Entrepreneurs Circle Erik Cabral

Is pursuing your passion worth the challenges it may bring?  This week, Erik Cabral sits down with Dr. Randy Lehman, a general surgeon who has dedicated his career to rural healthcare through his business, Liberty Clinic. 

After years of training, he returned home hoping to open a practice. But reimbursement cuts squeezed margins, and within two years his clinic was losing money fast. Most would quit, but not Randy – he found a way to partner with the local hospital, turning everything around. Now his clinic thrives. 

Tune in to hear Randy's story of perseverance facing adversity and learn how dedication can help you overcome challenges in business. Learn lessons on grit, balancing family/career, and viewing resources as a stewardship to empower risk-taking. 

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:


Malcolm Gladwell’s model of immigrant success


The stewardship mindset around money


Lessons from grandpa


Investing in cash-flowing properties


Buying businesses vs. buildings


Private practice struggles and personal growth



Episode Highlights:

[07:18] Malcolm Gladwell's Model of Immigrant Success

Randy references Malcolm Gladwell's idea that successive generations of immigrants often improve their careers and social mobility. The first may do manual labor, then their kids own businesses, and grandchildren enter professions like doctor or lawyer. Randy saw this pattern in his own family history, going from farming to other jobs to him becoming a physician. It demonstrates how families can achieve more over generations as they assimilate and children have greater opportunities.

[12:08] The Stewardship Mindset: How Reframing Wealth Empowers Risk-Taking 

Randy believes that seeing yourself as a steward of your money rather than its owner, allows for greater risk-taking. Working hard and saving responsibly builds assets, but viewing that as a gift from God removes pressure. This mindset of stewardship means the money isn't truly yours to lose. It lets you feel freer to take chances furthering your goals without stressing as much over potential failures.

[16:41] Lessons from Grandpa

Randy’s grandpa played a big role in shaping how he takes risks. By watching grandpa build up his money gradually by paying off farms through tough financial times, Lehman learned the importance of smart long-term investments. This showed him the value of resilience against hardships and patience in managing wealth over years. Those lessons from grandpa helped inform Lehman's style - keeping debt low and focusing on properties that bring in cash now while growing in worth down the road.

[23:06] Buying Businesses vs. Buildings

Randy notes that a well-run small business could be an appreciating asset that generates substantial cash flow to pay down debt quickly. However, he cautions that he would want to see the business already cash flowing strongly with minimal or no debt load. This aligns with his strategy of focusing on investments that produce income from the start rather than speculative plays. Overall, he is open to business ownership as an investment aligned with his philosophy of gaining assets that work for him through rental income or profits, as opposed to tying up money in non-income generating ventures like vacant land.

Resources Mentioned:

www.mylibertyclinic.com 

Rich Dad Poor Dad

Entrepreneurs Circle podcast is an On Air Brands production.

On Air Brands is one of the leaders for launch, production, and promotion of top-rated business and real estate investing podcasts. Reach out to On Air Brands here ---> info@onairbrands.com 

Learn more at: www.onairbrands.com

Find and follow Erik at: www.erikcabral.co

Download Erik's FREE GUIDE to podcasting at: www.erikcabral.co/guide

Check out this show and previous inspiring guests at Entrepreneurs Circle in Apple Podcasts.


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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erikecabral/support

Feeling stuck in a cycle of unhealthy habits? 

Listen to this episode as Erik Cabral interviews functional medicine practitioner Joya Van Der Laan. Joya shares practical ways to break free through small, sustainable changes. She takes a whole-body approach to common issues beyond just covering symptoms. Discover how to support your wellbeing through nutrition, exercise, sleep and reducing toxins. Joya even recommends apps to check food safety before grocery shopping. 

This episode brings some empowering tips to nourish your amazing system from the inside out -–  and start getting motivated to feel your very best!

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:


Functional medicine vs symptom treatment


Questioning mainstream beliefs & study funding 


Breaking unhealthy habits through small changes


Toxic chemicals & safer alternatives


Apps for checking food toxicity


Exercise, sleep, & nutrition for aging



Episode Highlights:

[00:56] What is Functional Medicine?

