strategic planning Archives - Business RadioX ®

Succession Planning with Steve Fisher and Bryan Preston

November 13, 2025 by John Ray

Family Business Radio

Succession Planning with Steve Fisher and Bryan Preston

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Succession Planning with Steve Fisher and Bryan Preston (Family Business Radio, Episode 70)

In this episode of Family Business Radio, host Anthony Chen is joined by Steve Fisher from Strategy Partners Group and Bryan Preston from Gaelic Business Solutions for a candid conversation about the real challenges that prevent family businesses from growing and transitioning successfully.

Steve shares how his journey from being an engineer to becoming a longtime CFO, which included navigating a stressful acquisition and downsizing, ultimately led him to advise business owners on strategic, operational, and financial issues. He explains why most businesses plateau because the owner becomes the bottleneck, how weak financial reporting and “shoebox” accounting quietly destroy valuation, and why a buyer is purchasing the company’s future potential, not the owner’s heroic history.

Bryan draws on his corporate background and his experience growing up in a declining mill town to explain why healthy small businesses are vital to the communities they serve. He discusses the danger of running a family business like a family instead of a business, how to free up owner time by building repeatable processes and delegating effectively, and why owners should be spending a significant portion of their week working on the business instead of just in it.

Together, Steve and Bryan present practical low-hanging fruit that family business owners can address immediately, including establishing clean books and standard operating procedures, as well as tackling difficult questions about succession, legacy, and the true requirements for successfully passing the torch.

Family Business Radio is underwritten and brought to you by Anthony Chen with Lighthouse Financial Network. The show is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

Start with the end in mind. Steve says owners should think about their exit when starting a business, as every owner will leave eventually, and the only question is how much control they will have over that transition.
Owner dependency kills value. Both guests note that the greater the business’s reliance on the owner’s daily involvement and crisis management, the less attractive and valuable it becomes to potential buyers or future successors.
Clean financials are nonnegotiable. Many family businesses rely on checkbook accounting or neglect their balance sheets and cash flow, making it difficult to run the company and even harder to sell it. Establishing solid, understandable financial statements is a foundational step.
Documented processes are an asset. Written, current, and consistently followed standard operating procedures make a business more turnkey, easier to scale, and significantly more appealing to successors or acquirers who need to understand how operations function without the owner’s presence.
Delegation is about trust and monitoring. When owners refuse to delegate responsibilities to capable team members, it often indicates a trust issue, either regarding the employee or the owner’s ability to supervise effectively. Learning to delegate tasks and then monitor the results is essential for growth.
Family must act like a business at work. Bryan highlights that family dynamics, charitable payroll decisions, and unresolved personal issues can undermine performance and value. Buyers will not pay to support family dynamics, so these issues must be addressed well before any transition.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to Family Business Radio

00:41 Meet Steve Fisher: From Engineer to CFO

02:03 The Rise of Fractional CFO Services

03:16 Challenges in Family Businesses

05:10 Succession Planning Insights

08:09 Personal Experience and Lessons Learned

10:01 Common Mistakes in Family Businesses

12:30 The Importance of Delegation

19:28 Unique Client Stories

21:53 Future Aspirations and Goals

24:52 Introduction to Bryan Preston

25:02 Bryan’s Corporate Journey

25:46 Helping Small Businesses

29:07 Challenges in Delegation

30:51 Vision and Growth

33:13 Succession Planning

36:15 Family Business Dynamics

38:15 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

43:51 Closing Remarks and Financial Advice

Steve Fisher, Founding Partner, Strategy Partners Group

Steve Fisher, Strategy Partners Group, on Family Business Radio with host Anthony Chen — **Steve Fisher, Strategy Partners Group**

Steve Fisher is the founder of Strategy Partners Group and brings more than 30 years of leadership experience as a CFO, management consultant, and advisor to growing companies. With a background in industrial engineering from Virginia Tech and a long tenure as CFO of a national financial services firm, he helps business owners and executive teams improve financial performance, manage risk, and build companies that are prepared for growth or exit. His expertise includes financial analysis and modeling, regulatory compliance, process improvement, and building monitoring and accountability systems that support better decision-making.

Known for making complex financial topics understandable to non-financial leaders, Steve has co-developed and delivered “Finance for Everyone,” contributed as a subject matter expert to executive training programs, and spoken to groups ranging from Emory University’s continuing education programs to private business networks. Through Strategy Partners Group, he works with C-suite leaders to design and support strategic, value-enhancing initiatives across their organizations, including succession and exit strategy planning.

Website | LinkedIn

Bryan Preston, Owner, Gaelic Business Solutions, LLC

Bryan Preston is the owner of Gaelic Business Solutions, LLC, a consulting firm focused on small and mid-sized businesses. He brings more than 30 years of executive experience from large organizations, where he served in roles such as Vice President of People and Culture, Senior Vice President of Talent Management and Community Relations, Interim CIO, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Product Management, Managing Director of New Product Development, Vice President and Business Unit Leader, and Vice President of Operations. Bryan holds a bachelor’s degree in quantitative economics from Framingham State University. Bryan has been married to his wife, Lori, for 39 years, and together they have three grown children and five grandchildren.

