Traversing Entrepreneurship

In previous episodes of the Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast, we asked our guests about their experiences with COVID-19—how they navigated it and how they adapted to the situation. At the height of the pandemic, the future was uncertain for business owners, who were without concrete guidance. But, despite the drastically different ways COVID-19 impacted businesses, there are common threads in how our podcast guests successfully navigated it.

In this episode, we summarize and discuss COVID-19's impact on our guests' businesses and how they adapted. We reveal the importance of keeping cash in your business and focusing on what you can control in times of crisis. We describe how the adoption of remote tech and nimble, flexible, and transparent leaders allowed companies to survive the pandemic. We also highlight how assessing your business's finance, revenue, and expenses can help you weather a global pandemic and underscore the value of knowing when and how to adapt.

"The ability to adapt is what got a lot of people through COVID-19." - Melissa Niedzielski

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

• COVID-19's impact on businesses in 2020
• The importance of keeping plenty of cash in your business
• Focusing on controlling what you can control
• Flexible leadership and the importance of communication among employers, employees, and customers
• How tech adoption became a critical component of businesses during COVID-19
• Understanding your business's finance, revenue, and expenses

Our Favorite Quotes:

• "Employees are your number one asset. Companies who work with their employees to find solutions are the ones that came out of COVID-19 less scathed." - Derek Dall'Olmo
• "Cash is an emotional matter—always. Getting your hands on it, spending it, or saving it are emotional." - Melissa Niedzielski
• "Know how to adapt when the situation calls for it. Learn when to be flexible and nimble, both on the employee and employer side." - Derek Dall'Olmo

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall'Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek and Melissa work together at TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as "TreMonte"). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is our goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall'Olmo at [email protected] with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn

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John Smiddy is the Founder and Managing Partner of LeadPlan Marketing, an agency that helps entrepreneurs reach a larger audience so they can be more successful with their business by putting their client's best interests first and making each and everyone a fan for life. John has helped market and scale over 200 companies in various industries over the past 10 years. He is the host of "The Marketing Fundamentals Podcast" and the creator of the "5 Pillars of Sales Conversions" formula used at LeadPlan Marketing.

John joins me today to discuss his entrepreneurial journey from a budding marketing ambassador for SkullCandy to becoming an owner of his own marketing firm. He shares the key strategies he uses that have helped propel his business to success and maintain a strong company culture. John also explains how his organizational structure has changed Post-Covid and the value of having a work-life balance.

"But the truth is, if it was easy, everybody would be doing it." – John Smiddy

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

• John's background and his inspiration to become a business marketer
• The life-changing deal and sacrifices he made along with his wife to start a business venture
• The type of mindset and strategy John implements when his business begins to falter
• How John developed a productive business structure in an unfamiliar industry
• Ways John achieved a balance of company productivity and steady income with his team
• The importance of outsourcing tasks so you can make the biggest impact on your business
• Practices to mitigate company mishaps
• How Covid changed the marketing industry and elevated his company's work culture.

Our Favorite Quotes:

• "It's ok to not be an entrepreneur. It's not for everyone." – John Smiddy
• "Knowing the concept of the risk that you're taking is a massive understatement." - Derek Dall'Olmo
• "…with being able to work remote and Zoom, there's no reason that companies can't be work-life balanced, and it does not have to impact productivity at all." – John Smiddy
• "Don't focus on the negatives, because otherwise, if you start retreating, there is nothing back there to stop you from retreating."-Derek Dall'Olmo

Connect with John Smiddy:

• LeadPlan Marketing Website
• John Smiddy on Facebook
• John Smiddy on Instagram
• John Smiddy on LinkedIn
• Email: [email protected]

About TreMonte Tax Solutions and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan, and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall'Olmo sits down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek Dall'Olmo is the founder of TreMonte Tax Solutions, a tax planning firm that serves business owners and entrepreneurs. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment decisions.

Email Derek Dall'Olmo at [email protected] with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Derek on LinkedIn.

