Best Creator of First Class Founders Podcasts (2025)

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Today’s Chocolatier in King Louis XIV’s Factory: Sweet Dedication, Dan Abel Jr., CEO 54:29

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3d ago54:29

54:29

When your family owns a company older than the United States—founded in Paris in 1668 as chocolatier to King Louis XIV—you don’t just make candy. You guard a legacy. Dan Abel Jr., CEO and “Chief Chocolate Officer,” carries forward Bissinger’s centuries-old recipes while reinventing chocolate for a new age. From childhood Valentine’s strawberry rush…

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One-of-Kind AI Creations: OG AI Artist, Daniel Ambrosi, Pt 2. 52:25

10d ago52:25

52:25

Two “killer” goals beat the tale of the “big break” in your career. In this episode we finish our iconic interview with Daniel Ambrosi, an original AI artist, then we head to Lunds Fine Art Gallery to see his AI work and the stories behind each. Daniel is one of the only living artists with primary sales at both Sotheby’s and Christie’s in the same…

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Christie’s. Sotheby’s. One Year. One Artist. A Historic First, Daniel Ambrosi 56:38

16d ago56:38

56:38

While we're just discovering the impact of AI in our everyday lives, Daniel Ambrosi has been implementing it into his artistic process for a decade. He is a pioneering artist who merges centuries of traditional landscape art with his revolutionary skills with computer graphics. In collaboration with folks at Google and NVIDIA, Ambrosi has developed…

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New York's Premier Performing Arts Program: "If I can make it here, you can make it anywhere!" -Founder, Broadway Rise, Eloïse Ghislaine 47:12

24d ago47:12

47:12

After a call back for Wicked on Broadway and after years of success in international acting, this Australian built a business in New York City helping others climb the performance ladder. Have you ever stood up in front of hundreds of people to perform your heart out? Eloïse Ghislaine can make that a reality. She seems to shout, "If I can make it h…

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AI Futurist, Leader, Creator: Practical AI Head Starts for Anyone, Jonathan Goodman, CEO 59:43

1M ago59:43

59:43

Jonathan Goodman, CEO, founder of Halyard Consulting and leading expert in AI, software, voice & chatbot automation. Scared of AI? Jonathan will put your worries to rest and ad new ones.  His team works to implement AI as an ethical tool to boost productivity and save you money. Whereas the biggest tech companies in the world are firing their progr…

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Stroke to Success: Curer of Burnout, Guru of Progress, Jeff Wetherhold 1:06:24

1M ago1:06:24

1:06:24

Are you looking to make a change in your life, but don't know how to do it? Look no further than Jeffrey Wetherhold! Jeff is a "change manager," which means that he knows how to help teams develop evidence-based tactics to change their course successfully. 88% of organizational change efforts fail to produce lasting results. But with Jeffrey's help…

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Life Design Genius: Employed, a Book, and Big Ideas, Kason Morris 58:30

1M ago58:30

58:30

Join Kason Morris, a genius in designing your life's work to fit your needs. Born in the Bronx, Kason defied statistics and built his own corporate ladder to climb up for twenty years. Today, he helps individuals leverage their own talent to build a better work life for themselves.For Kason, there is no work/life balance; it's about your work's lif…

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Entrepreneur MD? Journey to Private Practice with Over 4,000 Patients, Dr. Heather Skeens, MD 1:06:06

2M ago1:06:06

1:06:06

Join Dr. Heather Skeens, author of Unshackled (brilliant title and at https://a.co/d/0xRnW7a), who just hit the bestseller list. She took on massive debt like most medical students risk, after an incredible journey, she's crafted her own success as a caregiver, author, and private practitioner who sees more than fifty patients every day! In healthc…

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275: From the Battlefield to the CBD Boardroom: Craig Henderson of Extract Labs 1:12:40

2M ago1:12:40

1:12:40

Craig Henderson is the CEO of Extract Labs, a Boulder, Colorado-based full-service hemp extraction laboratory offering a proprietary line of boutique CBD-infused products. Craig started the company in his garage in 2016. This Episode is Sponsored By: Jon Ostenson, Founder of FranBridge Consulting and Top 1% US Franchise Consultant is here to help y…

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Welcome to the Creative Club: CEO, Polymath & Author, Pia Leichter of Kollektiv Studio 55:12

2M ago55:12

55:12

Take the leap of faith with Pia Leichter, best-selling author, entrepreneur, and creative partner with Kollektiv Studio. Pia partners with artists to help them realize their artistic dreams, and grow into their most authentic selves. In this conversation, Pia gives a taste of what her studio has to offer from advice on pursuing your artistic desire…