Gaelic Business Solutions partners with mid-market leaders who have outgrown basic business tactics but do not fit the mold for enterprise playbooks. Using its Mid-Market Optimization Method™, the firm provides strategic advice grounded in Bryan’s cross-industry executive experience. The focus is on practical, executive-level insight tailored for operators who want results and clarity, not theoretical frameworks or unnecessary complexity that slows execution.

Website | LinkedIn

Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

Family Business Radio is sponsored and brought to you by Anthony Chen with Lighthouse Financial Network. Securities and advisory services are offered through OSAIC, member FINRA/SIPC. RAA is separately owned, and other entities and/or marketing names, products, or services referenced here are independent of OSAIC. The main office address is 575 Broadhollow Rd., Melville, NY 11747. You can reach Anthony at 631-465-9090, ext. 5075, or by email at anthonychen@lfnllc.com.

Anthony Chen started his career in financial services with MetLife in Buffalo, NY, in 2008. Born and raised in Elmhurst, Queens, he considers himself a full-blooded New Yorker while now enjoying his Atlanta, GA, home. Specializing in family businesses and their owners, Anthony works to protect what is most important to them. From preserving to creating wealth, Anthony partners with CPAs and attorneys to help address all of the concerns and help clients achieve their goals. By using a combination of financial products ranging from life, disability, and long-term care insurance to many investment options through Royal Alliance, Anthony looks to be the eyes and ears for his client’s financial foundation. In his spare time, Anthony is an avid long-distance runner.

Follow this link to access the complete show archive of Family Business Radio.

Cary Matthews, Adam Marshall, and Jonathan Bill on Guiding Family Businesses

September 17, 2025 by John Ray

Family Business Radio

Cary Matthews, Adam Marshall, and Jonathan Bill on Guiding Family Businesses

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Cary Matthews, Adam Marshall, and Jonathan Bill on Guiding Family Businesses (Family Business Radio, Episode 68)

On this episode of Family Business Radio, host Anthony Chen sits down with three leaders who specialize in helping family businesses grow, plan, and prepare for the future. Cary Matthews of Opal Partners Group draws on his Fortune 50 and small business background to help companies clarify their identity, strategy, and culture. Adam Marshall of Lorium Law explains how his firm combines technical excellence with a human approach to risk management, transactions, and succession planning. Jonathan Bill of SBS Accounting and Advisors shares how his firm frees entrepreneurs from back-office burdens, delivering accurate books, timely financials, and proactive guidance. Together, they show how strategy, law, and financial discipline intersect to build strong family business legacies.

Family Business Radio is underwritten and brought to you by Anthony Chen with Lighthouse Financial Network. The show is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

Cary Matthews emphasizes clarity on identity and culture as the foundation of strategy.
Adam Marshall shifted from “big law” to client-centered legal practice to focus on relationships and assisting clients in making informed choices.
Jonathan Bill sees accurate, timely financials as essential for growth, lending, and exit planning.
Strategic planning, legal foresight, and sound bookkeeping intersect in family business success.
Host Anthony Chen emphasizes that beyond dollars and cents, family businesses need clarity of purpose and must tie financial planning to personal meaning and legacy.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to Family Business Radio
00:47 Cary Matthews’ Journey from COO to Business Strategist
02:14 The Importance of Organizational Structure
04:05 Common Challenges in Small Businesses
08:36 The Role of Strategy in Business Growth
12:01 Introducing Adam Marshall and His Legal Journey
14:52 Building Client Relationships in Law
18:50 The Importance of Risk Management and Pragmatism
25:21 The Importance of Foundational Documents
26:56 Preparing for Business Exits
28:20 Family Business Transitions
32:03 Introducing Jonathan Bill
32:10 The Origin Story of SBS Accounting
36:30 Unique Aspects of SBS Accounting
45:54 Legacy and Business Values
50:43 Anthony’s Financial Corner

Cary Matthews, Opal Partners Group

Cary Matthews is the Managing Partner of Opal Partners Group, LLC (OPG), where he helps small business owners and leadership teams get unstuck, achieve their goals, and build businesses they enjoy. As a strategy coach and fractional executive, he draws on more than two decades of experience leading operational improvement and growth in small businesses.

Before founding OPG, Cary served as COO and EVP of Operations for several Atlanta-area companies, overseeing project management, support services, accounting, HR, engineering, and logistics. His leadership produced measurable results, including reducing invoicing time by 80%, boosting gross profit by 10% while managing a 30% increase in sales, and cutting training development costs by 30%. Earlier in his career, Cary worked for Fortune 100 companies and a start-up, experiences that built the foundation for his passion and expertise in small business leadership.

Cary holds a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering and an MBA from Auburn University.

Website | LinkedIn

Adam Marshall, Lorium Law

Adam Marshall focuses his practice on matters dealing with corporations, with an emphasis on corporate restructuring, bankruptcy, and distressed M&A. Adam has represented debtors, creditors, corporations, lenders, funds, and buyers and sellers of assets in numerous industries, including retail, food service, real estate, healthcare, automotive, energy, and financial services.

Further, Adam counsels business owners/C-level executives on general corporate matters, including structuring, financing, operational needs, and liquidity events/strategies. Adam began his career as an attorney with several national and international law firms, including White & Case and Greenberg Traurig, working in the restructuring and distressed M&A practice areas.

