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You’ll love hearing and watching the stories of America’s entrepreneurs, industry experts, and other high achievers! Listen on your favorite platform.
LATEST EPISODES
#171: Getting that book published with Andy Symonds
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5MHMDfofhQjCMCdIb8Y5oR?si=b4eadc3a52c24d9a Founder and CEO of Ballast Books, Andy Symonds joins the show to discuss the publishing world. He answers a lot of my obvious questions that are questions everyone has related to getting...
#170: Using blockchain to power investing with Josh Emison
https://open.spotify.com/episode/72h4nprXdL211ldUWxAnuS?si=4fcb012fc5ca4467 Sansbank co-founder Josh Emison joins the show to discuss how the blockchain is enabling companies to innovate incredible ways for people to confidently and safely invest with much less than...
#169: Working the system with Josh Fonger
https://open.spotify.com/episode/24QVkYZuGueNMRegHtnxn4?si=bea3f01f67ef441e CEO of WTS Enterprises, Josh Fonger joins the show to discuss why it's important and how to establish systems in your business, regardless of product, service, or industry. Incredibly...
#168: Living off rentals with Kirby Atwell
https://open.spotify.com/episode/616H2kySGEknEoYTnaT3l5?si=e6286b2de3224e1d Kirby Atwell is the CEO of Living Off Rentals and Green Vet Homes, as well as the host of the podcast, "Living Off Rentals". He has spent a career in real estate, first as a flipper, and...
#167: Thoughtful manufacturing with Versa CEO Chris Laudadio
https://open.spotify.com/episode/00MGvyNj4AGcQIPcVv1PWM?si=830c13c6a5bf43a0 Chris Laudadio is the CEO of the internationally renowned company Versa, which manufactures all types of standing desks and related products. Chris has had a phenomenal career in this space...
#166: The grit of entrepreneurship with Gresham Harkless Jr.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2iBd9ptIk7lbAB2kPH3323?si=f5fb1e254f764bce Gresham Harkless, Jr. is the CEO of Blue 16 Media, and leads all things CB Nation through blogs and podcasts. Learn more about Gresh by going to https://iamgresh.com and his other websites,...
#165: Challenging the focus of America’s Entrepreneurs with Tristan Wright
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5ETMC3t1sF6CsITiJaJbQY?si=e3cbd89aeb88452d Australian, Tristan Wright, joins the show to discuss his incredible journey of entrepreneurship and how he started Evolve to Grow (https://www.evolvetogrow.com.au/). You will be encouraged...
#164: Building the team with CFL Hall of Famer Nik Lewis
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4uYjuTMaL1UpbulCvRWy4Q?si=04aa829359c1494a Nik Lewis is the All Time Leading Receiver in CFL History in Receptions and 2021 inductee into the Canadian Football League Hall of Fame. Nik is the CEO of AO Sports, which features content...
#163: The mental health battle with Dr. Mary Beth Janke
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1ko9vBDUqinHPIBs1FyIuD?si=45e0ad1acb4b4bb2 Friend of the show, Dr. Mary Beth Janke returns to discuss mental health in detail. We cover a variety of mental health topics, including some of the biggest themes and struggles folks are...
#162: The fastest entrepreneurship education with Brian MacMahon
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7MGVSu5SXv8Tf5pRV40Wdj?si=16dce767ac5a45b9
#161: Acquisition entrepreneurship with Jon Stoddard
https://open.spotify.com/episode/34JULmiXDTgtqeGeDSGxV3?si=f928161977af4570 Jon Stoddard is a military veteran, former corporate sales exec, entrepreneur, and podcast host. Jon shares the movement from corporate into the entrepreneurial world, and we spend a good deal...
#160: Entrepreneurs don’t give up with Timber Barker
https://open.spotify.com/episode/34JULmiXDTgtqeGeDSGxV3?si=4f9ccbf6e7b24e7a Timber Barker, CEO and Founder of Boom Interactive, Sneak on the Lot, and Quark Games, shares his entrepreneurial journey, including some serious setbacks, but the grit and determination...
#159: Living your best life with “Sunny” Peiming Sun
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0pRbzvR0d2dZ7df7ENTxfJ?si=b1174aaec87b4058
#158: Overcoming shyness to live a bold life with Fred Joyal
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1isekW5pXTkzi6MAAGtSv6?si=1fec1c1da0854de7 Fred was the co-founder of Futuredontics, the parent company of 1-800-DENTIST, which, over 30 years, generated over $1 billion in revenue. His latest book, Superbold: From Under-Confident...
#157: Helping without an agenda with David Salinas
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6vpK79K0tlaZ42galIDDjr?si=9b53fbe9a7094a54 David Salinas is a serial entrepreneur and investor. In 2007 he co founded Digital Surgeons and served as its CEO for over a decade. Under his leadership, the agency delivered award-winning...
#156: Growing and leading a company with Joel Stevenson
https://open.spotify.com/episode/30Tgak7ab55ZbdbjBOSDyd?si=9bafabaa0fcd41fa Joel Stevenson is the CEO of Yesware, software that helps high-performing sales teams do meaningful email outreach at scale. Joel shares with us a bit of his corporate journey before assuming...
#155: The venture capital journey with Renny McPherson
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Yjn1zYIhI9HdZtp4LDPOX?si=613b852e53af4e0b Renny McPherson is the Managing Partner of First In, an early stage venture capital firm focused on cybersecurity, data intelligence, and dual use technology. Their investment team is...
