Where There’s a Will There’s a Way: Recent Episodes
Will Crist
Are you ready to give yourself, your leaders, and every employee the opportunity to live the ideal life? In this conversation, you will hear how Entrepreneurs and their leadership teams are creating the possibility for everyone in the organization to thrive. Attract great people to your organization, retain your best people, and increase the motivation of everyone by committing to living and advocating everyone take the journey to a thriving EOS life where everyone is doing what they love with people they love, making a great contribution, being compensated appropriately, and having plenty of time for their families and other passions. If these conversations resonate with you and you want to participate in the discussion, you can catch me on LinkedIn or on my Website willcrist.com
Summary:
In this episode of Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way, host Will Crist talked with Michael Morse, the owner and founder of the largest law firm in Michigan. Michael started his law firm over 25 years ago, and he ran the law firm with no business background whatsoever. After 15 years in the practice, Michael realized he needed help, and his firm became the first law firm to adopt the EOS model. The firm now thrives and even mentors other firms through their Fireproof program which is adapted for law firms. Throughout the episode, Will and Michael discussed how EOS has changed the firm and its employees for the better and how other law firms can do the same.
Thanks for tuning in!
Shownotes:
(0:55) Introductions
(4:00) How EOS Has Changed the Law Firm
(8:31) For Implementers: Getting the Attention of Senior Law Firms
(11:22) What Would a Law Firm Principal Need to Hear?
(14:30) Making the World a Better Place
(16:02) How EOS Can Change You Personally
(19:12) Delegate and Elevate
(37:17) Working Remotely
(44:55) Get in Touch with Michael
Links:
Will Crist
Michael Morse
EOS
Fireproof Performance
Quotes:
“I mean every business concept that I now know pretty darn well now, after all this time, I learned from him and EOS…it transformed me in a very short period of time to a very robust law firm with good business practices, good core values, good everything… I couldn't have done it without everything that I've learned throughout this process.” Michael Morse, (5:56)
”...We've worked with over 30 law firms individually…and their eyes are huge when they learn some of these concepts that they should be doing to run a really good law firm, because the traditional way to look at this is: law firms are not businesses, they are law firms…so it is fertile ground for implementers to go out there…and teach them. And that's what we're trying to do is spread the gospel and teach them how to run a really good business.” Michael Morse, (10:43)
”I think most law firm owners are doing too much. They're hitting the ceiling. They're not working in their sweet spots. They're not enjoying life…They don't know how to delegate. They don't know their numbers…you can ask a few questions and prove that they're hitting the ceiling…[I ask], what if I could teach you a way that you could work on all day everyday things that you're great at doing and that you love to do? Would you like to hear more about that? Who's going to say no to that?” Michael Morse, (11:41)
”I think that learning the things that we've learned and making a difference in our law firm is definitely spreading and making the world a better place.” Michael Morse, (15:51)
”If you do embrace this…as a business lifestyle, it really does work. It's not pie in the sky. It's take some time. It's not overnight. You don't read the book and wake up and you're living these five things. Absolutely not. It’s taken me 15 years…but it definitely works.” Michael Morse, (33:36)
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Summary
In this episode of Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way, Jason Prentice and Jon Dornbos join Will Crist to discuss Jason’s business Outcomes COO. Jason founded Outcomes because he saw a need for integrators that could help visionaries reach their dreams. Now, the company utilizes fractional integrators to help entrepreneurs from across the country accomplish their lofty goals through the EOS Model. Throughout the episode, the trio discusses fractional integrators, how integrators help visionaries, the EOS Life, and much more!
Thanks for tuning in!
Shownotes
(0:27) Introducing Jason Prentice, Jon Dornbos, and Outcomes COO
(2:14) The Integrator and the Visionary
(6:30) Jon’s Background
(9:44) How Integrators Help Visionaries
(18:28) Fractional Integrators
(21:45) The EOS Draw
(25:31) EOS Successes
(29:35) Integrators vs. Implementors
(32:05) The EOS Life
(39:22) Changing the World through EOS
(42:46) Closing Thoughts
Links
Will Crist
EOS
Jon Dornbos
Jason Prentice
Outcomes COO
Quotes
“I saw a real need for entrepreneurial visionaries to get expert help and experienced help at the integrator level.” Jason Prentice, (0:55)
“The integrator is not somebody who’s supposed to be telling people what to do. This is not the expert in manufacturing or finance or in sales. The integrator is the one who helps those experts on the leadership team who have the responsibility for those various departments. But the integrator helps the whole team work together harmoniously to achieve the vision.” Will Crist, (2:31)
“I’m a little non-traditional in that I’m not a big fan of telling visionaries ‘No.’ I know that that’s something that has to be done, and we can’t let our companies be chaos, but there’s a way to harness all that energy in a way that still keeps the energy going.” Jason Prentice, (13:35)
“I really believe in the system, and it’s just fun to get better and better and better at it. Each experience, each organization, each relationship that gets developed along the way is meaningful and has purpose.” Jon Dornbos, (32:48)
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Summary
In this episode of Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way, host Will Crist sits down with Eric Hinson, CEO of Explainify. Eric founded Explainify 10 years ago and never looked back! After reading Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business, Eric attempted to DIY his way through implementing EOS at Explainify, but he ultimately decided to work with Will Crist to get the best results. Throughout the episode, Will and Eric discuss how EOS has helped Explainify, the future of video, Eric’s new company Parable, and much more!
Thanks for tuning in!
Shownotes
(0:23) Introducing Eric Hinson and Explainify
(4:34) How the EOS Life Has Impacted Eric
(11:42) Highlights at Explainify
(13:39) The Future of Video
(16:18) What It’s Like to Work with Explainify
(19:33) How Eric Became an Animator
(23:39) Introducing Parable
(30:12) Implementing EOS with Parable
(31:38) Closing Thoughts
Links
Will Crist
EOS
Eric Hinson
Explainify
Parable
Quotes
“[Before EOS], I think I clearly knew what I wanted inside, but like most visionaries, it was in my head. I couldn’t simplify it. I couldn’t get it organized on one sheet, and it was a little bit of a struggle.” Eric Hinson, (3:12)
“Explainify’s running smoothly because I have an integrator [and] I have a leadership team, and I’m able to focus on [Parable] right now.” Eric Hinson, (30:06)
“[With Parable], we’re already talking EOS language. We’re already building it around that operational model. Even with just two or three people, it’s going to be built around that because it’s been so helpful and I’d like to start from the beginning rather than do it later.” Eric Hinson, (31:21)
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Summary
On this episode of Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way, host Will Crist sits down with Wendy O’Donovan Phillips, Founder and CEO of Big Buzz Inc. Wendy founded the marketing agency 15 years ago as a one-woman team, and she’s grown her business substantially in the time since. Today, she and her team are working on plans to franchise the agency, and they will have ten franchised locations by 2032. Throughout the episode, Will and Wendy discuss Big Buzz’s big plans, trusting your team, and several other core principles of EOS.