Subscribe here:

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Google Podcasts

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Spotify

And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

Mitchell Blue is a commercial insurance agent and co-developer of Lakemore Resort, a high-quality luxury resort located west of the Arbutus Lake in Michigan. Lakemore Resort opened its phase 1 in the summer of 2020 and has since opened its doors as a year-round weekly rental resort that serves as the perfect home base for guests interested in retreats, wine tours, color tours, downhill skiing, holiday stays, and snowmobiling.

Mitchell joins me today to discuss his experience and what he learned from developing a resort during the COVID-19 pandemic. He describes the amenities Lakemore Resort offers and how they use technology to improve their guests' experiences. He also explains how a change of township planners impacted the development of Lakemore Resort and reveals the opportunities that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"At Lakemore Resort, we try to highlight what we loved about growing up in northern Michigan." - Mitchell Blue

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

• Mitchell's background and the history of Lakemore Resort
• Opening and running a resort during the COVID-19 pandemic
• How a change in township planners can impact a project
• Rental timeframes at Lakemore Resort during the winter season
• Dealing with difficult clientele and challenging resort guests
• Hot tubs and other amenities guests can expect at Lakemore Resort
• How Lakemore uses technology to turn their guests into raving fans

Our Favorite Quotes:

• "Having a new township planner come in can change the scope of a project entirely." - Derek Dall'Olmo
• "Winter can be a rough time for rentals." - Derek Dall'Olmo
• "We wanted Lakemore to revolve around family—even our staff is family-oriented." - Mitchell Blue

Connect with Mitchell Blue:

• Lakemore
• Lakemore Resort
• Lakemore Retreat & Resort on Instagram
• Email: [email protected]

About TreMonte Tax Solutions and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall'Olmo sits down with local business ownerships and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek Dall'Olmo is the founder of TreMonte Tax Solutions, a tax planning firm that serves business owners and entrepreneurs. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment decisions.

Email Derek Dall'Olmo at [email protected] with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Derek on LinkedIn.

Subscribe here:

Apple Podcasts

Google Podcasts

Amazon Music

Stitcher

Spotify

And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

Mark VanderKlipp is an experience and systems designer who has been working in human-centered graphic design for over three decades. He is the Co-founder of The Adjacency—a systems strategy and design consultancy—and the Senior Performance Experience Design Consultant at TiER1 Performance. Mark was also the Founding Partner of Connect_CX and President of Corbin Design, an organization he worked with for more than 20 years. Mark holds a Bachelor's in Fine Arts, Graphic Design from the University of Michigan.

Mark joins us today to discuss human-centered graphic design and the role of design in the world. He describes his career path from freelance graphic designer to design firm co-founder. He offers advice for anyone wanting to develop a career in graphic design. He highlights how networking in an association of professional designers helped him learn about running a graphic design firm. Mark also opines on niching down your business and the market you serve.

"In human-centered design, you put the person experiencing the task or challenge at the center of that design discussion and take into account their stress as you design solutions for them." - Mark VanderKlipp

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

• Mark's background and career in graphic design
• His beginning as a freelance graphic designer
• How a mentor helped Mark get into the graphic design industry
• Mark's experience freelancing as a graphic designer while studying in college
• How Mark became the President of the design company, Corbin Design
• The lessons Mark learned from leading a design firm through the recession of 2008-2009
• Mark's shift from wayfinding design and transitioning to customer experience design
• How to grow your career as a freelance designer
• Human-centered design and its evolution over the years
• How to market a design agency
• Why great design is an advantage for the customer in the era of COVID-19
• How COVID-19 impacted the design industry

Our Favorite Quotes:

• "In every profession, being comfortable with ambiguity plays well more than you think." - Derek Dall'Olmo
• "It's not what you know, but who you know" - Derek Dall'Olmo
• "Communication design is what happens all day, every day, everywhere you look. Whether it's a social media platform, a podcast, or a community, all those experiences and interactions need to be designed." - Mark VanderKlipp

Connect with Mark VanderKlipp:

• The Adjacency
• TiER1 Performance
• The Adjacency on LinkedIn
• TiER1 Performance on LinkedIn
• TiER1 Performance on Instagram
• TiER1 Performance on Facebook
• TiER1 Performance on Twitter
• Mark VanderKlipp on LinkedIn
• Email: [email protected]
• Email: [email protected]

About TreMonte Tax Solutions and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan, and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall'Olmo sits down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek Dall'Olmo is the founder of TreMonte Tax Solutions, a tax planning firm that serves business owners and entrepreneurs. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment decisions.

