Making The List

The Making The List podcast allows you to learn from leaders who have achieved the extraordinary honor of being named to a success list. In each episode, Alissa Daire Nelson sits down with a Minnesota-based leader of an organization that has made a significant list, often many years in a row. You’ll hear amazing stories, tips, and lessons from each leader so you can gain the right mindset, leadership skills, and wisdom you need to create a culture where your team and your organization win. If you want to build an award winning business be sure to subscribe right now and shortcut your path to Making The List.

The 24/7 Entrepreneur with Brian Bos 07/28/2020

Grow or Die with Daniel Moshe 07/21/2020

Grow or Die with Daniel Moshe Daniel Moshe, entrepreneur, business owner and CPA firm technology guru, joins the show to share the story of how he overcame management roadblocks and worked himself out of a job by applying EOS. In this episode, Alissa and Daniel break down and analyze the importance of communication, innovation and setting core values to sustain growth within an organization. What We Covered: 01:45 – Daniel talks about how his company Tech Guru made the 2019 Inc. 5000 List of Most Successful Companies in America and how they have sustained their growth 08:09 – How Daniel has used EOS implementation to promote innovation throughout his organization 12:04 – The moment Daniel realized it was alright to be himself as an entrepreneur 17:22 – Best practices for internal communication and maintaining sustainability 19:35 – Daniel breaks down the Trash Can Test and his State of the Company Meetings 26:02 – The importance of living by your own set of core values 31:28 – Lessons Daniel would have preferred to learn earlier in his career 40:34 – Final advice Daniel would give to aspiring entrepreneurs and where listeners can follow Daniel Tweetables: “As the adage goes, ‘When the leader turns his/her head and looks in a different direction, so does everybody else.’” (06:37) (Daniel) “Learner is number one for me. And I love learning by doing and learning by teaching.” (11:02) (Daniel) “It’s not just ya know you finish school and you go work for a company. You can start your own company. And I definitely try to teach that to my boys. But I think that would be so cool to have an Entrepreneurial Day at school.” (15:19) (Daniel) “We [Tech Guru] have four core values: Caring, Accountable, Responsive and Empathetic.” (21:28) (Daniel) “Part of living your ideal life is surrounding yourself with people who you really want to be spending your time with. And that, by definition, is that they share your values.” (30:21) (Daniel) “If there’s anything I wish I could have learned and applied much sooner, it would be the way that we work with our people.” (36:15) (Daniel) Links Mentioned: Alissa’s Website – Daniel’s LinkedIn – Daniel’s Website – Tech Guru Website – Books Mentioned: /episode/index/show/makingthelist/id/15287933

Expanding the Circle of Happ(i)ness with Rich Anderson 05/05/2020

Expanding the Circle of Happ(i)ness with Rich Anderson Rich Anderson, visionary entrepreneur and CEO of Imagine IT, joins the show to share poignant insights and learnings he’s acquired throughout his career. With a background in accounting, mergers and acquisitions, and social development, Rich is a wealth of entrepreneurial knowledge. In this episode, Alissa and Rich discuss the abundance mindset, the attitude of gratitude and universal laws like the Law of Attraction. What We Covered: 01:58 – Rich’s unconventional entrepreneurial journey 10:58 – The power of culture 17:09 – The Law of Attraction and other universal laws 20:21 – Taking on all organizational responsibilities and an event that nearly destroyed Rich’s business 26:13 – How a single client led to a unique and prosperous partnership opportunity 37:09 – Rich recalls a critical lesson he learned in leadership 39:14 – The number one tip Rich would give to aspiring entrepreneurs Tweetables: “I remember as, a kid, having Dad come ask if he could borrow some of our allowance to go buy groceries. So, entrepreneurialism has it’s knocks, and my story is no different. Some of my first ventures of entrepreneurialism did not go well.” (04:26) (Rich) “I tell people I got my MBA, I just paid for it with elbow grease.” (16:51) (Rich) “The universe provides.” (28:33) (Rich) “One of my coaches pulls me aside as we were working through a hard thing a couple years back. And we’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, it’s gonna be so great when we get through this.’ He goes, ‘You know what the reward is for solving all these problems, right?’ We said, ‘Yeah, we’re done with them.’ And he’s like, ‘No, you have a whole new set of problems to solve.’” (37:30) (Rich) “If we’re expanding happiness in the world, which you know is our ‘why,’ then I’m happy to let everyone else take credit for it because that means it’s working.” (38:55) (Rich) Links Mentioned: Alissa’s Website – Rich’s LinkedIn – Imagine IT Website – Books Mentioned: /episode/index/show/makingthelist/id/14183702

