Vicki Kenward is a prominent entrepreneur and the co-CEO of Haley Marketing, possessing an extensive background in the Entrepreneurs Organization (EO). Vicki has a high regard for EO, stating that it offers vital opportunities for learning, growth, and forging connections with other leaders facing similar challenges. She believes that her six years of active involvement in EO, which included her participation in programs like GLC and EMP, have not only enhanced her leadership skills but have also provided her with valuable insights and experiences. Kenward stresses the importance of EO's forums and networking opportunities, where entrepreneurs can share ideas, seek advice, and gain support from a community of like-minded individuals. Her robust perspective on EO, therefore, stems from its role in providing knowledge, networking, and growth opportunities to entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Here’s what to expect this episode:

• Hiring the right people for specific roles is crucial for success in a business venture.

• Matching skills and strengths with job responsibilities can prevent costly mistakes and ensure success.

• The distinction between visionary and integrator roles is essential for organizational growth and success.

Connect with Vicki Kenward:

https://www.haleymarketing.com/

Connect with David Searns:

https://www.haleymarketing.com/team/david-searns/

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Karyn Tellez, the dedicated owner of a staffing firm based in Rochester, New York, has a rich background in hiring and recruitment. Her experiences and early passion for recruitment have shaped her understanding of the significant challenges within the staffing industry. In particular, Tellez acknowledges the difficult balance that must be struck between digital transformation and maintaining personal relationships in recruitment. With her emphasis on the importance of a structured hiring process, her belief in the value of gut instincts, and her commitment to continuous learning, as seen in her enrollment in the Entrepreneurs Master's Program, she offers a nuanced perspective on navigating the obstacles of the staffing industry.

Here’s what to expect this episode:

• The entrepreneurial journey involves facing ups and downs, but the experience is meaningful and worth the challenges, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, authenticity, and passion.

• Entrepreneurs often struggle with judging people accurately due to lack of experience in hiring, highlighting the need for implementing a structured hiring process to make more informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls.

• Being an authentic leader involves admitting imperfections and collaborating with the team to find solutions, fostering a culture of trust, growth, transparency, continuous learning, and innovation within the organization.

• By staying true to their passion and authenticity, entrepreneurs can overcome setbacks and build a successful business. The rewards of pursuing one's passion and overcoming obstacles far outweigh the challenges faced along the way.

Connect with Karyn Tellez:

Karyn Tellez | LinkedIn

Connect with David Searns:

https://www.haleymarketing.com/team/david-searns/

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Jamie Cornehlsen is an entrepreneur who started his journey at a young age, moving from being a financial analyst to owning a financial advisory firm, and ultimately becoming an EOS implementer. His perspective on the entrepreneurial journey is shaped by his experiences and emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities, taking risks, and being courageous enough to venture into unknown territories. Cornehlsen underscores the value of self-awareness, focusing on individual strengths while seeking help to overcome weaknesses. According to him, entrepreneurship is like building an aircraft while free-falling, a process that demands constant learning, adaptation, and strategic thinking. Cornehlsen also highlights the importance of having an advisory board in a startup, indicating his understanding of the significance of external guidance and expertise in a successful entrepreneurial journey.

Here’s what to expect this episode:

• Identifying opportunities and taking risks are significant in the business world, as demonstrated by Jamie Cornelson's entrepreneurial journey that began with selling refreshments as a child. This journey eventually led him to become an EOS implementer, highlighting the importance of recognizing opportunities and having the courage to take risks in pursuit of business success.

• Self-awareness, focusing on strengths, and seeking help for weaknesses are crucial aspects of entrepreneurship, as emphasized by Jamie Cornelson's experiences. Additionally, the strategic advantage of having a formal board or advisory board in a startup was underscored, showcasing the benefits of external perspectives in decision-making and business growth.

• Advice on recognizing common roadblocks faced by entrepreneurs and the importance of focus and self-awareness in overcoming these obstacles resonates with aspiring business owners. By prioritizing the top five tasks on their list of goals and seeking help in areas of weakness, entrepreneurs can adopt a strategic approach to navigating challenges and achieving sustainable business growth.

Connect with Jamie Cornehlsen:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-cornehlseneostoronto/?originalSubdomain=ca

Connect with David Searns:

https://www.haleymarketing.com/team/david-searns/

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Steve Davis, a fifth-generation leader with 18 years of experience at Tapecon, plays a vital role in decision-making alongside his two brothers in their family business. Davis holds steadfast in his belief on the importance of maintaining a distinct separation between family and business to ensure the success of a family enterprise. He insists on setting performance-based expectations for family members, declaring that their last name should not warrant any preferential treatment. His experiences have taught him the value of learning and contributing as a child to a parent's business, urging children to recognize their own worth and the insights their parents provide. Davis underscores the importance of consciously managing family business dynamics and holding all individuals, family or not, to the same performance standards, a perspective shaped by his experience and involvement with entrepreneurial organizations like EO and the Cel Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership.