#154: Owning a cybersecurity niche with Christian Espinosa
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1M2LsyZPgMMtpBLt7Cpwo4?si=b1a4b4d3c1084b4e Christian Espinosa was the CEO of Alpine Security, a highly successful cybersecurity firm, before selling the company to Cerberus Sentinel in 2020. Christian is also the author of the book,...
#153: Startup and co-founder relationships with Sonny Tai
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4y6x6vDExtM8xU060i2kXe?si=a26a94a5bb3c45ae Sonny Tai is the co-founder and CEO of Actuate, a software platform that turns existing security cameras that can automatically identify threats and occupant behavior patterns to support...
#152: The power of the legacy business with Mike Fransen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3CIICHp_JU Author, entrepreneur, and accomplished businessman, Mike Fransen joins the show to discuss his journey through the U.S. Army, his experience as a Yale MBA, and the breadth of responsibility he ultimately assumed when working...
#151: The impact of VR lifesaving training with Carla Bond
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48XjBSi4RBs https://open.spotify.com/episode/1tNGNGqfXuinRJdEdQls29?si=1ec32ef6834c499c
#150: Comedy is powerful with David Morgasen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJh7UaKCHHM https://open.spotify.com/episode/3vUvmS4iCBZB344RZbPbdM?si=0adb0a40894c4946
#149: Matching skills to roles with Matthew Louis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6He4jExZOjw https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Ykh1bnvLvRrwlVHuZ8Pcm?si=1c889e930b314f28
#148: Growing through adversity with Regina Koetters
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZyv9Lu4LNQ https://open.spotify.com/episode/2r4wtTOwfTZP9MEwHeE8qj?si=b9bb725c3db04359
#147: From CO to CEO with William Toti
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiu8rgLP5yc https://open.spotify.com/episode/3f7ZUs3DNlhG4q2aDmxOTd?si=ba40d12778444e9b
#146: Intelligence that fights human trafficking with Samuel Curet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oqu-hxWf0s https://open.spotify.com/episode/0qV05ejhZs8Cd2ejQlYHhS?si=e0ef44da87e94d41
#145: Making the pivot with Ian Sephton
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzToFCeTtgs https://open.spotify.com/episode/21LFxZG35dbFMzUtYm1ZUf?si=95e4dfe191084cc6
#144: From corporate career to BBQ startup with Greg Fischer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPOdKiBxkkA https://open.spotify.com/episode/3aaJnckwmIhtY0CbpI02rf?si=244be57eea0f4e2a
#143: The story of Bellatorum fraud with Chris Bentley
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92KVOqOcgpU The former founder and CEO of Bellatorum Resources, Chris Bentley, joins the show to discuss his career and the circumstances surrounding the decisions made that led to the loss of millions of dollars. In this episode you...
#142: A cybersecurity startup with Stan Golubchik
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAS5YsTDRo0 CEO of cybersecurity startup ContraForce (https://contraforce.com), Stan Golubchik joins the show to discuss his family's riveting immigration story, his path to technology, and how his company is addressing an underserved...
#141: From the SEAL Teams to post-military purpose with Ryan Parrott
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kCVKSdpRXs https://open.spotify.com/episode/5ib6S64AWSEabl4uH2fvgu?si=b0b4911d0a024161 Ryan "Birdman" Parrott joins the show to discuss his time in Naval Special Warfare and his transition into his continued service as the founder of...
#140: From professional baseball to business with Daniel McCutchen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaXkVvDt8fw https://open.spotify.com/episode/0TjYyeu050sL0xkpFvZlRS?si=52de6096a71c4270 A fun discussion with former Major League Baseball pitcher Daniel McCutchen. Daniel details a bit of his baseball journey, dealing with constant...
#139: Machine learning and AI business with Ted Willich
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPLrOFOiVt8 https://open.spotify.com/episode/7BRIegdL1qdwnCr19M5OIW?si=14f3e13a937149c3 NLP Logix co-founder and CEO Ted Willich joins the show to talk about a very exciting and rapidly developing technology in the marketplace:...
#138: Growing yourself and your business with Chris Nelson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JGvy64fbMI https://open.spotify.com/episode/54uE60nz9QdgbptH1ua5tH?si=8e0727aa4c6d4c12 Chris Nelson, Founder at Helios Energy, joined the show and discussed a bit of his military transition and some AMAZING lessons learned. Chris...
#137: The Warrior Entrepreneur with Zachary Green
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G07GjKiRRho https://open.spotify.com/episode/59xkL66aefYS5n6SCXaadr?si=62aae9b803b742df Serial entrepreneur, USMC veteran, firefighter, author, city councilman Zachary Green joins the show to talk about his raw journey of...
#136: Learning and growing a startup with Mike McAlinden
https://youtu.be/D4IS57xEHGA https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Tx9HyGYVcMcKUFXFTOA76?si=15b60d4f72de4526 Green Light National Founder and CEO Mike McAlinden joined the show to discuss his amazing entrepreneurial journey. We covered his time working for other companies...
#135: From the U.S. Secret Service to Psychologist with Dr. Mary Beth Janke
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAxup_EGBGE https://open.spotify.com/episode/0jl9ypPdJ8lhjJXWM4SRYy?si=b3d1889357484587 So honored to have former U.S. Secret Service agent and clinical and forensic psychologist Dr. Mary Beth Janke. We discuss a number of topics,...
#134: Navy SEAL sniper to successful entrepreneur with Brandon Webb
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaqDNmwJQFY https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Knpu9FLU15yozRgzqXSXm?si=f41e2b5d58ad4f7b SOFREP Media Founder and CEO Brandon Webb joins the show to discuss the entrepreneurial journey, including his challenges and successes. Incredible...