Functional medicine is all about finding what's really causing your health issues instead of just covering up symptoms. It digs deeper than surface level to see what's actually going on inside your body rather than just treating what you can see. Providers want to get to the why instead of just the what. They take a whole-picture look, like how your nutrition, stress, sleep and other lifestyle stuff might be affecting you. Then they help even things out so your body can do its thing in the best way.

[20:14] A Holistic Approach to Common Health Issues

Joya takes a holistic view with common issues like insomnia, headaches, and menopause changes. Instead of just masking symptoms, she uses thorough testing to find root causes like nutritional gaps or hormone imbalances. This lets Joya address health issues at the core through personalized lifestyle and eating plans. She doesn't just cover up what's happening but gets to the bottom of it.

[25:01] A COVID Spark for Questioning Old Ways

Joya discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic may have caused some folks to double down in fully trusting mainstream views. But for others with inquisitive minds, it sparked questions about things like the government's true aims and Big Pharma's role. People open to rethinking issues started connecting more dots. This "mind-opening" led some down the path of checking out alternative approaches like functional medicine. 

[35:48] Check Your Products the Easy Way

Joya talks about how apps like EWG Clean Living and Think Dirty can help folks out. You can scan barcodes right in the store to see if products got any nasty chemicals or hormone messing stuff. She recommends scanning beauty and cleaning items to find better options. By taking a couple extra minutes to scan, you can shop smarter for your wellbeing. 

Resources Mentioned:

www.nourishhousecalls.com  

EWG Clean Living

Think Dirty App

Entrepreneurs Circle podcast is an On Air Brands production.

On Air Brands is one of the leaders for launch, production, and promotion of top-rated business and real estate investing podcasts. Reach out to On Air Brands here ---> info@onairbrands.com 

Learn more at: www.onairbrands.com

Find and follow Erik at: www.erikcabral.co

Download Erik's FREE GUIDE to podcasting at: www.erikcabral.co/guide

Check out this show and previous inspiring guests at Entrepreneurs Circle in Apple Podcasts.


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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erikecabral/support

Shaking up the restaurant game since day one - that's Gregg Majewski for you. From Jimmy John's to now heading up Craveworthy Brands, Gregg has a proven track record of taking concepts to the next level through passion, hard work, and old-fashioned hustle.

In this episode, Erik Cabral chats with Gregg, who drops franchise wisdom as the undisputed Jedi Master of restaurants. Gregg shares invaluable insights on building unique concepts, empowering teams, and turning businesses around through grit and hustle. Some of the key lessons? Always lead with humility, equip your team, and embrace failure as a chance to grow stronger.

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:


Lead with humility and empower your team through example 


The four walls of a successful restaurant business


Build community through partnership, not dictation


Focus on exceptional food and a crave-worthy experience 


Embrace failure as an opportunity to learn and grow stronger


Dream big and motivate others through relentless passion



Episode Highlights:

[02:01] Leading by Example and with Humility

Gregg knows real leadership means empowering your crew, not being top dog. Lots of people saving struggling spots think they're the only answer, but that'll cause issues. Gregg says get in there and get your hands dirty from the jump by cooking, cleaning, and joining the team as an equal. This builds trust and respect to motivate change since younger folks want a peer, not just a boss. Leading with the team from the start earns respect and sets up for success.

[10:02] The Four Walls of a Successful Restaurant Business

Gregg stresses having solid systems and rules as the foundation of any restaurant business. He calls these the "four walls." You’ve got to have strong procedures to ensure consistency between locations. Setting up robust systems from the jump is key to keeping everywhere on the same page.


Food quality - Ensuring consistent, high-quality food is a must. This is non-negotiable.


Speed of service - Whether it's fast casual delivery or quick dine-in turnover, efficiency and timely service are critical.


Cleanliness - Maintaining clean, sanitary facilities is a baseline requirement for any restaurant.


Customer experience - The overall experience from the moment a customer walks in until they leave determines return visits and word-of-mouth marketing.



Getting the basics solid should be the priority before expanding or pushing growth. Gregg says you’ve got to have all the foundations on lock before leveling up the rest.

