🎙️ From Volunteer at 14 to Leading 25,000 Acres: Amy McMillan's Journey Transforming Public Parks in Southeast Michigan

In this inspiring episode, Amy McMillan, Chief Executive Officer of Huron Clinton Metro Parks, shares her remarkable journey from volunteering in a special needs recreation program at age 14 to leading one of the oldest and most beloved park systems in the United States.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• Changed college major to Parks and Recreation in senior year after discovering it could be a career

• Genesee County Parks transformation: turning around declining system with limited resources through grants, partnerships, and community engagement

• Returned to Huron Clinton Metro Parks in 2018 after internship at age 22 where she declared she'd lead the organization someday

• Managing 25,000 acres across 13 parks (soon 14) serving five counties in Southeast Michigan

• Metro Parks funded by perpetual 0.25 mil property tax approved 85 years ago, entrance fees, and golf revenue from seven regulation courses

• First Metro Park opening in Detroit at Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park after decades of city residents paying taxes without local park access

• Everyone in the Pool program: teaching over 4,000 kids to swim for free annually in region with tragic drowning rates

• Supplemental Science program: interpretive staff taking over science classes year-round, transforming how kids view themselves and their connection to nature

• Metro Parks police department with drone team and canine officer responding to community emergencies including recent Grand Blanc Township church shooting

• Stormwater management impact: millions of gallons filtered annually, reducing mowing areas to improve water quality and mitigate flooding

• Vision to connect all parks via non-motorized pathways mile by mile, section by section

• Failed millage campaign became catalyst for success: learning to engage 200 employees who each had circles of 10 voters

• Summer workforce of 1,000 employees with retention bonuses, tuition reimbursement, and culture of continuous learning

🌟 Amy's Key Mentors:

Her Parents - Patricia Marie O'Sullivan McMillan and Don McMillan

Cousin with Special Needs

Genesee County and Metro Parks Leadership Teams

The 89-Year-Old Aunt

Metro Parks Interpretive Department Staff

Community Partners Throughout Southeast Michigan

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about the healing power of nature, breaking barriers as a woman in parks leadership, turning millage defeat into victory, responding to community tragedy with preparedness and grace, and why public parks are essential infrastructure that increase property values, manage stormwater, and create the character of thriving communities.

🔗 Connect with Amy McMillan:

Website: metroparks.com

📄 Transcript Available: Transforming Public Recreation: Amy McMillan's Journey Leading Southeast Michigan's Metroparks

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

Hashtags: #PublicParks #ParksAndRecreation #CommunityLeadership #EquityInRecreation #NatureBasedEducation #WomenInLeadership #MichiganParks #StormwaterManagement #SwimLessons #OutdoorRecreation #PublicHealth #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ From Bankruptcy to $100M: Mike Horvath's Logistics Software Transformation

Mike Horvath, President and CEO of Revenova, shares his extraordinary 30-year journey from nearly losing everything during the 2008 financial crisis to building a logistics software company serving 250+ customers and generating over $100 million in revenue. Through powerful stories about refusing bankruptcy when his partner suggested it, learning the critical skill of saying "no" to wrong-fit customers, and partnering with Viking Global private equity to fuel explosive growth, Mike reveals how focus, integrity, and strategic partnerships transformed his business and life.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• Started career at 22 selling software, learned it's about solving problems not pushing products

• First company (Quintus) grew to $50M but cratered in 2008 from saying yes to everyone

• Lost home, cars, faced bankruptcy but chose to pay back every debt over years

• Rebuilt with Revenova focusing exclusively on sophisticated 3PL and logistics operations

• Learned saying "no" is one of the hardest but most critical entrepreneur skills

• Realized 30% of $100M beats 100% of something small

• Viking Global partnership brought capital plus expertise, network, and acquisition power

• Customer retention north of 95% through keeping promises and transparent pricing

• Not all revenue is good revenue—wrong customers cost money and opportunity

• Relocated Illinois to Florida during COVID, saved six figures annually on taxes alone

• Property taxes were 6-7X higher in Illinois for smaller house and location

• Tax savings paid for daughter's entire college tuition year

• Pat Lencioni's insight: People don't fear change, they fear the transition

• Implementation success depends on managing transition smoothly, not just technology

• Legacy logistics systems creating massive replacement opportunity for modern cloud solutions

• Transparency with employees builds trust—share financials, challenges, and company direction

• Work-life quality matters—Florida move improved leadership effectiveness significantly

• Reading military history provides powerful leadership lessons on decision-making under pressure

🌟 Mike's Key Mentors:

• Pat Lencioni (Five Dysfunctions of a Team): Provided frameworks on team dysfunction, lack of commitment, fear of conflict, and understanding that people fear transition more than change itself

• Dale Carnegie: "How to Win Friends and Influence People" shaped his relationship-building and customer-focused approach throughout his career

• Charles (Business Partner): Partnership through building first company, provided complementary skills and shared the journey through growth and crisis

• Viking Global Partners: Brought not just capital but operational excellence, board expertise, best practices from portfolio companies, and strategic acquisition capabilities

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about rebuilding from total business collapse, learning when to say no to revenue, partnering with private equity while maintaining control, and why doing what you say you're going to do is the foundation of everything in business and life.

🔗 Connect with Mike Horvath:

LinkedIn: Mike Horvath, President & CEO at Revenova 

Revenova Website: revenova.com

📄 Transcript Available: Scaling With Private Equity: Mike Horvath's Viking Global Partnership at Revenova

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#LogisticsSoftware #BusinessTransformation #EntrepreneurResilience #PrivateEquity #CustomerRetention #SaaSGrowth #SupplyChainTech #LeadershipLessons #StartupToScaleup #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ From 40 Years at Goodyear to Transforming Christian Business Leadership: David Beasley's Journey with C12 Business Forums

In this inspiring episode, David Beasley, Chair of C12 Business Forums in Northeast Ohio, shares his remarkable journey from spending nearly 40 years at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company—including roles as Vice President of North American Commercial Tires, Director of Airship Operations, and leading the challenging China market entry—to discovering his true calling: helping Christian business owners build great businesses for a greater purpose.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• Career evolution from Goodyear retail tire sales to Vice President of North American Commercial Tires

• Director of Airship Operations: overseeing three Goodyear Blimps and $100M+ capital project transitioning from old blimps to new Zeppelin-designed airships

• China market entry challenge: late to market against state-owned enterprises, educating fleets on total cost of ownership versus acquisition cost

• Two-step distribution in China: distributors fund retailers versus North America's one-step manufacturer-to-dealer model

• Cultural differences: FedEx's operational discipline versus Amazon's high-velocity innovation approach

• Retreading economics: $400 new tire with multiple $200 retreads delivers better total cost than $300 lower-quality tire driven to destruction

• Transition from operator to leader: helping entrepreneurs stop being bottlenecks and empower leadership teams