#133: NASA rocket science to commercial drones with Bill Fredericks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWa2Q62zi0g https://open.spotify.com/episode/3X2UWDKbnhnbUVgN7Fnuir?si=2bce35b16f53440c NASA rocket scientist turned Founder and CEO, Bill Fredericks, joins the show to discuss his entry into NASA and his experiences there, as well as...
#132: Tactical medicine and an amazing non-profit with JB Soles
https://youtu.be/SI5zDl2pZek https://open.spotify.com/episode/4bwGrC1IhCwOXggNjBieHB?si=d8d856e9dc284e69 JB Soles revisits the show where we catch up on all things related to Contra Group and Carry On. Contra Group offers world-class tactical medical training...
#131: Building confidence as a leader with Max Garcia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxU1-AqOR4Y https://open.spotify.com/episode/69YVFuwcUVHkuVP38ChOv7?si=37d069df00264298 Max Garcia, public speaker, coach, and retired Marine SgtMaj, shares some incredible insight on gaining traction with your life's situation and...
#130: Raw and practical entrepreneurship advice with Aron Phillips
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6ylFNIFLgCO29TnYfY3Ab2?si=5d59129a576c4623 Texas business attorney Aron Phillips joined the show to talk about his own career and journey from law school to employee to starting his own firm. Aron shares a very raw and genuine...
#129: Growing a startup and situational awareness with Brian Searcy
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0JMBsieD9NpjzjAiTthTlh?si=daf79f96f1b84984 Brian Searcy, Founder and CEO of Paratus Group, joins the show to share a bit of his military background and journey and details for us his post-military business exploits. Brian shares his...
#128: A real estate entrepreneurship story with Grant Pruitt
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7Eu8VfHZLXM082Kkp0LjHe?si=9a7a46ba298b44a8 Whitebox Real Estate CEO Grant Pruitt joined the show to discuss many aspects of his real estate career, the twists and turns of his journey, and the accidental and riveting journey that led...
#127: Securing government contracts with Mike Melo
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5oFkfKsogmI7cJuqX96xTi?si=871ca639c72c495d Mike Melo, the Founder, President, and CEO of ITA International, shares some absolutely golden insights as it relates to government contracting, business development, and persistence. You will...
#126: How to exit rich with your business with Michelle Seiler Tucker
https://open.spotify.com/episode/05R31JTBRwIcJL3JTYezja?si=5d163041f6b44221 M&A business leader and author, Michelle Seiler Tucker joins the show to discuss several very important things you need to know, regardless of whether you're just getting started or have...
#125: The secret weapon in sales with Henrik Stepanyan
https://open.spotify.com/episode/59jzW25zIljHAZiP9Ll8ww?si=d9d0e5a8d44e4db5 In this riveting and dynamic conversation, Henrik Stepanyan, CEO at Barbeques Galore, shares his immigrant story, his early sales career, experience in the military, and how he has been able...
#124: A cyber and compliance startup story with Robert Johnston
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2De04nYA7hIY7EPMmRmAxF?si=d69056d568c747b2 Robert Johnston is a U.S. Marine veteran and entrepreneur, leading the tech startup Adlumin. Adlumin is a security and compliance automation platform that discovers threats, malfunctions, and...
#123: The entrepreneurial journey and toolbox with Aaron Spatz
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6psoTq2PGeHkqwuKh7e6rM?si=7683fa2547ac4488 In this episode, I finally get on the mic and share with you a bit of my story, but not just my story, but some big lessons learned in entrepreneurship and business. I hope you enjoy this...
#122: Growing a food business startup with Matthew Askren
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5fJ6rVyFsqIE0PMHudSUQ6?si=b43899b051374030 Matt Askren is the President and General Manager of XLNT Bakeries, a food business that creates and distributes snacks across the country. We spoke about the food business, growth...
#121: Healthcare administration behind the scenes with Sonal Ellison
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2gWy8iMbqE19aPGCzqcP5C?si=6d45ba68e8184e02 Sonal is the CEO of First Baptist Medical Center and has spent a career in healthcare administration. She's served at places such as Parkland Hospital, United Surgical Partners, and Baylor...
#120: An overview of the coffee business with Matt Phillips
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0KvWE9s9TmLwdszHAdQnTy?si=4a77aa0d13474820 Matt Phillips is the Founder and CEO of Military Java Group (https://www.militaryjavagroup.com), a coffee company focused on the military and donating 50% of its profits to the Semper Fi Fund....
#119: Averting shutdown and creating growth with Mark Casper
https://open.spotify.com/episode/33kQlU3935XVWWBHu9TmBr?si=cf0c5dc1189941e5 Mark Casper is an entrepreneur and the Executive Director/President of Tech For Troops, a non-profit that gifts refurbished computers to veterans and their families. Mark and I talk about the...
#118: From consulting to tech startup with Jeff Prosek
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#117: Strategic and thoughtful communication with Joe Plenzler
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#116: Giving, contributing, and bettering communities with Eric Zarko
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#115: Making connections as an entrepreneur with “TK” Tim Klund
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#114: A unique agricultural entrepreneurship journey with Mike DeSa
Mike DeSa joins the show to talk about his very unique entrepreneurial journey in agriculture. We discuss the back story, his international travels and pursuits in Latin America, and the corner of the market he and his team have focused on. It's a fun and interesting...
#113: Executing an effective business model with Taylor Gillig
https://www.youtube.com/embed/KrLdOEbVr4s Taylor Gillig (https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylorgillig) is the CEO of The Cookery, an interactive cooking class concept with guided instruction on preparing meals in a small group setting. The Cookery has locations in Dallas...