Confident Humility with Shane Johnson 04/28/2020

Confident Humility with Shane Johnson Episode Summary: Shane Johnson, founder of Chromebook Parts, joins the show to discuss patience, work ethic, and the genesis of his entrepreneurial journey. Shane is a passionate CEO who had the foresight to capitalize on an opportunity in the marketplace which has paid dividends ever since. In this episode, Alissa and Shane talk about the difference between confidence and arrogance, the importance of vulnerability, and coming to peace with fear of failure. What We Covered: 02:36 – Shane’s business background and the genesis of Chromebook Parts 11:16 – The incredible growth and success of Shane’s business 14:11 – How Shane’s confident humility impacts his personal and business relationships 20:48 – Maintaining a pulse on company culture and handling confrontation 26:52 – The future of Chromebook Parts 30:16 – Entrepreneurial advice Shane would give to his younger self 36:50 – Where listeners can follow Shane and Chromebook Parts Tweetables: “I would say that that confidence was what gave me the ability to kind of ignore those voices – or just not listen to them – and go right to it anyway.” (10:53) (Shane) “I think my industry experience came into play. And then my vision, always being a problem-solver, an innovator, listening to people’s pain points or issues. And then just having a passion for solving them and fixing them.” (13:37) (Shane) “Really addressing my strengths and my weaknesses and then sharing that with my staff is helping. It’s a new thing right now so it’s not complete – it’s a work in progress. But, I would say that by doing that, it’s been helpful in my relationships with my employees here.” (18:07) (Shane) “As they say, ‘Revenue or sales can solve a lot of problems.’ But, as you get into the first couple of years, you get to that point where you’re generating revenue, you’re making a profit, you have employees. Right then you need to start focusing on process, procedures and putting things in place so you can scale.” (35:44) (Shane) Links Mentioned: Alissa’s Website – Shane’s LinkedIn – Chromebook Parts Twitter – @ChromebookParts Shane’s LinkedIn – Shane’s Website – Books Mentioned: /episode/index/show/makingthelist/id/14183609

Let's Get Back to Making The List 04/16/2020

What are YOU tracking? Key Drivers for Sustainable Growth 11/06/2019

What are YOU tracking? Key Drivers for Sustainable Growth In today's episode, we invited Josh Pribyl, the founder of JP Ecommerce and Bare Home. Josh is an incredible example of just starting, even from scratch, and it still can help you build an empire, if you just remain persistent and consistent. We have an interesting discussion throughout this episode as we exchange business pointers, life lessons, feasible tactics and more. Key Takeaways It's not unheard of to have a great year and to be able to carry that. The key is to have the vision and just try to stay ahead. You've got to separate personal interest and what you actually enjoy doing and figure out what you should be doing to drive growth. Show Highlights [02:30] How Josh came to be in the position he's in now. [03:39] From extra long sheets to an empire. [05:26] How the business came to be.“I always had the vision that one day, I saw myself just running a large company.” [06:22] The first single sale that confirms Josh's idea can work. [07:02] What the first hire was for Josh. [07:55] Looking back on the business' steady growth over the years. [08:41] The hockey stick moment. [11:25] The next big "normal" step Josh took. [11:47] The first INC 5000 application [12:30] The key to continued massive growth“If you wait on these growth activities because you're bogged down by everyday activities, other things are going to slide.” [12:58] Alissa's favorite book“Your vision has led the pack for how you've been able to create success.” [13:52] Josh relating to Alissa's favorite book“I make sure I get done the few things that are going to drive the biggest growth.” [15:02] How Josh figured out his personal growth drivers. [17:34] The potholes Josh could've avoided had he known what he knows now. [19:37] Why ads are a tough thing but essential and tips on how to use them.“If it's not converting at or above the industry average, your site isn't up to par yet.” [23:18] Keeping employees engaged amidst massive growth [26:51] An advice to Josh's former self.“Don't be so conservative. Take a little more risks. Spend a little more to invest on growth.” [26:41] Where to find Josh Resources Connect with Josh on Connect with Josh on by Michael Gerber /episode/index/show/makingthelist/id/11931650

