In this episode, Laurie Barkman is joined by Dr. Brianna Rhue, optometrist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Dr Contact Lens. Brianna shares her journey from a private practice owner to a tech maven, driven by the need to solve a critical "leaky bucket" problem: doctors losing contact lens sales to online retailers. She discusses the "entrepreneurial gene", the power of a "chip on your shoulder", and the lessons learned in building a full-blown tech platform from scratch.

💬 Quote from Brianna: "You have to get a really thick skin... as an entrepreneur, you are going to pave roads and you're gonna get arrows shot at your back. You're gonna get knocked off, you're gonna get made fun of... And if you don't have that core belief in yourself of your why, it makes those days really, really hard."

Key Takeaways:
💡 How the "entrepreneurial gene" is planted by early exposure to risk and observing the "ups and downs".

👥 Why a "chip on your shoulder," often formed from childhood experiences, can be essential energy for an entrepreneur.

💰 The steep transition from medicine to tech, and learning a new language of SaaS, CAC (Customer Acquisition Cost), and LTV (Lifetime Value).

🏦 How Doctor Contact Lens solves the "leaky bucket" problem of doctors losing recurring revenue to online retailers.

🤝 Brianna's "Three Frogs" method for daily productivity: one joy, one easy, and one hard task to move the business forward.

🎧 Tune in to Succession Stories to learn how to identify a major pain point in your industry and build a tech solution to solve it.

This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa®

📣 Write a Podcast Review: ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

🎧 Tune in to learn the realities of entrepreneurship through acquisition, from the search process to surviving economic uncertainty in the first year.

Laurie Barkman sits down with Aashay Kumar, owner of Tri-Form, Inc. Aashay shares his story of leaving a corporate career to buy an existing manufacturing business. He demystifies the process of entrepreneurship through acquisition. Listen in as Aashay reflects on his acquisition journey including stealth search process, securing an SBA loan, diligence misses, and the ups and downs of the first 15 months of ownership.

💬Quote from Aashay Kumar:
"Take the approach of being a learner from day one. Always ask questions. Always do more research than you think you have to, and be humble throughout the process." ________________________________________________________________________

Key Takeaways:
💡 Why buy vs. start: The value of buying a business with positive cash flow, especially if you don't have a specific problem you are trying to solve.

👥 Independent search vs. search fund: Why Aashay chose an independent path to maintain full ownership and control, rather than being diluted by a search fund.

💰 How to finance the deal: A look at navigating SBA loans, negotiating with multiple banks, and using a seller financing note to structure the deal.

🏦 The diligence "misses" to watch for: Aashay shares what he overlooked, including the condition of the building and smaller assets like a company truck.

🤝 "Fit first, financials second": Why the cultural fit and relationship with the prior owners (and their family members in the business) was a critical, non-negotiable part of the deal.

This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa®

📣 Write a Podcast Review: ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/aashaykumar

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tri-form-inc/

What does it take to finance a business transition or acquisition? In this episode, Laurie Barkman sits down with David Miller, Executive Vice President at Enterprise Bank, to demystify lending for business owners — from SBA loans to insider buyouts.

David shares how banks assess deals, why management continuity matters most, and how entrepreneurs can become "bankable" when it's time to grow or exit.

💬 Quote from David Miller:

"Don't think you can't buy a business just because you're not personally wealthy. If you have the right skillset and knowledge of the industry, there are flexible ways to make it happen."

Key Takeaways:

💡 How SBA loans act as an "insurance policy" for banks — and a growth tool for small businesses.

👥 Why insider buyouts often outperform private equity or third-party acquisitions.

💰 How to match financing structures to your business goals and cash flow needs.

🏦 What "being bankable" really means — and how to build it before you need it.

🤝 Why having the right professional team (CPA, attorney, advisor) is critical in any business transition.

🎧 Tune in to Succession Stories to learn practical strategies for financing growth, buying a business, or preparing for your own successful exit.

✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: btsherpa.com/book

📣 Write a Podcast Review: ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

Special thanks to Ryan Nolf, Marketing Director, for producing this Succession Stories episode live in studio at Enterprise Marketing.

Host Laurie Barkman welcomes Brandon Stanchock, CEO of SWF Industrial Inc. Brandon discusses his journey to take the helm of a family business. He emphasizes the importance of leadership, employee development, and implementing innovative collaboration strategies in the industrial sector. The conversation also highlights Brandon's commitment to providing support for employees and internal promotion programs. Brandon shares how his personal interests in travel, gaming, and podcasting align with his broader mission to help people reach their full potential both inside and outside the workplace.

Takeaways:

• Embrace the entrepreneurial gene. Leadership, innovation, and employee development are key traits for entrepreneurial success.

• Navigating leadership challenges. Leading a family business requires adaptability and a focus on collaboration to drive growth.

• Support employee growth. Providing support and promoting from within strengthens company culture and fosters employee loyalty.

• Focus on performance management and succession planning. Proper planning ensures long-term success for both leadership and employees.

• Align personal passions with business goals. Staying connected to passions like travel, gaming, and podcasting helps balance professional and personal growth.

Quote of the Show:

• " Give yourself some grace, give yourself some time." - Brandon Stanchock

✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: btsherpa.com/book

📣 Write a Podcast Review: ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonstanchock/

Host Laurie Barkman welcomes Larry Whiteside Jr., an expert in information security, risk management, and entrepreneurship. Larry discusses his journey from cybersecurity to becoming the Co-Owner of Lifesaver Pool Fence of Tampa and Co-Founder of Confide.

