Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur | Start and Grow Your Own Business

Former third-grade teacher turned entrepreneur, Mike Cronley, is reshaping the educational landscape with Class Composer, a groundbreaking solution for classroom placement. Discover how a chance encounter in the teacher's lounge led Mike to develop a tool that replaces outdated paper-based methods with a software solution that prioritizes balance and equity in classrooms. Mike's authentic journey from educator to innovator underscores the power of mission-driven entrepreneurship in transforming education for the better.Embark on a journey with us as we explore how entrepreneurship can catalyze meaningful change within the education sector. Learn how stepping outside conventional structures allows for innovative solutions like Class Composer to emerge, simplifying processes and fostering equitable learning environments. Hear from Mike as he shares insights on overcoming resistance and the value of supportive leadership in embracing fresh approaches to long-standing challenges.In an industry brimming with potential, Mike's story highlights the delicate balance between mission-driven goals and business realities. We delve into the art of navigating the education market, emphasizing the importance of staying true to one's mission amidst evolving technological landscapes, including the integration of AI. Join us for a compelling conversation about the transformative power of entrepreneurship and the enduring quest for educational equity.ABOUT MIKEIn his 12 years teaching third grade near Denver, Colorado, Mike Cronley shared the frustrations of many colleagues enduring inequitable classes – for example, classes having an imbalance of low readers or students with challenging behavior. These imbalances weren’t surprising, given the student placement process was done with pink and blue paper cards. Mike, who received his B.S. in Psychology from the Ohio State University and an elementary teaching certificate from the University of Colorado Denver, is no longer in the classroom, but is an educator at heart who loves making a positive impact on the lives of teachers and students.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Class Composer’s WebsiteConnect with Mike on LinkedIn

What if building a successful business was as much about operational foundations as it is about vision and innovation? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Brenna Souza, the brilliant mind behind Resonate Growth, as she shares her remarkable journey from the bustling tech scene of Silicon Valley to the dynamic landscapes of Texas. Brenna’s career is a masterclass in adaptability, from navigating the dot-com bubble burst with a degree in management information systems to becoming the youngest female real estate appraiser in Northern California. Her transition from a real estate appraisal firm owner to a seasoned tech consultant provides unique insights into the world of business growth and operational efficiency.Explore the intriguing balance between strategic vision and tactical execution, especially when managing a fast-growing company with a remote workforce. Brenna discusses the often-overlooked details that can become resource drains, like compliance and establishing a nexus in different states. Through personal stories and experiences, we gain valuable insights into the importance of having a network of fellow founders and seasoned executives to guide entrepreneurs through the complexities of sustainable growth. Brenna’s perspective sheds light on the crucial role of executive support, emphasizing how an operational partner can transform an executive's ability to manage time and responsibilities effectively.Brenna takes us on a journey of transforming complex workflows into accessible resources for smaller businesses. Hear how she breaks down extensive systems into manageable pieces, offering practical products like sourcing workbooks and templates. Her emphasis on establishing solid operational foundations early to avoid costly mistakes later is a treasure trove of advice for budding and seasoned entrepreneurs alike.ABOUT BRENNABrenna Souza is the founder of Resonate Growth, an operational consulting firm dedicated to empowering early-stage startups and small businesses. With a decade of experience in Silicon Valley, she has been instrumental in driving success for some of the Valley's most prominent founders, collaborating with executives across tech, government, banking, and real estate sectors. As a serial entrepreneur, Brenna previously owned a successful real estate appraisal firm in Northern California for ten years. Her extensive tenure in the startup ecosystem has given her unique insights into operational excellence and growth strategy. Following a mindful sabbatical in Texas during 2020 focused on health and personal development, she returned to entrepreneurship, combining her passion for helping others with her operational expertise. When not advising clients, Brenna pursues her interests in hiking, gardening, and developing her organic aromatherapy line.LINKS & RESOURCESGo to Resonate Growth’s WebsiteConnect with Brenna on LinkedIn