Here’s what to expect this episode:

• Succession planning and adapting to new technologies and markets are crucial for longevity and success in family businesses.

• Defining rules of engagement, seeking feedback, and maintaining performance-based expectations are key considerations for multi-generational family businesses.

• Continuous learning, contribution, and proving one's value are essential for entering and thriving in a family business.

• Set a clear vision for the future while balancing legacy and innovation

• Define rules of engagement, seek objective feedback, and maintain performance-based expectations for family members in leadership roles

• Approach the family business with a mindset of continuous learning and contribution

Connect with Steve Davis:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevedavismfg/

Connect with David Searns:

https://www.haleymarketing.com/team/david-searns/

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David Clar, owner of Flower City Communications, has transitioned from running a printing company to specializing in security products and maintaining a strong focus on a customer-centric approach. David's perspective on this approach is influenced by the value he places on aligning with clients who share his company's culture. This mindset is forged from his experiences in building strong relationships with customers by understanding their values and treating them with respect. He believes in active listening, asking insightful questions, and customizing solutions to meet each customer's needs rather than making assumptions about what they need. By maintaining a sharp focus on nurturing customer relationships and delivering exceptional service, David Clar ensures his company's continuous growth and long-term success.

Here’s what to expect this episode:

• The company aims to address security challenges and provide integrated solutions that meet evolving demands by expanding its product line through a partnership with Motorola Solutions.

• The company is actively working on diversifying its product portfolio to mitigate potential vulnerabilities stemming from relying heavily on one vendor.

• The business values customer engagement, input, and collaboration in developing tailored security solutions that align with clients' needs and culture.

• David emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive company culture by ensuring that clients and employees match the company's values, fostering a harmonious workplace and long-term relationships.

Connect with David Clar:

(25) David Clar | LinkedIn

Connect with David Searns:

https://www.haleymarketing.com/team/david-searns/

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Episode Summary:

Dave Robinson is a seasoned entrepreneur and the current president of the Lotus Group, an environmental engineering services firm, with a profound experience in building a telecom group while working for a large engineering firm in Buffalo. His perspective on starting a business from scratch is underscored by a sense of cautious optimism and a readiness to take calculated risks, a disposition he adopted when he decided to break away from his previous company due to neglect of the telecom division. This daring move, which was bolstered by the support and belief of his wife, resulted in him setting up a business with a friend right from their houses, with his corporate office humorously situated next to the washer and dryer. Robinson sees the insecurities and risk aversion often witnessed in entrepreneurs not as detriments but rather as driving forces to success, pushing them to constantly prove their worth and aim for greatness. Despite the inevitable challenges and frustrations, he perceives the journey of entrepreneurship as an invaluable learning opportunity and a pathway to personal growth. As he considers stepping back from full-time work, his future vision entails fun, travel, and service to others.

Here’s what to expect this episode:

• Taking risks is crucial when starting a business from scratch.

• Having a strong support network is essential for success in entrepreneurship.

• Prioritizing genuine connections and exceptional customer service leads to organic business growth.

• Delegating tasks and empowering others is crucial for organizational success.

• Embracing a lifestyle of flexibility and freedom can lead to valuable experiences and personal growth.

• Effective leadership during challenging times requires open communication and transparency.

• Transitioning to a new life phase involves reflecting on lessons learned and finding purpose beyond professional endeavors.

Connect with Dave Robinson:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-robinson-p-e-0b63307/

Connect with David Searns:

https://www.haleymarketing.com/team/david-searns/

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Tom Cullen, a seasoned entrepreneur with a varied background in trading and business, began his career navigating significant market shifts and the move to electronic trading on the options exchange floor in Chicago. His entrepreneurial journey, shaped by his experiences and evolution as a business owner, places great emphasis on the simplification of processes and the implementation of incremental changes to enhance overall performance. Influenced immensely by his membership in the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO), his focus shifted from becoming entangled in day-to-day operations to designing a business and life that truly fulfilled his aspirations. This transformation led to a more purpose-driven approach, evidenced in his efforts to rejuvenate not only his local region but the entire world. Cullen's counsel to budding entrepreneurs underscores the importance of unwavering optimism and persistence in overcoming obstacles and reaching success.

Here’s what to expect this episode:

• Continuous learning from others is crucial for entrepreneurial success.

• Active seeking of knowledge and applying lessons contribute to growth.

• Establishing support centers can drive economic development in communities.

• Balancing multiple ventures and personal life requires dedication and prioritization.

• Combining personal goals with business ventures can lead to positive impact.

• Maintaining relentless optimism is key to overcoming setbacks in entrepreneurship.