Shownotes
(0:59) Introducing Wendy O’Donovan Phillips and Big Buzz
(4:15) Integrating EOS into Your Business Plan
(9:35) Challenging Your Business and Taking Risks
(16:39) Making Long-term Goals Attainable
(19:31) Trusting Your Team
(28:09) Big Buzz’s 10-Year Plan
(32:15) EOS Impacts EVERYONE in Your Business
(43:12) Employees Want to Work for EOS Implemented Businesses
(45:14) Closing Thoughts
Links
Will Crist
EOS
Wendy O'Donovan Phillips
Big Buzz Inc.
Quotes
“I find that the best working relationships, whether it’s with a team member or a client—any professional relationship—the best ones are where we’re open and willing and honest and vulnerable.” (7:55) - Wendy O’Donovan Phillips
“I think one of the most helpful things to me throughout [implementing EOS is] I now see so much more clearly what terrific ideas there are on the team that aren’t my ideas.” (19:31) - Wendy O’Donovan Phillips
“What I have learned is that the more infrastructure, the more of the right people, the more revenue and profit that we gain, the more fun it is, the more financially free we all are, and the more opportunity there is for everyone. And so my vision for this is to create a ripple effect.” (39:24) - Wendy O’Donovan Phillips
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Summary
On this episode of Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way, host Will Crist sits down with Josh Abbott, General Manager of Fun Productions. Josh’s parents founded Fun Productions nearly 30 years ago and grew it into the successful business it is today. Almost five years ago, Fun Productions implemented EOS and quickly experienced many of the benefits that come with the EOS Life. Throughout the episode, Will and Josh discuss the EOS Life, having fun at work, and much more!
Thanks for tuning in!
Shownotes
(0:28) Introducing Josh Abbott and Fun Productions
(3:48) How EOS Affected the Business
(9:43) The EOS Life
(12:58) The Great Contribution
(16:27) Compensating Appropriately
(20:50) Supporting Employees’ Passions
(25:24) Making Your Business Attractive to Talent
(31:59) EOS Predictions
(35:39) Getting Permission to Have Fun with Your Company
(42:42) Closing Thoughts
Links
Will Crist
EOS
Josh Abbott
Fun Productions
Quotes
“We were able to start working on the business and not just in the business, whereas I think pre-EOS we were very reactionary.” (6:07) - Josh Abbott
“For a very long time, [we waited] for people to ask for raises, and if they asked for a raise [we would] assess and give them a raise. But what we found was there were folks out there who are not going to ask for a raise, and they may start to feel resentment around the fact that they haven’t been offered a raise.” (16:42) - Josh Abbott
“We put out ads for one [open position]—we were just looking for one person last year. And I think we ended up turning [the ad off] after we got 35 applications in four days.” (29:24) - Josh Abbott
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Summary
On this episode of Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way, host Will Crist sits down with Derek Gerber, Senior Vice President of Explainify. Over the last year, Derek has been implementing the EOS system at Explainify, and the results have been nothing short of impressive. Their discussion covers the changing video landscape, the EOS Life, and how EOS has affected Explainify.
Thanks for tuning in!
Shownotes
(0:37) Introducing Derek Gerber and Explainify
(3:38) How Video Has Changed during the Pandemic
(11:19) The EOS Life and Explainify
(18:01) How Explanify Is Making the World a Better Place
(21:04) Appropriate Compensation
(22:23) Derek’s Other Passions
(24:12) Implementing EOS at Explainify
(30:00) Value, Compensation, and Viewing Employees as Human Beings
(43:10) Closing Thoughts
Links
Will Crist
EOS
Derek Gerber
Explainify
Quotes
“After implementing EOS over the past year, we continue to grow. It has onboarded our team members in a much more effective way, and then it also shows them that burnout is not a celebrated, award-winning opportunity here. We don’t do that. We work to openly communicate and create transparency and trust across each department.” (17:18) - Derek Gerber
“A year ago, when we were growing quickly at a state of point, we put out a couple of job applications. We had four applicants over six weeks—at a time where we needed to hire people very quickly. Now, [after implementing EOS] we had 600 applications in four days, and we had to shut it down.” (41:40) - Derek Gerber
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Summary
In this episode of Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way, Will Crist sits down with Christine McKay, CEO of Venn Negotiation. Christine is one of the world's best negotiators, and her resume speaks for itself. She’s helped nearly half of the Fortune 500 companies as well as several hundred small and mid-sized businesses. Together, Christine and Will discuss negotiating in today’s world, embracing emotions to improve negotiation skills, and changing the world with the EOS model.
Thanks for tuning in!
Shownotes
(0:19) Introducing Christine McKay, Venn Negotiation
(1:21) What’s Happening in the World of Negotiation?
(4:47) Seeing Others’ Humanity during Negotiations
(11:10) Scarcity vs. Abundance
(19:19) Don’t Be Afraid of Emotions!
(26:34) Freedom Starts with ‘No’
(31:25) EOS Can Change the World
(45:29) Closing Thoughts
Links
Will Crist
EOS
Christine McKay
Venn Negotiation
Quotes
“If we don’t create an environment that allows us to have hard conversations about the state of our relationship in business—or even in our personal lives—then at the end of the day, we’re not going to be successful.” (3:36) - Christine McKay
“We’ve created a culture where the fear of loss is greater than the hope for gain. How sad is that when there’s so much gain that we can hope for, when there’s so many possibilities.” (18:33) - Christine McKay
“What do you think it would be like if, by the time we hit our ten-year target, you had 100% of the people in this organization living the EOS life or have a path to it? What do you think that would do for the attraction of new people, retention of your best people, and motivation for everybody?” (39:13) - Will Crist
“Making money is not the most important thing. That has brought us to our knees, and we’re struggling with that.” (46:15) - Will Crist
“Negotiation is a conversation. It’s a conversation about your relationships, and you can’t win relationships. So, stop trying to win them—work on building them and growing them…Create that space that allows not only for you to grow, but for your counterparts to grow too.” (47:25) - Christine McKay
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Summary
On this week’s episode of Where There’s a Will There’s a Way, Will Crist sits down with Dawn Abbot to discuss EOS implementation. Dawn is an entrepreneur, business owner, and Professional EOS Implementer, and she is passionate about helping small businesses become the best version of themselves. The duo discusses all five elements of the EOS Life, Dawn’s entrepreneurial journey, and why they think EOS has the power to change the world.
Thanks for tuning in!