Curious about how passion can transform into a thriving tech business? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Riean Knight, the visionary mind behind Honey to Cocoa, an innovative AI-powered beauty app. Hear how Riean's journey from retail and fintech to the beauty industry led her to create a solution for people of color seeking the perfect makeup match. Her transition from makeup artist to tech entrepreneur is a testament to the power of persistence and ingenuity. Discover how personal experiences and a dedication to inclusivity can fuel groundbreaking developments in the intersection of beauty and technology.Unpack the complexities behind developing an AI-powered app with Riean. She walks us through the fascinating process of turning an ambitious idea into reality, revealing the technical challenges and innovations involved. Learn about the intricate process of building a comprehensive database of makeup products and the importance of strategic partnerships with independent beauty brands. Riean's insights into the app's architecture and monetization strategies provide a valuable blueprint for anyone interested in tech entrepreneurship and the beauty sector.Finally, explore the personal growth journey that accompanies entrepreneurial success. Riean shares her approach to maintaining a harmonious lifestyle, balancing work and personal life, and the lessons she's learned about resilience and hope. Her candid reflections on overcoming challenges and embracing opportunities for growth offer invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. As Honey to Cocoa prepares for its app launch, Ryan's story underscores the importance of innovation, community, and the relentless pursuit of one's passion in the entrepreneurial world.ABOUT RIEANChicago-born and beauty-obsessed, Riean Knight is a customer success leader with over a decade of experience in retail and fintech. As a servant leader with a creative flair, she's spent 10+ years as a makeup artist and moonlights as a stylist, making it her mission to bring out the beauty in everything. Now, she's channeling her passion into Honey to Cocoa, an AI-powered app helping people of color find their perfect makeup match. When she's not revolutionizing beauty tech, you’ll find her curating stunning dinner parties, designing chic interiors, or binge-watching Harry Potter and anime.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Honey to Cocoa’s WebsiteFollow Honey to Cocoa on InstagramFind Honey to Cocoa on TikTokConnect with Riean on LinkedIn

What if you could transform the student housing experience for families worldwide? Join us as we sit down with Nancy Schwartz, a trailblazing entrepreneur who has shifted from a successful advertising career to launching Semester Sublet, a platform revolutionizing short-term student housing. Inspired by her own challenges as a parent of study-abroad students, Nancy created a space where students and families can seamlessly connect for subletting opportunities. Her journey is a captivating tale of identifying market gaps and using creative problem-solving to make a tangible difference in students' lives.Nancy shares her vision of making Semester Sublet accessible to both tech-savvy students and their parents, who may not be as comfortable with technology. We explore how the platform eases the subletting process with user-friendly features like drop-down menus and simple postings. Nancy sheds light on the targeted approach of reaching parents as primary customers and discusses potential university partnerships. By addressing housing and financial issues, she resonates with families who face these challenges, offering them a much-needed solution during study-abroad semesters.Discover the strategic measures Nancy employs to expand Semester Sublet's reach, including engaging with college dance marathons and forming community partnerships. Nancy's emphasis on organic growth has led to heartwarming success stories of students who sublet their apartments to pursue invaluable opportunities abroad. As she continues to focus on short-term objectives and strategic growth, Nancy empowers students and their families, alleviating the financial burdens of education. Her story is a testament to how even short-term goals can lead to remarkable achievements, transforming the landscape of student housing one sublet at a time.ABOUT NANCYAfter a successful career as Director of Advertising for a Fortune 50 firm in NYC, Nancy Schwartz and her husband moved to Boston where they have raised their family which includes graduates from the University of Maryland, Indiana University, the University of Pennsylvania and the State University of New York at Albany. Nancy founded The JJA Group, a rental housing business providing off campus housing for students in Albany, New York. However, as the mother of 3 study abroad alums, solving the "One Semester Housing Dilemma" was a mission. The idea for Semester Sublet percolated for over 8 years and 1 year ago Semester Sublet was created.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Semester Sublet’s WebsiteFollow Semester Sublet on InstagramFind Semester Sublet on FacebookConnect with Nancy on LinkedIn

