Entrepreneur Intel

In the highly competitive beverage industry, differentiating your product is key; a strong story paired with an even stronger omnichannel strategy is a recipe for success. Here to help entrepreneurs refresh their strategy is Co-Founder of Key Sparkling Water, Mike Pilkington!Mike and Wes sit down to crack open the secrets to success in the food and beverage world. Mike shares his lessons learned from Deathwish Coffee, the importance of hiring a HR partner early, and why you need to know your brand’s story.  Takeaways: Success in entrepreneurship is all about the people. It’s one thing to have a vision, but it’s another to take that vision and bring others together around it. A good team that drives greatness is crucial. Extending your passion to your employees is the secret to scaling a small business. When your employees are as passionate about the mission as you are, they feel ownership of results and work hard. An HR partner is an essential early stage hire. When your HR partner is aligned on mission, they will hire people who are stronger fits, and will help make a cohesive company culture. Every company needs to have a culture of accountability. Whether it’s about owning client deliverables or taking out the trash, you want employees who say “I’ll do it” rather than ask “who will do it?”In a crowded market, knowing your brand story is what will set you apart. Understanding what makes you unique, why a customer would buy your product, and the problem that you are solving for them will help differentiate your company. Understanding where your customers are is key to your distribution strategy. While many consumers buy beverages off a store shelf, DTC allows you to better control your narrative, and platforms like Amazon give you a wide reach. When you are running an omnichannel strategy, it’s important to stay consistent across all channels. While messaging can vary by channel, it’s best to keep pricing and promotional details consistent. Quote of the Show:“We weren't selling coffee. We were selling a way you felt every single morning. We were selling a movement. We were selling camaraderie.” - Mike PilkingtonLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-pilkington-yes/ Website: https://keysparklingwater.com/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

Could real estate be the secret to your success as an entrepreneur? This week’s guest thinks so. His company has saved his clients over $2B total through tax incentives. Joining the show is CEO of CORE Solutions Group, Terry Judge!Terry sits down with Wes to dive into the world of cost segregation. Terry outlines what cost segregation is, how you can utilize it, and how you can apply it to previous real estate purchases. Takeaways:Everyone needs a mentor. Whether it’s a formal mentor, or simply a more senior employee you shadow, having someone to show you the ropes is crucial for career success. Cost segregation is an aspect of the tax code that allows real estate investors to write off their property within 1 - 5 years. When someone buys a building, they can end up writing off almost 30%-40% of the purchase price in year one. To implement cost segregation, it’s important to work with a CPA who is familiar with it. Staying compliant is important, and working with a firm that knows the ins and outs of the tax code is crucial to success. When utilizing cost segregation, you need to understand what aspects of a property can and can’t be depreciated. While many aspects of the building itself can be depreciated, aspects like the land it is on cannot. The amount of your income that comes from real estate determines how much you can depreciate against. Real estate professionals can depreciate against most if not all of their income, while people who charge rent may only against rental income. If you previously bought a property, but are only just learning about cost segregation, don’t worry! Through a one time automatic consent with the IRS, you can go back and redo your depreciation, carrying it forward to the current year.Quote of the Show:“If you're going to succeed in any endeavor, why not seek out somebody that's already doing what you want to achieve and just mimic and copy.” - Terry JudgeLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coresolutionsgroup/ Website: https://coresolutionsgroup.net/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

Our guest this week is an entrepreneur who uses her 50 years of experience to drive impact. Through her cosmetology skills, she’s been a force for good in the childhood cancer community for over 20 years. Please welcome to the show, Founder and CEO of Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan, Maggie Varney!Maggie joined Wes Mathews to discuss the work she is doing, and how she got started. Maggie shares her motivations for starting a non profit, the importance of providing a space for kids to feel like themselves, and the best ways for someone to get involved. Takeaways:One of the most important things for an entrepreneur to have is a mentor. Whether it’s before you start your business, or 3 years into your career, having a mentor sets you up for success and can save you from learning lessons the hard way. Inspired by a 16-year-old's need for a wig, Maggie Varney started Wigs 4 Kids to provide help to children with cancer in Michigan. 500 children are diagnosed with cancer each year in Michigan, and there are different requirements for children's wigs, like head size. To help share the work of nonprofits, Google offers qualifying organizations $10,000 a month in pay per click ad credits. Understanding how to take advantage of programs like these can help get the right eyes on critical services. By providing additional programs beyond just wigs, Wigs 4 Kids creates a space for kids with cancer to experience normality. As many patients are limited due to compromised immune systems, a safe space allows them to have activities they would otherwise miss. For a kid, a wig is more than just a prosthetic. Beyond changing how they look, a wig changes how they feel. Having a wig and support provides them with both a sense of hope and wellness. Through the use of corporate sponsorships, companies can directly do good in their communities by sponsoring wigs and services. These sponsorships foster community as well as companies get to know about the children they are providing wigs for. Quote of the Show:“I am not going to chase the dollar. I'm going to focus on the kids.” - Maggie VarneyLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggievarney/ Website: https://www.wigs4kids.org/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