Shownotes
(0:31) Introducing Dawn Abbott and Her EOS Journey
(4:47) Dawn’s Experience as an EOS Implementer
(6:10) Prioritizing Employees
(17:13) Living with Purpose/Defining Your Why
(21:00) Appropriate Compensation/Providing Value
(25:30) Supporting Employees’ Passions
(29:39) Changing the World with EOS
(36:24) Closing Thoughts
Links
Will Crist
Dawn Abbott
Quotes
“When I was in a place where I didn’t know that I could run this business by myself, what actually happened from 2017 to 2019 was a 30% revenue increase and a 260% net profit increase. And it was all because of the EOS process.” (4:15) - Dawn Abbott
“I love seeing the impact that EOS has. I love small-business owners…and I am saddened when they’re on that treadmill that I once ran.” (5:04) - Dawn Abbott
“If [employees are] the most valuable assets, why would we ever want them to be less than? Why would we ever want to not take care of them?” (8:30) - Dawn Abbott
“When you’re doing what you love and things that come easily and naturally to you, your energy is high and your production and output is crazy because you’re in your zone. And the minute you have to drop down and do things that you don’t like doing, you can never bring your energy back up that day.” (12:54) - Dawn Abbott
“It’s a beautiful thing to be able to have a full, rich life that contains more than just the grind.” (38:06) - Dawn Abbott
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Summary
In this episode of Where There’s a Will There’s a Way, Lauren Carson joins host and EOS Implementor Will Crist to discuss how EOS radically transformed her business. Lauren is the Founder and CEO of Kinect Solar, which sells solar energy equipment on the excess market––in simple terms, it is the TJ Maxx of solar-power equipment. In their conversation, they cover delegating and elevating, living the EOS life, hiring the right people, contributing to the world around them, appropriately compensating employees, and much more. Check it out!
Shownotes
(0:27) Introducing Lauren Carson and Kinect Solar
(1:40) Kinect Solar and EOS
(3:40) Delegate and Elevate
(5:46) The EOS Life
(8:41) Hiring the Right Team/Core Values
(11:45) Making a Great Contribution
(17:25) Appropriate Compensation
(19:07) Celebrating Employees’ Lives Outside of Work
(24:08) What’s Next for Kinect Solar?
(27:01) Closing Thoughts
Links
Will Crist
Lauren Carson
Kinect Solar
Quotes
“For the first couple of years starting the company, I had my hands in sales, I had my hands in procurement operations, customer service, and finance. While the company was doing well, I was literally losing my mind…I can say unequivocally that we would not be where we are today if we hadn’t found the EOS system.” (1:50) - Lauren Carson
“Everybody spends the majority of their waking hours at the office. So, that cultural environment that you can set in the office and how people treat each other really affects everybody’s lives, and they take it home to their families and everything else they do.” (6:32) - Lauren Carson
“The core values for us [have been] so powerful as far as setting the tone for the company.” (10:27) - Lauren Carson
“The first year, we had a banner year. The numbers were really, really good, but I found myself feeling really empty and probably more depressed than I’ve ever been. It was because that purpose wasn’t there. I thought it was financial for so long, and now I know it’s not.” (14:27) - Lauren Carson
“I’m a firm believer that entrepreneurs and business owners have the ability to change the world…We have so many challenges and problems right now, and they can all be tackled by doing things differently.” (15:02) - Lauren Carson
“We’ve set up an employee stock option plan so that everybody in the company shares in the company’s success–down to the most entry-level person and all the way up to the top.” (18:46) - Lauren Carson
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Summary
On this episode of Where There’s a Will There’s a Way, James Waite joins host Will Crist to discuss the transformative effects that EOS implementation had on his business. James is the Integrator at Roberson Waite, an industrial electrical construction company that builds substations for utility companies and other markets.
Will began working with James and the rest of the Roberson Waite team nearly four years ago, and the business experienced considerable change. Throughout the podcast, James outlines several growth areas where his team improved once they began implementing the EOS model.
Thanks for tuning in!
Shownotes
(0:13) Welcoming James Waite
(2:27) Roberson Waite Prior to EOS
(5:08) Profits, Revenue, Hitting a Ceiling, and Being Owned by the Business
(12:21) Convincing James’s Partners EOS Was Right for Them
(15:45) Roberson Waite after EOS
(20:31) Performance Changes
(22:22) EOS’s Effects on Profits
(26:23) Being in Control of Your Business
(29:51) The Process of Change
(33:41) Closing Thoughts
Links
Will Crist
James Waite
Roberson Waite
Quotes
“There’s a lot of growing pains involved when you expand, and you don’t have a clear, concise plan, and you don’t have roles and responsibilities clarified. You don’t have clear agreements on who’s doing what.” (3:17) - James Waite
“I was told by a really smart man that if two people are responsible for something, then nobody is, and [prior to working with Will] we had many people responsible for many things, which led to me calling the business a slow-moving train.” (3:39) - James Waite
“I took over one of the departments in 2018 I believe. We had 20 people in that department, and in the first two weeks, I fired nine of them. They weren’t bad guys; I really liked all those guys. It just wasn’t the right fit. They didn’t have a heavy focus on [our core values].” (4:21) - James Waite
“We have less drama at 114 employees using the EOS model than we did when we had 13 employees.” (5:00) - James Waite
“We were capped out around $4-5 million … I think we were at that revenue point when we met [Will]. I think the reality for us is we didn’t know how to break through and grow properly.” (7:48) - James Waite
“Probably the number one thing that really changed our company is moving beyond [the JAT] model and teaching people to be leaders. Teaching people to be self-sufficient and understand their job, and having the right people in the right places that can make decisions. If they can’t they seek help. They come to you for your support.” (15:20) - James Waite
“I think that’s one of the big changes––we know where we’re heading. We can see it out on the horizon. We never had that before. We didn’t have a real trajectory. We had a general idea of what that could be, but now [because of EOS] we’ve got a target and we’re moving towards it. If it doesn’t work, we modify it, we adapt, and we adjust.” (17:45) - James Waite
“We can actually gauge and predict profit a lot. We can forecast a lot more than we could before [utilizing EOS] and a lot more effectively than we could before.” (22:28) - James Waite
Contact Will Crist
We are thrilled to announce our new podcast Where There's a Will There's a Way with Will Crist. Join us each Friday as we speak to entrepreneurs and leadership teams and how they are creating a great life for everyone in the company! Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and share with a friend!
Julio is the President and COO of Monetizemore - a remote first ad tech company that has run their team 100% remotely since 2010. Monetizemore has recently been named one of the fastest growing companies in Canada for 2020 and 2021 and Julio credits this to their company culture, team trust, and development as a remote company.
Brent Stone has achieved phenomenal success across multiple industries in his 20s and early 30s. At age 19, he became one of the youngest people to reach an impressive level of achievement in the top 1% of one of the largest network marketing companies in the world after 18 short months. In addition, Brent was later at the top of his salesforce in radio advertising sales, posting 15-20% growth year after year despite having no prior experience in advertising. Today, Brent and his wife Michele own All Smiles Harrisonburg through their dental service organization called All Smiles Management Inc, and it is one of the premier pediatric, orthodontic, and oral surgery practices in western Virginia. In 2020 they welcomed their firstborn son Andrew, and they always make it a point to prioritize family and those they care about. Brent embodies an attitude of serving others and helping them to achieve their goals, and his boutique marketing and branding agency Stoneco LLC helps other business owners to problem solve and arrive at breakthroughs to move their businesses forward. Brent with the help of a close friend launched a Digital Advertising and Marketing Agency called Funnel Force in 2021. The agency's focus is tactical digital strategies that drive sales, retain customers, and recruit staff. Brent Stone is a true leader and one of the most genuine people you could have the pleasure to meet. Follow on Instagram @brent_stone_
Christine McKay is a Business Negotiation Strategist, international speaker, host of In the Venn Zone podcast, and author of Why Not Ask? A Conversation about Getting More.