Email Derek Dall'Olmo at [email protected] with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Derek on LinkedIn.

Subscribe here:

Apple Podcasts

Google Podcasts

Amazon Music

Stitcher

Spotify

And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

David Hague is a market owner at Nelligan Associates, an elite consulting firm that helps brokers and consultants navigate ancillary benefits with confidence, expertise, and efficiency. Dave has over 16 years of experience in the group insurance industry, 14 of which he spent at The Hartford as the Senior Regional Account Executive. At The Hartford, Dave earned several accolades—including National Disability Sales Leader and Regional Sales Leader—while being a regular qualifier to the Honors Conference. Dave holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Rochester University.

Dave joins me today to discuss how cultivating relationships with clients and brokers has driven the success of his role as a market owner at Nelligan Associates. He describes his career path and his pivot to becoming a business owner. He explains what it was like to start a business amid the pandemic. Dave also discusses how the group insurance landscape has changed over the years and underscores why business owners shouldn't be afraid to make mistakes during their entrepreneurial journey.

"Relationships have driven my role as a market owner. Aside from rates, solutions, and products, it's about rapport, trust, and how you can ultimately help people." - David Hague

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

• What Nelligan Associates is and how they serve their customers
• What it means to be a market owner and how it works as a business model
• How a business's success comes from the market's needs
• What makes group benefits and group insurance different from other products
• What attracted Dave to the group benefits industry
• Building and strengthening customer relationships
• What Dave likes most about working as a market owner and being in the group benefits business
• Dave's advice to people who want to become market owners
• The challenges he met in the group benefits industry and the struggles he faced as a market owner
• How long it takes to successfully close the point-of-sale
• How insurance brokers and companies decide on group benefits products
• Economic ups and downs and how they have impacted Dave's business
• How traditional group products have evolved over the years
• The three group products that fill in the gaps in medical plans
• Dave's experience starting his business right after the COVID-19 lockdowns

Our Favorite Quotes:

• "Doing the right thing and providing the right advice and guidance will pay itself back tenfold." - Derek Dall'Olmo
• "Relationships and trust take time; they're built on giving advice." - Derek Dall'Olmo
• "If you focus on what's right most days, the business will take care of itself." - David Hague

Connect with David Hague:

• Nelligan Associates
• Nelligan Associates on LinkedIn
• David Hague on LinkedIn
• Email: [email protected]

About TreMonte Tax Solutions and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall'Olmo sits down with local business ownerships and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek Dall'Olmo is the founder of TreMonte Tax Solutions, a tax planning firm that serves business owners and entrepreneurs. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment decisions.

Email Derek Dall'Olmo at [email protected] with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Derek on LinkedIn.

Subscribe here:

Apple Podcasts

Google Podcasts

Amazon Music

Stitcher

Spotify

And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

Geoffrey Harris is the Vice President of Medicare Sales at Michigan Planners, a full-service insurance agency specializing in employer group benefits. For over 60 years, Michigan Planners has assisted groups and individual customers with unparalleled service. Geoffrey graduated from Northern Michigan University with a degree in Business Administration. He has been serving in the insurance and financial services industry for over four decades and has been involved in every layer of business ownership from start-up to exit. He worked as a financial representative for Northwestern Mutual for over 25 years before founding Harris Insurance Agency, an insurance firm he founded and operated until its merger with Michigan Planners.