• C12 peer advisory model: 12 Christian business owners meeting monthly for accountability, collaboration, and strategic growth

• Balanced scorecard strategic planning: revenue, development, operations, financial management, and ministry goals

• Ministry integration: chaplaincy programs, care teams, dream manager initiatives, and generosity programs

• Performance-based identity transformation: counseling revealed worth comes from being loved by Christ, not accomplishments

• Asking powerful "what" questions over "why" questions: enabling self-discovery rather than prescribing solutions

🌟 David's Key Mentors:

Goodyear Leadership Teams: Provided 40 years of career growth opportunities every 2 years, teaching operational excellence and strategic business management across retail, commercial, international, and brand ambassador roles

His Wife: Wisely encouraged him to seek counseling before transitioning to C12, recognizing unresolved issues around performance-based identity that needed healing

Professional Counselor/Therapist: Facilitated breakthrough understanding that identity and worth come from being loved by Christ for who he is, not what he accomplishes

C12 Members: Teach him daily through vulnerability, accountability, and their journeys of integrating faith into business leadership

Authors of "Ask Powerful Questions" and "Spiritual Leadership Coaching": Transformed his coaching approach from giving answers to asking questions that enable self-discovery

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about transitioning from corporate leadership to kingdom work, discovering identity beyond accomplishments, and helping business owners build organizations that honor God while blessing employees, customers, and communities.

🔗 Connect with David Beasley:

LinkedIn: David Beasley

Website: C12 Northeast Ohio

📄 Transcript Available: Building Great Businesses for Greater Purpose: David Beasley's Journey from Goodyear to C12 Leadership

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#ChristianBusinessLeadership #FaithBasedEntrepreneurship #PeerAdvisoryBoards #C12BusinessForums #GoodyearCareer #SpiritualLeadership #BusinessTransformation #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ From Peace Corps to Hospitality Expert: David Sangree's 20-Year Appraisal Journey

David Sangree, President of Hotel & Leisure Advisors in Lakewood, Ohio, shares his remarkable journey from Peace Corps service in Malawi to building and selling a specialized hospitality consulting firm. With expertise in hotel and waterpark appraisals, David navigated two major recessions while creating a niche practice that became valuable enough to attract acquisition after 20 years of strategic growth.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• Building a specialized appraisal practice focused exclusively on hospitality and waterparks

• The power of niching down within the appraisal industry to command premium fees

• Surviving and thriving through 2008-2009 recession and COVID-19 pandemic challenges

• Selling a 20-year-old company while staying on as president for five years

• Why focusing on one property type makes you the expert clients seek

• Navigating year-long sale processes while maintaining business operations

• Balancing entrepreneurship with board service at University of Livingstonia in Malawi

• Creating value through specialized expertise rather than broad generalist approaches

• The importance of daily physical activity for mental clarity and business performance

• Celebrating partnerships with ADCI and expanding educational opportunities in Africa

🌟 David's Key Mentors:

• Peace Corps Experience in Malawi: Shaped his worldview and led to ongoing commitment serving on board of University of Livingstonia

• Hospitality Industry Colleagues: Attending International Society of Hospitality Consultants meetings provided peer learning and industry networking

• 2008-2009 Recession Lessons: Taught resilience and business adaptation during major economic downturns

• COVID-19 Business Challenges: Forced strategic thinking about company future and sustainability

• Clemson and Columbus Ohio Experiences: Different geographic markets provided diverse perspective on hospitality consulting

• Trade Publication Communities: Hotel Business and Hotel Management Magazine connections kept him informed on industry trends and top operators

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about building specialized expertise, surviving economic crises, selling your business strategically, and maintaining service commitment to educational institutions in Africa.

🔗 Connect with David Sangree:

Website: hladvisors.com (Contact form and direct email available) LinkedIn: David Sangree, President at Hotel & Leisure Advisors Board Service: University of Livingstonia, Malawi

📄 Transcript Available: The Power of Niche Expertise: David Sangree's Hotel and Waterpark Appraisal Success

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#HospitalityConsulting #BusinessSale #Entrepreneurship #HotelAppraisal #NicheExpertise #PeaceCorps #BusinessGrowth #RecessionSurvival #ExitStrategy #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ From Madison Square Garden Floor Seats to 10 Restaurants: Craig Bernstein's Journey Building Doc B's Fresh Kitchen

In this inspiring episode, Craig Bernstein, Founder and President of Doc B's Restaurant, shares his remarkable journey from 10-year-old sixth-grader writing "Restaurant Entrepreneur" career reports after meeting Morton's Steakhouse legend Alan Bernstein courtside at a Knicks game to founding a 10-location fresh casual dining concept honoring his late father's bedside manner and ethos. Through candid stories about name-dropping Howard Schultz in a cold email to Potbelly (founder called him 7am next morning), becoming Houston's "worst server" before working up to general manager (one of life's greatest accomplishments), discovering guests wanted full-service experience not order-at-counter model (bar component saved the concept), corporate chef ghosting two months before second restaurant opened (could have killed the business), and meeting Wendy Thomas of Wendy's fame who assured him the "Number Six" spicy chicken sandwich won't trigger lawsuits ("you're so far below our radar"), Craig reveals how genuine hospitality plus coaster storytelling (founder@docbs.com printed on back connecting guests to late father Doc B's legacy) plus 16-week training programs promoting servers to GMs prove perseverance beats perfection—and sometimes God moves Houston's to transfer you to Long Island exactly one week before your father's devastating glioblastoma diagnosis changes everything.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• Career spark: age 10, Madison Square Garden highest row, Alan Bernstein's floor seats inspiring "Restaurant Entrepreneur" sixth-grade report still on company website

• Howard Schultz pivot: college senior pitching Bernie's New York Deli bodega concept, Schultz saying "get experience first" redirecting to Potbelly via investment

• Concept evolution: guests at bar ordering from full menu while others used digital boards, 50-50 split forcing pivot from fast-casual to full-service model

• Corporate chef disappearance: two months before second restaurant opening, no-show ghost (still never heard from him), Houston's kitchen training saving business survival

• Coaster storytelling: "Thank you for choosing Doc B's since opening our first restaurant in 2013 and naming after my late father" with founder@docbs.com printed

• Wendy Thomas friendship: random Chicago restaurant encounter, discussing Number Six spicy chicken sandwich (Wendy's value menu homage), "you're safe, below our radar"

• 16-week training program: promoting servers to GMs (10-year company veterans thriving), cultural foundation plus tangible skill sets preventing rushed external hires

🌟 Craig's Key Mentors & Influences:

• Alan Bernstein (Morton's Steakhouse Legend)

• Howard Schultz (Starbucks Founder)experience first," Maveron Capital's Potbelly investment opening doors

• Houston's General Managers

• Craig's Father (Dr. Bernstein "Doc B"): Bedside manner ethos foundation, glioblastoma diagnosis week after Houston's Long Island transfer, genuine hospitality inspiration, naming legacy

