Mark Friedler is the CEO of Gigex Inc., an IT and services company helping companies procure the best technology solutions for their needs, saving time and costs. A serial entrepreneur, he has founded four companies, including Gigex, the first cloud game download service, and GameDaily, which became the largest consumer games site before its acquisition by AOL/Time Warner. Mark’s career spans pioneering roles in blockchain, esports, fintech, and enterprise cloud services, with contributions like launching IBM’s TrustYourSupplier network and co-founding CryptoMondaysSF, a global fintech and blockchain meetup group. He is also an avid cyclist who once rode from New York to Seattle and introduced Sweden to chocolate chip cookie stores.

Technology expenses are skyrocketing, often ranking as the top or second-highest business cost. As companies grapple with these financial burdens, the quest for effective technology cost management becomes crucial. How can businesses make smarter decisions to reduce these costs while still harnessing the power of technology?

Mark Friedler, a seasoned entrepreneur, shares practical strategies for tackling these challenges head-on. He emphasizes conducting a thorough technology audit to identify waste, right-sizing cloud usage, and adopting a hybrid model combining public and private clouds for cost optimization. Mark also highlights how leveraging AI for customer service can help you transform business operations, citing examples like omnichannel communication tools that improve user experience while cutting costs.

Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Mark Friedler, CEO of Gigex Inc., about technology cost management and identifying untapped business opportunities. The conversation explores Mark's journey from running a chocolate chip cookie business in Sweden to becoming a technology strategy consultant. He shares insights on blockchain, early internet innovations, surviving the dot-com crash, and the life-changing impact of a family crisis.

Tim Conkle is the CEO and Founder of The 20 MSP, an established IT Managed Services and Consulting Firm providing expert solutions to businesses. With over 30 years of entrepreneurial success, he has advised hundreds of Managed Service Providers (MSPs), developed a multimillion-dollar sales model, and led 36 acquisitions through a unique consolidation strategy that transforms operational efficiency. A visionary and leading expert on mergers and acquisitions, Tim’s innovative approach eliminates traditional integration challenges, allowing businesses to thrive under a unified model. He also serves as the President of the board of directors for Cytracom and is an active member of the Forbes Technology Council and Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO).

Building and scaling a successful business is challenging, especially in industries prone to inefficiencies and misaligned goals. Many MSPs struggle with growth due to fragmented systems, lack of standardization, and limited resources for creating seamless customer experiences. Additionally, the complexities of mergers and acquisitions often deter MSPs from pursuing growth opportunities, leaving many business owners without viable exit strategies.

Tim Conkle, a leading voice in the MSP space, tackles these challenges head-on by creating a groundbreaking model for MSP collaboration and acquisition. His strategy involves uniting MSPs under a shared platform with standardized tools, processes, and service delivery models, enabling businesses to streamline operations and prepare for acquisition. Tim’s flat-rate IT support model aligns directly with client goals, while his unique consolidation framework ensures seamless transitions during mergers. Tim attributes his success to his ability to dream big and unite aligned businesses while fostering a culture of empowerment and entrepreneurial spirit.

Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Tim Conkle, Founder and CEO of The 20 MSP, about his innovative strategies for scaling MSPs. Tim shares insights on cultivating the right mindset for expansion, the advantages of pre-aligned acquisition targets, and harnessing the power of dreaming with one's eyes open. Business leaders looking to expand and leave a mark will find Tim’s journey a blueprint for leveraging vision and teamwork.

Dustin Riechmann is a serial entrepreneur, coach, and digital marketing expert. He specializes in coaching mission-driven solopreneurs to add six figures to their bottom line by telling the right stories on the right podcasts. Dustin is also a Partner at FireCreek Snacks, a fast-growing, better-for-you snack company with over $1M in annual sales, and the Founder of Engaged Marriage, which provides practical tips, tools, and training to help married couples pursue their dream marriage. 

In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, John Corcoran is joined by Dustin Riechmann, a serial entrepreneur, coach, and digital marketing expert, to talk about building solid relationships through podcasts. They also discuss Dustin's entrepreneurial journey, his five-step framework for appearing on podcasts, and how to get ROI and earn profits through a podcast.

Blake Hutchison is the CEO of Flippa, a leading marketplace for buying and selling online businesses, stores, and digital properties. With a team spread across North America, Australia, and Europe, the company supports entrepreneurs and empowers individuals and companies to take control of their businesses. Before joining Flippa, Blake was the Head of Strategic Partnerships at Xero and the Chief Revenue Officer at Luxury Escapes, one of the world's fastest-growing online travel agencies.

In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, John Corcoran is joined by Blake Hutchison, the CEO of Flippa, to talk about building and selling businesses by leveraging relationships. They also discuss the Tall Poppy Syndrome, the challenges Blake faced building a specialty food marketplace, and the history of Flippa.

Mike Abramowitz is an accomplished coach, author, speaker, and philanthropist. He helps overwhelmed entrepreneurs implement automation, delegation, and simple systems to transition from business operators to business owners. As a Strategist at Better Than Rich, Mike supports leaders by providing them with wisdom, mentorship, inspiration, education, and community. He has written nine books, has been featured in various media publications, and is the co-host of The Better Than Rich Show.

In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, John Corcoran is joined by Mike Abramowitz, a coach, author, speaker, and philanthropist, to discuss how overwhelmed entrepreneurs can simplify their businesses through automation. They also discuss common barriers to delegation, how systemization has impacted Mike's business, and the challenges Mike faces working with entrepreneurs from different industries. Stay tuned.

