In Episode 7 of Operations Excellence, host Mark O'Donnell welcomes two passionate guests who embody entrepreneurial grit and creative reinvention.

First, meet Zach Premo, founder of Ads on the Go, whose journey from small-town dropout to digital billboard entrepreneur is anything but traditional. Zach shares how he rebuilt his business from the ground up after a painful split, why small businesses deserve big attention, and the lessons he’s learned about leadership, failure, and relentless persistence.

Then, in Part Two, Mark sits down with producer and performer Mike Brindisi. From national music tours and stand-up comedy to near burnout and rediscovery, Mike opens up about chasing dreams, battling self-doubt, and finally finding fulfillment through relationships, self-awareness, and saying “yes” to new opportunities.

Whether you're a young entrepreneur, a creative professional, or just someone who needs a reminder to keep going—this episode is for you.

In this special two-part episode, host Mark O'Donnell welcomes back his first returning guest, Stephanie Zumbuhl of Abacus Grant Services, LLC. Stephanie shares how her business has rapidly scaled through the power of referrals, strategic partnerships, and a renewed focus on purpose-driven growth. From moving into new office space to building a dream team, Stephanie opens up about the growing pains and personal revelations that come with being a founder navigating rapid success.

In the second half, Mark sits down with Drew Brooks of RB Woodcraft—a family-run architectural millwork business with nearly 50 years of history. Drew reflects on his leadership journey, the company’s cultural transformation, and how they’re creating lasting client relationships by focusing on trust, adaptability, and service. He also shares how leadership development helped shape both his career and RB Woodcraft’s next generation of leaders.

Whether you're growing a business, leading a team, or just trying to find balance in a fast-paced world, this episode is packed with valuable lessons in growth, grit, and operational excellence.

In Episode 5 of Operations Excellence, host Mark O'Donnell welcomes two powerful voices in leadership and growth.

🚀 First up: Adam Roemer, Northern California Regional Manager at US Air Conditioning Distributors, shares his personal journey from crawling through hot attics to leading high-performing teams. Hear how his leadership style evolved through experience, mentorship, and customized coaching—and how he’s now mentoring the next generation of managers.

🧠 In the second half: Mark sits down with his own coach, Gerard Mott, Partner at Trusted Advisors. Gerard unpacks what it really takes to build customer loyalty, why culture and leadership development are vital to retention, and how consulting networks like Trusted Advisors help leaders thrive—especially in times of uncertainty.

🎧 Whether you're managing a team, growing a business, or considering a leap into consulting, this episode is packed with insights on building connection, earning trust, and turning good teams into great ones.

#OperationsExcellence #LeadershipDevelopment #CustomerLoyalty #TrustedAdvisors #HVACLeadership #BusinessCoaching

Welcome to Episode 4 of Operations Excellence with host Mark O'Donnell! In this episode, Mark is joined by Stephanie Zumbuhl of Abacus Grant Services and Steve Thompson, founder of Integrity Cost Consulting. Together, they dive into the real-world challenges, lessons, and victories of running successful businesses.

🎯 In this episode, you’ll hear: 🔹 The importance of empathetic listening and why it’s a game-changer in client relationships. 🔹 Steve’s “Peanut Butter Principle” and how it shaped his approach to cost consulting. 🔹 Why mastering your craft and building a powerful network is critical for long-term success. 🔹 The reality of starting a business without a safety net—and the mindset you need to survive it. 🔹 How Steve’s 20+ years of cost benchmarking data helps clients slash expenses and boost cash flow. 🔹 Mark’s reflections on passion, purpose, and why full retirement isn’t always the end goal.

🗣️ Whether you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or just someone who loves a good behind-the-scenes business conversation, this episode is packed with insights that can help you level up.

💥 Ready to take your operations to the next level? Hit that subscribe button and join us on this journey to excellence.

Operations Excellence, Mark O'Donnell joins Good News York (Matt Masur, Mike Brindisi) LIVE at the NYS Winter Fair with special guests John Sidorakis and Derek Brooks.