Christine holds a Harvard MBA and is the CEO/Founder of Venn Negotiation. She has negotiated with more than half of the Fortune 100 & hundreds of small and mid-sized companies across 53 countries.
She loves leveling the playing field for her clients and empowers entrepreneurs and business owners to ask for more of what they want and shows them how to get it. Her mission is to reduce business failure rates by helping people elevate their negotiation skills!
She was born and raised in a rural community in Montana, graduating with the same 20 kids she grew up with. Christine’s been married to the love of her life for almost 30 years and is a proud mom of three grown children.
For more information go to: https://www.vennnegotiation.com/
Joe Camberato has a passion: Helping small businesses grow – really helping them grow.
His passion has defined an entrepreneurial journey that began in his spare bedroom in 2007 where, after discovering a world of private lending that few small business owners knew existed, Joe turned his fascination into a business. Its mission: understand a client’s needs, match them to the right lender, do it fast & with integrity.
Today, as the nation’s unrivaled FinTech Marketplace, National Business Capital has secured over
$1 Billion in business financing and embraced a visionary focus: Innovating the Way Entrepreneurs Grow.®
As Joe was helping businesses finance their growth, he grew his to 100+ employees without private equity.
Along the way he learned a lot about how to architect a business to scale.
Now, in addition to providing access to funding, he helps clients learn how to build businesses that run themselves, by working “on them” not in them.
His passion has also inspired him to build “GrowByJoe” on YouTube to share his insights, along with his seat on Forbes Finance Council and he is also an active member of YPO.
Rushabh Mehta is an entrepreneur and founder of Matchbook AI. With degrees in Chemical Engineering and an MBA, Rushabh chose to follow his passion for computers and IT for the past 22 years. Rushabh prides himself as a data geek and has spent the better part of his career helping organizations of all sizes in their digital transformation journey for their data assets. Rushabh is also a passionate trainer, mentor and community volunteer and leader.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rushabhbmehta/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/rushabhmehta
Dr. Raber received his B.S. in biochemistry from Lebanon Valley College, PA and subsequently a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Southern California with an emphasis on developing new synthetic methodologies useful in pharmaceutical drug discovery and manufacturing efforts. Dr. Raber studied botanical phylogenetic relationships based on the RuBisCO enzyme’s evolution while in college and was named to the USA Today 1997 All-USA College Academic Team for his research accomplishments in this area. Dr. Raber entered cannabis in 2010 and has published 5 peer-reviewed articles on cannabis topics. Dr. Raber has been invited to lecture about cannabis around the world, holds multiple patents on cannabis-based technologies, particularly pertaining to terpenes, and is often sought out by the press to comment on topics as he is recognized as one of the industry's scientific thought leaders.
For more information about Jeff Raber go to https://cannabismanufacturers.org/team/jeffrey-c-raber-ph-d/
Mike helps spark mid-career entrepreneurs with great potential put their dreams into action for big impact. He is a renowned business catalyst, seven time bestselling author, and featured podcast guest.
Intentionally adding energy at the right time, the right way, with the right person allows impact to go interstellar and set off a cosmic ripple effect. The multiplier effect of entrepreneurial success extends through generations.
Mike’s recently launched Total Quantum Impact process lays the groundwork and a methodology to realize your personal and professional dreams, while quantifying your impact for life.
He lives, loves and adventures in Squamish, BC, Canada with his wife Sherri and their two young adult children.
For more information about Grow Get Give go to https://www.mikeskrypnek.com/
George McGraw is a human rights advocate specializing in the human right to water and sanitation in the United States. George is founder and CEO of digdeep.org, the only WaSH (water, sanitation and hygiene) organization serving the 2.2 million Americans without access to basic plumbing. Founded in 2011, DigDeep develops education, research and infrastructure projects aimed at extending access to clean, hot-and-cold running water to every American.
Under George's leadership, DigDeep won the 2018 US Water Prize for its Navajo Water Project, which has brought clean, running water to hundreds of Native families across New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah. In 2019, George led an effort to publish Closing the Water Access Gap in the United States, the first national study to outline the domestic water crisis and propose a way forward.
George has written for The New York Times, SSIR and The Nation, and his work has been featured in every major news outlet, including Emmy and Deadline award-winning pieces by CBS Sunday Morning. George is an Ashoka Fellow and former Social Entrepreneur in Residence at Stanford University. George holds an M.A. in International Law and Conflict Management from the United Nations University for Peace. He is also a Civil Society Fellow at The Aspen Institute, and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. For more information on dig deep go to http://digdeep.org/
A "serial entrepreneur," as described by Crain's Chicago Business, Todd has founded and been President of four successful businesses since the age of 22.
In addition to Crain’s, Todd has been featured in a number of publications including Forbes, Success magazine, and a cover article of Inc. Magazine.
Todd’s first business in the food industry grew from start-up to 85 people in 18 months. Since then, he has also been in technology and publishing. Currently, he works with leadership teams and entrepreneurial peer groups to increase their effectiveness. In the last 17 years Todd has been a speaker, trainer, and facilitator for over 1,000 events. Todd is a Certified EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) Implementer. He is also a master trainer with YPO/WPO/EO. For more information about Todd Smart go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/tdsmart
Mike leads Armanino's National Cannabis Tax Practice. A tax professional since 1989, he has significant experience in federal, state and local tax from both an accounting and legal perspective. He spent time with multiple Big 4 firms, including serving in KPMG’s Washington National Tax Office, and has worked with cannabis companies both large and small in California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Colorado.
He advises cannabis clients on a broad range of issues that affect the space, including mergers and acquisitions, loan structuring, and funding mechanisms from venture capital, private equity and investment banking. Mike provides guidance on cannabis technology, manufacturing, transportation and retail issues.
Mike is the contributing editor of Cannabis Taxation a 250-page treatise for Thomson Reuters discussing the 34 states that tax cannabis sales. He is a member of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants, the National Cannabis Industry Association and the California Cannabis Association, which nominated him for their CPA of the Year award for 2019. He holds a B.S. in mathematics and psychology from the University of Alabama, a J.D. from Cumberland Law, and a Masters of Tax Law from Emory Law School.
