In this episode of Steel City Growth, host William Ilgenfritz sits down with Matt DeHart, Founder of Teach From The Heart and TFD Academy, to talk about rebuilding standards in education, developing leadership through soft skills, and creating a model that educates both kids and parents under one roof.

Matt shares how a single realization on a school trip changed everything, why “comfort can’t progress” became the foundation of his approach, and how structure, accountability, and belief can completely reshape a student’s future.

You’ll learn:

• Why Matt believes the education system is broken — and what he would change
 • How high standards and structure create confidence (and real results)
 • Why soft skills are a “superpower” — and how they train them daily
 • What it takes to hire mission-driven teachers (heart > awards)
 • How Matt handled major obstacles like funding and facility setbacks
 • The story that proved the model works: a student walked 30 minutes to school… and was early

🎙 Guest featured in this episode:
 Matt DeHart — Founder, Teach From The Heart Foundation & TFD Academy

🔗 Guest & Company Links

Teach From The Heart
 Website: https://teachfromdhart.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tfdhacademy?igsh=M2hrbzRpbWRzdjVh&utm_source=qr
 

Matt DeHart
 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachfromdehart?igsh=eHZnOXp1ZXJkZWZx
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-dehart-4b06b4b2/

🔗 Steel City Growth & Host Links

🎧 Listen on all podcast platforms:
 https://steelcitygrowth.live

🎥 Subscribe on YouTube:
 https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth

👤 Host — William Ilgenfritz
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-ilgenfritz-83161652/

Murphy Business Pittsburgh: https://murphybusiness.com/pittsburgh/

🤝 Sponsored by Murphy Business of Pittsburgh
 Helping business owners plan, grow, and transition successfully.

✅ Don’t forget to:

👍 Like the video
 💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments
 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with business owners and founders across the greater Pittsburgh area.

#SteelCityGrowth #Education #Leadership #Nonprofit #Pittsburgh #Entrepreneurship #CommunityImpact #PersonalDevelopment #Founders

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome + why this mission matters
00:45 Matt’s background + educator family legacy
02:05 The school model: educating kids + parents together
03:10 Why this hasn’t been done before (it’s a lot)
07:41 “Education feels broken” — what Matt would change
10:46 High standards + strict structure (why it works)
11:45 Soft skills + “Amazing Shake” scenarios
13:03 Why Arnold, PA (and why not?)
14:05 Why he made the jump (comfort can’t progress)
15:59 Future vision: international methodology (India, Mexico, more)
17:31 Hiring teachers: heart > awards
20:40 Day one experience (structure + expectations)
22:45 Pitch to parents: “Do you want your kid to change the world?”
25:24 Biggest obstacles: money, building issues, pivoting fast
27:24 Proud moments + success story (the turning-point student)
31:56 How listeners can support (scholarships + meals + trips)
34:07 Where to learn more + connect
35:05 Fun: travel + Ted Lasso obsession
36:08 Pierogies vs Primanti’s
37:00 Steelers loss vs stepping on a Lego
37:50 Closing + call to support

In this episode of Steel City Growth, host William Ilgenfritz sits down with Andrew Reichert, Founder & CEO of Burgo, to talk about building a real estate business from the ground up, investing in workforce housing, and leading a growing team with purpose.

Andrew shares how his journey started with a single duplex, how discipline and long-term thinking shaped his growth, and why focusing on people — not just profits — has been key to scaling sustainably.

You’ll learn:

• How Andrew got started in real estate with no cash, no credit, and no experience
• Why workforce housing is often overlooked — and why it matters
• What it means to scale a business without “going corporate”
• How leadership changes as your company grows
• Why investing in people is just as important as investing in property
• Lessons learned from early mistakes and finding focus as a founder

🎙 Guest featured in this episode:
Andrew Reichert — Founder & CEO, Burgo

🔗 Guest & Company Links

Burgo
Website: https://www.birgo.com/realty

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/birgo-realty/

Andrew Reichert
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewreichert/

🔗 Steel City Growth & Host Links

🎧 Listen on all podcast platforms:
https://steelcitygrowth.live

🎥 Subscribe on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth

👤 Host — William Ilgenfritz
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-ilgenfritz-83161652/

Murphy Business Pittsburgh: https://murphybusiness.com/pittsburgh/

🤝 Sponsored by Murphy Business of Pittsburgh
Helping business owners plan, grow, and transition successfully.

✅ Don’t forget to:

👍 Like the video
💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments
🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with business owners and founders across the greater Pittsburgh area.

#SteelCityGrowth #RealEstateInvesting #WorkforceHousing #BusinessGrowth #PittsburghBusiness #Entrepreneurship #MultifamilyInvesting #Leadership #founders 

In this episode of Steel City Growth, host William Ilgenfritz sits down with leaders from the Pennsylvania Center for Employee Ownership and Pittsburgh City Council to break down how employee ownership works, why it’s growing, and how it can help small and mid-sized businesses survive major economic transitions.

You’ll learn:
• What employee ownership actually means
• The difference between ESOPs, Employee Ownership Trusts, and worker co-ops
• Why Pittsburgh is becoming a national model for employee ownership
• How this approach protects jobs and keeps businesses local
• What business owners should consider when planning for the future

🎙 Guests featured in this episode:
Kevin McPhillips — Executive Director, Pennsylvania Center for Employee Ownership
Councilwoman Erika Strassburger — Pittsburgh City Council
Emalie Martzall — Marketing & Outreach Coordinator, Pennsylvania Center for Employee Ownership

🔗 Guest & Organization Links
Pennsylvania Center for Employee Ownership
Website: https://ownershippennsylvania.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pa-center-for-employee-ownership/

Kevin McPhillips
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-mcphillips-6a0205260/

Councilwoman Erika Strassburger
City Council Page: https://www.pittsburghpa.gov/City-Government/City-Council
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-staaf-strassburger-6a7b778/

Emalie Martzall
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emalie-martzall-mba/

🔗 Steel City Growth & Host Links

🎧 Listen on all podcast platforms:
https://steelcitygrowth.live

🎥 Subscribe on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth

👤 Host — William Ilgenfritz
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-ilgenfritz-83161652/
Murphy Business Pittsburgh: https://murphybusiness.com/pittsburgh/

*Sponsored by Murphy Business of Pittsburgh*
Helping business owners plan, grow, and transition successfully.

This season, we’re going deeper into the real stories, challenges, and decisions business owners face — and bringing you more practical insight you can actually use.

Whether you’re building, growing, or thinking about what’s next, we’re glad you’re here.

▶️ New episodes coming soon — make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next.

🔗 Connect with Us

• Steel City Growth Website: https://steelcitygrowth.live
• Murphy Business of Pittsburgh: https://murphybusiness.com/pittsburgh/

Follow Steel City Growth:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/steel-city-growth/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steelcitygrowth?igsh=bzFxaHdlZGlwdnhx
YouTube: @SteelCityGrowth

Follow Bill:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-ilgenfritz-83161652/

🎙 About the Show

Steel City Growth features conversations with business owners, founders, and leaders across the Pittsburgh region, sharing real experiences, lessons learned, and insights on growth, succession, and building businesses that last.

Today’s guest is Sunny Erdman, wealth advisor, certified Exit Planning Advisor, and Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor who has spent 15+ years helping business owners protect their families, reduce tax exposure, and transition their companies with clarity instead of crisis.

