Business Succession Planning - with Laurie Barkman - EP 354

From $0 to $14 Million Lessons - with Bret Voelkel - EP 364

Bret Voelkel returns to the show to share his tactical insights on building RideTech from $0 to over $10M, and eventually exiting for over $14M in 2019.

In this episode:

• Bret's story on startup challenges and being the "one man show"
• Lessons in leadership, hiring and retaining employees
• How he survived economic recessions
• Undergoing a massive rebranding from Air Ride Technologies to RideTech
• Marketing strategies and building a spectacle
• How to set pricing on products to drive profit
• Being competitive in an ultra-competitive market
• Lessons from being acquired by Fox for $14M

Former SEAL Creates & Destroys - with Ryan Williams - EP 363

A former Navy SEAL and entrepreneur, Ryan Williams joins the 365 Driven Podcast to unravel his remarkable journey from a high school dropout to the founder and CEO of Industry Threadworks. Ryan's story is one of daring choices and the relentless pursuit of self-respect, offering a unique perspective on life's challenges and the drive to overcome them. He opens up about his motivations for joining the SEALs pre-9/11 and his transition into entrepreneurship, providing a candid look into the daring mindset that propels individuals towards such demanding paths.

This conversation takes you through the grueling trials of Navy SEAL training and how they shape the resilient mindset needed for successful entrepreneurship. As the longest-serving BUD/S and SQT instructor, Ryan has seen firsthand the unpredictability of who makes it through and who doesn't, and he draws striking parallels between surviving SEAL training and thriving in the competitive business world. Ryan's personal evolution, from a young man searching for his place in the world to a seasoned business owner, underscores the transformative power of facing and embracing challenges.

Finally, Ryan and Tony shift gears to discuss the intricacies of entrepreneurship, from fostering meaningful conversations among business leaders to the art of negotiation. Ryan shares his experiences in the apparel industry, offering valuable insights into problem-solving and the significance of understanding both the creative and logistical sides of a business. He also reveals some hard-earned lessons on financial decisions and the importance of strong contracts. Tune in for an enlightening look at the intersection of mental fortitude, physical endurance, and entrepreneurial spirit that defines success in both military and civilian life.

Key highlights:

• Navy SEAL Training and Entrepreneurship Mindset
• Evolution and Growth Through Challenges
• Pushing Through Mental Barriers in Fitness
• Entrepreneurship, Business, and Problem-Solving
• Negotiating Deals and Contracts

Connect with Ryan Williams:

• Instagram:@invictus5326|@industry_threadworks
  
  

Connect with Tony Whatley:

• Website:365driven.com
• Instagram:@365driven
  
  
• Facebook:365 Driven

From Musician to Million-Dollar Side Hustle - with Greg Kerr - EP 362

When Greg Kerr traded guitar riffs for the gleam of custom belt buckles, little did he know it would pave the road to a multimillion-dollar side hustle. In this episode, Greg shares his extraordinary transition from musician to entrepreneur, as he explains how tapping into a niche market, and using his creativity, lead to building his brand, Alchemy Merch.

Greg and Tony reflect on the complexities of manufacturing, the revelation of hiring to streamline workflow, and the 'learn and burn' approach to continuous education. This episode is not just about the mechanics of business growth, but also the personal evolution that's instrumental in sculpting a mindset for success.

Greg opens up about the profound impact of his mindfulness practices, especially in times of personal loss, and the continuous pursuit of self-awareness that has been enhanced by fatherhood. From stoic philosophies to the importance of open communication, this episode is an important reminder of the internal development that's as crucial as external success.

Key highlights:

• From Musician to Million-Dollar Side Hustle
• Entrepreneurship and Product Market Fit
• Importance of Personal Development in Business
• Exploring Old and New Business Books
• Core Values in Business and Personal Growth
• Streamlining Production Processes

Connect with Greg Ker:

• Website:alchemymerch.com
• Instagram:@alchemy.merch
• Facebook:Alchemy Merch
• LinkedIn:Alchemy Merch
• YouTube:Alchemy Merch
  
  

Connect with Tony Whatley:

• Instagram:@365driven
  
  
• Facebook:365 Driven
• LinkedIn:Tony Whatley

Boss or Leader? - with Dave Ferguson - EP 361

Dave Ferguson is an internationally respected executive coach, speaker, facilitator, and author, in the areas of leadership and personal development. In this episode, Davepeels back the layers of what truly makes a a great leader. He’s not just talking about the corner-office execs; this conversation goes into the heart and soul of leadership, pulling from the wisdom of generations and the humility required to really serve and empower others.

Dave and Tony swap stories that reveal the core of leadership development—stories that reflect the shift from being a learner to a teacher, and then merging the two as a staple of good leadership. Dave covers the importance of self-education, the vitality of fostering a leadership culture within organizations, and the empowering strategy of 'leading up.'

Dave emphasizes the critical role of feedback in honing one's leadership skills, the art of building confidence through genuine connections, and the ever-present need for authenticity—especially in the age of social media. This episode is packed with the kind of truths that serve as the guide for anyone looking to lead with integrity and a relentless drive for personal growth. Tune in for these powerful insights that will leave you contemplating not just how to lead, but how to live.

Key highlights:

• Lessons in Leadership and Learning
• Leadership Development
• Developing Leaders Through Critical Feedback
• Building Confidence Through Authentic Leadership

Connect with Dave Ferguson:

• Website:livingtolead.com
• Instagram:@askcoachdave
• Facebook:Dave Ferguson
• X:@askcoachdave
  
  

Connect with Tony Whatley:

• Instagram:@365driven
  
  
• Facebook:365 Driven
• LinkedIn:Tony Whatley

Influencer Marketing Strategy - with Dan Coughlin - EP 360

Dan Coughlin is the co-founder of Get Hyped Media, and in this episode, he unravels the intricate world of influencer marketing. Dan tackles the industry's surprising lack of structure, despite its multi-billion dollar stature, and debunks the myth that bigger influencers are always better. Dan shares his unique transition from electrical engineering to leading an influencer marketing agency and provides valuable insights for businesses on how to navigate this space with limited budgets.

This conversation goes beyond just influencer size, shedding light on the importance of authenticity and strategic A/B testing with micro and mid-tier influencers. Dan also delves into the recent FTC guidelines, stressing the significance of transparency in sponsored content and the potential pitfalls of reposting without proper permissions. As Dan explains the intricacies of legal agreements and the impact of content choices on brand safety, he offers a personal perspective on the power of repurposing content for your marketing needs.

Dan and Tony also discuss the importance of aligning influencer personalities with brand values and the role of foundational digital marketing strategies in the success of influencer campaigns. From discussing bot followers to advocating for a data-driven approach in content promotion, this episode leaves no stone unturned. If you're keen on maximizing business potential through collaboration and influencer marketing, or looking to build your personal brand, this episode with Dan Coughlin is a valuable resource.

Connect with Dan Coughlin:

• Website: gethypedmedia.com

• Instagram: @dangethyped

• Facebook: Danny Coughlin

• TikTok: @dangethyped

• LinkedIn: Dan Coughlin
  
  

Connect with Tony Whatley:

• Instagram: @365driven
  
  

• Facebook: 365 Driven

• LinkedIn: Tony Whatley