Cost 2 Boss: Recent Episodes
Speakeasy Podcast Network, Mike & Loren Ashley
Cost 2 Boss is real life revelations concerning the journey of entrepreneurship and leadership from the start of one’s venture to success; and all the glorious and gory parts in between. Listen and get equipped with the uncut knowledge that will motivate you to roll up your sleeves and pay the cost to be the boss; as well as empower you to choose a different path without suffering some of the toughest, unforeseen lessons.. We will explore real situations that we, and other business owners and leaders, have suffered through in hopes that you might be able to recognize and maybe even avoid them on your path to success.
On this episode, Mike and Loren have a conversation with Wade Simmons, who is joining in from Chicago. Wade is a man with many talents and even drive. He is a funeral director by day, and a filmmaker & professional wrestler by night. The three discuss the educatiton you need in all three occupations, how important being able to imporvise is, and the most important thing you need to do to get started in anything. Enjoy the show and Let's Get It!!
Show Links
FB - @Cost2Boss
Guest Links
Vimeo - Wadefilmmaker777
Happy New Year, and welcome to season two of the Cost 2 Boss Podcast. In this episode Loren & Mike discuss goal setting and their plans for the podcast in 2023. Taylor also joins the show again with her own business update. Enjoy the show and Let's Get It!! Show Links FB - @Cost2Boss
Thanks for joining in on another episode of the Cost 2 Boss podcast. This week, Mike and Loren continue their conversation with the owners of Girlfriends Nail Shoppe, Shonelle Grant and Mica King. (If you haven't listened to part one, click here). Shonelle started the premiere shoppe over 25 years ago and today runs it with Mica, her daughter-in-law. The multi-generational duo discusses what has changed and what has stayed the same for business owners over their years of working together and learning from each other.
Show Links
FB - @Cost2Boss
Guest Links:
Website: www.girlfriendsnailshoppe.com
Facebook:/GirlfriendsNailShoppe/
Instagram: /GirlfriendsNailShoppe/
Nails by Mica King: /nails.by.micaking/
Shonelle Grant's BioNail Professional/ Former CND Education AmbassadorI have been in the Nail Care Professional beauty industry for over 25 years. I was a part of the elite team of Education Ambassadors for CND for over 17 years. When I'm not traveling throughout the U.S. teaching, inspiring, and equipping other Nail Professionals. I am here at Girlfriends Nail Shoppe educating my clients and creating , " All things fabulous for fingers and toes"! In a safe, clean, fun, relaxing environment!
Mica King's Bio
Master Nail Technician/ ArtistI'm a CND Master Nail Technician. I have taken many courses to cultivate my craft! I specialize in natural nail care, nail enhancements, spa manicures, and pedicures using the best professional product in the nail industry! Nail art is my jam! I'm always excited and eager to learn and try something new! To get nail-inspired, search: Nails by Mica King on social media platforms!
Thanks for joining in on another episode of the Cost 2 Boss podcast. This week, Mike and Loren have a conversation with the owners of Girlfriends Nail Shoppe, Shonelle Grant and Mica King. Shonelle started the premiere shoppe over 25 years ago and today runs it with Mica, her daughter-in-law. The multi-generational duo discusses what has changed and what has stayed the same for business owners over their years of working together and learning from each other.
This episode is also the first two-parter on the Cost 2 Boss podcast. Be sure to tune back in for part 2 to hear the rest.
Show Links
FB - @Cost2Boss
Guest Links:
Website: www.girlfriendsnailshoppe.com
Facebook:/GirlfriendsNailShoppe/
Instagram: /GirlfriendsNailShoppe/
Nails by Mica King: /nails.by.micaking/
Shonelle Grant's BioNail Professional/ Former CND Education AmbassadorI have been in the Nail Care Professional beauty industry for over 25 years. I was a part of the elite team of Education Ambassadors for CND for over 17 years. When I'm not traveling throughout the U.S. teaching, inspiring, and equipping other Nail Professionals. I am here at Girlfriends Nail Shoppe educating my clients and creating , " All things fabulous for fingers and toes"! In a safe, clean, fun, relaxing environment!