For more information about Armanino's National Cannabis Tax Practice go to https://www.armaninollp.com/industries/cannabis/
Jim Riley has spent his entire life saying yes to career changes and unique opportunities that align with his foundational values. Riley runs a successful, consulting business in Kalispell, Montana. Known for supplying value to clients by providing strategic recommendations, Jim Riley is known for smart strategic thinking, insightful operations, successful business growth and high pressure transitions. Jim is currently the host of two successful podcasts. “The Answer is “Yes” podcast features business leaders discussing both the power of saying “yes” and the decisions that made them successful. “The Liberty of Lose” podcast features local and national public figures discussing current politics and where the country is heading. In addition, Riley actively consults for several successful companies and is known for helping businesses through transitional phases, marketing strategy, sales improvements, public relations, providing innovation and facilitating operational improvements. Riley oversees two of his own business and has an extensive background in marketing, food and beverage, and everything in between. Well known work includes time spent with In-N-Out, Kettle One Vodka, Diego, Booth Creek Ski Holdings, Azunia Tequila, and Baja United Group. Jim Riley is a leading advocate for conservative political actions as School Board Trustee in Smith Valley District 89. He is a popular speaker on the subjects of education, veterans, 2nd Amendment Rights, freedom of religion, small government, public land use, legal immigration, the constitution, pro-life, first responders, and the Save the Cowboy movement in Montana. For more information go to https://livelifedriven.com/
The California Love Drop supports and fuels healthcare workers and first responders by providing meals, beverages, treats, and supplies to hospitals, medical centers, fire departments, police stations, grocery distribution centers, and more. We provide smiles and much-needed relief. The deliveries have gone to several local families and organizations from Los Angeles to San Diego, including CHOC Children’s Hospital, UCI Medical Center, Hoag Hospital, UCLA Medical Center, San Bernardino Community Dignity Hospital, Dodger Stadium Testing Site and numerous police stations and firehouses.
We believe in the power of humanity, and the significant impact a delicious meal can have on uplifting spirits. Community support is more important than ever.
What started as a single delivery of 300 meals from Wahoo’s Fish Taco to Hoag Hospital in Irvine, CA on April 12, 2020, has turned into an astounding collaboration known as the California Love Drop.
Wing Lam, Co-Founder of Wahoo’s Fish Taco, Wendy Ellis, Director of Marketing of KLOS-FM, and Eric Morley, Co-Founder of Blue C, have actively partnered with other organizations such as Yogurtland, Antis Roofing, Monster Energy, Hint Water, North Men’s Wear, Constellation Brands, Boston Beer Co., Left Coast Brewing Company, B Candy, Yeti, Cholula Hot Sauce, Loan Depot, Coyle Repro, Vans, Drake’s Organic Spirits, Fortis Resource Partners, and The Purist Group to personally thank those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of today, the California Love Drop has delivered over 11,000 meals at 61 different locations. The plan is to keep the positive momentum going and continue to applaud the courage of our frontline heroes. For more information go to https://californialovedrop.org/
About Ted Miracco
Ted is co-founder and CEO of Cylynt. His high-technology experience spans 30 years in electronic design automation (EDA), semiconductors, defense electronics, RF/microwave circuit design, and cybersecurity.
Prior to Cylynt, Ted was a co-founder of the EDA company AWR Corporation, which was acquired by National Instruments in 2011 and became part of Cadence Design Systems in 2020. In addition, he has worked with several Fortune 500 software companies, including Cadence Design Systems and start-up company EEsof Inc., which was acquired by Hewlett Packard in 1994 and is now Keysight Technologies. Ted holds a B.S.E.E. from Carnegie Mellon University.
The Cylynt platform is trusted by some of the world’s leading software companies for enhanced business intelligence and globally is protecting around $50 billion of software assets.
Cylynt
Cylynt solutions, which evolved from anti-piracy and license compliance roots, are an integral part of the ongoing battle to safeguard intellectual property against increasingly sophisticated evasion techniques and result in significant revenue recovery and brand protection.
Detailed usage analytics provide unparalleled understanding into how users interact with a software vendor’s product and deliver valuable insight into customer experience, product development, lead generation, and sales processes. Across these elements, clients are currently realizing a gross ROI from Cylynt solutions of up to nine times their investment.
To find out more:Cylynt.com
Creating Hand-Crafted Cannabis Content
Medical cannabis can make profound changes in people’s lives, and we’re here to share their stories. Like tales told around a campfire, people respond to stories that connect and engage them.
We’re bringing this concept to educational marketing content for cannabis brands, companies, and products. We feel it’s essential to help rebrand cannabis, moving away from the stoner stereotype.
Philip recently launched Don’t Strain Yourself, a patient-focused platform to educate adults age 40+ about medicinal cannabis. He shares stories from patients, medical professionals, and cannabis experts. You can also watch the videos on the GottaStory Video Page.
As an industry, we must first be a community. To that end, empathy and compassion drive everything that Gotta Story Media creates.
Philip’s ethos is to lend a hand when needed, and he relishes doing so. Philip creates educational marketing content for cannabis companies, products, and brands, via digital video, podcasts, and articles. He formed Gotta Story Media in 2018 and recently launched a new video platform entitled Don’t Strain Yourself. By sharing patient stories and advice from medical professionals, DSY educates adults age 40+ about medicinal cannabis.
Philip began his media career creating educational TV for NASA, and he's been fortunate to work in marketing, public relations, and entertainment in digital and broadcast endeavors. Philip also created content for non-profit organizations such as the American Heart Association Los Angeles, the American Red Cross, the Flying Samaritans, and the Aquarium of the Pacific.
Philip served as a two-term president of the American Marketing Association Los Angeles. As such, he exercised leadership skills, created its podcast series and blog, drafted weekly email content, hosted conferences, and moderated monthly educational panels.
When he is not behind a video camera, Philip is either with his amazing family or racing through the Southern California mountains on Triumph motorcycles.
You can see more of Philip's work at Gotta Story
Ira was featured in Forbes Magazine for helping his customers book 513,542 appointments into their sales pipelines. Ira Rosen has “Cracked the Code” on LinkedIn B2B Prospecting, filling calendars, branding their clients and adding about 400 new targeted connections every 30 days. Ira is considered to be one of top 1% influencers in the world by LinkedIn Corporation and have trained 100,000’s of entrepreneurs just like you how to create predictable leads, clients and revenue. Winners of the prestigious “Marketer of the Year'' award through the Phoenix Business Journal, and “Best Selling Author” with customers in 50+ countries. He will show you how to tap into LinkedIn’s $26.2 Billion dollar “digital gold mine” to build your LinkedIn and email databases, book targeted appointments, and close deals. He and his team has helped customers generate over 1 million appointments and helped customers generate over $1 Billion in revenue from LinkedIn. He is passionate about personal development and helping others become the best version of themselves. Ira lives in Scottsdale AZ with his wife and loves traveling to Mexico, spending quality time with his two daughters and their spouses. for more information about Ira Rosen go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/ira-rosen-637366b2
Ed began his career working in industrial models and design in the late 1980's, fabricating prototypes and scale representations for government and private industries. In the early 1990's, Ed moved into manufacturing and industrial equipment, working as a production designer and manager in a factory setting. In the latter part of the 1990s, Ed served as VP of sales for a manufacturer of industrial printing and automation equipment, at a pivotal time when sales and marketing were beginning to move into the online arena.
In 1997, Ed started New Media, an Internet services company offering web hosting, colocation, e-Commerce programming and payment processing services as a part-time effort. As the business evolved it became a full-time endeavor, with colocation and carrier services becoming a major focus. Eventually New Media was transformed into Connex Internet Services Inc, a colocation and Internet transit provider serving five regional US markets and beyond, utilizing the skills of dozens of engineers and technical staff.
