Zero to Unicorn

This is 'Entrepreneur's Edge' -  a Norhart podcast. In these episodes, we aim to help budding entrepreneurs on their journey to success, with tips, advice and fun along the way.

Summary
In this conversation, Mike Kaeding interviews Dai Manuel, a former partner and CEO of a multimillion-dollar retail company, about the challenges of scaling a small business. Dai shares his experiences and lessons learned in scaling up his business, including the importance of solving systems and infrastructure issues to maintain productivity. He discusses the challenges of expanding too quickly and the need for careful market research and lease negotiation. Dai also highlights the significance of inventory management and the impact of marketing and targeting the right customers. He emphasizes the importance of finding and retaining the right team and trusting the mentorship process for personal and professional growth.

Takeaways
Scaling a small business requires solving systems and infrastructure issues to maintain productivity.
Expanding too quickly can lead to challenges in inventory management and cash flow.
Market research and lease negotiation are crucial when choosing the right locations for expansion.
Marketing and targeting the right customers is essential for success.
Finding and retaining the right team is key to scaling a business.
Trusting the mentorship process can lead to personal and professional growth.

http://www.norhart.com/invest

This is 'Entrepreneur's Edge' -  a Norhart podcast. In these episodes, we aim to help budding entrepreneurs on their journey to success, with tips, advice and fun along the way.

Annie Margarita Yang shares valuable insights on how to navigate the job market and earn more money. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the fair market rate for your skillset and experience. By researching salary data online, individuals can determine their worth and negotiate for higher pay. Annie also advises individuals to focus on providing value to their employers and solving their problems to increase their chances of getting a raise. If current employers are unwilling to provide a higher salary, Annie suggests exploring other job opportunities. Additionally, she provides tips on effective job search strategies and the importance of marketing oneself as an expert in the industry. Annie also highlights the significance of saving money to increase wealth and offers practical tips for reducing expenses. Overall, her advice empowers individuals to take control of their financial future and earn what they deserve.

Takeaways

• Research the fair market rate for your skillset and experience to determine your worth.
• Focus on providing value to your employer and solving their problems to increase your chances of getting a raise.
• Consider exploring other job opportunities if your current employer is unwilling to provide a higher salary.
• Market yourself as an expert in your industry to stand out during the job search process.
• Save money by comparison shopping and reducing expenses to increase your overall wealth.

“I get presidents elected” you might never hear these words coming out of this humble visionary’s mouth, but that’s exactly what he does… incredibly successfully.

Phillip Stutts, political & corporate marketer, and author, operates in a world where it’s either innovate and win or be out of business forever. When data seemingly makes your decisions for you, Phillip found method in the madness and saw what the bigger picture could mean for politics and the world – and acted upon it.

Uncover the secrets behind some of the world’s biggest political campaigns, and find out what it takes to survive in the ultimate cutthroat industry.

Chick-fil-A created one of the most iconic advertising campaigns of all time, and with that, one man changed fast-food advertising forever.

Steve Robinson, former Executive Vice President, and Chief Marketing Officer for Chick-fil-A found a meaning behind the messaging and drove fast-food marketing to new heights. The ingredients that he added would be the difference between simply finger lickin’ good and visionary.

Find out what it takes to make a billion-dollar impact in advertising, and discover how a car manufacturer helped sell chicken.

The NFL takes its toll and breaks many rookies fighting for their place. But for one player who hit the ‘rookie wall’, he found out what it takes to succeed, in a place that many would call the ultimate disappointment.

Yannik Cudjoe-Virgil, former Tennessee Titans footballer, and real estate mogul found meaning in his struggles, and used that drive to send him into the entrepreneurial big leagues. What he discovered in hard times, would become a difference maker in the world.

Find out what it takes to survive as an entrepreneur in a post NFL world and uncover the type of mental fortitude needed to succeed.

Did you know that Batman only narrowly survived Hollywood? So much so, that the Batman movies almost didn’t exist. In fact, it took ten years of fighting to bring the caped crusader to life.

Michael Uslan, the originator, and Executive Producer of the Batman movies had the vision that Hollywood lacked, and it was his tenacity and a moment of perseverance that led to one of the most successful film franchises of all time leaping from the page to the big screen.

Find out what it takes to make a billion-dollar impact in the world, and the effect success has had on the man once called ‘Batman’s Batman’.

As the journey comes to an end, one question remains. Will Norhart achieve unicorn status?

Norhart’s vision has propelled the company beyond the pursuit of profit, guiding them towards eventually making a billion-dollar impact in both the business world and the broader community. It’s led to a positive change in the housing crisis, but more work still needs to be done to achieve their dream.

In this final chapter of Zero to Unicorn, you’ll see the best of what Norhart has to give to the world, how its vision will shape its future, and a glimpse at a unicorn in the making. 

How important is company culture? Turns out, it’s vital. 

In this episode, we explore the turning point in Norhart’s pursuit for unicorn status. Mike Keading, CEO of Norhart, shares how he has applied the efficient strategies of a major automobile manufacturer to Norhart's construction projects, as well as how he has empowered Norhart employees to pivot with the company to begin to overcome their problems.

Norhart values respect, support, and humility, creating an environment different from a typical construction site. Employees are encouraged to advance as quickly as possible, empowering them to grow and learn so there’s higher performance and more valuable work.

But even with these accomplishments, Norhart still fights an uphill battle. Hear how a company positioned to achieve Unicorn status positions themselves when facing financial obstacles and scaling their business.

In this penultimate chapter, you’ll witness Norhart’s resilience through their willingness to bring in consultants, question current practices, and learn from the mistakes of others. 

When opportunity comes knocking, will you answer the call?

In this episode, we delve into Norhart’s journey from being industry leaders to industry innovators. The company's willingness to take risks and explore innovative solutions has led them to great success, but how far will that success take them? 

Though accelerated growth looms right in front of them, the economy holds them back. Construction has always focused on overcoming obstacles, but adapting to challenges such as inflation and reduced funding from banks was never in the job description. 

To solve these complex problems, Norhart looks inward and empowers their employees to share their insights and solutions. Norhart’s mission to hire the best of the best has long been an initiative by the company, but these employees have fostered a culture of saying “It’s fun to do the impossible!” 

Tune in to this chapter of Zero to Unicorn to see how Norhart overcomes the obstacles in their path and embarks upon a journey of becoming an industry innovator.

Leadership is tested when obstacles arise. Some may see them coming, but for Norhart, crisis fell into their lap. 

In this episode, Norhart Facilities Director Keith tells the tale of how a harrowing incident at a construction site prompted Norhart to evolve their hiring practices and become a business empowered by a set of core values. 

Furthermore, we uncover the fascinating stories of Dan's children, who earned their positions through meritocracy rather than nepotism. Shaped by their upbringing, they possess exceptional problem-solving skills and a sense of independence that contributes to the company's success.

Through these stories, you’ll witness how the organization’s mindset shifts from the what to the who.

Tune in to this episode of Zero to Unicorn to see how Norhart fights through crisis to become a values-based business.