• Potbelly Founder Brian Kyle

  
  

🔗 Connect with Craig Bernstein:

Doc B's Restaurant Email: founder@docbs.com 

Website: DocBsRestaurant.com 

Instagram: @DocBsRestaurant

📄 Transcript Available: From Madison Square Garden to 10 Restaurants: Craig Bernstein's Doc B's Journey

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#RestaurantEntrepreneur #DocBsRestaurant #GenuineHospitality #RestaurantGrowth #FreshCasualDining #PromoteFromWithin #RestaurantTraining #EntrepreneurJourney #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ From $1 Lawn Cuts to Luxury Landscapes: Daniel Thomas's Journey from Teenage Mower to Blue Ribbon Acquisition

In this inspiring episode, Daniel Thomas, Manager of New Business Development at Blue Ribbon Outdoor, shares his remarkable journey from shy 13-year-old knocking doors with business cards his pastor father made him to founding Cutting Edge Outdoors (generating 90% conversion rates with "$1 first mow" offers) to being acquired by Blue Ribbon in a values-driven deal he never saw coming. Through candid stories about his wife's honest conversation ("you don't make enough to build a family"), discovering the Thrive Time Show podcast teaching him to set daily goals and upsell mulching during phone calls, surviving parents' volatile separation at 18 while equipment got stolen and truck broke down (forcing daily "my sins are forgiven, it's a good day" mindset reset), and meeting Blue Ribbon's CEO who said "you're a business owner with a dream—don't give it up, just bring it here and jump 10 years ahead," Daniel reveals how core values alignment (serve customer, be on time, develop people, work as unto the Lord) plus EOS implementation plus qualifying calls filtering $1,500-budget tire-kickers prove that missionaries beat mercenaries—and sometimes God puts neon signs saying "go here" when you're open to infinite possibilities.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• Career spark: age 13, father saying "go mow lawns," shy teenager knocking doors hating every second until making $500/day

• Wife's catalyst: "you don't make enough to build family"—sparked transition from teenager-mowing-lawns to real business operator

• $1 first mow strategy: 90% conversion rate when Daniel delivered, dropped to 60% with crews (still phenomenal closing rate)

• EOS implementation: core values (serve customer, be on time, develop people, work unto Lord), GWC hiring framework, L10 meetings

• Blue Ribbon acquisition: hour commute daily, values perfectly aligned, CEO pitch "bring your dream here, jump 10 years ahead together"

• Electric future: Northwest Arkansas contracts requiring fully electric crews (truck, mowers, trimmers, blowers) driving technology investment race

🌟 Daniel's Key Mentors & Influences:

• Daniel's Father (Pastor): Made business cards at age 13, pushed lazy teenager into entrepreneurship, wonderful relationship today despite turmoil

• Daniel's Wife: Honest conversation "you don't make build-family money—do something else or do this better" sparked real business thinking

• Thrive Time Show Podcast: Taught wake-up-early to-do lists, set revenue goals, count lawns needed, upsell existing customers proactively

• Timothy Keller (Preacher): Podcasts during parent separation helped Daniel wrestle with faith, discover gospel beauty integrating into challenges

• Blue Ribbon CEO & Doug (Boss): Sold 10-year vision, values alignment, "we want entrepreneur not salesman," legendary 30-year industry figure

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about shy teenagers becoming social butterflies through door-knocking repetition, wives delivering honest feedback catalyzing transformation, viewing 18-year-old chaos as formative growth crucible, and why values-aligned acquisitions feel like neon signs from God when you're open to possibilities.

🔗 Connect with Daniel Thomas:

Blue Ribbon Outdoor Email: dthomas@blueribbonoutdoor.com 

Website: blueribbonoutdoor.com 

📄 Transcript Available: Daniel Thomas's Landscaping Journey: From $1 First Mows to Blue Ribbon Outdoor Acquisition

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#LandscapingBusiness #EntrepreneurJourney #EOSImplementation #CoreValues #BusinessAcquisition #FaithInBusiness #CustomerService #LuxuryLandscape #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ From Blue Collar Roots to CFO: Jessica Silwick's Mission Making Quality STEM Education Accessible

In this inspiring episode, Jessica Silwick, CFO and COO at ABET, shares her remarkable journey from being a first-generation college student in a blue collar community to leading finance and operations at the world's leading STEM accreditation organization. Through candid stories about researching college applications alone without guidance, transferring schools after realizing honors programs weren't the right fit, crying when her first boss threw papers across the desk for pages facing wrong direction, standing before 50+ white male board members constantly proving her worth as a young woman in male-dominated fields, and championing ABET's expansion from degree accreditation into recognizing short-term credentials and certificates, Jessica reveals how education serves as a catalyst for transforming individual lives and entire communities—proving that first-gen students who question their belonging can build careers championing access to quality education for learners worldwide.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• First-generation college journey: self-navigated applications, campus tours, financial aid without family guidance

• Strategic pivot: left honors program at university for community college semester, then transferred to first-gen friendly campus

• Career transformation: left Fortune 200 energy company after being recruited at building coffee cart for six months

• ABET's 3,000 volunteer peer reviewers: motivated by mission, create symbiotic learning while evaluating programs

• Accreditation versus quality assurance: degree programs require 18-month rigorous process, credentials offer flexible recognition

• Credential revolution: addressing changing learner demographics through bite-sized certificates as stepping stones or career pivots

• Proving herself: standing before all-male board constantly earning respect as young woman in STEM fields

• CEO Dr. Michael Milligan's championing: first female CFO/COO at ABET, advocates for women in leadership globally

  
  

🌟 Jessica's Key Mentors & Influences:

• Her Supportive Family: Second-generation Greek and third-generation Italian providing stories proving world's potential

• First Internship Boss (Rich): Threw papers across desk teaching attention to detail, later championed her to energy company

• Deloitte Auditor Connection: Remembered Rich's endorsement, opened door to Fortune 200 energy company opportunity

• Dr. Michael Milligan (ABET CEO): Champion for women, appointed first female CFO/COO, provides global perspective coaching

• ABET Coffee Cart Recruiter: Pursued Jessica six months saying "I know you belong here, you'll do great things"

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about education as catalyst for transforming lives, navigating imposter syndrome as first-gen professional, proving worth repeatedly as woman in male-dominated STEM fields, and why expanding quality assurance beyond traditional degrees creates pathways for diverse learners facing grand challenges.