What happens when a corporate career no longer satisfies your passion? Meet Ellie Hoekman, career coach extraordinaire and founder of Rock and Secure, who left her roles as a full-cycle recruiter and business intelligence analyst to ignite a new path in career coaching. This episode unveils Ellie's transformative journey, sparked by a thought-provoking question from a colleague that led her to discover her true calling. We explore the powerful narrative of pursuing one's passion, finding a niche, and embracing the challenges of starting a new business focused on helping professionals in industrial and organizational psychology.Unlock the secrets of mastering communication skills with insights from Ellie as she shares her expertise on turning interviews into opportunities for success. Her advice transcends simple word choice, spotlighting the significance of tonality and authentic self-presentation. Discover how to navigate those tricky interview questions with grace by focusing on future aspirations and presenting your best self. Ellie’s tips aren’t just for job seekers; they’re valuable for anyone looking to enhance their professional interactions in various settings, emphasizing the importance of balancing emotions and maintaining a positive outlook.Venture further into the entrepreneurial realm with Ellie’s strategies for goal setting and motivation. Hear about the trials and triumphs of building a business, the importance of client success, and the structure of impactful career training programs. Ellie opens up about overcoming self-doubt with guidance from mentors and the strength in relatability. From the practical challenges of scalability to the joy of doing what you love, this episode offers a treasure trove of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Tune in to learn how to keep a guiding vision that aligns your aspirations with your current actions, ensuring long-term success in both career and life endeavors.ABOUT ELLIEEllie Hoekman is a Career Coach and the Founder of Rock and Secure LLC. The name Rock and Secure comes from the idea that if you can learn how to "Rock" your interview, you can "Secure" some awesome job offers. Ellie's niche is helping professionals in the Industrial and Organizational Psychology field, which is a very specific type of psychology focused on improving the workplace and using organizational strategy for business success.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Rock and Secure’s WebsiteConnect with Ellie on LinkedIn

Unlock the secrets of performance marketing with Marina Fomina, a dynamic marketer whose journey from helping her mother's crepe restaurant in Seattle to co-founding Marketing Works is as inspiring as it is informative. Discover how Marina transformed her passion for data-driven strategies into a thriving career that empowers businesses to harness the power of digital marketing. Our conversation reveals Marina's innovative approaches to targeting audiences and optimizing marketing efforts using concepts like concentric circles and the explore-exploit principle.Navigate the evolving world of marketing technology and AI as Marina shares her insights on adapting to new tools and trends. With her Amazon-like mindset, she delves into the benefits of fractional CMO services, offering a unique perspective on how businesses can refine strategies with expert guidance. As AI takes the reins in digital advertising, learn how marketers can shift from manual campaign control to leveraging automated systems for streamlined processes and enhanced results.Join us as we explore the dynamic nature of performance marketing, where precision meets creativity. Marina's "30-second test" strategy sheds light on capturing attention and ensuring continuity between ads and landing pages. From the nuances of broad match keywords to the strategic use of negative keywords, Marina's expertise offers a blend of strategic and tactical advice that no entrepreneur or marketer should miss. Tune in for a captivating episode filled with actionable insights to elevate your marketing game.ABOUT MARINAMarina Fomina is an experienced, results-driven marketer and ex-Amazonian passionate about all things performance marketing. Based in Seattle, she and her business partner Sandra started Marketing Works in early 2024 to help businesses grow using the most effective digital marketing tactics. They first met while working at Amazon, managing annual media budgets up to $60MM to support warehouse hiring in over 2,500 facilities across North America - and this is where Marina got to see how many different paid channels operate at scale - and what actually works. Hence the name Marketing Works :).LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Marketing Works’ WebsiteConnect with Marina on LinkedIn