Sunny’s journey started with tragedy: at just 15 years old, she lost both of her parents—who had no estate plan in place. What followed were years of legal confusion, guardianship uncertainty, and financial complexity that no teenager should ever have to face.

That defining experience shaped her mission: to make sure no business owner or family ever experiences the chaos of poor planning.

Today, Sunny works with founders, entrepreneurs, and multigenerational families to build the strategies, structures, and tax plans that protect their wealth and secure their legacy long before a transition occurs. From reducing a client’s seven-figure tax bill to zero, to helping owners shift from a “lifestyle mindset” to true asset-building, Sunny offers clarity where others offer guesswork.

In this episode, she shares what every entrepreneur needs to hear—before they scale, before they sell, and before life forces them into decisions they’re not ready for.

Takeaways

Your Business Is an Asset — Not Just a Job

Most owners think about day-to-day survival, not long-term value. Shifting your mindset to “asset building” changes everything.

Planning Early Saves Millions

Once you sign a Letter of Intent, most tax and estate strategies become impossible. The best plans start 2–5 years before a sale.

A Team Beats a Solo Advisor

Real success requires collaboration between wealth advisors, attorneys, and accountants. When your team talks, your outcomes multiply.

Processes Build Transferable Value

A business that cannot run without the owner isn’t a business—it’s a dependency. Documenting systems and building leadership increases exit multiples.

Taxes Can Make or Break the Deal

The structure of your business (S-Corp, C-Corp, etc.) drives what planning strategies are possible. The earlier you optimize, the more money you keep.

Wealth Isn't Liquid — Until You Make It Liquid

Most owners are asset-rich but cash-poor. Proper planning ensures your lifestyle can continue after the business is gone.

Experience Creates Purpose

Sunny’s childhood loss is the reason she fights to make sure families and founders are protected—emotionally, legally, and financially.

Quote of the Show

“The chaos after losing my parents is the reason I protect families and business owners the way I do today.” – Sunny Erman

What Problem Can the Listeners Help Her Solve?

Sunny wants to help business owners shift their mindset:

How do we get owners to stop treating their business like a lifestyle… and start recognizing it as a transferable asset?

She’s looking to connect with:

• Business owners preparing for growth or exit
• Founders facing tax or estate complexity
• Advisors (attorneys, CPAs) who want a strong planning partner
• Entrepreneurs who want to protect their family AND their company

If you’re unsure what your business is worth, how to reduce tax exposure, or whether your family would be protected tomorrow, Sunny can help.

Chapters

00:00 Sunny’s Defining Childhood Moment
 03:39 How Losing Her Parents Shaped Her Career
 05:36 What Happens If a Business Can’t Run Without You
 08:11 The Tax Mistakes Owners Never See Coming
 09:22 When to Start Planning Your Exit
 10:37 Why Lifestyle Spending Increases After Selling
 12:12 Wealth Gap Analysis: What You Really Need to Know
 13:16 Why You Must Know Your Business Value
 14:28 The Mindset Shift Owners Must Make
 15:35 Sunny’s Vision for the Next 3–5 Years
 17:11 Advice to Her Younger Self in Law School
 18:12 One Piece of Advice for New Business Owners
 18:57 The Future of Pittsburgh (AI, Innovation & Startups)
 20:03 Primanti Bros vs. Pierogies
 20:40 Steelers vs. Browns (Which Hurts More?)
 21:45 How to Connect with Sunny Erman

Links

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunny-erdman-059b2395/
Website: https://www.shorebridgewm.com/
Contact Sunny: 412-742-4865

Ways to Tune In

Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth
Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth

Today’s guest is Karen A. Young, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Founder & President of HR Resolutions, bestselling author, and nationally respected expert in fractional HR, workplace culture, and small-business compliance. With 20+ years in the field—and over 100 clients served annually—Karen helps business owners prevent six-figure HR mistakes, build healthier workplaces, and lead with clarity instead of fear.

From her accidental entry into HR to launching a successful firm, Karen shares the realities leaders often overlook: why honest conversations matter, how small errors can cost big money, and what every employer needs to know before they scale their team.

Takeaways:

Honesty Is Your Best Protection

Most HR crises come from avoiding uncomfortable conversations—not from malice. Clear expectations prevent lawsuits.

Little Mistakes Can Cost Big Money

A single error on an I-9 form can cost up to $1,200—and the average EEOC claim runs over $200,000. Details matter.

Culture Starts with Consistency

Great workplace culture isn’t ping-pong tables—it’s leaders who listen, show grace, and adapt expectations to each person.

Your People Aren’t the Problem—Your Clarity Might Be

Performance issues usually reflect unclear goals, not bad intentions. Communication is everything.

Fractional HR Saves Small Businesses

You don’t need a full-time HR department to stay compliant. Fractional HR fills gaps only when you need it—saving time, risk, and money.

Leadership Is Knowing Your Team

Each employee needs something different to do their best work. Great leaders personalize support without lowering standards.

Quote of the Show

“It’s not the person—it’s the performance.” – Karen A. Young

What Problem Can the Listeners Help You Solve?

Karen works with small businesses that don’t have (or don’t need) a full HR department but still face hiring challenges, compliance risks, culture issues, or documentation headaches.

She’s looking to connect with:

• Business owners
• CEOs and founders
• Office managers
• Growing companies needing HR expertise “on demand”

If you’re struggling with handbooks, hiring, compliance, or difficult conversations, Karen and HR Resolutions can help.

Chapters

00:00 Karen’s Unlikely Journey into HR
 03:21 Did She Always Want to Be a Business Owner?
 05:24 What Is Fractional HR?
 07:48 The Most Expensive Mistakes Small Businesses Make
 12:38 Building a Strong & Healthy Workplace Culture
 16:09 The Craziest HR Situation She Ever Handled
 19:14 What She’d Tell Her Younger Self
 20:26 Pittsburgh Favorites & Fun Rapid-Fire
 21:30 How to Connect with Karen Young

Links:

Website: https://HRresolutions.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenayoungfounder/
HR Resolutions: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hr-resolutions/

Ways to Tune In:

Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth
Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth

Today’s guest is Jeff Hancher, Founder and President of Jeff Hancher Enterprises, leadership speaker, consultant, and USA Today bestselling author of Firm Feedback in a Fragile World. From blue-collar roots and military service to rising through the ranks of a Fortune 500 company, Jeff has built a life devoted to helping others lead with purpose.

He shares how adversity can forge strength, why culture rises and falls with leadership, and what it means to move from being a boss people report to—into a leader people don’t want to let down.

Takeaways

1. Adversity Has an Expiration Date: Challenges can anchor or propel you—the choice determines your growth.
2. Leadership Over Management: Managers manage process; leaders lead people. Both matter, but leadership builds loyalty.
3. Feedback Is a Gift: Healthy accountability is the cornerstone of strong culture and trust.
4. Know Your Audience: Great leaders tailor feedback to the person—directive, collaborative, or supportive.
5. Confidence Is Preparation: You don’t rise to the occasion—you fall back to the level of your preparation.
6. Mentorship Changes Lives: Surround yourself with people who’ve been where you want to go—and serve them first.
7. Purpose Powers Leadership: The goal isn’t a better title—it’s transforming lives through influence and example.

Quote of the Show

What Problem Can Listeners Help Jeff Solve?

Jeff is on a mission to help organizations and leaders build healthy cultures rooted in feedback, emotional intelligence, and accountability. He’s looking to connect with business owners, executives, and HR leaders seeking practical leadership training and keynote experiences that inspire performance and purpose.

 Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction: From Humble Beginnings to Leadership Success
00:29 – Family as Motivation and “Your Why”
01:08 – Lessons from the U.S. Army
02:32 – Discovering a Gift for Communication
05:29 – The #1 Strategy for Business Growth
07:06 – Overcoming Adversity and Building Character
10:52 – Manager vs. Leader: What’s the Difference?
12:58 – The Biggest Mistake in Building Culture
15:43 – How Leaders Mishandle Feedback
18:21 – Giving Feedback Without Crushing Morale
24:11 – Overcoming Self-Doubt and Building Confidence
26:53 – Actionable Steps to Become a Better Leader
32:01 – Firm Feedback in a Fragile World: The Book
35:00 – Jeff Hancher Enterprises: Workshops, Keynotes & Masterminds
36:56 –  Advice to His Younger Self 
37:57 –   How to Connect with Jeff

Links:

Website: https://www.jeffhancher.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-hancher/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeff.hancher/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechampionforum
Book: https://firmfeedbackbook.com

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth 

Today’s guest is Randy McElwee, former U.S. Army Green Beret, founder of Gracie Jiu Jitsu Athens, and creator of Going Commando Success Coaching. After 23 years in Special Forces, Randy translates battlefield lessons into business strategy—helping owners build structure, leadership, and systems that scale. From surviving pressure on the mat to building a family business with his son, Randy shares what it means to be “brilliant at the basics.”

Takeaways:

1. Structure Wins Battles: Whether in combat or business, structure, consistency, and training are the backbone of success.
2. You Don’t Rise—You Fall Back: Pressure reveals preparation; you only perform at the level of your training.
3. Leadership Is About People: True leaders don’t push from behind—they inspire teams to move forward with ownership and purpose.
4. Be Brilliant at the Basics: Growth isn’t about flashy tactics. It’s about disciplined execution of fundamentals, every day.
5. Jiu-Jitsu Is a Mirror for Business: Humility, leverage, and adaptability separate thriving entrepreneurs from those who tap out early.
6. Family & Freedom Are the Mission: Randy built his business around time with his son—a reminder that success is measured by more than money.
7. The Customer Journey = The Mission Plan: Build trust, establish rapport, and move clients through awareness to loyalty with intention and precision.

Quote of the Show:
“You don’t rise to the occasion—you fall back to the level of your training. Structure, consistency, and the right preparation turn small teams into elite forces—on the battlefield or in business.” — Randy McElwee

What Problem Can Listeners Help Randy Solve?

Randy is looking to connect with small business owners who feel stuck in their business instead of leading it—and want to build systems, discipline, and freedom into their operations. He also welcomes introductions to entrepreneurs seeking leadership coaching or team development grounded in military precision and human performance.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction and Military Background
 00:21 – Owning Gracie Jiu Jitsu Athens & Building Family Businesses
 01:17 – Early Signs of Entrepreneurship vs. Military Calling
 01:56 – Lessons from Jiu-Jitsu: Humility, Leverage, and Persistence
 03:56 – What the Military Teaches About Structure, Consistency & Training
 05:10 – Leadership Lessons from Special Forces
 06:47 – Going Commando Success Coaching: Helping Business Owners Scale
 09:06 – Who Randy Works With & Moving from Operator to Commander
 09:59 – How His Academy Builds Comfort, Systems, and Community
 12:52 – The Power of Leverage: How Smaller Students Win with Technique
 15:14 – The #1 Strategy for Business Growth: Understanding the Customer Journey
 18:26 – Motivation & Legacy: Building a Business with His Son
 22:14 – Rapid Fire: White Belt Mistakes & Lessons in Listening
 23:09 – Earning the Black Belt: Standards, Responsibility & Mastery
 24:14 – What Every Jiu-Jitsu Student Should Know on Day One
 25:59 – Pittsburgh Humor: Steelers, Pierogies, and Local Pride
 27:51 – Reflection: Advice to His Younger Self in the Military
 29:18 – What He’d Tell Himself on Day One of Business
 30:17 – How to Connect with Randy & Closing Thoughts

Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/americanblackbelt/
Website: http://www.commandosuccess.com/

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth 

Today’s guest is Sam Rosenberg, founder of Live Ready, former Marine officer, and internationally recognized expert in personal security and violence prevention. Sam has protected some of the most elite figures in the world—from Warren Buffett to Benjamin Netanyahu—and now teaches executives, organizations, and families how to protect themselves by training the mind before the moment.

Through powerful storytelling, Sam shares the real-life experience that changed his perspective forever, what he learned from world leaders, and how mental readiness shapes true leadership.

Takeaways

• Mindset Over Muscle: Strength means little without decision-making under pressure—the mind fails before the body does.
• Train Before the Test: Experience is the key to composure; the best way to gain it is through training, not trauma.
• Situational Awareness: Know what to look for, when to look, and how to look—attention alone isn’t enough.
• Leadership Under Fire: Real leaders stay responsive, not reactive, when everyone else is losing control.
• Self-Reliance: It’s good to have protection, but ultimately, you should know how to protect yourself.
• Security Is Confidence: When you eliminate fear and uncertainty, you think clearer, lead stronger, and live ready.

Quote of the Show
“It’s good to have a lifeguard, but ultimately you should know how to swim.” – Sam Rosenberg

What Problem Can the Listeners Help You Solve?

Sam is looking to connect with business owners, executives, and organizations interested in building a culture of safety and preparedness—through practical training, mindset development, and proactive strategies that empower teams before crisis hits.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Personal Security
07:06 Lessons from Protecting High-Profile Individuals
10:10 Understanding Situational Awareness
16:00 The Importance of Training and Experience
22:04 Overview of Sam's Book and Its Purpose
27:10 Target Audience and Services Offered

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/LiveReadyCo/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livereadyco
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LiveReadyCo
• Website: https://www.liveready.co/

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth 

Takeaways

• Persistence Over Everything: “Don’t quit.” Three to five years of staying power separates winners from the pack.
• Operations Drive Valuation: PE pays for turnkey—tight ops plans, clear strategy, disciplined EBITDA.
• Cash Is King: Stockpile cash, secure/keep LOCs open before credit tightens.
• Culture Keeps Talent: Old-school command-and-control fails; today’s teams stay for culture and growth.
• PE Reality Check: Traditional PE often optimizes the bottom line at the cost of people—know who you’re selling to.
• AI & The Next Decade: White-collar roles compress; trades and AI-fluency are defensible lanes.
• Stick to the Game Plan: Don’t abandon a well-scouted plan mid-game; work your plan, plan your work.

Quote of the Show:
“Persistence breaks down resistance.” — Jon Arnold

What problem can listeners help Jon solve?

Jon is actively meeting owners with sell-ready, operations-tight companies and brokers/sellers of AAA/NNN real estate in OH/PA. Warm intros welcome.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to John Arnold's Journey
05:01 Transitioning from Healthcare to Business
10:15 Lessons from Jiu-Jitsu Applied to Business
15:17 Current Ventures in Private Equity
20:54 The Impact of Private Equity on Businesses
22:59 Current Economic Landscape and Its Challenges
25:41 The Future of Work and AI's Role
25:46 Key Strategies for Business Growth
28:19 Healthcare and Education: A Call for Reform
30:57 Preparing a Business for Sale to Private Equity
31:49 Strategies for Business Owners in Turbulent Times
37:07 Identifying Opportunities in a Changing Market

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-p-arnold-528b7434/

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth 

Today’s guests are Kori Whisenant, an estate-planning attorney based in Cleveland who teaches families how to build generational wealth, and Gerald Jackson, a transactional/business attorney who helps owners document operations, structure entities, and plan succession. Together, they show founders how to move from fear and improvisation to intentional planning that protects both family and business.

