The Friday Habit

In this episode, Mark and Data Coach Gravy discuss the significance of data in business, exploring Paul's journey from an accidental entry into the data world to becoming a successful entrepreneur. They delve into the lessons learned from the dot-com boom, the importance of data ownership, and the challenges businesses face in managing their data across various platforms. The conversation emphasizes the need for companies to recognize data as their most valuable asset and to take control of it for better decision-making and growth. In this conversation, Data Coach Gravy discusses the importance of data ownership and how leaders can simplify their approach to data management. He emphasizes that data is a company's most valuable asset and should be treated as such. The discussion also covers the evolution of data storage, the impact of AI on business, and the significance of being a data-driven leader. Gravy shares insights on leading remote teams effectively, the role of faith in leadership, and how personal relationships can enhance team dynamics. He concludes with practical advice for leaders to start integrating data into their decision-making processes.Takeaways:Data can drive growth and success for businesses.Paul's journey into data was accidental but transformative.The dot-com boom provided unique opportunities for young entrepreneurs.Learning from mistakes is crucial in business.Data ownership is essential for companies to thrive.Partnerships can complicate business dynamics.Bootstrapping allows for greater control and vision.AI is increasingly reliant on data for effectiveness.Companies must integrate their scattered data for better insights.Understanding data as an asset is vital for modern businesses. Who you are as a company is your data.Data is incredibly simple: strings, dates, and numbers.Leaders must take ownership of their data.SaaS systems are proliferating and are here to stay.AI is integral to the future of business.Love your team to foster better leadership.Success is defined by the love and respect of those who know you best.Having a moral compass simplifies decision-making.Challenges often indicate you're on the right path.Start replacing assumptions with data-driven questions.Connect with Paul: https://www.thedatagroup.cloud/https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgraeveLearn More: Visit TheFridayHabit.com for show notes, resources, and to download the guide on working on your business rather than in it. Stay Connected: Subscribe to The Friday Habit for more real-life business lessons, candid conversations, and actionable strategies to elevate your entrepreneurial journey.

Join hosts Ben and Mark on 'The Friday Habit' as they welcome Chris Ronzio, founder and CEO of Trainual, a leading SaaS platform for small business training and onboarding. They delve into discussions about organizational charts, systems, and processes essential for business scalability. Chris shares insights from his journey, including his consulting background, the development of Trainual, and his entrepreneurial roots. He also talks about his book 'The Business Playbook,' which serves as a comprehensive guide for creating effective business systems. Packed with valuable advice and humorous anecdotes, this episode provides a deep dive into the world of small business management and optimization.Key Takeaways:Chris Ronzio shares his entrepreneurial journey from childhood side hustles to founding a successful SaaS company.Trainual began as a simple internal tool within Chris’s consulting business before evolving into a platform used by 7,000+ companies worldwide.Chris bootstrapped his first real business—a youth sports video production company—at just 14 years old and ran it for over a decade.His transition into consulting exposed him to 150+ businesses, helping him identify scalable patterns in operations and onboarding.The decision to pivot fully from consulting to launching Trainual as a SaaS company was driven by a desire to solve deeper business problems with greater impact.Creating role clarity, documenting systems, and defining responsibilities are essential for building scalable businesses—even in teams as small as five people.Chris emphasizes the importance of productizing services and standardizing internal processes to reduce chaos and boost efficiency.His bestselling book, The Business Playbook, offers a practical guide for building a scalable operations manual and aligning your team.The culture at Trainual prioritizes clarity, thoughtful onboarding, and enabling every team member to thrive in their roles.Success often starts with giving generously—Chris built trust, reputation, and opportunity through offering free help before monetizing his expertise.Connect with Chris: Website: trainual.comLinkedIn: Chris RonzioLearn More: Visit TheFridayHabit.com for show notes, resources, and to download the guide on working on your business rather than in it. Stay Connected: Subscribe to The Friday Habit for more real-life business lessons, candid conversations, and actionable strategies to elevate your entrepreneurial journey.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:06 Meet Chris Ronzio: Founder and CEO of Train01:17 Fun Icebreaker: Unlimited Service for a Year02:20 The Importance of Relaxation and Meditation04:07 Chris Ronzio's Background and Early Life07:08 Entrepreneurial Spirit: Early Ventures10:28 Transition to Consulting and New Challenges18:06 The Birth of Train: From Consulting to SaaS21:41 The Challenges of Starting a Podcast22:38 From Consulting to Equity Projects23:28 The Leap to SaaS26:34 Adapting Team Roles for SaaS30:22 The Importance of Clear Roles in a Company33:44 Writing and Marketing 'The Business Playbook'38:56 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Kayvon Kian, an entrepreneur and senior advisor at McKinsey & Company, dives into the fusion of philosophy and business. He explores the concept of 'skeptic capital,' underscoring the importance of surrounding oneself with challenging thinkers. Kayvon emphasizes using historical philosophers like Socrates and Nietzsche as advisory tools for modern decision-making, urging listeners to ask, 'What would a wise person do?' His insights on embracing healthy skepticism and focusing on personal values provide a refreshing perspective on navigating life's uncertainties.

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Chris Tyrell, founder of Chris’s Garage Doors, to talk about the unexpected road from seminary student to successful entrepreneur. Chris shares how faith, community, and a deep sense of purpose have guided his business journey—and why giving generously has always been part of the plan.Chris opens up about how a part-time job in the garage door industry sparked a bigger calling. Today, his company serves not just customers, but the greater good—donating 3% of revenue to local nonprofits and using the business as a platform for ministry. Mark and Chris explore the power of mission-driven leadership, the importance of building a strong brand, and the lessons learned from hiring, coaching, and networking.Whether you’re running a small business or dreaming about launching one, this episode is full of practical advice and honest insight from someone who’s built a business rooted in values—and impact.Key Takeaways:Chris’s journey from seminary to entrepreneurship was guided by faith.His company donates 3% of top-line revenue to local nonprofits as part of a mission to give back.Business can be a platform for ministry and community transformation.Reinvesting in your company is crucial for long-term growth.Relationships and networking play a powerful role in business development.Hiring for attitude often leads to stronger team culture and retention.A clear brand and purpose-driven culture can shape every aspect of your business.Business coaching and peer support help provide clarity and accountability.Understanding your “why” fuels more intentional decision-making.Connect with Chris:Chris’s Garage Doors LinkedIn

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Steve Van Diest, President of Acumen’s Front Range region, to unpack the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey. From founding a thriving mattress business to launching a customizable pillow company, Steve’s path has been anything but linear.Steve candidly shares his experiences with burnout, making costly business decisions, and the challenges of building a healthy company culture. He opens up about the turning points that led him to give away a profitable business and the lessons he now imparts to other business owners through his work at Acumen.Key Takeaways:Burnout Isn’t Just a Buzzword: Steve reflects on how ignoring signs of burnout led to poor decisions and how he’s learned to identify and address it earlier.Trust, But Verify: The consequences of partnering without proper agreements and how a lack of structure nearly cost Steve his business.Building a Culture of Transparency: Why Steve prioritized hiring people with strong values over sales experience and how that shaped his company’s identity.The Power of Community: How being part of a peer advisory group transformed Steve’s approach to business – and why every entrepreneur should seek out similar connections.Connect with Steve:Website: Acumen ImpactLinkedIn: Steve Van DiestLearn More:Visit TheFridayHabit.com for show notes, resources, and to download the guide on working on your business rather than in it.Stay Connected:Subscribe to The Friday Habit for more real-life business lessons, candid conversations, and actionable strategies to elevate your entrepreneurial journey.

In this episode, Patti Johnson shares her path from growing up in a small town in Oklahoma to launching a successful consulting business and becoming an author. She talks about what it really takes to start and grow a business, including the importance of research, networking, and building strong relationships instead of relying on traditional sales tactics.Patti and Mark also discuss the value of developing an exit strategy early, diversifying your client base, and learning through leadership challenges. Throughout the conversation, Patti emphasizes the role of mindset, resilience, and personal growth in navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. She also shares key takeaways from her book Make Waves, including how managing your thoughts can drive meaningful action and change.Key Takeaways:• Starting a business takes calculated risk, research, and strong networks.• Relationships are more effective than traditional sales tactics.• Rejection is part of the process—don’t take it personally.• A resilient, positive mindset is essential for long-term success.• Know your business model and focus on delivering real value.• Authenticity builds trust—be yourself.• Plan your exit strategy early and diversify your client base.• Growth comes from discomfort and consistent action.• Good leadership balances honesty with optimism.• Managing your thoughts can drive meaningful progress.Connect with Us:Enjoyed the episode? Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or colleague who’d find it helpful.For more insights and resources, visit TheFridayHabit.com.Connect with Patti Johnson:Learn more about Patti and her work at https://pattibjohnson.com/.Check out her book Make Waves wherever you get your books.Thanks for listening—and keep making waves.