Ever wondered how an attorney becomes an entrepreneur in the tech world? Our latest episode features Brian Burns, a fascinating guest who took his love for news and problem-solving from the courtroom to the startup scene. Brian's journey from law school to creating Turbo Tabs, a unique personalized news service, is filled with unexpected turns and valuable lessons. He offers insights into how his legal background, experience in consulting, and even teaching middle school math all played a part in his entrepreneurial success.Brian shares the real story behind Turbo Tabs, highlighting the challenges he faced and the triumphs that followed as he taught himself to code and automate processes. Listen to how his diverse career path and relentless curiosity fueled the creation of a tool designed to help users break free from endless doom scrolling. His candid discussion on embracing imperfection and learning from failures provides a roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs. Brian's approach shows the power of a minimum viable product and the importance of feedback in refining a service.In an ever-competitive digital landscape, TurboTabs stands out by empowering users to take control of their content consumption. Brian reveals the inspiration behind his innovative product, aiming to offer a healthier, more intentional interaction with news. The episode wraps up with Brian's advice on persistence, knowing your "why," and the importance of staying true to your vision. Join us as we explore the intersection of curiosity, adaptability, and entrepreneurship in this inspiring conversation.ABOUT BRIANBrian Burns is an attorney, self-taught developer, and news junkie. He graduated from law school in 2016 and has worked for the Federal Election Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, as well as a large international consulting firm in Washington DC. After moving home to Chicago, he began working in-house at a fin-tech startup where he caught the startup bug and became fascinated with coding. In 2020 he was a candidate for U.S. Congress in Illinois and was the campaign manager for a successful candidate for the Illinois State House in 2022. He started building Turbo Tabs - a website that empowers users to design the perfect daily report for themselves. Turbo Tabs is launching to the public in early 2024 and will help users get more from the internet without getting sucked into a doom scroll.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Turbo Tabs’ Website and Use the Promo Code PODCAST to Get a Discount on Your SubscriptionConnect with Brian on LinkedIn

Unlock the secrets of thriving in business with our guest Nica Celly, a trailblazing entrepreneur whose journey began with selling spider plant cuttings as a child and blossomed into a sustainable branding and marketing agency. Nica's story is a testament to adaptability, as she shares how she remixes deadstock clothing into fashionable creations, treating business as a dynamic, living entity. With a holistic approach that integrates yoga into business strategy, Nica offers profound insights on maintaining consistency and awareness, transforming the entrepreneurial landscape with grace and patience.Immerse yourself in the world of holistic branding, where Nica emphasizes the deeper purpose beyond logos and colors. Through this episode, you'll learn how to connect with your audience by developing internal branding documents, creating a foundation of clarity and consistency. Drawing inspiration from the Women's Initiative for Self-Employment, we explore the transformative power of embracing change and personal growth. Nica's wisdom encourages entrepreneurs to lead with intention, lifting their communities and fostering a positive impact despite the pressures of the economic landscape.Explore the fascinating intersection of practice and perseverance, as Nica underscores the journey of becoming a "natural" through repeated effort. This episode shines a light on the power of language and optimism in entrepreneurship, revealing how fostering meaningful connections can unlock new expressions of life and business. Nica's reflections on working with older clients highlight the value of longevity and experience, offering encouragement to entrepreneurs eager to unlock their potential and create lasting change. Join us for a heartfelt exploration that celebrates the wisdom and brilliance of the entrepreneurial spirit.ABOUT NICANica Celly is an entrepreneur's entrepreneur.Her brand, Nicacelly, was founded in 2002 as a design answer to a lack of choices in sustainable fashion, from slow textiles to fair labor. Since then, Nica has endeavored projects of all sizes and scopes, from clothing to branding to website design, and now communications, marketing, and brand writing. With a focus on creating clarity for purpose-driven projects, she is proud to have worked with brilliant minds in social justice, design, music, art, contemplative practices, and regenerative agriculture.She takes a holistic approach, looking at the inside of the business as she redesigned the customer-facing experience.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Nica’s WebsiteVisit YogaCraft’s WebsiteConnect with Nica on LinkedIn

