6 episodes
Unconventional SMB Jon DeCoste
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- Business
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5.0 • 3 Ratings
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A Podcast that explores everything Small & Medium Businesses, offering a unique platform where SMB owners share their stories, insights, and valuable lessons learned along their journeys. Not only celebrating the successes, we discuss current challenges faced by owners and seek to connect them with resources and individuals who can help break through those barriers.SMBs are the foundation of the economy and provide unique opportunities to generate positive impact + profit. Owning and operating an SMB can be a rewarding, exciting and humbling career path, however, the decision should not be taken lightly.Alongside these inspiring interviews, our podcast features solo episodes with the host discussing topics crucial to the growth and transition of SMBs. Our Purpose is to empower Owners to build stronger, higher-impact businesses through learning, networking, peer support and unconventional thinking
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#06 Farm Life to 250 Employees: Powerful Culture, Self-Care, Darkest of Days | Trevor Muir
Summary
Trevor Muir, President of Surepoint Group, shares his journey of starting and growing his business and his experiences with mental health. He grew up on a farm, learning important life skills but lacking emotional awareness. He started his own company, Matrix Measurement, and later joined SurePoint as one of the owners. SurePoint experienced exponential growth, going from 15 to 250 employees in five years.
Trevor shares his experience of hitting rock bottom and how it became a catalyst for change in his life. He talks about the importance of being vulnerable and seeking help when needed. Trevor also discusses the challenges he faced as the CEO of Surepoint and how he rallied the team and helped rebuild the company's culture during a time of financial crisis. He emphasizes the power of transparency, communication, and giving people permission to do the right thing. Trevor's journey highlights the importance of learning from mistakes and embracing adversity as an opportunity for growth. The conversation with Trevor concludes with a discussion about the future of Surepoint and the importance of self-care and self-love.
Trevor emphasizes the need to prioritize oneself and not put off the things that are important. He encourages listeners to make themselves a priority and to love themselves more.
❤️ Enjoy this interview? SUBSCRIBE for more:
/ @unconventional-smb
www.unconventionalsmb.com
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Reach Trevor Muir
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-muir-b7231356
Website: www.surepoint.ca
Trevor's Content
Book: https://a.co/d/3ceDf1O
Someday Today Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG0kQtvJfAE
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
10:05 Financial and Cultural Challenges
25:03 Struggles with Mental Health
32:16 Seeking Help and Transformation
46:35 Rallying the Team and Rebuilding Culture
54:46 The Bright Future of Surepoint
01:02:49 Trevor's Goal: Positively Impacting Lives
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CONNECT
🎙️ Postcast Guests: Canadian SMB owners interested in chatting about your story, insights, and lessons. https://www.jotform.com/form/24049840...
🗞️ Unconventional SMB Newsletter: A precursor to the podcast.
👉 Pantheon Row Ventures: Acquiring, operating, and building SMB https://www.pantheonrowventures.com
👉 Connect with host Jon DeCoste on LinkedIn:
/ jondecoste
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ABOUT Unconventional SMB:
A Podcast that explores everything Small & Medium Businesses, offering a unique platform where SMB owners share their stories, insights, and valuable lessons learned along their jo
urneys. Not only celebrating the successes, we discuss current challenges faced by owners and seek to connect them with resource -
#05 Wires of Wisdom: Built, Exited, Built Again. 150 Employees Strong, Across 4 Provinces | Shawn Kersey
Summary
In this engaging podcast episode, host Jon explores the remarkable journey of Shawn Kersey, a seasoned entrepreneur in the telecommunications industry (Also, 2015 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year). Shawn shares nearly three decades of insights, starting from his initial foray into structured data wiring in 1988 to developing multiple successful businesses. Hailing from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Shawn's path from trade school to becoming a telecom industry leader is filled with lessons on growth, resilience, and innovation. Throughout the conversation, he reflects on key moments such as mid-career shifts, acquiring and divesting businesses, and the evolution of his operations into what he terms "Business 2.0." Shawn candidly discusses the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and team support in navigating business landscapes. This episode not only explores the technical side of telecom but also delves into Shawn's personal anecdotes and experiences, making it a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and industry veterans alike.