🔗 Connect with Jessica Silwick:

LinkedIn: Jessica Silwick

Email: jsilwick@abet.org

📄 Transcript Available: Championing Educational Access: Jessica Silwick on ABET's Purpose Serving Thousands of Volunteer Experts, Educators, and Learners

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#STEMEducation #FirstGenStudent #EducationalAccreditation #WomenInLeadership #QualityAssurance #CredentialRecognition #LifelongLearning #EducationCatalyst #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ From Harvard to Cannabis Distribution: Will Brophy's Journey Building the #1 Licensed Wholesaling Platform

In this inspiring episode, Will Brophy, Chief Operating Officer at Nabis, shares his remarkable journey from helping a college friend hire for an operations role to becoming COO of the nation's leading cannabis distribution platform operating across California, Nevada, and New York. Through candid stories about his wife recognizing his passion during a walk through Prospect Park, the "420 from hell" that exposed critical capacity planning flaws, building modern technology to let 400+ brands "choose their own adventure" with customizable pricing rules, and navigating banking restrictions where federally illegal status blocks access to Chase mortgages and most software vendors, Will reveals how Nabis is professionalizing cannabis distribution through best-in-class supply chain operations—proving that normalizing cannabis requires more than just removing stigma; it demands clean testing, accessible products, and railroad tracks built for an industry defining moment.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• Wife's Prospect Park observation shifted career: "You sound way more excited about this than your real job"

• Joined at 40 people with demand exceeding technological capacity, now 450+ employees across three states

• Distribution role: warehousing, delivering to retailers, collecting capital, remitting to 400+ brands with 9,000+ SKUs

• Technology differentiation: 2,000 customizable pricing rules letting brands "choose their own adventure" on self-service platform

• "420 from hell" capacity crisis: 3-4X peak volume exposed warehouse overflow, drove four years of process improvements

• Federal illegality cascades: no major bank access, 90% of software vendors initially unavailable, capital extremely difficult

• California state vouching enabled East West Bank partnership that followed Nabis across state expansions

• Testing critical after "vape gate": legacy market health crisis proved need for third-party testing and clean products

🌟 Will's Key Mentors & Influences:

• June (Nabis Co-founder): College friend who convinced Will to leave finance for cannabis industry mission

• Will's Wife: Recognized passion mismatch during Prospect Park walk, encouraged cross-country move to Oakland

• Sean Arroyo (Nabis President): Brought liquor industry expertise from beer company and large distributor experience

• Nabis Executive Team: Responded to "420 from hell" by working warehouse shifts alongside staff

• Brand and Retail Partners: 400+ partners whose trust and feedback drive continuous platform improvement

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about professionalizing emerging industries, building technology that scales human relationships, leading through operational failures that become defining learning moments, and why the cannabis normalization fight extends beyond consumer perception to banking access and political advocacy.

🔗 Connect with Will Brophy:

LinkedIn: Will Brophy Email (Brand/Retail Partnerships): partnerships@nabis.com Nabis: #1 Licensed Cannabis Wholesaling Platform Markets: California, Nevada, New York Fleet: 90+ vehicles delivering 400+ brands and 9,000+ products Website: nabis.com

📄 Transcript Available: Building Railroad Tracks for Cannabis: Will Brophy's Mission Normalizing the Industry Through Nabis

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#CannabisDistribution #SupplyChainTech #CannabisIndustry #LicensedWholesaling #EmergingMarkets #OperationalExcellence #CannabisBanking #ComplianceTech #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ From Adrenaline Rush to Pizza Passion: Carl Bachmann's Journey to Building Riko's National Brand

In this inspiring episode, Carl Bachmann, President and COO of Riko's Pizza, shares his remarkable 30-year journey in the food and beverage industry, from washing dishes to leading major restaurant chains through transformational growth. Carl reveals how a near-death COVID experience reshaped his leadership philosophy and led him to Riko's, where he's building something truly special - a unique tavern-style pizza concept that lets toddlers hold their own slices. Through personal stories of triumph over adversity, Carl demonstrates how servant leadership, passion for people, and the right foundational pillars can transform both businesses and lives.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• The five foundational pillars for scaling restaurant chains successfully

• Why tavern-style pizza creates magical family dining experiences

• How to hire for passion over experience and train the right attitude

• Building company culture through servant leadership principles

• Real estate selection strategies: growing like a bush, not a vine

• Learning management systems that actually engage restaurant employees

• Franchising approaches for sustainable geographic expansion

• Crisis leadership lessons from managing during early COVID pandemic

• The power of vulnerability and authentic leadership in business growth

• How personal adversity can redirect career priorities toward meaningful work

🌟 Carl's Key Mentors:

• Kent State Football Coaches: Taught technique, teamwork, and keeping your eyes up

• Early Restaurant Managers: Instilled passion for service and joy in hospitality

• BurgerFi and Smashburger Teams: Collaborated on turnaround strategies and restructuring

• Rico (Founder): Demonstrated authentic passion for people, product, and community impact

• Hospital Staff During COVID: Showed true servant leadership during life-threatening crisis

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about building restaurant empires, overcoming life-threatening illness, and how finding your true purpose can transform both personal fulfillment and business success.

🔗 Connect with Carl Bachmann: Email: carl@ricospizza.com Website: ricospizza.com

📄 Transcript Available:Five Pillars of Restaurant Success: Carl Bachmann's Riko's Pizza Revolution

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

🎙️ Reclaiming Life While Growing Your Business: Madeleine Niebauer's Leadership Journey

Madeleine Niebauer, CEO of vChief in Middleton, Wisconsin, shares her powerful journey from overwhelmed business owner to balanced leader who champions the belief that you don't have to sacrifice everything to build a thriving company. Through delegation, automation, and intentional leadership, Maddie transformed her approach to running vChief, proving that sustainable success comes from working smarter, not harder.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• Why leaders must stop working excessive hours and reclaim personal lives through delegation

• The transformative power of stepping back to let teams grow stronger

• Building a business that thrives without your constant presence

• How vulnerability creates deeper trust and stronger team relationships

• Balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship during critical family transitions

• Using automation and delegation to create sustainable business growth

• The importance of teaching yoga and maintaining personal passions alongside leadership

• Why exposing your belly like a dog builds authentic business connections

• Creating impact-driven companies that value people over constant hustle

• Celebrating team excellence while preparing for senior year college transitions

🌟 Maddie's Key Mentors:

• Her Team at vChief: Demonstrated next-level capability that allowed her to step back without fear, proving the business could thrive in good hands

• Personal Experience with Burnout: Taught her the critical lesson that sustainable success requires balance and intentional delegation

• Her Daughter's Senior Year Journey: Provided perspective on what truly matters and the importance of being present for family milestones

• Yoga Teaching Practice: Offered a grounding influence and reminder that personal passions fuel better leadership

• EO (Entrepreneurs' Organization) Chicago: Provided community and peer learning opportunities for navigating leadership challenges

• The Business Challenge Itself: Forced her to confront the unsustainability of constant overwork and develop new leadership approaches

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about sustainable leadership, intentional delegation, work-life integration, and building businesses that support rather than consume your life.

