Riding Tandem Tandem Works

Join host Vivian Kvam in an enriching conversation with Nicole Bartlett and Vincent Rissell, the founders of O'CookieOs. Discover how they turned a family challenge into a flourishing (accidental) business, creating a gluten-free cookie-donut hybrid that's as delicious as it is innovative. Nicole and Vincent discuss the importance of viewing failures as essential learning experiences that are pivotal in shaping their entrepreneurial path and share some real-life “horror” stories from the kitchen. Listen to their journey from kitchen experiments to a thriving business and their aspirations for the future.
 If you love this show, please leave us a review. Go to RateThisPodcast.com/ridingtandem and follow the simple instructions.

Reach out! Send your feedback and comments. What would you like to hear about on this podcast? Email me at ridingtandem@thetandemworks.com 

Unpacking this episode min by min: 

01:01 An accidental business
03:07 Challenges of Gluten-Free Baking
04:06 Experimenting with Different Flours
05:15 The Birth of OcookieOs
06:13 Transitioning to a Business
07:11 Validation and Feedback
08:23 The Role of Kitchen Council
09:16 The Long-Term Vision for OcookieOs
19:29 Navigating the Leap into Business
25:37 Importance of Feedback and Adaptation
34:29 Expanding Product Lines and Target Audiences
35:28 Family Involvement in the Business
38:47 Impact of Business on the Family
41:49 Scaling and Maintaining the Homemade Feel
43:44 New Flavors and Recipe Development
50:39 Misconceptions About Owning a Business
51:56 Advice for Business Owners
58:45 Making the World a Better Place as Business Owners
01:00:59 How to Get O'Cookios and Wholesale Opportunities
Related Episodes:
#34 Donuts, Determination, and Destiny - with Elizabeth Pooley & Jack Pooley, Square Donuts

#30 From Imagination to Sweet Reality: How Amber and Jeremy built their dream ice cream and 
coffee shop Cup & Cone

Vivian Kvam:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/viviankvam/Email Vivian - vkvam@thetandemworks.com 
Nichole Bartlett & Vincent Rissell
Facebook -  www.facebook.com/ocookieosWebsite  https://ocookieos.com/Instagram - www.intsagram.com/ocookieosTandem Works Team:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TandemWorksTeamInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetandemworks/Email the team: RidingTandem@thetandemworks.com 
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Riding Tandem with Vivian Kvam
A podcast from Tandem Works
Email the team: RidingTandem@thetandemworks.com

In their milestone 50th episode (technically the 51st), Vivian and Michaela dive into an engaging Q&A session where they answer 25 questions that reveal more about their personal lives and the inner workings of their business. They explore the origins of their entrepreneurial journey, critical moments that shaped their careers, and how they balance the demands of work with their personal lives. The duo discusses the skills they’re honing, influential books, and the challenges they encountered while launching their business. Favorite guilty pleasures in terms of snacks also make the list. Further into the conversation, they delve into their strategies for overcoming setbacks and failures, their hobbies outside of work, and productivity tactics like adhering to a morning routine and utilizing planners. Vivian and Michaela also reflect on unexpected lessons from their business venture, what keeps them driven during challenging periods, and the joys found in daily routines. They ponder alternative career paths, future aspirations, and their personal definitions of success. The discussion also covers their favorite relaxation methods, indispensable technology, top TV picks, party preferences, pet peeves, and aspects of leadership. They wrap up with some of the unusual questions they’ve been asked, emphasizing the value of curiosity and meaningful inquiry.
 If you love this show, please leave us a review. Go to RateThisPodcast.com/ridingtandem and follow the simple instructions.

Reach out! Send your feedback and comments with this survey. 

