Shows
Grow or GoEp. 37 - Preserving Key Institutional Knowledge - Ben BomarBusiness transition is completely predictable, we know it is going to happen. Every leader or employee is eventually going to “log off” for the last time. Key employees retire, move on to a new opportunity, or take on new responsibility. When that happens, where does all their valuable knowledge and experience that has been vital to business success go?Welcome to Ben Bomar and Lithyus Group. They help businesses recognize and retain the institutional knowledge of their vital team members while mitigating the risks of business disruption caused by employee transition.
2025-11-2028 minGrow or GoEp. 36 - Inspiring the Next Generation in the Trades - Joe House and Amanda GregoryWith the arrival of AI and other new technology, the future across most industries is uncertain for the work force. Future generations may begin to see that careers in manufacturing and the trades are more secure. But where will they see the potential?Introducing MAKE PUBLISHING (Manufacturing A Kid's Experience) Children's Books. They explain to kids that everything they see in the world had to be made by someone. It promotes more curiosity about where the things around them came from. MAKE also connects with manufacturers to hear their...
2025-10-3034 minGrow or GoEp. 35 - These Affect Your Business Sale: Stock Market, Money Trends, Spending and Planning - Chad SchumacherDoes the stock market really affect when you sell your company? Should I sell when it's down and invest the profits? Hold on longer until things are great? The answer comes down to where you financially are right now, and where you need to be for your next journey. That's the critical part of working with your wealth advisor ahead of a sale, along with a business advisor who can help you through the process. Chad Schumacher with Tradition Wealth Management is a market guru that lives and breaths...
2025-10-1546 minGrow or GoEp. 34 - Home Healthcare Needs are Booming - Charlotte HoesWe all have one thing in common: we are all aging, and there's no dress rehearsal for it. Aging is unavoidable. In fact, the older population in the next coming years is going to double. A direct result of this will be the demand for services for the older generations like medical resources and services. Just like your exit plan, it's crucial that you know what your options are for your healthcare needs. Charlotte Hoes joins the podcast and explains how important resources and services are for our older...
2025-09-2933 minGrow or GoEp. 33 - Talking Championship Culture with Superbowl Champion Ben UtechtWinning a Superbowl is not an easy feat when you are competing against the top 1% of athletes in the world. For Ben Utecht and the Colts in 2007, it didn't come down to physical skillsets. It came down to the Championship Culture that Hall of Fame Coach Tony Dungy implemented within the team. As a former NFL Tight End and current entrepreneur, Uncommon Award Winner, Chief Culture Officer, and so much more, Ben now spreads wisdom across the masses on what it takes to build culture that wins. Ben also recently released his new book...
2025-09-1848 minGrow or GoEp. 32 - Professional Soccer Player turned Global Expert on Leadership - Peter BeaumontPeter Beaumont is this week's special guest, and brings a wealth of global experience and knowledge when it comes to leadership. Whether it be scenario planning, supply chain planning, or critical culture implementation and creation, all companies either large or small need these top of mind. Peter hails from England and played professional soccer in his time; soon after working for large companies such as Philip Morris, and Coca-Cola. For the past 30 years, he's specialized as a leadership consultant and transformed business owners and CEO's reignite their passion for work.
2025-09-1246 minGrow or GoEp. 31 - Minnesota's Economic Outlook - Doug LoonWhat's the future look like for business in Minnesota? Where are we at right now? Is your business ahead, or behind? Where are current investments in the state, and where do we need more of it? Minnesota Chamber of Commerce - President and CEO - Doug Loon joins Matt for a special episode all about Minnesota and what business owners need to know.The future is bright for Minnesota, and we continue to dominate as manufacturers, innovators, medical professionals, and so much more. The truth is, however, that we need to keep investments coming...
2025-09-0532 minGrow or GoEp. 30 - How The Prouty Project helps companies define their Clarity, Alignment, & Commitment - Sam Smith & Sam HarrisClarity. Alignment. Commitment. Every company needs these three pillars to be clear, defined, and understood. Without it, you won't be able to row in the same direction, and your success will be stunted. Sam Smith, and Samantha Harris from The Prouty Project join us for Ep. 30. The truth is every company doesn't have it all figured out. Somewhere along the leadership, or structure, will be misaligned or confusing to employees and team members. What does that mean? Falling short of hitting goals and not breaking through ceilings. sam.smith...
