The Drive By Entrepreneur Podcast

Laura Miller, Strata Decision Technology - Drive By Entrepreneur Podcast S2 E11

Join host John Frank in this engaging episode of the Drive By Entrepreneur Podcast as he sits down with Laura Miller, the dynamic Chief Financial Officer of Strata Decision Technology. Laura shares her inspiring journey from starting with an accounting class in high school to becoming a CFO at a leading cloud-based financial planning company. With diverse experiences at companies like Pampered Chef, Starwood Hotels, and PwC, Laura provides insights into the evolving role of a CFO, the importance of cross-functional understanding, and the impact of AI and machine learning on financial operations.
The conversation delves into the shifting landscape of accounting and finance, addressing topics such as the decline in CPA candidates and the integration of technology in financial processes. Laura also discusses the challenges and rewards of leadership, emphasizing the importance of being open to opportunities and learning from peers.
Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on strategic financial leadership, hear Laura's thoughts on work-life balance, and discover her passion for gardening and potential farming aspirations. Whether you're an aspiring CFO or simply interested in the world of entrepreneurship, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Don't miss out on this informative and entertaining discussion!

Christine Koval, New Haven Group - Drive By Entrepreneur Podcast S2 E10

In this episode, John interviews Christine Koval, the founder of Next Haven Group, who is in the process of acquiring a business to grow. Christine shares her background, starting from her roots in Chicago, her education at the University of Illinois, and her MBA from the University of Chicago. She discusses her career journey, including her time at Abbott and her impactful experiences at Chewy, where she worked on projects like shipping frozen dog food and leading the venture into pet insurance.
Christine explains her current endeavor with Next Haven Group, which focuses on entrepreneurship through acquisition. She describes the model she is working under, which involves partnering with investors who provide both capital and mentorship. Christine highlights how this model supports young operators who are looking to acquire and grow a business by providing a network of experienced mentors and a framework to find a suitable company for acquisition. She emphasizes the importance of building relationships with business owners who are considering succession plans and how her experience positions her as a credible option for these entrepreneurs.
During the conversation, Christine outlines her criteria for assessing potential businesses to acquire, focusing on three main pillars: being part of a growing market, having recurring or repeatable revenues, and demonstrating a strong history of margins and cash flow generation. She discusses the importance of understanding a business's competitive advantage and ensuring it continues to meet demand. Christine also shares insights from her professional career, highlighting the significance of having the right people, maintaining customer centricity, and the necessity of taking calculated risks.
The podcast concludes with a light-hearted segment where Christine shares her personal interests, including her favorite music—mentioning artists like Pitbull and bands like Fleetwood Mac—and her love for Friendsgiving. She also reveals her dream alternative career as a Peloton instructor, appreciating the company's customer-centric approach. Throughout the episode, Christine's insights and experiences provide valuable lessons for entrepreneurs navigating the challenges of growing and acquiring businesses.

Kati Kemph, Kie&Kate - Drive By Entrepreneur Podcast S2 E9

In the Drive By Entrepreneur podcast, host John Frank introduces the show, which aims to provide compelling content for entrepreneurs and influencers of small to mid-size organizations. He briefly mentions the sponsors, including his own company, Third Road Management. The episode's guest, Kati Kemph, founder of Kie & Kate Couture, is introduced. John and Kati have been long-time friends, and he expresses excitement about discussing her 16-year journey as an entrepreneur.
Kati shares her story, beginning with her upbringing in Itasca, Illinois, and her initial career aspirations of becoming a child advocate lawyer. Her plans shifted when she attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where she fell in love with teaching. After six years of teaching first grade, Kati decided to take a break to focus on her family. During this time, she launched Kie & Kate Couture in 2008, blending her passion for fashion and design with her need for a creative outlet. Her business quickly grew, leading to the opening of a brick-and-mortar store in 2011 and further expansion in 2018.
Throughout her entrepreneurial journey, Kati emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement and adaptability. She discusses overcoming challenges such as the Polar Vortex and COVID-19, which prompted her to expand into e-commerce. Kati credits her success to a supportive network, including her husband and colleagues, and her participation in programs like Goldman Sachs' 10,000 Small Businesses, which helped her develop confidence and business acumen. She highlights the significance of strategic decision-making and finding a balance between work and family life.
Looking ahead, Kati is focused on further developing Kie & Kate's online presence while maintaining the personal touch her business is known for. She is committed to continuing to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for her customers and staff, prioritizing quality over rapid expansion. Kati's story is a testament to perseverance, innovation, and the power of community, making her journey relatable and inspiring for fellow entrepreneurs.