Larry emphasizes the importance of passion, operational efficiency, and overcoming challenges in business. They delve into key trends in cybersecurity, focusing on AI and automation's growing influence. The conversation also highlights Larry's commitment to promoting diversity in the cybersecurity field and how his military background has shaped his entrepreneurial approach. He offers valuable insights on balancing multiple businesses, aligning passion with business ventures, and prioritizing strategic operational planning.

Takeaways:

• Embrace the entrepreneurial gene. Outgoingness and exceptional storytelling are key traits for entrepreneurial success. Connecting with others and communicating your vision is essential.

• Navigating the transition to entrepreneurship. Financial instability and operational hurdles are common, but with perseverance and support from trusted partners, you can overcome these challenges.

• Promote diversity in your industry. Larry emphasizes the importance of fostering diversity in cybersecurity and encourages entrepreneurs to create more inclusive environments.

• Align passion with your business ventures. Staying connected to your passion helps maintain drive and resilience, especially during tough times.

• Focus on systemic operational planning. Managing multiple businesses requires trust in yourself and a strong commitment to strategic planning to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Quote of the Show:

• "Passion will continue to drive you forward." - Larry Whiteside Jr.

✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: btsherpa.com/book

📣 Write a Podcast Review: ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrywhitesidejr/

" Treat people well, work hard, have a plan." Host Laurie Barkman welcomes Travis Howerton, a technology and security expert with over 25 years of experience. Travis shares his journey from federal service and the nuclear weapons program to becoming the Co-Founder and CEO of RegScale.

They discuss the entrepreneurial gene, personality assessments in team dynamics, and the challenges of scaling a business. Travis emphasizes the importance of empathy, hard work, and strategic planning. He also highlights the potential of automation and AI in the compliance industry. Travis discusses his future goals of starting a venture capital arm to support aspiring entrepreneurs in East Tennessee and provides advice on problem-solving and growth. The conversation provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of building and scaling a business.

Takeaways:

• Embrace risk-taking and innovation as key traits for entrepreneurial success. Cultivating a mindset that encourages experimentation and learning from failure can drive growth and open doors to new opportunities.

• Use personality assessments to enhance team collaboration. Understanding individual motivations and strengths helps build a more cohesive and effective team, ultimately contributing to a healthier company culture.

• Be prepared for the challenges of scaling a business. Focus on creating clear plans and strategies to navigate obstacles while emphasizing empathy and hard work to keep the team aligned and motivated.

• Consider giving back by supporting future entrepreneurs. Starting a venture capital arm or mentoring new talent can create a positive impact on your local community and contribute to the growth of the next generation of leaders.

Quote of the Show:

• "Treat people well, work hard, have a plan." - Travis Howerton

✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: btsherpa.com/book

📣 Write a Podcast Review: ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travishowerton/

" Don't be a jack of all social media sites, master of none." Host Laurie Barkman interviews digital marketing expert Corey Perlman of Impact Social. They discuss Corey's entrepreneurial journey influenced by his parents' careers, the evolving landscape of digital marketing, and the role and potential of AI in the industry. Corey shares insights on building and managing successful teams, the importance of focusing on key social media platforms, and the power of video content. Additionally, he touches on his passion for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and his involvement in the Nurturing Fathers Program alongside his father, Mark. Listeners receive actionable digital marketing tips and inspiration for balancing entrepreneurship with personal purpose.

Takeaways:

• Pay attention to what the market is asking for. Follow positive signals when exploring new business opportunities or services instead of pushing an idea that isn't gaining traction.

• Prioritize platforms that align with your target demographics instead of attempting to be active on all social media platforms. Focus on a few and do them exceptionally well.

• Focus on the emotional and cultural fit of potential team members rather than just their resume. Enthusiasm, a positive attitude, and a good cultural fit can often outweigh experience.

• Stay open to learning and adapting over time. The industry changes rapidly, and keeping updated with new tools and practices will help you and your business stay competitive.

Quote of the Show:

• " Don't be a jack of all social media sites, master of none." - Corey Perlman

✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: btsherpa.com/book

📣 Write a Podcast Review: ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyperlman/

Website: https://impactsocialmedia.com/

"We're in the business of making people happy!" John and Mark X. Cronin are father-son co-founders of John's Crazy Socks. Host Laurie Barkman talks with John and Mark about the inspiring story of their unique business model, inclusion, and commitment to spreading happiness. Over half of their employees have differing abilities.

The discussion covers innovative approaches to customer satisfaction, success metrics, notable initiatives like the Unity Sock, and their role as advocates for people with disabilities. The episode also touches on their engaging community activities such as the weekly dance party and custom sock designs. Mark and John highlight the profound impact entrepreneurship can have on individuals and communities.

Takeaways:

• Focus on the positive impact your business can have in the community. A strong mission can differentiate your offerings from competitors.

• Know why you are in business and ensure your values are clear and driven through every action you take.

• Consider hiring people with different abilities. It can lead to better business practices and a highly motivated workforce.

• Engage with your customers on a personal level. Small touches like handwritten notes, added candies, and personalized messages can make a big difference.

Quote of the Show:

• " The customer can be dead wrong, but we're not in the business of being right. We're in the business of making people happy." - Mark Cronin

✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: btsherpa.com/book

📣 Write a Podcast Review: ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mxcronin/