Mica King's Bio
Master Nail Technician/ ArtistI'm a CND Master Nail Technician. I have taken many courses to cultivate my craft! I specialize in natural nail care, nail enhancements, spa manicures, and pedicures using the best professional product in the nail industry! Nail art is my jam! I'm always excited and eager to learn and try something new! To get nail-inspired, search: Nails by Mica King on social media platforms!
On this week's episode of the Cost 2 Boss podcast, Loren and Mike have a conversation, with real estate agent Mike Kidane. After 15+ years in the hospitality industry, Mike took a chance on himself and moved into the competitive California real estate market where through grit and determination, he has found a ton of success so far. While it's fun & motivating to talk about the success entrepreneurs like Mike can have, this episode focuses more on the grit it takes. Mike shares it all, his wins and his losses, and discusses how discipline and an early-bird mentality are crucial.
Show Links
FB - @Cost2Boss
Guest Links:
Website: http://mikekidane.com/
LinkedIn: /mike-kidane
Facebook:/Soldbymsk
Instagram: @o0s0ul
This week, Mike & Loren talk with another friend whom happens to be a Walnut Hills High Eagle, author, and marketing extraordinaire, Jessica Shely. Jessica is the owner of GPD creative, an award-winning marketing agency here to assist your organization in creating a professional and high-converting digital presence. On this episode, Jessica provides here advice on the basics of marketing for small businesses, developing a brand, and what business owners should look for if they are ready to hire an agency to work with. Through GPD, black owned start-ups may qualify for a free year of services. Make sure to look through the website in the shownotes to see if your business or the business of someone you know qualifies.
Show Links
FB - @Cost2Boss
SBA - https://www.sba.gov
Score Louisville - https://louisville.score.org
Guest Links:
Website: https://createwithgpd.com
FB: @createwithgpdIG: @createw ithgpd
Book: 11 Strawberries From Around the World
Welcome back to a new episode of Cost 2 Boss. On this episode, Mike & Loren discuss an issue that all entreprenuers will eventually face as their business grows, seperating friendship and . The boss can't be best friends with everyone, and If you don't set clear boundries with your employees, you will end up in situations that leave your business vulunerable to failure.
It's super important to start the relationship off right with a new employee in the first 30 days of their employeement. Listen in to learn some tips that will lead you in the right direction.Show Links
FB - @Cost2Boss
SBA - https://www.sba.gov
Score Louisville - https://louisville.score.org
This week, Mike & Loren are back with friend Kim Sanders-King. Kim operates an animal daycare business in Louisville called Sleepy Paws. The three discuss operating and scaling your passion into a business. If you have some fury critters that need watched, and you live in Louisville make sure to give Kim a call at 502-533-7352.
Show Links
FB - @Cost2Boss
This week, Mike & Loren are solo on the podcast. They provide a quick update on what's going on in their lives and then spend the rest of the episode answering numerous questions about entrepreneurial life that have been sent to them over the last few months. Enjoy the show and Let's Get it!
Show Links
FB - @Cost2Boss
This week Mike & Loren chat with their longtime friends and business bankers Corey Dunn & Steve Lun to discuss business partnerships with banks and what these two experts see as good practices, as well as some pitfalls small business owners face.Topics discussed:
- Qualifying for lending
- The right bank to partner with
- Banks vs. Credit Unions
- The Small Business Administration
Show Links
FB - @Cost2Boss
SBA - https://www.sba.gov
Score Louisville - https://louisville.score.org
This week, Mike & Loren talk to their long-time friends and owners of Kept House, Jamie Knight and Greg Pipkens.
