Drew Ann Long shares the incredible story of Caroline's Cart.
Key Takeaways
- Problem: In 2008, Drew Ann Long's disabled daughter outgrew standard carts, revealing a major accessibility gap for the world's largest minority group.
- Solution: Long invented Caroline's Cart, but after being rejected by all 4 major US manufacturers, she self-funded the first 88 carts with her family's 401k.
- Strategy: Long seeded the 88 carts in small stores nationwide, using social media to create massive consumer demand that forced the largest manufacturer to license her patent.
- Impact: The cart is now standard equipment in major retailers (Walmart, Target, Lowe's) across 8 countries, and Long's speaking fees fund Caroline's Cause, a nonprofit for siblings of special needs children.
Topics
The Problem: A Critical Market Gap
- Long's middle daughter, Caroline (25), is severely disabled, non-verbal, and non-ambulatory.
- In 2008, Caroline outgrew all available shopping carts (standard, fun-carts, scooters).
- This revealed a critical market gap: no shopping cart existed for the special needs community, which Long identified as the world's largest minority group.
The Struggle: From Napkin to Prototype
- Initial Rejection: Long's "napkin drawing" was dismissed by all 4 major US shopping cart manufacturers.
- Self-Funding: Forced to proceed alone, Long self-funded the first prototype for $28,000, exhausting family savings.
- Prototype Validation: A May 2011 social media post of the prototype generated instant, overwhelming demand, confirming the market need.
The Breakthrough: Creating Demand & Securing a Partner
- Second Rejection: Long's second attempt to pitch the prototype to the largest manufacturer also failed.
- First Production Run: Long found a small Georgia manufacturer (who made lumber carts) to produce 100 carts for $100,000.
- Funding: The family took a $100,000 loan from their 401k, adding to their ~$500,000 total debt.
- Outcome: A factory fire reduced the first run to 88 carts.
- Strategic Seeding: Long sold the 88 carts to local "mom and pop" stores nationwide.
- Goal: Use social media to create widespread consumer demand that major retailers could not ignore.
- Major Retailer Pressure: The strategy worked. Major retailers (Walmart, Target) began requesting Caroline's Cart from the largest manufacturer.
- Licensing Deal: The manufacturer, now facing retailer pressure, called Long and signed a licensing contract on her third visit.
The Success: National Rollouts & Global Expansion
- Target: National rollout to every US store in 2017.
- Lowe's: National rollout to every store in 2018.
- Walmart: National rollout to all Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam's Clubs in July 2024, securing the industry's "gold medal."
- Global Reach: The cart is now available in 8 countries, including Dubai.
The Legacy: Caroline's Cause & Speaking
- Business Model: Long licenses her patent to the manufacturer, operating as a one-person business.
- Caroline's Cause: A nonprofit providing college scholarships for siblings of special needs children.
- Rationale: To recognize the sacrifices made by these siblings.
- Funding: Long's speaking fees are donated to the scholarship fund.
- Impact: 18 scholarships awarded to date.
You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.
Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com
Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round?
You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com
Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com
Sam Wegner discusses faith, waiting, and anticipatory grief.
Key Takeaways
- Waiting is a Prerequisite for Hope: Romans 8:24–25 shows that hope for the unseen requires waiting. Since hope is a component of faith, and faith is required to please God (Hebrews 11:6), waiting is an essential part of the Christian life.
- Affliction is a Tool for Good: Psalm 119:68–71 reveals that God is good and uses affliction for our good, specifically to teach us His statutes. This reframes suffering as a divine tool for growth, not a sign of abandonment.
- The "Waiting Wheel" is God's Process: This cycle (Confidence → Faith → Testing → Perseverance → Character → Confidence) is how God builds us incrementally, like "leveling up" in a video game, providing a larger toolkit for each new challenge.
- Honest Desperation Deepens Faith: Expressing raw pain to God is not weakness but a necessary step to surrender control and fully rely on Him. This paradoxical faith ("I believe; help my unbelief") is where true strength is found.
Topics
The Weight of Waiting
- Sam's book, The Weight of the Wait, stems from a friend's question about the "weight" of his wife Crystal's metastatic breast cancer diagnosis.
- Sam's answer: "The heaviest part of the weight is the wait."
- The struggle was not with the inevitability of death, but with the prolonged waiting period.
- This insight led to a scriptural revelation: waiting is a prerequisite for hope.
- Romans 8:24–25: Hope for the unseen requires waiting.
- Hebrews 11:1, 6: Hope is a component of faith, and faith is required to please God.
- Conclusion: Waiting is an essential part of pleasing God.
Navigating Anticipatory Grief
- Crystal's diagnosis led to a season of anticipatory grief, marked by emotional exhaustion and an inability to pray aloud.
- A new oncologist recommended a recently approved drug with an average life expectancy of ~9 months.
- The family prayed for Crystal to live through Christmas and Easter.
- Crystal remained on the drug for over 3.5 years—the longest the oncologist had ever seen.
- Sam's advice for others in this season:
- Don't fear expressing weakness. It is not a sign of weak faith but a necessary step to surrender control and fully rely on God.
