Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur | Start and Grow Your Own Business

Unlock the secrets to thriving in a traditional industry as we sit down with Tiff Quillan, the founder of Nover Marketing. Sparked by a casual conversation at a picnic, Tiff's journey from a corporate job to launching a successful marketing agency in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sectors is nothing short of inspiring. Hear firsthand how she identified an underserved market and leveraged her expertise to carve out a niche, turning challenges into opportunities. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, Tiff's story is a powerful example of the impact of dedicated client service and niche specialization.In this episode, we delve into fundamental marketing strategies that any business can apply to boost their reach and efficiency. We break down the buyers' journey, emphasizing the importance of targeting customers at the bottom of the funnel with SEO and PPC for maximum ROI. Learn about the stages of the buyer’s journey, the benefits of bottom-of-the-funnel advertising, and why keyword research and local SEO are critical to optimizing your online presence. Tune in to gain actionable insights that will elevate your marketing game and help you capture demand more effectively.ABOUT TIFFTiff Quillan is the owner of Nover Marketing, a marketing agency that serves the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. She spent six years directing marketing strategies for agencies and tech companies with billion-dollar valuations, while simultaneously undertaking freelance projects. Deciding to invest her weekends and evenings into establishing her own brand, she focused on her business during her free time. Within just eight weeks, she was able to resign from her corporate job and fully commit to her venture.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Nover Marketing’s WebsiteConnect with Tiff on LinkedIn

Have you ever wondered how the bustling construction around you could mirror the essential steps in building a successful business? Join our host Brian Lofrumento as he shares his reflections on living in Tampa, where the city's constant development has profoundly influenced his thoughts on the importance of solid foundations in entrepreneurship. Drawing from conversations with many of our distinguished guests from the world of architecture, this episode unpacks the often overlooked but crucial work that goes into creating lasting success, both in business and personal growth.As the vibrant hues of fall settle over Boston, we find inspiration in nature's cycles, making parallels between the changing leaves and the evolution of a business. We discuss the unchanging core values and principles that anchor a venture, even as strategies and products adapt to new seasons. 

What could you achieve if you stopped focusing on the wrong tasks? In this transformative episode of Action Saturday, our host Brian Lofrumento challenges you to rethink your to-do list by creating a "not-to-do" list. Drawing from his early entrepreneurial experiences, Brian reveals the importance of tracking your time to identify non-essential activities that drain your resources. Learn how to focus your efforts on what truly moves the needle, whether it’s during revenue season or strategic planning periods.Discover how different seasons and stages in your business journey demand different priorities. By aligning your actions with your goals, you can make every quarter your most productive yet. Brian shares insights on recognizing shifts in focus, from revenue-generating activities to foundational work, especially during quieter times like Q3. Prepare to revolutionize your productivity and make significant strides in your entrepreneurial journey with actionable tips and personal stories that highlight the power of intentional effort. Don't miss this chance to refine your focus and maximize your impact!

What if you could transform your personal setbacks into revolutionary solutions that improve lives? Join us as we uncover the inspiring journey of Andrew Ronchetto, the visionary CEO and co-founder of Be On, a trailblazing digital holistic wellness platform. Andrew's story starts with his background as a consultant, where his own struggles with injury and the search for comprehensive support sparked a passion for creating impactful technological solutions. Discover how Andrew’s personal and professional experiences fueled his mission, leading him to develop Be On, a platform dedicated to seamlessly integrating technology with holistic well-being.Andrew emphasizes that the heart of holistic wellness lies in the power of community and human connection. Through his experience, he learned that success is achieved when there is synergy between practitioners and individuals, rather than viewing them as separate entities. This episode sheds light on the broader dimensions of well-being, highlighting the importance of relationships and shared experiences in uplifting everyone in our community. We also discuss how Be On empowers individuals by placing them at the center of technology and service design, allowing clients to own their data and control their wellness journeys.Finally, explore the transformative role of AI in enhancing human experiences and fostering meaningful connections. Andrew shares his insights on how AI can support deeper practitioner-client interactions and self-reflection, without replacing the invaluable human touch. He also discusses the significance of authenticity and individuality in entrepreneurship, encouraging listeners to stay true to themselves as the ultimate differentiator in business. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that reveals the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and personal development, and how platforms like Be On are designed to support comprehensive life journeys.ABOUT ANDREWAndrew Ronchetto is the CEO and Co-Founder of Be On, a pioneering digital holistic wellness platform. His personal mission to revolutionize holistic wellness stems from a time when he was injured and struggled to find balanced, integrated support. Feeling like a traffic cop coordinating between therapists and coaches, Andrew was inspired to create a solution. His superpower lies in bringing technology to life, making it a bridge rather than a barrier to holistic well-being. With a commitment to seamless and empathetic wellness experiences, Andrew leads Be On with vision and passion.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Be On’s WebsiteFind Be On on LinkedInFollow Be On on InstagramConnect with Andrew on LinkedIn