In January of 2014, Datacate and Connex merged into one company, with Ed taking on full-time sales and marketing duties. The new Datacate gained a more diverse client base and multi-site capability. While continuing to serve the needs of the colocation marketplace, Ed and his colleagues at Datacate are forging ahead into the decentralized future of a virtual and cloud-based computing universe.
In November of 2016, Ed added business development for BlueDAG LLC to his responsibilities. BlueDAG's flagship ADA assessment software, delivered via the cloud to desktop and mobile devices, is a revolutionary development in the ADA compliance industry, with the power to reduce the time required to complete an accessibility audit by as much as 75%. Ed oversees the direct marketing and awareness initiatives to bring BlueDAG to the ADA compliance industry. For more information about Datacate go to https://www.datacate.net/
Mark Williams has taken an interesting approach to business all his life. When he was 16 and needed a job, he walked into a small, local business and told the owner, “I’ll make you a deal,” give me two weeks. At the end of two weeks, you can either hire me on and pay me or not pay me and send me home.” He got the job. As the CEO of Brokers International, a major insurance brokerage, Mark works every day to create a culture of transparent and authentic communication between those customers who he considers his true customers - employees, vendors, distributors and clients. Business Background He has spent his entire business career in the insurance world, working his way up the ranks from positions such as director of national sales and marketing for a top tier life and accident insurance company to overseeing sales on a regional level as a vice president to president of a financial marketing firm before going to Brokers International - first as chief of sales and one year later being promoted to president and CEO. His focus throughout his career has been to listen to the voice of the customer. He believes that intentional listening allows him to focus on where to explore new opportunities and take the calculated risks necessary to expand his company’s overall market share while enhancing sales and service. He looks to data to support his decisions while sometimes questioning the analysis of data. He looks for patterns that others might miss to find actionable insights that offer solutions to some of his greatest challenges. Mark is a leader who hires talented people and allows them to do great things. He is intrigued by the ever-changing landscape of technology, data, and the avenues that companies will deliver their products and services to the consumer. It is this passion that keeps him researching, reading and exploring new technologies, and observing customer behaviour. Education Mark holds both NASD - Series 6 and 63 licenses as well as a BS degree in business from the University of Phoenix. For more information on Brokers International go to https://www.biltd.com/
works at the intersection of profit and purpose. She is a thought leader and veteran in harnessing the power of capitalism to solve the world’s most pressing problems.
Elizabeth serves as the Senior General Partner at Dev Equity, a venture capital fund investing in B-Corps in low-income housing, urban revitalization, and sustainable agriculture in Latin America (Nicaragua, Honduras, Panama, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Peru).
Elizabeth started her career in rapidly growing, innovative technology companies. She served as a Product Manager for Microsoft Word when Windows was first launched and participated in forming the original Microsoft Office product. After graduating as a Baker Scholar from Harvard Business School, she joined Yahoo! as one of the earliest employees-- quickly rising through the ranks to lead the business side of several divisions including Yahoo! Finance, Yahoo! Mail, Yahoo! Search, Yahoo! Auctions, Yahoo! Classifieds, Yahoo! Greetings and other properties. Most importantly, she was a founder of Yahoo! Shopping and became a leader in developing and shaping Yahoo’s e-commerce strategy. Under her leadership, Yahoo’s e-commerce initiatives grew to become over 2/3 of the company’s revenue.
After Yahoo! Elizabeth was appointed President and CEO of CML Global Capital, a publicly traded investment conglomerate based in Canada. As CEO she oversaw several major transactions including executing a takeover of another publicly traded real estate company, a normal course Issuer bid, and eventually a privatization of the corporation. She sold several of the firm’s corporate assets and eventually sold the remaining portfolio company to its management.
Since that time, Elizabeth has dedicated her career to impact investing and corporate social responsibility-- demonstrating that strong financial performance and positive social change are inherently connected. Her first impact investment fund, the Dignity Fund, provided growth debt to 14 Microfinance institutions in 12 countries, enabling loans to over 35,000 poor entrepreneurs per year. The Dignity Fund was one of the very first for-profit investment vehicles in the Microfinance industry, paving the way for the massive influx of capital into that field.
Elizabeth became an avid evangelist for impact investing and has served on many boards of impact funds and social enterprises. Her board positions include Unitus (chair) a microfinance accelerator; Deutsche Bank’s Microfinance Consortium, FINCA Microfinance fund, Align Impact’s fund-of-funds, MicroPlace (chair) an online investment company she helped sell to EBay, Root Capital (farm expansion capital), and Ujjivan (Microfinance bank that has since gone public) among others.
Elizabeth is an active member of Young Presidents Organization (YPO) where she served on the international board and founded the YPO Social Enterprise Network; Toniic, an association of impact investors, and many other communities. Elizabeth is a thought leader and frequent speaker on impact investing and corporate social/environmental responsibility. For more information on Dignity Fund go to https://dignitycapital.com/
Catherine Nomura is Founder and President of Kountable Inc. For Catherine, Kountable represents the culmination of a professional lifetime devoted to unleashing the maximum transformative power of entrepreneurs as positive change agents and economic drivers across the globe. She brings over 25 years of leadership experience working with entrepreneurs and organizations that support them, following formative stints in retail banking and microfinance. Catherine is a bestselling author with a wide and deep understanding of entrepreneurial growth and the conditions, mindsets and support mechanisms that both hinder and maximize it. Her hands-on experience spans the entire income spectrum of entrepreneurs from countless industries across five continents. Her bestselling book, The Laws of Lifetime Growth, co-authored with top entrepreneur coach Dan Sullivan, has been translated into 15 languages and remains in print around the world in its second edition 13 years after its original release. Catherine holds a Masters Degree in Political Economy of Development from the University of Toronto and an MBA in Entrepreneurship from University of Victoria in Canada. She is now a proud resident of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Jim Markham, author of Big Lucky and founder of PureOlogy, believes everyone can be “big lucky” and achieve success. Jim’s perseverance, ability to overcome odds, business acumen and “made to win” mentality provided the foundation for him to have a highly accomplished career. Jim has founded four and developed five successful hair care companies, netting over $1.2 billion in combined retail sales – Sebring®, Markham®, ABBA®, PureOlogy® and ColorProof®. With each success, the Markham name has become synonymous with authentic, quality, high-performance products that serve as an industry standard. Jim is best known for pioneering sulfate-free, salt-free products and creating the luxury color care category, and he continues making his mark as the acclaimed, best-selling author of Big Lucky: Serial Entrepreneur Jim Markham's Secret Formula for Success. This life-changing page-turneris an Amazon.com best-seller and was featured as Audible’s #1 new release.
