What does it take to scale a creative business without losing the soul that made it special in the first place? In this episode of Fingerprints on Success, host Bill Barrett sits down with Andrea Cole, founder of a thriving custom art business, to explore the journey from solo creator to successful entrepreneur. Andrea shares how she built a business rooted in emotional connection and craftsmanship—and how learning to let go was the key to exponential growth.

From building a trustworthy team to navigating the challenges of delegation and brand consistency, Andrea opens up about the mindset shifts that allowed her to scale her impact while preserving the magic that makes her work meaningful. She also emphasizes the value of mentorship, personal accountability, and customer experience as pillars of long-term success.

Whether you're an artist, business owner, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode offers a powerful look at what it means to grow without compromising your core values.

If you've enjoyed this episode of the Fingerprints on Success podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

Key takeaways:

• Why hiring team members who can deliver 80% of your quality is a game-changer
• How Andrea transitioned from doing it all to leading a trusted team
• The importance of building a brand that reflects reliability and emotional connection
• Why mentorship is essential—whether paid or personal
• How to provide a consistent client experience, even during internal challenges
• What scaling up really looks like in a creative business
• How competition can push you out of your comfort zone and fuel growth
• And much more…

Guest Bio:

Andrea Cole is the founder and lead visionary behind dbandrea, a flower preservation company that transforms sentimental bouquets into lasting works of art. Her journey began in 2016 with a Valentine’s Day bouquet from her now-husband, sparking a passion that blossomed into a thriving business. Today, Andrea leads the DBA team in delivering world-class preservation services and an exceptional client experience. She also serves as the Director of Marketing and Communications for the WIPA Dallas-Fort Worth chapter, actively supporting and connecting professionals in the wedding industry.

Resources:

dbandrea.com

Connect with Andrea on LinkedIn

Disclaimer:

The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the Fingerprints on Success podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that any reliance on the content is at your own risk.

What if the secret to scaling your business wasn’t working harder—but thinking smarter? In this episode of Fingerprints on Success, Bill Barrett sits down with Rachel Durkan, founder and CEO of Paradigm Marketing and Design, to explore the intentional strategies that led to her agency’s long-term success. Rachel shares how she turned a one-woman marketing operation into a thriving team of specialists, and why quitting—when done with clarity and purpose—can be one of the smartest business moves.

She also opens up about the emotional side of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the power of systems, mentorship, and surrounding yourself with people smarter than you. Whether you’re a founder, team leader, or aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation will challenge how you think about growth, success, and what it really takes to build something that lasts.

If you've enjoyed this episode of the Fingerprints on Success podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Why every marketing strategy should start with deep audience research
• How storytelling and emotional triggers help convert prospects
• The most common branding mistakes professional firms make
• Why strong messaging can help you attract talent, not just clients
• How to balance authenticity with data-driven content
• Tips on refining your messaging without overhauling your identity
• How Rachel’s agency uses behavioral profiles to design effective campaigns
• Why marketing is no longer optional for law firms and other B2B providers
• And much more…

Guest Bio:

Rachel Durkan is the President of Paradigm Marketing and Design, an award-winning full-service agency that specializes in helping professional firms clarify their messaging and build data-informed strategies that scale. With a background in psychology and over a decade of experience in B2B marketing, Rachel is known for fusing emotional intelligence with analytics. Her team works closely with clients to create tailored branding and marketing systems that not only resonate with their target audience but also deliver measurable results.

Resources:

ParadigmMarketingandDesign.com

Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn

Disclaimer:

The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the Fingerprints on Success podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that any reliance on the content is at your own risk.

What do you do when you’ve built a successful career, but something inside tells you there’s more? For Daniel Eisenstadt, that question led to a bold departure from a traditional legal path and into the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship and real estate.

In this episode of Fingerprints on Success, Bill Barrett sits down with Daniel to unpack how a single leap of faith reshaped his entire trajectory—from starting a nonprofit in Eastern Europe to scaling and exiting a veterinary group and ultimately building a real estate company with over $500 million in assets.

Daniel shares the pivotal moments that shaped his philosophy on leadership, focus, and capital, along with the underestimated power of trust and conviction in scaling a business. He also reveals how mentorship, humility, and an unwavering commitment to people-first leadership continue to guide his journey.

If you've enjoyed this episode of the Fingerprints on Success podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Why focus is one of the most undervalued keys to scaling
• What every entrepreneur should know about raising the “right” amount of capital
• The hidden challenges of high-labor businesses (and how to manage them)
• How to respond to early-stage critics and use their doubts as fuel
• Why building trust inside your team is non-negotiable for sustainable success
• What makes conviction such a powerful sales tool
• Why authenticity and integrity aren’t just values — they’re business advantages
• How to recognize opportunity in uncertain times
• The surprising relationship between mentorship and long-term growth
• And much more…

Resources:

Connect with Daniel on LinkedIn

TerraVetRealEstate.com

How do you turn around a struggling business and transform it into an industry leader? In this episode of Fingerprints on Success, host Bill Barrett sits down with Michael Jacobson, CEO of French Florist, to discuss his journey from taking over a traditional mom-and-pop flower shop to scaling it into a thriving e-commerce and franchise brand.

Michael shares how he took a business that was struggling to stay afloat and turned it into the largest floral company in Los Angeles. From cutting inefficiencies and optimizing operations to leveraging digital marketing and innovative franchise models, he dives deep into the critical decisions that fueled French Florist’s explosive growth.

