Episode Description: In this episode of Simply Business, John Jennings sits down with Casey Valiant, owner of Signarama Evansville, to discuss his remarkable journey from a third-generation family business rooted in rubber stamps to becoming a successful leader in the signage industry. Casey shares how his parents' foresight helped transition the business into a Signarama franchise and how he navigated the complexities of a family-owned company.

This candid conversation dives into the power of servant leadership, as Casey explains why his company isn’t just about signs—it’s about people. He also opens up about the challenges of taking over a family business, balancing franchise ownership with independence, and his evolving thoughts on passing the business to the next generation.

Whether you're running a family business, considering franchise ownership, or looking to refine your leadership style, Casey’s insights will leave you inspired and equipped with actionable advice.

Key Topics Covered:

• The evolution from a family-owned rubber stamp business to a thriving signage company
• How servant leadership can transform your business culture
• The challenges of leading a family business through generational shifts
• Franchise ownership: striking the balance between autonomy and support

Tune in to hear Casey’s journey and discover why putting people first is the key to long-term business success!

In this episode of Simply Business, John Jennings interviews Chip Ridge, founder and CEO of Millennial Title, a pioneer in the title industry with over 20 years of experience. Chip shares his journey as a two-time founder, from his early days in boat manufacturing to building and scaling two successful title companies.

Tune in as Chip discusses how he’s using technology to transform the real estate closing process, including the role AI plays in making transactions faster, more secure, and more transparent. He also opens up about the challenges of leading through change, his decision to step back and bring fresh leadership into Millennial Title, and his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Whether you're in the real estate business, a technology enthusiast, or a budding entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with valuable insights.

Key Topics:

• Chip’s journey from boat builder to title company founder
• How AI and technology are reshaping the title industry
• The leadership transition at Millennial Title
• The importance of mentorship and planning in business growth
• Chip’s advice to new entrepreneurs about building a resilient business

Don’t miss this inspiring and informative episode on innovation, leadership, and the future of real estate.

In this episode of Simply Business, host John Jennings sits down with Drew LaMaster, Partner and Director of Employee Benefits at Insuramax. Drew shares his 20-year journey in the insurance industry, his transition into leadership, and his passion for fostering a positive company culture. He also dives into the pressing challenges business owners face with rising healthcare costs and explains how innovative solutions like ICHRAs (Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements) are changing the game.

Tune in to learn how Drew balances his career with family life, his insights on leading multi-generational teams, and how he helps businesses save millions on healthcare. Whether you're a business owner or interested in the evolving world of employee benefits, this episode is packed with valuable lessons on leadership, innovation, and success.

Topics Covered:

- The path from agent to partner: Drew’s leadership insights

- Innovative insurance solutions like ICHRAs

- Navigating the challenges of rising healthcare costs

- Balancing work and family as a business leader

- Creating and maintaining a positive company culture

Contact Information: To connect with Drew, reach out via email at DrewL@insuramax.com or call (502) 479-4065.

In this episode of Simply Business, I sit down with Lindsay Paulson, the COO of Mulberry Builders, a construction company based in Lexington, Kentucky. Lindsay shares her inspiring journey from starting in hospitality to becoming COO of a rapidly growing construction firm. We dive deep into her experiences, including the challenges of scaling the company, navigating leadership as a young female in a male-dominated industry, and the importance of putting the right people in the right roles.

Lindsay also highlights Mulberry Builders' commitment to community impact through their work with St. Jude and the construction of Kentucky’s first human trafficking recovery home. Whether you’re a business owner, aspiring leader, or curious about the construction industry, this episode offers valuable lessons on leadership, growth, and community service.

Tune in for actionable insights and an inspiring story of resilience, humility, and purpose!

In this inspiring episode of "Simply Business," host John Jennings sits down with 18-year-old entrepreneur Ethan Hilton, the co-founder and CEO of Caseflood.ai, a groundbreaking company that has developed the first AI receptionist for law firms. Despite his young age, Ethan has already built multiple successful ventures and is making waves in the legal tech industry.

Ethan shares his journey from his early entrepreneurial ventures in second grade to his time as a competitive Fortnite gamer, and eventually, to founding a legal tech company that led him to where he is today. He talks about the challenges of building a startup, the importance of partnering with people who have complementary skills, and how his passion for innovation drives him to keep pushing forward.

