Unlock the secrets of financial resilience and entrepreneurial success through our engaging discussion with Chris Hardy, founder of Samson Financial and a former Bentley University alum and classmate of host Brian Lofrumento. Discover how Chris transitioned from a predictable career at Citizens Bank to navigating the tumultuous world of entrepreneurship, and learn invaluable lessons on financial modeling for small businesses. His journey from corporate FP&A roles to starting his own firm, especially during a challenging personal milestone, is a masterclass in adaptability and persistence.

Through our conversation, Chris reveals the critical importance of financial modeling in optimizing resources for sustainable growth. We'll explore how small businesses can leverage historical data for informed decision-making and avoid common financial pitfalls. Gain insights into fostering teamwork in less collaborative environments, and understand how empathy and personal connections can transform business strategies. Chris’s practical advice for business owners underscores the necessity of confronting financial details head-on to unlock true business potential.

Celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit with us as Chris shares his inspiring story and actionable advice. From balancing his life as a student-athlete to managing the complexities of business ownership, Chris's narrative is filled with resilience and adaptability. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to the power of stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the uncertainties of entrepreneurship. Listen in for a wealth of inspiration and practical tips that could redefine your approach to business and personal growth.

ABOUT CHRIS

Chris Hardy started his career in commercial banking landing the exact job he wanted and expected to retire from there, only to get poached by a client and thrown into the world of corporate FP&A. This gave Chris a taste for working with a medium-sized company, helping gain valuable experience and exposure to a new set of financial skills. The dream wore off quickly as he was laid off and landed at a much larger organization. Never comfortable in an overly corporate setting, Chris had a mind to get back to what he liked doing but it would take him 5 years to get there. What better time to quit a stable job and start your own financial consulting practice when you have a child on the way. And that's exactly what he did.

LINKS & RESOURCES

• Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

Unlock the secrets to sustainable business success with Hunter Surles, the visionary founder of Rooted Advisory Group. Hunter takes us on an inspiring journey from being laid off to creating a thriving consulting firm that prioritizes intentionality, empathy, and purpose-driven practices. Learn how investing in people and foundational processes like change management can yield both short-term and long-term results, creating a robust organizational foundation that balances financial goals with empathetic leadership.

Ever wondered why traditional KPIs and financial metrics might not be enough? Hunter reveals the hidden aspects of business processes that often go unnoticed, such as employee motivations and workflow rationale. By understanding these unseen elements, businesses can identify inefficiencies and elevate overall operations. Discover how to strike the perfect balance between leveraging technology and maintaining a human-centric approach, ensuring that AI and new tools enhance rather than overshadow the human elements of work. Hunter's insights on creating a meaningful connection between employees' tasks and the company's larger goals will leave you rethinking your approach to organizational efficiency.

Lastly, navigate the complexities of automation versus human intervention with Hunter's seasoned wisdom. He shares personal anecdotes and lessons from his early career, emphasizing the importance of understanding the real needs before jumping to technological solutions. Learn his strategies for prioritizing tasks that truly matter, eliminating redundant processes, and empowering clients to achieve sustainable success without becoming dependent on external services. This episode is packed with actionable insights for entrepreneurs and business leaders looking to foster meaningful and lasting business transformation.

ABOUT HUNTER

Hunter Surles is the Founder & Principal of Rooted Advisory Group, an organizational strategy and transformation consulting firm. He helps companies and employees operate with greater purpose, empathy, and intentionality. Hunter has successfully led complex engagements for Fortune 250 companies and startups alike. With a B.S. in Management Information Systems from Tennessee Tech and an M.A. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Liberty University, Hunter brings a strong educational background to his work. He holds certifications in Organizational Network Analysis, Lean Six Sigma, Scrum, and Social & Behavioral Research. Outside work, Hunter enjoys fishing, cycling, golfing, and wine. He lives in Indianapolis with his wife, Laura, and their three dogs. Hunter's expertise in organizational strategy and transformation helps businesses achieve meaningful change and growth.

LINKS & RESOURCES

• Visit Rooted Advisory Group’s Website
• Follow Rooted Advisory Group on LinkedIn
• Connect with Hunter on LinkedIn

Ever wondered how the online dating landscape transformed from clunky flip phones to sophisticated matchmaking algorithms? Join us for an insightful conversation with Scott Demyon, a pioneer in the online dating industry who co-founded one of the first mobile dating and chat sites in the US back in 2005. We explore his incredible journey, the evolution of his early platform, and its significant influence on what would eventually become Tinder's matching system. Scott’s story not only highlights the ingenuity required to navigate early mobile technology but also sheds light on the broader shifts in dating culture over the past two decades.

Tired of the endless swiping and superficial connections that dominate traditional dating apps? Scott introduces Swerv, his innovative solution aiming to foster genuine real-life interactions. By focusing on geographic locations and organic social hotspots, Swerv moves away from the swipe culture, offering users a chance to meet potential matches in more authentic settings. We dive into the shortcomings of conventional dating platforms, their reliance on prolonged user engagement, and how Swerv’s user-centric approach is set to revolutionize the industry by providing genuine value and reducing wasted time.

The episode also tackles the increasing challenges posed by AI bots in dating apps. Scott candidly discusses his efforts to market Swerv effectively and his search for a marketing-savvy co-founder to help amplify its reach. With a commitment to ensuring genuine in-person interactions, Swerv positions itself as an AI-proof dating network, safeguarding users against fake profiles and AI-driven scams. Tune in to hear Scott’s creative ideas and upcoming partnerships that utilize AI positively to enhance user experiences without compromising on trust and security. Discover how Scott’s passion for creating genuine connections is set to drive a much-needed change in the online dating world.

ABOUT SCOTT

Scott Demyon co-founded one of the first mobile dating & chat sites that pioneered mobile dating in the US market in early 2005. PhoneFling & PhoneShag grew rapidly, reaching 42M monthly unique page views solely from feature phone traffic. (3 years before smartphones existed). The core 2-way opt-in matching system was later demoed to Jonathan Badeen in 2009, who went on to co-found Tinder in 2012 utilizing the same algorithm.

Scott soon realized the architecture of interacting electronically was causing many negative effects to our dating culture. He created Swerv in response.

LINKS & RESOURCES

• Download Swerv from App Store
• Download Swerv from Google Play
• Visit Swerv’s Website
• Connect with Scott on LinkedIn