When it comes to running a business, you need to have good leadership skills. Our guest this week is a leadership expert who has a holistic approach to entrepreneurship. Joining the show this week is Owner of Chester Street Residence, Scott Seltzer.Scott shares his journey into running a family business. He dives into the challenges of caring for a community, the necessity to be a strong leader, and why he brings 100% of himself to work each day.  Takeaways:One of the most important things in entrepreneurship is to care for your employees. Whether your employees have concerns or exciting news, a good leader is there to listen and understand. When planning to have a child take over the family business, it’s important to have them start at the ground level. A holistic experience of the business functions will give them a good understanding of how it runs, and will help them build trust with other employees.Embrace the positivity and purpose in senior living, where genuine love for people is key. Choose to show up with energy and enthusiasm every day, as your attitude can inspire and uplift those around you.When creating a senior care facility, one of the most important aspects is community. Creating a space where people feel cared and accommodated results in better patient satisfaction, and higher employee engagement. When dealing with major events like COVID, it’s important to align your mission with the needs of the community. Balancing safety and community allowed people to receive the care they needed, and still see family. Approach requests with empathy and politeness. Choose to show up as a leader with a positive mindset and calm demeanor, as handling challenges gracefully is a conscious choice that leads to better outcomes.As a business owner, it’s common to experience frustrating situations. Rather than focusing on the source of the frustration, focusing on the solution helps you see the path forward. Quote of the Show:“To me, leadership is just about solving problems and helping people get better.” - Scott Seltzer Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-seltzer-6177b01/ Website: https://www.chesterstreetresidence.com/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

As a Visionary, do you often feel scattered and overwhelmed? You're not alone! In this episode we sit down with the “visionary’s visionary” to help business owners find better balance. Our guest this week is Author of “Unscatter the Chatter” and Founder of iMatter, Bob Shenefelt!Host Wes Mathews joins Bob to discuss some of the biggest challenges visionary entrepreneurs tend to face. Bob shares the ways that visionaries can bring better structure to their work, the importance of letting go of the vine, and why every leader needs to find the alignment between themselves and their business.  Takeaways:The key lesson in entrepreneurship is to have the courage to pursue your vision and build a team to support you in areas where you may not excel. Understanding your strengths and delegating tasks to capable individuals is crucial for successEmbrace structure and clarity in your ideas to effectively convey your vision to others. Simplify your plans and delegate responsibilities to achieve success smoothly. There is value in structure around what matters most. As a visionary, it's important to let go of trying to do everything and find the right integrator to complement your skills. Embracing your visionary role and seeking support from an integrator can lead to sustainable growth and success in business.Focus on identifying what you excel at and surround yourself with supportive people to leverage your strengths effectively. Delegate tasks that are not aligned with your strengths or target market to allow your team to thrive and achieve successAs an entrepreneur, it’s important to carve out time for yourself. While recreational time can be refreshing, it can also be another business tool. Activities like golf can be relaxing, yet also serve as a way to connect with potential clients. Focus on setting meaningful daily intentions through prioritizing important goals over urgent tasks to have a fulfilling and productive day. Embrace simplicity, gratitude, and community support to drive positive outcomes and achieve personal growthAs an entrepreneur, you can often face self doubt or feelings of imposter syndrome. Self affirmations can help create a positive mindset. It’s important to stop asking “am I successful?” and start affirming “I am successful”.Quote of the Show:“There's value in structure around what matters most and who matters most.” - Bob ShenefeltLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-shenefelt/ Website: https://www.imatter.com/ Book Link: https://a.co/d/gtEU1iy Book Link: https://a.co/d/9h5ZPxj Book Link: https://a.co/d/dVAm0oD Book Link: https://a.co/d/1sYDyqh Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