[22:42] Why Adhering to the Playbook is Critical for Franchise Brand Protection

If a franchise location goes off-script, it causes big problems. Not following the playbook leads to inconsistent customer experiences depending on location. That lack of reliability isn't good - people want the same vibe everywhere. Plus, one bad apple can ruin the whole bunch if customers lose faith in consistency company-wide. Franchises gotta stick to the plan to protect the brand and keep customers feeling confident.

Resources Mentioned:

www.craveworthybrands.com/ 

Entrepreneurs Circle podcast is an On Air Brands production.

On Air Brands is one of the leaders for launch, production, and promotion of top-rated business and real estate investing podcasts. Reach out to On Air Brands here ---> info@onairbrands.com 

Learn more at: www.onairbrands.com

Find and follow Erik at: www.erikcabral.co

Download Erik's FREE GUIDE to podcasting at: www.erikcabral.co/guide

Check out this show and previous inspiring guests at Entrepreneurs Circle in Apple Podcasts.


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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erikecabral/support

This founder is spilling all the tea about Silicon Valley…

Kristin Jackson of Freespoke joins Erik Cabral in this episode as she pulls no punches about big tech's dirty secrets. From privacy violations and propaganda, to how certain sites target users - this woman is on a mission to expose it all. 

This fearless woman is taking on the establishment with her ethical search startup. Don't miss her bombshell revelations about how corporations actually treat users. One listen and you'll see why she's shaking up the entire industry. 

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:


The need for ethical technology and guardrails on data collection and use


Exposing the harms of pornography and its links to human trafficking 


Providing a full, unbiased view of information beyond one perspective



Episode Highlights:

[08:54] The Impact of Pornography 

Kristin shares alarming statistics during the conversation that helped catalyze Freespoke's stance against pornography. She notes data from the National Human Trafficking Hotline showing it is the third most common form of sex trafficking after illicit massage parlors and escort services. Additionally, Kristin mentions a New York Times article describing over half of online pornographic images involve the exploitation of children. With over 36 million tips received in a single year by the National Center on Missing and Exploited Children's cyber tip line regarding online child abuse, Freespoke was motivated to become a pornography-free search platform to safeguard users, particularly minors, from inadvertently encountering such harmful material.

[26:03] The Founding of Freespoke

Kristin discusses how observing bias and censorship in other search engines inspired her to establish Freespoke. She focuses on respecting user privacy by limiting data collection and profiling. Kristin's goal: To enhance the search experience through comprehensive, unbiased results presented without manipulation for advertising purposes. This user-centric approach has remained core to Freespoke's alternative search model.

[35:06] The Need for Accountability in Big Tech

Kristin agrees that current ad-based business models often prioritize increasing engagement and data harvesting over delivering high-quality, accurate information. She notes these incentives can spread misinformation as companies focus on growth above all else. Kristin advocates for oversight and accountability of these companies' data practices. She believes competition from alternatives like Freespoke is crucial, as it treats individuals ethically while aiming to provide comprehensive results. Kristin hopes Freespoke can help drive positive reform within the industry by demonstrating a consumer-centric model that values people over profits. 

Resources Mentioned:

Freespoke

Article: The Children of Pornhub

Entrepreneurs Circle podcast is an On Air Brands production.

On Air Brands is one of the leaders for launch, production, and promotion of top-rated business and real estate investing podcasts. Reach out to On Air Brands here ---> info@onairbrands.com 

Learn more at: www.onairbrands.com

Find and follow Erik at: www.erikcabral.co

Download Erik's FREE GUIDE to podcasting at: www.erikcabral.co/guide

Check out this show and previous inspiring guests at Entrepreneurs Circle in Apple Podcasts.


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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erikecabral/support

Ever wonder how entrepreneurs balance high-growth businesses with personal fulfillment? In this episode, Erik Cabral sits down with Bennett Maxwell, founder of the Dirty Dough cookie franchise. Originally an investor, Bennett took over operations and has grown the business to over 70 locations across multiple states. But rapid expansion came with growing pains. 

Bennett shares valuable lessons learned from legal battles, prioritizing infrastructure over outsourcing, and the importance of slowing growth to properly vet systems. You'll also hear how Bennett prioritizes family above all else, even missing an important business meeting to attend his daughter's kindergarten graduation. 