This episode also delves into Ethan's thoughts on the value of college in today's world, especially for young entrepreneurs, and how he balances the decision between continuing his education at Carnegie Mellon and focusing on his rapidly growing business.

Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, a business owner looking for inspiration, or someone curious about the future of AI, Ethan's story is a powerful reminder that it's never too early—or too late—to chase your dreams and live without regrets.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of complementary skill sets in building a successful startup
• How AI is revolutionizing client qualification in law firms
• The changing landscape of education and entrepreneurship
• Why following your passion is crucial to avoiding regret

Connect with Ethan Hilton:

• LinkedIn: Ethan Hilton
• Website: Caseflood.ai

Don't miss this inspiring conversation with one of the most promising young entrepreneurs of our time!

In this episode of "Simply Business," we're joined by Katie Hutchinson, Founder and CEO of KHIT Consulting, a woman-owned IT project management and consulting firm celebrating its 5-year anniversary. Katie opens up about her inspiring journey from starting KHIT Consulting to becoming a leader in a male-dominated industry.

Katie shares her unique leadership philosophy, emphasizing a work environment where failure is seen as a step toward growth and innovation. She also discusses the challenges and rewards of being a woman in tech, her passion for solving business problems through technology, and her expertise in working with electronic health record (EHR) platforms, specifically the MyEvolv product.

We explore how KHIT Consulting customizes and automates EHR systems like MyEvolv to improve efficiency and allow healthcare professionals to focus more on patient care. Katie also shares her vision for the future of KHIT Consulting, including the exciting possibilities in AI and robotic process automation.

Tune in to learn more about:

• The journey of building a successful woman-owned business in the tech industry.
• Katie’s approach to leadership and fostering a supportive company culture.
• How KHIT Consulting enhances EHR platforms like MyEvolv to streamline healthcare processes.
• The future of AI and robotic process automation in business.

Don’t miss this insightful conversation with Katie Hutchinson, filled with valuable lessons for entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, and business leaders alike!

Join us in this insightful episode of "Simply Business" as we sit down with PJ Thelen, CEO of Rove IQ. PJ shares his inspiring journey from a corporate leader to an entrepreneurial CEO, delving into the risks, challenges, and triumphs he faced along the way. With a background in corporate America, including roles at Arthur Anderson and Kroger, PJ brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to the table.

In this episode, PJ discusses:

• His transition from corporate life to leading a startup.
• The emotional and operational challenges of entrepreneurship.
• The innovative technology behind Rove IQ and its impact on high-foot-traffic areas.
• Strategies for shortening sales cycles and scaling a business.
• The importance of building a collaborative and talented team.
• Staying updated with the latest in technology and AI advancements.
• Encouraging advice for aspiring entrepreneurs to take risks and embrace failure as a learning opportunity.

Tune in to hear PJ’s unique perspective on entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting your entrepreneurial journey, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with others who might benefit from PJ's story. Leave your comments and let us know what you found most inspiring!

In this episode of "Simply Business," John Jennings sits down with Julie Benton, the dynamic president of And-well Agency, a marketing firm specializing in health, wellness, and education. Julie shares her inspiring journey from intern to president, revealing the secrets behind her leadership success and the agency's unique culture. Discover how Andwell Agency's mission-driven approach and innovative "healthy conversations" philosophy foster open communication and drive growth. Julie also delves into the challenges and rewards of rebranding, managing a multi-generational workforce, and embracing AI to enhance creativity and efficiency. Tune in to learn valuable insights from a leader who is transforming the landscape of healthcare and education marketing.

Episode Highlights:

• Julie Benton’s career progression and leadership insights
• The unique focus and mission-driven culture of Andwell Agency
• The importance of “healthy conversations” in fostering open communication
• Strategies for managing and motivating a multi-generational team
• How AI is revolutionizing operations and creative processes at Andwell
• Julie’s advice for businesses undergoing significant cultural or branding changes

Join us for an episode filled with inspiration, practical advice, and a fresh perspective on leadership and marketing in the healthcare and education sectors.