The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast

In this deeply moving episode, Dwayne sits down with Emily Williams to explore her remarkable story. Once a rising star in the equestrian world, Emily's life took a devastating turn following the loss of her mother. Battling grief, addiction, and an abusive relationship, she faced homelessness and despair before making a courageous decision to reclaim her life. This candid conversation delves into the emotional depths of her struggles, the impact of shame and guilt, and the strength it takes to rebuild. Listeners will gain insight into addiction, loss, resilience, and the importance of self-awareness in overcoming personal battles. Emily's story is a powerful testament to the human spirit's ability to rise, fall, and rise again.Timestamps:[00:00:00] – Introduction to the episode and guest, Emily Williams[00:01:30] –Dwayne shares how he discovered Emily’s story[00:03:00] – The connection between business, relationships, and personal struggles[00:06:00] – Emily’s early success: A prodigy in the equestrian world[00:08:00] – The loss of her mother and the emotional impact[00:10:00] – The beginning of addiction: Partying, Adderall, and grief-driven rebellion[00:14:00] – The transition from discipline to self-destruction[00:17:00] – Losing responsibility and how it accelerates addiction[00:22:00] – Dropping out of school and falling into the party lifestyle[00:25:00] – Shame, guilt, and feeling undeserving of redemption[00:32:00] – A toxic relationship: Drug use, manipulation, and emotional control[00:39:00] – The descent into meth use and how it rewires the brain[00:42:00] – The breaking point: Walking away from addiction and an abusive relationship[00:47:00] – Narcissism, control, and the power of saying ‘no’[00:48:30] – Teaser for next week’s continuation of Emily’s journeyNotable Quotes:"Sometimes the most challenging situations are what we learn the most from." – Emily Williams"I felt so small… I had to lie to myself to be okay with who I was, but I wasn’t okay." – Emily WilliamsResources & Mentions:Books: The Coddling of the American Mind – Jonathan Haidt & Greg LukianoffMental Health & Addiction Support:National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): www.drugabuse.govSAMHSA’s National Helpline: www.samhsa.gov or call 1-800-662-HELPNarcotics Anonymous (NA): www.na.orgConnect with Dwayne KerriganLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwayne-kerrigan-998113281/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedwaynekerriganpodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwaynekerriganpodcast/Website: www.dwaynekerrigan.comDisclaimer The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Dwayne Kerrigan and his affiliates. Dwayne Kerrigan or The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.

In this powerful continuation of our conversation with Jessica Janzen, author of Bring the Joy, we dive deeper into the transformational power of perspective, purpose, and resilience. Jessica shares deeply personal stories about finding gratitude in everyday struggles, embracing life's "nudges," and how shifting our mindset can unlock joy—even in our darkest moments. We discuss how to reframe challenges, the importance of energy management, and the impact of small, intentional actions. Jessica also offers insight into personal growth, mental health, and the balance between ambition and presence. If you're seeking to cultivate more joy in your life or help others do the same, this episode is a must-listen!Timestamps:[00:00:00] – Introduction & Recap of Part 1[00:01:00] – Overcoming resistance to joy and reframing daily struggles[00:02:30] – The dishwasher story: Perspective shift from burden to blessing[00:05:00] – The power of certainty and how small moments shape our purpose[00:08:00] – Following nudges[00:12:00] – Faith, purpose, and the role of free will in shaping our experiences[00:14:00] – Society’s obsession with immediacy vs. the power of consistency[00:16:00] – Transforming grief into purpose: Love for Lewiston Foundation[00:19:00] – The energy we bring: The impact of our presence on those around us[00:22:00] – Supporting others through hardship: The power of simply being there[00:24:00] – Strategies for recharging your battery: Emotional, spiritual, mental, and physical health[00:29:00] – Small disciplines that build a foundation for joy[00:32:00] – The danger of “should-ing” yourself and learning to say no[00:36:00] – Thought patterns, rewiring the brain, and the science of manifestation[00:42:00] – Finding