Kept House began with Jamie and Greg's desire to support their family through tough transitional times. When Jamie's grandfather passed away at the age of 99, and Greg's baby boomer parents began needing that little extra help, the idea for Kept House was born. Still, in it's embryo stage, they knew they'd stepped into something unique, something valuable, and something they could use to do what they love the most: HELP. Their mission became more as the need for guidance while grieving grew beyond their own families. Jamie and Greg found that their passion had turned into an exciting journey that could provide a timely and invaluable resource to the city of Cincinnati and beyond.
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Topics Discussed:
- Repeat, referrals, and word-of-mouth business
- Hiring at the right time
- Google Reviews & Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
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Show Links
FB - @Cost2Boss
Sounder
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Guest Links
The Kept House - https://www.keptestate.com
A few months back, Mike and Loren had. dinner at one of Louisville's best know restaurants, The Fat Lamb. After some great conversation and amazing food, they discovered that the owner's story was perfect for the podcast.Dallas started his journey in the restaurant business as a dishwasher, and now runs one of the city's highest-rated joints, has helped start numerous other restaurants, and has even won an episode of Food Networks, "Chopped."He shares his journey with Mike & Loren and offers a ton of great advice for any entrepreneur who wants to make their way into the food industry.
Show Links
FB - @Cost2Boss
Sounder
Guest Links
The Fat Lamb - https://www.fatlamblouisville.com
Chopped
Welcome back and thanks for listening to another episode of the Cost 2 Boss podcast. On this episode, Loren & Mike welcome their good friend Christina Davis to the "Virtual" Studio. Christina owns a cookie store in Cinncinati Ohio and is continuing to grow after 9 years of operating. Christina contributes much of the success she has had so far to networking, innovation, marketing research, and great hiring practices. Make sure to give this episode a listen and then order some of Christina's cookies online through the link below!
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Show Links
FB - @Cost2Boss
Sounder
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Guest Links
Davis Cookie Collection - https://daviscookiecollection.com
Welcome back and thanks for listening to another episode of the Cost 2 Boss podcast. In this episode Loren and Mike are solo. With both of them coming back from trips, They discuss some of the different lessons they have learned from the various audiobooks & podcasts that they have listened to and share some relatable stories of their own.
Mike's most important takeaway is to not be discouraged by how many times you are going to hear the word NO when you are first starting your entrepreneur journey, and how you have to have the mindset to move right past them. If you do, the word YES will show up and take over.
Mike and Loren also have their wonderful daughter behind the mic for a segment. Taylor has some great advice for other kids out there with parents who are building businesses.Enjoy this episode and Let's Get It!
Show Links
FB - @Cost2Boss
Sounder
Welcome back and thanks for listening to another episode of the Cost 2 Boss podcast. This week, Mike and Loren chat with the therapist and entrepreneur, Rachael Dubose. Rachael operates Be the Light Clinical Supervision and Consulting out of Louisville KY. She discusses why and how she started her practice and also the importance of checking in on your own mental health, especially as a black entrepreneur.
Other Topics Discussed:
- What it really means to be a business owner
- Facing your fears and taking risks
- The importance of networking
This week's Mailbag question:
- What should you do if a client tells you to only ever talk to them if it has to do with business?
.Enjoy this episode and Let's Get It!
Show Links
FB - @Cost2Boss
Sounder
Guest Links:
FB - https://www.facebook.com/BeTheLightLLC1/
In this episode, Ashley and Mike primarily focus on the differences and similarities between motivation and discipline. What attribute is more important for business owners? Can you have one without the other? If you are newer to business and entrepreneurship, this info is sure to help you out and provide you with some knowledge and tools to use for years to come. Some other the topics discussed:
- The importance of making time for the things that matter.
- How language and word choice can drastically change the meaning and attitude of a conversation.
- And this episode's mailbag question, "How important are first impressions as a business owner?"
Show Links
FB - @Cost2Boss
Sounder
This week Mike and Loren chat with Andrea Johnson, owner of Beauty and Beats Style Bar, beauty queen, and overall lady BOSS! Andrea has faced a tremendous amount of adversity but continues to persevere. She has overcome major mental health issues and has taken 4 foster children off the streets and has welcomed them into her own family. Through it all, she has shown grit and continues to exceed in as an entrepreneur with an open-door policy to all.