Connect with Tom Cullen:

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomascullen/

Connect with David Searns:

https://www.haleymarketing.com/team/david-searns/

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Episode Summary:

Nicholle Overkamp, an accomplished MBA, CHFC, and CDFA, is renowned for her significant contributions towards empowering women in finance. As the author of "Certified Money Bitch", Overkamp strongly advocates for women to seize control of their financial destinies, stemming from her leadership as the president of Wilcox Financial Group. Her perspective on empowering women in finance is deeply rooted in providing education, mindset coaching, and support to help women navigate their financial future. Recognizing the gaps in traditional financial planning services, Overkamp has developed innovative money coaching programs tailored specifically for women. Her ultimate goal is to bridge the gender disparities in finance, and she does this through offering approachable education programs, business coaching for female founders, and using her platforms to inspire and encourage women to believe in their worth and capabilities.

Here’s what to expect this episode:

• Nicholle Overkamp offers financial coaching and education programs focusing on mindset, accountability, and basic systems for building a strong foundation for financial planning.

• Her goal is to empower women to take control of their financial future through online courses and her book titled 'Money Bitch'.

• Overkamp provides business coaching programs for female founders to address challenges and increase profits without burning out.

• Her journey from witnessing her mother's struggles as a single parent to becoming a successful entrepreneur showcases the empowering transition to entrepreneurship.

• Overkamp emphasizes the importance of overcoming challenges such as self-doubt, seeking help, and investing in coaching and mentorship for personal and professional growth.

• Continuous learning through audiobooks is crucial for personal development, business growth, and mental well-being according to Overkamp.

Connect with Nicolle Overkamp:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholleoverkamp/

Connect with David Searns:

https://www.haleymarketing.com/team/david-searns/

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Brian Brault is a respected entrepreneur, leadership trainer, and corporate retreat facilitator, having headed a successful company to the Inc. 500 list, managed a team of 300 employees, and served as global chairperson of the Entrepreneurs' Organization. Having started his entrepreneurial journey from a young age, Brault's views on entrepreneurship emphasize self-discovery, growth, and purpose. His experiences, such as selling a majority stake in his business and transitioning away from his CEO position, have influenced his belief in the importance of self-belief, risk-taking, and mentorship in entrepreneurial journeys. His own transformation from a conflicted business partnership to finding fulfillment in aiding others has shaped his perspective that entrepreneurship is about personal growth, resilience, and crafting a meaningful career that aligns with one's values. Through his work with Legacy of Significance, he embodies these principles, striving to empower and develop leaders within organizations.

Here’s what to expect this episode:

· Starting entrepreneurial ventures at a young age can set one on a path of business acumen and responsibility.

· Transitioning from a specialized cleaning company to a total facility service company was sparked by building relationships and embracing new opportunities.

· Empowering leaders to take ownership of their roles and responsibilities within an organization is crucial as a business scales.

· Segmented Business Growth Strategy involves dividing a company into separate divisions to empower leaders, relieve pressure on the founder, and facilitate sustainable growth.

· Entrepreneurs often find support from mentors, spouses, faith, and organizations like EO.

· Transitioning to starting a company involves recognizing the need for change and aligning personal values with business goals.

· Brian Brault shares his journey from selling a majority stake in his business to pursuing his passion project of leadership development and training.

Connect with Brian Brault:

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-brault/

Connect with David Searns:

https://www.haleymarketing.com/team/david-searns/

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Want to get a behind-the-scenes look at some of Western New York’s most successful businesses? Want to hear the untold stories of leaders and changemakers who have built seven, eight, and even nine-figure companies right here in your community?

Introducing "Western New York Entrepreneurs Unleashed" - the podcast that's for business owners and leaders who are looking to unlock their potential, improve their lives, and build a better tomorrow! Each episode will introduce you to the untold stories of successful local entrepreneurs. You’ll discover their passions, hear how they overcame immense challenges, and get an understanding of what has fueled these leaders in their relentless pursuit of bold visions. We don't just scratch the surface; we dive deep, to get to know the real people behind each successful company. You’ll learn about their dreams, their fears, and what has driven these unique individuals to push past their limits and create transformational growth. But that's not all. We also explore the delicate art of balance. You’ll discover how these inspiring individuals manage to balance the pressures of a growing business while focusing on family, community, and living their best lives.

If you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a dreamer with a vision, someone who seeks business growth, personal growth, and your own transformational experiences, this is your invitation to the front row. Join us as we embark on this thrilling journey into the ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship, one story at a time. "Western New York Entrepreneurs Unleashed" - Where the real stories of local business owners offer invaluable lessons, inspiration for growth, and the real secrets to becoming an effective leader.

Subscribe now and prepare to be inspired, challenged, and transformed. Your journey starts here.

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