Domenic Romano is the Founder and Managing Partner of Romano Law. The firm represents entrepreneurs, stakeholders, and creative professionals from industries, including business and entertainment. He is a corporate lawyer and entertainment attorney who advises his clients on business structure, litigation, licensing, employment disputes, and film finance, to name a few. In addition to his New York office, he has locations in South Florida and California. Before founding Romano Law 20 years ago, Domenic worked as a corporate lawyer at multiple New York City and Toronto firms. 

Domenic is a legal commentator on mainstream media, including NBC, CBS, CNN, Yahoo Finance, and Bloomberg TV. He’s also been quoted in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Independent, Time, and Entertainment Weekly. Additionally, he’s an active member of organizations like the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, where he served as president of the New York chapter.

In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, John Corcoran is joined by Domenic Romano, Founder and Managing Partner of Romano Law, to discuss strategies for scaling a professional services firm. Domenic discusses the challenges of mixing law and entrepreneurship, how he transitioned from Big Law to his boutique practice, and why lawyers should embrace innovative technology. 

Chip Griffin is the Founder and CEO of Small Agency Growth Alliance (SAGA), where he helps PR, public affairs, and marketing agency owners grow and thrive in their industries. SAGA supports agencies by providing business news, insights, and consulting to help them improve their processes and increase profit margins. In 1997, Chip became the CEO of Townhall.com, a company that operated a policy-oriented web portal. He also co-founded CustomScoop, an early online news clipping service company, and launched his first blog in 1999.

In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, John Corcoran interviews Chip Griffin, the Founder and CEO of Small Agency Growth Alliance (SAGA), about building a PR and marketing agency. They also discuss the early days of podcasting, the types of challenges agencies face, and current growth opportunities in the agency world. 

Walker Deibel is a longtime acquisition entrepreneur with a passion for educating aspiring brokers and helping them navigate the intricacies of the business. He is an M&A Broker for online businesses with Quiet Light, where he works virtually with a group of nine other entrepreneurs to assist online companies in scoping potential acquisitions and closing transactions.

Walker is the Founder of Acquisition Lab, a membership program that delivers resources and tools valuable to any successful entrepreneur. He also authored Buy Then Build: How Acquisition Entrepreneurs Outsmart the Startup Game, which garnered praise at its release and became a crucial part of many university reading lists.

In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, John Corcoran welcomes Walker Deibel, Founder of Acquisition Lab, to discuss acquisition entrepreneurship. Walker breaks down the risks of acquiring a business, the fundamentals of getting an ROI on your purchase, and how to start a search for companies listed for sale. 

Andrew Sherman is a Partner at Brown Rudnick LLP, where he serves as a legal and strategic advisor to leaders of Fortune 500 companies and founders of rapid growth, emerging businesses in the areas of business planning, corporate finance, M&A, and intellectual property harvesting. In 1988, he took part in the filing of incorporation documents for the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO). 

Andrew is the author of over 20 books and is an Adjunct Professor of Law in the MBA program at the University of Maryland and at Georgetown Law School.

In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, John Corcoran interviews Andrew Sherman, a Partner at Brown Rudnick LLP, about the founding of the Entrepreneurs' Organization and the value of supporting entrepreneurs. Andrew also discusses the leadership structure at EO, current trends in the M&A landscape, and his books.

Dennis Gorya is the Co-founder, CEO, and Partner at Tidal Commerce, an elite Shopify Plus partner and expert in managed commerce services. Based in Toronto, Canada, the company helps businesses build and manage their digital store infrastructure, optimize customer experience, and convert traffic into sales more efficiently. Dennis is an accomplished entrepreneur and leader who thrives in sharing his knowledge, experience, and resources to help companies succeed in e-commerce.

In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, John Corcoran is joined by Dennis Gorya, the Co-founder, CEO, and Partner of Tidal Commerce, to talk about entrepreneurship and building a Shopify Plus partner agency. Dennis shares the strategies he used to build a clothing brand, the lessons he learned working on a big project early in his agency, and how he got to work with his mentor and college professors.

Meagan Crawford is the Co-founder and Managing Partner of SpaceFund, a venture capital firm focusing on space startups. As one of the leading female voices in the space industry, she is an experienced entrepreneur, executive, and Chair of the Board of the nonprofit Center for Space Commerce and Finances.

In addition to co-founding the world’s longest-running space business plan competition, Meagan has taught, coached, and advised hundreds of space startups through their earliest stages. She is a leading advocate for women in space, and hosts the Mission Eve podcast.

In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, John Corcoran is joined by Meagan Crawford, the Co-founder and Managing Partner of SpaceFund, to discuss space entrepreneurship and strategies for investing in space startups. Meagan talks about the challenges of investing in the space industry, success stories from the NewSpace Business Plan Competition, and explains how her work empowers women.

Dan Berzansky is the Founder and CEO of OneTeam360, a software service that helps companies manage hourly and shift workers. He believes in constant education and training to build a happier and more engaged team. OneTeam360 improves employee engagement, training, and reporting to achieve higher employee retention rates and reduce turnover costs. 

Dan is also the Owner and President of Premier Aquatics, a comprehensive aquatics service company specializing in aquatics programming, lifeguarding, and CPR/AED and first aid training. He also serves as the Owner of Premier Swim Academy, a swimming school brand, and is a member of the Entrepreneurs' Organization, Orange County.

