Intro: Broadcasting live from the Business RadioX studios in Tampa, Florida. It’s time for Tampa Business Radio. Now, here are your Business RadioX hosts.

Lee Kantor: Lee Kantor here another episode of Tampa Business Radio, and this is going to be a good one. Today on the show, we have Miguel Jimenez, and he is a Senior Business Consultant with Chase for Business. Welcome.

Miguel Jimenez: Hey, Lee, thank you so much for having me.

Lee Kantor: Well, I am so excited to learn what you’re up to. Do you mind sharing for the folks who are listening? Like, what’s a day in the life for a chase for business senior business consultant.

Miguel Jimenez: Well, thank you for the question today. So my job, my job is simple. My job is to work with business owners in the community. And the idea is to get to know them in a way that allows me to, in terms utilize our resources, right, both internal and external, to add value back to that business owner. So I think it’s simple because it’s something that I truly, truly enjoy, something that I’m passionate about and something that I look forward to doing every day.

Lee Kantor: So what are some of the kind of resources maybe a person wouldn’t expect a chase for business consultant to be able to provide?

Miguel Jimenez: Great question. So what we do is we provide one on one executive coaching, right. So we’ll work on a one on one basis with an entrepreneur. And the idea is to understand the business and dissect the business and then be able to add value to the business so that the business can in turn, scale. And we do that on a one on one basis. There’s a customized program. And the best part about it is that it’s 100% free to the public. Anyone, any business owners can take advantage of the work that we’re doing.

Lee Kantor: So you acting as their coach or do you have a team of coaches that you work with?

Miguel Jimenez: Well, so I would be acting as the coach and we have a team of consulting actually across the country, league that is ready to help entrepreneurs across the country.

Lee Kantor: So what’s your back story? How’d you get involved in this line of work?

Miguel Jimenez: Great question. So I actually been working with business owners for the last 15 years. So about five years ago this program started. And when they came to me with the idea, I first, I couldn’t believe it. Right. Um, and because it’s something that isn’t done traditionally in banks. So I was ecstatic, uh, excited to, to do this. I was the first consultant in the state of Florida, and four years later, I’ve been in C for four years now. I love, love the work that we do. We work on a one on one basis for entrepreneur. I’ve been working with entrepreneurs here in the Tampa Bay area myself for the last seven years. Uh, and it’s just a journey that I truly enjoy. You really get to be a part of someone’s journey, right? Because a business is a journey. And and you get to see that that business grow and flourish and, and have a part in that. And it’s something that I’m truly blessed to be able to do.

Lee Kantor: Well, hats off to Chase for taking on this kind of this resource because most banking, I mean sadly, is very transactional. Like the person doesn’t know who their banker is, they don’t really interact unless they need something. And for Chase to really kind of have this mindset shift when it comes to providing this service and resources. Just kudos to you for doing that. That’s a you know, that could be a game changer for these business owners. They’re so fragile.

Miguel Jimenez: 100%. And then the great thing is right. Our program is four months. Um, you’re in the program for at least four months. But after we’re done right, we’ll pair you with one of our local business relationship manager, one of our local bankers and the business owner will always have a contact individual that they can reach out in the event that they need anything. Right. So this is really a relationship building that we’re doing here with our business owners, with our clients. And again, I’m very, very excited about being able to be a part of the growth, Road for local business owners in the Tampa Bay area.

Lee Kantor: Yeah, I would imagine that this is kind of a culture shift for, um, for the community and the bankers because most bankers, like I said, aren’t really reaching out to their customers in this manner. So again, I mean, this is a really could be a game changer for a lot of folks. Can you talk a little bit about maybe the first time you did the coaching and you were working with a client in this kind of intimate manner, because you really have to get to know them in order to really be able to help them.

Miguel Jimenez: Yeah. So, um, yeah, great question again. I’ve been doing this for four years and you’re 100% right. Right. That’s why our program is four months or, uh, it’s a four month program. And we need, depending on the client’s schedule. Right. So I always tell my folks I work for you. It’s not the other way around. So we’re going to meet when you have the the time that we can sit down and have a conversation. Typically for me, Lee, I meet my clients for at least an hour and hey, let’s understand what’s going on, right? Let’s if we’re having this conversation June 24th, 2026, what would you like that to to look like? And once we understand that right now is okay, let me let me show you how a financial institution can play a role in helping you get there. But also let me show you some of the things that perhaps you’re not looking at in order to get there. Right. So it’s really unbiased advice. Um, I like to think of myself as, as an on pay employee of the business, if that makes sense. Um, and I truly, truly enjoy doing that. Getting to know these business owners, getting to know their business, which I call their babies, excuse me. And then in terms of being able to add value to so that that baby can grow.