Geoffrey joins us today to discuss how he began his career in the insurance and financial services industry. He explains how he started his insurance agency after working for several years as an employee and describes how his business merged with Michigan Planners. He highlights the importance of educating clients on Medicare and discusses how he manages the "business side" of business. He also underscores the importance of planning for exiting your business and the value of work ethic.

"Having a good work ethic, understanding your daily responsibilities, and getting at them every day help out a lot in business." - Geoffrey Harris

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

• What attracted Geoffrey to the insurance and financial services world
• Geoffrey's favorite parts about working in the insurance and financial services industry
• Harris Insurance Agency's collaboration and merger with Michigan Planners
• How the fluctuations of the economy have affected the insurance industry
• The importance of educating people on Medicare
• Juggling the responsibilities of being a business owner and revenue generator
• Prioritizing different aspects of business
• How the COVID-19 pandemic impacted Harris's business

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: The One Minute Salesperson by Spencer Johnson and Larry Wilson

Our Favorite Quotes:

• "I tend to be an early adopter of technology. Whenever I find something that could make my and my clients' lives easier, it's a no-brainer." - Derek Dall'Olmo
• "Not everything is a priority. Being able to separate the noise from the "shoulds" and "musts" is huge for everybody in business." - Derek Dall'Olmo
• "You want to be able to leave a legacy where the business's operation can continue whether you're there or not. You want to have staff and associates who can duplicate what you do without the oversight." - Geoffrey Harris

Connect with Geoffrey Harris:

• Michigan Planners
• Michigan Planners on LinkedIn
• Geoffrey Harris on LinkedIn
• Email: [email protected]

About TreMonte Tax Solutions and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall'Olmo sits down with local business ownerships and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek Dall'Olmo is the founder of TreMonte Tax Solutions, a tax planning firm that serves business owners and entrepreneurs. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment decisions.

Email Derek Dall'Olmo at [email protected] with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Derek on LinkedIn.

Subscribe here:

Apple Podcasts

Google Podcasts

Amazon Music

Stitcher

Spotify

And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

Dr. James McClellan is the Owner and President of Bayside Allergy, a medical practice committed to finding the best treatments for patients' allergy, asthma, and immunology needs. James specializes in the treatment of various disorders involving the immune system, including types of allergies and immunologic diseases. He was board certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology and is a member of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. James completed his medical school and training at St. Louis University School of Medicine Hospital and has been practicing medicine in Traverse City since 1999.

James joins us today to describe his journey into medicine and how he has grown his practice over the years. He reveals the best thing about owning a practice and explains how remaining affiliated with a hospital while running a private practice can be helpful to a community. He discusses how COVID-19 impacted Bayside Allergy and how the practice adapted its operations to the pandemic. James also enumerates the characteristics he looks for when hiring staff members and explains how he supports his employees throughout the pandemic.

"When you look back at your life, ensure that you thank the people who helped you. Nobody does this all on their own; everybody along the way helps you." - Dr. James McClellan

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

• James's background and his road to founding Bayside Allergy
• Why James decided to specialize in allergy and immunology
• What inspires James to keep working in his medical practice
• The operations side of running a medical practice
• The demographics of Bayside Allergy patients
• Cashflow inconsistencies, staffing problems, and other challenges James faced when he opened Bayside Allergy
• How Bayside Allergy remained flexible during the COVID-19 pandemic
• How the medical practice has grown over the years
• James's process for finding the right staff
• How the pandemic has changed workplace expectations
• Telemedicine and telehealth in the pandemic era
• The most difficult parts of operating a medical practice amid the pandemic
• How Bayside Allergy supported patients regarding COVID-19 vaccines
• The relationship between climate change and allergies

Our Favorite Quotes:

• "If you're a good guy, people will be willing to do good things for you." - Derek Dall'Olmo
• "You can do as much just outside the office—we all carry around legitimate supercomputers in our pockets." - Derek Dall'Olmo
• "When I find the right people, I take them in and take care of them. Medical knowledge can be taught, but it's difficult to teach somebody to be friendly, to smile, to treat people with respect." - Dr. James McClellan

Connect with Dr. James McClellan:

• Bayside Allergy
• Bayside Allergy on Facebook

About TreMonte Tax Solutions and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall'Olmo sits down with local business ownerships and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek Dall'Olmo is the founder of TreMonte Tax Solutions, a tax planning firm that serves business owners and entrepreneurs. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment decisions.

