Entrepreneur Conundrum

In this episode, you’ll learn:How Steve launched, scaled, and sold a successful advertising agency. Why consistency and persistence matter more than talent. The endurance athlete mindset and how it translates to business. The epidemic of loneliness — and how Loving Your Neighbor: A Practical Guide helps combat it. Why scaling isn’t for everyone (and why that’s okay). Steve’s best advice: it’s all about people. His most powerful tip: define your core values and live by them.Resources & Links:Website: www.stevefales.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stevenfales Facebook: facebook.com/steve.fales.18 Books: Available via Amazon & websiteKey Questions(01:21) How did you end up being where you are today?(03:17) When things got tough, how did you keep pushing forward and not just quitting?(04:37) Do you take some of those principles and carry it forward in some of your races and triathlons and stuff like that to be easy as well?(05:47) You have a few books. You're also a coach and mentor and stuff like that. Is that correct?(07:26) How do you get in front of those people?(09:28) What are a couple of big goals that you have in the next year?(13:44) With all the things that you want to get done in your retirement with all your spare time, what do you feel like is a roadblock? What's your biggest roadblock?(15:33) What is the best advice that you have ever received?(16:55) What's the best advice you've ever given?(18:36) We've touched on a few different topics today. Is there anything that we haven't talked about that we would like to?(20:48) Where can we learn more about you and what you're up to?Steve Faleswww.stevefales.comLinkedIn -- https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenfales/Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/steve.fales.18Virginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.com

Show notes (bullet style)Mike’s path from dentistry plans to pet franchisingScaling EarthWise Pet: 3 stores → 200+ units; 9 acquisitions; 51 corporate storesIdeal franchisee profile: passion, alignment, “in the trenches” grit, financial readinessRegionality & marketing: different buying habits, local ad spend, video & reviewsPet nutrition edge: 3-tier Dietitian certification; vet advisory council; AI dietitian for accessible guidanceTotal Pet Care plan (24 months): 250 stores, 150 mobile units, bi-coastal warehouses, e-com + DTCMobile grooming & mobile nutrition pros; delivery tacticsCulture shift: owner-operator → multi-unit; avoiding “weeds” thinkingM&A realities: due diligence, fees, team acqui-hires, and bank/attorney orchestrationLeadership & resilience: risk, failure as learning, anti-shame ethos for customersResources & LinksGuest: Michael Seitz — LinkedInEarthWise Pet (Franchising): https://www.EarthWisePetFranchise.comEarthWise Pet (AI Dietitian on homepage): https://www.EarthWisePet.comGroomBar: https://www.GROOMBAR.comKey Questions(01:37) How did you get to where you are today?(04:30) Who would you say are your ideal clients?(07:54) When you say pet store, are you more what would live inside my house(08:28) If we have the nutrition side of it. Tell me a bit more about that one. That one I didn't think about. Is it like, My doctor said this, or is it just, Hey, my dog is old?(11:30) With having the AI version of it, does that make it more accessible, even just financially for people, too?(12:20) How do you get in front of your ideal people?(14:46) Do you help your store owners with their digital marketing? Do you provide that for them or do you host it for them? How does that work?(15:39) Do you give them training on the marketing side of it?(16:09) What are some big goals that you have in the next year or two?(18:25) What's involved in your mobile unit? Is that when someone comes to my house.(19:13)  What do you think is the number one roadblock stopping you?(21:35) What are some of your thoughts on entrepreneurship and franchising?(24:13) How has your experience been with mergers.(29:48) What's some of the best advice that you have ever received?(33:00) What's the best advice that you've ever given?(34:24) We have covered a lot of different things, but is there something that we haven't touched on that you want to?(36:49) All right. Where can we go to learn more about you and what you do?.Michael Seitzwww.linkedin.com/in/michaelseitzceowww.EarthWisePetFranchise.comwww.EarthWisePet.comwww.GROOMBAR.comVirginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.com

Today on Entrepreneur Conundrum, Virginia sits down with Doug Zarkin, brand leader, keynote speaker, and author of Moving Your Brand Out of the Friend Zone. Doug brings a wealth of experience from shaping powerhouse brands like Avon, Victoria’s Secret PINK, and Pearle Vision.He shares:His journey from agency life to leading global consumer brands Why entrepreneurs should adopt a “think human” philosophy in marketing How to balance short-term revenue goals with long-term customer relationships The real purpose of marketing (and how to avoid alienating your audience) His best advice for overcoming roadblocks and moving forward📘 Grab Doug’s book Moving Your Brand Out of the Friend Zone on Amazon.🌐 Learn more at dougzarkin.com.🔗 Connect with Doug on LinkedIn and follow @dougzarkin.Key Questions(01:34) How did you get to where you are today?(02:39) Who would you say is your ideal client today?(03:44) How do you get in front of those?(04:24) You do posting on social media and stuff like that?(04:45) You had talked about thinking human. What does that mean to you?(06:13) What are some big goals that you have in the next year or two?(06:43)  Do you do trainings or stuff like that to get better? (07:39) What do you feel is your number one roadblock?(08:10) To you, what is the purpose of marketing?(09:13) How do we move into those deeper relationships?(09:59) What's the advice you have ever received?(10:22) What's the best advice you've ever given?(10:35) Is there anything that we haven't talked about that you would like to?(11:30) Where can we learn more about you and what you do?Doug Zarkinwww.dougzarkin.com@dougzarkinLinkedin.com/in/dougzarkinVirginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.com