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Maker of 25,000 Relationships of Impact: Optimist Prime on Turning Pain to Progress, Stephen Minix 1:03:04

2M ago1:03:04

1:03:04

Take on life's court in this powerful conversation with Stephen Minix. The former educator and high school basketball coach leverages his skills in social work to foster collaboration and overcome obstacles to lift up lives. In this episode, Stephen discusses his journey from the Los Angeles public school system to his current role as Vice Presiden…

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Award-Winning Developer + North America's #1 Ski Resort = Regal Rich Cook, Pt.2 37:12

2M ago37:12

37:12

Rejoin Richard Cook for his ten life-changing pieces of advice for anyone starting their career. Richard has 40 years of real estate experience, so he knows a thing or two about finding mentorship, living for yourself, and shooting for success!Take note of Richard's excellent tips for success...Link:linkedin.com/in/richard-cook-6797ba16ahttps://www…

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Award-Winning Developer + North America's #1 Ski Resort = Regal Rich Cook, Pt.1 1:00:52

3M ago1:00:52

1:00:52

A dozen compelling career concepts and inspiring stories from Regal Homes' Principal Owner, Rich Cook. Just one of his incredible communities is being built right between Deer Valley's History's largest-ever expansion of skiing and a world-class water-ski reservoir, just across the street.Over 40 years, Rich has navigated his career to learn secret…

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Billion-Dollar COO, Now Entrepreneur: A Real Stoic on Marcus Aurelius & Excellence, Adam Farr 1:15:21

3M ago1:15:21

1:15:21

You won't want to wait to hear the choices Adam Farr made in his career! Change your life with this thought-provoking conversation with business leader & philosopher, Adam Farr. Adam sits as Chair of Empanada.co and other companies, Utah's best and fastest growing empanada company. Not only does he know business, but he knows a thing or two about w…

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Whistleblower & Self-Made CEO: Get Your Life’s Work Right, Jill Dempsey, Pt. 2 37:16

3M ago37:16

37:16

Prepare for part two of Jill Dempsey's harrowing journey after discovering the multi-million dollar fraud taking place in her company. Following a years-long trial, Jill continues to pivot her professional career, eventually becoming the Executive Director of the US Friends of AMAR. There, she oversees Middle-Eastern support for individuals affecte…

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274: The Cable Cowboy Who Went from Broke to Broadband 🤠 | Terry Koosed of Bel Air Internet 2:16:14

3M ago2:16:14

2:16:14

Terry Koosed is the Founder of Bel Air Internet, a Los Angeles based Internet Service Provider, and a leading authority on successful entrepreneurship. He has founded and successfully run seven companies in the high-tech industry during the past 40 years, sometimes concurrently, and is what some would call, a serial entrepreneur. Listen to Part II,…

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Whistleblower & Self-Made CEO: Get Your Life’s Work Right, Jill Dempsey, Pt. 1 52:27

3M ago52:27

52:27

Prepare for part one of this nail-biting conversation with Jill Dempsey, C-suite positioner (CEO, CFO, and COO) of a half-a-dozen different non-profit and growth-stage companies. Witness her journey leading up to her shocking discovery of a multi-million-dollar fraud taking place within her company.Learn how to balance professional growth and perso…

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The Most Flexible Leader: Flex to Change People’s Lives, Kevin Eikenberry, Author Flexible Leadership 53:20

4M ago53:20

53:20

Join Kevin Eikenberry, one of Inc.com's Top 100 Leadership and Management Experts in the World, as he shares his secrets to success. For thirty years, Kevin has been training leaders realize their potential and shoot for the stars! Exclusive tips to be a better boss in a hyper-speed work-world: "Think big, start small…" "Practice with people, not d…

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Marketing Should Make Money: Marketing Strategy, Erik Wolf, Expert & Agency Founder 1:07:31

4M ago1:07:31

1:07:31

What if everything you’ve believed about marketing was based on a broken premise? Erik Wolf—former award-winning agency founder, speaker, and creator of the Unified Marketing System—reveals the shocking disconnect between what clients buy and what actually delivers results. Erik takes us through his riveting career journey from fake jobs and false …

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Command Chief of 8,000: Own Your Career & Life, Rochelle Hemingway 1:12:08

4M ago1:12:08

1:12:08

Join Rochelle Hemingway, CEO, SLAY To Success. Learn how Rochelle’s S.L.A.Y. formula—Stay ready, Lead out loud, Access community, You are built to last—took her from 18-year-old Airman to Command Chief guiding 8,000 people, and how one daily ritual fuels her momentum. See more: MarkSpencerCook.com/Podcast. Everyone faces stalled careers when confid…

