Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur | Start and Grow Your Own Business

What if you could transform struggling businesses into thriving enterprises? Join us for an unmissable conversation with Aaron Farris and Jamie Kostelac, co-founders of the Titan Group, as they reveal their entrepreneurial journeys and the secrets behind their success. From Aaron's early hustler mentality and impressive prowess in turning around junk removal businesses to Jamie's reflections on how sports and business share the same team-building and competitive spirit, their stories are a masterclass in resilience and determination.Discover the essential mindset and strategies that Jamie and Aaron believe are crucial for entrepreneurial success. They delve into proactive actions, effective problem-solving, and the significance of investing in people and fostering a collaborative environment. Inspired by insights from other entrepreneurs and business leaders, they emphasize that hunger, passion, and an unwavering belief in oneself are the key drivers behind any thriving business. Learn how they moved from building others' legacies to creating their own successful enterprise with the Titan Group, which offers comprehensive business assistance to entrepreneurs.Explore the pillars of growth within the Titan Group, focusing on vision, core values, and personalized motivation. Aaron and Jamie share how aligning hires with a clear vision and emphasizing relationships, integrity, professionalism, and energy have been fundamental to their success. Gain insights into developing leaders, nurturing internal talent, and promoting from within to ensure a robust and scalable business. The episode wraps up with actionable advice on launching your own venture, stressing the importance of passion, sacrifice, and servant leadership in the journey to entrepreneurial success.ABOUT JAMIE & AARONJamie Kostelac has made a name for himself as the owner and operator of a highly successful junk removal franchise. His outstanding performance in sales and customer service has propelled his business to the top of the franchise system. Additionally, Jamie has used his expertise to consult with other franchises, helping them improve their systems and processes.Aaron Farris is a highly successful entrepreneur who has made his mark in the industry through his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence. His impressive career has been marked with several accolades and achievements, including being named Entrepreneur of the Year and winning the prestigious Franchise of the Year award.Jamie and Aaron, both starting from humble beginnings, have diligently earned their success in professional careers. Originating from the same previous organization, they recognized the boundless potential of working together in business. They both chose to stop building another person's empire and instead took the leap to create their own. Recently, they acquired a junk removal franchise with another company with a vision to expand across the country and scale Titan Group.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Titan Group’s WebsiteConnect with Jamie on LinkedInConnect with Aaron on LinkedIn

Can entrepreneurship thrive amidst the chaos of political upheaval and global pandemics? Join our ever-optimistic host Brian Lofrumento as we explore the profound effects of recent historical events on the entrepreneurial landscape. Reflecting on the transformative year of 2020, we discuss the political and economic turbulence that has reshaped business environments. Drawing inspiration from iconic figures like Steve Jobs, we'll delve into how entrepreneurs can navigate these challenging times while making a positive impact on society. Amidst the chaos, the importance of self-care and personal accountability emerges as a crucial theme, enabling us to harness our full potential and contribute meaningfully to the world around us.Reflecting on glowing feedback from our Solo Sunday episode, this discussion emphasizes the significance of focusing on our own health, finances, habits, and mental well-being. With 16 years of entrepreneurial experience, Brian shares insights into common pitfalls that arise when entrepreneurs neglect their own needs for external causes. Prioritizing our own well-being empowers us to contribute more effectively to the collective good. Don't miss this episode as we underscore that being the best versions of ourselves is the key to fostering positive change in society.

Discover how to harness your unique strengths and stand out in today's noisy digital world with expert insights from Heidi Hattendorf, our featured guest in Episode 894. With 25 years of marketing expertise ranging from Fortune 50 giants to nimble startups, Heidi returns to share actionable strategies on how to articulate your unique value proposition. Learn to identify your key differentiators, understand the problems you can solve for your clients, and leverage your personal style to make a lasting impact. This Action Saturday episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs and business leaders looking to propel their ventures forward. Heidi breaks down her approach into three essential steps: defining your strengths, understanding your clients' needs, and showcasing your unique approach. Get practical tips on how to gather input from your team and customers, and why your leadership traits can set you apart. Tune in to cut through the noise, connect with your audience, and build a marketing strategy that highlights what makes you and your business truly unique.ABOUT HEIDIHeidi Hattendorf is a renowned marketing executive turned entrepreneur, leveraging over 25 years of experience and expertise leading Marketing and GTM teams in SaaS and tech in Vice President/CMO roles. She has driven significant revenue growth and EBITDA for brands ranging from Fortune 50 companies to medium-sized SaaS to agile startups. Heidi's experience includes a decade of global leadership based in Europe. A sought-after speaker and innovator, Heidi holds two patents and has been recognized with multiple awards in marketing and business leadership. As a certified business coach, she also provides companies with personalized guidance, leading to improved profitability and scalable growth. Heidi is based in South Florida with clients spanning the globe, benefiting from her comprehensive expertise and dedication to their success.LINKS & RESOURCES Visit Heidi’s Website Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn

What if understanding both the technical and emotional dimensions of business challenges could revolutionize your company's productivity? Lori Fisher, the founder of PLS Management Consulting, joins us to share her transformative journey from working in male-dominated biotech and aerospace industries to pioneering her own consulting firm. Lori delves into how the integration of Dr. Derek and Laura Cabrera's DSRP systems thinking methodology has redefined her management approaches, making business problem-solving more holistic and inclusive.Engaging thoughts and emotions isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a game-changer in manufacturing and beyond. Lori introduces the PLS framework—Purpose, Leap, and Surge—that sets clear goals, fosters collaboration, and leverages transition points in business processes. By applying structured problem analysis and decision-making frameworks like DSRP, Lori demonstrates how businesses can reclaim lost time, enhance productivity, and ensure inclusive problem-solving. This episode is packed with practical insights on creating a work environment where both thoughts and emotions are valued, leading to more effective and sustainable outcomes.Employee engagement goes beyond mere feedback—it requires a participatory process. Lori tackles common misconceptions held by CEOs and discusses the impact of cognitive biases on organizational practices. She highlights the importance of system maps and considering diverse perspectives, including those of frontline supervisors, to implement effective engagement strategies. Declining engagement rates have serious consequences, but with Lori's insights, businesses can become stable, supportive environments for their employees. Join us as we explore these crucial aspects of business management and learn how to foster true employee engagement and productivity.ABOUT LORI After a successful career in technical operations, Lori Fisher launched PLS Management Consulting in January of 2023. In her previous operations leadership roles in industries from biotech to aerospace, Lori led teams with high levels of diversity through crucial business growth during significant junctures of industry-wide importance. These crucible moments helped refine her thinking and through the PLS Framework, Lori shares her efficient and powerful employee engagement, collaboration, and management approach. Her learning, research, and knowledge-sharing lifestyle continues to amplify outcomes. If you are a small-to-medium sized business, reach out to Lori and learn ways to expedite the exchange of ideas within your teams, and amplify individual and group access to options and opportunities, and achieve step-ahead outcomes while simultaneously increasing employee job satisfaction and retention.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit PLS Management Consulting’s WebsiteVisit Cabrera Lab’s Websire for More Info About DSRPConnect with Lori on LinkedIn

