Anything But Typical

093: Growing Business Through Intentional Leadership with David Zerfoss

David Zerfoss' first lessons came from a farm in Western Pennsylvania. When Zerfoss was tasked with being the President of Husqvarna Professional Products North America, those lessons came in handy. He built a culture of leadership, focus, and purpose. "People want to be a part of something bigger than themselves that they can be a part of." His leadership helped pave the way to a 1700% growth in sales.

Zerfoss serves business leaders at a Master Chair at Vistage Worldwide. In the episode, he talks about the benefits of surrounding yourself with like minded individuals. He speaks to the importance of constantly growing and learning. He shares many more lessons that are invaluable to business leaders.

092: Designing Virtual Training with Vigilante CEO Chris Torchia

Alignment and Priorities. That is how Chris Torchia wants to be known. That may explain how Chris has changed from his microbiology background to tech CEO with experiences running companies in different countries. This wide ranging conversation goes into how Torchia had his cryptocurrency mining equipment seized in Russia due to U.S. sanctions. He shares stories and lessons from his business experience in the Czech Republic. And Chris discusses the type of technology they are creating that is helping the Department of Defense train the United States military. After enjoying this episode, be sure to go follow Chris on LinkedIn.

091: Turning Around a NYC Crack Hotel and Blazing Paths in Charlotte- Kara Taddeo

Kara Taddeo is not one to shy away from a challenge. In 2002, she became the General Manager of Hotel Belleclaire in New York City. To say this was a turnaround would be quite the understatement. What Kara could best describe as a "crack hotel", she turned into a 4 star hotel in uptown Manhattan. Her story of de-roaching the hotel and getting rid of squatters shows unbelievable tenacity and perseverance. 

Starting a tap room and beer hall in a city with almost no craft beer scene was another challenge Kara stepped up to. Charlotte, today known for its craft beer and outdoor seating, was not that way in 2011. Kara saw the vision of what could be. They have now been running VBGB Beer Hall & Garden for over 12 years; and have added event venue The Hamilton as well. Be sure to check out VBGB and The Hamilton, and follow Kara on LinkedIn.

 

090: How Roger Braswell Built His Business To A 9 Figure Exit to Home Depot

Most entrepreneurs dream about growing their businesses, having a successful exit, taking a company public, and much more. Today's guest, Roger Braswell, has done it all. Roger was the Founder & CEO of Compact Power Equipment. In this episode, we talk about how Roger created and grew the business. He discusses the obstacles faced along the way and how that ultimately led to even greater success. Roger IPO'd Compact Power, and eventually sold to Home Depot for 9 figures. 

You may think Roger sailed off in the sunset after that. Instead, we find Roger being the Owner & Chairman of The Southern Shade Tree Company, Chairman of The Integra Group, Chairman of Give Hope Global, and serving as a business advisor. Check out Give Hope Global after this episode.

089: Part 2 with Reebok Founder Joe Foster

One episode was not enough to cover Reebok Founder Joe Foster's story. So here we are with Part 2. In this episode, Joe shares about Reebok's expansion from women's aerobic shoes to other sports and lines. He talks about how they had to be strategic with their expansions. Joe also shares one of his biggest business regrets.

We discuss Reebok going public and Joe's transition out of the operations of the business. Joe talks about how he began serving as an ambassador of Reebok, and how now he is a digital nomad.

Check out more about Joe HERE.

088: Reebok Founder Joe Foster on Creating and Expanding a Global Brand

As a grandson of the legendary J.W. Foster growing up in Bolton, England, running seemed to be in Joe Foster’s blood.

Little did Joe know that winning an American “Webster’s New School & Office Dictionary” in a race at age seven would make a South African antelope synonymous with a multi-billion-dollar international shoe brand – Reebok.

Joe proved that while he may not have been blessed with the DNA of a world-class runner, he was blessed with the DNA of a world-class “improver,” & his book, “Shoemaker,” is an excellent testimony of that fact.