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Best Shark Tank Winner: Bold Momentum, Tate Stock, Chirp CEO 41:24

4M ago41:24

41:24

Prepare for a powerful conversation with Tate Stock, Founder and CEO of Chirp and viral Shark Tank standout. Stock and wife Hannah partnered to launch what is now Chirp. Soon after, Tate found himself negotiating between offers from: Kevin O'Leary, Robert Herjavec, and Lori Greiner as Mark Cuban and Daymond John made things both difficult and smart…

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273: Publishing to EdTech: The Unlikely Road to Evolution Labs with Founder Peter Kraft 1:26:53

4M ago1:26:53

1:26:53

Peter Kraft is the Founder and President of Evolution Labs. Prior to founding Evolution Labs, Kraft was instrumental in forming and re-envisioning two educational software companies that led the industry in recruitment, enrollment and retention of college students. He co-founded GoalQuest in 2000 and served as its CEO until 2007 when he spearheaded…

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Airport Crisis CEO: Thrive in Catastrophe, Mark Thorpe 53:20

5M ago53:20

53:20

Keep cool under pressure. Elite leader Mark Thorpe, former LAX executive and Pandemic CEO of Ontario International Airport is now founder of Atmos Global Aviation and offers us his consulting right in the episode. Discover the strategic insights for travelling and leading that Mark employed during his tenure at Ontario, as he navigated the pandemic…

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Crash into a Wall (Literally) then Thrive: Unlock Your Edge, CEO Randy Dyck 1:09:07

5M ago1:09:07

1:09:07

Prepare for a powerful encounter with Randy Dyck, Founder, CEO and Coach. Everyone faces burnout; not everyone slams into a building on a motorcycle, only to launch off the building without a helmet. Randy learned what happens when ego outweighs impact (MarkSpencerCook.com/Podcast). Randy describes how thousands of home sales led him to create a pu…

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A More Valuable Business: Transform Your Finances, Heather McGee, CEO, 17 Asset Management 1:04:56

6M ago1:04:56

1:04:56

Everyone faces financial collapse when capital dries up. Heather guides her business, others business, and communities to pivot and thriving (see MarkSpencerCook.com/Podcast). Discover how repeated setbacks—losing her first product, cutting staff, and chasing new markets—sparked Heather’s breakthroughs. Find out why building your own solutions can …

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272: From Selling Phones Out of a Van to Leading a 9-Figure Empire | Brett Beveridge of T-ROC 1:13:10

6M ago1:13:10

1:13:10

Brett Beveridge is the President of The Revenue Optimization Companies. Brett is an entrepreneurial, results-driven executive with over 20 years of experience and success in the wireless and technology industries. He has hands-on success in start-ups, profit turnarounds, mergers and acquisitions, IPOs and fundraising and is the driving force behind…

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Inventor of the Cellphone, Dr. Martin Cooper: Unlocking Innovation 33:20

6M ago33:20

33:20

Revisiting one of several previous phone interviews with Dr. Marty Cooper, father of the cell phone. From two cellphone conversations (forgive the audio) Dr. Cooper tells us how to innovate any work (see MarkSpencerCook.com). A young Marty Cooper was once hired to join a small team at, then, tiny Motorola. His team was racing to beat a huge phone c…

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Outreach Gurus & Principal of $5-Billion Firm: Ryan Wiersdorf, Lisa Morozoff, Rob Plowgian 55:31

7M ago55:31

55:31

The art of securing a first, live meeting with a new contact. Mark Cook shares an interview from when Lisa Morozoff was a principal with Mercer, San Francisco (now with Uber) and with Ryan Wiersdorf, a sales leader and top performer at O.C. Tanner. Mark also adds a response by Rob Plowgian, sales leader at NetCuras, about beginning business relatio…

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AI & Autonomy Expert Leads First: Tom Zaiderman, CEO, Ruby.ai 53:41

7M ago53:41

53:41

Catch this conversation, Mark Cook and Tom Zaiderman explore AI, Autonomy, and the core of leadership, emphasizing the importance of service, compassion, and interconnectedness in both personal and professional realms. Tom shares his philosophy of leadership as a form of service, drawing from ancient wisdom and personal experiences. He discusses th…

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Revenue & Relationships: Kent Bowman, Pt. 2 46:53

7M ago46:53

46:53

Join Mark and Kent Bowman, now to apply deep dives into “actionables” for starting valuable relationships of mutual benefit that also grow revenue! From, Co-Founder and Board Member at Tanner LLC. Discover how Kent helped grow one state’s largest CPA firm and spearheads programs at City Strong Foundation, transforming communities through education,…