Email Derek Dall'Olmo at [email protected] with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Derek on LinkedIn.

Subscribe here:

Apple Podcasts

Google Podcasts

Amazon Music

Stitcher

Spotify

And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

Today I am joined by Melissa Niedzielski and Bridget Thoreson. Melissa is the Operations Manager of TreMonte Financial Consultants and Accountant at TreMonte Tax Solutions. Bridget is the Operations Administrator at TreMonte Financial Consultants.

While we may share an office from Monday to Friday, Melissa and Bridget join me today to discuss the TreMonte brand, our history, and services. We'll take a look at what led me to leave the national firm where I'd been working for twelve years to create TreMonte Financial Consultants back in 2018.

You'll hear us describe the types of clients we serve and the problems we solve for them, all while keeping the clients best interests at the forefront of every decision. We'll share just how much our tax offering can help an average business-owner client save, and the clarity we help them discover through unpacking where their business is today, and could be going forward.

Finally, we highlight the importance of having the right team of people inside and outside of your organization to help your business grow, and underscore the value of being flexible and adaptable in entrepreneurship.

"That's in a lot of entrepreneurs' stories: the long nights after the kids go to bed that you're putting in the extra hours." - Melissa Niedzielski

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

• Melissa's background and her responsibilities as the Operations Manager of TreMonte Financial Consultants
• Bridget's background and responsibilities as the Operations Administrator TreMonte Financial Consultants
• My background and why I decided to launch my own firm of financial consultants
• The road to launching TreMonte Financial Consultants
• The kinds of clients TreMonte Financial Consultants serve and the problems we help solve
• How our company serves as CFOs and tax advisors to businesses
• How our forward-looking strategies can help businesses save on taxes annually
• The three things you need to have before starting your own business
• The time it took us to establish and implement TreMonte Financial Consultants according to our vision
• The importance of internal and external teams to support your business

Our Favorite Quotes:

• "Getting the right people in place is more than important to having a successful business." - Derek Dall'Olmo
• "To start a business, you have to have a few things: a vision, a team to help you execute that vision, and the fortitude to stick with it through all the hiccups coming your way." - Derek Dall'Olmo
• "Having these conversations right after tax season is probably the best time—you have your tax returns and time to strategize and implement things that can save your bottom line." - Melissa Niedzielski

About TreMonte Tax Solutions and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall'Olmo sits down with local business ownerships and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek Dall'Olmo is the founder of TreMonte Tax Solutions, a tax planning firm that serves business owners and entrepreneurs. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment decisions.

Email Derek Dall'Olmo at [email protected] with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Derek on LinkedIn.

Subscribe here:

Apple Podcasts

Google Podcasts

Amazon Music

Stitcher

Spotify

And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

Adam McQueen is the Founder and Owner of Skål Beer Hall, a modern interpretation of the Viking mead hall based in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood. Before founding Skål Beer Hall, Adam was a customer engagement expert with over 12 years of experience working in brewery and agency settings. He served as the Director of Customer Engagement of Enjoy Beer, the Digital Marketing Director of Harpoon Brewery, and the Director of Media of Digital Influence Group. Adam graduated from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Business.

Adam joins us today to describe what Skål Beer Hall is, its products, and how it creates a communal space for celebrating the Scandinavian heritage. He highlights the value of community engagement in growing a business. He discusses how Skål Beer Hall adapted to the pandemic and operated as a restaurant despite COVID-19 restrictions. Adam also recounts the most enjoyable moments he's experienced as a business owner and underscores the importance of asking for help as an entrepreneur.