Ever wonder how to develop the SKILLS of a leader? Join us as we sit down with Brian Jones, a seasoned leader who took the leap from practicing law to senior roles at GE Insurance and Swiss Re, before ultimately founding Coaching 4 Executives LLC. Explore the evolving landscape of leadership in today's business environment and discover why structured leadership training is waning within companies. Brian sheds light on the entrepreneurial opportunities that exist for those ready to equip future leaders with the skills needed for success.Communication is the heart of effective leadership. Learn how aligning your leadership style with your personal values—and mastering the art of active listening—can transform your ability to guide and influence others. Brian shares insightful analogies, likening great leaders to orchestra conductors who set the tempo and foster a collaborative environment. Understand the power of questions like "tell me more" to truly engage and elevate the voices around you.Executive leadership is more than just management; it's about navigating change and seizing opportunities. Reflect on the role of executive leaders in developing their teams and nurturing growth. Brian discusses the career inflection points that arise, particularly for seasoned leaders in their 40s and 50s, and the quest for long-term fulfillment. Drawing inspiration from impactful leaders like Al Stanley and Nicola Parton, we underscore the importance of clear communication and objective feedback. This episode is packed with actionable takeaways for anyone eager to evolve in their leadership journey.ABOUT BRIANBrian Jones is a retired executive with more than 25 years of global leadership experience, including 8 years spent living and working in Zurich, Switzerland. He has held senior leadership roles at GE Insurance Solutions and Swiss Re in the areas of Operations, Claims, Strategy and Casualty Underwriting.Highly energized by helping people and businesses to develop and grow, upon his retirement Brian started his own leadership coaching and consulting business, Coaching4Executives LLC. Today he works with individuals and teams at varying points of their leadership journeys, from would-be leaders to seasoned CEOs. He also consults with businesses on topics ranging from process improvement and simplification to organizational vitality, executive team development as well as strategic growth.Brian holds a BA and JD from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He is a GE trained Black Belt and Master Black Belt, a member of the International Coaching Federation and is certified in the use of the Hogan HPI, HDS and MVPI Assessments and the Hogan 360 Multi-Rater Feedback Tool. He also frequently posts blogs on the Coaching4Executive site and LinkedIn addressing common leadership challenges.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Coaching4Executives’ WebsiteConnect with Brian on LinkedIn

How can technology revolutionize your small business and enhance work-life balance? Discover the inspiring journey of Jen McFarland, founder of Marit Digital, as she transitions from various IT roles to becoming an empowering entrepreneur. Learn how Jen's extensive experience in higher education and managing a university web services setup uniquely equips her to help small businesses thrive with technology. From AI to WordPress, SEO, and security training, this episode offers rich insights into the services Marit Digital provides and how they can boost your business efficiency.Listen to Jen's candid discussion about the challenges and rewards of transitioning from a full-time job to starting her own venture. She shares invaluable tips on the importance of charging appropriately for services and the strategic moves that helped her build a loyal client base. Learn how fractional tech support can be a game-changer for small businesses, providing crucial reassurance and problem-solving during emergencies. Jen's approach balances maintaining existing infrastructure with introducing new, efficient tech tools to streamline operations, making her support indispensable.Get inspired by how Jen integrates sustainability and community support into her business model. From "Power Hours" to "Get It Done" sessions, discover innovative ways to make tech support accessible and less intimidating. Jen's dedication to planting trees for every new project and holding open office hours underscores her commitment to a better business environment.ABOUT JEN Jen McFarland has more than 20 years working in an array of IT positions. In 2022, she started Marit Digital with the goal of providing support for the many small businesses that lack dedicated technical insights and support. She is on the path to a B Certification for Marit Digital and as well as an occasional writer, covering tech events and stories for the Triangle area.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Marit Digital’s WebsiteConnect with Jen on LinkedIn (and stay tuned for her next AI Cafe!)

Ever wondered how the changing seasons can redefine your perspective on time and action? This episode invites you to explore the powerful transition from "training season" to taking decisive steps in your life and business. Inspired by our host Brian Lofrumento's recent adventures in Miami's dynamic Wynwood neighborhood and a motivating mantra he encountered there, we'll discuss why keeping score — whether against others or yourself — is crucial for your personal and professional growth.

