In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Debi Potter, a dear friend and inspiring entrepreneur who has been a pioneer in the field of canine nutrition for over two decades. Debi turned a personal tragedy into a thriving business, Snake River Bakery, a company renowned for its fresh, healthy dog treats made from human consumable ingredients. Twenty-three years ago, Debi embarked on her journey into canine nutrition after losing her first dog to stomach cancer. This profound loss ignited her quest to understand how to improve dogs' diets. Her dedication led her to create Snake River Bakery, where she produces freshly baked dog treats from locally sourced ingredients. She offers distinctive flavors such as salmon, pumpkin spice, carob mint, and honey ginger, each designed with health benefits in mind. Throughout our conversation, we talked about the intricacies of starting and running a pet food business, from addressing regulatory hurdles to ensuring the highest quality ingredients. Debi’s story is a testament to passion and perseverance, as she expands her business and continues to educate pet owners on the importance of healthy nutrition for their furry friends. ### Key Takeaways: - **Dedication to Freshness and Quality:** Debi's treats are made fresh to order, utilizing only human consumable ingredients like wild-caught US-sourced fish and locally grown produce. This ensures maximum nutritional value and safety. - **Rigorous Standards and Compliance:** Debi has navigated and complied with stringent FDA and AAFCO regulations, underscoring her commitment to providing a safe, high-quality product. - **Consumer Education:** Debi emphasizes the importance of understanding pet treat ingredients. She advises pet owners to choose treats with fewer than five, pronounceable ingredients sourced from the US and warns against harmful additives like titanium dioxide. - **Creative Expansion:** In addition to treats, Debi now offers recipes for food toppers on her website, blending convenience with high nutritional standards. It was also wonderful to reflect on our long-standing friendship and to acknowledge the mutual support that has played a significant role in our respective journeys. Connect with Debi at https://www.snakeriverbakery.com

Welcome to another episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast! This week, I sat down with Lori Saitz, founder and CEO of ZenRabbit, to talk about the power of personal development in the workplace.  Lori and I discussed how bringing tools and techniques to manage thoughts can elevate productivity and profitability within a business. It's not just about the bottom line; it's about creating a healthier, more engaged, and innovative environment for employees. We also discussed the importance of fostering an environment where communication flows freely, and team members feel empowered to propose alternative solutions without fear. Encouraging curiosity and the exploration of ideas leads to greater creativity and innovation.  Being solution-focused and learning from mistakes are also crucial aspects of effective leadership, vital for guiding and managing teams. Lori highlighted the significance of starting each day with a few moments of meditation or gratitude. This practice can transform an entrepreneur's chaotic lifestyle into a more peaceful and productive one. Key Takeaways: - Bringing personal development into the workplace can significantly boost employee engagement, creativity, and innovation. - Fostering a safe environment for open communication and idea-sharing is essential for building strong teams. - Encouraging curiosity and learning from mistakes are crucial for leadership and team success. - Meditating and practicing gratitude daily can lead to a more balanced and peaceful life, especially for entrepreneurs. - Taking time off to recharge is beneficial for sustained productivity and mental well-being. Towards the end, Lori also shared a bit about her podcast, "Fine is a 4 Letter Word," where she shares the stories of those who appear to "have it all" but face internal struggles, offering hope and guidance to listeners. Stay connected with Lori via her website at: http://zenrabbit.com

In this episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Doug Mitchell, a seasoned expert in building and scaling sales teams. Doug has over a decade of experience in this field, generating $35,000,000 in sales commissions over the past 13 years. As the host of the Building Great Sales Teams podcast, he brings invaluable knowledge to our conversation, especially for those looking to refine and supercharge their sales processes. We had a great chat about the importance of using sales scripts effectively—not as a crutch to read from during sales presentations, but as a training and assessment tool. He also discussed the role of a well-crafted sales deck in staying on track and delivering powerful presentations. This episode is a goldmine for anyone looking to enhance their sales approach, whether you're a solopreneur or running a large sales team. ### Key Takeaways: - **Sales Scripting for Training:** Doug emphasizes that a sales script should be used primarily for training and evaluating the sales presentation rather than being read during the actual presentation. This helps to ensure that salespeople are consistently improving. - **Sales Deck as a Visual Guide:** He suggests using a sales deck—which includes a cover page, qualification page, presentation, pricing, and closing page—as a visual form to guide the presentation. This helps to keep the presenter on track without sounding robotic. - **Post-Presentation Evaluation:** Doug also suggested referencing the sales script again after the presentation to evaluate performance and identify areas for improvement. Constant refinement is key to long-term success. - **AI Tools for Analysis:** We also talked about the use of AI tools like Fathom AI for analyzing sales conversations and improving conversion rates. These tools are incredibly valuable for understanding where you might be losing potential clients. - **Power of Building Relationships:** Doug shares his experiences on the significance of social media engagement and building relationships at events, which can lead to successful sales. He emphasizes the long-term value of relationship-based sales over transactional interactions. Throughout our conversation, Doug also highlighted the vital role of in-person events and networking in fostering creativity and learning across different industries. The energy and ideas exchanged during these events are irreplaceable, even with the convenience of virtual platforms. ### Connect with Doug Mitchell: Be sure to connect with Doug on his website: http://salesprogrambuilder.com