In this episode of Entrepreneur Conundrum, Virginia welcomes Becky Freemal, Emmy Award-winning journalist, best-selling author, and founder of The Market Exec. Becky shares her journey from broadcast journalism to fractional CMO, and why effective storytelling is the key to sustainable business growth.What you’ll hear in this episode:Becky’s transition from journalism to entrepreneurship How evidence-based storytelling drives results Why brand voice is essential for consistency and trust The role of curiosity in leadership and business growth Becky’s vision for speaking, leadership, and helping entrepreneurs 📖 Learn more about Becky:Website: beckyfreemal.comCompany: themarketexec.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/beckyfreemalInstagram: @beckyfreemalFacebook: @Beckyfreemal🎧 Listen now → entrepreneurconundrum.com/beckyfreemalBecky Freemalhttps://www.beckyfreemal.com/https://themarketexec.com/https://www.instagram.com/beckyfreemalhttps://www.facebook.com/@Beckyfreemalhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/beckyfreemal/Virginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.com

Episode: SEO Without the Mystery: Nick Musica’s Straightforward Approach to Getting Found OnlineGuest: Nick Musica, Founder of Optics In SEO AgencyWhat You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Nick transitioned from publishing to SEO — before even knowing what SEO wasLessons learned from early SEO vendor experiencesThe “3+1” formula that drives sustainable search rankingsWhy multiple versions of your site could be killing your SEOCommon pitfalls that businesses face and how to dig out of the “funk”The role of networking, referrals, and in-person connections in finding clientsBalancing technical SEO with content strategy and off-page authority Connect with Nick:Website: https://opticsin.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickmusica/Listen to the episode here: https://entrepreneurconundrum.com/nickmusicaKey Questions (01:01) How did you get to where you are today?(05:52) So now, how do you fulfill your following your interest aspect?(10:49) Who are your ideal clients?(12:11) How do you get in front of said client?(12:44) Are you part of the local chamber or BNI group?(14:31) Do you do posts on social media and use that very often as well?(15:10) What are some big goals that you have in the next year or two?(17:25) Do you feel like you have a roadblock for reaching that goal?(17:39) What's the best advice that you have ever received?(20:11) What's the best advice you've ever given?(21:42) Do you focus on like, backlinks and different stuff like that?(22:47) Is there something that you wanted to talk about, but we haven't covered yet?(25:15) Where can we go to learn more about you and what you do?Nick Musicahttps://opticsin.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickmusica/Virginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.com

In this episode, Virginia talks with Diane Wyzga, founder of Quarter Moon Story Arts and creator of the Stories from Women Who Walk podcast. Diane helps women clarify their vision and amplify their voices through storytelling, coaching them to uncover words they didn’t know they had.What you'll hear in this episode:Diane’s journey from Navy nurse to lawyer, litigation consultant, and storytelling coach.How she helps women find their authentic voices and share their stories with courage.Why consequences are fact-neutral and how reframing them can set you free.The power of resilience: “Fall down seven, get up eight.”Tips on building confidence through self-expression and storytelling.Connect with Diane:Website: quartermoonstoryarts.netLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/diane-f-wyzga-qmsaPodcast: Stories from Women Who WalkSubstack: Wyzga on WordsConnect with Virginia:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedInentrepreneurconundrum.com/dianewyzga

Guest: Andy Seeley, CEO of Creatively DisruptiveHost: Virginia PurnellDuration: ~43 minutesWhat You’ll Learn:How Andy transitioned from sales into strategic marketingThe biggest marketing mistakes small business owners makeWhy consistency beats quantity every timeWhich platforms work best for local engagementHow to dip your toes into paid ads without wasting moneyThe easiest way to build online trust (hint: Google Business profile!)Connect with Andy:Website: creativelydisruptive.comInstagram: @ashworthstrategyFacebook: @creativelydisruptive 

