North Texas Business Forecast Knucklehead Media Group

Seeing how small business owners seek advice and strategies to grow their businesses, Sean reinvented himself to teach and add more value to their lives and businesses. As important as it is to prepare tax returns and keep books, he believes that educating and giving them advice has the most impact on their success.
 
In today’s episode of the North Texas Business Forecast, our guest, Sean Duncan will talk about how he finds his purpose in the accounting world. He will also discuss the strategies he uses to grow his business and how he handles stress to his advantage.
 
Sean Duncan is the Founder and President of SMD Consulting & Accounting.
They help build and preserve life-long wealth by focusing on tax reduction, financial planning, asset preservation, and investment management through the lens of strategic tax planning. SMD Consulting & Accounting combine tax, law, wealth management, and insurance services to provide a specialized family office experience.
 
More importantly, Sean is a dad, a husband, a handyman, and a Star Wars fan. He wears a Storm Trooper suit of armor at a charity event, wrestles with his children, caters to his wife's needs, and basically grabs things off of high shelves for everyone.
 
Enjoy!
 
This episode is brought to you by Vouris –
 We’re Vouris – we’ve developed a powerful framework that allows early-stage startup companies to build stronger sales teams and hit their revenue targets.
 We call it the 5 Components of Sales Effectiveness:
People Process Message Technology & Leadership  Let us tell you exactly what to focus on to dramatically improve your results. We help early-stage startups hit their revenue goals and you are only one click away from more revenue.
https://hubs.ly/H0NK23j0
In This Episode
2:48 - The role of business in Sean's life
 
5:15 - Sean's playful moments that his kids thought were their worst
 
8:36 - How SMD Consulting and Accounting was born
 
16:37 - Why CPAs are one of the most disruptive careers
 
20:53 - How he retains talent within his organization
 
23:11 - Why marketing is a valuable component of any business
 
29:09 - The concept of a good business plan
 
33:04 - Sean's view of stress
 
34:58 - A common mistake among business owners
 
Favorite Quotes
"One of the things I say frequently there in individual consulting is nothing you spend money on should ever be an expense, nothing. Everything, when you look at a P and L, shouldn't be an investment. It should generate something of greater value than whatever that dollar amount is. It doesn't matter what it is." - Sean Duncan
 
"CPAs are frequently at the top five suicide divorce rates because tax season is brutal and the appreciation is low." - Sean Duncan
 
"When I've hired talented people that have choices, then it's my obligation to keep them filled. That's when the business pivoted, grew, and blossomed in a different way because you allow them the opportunity to be great." - Sean Duncan
 
"Consulting is teaching. It's positioning yourself to be that person that adds value." - Sean Duncan
 
"Growing is not always growing in sales. Sometimes growing is just growing in efficiency."  - Sean Duncan
 
"Stress is always going to be there. But if you're taking on that stress and you're doing something better for yourself, your family, your clients, your business, whatever it is, it doesn't feel the same." - Sean Duncan
 
"Clients are best served when all the professionals are working together on their behalf and building a comprehensive plan and not just their transaction in a silo." - Sean Duncan
 
 
Connect with Sean Duncan
SMD Consulting and Accounting Website   https://smdaccounting.com/
 
Engage with Brad Clark
LinkedIn                            https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-clark-actioncoach/
ActionCOACH Website   https://bradclark.actioncoach.com/
 
 
 

Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, Greg was used to the cycles of ups and downs of business. Having had his share of wins and failures in the numerous businesses he has started, Greg is a perfect example of what determination and perseverance means.
 
His advice to anybody wanting to be an entrepreneur:
Get in some type of sales job  
In today’s episode of the North Texas Business Forecast, our guest, Greg Johnson will talk about his entrepreneurial journey and how he landedwhere he is now. He will also provide helpful tips for managing a business in times of crisis and the benefits of marketing for your business.
 
Greg Johnson is the owner of healthcare lab testing facility in Plano and Frisco, Texas. It is a facility providing the Dallas area with thousands of medical lab tests direct to consumers and employers in a professional, convenient and cost-effective way.
 
Enjoy!
 
This episode is brought to you by Vouris –
 We’re Vouris – we’ve developed a powerful framework that allows early-stage startup companies to build stronger sales teams and hit their revenue targets.
 We call it the 5 Components of Sales Effectiveness:
People Process Message Technology & Leadership  Let us tell you exactly what to focus on to dramatically improve your results. We help early-stage startups hit their revenue goals and you are only one click away from more revenue.
https://hubs.ly/H0NK23j0
 