He has practiced law since 1999 and lived in Florida for 21 years, until recently relocating to the Atlanta area with his wife Stefanie and two sons, Joshua (Duke ’23) and Alexander (University of Michigan LSA Honors ‘26).

Website | LinkedIn

Jonathan Bill, SBS Accounting

Jonathan Bill owns SBS Accounting & Advisors. Jonathan grew up in a small business and seeing his dad struggle to start a new business is what gave him his heart to help entrepreneurs. As a result, Jonathan started his company in 2006 with a passion to free and empower small businesses—”free” by taking their back-office responsibilities off their plate and “empower” by providing them with the key metrics and coaching in order to meet their goals. Since 2006, Jonathan and his companies have had the privilege of bringing this transformation to hundreds of organizations.

Outside of work, Jonathan enjoys spending time with his family and ministering in his church in the area of music.

Website | LinkedIn

Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

Follow this link to access the complete show archive of Family Business Radio.

Navigating and Transforming Toxic Workplace Cultures E43

August 29, 2024 by Karen

Navigating-and-Transforming-Toxic-Workplace-Cultures-Feature

Phoenix Business Radio

Navigating and Transforming Toxic Workplace Cultures E43

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Navigating and Transforming Toxic Workplace Cultures E43

In a recent episode of the Culture Crush Business podcast hosted by Kindra Maples, Catherine Mattice, CEO of Civility Partners, and Danielle Pener, Principal Attorney at Alta Employment Law Workplace Investigations, collaborated to illuminate the intricate dynamics of tackling toxic workplace cultures.

Throughout their engaging dialogue, Catherine and Danielle explored the nuances of managing workplace culture, emphasizing the dual challenges of reactive responses to crises and proactive strategies for preventing them. They discussed the triggers prompting organizations to seek their expertise, ranging from public scandals to internal acknowledgments of systemic issues, underscoring the complexity of organizational dynamics.

Are you looking for a little more guidance in how to tackle improving culture in a toxic workplace? This is your episode to listen to!

Kindra Maples and her guests advocated for a comprehensive approach to workplace culture management, advocating for ethical leadership that prioritizes both employee well-being and organizational effectiveness.

Civility Partners is a strategic organizational development firm that collaborates with clients to foster positive work environments. Their array of services encompasses executive coaching, corporate training, and extensive culture change initiatives. They specialize in aiding organizations plagued by cultures of harassment, discrimination, and bullying to bolster employee engagement, refine performance management, enhance management effectiveness, and more.

Their dedication stems from a profound desire to alleviate the suffering experienced by countless individuals in the workplace. This genuine concern for employee well-being serves as the driving force behind their endeavors.

Catherine Mattice, MA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, is the founder/CEO of Civility Partners, a strategic organizational development firm focused on helping organizations create respectful workplace cultures and specializing in turning around toxic cultures. Civility Partners’ clients range from Fortune 500’s to small businesses across many industries.

Catherine is a TEDx speaker and an HR thought-leader who has appeared in such venues as USA Today, Bloomberg, CNN, NPR, and many other national news outlets as an expert. She’s an award-winning speaker, author and blogger, and has 50+ courses reaching global audiences on LinkedIn Learning.

Catherine’s award-winning book, BACK OFF! Your Kick-Ass Guide to Ending Bullying at Work, was hailed by international leadership-guru, Ken Blanchard, as, “the most comprehensive and valuable handbook on the topic.”

Connect with Catherine on LinkedIn and follow Civility Partners on Facebook, X and Instagram.

Alta Employment Law is a workplace investigations law firm based in California with offices in San Francisco and San Diego. The attorneys conduct neutral third-party workplace investigations for companies of all sizes that need to meet their legal obligations to conduct prompt, thorough and independent workplace investigations into employee claims of harassment, discrimination, and other workplace misconduct.

The attorneys of Alta Employment Law are disciplined, detail-oriented and adaptive. They excel at defining and containing scope and maintaining clear lines of communication with clients. They are approachable and deeply committed to maintaining neutrality throughout the process. A key to their success is creating an environment in which each participant can be forthcoming in interviews. This allows them to achieve unmatched levels of quality in the evidence they gather.

With decades of experience in employment law, including years as in-house counsel, and more than a decade conducting investigations for companies of all sizes, the attorneys understand the hallmarks of excellent investigations. Clients can feel confident that their conclusions will always be well-reasoned and that the findings delivered will withstand scrutiny.

Danielle Pener has been practicing employment law for over two decades. In addition to working at both large and small law firms, she served as in-house employment law counsel at a Fortune 500 company and a Bay Area technology company.

In 2015, she founded Alta Employment Law to meet a growing need for workplace investigations and employment law advice and counsel, but quickly found that her passion lay in investigations. She loves being able to bring all of her experience, skills and talents to helping employees and employers navigate the complexities of the modern workplace.

Exclusive focus on investigations has allowed Danielle to refine her process such that she is able to efficiently and effectively gather relevant facts regardless of a client’s sector or size. She has investigated complaints in settings ranging from professional services to manufacturing, high tech to hospitality, at Fortune 100 companies, large and small privately-held companies, and nonprofit organizations. She also has a well-developed toolkit for managing complexities such as complaints that involve executives, witnesses represented by counsel, reluctant witnesses and situations involving multiple complainants.