In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, John Corcoran is joined by Dan Berzansky, the Founder and CEO of OneTeam360, to talk about pivoting from a swimming and lifeguard agency business to software development. They also discuss the benefits of OneTeam360, the challenges of running a swimming school, and strategies for adapting to a new industry. 

Miren Oca is the Founder and Director of Ocaquatics Swim School, a Miami-based company specializing in teaching essential swimming skills while promoting water safety. Over the past 30 years, she transformed backyard swimming lessons into a thriving, 100% employee-owned organization, providing over 6,500 swim lessons weekly during the busy season. Driven by her passion for teaching and servant leadership, Miren has led her business to become the first swim school to achieve B Corp certification and has recently transitioned it into an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). In addition to Ocaquatics Swim School, she founded Ripples of Impact, a nonprofit in the Miami area that provides resources for personal and environmental resilience.

How can a business be built for success while ensuring it remains impactful and sustainable in an ever-changing world? Imagine a business model where the employees themselves are the owners. This is the story of a swim school that made a daring shift toward an employee ownership trust, a concept most people have likely never encountered.

Miren Oca, the visionary behind Ocaquatics Swim School, embraced this innovative approach by transforming her business into one of only 50 employee ownership trusts in the United States. She attributes her success to a strong focus on servant leadership, transparency, and cultivating an ownership mindset among her team. By transitioning her business into an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), Miren ensured her company’s sustainability while aligning with its core values. She also pursued B Corp certification, embedding environmental and social responsibility into her operations, which fostered team loyalty, boosted retention, and created measurable community impact.

Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Miren Oca, Founder and Director of Ocaquatics Swim School, about her decision to sell her well-established swim school to its employees. They discuss her decision to transition the business into an Employee Ownership Trust, the importance of aligning leadership with company values, how Ocaquatics achieved B Corp certification, and the challenges of expanding during the 2008 financial crisis.

Lee Prosenjak is the Managing Director of Valentines Resort & Marina, an all-suite hotel, marina, and restaurant located on Harbour Island, The Bahamas. He also serves as a Senior Partner at Hesse Partners, overseeing operations and offering clients actionable advice based on his work with thousands of entrepreneurs and leaders in more than 30 countries. 

Lee and his wife Stephanie owned and operated Cherry Creek Dance, an instructional dance studio for children and adults, in Denver, Colorado, for 23 years. They later moved to The Bahamas and started a luxury resort where they continue to create art to inspire others. 

In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, John Corcoran is joined by Lee Prosenjak, the Managing Director of Valentines Resort & Marina, to discuss entrepreneurship and working in rock concerts. They also talk about Lee’s experience running a business with his wife for 23 years, working with Simon Sinek, and how he started a luxury resort in Harbour Island, Bahamas.

Ben Ridler (BenZen) is the Executive Chairman of MeetingZen, a meeting automation tool. As an experienced CEO, business leader, strategic planner, growth hacker, and product developer, Ben founded and led the Results Group, a business coaching and consulting company, for more than 10 years as it expanded throughout NZ and into Canada and the US. The company later evolved into Results.com, a software company. 

Ben has been a member of the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) for about 20 years, and he was a President of EO New Zealand. His company was twice ranked in New Zealand’s 50 Fastest-growing Companies, while Results.com was named one of the 2014 World's 50 Hottest Startups by TiE Silicon Valley.

In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, John Corcoran interviews Ben Ridler, the Executive Chairman of MeetingZen, about his experience building a franchise business and software company. They also talk about the challenges entrepreneurs face in launching a product ahead of its time and how to build a remote team.

Juan Carlos Bosacoma is the President of CIO Landing, an IT-managed solutions company with offices in Northfield, Chicago, and Miami. Founded in 2002, CIO Landing (previously known as IT Consulting Associates) provides outsourced Chief Information Officer (CIO) and IT services to small and medium-sized businesses. 

Born and raised in Bolivia, Juan Carlos was exposed to entrepreneurship at an early age and founded a company after receiving his MBA in finance and general management from the University of Chicago. He is the author of Sitting Duck: Why Your Business is a Cybercriminal’s Ideal Target and a member of the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) Chicago chapter.

In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, John Corcoran interviews Juan Carlos Bosacoma, the President of CIO Landing, about the lessons learned in his entrepreneurial journey. They discuss the secrets to a successful partnership, how the 9/11 tragedy impacted Juan Carlos' business, and the benefits and challenges of having a diversified workforce.

Blair Enns is the Founder and CEO of Win Without Pitching, a sales training and coaching organization for creative professionals. He has advised hundreds of design firms, advertising agencies, and other creative authorities on how to deprogram themselves from the standard approach to win new business. 

Blair is the author of The Win Without Pitching Manifesto and Pricing Creativity: A Guide to Profit Beyond the Billable Hour. He is also the co-host of the 2Bobs podcast and 20% - The Marketing Procurement Podcast.

In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, John Corcoran interviews Blair Enns, the Founder and CEO of Win Without Pitching, about his manifesto for helping companies pitch and win better business deals. They also discuss Blair's specialization principle, tips for having conversations about money, and the secret behind the success of Blair's 2Bobs podcast.

Eric Farewell is a lifelong entrepreneur who started working at the age of seven and had his first business selling airplanes on the Internet at the age of 13. Eric has a background in aviation, travel, and adventure. In 2011, he launched Aviator Paramotor, which offers life-changing powered paragliding experiences. As the Founder and CEO of Aviator Paramotor, Eric spends his time teaching paramotoring, catering to students’ unique needs, and traveling around the world to exhibitions and events.

