Best Blaine Bertsch Podcasts (2025)

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Entrepreneurship Lessons: Hindsight Is the Key to Trusting the Process | Mike and Blaine 52:55

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6d ago52:55

52:55

Send us a text Every entrepreneur begins with a vision of how their journey will unfold—but reality often takes unexpected turns. In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we dive into the essential skill of trusting the process, even when the road looks uncertain. Mike and Blaine share candid stories about adapting when things don’t go as planned, how t…

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Mastering the 13-Week Cashflow Forecast: CFO Insights with Ken Lacroix 25:12

8d ago25:12

25:12

In this episode of FinFactor, host Blaine Bertsch sits down with finance leader Ken Lacroix to explore why the 13-week cashflow forecast is one of the most powerful yet overlooked tools in business finance. They discuss the challenges companies face when setting up accurate forecasts, the shift in mindset required to move from profit and loss to tr…

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“Debt: Beware of the Hidden Partner Every Entrepreneur has to Face” on Mike and Blaine 56:55

13d ago56:55

56:55

Send us a text Most entrepreneurs think they know their business partners—until debt quietly takes a seat at the table. In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we explore how debt acts as a hidden partner in your business, shaping decisions around pricing, hiring, expansion, and risk—often without you realizing it. It’s not about fear—it’s about visibi…

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Unlocking ESOP Success: Employee Ownership, Business Growth & Legacy Planning 24:51

22d ago24:51

24:51

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Matt Middendorp to break down the world of Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). They explore how ESOPs impact company valuation, employee engagement, and long-term business legacy, while highlighting both the benefits and challenges of implementation. From feasibility studies and valuat…

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Scott Porter of San Diablo Churros on Entrepreneurship, Startup Lessons & Resilience 48:16

22d ago48:16

48:16

In this episode of Turning Point, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Scott Porter, CEO of San Diablo Artisan Churros, to dive into the inspiring highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey. From co-founding Surf Air, the innovative all-you-can-fly membership airline, to creating unforgettable churro experiences, Scott shares how risk-taking, innovatio…

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AI Gone Wrong: Everyday Tech Frustrations in Business & Life | Mike and Blaine Podcast 55:36

27d ago55:36

55:36

Send us a text Artificial intelligence promises to revolutionize the way we work and live—but why does “smart” tech so often feel dumb? In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we dive into the real frustrations of AI in business and everyday life. From customer service chatbots that trap you in endless loops, to voice assistants that don’t understand c…

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Customer Service Fails That Destroy Loyalty | Mike and Blaine Podcast 55:14

1M ago55:14

55:14

Send us a text We’ve all been there—stuck on hold, bounced between departments, or treated like an inconvenience. In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we dive into the frustrating world of bad customer service and how it silently kills customer success, retention, and brand loyalty. Poor service experiences cost businesses millions in lost revenue e…

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Entrepreneurial Mindset: Who Supports the Boss? | Mike and Blaine Podcast 59:13

2M ago59:13

59:13

Send us a text When you’re the boss, everyone looks to you for answers, paychecks, and stability—but who has the boss’s back? In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we dig into the hidden reality that many entrepreneurs and small business owners face: carrying the weight of leadership alone. From sleepless nights over payroll to tough decisions that a…

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Business Buzzwords That Drive You Crazy | Mike and Blaine Podcast 55:35

2M ago55:35

55:35

Send us a text Some business phrases are so overused they make you cringe—yet we keep saying them anyway. In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we explore the world of business jargon and corporate buzzwords, from classics like “circle back,” “touch base,” and “low-hanging fruit” to terms like “red tape” that sneak into meetings, emails, and everyday…

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Startup Stories: Turning Your Hobby Into a Business | Mike and Blaine Podcast E 58:38

2M ago58:38

58:38

Send us a text pisode 200 is here, and we’re celebrating with a big question every entrepreneur has asked at some point: should you turn your hobby into a business? In this milestone episode of Mike and Blaine, we dive into the real challenges and opportunities of turning passion projects into profitable ventures. From weekend hobbies that spark fu…

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The Underdog Advantage: How Small Businesses Compete with Giants | Mike and Blaine Podcast 52:43