Episode NotesGuest: Siew Ting Foo, author of Building Brands with Soul25+ years as a global marketing leader (HP, Unilever, Diageo, etc.)What “brands with soul” means and how it creates emotional impactCoaching the next generation of “Leaders with Soul”Consulting, board directorship, and thought leadershipEmbracing AI and empowering teams through “AI Fridays”Overcoming imposter syndrome and experimenting with purpose6 traits of soul-led leadership: authenticity, empathy, disruption, etc.Book, podcast, and ways to connect: soulforprofit.org 🎧 Listen now: https://entrepreneurconundrum.com/SiewTingFooKey Questions(01:14) How did you get to where you are today?(02:11) So when you say that you help brands market with soul or build businesses of brands with soul, what does that mean to you?(04:34) Who do you work with these days? Who's your ideal client?(05:58) Are you doing anything on social media to help get the awareness out there?(07:02) What channels of social media are you using?(07:34) What are some big goals that you're looking to achieve in the next year or two?(08:35) What do you feel is your number one roadblock for achieving that?(09:23) Can you talk to us a little bit about how, or that purpose and profit can actually exist together in a marketing strategy?(10:30) What do you feel it takes to build high-performing teams by humanizing the brand and business?(12:38) I guess that leads into how to lead with Soul for business and the brands. Is it anything else, collaborator?(15:02) What's the best advice that you have ever received?(15:45) What's the best advice you've ever given?(16:02) Can you give an example?(17:18) Is there anything that we haven't covered that you would like to talk about?(17:54) And what's your website?Siew Ting Foo www.soulforprofit.orgwww.linkedin.com/in/siewtingfoo instagram - siewtingxVirginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.co

Episode Title: From Burnout to Breakthrough: Building Better Engineering Teams with Thanos DiacakisGuest: Thanos DiacakisHost: Virginia PurnellPodcast: Entrepreneur ConundrumLinks & Resources:Website: https://www.cosmicteacups.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thanosd/Download: 7 Mental Models for Software DevelopmentWhat You’ll Hear in This Episode:How Thanos turned early startup experience into a career of helping software teams scaleCommon misconceptions about engineering productivityThe four types of work all software teams should balanceWhy going “faster” often starts with doing lessThanos’ ABCD framework: Iteration, Quality, Complexity, PlanningThe truth about burnout, identity, and finding joy in software againBest advice Thanos has ever received—and givenHis favorite book (Changing on the Job) and favorite movie (A Few Good Men)Ideal For:Startup founders with growing engineering teamsCTOs and engineering managers facing team burnout or delivery delaysAnyone curious about the intersection of software development and team healthSubscribe & Review:Love what you hear? Subscribe to Entrepreneur Conundrum and leave a review to help more founders find their flow.Key Questions(01:12) How did you end up on this journey and where you are today?(02:32) Who's your ideal client today?(04:00) How do you get in front of these people?(08:12) What are a couple of big goals that you're looking to achieve in the next year or two?(09:00) How would that affect your business?(09:41) So I think you've already touched on all of the questions about how to deliver software faster by doing less. I think we talked about that with time allocation, right? Is there anything else that you wanted to touch on?(15:36) Is working with you an ongoing long term aspect, or is it for a certain time It will usually start with some engagement to the tune of six months.(17:52) Is it hard to find where the bottleneck is in the software?(20:16) What is the best advice that you have ever received?(21:30) What's the best advice you've ever given?(23:35) I have that question, too, because you've done quite a few startups, and you have a family and stuff like So do you have any tips on how you were able to try to have that balance?(25:57) Is there anything else that you would like to talk about that we haven't yet?(26:10) What is your favorite book and movie?(29:21) Where can we go to learn more about you and what you do?Thanos Diacakishttps://www.cosmicteacups.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/thanosd/Virginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.co

In this episode, we discuss:Kash's entrepreneurial journey from cutting lawns to building an $11M insurance agencyHow Transcendental Meditation and spiritual practices shaped his business successThe difference between intellect and intelligence in decision-makingWhy emotional and energetic alignment are crucial for scalingHow Kash defines success beyond just moneyBuilding systems to “fade out” of the daily grind and elevate leadershipThe power of customer experience and spiritual alignment in client attractionRisk-taking from an intuitive, whole-brain approachKash’s philosophy: “Water the root, enjoy the fruit.” Connect with Kash Fadaie:🌐 Website: https://fadaieinsurance.com🔗 LinkedIn: Kash Fadaie📧 Email: kash@fadaieinsurance.comKey Questions(01:00) Can you give us a little bit of a backstory about how you got to where you are today?(02:35) What insurance do you sell?(04:05) Do you do travel insurance, too?(12:37) So today, who would you say are your ideal clients?(15:38) How do you get in front of those people?(21:15) How have you found merging spirituality and business together?(28:55) What are some big goals that you have next year or two?(36:53) I think you've already touched on it, but is there something that you can share with us about the art of risk? Is there risk-taking and how to evaluate and embrace opportunities?(43:07) What is the best advice that you have ever received?(50:28) What's the best advice you've ever given?(53:14) We've covered a bunch of things. Is there something that we haven't touched on yet that you would like to?Kash Fadaiehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/khashayar-kash-fadaie-95488434/https://fadaieinsurance.com/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k56eMgEck0UVirginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.co