Unpacking this episode: 
00:00 Introduction and Episode Celebration08:12 Skills Improvement and Book Influences25:48 Habits for Productivity32:24 Favorite Parts of Daily Routines and Small Things46:28 Defining Success53:07 Nostalgic TV Shows: Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman and Dawson's Creek01:03:08 Strange Questions and Assumptions

Related Episodes:
 #29 Thriving Together: The Dynamic Duo of ADHD and Non-ADHD Business Partners - with Machaela Clark 

Vivian Kvam:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/viviankvam/Email Vivian - vkvam@thetandemworks.com 
Machaela Clark: 
Email Machaela - mclark@thetandemworks.com Tandem Works Team:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TandemWorksTeamInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetandemworks/Email the team: RidingTandem@thetandemworks.com 
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Riding Tandem with Vivian Kvam
A podcast from Tandem Works
Email the team: RidingTandem@thetandemworks.com

Join me for an engaging conversation with Rachel, the owner of Anytime Tees, a custom apparel company that has grown from a home-based business to a 4,200 square foot facility. This episode of Riding Tandem is all about the journey of scaling a business, the challenges of expansion, and the power of delegation and trust in a team.

Rachel shares her unique story of starting and growing her business, offering valuable insights into the importance of strategic planning and understanding when to take risks. We discuss the concept of "closing the gap" – a methodical approach to scaling up that focuses on balancing current resources with future needs. Rachel also delves into the pivotal role of her team in the growth of Anytime Tees and how empowering her employees has been instrumental in the company's success.

If you find value in these stories, leave a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/ridingtandem

Have thoughts or questions about this episode? Reach out to me at ridingtandem@thetandemworks.com – your insights are always welcome.

Unpacking this episode min by min:

01:16 Starting Anytime Tees and Custom Apparel
04:34 Making the Decision to Scale and Grow
06:21 Navigating the Transition from Home-Based to Retail Location
08:14 Balancing Risk and Growth
09:48 Building the Business through Strong Relationships
13:43 Insights for Building a Business on Relational Equity
29:39 Challenges Faced During the Pandemic
31:57 Diversifying Products During the Pandemic
35:16 Benefits of Printed Swag for Businesses
41:13 Challenges of Naming a Business
45:34 Misconceptions About Owning a Business
47:11 Applying Advice to Business
52:05 Excitement for the Future
Related Episodes:

#45- Building Strong Teams and Systems to Scale A Successful Food Business - Alejandra Valdez, Viva Fit Kitchen

#12 From corporate globetrotter to entrepreneurship: Neal Eilers' journey, building a successful business around his passion

#13 Uncharted adventures: Neal Eilers' journey to opening a storefront
Vivian Kvam:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/viviankvam/Email Vivian - vkvam@thetandemworks.com 
Rachel Nagust:
Facebook -www.facebook.anytimeteescom/Website -https://anytimetees.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anytimeteesTandem Works Team:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TandemWorksTeamInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetandemworks/Email the team: RidingTandem@thetandemworks.com 
FREE RESOURCES 

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Receive the latest news, encouragement and inspiration from Vivian to your inbox by signing up here https://thetandemworks.com/newsletter-sign-up

Riding Tandem with Vivian Kvam
A podcast from Tandem Works
Email the team: RidingTandem@thetandemworks.com
 If you love this show, please leave us a review. Go to RateThisPodcast.com/ridingtandem and follow the simple instructions.

Reach out! Send your feedback and comments. What would you like to hear about on this podcast? Email me at ridingtandem@thetandemworks.com 

In this episode of Riding Tandem, Vivian Kvam sits down for a candid chat with Josh Kallsen, the go-getting president of PowerTech. They dive into Josh's journey through the construction world, starting from the life lessons he picked up from his grandfather, to his ambitious moves in buying and growing PowerTech. The heart of their conversation beats around PowerTech's Power to Give initiative, a brilliant example of how businesses can deeply impact their communities.

Josh and Vivian chew over everything from the thrills and spills of taking risks in business, finding the perfect business partner groove, to the joys and jolts of running a business. They take a look at how seeing things from different angles and thinking on your feet are key, especially when you're doubling your business size practically overnight.

They don't shy away from the tough stuff either, like how crucial it is to keep your cash flow healthy and your financial foundation solid during rapid expansion. The chat also shines a light on the Power to Give initiative, putting a spotlight on how giving back can be a powerful part of any business's journey.

They also dig into the real deal about building legacies, busting some common myths about owning a business. Josh wraps it up with some straight talk about making mistakes and the big role business owners play in making the world a brighter place. This episode is not just a peek into the life of a successful entrepreneur; it's like a roadmap for anyone out there with big business dreams.
Don't forget to subscribe for more inspiring stories and business strategies!