- Be brutally honest with God. Expressing pain and desperation is a form of worship that leads to peace.
The "Waiting Wheel" for Spiritual Growth
- The "Waiting Wheel" is a model for spiritual growth found in James 1 and Romans 5.
- It describes an incremental cycle:
1. Confidence: In God's character (hope).
2. Faith: Acting on that hope.
3. Testing: Trials that test faith.
4. Perseverance: The product of testing.
5. Character: Matured perseverance builds God's character in us.
You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.
Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com
Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round?
You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com
Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com
Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com
Greg Workmon discusses scaling LoadUp and personal growth.
Key Takeaways
- Formalize early to avoid crisis: LoadUp's lack of a purpose statement caused an identity crisis at $15M revenue, leading to poor decisions and financial losses. Formalizing values and mission was a painful but necessary fix.
- Software enables scale: A robust software platform was the key enabler, replacing inefficient spreadsheets and email to manage national logistics and build customer confidence.
- Pride is a growth killer: Early success (3,000% growth) led to arrogance, causing Greg to ignore critical advice. Humility and seeking wisdom from mentors were essential for recovery.
- Priorities over profit: Chasing money led to personal emptiness and neglected relationships. Greg's advice: prioritize family over business, even if time allocation is unequal.
Topics
The Origin Story
- Greg's background: Logistics (moving, last-mile delivery) and waste management.
- Initial venture: A side gig picking up mattresses in Atlanta.
- Identified a market gap: Incumbents wouldn't price over the phone.
- A simple website ranked #1 on Google, generating immediate demand.
- The "Uberization" pivot:
- Realized the physical work was unsustainable.
- Inspired by Uber, decided to build a platform connecting customers with haulers.
- National expansion:
- Major e-commerce bed-in-a-box brands (Casper, Purple) found the Atlanta site and sought a national solution.
- Greg agreed, then built an order form and found local haulers on the fly—a tactic he now advises against for compliance reasons.
The Scaling Crisis & Recovery
- Problem: Rapid growth outpaced organizational structure.
- At ~$15M revenue, the company was a "sailboat without a rudder," lacking a clear mission.
- This directionlessness caused poor decisions and financial losses.
- Solution: A painful but necessary formalization process.
- Defined a purpose statement, mission, and core values.
- Resulted in significant team turnover as some members didn't align with the new direction.
- Framework: Adopted the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to provide structure.
The LoadUp Marketplace Model
- Core Function: A two-sided marketplace connecting customers with independent haulers ("Loaders").
- Value for Haulers:
- Provides a powerful digital marketing arm, solving a key challenge in a saturated market.
- Offers a source of repeat business.
- Value for Customers:
- Provides a national, turnkey solution for bulky item removal.
- Offers transparent, upfront pricing.
- Technology:
- AI-powered image recognition is in development.
You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.
Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com
Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round?
You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com
Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com
Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com
Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ
Todd Miller discusses integrating faith into business.
Key Takeaways
- Isaiah Industries: Renamed the family business to Isaiah Industries to signal a faith-based mission, using Isaiah 56.1 ("do what is right") as a core value.
- Employee Care: Prioritizes supporting struggling employees through personal crises (illness, family issues) over immediate termination, recognizing the heavy mantle of a Christian company.
- Hiring Strategy: Employs a prayer-led, relationship-based hiring model, asking God for the right people and the wisdom to recognize them, leading to unexpected hires.
- Personal Growth: Discovered that leading a church ministry—which forces deep study—is a key discipline for staying grounded while working 70–80 hours/week.
Topics
Company Mission & Naming
- Isaiah Industries, a specialty metal roofing manufacturer, was renamed from the original family business (founded 1980) to serve as a corporate umbrella brand.
- The name was chosen to reflect the owners' faith and remind the team of a higher purpose beyond manufacturing.
- Core Scripture: Isaiah 56.1 ("do what is right") is the company's primary litmus test for all decisions.
- The name is a "calling card" that opens doors for faith-based conversations with customers and colleagues.
Operationalizing Faith in Business
- Employee Support: The company's first response to an employee crisis is support, not termination.
- Rationale: A Christian company firing someone leaves a negative, lasting impression.
- Hiring Process: Relies on prayer and personal referrals, not traditional job boards.
- Prayer: "Lord, bring me the people I need when I need them and give me the wisdom to recognize them."
- Core Values: Biblically based values act as the "banks of the river" for all business operations, providing a framework for decision-making.
Evangelism & Community
- Workplace Evangelism: Involves pushing past superficial pleasantries to offer genuine support to colleagues in crisis (e.g., caring for aging parents).
- Church Ministry: Leads a satellite church for the underserved population, which includes preaching and teaching.
Advice & Reflection
- Advice for Younger Self:
- Cultivate an open and soft heart.
- Be bold in sharing faith stories, inspired by the blind man healed by Jesus (John 9).
- Journal intentionally to track God's interventions, as memory fades.
- Passing on Faith:
- Key: Live out a consistent, practical faith daily.
- Impact: This provides a genuine framework that counters the hypocrisy that can cause younger generations to disengage from faith.