Setting Non-Negotiables as a Guide to a Fast-Growing Business 10/29/2019

Setting Non-Negotiables as a Guide to a Fast-Growing Business This fifth episode is a landmine of tips, practical methodologies, and lots of stuff that you can easily apply to your business and become just as successful as our guest today. Kristi is very much an epitome of success. Her titles and acknowledgements-Emmy Award-winning news reporter, 2019 Women in Business to name a few, in both business and personal life, and all her other achievements, all speak as to what kind of person she is, what she's become, and the discipline she's exercised to enjoy a flourishing business. Join us as we exchange views and important lessons and together be inspired to do great for ourselves and those who are under our employ, and to find the wisdom amidst challenges. Key Takeaways Life happens for you, not to you. You are the average of the five people you surround yourself with; surrounding yourself with a really good tribe is so vital. Your dreams weren’t put inside you to torture you, they were put inside you to drive you and to help you back up when you fall on your knees, not if you fall and scrape your knees, but when you do. Do the dream, don’t just have a dream; don’t just tell people about your dream, but do your dream and then see what happens. Kristi’s driving force for culture was to build a place where families could come first. Show Highlights [00:45] Who is Kriti Piehl? [02:42] Kristi explains the different types of media [04:27] Kristi gives us more of her background story“It really, for me, came down to wanting to help people with my passion.” [09:45] How Kristi waved through hefty waters.“I was not going to allow my career to dictate my life any longer.” [12:05] A walk through on how Media Minefield's first build process was.“It was the right time and I had the right people around me who believed in it.” [15:19] Alissa shares a similar sentiment as Kristi's [16:50] The challenges Kristi faced and what would have been her advice to herself?“You want to be a disruptor so why are you trying to build something other people have built? Do you and do it better than anyone else and then other people will follow you.” [20:05] What Kristi's always loved to do. [21:15] Alissa shares the four things that make you awesome. [23:24] How Kristi managed the growth of her team“I had an obligation to see how far that could go.” [28:15] The piece of advice from Kristi for those who want a stable business growth.“We have to believe that our greatest asset is the people around us.” [31:46] How Kristi decided what kind of culture she wanted?“It’s about ensuring that we have the right kind of people who can really thrive in this kind of environment.” [33:47] Where to find Kristi? Resources Media Minefield Kristi Kristi Kristi Kristi Media Minefield Media Minefield Media Minefield Media Minefield /episode/index/show/makingthelist/id/11825240

Stability, Profitability, Scalability...Led with Humility 10/22/2019

Stability, Profitability, Scalability...Led with Humility The episode today is nothing short of awesome. It's packed with nuggets of wisdom all throughout. We sit down today with a remarkable individual and business owner who's brought his company to the Inc. 5000 list 10 times. Yep, 10 times! Imagine that. He’s also been named as Executive of the Year in Real Estate for 2019. Of course, successes as huge as these don’t happen overnight (like I've repeatedly said). Find out what Kevin Ortner did to make that happen and what he continues to do to ensure stability, scalability, profitability of his business all the while maintaining their culture of people-first. Bring out those pens and notepads and make sure to jot down important pointers that will surely be useful in your own business. Key Takeaways You can’t paint a mural on the wall and hope that everybody will like it. Don’t grow just because there’s more money behind it. You can’t just write your culture down on a culture planning map and then have that end up being your culture one day. Show Highlights [03:00] Kevin gives us a quick rundown of his humble start. [07:12] Why investing in people first is the greatest thing Kevin did with his business early on.“We took off the ones that we weren’t great at or didn’t like and gave it to someone else.” [09:51] Sharing responsibilities when there's more than one visionary in the leadership.“We knew where our strengths lay with each other and played on those.” [11:40] A big pothole Kevin faced and how they got through it. [14:02] How Kevin grew and fused their culture over the years as they were ramping up. [17:06] Alissa shares the same firm belief with Kevin. [17:59] How fast did Kevin's employee growth go? [18:42] Where else is Renters’ Warehouse expanding to? [20:00] The pros and cons and some insights on scaling and whether to franchise or be a corporation. [24:30] The one thing Kevin wish someone had said to him when he was just starting.“Surrounding yourself with the right resources, the right people, who can help you out and be supportive of you I think is really important.” [26:00] Alissa's stance on getting a coach.“You cannot read the label from inside your own jar. That’s the reason to get a coach.” [27:40] Kevin's podcast and where to find him. Resources Connect with Kevin on Connect with Kevin on Connect with Kevin on /episode/index/show/makingthelist/id/11733764