Takeaways

• Life First, Business Second: Your business plan should finance your life plan—when they conflict, life comes first.
• From Fear to Action: Tomorrow isn’t promised. Start small—make the call, name a successor, write the first page.
• Succession Is Not Automatic: Don’t assume kids or partners want—or can—take over. Document successors and dissolution options.
• Operate on Paper, Not in Your Head: An ops manual, partner agreements, and LLC structures prevent chaos (and lawsuits).
• Facts Before Feelings: Valuation is math, then makeup—get the numbers right, then “make it cute.”
• Brand Drives Premiums: Buyers often pay more for culture and brand than assets alone; build what people want to join.

Quote of the Show

“You need a life plan before a business plan—the business is just the tool to finance the life.” – Gerald Jackson

What problem can listeners help them solve?

Kori and Gerald want owners to stop delaying foundational planning. If you’re a founder, commit to a 30-day “plan sprint”:

1. write a one-page operations blueprint,
2. name your successor and backup, and
3. book a checkup with your attorney/CPA/financial advisor/insurance pro.
    (Normalize these conversations in your circles—help another owner take the first step today.)

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Wealth Protection Strategies
02:44 Understanding Generational Wealth
05:19 The Importance of Succession Planning
08:17 Overcoming Fear in Planning
10:40 The Critical Role of Planning
13:21 Life Plans vs. Business Plans
16:24 Mistakes in Selling a Business
18:49 Building a Brand for Business Value
21:25 The Importance of a Support Team
23:56 Advice for Future Business Owners
26:34 Legacy and Impact on Future Generations

Links:

• Kori's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/koriwhisenant/
• Kori's Website: https://www.kwhisenantlaw.com/
• Gerald's Phone Number: (216) - 752 - 8000

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth 

Takeaways:

• Business Is Ministry: Entrepreneurs carry pastoral roles in their workplaces—leading, guiding, and caring for people.
• Redemptive Economics Matters: Every financial decision either contributes to or conflicts with God’s purposes.
• Abundance vs. Scarcity: Trusting God’s goodness shifts business leaders from scarcity mindsets to abundance mentalities.
• Pittsburgh’s Opportunity: Crossing bridges—literally and culturally—unlocks collaboration and growth in the region.
• Church & Business Must Unite: Local churches should bless and empower business leaders as extensions of their ministry.
• Scripture Speaks to Business: Lessons from the parable of the talents, Ruth, and Proverbs 31 shape a kingdom view of enterprise.

Quote of the Show:
"Your business is your ministry, and your ministry is your business." – Mike Hatch

What problem can the listeners help you solve?

• Mike is passionate about equipping Christian business leaders and pastors with tools to integrate biblical principles into business. He invites churches, entrepreneurs, and educators to explore his Redemptive Enterprise course and partner in building businesses of eternal significance.

Chapters:

 00:00 Introduction & Mike’s Background
 02:20 What Is Redemptive Economics?
 07:37 The Future of Pittsburgh’s Economy
 12:22 Partnerships & Crossing Bridges
 16:10 How the Church Misses Business Leaders
 20:35 Breaking Down the Church–Business Divide
 23:07 Launching the Redemptive Enterprise Course
 26:12 Biblical Passages for Business Owners
 30:55 Fun Q&A: Pierogies, Primanti’s & the Steelers
 34:07 Lessons in Authenticity & Storytelling
 36:14 Advice to His Younger Self
 37:44 Legacy, Faith, and Impact
 38:33 Closing & Thanks
 39:12 How to Connect with Mike 

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikehatch02/
• Website: https://redemptiveeconomics.com/
• Truth at Work: https://truthatwork.org/

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth 

Takeaways:

• Delegation Fuels Growth: Avoid becoming the bottleneck—systems and trust make scaling possible.
• Culture Must Be Intentional: Values can’t just live on the wall; they must be built into daily operations.
• Consistency Creates Safety: Showing up with steadiness and transparency earns employee trust.
• Mental Health Matters at Work: Normalize conversations, provide flexibility, and encourage employees to seek help.
• Burnout Has Warning Signs: Self-awareness, feedback, and simple breaks can prevent overwhelm.
• Think Bigger: Don’t limit your business by your first vision—growth often exceeds expectations.

Quote of the Show:
"I'm really holding back the growth of my business if I don’t delegate." – Alison Pidgeon

What problem can the listeners help you solve?

• Alison is seeking licensed therapists in the Pittsburgh area as Move Forward Counseling expands its offices and services.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Business Growth Strategies
03:18 Building a Strong Company Culture
07:11 Leadership and Employee Engagement
12:45 Mental Health Awareness for Entrepreneurs
15:18 Recognizing Burnout and Its Signs
17:20 Overcoming Mental Barriers in Business
19:38 Mental Toughness vs. Emotional Avoidance
21:00 Finding Clarity When Feeling Stuck
22:55 Practical Steps for Improving Emotional Health
24:29 The Power of Kindness
26:21 Challenges in Hiring Therapists
27:08 Future Vision for the Practice
28:50 Journey to Becoming a Therapist
30:56 Consulting and Business Growth
32:27 Navigating Growth in Practice
34:40 Overcoming Delegation Fears
36:42 Building Trust in Delegation
38:13 Advice to My Younger Self
39:52 Balancing Work and Family Life
41:39 Recommended Reads for Growth
43:28 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-pidgeon/
• Website: https://moveforwardpa.com/

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth 

Takeaways:

• Start Preparing Early: Contact a business broker at least five years before selling to clean up financials, build systems, and maximize value.
• Culture is Everything: Buyers look beyond numbers—they invest in leadership, culture, and legacy.
• Valuation Matters: Most owners over- or undervalue their businesses. A professional valuation provides clarity and realistic expectations.
• Confidentiality & Integrity: The best brokers are trusted advisors who protect client confidentiality and provide honest feedback.
• Work on the Business, Not in the Business: Build systems and teams so the company thrives without the owner’s day-to-day involvement.
• Focus Creates Growth: What you focus on, you find—directing energy toward the right goals drives success.
• Franchise Opportunity: Murphy Business is expanding strategically, offering training, mentorship, and a supportive culture for brokers.

Quote of the Show:

“Growth isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things really, really well.” – Veronica Cardinale-Ellinger

What problem can the listeners help you solve?

• Veronica is looking to connect with motivated professionals interested in becoming franchisees or business brokers, as well as business owners who want guidance on preparing for an eventual exit.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Steel City Growth
02:19 Culture: The Heart of Business Success
04:07 Understanding the Role of a Business Broker
05:35 Emotional Aspects of Selling a Business
08:26 Navigating Economic Challenges in Business Transactions
09:19 Common Mistakes in Business Valuation
11:13 Preparing Your Business for Sale
12:26 The Importance of Early Broker Engagement
13:22 Balancing Numbers and People in Business Transactions
14:44 Advice for Entrepreneurs Preparing for Exit
16:04 Integrity in Business Brokerage
18:25 Personal Journey and Leadership in Business
21:40 Future Vision for Murphy Business
23:33 Training and Support for New Brokers
26:46 Skills for Successful Brokers
28:01 Marketing Innovations at Murphy
30:09 Cultivating a Strong Company Culture
31:40 Advice for New Entrepreneurs
33:07 Personal Interests and Work-Life Balance
33:59 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicaellingerleadership/
• Website: https://murphybusiness.com/

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth 

Today’s guest is Jamie Turner, President of Acclaim Autism, who brings powerful knowledge in business growth and behavioral analysis. Jamie shares his journey from project management to founding a leading autism service organization, discusses the importance of staff engagement, and offers practical advice for families navigating an autism diagnosis. The conversation covers applied behavior analysis (ABA), common misconceptions about autism, building inclusive communities, and the challenges and rewards of growing a mission-driven business.