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:


Growing a food franchise at lightning speed


Lessons learned from legal battles and competition


Prioritizing family over work



Episode Highlights:

[04:20] Slowing Growth for LongevityMassively expanding the franchise too quickly led to issues retrofitting new systems. Bennett wishes he started with a co-packer instead of infrastructure to avoid risks. He now focuses on sustainable growth to continually improve franchisee success.

[13:03] Lessons from Legal Battles in the Cookie Wars

Bennett shares valuable lessons from the legal battles with a competitor, emphasizing the importance of thoroughly vetting branding elements and seeking legal counsel early on. He wishes he had hired a trademark attorney to properly evaluate all aspects of the Dirty Dough name and packaging design to avoid issues down the road, showing other entrepreneurs the importance of protecting their intellectual property from the start.

[20:02] Daughter's Graduation Wins OutMissing his daughter's kindergarten graduation for a meeting wasn't an option. Bennett prioritizes family, setting boundaries to avoid workaholism despite business pressures. His mission is to find joy through challenging times.

[24:59] Embracing Failure to Find SuccessBennett shares how dropping out of premed school to pursue door-to-door sales taught him invaluable business lessons through perceived "failures." Although everyone told him it was a mistake, he saw opportunities to learn from each rejection.

Resources Mentioned:

Dirty Dough

18 Summers

Entrepreneurs Circle podcast is an On Air Brands production.

On Air Brands is one of the leaders for launch, production, and promotion of top-rated business and real estate investing podcasts. Reach out to On Air Brands here ---> info@onairbrands.com 

Learn more at: www.onairbrands.com

Find and follow Erik at: www.erikcabral.co

Download Erik's FREE GUIDE to podcasting at: www.erikcabral.co/guide

Check out this show and previous inspiring guests at Entrepreneurs Circle in Apple Podcasts.


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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erikecabral/support

Ready to up-level your personal brand game? 

In this latest episode, Erik Cabral shares his insights on the fundamental tenets needed to build a powerful personal brand. He believes embracing these pillars can boost your personal and professional impact.

Get a dose of branding inspiration as he breaks down principles like self-awareness, authenticity, listening skills, serving others, and finding purpose.  

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:


Having a high level of awareness


Speaking your truth authentically


Listening with genuine curiosity


Loving and living in service of others


Finding your sense of purpose through meditation and reflection



Episode Highlights:

[00:46] Have a High Level of Awareness

Dig deep to understand your strengths, weaknesses, what you care about, your vibe, and who you are as a person. Really knowing yourself allows you to show up naturally instead of putting on a front. You'll have clear ideas about your unique selling points and how you differ from others.

[02:29] Speak Your Truth Authentically

Share your true thoughts without worrying what others might think. While being vulnerable isn't always easy, it shows people the real you, which creates trust with your peeps. This lets you stand out from fake competitors and find fans of your authentic self.

[04:05] Listen with Genuine Curiosity

Show others you care by genuinely paying attention to what they say and asking thoughtful follow up questions to better understand their perspective. This helps you connect more authentically in conversations.

[05:14] Love and Live in Service of Others

Build strong connections through acts of service. While that takes effort, it can significantly benefit your brand by enhancing your reputation and fostering loyalty among those you've helped.

[06:43] Find Your Sense of Purpose Through Reflection and Meditation

Take time for self-reflection through meditation or prayer to gain clarity around why you do what you do and how you can best serve others with your unique talents. Having a clear purpose strengthens your brand by guiding intentional decisions aligned with your core values and mission.

Resources Mentioned:

Entrepreneurs Circle podcast is an On Air Brands production.

On Air Brands is one of the leaders for launch, production, and promotion of top-rated business and real estate investing podcasts. Reach out to On Air Brands here ---> info@onairbrands.com 

Learn more at: www.onairbrands.com

Find and follow Erik at: www.erikcabral.co

Download Erik's FREE GUIDE to podcasting at: www.erikcabral.co/guide

Check out this show and previous inspiring guests at Entrepreneurs Circle in Apple Podcasts.


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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erikecabral/support