#112: The essence of leadership is helping others with Bob Ellithorpe
#112: The essence of leadership is helping others with Bob Ellithorpe April 14, 2021 • 1:01:05 SPEAKERS Aaron Spatz, Host, America's EntrepreneurBob Ellithorpe, CEO, Tribus Aerospace Corporation Aaron 00:05You’re listening to America's Entrepreneur, the podcast...
#111: Preparing a business to sell with Gerald Kong
Gerald Kong is the founder, principal, and senior advisor with Trinity Transaction Advisory, LLC (trinitytransactions.com). The firm performs sell-side representation, exit plans, business valuation, tax analysis, negotiations, deal structuring and many other things...
#110: TelaDoc and the power of persistence with Michael Gorton
Michael Gorton is a serial entrepreneur, author, and most-recognized as the co-founder of TelaDoc. Michael founded Internet Global in 1993, selling in 2000 in an interesting story told in this episode. From the success of iGlobal, he co-founded TelaDoc with Dr. G....
#109: How dealership service departments can harness tech with Russell B. Hill
https://www.youtube.com/embed/0oPjOjYb0dQ A fun discussion with FixedOps Marketing Co-Founder Russell Hill. We discussed the changes that have taken place in the automotive space, specifically how dealerships manage their service department and how customers can have...
#108: Living a generous and impactful life with April Shprintz
https://www.youtube.com/embed/yrkyxPsOa2Q Friend of the show and incredibly impactful person, April Shprintz and I catch up on her career and her exciting and impactful new book, Magic Blue Rocks, link here (https://amzn.to/3wDT3tc). We discussed a variety of topics...
#107: How to take ownership of your future with Bob Ellithorpe
https://www.youtube.com/embed/QOaxkBtkgKY Bob Ellithorpe, President and CEO of Tribus Aerospace Corporation. We had a very fun and fascinating discussion about leadership, management, professional development, and a lot of DFW-focused items related to skilled trades....
#106: Supporting Texas veterans and financial advising with Chuck Wright
Had the pleasure to speak with Chuck Wright, founder of Lone Star Wealth Strategies. Chuck is also the Executive Director of the Texas Veteran Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Texas Veterans Commission and USO. We speak about a variety of topics related to...
#105: How military veterans can best leverage their experience with Matt Louis
Fun conversation with Matt Louis of Deloitte. Matt has a variety of experience in business and has had both a successful military and Deloitte consulting career. We cover a wide range of topics and spend a considerable amount of time discussing his book, Mission...
#104: Understanding business legal challenges and disruption with Fareed Kaisani
Fareed Kaisani joined the show and discussed a wide array of topics related to business legal challenges, the overall DFW environment, and other things such as bankruptcies. We discussed the impact COVID has had on the local and national markets, and the challenges...
#103: What every veteran needs to know about mental health with Chuck Winslow
Terrific and raw discussion with Chuck Winslow of G2G Trailers on two main topics: 1) the journey of the entrepreneur, and, 2) mental health for veterans. You will absolutely love Chuck's honest approach towards business and also his ability to be open about the...
#102: How to grow under good leaders and lead new ventures with Tarra Sharp
Tarra Sharp joined the show today and we had an incredible discussion around a lot of the things she's experienced in her career so far. We discuss the impact great leaders can have on a young career and how those impacts are remembered for years on end. She shares...
#101: How to overcome challenges and grow business with Susie Robb
Susie Robb joins the show and shares about her background and journey into From Susie. We talk about a variety of topics, from maximizing opportunities, exploring how vulnerability is a strength, and how every element of the journey has been used to where she is...
#100: Connecting with customers and adapting to change with John Tebeau
Such a fun, dynamic, and multi-faceted discussion with Johnathan Tebeau of TebeauGroup. John and I discuss a number of very fun and interesting topics, ranging from starting his first business at an early age and growing that business successfully. We then pivoted...
#99: How to take leadership from the military into business with Peter Gudmundsson
Incredibly fun and dynamic conversation with Peter Gudmundsson about business leadership from the military and applying it practically to company and organizational leadership. Internalize leadership traits and principles. Take care of your people and accomplish your...
#98: From understanding sales to meeting community needs with Liz Morris
An absolutely fun discussion with Liz Morris, CEO of The Personality Doctor and PowerTalk Productions, as well as her newest organization as President and Founder of The Dallas Dream Team. Liz shares a bit of her business journey from understanding sales to meeting...
#97: Exploring the franchise option with Steve Demetriou III
Steve Demetriou III joins the show to discuss his journey into the uBreakiFix franchise space and all the associated opportunities and challenges. You will understand a bit of his thought process going into it, some of the big lessons learned, and ways he plans...
#96: How to explore the franchise model for business growth with Gilbert Saguid
A fun conversation with Veterans Franchise Group CEO and Founder Gilbert Saguid. We discuss his interesting journey of military service and the family culture he comes from while pursuing opportunities in this great country. We discuss his career in recruiting but...
#95: Navigating the journey of sales and digital transformation with Craig Hill
A sincere pleasure to sit down with The Transition Group's Craig Hill, as he discusses his journey in entrepreneurship and sales. Craig covers a bit of his earlier career journey, how he grew and led the sales teams of organizations and found success in those...
#94: Identifying value-add opportunities inside of organizations with Brandon Emerson
Brandon Emerson, Managing Principal at Capco, shares about the journey he has been on through consulting. You'll hear a bit of his journey into the details of how he built his own skillset to add value to an organization, and then found himself in situations where he...