Takeaways:

• Prioritize Staff Wellbeing: If you run or work in a service organization, invest in staff engagement and happiness. Happy staff deliver better care and outcomes.
• Engage in Parent Training and Support Groups: While waiting for services, join support groups and participate in parent training to learn effective strategies and build a support network. 
• Promote Inclusion in Schools and Workplaces: Encourage flexibility and open-mindedness in educational and professional settings. Small accommodations can make a big difference. 
• Be an Advocate in Your Community: Take time to get to know autistic individuals in your life. Promote awareness and acceptance by sharing accurate information and positive stories. 
• Stay Informed and Cautious: Research recommended therapies and ensure they are evidence-based. Be wary of “cure” claims and pseudoscience. 
• Connect with Local Resources: Reach out to local nonprofits, support organizations, and community events for additional help and networking. 
• Practice Empathy and Patience: Approach every individual with empathy, patience, and an open mind—everyone has unique strengths and challenges.

Quote of the Show:

“We're not going to provide that same really personalized, high-level service unless our staff are happy and engaged and really enjoy what they're doing and enjoy being here.” - Jamie Turner

What problem can the listeners help you solve?

• He’d love to be connected to professionals in related fields such as educators, medical providers, and autism advocates. He’s looking to grow the company and spread awareness.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction & Jamie Turner’s Background

02:42 Building a Positive Staff Culture

04:43 What is Applied Behavior Analysis?

06:41 Misconceptions About Autism

08:12 Understanding the Autism Spectrum

09:45 Communication Challenges & Support Needs

12:05 Inclusion in Schools & Workplaces

14:23 Success Stories & Impactful Moments

16:45 Supporting Autism Awareness

19:00 Company Growth & Services

23:00 Advice for Parents

28:00 Challenges & Hopes for the Field

32:00 Personal Reflections & Closing

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/turnerjamie/ 
• Website: https://acclaimautism.com/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth 

Dr. Victoria Mattingly, CEO and Founder of Mattingly Solutions, joins Bill today to give an organizational psychologist’s perspective on workplace culture and inclusion. They discuss the pivotal role of managers as gatekeepers of employee experience and career growth. Victoria shares her extensive knowledge on workplace inclusion, allyship, and organizational psychology, emphasizing the importance of personalized communication, psychological safety, and flexible work environments. She also highlights the critical need to prevent employee burnout and the benefits of a four-day work week. Additionally, they delve into effective hiring practices, the pitfalls of multitasking, and the value of taking a human-centric approach in businesses. She also shares her personal journey and future aspirations in fostering inclusive workplaces.

Takeaways:

• Prioritize People: Focus on hiring the right people and making them feel valued, respected, seen, and heard. Business growth depends on building and caring for your team.
• Practice Inclusion: Get to know your team members individually. Tailor your communication and recognition to what resonates with each person.
• Prevent Overwork: Avoid encouraging a culture of overworking. Monitor workloads and promote work-life balance to prevent burnout.
• Model the Behavior You Want: As a leader, set the example—show up on time, respect others’ time, and hold yourself to the same standards you expect from your team.
• Measure Burnout: Use validated, anonymous surveys to assess burnout levels in your team and take action before it becomes a problem.
• Embrace Flexibility: Offer flexible work arrangements. Recognize that some people thrive in the office, others remotely, and some with a mix.
• Build Teams Over Time: Team building is an ongoing process that requires trust and regular opportunities for collaboration—not just annual events.

Quote of the Show:

“Employee engagement should not be an annual consideration. It should be a daily activity.” - Victoria Mattingly 

What problem can the listeners help you solve?

• She would like help with spreading the word about allyship and the concepts she discusses in her book, around making the workplace more inclusive.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

00:57 Key Strategies for Business Growth

01:45 Workplace Inclusion and Allyship

02:53 Effective Communication and Meeting Management

05:19 Addressing Toxic Workplace Habits

06:32 Measuring and Preventing Burnout

08:51 Understanding Workplace Culture

09:48 Handling Conflict in High-Performing Companies

12:25 Motivation vs. Manipulation in Leadership

16:12 Importance of Employee Engagement

18:23 Hiring Mistakes and Lessons Learned

19:55 Effective Interview Questions

20:56 Outdated Interview Questions

21:46 Remote Work and Productivity

23:57 The Myth of Multitasking

26:27 Using Psychology to Retain Employees

27:46 The Reality of Team Building

29:08 Human-Centric Organizational Approach

30:45 Promoting Allyship in the Workplace

32:50 Personal Journey and Business Growth

36:23 Future Goals and Advice

37:53 Personal Interests and Contact Information

39:15 Conclusion and Farewell

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vpmattingly/ 
• Website: https://www.mattinglysolutions.com/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth 

Today’s guest, Brian Laraway, Managing Partner, Vice President, and Wealth Manager at Bury Financial Group, provides a masterclass in financial lessons. The discussion covers the importance of aligning personal goals with business objectives, strategies for growing and selling a business, and the significance of early financial planning. Brian also delves into specific financial tools like 401(k) plans, SEP and simple IRAs, deferred compensation, and long-term care insurance. The conversation ends by addressing common mistakes business owners make and the impact of financial literacy on overall economic well-being. 

Takeaways:

• Begin with the End in Mind: Define your long-term personal and business goals, then work backwards to create a step-by-step plan to achieve them.
• Get Your Personal Finances in Order: Don’t neglect your personal financial planning, even if most of your wealth is tied up in your business.
• Diversify Your Wealth: Don’t rely solely on your business for your financial future. Build assets outside your business, such as retirement accounts and investments.
• Participate in Retirement Plans: Set up and actively participate in retirement plans like 401(k)s or IRAs for yourself and your employees.
• Educate and Involve Your Team: Promote financial literacy among your employees and encourage them to participate in retirement plans and benefits. 
• Hold Yourself Accountable: Schedule regular check-ins (quarterly or annually) to review your financial and business plans, and find an accountability partner if needed.
• Protect Your Business Value: Address potential risks and liabilities in your business to make it more attractive to buyers and increase its value.

Quote of the Show:

“I love what I do. I want people to be financially independent. I don't want them to have to worry about all this stuff, but it's hard work. They need leadership. They need guidance.” - Brian Laraway

What problem can the listeners help you solve?