Unlock the secrets of entrepreneurial success as we sit down with John Steele, a digital marketing expert who went from the bustling newsrooms of Philadelphia to leading innovative marketing strategies for tech startups. John's journey highlights the transformative power of strategic content and SEO, showcasing how these elements can drive growth and captivate investors at companies like KeyMe and Pollfish. His insights reveal the exhilarating possibilities within startups, where adaptability and innovation create a dynamic environment ripe for impactful change.Content's role in marketing is constantly evolving, and this episode explores its significance across various industries. The phrase “content is king” takes on new meaning as we discuss the shifting landscape shaped by search engine algorithms, the necessity of focusing on core topics, and the importance of multi-channel distribution, all while keeping your audience's needs at the forefront.Embrace the entrepreneurial spirit with strategic insights designed for startup success. Young entrepreneurs, coders, and engineers often face hurdles in managing their marketing efforts. We break down the critical aspects of strategic marketing, including foundational planning and leveraging technology for scalability. Plus, discover the power of John's powerful Startup Sprints, a method to hit major business milestones efficiently. ABOUT JOHNJohn Steele is a veteran startup marketing executive, having worked with one company that raised over $160 million during his tenure, another that successfully exited and many more. He is now the founder and CEO of John Steele Consulting, a full-service marketing agency laser-focused on the specific needs of startup and small business founders.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit John Steele Consulting’s WebsiteConnect with John on LinkedIn

What if two childhood best friends could harness their unique cultural experiences to revolutionize mental health support for young, diverse communities? Meet Victor Arias and Dan McSwain, the dynamic duo behind Mente, a transformative youth community brand. Rooted in their bicultural Mexican-American upbringing in Dallas, Victor and Dan offer a fresh perspective on leveraging Latino culture's influence to create genuine mental health solutions. Dive into their journey from being known as "Los Gemelos" to becoming pioneers in culturally sensitive mental health advocacy.In a world where the pandemic tested our mental resilience, learn how Victor and Dan responded by founding Mente with a mission to bridge the trust gap between traditional institutions and younger generations. Their approach is not just about providing resources but also about fostering community through authentic engagement. Delve into how they strategically launched their movement in Phoenix, Arizona, tapping into the city's vibrant demographic and engaging audiences through events like music festivals and comedy shows. Discover how they use both online content and real-life interactions to make mental health support relatable and accessible.Victor and Dan's story is a testament to the power of authenticity in entrepreneurship. Hear firsthand how embracing self-reflection and betting on oneself can lead to impactful community building and personal growth. They're not just offering advice; they're living it. Be inspired as they share their experiences and invite you to connect with Mente, explore collaborations, and join their mission to improve lives. This is a conversation filled with passion, insight, and a call to action for anyone looking to make a positive difference in their community.ABOUT VICTOR AND DANVictor Arias and Dan McSwain are childhood best friends from Dallas, TX raised in bi-cultural Mexican American households. Victor has a background in Public Relations and expertise in Latino audience engagement. Dan has a background in politics as well as tech startups.Dan McSwain: 20 years in politics and start ups, focus on young diverse audiences. Part of Obama 2008 HQ new media team and Obama administration. Political and philanthropic experience and networks lead to initial investment.Victor Arias: 20 years in elite, multicultural PR world. Focus on connecting legacy consumer brands with young, discerning, Latino audiences. Expertise in audience sentiments and behaviors for hard-to-reach demographic groups.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Mente’s WebsiteFollow Mente on InstagramFind Mente on TikTokConnect with Victor on LinkedInConnect with Dan on LinkedIn