2M ago52:43

52:43

Send us a text Everyone loves an underdog story—but in business, winning takes more than heart, it takes strategy. In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we crack open the story of a small craft brewery that dares to take on the beer industry’s biggest players by doubling down on quality, authenticity, and community. It sparks a bigger conversation ab…

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Small Business Cybersecurity: Why Hackers Target Your Website | Mike and Blaine Podcast 56:17

3M ago56:17

56:17

Send us a text Think your small business website is too boring for hackers to care about? Think again. In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we uncover the shocking truth about why cybercriminals target small business websites—and why ignoring cybersecurity could cost you big. From stolen credit card testing and brute force logins to DDoS attacks and…

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The Expanding Role of the Modern CFO with Paul Barnhurst | AI, Strategy & Financial Leadership 24:22

3M ago24:22

24:22

In this episode of FinFactor, host Blaine Bertsch sits down with Paul Barnhurst to dive into the rapidly expanding role of the CFO. Once defined by financial analysis, cash flow management, and forecasting, today’s CFO is now a strategic operator, taking on responsibilities that stretch far beyond traditional finance. From overseeing operations and…

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Entrepreneurial Mindset: Gut Instinct vs Data-Driven Decisions | Mike and Blaine Podcast 52:52

3M ago52:52

52:52

Send us a text Every entrepreneur claims they “know their numbers,” but do they really? In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we dig into the tension every small business owner faces: when to trust your gut instinct and when to let the data lead the way. Business decisions are rarely black and white, and sometimes the best path forward depends on str…

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Business Plans Are Dead: Why Lean Canvas Beats Traditional Planning | Mike and Blaine Podcast 56:57

3M ago56:57

56:57

Send us a text Forget 80-page business plans collecting dust on a shelf—today’s entrepreneurs need something faster, simpler, and more effective. In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we dive into the Lean Canvas model and show how you can map your entire business strategy on a single page. This modern approach to business planning helps small busine…

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The Hidden Costs and Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing an ERP System | FinFactor with Bob Light 29:09

3M ago29:09

29:09

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Bob Light to uncover the biggest mistakes companies make when selecting and implementing an ERP system. ERP software decisions can make or break a business—yet too often, leaders rush into adoption without fully understanding their internal processes, pain points, and long-term needs. Bob …

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Mastering Multi-Entity Accounting and Consolidation | FinFactor with Ben Taylor, CEO of SoftLedger 23:43

3M ago23:43

23:43

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Ben Taylor, CEO of SoftLedger, to explore one of the biggest challenges facing finance leaders today—multi-entity accounting. As businesses scale and expand across multiple subsidiaries, divisions, or global operations, outdated accounting systems and manual spreadsheets can’t keep up. The…

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Scaling Challenges: Grow Wide or Grow Deep? | Mike and Blaine Podcast 59:37

3M ago59:37

59:37

Send us a text Every business wants growth—but the real question is how to get it. Should you focus on winning new customers, or double down on the ones you already have? In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we dive into one of the biggest dilemmas entrepreneurs and small business owners face: scale wide or scale deep. It’s a battle of volume versus…

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Scaling eCommerce Success with Sabir Semerkant: Strategies for the Future of Online Retail 1:00:51

3M ago1:00:51

1:00:51

Join Blaine Bertsch in this insightful episode of Turning Point with Sabir Semerkant, a leading eCommerce strategist and growth expert, as they dive deep into the future of online retail. Sabir shares proven methods for scaling eCommerce businesses, leveraging AI-powered automation, and optimizing customer journeys to maximize conversions and long-…

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Navigating Data Challenges in Finance with Scott Hollrah | ERP Integration, Automation & Data Governance 27:15

3M ago27:15

27:15

Navigating Data Challenges in Finance with Scott Hollrah | ERP Integration, Automation & Data Governance In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Scott Hollrah, CEO of Venn Technology, to tackle one of the toughest issues facing finance leaders today: fragmented financial data. As organizations juggle multiple systems—ERP softwar…

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Business Leadership: When Petty Decisions Hurt or Help Your Business | Mike and Blaine Podcast 54:36