• He wants to see an improvement in financial literacy among Americans. He wants business owners to get their financial house in order so that they can lead employees toward financial success.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Business Wealth

00:24 Welcome to Steel City Growth

00:51 Meet Brian Laraway

01:43 Strategies for Business Growth

02:16 Financial Freedom and Planning

03:30 Importance of Personal Financial Planning

04:07 Regrets of Business Owners

05:10 Retirement Planning Insights

06:31 Succession and Exit Planning

08:10 401(k) and Employee Benefits

09:25 Tax Saving Strategies

16:26 Long-Term Care Insurance

19:29 Choosing a Financial Advisor

24:16 Roth IRAs and Tax Strategies

27:34 The Power of Starting Early with Investments

30:21 Strategies for Late Starters

31:56 Challenges and Solutions for Business Owners

35:58 The Importance of Financial Literacy

39:06 Personal Journey and Professional Growth

45:49 Future Plans and Team Dynamics

48:32 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

50:58 Conclusion and Contact Information

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-m-laraway-mba-cepa%E2%84%A2-cpfa-cltc-4679b7216/ 
• Website: https://www.buryfinancial.com/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth 

Matthew Bolewitz, Partner at Cozza Law Firm, joins the show today to discuss essential strategies for business growth and legal considerations for entrepreneurs. Matthew emphasizes the importance of knowing your brand, establishing core values, and ensuring you have the right legal structure and advisement. Through actionable insights and real-world examples, he highlights the nuances between asset and stock sales, the significance of exit planning, and the role of AI in the modern business landscape. The episode provides valuable knowledge for business owners aiming to optimize their ventures and prepare for future success.

Takeaways:

• Choose Advisors Who Care: Work with legal, financial, and business advisors who are genuinely invested in your success and long-term goals.
• Stay Disciplined and Self-Focused: Set your own bar for growth and improvement. Don’t limit yourself by comparing to peers—focus on your own progress.
• Embrace Creativity in Deal-Making: Be open to unconventional strategies and flexible approaches. Sometimes creative solutions yield the best outcomes.
• Start Exit Planning Before Burnout: Don’t wait until you’re exhausted to plan your exit. Begin strategizing 3–5 years ahead for the best results.
• Plan for Sale Early: Prepare your business for sale years in advance by focusing on the “Four Cs”: human capital, customer capital, structural capital, and social capital.
• Prepare for Ownership Transitions: As a buyer, make sure the business can run without the current owner. As a seller, be personally ready to let go and support a smooth transition.
• Communicate Directly: Pick up the phone or meet in person to resolve issues quickly and build stronger relationships, rather than relying solely on email.

Quote of the Show:

“You need to know who you are. You need to know your brand because when you start growing and start adding people to your team, whether that's five people or fifty people, that message is gonna get lost.” - Matthew Bolewitz

What problem can the listeners help you solve?

• He wants to know what attorneys are doing right. He’d love to build on this. 

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Business Transition Challenges

00:31 Welcome to Steel City Growth

01:02 Meet the Guest: Matthew Bolewitz

01:38 Core Values for Business Success

04:37 The Importance of Peace of Mind

05:33 Diving into Core Values

12:35 Legal Mistakes in Business Sales

15:59 Understanding Legal Structures

24:06 Asset Sale vs. Stock Sale

26:32 Legal Challenges in Business Closings

28:55 Protecting Your Business Before Selling

29:42 The Four Cs of Business

32:16 Handshake Agreements and Legal Risks

34:26 Debunking Legal Myths

37:47 Creative Legal Solutions

40:55 The Impact of AI on the Legal Industry

43:00 Building a Successful Law Firm

45:15 Personal Journey and Advice

48:17 Future Plans and Final Thoughts

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-bolewitz/ 
• Website: https://www.cozzalaw.com/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth 

Takeaways:

• Consistent Branding: Protect and consistently use your brand to ensure it is recognizable and not being infringed upon. Regularly monitor for potential trademark issues.
• Cut Unnecessary Costs: Regularly review your expenses and cut subscriptions or services that are not contributing to your business to save money.
• Seek Early Legal Advice: Engage a lawyer early in your business journey to ensure appropriate legal structures, protect intellectual property, and prevent potential legal issues.
• Innovation in Business: Look for unique solutions to common problems in your industry. Innovate and stand out by addressing these pain points effectively.
• Preparation for Entrepreneurship: Be ready for the challenges and uncertainties that come with starting and running a business. Persistence and adaptability are key.
• Evaluation of Partnerships: When founding a company, ensure you have reliable and compatible partners. The right team can make a significant difference in your success.
• Adopt AI Tools: Utilize AI for tasks like social media posts and data analysis. Simple tools such as ChatGPT can help streamline these tasks, even for those who are not tech-savvy.

Quote of the Show:

“There’s nothing more rewarding than starting your own thing.” - Curtis Wadsworth

What problem can the listeners help you solve?

• He is always looking for new clients! If you have an IP issue, contact him for help.

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-wadsworth-j-d-ph-d-6a289263/ 
• Website: https://www.nerdlawyer.ai/
• Website: http://www.jordonvoytek.com/ 
• Email: curt@nerdlawyer.ai 

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth 

Takeaways:

• Prepare for Turnover: Be ready for key employees to move on. Plan for their departure from the start and support their ambitions, as it fosters loyalty and future collaboration.
• Engage with a Broker: A broker can help identify the right business opportunities, detaching the emotional component, and connecting you with necessary legal and financial advisors.
• Invest in Your People: Focus on developing your team. Help them achieve their goals, even if that means they outgrow your business. Continued support will create long-term professional relationships.
• Health is Crucial: Maintain your health and energy through proper diet, sleep, and exercise. Physical well-being positively impacts business effectiveness.
• Be Patient and Plan: Take time to develop a strategy and not rush from one meeting to another. It helps in making better, more thoughtful decisions.
• Consider Diverse Financing Options: Explore various funding methods such as SBA loans, seller financing, and earnouts, which can make buying a business more feasible.

Quote of the Show:

“ It's scarier to me to be stagnant than it would be for me to go fail and then fail again, and fail again, and fail again.” - Dan Kelly

What problem can the listeners help you solve?

• He would love to know of any local Pittsburgh businesses that are for sale. He’s looking to be connected with people selling their business.

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-kelly-pgh/ 
• Website: https://www.twostepventures.com/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth 

Takeaways:

• Identify and Address Pain Points Early: Regularly ask questions to uncover problems your customers don't realize they have. Sales are most effective when customers recognize their pain points and consider them unbearable.
• Importance of Consistent Prospecting: Avoid the "camel hump" by ensuring continuous prospecting to maintain a steady flow of customers. Dedicate time consistently to networking and reaching out to potential clients, rather than stopping once you’ve secured a few sales.
• Overcoming Fear of Networking: Practice regularly to build comfort and competence in networking and sales situations. Bring a more experienced partner for support initially, and keep practicing to improve over time.
• Understanding Financial Statements: Regularly review key financial metrics such as cost of goods sold, payroll, and net income as percentages of revenue. Learn the basics of the cash flow statement to understand the actual liquidity of the business.
• HR and Operations Management: Deal promptly with underperforming employees to maintain morale and productivity among top performers.
• Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Join or form a board of directors or business advisory board to gain insights and feedback from other experienced business owners. Remain open to feedback and be willing to make necessary changes to improve business operations.

Quote of the Show:

“It’s  just about learning from other people's mistakes as quickly as possible. There's no honor in you making mistakes if you could have just learned it from somebody else.” - Sigi Loya

What problem can the listeners help you solve?

• He wants to know why business owners realize there is a problem, but lack the action to solve it, and why people don’t change the situation they’re in if they are unhappy.