You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.
Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com
Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round?
You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com
Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com
Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com
Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ
Morgan Knox provides very practical AI applications for small business owners.
Key Takeaways
- NotebookLM for SOPs: Use Google's free NotebookLM to convert raw recordings into interactive SOPs. Its AI-generated podcasts and videos are more engaging than static documents, and the "Talk to the Podcast" feature allows direct, private Q&A, making training more accessible.
- AI for Inbox Management: Use built-in AI (e.g., Gemini) for drafting replies. For advanced, hands-free workflows, connect ChatGPT to Gmail via Zapier to summarize your inbox and draft responses using voice commands while commuting.
- AI for Team Accountability: Automate daily check-ins with Zapier. AI analyzes submissions against a scorecard, flagging risks to managers and creating comprehensive leadership reports, shifting their role from "paper chaser" to decision-maker.
Topics
The SOP Challenge & AI Solution
- The Problem: Documenting SOPs is difficult for growing businesses, and static documents are often ignored by teams who prefer asking managers directly.
- The Solution: Record all business activities (meetings, calls, training). This data is the "gold mine" for AI to generate SOPs.
- Recording Tools: Use the tool you'll actually use. Options include Otter, Crisp, Fathom, or your phone's native recorder.
- Key Insight: The transcription is the critical asset, not the raw audio.
- NotebookLM Demo:
- Function: A free, topic-specific AI notebook that answers questions only from the sources you provide (e.g., SOPs, handbooks), preventing "hallucinations."
- Source Inputs: Upload files (PDFs, Docs), paste links (YouTube, websites), or upload audio.
- Multimodal Outputs:
- Audio Overviews: One-click podcasts with two AI hosts discussing the content.
- "Talk to the Podcast": An interactive mode allowing users to pause and ask questions directly.
- Video Overviews: Short videos with AI-generated visuals and graphics.
- Other Formats: Mind maps, flashcards, and quizzes.
- Use Case: A cost-effective alternative to platforms like Trainual.
AI for Inbox Management
- Prerequisite: First, reduce inbox clutter using tools like Gmail's "Manage Subscriptions" feature.
- Built-in AI (e.g., Gemini):
- Drafting Replies: The "Help me write" button analyzes email threads to generate drafts, saving 80–90% of the work.
- Inbox Search: The Gemini sidebar can find specific emails or search your entire Google Workspace.
- Advanced Hands-Free Workflow (ChatGPT + Zapier):
- Setup: Connect ChatGPT to Zapier via "Apps and Connectors" in settings. This enables ChatGPT to take actions in other apps, like Gmail.
- Workflow: Use ChatGPT's voice mode while commuting.
1. Prompt: "Summarize my inbox and prioritize emails needing a response."
2. Dictate Replies: Voice commands to draft responses, search Google Drive for context, and add links.
3. Action: ChatGPT can push drafts to Gmail or, with developer permissions, send emails directly.
- Best Practice: Start by drafting only, with a human in the loop for review, before enabling direct sending.
You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.
Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com
Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round?
You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com
Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com
Kimberly Haar discusses her book "Healing from Life's Deepest Hurts" and her personal journey of healing after trauma.
Key Takeaways
- Kimberly survived a violent assault by her ex-husband in 2017, which became the catalyst for writing her book on healing from trauma
- She emphasizes the importance of choosing to forgive, surrounding yourself with wise community, and declaring truth even when you don't feel it
- Kimberly's healing journey involved therapy, leaning on faith, processing grief, and ultimately finding new love and purpose
Topics
Kimberly's Background and Book
- Licensed therapist with almost 20 years experience
- Recently published "Healing from Life's Deepest Hurts" with Baker Books
- Book combines her personal story with therapeutic tools for healing
- Structured around Ecclesiastes theme of "a time for everything"
The Traumatic Event
- In 2017, Kimberly was assaulted and kidnapped by her intoxicated ex-husband
- He shot her new boyfriend Andrew 10 times (Andrew survived)
- This came 4 years after Kimberly had divorced her unfaithful first husband
The Healing Journey
- Initially spent time grieving, crying, and processing anger with God
- Put herself in therapy to avoid getting "stuck"
- Surrounded herself with wise, encouraging community
- Focused on forgiveness, including forgiving herself
- Used praise music and scripture to speak truth even when she didn't feel it
Key Healing Principles
- Feelings are valid but shouldn't be dictators of our lives
- Healing isn't linear - there are good days and setbacks
- Forgiveness is an ongoing choice, not a one-time event
- It's important to tell your story from a place of healing, not tragedy
Life After Healing
- Married Andrew 4 months after the incident
- Now uses her story to help others through speaking and writing
- Emphasizes that no story is too broken for God to redeem
Next Steps
- Readers can find Kimberly's book and free resources at KimberlyHaar.com
- Those interested in having Kimberly speak can contact her through her website
You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.
Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round?
You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com
Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com
Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com
Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ
Trevor Maddux discusses scaling sales teams and building a tech product.
Key Takeaways
- Reverse-engineer scaling: Your current systems are perfectly engineered for your current results. To scale, study the systems of larger, successful companies and implement their practices immediately.
