Out of the Hourglass, presented by Nolan Consulting Group, is here to help Small Business Owners and Contractors alike visualize their goals, develop their team & build sustainable growth. You'll hear from our panel of NCG Coaches on a variety of topics, guest speakers from top industry resources, Business Owners sharing best practices and a focus on strategies across sales, marketing, business planning, human resources and more. We're here to take you "out of the hourglass" and reach YOUR S ...
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Our group is traditionally trained in sport and performance psychology, and in the spirit of what we do, the purpose of our podcast is to make a positive impact on your life and challenge you to think differently on topics related to growth. Through conversations with coaches, athletes, executives, and leaders of industry, we will explore and highlight the mindset and skillset required for lasting growth. Ultimately, we exist to provide you with the tools to become the best version of you. A ...
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Sports Revenue & Marketing Consultant Troy Kirby interviews those in the front office within the professional and amateur sports industry, focusing on the details of the business. Ranging topics include ticket sales, marketing, administration, compliance and facility operations.
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Episode 332: Sack the Stigma with Carly Silverstein and Brett Gray
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40:04In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer talks with Carly Silverstein and Brett Gray, co-founders of Sack the Stigma, about the critical need to destigmatize mental health struggles among current and former student-athletes—and beyond. They explore the cultural pressures of sports, the strength in vulnerability, and the importance of access to care. Tune …
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Ep. 238: From Founder to Coach – Mike Freeman's Entrepreneurial Evolution
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49:09Join us as we sit down with Mike Freeman, Co-Founder of Mike's Quality Painting and One Day Concrete Coatings, and newest Associate Coach with Nolan Consulting Group. From starting a lawn mowing business with his brother at age 11 to building multiple successful ventures in Albuquerque, Mike shares his journey of creating opportunity-driven busines…
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Ep. 237: The Dual Impact – Safety Focus as a People Strategy and Business Advantage
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47:28Implementing robust safety practices creates a powerful dual advantage—protecting your most valuable asset, your people, while simultaneously driving business growth and opportunity. Paul Cook and Darren Lottes of Painters USA and pioneers of Safety within the Summit group, share field-tested insights on transforming safety from a compliance burden…
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Episode 331: Rory McIlroy’s Grand Slam Mentality
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30:18Drs. Milt Lowder and Cory Shaffer dive into the mental game behind Rory McIlroy’s journey to Masters victory this past April. Drawing insights from his post-win press conference at Augusta National, they explore the mindset required for elite performance, the psychological hurdles of chasing a career Grand Slam, and what Rory’s reflections reveal a…
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Episode 330: Culture is the Advantage with Scott Watkins
53:56
53:56
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53:56In this episode, Dr. Drew Brannon sits down with Scott Watkins, Senior Vice President, Advanced Manufacturing Market Leader at Clayco. Scott shares his path to leadership and how forward-thinking organizations gain a competitive edge by investing in people. He unpacks the critical role of talent development and how fostering a growth-focused cultur…
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Ep. 236: Pain Points & Price Points – Winning the Objection Game Before It Starts
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51:01In this episode, Colin Nolan shares the importance of transforming objections into opportunities by mastering the art of uncovering customer pain. Discover why the most successful objection handling happens during discovery, not at the end of the sales process, and learn practical techniques to leverage emotional buying motives when facing resistan…
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Episode 329: Humanizing Business with Sims Key and Alisha Coleman
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45:46In this episode, Dr. Drew Brannon sits down with Sims Key and Alisha Coleman of Equip Studio, a successful, culture-focused architecture firm based in Greenville, SC. They share how their team builds a business that honors both God and people. From prioritizing internal excellence to investing deeply in their people, Sims and Alisha offer a refresh…
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Ep. 235: The Hourglass Scorecard – A Tool for Business Assessment and Growth
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26:25
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26:25Brian Nolan, Co-founder and President of Nolan Consulting Group, and Business Coach Sydney Bates discuss the rollout of the NEW Hourglass Scorecard, a dynamic assessment tool for trades businesses focused on building value and growth. They explain how this updated version of the Business Systems Checklist helps identify a company's current status a…
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Episode 328: Break the Scroll with Dr. Kimberly Shaffer
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33:54
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33:54The average person spends nearly four hours a day on their phone, adding up to a quarter of their waking life! Given the magnitude of that time, Dr. Cory Shaffer and Dr. Kimberly Shaffer, Director of the Sport, Exercise & Performance Psychology Program at Barry University, explore the psychological toll of our digital habits. They discuss how exces…
