Ep 08: Establishing Authentic Leadership with Nancy Simms
Business Owner Tales from the Trenches
Release Date: 06/06/2023
Growing 10X: Building a Business That Feels Small at Scale
Business Owner Tales from the Trenches
How do you grow a business 10X—without losing the personal touch that made it special in the first place? In this episode of Business Owner Tales from the Trenches, EP Wealth Co-Founder Brian Parker unpacks the art of scaling with intention. Brian shares the real-life challenges of growing a boutique firm into a national powerhouse—while preserving the human element, internal culture, and client intimacy. Whether you're a startup founder, seasoned executive, or aspiring entrepreneur, this is a masterclass in leadership, growth strategy, and sustainable scaling. ➡️ Learn...
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Ep 32: Navigating Transitions and Why Your Story Matters with Michelle Prince
Business Owner Tales from the Trenches
Changing careers can be a scary and often necessary move as your needs, interests, goals, and skills transform over time. In this episode, you’re going to hear about how you can succeed as an entrepreneur in your SECOND career. You will also hear about how to differentiate yourself from other people while building trust at the same time. You can find show notes, resources and more at:
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Ep 31: Leading through Periods of Rapid Growth, Change and Uncertainty with Chris Walters
Business Owner Tales from the Trenches
Entrepreneurs can learn a lot from leaders who’ve run public companies and large divisions of private companies. Do you know how to lead a team through high growth, high uncertainty and periods of high change? In this episode featuring Chris Walters, CEO of Pluralsight, you will learn how to handle some of the most tricky and important moments your business will experience. You can find show notes, resources and more at:
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Ep 30: From Corporate to Entrepreneur in Retail Beverage: A Playbook for the First Four Years With Leslie Danford
Business Owner Tales from the Trenches
If you’ve been in the corporate world and are looking to become an entrepreneur, today’s episode will give you a solid look at what to expect in those first few years. Leslie Danford, founder and CEO of Vitaminis, joins the show to talk about her transition from corporate to starting her own retail beverage business. Her account of her experience and the insight she shares will give you inspiration and reassurance as you embark on your own journey. Listen in to hear about what she calls the “risk aversion dance” that happens at the beginning stages, as well as how she was able to gain...
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Ep 29: Reflections on a Founder's 35th Anniversary: A Journey of Conviction with Tom Quinn
Business Owner Tales from the Trenches
Today we have the opportunity to hear from someone who has founded and run a business for over 35 years. Tom Quinn, founder of CornerCap, joins us to share his journey from where he started in the industry and what brought him to founding a successful firm. Don't miss his powerful insights into the importance of being able to adapt, the kind of team you want to build, and more. You can find show notes, resources and more at:
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Ep 28: What I Wish I Knew When Starting My Business with Scott Regan
Business Owner Tales from the Trenches
Today we sit down with Scott Regan, Founder of LeadWorks, LLC, to hear about his experience and what he wishes he knew when starting his entrepreneurial journey. Scott reflects on how he would have set up his business differently if armed with the knowledge he has now, lessons that are crucial for business success, and more. Listen in for actionable tips to propel your business forward and avoid common pitfalls along the way. You can find show notes, resources and more at:
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Ep 27: The Art of "Listening to the Business" with Melissa Bunnen Jernigan
Business Owner Tales from the Trenches
In this inspiring episode, discover how Melissa Bunnen Jernigan, co-founder of the iconic Atlanta brand Piece of Cake, turned $500 into a million-dollar business over 10 years. Success isn't just about having a detailed plan or prior business knowledge; it's about defining your own path and staying true to your vision. Melissa shares insights into the importance of defining success, making strategic decisions, and staying focused amidst the noise of entrepreneurial advice. You can find show notes, resources and more at:
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Ep 26: Lessons on Entrepreneurial Success from BEHIND the Camera with Chris Jones and Willie Johnson
Business Owner Tales from the Trenches
In today's competitive digital landscape, establishing trust and connection with your audience is key, and video has become a vital tool for sharing your brand story effectively. In this episode, we are joined by Chris Jones and Willie Johnson, founders of Drone Jones Media and Triple M Productions, as they share insights from their own entrepreneurial journeys into helping other small businesses market themselves. You can find show notes, resources and more at:
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Ep 25: The Power of Accelerating Growth in Your Business with Omar Soliman
Business Owner Tales from the Trenches
Today we are looking into the secrets behind building a successful franchise empire with Omar Soliman, Co-Founder of College Hunks Hauling Junk and CEO of Trash Butler. Whether you're eyeing national expansion or aiming to scale your local business, Omar shares invaluable economic and strategic insights, serving up a playbook for franchise success. We explore the essential accelerators for business growth, from securing third-party capital to mastering PR strategies for maximum visibility. Omar's candid discussion reveals the power of a strong partnership, debunking the myth that friends can't...
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Ep 24: Part Two: Navigating Key Stages in Scaling Your Business for Growth with Dave Sutton
Business Owner Tales from the Trenches
Joining us for part 2 of our conversation is serial entrepreneur and author Dave Sutton. Today, we're diving deep into the intricacies of funding your business as it grows and leveraging your balance sheet effectively. Dave shares insights on navigating the inflection points that businesses encounter during their growth journey, shedding light on the implications for funding, talent acquisition, and strategic planning. You can find show notes, resources and more at:
info_outlineWhat does it take to lead and preserve a legendary fast food institution through generations? In this episode, we sit down with Nancy Simms, the CEO of The Varsity, one of Atlanta's most historic and iconic restaurants. Nancy unexpectedly took over the reins in 1983 and is now preparing to pass on the leadership to the 3rd and 4th generations. Join us as we explore the secrets behind establishing authentic leadership and ensuring a successful transition in businesses.
You can find show notes, resources and more at: https://bit.ly/3MWV7Xp