Kristina George - Partner, Next Step Insurance
In this episode of the Simplify, Lead, and Grow Podcast, I sit down with Kristina George, the entrepreneurial force behind Next Step Insurance. We dive into her inspiring journey from office manager to business owner, leading a team of 18, and how her focus on company values, employee engagement, and business simplification has driven the company's growth.
#SimplifyLeadAndGrow, #Entrepreneurship, #Leadership, #InsuranceIndustry, #BusinessGrowth, #EmployeeEngagement, #TeamDevelopment
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Max Meinerz - Founder & Managing Partner, Ascendent Health Partners - A Great Business Model That Allows Dentists to do WHAT THEY DO WELL and leave the Rest to Ascendent Health Partners!.
Welcome to the very first episode of "The Simplify And Grow Podcast" with your host, Steve Kopecky! In this inaugural episode, we are thrilled to have Max Meinerz, Founding Partner of Ascendent Health Partners, as our special guest.
In this episode, we dove into: Max's journey in founding Ascendent Health Partners and the vision behind the company.
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Mike Domitrz - President, The Center for Respect - Respect and Empower Yourself and Others!
In this powerful episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Mike Domitrz, the President of The Center for Respect, whose mission was born out of a deeply personal and tragic event—his sister’s assault in college. What began as a commitment to educate and empower through speaking engagements at universities, high schools, the military, and businesses, has grown into a movement of teaching others how to be effective speakers and advocates for respect.
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Dwayne Marks - Founder, President & CEO, Black Orchid Research - Letting your Data Tell The Story
In this episode, I had a great conversation with Dwayne Marks, the Founder and CEO of Black Orchid Research, a company focused on combining data science with storytelling to address complex organizational and global challenges.
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Megan Doberstein, the Founder of Ignite MedTech - Marketing That Makes A Difference!
In this episode, I sat down with Megan Doberstein, the Founder of Ignite MedTech, a fractional CMO agency dedicated to helping med-tech and health-tech start-ups develop growth strategies, expand market reach, and drive revenue.
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Tim Gerritsen, the Chief Operations Officer of Lost Boys Interactive - Putting Fun Back Into Gaming!
In this insightful episode, I had the opportunity to speak with Tim Gerritsen, the Chief Operations Officer of Lost Boys Interactive, a rapidly growing game development studio based in the United States. Founded in 2017, Lost Boys Interactive has made a significant impact in the gaming industry, collaborating on major projects for clients like 2K Games, Zenimax Online Studios, and Amazon Games, while also developing their own original IPs.
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Jen Swendseid, CEO and Co-Owner of Heart&Core Sports and Medical - Bringing Fit and Function Together!
In this episode, I speak with Jen Swendseid, CEO and Co-Owner of Heart&Core Sports and Medical, a company born from a deeply personal experience. After Jen’s mother struggled to find a comfortable bra during her breast cancer recovery, Jen and her sister realized there was a significant gap in the market. Determined to create a better option for women undergoing post-surgical recovery, they launched their first product in 2009, and have since expanded into post-surgical bras for women recovering from breast, heart, and other surgeries.
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Bryan Jorgensen, Partner at Tanduo Technical Partners Inc., - Getting Innovation Out of the Clouds!
In the latest episode of the Simplify, Lead, and Grow podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Bryan Jorgensen, Partner at Tanduo Technical Partners Inc., to explore how their team is driving technology-fueled growth through innovation and expertise in cloud consulting, product development, and cross-functional delivery.
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Aymen Azim, the Founder of Technova Industries - Data Analytics Make Simple!
In this episode, I had an inspiring conversation with Aymen Azim, the Founder of Technova Industries, a company dedicated to modernizing and improving efficiency in security systems.
Matt Guse, the Owner and President - MRS Machining - Great Thoughts and Ideas from a Super Leader!
In this episode, I sit down with Matt Guse, the entrepreneurial force behind MRS Machining, a precision manufacturing company in Augusta, Wisconsin. We dive deep into his journey from a small family business to a 55-employee powerhouse and the leadership philosophies that have shaped the company’s success.
Key Takeaways:
- The growth of MRS Machining from garage startup to advanced manufacturing leader.
- Matt's keys to success: diversification, technology investments (automation/robotics), and developing early career talent.
- Leadership insights: open communication, fostering a strong company culture, and walking the floor to stay connected.
- The importance of staying healthy and maintaining a positive mindset as a leader.
- Matt’s three rules for success:
- Secure financial resources to weather any storm.
- 100% family support is critical for staying strong through tough times.
- Be prepared to work 24/7—the entrepreneurial grind demands full commitment.
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Watch Video - to learn Matt's advice for entrepreneurs and how his focus on innovation, workforce development, and personal well-being has kept MRS Machining on the path to success!
#SimplifyLeadAndGrow, #Entrepreneurship, #Manufacturing, #Leadership, #WorkforceDevelopment, #PrecisionManufacturing
David Twite, Owner & President of MacDonald & Owen Lumber - An Experienced Entrepreneurial Sage!
Key Takeaways:
- MacDonald & Owen Lumber: 230 employees with operations in Wisconsin, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and China.
- David’s advice for entrepreneurs: Follow the Five P's—Planning, Persistence, Passion, Principles, and People.
- Innovative strategies: Using health-sharing ministries to cut costs and shifting to value-added wood components.
- The importance of building genuine relationships and being a connector in business.
- Personal growth insights: Balancing business success with family and humility.
Watch Now for valuable insights from a seasoned business leader, and learn how MacDonald & Owen Lumber stays competitive through strategic alliances and innovation.
#SimplifyLeadAndGrow, #Entrepreneurship, #BusinessSuccess, #LumberIndustry, #Leadership, #Networking, #Innovation
Mandi Lococo, Owner of Gramoll & Associates - Taking The Casualty Out of Your Insurance Decisions!
In this episode I chat with Mandi Lococo, the owner of Gramoll & Associates, an American Family Insurance Agency in Shorewood, WI. We cover her entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of running a business, and her strategies for success in a competitive industry.
Key Takeaways:
- Mandi shares her journey from joining her father’s insurance agency to taking over in 2017.
- Entrepreneurship insights: The misconception of freedom, as business owners are always "checked in."
- Building a strong company culture: Establishing core values and making tough decisions to keep the team aligned.
- Customer focus: Mandi’s ideal client values relationships over just finding the lowest price.
- Work-life balance: Encouraging balance by setting boundaries for her team.
- Growth strategy: Slow, steady growth through reputation, community involvement, and exceptional customer experience.
- Advice for entrepreneurs: Strive to be the best, over-deliver, and build genuine relationships.
Watch now for Mandi’s insights on balancing business growth, team culture, and personal life!
#SimplifyLeadAndGrow, #Entrepreneurship, #BusinessCulture, #CustomerExperience, #WorkLifeBalance, #InsuranceIndustry, #Leadership