214: Genetically Entrepreneur, Jim Haviland - The Entrepreneur Gene
Release Date: 09/29/2025
224: The B.U.I.L.T.™ Method for Business Growth and Transition with Laurie Barkman
Succession Stories
🎙️ Business growth and succession planning start long before an exit. In this special Succession Stories swapcast, Laurie Barkman introduces the B.U.I.L.T.™ Method, a practical framework for building value and preparing for business transition. 🔓 This episode features Laurie’s guest appearance on The B2B Growth Podcast with Mark Osborne, where the mic is turned around and she shares the thinking behind the B.U.I.L.T.™ Method for Business Growth and Transition. Designed for founder-led and closely held companies, the framework helps owners reduce dependency on themselves,...
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223: Optometrist to Tech Maven, Journey in Revolutionizing Eye Care with Dr. Brianna Rhue
Succession Stories
In this episode, Laurie Barkman is joined by Dr. Brianna Rhue, optometrist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Dr Contact Lens. Brianna shares her journey from a private practice owner to a tech maven, driven by the need to solve a critical "leaky bucket" problem: doctors losing contact lens sales to online retailers. She discusses the "entrepreneurial gene", the power of a "chip on your shoulder", and the lessons learned in building a full-blown tech platform from scratch. 💬 Quote from Brianna: “You have to get a really thick skin... as an entrepreneur, you are going to pave roads and...
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222: Courageous Pivot From Corporate Job to Business Ownership with Aashay Kumar
Succession Stories
🎧 Tune in to learn the realities of entrepreneurship through acquisition, from the search process to surviving economic uncertainty in the first year. Laurie Barkman sits down with Aashay Kumar, owner of Tri-Form, Inc. Aashay shares his story of leaving a corporate career to buy an existing manufacturing business. He demystifies the process of entrepreneurship through acquisition. Listen in as Aashay reflects on his acquisition journey including stealth search process, securing an SBA loan, diligence misses, and the ups and downs of the first 15 months of ownership. 💬Quote from...
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221: How to Finance a Business Transition or Acquisition, David Miller
Succession Stories
What does it take to finance a business transition or acquisition? In this episode, Laurie Barkman sits down with David Miller, Executive Vice President at Enterprise Bank, to demystify lending for business owners — from SBA loans to insider buyouts. David shares how banks assess deals, why management continuity matters most, and how entrepreneurs can become “bankable” when it’s time to grow or exit. 💬 Quote from David Miller: “Don’t think you can’t buy a business just because you’re not personally wealthy. If you have the right skillset and knowledge of the industry, there...
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220: Steep Learning Curves, Brandon Stanchock - The Entrepreneur Gene Series
Succession Stories
Host Laurie Barkman welcomes Brandon Stanchock, CEO of SWF Industrial Inc. Brandon discusses his journey to take the helm of a family business. He emphasizes the importance of leadership, employee development, and implementing innovative collaboration strategies in the industrial sector. The conversation also highlights Brandon's commitment to providing support for employees and internal promotion programs. Brandon shares how his personal interests in travel, gaming, and podcasting align with his broader mission to help people reach their full potential both inside and outside the workplace....
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219: Find Passion, Don’t Just Chase The Dollar, Larry Whiteside Jr - The Entrepreneur Gene Series
Succession Stories
Host Laurie Barkman welcomes Larry Whiteside Jr., an expert in information security, risk management, and entrepreneurship. Larry discusses his journey from cybersecurity to becoming the Co-Owner of Lifesaver Pool Fence of Tampa and Co-Founder of Confide. Larry emphasizes the importance of passion, operational efficiency, and overcoming challenges in business. They delve into key trends in cybersecurity, focusing on AI and automation’s growing influence. The conversation also highlights Larry’s commitment to promoting diversity in the cybersecurity field and how his military...
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218: The Maverick Mind of an Entrepreneur, Travis Howerton - The Entrepreneur Gene Series
Succession Stories
“ Treat people well, work hard, have a plan.” Host Laurie Barkman welcomes Travis Howerton, a technology and security expert with over 25 years of experience. Travis shares his journey from federal service and the nuclear weapons program to becoming the Co-Founder and CEO of RegScale. They discuss the entrepreneurial gene, personality assessments in team dynamics, and the challenges of scaling a business. Travis emphasizes the importance of empathy, hard work, and strategic planning. He also highlights the potential of automation and AI in the compliance industry. Travis discusses his...
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217: Nurturing Legacies, Corey Perlman - The Entrepreneur Gene Series
Succession Stories
“ Don't be a jack of all social media sites, master of none.” Host Laurie Barkman interviews digital marketing expert Corey Perlman of Impact Social. They discuss Corey's entrepreneurial journey influenced by his parents' careers, the evolving landscape of digital marketing, and the role and potential of AI in the industry. Corey shares insights on building and managing successful teams, the importance of focusing on key social media platforms, and the power of video content. Additionally, he touches on his passion for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and his involvement in the Nurturing Fathers...
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216: The Sockfluencers: Spreading Happiness, John and Mark X. Cronin - The Entrepreneur Gene
Succession Stories
“We’re in the business of making people happy!” John and Mark X. Cronin are father-son co-founders of John’s Crazy Socks. Host Laurie Barkman talks with John and Mark about the inspiring story of their unique business model, inclusion, and commitment to spreading happiness. Over half of their employees have differing abilities. The discussion covers innovative approaches to customer satisfaction, success metrics, notable initiatives like the Unity Sock, and their role as advocates for people with disabilities. The episode also touches on their engaging community activities such...
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215: All In On Accountability, Molly McGrath - The Entrepreneur Gene
Succession Stories
What’s the most important value to have when you’re running your own business? According to Molly McGrath, Founder of Hiring and Empowering Solutions, it’s accountability. Listen in as Host Laurie Barkman talks with Molly about her unique perspective on the entrepreneur gene - a desire for control and freedom, stemming from an anti-authoritarian mindset. Molly highlights the importance of teaching employees to be intrapreneurs, involving them in decision-making processes, and implementing incentive-based compensation models. The episode also emphasizes the significance of...
info_outlineWhat does six generations of entrepreneurship get you? Find out as Host Laurie Barkman talks with Jim Haviland, Business Operating System Coach at Impact Architects and Chief Operating Officer at CallPlease.
Jim shares his insights on building and exiting organizations, the entrepreneurial gene, and the importance of exit planning. He discusses the significance of having a clear purpose, the necessity of mentors and operating systems, and offers advice on long-term planning for entrepreneurs. Tune in for valuable lessons and inspiration for both budding and experienced entrepreneurs.
Takeaways:
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Implementing a structured operating system can greatly enhance your business's efficiency and success rate. It helps you grow faster and minimizes the risk of business failure.
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Define what 'done' looks like for your projects. Be clear and specific about your objectives to ensure everyone in the organization is aligned.
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Regularly dedicate time to long-term planning. Consider both a 10-year and a 3-year horizon and actively work towards those goals.
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Aim to build a business that is not just profitable but also a valuable asset that can be transferred or sold in the future. This includes minimizing owner dependency and investing in aspects that increase business value.
Quote of the Show:
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“ If you want to build something that's really valuable, you can do that but you have to be serious about it. You don't just show up and punch the clock.” - Jim Haviland
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_________________________________________________________________Connect with Jim Haviland:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimhaviland/
Website: https://www.impactarchitects.io/