#93: The story of one ambitious vet with Chris Hoffmann
Chris Hoffmann joins the show and shares with us the story of his background, his upbringing, and ultimately his journey of self-discovery. In a raw and authentic interview, Chris shares about the challenges in his early childhood, obstacles he overcame while in the...
#92: How to set the conditions for success in a company with Scott Airitam
Fantastic conversation with Scott Airitam of Scott Airitam's Leadership Systems. We spoke about a variety of topics, from how he got his first job at a radio station and the wild ride that experience was, to his incredible experience at Southwest Airlines where he...
#91: How the fintech and payment processing industries operate with Matt Frye
Really fascinating chat with Matt Frye on the evolution of the payment processing industry and how your dollars move from Point A to Point Z in our seamless and often-taken-for-granted world of convenience. If you've ever wanted a little bit of a behind the scenes...
#90: A cybersecurity startup story with David Malicoat
David Malicoat shares about the journey from UNIX systems to leading his MSSP, BAMCIS Cybersecurity (https://bamciscyber.com). He covers a bit of his military background in Marine Corps Security Forces and his transition into technology. Great discussion about some of...
#89: From law firm to general counsel with Joe Garza
Joe Garza joins the show to discuss his career in law. From his time as a firm attorney to his transition in-house with various companies to his current role as a fractional general counsel to businesses, we discuss in general terms some things businesses should...
#88: How artificial intelligence will impact sales with Steve Jamieson
Steve Jamieson of Working Social joins the show! We talk about a ton of different concepts, including how artificial intelligence will impact sales efforts. We discuss direct marketing companies, value proposition, pricing model, how companies differentiate. We...
#87: How to disrupt the transportation industry with Chris Nadeau
This will be an impactful interview to you. We cover a wide variety of some pretty emotional topics related to the military and to business. Chris, a retired Army Brigade CSM, shares both the journey of civilian life coupled with the journey of being a business leader...
#86: Information technology challenges with Mark Dittenber
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Jvi64QvjwoKeiXdSMkrnk?si=8ed4e1d6f7aa4c83 Mark Dittenber joins the show and talks about his journey through the information technology world from the 90s and into today, the amazing transformations that have taken place, and how...
#85: Turnarounds, growth, and strategy with Peter Gudmundsson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnskRnCib30 https://open.spotify.com/episode/4BOzfuxtqkI355zg7uUSCG?si=05bd8e1735024aa3 Peter Gudmundsson joined the show and shared with us his journey of business, from startups to new ventures, to the dot com bubble and the evolution...
#84: From dot com to financial crisis and more with Darvin Schmidt
https://www.youtube.com/embed/pNtwj7nGrog Darvin shares his remarkable story of having a front-row seat to several key moments in our nation's economy. From the dot com bubble burst to launching an e-commerce company to the financial crisis and many other things,...
#83: Discovering your purpose with Brian Bosche
Brian Bosche, the CEO and Co-founder of The Purpose Company, as well as the co-author of the book, "The Purpose Factor", unpacks the elements of discovering and articulating your purpose. We discuss his early career, his entrepreneurial ventures, and the journey of...
#82: Private equity behind the scenes with Michael Bass
Such a fun discussion with Michael Bass regarding private equity, the way the business operates, and how people can get started. Beyond that we also talked a bit about transition and some of the things he's noticed with transitioning service members. He shared a lot...
#81: Tech advancing, leadership, culture with David O’Hara
A very diverse conversation. We talk about some tech geekery, from Atari to AI, machine learning, and robotic dogs, before transitioning into leadership and culture topics. We discussed at length about the bad reputation technology leaders often get due to misplaced...
#80: A sales journey and hiring the best with Brisa Renteria
Brisa shares her story of coming to the United States and to DFW, followed by her experience selling vehicles at a dealership before gaining an internship that paved the way for her future in sales. You'll enjoy learning about her journey, the things she enjoyed and...
#79: The adventure of a family-owned business with Luke Morrow
We were joined by WindowCraft owner and CEO Luke Morrow as we discussed the unique challenges of growing up in a family business. We talked about what it was like to grow up in the business, the journey of education and working for someone else, and the journey of...
#78: What you’ve wanted to know about private equity with Steve LeFavour
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gE_GYFUKh4 https://open.spotify.com/episode/2gB7CRzfsHI9OAemLBrzOS?si=ca93d77aef794b47 Terrific discussion with Steve LeFavour as we discussed his journey into private equity, how companies are turned around and sold, and some of the...
#77: Cyber, leadership, and empathy with Courtney Greeley
A dynamic, fun, and interesting conversation, you will enjoy hearing from Courtney as she shares about her time as a crypto linguist with the Air Force and her subsequent work in the national defense / national security industry. We talk about leadership vs...
#76: A Sounde startup story with Devan Peplow
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6NqZSyUtzyHVL5nS7WgXWZ?si=972d211472b24a26 A fun conversation with Sounde co-founder Devan Peplow. We talk about the journey of the company's co-founders, Devan Peplow, Mavis Tang, and Maddie Kingsbury as they took an idea and ran with...
#75: Leadership, licensing deals, and business growth with Bravis Brown
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXMyzkEChJA https://open.spotify.com/episode/7CMfB0qC6gaHrrDwJcz7iy?si=6abae7c7619b4cdc Had the opportunity to sit down with BPS Technology CEO Bravis Brown as we discussed a variety of topics, including leadership philosophies related...
#74: Sales relationships, baseball, and unconventional job search with Seth Keshel
https://open.spotify.com/episode/702ARrJn386LtAlPBcAsJ5?si=3f391368363c4716 A fun and multi-faceted discussion with Seth Keshel as we discussed the value of building relationships and the impact on the sales cycle COVID has had on business. We discussed how to deal...