Throughout her career, Danielle has been recognized for being thoughtful and meticulous. Clients appreciate her skillful management of the investigation process, and referring attorneys recommend her to their clients based on the excellent quality of her work.

Danielle is a member of the State Bar of California and the Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI). She is an AWI Certificate holder, leads AWI’s Workplace Investigation Basics seminars for those learning investigations, and has spoken at the AWI Annual Conference.

Danielle also holds inactive bar licenses in Missouri and Kansas. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Washington University in St. Louis, with a double major in Political Science and Women’s Studies, and was in the top 20% of her class at UC Davis School of Law.

Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn.

About Culture Crush

At Culture Crush, culture isn’t just a corporate buzzword. It’s a key factor that can either boost your company or lead to its failure.

We’re culture consultants, with a focus on leadership, appreciation, communication, processes, accessibility, mental health, diversity, inclusion, and creating a dynamic workplace.

As a growing company:

Culture Crush Business is your hub for company culture resources. With deep cultural insights and years of expertise, we evaluate your company’s needs and connect you with the precise resources to cultivate a thriving culture.

We work with CEOs, founders, HR Directors, or Culture Leaders of companies or teams, who value company culture and understand its impact on their business success.With Culture Crush you’ll learn how to transform your workplace into a place of unity, efficiency, and growth. Don’t just fix your company culture – transform it with Culture Crush Business.

On this podcast: We focus on everything surrounding businesses with good company culture. We will talk with company leaders to learn about real-life experiences, tips, and best practices for creating a healthy work environment where employees are finding joy and satisfaction in their work while also striving and growing within the company. We share the resources to help improve company culture and showcase them on the podcast with their tips and tricks for growing culture.

About the Host

Kindra Maples is spartan racer, past animal trainer, previous magician’s assistant, and has a weakness for Oreo cookie shakes. Her journey working with people actually started working with animals as a teenager (don’t worry we won’t go that far back for her bio).

She worked for over 15 years in the zoo industry working with animals and the public. Her passion of working with animals shifted into working with people in education, operations and leadership roles. From there her passion of leadership and helping people develop has continued to grow.

Then came the opportunity for leading the Culture Crush Business Podcast and she jumped on it. Leadership, growth, and strong company cultures are all areas that Kindra is interested in diving into further.

Thank you for our Sponsor!

This episode is sponsored by Gateway Bank, a community bank in Arizona that specializes in serving small businesses across the Valley and the country.

When you work with Gateway, you don’t have to call an 800 number for support, or submit your loan application and wait weeks or months for an answer. You get fast, personal service from a team who knows you and cares about you.

When Gateway was founded in 2007, the team had a vision of building a hometown bank that prioritizes people over profits. Over 15 years later, they’re proud to still be one of the highest-performing AND highest-rated community banks around.

Whether you need a loan or banking services for your business, Gateway is here to help. Visit gcbaz.com/culturecrush for details and a free consultation with bank President James Christensen.

All loans subject to approval. Member FDIC.

Strategically Planning for 2025 and Beyond S2E5

July 31, 2024 by Karen

Strategically-Planning-for-2025-and-Beyond-feature

Phoenix Business Radio

Strategically Planning for 2025 and Beyond S2E5

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Strategically Planning for 2025 and Beyond S2E5

In this episode of “The Future of Work”, hosts Al Loveland and Kyle McIntosh introduce their guests, Scott Romeo and Ed Wold. Scott, a seasoned strategy expert, and Ed, a patent agent, discuss their backgrounds and emphasize the importance of a strategic approach in business, exploring the balance between immediate actions and long-term goals.

The conversation delves into practical aspects of strategy, intellectual property, and pricing, highlighting their dynamic work and tailored services like “Strategy in a Day” and “Going Global.” They also announce the “Strategy Fest” on August 22nd at Mac 6 and bi-weekly “strategy lunch and learns” starting after Labor Day, concluding with personal stories and a call to action for further engagement.

Business leaders who are begining to plan for 2025 and beyond. They will learn concepts that will help their oganization stratgically and operationally. The basic concepts will inspire thoughts that will lead to ideas and initiatives driving improved business results.

THE STRATEGY EXPERT® helps organizations grow from where they are today to where they want to be. They provide strategic guidance to organizations from startups, small business owners, midsized companies, multinational corporations, and nonprofits in over 80 industries across the globe.

Scott Romeo has been a strategic planning/strategy consultant working with clients all over the world in over 80 industries for the past 32 years. He has a unique ability to quickly assess an organization’s current state and help design strategies to help them get from where they are today to where they need to be.

He has worked with startups, Fortune 500 Companies, and multinational corporations in the US and throughout Asia. He has been teaching strategies at the university level for the past 25 years at both the undergraduate and graduate level.

Along the way, he has written three books on strategy, one of which is recommended reading at a business management school in Belgium. He is the strategist that executive teams want at the table when they are considering their future growth and next strategic moves.

Edwin Wold is a registered US Patent Agent, author, and business and management consultant with experience working at the strategic, operational, and functional levels of organizations.

With an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering, a master’s degree in Project Engineering Management, and an Executive Juris Doctorate with a specialization in contracts and patent protection, Edwin has a history of helping clients grow from “concept to cash” with an emphasis on adding more profit to the bottom line.