Other topics that are discussed include:
- How to find the right people to partner with.
- Is there really work/life
- Why you must always have the mindset to serve others to succeed.
- And, Do you really need a business plan?
Show Links
FB - @Cost2Boss
Sounder
In this episode, Loren and Mike discuss the mistakes they have made, the lessons they have learned, and some of the funny stories they have made along the way to building a successful company. If you are newer to business and entrepreneurship, this info is sure to help you out and provide you with some knowledge and tools to use for years to come. Some of the topics discussed:
- The importance of keeping money in the bank and using credit wisely
- The importance of cash flow.
- Paying your workers
- Always write down the terms
Show Links
FB - @Cost2Boss
Sounder
Mike and Ashley bring on long-time friend, and former boss, Jerry Green. Jerry is a well-known musician, entertainer, club owner, and author in Louisville, KY, and has been nicknamed "The Hardest Working Man in Show Business" by many in the city, His club, "Jerry Green and Friends" has been operating for over 20 years. On this episode, Jerry discusses:
- His history in music
- His business philosophy
- Serving his customers
- Adapting to major changes
- And much more!
Show Links
FB - @Cost2Boss
Sounder
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Guest Links
Jerry Green
FB - https://www.facebook.com/jerrygandfriends/
Show Notes
Mike & Loren bring in Mike's long-time friend from back in his security days, Jonathan Hardin. Jonathan is now a successful general contractor out of Louisville with over 25 years of experience and a ton of wisdom to offer. There are quite a few takeaways from this episode. You should really consider taking out your notepad and listening at least twice.
Curious about the title? Jonathan is a big advocate of making the right investments in your equipment, your time, and the decisions you make. Listen in to learn Jonathan's philosophy behind the title. Topics discussed:
- Paying your guys first!
- YOU. MUST. SAVE. YOUR. MONEY! No matter what business you are in.
- Certification opportunities for minorities.
- The importance of mentorship
- Systems, processes, and managing your time.
- Pricing Advice. "Once you give a price, It's final."
Show Links
FB - @Cost2Boss
Sounder
Show Notes
Mike & Loren mix it up with long time friends and business partners, Clelland Russell and Joe Jakoby. Clelland and Joe own and operate Window Ninjas and Proclaim Roofing here in Louisville, Kentucky.
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Topics discussed:
- Business Partnerships
- The Dos and Don'ts of Business Partnerships
- Loving What You Do
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Show Links
FB - @Cost2Boss
Sounder
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Guest Links
Clelland Russell
LinkedIn - Clelland Russell
FB - @WhytheTrades
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Guest Info
Joe Jakoby
FB - @thewindowninjas
thewindowninjas.com
In this episode, Mike & Loren welcome their close friend, former NFL player, Terry Samuels to the show. Terry speaks to his journey that led him to entrepreneurship, the countless unforeseen obstacles, and the fight entrepreneurs find themselves in to succeed!
Topics discussed:
- Owning Your Own Business
- The Good, Bad, & Ugly of Entrepreneurship
- Small Business Expenses
- Managing Employees
Show Links
FB - @Cost2Boss
Sounder
Guest Links
Terry Samuels
The Samuels Agency
Show Notes
In their inaugural episode, Mike & Loren Ashley weigh the cost of being the boss. They talk about how their two main businesses, AA Auto and Security Pros, started and how they're going now. They tell the story of how they met, their road to being successful business owners, and tease a few of the many topics to come on Cost 2 Boss!
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Topics discussed:
- Catching the Hustle Bug
- Following Opportunity
- Overcoming Adversity
- Smart Business Choices
- Navigating Business as an Entrepreneur
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Show Links
FB - @Cost2Boss
Sounder
Cost 2 Boss, a podcast geared around succeeding as an entrepreneur, is coming soon! Stay tuned!