In This Episode
1:26 - Backstory of Greg Johnson
 
9:45 - How he dealt with challenges in both his professional and personal life
 
19:08 - The most effective business strategy during times of crisis
 
21:49 - How COVID 19 has demonstrated the value of marketing in business
 
26:55 - His mentality in the hiring process
 
30:24 - What makes Any Lab Test Now stand out from other laboratories
 
 Favorite Quotes
"At some point, there's nothing you can do. You can hire salespeople all day long. If you don't change your business plan to adjust to the market, you'll become obsolete. Once you've tasted failure you never want that again." - Greg Johnson
 
"The one thing I learned is that you're not going to have a business where everybody's happy. And so you have to be able to accept that." - Greg Johnson
 
"I would advise anybody that's wanting to be an entrepreneur, get in some type of sales job. There's tons of opportunity. You're gonna make tons of money. You're gonna learn skills that you're going to use no matter what you do." - Greg Johnson
 
"I wanted a business that wasn't a job. Everything takes effort. But at some point, if you grow, you should be able to hire a manager to run your business." - Greg Johnson
 
"I would advise anyone who wants to start their own business, do franchising." - Greg Johnson
 
"The things you don't do in a crisis when sales are bad is to minimize your hours. You don't shorten the amount of time that you're going to open." - Greg Johnson
 
 
Engage with Brad Clark
LinkedIn                            https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-clark-actioncoach/
ActionCOACH Website   https://bradclark.actioncoach.com/
 

Passionate about imparting his knowledge and experiences to young entrepreneurs, Lee recognizes that education is the key to starting a business. While having a valuable skill provides an opportunity for revenue, challenging the status quo and finding a different angle of doing things can absolutely result in endless opportunities.
 
His advice to young generation of business owners:
Finish your education and get a valuable skill  
In today’s episode of the North Texas Business Forecast, our guest, Lee Thurburn will talk about how to build the foundation for successful entrepreneurship. As a serial entrepreneur and educator himself, he will also share valuable advice to young and aspiring business owners.
 
Lee Thurburn is the President and Founder of Apricot Rocket. With a vision to help small businesses accelerate their growth, they provide small businesses with a powerful, affordable, and effective customer relationship management and marketing automation capability.
 
Enjoy!
 
This episode is brought to you by Vouris –
 
We’re Vouris – we’ve developed a powerful framework that allows early-stage startup companies to build stronger sales teams and hit their revenue targets.
 
We call it the 5 Components of Sales Effectiveness:
People Process Message Technology & Leadership  
Let us tell you exactly what to focus on to dramatically improve your results. We help early-stage startups hit their revenue goals and you are only one click away from more revenue.
https://hubs.ly/H0NK23j0
 
 
In This Episode
1:17 - Backstory of Lee Thurburn
 
3:20 - How he transitioned from being a serial entrepreneur to starting up Apricot Rocket
 
9:21 - His perspective on negative self-talk
 
11:52 - Lee's advice before getting into the business world
 
17:05 - The rate at which students perform in class
 
23:08 - His advice to young entrepreneurs
 
24:34 - About Apricot Rockets
 
Favorite Quotes
"Opportunity abounds for those that are prepared to see it and seek it. But to see it and seek it, you have to constantly be asking yourself, why do we do things the way we do? Is there a better way to do it? And you have to be questioning and searching for new thoughts and new ways of doing things." - Lee Thurburn
 
"I've had my share of successes and failures. The failures probably taught me at least as much, if not more, than the successes." - Lee Thurburn
 
"I firmly believe that we are not only our biggest asset, but our biggest liability. The negative self-talk that goes on, I think everybody has at least some of it. The vulnerability of admitting it is one of the things that keep us grounded." - Lee Thurburn
 
"If you believe in your own hype, the fake it till you make it stuff, you end up getting a huge ego. And that's a much bigger danger than having a little bit of self-doubt." - Lee Thurburn
 
"Luck typically comes to those that plan for it while the surest ways to make sure you get luck is to lay a solid foundation." - Lee Thurburn
 
"As far as business education goes, I personally believe that about 95% of your education quality comes from what you put into it as a student." - Lee Thurburn
 
"Our perspective changes as we mature. And I think most people go through a variety of predictable cycles. Some people hit the cycle sooner than others. But I think most people reach a point in their life where they suddenly wanted to make things happen." - Lee Thurburn
 
 
Engage with Lee Thurburn
LinkedIn                            https://www.linkedin.com/in/leethurburn/
Apricot Rocket Website  https://apricotrocket.com/
 
 
Engage with Brad Clark
LinkedIn                            https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-clark-actioncoach/
ActionCOACH Website   https://bradclark.actioncoach.com/
 
 

Inspired by his fascination with human space flight and genetic predisposition to engineering, Ed’s career goals have always been to work for NASA and the US manned spaceflight program. With the tragedy of the space shuttle Challenger ingrained into his young mind, his desire to leverage space shuttles sparked even more and has now become a part of the grand adventure.
 