Edwin interacts with management and leadership to analyze the constraints/needs/aspirations of the business and helps guide them to strategically apply business approaches to help take the company to the next level. This is often centered around helping to create and protect the IP of an innovative product or introducing a new or improved product or service to the global market.

Follow The Strategy Expert on LinkedIn and X.

ABOUT THE FUTURE OF WORK

Welcome to Future of Work Radio Show and Podcast – where business leaders share how they integrate humanity and technology through innovative approaches, healthy culture, flexible workspaces and seamless virtual technology.

ABOUT YOUR CO-HOSTS

With a focus in marketing and a background in various for profit and not for profit companies, including much professional and volunteer work, Kyle McIntosh wondered, “How can I pair the passion and commitment to community progress of a non-profit with the sustainability and reach of a for profit company?”

From this question and perspective a mission evolved to tear down the false distinction between the two sectors and to promote companies with Conscious Capitalism® business models through MAC6.

Albert Loveland has joined the MAC⁶ Team full-time. Al will be helping us to takeMAC⁶ to the next level as Vice President of Operations(and, for all of you who are familiar with EOS, as the MAC⁶Integrator).

Al brings over 25 years of experience in leadership and operational efficiency, first working for JPMorgan Chase for fifteen years and then, for the past decade, with his own consulting business working with small businesses, non-profits, and entrepreneurs.

Al has been working from MAC⁶ as a community member for five years now, acting as the unofficial ‘Mayor of MAC⁶’and helping every day to make this community a great place to be. Please join us in congratulating him as the now Official Mayor of MAC⁶ and as an integral new part of our team!

To learn more about MAC6 Communities, call 480-293-4075 or find them on LinkedIn and Facebook.

ABOUT OUR SPONSOR

MAC⁶ offers flexible spaces and programs to help your team grow, and a community of thriving businesses, just like yours. Advocating Capitalism as a Force for Good, MAC6 is Accelerating the shift to Conscious Capitalism (where Purpose and Profit Unite) through Creativity, Collaboration, Community and Change.

Tools for Collaboration and Success: A Chat with Apex Global Solutions

April 11, 2024 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Tools for Collaboration and Success: A Chat with Apex Global Solutions

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Tools for Collaboration and Success: A Chat with Apex Global Solutions

The podcast episode features an insightful conversation between Karen Nowicki, Rick Bowers, and Ashley Bowers of Apex GTS Advisors, Inc. Together, they explore the challenges faced by C-suite leaders and the importance of embracing outside assistance to align strategies with company culture. Rick and Ashley share their experiences in facilitating change within organizations, emphasizing the significance of tailored solutions, communication, and trust. Throughout the conversation, they underscore the importance of collaboration, transparent communication, and setting realistic goals grounded in strategic realism. Additionally, they touch on the psychological benefits of visual brainstorming and the role of tools like ChatGPT in streamlining collaborative work processes.

They discuss the significance of their strong bond and shared values in driving their success. The interview concludes with insights into upcoming events and opportunities to connect with Apex GTS Advisors, Inc., leaving listeners with a deeper understanding of effective leadership, problem-solving, and building thriving organizational cultures.

Apex GTS Advisors is recognized as a beacon of strategic guidance and operational finesse in organizational development. Owing to decades of collective experience, the team at ApexGTS has established a sterling reputation for excellence in talent management, operational strategy, and driving sustained growth. The firm is convinced that every organization is unique and deserves a bespoke approach tailored to its distinct challenges and opportunities.

The journey toward success at ApexGTS commences with an immersive dive into the intricacies of the client’s business facilitated by a meticulous intake process. This journey of discovery serves as the foundation for crafting solutions that address immediate needs and lay the groundwork for sustainable success. The firm remains committed to understanding the aspirations of both employees and customers, ensuring that its interventions resonate deeply and foster a workplace environment that celebrates individuality and cultivates collective excellence.

ApexGTS Advisors empowers leaders to navigate the complexities of organizational dynamics with clarity and purpose by employing a blend of objective analysis and innovative thinking. By offering fresh perspectives and unveiling untapped potential, the firm illuminates a clear path forward, guiding clients toward their apex of achievement. With ApexGTS as a trusted ally, organizations embark on a transformative journey, poised to unlock their full potential and thrive.

Rick Bowers, a native of Iowa and shaped by Midwest values, epitomizes the essence of hard work, determination, and delivering exceptional outcomes. Growing up in an environment that instilled the virtues of getting up early and putting in the effort, he fully comprehends what it takes for individuals and organizations to ascend to greatness and reach their Apex.

Throughout his career, Rick has dedicated himself to unraveling the intricacies of understanding each individual’s unique strengths and leveraging them to meet the needs and aspirations of the companies they serve. His journey began at Arizona State University, where he embarked on a path with TTI Success Insights, an organization specializing in assessments and talent development. Rick’s commitment and contributions propelled him through various roles within the company, ultimately culminating in his appointment as its president, overseeing consultants worldwide.

Inspired by his passion for personal and professional development, Rick actively engages in the industry. He is a valued member of multiple prestigious boards, including two advisory boards at HR.com and the Hartman Institute. In addition, Rick proudly holds a council position on the National Alumni Association at his alma mater, Arizona State University. Furthermore, he has had the privilege of presenting his esteemed Leadership Engagement workshop to numerous ASU Alumni Leadership Institute classes. Through these influential roles, Rick serves as a trusted ambassador and advisor, utilizing his expertise to propel the growth and success of these esteemed institutions and his clients.