 If you love this show, please leave us a review. Go to RateThisPodcast.com/ridingtandem and follow the simple instructions.

Reach out! Send your feedback and comments with this survey. 

Unpacking this episode min by min: 

Chapters

01:00 Josh's Journey and Early Inspiration
03:19 PowerTech's Power to Give Initiative
03:48 Starting PowerTech and Taking Risks
10:02 Passion for Running a Business
15:18 Combining Forces with Cody
35:45 Transitioning to Gas Pipeline Services
37:25 Alignment with Cody and Partner Dynamics
38:24 The Importance of Different Perspectives
39:03 Scaling PowerTech Overnight
40:03 PowerTech's Growth and Acquisition
41:03 Rapid Expansion During COVID-19
42:12 Challenges of Scaling and Resourcefulness
43:10 Figuring Things Out as You Go
44:18 The Importance of Cash Flow and Financial Stability
46:13 The Power to Give Initiative
49:49 Creating a Framework for Giving Back
55:23 The Impact of Regular Giving
58:10 Building Buy-In and Commitment to Giving Back
01:00:03 Building Legacies and Making a Difference
01:04:22 Leaving a Lasting Impact
01:08:57 The Misconception of Business Ownership
01:09:35 Advice on Making Mistakes
01:10:33 Business Owners' Role in Making the World Better
Related Episodes:

#23 Brad Arrowsmith: Building a legacy towing operation

#37 How to Build a Strong Financial Foundation And Prepare To Borrow For Your Business - Jamel Hamilton
#2 The 3 most important pieces of advice that will directly impact your entrepreneurial experience

Vivian Kvam:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/viviankvam/Email Vivian - vkvam@thetandemworks.com 
Josh Kallsen, PowerTech
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PowerTechTeam/Website - https://powertechteam.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-kallsen-8357b6151/ Tandem Works Team:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TandemWorksTeamInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetandemworks/Email the team: RidingTandem@thetandemworks.com 
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Riding Tandem with Vivian Kvam
A podcast from Tandem Works
Email the team: RidingTandem@thetandemworks.com

In this episode of "Riding Tandem," Vivian Kvam engages in a deeply inspiring conversation with Jennifer Lea, the innovative founder of Entry Envy. Jennifer's journey from the structured world of law firm management to the creative realm of entrepreneurship is not just a career change; it's a life transformation fueled by passion, resilience, and a desire to bring joy and functionality to homes everywhere.
Discover how Jennifer turned a challenging period in her life into a thriving business. She shares her experiences of remodeling her home and life post-divorce, leading to the birth of Entry Envy. This story isn't just about creating a successful business; it's about empowering women, embracing fear, and learning the art of balancing work with personal joy.
Jennifer delves into the importance of community building, investing in personal development, and the unique approach she took in overcoming her fears. Her insightful anecdotes and practical advice are a treasure trove for anyone looking to start their entrepreneurial journey or infuse their current one with renewed energy and perspective.
As we explore Jennifer’s strategies for business growth and her commitment to empowering women in trades, this episode is a celebration of the transformative power of entrepreneurship. It's a reminder of the impact we can have when we channel our passions into our work and the difference we can make in our communities.
Learn more about Entry Envy and follow Jennifer's journey:
Entry Envy WebsiteFollow Jennifer on LinkedInIf this conversation inspired you, please consider leaving a review for "Riding Tandem." Your feedback not only supports our show but also helps other listeners find us and be inspired too. Head over to RateThisPodcast.com/ridingtandem and share your thoughts.
Unpacking this episode min by min: 

01:30 Genesis of Entree Envy
03:10 Passion for Getting Women into the Trades
08:14 Epiphany and Idea Generation
10:02 Taking Action and Building the Company
13:10 The Importance of Taking Action Quickly
15:02 Strategic Thinking and Planning
18:02 The Challenges and Stages of Building a Company
19:19 The Value of Coaching and Mentorship
23:09 The Role of Coaches in Different Seasons
27:12 The Importance of Building a Network
30:25 Productivity Tools and Processes
35:09 Mindset Shifts and Overcoming Scarcity Mentality
38:47 Choosing Words and Setting Intentions
44:12 Encouraging Women in the Trades and Entrepreneurship
44:42 Creating a Supportive Work Environment
46:08 Different Demographics in the Workplace
47:35 Scaling the Company and Changing Industries
49:52 Incorporating Women into Male-Dominated Industries
50:56 Addressing the Needs of Women in the Workplace
52:22 Shaping the Future and Creating Change
53:24 Delivering Joy and Core Values
55:38 Misconceptions About Owning a Business
56:09 Advice for Business Owners
56:46 Inspiring Books and Resources
58:02 Favorite Go-To Beverage
58:56 Misconceptions About Jennifer
59:48 Making the World a Better Place
Related Episodes:

#1 Core values, why they matter and how to create them

#2 The 3 most important pieces of advice that will directly impact your entrepreneurial experience

Vivian Kvam:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/viviankvam/Email Vivian - vkvam@thetandemworks.com 
Jennifer Lea
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/entryenvysignsWebsite - https://entryenvy.comLinkTree - https://linktr.ee/Entry_envyTandem Works Team:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TandemWorksTeamInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetandemworks/Email the team: RidingTandem@thetandemworks.com 
FREE RESOURCES 

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Riding Tandem with Vivian Kvam
A podcast from Tandem Works
Email the team: RidingTandem@thetandemworks.com

Join Vivian Kvam for an enriching dialogue with Kaylee Williams, an entrepreneur and business strategist for early-stage startup companies. She is the Investment Director for InnoVenture Iowa, a $30 million co-investment fund allocated primarily for Seed and Series A financing.
Kaylee candidly shares her remarkable journey from studying English to thriving in the tech industry. On this episode we delve into the nuances of bootstrapping versus venture capital, gaining insights into the benefits and challenges of each approach. Kayleigh also offers practical advice on navigating burnout, prioritizing personal well-being, and fostering diverse, inclusive environments. Discover actionable strategies for overcoming obstacles and embracing joy in both life and work. Tune in for an uplifting discussion that celebrates resilience, purpose, and the transformative power of entrepreneurship.

If you love this show, please leave us a review. Go to RateThisPodcast.com/ridingtandem and follow the simple instructions.

Reach out! Send your feedback and comments. What would you like to hear about on this podcast? Email me at ridingtandem@thetandemworks.com 

Unpacking this episode min by min:
03:00 Professional Best and Personal Best
06:01 Journey from English to Tech
12:04 Bootstrapping vs. Venture Capital
16:17 Misconceptions and Hesitations about Venture Capital
24:21 Resources for Learning about Venture Capital
27:28 Importance of Mentors
32:30 Dealing with Burnout
38:50 Recognizing Signs of Burnout
39:46 Neglecting Personal Life
40:16 Wrapping Up Identity with Job
41:15 Recognizing and Mitigating Burnout
42:16 Learning to Ask for Help
46:31 Consistency in Self-Care
49:00 Focus on Sales
50:29 Viewing Business as a Funnel
53:30 Misconception about Owning a Business
54:01 Advice to 18-Year-Old Self
55:42 Inspiring Song, Book, or Podcast

59:42 Empowering People Who Don't Look Like You
01:03:08 Making the World a Better Place


Related Episodes:#37 How to Build a Strong Financial Foundation And Prepare To Borrow For Your Business - Jamel Hamilton
#35 Unleash Your Pitching Potential and Presentation Skills: Expert Advice from Kelsey Stupfell and Niki Ferguson#16- Feel Good Money Mindset - A Chat with Megan Hale on Taking Control of Your Business & Life#15 - Tiffaney Floretine - Focus is everything
Vivian Kvam:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/viviankvam/Email Vivian - vkvam@thetandemworks.com 
Kaylee Williams 
LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleewilliams/Website -www.innoventureiowa.com
Tandem Works Team:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TandemWorksTeamInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetandemworks/Email the team: RidingTandem@thetandemworks.com 
FREE RESOURCES 

Shop Our Favorite Tools and Things here https://thetandemworks.com/our-favorite-things

Receive the latest news, encouragement and inspiration from Vivian to your inbox by signing up here https://thetandemworks.com/newsletter-sign-up

Riding Tandem with Vivian Kvam
A podcast from Tandem Works
Email the team: RidingTandem@thetandemworks.com