But Jim’s path to success wasn’t foregone, obvious or easy. Married at 15 with a child, Jim Markham began his career as a barber as a means to support his young family. His undeniable ambition led him to California to meet with celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, an encounter that resulted in a lasting and important partnership. Jim became a Sebring distributor, Jay’s protégé and eventual successor, taking over the Sebring business following Jay’s untimely death as a result of the Manson murders. As a savvy celebrity stylist, Jim’s client list grew to include stars such as Paul Newman, Steve McQueen, Johnny Carson, Frank Sinatra, and Robert Redford. Jim quickly found that he had a gift for product development and for detecting needs in the market. His entrepreneurial spirit drove him to create companies that delivered innovative products to meet those needs, including being first-to-market with natural-based, 100% vegan, cruelty-free, carcinogen-free, premium, color-protecting haircare formulas. For more information about Pureology go to https://www.pureology.com
Rick developed his proven system for hiring—and gave the start-up world a much-needed kick in the ass. Rick didn’t grow up dreaming of changing the game in recruiting…or business of any kind. So he took a job in recruiting, and even though he phoned it in, he wound up making a lot of money. However, when a friend derisively referred to him as a “resume-slinging cowboy,” Rick knew. It was time to up his game…by changing everything he was doing. He studied many approaches to recruiting, ultimately perfecting the process into a single system that is both seamless and highly-successful in achieving the right results. The result is the Hire Operating System (Hire OS), a secret weapon that focuses on hiring consciously that consistently attracts the best people. As the founder and CEO of Stride Search, Rick used (and still uses) this system to build top-performing teams for Silicon Valley start-ups and other cutting-edge companies. His mission has been to give committed start-ups the clarity, power and system to make hiring a win, every time. And somehow, he has turned his unsettling impulses, unruly nature into success for hundreds of clients. For more information go to https://www.stridesearch.com/
Jon Conelias is the CEO of ReElivate. Jon has been a CFO and Operator for the past 15 years of marketplace companies focused on both B2B and B2C channels. For more information about ReElivate go to https://www.reelivate.com/
Mr. Montag has over 23 years of industry experience. He has worked in multiple Senior Leadership roles for several Title & Escrow firms. He is one of the original members of the Timios leadership team for the last 13 years. Joe has led multiple operational divisions and has been instrumental the firms growth. Today Joe operates as our President. In his current role, Joe oversees all operations and client relationships across title and settlement services to ensure stellar service at every level. For more information on Timios go to https://www.timios.com/
Outside of work:
I love spending time with my Wife and raising our two kids. Beyond that, I enjoyed dirt bike adventures and writing/performing songs.
About:
James Waite is the Integrator at Roberson Waite Electric whose responsibilities focus on execution of the business plan, accountability of the Leadership Team, and creating organizational clarity, communication, and consistency. James knows that the driving force behind all successful organizations is teamwork. He believes in human potential and strives to inspire people to push the limits of greatness.
Over the past 15 years, James has performed almost every task in the company from Departmental Operations Manager to Office Clerk. Through these experiences he’s come to understand not only the importance of having the right person in the right seat, but the profound significance of rowing together in harmony. James’s greatest accomplishment has been bringing vision and traction back to the family business. Over five years, the company’s team and revenues have grown 5x, all the while not sacrificing or compromising the company’s core values. He strives everyday to make his predecessors (Grandpa and Mother) proud.
James holds a B.S. in Cognitive Sciences from the University of California, Irvine. For more information on Roberson Waite go to https://roberson-waite.com/
Originally from Tromsø, Norway, Rune Hauge moved to San Francisco to start his first company shortly after graduating from business school. He sold the company, an apparel brand, and went on to co-found a tech startup where subject matter experts demonstrate consumer products to an audience of shoppers and do Q&A via live video streams. This experience combined with his personal experiences with mentors led to his current company, Mentorcam, a startup that gives ordinary people access to renowned experts for 1:1 advice and mentorship via short video messages. For more information on Mentorcam go to https://errolallenconsulting.com/errol-allen/
Internationally known operations consultant, speaker, author and customer service expert Errol Allen provides practical advice and solutions garnered from over 25 years of hands – on experience. He possesses a multi-faceted perspective of organizations through the various positions held during his corporate tenure with companies such as ADT Security Systems, TCI Cablevision, The Houston Post, Excel Communications, e-talk and GEICO Insurance. From the phone to the field, Errol has serviced customers himself and understands that a “systems” orientation is crucial to providing excellent customer service. He assists his clients by facilitating interdepartmental process improvement projects to insure efficient service delivery to both internal and external customers. As a “hands-on” consultant, Errol takes an active role with clients, from riding along with field personnel to spending time with customer service personnel as they take customer calls. He maps out his clients’ work processes and creates procedures manuals. He also helps with identifying customer centered key performance indicators and the internal processes that impact indicator results. Errol also develops and implements simple solution tools that clients utilize to improve the level of service provided inside and outside of the company. Errol shares his operations and customer service expertise as a contributing writer for The Houston Business Journal and Small Business Today Magazine. In his quest to acknowledge the receipt of great customer service, Errol personally awards his “Now That’s Customer Service! Award to deserving employees or companies. An avid blogger, his articles have been published in several online publications including Yahoo Small Business Advisor, Customer Service Manager, Customer Experience Magazine of the UK and Young Fabulous and Self Employed. He has also participated as a workshop leader at the University of Houston’s Small Business Development Center, the Houston Community College Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Alumni Program, the Houston Association of Realtors and with the Service Corporation of Retired Executives (SCORE). Get your copy of Errol’s book – “Keys to Delivering Amazing Customer Service!” For more information about Errol go to https://errolallenconsulting.com/errol-allen/
Steve Sponseller is an Intellectual Property Attorney and Patent Strategist with more than 20 years of experience helping companies protect their most valuable inventions. He has helped more than 1000 inventors and businesses identify, develop, and protect their intellectual property assets. Steve has worked with companies of all sizes – from startups to large corporations, including Intel, HP, Microsoft, eBay, and SAP. He is the author of Cracking the Patent Code and host of the Tech Leader Talk podcast. For more information go to https://stevesponseller.com/
Curt Avallone has dedicated the past 30 years to developing innovative retail solutions. He has collaborated with a variety of teams to build new businesses that today generate over $8 billion in annual sales and over 30,000 jobs. He launched successful eCommerce divisions at Ahold Delhaize, Giant Eagle, and CVS Pharmacy, as well as the HEB and Ahold Delhaize fueling divisions. Curt designed, patented and operated the Ahold "ScanIt!" mobile system, which allows shoppers to scan and bag groceries while they shop. He holds a BA from Harvard University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. For more information about Takeoff Technologies Inc. go to https://www.takeoff.com/
Ryan Weiss is the President of Effective Performance Strategies, specializing in driving organizational change and high performance by aligning three core components: purpose, people and process. He is a global executive with decades of experience spanning the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
Ryan has successfully founded 3 companies, and worked as a global executive leading hundreds of people, managing a $500 million product portfolio, and developing a passion for organizational change. He serves on multiple boards of educational, profit, and non-profit institutions. For more information on Effective Performance Strategies go to https://epszone.com/
Sky Cassidy is CEO of MountainTop Data and co-host of the If You Market podcast. MountainTop Data, headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, has been providing data services for B2B marketing for almost two decades. With an unrelenting commitment to quality, they were the first company to guarantee the accuracy of their licensed data and business emails. They provide marketing lists, data cleaning, data appending and data maintenance services. Their data services have been used by some of the world’s biggest brands across a multitude of various industries from multi-national telecommunication companies to office technology, to PR firms and more. for more information on MountainTop Data go to https://www.mountaintopdata.com/
Ed Lee is co-founder and partner of Wahoo's Fish Taco, responsible for the expansion and development of what has become one of the most iconic fast-casual restaurant brands in the United States. With more than 35 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry, he has helped his co-founding brothers Wing Lam and Mingo Lee establish Wahoo's as a pop culture mainstay in California and beyond. In addition to forging partnerships with renowned brands like Quiksilver, Billabong, Hurley and Vans, Ed has ensured Wahoo's consistent brand presence at high-profile surf, sporting and music events such as the X-Games, Vans Warped Tour and Coachella among others. An active supporter of many national and local community-based events, Ed serves on the board of various non-profit organizations including California Restaurant Association and Vocational Visions. He is also frequently invited to speak and give lectures at various universities including University of Southern California and University of California, Irvine, as well as his alma mater Vanguard University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in business. In 2018, Ed was named One of OC's Most Influential by the Orange County Register. For more information about Wahoo Taco go to https://www.wahoos.com/
Omri Traub is the Co-Founder and CEO at Popcart, a shopping assistant tool helping thousands get the best prices online every time. Before that, he was VP of Engineering at Oracle where he led the Endeca team, acquired by Oracle in 2011 for $1.1B. Popcart is Omri’s third startup. He lives in Brookline, MA with his wife and four children. For more information about Popcart go to https://www.popcart.com/
Robert White is a Speaker, Author, Leadership Trainer and Executive Coach who specializes in integrating a heart centered, result-oriented and transformational leadership approach to being effective.