In 2022, Rick established Apex GTS Advisors by drawing upon his wealth of experience assisting consultants and organizations. With a firm belief in helping organizations discover and ascend to their Apex, he guides organizations through growth, transformation, and unparalleled success. By crafting tailored strategies and solutions, Rick empowers organizations to unlock their full potential, exceed their goals, and create a lasting impact.

While Rick dedicates himself to his work, he also understands the importance of playing hard. He cherishes the time spent with his wife and two sons. Embracing his love for the water, Rick finds solace and excitement in boating, water-skiing, wakeboarding, and wake-surfing.
Additionally, he seeks thrills on the slopes while skiing and snowmobiling.

Connect with Rick on LinkedIn and X.

Ashley Bowers is a distinguished expert with over 25 years of experience in talent management, operational excellence, and organizational growth. Her career began in organizational development and talent assessments, where she devised a strategic planning process to unify organizations towards achieving peak results.

Ashley’s expertise encompasses strategic planning, mergers & acquisitions, organizational structure & culture, change management, hyper-growth operational planning, and executive coaching & development. Her remarkable track record includes integrating acquisitions, preparing companies for IPOs, and developing proprietary strategies like the “Messy Strategy” for business advancement.

Ashley champions a culture of transparency and accountability, emphasizing the critical role of people in business success.

Follow Apex GTS on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Creativity and Cleanup Leading to Improved Culture E33

August 16, 2023 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Creativity and Cleanup Leading to Improved Culture E33

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Creativity and Cleanup Leading to Improved Culture E33

When it comes to improving company culture, there are a tremendous amount of resources out there to help companies. Finding which resources are the right fit for your company is the tricky part.

Lucky for you, we brought together two amazing ladies that offer support that can improve all companies! These resources help to bring creativity and clarity to your teams!

This conversation talked about the support and structure that both Sarah’s company and Anca’s company can help provide to others.

There is a fear of failure and these ladies are here to help build the teams so that the fear can be concurred and supported.

Investing in outside support and facilitation is one of the best things a company can do to help improve their teams and company culture. Facilitators use techniques that stimulate creative thinking and innovation- and these ladies are the pinnacle of creativity!

You should listen to this podcast if you….

are having trouble communicating with your team and trying to find the right resources to help.
would like to find a unique way to improve your meetings and sharing top highlights with the company.
need a little support defining the goals of the meetings and the communication taking place.
are ready to invest in your company to improve the culture of the people and the company as a whole.
if you need a little help capturing and synthesizing the details from your meetings.

Culture Crush is here to support and it starts with these two amazing women led companies!

Design Convo is a female-owned Human Centered Strategy and Consulting firm dedicated to empowering organizations with transformative solutions. They specialize in helping organizations navigate complex challenges and achieve sustainable growth by placing humans at the heart of their strategies.

They team of seasoned consultants brings together expertise in strategy, design thinking, organizational change, capacity building, leadership development, and digital innovation.

By combining these diverse perspectives, they create holistic solutions that blend human insights with cutting-edge technologies, unlocking new possibilities for teams and organizations.

With a deep understanding of human communication and behavior, they guide organizations in crafting strategies that resonate with their target audiences and foster meaningful connections. They believe that successful businesses are built upon strong relationships, and they work closely with teams to cultivate cultures that drive collaboration.

In addition to strategy and consulting services, they also focus on capacity building and leadership development. Through tailored training programs, coaching, and skill-building initiatives, they equip leaders and teams with the tools and knowledge they need to drive sustainable change from within.

Anca M. Castillo, MS is as a master facilitator in multiple techniques and approaches, including Strategic Storytelling, Human-Centered Design, and Visual Facilitation, to name a few.

Originally from Romania, Anca grew up in Alaska before moving to Arizona to pursue an education in business. She spent the past 6+ years in different leadership roles at ASU before taking the leap into entrepreneurship.

Anca loves to help organizations and leaders solve wicked problems using a variety of proven tools and techniques. She is passionate about helping leaders develop the skills and capabilities they need to do their best work and helping organizations to push the boundaries of the status quo. She describes herself as a “rule breaker” and “big picture thinker”.

When not working, you can find Anca performing improv with her team, doing DIY projects, and dancing around her kitchen with her family.

Follow Design Convo on LinkedIn.

26 Letters Studio’s creativity is a crucial piece to the culture work organizations do in order to grow a sustainable business.

Their graphic facilitation visually guides and captures the conversations and activities that emerge during culture meetings.

This work inspires participants in the moment and the results (called artifacts) are used to further the conversation and quickly bring new hires into the fold.

Sarah Spencer is a professional visual storyteller. With experience across multiple disciplines, Sarah is valued for her ability to listen, synthesize and draw what is emerging as people meet to discuss important subjects.

The outcome is a visual representation of the meeting used for future discussions and planning and acts as an artifact of what emerged from the group.

Sarah is a published illustrator, writer, award-winning designer, inventor, and culture expert.

Follow 26 Letters on LinkedIn and Instagram.

About Culture Crush

At Culture Crush, culture isn’t just a corporate buzzword. It’s a key factor that can either boost your company or lead to its failure.

