Succession Stories

Succession Stories is an award-winning podcast guiding entrepreneurs from transition to transaction hosted by Laurie Barkman, The Business Transition Sherpa®. Succession Stories explores the entrepreneurial stages of a business from growth to maturity focusing on value creation, exit planning, succession, and M&A for owner-led companies. If you are an entrepreneur looking for inspiration to create a more valuable business, or an owner who wants to figure out the best way to transition or sell their closely held company, this podcast is for you. Hosted by Laurie Barkman, Amazon best-selling author of "The Business Transition Handbook: How to Avoid Transition Pitfalls and Create Valuable Exit Options." Learn more about strategic transition planning by visiting: https://btsherpa.com

212: Embracing Smart Risks, Casey Cheshire - The Entrepreneur Gene Series 08/26/2025

212: Embracing Smart Risks, Casey Cheshire - The Entrepreneur Gene Series “ The flip of one-to-one communication to a one-to-few communication is going to become priceless. It's all about connection.” - Casey Cheshire What kinds of risks are the ones worth taking when it comes to entrepreneurship? Casey Cheshire, CEO of Ringmaster Conversational Marketing, believes smart risks are the key to success. Host Laurie Barkman talks with Casey about the importance of risk tolerance, learning from failures, and the need for smart risk-taking in business. They also explore the future of marketing with the advent of AI and the significance of maintaining human connections in an increasingly automated world. Casey's military background, personal entrepreneurial journey, and passion for authentic marketing strategies provide a rich and engaging discussion on what it truly means to be an entrepreneur. Takeaways: Focus on creating meaningful relationships through various mediums to foster long-term success. View entrepreneurship as a muscle that can be developed with practice and effort. Engage in activities that build skills necessary for entrepreneurship, such as problem-solving and risk management. Take calculated, smart risks rather than reckless ones. Although challenging, niching down can lead to better targeting and business efficiency. Test narrow focuses to see if they drive better results without betting the farm. This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Get your copy of the Amazon best-selling book by nationally recognized expert, Laurie Barkman that reveals how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms....what every entrepreneur needs to know. ✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: 📣 Write a Podcast Review: _________________________________________________________________ Connect with Laurie Barkman: Email: LinkedIn: Book: YouTube: Connect with Casey Cheshire: LinkedIn: Website: /episode/index/show/successionstories/id/37960110

211: Propensity and Passion, Christopher Antonopoulos- The Entrepreneur Gene Series 08/13/2025

211: Propensity and Passion, Christopher Antonopoulos- The Entrepreneur Gene Series “The big learning for me is leaning on your team, leaning on your network, leaning on your colleagues. Because you don't have the capacity to be thoughtful in all of these different areas.” - Christopher Antonopoulos What does it take to be an entrepreneur? Christopher Antonopoulos, CEO and Founder of Measured Results Marketing, claims the secret is the genetic propensity and how it combines with environmental factors. Christopher shares anecdotes about his journey from a resourceful childhood selling vegetables to leading a successful marketing firm. He and Laurie also discuss the future of marketing automation, the role of AI, and practical strategies for handling business uncertainties. Christopher offers insights into building effective teams, the importance of dealing with ambiguity, and leveraging networks for success. The episode is filled with valuable advice for entrepreneurs on embracing innovation and making impactful business decisions. Takeaways: Cultivate confidence in your decisions and actions. Don't let fear of failure prevent you from taking calculated risks. Develop the ability to make decisions with incomplete information. Comfort with ambiguity and a willingness to navigate uncertain situations is crucial. Always be open to learning, whether through formal education, mentorship, or experimenting within your business. Strive for a 360-degree view of your customers. Use analytics and insights to tailor your products and services to their needs and preferences. This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Get your copy of the Amazon best-selling book by nationally recognized expert, Laurie Barkman that reveals how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms....what every entrepreneur needs to know. ✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: 📣 Write a Review: _________________________________________________________________ Connect with Laurie Barkman: Email: LinkedIn: Book: YouTube: Connect with Christopher Antonopoulos: LinkedIn: Website: /episode/index/show/successionstories/id/37650770

210: Crafting Family Legacies, Matt Chiaradonna - The Entrepreneur Gene Series 08/10/2025