🔗 Connect with Madeleine Niebauer:

LinkedIn: Madeleine Niebauer, CEO at vChief

vChief Website: vchiefs.com

📄 Transcript Available: How Delegation Creates Freedom: Madeleine Niebauer's Approach to Sustainable Growth

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#SustainableLeadership #WorkLifeBalance #Delegation #Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessGrowth #TeamEmpowerment #CEOLife #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ Building Excellence From Mediocrity: Luke Barrett's Franchise Transformation Journey

Luke Barrett, owner of Citywide Facility Solutions in Rogers, Arkansas, shares his unconventional path from college baseball coach to franchise leader. After three years managing a 50-employee operation in Oklahoma City, Luke seized an opportunity to transform an underperforming franchise, partnering with investors from Wichita and Edge Hill Investments to create an impact-driven facility solutions company.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• How subcontracting cleaning crews allows sitting on the same side of the table as clients

• The ripple effect business model that impacts employees, contractors, and communities

• Building a culture of extreme ownership and vulnerability in leadership

• Transforming mediocrity into excellence when taking over underperforming teams

• Setting aggressive goals beyond comfort zones to drive diamond-level performance

• Why falling short of goals occasionally indicates proper goal-setting

• The power of vulnerability in creating stronger teams and relationships

• Transitioning from passion-driven careers to financially sustainable business leadership

• How pressure and 1% daily improvement compound into extraordinary results

• Pursuing Platinum Club status (top 10 franchises nationally) within one year

🌟 Luke's Key Mentors:

• Jocko Willink (via "Extreme Ownership"): Taught the transformative power of taking complete ownership of failures and outcomes, fundamentally changing Luke's approach to leadership and marriage

• Baseball coaching experience: Developed his people-first mentality and understanding of team dynamics before entering the business world

• Previous franchise leadership: Three years managing a 50-employee Oklahoma City operation provided the foundation for his current franchise ownership

• Partner at previous company: Forced Luke to read "Extreme Ownership" and present on vulnerability, initiating his personal transformation as a leader

• Edge Hill Investments partners: Provided the investment partnership and multi-market franchise expertise to support his Rogers, Arkansas takeover

• Wichita market partners: Co-owners who brought additional franchise experience and collaborative support to the venture

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about transforming underperforming teams, embracing extreme ownership, building impact-driven businesses, and pursuing aggressive growth goals.

🔗 Connect with Luke Barrett:

LinkedIn: Luke Barrett, Owner at Citywide Facility Solutions Citywide Facility Solutions Website: Citywide Facility Solutions

📄 Transcript Available: Turning Around Underperforming Franchises: Luke Barrett's Strategic Approach

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#FranchiseLeadership #ExtremeOwnership #BusinessTransformation #LeadershipDevelopment #FacilitySolutions #CultureChange #ImpactDriven #Entrepreneurship #GoalSetting #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ From College Waiter to Industry Leader: Daniel Benefiel's Journey Through Staffing's Perfect Storm

In this inspiring episode, Daniel Benefiel, Vice President of Staffing Operations at Morales Group, shares his remarkable journey from waiting tables to put himself through college to leading a staffing organization through unprecedented industry disruption. Through candid stories about stumbling into staffing through a buddy's referral, winning over a tough Japanese automotive HR manager on a maternity leave cover assignment, surviving his father's unexpected death while stepping into executive leadership, and navigating post-COVID market contraction while acquiring new business lines, Daniel reveals how blind optimism, resilience, and the mantra "this too shall pass" carried him through 20+ years of connecting people to meaningful work—and why the future of staffing lies in letting AI handle administration so recruiters can focus on the human connection that fills their cup.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• Industry evolution: 22 years in light industrial expanding into professional exempt and technical recruitment

• Acquisition strategy: Career Transitions purchase and strategic acqui-hires building family of brands platform

• Light industrial challenges: post-COVID client internalization, margin compression, supply chain disruption, hiring freezes

• Direct hire and contract recruitment growth: six-month breathing cycles between hourly and permanent placement

• Personal crisis leadership: father's suicide coinciding with C-suite promotion taught measured leadership

• "This too shall pass" philosophy: survival through perfect storm creates peaceful confidence in future rebuilding

• Core values in action: ownership choosing people over spreadsheets during tough decisions

• Deep work methodology: eliminating distractions for contemplative strategy sessions

• EOS system: core value-based performance reviews every six months replacing traditional burdensome approach

🌟 Daniel's Key Mentors & Influences:

• College Buddy (Staffing Industry): Opened door by referring Daniel for recruiter position knowing he spoke Spanish

• Kim Rayford (Now VP of Sales, Morales Group): Branch manager who should have fired him five times but saw potential, later recruited him to Morales

• Pam Griggs: Sales rep who left Staffmark for Morales and helped recruit Daniel to join

• Seth Morales (Founder): Coffee meeting where Daniel fell in love with organization's mission and values

• Jennifer (Wife): Held Daniel up during father's death and career transition perfect storm

• Morales Ownership: Supported Daniel through personal tragedy with flexibility and compassion

• Cal Newport (Author): Deep Work book gift from old boss revolutionized Daniel's approach to focused strategy

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about finding purpose in connecting people to work, leading through personal tragedy, building culture through core values not platitudes, and why the future of recruitment is freeing humans from administration to focus on the human connection that makes the industry addictive.

🔗 Connect with Daniel Benefiel:

LinkedIn: Daniel Benefiel Email: daniel.benefiel@moralesgroup.net

Morales Group: Indianapolis, Indiana Markets: Indiana and Louisville, Kentucky

Website: Morales Group

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#StaffingIndustry #RecruitmentLeadership #LightIndustrial #ProfessionalRecruiting #CoreValues #DeepWork #AIinRecruitment #LeadershipThroughAdversity #StaffingOperations #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ From Cubicle to CEO: Sydne Jacques' Journey Building Leadership Culture Through the Upper Arrow

In this inspiring episode, Sydne Jacques, CEO of Next Level Leadership, shares her remarkable transformation from reluctant civil engineer to leadership keynote speaker and culture transformation expert. Through candid discussions about overcoming financial hardship, learning from Stephen Covey, and discovering her passion for developing people, Sydne reveals how her Upper Arrow Growth Model and Retention Revolution framework help organizations create cultures where employees stay and thrive. Her story demonstrates how personal adversity can become the foundation for helping others achieve their greatest potential.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• Farm upbringing foundation: work hard, play hard philosophy creating balanced leadership approach

• Cubicle realization moment: recognizing mismatch between personality and traditional engineering roles

• Stephen Covey training opportunity: discovering speaking passion while gaining principle-centered leadership tools

• Upper Arrow differentiation model: going beyond quality to create memorable customer experiences

• Connection questions framework: starting meetings with engagement to build trust and participation

• HIP conversation model: handling difficult conversations through Happening, Impact, Plan structure

• Personal branding strategy: defining three words that guide daily interactions and professional presence

• Retention Revolution principles: creating internal upper arrows that make employees never want to leave

• Government assistance turning point: using rock bottom moment as catalyst for business breakthrough

• Building people philosophy: recognizing that developing relationships creates lasting legacy over achievements

🌟 Sydne's Key Mentors:

• Farm Parents: Taught work ethic, supportive presence, and play hard after working hard philosophy

• Stephen Covey: Direct training in seven habits and principle-centered leadership fundamentals

• Michael Jordan Article: Fear insight that led to entrepreneurial leap and business launch courage

• Dad's Voice During Crisis: Encouragement that "world is waiting for you to do big things"

• Industry Conference Attendees: Early speaking fans who became first clients for consulting business

• Client Stories and Feedback: Continuous learning from organizations implementing culture transformation methods

• Mentoring Relationships: Informal guidance network supporting other women in engineering and leadership

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about finding purpose through adversity, the practical frameworks that transform workplace culture, and how building people becomes our life's most important work.

