Podcast Summary: Carol Haynes – Building a Legacy with Kiddie Academy

In this heartwarming episode of Cosmos and Commerce, co-hosts Michele Cook and Janis Francis interview Carol Haynes, founder of Kiddie Academy. From her roots as a nurse to becoming a multi-location childcare entrepreneur, Carol shares how her passion for children and community led to the creation of a thriving childcare enterprise.

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of Passion and Perseverance: Carol's journey began with a deep love for children, catalyzed by personal challenges and her daughter’s unexpected pregnancy. She turned obstacles into opportunities by creating a nurturing, impactful childcare environment.
• Navigating Challenges: Carol reflects on overcoming disparities in accessing capital as a minority woman. She highlights the importance of finding the right lender and how post-COVID shifts have improved opportunities for women and minority-owned businesses.
• Building a Strong Team: Recognizing the critical role of her educators, Carol invests in their professional growth with mentorship, certifications, and personalized rewards. Her focus on creating a positive work environment has dramatically reduced staff turnover.
• Preparing Children for Life: Kiddie Academy’s proprietary Life Essentials curriculum emphasizes developmental milestones, character building, and curiosity. Carol is proud of how her programs prepare children for kindergarten and beyond, often exceeding community expectations.
• Giving Back: One of Carol’s proudest accomplishments is establishing the Shirley R. Phillips Community Nursing Scholarship in honor of her mother. This endowment supports nursing students in perpetuity, reflecting her deep commitment to community and education.
• Future Plans: While Carol isn’t planning further expansion of Kiddie Academy locations, she’s pivoting back to healthcare by helping her daughter launch a pediatric-focused audiology practice. This next venture reflects her ongoing dedication to serving families and children.

Lightning Round Highlights:

• Favorite Book: Gifted Hands by Ben Carson.
• Quirky Habit: Singing in the shower—often with Pete the Cat tunes!
• Favorite Motivation Song: This Girl is on Fire by Alicia Keys.
• Most Impactful $100 Purchase: A trusty calculator to keep her finances sharp.

Memorable Quote:

"At Kiddie Academy, love is at the center of everything we do. When children know they are loved and valued, their outcomes—and their futures—are limitless."

Carol’s unwavering dedication to fostering community, championing education, and creating opportunities for others leaves listeners inspired to lead with purpose.

Connect with Kiddie Academy:
Visit Kiddie Academy locations in Hilliard, Downtown Columbus, KIPP Columbus, Reynoldsburg, and Pickerington. Learn more at www.kiddieacademy.com.

Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes of Cosmos and Commerce, where business insights and personal passions collide. Cheers!

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A Slice of Business Wisdom with Keith Bordner, Owner of Cardo’s Pizza & Tavern

Episode Highlights

In this episode, Janis Francis and Michele Cook welcome Keith Bordner, the mastermind behind Cardo's Pizza and Tavern, a local staple known not only for its mouthwatering pizza but also for its innovative business strategies. Together, they dig into the secrets behind Cardo’s success, including how Keith has woven his own touch of creativity and community focus into this beloved pizzeria. With a unique twist of insights and humor, this episode serves up a perfect mix of entrepreneurial advice and entertaining stories!

Key Takeaways

1. From Passion to Ownership
Keith shares his journey of taking over Cardo’s Pizza not once, but twice! He dives into the history of the brand and his pivotal role in revitalizing it. Keith’s commitment to quality and consistency is evident, from his selection of premium ingredients to his goal of creating a full-service dining experience that blends family-friendly charm with a great bar atmosphere.

2. Transforming the Business Model
When Keith re-entered the restaurant industry, he knew he wanted more than a traditional pizza joint. By adding craft beers, a bourbon selection, and a unique atmosphere, he turned Cardo’s into a place where patrons could enjoy quality food and drink in a lively setting.

3. Facing Challenges Head-On
Running a restaurant has its ups and downs, and Keith opens up about the challenges he’s faced, from reshaping the culture at Cardo’s to navigating through the pandemic.

4. Marketing Magic
Keith explains how he has capitalized on community events like Pizza Wars to introduce Cardo’s to new customers and strengthen his local presence.

5. Secrets to Retaining Top Talent
Employee satisfaction ranks high on Keith’s priority list. He talks about the importance of systems that ensure consistency and efficiency. From team outings to recognition through holiday parties, Keith believes in celebrating his employees’ hard work and dedication.

6. Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Keith’s advice is simple but impactful: Aim to be the best, don’t shy away from challenges, and embrace the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship.

Memorable Moments

• Pizza Perfection: Cardo’s Special and the pulled pork pizza with a BBQ drizzle top the list of crowd favorites. Keith’s philosophy? Consistency and high quality are non-negotiable.
• Live Music Vibes: Cardo’s is known for its lively entertainment, from acoustic nights to performances by top-notch local musicians. The focus is on creating an ambiance where families and friends can unwind.
• Future Plans: Keith hints at expansion plans based on market conditions but emphasizes that Cardo’s core mission will always be serving the Pickerington community.

Where to Find Cardo’s Pizza & Tavern
Visit Cardo’s Pizza at 7897 Refugee Road, directly across from Pickerington North in the Kroger Shopping Center. Check out cardospizzaandtavern.com or call 614-834-8101 to experience Cardo’s renowned food and service.

Tune in Next Time!

Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or a pizza enthusiast, this episode offers a delicious slice of business wisdom. Don’t forget to subscribe for more exciting conversations with inspiring entrepreneurs!

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Episode Description:

In this episode of Cosmos & Commerce, hosts Janice Francis and Michelle Cook sit down with Jennifer and Rob Hewitt, the powerhouse duo behind Columbus Hardscapes. Listen in as they share the journey of growing their company from a small lawn-mowing gig into a premier outdoor living business, crafting dream patios, and more.

Rob and Jennifer open up about the challenges they’ve faced, including workforce turnover, seasonal demands, and finding the right team. They reveal the marketing strategies that helped propel Columbus Hardscapes, from direct mail campaigns to social media and creating unforgettable Home and Garden Show displays. The Hewitts also discuss the unique, family-centered culture they've fostered within their team and how it's driven loyalty and retention.

Learn how they balance personal and business life, the importance of resilience in entrepreneurship, and their latest project, Columbus Hardscapes Cares, which gives back to the community by creating outdoor spaces for families in need.

Key Takeaways:

• Entrepreneurial Growth: Rob shares how he built Columbus Hardscapes from his lawn-mowing days through college and beyond.
• Workforce Solutions: Discover how the Hewitts have created a family-first atmosphere to retain talented staff in a challenging, seasonal industry.
• Effective Marketing: Insights into their approach to customer acquisition, including targeted direct mail, social media, and standout exhibitions at local shows.
• Balancing Business & Personal Life: The couple emphasizes the value of keeping evenings and weekends free to recharge with their family.
• Community Impact: Hear about their new charitable initiative, Columbus Hardscapes Cares, designed to support families with accessible outdoor spaces.

Lightning Round Highlights:

• Biggest inspiration, tips for aspiring entrepreneurs, and more in a fast-paced Q&A!

Tune in for an episode packed with insights on hardscaping, business growth, and maintaining work-life harmony. Don’t miss the wisdom from this episode—subscribe, rate, and follow Cosmos & Commerce for more entrepreneurial stories and insights!

Connect with Columbus Hardscapes:

• Facebook & Instagram: @ColumbusHardscapes
• Website: ColumbusHardscapes.com | InstallMyPatio.com

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