#73: January Recap
A quick tour of the first month of The DFW Business Podcast! What a fun month it's been! I give you a quick preview of some of the guests that have appeared on the show. Check them out, share them out, and let me know what YOU are most enjoying about the show! Thanks...
#72: What you need to know about commercial real estate with Nathan Rylander
A fun and detailed discussion with Nathan Rylander on commercial real estate! We talk about some of the specifics related to how to secure office space in a commercial lease. We also discussed in detail some of the challenges, things to consider, and future...
#71: Bridging cultural and organizational divides with Robert Bacon
Robert Bacon has an incredibly unique story, from his youngest years all the way to his very non-standard career in the military and government work. You'll get to hear firsthand about the experiences he's had regarding business, work, and family in a rapidly evolving...
#70: Ins and outs of the HVAC business with Tyler Word
Tyler Word, owner and President of 1st Response AC & Heating, Inc., joined the show to discuss how the HVAC industry has changed over the years and where it's headed, as well as some stories and tips for homeowners and some of the big problems they've helped...
#69: DFW real estate things you need to know with Leanna Sellars
Leanna Sellars joined the show and spoke about her journey from Alaska to Texas and her career in real estate. We cover a variety of topics, from tips for buyers and sellers, to why the demand imbalance, the impact of COVID on the business, and looking down the road...
#68: Mergers, acquisitions, roll-ups with Sam Smith
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6u8sqWoR4iVjOCFCiX8h2Q?si=e0d7b93e671d4f60 Sam Smith is a mergers and acquisitions industry veteran with an affinity for roll-ups. We talk about the journey into the M&A world, some common pitfalls, and advice for others wanting to...
#67: Recruiting and staffing for DFW with Charlie Quinn
Charlie Quinn of HumCap joined the show and spoke with me about the challenges of the COVID environment and how recruiting companies can differentiate themselves. We took time talking about the challenges for both job seekers and companies looking for talent and the...
#66: Demolition room, gov’t contracts, and cyber with Roy Rucker Sr.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7LCxQnoLwu75ssyx01nrL1?si=00b10273d66c482c You're in for a fun discussion! Roy Rucker Sr had a very successful 30-year career in the Army, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 5. The entrepreneurial drive within him was unlocked after...
#65: Veterans have more options than they realize with Joe Lafko
We talked at length about the journey Joe took through his upbringing and his time in the military, with all its twists and turns, and specifically how he was able to crack into the denim and apparel industry. A lot of great wisdom regarding being able to realize that...
#64: How to get out of a sales slump with Justin Berkenstock
Terrific conversation with Justin Berkenstock and his journey in business and into the world of sales. Justin shares a raw story about how COVID-19 affected his employment and how he continually works on himself and encourages others in their sales professional...
#63: Understanding leadership and culture with Tom Connally
A fun conversation with Tom Connally on a myriad of topics, including organizational leadership, moving during a pandemic, writing a book, and articulating company culture. Check out Tom's book, "Becoming a Leader: A Road Map for My Daughter and the Aspiring Leader"...
#62: Understanding your why with Urshel Metcalf
Passionate and powerful discussion with Urshel Metcalf where we discussed some of the challenges of entrepreneurship related to sales and selling.. very very high impact segment! Reach out to Urshel for help with your company. Later in the discussion we also discussed...
#61: Humility, agility, and drive with Derrick Ziglar Jr.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwuDiu3wf0o https://open.spotify.com/episode/4agHuXgtSC2eFi69iZ5kxe?si=38c93522d8114da2 #61: Humility, agility, and drive with Derrick Ziglar Jr. January 15, 2021 • 43:06 SPEAKERSAaron Spatz, Host, America's EntrepreneurDerrick Ziglar...
#60: If your idea is wild, then just maybe with Kimberly Haley-Coleman
AUTO-TRANSCRIBED Aaron Spatz 00:10 Good morning DFW. Welcome to the Dallas Fort Worth Business Podcast. I'm Aaron Spatz. Hope that you're having a fantastic week as we, as we approach the tail end of our week is super excited that you're here. If you're enjoying...
#59: Adapting businesses to change and standing out with Jeremy Spann
Incredible and fascinating discussion with Jeremy Spann! We talk about his journey into highly valuable real estate, how he's stood out, and how businesses can help themselves by solving unique business problems. We cover a variety of items that you are sure to...
#58: USA Swimming, startups, and real estate trends with John Aselton
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2IsjZZVsD4ADcBmv6AQ6hy?si=12b98453de4b4faa #58: USA Swimming, startups, and real estate trends with John Aselton January 13, 2021 • 51:59 SPEAKERSAaron Spatz, Host, America's EntrepreneurJohn Aselton, Co-Founder and CEO, Koru...
#57: Identifying new trends in marketing with Eric Carbaugh
AUTO-TRANSCRIBED Aaron Spatz 00:10 Good morning DFW, you are listening to DFW business podcast, the Dallas Fort Worth Business Podcast. I'm excited that you're joining the show today The show features business executives and leaders across the metroplex. And...
#56: Identifying issues in cybersecurity with David Malicoat
https://open.spotify.com/episode/28lt6bsJWou68qNjMCDtE1?si=9cdfba3c76684b52 #56: Identifying issues in cybersecurity with David Malicoat January 11, 2021 • 55:49 SPEAKERS Aaron Spatz, Host, America's EntrepreneurDavid Malicoat, Founder, BAMCIS Cybersecurity...