We’re culture consultants, with a focus on leadership, appreciation, communication, processes, accessibility, mental health, diversity, inclusion, and creating a dynamic workplace.

As a growing company:

Thank you for our Sponsor!

There has been tremendous growth of the Culture Crush Business and the Podcast. This growth is thanks to the support from the community and now the support through our current podcast sponsor.

Thank you Gateway Bank for supporting us as our Cultivator Podcast Sponsor!

If you would like to be part of the Culture Crush team or would like to support sponsoring the show- please reach out: info@culturecrushbusiness.com

About the Host

Paul Wilson Jr., Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs

December 19, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Paul Wilson Jr., Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs

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Paul Wilson Jr., Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 592)

Paul Wilson Jr., Vice President of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, joined host John Ray on this episode of North Fulton Business Radio. He gave an overview of Russell Center, the legacy of Herman J. Russell, the Center’s mission to support Black entrepreneurs, capacity building, collaboration and partnerships, what they’re looking for from mentors and businesses who want to plug in, and much more.

North Fulton Business Radio is produced and broadcast by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs

RICE is an economic mobility engine for the community: driving entrepreneurs and small business owners to innovate, grow, create jobs, and build wealth. They house over 50,000 square feet of convening, meeting, and innovation space in a LEED Silver Certified building, brought to life by a robust offering of educational, networking, mentoring, and capital resources. Part business generator, innovation lab, and museum, RICE invests in Black entrepreneurs, strengthens businesses, and creates community.

Their mission is to inspire and empower Black entrepreneurs.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Paul Wilson Jr., Vice President of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs

Paul Wilson, Jr., VP of Innovation and Entrepreneurship with The H. J. Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), is an innovative and effective entrepreneurial leader with nearly 20 years of experience creating and delivering high caliber consulting and training solutions to small businesses, corporations, non-profits, and professionals at all levels. He has extensive industry experience that spans leadership roles in small business development, supply chain management, procurement, and supplier diversity. His expertise includes strategic planning, operational planning, leadership development, digital media, government and corporate contracting, and curriculum design and development.

Most recently Paul served as the Area Director of the UGA Small Business Development Center at Georgia State University. In that position he successfully led a dynamic team that provided consulting services, business solutions, educational training, and market research to startup, growing, and established small businesses that helped them achieve their short and long-term goals.

Previously Paul has leveraged his Master of Science in Organizational Management and Bachelor of Business in Supply Chain Management to impact several industries and companies across the United States. Some of his previous client engagements include Southern Company, Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council (GMSDC), Nevada Energy, Vectren, Louisville Gas & Electric, AEP, Edison Electric Institute, Indiana Utility Association, Utility Purchasing Management Group, San Diego Chargers (NFL), Carolina Panthers (NFL), Minnesota Vikings (NFL), and multiple other organizations.

He is a passionate champion for minority business development, expansion, and retention in the metro Atlanta region, and has built strong partnerships and collaborations with several small business development organizations. In addition to being a published author, he enjoys using his multi-media talents and skills to create digital content that informs, inspires, and challenges entrepreneurs to pursue their maximum potential.

Questions and Topics in this Interview

Overview of Russell Center and their mission to support Black entrepreneurs
Strategic planning
Capacity building
Collaboration and partnerships

North Fulton Business Radio is hosted by John Ray and broadcast and produced from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, Stitcher, TuneIn, and others.

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown to become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions with over $13 billion in assets and more than 190 banking, lending, wealth management and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

Since 2000, Office Angels® has been restoring joy to the life of small business owners, enabling them to focus on what they do best. At the same time, we honor and support at-home experts who wish to continue working on an as-needed basis. Not a temp firm or a placement service, Office Angels matches a business owner’s support needs with Angels who have the talent and experience necessary to handle work that is essential to creating and maintaining a successful small business. Need help with administrative tasks, bookkeeping, marketing, presentations, workshops, speaking engagements, and more? Visit us at https://officeangels.us/.

Patrick Holcomb Drew Archer and Taylor Kerley with Ironwood Venture E31

September 6, 2022 by Karen

Patrick-Holcomb-Drew-Archer-and-Taylor-Kerley-with-Ironwood-Venture-feature

Phoenix Business Radio

Patrick Holcomb Drew Archer and Taylor Kerley with Ironwood Venture E31

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Patrick Holcomb Drew Archer and Taylor Kerley with Ironwood Venture E31

Ironwood Venture is a management consulting company specializing in accelerating growth for emerging and middle-market businesses. We work with clients that range in industry but have a common need; bridging the gap between strategy and execution.

We are passionate about seeing our clients succeed by working side by side with them to understand their business, their customers and their challenges in order to develop customized solutions that make the difference.

Our deep expertise and experience in operations management and product development coupled with building and leading high-performing teams provides clients with unmatched hands on guidance and support to realize their goal.

Patrick Holcomb is a highly accomplished Executive with proven leadership experience in the Engineering, Financial Services and Technology Sectors.

Deep experience with large multi-geographic operations, Big Data initiatives, strategic planning/implementation, sales management, talent development and revenue/expense optimization all centered around driving customer loyalty.

Drew Archer is an experienced outsourced CFO with exaperience in both an operational & strategic level.

This ranges from tactical assistance in QBO to close the books on time to strategic guidance around; detailed cashflow modeling, multi-year budgeting, profitability analysis, debt optimization and reporting requirements from outside stakeholders.