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, decentralization is emerging as a powerful force for change. This episode of The Friday Habit brings you a fascinating conversation with David Young, a pioneer in cloud computing and open-source technology.David shares his journey from studying ancient Greek and Latin to becoming a trailblazer in the tech industry. He offers valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship, the importance of perseverance, and the potential of open-source solutions to reshape how we interact with technology.Key Takeaways:The evolution of cloud computing and its impact on modern businessesHow open-source technology is challenging the dominance of big tech companiesThe importance of finding your "single hill" in business and communicating it effectivelyWhy privacy and data ownership matter in today's digital landscapeThe potential of decentralized technologies to foster innovation and competitionDiscover the Power of Open SourceDavid introduces us to Federated Computer, his latest venture aimed at making open-source tools accessible to businesses of all sizes. Learn how these alternatives to popular software suites can offer enhanced privacy, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness.Entrepreneurial WisdomGain valuable insights from David's experiences:The importance of persistence in the face of rejectionWhy understanding your customer's pain points is crucial for successHow to navigate the challenges of bringing new technologies to marketA Vision for the FutureDavid paints a picture of a more decentralized technological landscape, where individuals and businesses have greater control over their digital lives. He challenges listeners to consider alternatives to the status quo and embrace the potential of open-source solutions.Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a small business owner, or simply curious about the future of technology, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at the possibilities that lie ahead.

In this episode of The Friday Habit, hosts Mark Labriola and Benjamin Manley engage with guests Mark Ackler and Mert Esheri, exploring the intricacies of entrepreneurship, the importance of building relationships, and the lessons learned from their experiences in the startup world. They discuss the journey from idea to execution, the significance of legacy in business, and the insights shared in their book 'Exiting Right'. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of business acquisitions, emphasizing the importance of trust, strategic alignment, and the long-term relationships that can be built prior to a sale. They discuss the successful acquisition of Instagram by Facebook as a case study, highlighting the need for companies to understand their value proposition and the chemistry between buyers and sellers. The conversation also introduces the concept of annual exit talks to normalize discussions around potential sales, and the importance of cultivating relationships with potential acquirers over time. Key takeaways include the significance of fit, alignment, integration, and rationale in successful acquisitions, as well as actionable advice for entrepreneurs considering an exit strategy.

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark Labriola and Benjamin Manley welcome Natalie Dawson, EVP and partner at Cardone Ventures, to discuss her new book 'Teamwork' and the essential strategies for building high-performance teams. The conversation covers Natalie's journey from a failed business leader to a successful entrepreneur, the importance of team alignment, practical tools for team development, and effective hiring strategies. They also explore how to pitch ideas to a team and maintain alignment as the team grows. In this conversation, Mark Labriola II discusses the importance of effective team communication, onboarding strategies, training processes, employee termination, and compensation structures. He emphasizes the need for daily team meetings to foster a winning culture, the significance of intense onboarding to assess new hires, and the necessity of correcting issues promptly to maintain a healthy work environment. Additionally, he shares insights on how to structure compensation to motivate employees and align their goals with the company's vision. TakeawaysThe Friday Habit encourages a mindset of excitement and positivity.Building a high-performance team requires practical tools and strategies.Alignment within a team starts with clear mission and values.Failure can be a powerful teacher in leadership.Creating a culture of development is essential for growth.Effective hiring involves understanding candidates' long-term goals.Communication is key to gaining team buy-in for new ideas.Documenting processes helps in scaling a business.Team dynamics can be assessed through personality tests.Business owners should act as coaches to their team members. Implement daily all-team meetings to share wins.Onboarding should be intense to assess fit quickly.Use the Tell Me, Show Me, Let Me, Coach Me method for training.Correct issues in the moment to prevent escalation.Build a culture that encourages accountability and engagement.Incentivize employees with clear compensation structures.Foster a winning culture to improve morale.Document processes to ensure consistency in training.Encourage team members to take ownership of their roles.Align employee goals with the company's vision for growth.

In this episode of The Friday Habit, we welcome Eric Huberman, founder and CEO of Hawk Media. We explore Eric's entrepreneurial journey, the challenges he faced in the early stages of his career, and the strategies he employed to build a successful marketing consultancy. The conversation delves into the realities of entrepreneurship, the importance of adaptability, and the value of learning from experiences. Eric shares insights on competition, personal growth, and the significance of setting measurable goals in business. In this conversation, Mark Labriola II discusses the intricacies of managing client relationships, the importance of building a strong network in e-commerce, and the role of outsourced CMOs. He shares insights on reactive growth strategies, financial management for hiring, and the evolution of roles within a growing company. Mark emphasizes the significance of understanding purchase cycles in marketing and the need for hiring top talent to ensure success. He also reflects on the impact of COVID-19 on his business and introduces his new book, the Hawk Method, which outlines his marketing methodology.