In this episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast, I had the pleasure of bringing in one of my best friends, the Brownie Queen herself Katarina Alshaier. She is the entrepreneurial force behind Devour Sweets, an online brownie boutique based in Miami. Our conversation led to a deep dive into Katarina's evolution from a local brownie vendor to a nationwide sensation, showing just how powerful networking, innovation, and unwavering dedication to quality service truly are the keys to creating success. Katarina's journey highlighted the impact of adapting to challenges as she pivoted her business strategy in the face of the pandemic. Her shift to virtual networking and catering to the demands of gluten-free and vegan customers showcased her entrepreneurial mindset under pressure. One key takeaway from our discussion with Kat is the importance of starting small and remaining consistent in both business development and networking efforts. Through her experience catering for Daymond John from Shark Tank, Katarina underscored the significance of building relationships & seizing opportunities. Her journey serves as a testament to the rewards of dedication and unwavering commitment to entrepreneurial endeavors. To connect with Katarina and explore her amazing brownies, check out her website at  https://devoursweets.us/.

In this episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Chad King, the Vice President of Ayoka Systems, a local software development firm. Chad shared his thoughts on building successful businesses around key functional aspects and the importance of effective communication in problem-solving. **Key Takeaways:** - Effective communication is crucial in addressing concerns and enhancing collaboration within business processes. - Understanding the difference between what businesses want and what they actually need can lead to tailored solutions that drive growth and success. - Evaluating available solutions before opting for custom software development can help businesses make more informed decisions and maximize resources. - Prioritizing active solicitation of feedback and involving all team members in decision-making processes fosters a culture of engagement and satisfaction. - Implementing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) approach allows for incremental improvements based on actual usage and feedback, leading to more effective solutions. Chad King's expertise in developing customized software solutions for mid-enterprise level organizations was evident as he shared practical strategies for leveraging technology to optimize business operations. His passion for helping local businesses implement automated solutions to drive growth was truly inspiring. Connect with Chad and learn more about Ayoka Systems at https://ayokasystems.com and https://rentmysoftware.com

Kenny Lange, a leader in nonprofit and purpose-driven businesses, shares insights on aligning vision with goals, eliminating chaos in growth, and focusing on strengths in leadership. The conversation emphasizes the importance of structured frameworks, organizational charts, and embracing possibilities for business success.

Welcome to another episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast! Today, we had the pleasure of sharing an awesome chat with my friend, Kevin Breeding. Kevin is an executive coach, consultant, and all-around life navigator. Whether you’re a small business owner just getting started or are the CEO of a multimillion-dollar corporation, this conversation is going to share the keys you need to create harmony in scaling and growing without losing your life while doing it. Kevin shared how his personal journey, particularly a recent health crisis, reshaped his approach to both life and business, emphasizing the need for maintaining a harmonious balance across all facets of one’s existence. We explored how crucial it is for solopreneurs and business leaders to delegate effectively to prevent burnout and encourage growth. Here are the key takeaways from our conversation: - **The Importance of Clear Goals and Strategic Roadmaps:** Without these, businesses often find themselves off track. Precision in planning and clarity of objectives ensures sustained growth. - **Set Expectations in Business Relationships:** Misunderstandings can derail even the most promising of partnerships. Clear agreements pave the way for smoother collaborations. - **Harmony Over Balance:** Kevin advocated for creating harmony in life rather than merely balancing it, which allows for a more integrated approach to handling business and personal challenges. - **Communication is Key:** Whether dealing with a virtual assistant or managing a large team in a corporation, the effectiveness of your communication determines the success of your interactions and the clarity of your business vision. - **Personal Transformation Fuels Professional Success:** Kevin’s personal journey highlighted how significant life changes necessitate reevaluation of both personal and professional goals, emphasizing the importance of adaptable learning and prioritization. For anyone interested in connecting with Kevin, you can find him at the social links below: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinbreeding/ https://www.facebook.com/kevinbreeding.coach