"Our strategy was to let people see behind the curtain and make them feel like they're part of the process of opening the space." - Adam McQueen

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

• Adam's background in media and marketing and his path to starting Skål Beer Hall
• The people who inspired Adam to start his own business
• The importance of seeking help and playing toward other peoples' strengths in business
• The most enjoyable moments of owning a business
• How Skål creates a space where the community can celebrate their Scandinavian heritage
• Community engagement and how it has impacted Skål Beer Hall's business
• How support from the community has helped Skål Beer Hall survive the COVID-19 pandemic
• Running a restaurant amid COVID-19 and how Skål Beer Hall adapted to the pandemic
• Why many people left the hospitality industry during the pandemic
• Programs, promos, and communal events Skål Beer Hall implements to make customers return

Our Favorite Quotes:

• "It is paramount to the success of your business that you know what you don't know, surround yourself with people who can help you, and don't worry about the things you can't control." - Derek Dall'Olmo
• "You can never satisfy everyone when running a business. You need to stick to your core and focus on what you do well." - Adam McQueen
• "Treat others how you want to be treated. When you're young, you get away with it sometimes. But as you get older, it becomes your reputation." - Derek Dall'Olmo

Connect with Adam McQueen :

• Skål Beer Hall
• Skål Beer Hall on Facebook
• Skål Beer Hall on Instagram
• Skål Beer Hall on LinkedIn
• Adam McQueen on LinkedIn
• Email: [email protected]

About TreMonte Tax Solutions and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall'Olmo sits down with local business ownerships and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek Dall'Olmo is the founder of TreMonte Tax Solutions, a tax planning firm that serves business owners and entrepreneurs. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment decisions.

Email Derek Dall'Olmo at [email protected] with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Derek on LinkedIn.

Subscribe here:

Apple Podcasts

Google Podcasts

Amazon Music

Stitcher

Spotify

And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

Aaron Kricher is the Founder of ARK Valuation Consultants, a business valuation firm dedicated to providing affordable and customizable business valuations tailored to clients' needs. With over two decades of experience in human resources and finance in the healthcare industry, Aaron is an expert in business valuations for small and medium-sized companies. In 2020, Aaron purchased the Saginaw staffing branch of Interim Healthcare, and currently serves as its President and CEO.

Aaron joins us today to discuss franchise ownership and business acquisition. He explains what "company synergy" means and outlines the factors he considers when acquiring or partnering with businesses. He discusses why company culture is one of his favorite things about Interim Healthcare. Aaron also highlights the advantages and disadvantages of franchise ownership and underscores how entrepreneurs can adapt their business models to the pandemic.

"Focus solely on the things you're passionate about and good at, and outsource everything else." - Aaron Kricher

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

• Aaron's background and journey into the world of entrepreneurship
• His approach to franchise ownership
• What Aaron enjoys most about being a business owner
• Business synergy and the factors Aaron looks for in a business acquisition
• Why company culture is one of Aaron's favorite things about Interim Healthcare
• The hardest parts about being a business owner
• How Covid-19 has impacted Interim Healthcare's operations
• Managing increasing wages and adapting a franchise's business model to the pandemic
• The disadvantages of franchise ownership
• How Interim Healthcare took care of its employees amid the pandemic

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell

Our Favorite Quotes:

• "In a business acquisition, look for something where you can change the name on the sign at the door, and have it operate the same way without having to reinvent the wheel." - Derek Dall'Olmo
• "To become successful, you can't just rely on yourself. You need to be reliant on others—to build a team of people you know, like, and trust. Then, culture becomes evident." - Derek Dall'Olmo
• "Worries are necessary because they demonstrate that you care about the business in a way that's conducive to providing good service to customers." - Aaron Kricher

Connect with Aaron Kricher:

• ARK Valuation Consultants
• Aaron Kricher on LinkedIn
• Email: [email protected]

About TreMonte Tax Solutions and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall'Olmo sits down with local business ownerships and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek Dall'Olmo is the founder of TreMonte Tax Solutions, a tax planning firm that serves business owners and entrepreneurs. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment decisions.

Email Derek Dall'Olmo at [email protected] with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Derek on LinkedIn.

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