Episodes

  • Ep. 25 - What It's Like Standing on The Yellow Footprints in the Marine Corps - Tim Rilley
    Jul 24 2025

    Ever 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 Marine, but what it was really like getting drafted during the Vietnam War.


    To purchase The Yellow Footprints

    Connect with our hosts: ⁠⁠Chris Jones - CEO and co-owner, and⁠ Matt Silasiri - Vice President of Business Development at True North Mergers & Acquisitions and Sunbelt Business Advisors.

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    33 mins
  • Ep. 24 - The Inside Scoop for LBM Companies and How They Can Win - Emily Overson
    Jul 17 2025

    Here 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 Website

    Connect with our hosts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Chris Jones⁠⁠ - CEO and co-owner, and⁠ ⁠⁠Matt Silasiri⁠⁠ - Vice President of Business Development at ⁠⁠True North Mergers & Acquisitions⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Sunbelt Business Advisors⁠⁠.

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    33 mins
  • Ep. 23 - How The Man Up Club is Transforming Leaders in Inner-City Youth - Korey Dean
    Jul 10 2025

    It'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 your community.

    Connect with our hosts: ⁠⁠⁠Chris Jones⁠ - CEO and co-owner, and⁠ ⁠Matt Silasiri⁠ - Vice President of Business Development at ⁠True North Mergers & Acquisitions⁠ and ⁠Sunbelt Business Advisors⁠.

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    50 mins
  • Ep. 22 - You Aren't Safe From Hackers - Cybersecurity is Not an Option, It's a Necessity - Daniel Metcalf
    Jul 3 2025

    Hackers 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

    Connect with our hosts: ⁠⁠Chris Jones - CEO and co-owner, and⁠ Matt Silasiri - Vice President of Business Development at True North Mergers & Acquisitions and Sunbelt Business Advisors.

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    40 mins
  • Ep. 21 - Implementing EOS and 10xing, Relieving the Accounting Burden for Entrepreneurs - Heide Olson
    Jun 26 2025

    Learning 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, Heide is a great resource for business owners who not only need accounting help, but have the drive to grow their businesses.

    Heide's Email: heide@allinoneaccounting.com

    Heide's Number: 612-845-0398

    Connect with our hosts: ⁠⁠Chris Jones⁠⁠ - CEO and co-owner, and⁠ ⁠Matt Silasiri⁠⁠ - Vice President of Business Development at ⁠True North Mergers & Acquisitions ⁠and ⁠Sunbelt Business Advisors⁠.

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    41 mins
  • Ep. 20 - What Business Owners Struggle with the Most, and How To Fix It - Chad Haldeman
    Jun 19 2025

    Business 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.

    Connect with our hosts: ⁠⁠Chris Jones⁠⁠ - CEO and co-owner, and⁠ ⁠Matt Silasiri⁠⁠ - Vice President of Business Development at ⁠True North Mergers & Acquisitions ⁠and ⁠Sunbelt Business Advisors⁠.

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    43 mins
  • Ep. 19 - Why Working with An Exit Planner Maximizes Your Business Sale - Julie Keyes
    Jun 12 2025

    Business 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 owner to step in, Julie is an expert at helping owners find answers that they can't find on their own. As uncomfortable as it is to have these conversations in advance, we promise you that doing so will maximize your exit.


    Business owners looking to sell in 3-5 years, connect with Julie and get ahead!

    Business owners looking to sell in the next 3 years or sooner - connect with Matt and get your complimentary valuation.

    Poised for Exit Podcast

    Poised for Exit Book

    Connect with our hosts: ⁠⁠Chris Jones⁠⁠ - CEO and co-owner, and⁠ ⁠Matt Silasiri⁠⁠ - Vice President of Business Development at ⁠True North Mergers & Acquisitions ⁠and ⁠Sunbelt Business Advisors⁠.

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    44 mins
  • Ep. 18 - What's Actually Going On Within Minnesota Manufacturing? - Steve Kalina
    Jun 5 2025

    Steve 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 about MPMA.

    Connect with Steve.

    Connect with our hosts: ⁠⁠Chris Jones⁠⁠ - CEO and co-owner, and⁠ ⁠Matt Silasiri⁠⁠ - Vice President of Business Development at ⁠True North Mergers & Acquisitions ⁠and ⁠Sunbelt Business Advisors⁠.

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    46 mins