Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur | Start and Grow Your Own Business Brian Lofrumento

Redefine your workday with the infectious enthusiasm of Pete Kusiak, today's special guest and business fun maestro. In our conversation today, Pete walks us through his evolution from a children's fitness franchise manager to a sought-after author and consultant. He unveils the secrets behind transforming a business environment into a powerhouse of joy and why this strategy isn't just about laughs—it's about serious revenue boosts and motivated employees, capable of weathering economic challenges with smiles on their faces.

Forge stronger connections within your teams, whether they're down the hall or across the globe, under the guidance of Pete's innovative techniques. Drawing from the collective nostalgia of card games and the universal language of food, we discuss uniting teams through shared experiences that bridge cultural divides. Remote work doesn't mean distant teams; we share imaginative ways to use technology for creating camaraderie and enhancing the personal touch in the digital workspace—complete with virtual coffee breaks and a mug of the real stuff to kickstart those morning meetings.

Wrapping up with a peek into Pete Kusiak's new book, this episode paints a vivid picture of a workplace where laughter is the soundtrack and positivity is palpable—from enthusiastic customer greetings to the energetic buzz that permeates every corner. We shine a spotlight on how the likes of Cirque du Soleil have masterfully integrated entertainment into their business model, turning mundane moments into captivating experiences. 

ABOUT PETE

Pete Kusiak is a franchise guru who knows how to bring the fun into business! With a track record of success owning and coaching franchises for over 20 years, Pete's innovative strategies have transformed businesses, boosting revenue and workplace happiness. His passion lies in creating organizations that are not only exciting but also irresistible! By using his Fun First Strategy, Pete motivates teams, improves company culture, and drives sales and operations to new heights

LINKS & RESOURCES 
Visit The Fun First Strategy’s Website Get a copy of ‘Drop The F-Bomb in Your Business’ Connect with Pete on LinkedIn

Join us for an insightful episode as we sit down with Nick Jones, whose entrepreneurial spirit is as diverse as his background. He's navigated the challenging terrain of startups like Uber and Lime, danced through UN climate negotiations, and, with a leap of faith, launched his own venture, Eat Sleep Launch Repeat. Through our candid conversation, Nick peels back the layers of his transition from a potential law student to a startup sensation, sharing the trials and tribulations of kicking off a new business just as the world grappled with a global pandemic.

The fabric of a startup's journey is woven with tales of growth, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of validation in a mercurial market. Nick brings this narrative to life, recounting how he took an idea from the ether and anchored it in the needs of a demanding consumer base. We explore the landscape of forging a brand amidst crisis, gathering a tribe of committed team members, and the delicate art of scaling a business without losing the entrepreneurial essence that sparked its inception. Nick's stories and strategies resonate whether you're building a tech empire or a community-focused project, revealing the dual task of crafting a standout product while meticulously crafting the machine that delivers it.

As we crest the final hill of our trek with Nick, he invites us into his world of transformation, where experiencing the 'startup consciousness' becomes a conduit for personal enlightenment. Unpacking tales of deep introspection from Burning Man to the serene retreats of Costa Rica, we learn how Nick's own journey has inspired him to inspire others, fostering a space for leaders to unlock their hidden potential. With authenticity and mindset at the core of our discussion, Nick's experiences underscore the importance of keeping an open heart and mind, guiding us towards the light of greater possibilities for all facets of our lives. Join us in this episode, and be prepared to have your perceptions beautifully altered.

ABOUT NICK

Nick Jones has had a career spanning early Uber and Lime expansion, UN climate negotiations, and starting multiple companies including Eat Sleep Launch Repeat, a startup expansion agency. Five years ago he attended his first Burning Man event and quickly found ways to get more involved becoming a volunteer Ranger, setting him on a path that would lead to him co-founding a retreat center in Costa Rica where leaders can experience transformational change. Nick has now added one on one coaching and retreats to the list of services he provides companies and leaders.

LINKS & RESOURCES 
 Visit Eat Sleep Launch Repeat’s Website  Visit Startup Consciousness’ Website Follow Nick on Instagram Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

Discover the unexpected yet proven link between quantity and quality in entrepreneurship, a revelation that could redefine your approach to mastering new skills. As we venture through this Solo Sunday episode, I share how my dedication to 'output' over the past year aligns with the wisdom of James Clear's "Atomic Habits" and a pivotal study by photography professor Jerry Uelsmann. This episode isn't just about my journey; it's an exploration of how creating work in large volumes can lead to refinement and excellence, challenging the idea that hoarding knowledge is the key to success.

Unlock the secrets to powerful leadership as we bring Erik Berglund back into the spotlight, whose previous insights in Episode 834 left us all buzzing for more. This Action Saturday, we're cutting through the fluff and diving straight into the heart of what makes a leader not just good, but great. Erik, the mastermind behind the Language of Leadership, returns with a no-nonsense approach to enhancing your team's productivity and accountability.

Prepare to revolutionize your leadership style with Erik's three C's — clarity, confirmation, and commitment — distilled into a "hack version" for immediate impact. He's handing over the five essential steps that will not only set your team up for success but also transform the way you assign tasks and monitor progress. From the significance of calendar scheduling to aligning tasks with peak energy times, Eric's practical advice promises a leadership metamorphosis. If you're ready to step up your game and lead a team that's not just busy, but bustling with productivity, this episode is the key to unlocking that potential.