joy in the present moment rather than chasing the next milestone[00:47:00] – The impact of expectations and judgment on our ability to experience joy[00:52:00] – How to identify and shift your primary question for a more joyful life[00:56:00] – What’s it like to be on the other side of me? A powerful self-awareness question from Ryan Leak[01:01:00] – Final reflections and Jessica’s resources for finding joy[01:02:30] – How to connect with Jessica and support her workNotable Quotes:🔹 "You might not be able to change your circumstances, but you can change the outcome and what it looks like." – Jessica Janzen🔹 "Joy doesn’t just arrive. It’s the combination of small choices and habits stacked over time." – Jessica Janzen🔹 "We’ve over-romanticized purpose. What if your purpose is just to be kind because that’s what someone else needs?" – Jessica Janzen🔹 "If you have the ability to move your body, do it. Someone in a hospital would give anything to walk to the end of the block." – Jessica Janzen🔹 "What you resist most in others is what you have yet to accept in yourself." – Dwayne Kerrigan🔹 "If this is all I get, I want to live a chapter worth rereading." – Jessica Janzen🔹 "What’s it like to be on the other side of me?" – Ryan Leak (shared by Jessica)Resources Mentioned:📚 Bring the Joy – Jessica Janzen (Available on Amazon & Goodreads)📚 Atlas of the Heart – Brené Brown📚 Mind Magic: The Neuroscience of Manifestation – Dr. James Doty📚 Level Up – Ryan Leak🌍 Jessica’s Website📲 Instagram: @thejessicajanzen🎗️ Love for Lewiston FoundationCall to Action:If you found this episode valuable, please share it with a friend or colleague who could use some joy in their life. Support Jessica’s mission by purchasing Bring the Joy or contributing to the Love for Lewiston Foundation. And don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—every share creates a ripple effect of knowledge and inspiration!Connect with Dwayne KerriganLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwayne-kerrigan-998113281/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedwaynekerriganpodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwaynekerriganpodcast/Website: www.dwaynekerrigan.comDisclaimer The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Dwayne Kerrigan and his affiliates. Dwayne Kerrigan or The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.

In this deeply moving and insightful episode of The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast, host Dwayne Kerrigan sits down with Jessica Janzen, a speaker, author, philanthropist, and coach who has dedicated her life to bringing the joy. Jessica shares her extraordinary journey of resilience—from experiencing bullying and battling mental health struggles to facing the heartbreaking loss of her son, Lewiston, to spinal muscular atrophy.Despite unimaginable pain, Jessica embraced a mindset shift that led her to create the Love for Lewiston Foundation, raise over $3 million for research and support, and become a beacon of joy for others. Through this candid conversation, she and Dwayne explore the power of perspective, the importance of mental and physical health, and how choosing joy—even in the darkest times—can transform lives.Join us as Jessica offers practical steps on how to build a life filled with meaning, connection, and purpose, whether in business or in personal life. Don’t press pause on this one—this episode is packed with invaluable wisdom that can truly change the way you approach challenges.Timestamps & Key Moments:[00:00:00] – Jessica’s philosophy: “Instead of a pity party, we had a dance party.”.[00:05:00] – Jessica’s journey: From struggling in school to building an impact-driven life.[00:09:00] – The moment everything changed: Lewiston’s diagnosis and Jessica’s decision to “bring the joy.”[00:14:00] – Lessons in perspective: The profound realization that movement and health are gifts.[00:18:00] – Rewriting your story: How Jessica reinvented herself after years of feeling like she didn’t belong.[00:25:00] – The power of energy: How showing up authentically transforms connections and opportunities.[00:30:00] – The role of fitness in mental and emotional well-being.[00:37:00] – Serving others: How helping someone else can shift your entire mindset.[00:42:00] – The battle with negative thoughts: How our brains search for evidence and how to train them differently.[00:50:00] – One powerful question to change your mindset before bed: "What worked today?"[00:54:00] – Finding purpose in the smallest things—why joy is often found in the ordinary.