❤️ Enjoy this interview? SUBSCRIBE for more: https://www.youtube.com/@unconventional-smb
www.unconventionalsmb.com
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Reach Shawn Kersey @
Email: shawn@dwsglobal.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shawn-kersey-17190b42
Website: dwsglobal.com.com
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Chapters
02:04 Starting in the Telecom Industry
08:45 Transitioning to Entrepreneurship
20:01 Starting First Biz in a Recession
23:37 The Challenges of Running a Growing Business
25:31 Selling the Business
26:39 Building a Client List and Repeat Customers
28:16 Cash Flow is King
30:43 Selling the Business and Transitioning
31:39 Starting a New Business (DWS 2.0)
39:11 Vertical Growth and Landing Big Contracts
46:19 Financial Challenges and Streamlining Operations
48:08 Is There Anything Else That Can Go WRONG?
52:50 Addressing Cash Flow Issues
55:38 Making Tough Decisions
57:49 Shutting Down a Business Unit
58:07 The Importance of Separating Business Units
58:51 The Decision to Buy Out a Partner
59:31 Navigating the Buyout Process
01:02:13 The Role of a Business Coach
01:04:24 The Importance of Choosing Business Partners Carefully
01:04:35 Growth and Recognition
01:07:42 Reflecting on the Journey
01:07:43 Present Day Operations
01:09:38 The Importance of Teamwork and HR
01:10:37 Utilizing Technology for Communication
01:11:36 Balancing Work and Fun
01:12:18 Future Growth Opportunities
01:12:46 The Growing Demand for Structured Wiring
01:14:38 Lessons and Insights for Newcomers
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CONNECT
🎙️ Postcast Guests: Canadian SMB owners interested in chatting about your story, insights, and lessons. https://www.jotform.com/form/240498400635254
🗞️ Unconventional SMB Newsletter: A precursor to the podcast.
👉 Pantheon Row Ventures: Acquiring, operating, and building SMB https://www.pantheonrowventures.com
👉 Connect with host Jon DeCoste on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondecoste
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ABOUT Unconventional SMB:
A Podcast that explores everything Small & Medium Businesses, offering a unique platform where SMB owners share their stories, insights, and valuable lessons learned along their journeys. Not only celebrating the successes, we discuss current challenges faced by owners and seek to connect them with resources and individuals who can help break through those barriers.
SMBs are the foundation of the economy and provide unique opportunities to generate positive impact + profit. Owning and operating an SMB can be a rewarding, exciting and humbling career path -
#04 Lessons & Insights: Acquiring, Operating and Exiting. Now Searching to Acquire Two More | Taylor Carcasole
Summary
Taylor Carcasole, shares his journey of operating an agriculture business early in his career and then acquiring a software development and design agency. He discusses the lessons learned and challenges faced in both ventures. Taylor emphasizes the importance of trust and transparency in acquiring businesses and building relationships with sellers. He also highlights the need for professionalization and improving financial reporting in small businesses. Taylor's role in the business included sales and focusing on project profitability. During this part of the conversation, Taylor and Jon discuss the importance of pricing as a lever for business growth and profitability. They highlight how increasing prices directly impacts the bottom line and how being strategic about pricing can lead to significant improvements in EBITDA. They also discuss the challenges of running a small business, including the impact of COVID-19 and the difficult decisions they had to make, such as layoffs. Taylor emphasizes the importance of being prepared for key person risk and the need to constantly network. Finally, they discuss the exit process and how Taylor negotiated a deal that included an upfront cash payment, a retention payment, and an earn-out based on future growth. In the final part of the conversation, Taylor discusses the importance of being prepared to stick around with the business after the transaction. He also highlights the unique aspects of his current roofing business acquisition.
Taylor emphasizes the need for searchers to focus on taking action rather than just appearing busy, and to be prepared for the challenges and uncertainties that come with buying a business.