210: Crafting Family Legacies, Matt Chiaradonna - The Entrepreneur Gene Series “ When it's built with your own hands or with your own will, I felt like it was a little bit more of my own success than somebody else doing it for me.” - Matt Chiaradonna Have you ever been thrown into running a business? Matt Chiaradonna, a family business entrepreneur leading JC Fence and Founder of Elite Technique sure has. Host Laurie Barkman talks with Matt about his journey from growing up in a family business, the impact of his father's tragic accident, and his path to operating two successful businesses. He offers advice on developing leaders, balancing legacy, and finding purpose both within and outside the business. This episode delves into the importance of grit, mentorship, and strategic growth in entrepreneurship. Takeaways: For entrepreneurs, establishing clear processes early on in the business can facilitate growth and make it easier to delegate tasks. Focus on identifying and nurturing potential leaders within the organization to drive future growth. Highlight the importance of traits such as determination, grit, and setting one's own destiny, which are prevalent in successful entrepreneurs. Emphasize the value of having a mentor who has successfully navigated similar challenges. This can provide guidance and insights that are pivotal for growth. This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Get your copy of the Amazon best-selling book by nationally recognized expert, Laurie Barkman that reveals how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms....what every entrepreneur needs to know. ✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: 📣 Write a Podcast Review: _________________________________________________________________ Connect with Laurie Barkman: Email: LinkedIn: Book: YouTube: Connect with Matt Chiaradonna: LinkedIn: Website: Website: /episode/index/show/successionstories/id/37650715

209: Assembling Your Personal Board, Pete Schramm - The Entrepreneur Gene Series 08/06/2025

209: Assembling Your Personal Board, Pete Schramm - The Entrepreneur Gene Series “ I followed what's in my heart and I’m moving forward to fill this gap and this need for the workplace of the future.” - Pete Schramm Host Laurie Barkman interviews Pete Schramm, Founder and CEO of Lattitude. A serial entrepreneur, award-winning speaker, and bestselling author of Pathfinders, Pete is on a mission to foster meaningful, sustainable relationships in the workplace. As the founder of Lattitude, he’s cultivating leadership and engagement through career mapping and mentorship software. The episode touches on challenges in the workplace, especially with hybrid and remote work environments. Pete also highlights the necessity of marketing, sales, and having a clear game plan in business while sharing his passion for connecting people and giving back through various nonprofits. Takeaways: Focus on having a wonderful team around you to create enterprise value. Communication and intentional belonging are key to keeping the team aligned and motivated. Clearly and effectively communicate your game plan, start small with changes, but don't stop. Build trust and transparency with your team while managing change. Consider building a personal board of advisors to guide and support your entrepreneurial journey. Seek mentors who can provide diverse perspectives and insights. Regularly measure and understand the engagement, connection, and well-being of your team. Use tools like engagement surveys and share the results and planned actions. This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Get your copy of the Amazon best-selling book by nationally recognized expert, Laurie Barkman that reveals how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms....what every entrepreneur needs to know. ✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: 📣 Write a Review: _________________________________________________________________ Connect with Laurie Barkman: Email: LinkedIn: Book: YouTube: Connect with Pete Schramm: LinkedIn: Website: /episode/index/show/successionstories/id/37650665

208: The Power of Influence, Cooper Munroe - The Entrepreneur Gene Series 08/03/2025

208: The Power of Influence, Cooper Munroe - The Entrepreneur Gene Series “I love giving voice to people who don't necessarily or historically have a voice with those who are selling to them.” - Cooper Munroe Host Laurie Barkman speaks with Cooper Munroe, CEO of The Motherhood, a leading influencer marketing agency. They delve into Cooper's journey from corporate PR to creating The Motherhood, sparked from a blog post about Hurricane Katrina. Cooper discusses the unique challenges and attributes of women entrepreneurs, the evolution of influencer marketing, and her commitment to paying influencers for their valuable work. Tune in to hear how Cooper transformed her vision into a thriving business and what she envisions for the future legacy of The Motherhood. Takeaways: Entrepreneurs should aim to find the balance between time and treasure early in their journey to avoid burnout and ensure the sustainability of their business. Work towards making your revenue stream more predictable. This can help in financial planning and provide stability for the business. Storytelling can be a powerful tool for connecting with your audience. Consider how your business can leverage storytelling to build a strong brand and engage customers. Always ensure that those contributing to your business, especially influencers and content creators, are fairly compensated for their work. This can foster loyalty and a positive working relationship. This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Get your copy of the Amazon best-selling book by nationally recognized expert, Laurie Barkman that reveals how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms....what every entrepreneur needs to know. ✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: 📣 Write a Review: _________________________________________________________________ Connect with Laurie Barkman: Email: LinkedIn: Book: YouTube: Connect with Cooper Munroe: LinkedIn: Website: /episode/index/show/successionstories/id/37650630

