Welcome to The Necessary Entrepreneur, where we dive deep into the journeys of those who’ve dared to leave behind the conventional path to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Today, we have an inspiring guest who seamlessly transitioned from a career in medicine to crafting premium cocktails. Our guest today is Danielle Mann, the visionary founder and CEO of Rivergreen Cocktails. Danielle's story is a fascinating blend of science and creativity. With nearly two decades of experience as an OB-Gyn physician, Danielle found herself exploring the art of mixology during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing a gap in the market for high-quality, ready-to-drink gin cocktails, she decided to turn her passion into a business. Rivergreen Cocktails is not just another beverage company; it's a brand committed to using all-natural ingredients and producing small batches in Louisville, KY. Danielle’s dedication to quality and innovation has led to the creation of three distinct flavors – the Gimlet, Bee's Knees, and Greyhound – all of which have quickly gained popularity. Today, we'll explore how Danielle managed to pivot from a demanding medical career to entrepreneurship, the challenges she faced in starting a beverage company from scratch, and her vision for the future of Rivergreen Cocktails. We also discuss liquid to lips marketing, company sticking points, developing soft skills, the difficulties of building a team out-of-market, and overcoming financial scarcity, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a cocktail enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a bit of inspiration, this episode is for you. Find out more about Danielle Mann & Rivergreen Cocktails: https://rivergreencocktails.com/ https://www.facebook.com/RivergreenCocktails/ https://www.instagram.com/rivergreencocktails/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/rivergreen-cocktail-39b2a3215/ Connect With Us:  Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips

Welcome back to another exciting episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur where we dive deep into the stories and strategies of visionary entrepreneurs who are making a mark in their industries. Our guest today is Jean-François Fletchet, the brilliant founder of Taste of Belgium. Known for bringing the rich flavors and authentic culinary traditions of Belgium to the United States, Jean-François has built an impressive culinary empire that celebrates Belgian gastronomy. He holds a Masters of Science from the largest univeristy in Belgium, and a Masters of Economics from Penn. His entrepreneurial journey is a fascinating blend of passion, innovation, and perseverance. Starting from a humble waffle stand at Findlay Market, he has grown Taste of Belgium into a beloved brand with multiple locations and a dedicated following. Today, we’ll explore Jean-François’s path to success, the challenges he’s overcome, and the insights he’s gained along the way. From perfecting the art of the Belgian waffle to expanding his brand while maintaining authenticity and quality, Jean-François’s story is a testament to the power of culinary passion and entrepreneurial grit. Find out more about Jean-Francois Fletchet & Taste of Belgium: https://authenticwaffle.com/ https://www.facebook.com/tasteofbelgium/ https://www.instagram.com/tasteofbelgium/ https://twitter.com/tasteofbelgium https://www.linkedin.com/in/jfflechet/ Connect With Us:  Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips    

Today on The Necessary Entrepreneur we have a fascinating guest joining us- an individual whose passion for the cosmos and dedication to education have made him a shining star in the world of astronomy. It's my pleasure to introduce Dean Regas. Dean's enthusiasm for sharing the wonders of the universe has reached countless individuals of all ages through public events, lectures, and his former role at the Cincinnati Observatory and previous co-host of the popular PBS series Star Gazers. With over 20 years of experience in communicating complex astronomical concepts in a relatable way, Dean has become a household name in the field of science education. Beyond his work in astronomy, Dean is also an entrepreneur. His ability to blend scientific expertise with entrepreneurial vision has enabled him to make a lasting impact on how we engage with and understand the cosmos. During the conversation, we discuss the differences and friendly rivalry between observational and theoretical astronomers. We also jump into self actualization, internal validation, what makes a brilliant mind, and developing traits to give up the consistent paycheck as an employee, for the sake of the entrepreneurial spirit. Stick around as Dean talks about the recent solar eclipse, going back to the moon, life outside of Earth, the possibility of the existence of aliens, and building a machine to divert an asteroid. Find out more about Dean Regas: https://www.astrodean.com/ https://www.facebook.com/dean.regas https://www.instagram.com/deanregas/ https://twitter.com/DeanRegas https://www.tiktok.com/@astronomerdean https://www.youtube.com/@DeanRegas8815/ Connect With Us:  Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips

Today on The Necessary Entrepreneur, we have a special guest joining us—a remarkable individual whose talents transcend genres and inspire creativity in unexpected ways. I'm thrilled to introduce you to a true luminary in the world of bluegrass music: Joe Mullins. Joe is the only person in the history of bluegrass music to be awarded album of the year, radio broadcaster of the year, entertainer of the year, and event of the year from the International Bluegrass Music Association. Joe is a second generation radio broadcaster. His father Paul “Moon” Mullins created a legacy in the southwest OH area and is a member of the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame. Joe owns a network of radio stations called Real Roots Radio. He is a member of the full-time touring band Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, and an event producer. In 2021 Joe produced the 16 track, all-star album titled “Industrial Strength Bluegrass” for a division of Smithsonian Institute. That project has just been expanded to a double lp released May 3rd with seven additional tracks from the original artists.  During the conversation, Joe talks about his humble beginnings, the importance of family,  the Appalachian Migration, buying AM radio stations in the mid 90s, the difference between a broadcaster and a dj, and how authenticity still works. He also talks about anxiety while performing, being a regular guest on the Grand Ole Opry, getting big name stars together to produce an album of traditional bluegrass music, and leaving behind a legacy. Stick around til the end when Joe talks about “resurrecting the right attitude”. Find out more about Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers www.radioramblers.com https://www.facebook.com/theradioramblers https://www.instagram.com/radioramblers/?hl=en https://twitter.com/radioramblers https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5N8_dXcQj73nvnQmoGTCmg Find out more abou Real Roots Radio https://realrootsradio.com/ https://www.facebook.com/RealRootsRadio https://www.instagram.com/real_roots_radio/ https://twitter.com/realrootsradio https://www.youtube.com/@realrootsradio Order a copy of Industrial Strength Bluegrass https://folkways.si.edu/industrial-strength-bluegrass Connect With Us:  Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips

Today on The Necessary Entrepreneur, we're thrilled to have Captain Alan Bernstein joining us. Alan Bernstein is the owner and operator of BB Riverboats, a successful Cincinnati-based company offering scenic river cruises on the Ohio River. But Alan's journey to becoming a riverboat captain is much more than just a love for boats. It's a story of dedication, family, and a lifelong passion for America's waterways. During the conversation we talk about risk going all the way back to when Alan was a child and his family opened a steakhouse restaurant. We also talk about his “drive not to fail”, knowing your banker, what keeps him up at night, steamboat racing, operating boats on a river, the recent ship and bridge collision in Baltimore, and the next evolution of BB Riverboats. Stick around to hear about Alan’s involvement with Tall Stacks, a Cincinnati tradition dating back to the late 1980s and when to expect the next Tall Stacks and a steamboat race you won’t want to miss. Find out more about BB Riverboats https://bbriverboats.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bbriverboats/?hl=en https://twitter.com/BBRiverboats https://www.pinterest.com/bbriverboats/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-bernstein-4199504/ Connect With Us:  Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips  

The Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Les Fultz. Les is the visionary founder of Valere Event and Video Productions, a dynamic company at the forefront of event planning and multimedia production located right here in Cincinnati. Valere Event and Video Productions stands out for its commitment to excellence and innovation. Les and his team specialize in curating immersive experiences that leave a lasting impression, blending cutting-edge technology with impeccable design to bring clients' visions to life. Through Valere, Les has cultivated a reputation for delivering exceptional results and exceeding expectations in the competitive world of event management and video production. During the conversation, Les delves into his entrepreneurial journey, exploring the intersection of creativity, business, and client-centric service. Mark & Les talk about when he started following his passion with only a cheap camera, a $2 bill in his pocket, and a dream. Discover Les's insights on building a successful event and video production company, navigating industry challenges, and embracing innovation in today's entrepreneurial landscape. Stick around as Les talks about creating authentic content, his passion for storytelling, and his unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of event design and multimedia production. Find out more about Les Fultz & Valere Studios: https://valerestudios.com/ https://www.facebook.com/valerestudios/ https://www.instagram.com/valerestudios/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliefultz/ https://www.facebook.com/leslie.fultz Connect With Us:  Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips  

The Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Markus Kaulius. Markus is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of multiple 8 and 9 figure businesses. Over his 25-plus year career, he grew his supplement company from startup to $170 Million and helped clients worldwide lose over 3 million pounds. He has impacted the lives of over 10 million people. As a thought leader in the industry, he advises multiple 8 & 9-figure companies on growth strategy and has been featured in major media such as PBS, Fox News, Apple TV and CNN. Markus's name is now in the Guinness Record Book as he recently spoke at a conference on financial literacy which broke the attendance record. Markus shares daily insights with his community spanning business strategy, mindset, health, and faith. Through his new venture, playabiggergame.com, Markus is bringing together the world's greatest minds and sharing lessons learned from his entrepreneurial journey to help other high achievers break free from imbalance and feelings of discontent so they can find fulfillment beyond career success. During the conversation, Markus talks about his new book Play a Bigger Game and the 7 principles to life’s fulfillment. Mark & Markus also talk about what elite performers have in common, becoming the “authentic you” without settling for complacency, comparing yourself to who you were yesterday, and finding balance with social media. Stick around to the end when Markus tells us about the Charles Dickens Principle and why billionaires are talking about journaling. Find out more about Markus Kaulius: https://www.instagram.com/playabiggergameofficial/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/markuskaulius/ https://www.instagram.com/markuskaulius/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/markus.kaulius https://www.youtube.com/@MarkusKaulius Order "Play A Bigger Game: 7 Universal Principles to Experience True Fulfillment & Win at Life": https://a.co/d/g2P6UBH Connect With Us:  Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips  

This week on The Necessary Entrepreneur, we welcome Keith O’Brien. Keith is the New York Times bestselling author of Paradise Falls, Fly Girls, and Outside Shot, a finalist for the PEN/ESPN Award for Literary Sportswriting, and an award-winning journalist. O’Brien has written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Politico, and his stories have also appeared on National Public Radio and This American Life. Keith is currently on tour with his new book "Charlie Hustle: The Rise and Fall of Pete Rose, and the Last Glory Days of Baseball". This is no ordinary sport biography, but cultural history at its finest. What O’Brien shows is that while Pete Rose didn’t change, America and baseball did. This is the story of that change. What better place to talk about Pete Rose than right here in Cincinnati right at the beginning of baseball season. During the conversation, Keith talks about why he decided to write this book now, his ultimate goal of writing a book, besides finishing it, and what he calls the cost of hero worship. Mark & Keith also dig into details about Pete Rose’s life beginning when he was a child, the nickname origins of Charlie Hustle, how Pete’s gambling scandal applies today, as well as addiction and human behavior. Stick around to the end when Keith tells us Pete’s biggest regret. Find out more about Keith O'Brien: https://keithob.com/https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKeithOBrien https://www.instagram.com/obrienstory https://twitter.com/KeithOB Order an autographed copy of "Charlie Huste" https://www.waterstreetbooks.com/keith-obrien-signed-books Connect With Us:  Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips

The Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes Nick Papas. Nick is 4th generation CEO of Papas Candies right here in Covington, KY. Papas Candies started with humble beginnings; one man with a dream. Papas Candies has been a family owned and operated business for over six decades through four generations. Nick started working as an employee, after college, cooking candy and was always eager to learn how things worked. In 2018, Nick was able to buy the family business. Now, Nick and his cousins are tasked with the daily operations of running a small business and making candy with the same recipes in small batches folding tradition and care into every bite. During the conversation, Mark & Nick discuss pride, paying employees more than yourself, dealing with turmoil, what to do when you’re stuck, calculator risk, and finding a mentor. They also dive into manufacturing vs retail, giving back to the community, “coast mode” of working for someone else, and the origins of opera cream. Stick around as Nick tells us his top 3 favorite Papas Candies products. Find out more about Papas Candies: https://www.facebook.com/papascandies/ https://www.instagram.com/papascandies/ Order Online: https://papascandies.com/ Connect With Us:  Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips

The Necessary Entrepreneur welcomes David Gaz. David is the founder & creative director of The Bureau of Small Projects. With over 20 years of experience marketing fortune 500 companies and major brands, the team at The Bureau of Small Projects leverages their expertise and relationships to build quality websites, mobile apps and print collateral for non-profits to increase donations and to help small businesses who are making a difference convert visitors into customers. David Gaz also directed the critically acclaimed documentary, Kindness Is Contagious, a film all about being nice and the benefits of it. During the conversation, Mark & David talk about hiring people smarter than you, firing clients from hell, augmenting customer greatness, that five star reviews don’t mean perfection, and that making a series of small changes over time yields the biggest impacts. They also talk about catastrophizing, simplifying processes, and that luck is behavioral. Stick around as David tells us the one thing all successful companies do similarly. Find out more about David Gaz & The Bureau of Small Projects: https://www.smallprojectsbureau.com/ https://www.facebook.com/smallprojectsbureau https://www.instagram.com/smallprojectsbureau/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgaz/ Find out more about "Kindness is Contagious" https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2057953/?ref_=nm_knf_t_3 Connect With Us: Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips