In this episode… Entrepreneurship is a multifaceted field that encompasses starting a venture from scratch or acquiring an established business and scaling it up. However, purchasing an already-running business is a complex task that requires thorough research, planning, and strategy. To streamline the business buying process, Elaine Eason, a seasoned business advisor, recommends seeking the assistance of brokers and advisors who possess in-depth knowledge about mergers and acquisitions. These experts have access to a vast pool of sellers, know the best financing options, and can guide you through the process. Communicating your needs and aspirations earlier to them can help you identify the right business that aligns with your vision and goals as an entrepreneur. With their expertise and support, you can make an informed decision and secure the best possible deal for your business acquisition. In this episode of the Quiet Light Podcast, Pat Yates sits down with Elaine Eason, Business Advisor at Quiet Light, to discuss the best practices for buying a business. Elaine shares her experience of selling an ecommerce business through Quiet Light, recommendations for buying a business, financing options for someone wanting to buy a business, the importance of communicating your needs as a business buyer to a broker or advisor, and the value of understanding the business you want to acquire.

Richart Ruddie is the Founder of Captain Compliance, a data security company helping businesses operate in compliance with regulations related to data privacy and security. He is a Strategic Advisor at BRANDefenders, a digital marketing company that offers numerous branding services. Richart has founded multiple online marketing, SEO, and reputation management businesses, including Alpha Paw, Class Updates, and The Reputation Management Company. He has also been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and more. In this episode… Ensuring compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation is essential for the success of any business, as violations of privacy laws can lead to hefty fines. However, navigating the intricate web of regulations can be daunting for organizations of all sizes. According to compliance expert Richart Ruddie, the constantly evolving regulations have made taking control of online privacy and ensuring compliance a significant challenge for many brands. Compliance requirements range from data retention policies to cookie compliance, and companies are struggling to find the right solutions to obtain user consent. Richart shares his journey of building a compliance and data security company to provide clients with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate compliance requirements. In this episode of the Quiet Light Podcast, Pat Yates sits down with Richart Ruddie, Founder of Captain Compliance, to discuss data privacy and compliance. Richart shares how he got into the field, data privacy and compliance for ecommerce brands, the services Captain Compliance offers, and website cookies compliance and consent.

Pat Grady is the Founder of Amazing Ads, an international advertising agency focusing on PPC management and optimization on Amazon, Walmart, Target, Google Ads, YouTube, and other mainline advertising platforms. He also founded print-on-demand companies RhinoFish Media, Just So Posh, and Regalo Marketing, which are involved in wholesale, retail, and print preview and visualization technology. Pat has a reputation of driving results with analytical skills focused on optimization problem solving, tracking, attribution, and tool-building. Sal Conca is the CEO of Amazing Ads, with 20+ years of expertise in digital marketing and video development for performance-based advertising. He is an inbound marketing specialist who helps businesses build, grow, and solidify their potential by creating content and marketing campaigns that speak to their customers and core audiences at every step of the customer journey. Sal started his career as an affiliate relationship specialist and expanded his skill set to plan and manage integrated marketing campaigns, including Google Ads, YouTube, email marketing, content marketing, and social media. He is also an adjunct professor at Stony Brook University, where he teaches a comprehensive Digital Marketing course in their MBA program. In this episode… In today's digital age, marketing is more critical than ever for the success of any ecommerce business. However, executing effective marketing strategies without the proper expertise can be challenging — and that's where a professional marketing agency comes in. Marketing experts Pat Grady and Sal Conca say that by partnering with marketing agencies, you gain a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you develop dynamic strategies that propel your brand forward. Whether it's video marketing, content marketing, targeted marketing, or PPC management and optimization, these professionals can help you navigate the complex world of digital marketing. They share their journey running an internet marketing agency to help ecommerce brands create a comprehensive marketing plan calculated for maximum impact and ROI. In this episode of the Quiet Light Podcast, Pat Yates sits down with Pat Grady, Founder of Amazing Ads, and Sal Conca, CEO of Amazing Ads, to discuss how ecommerce brands can thrive through marketing. They talk about the philosophy behind the start of Amazing Ads, video and targeted advertising, using data and analytics for effective advertising, and Amazing Ads’ business model.