ABOUT ERIK

Erik Berglund is the Founder of The Language of Leadership, a system he created over nearly a decade of leading sales professionals. Erik grew frustrated with his own inability to hold people accountable, only to realize nearly everyone felt the same way. He spent 3 years developing the program with his team, and then began coaching managers through it in 2020. Erik is passionate about empowering leaders to be more effective with the team they already have, helping them enjoy their jobs more and get their time back.
He lives in Bend, Oregon with his wife and two daughters - they love to ski, rock climb, camp, and adventure together as a family.
LINKS & RESOURCES
Visit The Language of Leadership’s WebsiteGet the Free eBook: ‘The Big 4 Excuses and How to Handle Them’Check Out Erik’s CourseConnect with Erik on LinkedIn

Discover the magic behind the curtains of interior design with the power couple Hans and Kateryna Wolf from Wolfdens Interior Design Services. Their story is a fascinating tale of creativity meets practicality, detailing their transatlantic journey from Europe to the heart of American homes. This episode peels back the layers of their design philosophy, revealing how they craft spaces that go beyond mere aesthetics to actually elevate life's daily rituals. With their blend of Kateryna's artistic flair and Hans's project management prowess, each project becomes a symphony of personal expression and precise execution.

As we sit down with the Wolfs, we unearth the intricacies of their transformative design process, which marries cultural aesthetics with educational insights. They passionately discuss the significance of 3D renderings and virtual walkthroughs that give life to their clients' dreams before a single paint swatch is ever matched. It's not just about the color of the walls or the fabric on the sofa; it's about carving out a niche for individuality in an ever-evolving world of trends. The couple's dedication to nurturing lasting relationships with clients shines through as they articulate the importance of understanding and adapting to clients' changing desires over time.

Wrapping up our journey into the realm of interior design, Kateryna shares her vision for the future of their enterprise, embracing cutting-edge technology to redefine the design experience. They delve into the intricacies of integrating modern tech into living spaces, not just for the sake of having gadgets, but to truly enhance the way we live. Tune in and let the Wolfs inspire you to see your living space as a canvas for personal storytelling and innovation.

ABOUT KAT & HANS
Kat Wolf is co-founder and owner of Wolfdens Interior design services, but she’s also really the inspiration for this business. With a passion for creativity, individuality, and a deep understanding of design principles, she leads with vision and professional design skills that create bespoke results. From initial consultation to final touches, Kat will guide you through every step to ensure your vision shines through.
Hans Wolf is co-founder and owner of Wolfdens Interior Design Services. As project manager, Hans is focused on delivering sound, on plan, on budget engagements; using skills honed over 14 years of effective delivery. He stays engaged with you at every step of the project keeping you in the know about each step and each aspect of the timeline.
LINKS & RESOURCES
Visit the Wolfdens WebsiteConnect with Hans on LinkedInConnect with Kat on LinkedIn

Embark on a journey of transformation as Eduardo Lopez, who scaled the heights to become a CFO for Fortune 500 giants, now turns his sights on mentoring the next wave of leaders at VSharp. Our conversation peels back the layers of leadership, unlocking the principles that can catapult you to the top of the corporate ladder. Eduardo's transition from corporate success story to entrepreneurial mentor captures the essence of our episode's theme: the pivotal role of self-belief and mentorship in personal and professional metamorphosis.

The episode also shines a light on the inspiring saga of Anthony Robles, the one-legged wonder who wrestled his way to a national championship. His story, a beacon of overcoming adversity, threads through our discussion on the importance of 'finding your why' for maintaining zeal amid life's challenges. As Eduardo and our host Brian Lofrumento traverse the emotional landscapes of entrepreneurship, we underscore the necessity for sturdy support systems and the fortitude it takes to pursue your true calling in life.

Rounding out our dialogue, we reflect on the entrepreneurial odyssey, weighing the patience required for long-term triumphs against the constructive restlessness that propels us forward. Echoing throughout our exchange is the vital understanding of the 'what,' 'why,' and 'who' in business endeavors—principles that have galvanized Eduardo's own journey, which he generously shares through his website, complete with resources and a special offering for our listeners. Join us every week for more enriching discussions, and engage with us directly through our website, as we continue to shape the world of Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur.

ABOUT EDUARDO
Eduardo Lopez is a former a CFO and executive at Fortune 500 companies who fully attributes the achievements throughout his 30+ year career to a relentless pursuit of his passion of developing world-class teams and talent.
Eduardo feels privileged to have worked in seven cities across four countries, and to have partnered with top-notch individuals who he empowered them to be their own best versions. This focus on continuous talent development and capacity building resulted in Senior Executives that went on to lead their companies to breakthrough results and sustained improvements in share growth and profitability. Former members of his team have grown to become CFOs, Presidents, and senior business leaders at premier global companies.
LINKS & RESOURCES
Visit VSharp’s WebsiteGet Access to the FREE online Training on Executive PresenceDownload the Free eBook: ‘Tools to Boost your Growth’Give Eduardo your InsightsConnect with Eduardo on LinkedIn