In addition to his paramotoring business, Eric acquired the National STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) competition, which showcases the excitement of aviation worldwide. He’s also the author of the book Farewell to Normal: A Transformational Guide to Adventure, Excitement, and Personal Happiness.

In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, John Corcoran interviews Eric Farewell, Founder and CEO of Aviator Paramotor, about his lifelong entrepreneurial journey. Eric discusses starting his first business at age 13, his experience in paramotoring, and his involvement with the National Short Takeoff and Landing (National STOL).

Paul Bresenden is the Founder and President of 454 Creative, a marketing agency based out of Orange County, California. The company specializes in designing marketing strategies for mid-market firms with a focus on credit unions and higher education. Paul is also the Managing Partner of KidCEOs, an entrepreneurial startup for kids, and a board member of the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO). He is the seventh of nine children, born to Russian immigrants.

In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, John Corcoran sits down with Paul Bresenden, the Founder and President of 454 Creative, to talk about Paul's entrepreneurial journey and the business lessons he learned from EO. They also discuss the KidCEOs initiative and the strategies Paul used to increase his EO chapter's member retention rate.

Ryan Niddel is a CEO, board member, and entrepreneur who specializes in improving company revenue by increasing EBITDA through operational efficiency, lean manufacturing principles, and more. He has contributed to the acquisition or exit of over 11 companies, helping their collective revenue surpass $200 million. Additionally, he’s tripled the revenue of more than five companies in just a couple of years. 

Ryan is currently a principal in a private equity group, the CEO of two eight-figure companies, and sits on the board of directors for several other companies. He began his entrepreneurial journey at the age of 10 with a local lawn mowing operation, which was the catalyst for his entrepreneurial success. Since then, Ryan has built a reputation as Ohio’s top business growth specialist, developing skills to boost a company’s profitability, achieve a higher valuation, and sell for significantly more revenue. 

In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, John Corcoran talks with CEO, board member, and entrepreneur Ryan Niddel. Ryan shares his journey from being a lawn-mowing kid to becoming a successful entrepreneur and CEO. He discusses stories that shaped his career, how he rebounded after a failed business, and why he now embraces his past failures. Ryan also talks about his approach to growing a business and why small steps are the answer to success.

Julie Broad is the Founder and President of Book Launchers, a company that helps entrepreneurs write, publish, and launch books. She is an author, speaker, and former real estate investor and trainer. Julie was inspired to start Book Launchers from her personal experience of struggling to publish a book. After self-publishing it in 2013, she began helping others get their books — and messages — out into the world. She has helped entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and industry experts build audiences and accelerate their career growth.

In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, John Corcoran sits down to interview Julie Broad, the Founder and President of Book Launchers. Julie explains why she self-published her book, how she helps clients create audiobooks and online courses, and her tips for successfully launching and marketing books.

Bruce Eckfeldt, the Founder and CEO of Eckfeldt & Associates, is a consultant, coach, author, and speaker. He started his career as an architect and later transitioned to digital product development. He is also an expert in business and operational growth strategy, talent planning, performance coaching, and using Agile/Lean to achieve operational excellence. In 2003, Bruce founded Cyrus Innovation, one of the first Agile/Lean consulting firms, and worked with companies such as Boeing, Kaplan Test Prep, Simon & Schuster, Eze Software, and The New York Times. The company was an Inc. 5000 honoree for five years in a row. 

After more than a decade of developing products and coaching companies to adopt Agile/Lean practices, Bruce sold Cyrus Innovation in 2014 to focus on broader organizational development initiatives. He has served as interim CEO, COO, and other executive roles across different high-tech and professional service companies, leading them through periods of high growth and leadership transition. He has also been a member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) since 2007.

Bruce Eckfeldt, the Founder and CEO of Eckfeldt & Associates, joins John Corcoran in this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast to talk about business coaching and strategies for scaling a company to the Inc. 5000 list. They also discuss how to overcome imposter syndrome, the value of structured business frameworks, and challenges in the cannabis and psychedelics industries.

Jason Feifer is the Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine. He is also a podcast host, author, keynote speaker, and startup advisor. He started his career as a community newspaper reporter before transitioning to freelance writing, later working for larger magazines including Men’s Health, Fast Company, and Maxim. 

Jason is the host of the Build for Tomorrow podcast and author of Build for Tomorrow: An Action Plan for Embracing Change, Adapting Fast, and Future-Proofing Your Career. His goal is to help people seize new opportunities and become more resilient and adaptable in a world of constant change.

Jason Feifer, the Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine, joins John Corcoran in this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast to talk about creating content that engages audiences and builds strong relationships. Jason also shares tips for adapting to change, how to build a successful media business, and the value of providing customized user experiences. 

John Corcoran is a recovering attorney, an author, and a former White House writer and speechwriter to the Governor of California. Throughout his career, John has worked in Hollywood, the heart of Silicon Valley, and ran his boutique law firm in the San Francisco Bay Area, catering to small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Since 2012, John has been the host of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, where he has interviewed hundreds of CEOs, founders, authors, and entrepreneurs, including Peter Diamandis, Adam Grant, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Marie Forleo.

John is also the Co-founder of Rise25, a company that connects B2B businesses with their ideal clients, referral partners, and strategic partners. They help their clients generate ROI through their done-for-you podcast service.