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sigi-loya/ 
• Website: https://www.tab-pittsburgh.com/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth 

Takeaways:

• Consistency is Key: Post regularly on social media. Aim for 3-5 times a week to keep your audience engaged and your brand visible.
• Be Authentic: Build trust with your audience by being genuine and transparent in your posts. Authenticity leads to credibility.
• Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments and messages to foster a community and build stronger relationships with your followers.
• Diversify Your Content: Experiment with different types of posts (videos, images, stories) across various platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok to see what resonates best with your audience.
• Trial and Error: Don't be afraid to test different strategies and learn from what works and what doesn't.
• Use Metrics to Guide Your Strategy: Pay attention to likes, comments, shares, and other engagement metrics to understand what content performs best.

Quote of the Show:

“Social media is a long-term game. It's not about one viral post, but it's about showing up regularly with content that resonates with your target audience.” - Nathalee Arroyo

What problem can the listeners help you solve?

• She wants to limit the misconceptions about AI. AI is a tool, not an immediate solution.

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathalee-arroyo/ 
• Natoreus: https://www.linkedin.com/company/natoreus/ 
• Website: https://www.audiencegenomics.com/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth 

Takeaways:

• Start Small, Build Credibility: Focus on acquiring small clients initially. Deliver excellent service to build credibility and use this as a stepping stone to target medium-sized and larger clients over time.
• Anticipate Future Challenges: Regularly assess the horizon for potential problems and opportunities. Prepare in advance for growth by fixing small issues before they become big problems.
• Promote Continuous Improvement: Encourage a culture of continuous improvement within your organization. Regularly identify and address cumbersome or inefficient processes to avoid future complications, especially in a growing company.
• Emphasize Reality-based Culture: In leadership, be honest and realistic with your team about challenges. Share past mistakes transparently to foster learning and growth.
• Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Cultivate resilience and patience. Adapt to challenges as they come, and remain committed to long-term goals despite short-term difficulties.
• Effective Leadership: As a leader, focus on building a collaborative and trust-based culture. Empower your team to contribute ideas and solutions for better organizational performance.

Quote of the Show:

“ The role of a good leader is you get a lot of people working together in a symbiotic way. Cause when that happens, beautiful things can happen.” - Daniel Dimitri

What problem can the listeners help you solve?

• He wants to know how many businesses are using AI so he can assess where his company falls in AI adoption compared to others.

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-dimitri-10324749/ 
• Website: https://www.thepharmaforce.com/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth 

Takeaways:

• Consider Buying vs. Starting a Business: This approach lets you build on an established foundation and potentially avoids some early growing pains.
• Leverage Partnerships: Look for opportunities to form strategic partnerships with other businesses. These can help you leverage strengths, share resources, and ultimately achieve common goals.
• Get Your Financials in Order: Good bookkeeping is critical. Keep detailed records of your financials and track cash flow meticulously. Separate personal and business credit to ensure your financial health is clear and organized.
• Prepare for Business Loans: Develop a thorough business plan and detailed financial projections. Collect several years of financial records to present to lenders.
• Valuing a Business: When buying or selling, ensure a professional business valuation. Understand the difference between revenue and profit and how to properly calculate add-backs (e.g., owner’s salary, depreciation).
• Utilize LinkedIn for Networking: Stay active on LinkedIn to connect with other business professionals and explore partnership opportunities.

Quote of the Show:

“ Get into that business, add your own flavor, and grow that business to the next level.” - Tamara Bey

What problem can the listeners help you solve?

• Finding business partnerships.

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamarabey-servantleader/ 
• Website: https://www.egrfinancialsolutions.com/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth 

Takeaways:

• Focus on Burn Rate Management: Keeping burn rate low is crucial. Business owners should aim to minimize expenses and manage cash flow effectively to ensure sustainability, especially during uncertain times.
• Surround Yourself with the Right People: Hiring competent and passionate individuals can significantly contribute to the success of a business. Building a strong team that complements your skills is essential.
• Innovate with Technology: Embrace technology and automation to streamline operations and stay ahead of the competition. Early adoption of new tech can provide a competitive edge.
• Effective Stress Management: It's important for business owners to find effective ways to manage stress. Whether through delegation, maintaining a positive outlook, or regular relaxation, mental health should be a priority.
• Learn from Failures: Viewing failures as learning opportunities can foster growth and improvement. Analyzing mistakes and adapting strategies accordingly helps in long-term success.
• Creative Problem Solving: Encouraging creativity within the team and embracing innovative solutions can differentiate your business. Creativity isn’t just for marketing; it can apply to all aspects of operations.

Quote of the Show:

“ I just blind myself to the hard times and say, make this work. Do the right thing and make this work.” - Joe Blattner

What problem can the listeners help you solve?

• Joe is looking to sell his business within the next year.

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeblattner/ 
• Website: https://www.compackage.com/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth 

Takeaways:

• Implement Proactive Communication: Ensure systems of communication within your team or company are proactive rather than reactive to save time and enhance efficiency.
• Systematize Feedback Loops: Create consistent feedback mechanisms where employees provide regular updates on their projects, identifying what's working and what’s not.
• Appreciate Your Team: Make it a routine to write down things you're grateful for about your employees and share your appreciation regularly, which can greatly enhance team morale and culture.
• Collaborate on System Improvements: Engage your employees in the process of improving systems. They should help identify problems and contribute to devising solutions to ensure buy-in and effectiveness.
• Slow Down to Speed Up: Take the necessary time to refine and smooth out systems before ramping up activities. This preparation can lead to more efficient operations in the long run.
• Track Your Work: Consistently document and track your work and processes. This practice can help identify areas for improvement and maintain accountability.

Quote of the Show:

“ If they understand how everything's connected, they feel like they're a part of something and not doing things in a vacuum.” - Karl Staib

What problem can the listeners help you solve?

• Explaining and sharing the value of systems being interconnected within a company.

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlstaib/ 
• Website: https://systematicleader.co/ 
• Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/systematic-leader/id1535499918 

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth 

Takeaways:

• Identify a Vision for Your Business: Define your core values and envision where you want to be in 5-10 years. Understand why you want to reach your vision; having a clear "why" can provide motivation and direction.
• Conduct a Deep Dive Into Your Business: Assess your current business state, including ownership structures, financials, and operational details. This helps in knowing exactly where your business stands.
• Recognize and Address Obstacles: Identify the challenges that could impede achieving your vision. This includes both internal and external factors.
• Develop a Succession Plan: Plan for the future transfer of knowledge, management, and ownership. Starting early, ideally 5 to 10 years in advance, allows for thorough preparation and testing of potential successors.
• Involve and Train the Next Generation: Start grooming potential successors by involving them in leadership roles and providing necessary training. Having a clear process for evaluation is key.
• Plan for Unexpected Situations: Ensure there are measures like power of attorney and clear succession plans in place to manage unforeseen circumstances like illness or sudden unavailability.
• Prepare for Business Sales: Regularly review readiness for potential sales. This includes non-competes, shareholder agreements, and ensuring personal assets are separated from business assets.

Quote of the Show:

“Don’t be afraid to fail because it’s gonna happen. It’s just part of the growth factor.” - Brad Franc

What problem can the listeners help Brad solve?

• He would like to know what obstacles business owners face today so that he can learn more about the challenges they need help with.