[01:00:00] – Final thoughts: The importance of perspective and gratitude in business and life.Notable Quotes:“It takes just as much time to see the good as it does to see the bad.” – Jessica Janzen“If you feel like you don’t belong, start showing up as the person you want to be around.” – Jessica JanzenResources Mentioned in This Episode:📖 Jessica Janzen’s Book – Bring the Joy https://a.co/d/d9P4u75📚 Book RecommendationChange Your Brain Every Day by Dr. Daniel Amen https://a.co/d/3XWVP1NLeveling Up by Ryan Leak https://a.co/d/3XWVP1N🏥 Jessica’s Nonprofit – Love for Lewiston Foundation (Supporting SMA research and families) https://www.loveforlewiston.com/If you found value in this episode, please share it with someone who could benefit from Jessica’s incredible story. Subscribe to The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast for Part 2 of this conversation, where we’ll dive even deeper into the ways joy can fuel success in business and life.🎧 Listen next week for Part 2!Connect with Dwayne KerriganLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwayne-kerrigan-998113281/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedwaynekerriganpodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwaynekerriganpodcast/Website: www.dwaynekerrigan.comDisclaimer The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Dwayne Kerrigan and his affiliates. Dwayne Kerrigan or The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Alan Stein Jr., we take a deep dive into elite performance principles that apply to business, sports, and life. Alan shares the three key pillars of success—mastering fundamentals, balancing confidence with humility, and focusing on the process over outcome. He also introduces the "Next Play Mentality", a game-changing mindset that helps high performers stay locked in, bounce back from setbacks, and consistently improve.If you're struggling with execution, overcomplicating success, or letting past failures hold you back, this episode is packed with practical takeaways to help you move forward and level up.Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:00] Setting Big Goals Without Fear of FailureAlan shares why he sets ambitious goals and is okay with missing themHow to reframe failure as a learning opportunity [00:02:00] The 3 Pillars of High Performance1️Mastering the Fundamentals – Why the best never get bored with the basics2️Confidence + Humility – Earn confidence through preparation, but stay coachable3️Process Over Outcome – Stop obsessing over goals; focus on small daily actions[00:06:00] Complexity Undermines ExecutionWhy making things too complicated leads to inactionHow simplifying habits (like a 15-minute walk) can lead to massive transformation[00:12:00] Why People Struggle to Execute Simple ActionsThe comparison trap—why people set unrealistic goalsHow society sells complexity and why the basics aren’t monetizable [00:19:00] Want to Be Great? Do the Verb!The difference between wanting success and doing the work"If you want to be an author, you have to write." [00:32:00] The "Next Play Mentality"How elite athletes forget mistakes instantly and focus on executionWhy carrying negativity from past failures hurts future performanceHow business leaders and entrepreneurs can apply this to sales, leadership, and daily decisions [00:37:00] Next Play on a Macro Level: Life TransitionsApplying the next play mindset to career shifts, relationships, and setbacksMoving forward after adversity rather than dwelling on what’s lost[00:41:00] Final Thoughts & How to Connect with AlanWhy listening is the most underrated skill in business & relationshipsAlan shares how to reach out to him directlyKey Takeaways:Simplicity wins. Complexity kills execution—the best stick to the basics.Earn your confidence. Keep your humility. Preparation and self-discipline create real belief in yourself.Focus on the process. Small daily actions lead to long-term success.Next play. Stop dwelling on failures—focus on the next action that moves you forward.Want to be great? Do the work. Success isn’t about wanting it, it’s about doing it consistently.Connect with Dwayne KerriganLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwayne-kerrigan-998113281/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedwaynekerriganpodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwaynekerriganpodcast/Website: www.dwaynekerrigan.comDisclaimer The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Dwayne Kerrigan and his affiliates. Dwayne Kerrigan or The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.