#55: Building trust with people with Bezan Morris
AUTO-TRANSCRIBED Aaron Spatz 00:10 Good morning DFW, you are listening to the Dallas Fort Worth Business Podcast. I'm so excited that you're here this morning. I hope that you are having a phenomenal week. I'm excited to continue to just to bring show after show...
#54: The future of virtual work and trade shows with Chad King
AUTO-TRANSCRIBED Aaron Spatz 00:10 Good morning DFW, you are listening to the Dallas Fort Worth Business Podcast. I'm Aaron Spatz. I'm so excited that you're here joining me today. You know this, this has been such a blast to produce already. This is a show....
#53: Running international businesses with Steven Walsh
Steven Walsh shares unique perspective on the challenges of growing international business, whether it's in South America, the Middle East, Europe, and other parts throughout the globe. I really appreciated his perspective and insight. Aaron 00:00Today, this week, we...
#52: Growing a denim company with Joe Lafko
AUTO-TRANSCRIBED Aaron Spatz 00:10 Good morning DFW. I hope that you are having a fantastic morning. Welcome to DFW business podcast at the Dallas Fort Worth, business podcast show that features business executives and leaders across the metroplex, bringing you...
#51: How to get the most out of your team with John Burt
AUTO-TRANSCRIBED Aaron Spatz 00:10 Good morning. Welcome to DFW business podcast, the Dallas Fort Worth Business Podcast. I'm excited that you're here the show will feature fun and engaging conversations with business leaders and executives across the Metroplex...
#50: Identifying cultural cornerstones with Wayne Worthington
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TBa8PW12XE https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Gsc7jDZcDGzSeY3Pe4E8l?si=1fed749cab77490d Wayne Worthington joins the inaugural episode of The Dallas-Fort Worth Business Podcast! #50: Identifying cultural cornerstones with Wayne...
#49: 2020 Recap, takeaways, and looking ahead
Going over the 2020 highlights of the show, pulling some key takeaways, and announcing news and developments for 2021. Aaron 00:02Hey everybody, how's it going? Just want to welcome you to a very special edition of The Veterans Business Podcast. We're going to...
#48: Veterans helping veterans with Tony Perez
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLvzH2D1rAo https://open.spotify.com/episode/1WzVabszHucvyFQWO7f9xE?si=f4c94a5fc9e64416 You'll enjoy this discussion with Warrior Rescue's Tony Perez. Tony is an accomplished businessman with a tremendous heart to engage with veterans....
#47: Trust is earned with Tom Daly
Incredibly grateful to Tom in sharing his story with me about his military experience, both in the Air Force and Marine Corps, and how he has developed his skills in his post-military pursuits. One of the many things we spent time discussing was the importance of...
#46: From career military to new ventures and possibilities with Scott Jensen
#46 - Scott Jensen: From career military to new ventures and possibilities. Scott Jensen shares with me his perspective on the massive transition that takes place for veterans, whether initial term or career-length service, and how veterans are better positioned for...
#45: Startup, pivot, and building the bridge with Greg Coleman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtHixQZ7_BU https://open.spotify.com/episode/7EDieMU5qsNqb7hMVjCT7E?si=ab09a9335e6b456a #45: Startup, pivot, and building the bridge with Greg Coleman Spoke with Greg Coleman, co-founder and CEO of Sworkit, about the startup journey,...
#44: The challenges of consulting with Chip Neidigh
Had an incredibly insightful conversation with U.S. Marine veteran Chip Neidigh about the challenges of setting up a consulting business. From sales to operations, to wasting time or opportunities, to all the lessons learned, Chip helps explain a bit of the journey...
#43: Faith, Jay Leno’s Garage, and entrepreneurship with Vincent Joseph
#43 - Vincent Joseph: Faith, Jay Leno's Garage, and entrepreneurship. Had the pleasure to speak with USMC veteran Vincent Joseph. Vince shares his incredible story of breaking into the entertainment industry, our common belief in Christ, and insightful advice to...
#42: Navy JAG to private practice and author with Don Brown
#42 - Don Brown: Navy JAG to private practice and author. Had an awesome conversation with former Navy JAG and now private practice attorney and author, Don Brown. Don shares his incredible experiences both in the military and as an attorney, joining part of the legal...
#41: Patience and humility with Ian Sephton
Had a tremendous time talking with Ian Sephton! We covered his background and the story and journey of Hangar202 and Funnel9. #41: Patience and humility with Ian Sephton Aaron 00:05I'm Aaron Spatz. And this is The Veterans Business Podcast. A podcast centered...
#40: From NYPD to Iraq with Christopher Strom
#40 - Christopher Strom: From NYPD to Iraq. Christopher Strom shares with us his story of fighting terrorism, both as a NYPD intelligence cop to a contractor in Iraq. You will enjoy and appreciate the perspective he shares! His book, Brooklyn to Baghdad, is available...
#39: Thrive in chaos with Jake Wood
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDJ4KnhV3ns https://open.spotify.com/episode/07lxDTwj1MR4YeMsuC413F?si=c9ef8ef04b094d9f #39 - Jake Wood: Thrive in chaos. Team Rubicon CEO Jake Wood joins the show to discuss the story of Team Rubicon, his personal and professional...
#38: How to give and win endless referrals with Bob Burg
#38 - Bob Burg: How to give and win endless referrals. Best-selling author and renowned speaker Bob Burg joins the podcast this week. We go into detail about topics like sales quotas, value proposition, and how to propel your business forward. This was such a treat...
#37: Season 2 Finale – Five tremendous high-impact takeaways
#37 - Season 2 Finale: Five tremendous high-impact takeaways. The season finale of season 2! I pulled five high-impact segments across the episodes to bring you some very impactful, thought-provoking, and challenging content. This episode featured Bill Militello of...
#36: From the SEALs to addressing pride and ego with Alexander Kunz
#36: From the SEALs to addressing pride and ego with Alexander Kunz. This episode will make an impact on you! Alex discusses his past, his time as a SEAL, and the corporate and entrepreneurial journey and CHALLENGES that not many other people are willing to discuss. A...
#35: How to start and run a non-profit with Amy Palmer
#35 - Amy Palmer: How to start and run a non-profit. A fascinating discussion about the non-profit world! We also get into some specifics regarding attaining non-profit status and partnering with other organizations for that same purpose. You will thoroughly enjoy...
#34: How to laugh in the face of challenge with Claude Shires
#34 - Claude Shires: How to laugh in the face of challenge. In this incredibly HILARIOUS and very insightful interview, Claude shares with us the struggles he's endured to get where he is today. Comedy is part of who he is, and the struggle has been real also. You'll...
#33: Adapting business to change with Jaime Chapman
#33 - Jaime Chapman: Adapting business to change. Had a blast speaking with Jaime! I really appreciated her sharing some of the difficulties and hardships she's had to overcome, and really appreciated her insight on adapting and changing business model with new...
#32: Grit, persistence, and perseverance with Brandon Shelton
#32 - Brandon Shelton: Grit, persistence, and perseverance. In this incredibly powerful, raw, and motivating interview, we hear Brandon's story of persistence, belief, and perseverance. He is the product of hard work and determination, and I was incredibly grateful...
#31: A non-profit solving a massive problem with Jeremy Stalnecker
#31 - Jeremy Stalnecker: A non-profit solving a massive problem. Had an absolute joy recording this edition of The Veterans Business Podcast LIVE. Jeremy shared his story of entering the military, his experience in Iraq, and the issues he himself dealt with when home,...
#30: What a venture-backed startup looks like with Dave Sisk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVjKA30UpaM https://open.spotify.com/episode/2mVSfdHrTDVTEfDGWU8h66?si=8036432082aa4a26 #30: What a venture-backed startup looks like with Dave Sisk. Had an incredibly insightful conversation with Dave Sisk. Dave shares a lot of inside...
#29: Prepare for the fight you don’t even know is coming with Jesse Iwuji
#29 - Jesse Iwuji: Prepare for the fight you don't even know is coming. We are joined by NASCAR driver Jesse Iwuji on this week's episode. Jesse shares some incredible insight into risk-taking, how to learn, how to persist, and how to pursue your goals and dreams....
#28: A recap of the first five episodes of Season 2
#28 - A recap of the first five episodes of Season 2. We take a quick tour through a few select highlights from the first five episodes of Season 2! Be sure to go back and watch/listen to these episodes if you haven't already! E1 - Joe Scanlin; E2 - Ted Terrazas; E3 -...
#27: Discussing the difference between entrepreneur and business owner with Ted Gutierrez
#27 - Ted Gutierrez: Discussing the difference between entrepreneur and business owner. We welcomed Marine founder and CEO of Contra Group, Jeremy "JB" Soles to the show. JB shared a ton of perspective related to special warfare-related training and the application to...
#26: The journey of a 20-year overnight success with Jay Rogers
https://open.spotify.com/episode/18HDcRuzpOHJP4J17BONVg?si=ac3de43b4ffd4e34 #26: The journey of a 20-year overnight success with Jay Rogers. In this fascinating and captivating interview, I sit down with veteran Marine officer and Local Motors CEO Jay Rogers, and gain...
#25: A Navy SEAL on how leadership impacts lives with Ty Smith
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MGxEO1DDgk https://open.spotify.com/episode/2lqulzz0KD2YFDSFNNTrZL?si=648c9d40ceeb49e9 25: A Navy SEAL on how leadership impacts lives with Ty Smith. This interview is an absolute treasure. Ty shares leadership lessons learned from his...
#24: From Wall Street financial advising to capital infusion with Bill Militello
https://open.spotify.com/episode/61FDTqednS7YQkxxfEfkuL?si=160745bd57d14c64 S2E7 - Bill Militello: From Wall Street financial advising to capital infusion. Bill Militello is a USMC veteran and entrepreneur. We had a fascinating discussion about his days as an equity...
#23: How to grow and scale a business with Gene Blanton
#23 - Gene Blanton: How to grow and scale a business. Gene Blanton, USMC veteran and entrepreneur, shares with us how he has led, sold, and invested in many companies and the hints of success they all have in common. AUTO-TRANSCRIBED Aaron Spatz 00:05 I'm Aaron...
#22: From IEDs to non-profit and data startup with Elana Duffy
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1nW4bXerYK7fAfLQDTQawc?si=e72ac099097e4968 S2E5 - Elana Duffy: From IEDs to non-profit and data startup. Had a lot of fun speaking with Elana Duffy. She's an Army veteran and shares her story of getting college degrees, enlisting,...
#21: How to navigate a company through a bankruptcy transaction with Shane Foss
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fiz6HM8gIbM #21 - Shane Foss: Starting, buying, and selling companies - bankruptcy, turnarounds, and more. We welcomed Shane Foss to the show. Shane shared some incredible insight on business transactions and solving business problems....
#20: From kinetic operations to a life-saving, essential business with Jeremy “JB” Soles
https://open.spotify.com/episode/12Oie9X83lt3FETzQgxRcX?si=eb21d8cb37ee4d21 #20: From kinetic operations to a life-saving, essential business with Jeremy "JB" Soles. We welcomed Marine founder and CEO of Contra Group, Jeremy "JB" Soles to the show. JB shared a ton of...