His primary job:
Keep our people safe at all times Keep the vehicle safe Accomplish the mission  
Today's episode of North Texas Business Forecast features an exclusive interview with NASA's Director of Flight, Ed Van Cise. He will share some exciting and fascinating insider knowledge about what NASA is doing next. As an aspiring or established entrepreneur or small business in North Texas, you'll also be thrilled to hear about NASA’s collaboration with the private sector in space exploration.
 
In This Episode
2:21 - What inspired Ed to pursue a career at NASA
 
5:09 - What motivated him to continue advancing his career at NASA
 
8:13 - An in-depth look at the roles he played at NASA
 
11:54 - What's next for NASA in terms of setting foot on a new ground
 
15:27 - His perspective on public-private partnerships
 
20:07 - How budding and established entrepreneurs can get involved in the public-private partnership of lunar exploration
 
22:48 - Ed's most memorable event at NASA
 
25:49 - The private company NASA directly engaged with
 
Favorite Quotes
"Elon absolutely wants to go to Mars and so does NASA. And that is a partnership that we should exploit. We should help any private company take people beyond earth orbit. And those private companies should definitely engage with NASA and the heritage and legacy that we have of doing that with humans safely. And I think working together, we can do amazing things." - Ed
 
"I'm still a fan boy. It's still the same thing as how many years ago, that was 35 years ago of going on this grand adventure." - Ed
 
"The government is there to do research and development and investment in things that are incredibly hard. And no company in their right mind would want to invest in because there's no profit. But doing those things is the right thing to do." - Ed
 
"We're seeing more and more commercial partners doing science research for their own, not just for national interests, but for their own interest on the space station." - Ed
 
"The big mission that we want to do is we want to go put boots on Mars and the leap to go from what we can do today to putting people on Mars is just enormous." - Ed
 
"I guess the definition of entrepreneurs, you figured out what the thing is, you figure out how it's gonna be hard, and then you find a path to get there. And I think low-earth orbit is really starting to open up to enable that." - Ed
 
"NASA became more agile and more tolerant and more willing to listen to new ideas." -  Ed
 
To learn more about NASA
Website
Twitter
Instagram
Social Media
 
Go to Spot the Station | NASA for an opportunity to spot the space station over your backyard
 
Engage with Brad Clark
LinkedIn                            https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-clark-actioncoach/
ActionCOACH Website   https://bradclark.actioncoach.com/
 
 

Building a strong business during a pandemic is indeed possible. Having the right people in the business, loyalty, and good customer relation, Eldorado Fine Cigars has everything it needs to achieve its vision - to build a third store.
 
Seeing the gap where cigar stores in McKinney have no more than a retail store, Kurt has taken the opportunity to create a shop where people can sit down, engage in a conversation, and enjoy a good cigar.
 
In today’s episode of The North Texas Business Forecast Podcast, our guest, Kurt Naumann will share his journey from being a corporate employee into becoming the owner of a million dollar cigar business. He will also talk about how Eldorado Fine Cigars continuously grow despite the challenges brought about by COVID 19.
 
Kurt Naumann is the owner of Eldorado Fine Cigars. His brick and mortar stores located at McKinney and Rockwall are the homes of the wide variety of cigar selections and very friendly people.
 
 Enjoy!
 
Favorite Quote
 
"What we found and what came about was we realized how loyal our customers were. We created this loyalty to our store that they did whatever they could to come support us."
 
                                                                                              - Kurt Naumann
 
In This Episode
00:59 - Backstory of Kurt Naumann
 
2:16 - His turning point why he shift from corporate to entrepreneurial world
 
3:13 - The evolution of Eldorado Fine Cigars
 
5:25 - How Kurt developed and created an environment culture of Eldorado Fine Cigars
 
7:33 - The impact of COVID 19 to his cigar business
 
9:49 - How Kurt established loyalty among his customers
 
11:21 - What's next for Eldorado Fine Cigars in terms of next level membership
 
13:55 - What makes his cigar store stand out from the rest of the stores in the locality
 
16:53 - His vision to how he wants his business going forward
 
18:13 - How his previous role in sales helped in running a $30 million dollar
 
20:00 - The difference between his leadership roles in corporate vs entrepreneurship
 
21:39 - The most important thing Kurt can offer his team to make them successful
 
 
Engage with Brad Clark
LinkedIn                            https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-clark-actioncoach/
ActionCOACH Website   https://bradclark.actioncoach.com/
 
Connect with Eldorado Fine Cigars
Website       https://www.eldoradofinecigars.com/
Facebook    https://www.facebook.com/eldoradofinecigars
Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/eldoradofinecigars/
 
Visit their shop at McKinney or Rockwall store to learn about their exclusive discounts and events!
 
 

Listen in on how Barbara has weathered the COVID-19 shutdown and how she continues to help her travel clients. Barbara tells us about the good bargains in traveling and how she has grown as a business. Check them out! @ 214-676-3076