Ramon Van Meer is the Founder and CEO of Genius Litter, a health-monitoring, odor-fighting, environmentally friendly cat litter. Featured on Shark Tank, it's a color-changing litter formula that catches signs of illness, keeping you and your pet happy and healthy. Ramon is also the CEO and Founder of Alpha Paw, a leading pet wellness brand that has grown into an eight-figure empire. Alpha Paw has also been featured on FOX, NBC, Allure, and many other popular sources. As a serial entrepreneur, Ramon has started and built multiple successful companies, including Soap Hub, a multimillion-dollar content site, Toodledo, a set of organizational tools, and Growth Hacker TV, a video site for start-ups. His life goals are to become the Marcus Lemonis for tech companies and to finally beat his son at chess. In this episode… Are you an entrepreneur with a brilliant business idea but lacking the capital to bring it to life? If so, you're not alone. Many business owners face this challenge, which can be a huge obstacle to success. However, there is a solution that could change everything: Shark Tank.  Shark Tank is a popular TV show that features a panel of successful entrepreneurs and investors who hear pitches from up-and-coming businesses. If you can make it onto the show and pitch your idea to the "sharks," you have the opportunity to secure the funding you need to scale your business. The sharks will offer you a percentage of equity in exchange for their investment. However, serial entrepreneur Ramon Van Meer says that getting onto Shark Tank is no easy feat. The application process can be lengthy and complex, but by putting in the effort and making a robust case for your business, you could be one step closer to achieving your dreams. He shares how he killed it on Shark Tank.  In this episode of the Quiet Light Podcast, Joe Valley sits down with Ramon Van Meer, Founder and CEO of Genius Litter, to discuss his journey and experience on Shark Tank. Ramon shares his professional background, why he wanted to get to Shark Tank, the application process, and his experience pitching to the Shark Tank investors, as well as negotiation strategies and deal-making.

Manish Chowdhary is the Founder and CEO of Cahoot, a peer-to-peer order fulfillment network of ecommerce merchants working together to expedite shipping at a lower cost. He is also the Founder and CEO of Pulse Commerce, the leading enterprise cloud platform for order and inventory management.  Manish is an innovator, thought leader, and highly sought-after speaker for all facets of ecommerce, business methods innovation, and omnichannel supply chain and logistics optimization. Insights Success magazine recognized him as one of the 30 Most Innovative Business Leaders and has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Internet Retailer, and other leading publications. In this episode… Distributing products to customers quickly is one of the rudimentary factors for success as an ecommerce business. It helps you satisfy your customers, retain them, and acquire more as they receive their orders as promised. Where can you find the most cost-efficient method to successfully and consistently deliver customer orders? Ecommerce expert Manish Chowdhary says Seller Fulfilled Prime could be a game-changer for your ecommerce brand. The program allows you to deliver directly to domestic Prime customers from your warehouse, committing to fulfill orders with one-day and two-day delivery. He shares how Cahoot is helping brands leverage the Seller Fulfilled Prime program to grow.  In this episode of the Quiet Light Podcast, Pat Yates sits down with Manish Chowdhary, Founder and CEO of Cahoot, to discuss how ecommerce brands can thrive through the Seller Fulfilled Prime program. Manish talks about Cahoot and Pulse Commerce, how Cahoot streamlines order fulfillment for ecommerce brands, the Seller Fulfilled Prime program, its benefits, and the ways it differs from Amazon FBA.

Liziana (Liz) Carter is the Founder and CEO of GROW AI. This innovative chatbot agency leverages conversational AI technology to instantly connect consumers to ecommerce businesses via Facebook Messenger, Instagram DM, and WhatsApp automation. As a trailblazer in the AI industry, she has received widespread recognition for her expertise and thought leadership. Her contributions have been featured in esteemed publications such as Entrepreneur, Business Insider, and Tech Times. Liz's professional background includes stints at leading organizations, including Triple2 Digital, Vinergy, and Dynamic 365 Group.   In this episode… In today's fast-paced digital world, social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram have become essential tools for businesses to reach their potential customers. However, with technology enhancements and the number of followers increasing, staying relevant and efficiently running the business becomes challenging. How can you take advantage of AI automation to grow your business? AI expert Liz Carter says businesses can save time, effort, and money and engage with customers by leveraging AI automated chat funnel strategies. Systems can use advanced AI algorithms to provide personalized responses to customers' queries, helping businesses build stronger relationships with their clients. Through Facebook Messenger, Instagram DM, and WhatsApp automation, brands can educate their customers about their products and services, convert them into clients, and ultimately grow their business. She shares how these chat funnel systems are the perfect solution for companies looking to enhance customer engagement and retention rates.  In this episode of the Quiet Light Podcast, Pat Yates sits down with Liz Carter, Founder and CEO of GROW AI, to discuss how to monetize socials through AI automated chat funnel systems. Liz explains how she maximizes the full potential of automated chat funnels, what the benefits of 24/7 automation are, how AI automations engage your audience and multiply organic reach, and what the impact of automation is on growing a business.

Discover the benefits of comprehensive financial planning for business owners with insights from Sean Duncan, a seasoned strategic consultant. Learn how to navigate financial responsibilities effectively and build a strong team for business success.