In this episode of The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast, Dwayne Kerrigan welcomes Alan Stein Jr., a former basketball performance coach turned corporate keynote speaker and author. Alan shares powerful insights from his journey, including lessons learned from working with elite athletes like Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, and Steph Curry, and how those lessons apply to business and life.Alan and Dwayne dive deep into overcoming limiting beliefs, developing an abundance mindset, and shifting perspectives on failure. Alan also discusses his "new operating system" for success, blending confidence with humility, and why focusing on the fundamentals is key to high performance. Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, or someone seeking personal growth, this episode offers actionable insights to elevate your game.https://alansteinjr.com/Timestamps & Key Discussion Points:[00:00:00] – Introduction & Setting the StageAlan’s approach to setting lofty goals without fear of failureDwayne introduces Alan Stein Jr. and his impressive background[00:04:00] – The Power of Gratitude & PerspectiveAlan reflects on his journey and why he believes his best days are aheadThe importance of constantly evolving in business and life[00:09:00] – Shifting from a Success Mindset to a Fulfillment MindsetThe transition from external validation to internal fulfillmentDefining success through quality of life, not just financial metrics[00:14:00] – Breaking Free from an Old Operating SystemAlan's past struggles with a scarcity mindset, self-doubt, and limiting beliefsHow changing his approach to failure and setbacks changed his trajectory[00:22:00] – Scarcity vs. Abundance MindsetThe importance of surrounding yourself with the right peopleHow to cultivate an abundant mindset in business and personal life[00:30:00] – The Power of Curating Your Information DietHow social media algorithms reflect your mindset and habitsTips for controlling your media consumption to improve mental health[00:39:00] – Lessons from Elite Athletes: The 3 Pillars of SuccessMastering the Fundamentals – Why the best never get bored with the basicsBalancing Confidence & Humility – How great performers stay coachableProcess Over Outcome – The importance of focusing on small, daily actions[00:43:00] – Closing Thoughts & Final AdviceHow small mindset shifts can create massive long-term impactThe ripple effect of personal growth on those around youKey Takeaways:Reframe Failure as Growth – Instead of fearing failure, treat it as a learning opportunity.Develop an Abundance Mindset – Avoid limiting beliefs and surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire.Success is Built on Fundamentals – Whether in sports, business, or life, mastering the basics is the foundation of excellence.Focus on the Process, Not Just the Goal – Achievements come from consistently executing small, high-impact actions.Control Your Inputs – What you consume (books, social media, conversations) directly influences your mindset and success."The best never get bored with the basics." – Alan Stein Jr.Connect with Dwayne KerriganLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwayne-kerrigan-998113281/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedwaynekerriganpodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwaynekerriganpodcast/Website: www.dwaynekerrigan.comDisclaimer The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Dwayne Kerrigan and his affiliates. Dwayne Kerrigan or The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.

In this second part of the conversation with Rod Khleif, the discussion dives deeper into specific real estate investment strategies, the power of mindset in overcoming setbacks, and the importance of self-reflection in personal growth. Rod shares detailed insights about wholesaling, house hacking, and how young investors can get started in real estate. He also opens up about his personal journey of overcoming limiting beliefs and the specific steps he took to rebuild after losing $50 million in 2008.Key TakeawaysEntry strategies for young investors include wholesaling, house hacking, and starting with multi-unit propertiesThe importance of treating real estate investments as a business, not just property ownershipUnderstanding market research and demographics when choosing investment locationsThe power of conscious self-reflection in overcoming limiting beliefsSpecific steps for rebuilding after major setbacks: goal setting, decisive action, and gratitudeThe value of celebrating small wins and acknowledging progressUnderstanding the differences between residential and commercial financingTimestamps[00:00:00] - Introduction and discussion of first-time property investment[00:01:00] - Explanation of wholesaling in real estate[00:03:00] - Discussion of house hacking strategies [00:06:00] - Market research and location selection tips[00:09:00] - Property type considerations and investment strategy[00:12:00] - Wealth building strategies through real estate[00:15:00] - Rod's personal story of meeting the host[00:17:00] - Discussion of mindset and overcoming obstacles[00:20:00] - Deep dive into limiting beliefs and their origins[00:24:00] - The importance of gratitude and self-reflection[00:27:00] - Impact of limiting beliefs on business and personal life[00:29:00] - Lessons learned