Are you tired of those nagging, mundane tasks piling up on your to-do list? Join your host, Brian Lofrumento, on this Action Saturday episode as we dive into a "boring task sprint," designed to help you regain control and elevate your productivity. Learn the three simple steps to tackle those overlooked chores: list them out, dedicate a focused two-hour block to address them, and reward yourself afterward. Whether it's clearing out your overflowing email inbox or other small tasks you've been putting off, this episode promises an actionable plan to help you conquer them efficiently.Imagine yourself in a cozy coffee shop, your favorite drink in hand, and a timer set—ready to crush your list. By the end of this episode, you'll not only have a clear strategy to tackle those chores but also learn how to make the experience enjoyable. Plus, you'll discover the power of rewarding yourself to build a habit that makes productivity a consistent part of your routine. So, gear up for a transformative two hours and let's turn these boring tasks into an opportunity for major progress!

Discover how a 20-year-old entrepreneur is transforming spaces and lives! Join us as we host the inspiring Gemma Cullen, the young founder of Form + Function Co., who started her design firm while still pursuing her bachelor's degree in interior design. Gemma takes us through her extraordinary journey from humble beginnings—working on small projects for friends and family—to handling major renovations like Airbnbs in Boone, North Carolina. Her message is clear: passion and seizing opportunities are non-negotiable if you want to succeed. Get ready to feel motivated as Gemma shares her fearless approach to embracing potential failure as an integral part of the entrepreneurial journey.Navigating the interior design world is no small feat, and Gemma opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome and the trials of her early projects. Imagine juggling deliveries, managing contractors, and keeping clients thrilled—all while dealing with self-doubt. Growing up in an immigrant family, Gemma’s story is one of resilience and hard work, values that have been her foundation. She shares invaluable tips on building trust and empathy with clients, emphasizing the importance of understanding their daily lives to create harmonious, functional spaces. Learn how to create a luxe feel without losing touch with practicality.Curious about balancing business with academic life? Gemma is your go-to guide. She candidly discusses the complexities of running a design firm while managing a rigorous academic schedule, sharing insights from her demanding projects at Appalachian State University. From staying on top of interior design trends to handling the nitty-gritty of bookkeeping, Gemma’s minimalist and adaptable aesthetic keeps her work fresh and impactful. Plus, she offers practical advice for setting up productive work-from-home environments, stressing the importance of natural light and organization. Don't miss Gemma's future aspirations, including her pursuit of the NCIDQ certification, and how she plans to continue making waves in the design world. Tune in for an episode packed with inspiration, practical tips, and the drive to make your entrepreneurial dreams a reality.ABOUT GEMMAAt only 19 years old, Gemma Cullen established her own design enterprise, Form and Function Co., while pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design and holding a position as president of ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) at Appalachian State University. Gemma's passion for design has been ingrained in her since childhood. Upon her graduation in 2025, she intends to maintain her business within the realm of high-end residential projects while also studying for her NCIDQ certification, which will authorize her to stamp her own construction documents as an accredited interior designer.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Form and Function Co’s WebsiteFollow Form and Function Co. on InstagramFind Form and Function Co. on FacebookConnect with Gemma on LinkedIn

What if you could turn a high school passion project into a successful business venture? Join us as we talk to Zach Derhake, a young tech entrepreneur who has done just that. From his initial steps into the world of SEO to creating groundbreaking platforms like PostPitch and Rhythmatic.ai, Zach's story is one of innovation and relentless ambition. He shares how his age has been both an advantage and a hurdle, offering a unique perspective on the entrepreneurial journey.In this episode, we explore the pivotal role of backlinks in SEO and how Zach's creation, PostPitch, is revolutionizing the link-building process with AI-powered personalized outreach. Hear firsthand how this tool has made a significant impact on conversion rates and the importance of balancing technology with market needs. Zach also offers a peek into his philosophy of customer-first development and the strategies that have propelled his ventures forward.We also tackle the early stages of building a business, from forming vital partnerships to conducting small-scale experiments for validating ideas. Zach highlights the importance of technical co-founders and the art of collaboration, drawing from his own experiences. Additionally, we delve into the unique challenges and opportunities that come with teenage entrepreneurship in the social media age, and the promising future of AI across various industries. This episode is brimming with actionable insights and inspiration for anyone looking to make their mark in the world of technology and business.ABOUT ZACHZach Derhake is a high school technology entrepreneur who began his career in SEO, helping software companies drive more traffic to their sites. After a year in the SEO industry, he noticed that outreach to other websites was tedious and could be improved with technology. This realization led him to build Post Pitch, an AI platform that automates the process of reaching out to other websites for links.Before starting Post Pitch, Zach founded Rhythmatic.ai, an AI song recommender he later sold to the major music label Empire Distributions. More recently, Zach has been working on building a competitive online marketplace for finding real estate agents.Zach has a lot of ideas and loves working on projects. He hopes to eventually start a disruptive technology company that changes the world.LINKS & RESOURCESConnect with Zach on LinkedInEDITORIAL NOTE: It was misstated that Zach sold Rythmatic.ai to Empire Distributions. While he started and grew this company, it was not sold to Empire Distributions.