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Ep. 234: What Small Business Owners Should Know When Choosing a Financial Advisor
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44:35Ever wonder how to find a financial advisor who really 'gets' your business? Join us as we chat with Michael Pallozzi of HFM Investment Advisors about navigating the financial advisory landscape as a small business owner. Michael shares his practical wisdom on why the right advisor should understand both your business and personal goals, how to spo…
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Episode 327: Sixty Days in the Dark (Part 3)
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41:08In the final installment of the Sixty Days in the Dark series, Dr. Drew Brannon reflects with Dr. Milt Lowder on the realizations that followed his unexpected medical issue that left him with extremely limited eyesight for 60 days. From the unwavering support of his wife to redefining what’s truly important, Drew shares how slowing down helped him …
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Ep. 233: The Rise of AI Search & Digital Marketing for Home Service Businesses
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48:22
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48:22Sarah Adkins, owner of Big Shark Marketing, discusses the evolution of digital marketing strategies, emphasizing the importance of adapting to AI-powered search and creating high-quality, authoritative content. She highlights the challenges businesses face in keeping up with marketing trends and offers advice on optimizing websites, utilizing AI to…
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Episode 326: Sixty Days in the Dark (Part 2)
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38:42In Part 2 of this powerful series, Dr. Drew Brannon joins Dr. Milt Lowder to explore what it means to walk through the “dark hallway”—the space between loss and clarity, fear and faith. Drew reflects on the sudden medical issue that left him with severely limited eyesight for 60 days, and how he kept moving forward when the future felt uncertain. T…
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Ep. 232: Planning for the Unplanned – Every Business Owner Needs a Crisis Plan
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17:25Crisis planning should be non-negotiable for every business owner, regardless of age or company size. On today’s episode with Brian Nolan we discuss why having a comprehensive crisis plan isn't just about preparing for worst-case scenarios, but a strategic tool that protects your business, provides peace of mind, and ensures your team (and family) …
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Episode 325: Sixty Days in the Dark (Part 1)
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45:35In this powerful first installment of a three-part series, Dr. Milt Lowder sits down with Dr. Drew Brannon to unpack the most challenging season of Drew’s life—a sudden medical issue that left him with extremely limited eyesight for 60 days. With raw honesty and vulnerability, Drew shares what it was like to navigate the darkness, the emotional tol…
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Re-Release Episode #196: Unlocking the World of Crucial Conversations – High Stakes, Disagreeing Opinions and High Emotions
41:47
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41:47Whether it be a tough conversation you need to have with an employee or need to de-escalate an issue or job gone awry with a customer, we are unlocking the tools to better prepare ourselves for the dynamic of crucial conversations. With a passion for this topic, NCG Sr. Business Coach Colin is here to share key points from “Crucial Conversations: T…
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Ep. 231: Budget B Agility – Preparing Your Business for Whatever Comes Next
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36:12Discover the importance of Plan B Budgeting with Kathryn Freeman, Senior Business Coach and Director of Operations, as we transition from Q1 to Q2. Learn why financial contingency planning is essential in today's market conditions and how having alternative budget scenarios ready can help business owners navigate uncertainty with confidence and be …
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Episode 324: Find Your Hard with Nolan Lennon
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53:30
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53:30Former Clemson soccer player Nolan Lennon knows pain, perseverance, and purpose. After tearing his ACL four times, he stepped away from the game he loved and into the world of ultramarathons. In this episode, Nolan joins Dr. Cory Shaffer to talk about redefining success, the mindset needed to push past limits, and how embracing suffering helped him…
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Episode 323: "Building Up" with David Wise
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52:03
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52:03What does it take to build trust, foster culture, and create lasting impact? In this episode, Dr. Milt Lowder sits down with David Wise, President & CEO of Harper General Contractors, who shares how trust serves as the foundation for meaningful growth. With over 34 years of experience, David has played a key role in transforming Greenville, SC into…
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Re-Release #179: Job Site Leadership – Their System vs. Our System and the 3-Legged Stool
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24:09For many businesses who experience the swing of seasonality, the wheels of the busy season are quickly starting to roll and it’s a great time to ensure your production team is prepared to lead effectively. We released an episode focusing on Job Site Leadership as a workshop preview back in December 2023 for one of our upcoming programs at the time.…
