experience in the food industry, she and her husband and business partner, Matt, increased sales six times in the last eight years. Hengam also hosts the Making Dough Show, a go-to podcast offering practical step-by-step training on day-to-day restaurant operations and how to grow sales.

Dream careers have pros and cons, but what happens when the cons outweigh the pros?

For restaurant owner Hengam Stanfield, her dream job afforded her a healthy paycheck, a decent family lifestyle, and the ability to pay bills worry-free. On the other hand, Hengam was stressed, working long hours, and losing quality family time. So, what do you do when you reach a point of no return? You buy a restaurant, move to another state, and start from scratch. Want to know how this story ends?

Join host Chad Franzen of Rise25 in this episode of the SpotOn Series as he talks to Hengam Stanfield, Owner of Mattenga's Pizzeria in San Antonio, Texas. Hengam discusses pivoting careers, purchasing and running a pizzeria without any restaurant experience, and the inspiration behind her podcast, the Making Dough Show.