- Systematize sales first: Before hiring, the founder must master sales and document the process in a "sales journal." This journal becomes the training manual for new reps, ensuring a scalable, replicable system.
- Use data to drive growth: Track marketing channels by cost-per-lead (CPL) and reallocate budget to the most efficient sources. This scientific approach enables predictable growth, like Cranston Handyman's $2.51 CPL.
- Develop leaders internally: Promote from within to satisfy the innate human need for growth and build a strong, loyal culture. This is more effective than hiring external "saviors" who often fail.
Topics
Scaling Strategy: Reverse-Engineering Success
- Core Principle: Your current systems are perfectly engineered for your current results. To scale, you must build the systems of the company you want to become.
- Method: Be a student of the game.
- Tour successful companies (e.g., A-plus Garage Door, Any Hour Services).
- Talk to everyone—from dispatch to marketing—to understand their systems.
- Implement their best practices immediately.
Marketing: A Scientific Approach
- Philosophy: Use all available marketing channels ("bring the whole army") and test new ones quarterly.
- Data-Driven Optimization:
- Track CPL for every channel (Angie's, HomeAdvisor, Google, etc.).
- Reallocate budget from high-CPL sources to low-CPL sources to maximize efficiency.
- Results (Cranston Handyman):
- CPL: ~$2.51 (some weeks as low as $2.38).
- Lead Volume: 483 leads last week.
- CAC:LTV Ratio: A key metric; a ratio of 6:1 or higher indicates a healthy month.
Building the Sales Team: From Founder to Leader
- Step 1: Founder Mastery & Documentation
- Step 2: Systematized Hiring
- Step 3: Ongoing Training & Development
Career Path & Retention
- Core Principle: Satisfy the innate human need for growth. If employees leave, it's often because the company failed to provide a clear growth path.
- Cranston's Evolving Path:
- Sales Rep: Entry-level role.
- Fast Start Bonus: $250/week for the first 6 weeks to bridge the gap before commissions kick in.
- Setter-Closer Model: High-performing reps can close deals for setters, increasing their income.
- Future Phase: Develop internal team leads to manage sales teams.
You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.
Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round?
You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com
Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com
Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com
Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ
Holly Andrews discusses managing family life, stress, and career transitions.
Key Takeaways
- Holly transitioned from a high-stress NSA career to health coaching, dramatically improving her family life and personal well-being
- Stress management techniques like taking breaks, hydration, and intentional decompression time are crucial for both adults and children
- Establishing family rhythms, especially for families with traveling spouses, can significantly improve household dynamics
- Focusing on progress made rather than gaps to ideal goals is a powerful mindset shift for personal growth and parenting
Topics
Holly's Background and Career Transition
- Worked at NSA for 17 years, progressing from language analyst to executive in AI/ML operations
- Transitioned to full-time health coaching 3 years ago, focusing on holistic health and high-stress situations
- Family: Husband David (airline pilot), son Aaron (16), daughter Charlotte (13)
Impact of High-Stress Career on Family Life
- Physical health declined (reached 350 lbs)
- Experienced depression and emotional instability
- Parenting suffered due to lack of energy and increased anger
- Marriage became focused solely on logistics, feeling like "roommates"
- Spiritual life entered a "desert" period for about a decade
Health Transformation Journey
- Started with radical honesty about current situation
- Focused on small, manageable steps (e.g., earlier bedtime, drinking more water)
- Improved communication with spouse about needs and support
- Resulted in better mental clarity, emotional stability, and family dynamics
Current Family Dynamics and Routines
- More intentional and peaceful mornings (e.g., making kids' lunches, devotionals)
- Established after-school decompression time for daughter (30 minutes)
- Tailored homework approach based on daily experiences and needs
- More organized meal planning and shared responsibilities
Stress Management Techniques for Clients
- Take breaks every 90 minutes (ultradian rhythm)
- Intentionally spend time outdoors
- Track and increase water intake
- Customize techniques based on individual preferences and needs
Managing Stress for Children
- Allow decompression time after school
- Listen to both verbal and body language to gauge needs
- Adjust expectations and approach based on daily experiences
- Celebrate progress rather than focusing on shortcomings
Navigating Life with a Traveling Spouse
- Give the traveling spouse a "down day" after returning from trips
- Adjust expectations for the spouse's contributions on return days
- Establish clear communication about needs and responsibilities
Family Traditions and Values
- Prioritize travel experiences, both domestic and international
- Use travel to mark milestones (e.g., 16th birthday trip to Italy)
- Expose children to diverse cultures and perspectives
You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.
Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round?
You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com
Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com
Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com
Sam Taggart discusses scaling a business and building high-performing teams.
Key Takeaways
- Scaling Framework: Master sales → build systems (not just manage people) → create a "breakthrough-optimize" cycle → invest in personal growth to become worthy of the next level.
- Systemize People Management: Replace managing individuals with managing a program. This creates a predictable, scalable structure and reduces dependence on any single person.
- Owner's Role: The owner is the primary bottleneck. To scale, they must get "in the trenches" to understand the customer and invest in personal development to become worthy of the company's next size.