Many B2B businesses struggle with inconsistent revenue, limited client acquisition, and the inability to keep up in a content-driven economy. Static websites, outdated marketing approaches, and a lack of predictable income models leave companies feeling stuck in a cycle of uncertainty. How can organizations break free from this cycle and achieve sustainable growth in today's dynamic market?

John Corcoran shares practical strategies to address these challenges, emphasizing the importance of content marketing and subscription-based revenue models. Drawing from insights in The Automatic Customer by John Warrillow, John explains how businesses can build predictable income streams by offering specialized, ongoing services. He also highlights how tools like Perplexity AI can streamline tasks such as customizing communication, automating contracts, and tailoring resumes, helping businesses save time and improve efficiency. John stresses that creating and repurposing content, especially through podcasts, can nurture relationships, establish authority, and drive growth.

Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as Chad Franzen interviews John Corcoran, Co-founder of Rise25, about leveraging AI tools and strategic content marketing. John explains why podcasts are a cornerstone of effective marketing, shares examples of AI-powered solutions, and highlights the common pitfalls B2B companies face when neglecting content creation. Through these insights, you will learn innovative strategies to transform your business business practices.

Cap Treeger is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and author. He has invested directly in several dozen early-stage ventures and indirectly in hundreds more through local angel and venture funds. He is also a Wall Street Journal and national best-selling author of Finding the Way: The Entrepreneur’s Tale. He enjoys sharing experiences of his own successes and failures to pay forward what he has learned from his mentors and hopefully assist others in finding their way.

In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, John Corcoran interviews Cap Treeger, a serial entrepreneur, investor, and author, about best practices for finding and working with mentors. They also talk about following your passion when starting a business, how to overcome discouragement, and Cap's investment strategy.

Rebecca (Reb) Risty is the Founder and CEO of REBL Marketing, a B2B content marketing agency. The company helps clients turn viewers into customers by writing and producing amazing video content that makes brands stand out from the competition. Based out of San Diego, Reb helps her clients update their branding, create clear and concise messaging, and transform their digital presence through video marketing.

In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, John Corcoran interviews Reb Risty, the Founder and CEO of REBL Marketing, about best practices for creating and optimizing video content. They also talk about Reb's entrepreneurial journey, the importance of video marketing, and tips for repurposing content.

Michael Portz is a leadership coach and the Co-founder of CoA Academy, which helps leaders succeed with ease through remote leadership programs. Michael has more than 25 years of experience as a manager, serial entrepreneur, and coach. He has lived on almost every continent, established various brands, and led teams of up to 2,500 people. He also helped scale a company to 400 people with a turnover of $500 million in sales within four years. 

Michael is the author of Chief of Anything and Six Situations of Feedback. He is an angel investor, a member of the Entrepreneurs Organization (EO), and an EO Accelerator trainer. He also served as President of the EO Qatar Chapter for two years.

In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, John Corcoran interviews Michael Portz, a leadership coach and the Co-founder of CoA Academy, about leadership development and the value of people skills. They also talk about Michael's experience working at Vodafone, his entrepreneurial ventures, and why he started a leadership academy. 

Jabez LeBret is the Co-founder of Lotus Launch, an online content library that helps entrepreneurs scale their businesses to seven figures and beyond. Jabez grew up in a small remote village in Alaska, and he went from being a homeless teenager to studying finance in college, eventually landing a role at Nordstrom. He also started GNGF, a marketing agency for lawyers, which he later sold and started a boarding school. 

Jabez is the author of I Don't Match Socks: Seven Principles That Open Doors, Lead to Promotions and Build a Better Culture. He is a member of the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) and a speaker, having delivered over 1,200 presentations across the globe. 

Jabez LeBret, the Co-founder of Lotus Launch, joins John Corcoran in this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast to talk about his tough childhood and his journey to entrepreneurship. They also discuss Jabez's book, how he started a tuition-free boarding school, and the lessons learned over the years about building relationships.

Jon Morris is the Founder and CEO of Ramsay Innovations, a tech-enabled finance and strategic planning company that helps marketing agencies drive success. Jon was also the Founder and CEO of Rise Interactive, an award-winning full-service digital marketing agency. With $10,000, he turned it into one of the largest independent digital agencies. Much of Rise Interactive’s success was due to its financial infrastructure which provided insights that led to sound strategic planning.

Jon Morris, the Founder and CEO of Ramsay Innovations, joins John Corcoran in this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast to talk about entrepreneurship and his work in early digital marketing. Jon also talks about starting Rise Interactive, the company's evolution over the years, and how he has structured his new company.

Travis (Scott) Luther is the Founder of TrialLine, a SaaS-based interactive timeline software for attorneys in the legal industry. He is a business and leadership advisor with over 25 years of experience in entrepreneurship. He is also an award-winning speaker and best-selling author, and his work has been featured in PBS, Forbes, and the Wall Street Journal. 

Travis has been a member of the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) for 10 years and is the President-Elect of the Colorado Chapter. He is a past US National Chair for the Global Student Entrepreneurship Awards (GSEA), a program of EO. Travis is also the President of Law Father, an award-winning digital media agency for lawyers and law firms, and the Founder of Queen Anne Pillow, a luxurious pillow company. 

In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, John Corcoran interviews Travis Luther, the Founder of TrialLine, about the lessons he learned from his tough childhood and going into entrepreneurship at 16 years old. They also discuss Travis' strategies for building a business to $1 million in revenue and launching secondary businesses. Stay tuned.

