Success Defined with Ben McDonald

When Marcus Whitney was 24, he and his family moved to Nashville, TN without any idea how things would work out. He had to convince himself that he was a good computer programmer to even begin a career.

That seems like a world away from Marcus' resume now. Today he is a co-owner in 5 ventures, he is a strong advocate and investor in healthcare, and Marcus has a Ted Talk. He is also a co-owner of the Nashville Soccer Club, which will make its' debut in Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2020.

Be sure to check out the Marcus Whitney's Audio Experience on your favorite podcast platform. You can see everything at www.MarcusWhitney.com, including signing up for the release of his new book, Create + Orchestrate! Connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcuswhitney/.

Enjoy this incredible story and wide ranging conversation.

Getting two unbelievable leaders to join the show at the same time leads to incredible conversation. That's what we have this episode, as Ruel Joyner and Michael Owens discuss reluctant leadership, stoicism, growing a family owned small business, handling 14 million visitors to the city of Savannah GA, and much more.

Ruel is the owner of 24e Design as well as Commissioner of the Georgians First Commission. Michael is the President/CEO of the Tourism Leadership Council as well as the Chariman of the Georgia Travel Association. We get past surface level conversation and go deep throughout the entire show. 

You can reach out to Ruel at [email protected], or visit the company's site at www.24estyle.com. Feel free to talk with Michael at [email protected], or visit www.tourismleadershipcouncil.com and www.georgiatravelassociation.com. 

If you have questions for me or know somebody who should be a guest on the show, email me at [email protected]. You can check out other episodes and clips of the shows at www.SkywardVenture.com.  

For 7 years, Chris Hervochon was happy working full time for somebody else while enjoying his side hustle. Finally one day during a meeting with a boss, something inside clicked and told Chris that it was time to do something else. That led to the creation of SOAR, a better way CPA. 

Chris discusses some of his misperceptions going in to owning and running his own business. We talk about the evolution of building a brand, building word of mouth, and how he has seen the most success in getting more business for a new service company.

You can follow or reach out to Chris at [email protected], 843-608-0298, linkedin.com/in/chrishervochon, betterwaycpa.com.

Questions about this episode or if you are interested in being a guest on Success Defined, reach out to [email protected].

Different perspectives and alternate opinions can often be an incredible strength in business. Fabio Ansaloni approaches his business hurdles with perspectives from doing business in many countries including Italy, France, Germany, and the United States. In this episode, Fabio talks about the challenges of going to a different country such as figuring out the culture and norms. We also go deep on the opportunities. Fabio, who is currently the COO of Mirage USA, values how working and living in so man countries has opened his mind to new possibilities most of us never experience.

This episode is a must listen. We cover so many valuable aspects of doing business in a way that has not been covered on this podcast up until now. Enjoy the international flair, and be prepared to have a desire to travel and experience different cultures by the end!

To find other shows or clips, visit www.SkywardVenture.com. If you have questions or want to be a guest on the show, reach out to [email protected].

The workforce is changing, and our guest is leading the way in helping companies thrive with the evolving environment. Terri Gallagher, owner of Gallagher and Consultants, created the Workforce Solutions Ecosystem Model to allow organizations to find great talent and create a culture where "non traditional" workers such as temporary, contract, and the digital workforce can thrive.

We get in to how this evolution is happening, how getting fired turned in to an amazing change in her life, how women can become great leaders and business owners, and how valuable it was learning inside Disney early in her career.

For more information on Terri, check out www.gallagherandconsultants.com or see her great content at www.linkedin.com/in/terrig3. 

To find more episodes and clips of Success Defined, visit www.SkywardVenture.com. For questions or comments, email [email protected].

Jeff Pell led a successful career in logistics and sales. With the motivation and desire for Jeff and his wife to create something for themselves, they began researching potential businesses to start. They reflected on opportunity, business potential, and an area where they could positively impact their community.

Jeff has been the owner and full time operator of Amada Senior Care of Knoxville for 8 months, and is quickly overachieving on their growth goals. Jeff attributes this to consistent and focused effort, as well as applying what he has learned throughout his career.

Jeff's story of employee turned entrepreneur shares many valuable lessons and topics of thought!

For more information on Jeff, check out his LinkedIn Page or visit his business Web Site.

To find more episodes and clips, visit www.SkywardVenture.com. For questions or comments, email [email protected].  

This episode of Success Defined, we have Steve Milo on as our guest. Steve started a collectible and comic mail order business in college. He grew the company was a leader in the e-commerce world. But after investors convinced him to sell, all of the shares Steve received in the exit were worthless after the tech bubble popped.

Steve went on to create and build VTrips, an online vacation rental platform. We discuss how he is growing strategically, the importance of great employees, not getting investors in the business who don't align with your vision, and much more.

Check out www.vtrips.com, or learn more about Steve on his LinkedIn Page.

Get more episodes and clips of the show here.

Kicking off Season 2 of Success Defined, we have Kevin Quat. Kevin is the Owner of Absolute Island Management, a property management company overseeing more than 400 properties. Kevin was able to start his own firm by jumping at an opportunity when others weren't willing to do the job right the first time. It was full throttle from there as Kevin learned the ropes of entrepreneurship on the job. We discuss how to harness personal qualities, what is most important about leading a team, how to maintain focus on your goals, and keeping what's most important top of mind. Learn more about Kevin's business at www.absoluteisland.com. We will be talking more, so if you have questions you want Kevin to answer, email me at [email protected].

Eric Acton is a Chief Digital Officer, Chief Technology Officer, has started his own companies, and worked for major corporations. His experience goes well beyond and C-Suite Title. Eric has been in positions that instilled a belief of innovation. Whether Eric is working for companies like Dell or advising a startup, Eric Acton's experience allows him to find the area of disruption.

In this, Eric discusses the typical issues with why major corporations fail. He goes in to different leadership styles and how to assemble a team in order to achieve business success. Eric also elaborates on what Intrapreneurship means to him and how passion can be contagious and start a necessary change.

The best place to find Eric is on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericacton/ or on Twitter @thmadaustralian. Reach out to Eric with thoughts and questions.

If you have questions or comments about the show, you can reach me at [email protected].

Mekenzie Riley has competed multiple times at the Crossfit Games. She is also a Registered Dietician who runs her own company. After a childhood of athletics, Mekenzie would work out for 3 hours on a daily basis. When she was introduced to Crossfit, the variety, competitions, and constant improvement were appealing.

Mekenzie talks about what it takes to dedicate yourself to being one of the best in the world at something. We go in to sacrifice and aligning your life to fit your version of success. Mekenzie also talks about how she can be a professional Crossfit athlete and still run her own nutrition consulting company.

The best place to follow or reach out to Mekenzie is on Instagram @itskenzieriley.

With questions or comments about the show, reach out to me at [email protected]