Lee Kantor: Now, some of the other services Chase offers are not only this coaching, but you’re hosting events like the, um, what is it, the experience in Tampa?

Miguel Jimenez: Yes, we had a great, great event on the experience here about a month ago in the Tampa Bay area was the first time that we, uh, held this event in Tampa. And, uh, we had around close to 1000 business owners come in throughout the day. Right. And the idea is to, hey, how can we create an event where. Yes, to allow you the opportunity to network, but also we’re providing you a ton of resources. That’s really the key here, right? A ton of resources, a ton of tools throughout the bay with a 7.5 hour, uh, event that you can utilize these these tools, you can utilize these resources. You can utilize this information again in terms of help your business grow in scale.

Lee Kantor: And again, you’re trying to elevate kind of the relationship with your clients and be that kind of connector and information source, not just that banker 100%.

Miguel Jimenez: Right. So one of the things I always tell my folks is I don’t sell anything. I don’t sell anything. But the great thing about this league, you ready? You don’t have to be a Chase client to be a part of the coaching for impact program, right? So I say that to say we’re really intentional about adding value to business owner. That’s the key here. How can we help you scale? How can we help you grow? How can we utilize our resources to add value to you? Let’s have a conversation about this right. And even after the four months, a lot of my clients I still meet with on a regular basis. Right. Because a lot of these things, it’s going to take a little more than four months to kind of see, see through. Right. So for me is, hey, let’s let’s continue having these conversations. We’re here for the long run. We really mean what we say. Uh, you know, when we want to be a partner for you and your business.

Lee Kantor: And so from that event, uh, the the experience event, the day long networking and educational event, is that where people can apply for the coaching or, like, how does the coaching work like, or can anybody apply or do you have to be selected to be part of it?

Miguel Jimenez: Great question. So the first answer is yes. Anybody can apply. Anybody can be a member. What I would say is place for business. That will be the best place to go, because in there you’ll find a link for the coaching for impact. That’s the name of my program, coaching for impact. And then what? The beauty about that is that any listeners can, regardless of where they are in the country, they can go to chase for business.com and go under the coaching for impact link. And depending on where they are in the country, they will be paired with a consultant. Right. So for example, there’s two of us here in Tampa. We have some wonderful consultants in Orlando. We have some wonderful consultants in South Florida and then throughout the country. Right. So chase for business.com. And in there you’ll see a link for the coaching for impact. Um and that’s that will take you directly to my program and will allow you to be paired with a consultant anywhere in the country.

Lee Kantor: So is it one of those things that if you sign up, then you’ll get a coach, or do you or is this kind of limited to a, you know, a finite number of, um, business leaders that you partner with.

Miguel Jimenez: Right? So your your your you sign up and then you’ll get a, you’ll get a call a call. And um, someone will reach out to you to understand you and your business a little better and really understand what it is that you’re looking to do. Right. And then from there, you’ll be paired with a coach like myself.

Lee Kantor: And then are you in a cohort or is this kind of one on one coaching?

Miguel Jimenez: One on one? Um, because the thing with cohorts is they’re great, right? But the thing with cohorts is sometimes it might be challenging to disclose some personal information, if that makes sense. Right. Whereas on a one on one basis it’s more intimate program. Um, and is a more intentional program. So this is a one on one, uh, executive coaching program.

Lee Kantor: So, uh, business business leaders are kind of rolling in and out of the program every four months or so.

Miguel Jimenez: Correct? Correct. So we have a startup program, and then we have what we call a graduation, which we actually had our first graduation officially in Tampa at the experience, Um, about a month ago. So, yes, uh, folks are consistently coming in and out of the program and graduating the program. Once we’re, we’re we’re done with whatever we set out to do.

Lee Kantor: Is there kind of a story you can share about one of the recent graduates that maybe their experience, what they had a challenge, and maybe how going through the program helped them get to a new level.

Miguel Jimenez: Um, let’s see. So I can’t share any I cannot share.

Lee Kantor: Any I don’t don’t say any personal, but maybe just kind of the general what their challenge was and how they were able to get to a new level.

Miguel Jimenez: Yeah. So one of the things I love about the program is that it allows, uh, business owners to really kind of take a step back. Right. And, and, and look at their business, uh, from a different perspective. Right. So a lot of times, uh, business owners and rightfully so, are very passionate about what they do. Right? But I always say it’s one thing for you to be passionate about something is an entirely different thing for you to be able to efficiently run that the that business. Right. So one of the things I love. And one of the things I’ve seen in a lot of my clients, excuse me, is that they’re able to kind of take, take a pause, if that makes any sense, and look at and look at the business side of things. Right. You could be a great, uh, if you have a restaurant, for example, you could be a great, uh, chef. You could be a great cook. Right. But do you know how to run that business? Those are two entirely different things. So what I love about the program is that because we’re, we’re we’re working for a period of four months, it really allows us to just kind of pause, understand who we are. Right. It’s very important to understand what we are in order for us to know where we’re going. So one of the things I’ve seen is that, um, folks really just kind of pause and say, you know what? Let’s look at this from a different perspective. Right? Um, and like, for example, if you’re offering a product. Right. And I always tell my folks, okay, just because you like a certain product, that doesn’t mean you’re client. Right? And the idea here is for your clients to buy this. It’s not for you. So I think that’s one of the biggest change that we see and that folks are looking, you know, especially small business owners are looking at their business from a different perspective, which in terms allows them to grow.

Lee Kantor: Now, what type of businesses took place took part in the in the coaching in this last round of the recent graduates. Are they or you mentioned restaurants? Is that were there a bunch of restaurants or was it professional services or. I’m sure it could be any. It could be any business, right?

Miguel Jimenez: It is correct. It is a little bit of everything we have, from restaurant owners to attorneys to medical professionals. It’s a little bit of everything. Again, we focus on the business part of things. Right. So whether you’re a restaurant, an attorney, a medical professional, etc., we’re going to focus on the business part of things. We’re going to look at the numbers. Right. I’m not going to you know, we’re not going to sit here and say, hey, we’re going to make, you know, make you a better medical professional or a better attorney or a better restaurant owner, etc.. No, now the idea is to just focus strictly on the basis, strictly on the numbers, and be able to help you grow and scale from that perspective. So yes, anyone can participate in our program.

Lee Kantor: Now before they begin the coaching, is there some homework or some pre-work that you recommend them doing?

Miguel Jimenez: So I am notorious for homework. I am notorious for homework. So we do initially we do what’s called a Swot analysis. That’s that’s for us to, uh, gain an understanding of the basics and understanding of what you do and understanding of how you get paid and understanding of how you run your business. Right. And then from there, we start. And yes, there’s always homework, right? Because if we’re going to help you grow in scale, then that usually means we have to tweak a certain, you know, a few things here and there, right. So for me, it’s always homework that the business owner always does the work. Right. We can advise and give you a ton of resources, but it’s up to you, the individual, to be able to take that information and put it into place. So yes, there is, um, homework to do. I call it homework, but it’s more, uh, suggestions, if that makes sense.

Lee Kantor: And is there any kind of advice that you can share with entrepreneurs out there? Um, when they’re trying to grow their business over the years, I’m sure you’ve worked with so many. Are there some, uh, kind of do’s and don’ts that you, you like to see in a thriving business?

Miguel Jimenez: That’s the first thing I love to tell entrepreneurs is, you know, being an entrepreneur is difficult. Uh, but it’s supposed to be, uh, but you’re also not supposed to do it alone, right? That’s the one thing that I think entrepreneurs don’t often take into account. You’re not supposed to do this alone. There is not a single entrepreneur that you can show me that has achieved a high level of success, that has done this alone. I say that to say, build a team, a trusted advisor. Your bankers, they work for you. If you have an attorney, they work for you. Your CPA, they work for you. We work for you. It is not the other way around. Build a strong team. Regardless of what you do. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a restaurant owner or your medical profession. You’re an attorney does not matter. Build a strong team that, in terms, can help you grow and scale as you embark in this journey of being an entrepreneur. So that would be my first advice to business owner. Do not do this alone. You’re not. You’re not meant to do this at all.

Lee Kantor: And that’s great advice. And and it kind of does change the mindset of an entrepreneur, because a lot of times they think that they that the bank is doing them a favor. But you’re right, the bank has to earn the business of their clients every day. And and doing things like this help kind of cement that relationship to be that trusted advisor that the business owner needs to be successful 100%.