Melanie Booher is an author, publisher, and the President of Influence Network Media (INM), a hybrid book publisher. INM provides publishing and promotional coaching and services to authors and influencers. Melanie is a certified culture coach and a people connector. She is also the author of several books including Conscious Culture and Powerhouse. She lives outside of Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband, three children, and a dog. 

Melanie Booher, the President of Influence Network Media, joins John Corcoran in this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast to talk about leveraging books to network and build authentic relationships. They also discuss the challenges Melanie faced writing her books, her book marketing strategies, and how she helps businesses improve their company culture.

Cameron Herold is a business coach and keynote speaker best known for his work as the business growth guru and Founder of the COO Alliance. He has over 20 years of experience as a COO for several companies including 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, which he took from $2 million to over $100 million in revenue in just six years. Cameron is the author of six books including Double Double, Meetings Suck, and his latest, The Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO.  He also hosts the Second-in-Command Podcast.

In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, John Corcoran interviews Cameron Herold, a business coach and the Founder of the COO Alliance, about best practices for hiring and integrating the second in command. They also discuss tips for nurturing a great CEO-COO relationship, when to hire and let go of a temporary COO, and Cameron's influential books.

Simon Chappuzeau is the Founder and CEO of StoryLux, a company that implements LinkedIn marketing strategies primarily for business coaches and smaller companies. He is also the host of the How I Went Viral podcast where he breaks down viral posts on LinkedIn. Simon has been a member of Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) for 10 years. 

In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, John Corcoran interviews Simon Chappuzeau, the Founder and CEO of  StoryLux, about tips and strategies for optimizing a LinkedIn post. They also discuss the lessons Simon learned from working in the corporate events industry, his experience studying script development at UCLA, and how he helps clients create better LinkedIn content.

Stephen Shortt is the Managing Director of ETC Consult, a leading provider of scientifically-validated career guidance, psychometric assessments, psychometric selection, and training services to the Irish market. He is an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and facilitator. He is also the CEO of Career Fit and Successful Succession, developed to help the next generation of leaders run family businesses.

As a succession planning consultant, Stephen works with family business owners and empowers them through training and education to achieve a better future both professionally and personally. He has a new podcast called the Killer Family Business Podcast, where he interviews family business owners. Previously, Stephen was the President of the Entrepreneurs' Organization, Ireland Chapter and the Global Chair of the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards, which supports young, emerging entrepreneurs in over 50 countries around the world.

Stephen Shortt, a succession planning consultant and the Managing Director of ETC Consult, joins John Corcoran in this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast to talk about tips and strategies for running a successful family business. They discuss the importance of succession planning, how to get kids involved in a family business, and the resources that help Stephen manage his businesses.

Shannon Robnett is the Founder and CEO of Shannon Robnett Industries, a real estate development and syndication firm focused on residential and industrial real estate projects. With over 30 years in the Boise real estate market, he is a second-generation builder and fourth-generation realtor, managing $120 million in assets and overseeing $425 million in diverse projects. Shannon has an impressive track record, with over $140M in successful developments, more than $60M in capital raised, and $28M in profits delivered to investors. 

Beyond his professional expertise, he is passionate about fostering an entrepreneurial spirit and smart financial habits in younger generations, leveraging his personal experiences and family history to guide his teachings on wealth and legacy building.

Raising financially responsible children and building lasting wealth are goals for many families, but they come with challenges. Teaching financial discipline, work ethic, and entrepreneurial thinking to the next generation requires more than traditional advice — it calls for hands-on experiences and impactful lessons that resonate. How can you ensure that your family's hard-earned wealth is preserved and expanded upon by your descendants?

Shannon Robnett, a seasoned real estate developer and syndicator, shares how he instilled financial responsibility in his children through unique, practical strategies. From having his kids pay $80 a month for a shared car to investing in student loan debt instead of paying it off outright, Shannon explains how these real-life lessons prepared them for financial independence and smart decision-making. He also discusses how his experience in construction and real estate shaped his approach to family finance, instilling in his children the importance of good debt and calculated risk-taking.

Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Shannon Robnett, Founder and CEO of Shannon Robnett Industries, about innovative ways to teach financial responsibility and build family wealth. Shannon provides insights into managing wealth through 1031 exchange, team management, and scaling a construction business. By the end of the episode, listeners will gain strategies to build financial literacy and responsibility in their families for lasting prosperity.

John Cronin and Mark X. Cronin are the father-son team that created John's Crazy Socks, a social enterprise with a mission to spread happiness. The co-founders bootstrapped their startup into a multimillion-dollar business and became the world's largest sock store — and an international sensation. 

John and Mark received the EY Entrepreneur of the Year award, and they have spoken before Congress, the UN, and appeared in various media outlets. John has Down Syndrome, and his mission is to show what people with differing abilities can do. John's Crazy Socks employs people with differing abilities and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for various charity partners including the Special Olympics. 

John and Mark X. Cronin, the Founders of John's Crazy Socks, are John Corcoran's guests in this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast. They talk about their journey of building a social enterprise, their hiring process, and how infusing a personal touch has impacted their business.

Craig Swanson is a longtime entrepreneur, Consultant at Emerald, and Partner at KaisaFit, an online fitness platform. He is the Chair of the Seattle EO Accelerator program and EO Seattle and loves helping creators, educators, and entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses around their dreams.