from the 2008 crash [00:34:00] - Final thoughts and contact informationNotable Quote"If you can think as an investor on your first home and start your investment career, man, that's the way to go." - Rod Khleif"Life is about meaning. It doesn't matter what happens to you. Two people can have the same seemingly horrific event happen to them, and one comes out stronger, and another one comes out destroyed." - Rod Khleif"If you're not growing, you are dying. Period. If you're plateaued, you're dying. You need to be growing." - Rod Khleif"You need to drag it [limiting beliefs] out into the daylight when it pops up. You need to consciously look at it. And if you do, you'll recognize that it's BS." - Rod KhleifResources MentionedRodsLinks.com - Hub for all resourceshttps://rodkhleif.com/Rod's Virtual Bootcamp (Code: RODFRIEND)Recommended Research Websites:bestplaces.netdatausa.iocitydata.comcensus.govBook Reference: "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon HillBook Reference: "The Richest Man in Babylon"Rod's Podcast: "Lifetime Cashflow through Real Estate Investing"Connect with Dwayne KerriganLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwayne-kerrigan-998113281/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedwaynekerriganpodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwaynekerriganpodcast/Website: www.dwaynekerrigan.comDisclaimer The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Dwayne Kerrigan and his affiliates. Dwayne Kerrigan or The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.

In this episode, Dwayne sits down with Rod Khleif, a Dutch immigrant turned real estate mogul who has owned over 2,000 houses and thousands of apartment units. Rod shares his journey from humble beginnings to massive success, including losing $50 million in 2008 and rebuilding his empire. He provides valuable insights into multifamily real estate investing, the importance of mindset, and why giving back has been crucial to his success. The conversation covers everything from technical aspects of real estate investing to the psychological elements of success. Learn more at https://rodkhleif.com/ and https://rodkhleif.com/links/ Key TakeawaysSuccess is 80-90% mindset and psychologyMultifamily properties are valued based on net income, making them potentially more profitable than single-family homesDue diligence is critical - investigate thoroughly before investingReal estate investing is a team sport - different roles include analytics, relationship building, and asset managementEducation and mentorship are crucial - avoid "dabbling" in real estateCurrent market conditions (high interest rates, adjustable rate debt) are creating opportunities in multifamily real estateGiving back and creating value for others leads to greater successTimestamps[00:00:00] - Introduction and Rod's advice on investment education[00:01:00] - Host introduction and welcoming Rod Khleif[00:02:00] - Rod's background as a Dutch immigrant[00:03:00] - Early real estate experience and mother's influence[00:04:00] - Introduction to mindset importance and career progression[00:05:00] - Discussion of 2008 losses and podcast success[00:06:00] - Story about success, depression, and finding meaning[00:08:00] - Discussion of charitable work and fulfillment[00:14:00] - Information about Rod's bootcamp and resources[00:22:00] - Discussion of real estate tax benefits and valuation[00:27:00] - Explanation of cap rates and property classifications[00:31:00] - Detailed coverage of due diligence process[00:35:00] - Current market opportunities and challenges[00:38:00] - Team roles in multifamily real estate [00:41:00] - Discussion of mentorship and education programs [00:44:00] - Advice for young people entering real estate – learn more in Part 2 next weekNotable Quote"Power moves to those who serve. When you have a sincere desire to help other people grow, power, you know, that's the way God or the universe, whatever you believe, that's how it works." - Rod Khleif"Don't squander your money. Don't put your hard earned money into something unless you've done some basic due diligence about it." - Rod Khleif"Sometimes the best deal is the one you don't do." - Rod Khleif"There's a reason 90 percent of the world's millionaires either made their money in real estate or invested in real estate." - Rod Khleif"If you're not giving back in some fashion, if you do give back in some fashion, you're happily achieving." - Rod Khleif"We've been taught to achieve to be happy. Like we shouldn't be happy until we've achieved, but if you're not giving back in some fashion, if you do give back in some fashion, you're happily achieving." - Rod KhleifResources MentionedRodsLinks.com - Free resources and booksRod's Bootcamp (Code: RODFRIEND for $97 admission)Goal Setting WorkshopRod's Warrior Program (1,800+ members worldwide)Book: "How to Create Lifetime Cashflows in Multifamily Properties"Connect with Dwayne KerriganLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwayne-kerrigan-998113281/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedwaynekerriganpodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwaynekerriganpodcast/Website: www.dwaynekerrigan.comDisclaimer The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Dwayne Kerrigan and his affiliates. Dwayne Kerrigan or The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.

