189: Engineering, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Living - Bill Spohn - The Entrepreneur Gene
Release Date: 05/03/2025
200: Why Start Exit Planning Now! Jim Carlisle
Succession Stories
You might have a buyer lined up — but that doesn’t mean your exit is guaranteed. In this episode of Succession Stories, host Laurie Barkman sits down with Jim Carlisle , mergers and acquisitions attorney and chair of the National Growth and Exit Planning Group at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP. With decades of experience guiding business owners through transitions, Jim shares insider insights into why even well-prepared exits can fall apart — and what you can do to avoid common pitfalls - and why it's never too soon to start planning ahead. This conversation is essential for entrepreneurs who...
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199: Challenges, Choices, and Chapters, Julie Broad - The Entrepreneur Gene
Succession Stories
In this episode of The Entrepreneur Gene, host Laurie Barkman sits down with Julie Broad, President of Book Launchers, to discuss the entrepreneurial mindset, key decisions, and challenges in business growth. Julie shares her journey from growing up in a highway-side motel in Alberta, Canada to becoming a successful entrepreneur, author, and real estate investor. She offers insights on the importance of problem-solving and risk-taking and how she self-published her first book. Julie also talks about harnessing AI in her business, transitioning her company from California to Nevada, and her...
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198: Why Hiding Failure Hurts More Than It Helps - Brian Marshall
Succession Stories
What happens when an entrepreneur faces massive failure — and how does that become their greatest asset? In this powerful episode of Succession Stories, host Laurie Barkman sits down with Brian Marshall, a leadership coach and business advisor who has spent over 40 years guiding entrepreneurs through personal and professional transformation. Brian shares his own deeply personal journey — from launching his first business at age 20, to experiencing devastating loss and failure in 2008, and ultimately building a new life helping others find freedom through ownership of their...
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197: Delusional Optimism - Gregory Silvano - The Entrepreneur Gene
Succession Stories
“It's not just part of your personality to be a successful entrepreneur. It takes a lot more than just being a risk-taking delusional optimist.” Laurie Barkman interviews Gregory Silvano, CEO of Buyist. Greg shares his entrepreneurial journey to founding his own companies, emphasizing resilience, optimism, and pure delusion. They discuss navigating risks, cash flow management in startups, and the strategic value of customer reviews. They also discuss the significant impact of AI across industries and the practicality of ‘good enough’ solutions in business operations. Greg also reflects...
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196: Transform Your Business Into a Lasting Legacy - Mark L. Vincent
Succession Stories
What happens when an entire executive team retires at once? How do you ensure leadership continuity, preserve company culture, and protect long-term value? In this episode of Succession Stories, host Laurie Barkman sits down with Mark L. Vincent, founder of Design Group International and expert in process consulting and leadership transitions. Together, they explore how leaders can build organizations that thrive beyond their tenure — not just structurally, but emotionally and culturally. Mark shares insights from his own journey leading a firm through succession planning after personal...
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195: Embracing Tenacity in Entrepreneurship, Taylor Abbett - The Entrepreneur Gene
Succession Stories
“There's going to be times where people are going to doubt you and they might be envious of your success, but I think if you're tenacious and you believe in yourself, that'll get you a long way.” - Taylor Abbett Host Laurie Barkman interviews Taylor Abbett, Co-Founder of JARVIS XR and President of Tailored Marketing Inc. They explore key aspects of entrepreneurial growth, specifically the importance of tenacity and decision-making in facing industry challenges. Taylor shares insights from his career in marketing, detailing the impact of AI on the industry and the shift towards...
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194: How Storytelling Defines Your Business Legacy, Paul Furiga
Succession Stories
What makes your business memorable? What sets it apart—not just in the marketplace, but in the minds of customers, employees, investors, and potential buyers? Laurie Barkman sits down with Paul Furiga, founder and chief storyteller at Word Write Agency and author of Finding Your Capital S Story. Together, they explore how storytelling isn’t just entertainment—it’s a strategic tool that can elevate your brand, increase your company’s value, and create lasting impact. This special episode marks the 5-year anniversary of Succession Stories - launched in 2020 - during the height of...
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193: Engineering Entrepreneurial Foundations, Charlie Buscarino - The Entrepreneur Gene
Succession Stories
“As one takes the journey, you start to make decisions that when collected become the components that are foundational to being an entrepreneur.” - Charlie Buscarino Host Laurie Barkman interviews Charlie Buscarino, the Founder and CEO of The Clarient Group. Charlie shares his path from construction to entrepreneurship. They discuss the innovations in smart building technology and the importance of creativity and problem-solving in uncharted territory. Charlie also reflects on his career, emphasizing the significance of networking and maintaining a work-life balance, while sharing insights...
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192: Ask Why, Succeed Wise - Dean Minuto - The Entrepreneur Gene
Succession Stories
“Every entrepreneur sees that in trial, there's treasure.” - Dean Minuto Host Laurie Barkman interviews Dean Minuto, President of YESCALATE. Dean shares his insights on entrepreneurship and the development of crucial skills necessary for success. The discussion emphasizes the importance of asking the right questions to learn in business and Dean elaborates on building muscle in entrepreneurship through learning and community. He also shares personal experiences that shaped his entrepreneurial journey, advocating for transformational relationships in business and life. Takeaways: ...
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191: Optimism and Embracing Life-Long Learning - Susan Quinn - The Entrepreneur Gene
Succession Stories
“I always knew I wanted to do something where I was the person deciding my own destiny, but it's not for everyone.” - Susan Quinn Host Laurie Barkman welcomes Susan Quinn, CEO and President of Circle S Studio. The conversation first explores whether entrepreneurial traits are inherited or nurtured. Susan shares her family's history of business ownership, her journey to founding her own consulting firm, and the values that drive her company's culture. The episode also covers the challenges entrepreneurs face today, the future impact of AI on the industry, and personal anecdotes about...
info_outline“You don't want to be in the role of telling people what to do, but it's encouraging people to do what you think is right, but also being open to learn from them.” - Bill Spohn
In this episode of The Entrepreneur Gene, host Laurie Barkman welcomes Bill Spohn, President and CEO of Tru Tech Tools, to discuss the characteristics of the entrepreneurial mindset, the intersection of engineering and entrepreneurship, and his career journey. Bill shares his family's legacy of risk-taking, talks about the challenges he faces as a business owner, and provides advice for other entrepreneurs. He also discusses his passion for sustainability through the construction of his eco-friendly home and his involvement in the HVAC industry.- Leaders should frequently communicate their vision and goals. Repeating key messages helps ensure everyone understands and aligns with the mission. Reinforce core values and objectives regularly in meetings and newsletters.
- Connect with other CEOs and entrepreneurs to share experiences and solutions. Maintain a network of peers for regular discussions and support, as it's essential to normalize and tackle common challenges.
- Highlighting and rewarding team members' adherence to core values can foster a positive and cohesive company culture. Use real-life examples to illustrate these values in action to make them more relatable and tangible.
- Stay engaged with the latest trends and educate your customers and team on new techniques and processes. For example, using podcasting and presentations to disseminate knowledge and build authority in your industry.
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/254934411710666/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billspohn/
- Website: https://trutechtools.com/
- Podcast: https://www.buildinghvacscience.com/
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