207: Disruptive Innovation, Luke Williams - The Entrepreneur Gene Series 07/20/2025

207: Disruptive Innovation, Luke Williams - The Entrepreneur Gene Series “Entrepreneurship is in everyone. It just gets expressed in different ways.” Luke Williams Show host Laurie Barkman welcomes Luke Williams, Founder/CEO of IdeaSkills and Clinical Associate Professor of Innovation and Design at NYU Stern School of Business. They discuss whether entrepreneurship can be taught and delve into the importance of fostering innovative mindsets within established companies. Luke shares insights from his book 'Disrupt' and discusses the balance between maintaining business continuity and introducing disruptive ideas. Luke also emphasizes the significance of learning over investment and provides advice for business owners struggling with innovation. The episode concludes with Luke's journey from Australia to becoming an educator and innovation expert and his passion for creating more competent innovators. Takeaways: Continuously work on developing the capabilities needed to be competitive in the future alongside keeping the existing business running. This is crucial for maintaining a balance between today’s needs and future opportunities. Create diverse teams to ensure a wide range of perspectives and ideas. This diversity can foster innovative thinking and help develop balanced solutions that might not emerge from a homogenous group. Encourage the influx of fresh, disruptive thinking and assess the value of ideas based on how much they help the organization learn and adapt. Develop a “test and learn” budget to experiment with new ideas without the pressure of immediate returns. Allow small-scale testing of innovative ideas to see what works and can then be scaled up. This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Get your copy of the Amazon best-selling book by nationally recognized expert, Laurie Barkman that reveals how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms....what every entrepreneur needs to know. ✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: 📣 Write a Review: _________________________________________________________________ Connect with Laurie Barkman: Email: LinkedIn: Book: YouTube: Connect with Luke Williams: LinkedIn: Website: Book: /episode/index/show/successionstories/id/37264155

206: Lions and Tigers and Entrepreneurs, Oh My! Brea Starmer - The Entrepreneur Gene Series 07/16/2025

206: Lions and Tigers and Entrepreneurs, Oh My! Brea Starmer - The Entrepreneur Gene Series “Simply treating people with respect, with dignity and agency, has been really counterculture and I hope that that becomes a more infectious and attractive way to work.” - Brea Starmer Host Laurie Barkman interviews Brea Starmer, Founder and CEO of Lions and Tigers. Brea shares her experience of turning a layoff into a successful business, her passion for empowering careers for women and mothers, and the unique approach of intrapreneurship. The discussion covers Brea's personal journey, the challenges she faced, the importance of values in business, and the exciting future of the industry. Takeaways: Hire support staff early on, such as operations and HR personnel, to allow you to focus on strategic areas like business development and leadership. Recognize the different stages of your business and life. Sometimes you’ll be optimized for growth and wealth, while at other times, the focus may shift to health and personal well-being. Maintain an active presence on professional networks such as LinkedIn to share your journey, connect with other entrepreneurs, and attract potential clients and employees. Concentrate on tasks that only you can do and delegate others. This ensures you are working on the most impactful areas of the business. This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Get your copy of the Amazon best-selling book by nationally recognized expert, Laurie Barkman that reveals how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms....what every entrepreneur needs to know. ✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: 📣 Write a Review: _________________________________________________________________ Connect with Laurie Barkman: Email: LinkedIn: Book: YouTube: Connect with Brea Starmer: LinkedIn: Website: /episode/index/show/successionstories/id/37263880

205: Entrepreneurs Are Made if Not Born, Jaclyn Beatty - The Entrepreneur Gene Series 07/13/2025