Topics
The Scaling Framework
Sam's framework for scaling a business is a four-step process:
1. Master Sales: Sales is the foundational skill. An owner's mindset toward sales directly impacts team performance.
- Action: Get "in the trenches" with the sales team to understand customer needs and conversion challenges.
- Example: A client, Dan Young (PC Live), took sales calls for 8 months to learn the process, which helped grow the business from a $1M/month loss to $13M in profit.
2. Build Systems, Not Just Manage People: Replace managing individuals with managing a program.
- Rationale: This creates a scalable structure that reduces dependence on any single person and enables predictable growth.
- Key Systems:
- Recruiting: A defined, qualified hiring process.
- Training: A robust Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) system.
3. Create a "Breakthrough-Optimize" Cycle: Alternate between growth and profit modes.
- Growth Mode: Invest in R&D and innovation, accepting that some initiatives will fail (e.g., Sam's $3M R&D investment).
- Profit Mode: Optimize operations, cut non-performing initiatives, and focus on sales/marketing.
4. Invest in Personal Growth: The owner is the primary bottleneck. To scale, they must become worthy of the company's next size.
- Action: Invest in coaching and personal development to avoid being the limiting factor.
- Example: A client grew a roofing company from $20M to $250M by investing $2-3M in personal development over 5 years.
Systemizing Training: The 3-Step Process
A robust training system follows a 3-step process:
1. Communicate: Educate employees via videos and written SOPs.
2. Feedback: Verify understanding by having employees demonstrate the skill.
- Methods: Role-playing, AI-powered practice bots, or real-world application.
3. Repetition: Reinforce core principles consistently.
- Rationale: Employees need to hear key messages multiple times and in various formats to internalize them.
New Business Opportunity: The Lighting Pros
- Matthew's company, The Lighting Pros, is a franchise with 5 locations and 2-3 reps each.
- Sam pitched two white-label solutions to help scale the franchise:
1. Lighting CRM/Proposal Tool: A bidding and commission calculator built by D2Dexperts' tech lead, Austin.
2. "Lighting University" Training Platform: A comprehensive LMS to replace The Lighting Pros' current Google Drive-based system.
- Features:
- White-labeled with The Lighting Pros' branding.
- Includes a full lighting sales curriculum.
- D2Dexperts films custom videos for the franchise's specific products and processes.
- An AI bot answers questions by pulling information from the training content.
Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round?
You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com
Preston Zeller discusses faith, career, and entrepreneurship, as well as his new app, Psalmlog.
Key Takeaways
- Preston's faith journey led him from prodigal son to committed Christian, shaping his approach to work and life
- He views workplaces as ministry opportunities, using discernment to share faith appropriately
- Preston developed Psalm Log, an AI-powered app for spiritual growth tracking and journaling
- He advocates for Christians to engage with new technologies like AI as tools for kingdom impact
Topics
Preston's Faith Journey
- Grew up around church but lacked intellectual understanding
- Had "prodigal son" phase in college with partying
- Pivotal moment at 22 when God said He'd let Preston keep running if he chose
- Attended Calvary Chapel conference at 23, fully committed life to Christ
- Compelled to share faith with friends after conversion
Faith in the Workplace
- Early job exposed Preston to New Age spirituality, strengthening his Christian convictions
- Prayed for coworker who decided against abortion, naming child Faith
- Views each job as placed there by God for a purpose
- Navigated sharing faith in tech company during politically charged times (e.g. 2016 election)
- Shifted focus to mentoring younger colleagues on faith and life in recent years
Entrepreneurship and Psalm Log
- Developed Psalm Log app for tracking spiritual growth through voice journaling
- Uses AI to provide insights on journal entries and scripture readings
- Aims to help users build habits around spiritual reflection
- Available on Apple and Android app stores
Perspective on AI and Technology
- Views AI as a tool, analogous to firearms - not inherently good or evil
- Cautions against manipulated videos showing AI as demonic
- Encourages Christians to engage with new tech to have kingdom impact
- Sees opportunity for Christian tech leaders to fund ministry/missions
You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.
Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round?
You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com
Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com
Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com
Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ
Pam Rivet discusses how Jesus radically transformed her life and the origin of MBS.
Key Takeaways
- Pam Rivet co-founded MBS (The Woman Beyond the Cape), a faith-based women's athleisure brand, after experiencing a spiritual awakening and divine visions
- She overcame struggles with alcohol addiction and found peace through surrendering her life to Christ
- Pam's business and speaking career aim to help prevent burnout/anxiety by encouraging women to find their worth in God rather than worldly accomplishments
Topics
Pam's Background and Business Origin
- Co-owner/founder of MBS (The Woman Beyond the Cape) and keynote speaker
- MBS is a faith-based women's athleisure brand with scripture-tied affirmations
- Business idea came from divine visions after praying about feeling a need for "something more"
- Partnered with former acquaintance Mandy, who had similar spiritual experiences
Pam's Spiritual Journey
- Raised with a religious background but lacked a personal relationship with God
- Experienced a rock bottom moment driving intoxicated with children
- Began personal development, slowly reduced drinking
- Had a transformative spiritual experience at a women's worship conference
- Fully surrendered life to Christ, leading to radical lifestyle changes
Impact on Family Life
- Initial challenges with husband due to drastic lifestyle changes
- Gradual positive changes in family dynamics (e.g., reading the Bible together, attending church)
- Learned to trust God's timing for family members' spiritual growth rather than trying to control
Business Mission and Personal Growth
- MBS aims to prevent burnout/anxiety by reminding women of their God-given worth
- Affirmations on clothing tied to scripture to encourage daily spiritual focus
- Pam's personal growth allows her to face current challenges with peace and trust in God
Advice and Reflection
- Key advice: Trust God, even when you don't understand the circumstances
- Emphasizes the importance of surrendering control and allowing God to work in loved ones' lives
You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.
Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round?
You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com
Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com
Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com
Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ
Author Debora Coty shares about her life, faith journey, and new devotional book "Bless Your Heart"
Key Takeaways
- Debora Coty is an author of 45+ books, including the "Too Blessed to Be Stressed" series which sold over 2 million copies
- She emphasizes the importance of being vulnerable and transparent about life's struggles in her writing
- Her new 365-day devotional "Bless Your Heart" reflects a more mature faith perspective after recent losses and challenges
- Coty encourages constantly seeking God's face and maintaining an attitude of openness to hearing the Holy Spirit
Topics
Debora's Background and Family
- Married nearly 50 years, has 2 grown children and 5 grandchildren
- Experienced 6 miscarriages and subsequent depression in her 20s-30s
- Emphasizes the importance of including grandparents in grandchildren's lives, especially spiritually
- Uses creative methods like scripture songs to Biblical truths to grandkids
Writing Career
- Started writing at age 45 after praying for direction
- First book inspired by stories from a hand therapy patient
- "Too Blessed to Be Stressed" series became unexpectedly successful
- Latest book "Bless Your Heart" reflects a more mature faith after recent losses
Faith Journey
- Went through periods of depression and feeling distant from God after miscarriages
- Practiced "reluctant obedience" by continuing spiritual habits even when struggling
- Emphasizes God's faithfulness through different seasons of life
- Encourages seeking God's face consistently, being open to hearing the Holy Spirit
Perspective on Suffering
- Views challenges as opportunities to grow closer to God
- Shares the story of her granddaughter getting adopted, fulfilled earlier dreams/visions
- Emphasizes God's timing and plans may look different than expected
- Encourages maintaining faith and seeking God even in difficult waiting periods
Next Steps
- Listeners can find "Bless Your Heart" devotional on Amazon, ChristianBooks.com, Barnes & Noble
- Visit deboracoty.com to join her "Blessed Friends Forever" community
- Debora's column is available in The Christian Voice magazine (print and online)
You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.
Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round?
You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com
Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com
Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com
Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ
Drew Larison of Five Door Media discusses marketing strategies for small businesses, particularly in the cleaning industry.
Key Takeaways
- Five Door Media specializes in marketing for cleaning companies, focusing on a niche for better results
- The "Five Door Method" helps diagnose and optimize paid ad campaigns through platform, creative, targeting, post-ad engagement, and sales
- Video content is crucial in 2025, with 82% of internet content being video-based
- Speed-to-lead is critical: 78% of sales go to businesses that respond within 5 minutes
Topics
Niching Down in Business
- Drew's agency narrowed focus from general to home services, then specifically to cleaning companies
- Specialization led to becoming one of the fastest-growing cleaning marketing agencies in 6-8 months
- Niching down improved staff expertise, client satisfaction, and overall business performance
The Five Door Method for Marketing
1. Platform: Choosing the right advertising platform (e.g., Google, Facebook)
2. Creative: Developing engaging, authentic content that stops users from scrolling
3. Targeting: Reaching the right audience with proper demographics and location
4. Post-ad Engagement: Optimizing landing pages and forms for easy conversion
5. Sales: Ensuring a robust sales process to close leads effectively
Video Marketing Importance
- 82% of all internet content consumed is video
- Less polished, authentic videos often perform better than highly produced content
- Recommend adding videos to landing pages for better engagement and conversion
Sales Process Optimization
- Speed-to-lead is crucial: aim to respond to leads within 5 minutes
- 78% of sales go to businesses that respond first to inquiries
- Consider using VAs or AI automation for after-hours lead management
Next Steps
- Evaluate current marketing strategies using the Five Door Method
- Implement video content in marketing efforts, especially on landing pages
- Assess and improve sales processes before investing heavily in marketing
- Consider using virtual assistants or AI automation for faster lead response
- Connect with Drew Larison via five-doormedia.com or social media for further assistance
You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.
Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round?
You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com
Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com
Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com
Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ
Dr. Janelle Martin discusses her experience with her daughter's addiction and recovery, and her book "Losing Her, Finding Us".
