How Entrepreneurs Utilize Networks to Increase Business E45
On this episode of Collaborative Connections guest host, Rochelle Poulton, was able to showcase the business acumen of Irene Ploski (Independence Insurance Group) and Paul Hershenberg (Hershenberg Financial & Employee Benefits). Small business hurdles, the power of connections, the role of commercial insurance, and how employee benefits improve company culture were just a few takeaways.
If you are a small business owner, then you are facing business hurdles. This episode of Collaborative Connections addresses the growing pains Irene Ploski, Paul Hershenberg, and Rochelle Poulton faced as entrepreneurs and the role building a network played in their success. Building a business is hard, but doing it the right way with the help of good business consultants, and knowledgeable insurance brokers can give you confidence to keep moving forward. 
Founded in 2009, Independence Insurance Group PLLC has a total combined industry experience of over 36 years. We are an independent agency and have several options to offer to our clients.
We are not bound to a single insurance company that offers a single type of product, but instead, we look for the best fit for each of our clients, our goal is to find the right combination of coverage and price.
Irene Ploski has been in the insurance industry since 2003. She is married and is the mom of 2 very busy college students, a high-energy Golden Retriever and a Dobermann.
Irene is a member of the Phoenix Lions Club, where she served as Secretary and Vice-President. This highly active community volunteer organization has donated tens of thousands of dollars in the last 5 years to benefit local charities directly impacting our Phoenix communities.
She is also a member of the Phoenix Elks Lodge #335, where she served as Chairwoman of the Advisory Committee for their teen program called the Phoenix Antlers Lodge #335, an organization that promotes leadership, good citizenship and strong friendships, respect for parents and love for community in teens through volunteering and fundraising.
She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, cooking, spending time with friends, volunteering, and loves going to concerts.
Irene is fluent in Spanish, she is originally from Guadalajara, Mexico. She moved to Arizona in 2000 and became a U.S. Citizen in 2010. She founded Independence Insurance Group in 2009.
Irene’s core values are Family, Independence, Resilience, Gratitude, Honesty, and Resourcefulness.
Connect with Irene on LinkedIn and follow Independence Insurance Group on Facebook. 
Hershenberg & Stone Walsh Insurance Services, LLC is a full-service insurance broker.
We specialize in helping small and medium size businesses create and maintain their employee benefits program.
Paul Hershenberg is the Managing Member and founder of Hershenberg & Stone-Walsh Insurance Services and has been helping business owners design and implement employee for over 25 years.
Paul and his team have created an employee benefits agency with the knowledge, ability, and resources to positively impact his clients and help them attract and retain quality employees.
Connect with Paul on LinkedIn and follow Hershenberg & Stone Walsh Insurance Services on Facebook.
About Our Guest Host
Rochelle Poulton joined KLM Consulting, after nearly ten years of running her own law firm assisting clients with consumer rights, real estate matters, and business law.
She offers creative solutions for entrepreneurs seeking to reach the next level of their business journey.
Rochelle assists clients with consulting, business development, and project management.
In addition, Rochelle has nearly 20 years of real estate experience and is a licensed Realtor with Realty Executives.
Connect with Rochelle on LinkedIn or visit us online at DuplicateMyself.com
About Collaborative Connections
The purpose of Collaborative Connections Radio Show and Podcast is to build a connected community, one collaborative show at a time. We highlight local non-profits, associations, small and family-owned businesses.
By bringing 4 like-minded people together for an hour of in-depth conversation, our hope is that they connect and collaborate in life and business in the future.
About Our Sponsor
KLM is a business development firm helping entrepreneurs, small and family-owned businesses start, grow and scale through consulting, marketing and project management. Combining those three things has been a trifecta, or triple advantage to business owners.
Entrepreneurs & small business owners come to KLM for support in all areas of business. If you need to duplicate yourself in any area of your business, we can help. If we don’t do exactly what you need, we know someone who can.
Business owners can continue to do what they love while having the support they need when they need it, with the help of KLM. We help you figure out what needs to get done AND DO IT FOR YOU!
About Your Host
Kelly Lorenzen, CEO of KLM, is an award-winning entrepreneur with over 15 years of business-ownership experience. She is also a certified project management professional.
Kelly’s expertise is in business development, customer service, marketing, and sales.
Connect with Kelly on LinkedIn, and follow KLM on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Kelly Lorenzen, CEO of KLM Consulting, is an award-winning entrepreneur with over 17 years of business-ownership experience. She has joined forces with other local experts to provide a multi-faceted team to help small businesses and non-profit organizations with their projects, create solutions-based marketing results, and build their businesses.