3M ago54:36

54:36

Send us a text Every business owner knows the feeling—getting slighted, ignored, or disrespected and suddenly plotting revenge like a Bond villain with a balance sheet. In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we dive headfirst into the dangerously entertaining world of petty business decisions and explore the fine line between making a power move and t…

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Boost Sales Conversions and Business Growth with Kirstin Carey 50:55

3M ago50:55

50:55

In this episode of Turning Point, Blaine Bertsch is joined by entrepreneur Kirstin Carey to unpack her dynamic journey across marketing, public speaking, the restaurant industry, and the wellness space. From launching successful gluten-free restaurants to building a transformative wellness program designed to reverse autoimmune conditions, Kirstin …

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The Power of Clean Financial Data for Smarter Decisions | FinFactor with Greg McDonough of Blackburn Capital 23:03

4M ago23:03

23:03

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch welcomes Greg McDonough, Managing Partner at Blackburn Capital and seasoned financial coach, to discuss why clean, consistent financial data is the cornerstone of smarter business decisions and long-term resilience. Greg highlights how too many entrepreneurs still lean on gut instinct instead of reliable…

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Low Budget Marketing Strategies That Actually Work | Mike and Blaine Podcast 58:19

4M ago58:19

58:19

Send us a text No money? No problem—at least when it comes to marketing, if you know how to get creative. In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we dive into smart, cost-effective marketing strategies that help startups and budget-strapped small businesses get noticed without spending a fortune. From DIY branding and storytelling to guerrilla marketin…

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Startup Stress, Burnout, and Resilience with Eli Portnoy of BackEngine 47:55

4M ago47:55

47:55

In this episode of Turning Point, Blaine Bertsch sits down with serial entrepreneur Eli Portnoy to explore the untold realities of startup life. From launching his first venture in college to scaling companies like Sense360 and now BackEngine, Eli shares the highs, lows, and critical lessons every founder needs to hear. He reveals how timing, tract…

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Digital Transformation Gone Wrong: When Business Tech Backfires | Mike and Blaine Podcast 57:06

4M ago57:06

57:06

Send us a text Every entrepreneur has been there—you invest in a shiny new tool or launch what feels like a brilliant idea, only to watch it backfire in real time. In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we dive into the unpredictable world of digital transformation and explore how even the smartest business upgrades can cause unexpected chaos. From so…

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Entrepreneurial Mindset: How Business Owners Can Reignite the Power of Learning | Mike and Blaine Podcast 55:04

4M ago55:04

55:04

Send us a text Remember when learning something new felt exciting instead of exhausting? As entrepreneurs and business leaders, the responsibilities stack up, calendars fill, and suddenly the spark for growth and curiosity starts to fade. In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we explore why learning gets harder with age, how mental fatigue sets in, a…

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Customer Acquisition Strategies: How Trade Shows Reveal Your Real Message | Mike and Blaine Podcast 58:10

4M ago58:10

58:10

Send us a text There’s nothing like standing in a 10x10 trade show booth, pitching your business over and over again, to learn what actually works. In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we dive into how trade shows act as a powerful marketing forcing function—exposing weak messaging, sharpening your pitch, and teaching you what really makes potential…

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Brand Management “Trademark or Trust The Universe?” on Mike and Blaine 55:44

5M ago55:44

55:44

Send us a text You’ve built a name, a logo, and a business you’re proud of—so should you trademark it all before someone else does? Or is that just lawyer bait? This week, Mike and Blaine debate whether small businesses really need to worry about brand protection, and when it makes sense to spend the money. From horror stories of stolen names to th…

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Modernizing Lease Management and Compliance | FinFactor with Greg Kautz on ASC 842, IFRS 16, and CFO Best Practices 17:57

5M ago17:57

17:57

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Greg Kautz, a recognized expert in lease accounting, to break down the complexities of modern lease management and evolving regulatory compliance. With accounting standards like ASC 842 and IFRS 16 reshaping how organizations manage leases, CFOs and finance leaders face new challenges when…

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Digital Transformation “Too Many Tools, Not Enough Results” on Mike and Blaine 54:58