Craig is a former Partner at The Wedding School, an online education program for wedding photographers. He was the Founder of CreativeTechs (previously known as Swanson Tech Support), which was a leading IT support firm for Seattle area creative teams. He also co-founded CreativeLive, one of the earliest live-streaming educational platforms, with Chase Jarvis in 2008 before exiting in 2015.

In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, John Corcoran interviews Craig Swanson, a longtime entrepreneur and a Partner at KaisaFit, about his entrepreneurial journey from childhood to building an IT support company. They also discuss the challenges Craig faced scaling his businesses, how he sold his IT company to past employees, and his thoughts on running a business during a pandemic. 

Darren Guccione is the Co-founder and CEO of Keeper Security Inc., a password management application that works with various companies including AT&T and HTC. It protects more than 10 million consumers and over 3,000 organizations worldwide. Darren is a cybersecurity expert and entrepreneur who has been quoted in media outlets including CBS Evening News, Fox & Friends, USA Today, ABC, and Mashable. He has also been named to the “Chicago Top Tech 50” by Crain's Chicago Business. Before taking the entrepreneurial route, Darren was an aspiring rock star musician.

In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, John Corcoran interviews Darren Guccione, the Co-founder and CEO of Keeper Security Inc., about his journey from being a rockstar musician to entrepreneur. They also discuss the effects of the pandemic on cybersecurity, tips for promoting data breaches, and how to be a great leader.

Jessica Fialkovich is the Founder of Exit Factor, a firm that teaches entrepreneurs how to build and sell their small and mid-size businesses through online programs and one-to-one consulting services. She is also an author, a certified speaker, and a small business advocate. Jessica is the Co-owner of Transworld Business Advisors which focuses on business brokerage, franchise consulting, and franchise development. An entrepreneur at heart, she is a four-time Inc. 5000 honoree and award-winning entrepreneur recognized by Inc. Magazine, The Financial Times, Denver Business Journal, and ColoradoBiz Magazine.

Jessica is also a member of Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO), the co-host of The Deal Board Podcast, and the co-author of Getting the Most for Selling Your Business: How to Get Top Dollar for the Company You've Nurtured for Years.

In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, John Corcoran interviews Jessica Fialkovich, the Founder of Exit Factor, about preparing a business for sale. They also talk about Jessica's experience building a high-end wine business, her tips for developing a successful business brokerage firm, and how she helps other entrepreneurs sell and exit their businesses.

Charles (Chuck) Bender is the Chief Executive Officer of Attentus Technologies, a leading managed IT services firm serving the Pacific Northwest. He is an experienced executive with a demonstrated history of working in the managed services and internet industries. Chuck is also the President of Skynet Broadband, a company that provides high-speed data, digital phone, and IT services to the Puget Sound region. He has been a member of Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) for 22 years and serves as Regional Chair of EO's West Region.

In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, John Corcoran continues his interview with Chuck Bender, the CEO of Attentus Technologies, about entrepreneurship and building an internet business. They also discuss how to end generational poverty, the benefits of building recurring revenue, and Chuck’s tips for teaching kids to be responsible adults.

Charles (Chuck) Bender is the Chief Executive Officer of Attentus Technologies, a leading managed IT services firm serving the Pacific Northwest. He is an experienced executive with a demonstrated history of working in the managed services and internet industries. Chuck is also the President of Skynet Broadband, a company that provides high-speed data, digital phone, and IT services to the Puget Sound region. He has been a member of Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) for 22 years and serves as Regional Chair of EO's West Region.

In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, John Corcoran is joined by Chuck Bender, the CEO of Attentus Technologies, to talk about Chuck’s entrepreneurial background and serving leaders through the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO). They also talk about the challenges Chuck faced growing up, the business lessons he learned from the Navy, and his experience working in the financial services sector.

Todd Taskey has been an entrepreneur, business owner, investment banker, and business finance advisor for over 20 years. He is currently the M&A Advisor at Potomac Business Capital, where he helps CEOs and entrepreneurs maximize their company’s value and develop a successful exit strategy. His specialties include M&A, strategic acquisition, divestitures, and more.

In addition to his role at Potomac Business Capital, Todd is an angel investor at multiple companies including Zoomph, StreetShares, and LiveSafe. He is also the host of the Second Bite podcast, where he talks with top CEOs and entrepreneurs about creating valuable companies through creative transactions.

In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, John Corcoran interviews Todd Taskey, M&A Advisor at Potomac Business Capital, to share valuable insights for entrepreneurs and business owners interested in buying or selling a business. Todd discusses how his background as a financial advisor influenced his perspective as an M&A advisor, the complex (but rewarding) process of helping businesses sell their assets, and the people that inspired him along the way.

Craig Fuller is the Founder and CEO of FreightWaves, a leading provider of global supply chain market intelligence news. The company provides supply chain organizations with fundamental data and context that help benchmark, analyze, monitor, and forecast activity, pricing, and risks in the global freight market. Prior to FreightWaves, Craig was the Founder of TransCard, a major provider of fleet fuel and debit cards. He is also a pilot, the CEO Flying Magazine, and was named CEO of the Year in 2013 by Finance Monthly Magazine.

Craig Fuller, the Founder and CEO of FreightWaves, joins John Corcoran in this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast to share his experience working in the freight trucking business. Craig also discusses the experience of getting fired by his father, the fundraising lessons he has learned over the years, his passion for flying, and how the pandemic impacted his business.

Dr. Jeremy Weisz is the Co-founder of Rise25, a company that helps B2B business owners connect with their ideal prospects, referral partners, and strategic partners through a done-for-you podcast service. Dr. Weisz has been involved in podcasting for over 11 years and was a senior producer for one of the early business podcasts; he assisted in putting all of their systems in place and helped them add volume, feature, and edify various business leaders.