In this powerful episode, serial entrepreneur Mark Bradley shares his journey from tradesman to successful business owner, discussing the psychological aspects of selling a business, the importance of purpose, and strategic approaches to business growth and exit planning.Episode TimelineIntroduction and Early Insights (00:00 - 05:00)00:00 - Opening reflection on business growth and learning00:13 - Host Dwayne Kerrigan's introduction01:00 - Discussion on business metrics and simplification02:00 - The importance of business budgeting04:00 - Mark's background and entrepreneurial journeyBusiness Evolution and Growth (05:00 - 12:00)05:00 - Discussion of personal growth in business07:00 - The importance of vision and goal setting08:00 - Finding mentors and building teams10:00 - Leadership philosophy and team building11:00 - The "C students hire A students" perspectiveBusiness Sale Experience (12:00 - 20:00)12:00 - Psychological preparation for selling a business13:00 - Managing purpose post-sale15:00 - Dealing with team transitions17:00 - Finding the right buyer and CEO19:00 - Maintaining community connections post-saleStrategic Business Exit Planning (20:00 - 30:00)20:00 - Common mistakes in business sales22:00 - Prioritizing stakeholders during sale24:00 - Private equity considerations27:00 - Discussion of earnouts and deal structures29:00 - Employee stock options as exit strategyMarket Trends and Opportunities (30:00 - 39:00)30:00 - Private equity market evolution32:00 - Technology enablement in small businesses34:00 - Growth through acquisition strategies36:00 - Value creation through business combination38:00 - Final thoughts and episode wrap-upKey TakeawaysBusiness FundamentalsThe importance of understanding business metrics and budgetingSimplifying complex business concepts for better managementBuilding a strong financial foundation through systematic approachesGrowth StrategyCreating clear vision and goals for business developmentThe value of finding and learning from mentorsImportance of building strong teams and delegating effectivelyExit PlanningPsychological preparation for business saleMaintaining purpose and direction post-saleConsidering all stakeholders in exit strategyEmployee stock options as alternative to private equityAcquisition StrategyUnderstanding business valuation multiplesOpportunities in combining smaller businessesStrategic growth through acquisitionTechnology enablement as value driverLeadership InsightsBuilding purposeful business relationshipsCreating value through team developmentMaintaining mission alignment during transitionsBalancing financial and human aspects of businessAbout Mark BradleyMark Bradley is a successful entrepreneur who built and sold both a landscape company and a software business. Starting with just basic equipment, he grew his landscape business significantly before developing software solutions that eventually became a successful standalone company. His approach combines practical business experience with innovative technology solutions.https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-bradley-lmn/Connect with Dwayne KerriganLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwayne-kerrigan-998113281/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedwaynekerriganpodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwaynekerriganpodcast/Website: www.dwaynekerrigan.comDisclaimer The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Dwayne Kerrigan and his affiliates. Dwayne Kerrigan or The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.