2025-08-2853 minGrow or GoEp. 29 - Understanding the Importance of What It's all For - Nicole MiddendorfThis week's episode is heavy. We are joined by Nicole Middendorf - a successful business owner and wealth advisor who has survived domestic violence, and completely reinvented her life for a purpose. Nicole touches on the importance of understanding Why You Do What You Do. How you spend your time, how you build your business, who you do it with, where you do it, but most importantly Why You Do It. What's the reason why? We all have our own identity outside of the office, and are driven by...
2025-08-2137 minGrow or GoEp. 28 - The Importance of Self Reflection and Realization with America's Storyteller - Jeff GouldLiving a life of significance, or with purpose is often overlooked by people. We get caught up running too fast with raising a family, building a business, a career, and often don't sit back and really evaluate why we do what we do. But what happens on your death bed? Will you be happy? Sad? Full of regret? Jeff Gould, America's Storyteller, joins Chris for an honest conversation about living a joyful life, instead of running yourself into the ground and regretting everything you've devoted your life doing. Business...
2025-08-1542 minGrow or GoEp. 27 - A Founder's Story: Maddy & Maize Popcorn - Brett StrikerWe've had some incredible CPG foods and snacks that have been born in Minnesota. One of those is Maddy & Maize Popcorn. Do you ever wonder how businesses like this start and even reach the level of success they do? Tune in. Brett Striker - founder of Maddy & Maize joins us and gives us his whole story of how Maddy & Maize started, from his apartment all the way to shelves on shelves of your favorite stores. Not all ideas go somewhere, but if you are gritty enough and believe in your product, it's only a...
2025-08-0742 minGrow or GoEp. 26 - Behind the Curtain: How C4 Welding Sold to Millerbernd - Mike Wheelock & Craig SextonThis episode is the "behind the curtains" of Project Steel, a recent transaction that True North M&A successfully completed for the Sexton family. Craig Sexton, son of Fred Sexton (owner of C4 Welding) joins us along with Mike Wheelock (M&A Advisor and Business Broker) to explain the uniqueness of a speedy M&A transaction. To learn more about this deal, check out our Case Study.Connect with our hosts: Chris Jones - CEO and co-owner, and Matt Silasiri - Vice President of Business Development at True North...
2025-07-3135 minGrow or GoEp. 25 - What It's Like Standing on The Yellow Footprints in the Marine Corps - Tim RilleyEver wonder what it's like to walk off the bus for boot camp? Everyone who joins The U.S. Marine Corps goes through the exact same training. Whether your journey takes you by way of Parris Island or MCRD San Diego, your first encounter once off the bus has you standing on those Yellow Footprints.Our special guest for this episode is Tim Rilley, who is a veteran of The U.S. Marine Corps, and author of The Yellow Footprints. Tim not only brings us through his experience in transforming from a civilian to a M...
2025-07-2432 minGrow or GoEp. 24 - The Inside Scoop for LBM Companies and How They Can Win - Emily OversonHere in Minnesota we have so many family owned and operated lumber and building materials businesses. They fuel our economy and support so many industries and other adjacent businesses. We are proud to help this industry and it's leaders continue to thrive, even through the ups and downs. For you business owners in the lumber and building materials world, this podcast is for you. Emily Overson has been in the LBM industry for decades, and now she helps owners reevaluate how they operate, and pivot so they can grow. Emily's WebsiteConnect with...
2025-07-1732 minGrow or GoEp. 23 - How The Man Up Club is Transforming Leaders in Inner-City Youth - Korey DeanIt's a privilege to grow up with a strong and sound father figure in your life. But the truth is not everyone in this world is awarded that opportunity. It can hinder the growth of teens and youth in your community, but how can you help fix the problem? The Man Up Club is a perfect example of being on the front lines and helping inner-city youth by influencing love, hope, and leadership. Korey Dean, the founder of the organization joins us to explain the power of finding purpose, mentoring, and investing time and resources to help...