🔗 Connect with Sydne Jacques:

Website: SydneSpeaks.com Book: "Build What Matters: How Building People is Our Life's Work" LinkedIn: Sydne Jacques, CEO at Next Level Leadership

📄 Transcript Available: Upper Arrow Success: Sydne Jacques' Framework for Employee Retention and Culture Change

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#LeadershipDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeRetention #CivilEngineering #KeynoteSpeaking #OrganizationalConsulting #TrustBuilding #StephenCoveyPrinciples #PersonalBranding #ConstructionIndustryLeadership #TeamBuilding #CultureTransformation #WorkLifeBalance #ProfessionalDevelopment #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ Breaking Cycles: Rena Cater's Journey from Dysfunction to HR Leadership

In this deeply moving episode, Rena Cater, VP of Human Resources at Eagle Transport Corporation, shares her powerful story of rising from a dysfunctional childhood marked by family tragedy and alcoholism to becoming a transformational HR leader. Through raw honesty about early responsibilities, resilience through adversity, and the importance of accountability, Rena reveals how her challenging past became the foundation for helping others break their own cycles of struggle. Her story demonstrates how putting the human back in human resources can create lasting positive change for both individuals and organizations.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• Growing up in dysfunction: learning resilience while managing family chaos from age seven

• Early accountability lessons: taking responsibility versus making excuses in professional settings

• Career pivot from computer programming: discovering passion for helping people develop and grow

• Building HR from scratch: creating department without prior HR experience through continuous learning

• Putting human back in HR: transforming transactional processes into direct people-focused support

• Breaking generational cycles: using personal struggles to guide others toward better futures

• Care coach program impact: providing confidential pastoral counseling at every terminal location

• Digital communication solutions: connecting dispersed workforce through screens and intranet platforms

• Benefits innovation strategy: adding cancer care, surgery programs, and prescription savings for employees

• Personal accountability transformation: learning from career mistakes to become trusted leadership resource

🌟 Rena's Key Mentors:

• Parents Despite Struggles: Provided love foundation even amid dysfunction and addiction challenges

• Early Bosses and Supervisors: Taught importance of accountability and professional responsibility through tough lessons

• HR Professionals at Parent Company: Guided initial department building through knowledge sharing and support

• Professional Development Programs: Certificate classes and conferences providing compliance and leadership training

• Eagle Executive Team: Shared vision for treating employees fairly and maintaining family culture

• Care Coach Network: Pastoral counselors demonstrating holistic approach to employee wellbeing

• Professional Reading and Learning: Books like "The Goal" informing process improvement and leadership approaches

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about transforming personal adversity into professional purpose, the evolution of human resources from transactional to transformational, and how authentic vulnerability creates environments where people can thrive and break cycles of struggle.

🔗 Connect with Rena Cater:

LinkedIn: Rena Cater, VP Human Resources at Eagle Transport Corporation

📄 Transcript Available: Breaking Cycles Through HR: Rena Cater's Approach to Employee Support at Eagle Transport

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#HumanResourcesLeadership #BreakingCycles #ChildhoodAdversity #EmployeeCare #TransportationIndustry #FamilyDysfunction #ResilienceBuilding #Accountability #CareCoaching #BenefitsInnovation #WorkplaceCulture #PersonalDevelopment #HRTransformation #EmployeeSupportSystems #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ From London School of Economics to Inclusive Leadership: David Dubinsky's Mission to Transform Lives at Pomeroy Center

In this inspiring episode, David Dubinsky, CEO of Pomeroy Recreation and Rehabilitation Center in San Francisco, shares his remarkable journey from studying collaborative leadership under the head of London School of Economics to transforming a struggling nonprofit into a thriving million-dollar community hub. Through deeply personal stories about choosing family over career advancement and professional challenges that tested his values, David reveals how 32 years at Source America taught him that everyone has inherent value. From revolutionizing therapeutic pool programs to planning an inclusive preschool that will shape future leaders, David demonstrates how authentic leadership, strategic endowment building, and unwavering belief in human potential can create extraordinary community impact for people with developmental disabilities.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• How collaborative learning philosophy from London School of Economics shaped inclusive leadership approach

• Building sustainable nonprofits through strategic endowment growth from $6M toward $30M goal

• Therapeutic pool transformation: growing revenue from $180K to over $1M in nine years

• Serving diverse communities: children, seniors, and adults with developmental disabilities under one roof

• Creating family-first workplace culture while maintaining organizational excellence and growth

• Federal procurement strategies for employing adults with disabilities across US territories

• Inclusive preschool development: breaking barriers between typical and special needs children

• Crisis leadership during family emergencies while building long-term career momentum

• Fundraising strategies in high-wealth communities for mission-driven organizations

• Learning from participants: how people with disabilities teach resilience and joy daily

🌟 David's Key Mentors:

• Wilfred Beckerman (London School of Economics): Taught collaborative learning without assumptions or note-taking

• General Ivy Johansson (Source America CEO): Demonstrated visionary leadership and trust in emerging talent

• Source America Colleagues: Provided 32 years of diverse nonprofit management experience across multiple territories

• Pomeroy Participants and Staff: Daily teachers about resilience, finding joy in simplicity, and human value

• San Francisco Community Leaders: Partners in building sustainable support networks for vulnerable populations

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about transforming lives through inclusive programming, building financial sustainability in nonprofits, and how personal challenges can strengthen both leadership capabilities and organizational impact.