In this insightful episode, entrepreneur Mark Bradley shares his journey from running a landscaping business to developing and selling a successful software company. Learn about implementing balanced scorecards, preparing businesses for sale, and leveraging technology for operational excellence.Episode TimelineIntroduction and Background (00:00 - 03:17)00:00 - Episode introduction and balanced scorecard overview00:13 - Welcome00:46 - Introduction of guest Mark Bradley01:33 - Year in review discussion02:31 - Initial discussion about business sale experienceBuilding a Software Business (03:18 - 14:40)03:18 - Journey from landscaping to software development05:56 - Key strategies for optimizing business valueDiscussion of scaling challenges and solutionsImportance of systematic growth approachesTechnology and Business Optimization (14:41 - 30:36)14:41 - Technology's role in modern business operationsImplementation of digital solutionsFuture trends in business technologyIntegration of balanced scorecard methodologyStrategic Insights and Recommendations (30:37 - 40:11)30:37 - Practical advice for small business ownersDiscussion of operational efficiencyTips for business value optimization40:11 - Closing thoughts and episode wrap-upKey TakeawaysBalanced Scorecard ImplementationImportance of measuring both financial and non-financial metricsIntegration of customer satisfaction metricsEmployee development and growth trackingOperational efficiency measurementsBusiness Sale PreparationStrategic steps for maximizing business valueDocumentation and process standardizationImportant metrics buyers look forTiming considerations for saleTechnology IntegrationRole of software in business optimizationDigital transformation strategiesOperational efficiency through technologyFuture technology trendsCustomer Experience OptimizationMeasuring and improving customer satisfactionBuilding sustainable customer relationshipsBalance between efficiency and service qualityBusiness Growth StrategiesScaling operations effectivelyBuilding valuable business assetsEmployee development importanceSustainable growth practicesAbout Mark BradleyMark Bradley is a serial entrepreneur who successfully transitioned from owning a landscaping business to developing and selling a software company. His software solution, originally designed for his landscaping business, grew into a successful standalone venture, demonstrating his ability to identify market needs and scale solutions effectively.https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-bradley-lmn/Connect with Dwayne KerriganLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwayne-kerrigan-998113281/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedwaynekerriganpodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwaynekerriganpodcast/Website: www.dwaynekerrigan.comDisclaimer The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Dwayne Kerrigan and his affiliates. Dwayne Kerrigan or The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.

In this episode, Dwayne continues the conversation with Irfan Rajabali, a seasoned entrepreneur with a rich history of growth and success. They explore key entrepreneurial concepts such as continuous assessment and feedback loops, the importance of loving the process, internal and external alignment, handling business growth, and making strategic decisions. Irfan shares invaluable insights into maintaining family harmony in business, managing stress, and prioritizing reinvestment in the business for long-term success. The conversation underscores the importance of preparing for unforeseen challenges, staying nimble, and cultivating a passion for solving problems.Time Stamps:00:00 Introduction and Business Evaluation00:37 Meet Your Host: Dwayne Kerrigan01:12 The Fun and Passion in Business01:50 The Reality of Entrepreneurship05:53 Balancing Work and Personal Life07:21 The Importance of Mentorship08:51 Aligning with Customers10:10 Providing Additional Care22:49 Internal Feedback and Continuous Improvement34:27 Identifying the Real Problem: Process vs. People35:32 Handling Business Downtime: Advice and Reflections36:15 Transitioning Roles: From Operations to Strategy41:32 Family Business Dynamics: Communication and Roles47:27 Financial Discipline and Decision Making53:25 Navigating Business Growth and Risks57:21 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsKey TakeawaysFocus on building systems and processes that can scale, rather than relying on individual heroicsReinvest profits back into the business rather than taking early distributionsMaintain a substantial war chest to weather economic downturnsCreate feedback loops between external customer needs and internal operationsMake quick but calculated decisions, avoiding analysis paralysisPrioritize process improvement over blame when mistakes happenNotable Quotes"I fundamentally don't believe that when I hear it, but I hear that a lot because people are looking for some magical bean to pop up and say, Hey, perfect business.""You control your effort and you control your attitude. When you leave my door, those two things are in your control.""The first mistake is on us and it's just a process. There's no reason to get upset. Stay calm and let's just review.""We look at our business on a horizon that's 10 years from now... Can shit hit the fan between now and 10 years? Yes. And we better be prepared."Connect with Dwayne KerriganLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwayne-kerrigan-998113281/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedwaynekerriganpodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwaynekerriganpodcast/Website: www.dwaynekerrigan.comDisclaimer The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Dwayne Kerrigan and his affiliates. Dwayne Kerrigan or The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.