❤️ Enjoy this interview? SUBSCRIBE for more: https://www.youtube.com/@unconventional-smb
www.unconventionalsmb.com
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Reach Taylor Carcasole:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylorcarcasole/
simple-partners.com
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction
05:11 110hr Weeks - Training Grounds Prior to First Business
11:18 Owner Transition: A balance with trust
13:58 Versat - Business #1
34:05 Improving the Business
37:24 Sales and Operations
38:20 The Importance of Pricing and Margin
39:21 Firing Customers and Pricing Strategy
41:19 Selective Customer Acquisition
44:58 Challenges of Running a Small Business
46:23 The Impact of COVID-19
48:06 Key People Risk and Employee Turnover
56:27 The Exit Process
01:07:23 Deal Structure and Considerations
01:08:50 Lesson 1: Pull Yourself Out of the Business Before an Exit
01:09:19 Lesson 2: Global Presence Can Expand Buyer Universe
01:13:01 Lesson 3: Avoid Businesses Dependent on Owner's Involvement
01:14:00 Roofing Business - Totally different 2nd Biz
01:29:26 Lesson 4: Focus on Action, Not Activity
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CONNECT
🎙️ Postcast Guests: Canadian SMB owners interested in chatting about your story, insights, and lessons. https://www.jotform.com/form/240498400635254
🗞️ Unconventional SMB Newsletter: A precursor to the podcast.
👉 Pantheon Row Ventures: Acquiring, operating, and building SMBs with profit + impact as a core value https://www.pantheonrowventures.com/
👉 Connect with host Jon DeCoste on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondecoste
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ABOUT Unconventional SMB:
A Podcast that explores everything Small & Medium Businesses, offering a unique platform where SMB owners share their stories, insights, and valuable lessons learned along their journeys. Not only celebrating the successes, we discuss current challenges faced by owners and seek to connect them with resources and individuals who can help break through those barriers.
SMBs are the foundation of the economy and provide unique opportunities to generate positiv -
#03 - Midway into a Successful Career, Pivoting to Tech Entrepreneur | Glenn Moore
Summary
Glenn Moore, the founder of Vantage Logistics, shares his journey of transitioning from a successful career in the energy industry to starting his own technology business. He started his career in logistics and operations at Plains Midstream in Canada before moving to California to gain more experience in the industry. It was during this time that he identified the inefficiencies and pain points in the logistics and supply chain processes. He decided to start Vantage Logistics to address these challenges and provide technology solutions for the energy industry.
The conversation with Glenn Moore focused on the growth and development of his company. One of the key themes discussed was the decision to start the company and the challenges faced in the early stages. The conversation also touched on the value proposition of Vantage's solutions, including Terminal Boss, Wheelhouse, and Conformi, and how they provide time and cost savings for midstream companies. He emphasizes the importance of having good processes and quality people in place. Glenn also discusses their plans for the future, including growing through acquisitions, developing new solutions, and raising capital.
❤️ Enjoy this interview? SUBSCRIBE for more: https://www.youtube.com/@unconventional-smb
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Reach Glenn Moore:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/glennmoorecalgary/
gmoore@vantedge.com
https://www.vantedge.com/
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Chapters
01:19 The decision to Jump into Entrepreneurship
03:23 Early Drive and Progression In Midstream Career
05:29 The Idea: Identifying the Need for Digitization
14:01 The Jump: Employee to an Entrepreneur
18:31 The Role of Mentors and Advisors
22:57 Two Partners Followed by Consolidation
28:00 The Bootstrap Hustle
32:27 Considering the Alternatives
33:42 Stoping to Consider if This is the Right Path
40:38 Opportunity for Growth through Acquisition
46:00 3 Solutions and Ideal Customers
52:45 Value Proposition for Wheelhouse (Product)
01:04:21 Navigating Challenging Times
01:07:54 Transitioning from Founder-Led Sales to a Sales Team
01:16:08 Implementing Better Processes and Hiring Great People
01:17:08 Future Goals and Expansion
01:20:46 Seeking Investment and Potential Acquisitions
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CONNECT
🎙️ Postcast Guests: Canadian SMB owners interested in chatting about your story, insights, and lessons. https://www.jotform.com/form/240498400635254
🗞️ Unconventional SMB Newsletter: A precursor to the podcast.
👉 Pantheon Row Ventures: Acquiring, operating, and building SMBs with profit + impact as a core value https://www.pantheonrowventures.com/
👉 Connect with host Jon DeCoste on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondecoste
------------------------------
ABOUT Unconventional SMB:
A Podcast that explores everything Small & Medium Businesses, offering a unique platform where SMB owners share their stories, insights, and valuable lessons learned along their journeys. Not only celebrating the successes, we discuss current challenges faced by owners and seek to connect them with resources and individuals who can help break through those barriers.