What to know what it’s like to be a power connector? In today's episode #MeetCoolPeople, we're joined by Jeffrey Casanova, a 30-year sales professional with a passion for leadership through coaching. Through his diverse experience both in corporate settings and on the baseball field, Jeffrey unpacks the art of leadership, the nuances of sales across different demographics, and the critical importance of cybersecurity in today's business ecosystem. Jeffrey kicked off his early days in sales, mastering the delicate art of customer interactions while selling men's designer suits in California. This experience not only honed his sales tactics but also solidified his love for connecting with people - something that has propelled his career forward. He loves to draw parallels between coaching sports and leading a corporate team, emphasizing the indispensable values of accountability, flexibility, and organization. These skills aren't just for the ballpark or the boardroom; they are crucial life skills that young people carry into adulthood. The thing that’s stood out the most for myself is Jeffrey’s ability and willingness to cbe a powerful connector. As i’ve got to know him personally in the Dallas Fort Worth area, he has been the single more key person to helping me get connected to the business community right in my back yard. And THAT is why I knew you needed to meet him! 🙂 Here are a few things we covered during out chat… The art of adapting: Understand and incorporate different communication styles and cultural nuances in sales strategies.Leadership beyond the boardroom: How principles from coaching youth sports apply to corporate leadership and personal growth.Cybersecurity is everyone’s business: Key strategies for protecting your corporate environment in a digital world.Building lasting connections: The importance of nurturing relationships not just for business gains but for long-term personal and professional growth.The "karma" of networking: Building a network isn't just about what others can offer you but also about how you can contribute to their success. I’d love for you to take a moment to connect with Jeffrey and let him know you heard him on the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast. Reach out to him on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-o-casanova-31a747b/

In this episode of #MeetCoolPeopl, I had the pleasure of welcoming Casey Hasten, director of recruiting and coaching at VIP, podcast host, and powerhouse CEO Success North Dallas. We dove into discussions ranging from the significance of making valuable connections to the power of saying 'no' to events that don't align with your goals. Casey shared the key elements that have significantly contributed to her success and personal growth. We also tackled the art of balancing professional commitments with personal time, something Casey has mastered to maintain her well-being and productivity. Here are a few key nuggets we covered in our conversation: - **Professional Networking**: Casey stressed how networking events changed her life, especially meeting Bill Wallace, who introduced her to Success North Dallas. She highlighted the importance of being selective with your networking to ensure it adds value to your life and career. - **The Power of Saying No**: We discussed how crucial it is to guard your time. Learning to decline events or commitments that don't serve you or align with your priorities is vital for maintaining your health and focus. - **Commitment and Prioritization**: Casey provided insights into how managing commitments through clear and decisive choices can lead to greater effectiveness and satisfaction in both professional and personal spheres. - **Personal Development**: Casey's pursuit of always learning and the creation of her journal, "Awaken Your Potential," shows the importance she places on continual growth and empowerment. - **The Role of Routine**: A structured morning routine, influenced by Hal Elrod’s "The Miracle Morning," helps Casey stay grounded and productive, demonstrating the transformative power of dedicated personal time. If you want to get connected with Casey and discover more about her strategies for success, personal growth, and networking, you can reach her at hello@caseyhaston.com.

Welcome back to the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast and I had the pleasure of having a couple of great chats with Cliff Ravenscraft, a business strategy and mindset coach, who many know as the Podcast Answer Man. In today's episode, Cliff delves deep into the philosophy of work-life balance, a topic that resonates with so many of us in today's fast-paced world. He stresses the importance of being fully invested in each moment and prioritizing life experiences over work demands. Through our conversation, he talks about how embracing work as a part of life rather than a separate entity can lead to a more fulfilling existence. Cliff also shared his thoughts on success, urging us to take a step back, evaluate our choices, and priorities purposely. He also walked through an exercise he goes through with clients to help them find their top 3 goals that actually have true meaning in their life.. But it's not all just about the money or the success—it's about finding peace, fulfillment, and contentment. Cliff shared some of his coaching methods, targeting entrepreneurs who may feel that something is missing despite their financial achievements.  Key takeaways from this episode: - Balance is about integration, focusing on being present and intentional with your time. - Success requires clarity—identify your wants, sort out your dreams, and set clear, achievable goals. - Mindset plays a crucial role in podcasting—technical skills are not enough; purpose and overcoming barriers are critical. - Identify yourself beyond the labels—ask foundational questions to uncover deeper personal truths. - Value each connection and conversation for its unique contribution to your life. Connect with Cliff and watch his presentation from “Free The Dream” at https://mindsetanswerman.com/free.