As an entrepreneur, are your customers buying because they believe in your product, or because they believe in you? This week’s guest explains the difference, and why it’s important for entrepreneurs to know. He’s a skilled entrepreneur, and 4x founder with 2 successful exits. Please welcome to the show, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Targatek, Bill Adams Jr!Bill sits down with Host Wes Mathews to discuss the future of entrepreneurship. Bill shares the importance of humility, how for many entrepreneurs their most successful product is their expertise, and how AI will change business for the better.  Takeaways:One of the most important skills to have as an entrepreneur is humility. While you may have a game plan, it’s important to allow yourself to adapt to roadblocks that arise to prevent disappointment. In business, people are driven to success by either their ego, or their paycheck. While there is no wrong answer, it is important to know your personal motivations. For entrepreneurs, they tend to be more ego driven. When it comes time to scale the business, many entrepreneurs try to “clone” themselves. If you are working off of an established framework, it is easy to hire other people with those skills. But if you are unique in your offerings, it becomes more difficult.One of the best ways to acquire more business is through customer referrals. If you are targeting specific industries, there is a good chance that your customers know other people in the industry who are encountering the same problem. In the past 10 years AI has ushered in a level of change similar to the industrial revolution. While there are many key players, there is still a large degree of first mover advantage. While tools like Chat GPT have garnered attention, they are largely aimed at the corporate workforce. In the current landscape, there is a lack of AI tools that are aimed at executive leaders. For many entrepreneurs, it’s not the product they offer that customers are drawn to, but rather the skills and ability of the entrepreneur. Understanding what your true product is allows you to focus more strongly on what you offer. Quote of the Show:“My job was to take all the technology pro-head and to figure out a way not to change a company, to change an industry” - Bill AdamsLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wadamsjr/ Website: https://targa.ai/ Book Link: https://a.co/d/iXs9eUz Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

This week’s featured guest is someone who has successfully launched and exited 5 tech companies. He’s a 4x New York Times Best Selling Author, and recipient of the United States Presidential Champion of Change Award. Welcome to the show, Co-Founder of Muditā Venture Partners, Platypus Labs, and ImpactEleven, Josh Linkner!Josh joins Host Wes Mathews talks about his journey of entrepreneurship and his philosophy of 'finding a way'. Josh shares his venture into venture capital, his experiences as an author, and how his jazz guitar skills made him a better entrepreneur.  Takeaways:Entrepreneurs have the ability to make things possible despite challenges by finding a way and showcasing ingenuity and resolve. The key is to navigate obstacles with determination and agency to overcome adversities and succeed in various industries.In starting a new venture, consider embracing unconventional ideas and strategies that differentiate you from the competition. Identify untapped opportunities like digital promotions that others may be overlooking to stand out in the market.As an entrepreneur, it's important to diversify your investments and not have all your net worth tied up in a single business to reduce risk. Taking some profits off the table can provide financial security while continuing to build and grow your businessKnowing when to transition from being innovative on the fly to organized and structured in leadership is crucial as a company grows. It's essential to recognize when your skills and approach need to adapt to the changing needs of your organization.Entrepreneurs should focus on solving a significant problem in a novel way rather than just falling in love with an idea. Seeking to be unique in addressing a specific problem can attract early-stage investors and set businesses apart from the competition.It’s important to challenge conventional approaches when facing challenges or opportunities. Embracing the idea of doing the complete opposite of what's been done before can lead to success.For entrepreneurs, true fulfillment comes from creating impact, solving tough problems, and fulfilling one's potential rather than just seeking leisure and relaxation. Entrepreneurs are wired to constantly innovate and contribute.Quote of the Show:“Instead of being cutthroat, what if we did it and we were supportive and we prioritized generosity and kindness and compassion.” - Josh LinknerLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshlinkner/ Website: https://muditavp.com/ Website: https://impacteleven.com/ Website: https://platypuslabs.com/ Website: https://joshlinkner.com/ Books: https://joshlinkner.com/body-of-work/#books Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

Our guest on this week’s episode is an entrepreneur who helps nonprofit organizations be their best. Over 13 years, his organization has invested more than $51 Million into Detroit neighborhoods. Please welcome to the show, Author of “Next Level Nonprofit” and Founder and  CEO of Life Remodeled, Chris Lambert!Chris joins Host Wes Mathews for a discussion on what nonprofits get right, and what they need to improve. Chris shares how he brings together organizations to make the most impact, the lessons nonprofits can learn from for profit businesses, and the importance of providing people with the right opportunities. Takeaways:Ensuring the right talent is well-placed becomes crucial in forming a cohesive and efficient team. Prioritize building a team that shares a unified vision and invests in their development for sustained successIn the nonprofit world, you want to be doing things for communities, not to communities. Understanding the true needs, wants, visions, and values of a community is a crucial first step before any work can happen. Solving problems in business is about finding the right who, not the right how. By having a strong understanding of your mission, you can focus on hiring people who align with that vision, rather than just strictly problem solving. Making meaningful change in communities is about giving people access to the opportunities they deserve. By putting pathways in front of people, you give them agency to be involved in their own progress. As a nonprofit, it can be tempting to chase grants to expand your services. While alluring, it’s important to focus on your mission, and allow yourself to prioritize the services that you excel at. One of the biggest challenges facing nonprofits is their internal team structure. Leadership needs to align peoples’ positions with their passions, and provide coaching across the board. While nonprofits differ from for profit organizations, they can borrow much of the same advice. By distilling and translating many of the prominent business knowledge out there, nonprofits can take a page from business books and grow sustainably. Quote of the Show:“We don't wanna do things to communities or for communities, we only wanna do the work we do with communities.” - Chris Lambert Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lambertliferemodeled/c Website: https://liferemodeled.org/ Book Link: https://a.co/d/9IgXlXi Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