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271: How to Breathe Life into a Business... Dr. Dan Cohen of Breathe Right Strips 55:39

7M ago55:39

55:39

Dr. Dan Cohen is the former Chairman of CNS, Incorporated. Dr. Cohen was the driving force behind the meteoric rise of Breathe Right nasal strips, acquiring the rights to manufacture and sell the product for the medical equipment company he founded in 1982. In 2006, GlaxoSmithKline acquired CNS, including its Breathe Right nasal strips and FiberCho…

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An Original Swiftie, Grow Like Taylor Swift: Sophie Haws 43:33

7M ago43:33

43:33

Sophie Haws shares her unique experiences growing up an original Swiftie fan of Taylor Swift. See MarkSpencerCook.com for more episodes. Now, Sophie details her personal interactions with the artist, as Swift marketed and shaped her understanding of connection and community. From her early days in Girl Scouts to navigating the complexities of adole…

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Beat Anything: Lead Growth, Kent Bowman, Top Partner, Pt. 1 58:34

8M ago58:34

58:34

Tune in today to learn to lead growth with Kent Bowman, former Partner at Andersen and Tanner LLC. Gain insights from his incredible personal challenges and difficult business journey, then leading the growth of a large, famous CPA firm, Tanner, LLC. Kent transformed teams, relationships, organizations and success in finance, consulting, and leader…

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Mother Teresa's Servant-Leader, Ann Stigsson, Pt. 2 35:29

8M ago35:29

35:29

Welcome back to Bold Encounters! We gain more potent stories, especially on scaling by focusing on one person at a time from Ann Stigsson. Ann worked with Mother Teresa and learned about serving and scaling opportunity the right way. This more recent conversation adds some new, powerful stories from impactful work with Mother Teresa and her organiz…

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270: Once Again, the Return of the Non-Food Franchise King: Jon Ostenson of Franbridge Consulting 59:52

9M ago59:52

59:52

Jon Ostenson is the Founder of FranBridge Consulting. Jon is a top 1% Franchise Consultant in the US, and frequent contributor on franchising across a variety of outlets and publications. Jon is a multi-brand franchisee himself, and along with his business partners, he has great operators leading these ventures. As a result, he is able to commit ov…

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Mother Teresa's Servant-Leader, Ann Stigsson, Pt. 1 56:40

9M ago56:40

56:40

Welcome back to Bold Encounters, where Mark Cook presents Ann Stigsson, Hospice Counselor at Palliative Care in Monmouth, Sweden. Ann shares powerful lessons on servant leadership from “serving the one” with Mother Teresa. Ann discusses restoring dignity and providing connection throughextraordinary, compassionate care. Discover her amazing journey…

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VP with Quadriplegia: An Elite Mind, Calvin Wooley, Goldman Sachs 1:06:44

9M ago1:06:44

1:06:44

Welcome to an inspiring session with Calvin Wooley, Vice President at Goldman Sachs, leading the charge in client data strategies. Learn from his extraordinary journey, from overcoming life-changing challenges to celebrating 20 years of impactful leadership at one of the world’s top financial firms. Wooley shares strategies to prioritize effectivel…

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Baroness Nicholson: Lift a Person, Change the World 24:48

10M ago24:48

24:48

Mark Cook shares, for the first time, a previously recorded interview with Baroness Emma Nicholson of Winterbourne, member of the UK Parliament’s House of Lords. Baroness Nicholson is an unparalleled leader of humanitarian organizations and founder of the Amar Foundation. The Baroness, famous for technologies, also saves lives, champions women in A…

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269: Blowing Minds with Carey Smith: The Big Ass Fans Story! 🫏... 1:12:04

10M ago1:12:04

1:12:04

Carey Smith founded Big Ass Fans in 1999 and served as its Chief Big Ass until the company's sale in 2017. Under his guidance, Big Ass Fans grew an average of 30% a year, with offices across the globe. It made the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies 11 consecutive years — a feat achieved by only 34 others — and expanded from industr…

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Coach of Idol Finalists: Lead with Passion, Dean Kaelin Pt. 2 49:35

10M ago49:35

49:35

Join us to learn from Dean Kaelin, Vocal Coach and Studio Owner, whose recent achievement includes coaching finalists for Disney’s High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. Everyone faces the challenge of balancing passion and practicality. Aspiring musicians often struggle to make their art financially sustainable while developing genuine tale…

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Coach of Idol Finalists: Lead Your Performance, Dean Kaelin Pt. 1 26:42