Dr. Weisz has also been running his own podcast, Inspired Insider, since 2011. He has featured top entrepreneurs, founders, and CEOs of companies such as P90X, Atari, Einstein Bagels, Mattel, the Orlando Magic, and many more through video interviews. He also founded a nutritional supplement business and continues to run his own chiropractic and massage facility, Chiropractical Solutions & Massage.

In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, John Corcoran sits down with Dr. Jeremy Weisz, his Co-founder at Rise25, to share their goals for the year 2023. They talk about their acquisition plans, company values, and criteria for investing in companies.

Bobbie Bailey is the Owner and CEO of M Agency, a full-service creative marketing agency based out of the Pacific Northwest. The agency helps impactful brands with meaningful marketing through brand identity and advertising design, specializing in interactive, digital, and print media. They work with a wide variety of companies from dental offices to airlines, helping them become staples in their space.

In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, John Corcoran interviews Bobbie Bailey, the Owner and CEO of M Agency, about how she transitioned from the tech industry to build a marketing agency. They also discuss servant leadership styles, the process of creating a brand story, and the evolution of digital media.

Laura Yang Renner is the Founder of Freedom Makers, a company dedicated to providing small business owners and entrepreneurs with reliable, skilled virtual assistants. She launched Freedom Makers in 2015, recognizing the potential in military spouses seeking meaningful work and small businesses needing adaptable assistants as they scale their operations. Laura is passionate about empowering small-size entrepreneurs to thrive by delegating tasks, streamlining workflows, and enhancing customer outreach, allowing owners to focus on growth. With a background in the United States Air Force and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School, she brings a unique perspective to entrepreneurship. Before founding Freedom Makers, Laura launched BuBuBooks, an online bookstore offering bilingual storybooks for multicultural, multilingual children in America.

Finding the right talent to help grow a small business can be challenging, especially when owners aren’t ready to commit to hiring full-time or even part-time employees. For solopreneurs, the struggle often involves balancing business growth while handling day-to-day tasks without the necessary support. This creates a gap in the market for skilled, reliable assistance that’s flexible, trustworthy, and culturally aligned with the needs of US-based small businesses.

Laura Yang Renner created a solution by tapping into the underutilized resources of military spouses. Drawing on her military background, Laura built Freedom Makers to connect talented military spouses with small businesses in need of flexible support. She emphasizes the unique skills military spouses bring — such as adaptability, organization, and trustworthiness — qualities developed through frequent relocations and challenging environments. Her approach is to make virtual assistance accessible, with no minimum hour requirements or contracts, allowing business owners to delegate tasks like administrative support, marketing, and customer service, freeing them to focus on strategic growth.

Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Laura Yang Renner, Founder of Freedom Makers, about her journey from military service to entrepreneurship. Laura shares how her experience growing up as an Army brat shaped her adaptability and resilience, the advantages of hiring military spouses as virtual assistants, the benefits of flexible work arrangements for solopreneurs, and the impact of the pandemic on the virtual assistant industry.

Jeanna Barrett is the Founder and Chief Remote Officer of First Page Strategy, an award-winning remote growth marketing agency. She has 18 years of inbound marketing experience at venture-backed startups, digital agencies, and Fortune 500 companies, with a focus on small businesses and technology. Jeanna has been named among the 'Top 40 Under 40' of brand marketers and 'Best in the West' for financial technology marketing. In 2016, she left the US to lay roots and build her business in Belize, Latin America, growing her business remotely for five years before moving to Roatan, Honduras in 2021.

In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, John Corcoran interviews Jeanna Barrett, the Founder and Chief Remote Officer of First Page Strategy, about best practices for inbound marketing and building a company in a new country. Jeanna also shares tips for maintaining work-life harmony, building a remote team, and nourishing company culture.

Mike Evans founded GrubHub in his spare bedroom and grew it into a multibillion-dollar online food delivery business. He led the company through five financing rounds, a couple of acquisitions, a merger, and ultimately, an IPO. Mike exited GrubHub after its IPO and founded Fixer, a Chicago-based on-demand handyman service. He is also the author of Hangry: A Startup Journey.  

In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, co-hosts John Corcoran and Roger Hurni interview Mike Evans, the Founder of Fixer and GrubHub, about how he started his companies. They also discuss shifts in consumer behavior, how to manage a company's changing culture, and tips for handling competition.

Matt Sunshine is the CEO and Managing Partner at The Center for Sales Strategy, a sales performance consulting company that helps sales organizations attract, retain, and develop the highest performing salespeople. His areas of expertise include growing sales organizations, finding and developing sales superstars, sales processes, lead generation, inbound marketing, and digital marketing.

Matt developed and launched LeadG2, an inbound marketing company that helps businesses establish thought leadership and lower lead costs. He also oversaw the launch of Up Your Culture, the third division in the CSS family, which partners with businesses to improve company culture and employee engagement. He is the author of Getting Prospects To Raise Their Hands and was listed by Forbes Magazine as one of the “20 Speakers You Shouldn't Miss The Opportunity To See.”

In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, John Corcoran interviews Matt Sunshine, the CEO and Managing Partner at The Center for Sales Strategy, about tips for driving high sales performance. Matt also discusses strategies for maintaining long-term clients, improving employee engagement, and how he became the owner of The Center for Sales Strategy.