5M ago54:58

54:58

Send us a text From CRMs to chatbots to five different task apps—you’ve got tools for your tools. But are they helping, or just adding chaos? This week, Mike and Blaine unpack the tech overload hitting small business owners in 2025. They’ll dig into why more software isn’t always the answer, how to tell if a tool is costing you more than it saves, …

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Adam Nathan of Blaze: Startup Funding, AI Marketing Automation & Entrepreneur Mindset 54:07

5M ago54:07

54:07

In this episode of Turning Point, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Adam Nathan, CEO of Blaze, to uncover the mindset, strategies, and lessons that shaped his entrepreneurial path. Drawing from his experiences at Apple and in government administration, Adam shares how structured startup strategies, risk management, and an entrepreneurial mindset helped…

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Talent Acquisition “The Talent Pool Shortage Survival Guide” on Mike and Blaine 1:00:16

5M ago1:00:16

1:00:16

Send us a text Hiring feels like fishing in a dry pond lately—everyone’s looking, no one’s biting. This week, Mike and Blaine tackle the real reasons small business owners struggle to hire and keep great people. From job posts that scare applicants away to training that burns time but not results, they break down how to stop relying on unicorn hire…

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FX, AI, and the Future of Payments | FinFactor with Adam Katz on Fintech, Blockchain, and CFO Strategy 25:08

5M ago25:08

25:08

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch welcomes Adam Katz for an in-depth conversation about the rapidly changing world of foreign exchange (FX), B2B payments, and the fintech revolution. CFOs today face mounting challenges in payment processing, including hidden FX fees, transaction inefficiencies, complex compliance demands, and the pressur…

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Leadership Development “Burn The Old Playbook” on Mike and Blaine 1:00:52

5M ago1:00:52

1:00:52

Send us a text If you’re running your 2025 business with a 2019 playbook… good luck. This week, Mike and Blaine tackle the real shifts happening right now—from tighter margins and higher customer expectations to the never-ending hiring puzzle. The old rules aren’t just outdated—they might be costing you money. Tune in for a fresh, no-BS look at how…

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Operational Efficiency “The Devil’s In The Details…and so is your Profit” on Mike and Blaine 55:27

6M ago55:27

55:27

Send us a text In business, missing the little stuff can cost you big. This week, Mike and Blaine zoom in on why attention to detail is the unsung hero of success—whether it’s catching a typo in a contract, noticing a shift in customer habits, or realizing your receipts don’t match your register. They’ll share real stories where overlooking the obv…

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Brand Differentiation “When You Change Everything” on Mike and Blaine 53:26

6M ago53:26

53:26

Send us a text One day everything's flowing, the next—BAM—your go-to partner's got a new plan, a new look, or a new direction. Sound familiar? This week, Mike and Blaine get personal, unpacking the behind-the-scenes drama from the past month and talking about what happens when a business changes something people have gotten used to. Whether it’s a …

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Marketing Strategies “Why Your Discounts Aren’t Working” on Mike and Blaine 57:11

6M ago57:11

57:11

Send us a text Nothing confuses (or annoys) customers more than a discount that’s hard to understand. "Buy one, get 37% off the second item—unless it's Tuesday?" Yeah, no thanks. This week, Mike and Blaine break down how clear, simple messaging can make discounts more effective, increase conversions, and keep customers happy. From the psychology be…

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Crisis Management “What Scares Business Owners the Most?” on Mike and Blaine 55:53

7M ago55:53

55:53

Send us a text Running a business isn’t for the faint of heart—one wrong move, and suddenly, you’re stress-Googling “how to survive a cash flow crisis.” This week, Mike and Blaine tackle the biggest fears that keep small business owners up at night—from running out of money to that gut-dropping moment when a client “just disappears.” Is fear a busi…

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Ken MacKenzie of Fresh Victor: Scaling Premium Cocktail Mixers & Entrepreneur Insights 56:00

7M ago56:00

56:00

In this episode of Turning Point, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Ken MacKenzie, founder and CEO of Fresh Victor, to explore his entrepreneurial journey from co-founding Republic Tequila to transforming the cocktail mixer market. Ken shares how persistence, vision, and passion fueled his mission to elevate cocktail culture with premium, fresh-ingredi…