Lerin Lockwood is the Founder and Creator of Lion Latch, a product that provides secure storage for small valuables like jewelry. After ruining her engagement ring in a softball game, she was inspired to create a place to store and protect it so it wouldn’t happen again. The Lion Latch was a hit, and she raised $14,000 to get it off the ground so she could meet demand. She’s appeared on shows, including Shark Tank, Good Morning America, and The View. In addition to her entrepreneurial pursuits, Lerin is the Coordinator for the Rising Stars Youth Volleyball League. Before Lion Latch, she taught art and coached youth volleyball. In this episode… Entrepreneurs who identify a specific need and develop a product or service that caters to it often achieve great success. In fact, some of the most prosperous businesses today started by addressing a personal need. However, how can you ensure your business gets the exposure it needs to take flight? From teacher and coach to Shark Tank and TikTok, Lerin Lockwood has embarked on an unexpected journey. Born out of a need to store her jewelry safely, Lerin designed the Lion Latch. Her innovative solution resulted in the genesis of a booming business. After appearing on Shark Tank, she gained widespread exposure to millions of people, and that's when she realized the potential of her product. She began using TikTok since it provides an unparalleled opportunity to engage with a massive user base. By tapping into the platform's enormous audience and creating engaging and shareable content, she built a loyal following and developed a thriving brand. In this episode of the Quiet Light Podcast, Pat Yates sits down with Lerin Lockwood, Founder and Creator of Lion Latch, to discuss how to grow a new business. Lerin talks about what inspired her product creation, how Shark Tank and TikTok are integral to her success, why it's essential to be authentic and listen to your audience, and how being persistent and proactive will pay off. 

Scott Couchenour is the Founder and Life Coach at Serving Strong Enterprises, where he coaches business owners over 50 on both personal and organizational empowerment. With over three decades of business experience, Scott uses his insights to assist entrepreneurs in gaining clarity and devising strategies that produce both immediate and long-lasting outcomes by identifying their goals, overcoming obstacles, and prioritizing their objectives. As host of the Serve Strong Finish Strong podcast, he uses the platform to cater to business owners in their 40s and 50s to help them design and execute a meaningful future. In this episode… Life can significantly transform as you enter your 50s, and your perspective and goals may shift. It's beneficial to have someone in your corner who can assist you in creating a strategic plan by identifying what you envision for your life, legacy, and purpose. With guidance, you can realign your direction and achieve a revised set of objectives. So who can you turn to when you need help developing a systematic and consistent lifestyle map that aligns with your values? As a seasoned businessman, Scott Couchenour is helping people navigate through life's changes. Having gone through a circumstance that completely turned his life upside-down, he understood how invaluable it would have been to have someone guide him through that process — a coach to get him over the hurdles. Since life after 50 becomes more of a cycle of growth and recognizing opportunities you might otherwise miss, having a coach who can deliver a system, help you focus, and devise a pathway for goal achievement is priceless. Additionally, he notes that continuous learning and development are essential to iterating your mission, and small group collaborations with others from diverse backgrounds and perspectives can offer valuable ideas for personal growth. In this episode of the Quiet Light Podcast, Pat Yates sits down with Scott Couchenour, Founder and Life Coach at Serving Strong Enterprises, to discuss how entering your 50s can shift your perspective and necessitate reevaluating life. Scott discusses why being rationally rich is essential, how your stage of life impacts your outlook, why small group collaboration reaps rewards, and how a coach can help you realize your later-in-life mission.

Kirk Hodgdon is the Founder and Growth Catalyst of Altus Marketing, a firm focused on helping its clients reach new heights of business performance. As a distinguished business professional, he has nearly four decades of experience in marketing and business development. Previously, Kirk served in executive roles at CNS, Inc The Breathe Right Company, U.S. Communications & Focus GTE, and Land O' Lakes. Kirk and his team possess a level of expertise and experience that can benefit any organization seeking a partner to enhance their marketing and business development efforts. In this episode… While the online marketplace offers unprecedented opportunities for entrepreneurs to reach a wider audience and increase sales, it also presents unique challenges. In today's environment, growing a business requires specific skills and knowledge that only a few possess. Seasoned expert Kirk Hodgdon explains why business owners must navigate the ecommerce space effectively to stay ahead of the curve and promote growth. From fierce competition to rapidly evolving technology and customer expectations, ecommerce entrepreneurs must understand the intricacies of a complex and dynamic landscape. Kirk recommends that entrepreneurs focus on three critical areas: marketing communications, leveraging technology, and strategic development initiatives. These elements are vital to creating a robust and scalable business that can withstand the challenges of a competitive marketplace. Working with specialists can be a game-changer. Entrepreneurs can capitalize on the expertise and knowledge of professionals who deeply understand the ecommerce landscape and can help them overcome challenges and obstacles. In this episode of the Quiet Light Podcast, Pat Yates sits down with Kirk Hodgdon, Founder and Growth Catalyst of Altus Marketing, to discuss strategies entrepreneurs can employ to drive growth. Kirk talks about how Altus helps entrepreneurs, what retail strategies ecommerce entrepreneurs can use, and how strategic partnerships can promote expansion.