Miguel Jimenez: In my years in banking, I’ve always told my client whether it was in this role, my previous role as a business relationship manager, I always told my clients, I work for you. It is not the other way around. Your same and same thing applies to to your journey, your CPA. Think about it, right? As a business owner, you’re paying these folks. Right. It’s not the other way around. So I say that to say building a team. Trusted advisor is key in any success of any.

Lee Kantor: Now, any advice right now with the kind of the economy is the way it is. There are some challenges. Obviously, in Tampa, the weather is an issue that pops up, you know, around this time of year. Um, anything that Chase is doing to help in that area.

Miguel Jimenez: Um, so look, what I tell my folks is the separation is in the preparation. What do I mean by that? You’re 100% right. Let’s just take Tampa, for example. And obviously, uh, the weather, right? Last year was was tough. Um, for, excuse me, for Tampa Bay. So what I tell my folks is, look, the separation, the preparation. What does that mean? Let’s start preparing for, you know, some of these, these, these potential storms, whether they happen or not, that’s different. But let’s prepare for them, because if we prepare for them and they do happen, then we have a plan, right? So for example, understand the resources that are out there, right. Last year when the storms happened, one of the things I personally believe, I compose a list of resources, right, that were out in the community, depending on the county you were, etc., depending on the damage you sustained, etc. and I send it out to all my clients because they needed to understand, look, these resources are out there for you in order to help you get back on your feet. Once again, you’re not meant to do this alone, right? So what I love to tell a business owners listening is, look, now that we’re coming into this, this, this new hurricane season, let’s prepare ourselves, let’s understand what some of the resources that are out there and where they are. Right? Because in the event of a story, they were prepared. We understand. Okay, you know what? This happened. Now we know where to go to get support, we know where to go get help, Health, etc.. Right? So just just have a good comprehensive understanding of where these resources are because they are out there. They’re not, uh, perhaps, uh, you know, publicly, uh, um, announced as much as we would like to, but they are definitely out there, um, to help entrepreneurs get back on their feet.

Lee Kantor: Yeah, that’s great advice. Just I mean, the weather is one thing, and and you can count on some weather drama. It may be not every year, but it’s going to happen. So it’s a good idea to prepare when it’s not that chaotic situation rather than in the middle of the chaos. Now you’re trying to find somebody number like that’s that’s not the time to do it.

Miguel Jimenez: Correct? It’s it’s not the time. You’re not in the right mindset. Right? You, you perhaps have to deal with not just damage to your business, but perhaps also to, to your home. Right. So but if you already have that stuff prepared and then you know how to execute, um, um, if indeed if, if something were to happen and hey, if it doesn’t happen, great.

Lee Kantor: Yeah, but it’s one of those things. And if you can even be proactive and start building the relationships before you need the service, then all the better, because they’re going to return your call and they’re going to, you know, give you priority.

Miguel Jimenez: Right? Correct.

Lee Kantor: So if somebody wants to learn more and maybe get on your calendar or somebody on your team’s calendar to learn more about Chase for business, maybe the coaching again, you mentioned the website. Is there other ways to connect with you and your team?

Miguel Jimenez: So the website will be the best way. And I say the website because depending on where our our listeners are listening, the website will map you to the nearest consultant. Right. And then there’s a team of folks like myself spread out across the country from Florida, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, um, and you name it. Right? We are in a lot of cities across the country, so that’ll be the best way. But also, if you go into a branch and you ask for the coaching for impact team, right? Then that branch can also provide you like my contact or or any of my colleagues contact and depending on the city that you’re in.

Lee Kantor: So coaching for impact is the name of the program and that’s around the country.

Miguel Jimenez: Yes, sir.

Lee Kantor: Well, Miguel, thank you so much for sharing your story today. You’re doing such important work and we appreciate, you.

Miguel Jimenez: Know, thank you so much for having me. This was great, Amy. Thank you so much for this conversation. And, um, yeah, if you guys need any resources, Chase for business, um, will be the best place. I would I would recommend for folks to go check out. There’s a bunch of information there. There’s a bunch of tools there. There’s a bunch of resources there. Um, and we’re excited about, uh, helping our community.

Lee Kantor: All right. This is Lee Kantor. We’ll see you all next time on Tampa Business Radio.