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Episode 322: Battle-Tested Leadership with Navy Special Operator Oran Feiner
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40:20What can business leaders learn from Navy special operations? In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer talks with retired Navy special operator Oran Feiner, who brings 20 years of leadership experience in the Navy warfare community. They explore the principles of high-stakes performance, building resilient teams, and leading with precision under pressure.…
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Ep. 230: From Trades to Real Estate — How Dan Brady Built a Second Seven-Figure Business in the Short Term Rental Space
1:13:28
1:13:28
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1:13:28In this episode, we sit down with Dan Brady, owner of Dan Brady Painting and Adventure North Vacation Rentals, to explore his journey from CEO of Painting business to real estate investor. Dan shares how he built a thriving short-term rental business generating seven figures in annual revenue while maintaining his successful painting company in Nor…
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Episode 321: Getting Results with Extreme Commitment
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37:17
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37:17How committed are you to the results you want? In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer break down the direct link between commitment and outcomes, using Navy Special Operators as a prime example of extreme dedication. They reveal how purposeful plans, clearly defined roles, and unwavering investment drive consistent, exceptional results…
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Ep. 229: A Journey to CEO & Intentionality – How Eric Tilghman Transformed His Leadership & Mindset Approach
55:12
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55:12This impactful conversation with Eric Tilghman, CEO of Tilghman Builders, walks us through his transformative journey over the last 10 years of becoming more intentional, goal-driven and embracing "the ideal day" concept that revolutionized his leadership approach. Eric offers practical insights on how this mindset shift has enhanced both his leade…
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Episode 320: Three Keys to Keeping Composure
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39:28
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39:28Have you ever lost your cool when the pressure was on? In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer reveal Three Truths About Composure, the key to staying calm, focused, and in control when it matters most. Composure is a powerful advantage that allows high performers to thrive under pressure. Without it, even the most capable individuals c…
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Nolan Consulting Group Co-Founder & President, Brian Nolan, explores the multifaceted dimensions of effective leadership - How do YOU show up as a Leader? Brian breaks down how leaders can better understand their personal leadership style through strengths identification, Working Genius assessments, DISC profiles, adapting to team needs and underst…
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How do we raise children who embrace challenges, value self-improvement, and develop mental resilience? In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer, AMPLOS mental performance coach and father of two, sits down with Connor Huston, AMPLOS Director of Content & Media and new dad, to explore practical strategies for fostering a growth mindset in kids. From grati…
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Ep. 227: Values-First Leadership – Building a Foundation of Unreasonable Hospitality
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29:17In this episode, our three guests - Brian Nolan, Sydney Bates & Maureen Richard - explore how principles from Will Guidara’s "Unreasonable Hospitality" can transform workplace culture beyond the restaurant industry. They discuss the critical distinction between basic service and genuine hospitality, emphasizing the importance of hiring for cultural…
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Episode 318: Overcoming Mental Traps to Strengthen Performance
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31:49
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31:49What holds you back from reaching your full potential? In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer sits down with Clemson PhD student and AMPLOS intern Marlee Johnson to explore the psychology of high performance—both individually and within a team. They break down the biggest mental traps that hinder success and tackle compelling questions related to perfor…
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Ep. 226: Marketing Blueprint & the Painting Industry – From Digital Presence to ROI with Brandon Pierpont of Painter Marketing Pros
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50:59
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50:59Brandon Pierpont, Founder & CEO of Painter Marketing Pros and recipient of the PCA’s 2025 Industry Partner of the Year award, reveals game-changing strategies for painting contractors, including the critical role of Google Business Profile and Local Service Ads. Learn valuable tips about building a sustainable marketing blueprint, understanding ROI…
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Episode 317: Answering ChatGPT's Top Questions on Leadership & Adaptability
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30:00In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer and Clemson PhD student and AMPLOS intern Marlee Johnson answer top questions curated by ChatGPT, diving into the overlooked trends in leadership and performance psychology. They explore how to cultivate adaptability in a fast-changing world and share expert insights on navigating challenges in work, sport, and lif…
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Re-Release #116: What does it mean to get Out of the Hourglass?