2025-07-1050 minGrow or GoEp. 22 - You Aren't Safe From Hackers - Cybersecurity is Not an Option, It's a Necessity - Daniel MetcalfHackers and security threats are more active than ever. AI only makes things easier for them, and as an individual, or business, everyone is at risk. Security hacks can be detrimental to your livelihood, your business, your employees, and your bank account. Cybersecurity expert and owner of Cyberfin, Daniel Metcalf, joins us to explain the importance of your cybersecurity, what hackers are doing now, how you can be at risk and most importantly, how you can be protected. Don't leave this up to chance and take action now!Connect with Daniel...
2025-07-0340 minGrow or GoEp. 21 - Implementing EOS and 10xing, Relieving the Accounting Burden for Entrepreneurs - Heide OlsonLearning what you are good at and focusing on that role is one of the best things you can do for your business. If you think you can do it all, your business will suffer. That's why it's critical to hire to your mission, vision, and have clear goals that everyone can shoot for. We had the pleasure of hosting Heide Olson on this episode who is a serial entrepreneur, mom, EOS conqueror, and probably one of the most exciting accountants you can meet. From starting All In One Accounting in her basement, to growing to 100 + employees...
2025-06-2640 minGrow or GoEp. 20 - What Business Owners Struggle with the Most, and How To Fix It - Chad HaldemanBusiness ownership will never be easy, and thinking you can do it all and have all the answers is nonsense. You are digging yourself a hole when you don't need to. Ownership should be exciting, and give you freedom within your life, but to get there you need to have uncomfortable conversations. Chad Haldeman of The Resultants joins us for an honest conversation about what has made business owners either fail or succeed. At The Resultants, business owners work with business advisors like Chad to take control of their business, and stop letting it run them.
2025-06-2043 minGrow or GoEp. 19 - Why Working with An Exit Planner Maximizes Your Business Sale - Julie KeyesBusiness sales and ownership transitions start years in advance of a sale. Buyers approach you, your kids want to take over, but when the time comes, nothing is prepped and the sale often falls through. Don't allow this to happen to your business that you've built from the ground up! This is your legacy, and planning ahead will ensure you are successful. If you haven't heard about Exit Planners before, this is your inside scoop. From getting people and processes in place, grooming the next leaders in your company, or setting up your business for a new...
2025-06-1244 minGrow or GoEp. 18 - What's Actually Going On Within Minnesota Manufacturing? - Steve KalinaSteve Kalina joins Chris for an episode and talks all about manufacturing, workforce issues, tariffs, and what manufacturers can do to improve their business. As the President of the Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association (MPMA), Steve leads the charge bringing manufacturing leaders together across Minnesota. Through workshops, masterminds, events, and fundraising, MPMA is doing everything it can to improve the future of Manufacturing in Minnesota. From getting machines into schools, educating the younger generation that college isn't your only option, or fighting for the industry at the Capital, MPMA is fighting the good fight.Learn more...
2025-06-0545 minGrow or GoEp. 17 - The Importance of Quality of Earnings Reports (QofE) - Joe Hellman & Michael HubsmithQuality of Earnings, also known as Q of E, are crucial reports when evaluating a company's valuation and true earning power. Our President of True North M&A, Michael Hubsmith, joined Chris to interview Joe Hellman, of Redpath and Company. What's the point of investing in another "valuation"? Well, the answer is pretty simple. A Q of E completed from an outside firm justifies valuations when companies go to market. It's often that buyers will drag out Due Diligence processes reviewing financials and asking question after question. To mitigate this process, and also uphold stronger...
2025-05-3036 minGrow or GoEp. 16 - Writing a Song for George Strait, Signing a Record Deal at 15, and Living a Life of Ministry - Blaine LarsenThe Sigmoid Curve is present in everything, including Country Music Artists, like Blaine Larsen. Blaine shares his story with us about how the music industry actually works as a young rising star, and how you have to navigate it if you really want to make it big. It's not often that we meet award winning artists, or should I say, someone who wrote a song for George Strait! Blaine was a pleasure to have on and had quite the story of his upbringing, as well as how he navigated his artist journey. As a Servant...
2025-05-2252 minGrow or GoEp. 15 - Being in Business with Family, Franchising, Pizza and Drones - Colleen BiggsEntrepreneurial blood runs through many families. Especially a family like the Biggs. What does it take to be successful? How can you make sure that your family will remain strong while going through the ups and downs of business ownership? Chris hosts Colleen Biggs on this episode. Colleen comes from a family of entrepreneurs, and has made a stand in the franchising world helping owners launch Little Gym franchises nationally. Now, she partners with her own family with Beyond Basil Mobile Pizzeria, and Phoenix Drone Pros. The Biggs are just getting started, and to follow...