Robert’s culture change work has been praised by corporations like JPMorganChase, Progressive Insurance, Duke Energy and The American Cancer Society.
Additionally top business experts and authors Ken Blanchard, Jimmy Calano, Kathy Gardarian, and Robert Wright, plus thousands of training and coaching clients, have endorsed his professional skills.
Today you’ll find him speaking at conferences, hosting masterminds, mentoring today’s emerging business leaders and teaching everything he knows about fostering entrepreneurial success and building an entrepreneurial mindset in established, growth-oriented companies.
For more information about Robert White go to:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-white-188b401ba/
https://www.facebook.com/robert.white1
Victor Bornstein is the CEO and Co-founder of Justpoint, an artificial intelligence company making it possible for people to understand the merit of their medical malpractice claim and find the right experts for their case. Victor saw the opportunity to redesign this industry after experiencing it from both sides: as a child when his mother suffered a life-threatening medical mistake, and from the perspective of hospital systems. He has served as an Assistant Professor at Mount Sinai’s Icahn School of Medicine, an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the Texas Medical Center Accelerator, and a Fellow at the healthcare venture capital firm Digitalis Ventures. For more information on Justpoint go to https://justpoint.com
Chris Hale is Founder and CEO of Kountable, Inc., a San Francisco-based technology company actively solving the world’s distribution problem by building a trust network for global trade that integrates, digitzes and optimizes collaboration between qualified big and small players. Its cloud-based global trade platform delivers transparency, governance and efficiency in trade by connecting the biggest global sellers with the most qualified buyers in challenging economies. For more information on Kountable go to https://www.kountable.com/
Patrick Frank is the co-founder and chief operating officer of Patient Partner, a free platform that pairs future surgical patients with a “surgery mentor” who has undergone the same surgery. A savvy business leader, he helped scale Patient Partner into a million-dollar business in less than six months. For more information on Patient Partner go to https://www.patientpartner.com/
Reggie:
Dr. Reggie Edgerton received his Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology from Michigan State University, Masters from University of Iowa and BS from East Carolina University. He is currently the Director of the Neuromuscular Research Laboratory and a Distinguished Professor of the Departments of Neurobiology and Neurosurgery. He is also the chair of the scientific advisor board and Co-Founder of SpineX. He has been teaching and conducting research at UCLA for over 40 years. His research is focused on how the neural networks in the lumbar spinal cord of mammals, including humans, regain control of standing, stepping and voluntary control of fine movements after paralysis, and how can these motor functions be modified by chronically imposing activity-dependent interventions after spinal cord injury.
Parag
Parag graduated from Mumbai University, Mumbai, India in 2008 with a Bachelors in Engineering in Biomedical Engineering. In the fall of 2008, he started grad school at UCLA working under Dr. V Reggie Edgerton towards his masters and PhD. in Biomedical Engineering. He received his masters and PhD in 2010 and 2013 respectively. Both his masters and PhD thesis were focused on locomotion rehabilitation and improvement in bladder function using spinal cord stimulation after paralysis. Parag has been working as a Scientist at UCLA in the department of Neurobiology under Dr. V Reggie Edgerton’s guidance. In 2019 Parag Co-founded SpineX Inc. and took on the role as founding CEO. For more information about SpineX go to https://spinex.co/
Jason Junge is an MIT/Kellogg-educated Business Strategy expert in high-tech that has worked with companies ranging from new startups to Microsoft, to craft and execute successful growth strategies. He is currently CEO of PointerTop, an innovative Remote Sales and Service Software company based in Tempe, AZ. For more information on PointerTop go to https://www.pointertop.com/
Eric Morley is the passionate Co-Founder and COO of Blue C, a Costa Mesa-based brand strategy and creative marketing agency. Since 1998, he has been helping companies across both B2B and B2C segments create brand strategies, campaign development, strategic design, content creation, and digital marketing strategies with a goal of outperforming the competition. Most recently, Morley led the Blue C team through the public launch of its proprietary BrandPWR platform, a strategic branding process that helps brands more effectively connect with key audiences. BrandPWR is the accumulation of Morley and Blue C's tried-and-true branding practices - a platform which enables clients to BRAND BOLD and build the most solid foundation for enjoying sustainable, long-term results.
Eric co-founded Blue C in 1998 and since then, has supported over 12,000 marketing projects for clients, including 500+ rebrands and 1,000+ new company brand launches. Outside of the office, Eric volunteers his time with philanthropies including Boy Scouts of America, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Goodwill of OC, Wounded Warrior Project, Second Harvest Food Bank and more. Eric is a co-founder (along with Wing Lam of SoCal's popular Wahoo's restaurant chain) of the California Love Drop, a non-profit that has served over 18,000 meals to more than 180 front line responders. In addition to philanthropy, Eric speaks as various Orange County universities, high schools and marketing and advertising professional organizations to share his decades of branding and marketing experience. When not working or volunteering his time, you'll find Eric in Baja Mexico 16 weekends out of the year, where he has raced and won the Baja 1000, an annual off-road motorsport race.
To learn more about Blue C’s BrandPWR platform and services, please visit www.bluecusa.com or call (714) 540-5700.