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39:43What does it actually mean to get OUT of the hourglass? It’s a phrase we speak to often here at Nolan Consulting Group and a core part of our mission statement. We released an episode on this topic back in July 2022 and its relevancy today remains at the forefront of conversations we continue to have with new clients and existing as they grow their…
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Ep. 225: The Learning Never Stops – A Chat with Business Coach Jim Bradley on His Love of Knowledge
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43:42
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43:42Jim Bradley, Business Coach at Nolan Consulting Group opens up about his ongoing love of learning, including what pushed him to go after his doctorate in business. Molly and Jim share insights about different learning approaches and discuss how to effectively balance theoretical knowledge with practical application - we know both are critical for s…
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Episode 316: Escaping the Mediocrity Trap
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36:58Are you stuck in the mediocrity trap—settling for comfort instead of striving for growth? In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer break down what keeps us stagnant and how to create the escape velocity needed to break free from being “happy enough.” They explore key mindset shifts and actionable strategies to push beyond average and pur…
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Episode 315: Transform Stress to Work for You with Dr. Rebecca Heiss
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36:53
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36:53We all experience stress, but what if you could make it work for you instead of against you? Dr. Cory Shaffer talks with Dr. Rebecca Heiss, stress physiologist and author of Springboard: Transform Stress to Work For You, to explore how we can reframe our perspective on stress. She breaks down her three-step process to harness stress, turning it int…
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Ep. 224: Shifting Your Financial Perspective — From Accounting to Strategic Management
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31:36Join us as we dive deep into the crucial distinction between Accounting and strategic financial management with Senior Business Coach, Kathryn Freeman. Discover why looking at your business finances purely through an accounting lens might be holding you back, and learn how to adopt a more strategic approach that goes beyond tax compliance and histo…
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Episode 314: Nike's Principles for Success
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40:07
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40:07In this special live episode from TPM’s annual kickoff in downtown Greenville, SC, Drs. Milt Lowder and Cory Shaffer dive into five of Nike’s Principles that fuel their iconic success. They explore why having principles is essential as a guiding north star and break down powerful ideas like “our business is change,” “offense all the time,” and “it …
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Episode 313: Final Thoughts on the 2024 College Football Season
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40:56The 2024 college football season was one to remember - filled with dramatic twists and valuable lessons. Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer, sport psychologists for Georgia and Oregon football, reflect on the season's end, unpack key takeaways, and share lessons that resonate far beyond the field. They explore how mindset shapes performance at the …
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Ep. 223: Catching up with DASH Content Collective – The Ins and Outs of Social Media Marketing in 2025
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55:29In this episode we dive into the Ins and Outs of Social Media Marketing for Small Business in 2025 with Shannon Hinderberger & Darlene Veenhuizen, the co-founders of Dash Content Collective. From highlighting challenges they see in the content creator space, to the increasing need to create authentic video content and how to capture audience attent…
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Episode 312: Living Audaciously with Anne Marie Anderson
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30:45In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer sits down with three-time Emmy-winning EPSN sports broadcaster Anne Marie Anderson to discuss her book, Cultivating Audacity: Dismantle Doubt and Let Yourself Win. Anne Marie shares how embracing bold risks and confronting fear transformed her career and personal growth. Discover the four barriers that hold you bac…
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Episode 311: How to Stick with Your 2025 Goals
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36:44Research show that about 30% of Americans set New Year’s resolutions, yet only 9% see them through to the end of the year. As we age, the likelihood of setting goals diminishes even further. Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer break down why most resolutions fail before February and present a proven framework for success. They share actionable strat…