2025-05-1541 minGrow or GoEp. 14 - Coffee as a Catalyst - Investing in the Younger Manufacturing Workforce - Amy TealCoffee and manufacturing, how does it tie together? Well... there's nothing worse than walking into the shop at 5am and having a crappy cup of coffee to start your day. It's one of the easiest ways to reinvest in your employees, and give them the necessary boost to increase productivity. Amy Teal joins us to talk about the struggles of labor in the manufacturing sector, and how she's attempting to transform the industry. Just a year and a half ago, Amy and her partner Mike started ShopFloor Coffee. Their mission is to provide premium coffee...
2025-05-0842 minGrow or GoEp. 13 - What the Heck is Happening with Tariffs? - Pino BacinelloYou've seen the news talking about changes in tariffs for weeks. Nobody has the answers, including us. That's why we brought on Pino Bacinello - our neighbor of the north. Pino and Chris dig into tariffs and what's really going on. It's affecting businesses of all kinds, and can have a massive impact on owners, and consumers. If you have more insight as to what's going on, and want to share your thoughts, contact our hosts. To connect with Pino: https://www.pacificmergers.com/Connect with our hosts: Chri...
2025-05-0137 minGrow or GoEp. 12 - Being Paralyzed as a Kid, Dominating Corporate Life, and Now Managing Your Favorite Brands on the Shelves - Dan BowlingMeet Dan Bowling. Dan is not your typical entrepreneur. Dan was paralyzed from the neck down as a kid. But he didn't give up when the Doctors broke the news to him. When he healed completely, he was a growing teenager that soon would set state records in track and field. Dan wasn't done, though. Every day was a gift in his eyes, and with that in mind, Dan went to work to conquer whatever was in front of him. From dominating the toughest territories for 3M, to taking the leap and betting on himself...
2025-04-2452 minGrow or GoEp. 11 - How to Motivate and Elevate Your Sales Teams - Gary BraunGreat salespeople often turn into sales managers. It's a natural climb up the food chain; but do they really know how to manage, encourage, and elevate their salespeople? The answer is no, and so many companies fail at this. Gary Braun joins Chris to share why these issues occur, and how to fix them. With decades of experience as a top sales performer, Gary now runs Pivotal Advisors, where his team improves sales performance and drives revenue growth for companies across the US. To learn more about Gary and Pivotal Advisors, visit...
2025-04-1743 minGrow or GoEp. 10 - Salespeople: Check the Ego At the Door - It's Time To Reinvent - Todd ThiewesNo matter how great of a salesperson you may think you are, your ceiling is even higher. We all think we have it figured out but guess what, we are usually winging it and not giving ourselves the highest probability of success. Todd Thiewes with Sandler tackles the hard truths of why sales individuals typically think they are doing well, when they really aren't. How do they get better? Tune in. To connect with Todd or the team at Sandler - see below. Todd's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-thiewes-a374277?lipi=urn%3...
2025-04-1040 minGrow or GoEp. 9 - We Wish Every Business Owner Knew This - Matt SilasiriYou want to sell your business to your employee who's been with you from the start. You've been planning on your eldest kid to succeed you when you are ready to get out. Time comes and guess what....? Things likely don't go as planned. Why? Tune in. Chris has Matt take the mic on this episode and share his experience and expertise of working with hundreds of business owners before they exit. There's a reason these discussions happen years in advance. In order to successfully exit your business for the price, structure, and terms that you want...
