THINK Business & Sales with Jon Dwoskin

Born in Frankfurt Germany, Katherine Abboud lived in Los Angeles and Chicago for many years and now calls Birmingham, Michigan home. Past Experience: Principal /Chief Operating Officer @Armstrong White Senior Partner, Director of Creative Services @JWT Detroit Senior Graphic Services Manager- JWT Chicago Senior Print Production Manager @ Chiat/Day LA Print Production Manager @McCann Erickson LA Katherine's "real" role at RISE: Company Leadership New Business Development Brand Strategy Management Account Management Client Partnership Individual Accomplishments: 1996-2001 Accelerated professional advancement through the Advertising business to become the Senior Partner, Director of Creative Services for JWT Detroit managing 5 departments and over 100 employees. 2006 In collaboration with three partners, we acquired Armstrong White in 2006. I spearheaded the company's tremendous growth and evolution, shifting it from a predominantly local retouching studio in Detroit to a worldwide CGI studio. Our innovative approach involved utilizing vehicle design data to craft CGI imagery for automotive industry marketing, ultimately resulting in an acquisition. 2010 – Led the purchase and the total renovation of a custom built, secure CGI studio that became the benchmark for the CGI creative industry. 2013- Led the acquisition of Armstrong White to the largest VC firm in Canada which fueled our expansion into the Pharmaceutical, CPG, food, and beverage industries. 2013-2020 -Remained COO of Armstrong White 8 years post acquisition, and let the expansion to be the global CGI network within the parent company. In Katherine's Words: Stepping into the role of CEO at RISE is a moment of great significance for both the company and myself. My vision is to lead our talented team at RISE Creative Studios to push boundaries and deliver exceptional content, both branded and original. As CEO, I recognizing that our work extends beyond just individual projects. It's about leaving a lasting mark on the industry, challenging norms, and fostering a culture of inclusivity. I believe that by embracing diversity, we can widen the gaze and create narratives that resonate deeply with audiences around the world. My ultimate goal is to align the entire company with the mission of RISE, ensuring that every aspect of our operations reflects our commitment to diversity, integrity, and impactful storytelling. This is not just about walking the talk; it's about setting the gold standard for the industry and inspiring others to follow suit. Together, we will rise above challenges and make a profound difference in the lives of our audiences and the industry as a whole. " Connect with Jon Dwoskin: Twitter: @jdwoskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.dwoskin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejondwoskinexperience/ Website: https://jondwoskin.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondwoskin/ Email: jon@jondwoskin.com Get Jon's Book: The Think Big Movement: Grow your business big. Very Big! Connect with Katherine Abboud: Website: https://www.risecreativestudios.com/ *E – explicit language may be used in this podcast.

In Chapter 4 of The Think Big Movement, Jacob confronts a powerful truth: passion is the backbone of both personal fulfillment and business success. Despite his accomplishments, Jacob realizes he's lost his joy in his work. Through a conversation with a mentor, he explores what it takes to reconnect with his purpose, reignite his enthusiasm, and bring new energy to his business. Consider this: Are you still passionate about your business, or is something draining that drive? Identify one area that no longer excites you, and take action. Delegate it, or find a way to reinvent it and bring back the enthusiasm.

Dive into an engaging speed round from THINK Business LIVE with Jon Dwoskin and Hayden Nickamin, CEO and Founder of Hnick Fitness. These quick-fire questions and candid answers reveal best advice, favorite books, and personal insights. Watch the full episode Connect with Jon Dwoskin: Twitter: @jdwoskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.dwoskin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejondwoskinexperience/ Website: https://jondwoskin.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondwoskin/ Email: jon@jondwoskin.com Get Jon's Book: The Think Big Movement: Grow your business big. Very Big! Connect with Hayden Nickamin: Twitter: https://twitter.com/HaydenNickamin *E – explicit language may be used in this podcast.

Max Emma initially worked in corporate accounting and finance, but found it deeply unfulfilling. He celebrated his ""Freedom Day"" from corporate America on July 3rd, 2002, when he shifted to a family-run landscape maintenance business. Despite initially growing the business to an impressive $4 million, a lack of financial oversight and the 2008 recession led to bankruptcy. "It was the greatest lesson in accounting, finance and business ownership I could have ever received," said Max. "Although it felt like the end of the world at the time, I knew I had to keep going and learn from my mistakes." Max persevered, restarting with a smaller landscape maintenance business, this time outsourcing his bookkeeping to another company. Right away, he noticed a significant discrepancy in the way the bookkeeping industry operated. A lightbulb went off in his head. "For the same scope of work, I was seeing quotes from as low as $200 to as high as $2,000 — anyone in finance knows that means there is a big opportunity to dominate a fragmented market," said Max. "So, we started the BooXkeeping business in our garage part-time while we ran our landscaping company to pay the bills." Gradually, BooXkeeping became the Emmas' full-time job and they sold their landscaping company. Although the couple divorced a few years later, they continued to work together to grow the brand, driven by their passion to redefine an outdated industry and put the client first above all else. Today, BooXkeeping is the preferred bookkeeping vendor for over 95 franchise brands in the U.S., including companies like FastSigns, Gameday Men's Health, Sport Clips and more. "Hanging out with franchisors gave me the idea that I could become one of them myself," said Max. "So, last year, I decided to franchise the BooXkeeping concept." Now, with six franchise locations, one corporate location and a fast-growing bookkeeping industry, BooXkeeping is ushering in a whole new era of expansion. "Everybody needs bookkeeping services right now," said Max. "After COVID-19, our brand became even more popular because people realized that taking care of these services themselves was a huge operation, especially with the economic slowdown. Many are questioning the need for a full-time bookkeeper when much of the work can be done more efficiently outsourced. That is where we come in."" Connect with Jon Dwoskin: Twitter: @jdwoskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.dwoskin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejondwoskinexperience/ Website: https://jondwoskin.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondwoskin/ Email: jon@jondwoskin.com Get Jon's Book: The Think Big Movement: Grow your business big. Very Big! Connect with Max Emma: Website: www.booxkeepingfranchise.com X: https://twitter.com/BooXkeeping LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/booxkeepingfranchise/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BooXkeeping *E – explicit language may be used in this podcast.

In this THINK Business Mini Business Course, Jon Dowskin and Shubber Ali, CEO of Garden for Wildlife, Inc. discuss the fundamentals of native gardening. Get valuable, expert insight you can put into practice today! Watch the full episode Connect with Jon Dwoskin: Twitter: @jdwoskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.dwoskin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejondwoskinexperience/ Website: https://jondwoskin.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondwoskin/ Email: jon@jondwoskin.com Get Jon's Book: The Think Big Movement: Grow your business big. Very Big! Connect with Shubber Ali: Website: www.gardenforwildlife.com X: https://twitter.com/Garden4Wildlife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gardenforwildlife/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/garden-for-wildlife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gardenforwildlife/ *E – explicit language may be used in this podcast.

In Chapter 3 of The Think Big Movement, titled "When the Student is Ready," the character Jacob encounters mentors who help him see that meaningful business growth starts with internal change. The lesson here is clear: sometimes, breaking through business challenges requires being open to new perspectives and realizing that growth is an inside game. Consider this: who in your network could offer you fresh insights on a current business challenge? An actionable step is to reach out to a mentor or colleague who can help you see things differently. Schedule time to connect—whether it's a call, meeting, or video chat—and openly discuss your challenges to gain valuable guidance. Embracing new perspectives can be transformative for your business. Download The Think Big Movement and its companion workbook for more on growing your business big.