Kevin Collins, Secret Walls - Drive By Entrepreneur Podcast S2 E8

In the latest episode of the Drive By Entrepreneur podcast, host John Frank interviews Kevin Collins, the CEO of Secret Walls. The podcast, sponsored by Third Road Management, Two Hound Red, and NWC Media, aims to provide valuable insights to entrepreneurs and influencers of small to mid-size organizations. John Frank starts by explaining the mission of the podcast and introduces Kevin Collins, who shares his journey from being an English lit major and college athlete to an influential figure in experiential marketing and the arts.
Kevin Collins describes his early career, including an impactful internship at SFX, which later became Live Nation. This experience sparked his passion for live events and entertainment. After working various roles in the marketing world, including a stint with Levi's and a return to Clear Channel, Collins moved to New York to join an experiential marketing agency, MKTG. His career took another leap when he moved to London, working with major brands like Nike and Beats by Dre, and eventually discovering Secret Walls, a live art competition that captivated him.
Secret Walls, founded in 2006 by Terry Guy, started as an underground art battle in London and has since grown into a global phenomenon. Collins explains the various facets of Secret Walls, including their battle events, educational programs through Secret Walls Academy, and agency services. The organization is dedicated to supporting local artists and creating opportunities for them through live events, brand partnerships, and community-building initiatives. Secret Walls has also adapted to the pandemic by finding new ways to engage with audiences and expand its reach.
Throughout the conversation, Collins highlights the importance of staying curious, asking questions, and continuously pushing oneself out of comfort zones. He reflects on the challenges and rewards of growing Secret Walls and emphasizes the need for short-term memory in dealing with both successes and setbacks. The episode concludes with some fun personal questions, revealing Collins' love for Halloween and his potential interest in teaching as a future career. Overall, the interview provides a rich exploration of Kevin Collins' entrepreneurial journey and the innovative world of Secret Walls.

Joe & Lou Farinella, The Beverage Incubators - Drive By Entrepreneur Podcast S2 E7

The podcast episode features entrepreneurs John Frank, Joe Farinella, and Lou Farinella discussing Joe & Lou's journey in the beverage formulation industry. They highlight the importance of mutual respect, trust, and complementary skill sets in their successful partnership. Emphasizing a strong work ethic instilled from a young age, they credit their dedication to continuous improvement and customer service as key factors in their entrepreneurial journey.
Additionally, the conversation touches on the values of hard work, humility, and pride in business, with Joe emphasizing the value of perfectionism in entrepreneurial success. They also explore their shared passion for music, discussing iconic rock bands like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and The Rolling Stones, showcasing their diverse tastes and admiration for legendary musicians.
The trio further delves into their favorite holidays, with Lou favoring summer celebrations like the 4th of July and Joe holding Christmas in high regard for its extended festive spirit. Their playful banter reflects their individual preferences while underscoring the significance of holidays in their lives. Moreover, they contemplate alternative career paths, revealing Lou's interest in military service and Joe's consideration of a career in medicine.
Overall, the transcript encapsulates the themes of dedication, collaboration, and diverse interests that have shaped the entrepreneurial journey of John, Joe, and Lou Farinella. Their discussions on work ethic, music preferences, holiday traditions, and potential career aspirations offer a glimpse into the multifaceted personalities and values driving their professional and personal endeavors.

Erin Merryn: Champion & Founder of Erin's Law - Drive By Entrepreneur Podcast S2 E6

In this podcast, John Frank interviews Erin Merryn, the founder of Erin's Law, which aims to require all public in each state to implement a prevention-oriented child sexual abuse program. Erin shares her personal journey of sexually abused as a child and the impact it had on her life. She emphasizes the importance of educating children about personal body safety and speaking up about abuse, drawing attention to the long-term effects of abuse on survivors.
Erin discusses the challenges she faced in getting Erin's Law passed, including resistance from legislators and concerns about funding for the program. She also highlights the positive impact of the law, sharing stories of children who disclosed abuse after participating in Erin's Law assemblies. Despite the resistance, Erin remains determined to continue her mission of getting the law passed in all 50 states and eventually internationally.
Aside from her advocacy work, Erin also runs a popular social media page featuring her cat, Carrot, which has provided her with an additional platform to reach a wider audience.
About Erin's Law:
Erin's Law aims to protect children from sexual abuse by mandating that all public schools in each state implement a prevention-oriented child sexual abuse program. Spearheaded by childhood sexual abuse survivor Erin Merryn, this law has already been passed in 38 states in the US and Kerala, India. To further its reach, individuals can support the movement by contacting their legislators to express support for the law in their state. For more information on how to get involved or to learn more about Erin's Law, please visit Erin's Law website at https://erinslaw.org