How do twin sisters from Arizona State University go from coaching volleyball to becoming the masterminds behind a global Korean culture powerhouse? Join us as we sit down with Jenna and Brianna Tokioka, the dynamic duo behind EVERLAST KOREA. Their journey began with a love for K-pop sparked by the Try Guys YouTube channel and has evolved into an entrepreneurial success story that bridges South Korean talent with international markets. Their deeply rooted teamwork has played a crucial role in their business's rapid rise.In this eye-opening episode, we delve into the intricacies of helping South Korean businesses navigate global expansion. Jenna and Brianna share how they identified a gap in the market and built a network of global partners to provide tailored solutions in PR, marketing, e-commerce, and event management. Emphasizing authenticity and brand integrity, they discuss their commitment to ensuring that Korean brands maintain their cultural identity while adapting to new regions. They offer affordable and effective services to their clients, backed by a comprehensive network of global partnerships.We also explore the compelling storytelling present in K-pop and the powerful sense of community it fosters. Jenna and Brianna emphasize the importance of humanizing K-pop artists like BTS, Seventeen, and Epik High, aiming to create a more relatable connection between artists and fans. The episode wraps up with valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on taking risks, personal growth, and the importance of networking. Don't miss this inspiring conversation with Jenna and Brianna Tokioka, and learn how their passion for Korean culture is making a global impact.ABOUT EVERLAST KOREAEstablished in 2022, EVERLAST KOREA is a hybrid creative agency and entertainment platform catering its services to the global expansion of Korean culture and entertainment.EVERLAST KOREA's global entertainment platform strives to evolve alongside the ever-changing media and entertainment landscape by establishing a genuine global platform where more authentic storytelling, documentation, and global coverage about Korean culture and entertainment can take place in collaboration with its clients and partners. EVERLAST KOREA's entertainment platform also strives to help people from around the world, who are eager to learn more about Korean culture and entertainment, have easy access to a variety of tools, services, resources, products, and content that can help them get closer, stay informed, as well as become familiar with the great things emerging out of South Korea.As a creative agency, EVERLAST KOREA continuously seeks unique ways to provide a variety of data, tools, services, solutions, and resources for talents, brands, and businesses based in South Korea, that will help them expand within global markets without having to sacrifice their rooted culture and identity. EVERLAST KOREA offers various in-house B2B and B2C services, alongside outsourcing services to its official global partners, who not only are experts in their respective industries and regions, but also have a genuine interest in helping Korean businesses succeed in their markets.LINKS & RESOURCES Visit EVERLAST KOREA’s WebsiteFollow EVERLAST KOERA on InstagramSubscribe to EVERLAST KOREA’s YouTube Channel

Ever wondered how a marketing executive navigates the leap to entrepreneurship? With over 25 years of experience at industry giants like Motorola, Heidi Hattendorf shares her journey and the lessons learned in transitioning to helping companies of all sizes and industries with global marketing strategies. Gain insights into how to avoid the common pitfalls solopreneurs face, such as getting distracted by the fun but less impactful aspects of marketing, and learn the importance of a well-defined strategic approach to achieve real business growth.Explore the art of storytelling in marketing and discover how making your customer the hero of your narrative can revolutionize your approach. Using examples like Apple's iconic AirPods commercials, we delve into how understanding and addressing customer problems can create deeper connections and more compelling stories. Learn why focusing on meaningful metrics such as conversion rates and customer satisfaction is crucial for translating marketing efforts into tangible results and sustained loyalty.Get up to speed on the essential components of effective marketing with a balanced strategy that combines both inbound and outbound tactics. Heidi offers actionable advice on leveraging AI to enhance your marketing efforts, from idea generation to personalization, without losing sight of your strategic goals. We also discuss the benefits and challenges of partner strategies and the evolving role of AI. Join us for this enriching episode as we provide the tools and insights needed to refine your marketing strategies and achieve sustainable growth.ABOUT HEIDI Heidi Hattendorf is a renowned marketing executive turned entrepreneur, leveraging over 25 years of experience and expertise leading Marketing and GTM teams in SaaS and tech in Vice President/CMO roles. She has driven significant revenue growth and EBITDA for brands ranging from Fortune 50 companies to medium-sized SaaS to agile startups. Heidi's experience includes a decade of global leadership based in Europe. A sought-after speaker and innovator, Heidi holds two patents and has been recognized with multiple awards in marketing and business leadership. As a certified business coach, she also provides companies with personalized guidance, leading to improved profitability and scalable growth. Heidi is based in South Florida with clients spanning the globe, benefiting from her comprehensive expertise and dedication to their success. LINKS & RESOURCES Visit Heidi’s Website Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn

What if self-accountability was the missing key to unlocking your full entrepreneurial potential? Join our host Brian Lofrumento for a reflective Solo Sunday episode where he reveals the hardest challenge every entrepreneur faces: holding ourselves accountable. Drawing from Brian's own experiences in the corporate world, we'll contrast the built-in accountability structures found in traditional jobs with the often lonely path of entrepreneurship. You'll gain insights on how to manage your most precious resource—time—and learn why being your own motivator and disciplinarian is crucial for achieving productivity, business growth, and ultimately, making a meaningful impact.In this episode, we'll explore how aligning your daily actions with your long-term goals can set you on the path to success, whether you're building a business, striving for fitness, or mastering a new skill. By setting clear objectives for the next 30, 60, or 90 days, you can ensure your habits are in sync with your aspirations, paving the way for remarkable progress.