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Ep. 222: Highlights from the Experience Mindset, a Book by Tiffani Bova – Where EX & CX are Intricately Intertwined
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41:42We are kicking off 2025 and the first podcast of the year with a focus on The Experience Mindset, Changing The Way You Think About Growth, a book by Tiffani Bova. This is a read that several of us here at Nolan Consulting Group really enjoyed, it was part of an internal Book Club and we thought it was worthwhile to bring to the podcast table as an …
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Episode 310: Reflections, Resolutions, and Unanswered Questions
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32:02In this special episode, Drs. Milt Lowder, Drew Brannon, and Cory Shaffer close out 2024 and welcome 2025 with thoughtful reflections and fresh insights. Revisiting unanswered audience questions from the 300th episode live event, including the 3 leadership attributes that drive peak performance, practical strategies to recover from and prevent burn…
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Episode 309: Finding Holiday Harmony – Balancing Work and Rest
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35:12
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35:12The holiday season is often filled with joy, but it can also bring unique challenges. How can we find harmony amidst festive celebrations layered onto already busy schedules? In this episode, Drs. Milt Lowder and Cory Shaffer dive into the delicate balance between work and rest during the holidays. They highlight the essential connection between pr…
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Episode 308: Balancing Legacy and Innovation with Chris Fay
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48:56In this episode, Chris Fay, President and CEO of Greenville-based TPM and Founder and CEO of TrebleHook, an architecture, engineering, and construction CRM platform, shares his journey of honoring his father-in-law's legacy—who founded TPM—while driving TPM’s future growth. Chris reflects on how past experiences and critical inflection points shape…
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Ep. 221: The Sellers Peer Group – Maximizing Business Value in a Changing Market
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41:48In this episode of Out of the Hourglass, Brian Nolan, Jim Bradley, and Molly Nolan delve into the trades industry's evolving landscape, and the influence of private equity on small business transitions. They announce the February launch of the Sellers & Acquisition Peer Group, designed to support business owners navigating valuation, sale preparati…
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Episode 307: The Mental Edge Behind Oregon, Georgia, and Clemson’s Conference Championship Wins
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39:40Fresh off Oregon, Georgia, and Clemson’s college football conference championship victories, Drs. Cory Shaffer, Drew Brannon, and Milt Lowder reflect on the psychological principles that came to life during these defining moments. In this episode, they explore the mental game as an important differentiator and break down the key psychological facto…
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Ep. 220: AI Meets Small Business: Productivity, Culture, and Innovation - A conversation with Ross Hartmann of Kiingo AI
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56:45In this episode of Out of the Hourglass, Molly sits down with Ross Hartmann, founder of Kiingo AI, to explore the transformative potential of AI and generative AI for small businesses. They discuss practical applications of tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, emphasizing strategies to integrate AI into company culture, optimize efficiency, and …
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Episode 306: The Heart of a Champion - Five Markers of Courage
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29:29As the Oregon, Georgia, and Clemson football programs gear up for their conference championship games this weekend, AMPLOS sport psychologists Dr. Drew Brannon (Georgia) and Dr. Cory Shaffer (Oregon) share insights on what it truly means to be courageous. Drawing from their experience with championship-caliber teams, they discuss how to turn fear i…
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Ep. 219: Safety First – Navigating an OSHA Audit and Building a Culture of Safety at Webfoot Home Improvements
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51:43Our conversation this week features Travis Ulrich, the CEO and co-founder of Webfoot Home Improvements based in Bend, OR. A few weeks ago, Travis shared with his Mastermind Group that Webfoot experienced a random, very extensive and unexpected OSHA Audit. Today - we’re hearing about the experience straight from Travis - how it happened, what went d…
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