2025-04-0346 minGrow or GoEp. 8 - Why Servant-Led Companies Outperform Their Competitors - Andrew LeikvollServant leadership is a vastly growing practice. Even if you haven't heard of it, you can easily tell the difference between a self-serving leader, and a servant leader. Join us as we explore the transformative power of servant leadership with Andrew Leikvoll. Discover how this approach builds high-performing teams, debunks myths of being "soft," and drives significant performance improvements. Learn why servant leadership is crucial for sustainable success and how it can positively impact your organization and community.Connect with Andrew on LinkedInhttps://triune.org/Book recommendations:
2025-03-2750 minGrow or GoEp. 7 - Global Tech Consultant turns Chicken Sandwich Entrepreneur - Alex WilsonEver wondered what it's like to own a Chick-fil-A restaurant? Join us as we sit down with Alex Wilson, a devoted husband, father, and faith-driven entrepreneur. Alex's journey began as a global tech consultant, but he found his true calling in operating two Chick-fil-A restaurants alongside his wife. Hear how he integrates his faith into business and family life, balancing success with spiritual values. Discover the inspiring story of how Alex transitioned from the tech world to building a community-driven business that reflects his values.Connect with Alex.Connect with our hosts: Chris Jones - CEO and...
2025-03-2035 minGrow or GoEp.6 - From Startup to Scale-Up: The $60M E-Commerce Ride - Dan CareyStarting in an apartment closet and selling car parts, Dan Carey brings us through his story of how he dominated the e-commerce automotive parts space. The real life Fast and Furious... well, kind of. After scaling the startup, Modern Automotive Performance to $10M in revenue, Dan and his brother implemented the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) after hitting a plateau. This was as key change in his entrepreneurial journey that started his new S curve - resulting in growth to $60M in revenue, and successfully exiting. Dan now spends his time helping business owners navigate acquisition...
2025-03-1338 minGrow or GoEp. 5 - Unleashing Your Business Warrior - Erik TherwangerThere are Business WARRIORS and Business WORKERS. Which one are you? Spoiler: companies with Business WARRIORS blast through their ceilings of success, while the opposition stays stagnant. Chris and Matt interview Erik Therwanger, the founder of Think GREAT. Erik draws from his experiences as a U.S. Marine, executive business leader, sales professional, andentrepreneur to help organizations achieve new levels of success. He uniquely combines leadership development, team building, sales training, and goal-setting into strategies and techniques that empower team members and leaders to exceed expectations.Think GREAT is a Certified Veteran-Owned...
2025-03-061h 06Grow or GoEp. 4 - Why Continuous Improvement Often Fails - Leary GatesEver wondered why you fell off the wagon after months or years of hard work? It's not a straight forward answer, but there are some tell tale signs as to why this happens. Chris and Matt dig deep with Leary Gates, who is an expert advisor that helps business owners scale their business to transform their world. Leary has spent the past 30 years advising Fortune 100, start-ups, and a host of middle market tech, manufacturing, and business services firms on market and corporate development and exit strategies. To learn more about Leary, and his company Coefficient...
2025-02-2738 minGrow or GoEp.3 - How to Value a Childcare Business - Mike MinorFor owners of childcare businesses, or anyone curious about the industry, this one's for you! We take a deep dive into Mike Minor's story on how he navigated owning and successfully exiting a generational, multi-location childcare business. Mike has over 30 years of professional experience including roles at Ernst and Young, Honeywell, and his own family’s childcare organization. He worked in every position from janitorial, to working in classrooms, overseeing finance and marketing to leading a 10 school operation employing 250+ people and responsibility for 1100+ children. Now, as a business broker at...
2025-02-2034 minGrow or GoEp.2 - From Employee to Entrepreneur to Big Exit - Dan SundinWhen's the best time to sell your lower-middle-market company and how do you even do it? Chris and Matt interview Dan Sundin; a husband, father, dog lover, and tech nerd who started, grew, and sold his successful technology company.Dan grew up in less than desirable conditions and started his career at 12 years old, lugging around golf bags at Golden Valley Country Club. He had a passion for technology, and his grit and determination pushed him eventually start his own venture. It didn't happen right away, however. For 10+ years he waited tables, and worked...
2025-02-1353 minGrow or GoEp.1 - The Business Owners Sigmoid Curve - Randy KrivoWhat is the sigmoid curve and why is it so relevant to business owners? Chris interviews Randy Krivo, owner of 4 businesses, and now one of the top business brokers in the country.For most of his professional career, Randy has started, built, and sold multiple businesses. Now, he focuses on helping business owners exit and maximize their life's work. Being in the brokerage and M&A space for 10 years withSunbelt Business Advisors of Minnesota, andTrue North Mergers & Acquisitions, Randy has proven himself as an expert, trusted advisor, and shares his growth story of how he's gotten to...
2025-02-0333 min