🔗 Connect with David Dubinsky:

• LinkedIn: David Dubinsky

• Email: ddubinsky@prrcsf.org

• Pomeroy Recreation and Rehabilitation Center: 207 Skyline Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94132

📄 Transcript Available: Building Inclusive Communities: David Dubinsky's Leadership at Pomeroy Center

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com#NonprofitLeadership #InclusiveEducation #CommunityImpact

🎙️ From Secrets to Authentic Leadership: Tim Perdion's Journey of Self-Discovery and Professional Growth

In this deeply moving episode, Tim Perdion, Director of Practice Management and Service Delivery Technology at Ascend Partner Services, shares his courageous journey from living behind masks to embracing authentic leadership. Through candid discussions about adoption, family secrets, personal trauma, and professional transformation, Tim reveals how facing his deepest challenges led to his greatest strengths. His story demonstrates how vulnerability becomes a superpower, enabling him to help accounting firms scale while creating psychologically safe environments where people can thrive authentically.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• How childhood adoption and family secrets shaped a pattern of carrying others' unfinished business

• The transformation from wearing masks to authentic leadership in professional settings

• Meeting biological parents at 45: identity discovery as a catalyst for personal growth

• Residential treatment and faith journey: tools for emotional regulation and healing

• Vulnerability as strength: opening doors for meaningful connections with colleagues

• Reading below the waterline: developing discernment to see what others miss

• Creating psychological safety in tech transformation and change management

• Building empathy through personal struggles to better support team members

• Surrendering control: how faith and community accelerated professional opportunities

• Turning personal pain into purpose through authentic relationship building

🌟 Tim's Key Mentors:

• Adoptive Parents: Provided loving foundation despite family patterns of secrecy

• Biological Uncle: Connected over faith and provided answers about family history

• Sierra Tucson Treatment Team: Taught emotional regulation, trauma recovery, and healing tools

• Church Community: Non-denominational environment fostering spiritual growth and authenticity

• Men's Retreat Leaders: Guided journey from spiritual slavery to spiritual sonship

• Close Friend from Workplace: Parallel journey of vulnerability and personal growth

• Ascend Leadership Team: Models servant leadership and people-first organizational culture

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about transforming trauma into wisdom, the courage to seek help, and how personal authenticity creates safer, more effective work environments for everyone.

🔗 Connect with Tim Perdion:

LinkedIn: Tim Perdion, Director at Ascend Partner Services Website: Ascend Partner Services

📄 Transcript Available: Removing the Masks: Tim Perdion's Journey through Personal Challenges to Purpose-Driven Leadership

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#AuthenticLeadership #AdoptionJourney #VulnerabilityInLeadership #TraumaRecovery #SpiritualAwakening #PsychologicalSafety #ChangeManagement #TechnologyTransformation #AccountingIndustry #PersonalGrowth #FaithJourney #EmotionalIntelligence #MensMentalHealth #WorkplaceEmpathy #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ From Corporate Marketing to Pizza Empire: Eric Soller's Old Scratch Pizza Journey

In this inspiring episode, Eric Soller, founder of Old Scratch Pizza, shares his transformation from ITW corporate marketing director to successful restaurateur building a multi-location pizza empire in Ohio. After spending over a decade in food service equipment marketing, Eric took the entrepreneurial leap at age 44 to create something uniquely his own: "Midwestern-ly Neapolitan" pizza served in a beer hall atmosphere. Through candid discussions about raising capital, building systems, and the challenges of restaurant operations, Eric demonstrates how combining culinary expertise, business acumen, and unwavering confidence can create a thriving hospitality business that serves both community and profit.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• Transitioning from secure corporate career to restaurant entrepreneurship at 44

• Creating "Midwestern-ly Neapolitan" pizza: traditional Italian techniques with Midwest sensibilities

• Raising capital through network: 5 pitches, 5 yes responses from local investors

• Building community through large communal tables and family-friendly atmosphere

• "Cones for a Cause" program: $300,000+ donated to charity through free ice cream donations

• Operating without freezers or microwaves: everything made from scratch daily

• Scaling from one to four locations with systematic approach to operations

• Using sophisticated demographic data (Experian Mosaic) for targeted marketing

• Training 16-year-olds to master Neapolitan pizza techniques in three weeks

• Planning Columbus expansion and additional growth for 2026

🌟 Eric's Key Influences:

• Antico Pizza (Atlanta): Inspired the wood-fired oven, communal table beer hall concept

• ITW Corporate Experience: Applied world-class manufacturing principles to restaurant operations

• Wife's Support: Provided encouragement during entrepreneurial transition and ongoing operations

• Restaurant Peer Groups: Customer advisory boards and industry networks for problem-solving

• AI/ChatGPT: Uses as brainstorming partner and operational streamlining tool

• Hospitality Books: "Unreasonable Hospitality" by Lou Gardenia, "Setting the Table" by Danny Meyer

• Local Network: Strong Dayton professional relationships enabled successful capital raising

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about building authentic hospitality experiences, the importance of systematic operations, and how entrepreneurial confidence can overcome the complexities of restaurant ownership.

🔗 Connect with Eric Soller:

• Website: oldscratchpizza.com

• Instagram: @oldscratchpizza

• Location: Multiple Dayton, Ohio area locations with Columbus expansion coming 2026

• Address: 1100 Oakwood Avenue, Oakwood, Ohio 45419

📄 Transcript Available: Restaurant Growth Strategy: Old Scratch Pizza & Eric Soller's Path from One Location to Multi-Market Expansion

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#RestaurantEntrepreneurship #NeapolitanPizza #CorporateCareerTransition #HospitalityBusiness #CommunityFocusedDining #RestaurantScaling #FoodServiceMarketing #BeerHallConcept #CharitableGiving #OperationalSystems #RestaurantTechnology #FranchiseGrowth #CulinaryArts #BusinessNetworking #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ Scaling Innovation: George Schultz's Journey from FedEx Janitor to COO of Fetch Package

In this dynamic episode, George Schultz, COO of Fetch Package Inc., shares his remarkable journey from cleaning toilets as a FedEx hourly employee to leading operations at one of the fastest-growing logistics companies in America. Through candid discussions about imposter syndrome, career pivots, and breakthrough innovations, George reveals how early exposure to technology adoption and crisis management shaped his leadership philosophy. His story demonstrates how embracing discomfort and continuous learning can transform challenges into competitive advantages in rapidly evolving industries.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• Technology adoption mindset: staying ahead of tech curves since FedEx handheld deployment in late 1980s

• Crisis management through over-communication: breaking chaos into manageable steps during emergencies

• Amazon vs FedEx cultures: operational discipline versus high-velocity innovation environments

• Scaling from startup to enterprise: building trust while delegating critical responsibilities

• Multifamily housing revolution: solving package overload problems with offsite management solutions

• Service diversification strategy: leveraging core strengths to expand into storage, market, and valet services

• OCR technology deployment: eliminating manual processes to handle massive volume surges seamlessly

• Imposter syndrome as catalyst: using self-doubt to drive continuous education and performance improvement

• AI verification systems: creating unbroken chains of custody for package protection and fraud prevention

• Network effects in career growth: maintaining vibrant professional relationships throughout leadership journey

🌟 George's Key Mentors:

• FedEx Early Leaders: Taught operational discipline, process adherence, and technology adoption principles

• Amazon Senior Leadership: Demonstrated bias for action, data-driven decisions, and rapid iteration methods

• Crisis Response Teams: Showed value of empowering frontline decision-making with clear guardrails

• Direct Report Feedback: Subordinates who challenged him to delegate more and trust team capabilities

• Fetch Leadership Team: CEO Michael Patton, CTO Boone Putney, CFO Aaron Anderson providing collaborative foundation

• Marquette Professor Connection: Introduced him to ParcelPing founders solving supply chain verification challenges

• Industry Network: Spanning technology, pharmaceutical, food and beverage sectors for continuous learning

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about transforming operations through innovation, building trust in high-growth environments, and how embracing discomfort becomes a leadership superpower in scaling businesses.