205: Entrepreneurs Are Made if Not Born, Jaclyn Beatty - The Entrepreneur Gene Series “The really great exciting thing about entrepreneurship is even if you don't know from a young age that's the route you want to go, it's never too late to get there.” - Jaclyn Beatty Show host Laurie Barkman interviews Jaclyn Beatty, a seasoned sales professional and Owner/Principal Consultant of Geared for Growth at Sales Xceleration. Jaclyn shares her non-traditional journey to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of the entrepreneurial gene and the belief that entrepreneurs can be made, not just born. They discuss the challenges of transitioning from a corporate sales leader to an entrepreneurial role and the benefits of the fractional sales industry. Jaclyn also provides advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and reflects on her career pivots from clinical dietitian to corporate sales leader. Takeaways: ~Don't hesitate to pursue your entrepreneurial dreams sooner rather than later. If you feel ready, take the plunge and trust your instincts. ~Be willing to accept help and advice from others, whether it’s through peer groups, mentors, or industry experts. You don't have to be an expert in every area of your business. ~Don’t be afraid to pivot from one industry to another if you feel drawn to it. Skills are often transferable, and a fresh perspective can lead to new opportunities. ~Learn to manage wearing multiple hats in your business. Prioritize and balance client deliverables with business development and operational tasks. This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Get your copy of the Amazon best-selling book by nationally recognized expert, Laurie Barkman that reveals how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms....what every entrepreneur needs to know. ✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: 📣 Write a Review: _________________________________________________________________ Connect with Laurie Barkman: Email: LinkedIn: Book: YouTube: Connect with Jaclyn Beatty: LinkedIn: Website: /episode/index/show/successionstories/id/37263630

204: Risk, Resolve, Results, Harry Haywood - The Entrepreneur Gene Series 07/09/2025

204: Risk, Resolve, Results, Harry Haywood - The Entrepreneur Gene Series “I'm guilty of having always had the feeling of being proud, but not satisfied with my accomplishments. Once I get to one goal, I’m ready to move on to the next.” - Harry Haywood Host Laurie Barkman chats with Harry Haywood, President of HBS Solutions Inc. Harry shares insights on the importance of resilience, creativity, and overcoming criticism. With over 15 years of experience, he discusses the challenges of managing growth, building a strong leadership team, and the significance of time management. Harry also delves into his passion for energy efficiency and the evolving industry standards. Listeners will gain valuable advice on prioritization, goal tracking, and balancing business with personal life. Takeaways: ~Learn to maximize your productivity by valuing your time more, especially if you don’t have many personal responsibilities early in your entrepreneurial journey. ~Don’t try to handle everything yourself. Document processes, assign responsibilities, and ensure checks and balances are in place. This helps in managing growth more efficiently. ~Use a systematic approach to track progress towards goals in various aspects of your life, not just business-related but also personal, physical, and spiritual. ~Implement systems and processes to manage the complexities of business operations. Utilize third-party or customized tools to align the team and streamline workflows. This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Get your copy of the Amazon best-selling book by nationally recognized expert, Laurie Barkman that reveals how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms....what every entrepreneur needs to know. ✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: 📣 Write a Review: _________________________________________________________________ Connect with Laurie Barkman: Email: LinkedIn: Book: YouTube: Connect with Harry Haywood: LinkedIn: Website: /episode/index/show/successionstories/id/37263295

203: Accidental Entrepreneurship, Jessica Kenyon - The Entrepreneur Gene Series 07/06/2025

202: Embracing Heliotropic Leadership with Dr. Harry Cohen - The Entrepreneur Gene Series 07/02/2025

202: Embracing Heliotropic Leadership with Dr. Harry Cohen - The Entrepreneur Gene Series “Have the confidence to say, "I believe in my mission and my purpose, and no matter what is in front of me, I will overcome those obstacles.” - Dr. Harry Cohen Host Laurie Barkman interviews Harry Cohen, President and CEO of Sunny Owl Productions and author of “Be the Sun, Not the Salt.” Learn the essential traits that differentiate entrepreneurs— like the ability to tolerate risk and navigate ambiguity, and the significance of instilling an entrepreneurial culture in both large corporations and family-owned businesses by having positive energy in your leadership. Catch Harry's advice how to foster kindness both in oneself and towards others. Takeaways: To succeed, entrepreneurs must tolerate risk, ambiguity, and difficulty. Cultivate a belief in your mission and purpose, and maintain confidence that you will overcome obstacles. Aim to create a positive impact on those around you. Be the "sun" not the "salt" by fostering psychological safety and making people feel valued and motivated. Use rituals and positive self-talk to maintain a confident and optimistic mindset before key moments, like giving presentations or meeting with clients. Whether in a corporate or family-owned business, cultivating a supportive and innovative culture is crucial. Encourage risk-taking and learning from failures rather than punishing them. This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Get your copy of the Amazon best-selling book by nationally recognized expert, Laurie Barkman that reveals how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms....what every entrepreneur needs to know. ✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: 📣 Write a Review: _________________________________________________________________ Connect with Laurie Barkman: Email: LinkedIn: Book: YouTube: Connect with Harry Cohen: LinkedIn: Website: /episode/index/show/successionstories/id/37262965