SMBs are the foundation of the economy and provide unique opportunities to generate positive impact + profit. Owning and operating an SMB can be a rewarding, exciting and humbling career path, however, the decision should not be taken lightly.
Alongside these inspiring interviews, our podcast features solo episodes with the host discussing topics crucial to the growth and transition of SMBs.
Our Purpose is to empower Owners to build stronger, higher-impact businesses through learning, networking, peer support and unconventional thinking -
#02 - An IPO, 15 Acquisitions & a Startup | Michael Palmer
Summary
The conversation explores the challenges of small businesses, the importance of relationships, and the entrepreneurial spirit in Western Canada. In this conversation, Michael shares his insights on the power of challenging customers and how they can be an opportunity for growth. He also discusses his personal health challenges and the importance of support and positivity during difficult times. Michael then dives into his business, Inosol Health, and its product SolveStrips, highlighting the unique value proposition and benefits of the product. He concludes by emphasizing the need for continuous learning, finding balance in life and business, and the importance of celebrating wins.
❤️ Enjoy this interview? SUBSCRIBE for more: https://www.youtube.com/@unconventional-smb
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Reach Michael Palmer:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-w-palmer-b4481b6/
palmco37@gmail.com
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Chapters
06:11 The Entrepreneurial Spirit in Western Canada
09:02 Transitioning from Employment to Entrepreneurship
11:51 Starting "Departures Travel"
15:05 Lessons Learned from Going Public
20:56 The Strategy Behind Acquisitions
29:11 Creating an Omni-Channel Experience
41:10 The Power of Challenging Customers
42:09 The Impact of Health Challenges
45:01 The Importance of Support and Positivity
56:11 Overcoming Health Challenges
01:05:24 The Value Proposition of SolveStrips
01:13:35 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
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Takeaways
Small businesses face challenges not only within their operations but also in managing relationships with employees, family, and friends.The entrepreneurial spirit in Western Canada, characterized by a can-do attitude and a willingness to connect and help others, contributes to the success of businesses in the region.When transitioning from employment to entrepreneurship, it is important to have a strategic plan and consider the financial aspects of starting a business.Choosing the right investor is crucial for the long-term success of a business, and it is important to find a strategic fit and ensure alignment of goals and values.Creating an omni-channel experience, combining online and offline booking options, allows businesses to cater to different customer preferences and provide personalized service.Customer service plays a vital role in building strong relationships with customers and ensuring their satisfaction and loyalty. Challenging customers can be an opportunity for growth and learning.Support and positivity are crucial during health challenges.Finding balance in life and business is essential for overall well-being.SolveStrips offer a unique and effective delivery method for vitamins and supplements.------------------------------
CONNECT
🎙️ Postcast Guests: Canadian SMB owners interested in chatting about your story, insights, and lessons. https://www.jotform.com/form/240498400635254
🗞️ Unconventional SMB Newsletter: A precursor to the podcast.
👉 Pantheon Row Ventures: Acquiring, operating, and building SMBs with profit + impact as a core value https://www.pantheonrowventures.com/
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Unconventional SMB - ETA search update & leaving value
ETA search update
What is working for deal flow
Leave value along the journey
Two opportunities in Western Canada
Offer to connect
CONNECT
🎙️ Postcast Guests: Canadian SMB owners interested in chatting about your story, insights, and lessons. https://www.jotform.com/form/24049840...
🗞️ Unconventional SMB Newsletter: A precursor to the podcast.
👉 Pantheon Row Ventures: Acquiring, operating, and building SMBs with profit + impact as a core value https://www.pantheonrowventures.com/
👉 Connect with host Jon DeCoste on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondecoste
Customer Reviews
Great listen for SMB owners and aspiring entrepreneurs
Jon's knack for uncovering innovative strategies and his engaging storytelling make every episode a must-listen. With diverse guests and actionable insights, this podcast is a valuable resource for SMBs looking to thrive in today's competitive landscape. Highly recommended!
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