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Martin's daughter struggled with drug addiction as a teenager, leading to a crisis point and intensive treatment
- The recovery process transformed both their lives, rebuilding their relationship and inspiring Dr. Martin's career change
- Dr. Martin emphasizes the importance of parent education, support groups, and professional help in navigating addiction
- Their book offers a unique dual perspective on addiction's impact on families and the journey to recovery
Topics
Discovering the Addiction
- Dr. Martin was initially unaware of her daughter's drug use
- Informed by daughter's acquaintance via Facebook message with photo evidence
- Initial anger and heartbreak, followed by attempts to address the issue without specialized help
Crisis and Treatment
- Daughter sent to live with father in Arizona, leading to rapid escalation of issues
- Crisis point reached within 3 months, involving physical altercation and police
- Found specialized teen treatment program in Arizona
- Daughter underwent 6 weeks inpatient, 8 weeks intensive outpatient, 6 months aftercare
Recovery Process and Impact
- Dr. Martin attended weekly parent meetings, joined 12-step program
- Recovery process rebuilt relationship with daughter through vulnerability and shared experiences
- Daughter now 6.5 years sober, working with Dr. Martin in mental health practice
- Experience led to Dr. Martin's career change and advanced education in mental health field
Book: "Losing Her, Finding Us"
- Offers dual perspective from both mother and daughter
- Fills gap in addiction literature by providing both parent and child viewpoints
- Available on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Noble online
Advice for Parents
- Educate yourself on available resources and counseling options
- Consider preemptively finding a counselor for your child
- Participate in support groups like Al-Anon or Celebrate Recovery
- Understand that addiction often stems from underlying pain, not parental fault
Next Steps
- Readers encouraged to purchase and review the book on Amazon
- Those seeking support can contact Dr. Martin via social media or her websites
- Dr. Martin open to connecting with parents needing advice or counseling
You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.
Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round?
You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com
Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com
Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com
Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ
Dr. Tim Elmore is founder of Growing Leaders (GrowingLeaders.com), an Atlanta‐based non‐profit organization created to develop emerging leaders. Since founding Growing Leaders in 2003, Elmore has spoken to over 500,000 leaders in businesses, universities, athletic teams and non-profit organizations, including The Home Depot, Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated, American Eagle and Chick-fil-A as well as well the San Francisco Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Buffalo Bills, the Ohio State University, Stanford University and University of Alabama athletics.
His work grew out of twenty years of serving alongside Dr. John C. Maxwell, where he focused on leadership for the emerging generations. Elmore has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, USA Today, Psychology Today, and he’s been featured on CNN’s Headline News, Fox Business, Newsmax TV and Fox and Friends to talk about leading multiple generations in the marketplace. Tim was listed in the top 100 leadership speakers in America by Inc. Magazine and gave a TEDx Talk in 2020 about the inverse relationship between technology and emotional intelligence. He has written more than 35 books, including the best-selling Habitudes: Images That Form Leadership Habits and Attitudes. His book, A New Kind of Diversity: Making the Different Generations on Your Team a Competitive Advantage, was released in the fall of 2022. His latest book, The Future Begins with Z: Nine Strategies to Lead Generation Z As They Upset the Workplace, releases fall of 2025. Tim and his wife, Pam, have two adult children. He and Pam live outside of Atlanta. You can find his work at: TimElmore.com
Key Takeaways
- Gen Z requires a different leadership approach: more listening, coaching, and reverse mentoring
- EPIC communication (Experiential, Participatory, Image-rich, Connected) resonates better with Gen Z
- Developing soft skills/EQ is crucial for Gen Z's success and differentiation in the AI-driven workplace
- Leaders should be "velvet-covered bricks": supportive yet maintaining high standards
Topics
Gen Z Leadership Challenges
- 3 in 4 managers say Gen Z is the toughest generation to manage
- 30% of managers report firing Gen Z employees within the first week
- Gen Z often misperceived as unmotivated, but may have complex personal situations
- Gen Z struggles with soft skills due to extensive screen time during formative years
PERKS Interview/Onboarding Strategy
- Preferences: Discuss job preferences to potentially accommodate
- Expectations: Align expectations to avoid future conflicts
- Requirements: Clarify non-negotiables for both employer and employee
- Keys to their heart: Understand personal motivations and interests
- Salary: Discuss compensation clearly
EPIC Communication Style
- Experiential: Create environments that spark discussion
- Participatory: Involve Gen Z in decision-making for buy-in
- Image-rich: Use visuals to engage and convey complex ideas
- Connected: Foster connections between team members and leaders
Developing Soft Skills in Gen Z
- Frame EQ development as a competitive advantage against AI
- Teach nuanced social awareness (e.g., reading cultural cues)
- Recommend resources like "The Eight Paradoxes of Great Leadership"
"Velvet Brick" Leadership
- Velvet: Understanding, accepting, supportive
- Brick: Maintaining high standards, not lowering the bar
- Balance responsiveness with demanding excellence
Optimistic Outlook on Gen Z
- View Gen Z challenges as "sandpaper" improving leadership skills
- Historical example: NASA's moon landing led by young professionals (avg. age 27)
- Opportunity for seasoned leaders to mentor while trusting Gen Z with responsibility
You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.
Dr. Dave Jones discusses faith, sports psychology, and entrepreneurship.