This week's guest is an entrepreneur who believes in making the world a healthier place. She literally grew up in her industry, being exposed to entrepreneurship from her parent’s business. Welcome to the show, Managing Partner at Fitness Things, Kristen Tassielli!Kristen joins Host Wes Mathews and shares her journey in the fitness industry and how she has grown her business through a dedication to excellent service, relational integrity, and wise business strategies. She also highlights the value of relationship building, and the importance of authenticity and deep connections with her employees, customers, and vendors.  Takeaways:Success in business isn't measured by size but rather by profitability and sustainable growth. Entrepreneurs should heed the advice that scaling wisely is often more beneficial than just scaling up.The essence of entrepreneurial success lies not in the size of the business but in the agility to adapt; diversification is imperative. For those carving out their niche, embracing a multifaceted approach and meeting industry standards is fundamental to growth.Starting a business involves overcoming significant barriers, like the need for substantial upfront inventory and the challenges of managing logistics. A smaller, well-managed venture can still thrive, dispelling the myth that bigger always equates to better.While collaboration with your competitors may seem counterintuitive, having good relationships can present unique opportunities. A strong relationship can lead to a business acquisition when an owner is looking to retire. In business, demonstrating a proven track record and consulting to ensure success is more valuable than size—experience speaks. Fostering relationships and delivering on promises breeds credibility and leads to growth.In business, fostering enduring relationships hinges on the steadfast commitment to your word and transparent communication, especially when facing hurdles. Upholding integrity in managing and delivering on expectations is paramount for entrepreneurs.Joining an entrepreneurial community is an enriching experience, offering an energy boost, inspiration, motivation, and a wealth of ideas. More importantly, it creates a supportive space for problem-solving among peers.Quote of the Show:“I can't make decisions knowing that this is gonna affect so many people, without getting in there for a minute.” - Kristen Tassielli Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-tassielli-b36b945/ Website: https://fitnessthings.com/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614

Joining the show this week is a titan in the sports broadcasting industry. With nearly 50 years of broadcasting experience, serving as an announcer for both the Detroit Lions and Michigan Wolverines, he is recognized as “the voice of Michigan football”. Welcome to the show, Jim Brandstatter!Jim joins Host Wes Mathers and narrates his illustrious career as a football broadcaster. He shares his thoughts on his former coaches, how he got started in the industry, the evolution of college football, and his ventures into the world of writing Takeaways:Embrace a philosophy of perpetual learning to surpass your accomplishments of today with those of tomorrow. For entrepreneurs, this translates into constant self-improvement and a recognition that mastery is a moving target, not a final destination.Achieving success in business hinges on the collective triumph of the team, not just the accomplishments of an individual. It's pivotal to embrace team-building and collaboration, as they are foundational to industry success and recognition.The shifting landscape of college sports creates an environment where education is being overshadowed by a semi-professional ethos and rampant transfers for financial gains. This trend raises questions about the true purpose of collegiate athletics.The landscape of collegiate sports is undergoing a transformation with the Name, Image, and Likeness regulations and transfer portal, leading to a predicted decline of the NCAA's influence, particularly in football and basketball.Leveraging his Michigan football broadcasting experience and Detroit roots, Jim secured his spot among the Detroit Lions play-by-play team despite competition, highlighting the importance of local knowledge and a personalized approach in sports broadcasting. Seizing a life-changing career opportunity with both passion and apprehension emphasizes the significance of commitment to excellence and meticulous preparation in sports announcing. Quote of the Show:“If you ever think that you're the best, then you've given up a few spots.” - Jim BrandstatterLinks:Twitter: https://x.com/jimbrandstatter?s=20 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-brandstatter-b314282b/ Website: https://www.jimbrandstatter.com/ Podcast: https://the-brandy-show.simplecast.com/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I9O1Du2CFBfhGkvR1Oyem Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneur-intel/id1720785558 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d7fcd6e-e68f-4855-bb8a-8f872fc5b799 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/entrepreneur-intel-5556614