In this episode of TrepStarz, we joined Randy Johnson in Port Orange, FL, at Car People Marketing headquarters. Randy is the Founder and President of Car People Marketing and Vintage Paper Company. Car People Marketing is focused on delivering marketing solutions for car dealerships across the country, while Vintage Paper Company specializes in branding and specialty marketing solutions for a large variety of businesses.    

Randy started Car People Marketing in 2001 with $3,000. He had a small space above a pizza restaurant, which made everything smell like pizza. It took Randy several months before he was able to make a sale, but he never gave up and he always stayed focused. Randy's determination is a big reason why Car People Marketing pulls in several million dollars a year today. Randy tells it like it is. He doesn't beat around the bush. He's the kind of boss that likes to have a lot of fun and believes in creating a culture where employees feel good about what they do. Randy has an incredible outlook on life and success and offers some great advice for entrepreneurs. We really enjoyed our time with Randy and we think you will too. Tune in and be inspired!  

In this episode of TrepStarz, we joined Andy Clark, Founder and CEO of All Aboard Properties, at company headquarters in Port Orange, FL. Under the umbrella of All Aboard Properties exists All Aboard Storage, several retirement communities, the Sunshine Park Mall, a flea and farmers market, as well as office and retail space. We talked with Andy about his partnership with his father and the beginnings of All Aboard Properties, formerly Clark Properties. We talked about the importance of developing a culture of employees that have fun and enjoy what they're doing. We talked about lessons learned, the importance of community, and Andy's focus on continuous improvement and always learning and growing. Andy also gives some great advice to entrepreneurs looking to get into real estate or even for those looking for a place to set up shop. Tune in and be inspired!  

For episode #7, we were lucky enough to conduct the interview at Donnie's Donuts. After complimentary donuts (which by the way were amazing) and a tour of the facility, we sat down with Patti and Donald in a beautiful conference room overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

The one word that comes to mind from this interview is 'Passion'. Patti and Donald are extremely passionate about their business, their employees, their customers and their donuts. Fortunately that passion and commitment to the business doesn't stop with Patti and Donald. Customers frequently mistake the employees for the owners. That says a lot about the culture they've created at Donnie's Donuts. In addition to culture and passion, we talked about the importance of social media, working with your spouse, poking holes in your business plan, how the original idea came about and, of course, Patti and Donald's favorite donuts. Tune in and be inspired!  

In this episode, we sit down with Bill Gallagher to discuss the early days of solar energy and what it takes to maintain the title of oldest active solar contractor in the state of Florida. Bill gives some great advice to new entrepreneurs and shares a few things he's learned along the way. According to Bill, it's important to enjoy what you do and to learn from your mistakes. It's also important to believe in what you're selling and/or doing. It's easy to talk to customers when you're doing something good because it's not smoke and mirrors. Tune in and be inspired! 

In this episode of TrepStarz, we sit down with Lacey McLaughlin, founder of Idea Dinners and Boss Lady Retreat, to discuss Idea Dinners and its impact on the entrepreneurial community. Lacey is a visionary and someone committed to the growth and development of our innovation ecosystem. This incredibly talented entrepreneur will inspire you to pursue your own venture and to invest in your community. You can't succeed in a silo. Get out there, surround yourself with like-minded people and don't underestimate the importance of face-to-face communication. Tune in and be inspired!

In this episode of TrepStarz, we interview Patrick “Tupat” Eichstaedt with Tupat’s Hawaiian Authentic Sauces and Seasonings. Tupat is a dedicated entrepreneur, but he's also an incredible photographer, fisherman, golfer, surfer and just an all around great human being.

Tupat shares with us the origins of Tupat’s Hawaiian, what it takes to be an entrepreneur, the importance of community and one of the biggest obstacles he's ever faced in his entire life. Tupat's story is powerful and incredibly inspirational. Tune in and be inspired!

Lou "The Professor" Paris, founder of Konkeros, represents a powerful combination of real-world experience and higher learning. As a business professor at Stetson University, Lou practices what he preaches to his students. Lou's had failures and successes and he talks with us about both. We discuss the origins of Konkeros, his online platform for connecting international students with local businesses and the personal connection that Lou has to his service.  

Lou also talks with us about the importance of grit, determination and not being a "silo" entrepreneur. It's important to get out there to engage with and support other entrepreneurs. It's also important to read a lot of books. Lou shares some of his favorites on this episode. Tune in and be inspired!

In this episode, we sit down with Rob Cassata and Brad Harris of Cogent Solar. We talk about the evolution of their idea from concept to reality and their journey from winning Startup Quest Challenge to being accepted as a client at the UCF Business Incubator in Volusia County. These two hard-working entrepreneurs share with us a wealth of knowledge, including lessons learned and the true definition of a pivot, and give some great advice for new entrepreneurs. Tune in and be inspired! 

Kristen Colesanti of Cover and Content shares with us her journey from couch surfing to participating in Startup Weekend to landing top clients. She gives some excellent advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and talks about the importance of community and investing in your local entrepreneurial ecosystem. Tune in and be inspired!