🔗 Connect with George Schultz:

LinkedIn: George Schultz, COO at Fetch Package Website: FetchPackage.com ParcelPing: ParcelPing.us

📄 Transcript Available: Technology Adoption and Trust Building: George Schultz's Corporate Leadership Evolution

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#LogisticsLeadership #PackageManagement #MultifamilyHousing #TechnologyAdoption #OperationsScaling #CrisisManagement #ImposterSyndrome #SupplyChainInnovation #StartupGrowth #AmazonCulture #FedExOperations #StrategicAdvisory #AIVerification #FraudPrevention #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ From Pakistan to AI Pioneer: Syed Alam's Journey of Innovation and Resilience Through Crisis

In this inspiring episode, Syed Alam, founder and CEO of AccentEdge, shares his remarkable journey from arriving alone in Milwaukee in 1984 to building a cutting-edge technology company that pivoted through the COVID-19 pandemic to emerge stronger than ever. With over 30 years of experience in technology and business, Syed reveals how losing 80% of his business overnight led to breakthrough innovations in early cancer detection and democratic engagement, proving that America's greatest strength lies in its transparent systems and endless opportunities for those willing to adapt and persevere.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• America's transparent systems create predictable opportunities for entrepreneurs

• Building relationships and being dependable opens more doors than technical skills alone

• Business school provides frameworks that complement real-world network building

• COVID-19 crisis forced pivot from airlines/banking to healthcare and government sectors

• Early cancer detection through AI can predict 50+ cancer types up to five years in advance

• Digital biomarkers from imaging combined with blood markers revolutionize screening

• Government contracting through SAM.gov provides transparent bidding opportunities

• Fighting misinformation requires analyzing legislator voice penetration versus interest groups

• Solving humanity's biggest challenges creates the greatest business opportunities

• Personal isolation and rebuilding life from scratch builds unshakeable resilience

🌟 Syed's Key Mentors:

• University Roommates: Welcomed him with curiosity and generosity, teaching American openness 

• Wisconsin Bank Supervisors: Recognized dependability over genius, showed value of reliability 

• MBA Project Partner: Connected him to first $50,000 consulting opportunity that launched entrepreneurship 

• Major Corporation Colleagues: Built network that enabled pivot during COVID crisis 

• Healthcare University Partners: Provided anonymized, diverse data for AI algorithm training 

• Chicago Healthcare Incubators: Connected him to Matter and other ecosystem resources for cancer research

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about immigrant entrepreneurship, crisis-driven innovation, and how America's systematic transparency creates opportunities for those bold enough to seize them.

🔗 Connect with Syed Alam:

LinkedIn: Syed Alam, Founder & CEO at AccentEdge 

AccentEdge Website: accentedge.com 

Email: Available through website contact 

Office: 625 West Adams Street, 19th Floor, Chicago, IL 60661

📄 Transcript Available: Syed Alam Transforms Healthcare Through AI: Early Cancer Detection Five Years in Advance

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#ImmigrantEntrepreneur #AICancerDetection #COVIDPivot #HealthcareInnovation #DemocraticEngagement #TechnologyConsulting #CrisisAdaptation #AmericanOpportunity #TransparentSystems #EarlyCancerScreening #BusinessResilience #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ From Healthcare Tech to Mediterranean Innovation: Dan Simpson's Journey Building Taziki's Culture

In this inspiring episode, Dan Simpson, CEO of Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe, shares his unconventional path from healthcare technology to leading a 109-location restaurant chain dedicated to authentic Mediterranean cuisine and elevated hospitality. After successfully scaling healthcare companies and launching technology ventures, Dan joined Taziki's as Chief Innovation Officer before transitioning to CEO—a rare career arc that brought fresh perspective to traditional restaurant operations. Through candid discussions about overcoming imposter syndrome, navigating COVID-19 challenges, and advocating for immigration solutions in Washington DC, Dan demonstrates how empathy-driven leadership, strategic technology integration, and commitment to community can create sustainable growth in the competitive restaurant industry.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• Transitioning from healthcare tech entrepreneurship to restaurant leadership without industry experience

• Implementing AI-driven personalization: custom training paths and guest experience optimization

• Launching successful bowl program: most successful limited-time offer in 27-year company history

• Building hybrid franchise model: 60% traditional franchises, 40% company joint ventures with local equity partners

• Overcoming imposter syndrome when transitioning from advisor to CEO role

• Navigating COVID-19 by "breaking all rules": empowering franchisees to innovate locally

• Creating elevated fast-casual experience: wine service, imported Mediterranean ingredients, community atmosphere

• Advocating for immigration solutions in Washington DC to address workforce challenges

• Using data integration to personalize customer experiences while maintaining authentic hospitality

• Building company culture around empathy, partnership, and employee equity opportunities

🌟 Dan's Key Influences:

• AIM Healthcare Leadership: Taught speed-to-trust approach and empowering talented people in deep-end challenges

• Michael Bodner (Fresh Hospitality): Connected Dan to restaurant industry through technology integration partnerships

• Keith Richards (Taziki's Founder): Mentored transition from consultant to CEO, emphasized authentic Mediterranean cuisine

• David Wilcox Quote: "Live where you swim close enough to shore to stay alive, far enough to feel alive"

• Armando Perez Success Story: Venezuelan immigrant who rose from entry-level to managing 13 locations with equity

• COVID-19 Crisis: Forced innovation, rule-breaking, and focus on core hospitality values

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about building inclusive workplace culture, leveraging technology for authentic hospitality, and how personal vulnerability can drive organizational transformation in challenging times.

🔗 Connect with Dan Simpson:

• Website: tazikis.com

• LinkedIn: Dan Simpson

• Company: Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe

• Locations: 109+ locations across multiple states

• Address: 4511 Nebraska Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee 37209

• Franchise Opportunities: Available through website contact

📄 Transcript Available: The Outsider's Advantage: How Dan Simpson Transformed Taziki's Through Fresh Perspective

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#RestaurantLeadership #MediterraneanCuisine #FastCasualDining #FranchiseOperations #HealthcareTechnologyTransition #AIPersonalization #EmployeeEquityPartnerships #ImmigrationAdvocacy #COVIDRestaurantAdaptation #ImposterSyndrome #HospitalityInnovation #CommunityBuilding #TechnologyIntegration #AuthenticLeadership #InspiredStoriesPodcast