10M ago26:42

26:42

Prepare for an enlightening conversation with Dean Kaelin, coach to American Idol finalists and consultant to stars. Explore his journey leading stars like Olivia Rodrigo from Disney’s High School Musical to a higher level. One of the most painful challenges in pursuing any career is facing self-doubt and setbacks, especially in music. Dean has hel…

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CEO of a New Era: A Bold Plan for OmniSource Marketing, Michael Goldberg 1:04:40

11M ago1:04:40

1:04:40

Gain invaluable insights from Michael Goldberg, CEO of OmniSource Marketing, who has boosted company productivity with planned, major initiatives as leadership has shifted. Michael shares the power of focus, creating distinct roles, and optimizing processes. Michael reveals how aligning operational priorities can break systemic challenges, boost pr…

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268: Manufacturing Shutters & Company Culture | 🪟 Rick Skidmore of Timberlane Inc. 1:06:53

11M ago1:06:53

1:06:53

Rick Skidmore is the Founder and CEO at Timberlane, Inc. Having been born an entrepreneur, it should have been clear early on that despite considerable success in the insurance and investment industry, Rick's future was outside the traditional career path. Rick founded his current company, Timberlane Inc., in 1995, based on a passion and a gaping n…

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Founder/CEO of Biomet West: Relationships and Hard Work Win, Brett Parkin 1:03:36

12M ago1:03:36

1:03:36

Get ready for an inspiring discussion as Mark Cook welcomes Brett Parkin, owner and founder of Biomet West, surgical support and orthopedic equipment sales. With deep emotion, Brett reveals the people and perspectives that drive his passion and success. Brett's thought-provoking philosophy of work ethic and his innovative approach to building relat…

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267: Powering Innovation: Jim Kalb's Journey with OptiFuse & the Future of Fuses!⚡ 1:25:19

1y ago1:25:19

1:25:19

Jim Kalb is currently the President of OptiFuse, an innovative high-growth manufacturer of power protection components distributed by high-quality select wholesalers throughout the world. OptiFuse has been listed on the Inc. 5000 for the last 5 years, as well as being named as one of Forbe's magazines "25 Best Small Companies" in 2017. This Episode…

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266: Wheels of Fortune: 🚲 Team USA's Path to Tour de France Victory (Anne Hed of HED Cycling) 1:08:07

1y ago1:08:07

1:08:07

Anne Hed is a lifetime resident of Minnesota. Her history as a business owner began back in the 1980’s, when she raced as a professional triathlete. She completed eight Ironman Triathlons in Hawaii, and met her late husband, Steve, through the sport. He became one of her first sponsors... This Episode is Sponsored By: Jon Ostenson, Founder of FranB…

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265: Building a Sparkling Soda Fireworks Store?!? | 🎉 Mark Lazarchic of Serenity Ventures 1:15:20

1+ y ago1:15:20

1:15:20

Mark Lazarchic is the CEO of Serenity Venture Group. He describes himself as a serial entrepreneur with eyes always open. Mark is the owner of multiple successful startup businesses in very competitive markets. Mark has spent the last 10 years being amazed at the level of mediocrity accepted by the public in business. At all levels... This Episode …

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Green Beret CEO: A Leader's Path to Purpose, Otis McGregor 1:08:43

1+ y ago1:08:43

1:08:43

Prepare for an enlightening conversation about operationalizing the core of what you do for customers! Joining us is an exceptional leader, Otis McGregor, Green Beret and expert leader. Gain invaluable insights from his journey and expertise. Everyone faces leadership challenges. Otis McGregor navigates the perilous terrain of trust-building in hig…

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264: From Clothing Manufacturer, to Franchise Owner, to Starting the Tint World Franchise | Ex-CEO of Meineke, Charles Bonfiglio, shares his Journey 🚗… 1:21:14

1+ y ago1:21:14

1:21:14

Charles J. Bonfiglio is the Franchise Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Tint World. The company is a privately owned franchise chain of independent retail window tinting, mobile electronics, auto accessories and appearance centers. As the lead executive of Tint World, Charles is responsible for all functions related to the development and leader…

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263: Using Real Human Connections to Achieve Exceptional Success... Doug Brown of CEO Sales Strategies 1:59:52

1+ y ago1:59:52

1:59:52

Doug C. Brown is the CEO of CEO Sales Strategies and a Sales Revenue and Profit Growth Expert. He has led client award-winning and high-performance teams as well as pioneered profitable development programs for companies. He has advised companies such as Intuit, CBS Television, Procter & Gamble, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Nationwide, Embassy Suites, In…

Creator Of First Class Founders Podcasts