Taylor Kerley is a versatile and creative marketer with expertise in social media, branding, PPC, social advertising, graphic design, email marketing, photography, SEO, blogging, and overall marketing strategy.

Follow Ironwood Venture on LinkedIn.

About Arizona Good Business

What is good business? What are local businesses doing to build a better Arizona?

Join Arizona Good Business to hear from local companies who are:

Centering purpose at the forefront of business
Creating social well-being for the community
Prioritizing sustainability and positive environmental practices
Growing strong company cultures through building authentic teams
Ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion are involved in all business decisions

Arizona Good Business features local business leaders that are redefining what it means to do good business.

About Your Host

Thomas Barr is the Executive Director for Local First Arizona, the largest coalition of local businesses in North America. He advocates for a strong local business community that contributes to building vibrancy, equity, and prosperity across the state. A proud Arizona native and graduate of Arizona State University, Thomas leads the business coalition of Local First Arizona by advocating for the economic and cultural benefits provided by building strong local economies.

Thomas steers the strategic direction of LFA’s major programs and initiatives as well as the engagement of over 3000 businesses across Arizona. As Executive Director, Thomas guides a team of statewide senior directors overseeing the execution of LFA’s communication strategy, major initiatives and key partnerships, as well as the collaboration of over 30 staff implementing work in entrepreneurship programs, small business advocacy, local food initiatives, sustainability, urban development and community building. He frequently speaks to groups locally and nationally, presenting the impact of Local First Arizona and the importance of local economy work in building prosperity.

Outside of Local First Arizona, Thomas has participated in volunteering his time to many causes and organizations throughout the Valley including Young Nonprofit Professionals – Phoenix, Equality Arizona, Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits, Arizona Commission on the Arts, Heritage Square Foundation and Phoenix Legal Action Network. Additionally, Thomas is a 2018 Phoenix Magazine 40 Under 40 honoree, alumni of Arizona Leading for Change, and current participant in Valley Leadership Institute’s 40th cohort.

Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn and Twitter.

WHY Healthcare? E34

July 25, 2022 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

WHY Healthcare? E34

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WHY Healthcare? E34

Inspirational stories, leadership styles, life lessons, pivotal moments, business tips, and more were shared on this episode of Collaborative Connections Radio Show and podcast, sponsored by KLM Consulting, Marketing, and Management.

Host, Kelly Lorenzen was on-air with Judy Smith of Smith Hager Bajo, Inc., Madeline Frederick with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), and Megan Duffy with DLR Group.

They also shared why they chose healthcare, their BIG WHY, brands, values, culture, and what collaboration means to them.

It was such a dynamic conversation with these amazing business leaders and worth the listen.

Smith Hager Bajo, Inc., is a consultant-owned firm committed to making a difference in the health care of women and children.

Since the firm was founded by three women in 1995, it has become recognized nationally for helping hospitals improve their services and environments for women and children.

Collectively, consultants have completed more then 2,000 projects ranging from strategic business planning of women’s health services to facility planning for state of the art children’s hospitals.

Judy Smith started her hospital career at WakeMed in Raleigh, NC. She worked with several health systems before moving into the world of managment consulting and facility planning.

As a consultant, she has successfully completed more than 1,000 women and children’s hospital projects in six countries, and is an active lecturer, author and strategist.

She has devoted her career and significant personal time to improving the health environment for women and children.

Connect with Judy on LinkedIn.

Founded in 1901, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is a worldwide leader in pediatric and adolescent health.

Madeline Frederick is a hospital executive, with expertise in strategic planning, operational improvement, and aligning resources with organizational goals.

She has twelve years of experience in healthcare administration, including roles with the VA Health System, academic health systems, an NCI-designated cancer center, and currently, a children’s hospital.

While she has built her career in southern California, she is originally from Kansas City, and earned her Master of Health Services Administration from University of Kansas Medical Center.

DLR Group is an integrated design firm delivering architecture, engineering, interiors, planning, and building optimization for new construction, renovation, and adaptive reuse.

Their promise is to elevate the human experience through design. This promise inspires sustainable design for a diverse group of public and private sector clients; local communities; and the planet.

DLR Group is 100 percent employee-owned and fully supports the initiatives and goals of the 2030 Challenge, and is an initial signatory to the China Accord and the AIA 2030 Commitment.

Megan Duffy is a Principal at DLR Group and has over 20 years of experience in interior design and planning services for public and private sector clients including healthcare clients.

As Senior Interior Design Lead, she takes pride in her role as a mentor, leader, and creative spirit. She takes on every project with an eye toward expressing the goal and mission of every client.

About Collaborative Connections

Kelly Lorenzen started the “Collaborative Connections” show to bring her clients and favorite charities together to meet each other, connect and collaborate in life and business.

She hopes to build a stronger community one show at a time.

About Our Sponsor

KLM is a one-stop support shop for small business owners who are starting, growing, or trying to sustain. Our purpose is to foster the growth and prosperity of small businesses in our community.

Entrepreneurs & small business owners come to KLM for support in all areas of business. KLM clients think of us as a concierge, business snuggy, another arm, or duplicate for the business owner; They call us when they need us. Business owners can continue to do what they love while having the support they need when they need it.

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.