Ever wished you could read the minds of your ideal customers? Imagine tapping into their unfiltered thoughts and conversations without them even knowing. In this Action Saturday our host Brian Lofrumento unveils his favorite daily strategy: eavesdropping on your target audience. Discover how silently observing discussions on platforms like Facebook Groups and Reddit can provide invaluable insights into what truly matters to your customers.

What happens when a high-powered attorney shifts gears to focus on retirement planning for high achievers? Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons, the founder of Encoraco, joins us to share her incredible journey. In this episode you'll gain invaluable insights on the emotional and psychological complexities of stepping away from an intense career, particularly one filled with high achievement and purpose. Elizabeth's personal experiences illuminate the importance of preparing mentally as well as financially for this major life transition.We dive into the critical aspects of structural planning beyond mere financial considerations. Elizabeth and our host Brian Lofrumento explore the deep connections between professional identity and feelings of loss, and how new life structures and routines can provide the stability you need when moving out of your comfort zone. We'll challenge traditional notions of retirement and advocate for continued engagement in meaningful activities that keep you fulfilled.Discover how to identify your true passions and manage your time effectively in retirement. Elizabeth offers practical advice on recognizing the themes that make your work fulfilling and integrating these passions into your daily life. This episode is packed with wisdom and actionable tips for entrepreneurs and high achievers seeking intentionality and fulfillment in their next big life transition. Tune in and transform your retirement outlook with expert guidance from Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons.ABOUT ELIZABETH Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons is the founder of Encoraco, a coaching and consulting company that focuses on helping high-achieving entrepreneurs, professionals, and executives design a plan for their lives when they "retire" from their current endeavors. Elizabeth and her team have guided hundreds of founders, lawyers, doctors, and executives as they prepare for and navigate retiring from an intense career. Her first book, "Encore: A High Achiever's Guide to Thriving in Retirement" will be released in September. Elizabeth is also a lawyer, speaker, and consultant. LINKS & RESOURCES Visit Encoraco’s Website Visit Elizabeth Parsons PLLC’s Website Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn

Can meaningful conversations transform the way we connect in a digital age? Join us for an eye-opening discussion with Josiah Kowles, co-founder and CEO of Cudo, as he shares his remarkable journey from serving in both the Army and Navy to studying economics at Penn State University, and ultimately, to creating a platform focused on genuine dialogue. You'll hear how Cudo evolved from a fitness startup to a beacon of thoughtful interaction, countering the transient nature of social media. Josiah's experience teaches us the importance of mindset, discipline, and resilience in entrepreneurship, offering practical advice to keep pushing forward even on the toughest days.Our conversation doesn't stop at digital interactions; we delve into the power of live events to build real-world connections. Learn about the innovative concept of reverse panels, inspired by Josiah's military background, where attendees become the speakers, sharing their perspectives and fostering robust community interaction. These events highlight the critical roles of discipline and vulnerability, skills Josiah has honed through his diverse experiences. Tune in for personal strategies that will help you stay motivated and resilient, invaluable insights for every entrepreneur navigating their path.Finally, we explore Cudo's ambitious mission to enable thoughtful discussions on pressing political, academic, and technological topics. Josiah shares the challenges and triumphs of moderating constructive exchanges while adapting to user feedback. Discover how AI plays a pivotal role in content management and community building. If you're an aspiring entrepreneur, don't miss this chance to gain wisdom from Josiah's journey and hear about exciting opportunities to join Cudo as an intern. This episode is brimming with insights that promise to inspire and equip you for your entrepreneurial endeavors.ABOUT JOSIAHJosiah Kowles is driven by a passion for innovation and creating tangible, positive change. Josiah is the Co-founder and CEO of Cudo, a groundbreaking community hub for thoughtful dialogue, and pursuing studies in economics at Penn State University.Josiah's journey is marked by a diverse range of experiences. Having served in both the Army and Navy, he brings a unique perspective shaped by his military background. His dedication to innovation and fostering meaningful connections drives his work at Cudo, where he empowers individuals to share their voices and perspectives.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Cudo’s WebsiteConnect with Josiah on LinkedIn