Cultivating Relationships for Business Growth 10/01/2019

Cultivating Relationships for Business Growth Starting a company three months before the collapse of the housing bubble – how would you react? Do you think you could do it? Well, our remarkable guest today did not only think she could, she actually did, and it was the best decision she could've ever made. Cindy Koebele and her intense focus on creating positive customer experience secured her company, TitleSmart, a spot in Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies in America for the past five years. Come and join me as I let Cindy out her secret weapon on how she attained such a remarkable feat. Key Takeaways Everyone’s a customer Curiosity and judgement cannot live in the same space at the same time. Perfectionism can be the biggest barrier to success A great leader never stops growing Show Highlights [02:50] Where did this all start for Cindy? [05:21] Leveraging relationships to get businesses going [07:55] Why Cindy always approaches things with curiosity."It's not always who that person knows but who they know." [09:38] Relationship cultivation and how it's fed into Cindy's entire company culture-wise. [11:05] Alissa's view of delegation and playing to your strengths"Turn overs are not a bad thing because you want people who are consistently engaged." [12:40] The processes in place at TitleSmart [15:15] Cindy shares the failures in her business"...that was a good lesson for me to not take my focus away." [16:43] How Cindy kept her finger on the different sites' pulse [17:13] Alissa shares her personal clarity story [19:19] What changes has Cindy made for better self-care"Self-care can be a very powerful part of company culture." [20:45] How Cindy fills her communal cup [22:43] What is the future of TitleSmart? [24:11] The best piece of advice for anyone just starting"Stop working and making sure everything's perfect." [27:20] Other books by Cindy and a new one to look out for. Resources TitleSmart, Inc. TitleSmart, Inc. Cindy's Connect with Cindy on Connect with Cindy on /episode/index/show/makingthelist/id/11466392

Less About Process; More About People 10/01/2019

Less About Process; More About People Welcome! In this season's first interview episode, we invited Derek Lundsten, CEO of Scrimmage, serial entrepreneur, and co-founder of numerous businesses in various spaces, for a sit down on how he managed to build dynamic business and a stellar team, what he looks for in his investment opportunities, and the lessons he's learned over the years and still continue to learn to this day. Listen in as both Derek and I exchange metaphors, talk bigger pictures, and how fun is essential in striking, not work-life balance, but work-life harmony. Key Takeaways Being energetic is a totally different experience for how you’ll approach the challenges. I want to blend my work and my personal life in such a way that my relationships at work are part of my life. If you think of your whole life as an orchestra, there are times when there’s a violin solo. People are fearful of fast growth because you sometimes feel like you're flying down the freeway without any log nuts on your tires and you’re just praying that there’s no curbs ahead. Show Highlights [01:52] Guest's background in brief [04:14] Derek's start [07:21] Derek's biggest lessons [09:32] A move in culture [10:55] Balance is a ludicrous concept"Change your perception on what that work and life integration, that harmony, that blending is supposed to be, and you can have a lot more fun." [13:09] Derek's processes for semblance and structure"It’s less about the process, it’s more about the people." [15:38] How to pull people’s strengths and amplify them [18:09] Data-backed functional conversations"You definitely want to magnify your strengths, but not at the expense of ignoring your weaknesses." [20:12] Alissa pulling something off Derek's brilliance [22:39] Understanding lead indicators"What gets measured, gets managed." [25:10] One more important view"You have to really understand the fundamental things and the small shifts and adjustments that you can make to unlock that piece of it." [27:14] A really painful failure [29:29] What Alissa wants you to really hear from Derek's story"It takes immense courage to be vulnerable." [32:24] Why you need to get a coach. [33:12] Where is Scrimmage going and where to find them. Resources Scrimmage Connect with on Derek Connect with on Derek Scrimmage Scrimmage Scrimmage Scrimmage Scrimmage /episode/index/show/makingthelist/id/11466125

S101: Introducing Making The List 09/27/2019

Making The List

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