If you love shoes or, more importantly, stories of positive ripple-makers who’ve run their unique race against all odds, multiple setbacks, heartaches, & challenges, this episode is for you! Enjoy Joe's story of starting, establishing, and growing Reebok.

087: Retired U.S. Army Pilot, Shark Tank Star, and CEO Revolutionizing the Laundry Industry

As a Blackhawk helicopter pilot stationed in South Korea in the late ‘90s, Chris Videau took off for an R&R weekend with his buddies in search of a little fun and relaxation.

What he found turned out to be his life’s calling.

Instead of white sands and glistening water, the Army veteran instead found a horribly polluted beach, littered with plastic waste that had been discarded in the China Sea.

This was nothing like the beaches back home.

Chris never forgot that image or that ruined weekend, and years later in Iraq, watching tons of plastic waste literally go up in flames as U.S. troops sought to eliminate their trash, Chris’ next step became abundantly clear

He was going to dedicate the next phase of his life to eliminating plastic waste.

But how?

Where he ended up is as unexpected as his enlistment decision: the laundry detergent space, a fiercely competitive industry dominated by big brand names producing water-rich products in heavy plastic containers.

How could a 20-year Army veteran, with no marketable skills other than flying helicopters, break into such a market, let alone aim to completely transform it?

Chris did and still is with his company, Sheets Laundry Club, and its simple, effective, sustainable, and cost-effective alternative to everyday laundry detergent.

If you love stories of positive ripple-makers who followed their passions and turned impossible dreams into reality (all while developing a genius new product), this episode is for you!

Check out Sheets Laundry Club to see more about what Chris and the team are doing.

086: Donating 10 Million Shoes with Manny Ohonme

Manny Ohonme never wore a pair of shoes for the first 9 years of his life. When missionaries visited his village in Nigeria, they held a basketball shooting contest. The winner would receive a pair of sneakers. Manny won that competition, becoming the first person in his village to own a pair of shoes. More importantly, he was set on a path that would impact millions of lives.

Ohonme was offered 5 basketball scholarships, eventually accepting a scholarship to the University of North Dakota. When he went back to Africa and saw kids playing basketball in bare feet, he knew he had to make a difference.

In this episode, we go through the incredible story of how Manny Ohonme went from the 9 year old winning his first pair of shoes, to the man running Samaritan's Feet and approaching his 10 millionth pair of shoes donated.

Follow Manny on LinkedIn and check out Samaritan's Feet.

085: Writing Books, Speaking, and Helping Businesses Grow with Sherre’ DeMao

Author of 50 Marketing Secrets of Growth Companies in Down Economic Times, and Me, Myself, & Inc., Sherre' DeMao has a plethora of writing experience. In between, Sherre' fixes businesses with her free time. DeMao is the Founder and CEO of BizGrowth. She has also been a fractional COO and CMO for multiple businesses.

In this episode, Sherre' gets very tactical for us around creating strategies for clients. She shares some of the biggest mistakes she's seen. We discuss how she pulls ideas and visions out of business leaders.

DeMao also has a component of giving in every business plan she does with her clients. We talk about why that is so important, and how giving can also be an excellent business strategy. Be sure to check out BizGrowth and learn about Sherre' as an author and speaker on Her Site.

084: Growing Your Sales with Jim Dunn

Steered by faith and authenticity, Jim Dunn has been helping businesses grow for many years. After running his own Sandler Sales Franchise, Jim is now the Director of BGW Growth Services. A common hurdle Jim has faced when working with business owners is their fear of failure. “You cannot grow unless you’re willing to fail.” In this episode, Jim shares how he gets leaders out of their comfort zones and out of their own ways.

Jim began his entrepreneurial ways in a way you see in movies or read about in books. Jim sold lemonade and cut yards. He learned how to save money early. He studied vocabulary cassettes to improve how he communicated. The self development has yet to stop for Jim Dunn.

In this episode, not only will you learn through Jim’s experience. You will also hear Jim discuss specific strategies and tactics he uses with business leaders like yourself.