Dave Weiss: Owner of Kult of Athena and E-Commerce Strategist - Drive By Entrepreneur Podcast S2 E5

Dave Weiss, a seasoned retail professional experience at companies like Gap, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Levi's, shares his entrepreneurial journey on the by Entrepreneur podcast. After facing layoffs and health issues, Weiss transitioned to entrepreneurship through acquisition, embarking on a five-year quest to find the right business to purchase. His deliberate approach to identifying the ideal business reflects the importance of aligning personal strengths and goals with the business opportunity. Ultimately, Weiss acquired Kult of Athena, an E-commerce retailer specializing in swords and replica swords, strategically selecting it for its geographic and E-commerce relevance, as well as its appeal to a passionate audience. He emphasizes the significance of finding a niche and understanding the passion of the audience, as well as the need to be Amazon-proof in the chosen industry.
 
Following the acquisition, Weiss encountered challenges such as navigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, complexities of accounting, and the learning curve of transitioning to small business ownership. Despite the pressures, he expresses enjoyment in connecting with the passionate customer base and values the insights gained from experienced individuals within the industry. Weiss also shares his love for coaching and expresses a desire to inspire and guide others in a similar capacity, showcasing his commitment to sharing his knowledge and experiences with aspiring entrepreneurs.

Balancing Exponential Growth with Preserving Company Culture with J.P. Boulus - DBE S2 E4

Welcome to a captivating episode of the "Drive by Entrepreneur" podcast, where we dive deep into the thrilling world of entrepreneurship and business management. In this episode, our host John Frank, entrepreneur and the owner of Third Road Management, engages in an insightful conversation with JP Boulus, President of Property and Casualty at Captive Resources. They explore the dynamic and intricate world of entrepreneurship, shedding light on both the art and science of running successful businesses. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs and influencers of small to mid-sized organizations, offering valuable insights and practical advice on navigating the business landscape.
In our discussion, we delve into the challenges and triumphs of maintaining company culture amidst rapid growth and expansion. JP Boulus shares his extensive experience in the insurance industry, particularly in the realm of captive insurance, and how it contributes to shaping business strategies. This episode is not just about business growth; it's a journey through leadership, adapting to change, and the importance of preserving core values in a fast-paced business environment. Tune in to this enlightening conversation, perfect for entrepreneurs looking to balance growth with the essence of their company's culture.

The Value of Complimentary Partnerships with Josh & Amy Storm - The Drive By Entrepreneur S2 E3

In this episode of The Drive By Entrepreneur, Amy and Josh Storm share their experiences in the luxury residential interior design and digital rewards industries. Amy discusses the growth of her design firm, from starting out solo to hiring full-time staff and expanding the company's project portfolio. Josh highlights Neocurrency's focus on excellent customer service and strategic marketing to address the needs of organizations in digital rewards and incentives. The conversation emphasizes the challenges and successes of entrepreneurship, the value of complementary skills, and the importance of understanding and addressing client needs.
The episode would not be complete without a few individual questions, including their passion for unique travel experiences and favorite rock concerts. The couple reflects on their family traditions, favorite holidays, and potential career paths outside of their current roles, providing a well-rounded view of their professional and personal lives.

The Importance of Grit & Determination with Michael Valente - Drive By Entrepreneur Podcast S2E2

In this episode, John Frank sits down with Renovation Sells founder Michael Valente. Join us as we dive in with Michael Valente, the visionary behind Renovation Sells, as host John Frank uncovers Valente's incredible transition from the .com world to revolutionizing the construction and remodeling industry. Discover how Renovation Sells transforms homes with luxurious makeovers, prepping them for a grand sale without altering their core layout.
Success Story Unveiled: Learn about Valente's bold leap into franchising, growing from a single idea to an empire of 45 franchises, with an ambitious goal of hitting 100 by 2026. Hear firsthand the trials and triumphs during this explosive growth, especially through the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Entrepreneurship Unfiltered: This episode goes beyond the surface, delving deep into the heart of entrepreneurship. Valente opens up about the mental challenges, the critical importance of grit, and the everyday battles of a business owner.
Fun and Favorites: The episode wraps up with a lighter touch, exploring Valente's favorite music, holidays, and whimsical thoughts on alternative career paths.
A Must-Watch for Dreamers & Doers: Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, Valente's story is a goldmine of inspiration, real-world lessons, and relatable experiences. Tune in to this engaging episode for a mix of personal stories, professional wisdom, and a touch of fun!
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