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Business Mindset “I Should Be Working, But…” on Mike and Blaine 57:19

7M ago57:19

57:19

Send us a text You should be working, but… suddenly, deep-diving into fantasy football stats feels mission-critical. Or maybe your office setup needs a feng shui overhaul before you can send that email. Mike and Blaine dig into the hilarious ways we avoid real work and why some distractions might actually make us better at our jobs. From procrastin…

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Mike Shum on Navigating the Debt Landscape 23:42

7M ago23:42

23:42

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch and Mike Shum dive into the evolving world of private credit and debt financing, shedding light on the challenges businesses face in securing debt and managing financial data. They explore the critical role of transparency, the increasing complexity of debt structures, and how technology—specifically Cas…

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Operational Efficiency “The Business Check-Up You Are Avoiding” on Mike and Blaine 52:43

7M ago52:43

52:43

Send us a text Think audits are just about taxes? Think again. Mike and Blaine dig into why every small business should audit its own systems, processes, expenses, and client records—before disaster strikes. From catching bloated costs to uncovering inefficiencies that are bleeding cash, they’ll show you how a proactive audit keeps your business ru…

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Borja Cuan of Four15 Digital: Scaling Startups, Marketing Insights & Entrepreneur Success 48:05

7M ago48:05

48:05

In this episode of Turning Point, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Borja Cuan, Co-Founder of Four15 Digital, to explore his entrepreneurial journey from selling golf balls as a child to building a thriving digital marketing agency. Borja shares founder insights on mentorship, networking, and the growth strategies that helped him scale his company whil…

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Robert Grazioli of Bread: Entrepreneurship, Product Development & Startup Growth Strategies 56:18

7M ago56:18

56:18

In this episode of Turning Point, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Robert Grazioli, Managing Partner of Bread, a Brooklyn-based digital agency, to explore the realities of entrepreneurship and the challenges founders face when moving from service-based businesses into product development. Robert shares his candid experiences with overcoming imposter s…

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Business Finance “Future Proof or Fortune Telling” on Mike and Blaine 57:19

7M ago57:19

57:19

Send us a text Is forecasting in small business a game-changer or just another crystal ball gimmick? Mike and Blaine dive into the pros, cons, and occasional absurdities of trying to predict the future with spreadsheets. Can you really see what’s coming, or are you just guessing with extra steps? Tune in as Mike and Blaine debate whether forecastin…

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Morgan Hines on Unlocking Cost Savings in Corporate Travel 24:09

7M ago24:09

24:09

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine sits down with Morgan Hines to explore the significant impact of travel expenses on small and medium-sized businesses. They dive into the hidden costs of corporate travel management, from human error in booking to missed savings due to lack of access to corporate travel tools. Morgan highlights how Navan is leve…

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Operational Efficiency “Is Difficulty Just An Illusion?” on Mike and Blaine 55:38

8M ago55:38

55:38

Send us a text Ever avoided something because it looked impossible, only to find out it was easier than tying your shoes? Mike and Blaine are tackling the myth of difficulty—those tasks, skills, and business moves that seem Herculean but are actually just smoke and mirrors. From taxes to tightrope walking (okay, maybe not that one), they’ll break d…

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Eric Hui of Terracea: Building an Outdoor Apparel Brand, Kickstarter Success & Entrepreneur Lessons 44:53

8M ago44:53

44:53

In this episode of Turning Point, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Eric Hui, founder of Terracea, to explore his journey from corporate life to launching a premium cold-weather outdoor apparel brand. Eric shares how he identified market gaps in the outdoor industry, navigated the challenges of product development, and leveraged platforms like Kickstar…

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Business development “Prove It! When Actions Speak Dollars” on Mike and Blaine 54:32

8M ago54:32

54:32

Send us a text Why tell when you can show? Mike and Blaine dive into the power of demonstration in business persuasion, revealing how a killer demo can turn skeptics into buyers. From sizzling steakhouse theatrics to showing off apps that actually work, they’ll break down why actions speak louder than words (and why that’s great for your bottom lin…