If you're interested in entrepreneurship through acquisition, scaling a business while maintaining quality, and modernizing a traditional industry, this episode is packed with insights on leadership, strategy, and innovation.

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Why buying a business means inheriting both its assets and liabilities
• How strong internal systems lead to exceptional customer experiences
• When and why digital strategies like SEO can be game changers
• The impact of hiring the right people and building a strong team culture
• Why franchising became the best path for scaling French Florist
• How prioritizing customer experience differentiates a brand in a crowded market
• The deeper meaning behind flowers—how they convey love and human connection
• Why challenging the status quo is key to long-term success
• And much more…

Resources:

Michael@frenchflorist.com

FrenchFlorist.com

French Florist on LinkedIn

In today's episode of the Fingerprints on Success podcast, Bill is joined by Dr. Ryan Williamson, founder of Transcend Health.

During the conversation, Ryan reflects on the journey that led him to pursue a path of helping others. With a strong foundation in both science and personal experiences, he shares how a passion for making a difference has driven his career decisions.

The discussion dives into the importance of mental health awareness, particularly in high-pressure environments like the military and entrepreneurship. Ryan reveals how addressing personal struggles and understanding past traumas has profoundly affected his ability to serve others and be present in their relationships.

The episode offers a glimpse into the transformative principles that have guided Ryan's remarkable journey.

Don't miss another episode of the Fingerprints on Success podcast. Leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Ryan's journey into healthcare, starting as a neurologist and being influenced by personal family losses.
• The importance of providing evidence-based information to help people make informed decisions about their health.
• The concept of the physiological sigh as a stress-relieving technique.
• The role of therapy and mental health practices in maintaining well-being and performance.
• And much more...

Resources:

Transcend Health

Ryan's LinkedIn

How do you build a thriving business from the ground up while staying true to your values? In this episode of Fingerprints on Success, Bill Barrett sits down with Jerry Smith, co-founder of Dial Environmental Inc., to explore his four-decade journey of entrepreneurship, leadership, and resilience.

Jerry and his high school best friend started their pest control business in 1985 with just one truck and a vision. Over the years, they built it into a household name in Northern New Jersey, prioritizing customer service, innovation, and a commitment to green solutions. Jerry shares how he navigated industry changes, economic downturns, and the evolving challenges of leadership, all while maintaining a strong company culture and a lasting partnership.

If you're an entrepreneur looking for insights on long-term success, business growth, and leadership principles that truly make a difference, this episode is for you! Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• The importance of character-building in leadership and business success
• How a strong company culture and transparency fuel long-term growth
• The role of mentorship and learning from industry leaders
• Why embracing green solutions gave Dial Environmental a competitive edge
• Lessons from 40 years of partnership and business resilience
• How to scale a business by empowering employees and leading with service
• And much more…

Resources:

Connect with Jerry on Linkedin

Books Mentioned:

How to Win Friends & Influence People

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

The Man in the Arena: Selected Writings of Theodore Roosevelt: A Reader

Begin With the End in Mind: Habit 2 of The 7 Habits of Highly...

What does it take to turn a childhood love for art and design into a high-end, multi-million-dollar business? In this episode of Fingerprints on Success, Bill Barrett sits down with Howard Roberts, founder of Liquidscapes, to uncover his inspiring journey from a tough upbringing to becoming one of the most sought-after designers in high-end residential landscaping.

Howard shares how he built his business from the ground up, creating over 7,000 custom outdoor living spaces for top clients, including CEOs, professional athletes, and even presidents. He discusses why mentorship is critical, how calculated risks separate true entrepreneurs from those who stay stagnant, and how he uses AI and virtual reality to revolutionize the industry.

If you’re an entrepreneur, a creative professional, or someone looking to scale a high-end business without sacrificing quality, this episode is filled with game-changing insights from a master in his field. Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Why quality over quantity is the foundation of long-term success
• How mentorship and self-education shaped Howard’s career
• Why staying grounded as an artist and entrepreneur is crucial
• The biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when scaling their businesses
• How AI is changing the way we visualize and execute designs
• Why calculated risks separate top entrepreneurs from those who stand still
• And much more…

In today's episode of the Fingerprints on Success podcast, Bill is joined by George Muha, founder of Big State Sports.

During the conversation, George reflects on the difficulties of maintaining the core essence of a business while expanding its reach. As responsibilities grow and new systems are put in place, there’s a delicate balance between preserving quality and learning to delegate.

You'll hear about George's struggle to let go — of once-personal tasks, of direct relationships, and of certain control. Yet, in doing so, he discovered that trust in a team and clearly defined roles can lead to even greater success. There’s an emphasis on the surprising realization that sometimes, the best move forward is a return to one’s roots—focusing on the passion and unique abilities that built the foundation in the first place.

This episode covers strategy and vision, however what stands out most is unwavering enthusiasm — the kind that turns hard work into something that doesn’t feel like work at all.

Don't miss another episode of the Fingerprints of Success podcast. Leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• George's early background, including his 20-year career in the trucking industry and his passion for writing.
• His transition from, what was once a hobby, to a business, driven by the need to support his family after his wife lost her part-time job.
• The challenges and opportunities that emerged during the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and innovation.
• The challenges of scaling the business while maintaining quality and consistency.
• And much more...

Resources:

Big State Sports