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradleyjfranc/ 
• Website: https://www.thesuccessionsolution.com/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth 

Takeaways:

• Surround Yourself with Winners: Reflect on your own environment and consider making changes to surround yourself with people who inspire and elevate you.
• Hire for Character: When building a team, look for the right personality and integrity first. Skills can be taught, but passion and sincerity cannot. Identify individuals who naturally help others and have a good soul, and then provide them with the necessary tools and training.
• Continuous Self-Improvement: To be an effective leader, prioritize your own personal development. Invest time in improving your mindset, skill set, and leadership abilities.
• Know Who You Are and What You Want: Clearly define your vision and mission for your business or personal goals. This clarity prevents you from being swayed by every new idea and keeps you grounded in your core values.
• Importance of Physical and Mental Training: Engaging in rigorous physical activities like jiu jitsu can build resilience, improve mental toughness, and enhance overall confidence. Consider incorporating a discipline or routine that challenges both your body and mind.
• Commit and Persevere: Whether it’s in business, learning a new skill, or pursuing personal goals, commitment and perseverance are key. Adopt a mindset of not giving up and pushing through challenges to reach milestones.

Quote of the Show:

“You have to be around people that are winning in the way that you want to win.” - Jim Bundy

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-bundy-76480821/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachjimbundy1/ 
• Website: https://teambundymma.com/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth 

Takeaways:

• Embrace the Importance of Success: Focus on achieving success in every project, regardless of the client's size. Success breeds further success, leading to more client referrals and additional projects.
• Update QA Processes: Integrate automated testing and continuous integration into your QA processes to increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Leverage AI for Business Efficiency: Utilize AI to solve business problems and automate workflows, thereby reducing the need for human intervention and speeding up processes.
• Focus on Employee Satisfaction: Consider the cost of high employee turnover and invest in robust internal processes to retain talent.
• Seek External Expertise: Consider partnering with technical experts or seeking funding to accelerate growth and bring new products to market faster. Learn from those who have successfully navigated similar growth stages to avoid common pitfalls.
• Assess Technical Debt: Be proactive in addressing technical debt to avoid increased costs and inefficiencies over time.

Quote of the Show:

“Success breeds success.” - Paul Konieczny

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-konieczny-24b3244/ 
• Website: https://www.method-automation.com/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth 

Takeaways:

• Define Your Core Processes: Identify and document the core processes that are vital to your business.
• Create a Methodology for Improvement: Develop a simple and fast process improvement methodology tailored for small and mid-size businesses.
• Leverage Resources Like EOS: Consider following frameworks like the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to manage and grow your business with intent. Utilize tools and methodologies that keep your business focused and aligned.
• Involve the Right People: For process documentation and improvement, involve both leadership and subject matter experts who understand the nitty-gritty of your operations.
• Prepare for Challenges: Understand that starting and growing a business involves ups and downs. Stay resilient and learn to ride the waves of business challenges.
• Focus on Values: Develop and maintain core values that guide the company’s decisions and actions. Communicate these values clearly throughout the organization.
• Set Clear Goals: Establish clear short-term and long-term goals for the company, breaking them down into manageable steps. Regularly reassess these goals, perhaps quarterly, to ensure you’re on track.

Quote of the Show:

“  We are there with you for as much or as little as you want us for. We will give you the tools, and what you wanna do with it is up to you.” - Sarah Halperin DiPerna

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-halperin-diperna-99859869/ 
• Website: https://www.process-works.com/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth 

Takeaways:

• Develop Clear Business Maps: Ensure you have an exit plan, a financial map, and a strategic plan in place to guide the growth and direction of your business.
• Emphasize the 'How' in Business Operations: Focus on understanding and answering the 'how' questions in your business to effectively integrate people, systems, and operations.
• Prepare for Exits Early: Start planning for the exit phase of your business well ahead of time to ensure a smoother transition and better valuation.
• Invest in AI and Automation: Consider integrating AI to handle repetitive tasks like documentation, proposal writing, and data analysis, thus freeing up time for more strategic activities.
• Networking is Crucial: Participate in networking events to grow your business connections, gain insights, and explore new opportunities.
• Use AI for Customer Interaction: Employ AI tools to improve customer interaction by providing timely and well-informed responses, and by personalizing customer experiences.

Quote of the Show:

“ How do you do what you do? How do you want to do what you do? If you can answer the how, you can grow.” - Doogie Levine

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doogie14/ 
• Website: https://www.ideasactionsuccess.com/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth 

Takeaways:

• Understand Your Business's Value: Regularly assess the worth of your business using key metrics like revenue, margins, and growth prospects to identify growth opportunities and build a strategy for scaling.
• Utilize Valuation Tools: Take advantage of available free valuation tools to understand the value of your business. This knowledge is crucial for making informed decisions about growth and potential sales.
• Stay Customer-Centric: Continuously engage with your customers to understand their needs and preferences. This feedback should drive your product and service development.
• Focus on Recurring Revenue: Strive to increase recurring revenue streams as they provide stability and are highly attractive to potential buyers.
• Prioritize Customer Service: Superior customer service can justify higher prices and create strong, long-term customer relationships.
• Engage the Community: Contribute to industry reports and share insights as these platforms can help in building your network and showcasing your expertise.

Quote of the Show:

“ There's a reason why premium products can charge a premium price, and a lot of time it's because of the service and your relationships that you have with that customer.” - George Wellmer

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgewellmer/ 
• Website: https://www.tupelosmb.com/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth 

Takeaways:

• Explore AI and Automation for Business Growth: Consider integrating AI and automation tools in your business to enhance efficiency.
• Utilize AI Tools like Chatbots: Implement AI-driven chatbots tailored to your business to assist with answering operational questions and generating specific strategies.
• Look into Economic Development Strategies: Understand the impact of the local economy on your business and vice versa. Engage in measures that can keep economic activity within your local community.
• Consider Strategic Partnerships: Form strategic partnerships to leverage collective resources and expertise. Build connections that can facilitate business transitions and growth.
• Evaluate Business Readiness: Work on aspects like reducing owner dependency, improving operational efficiency, and formalizing business processes.
• Leverage Expertise from Consultants: Don’t hesitate to seek professional help from business consultants and advisors.
• Focus on Strategic Scaling: Aim to strategically scale your business by employing more people and expanding operations methodically. Balance between organic and inorganic growth strategies.

Quote of the Show:

“ That's how you make impact. You provide a service to your neighborhoods, to your communities, to your people, and you employ people to do that work.” - Joel Burstein

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelburstein/ 
• Website: https://beamcollaborative.org/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth 

Takeaways:

• Define Clear Long-Term Goals: Establish definite clarity regarding your business objectives and vision for the future. Think about where you want your business to be in the next 5, 10, or 15 years.
• Find a Mentor: Seek out a mentor who has successfully navigated similar challenges. Learning from others’ experiences can save you time and prevent costly mistakes.
• Leverage Your Strengths and Delegate: Identify your strengths and find team members who excel in areas where you are less proficient. This allows you to focus on what you do best while others handle tasks they are more suited for.
• Develop Reliable Systems and Processes: Ensure that your business has well-defined systems and processes in place. This helps maintain clarity, reduce miscommunication, and enables scalable growth.
• Invest in Personal Development: Continuously invest in improving your skills and mindset. This personal growth will directly benefit your business.
• Utilize Energy and Time Management: Understand your energy patterns and optimize your schedule accordingly. Align tasks with the times of day when you are most productive and energized.
• Consistently Show Up: Persistence and consistency are key. Commit to showing up and putting in the work every day, regardless of challenges or setbacks.

Quote of the Show:

“ What I always push on is getting really clear on what they want out of life and how they want their business to serve them cause at the end of the day, that's what our business should be doing.” - Craig Peterson

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigpeterson20/ 
• Website: https://www.transparentfs.com/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth