Top Business Leaders Show

Rise25 Media

This is the Top Business Leaders Show powered by Rise25 Media. We feature top founders, executives, and leaders from all over the world.

  1. FEB 11

    Building High-Performing Teams From The Inside Out With Sean Patton, President of No Limit Leaders

    Sean Patton is the President of No Limit Leaders, a leadership development and executive coaching organization. A former US Army Special Forces Green Beret commander and airborne ranger, Sean translates elite military experience into practical business leadership. Through coaching, speaking, and his podcast, No Limit Leadership, he helps executives lead themselves first and lead others with clarity and purpose. He is also the author of A Warrior's Mindset: The Six Keys to Greatness. In this episode… Modern leadership requires more than just hitting KPIs — it demands emotional intelligence, purpose, and personal growth. Many professionals operate on autopilot, managing tasks instead of truly leading people and culture. How can leaders inspire trust, drive transformation, and stay aligned with their own vision while serving others? According to executive coach Sean Patton, effective leadership starts with self-leadership. Drawing from his military roots, Sean emphasizes that the best leaders cultivate clarity, embody their values, and create cultures where feedback, vision, and individual goals align. He shares practical strategies for embracing feedback, shifting mindset, and becoming a person others genuinely want to follow. In this episode ofthe Top Business Leaders Show, Chad Franzen hosts Sean Patton, President of No Limit Leaders,  for a conversation about cultivating self-leadership, creating resilient workplace cultures, and why even elite teams need strong leadership support. Sean unpacks his approach to coaching, stories from the military, and mindset shifts that unlock exponential growth.

    45 min
  2. 08/27/2025

    Reimagining Hospitality After The Pandemic With Gregg Horan, Co-Founder of The Greggory

    Gregg Horan is the Founder and Managing Partner of The Greggory, an upscale American restaurant in South Barrington, Illinois. Before launching The Greggory, he spent nearly 30 years with Gibsons Restaurant Group, where he helped open and operate several high-profile establishments, including Gibsons Steakhouse and the Polo Bar in New York. Gregg partnered with longtime colleagues Bill Veremis and Chef Jose Sosa to form Hirth Hospitality, combining decades of expertise in hospitality and culinary innovation. His mission is to bring big-city dining and personalized service to the suburban market. In this episode… Restaurants are shifting focus beyond just food, emphasizing hospitality and community to stand out in competitive suburban markets. As food lovers seek experiences that blend high-end ambiance with everyday accessibility, leaders are rethinking how they design and manage their spaces. What does it take to launch a new restaurant that feels both luxurious and welcoming? According to Gregg Horan, who co-founded The Greggory and oversees its operations for Hearth Hospitality, success starts with deep industry experience and a personal passion for hospitality. By leveraging the design insights of trusted partners, a hands-on culinary team, and lessons learned from his decades at Gibsons, Gregg created a space that's both visually stunning and community-driven. The Greggory's menu, ambiance, and customer service model reflect a seamless blend of luxury and approachability tailored for suburban diners. On this episode of Top Business Leaders Show, Chad Franzen welcomes Gregg Horan, Co-founder of The Greggory, for a conversation about building a standout restaurant brand in South Barrington. Gregg shares insights from his time at Gibson's, explains the thought process behind The Greggory's menu and design, and opens up about the personal investment and risk involved in starting a new venture.

    19 min
  3. 06/18/2025

    The Power of Mentorship in Wealth Management With John Grace of Investors Advantage Corporation

    John Grace is the Founder and President of Investors Advantage Corp., a Westlake Village, California-based financial advisory firm. With over four decades of experience, John is known for his client-first approach, emphasizing data-driven decision-making and loss mitigation. Under his leadership, Investor's Advantage has established a regional stronghold managing over $1 trillion in assets through its collaboration with LPL Financial Corp. A renowned financial advisor and author, John translates complex economic data into actionable intelligence through his work as a contributing writer for Pacific Coast Business Times. In this episode… Mentorship can be a powerful catalyst in shaping a person's career, especially in industries where representation is lacking. Too often, young professionals miss out on guidance that could unlock their potential and set them on a transformative path. How can a single mentor alter the course of someone's life and career trajectory? According to John Grace, who founded and leads Investors Advantage Corp., his entry into the financial world began with an unexpected offer from the father of a friend — a seasoned advisor who saw promise in him and offered to be his mentor. That relationship gave John not only the technical knowledge to earn his license but also the confidence to succeed in a field where few looked like him. Decades later, he continues that legacy by mentoring the next generation, including the grandson of his original mentor. On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Rise25's John Corcoran welcomes John Grace, Founder and President of Investors Advantage Corp., for a conversation about financial resilience, mentorship in underserved communities, and what makes engineers the ideal clients. John also offers powerful advice on independent thinking in a saturated financial world and the importance of proactive planning for uncertain futures.

    30 min
  4. 05/14/2025

    Building a Family Bakery Empire With Odette D'Aniello of Celebrity Cake Studio

    Odette D'Aniello is the Founder and CEO of Celebrity Cake Studio, a family-owned and operated retail cake boutique. The company has received numerous awards, including winning Best of Western Washington several times. With experience in the food industry, business strategy sales, and marketing, Odette has obtained additional skills in product design and brand development, event management, and team building.  She is also the Owner of Dragonfly Cakes, the wholesale sister company to Celebrity Cake Studio, designing, developing, and manufacturing delicious handmade and clean-label petit fours, tea cakes, and mini desserts. Beyond her entrepreneurial ventures, she hosts the Celebrity Gourmet Podcast, where she shares insights from successful individuals in the food and beverage sector. ​ In this episode… Many entrepreneurs struggle to find their niche, especially after experiencing failure or burnout in their initial ventures. How can you pivot from an unsustainable business model to a more profitable and fulfilling path without losing the passion that drove you in the first place? Baker and entrepreneur Odette D'Aniello's first café business attracted customers but failed financially. After a chance encounter at a wedding expo, Odette recognized the value of focusing solely on custom cakes — a skill she had honed since childhood. By trusting her intuition, closing the café overnight, and boldly repositioning her business, Odette transformed her struggling venture into a thriving cake studio. Embracing risk, creativity, and a clear sense of purpose allowed her to transform a difficult situation into a long-term success. Tune in to this episode of Top Business Leaders Show as host John Corcoran interviews Odette D'Aniello, Founder and CEO of Celebrity Cake Studio and Dragonfly Cakes, about reinventing a business for greater impact. Odette shares insights on leading a family business, cultivating mindfulness as a leader, and navigating crises like 9/11 and COVID-19.

    49 min
  5. 01/29/2025

    Unleashing Entrepreneurial Spirit With Mark Hiddleson, Owner of Specialized Storage Solutions

    Mark Hiddleson is the Owner of Specialized Storage Solutions, Inc., a nationwide logistics company with industry-leading warehouse storage solutions. It provides clients with innovative products, facility layouts, and designs to optimize their logistics operations. With several decades of service experience in the warehousing and logistics industry, Mark has held leadership roles in several professional industry organizations. Using a holistic approach, he also has experience in equipment material handling, operations management, supply chain optimization, professional development, and public speaking.  In this episode… What if you could integrate the best scientific and holistic practices to enhance your personal growth, elevate your business, and make a significant contribution to your community? Learn how a thriving entrepreneur and author leverages modern strategies for self-improvement while fostering a positive impact.  Mark Hiddleson shares his journey of transforming his personal and professional life by embracing holistic practices. He discusses how his early exposure to visualization and self-improvement techniques laid the foundation for his success in the storage solutions niche. Mark's path led him to establish Specialized Storage Solutions and host the Tao of Pizza podcast, which focuses on integrating personal growth with business strategies. His story exemplifies the power of visualization and self-awareness in overcoming challenges, such as leaving a lucrative corporate job to start his own business, and how those practices have helped him navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. In this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, John Corcoran chats with Mark Hiddleson, Owner of Specialized Storage Solutions, about blending spiritual growth with business acumen, building relationships, and creating a thriving ecosystem within their enterprises. Mark emphasizes holistic development, showcasing how personal growth can transform one's approach to business and life. He shares lessons on embracing challenges, leveraging strengths, and fostering connections that lead to long-term success.

    39 min
  6. 12/25/2024

    [SpotOn Series] Revolutionizing Pizza Franchising With Carl Comeaux, CEO of Crust Pizza Co.

    Carl Comeaux is the CEO of Crust Pizza Co., a rapidly expanding pizza brand recognized for its nostalgic dining experience and dedication to quality. Under Carl's leadership, Crust Pizza Co. has grown to 30 locations across Texas and Louisiana, with plans to expand further into the southeast US. His innovative strategies and passion for creating memorable dining experiences have been pivotal in the brand's success within the competitive restaurant industry. In this episode… The restaurant industry is constantly evolving, with successful brands finding innovative ways to stand out in a competitive market. What are the key ingredients for a rapidly growing pizza franchise to achieve success and maintain consistent quality across multiple locations? According to restaurant CEO and franchisor Carl Comeaux, the key to success lies in a combination of factors. These include offering a unique and high-quality product, implementing a hybrid service model that balances efficiency with customer experience, and utilizing cutting-edge technology for operations and customer engagement. Carl emphasizes the importance of fresh ingredients, daily-made dough, and proprietary recipes for sauce and cheese. He also stresses the significance of selecting the right franchisees who align with brand values and are committed to community involvement. On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Rise25's Chad Franzen welcomes Carl Comeaux, CEO of Crust Pizza Co., to chat about the brand's rapid expansion, keys to franchisee success, and innovative strategies in the pizza industry. Carl discusses the importance of product quality, franchisee selection, community involvement, and the development of proprietary technology to enhance operations and customer experience.

    24 min
  7. 12/18/2024

    [SpotOn Series] Overcoming Industry Challenges with Beau Maxon, Owner of Park City Vapor Company

    Beau Maxon is the Founder and Owner of Park City Company and multiple Mid City Vapor Lounge locations. He is an experienced entrepreneur who recently opened a Beans & Brews location in Santa Clara, Utah. Known for his diverse business ventures, Beau has successfully founded a cannabis processing facility and serves as a commercial real estate landlord. He is passionate about advocating for innovation and healthier alternatives against big tobacco and pharmaceutical giants. In this episode… The vaping industry is heavily regulated and politically charged, presenting unique challenges for entrepreneurs. What does it take to succeed in such a complex business environment? According to Beau Maxon, an experienced entrepreneur and business owner, success in the vaping industry requires complete immersion and obsession. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the industry inside and out, including its regulatory landscape and political dynamics. Beau became politically active within six months of opening his first store, participating in lawsuits against governmental entities and working closely with state legislatures. This involvement helped him grasp the intricacies of the industry, from product knowledge to consumer preferences, and enabled him to navigate the complex regulatory environment effectively. On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Rise25's Chad Franzen welcomes Beau Maxon, Owner of Park City Vapor Company and Mid City Vapor Lounge, to chat about his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of the vaping industry, and his strategies for success. Beau discusses his transition from day trading to business ownership, the importance of political engagement in regulated industries, and his approach to creating standout vape shops through superior build-outs and exceptional customer service.

    42 min
  8. 12/11/2024

    [SpotOn Series] The Flavors of Cuban Fritas With Jorge Llapur, Co-Founder of Cuban Guys Restaurants

    Jorge Llapur is Co-founder and Managing Partner of Cuban Guys Restaurants, a vibrant eatery known for serving delicious Cuban fritas and authentic Cuban cuisine. With over 25 years of experience in multi-unit leadership within the restaurant industry, Jorge has successfully expanded Cuban Guys to five locations and a food truck, showcasing his commitment to culinary excellence and community engagement. Jorge's journey from working at Burger King to leading Cuban Guys highlights his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for Cuban flavors. In this episode… The restaurant industry offers diverse opportunities for entrepreneurs to combine their passion for food with business acumen. How can aspiring restaurateurs leverage their experience to create successful fast-casual concepts? According to Jorge Llapur, who co-founded Cuban Guys Restaurants, success in the fast-casual restaurant industry comes from blending culinary passion with operational expertise. Jorge's journey from a part-time job at Burger King to founding his own Cuban-inspired fast-food chain demonstrates the value of learning from established brands and applying that knowledge to create a unique concept. He emphasizes the importance of understanding all aspects of the business, from marketing to facilities management, especially when starting a new venture. On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Rise25's Chad Franzen welcomes Jorge Llapur, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Cuban Guys Restaurants to chat about his journey in the restaurant industry, the concept behind Cuban Guys, challenges of entrepreneurship, adapting to market changes, and strategies for growth and customer acquisition in the fast-casual dining sector.

    26 min

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This is the Top Business Leaders Show powered by Rise25 Media. We feature top founders, executives, and leaders from all over the world.