Key Takeaways
- Parents should focus on making sports fun for kids under 15, avoiding pressure and prioritizing enjoyment
- Dr. Dave emphasizes the importance of leading by example in faith and business
- Psychology plays a crucial role in marketing, sports performance, and personal growth
- Dr. Dave's latest book "On Thin Ice" explores faith journey through a hockey-themed narrative
Topics
Dr. Dave's Background and Business
- Founder of M is Good, a Christian advertising agency (24 years old, one of the largest)
- Transitioned from pro hockey career to marketing and psychology
- Holds a doctorate in sport and performance psychology (13-year journey)
- Works with 10-15 hockey players from NHL down during seasons
Parenting Advice for Youth Sports
- Key advice: "Just have fun with them" for kids 15 and under
- Avoid instructing/yelling; preserve trust and don't let sport become a wedge
- Use language like "I love watching you play" instead of performance-based praise
- At 16+, parents become ambassadors, providing resources as needed
Faith in Business and Personal Growth
- Lead by example in faith journey; behavior speaks louder than words
- Create a culture/opportunity to bring people alongside in faith
- Recognize "FLAP": Fear, Lust, Anger, Pride as common struggles
- Implement guardrails (e.g., never alone with opposite gender) to maintain integrity
You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.
Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round?
You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com
Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com
Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com
Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ
Part 2 of 2. Matthew and Hannah share the story of the son Noah, who passed away on March 9, 2020. Their conversation is raw and heartfelt around how their son transformed their lives. Their prayer is that this conversation is encouraging, challenging, and inspiring.
They also briefly discuss the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk and how they engage with their faith amongst evil.
You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.
Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round?
You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com
Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com
Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com
Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ
Part 1 of 2. Matthew interviews his wife, Hannah, about their family journey. They talk about dating, college life, early marriage, parenting, and why they chose homeschooling. This episode is full of faith, family values, and real-life lessons for parents and couples.
You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.
Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round?
You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com
Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com
Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com
Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ
Austin McMillan, owner of Flywheel Financial, discusses entrepreneurship, business acquisition, and financial management for small businesses.
Key Takeaways
- Flywheel Financial provides outsourced accounting services for small businesses, helping owners focus on growth
- Austin emphasizes the importance of understanding financial metrics and creating a "winnable game" for business owners
- Regular team check-ins and personal goal-setting are crucial for employee retention and business growth
- Mentorship and networking with successful entrepreneurs are vital for business owners' development
Topics
Austin's Background and Business Acquisition
- Started in finance at a landscape company, then traded options full-time
- Joined Flywheel Financial, then purchased the business in May 2023
- Advises carrying debt for no more than 3 years when buying a service-based business
- Stresses the importance of betting on yourself while managing risk in business acquisition
Flywheel Financial's Services and Approach
- Provides outsourced accounting department services for small businesses
- Focuses on simplifying complex financial data into actionable insights
- Uses metrics like labor efficiency ratio to guide service-based businesses
- Helps clients grow from $900k to $5.1M in revenue over 3 years while increasing profit margins
Team Management and Employee Development
- Conducts quarterly one-on-one meetings with team members
- Uses personality assessments (Enneagram, Working Genius) to optimize roles
- Sets personal and professional goals for each team member
- Emphasizes the importance of putting people in roles that align with their strengths
Mentorship and Networking for Business Owners
- Recommends joining coaching programs with successful entrepreneurs
- Emphasizes the value of "borrowing confidence" from mentors
- Suggests connecting with local business owners doing bigger things
- Stresses the importance of continuous learning and growth
Book Recommendations
1. "Buy Back Your Time" by Dan Martell - focuses on delegating and optimizing time use
2. "Who Not How" - emphasizes finding the right people for tasks rather than doing everything yourself
Next Steps
- Follow Austin on Instagram (@austindmcmillan) for financial tips for small business owners
- Direct message Austin with the word "profit" on Instagram to receive a free guide on setting up bank accounts to prioritize profit
- Consider reading "Buy Back Your Time" and "Who Not How" for business optimization strategies
- Evaluate current financial practices and consider implementing a more structured approach to financial management in your business
Free Resource :
Wealthy Kids Gift PDF
Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A1hz0SF9fFrQnzDVQh7ev3YouIq8UYui/view
You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.
Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round?
You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com
Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com
Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com
Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ
Matthew Efird introduces the Belief Builders podcast, which aims to explore individuals' spiritual journeys and the influence of faith on their lives. He shared his own faith journey, highlighting key moments that shaped his beliefs and strengthened his faith. Throughout the discussion, Matthew emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom and inspiration from various sources to deepen one's faith, integrating faith into daily routines, and discerning God's calling.
Matthew also discusses the significance of sharing and passing on faith, stressing the need to live out one's faith consistently and engage in meaningful conversations to introduce others to the faith. He emphasizes the importance of actively passing on faith to the next generation, detailing his family's efforts to prioritize church involvement, engage in faith discussions, and integrate faith into daily life. Additionally, he discusses the role of community and music in supporting his faith during moments of uncertainty and shared his aspiration to leave a legacy of passing on his beliefs to the next generation.
You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.
Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round?
You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com
Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com
Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com
Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