201: Sewing for Space with Aleksandra Bogunovic - The Entrepreneur Gene Series 06/30/2025

201: Sewing for Space with Aleksandra Bogunovic - The Entrepreneur Gene Series Welcome to The Entrepreneur Gene! Host Laurie Barkman dives into the fascinating world of aerospace with Aleksandra Bogunovic, CEO of AeroThreads. Aleks turned her passion for sewing and fabrication into a thriving business that creates thermal blankets for spacecraft with materials that literally go to space! In this episode, we explore: Importance of grit in business. Aleks’ journey from working with NASA to founding AeroThreads. Challenges of leading a growing team in a rapidly evolving aerospace industry. Insights on maintaining company culture while scaling. Intersection of creativity and engineering in developing innovative solutions. Aleks shares her personal story, the influence of her immigrant family, and how her background in arts and finance shaped her entrepreneurial path. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply curious about the aerospace industry, this episode is packed with inspiration and valuable insights! Quote of the Show: “ Learn to trust your gut, even if you don't understand it.” - Aleksandra Bogunovic _________________________________________________________________ This Show is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® 100 percent of owners will leave their business one day. But few are prepared. Are you? Get your copy of the Amazon best-selling book by nationally recognized expert, Laurie Barkman that reveals how to build business value and plan for succession, transition, or selling the business on your terms....what every entrepreneur needs to know. ✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook here: https://btsherpa.com/book _________________________________________________________________ Connect with Laurie Barkman: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriebarkman/ Website: Connect with Aleks: LinkedIn: AeroThreads: /episode/index/show/successionstories/id/37179590

200: Why Start Exit Planning Now! Jim Carlisle 06/19/2025

199: Challenges, Choices, and Chapters, Julie Broad - The Entrepreneur Gene Series 06/18/2025

198: Why Hiding Failure Hurts More Than It Helps - Brian Marshall 06/10/2025

197: Delusional Optimism - Gregory Silvano - The Entrepreneur Gene Series 06/08/2025

196: Transform Your Business Into a Lasting Legacy - Mark L. Vincent 06/04/2025

195: Embracing Tenacity in Entrepreneurship, Taylor Abbett - The Entrepreneur Gene Series 06/01/2025

194: How Storytelling Defines Your Business Legacy, Paul Furiga 05/26/2025

194: How Storytelling Defines Your Business Legacy, Paul Furiga 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 the pandemic. Paul shares how stories are hardwired into our brains and how a powerful “Capital S Story” can define why someone would buy from you, work with you, invest in you, or partner with you—especially during times of transition like succession planning or selling your business. This conversation is essential for founders, entrepreneurs, and business advisors who want to move beyond transactional storytelling and craft a narrative that truly resonates. 💬 Quote of the Episode: "Stories are not just how we communicate—they're how we think, how we process, and how we decide." 🔗 Resources Mentioned: Paul Furiga’s Book : https://www.wordwriteagency.com/find-your-capital-s-story Word Write Agency : www.wordwriteagency.com Storylines Live Podcast : https://www.wordwriteagency.com/storylineslive Connect with Paul Furiga on LinkedIn : www.linkedin.com/in/paulfuriga/ 📣 Leave a Review: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen! 📢 More Resources: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriebarkman/ Website: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/ Book: https://btsherpa.com/book Course: https://btsherpa.com/course Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessTransitionSherpa /episode/index/show/successionstories/id/36705040

193: Engineering Entrepreneurial Foundations, Charlie Buscarino - The Entrepreneur Gene Series 05/25/2025

192: Ask Why, Succeed Wise - Dean Minuto - The Entrepreneur Gene Series 05/18/2025

191: Optimism and Embracing Life-Long Learning - Susan Quinn - The Entrepreneur Gene Series 05/15/2025

190: Know Honesty: The Power of Transparent Communications - Ken Bogard and Grace Gavin 05/07/2025

189: Engineering, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Living - Bill Spohn - The Entrepreneur Gene Series 05/03/2025

189: Engineering, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Living - Bill Spohn - The Entrepreneur Gene Series “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. Takeaways: 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. Links: Facebook: LinkedIn: Website: Podcast: 📣 Leave a Review: This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® Get your business unstuck so you can grow, scale, and exit while enjoying the journey. ✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook here: More Resources: LinkedIn: Website: Book: Course: Videos: /episode/index/show/successionstories/id/36420570

188: Nurturing the Entrepreneurial Spirit, Pallavi Golla - The Entrepreneur Gene Series 04/27/2025

187: Transforming Pages Into Profits, Nick Hutchison - The Entrepreneur Gene Series 04/17/2025

187: Transforming Pages Into Profits, Nick Hutchison - The Entrepreneur Gene Series In this episode of The Entrepreneur Gene, host Laurie Barkman sits down with Nick Hutchison, CEO and Founder of BookThinkers. They discuss Nick's entrepreneurial journey, how books changed his life, and his rebellious nature that drove him to create successful businesses. Nick shares key decisions and challenges in scaling BookThinkers, emphasizing the importance of systems and strategic growth. The conversation also touches upon personal anecdotes, Nick's passion for endurance sports, and his excitement about becoming a father. Listeners gain insights into leveraging books for personal growth and the importance of creating structured business systems. Takeaways: Delve into books that other successful entrepreneurs recommend to gain knowledge and different perspectives. Consider books like "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki, "The E-Myth Revisited" by Michael Gerber, and "Traction" by Gino Wickman. Focus on making small, incremental improvements over time. Break your long-term goals into manageable quarters or small steps progress steadily. Invest in systematizing your business processes. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) and centralized systems can help scale operations efficiently. Consider hiring consultants or coaches who can provide expertise in specific areas, such as backend infrastructure, to streamline your business operations. Ensure your team is aligned with the new systems and processes. Change management is critical, and getting buy-in from your team is essential. Networking is powerful. Engage with people, attend events, and build relationships that can support your business growth. Quote of the Show: “I genuinely believe at my core and in my bones that the right book at the right time can permanently change somebody's life.” - Nick Hutchison Links: Instagram: LinkedIn: Website: 📣 Leave a Review: This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® Get your business unstuck so you can grow, scale, and exit while enjoying the journey. ✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook here: More Resources: LinkedIn: Website: Book: Course: Videos: /episode/index/show/successionstories/id/36211975

186: From Burnout to Breakthrough with Scott Couchenour 04/07/2025

185: From Corporate Consulting to Entrepreneurial Success, David Newman - The Entrepreneur Gene Series 04/01/2025

185: From Corporate Consulting to Entrepreneurial Success, David Newman - The Entrepreneur Gene Series Welcome to our new sub-show on Succession Stories...The Entrepreneur Gene! In this 1st episode, Host Laurie Barkman interviews David Newman, entrepreneur, author, and sales and marketing expert. David shares his insight into the idea of an entrepreneurial gene, discussing key traits such as being a maverick and a risk-taker. He reflects on his journey from a struggling entrepreneur to a successful mentor, emphasizing the importance of alignment and avoiding distractions in business. David also explores the impact of AI on consulting and shares personal insights and advice for future entrepreneurs. The episode ends with discussing David's passion for retro video games and resources listeners can access for further learning! Takeaways: Understanding that entrepreneurship often stems from an inherent drive to be mavericks, mavens, and rebels, leaders should recognize and nurture these qualities within themselves. Entrepreneurs often struggle with distractions from multiple ventures. Focusing on how to align efforts under one coherent strategy or "roof" can prevent spreading oneself too thin. Instead of starting entirely new ventures, which David calls hot dog stands, focus on improving and innovating within the current business structure to scale and grow. Embrace technological advancements like AI to improve efficiency but ensure the added value is applied in a human-centric manner. Find mentors, join masterminds, and accept help from peers and successful entrepreneurs early in the journey to accelerate learning and avoid common pitfalls. Before investing heavily in new business ideas (like building logos or websites), sell the concept first to ensure there is market demand. Being part of a community or network can provide support, opportunities for learning, and potential collaborations. Quote of the Show: “The mavericks, the mavens, the rebels, those kinds of people, if that's in their DNA, then they're truly cut out for entrepreneurial success.” - David Newman Links: LinkedIn: Website: 📣 Leave a Review: This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa® Get your business unstuck so you can grow, scale, and exit while enjoying the journey. ✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook here: More Resources: LinkedIn: Website: Book: Course: Videos: /episode/index/show/successionstories/id/35959795

184: Meet The Entrepreneur Gene, New Feature Series: Trailer with Laurie Barkman 03/30/2025

183: Guiding Entrepreneurs Through Business Exits with Ghislain Gouraige 03/23/2025

Succession Stories

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