JAN 1

Systems + Social Proof = Scalability

Ep. 11 Your small business can’t grow into an enterprise if you're personally involved in every decision, every sale, and every delivery. Our expert guest Ryan Wimpey demonstrates why documented SOPs and training systems for people — not just services — are the foundation of sustainable growth. Real scale requires teaching others to deliver value consistently. Ryan is the founder of Tip Top K-9, built a national franchise by obsessing over systems, documentation, and training. Despite running a national franchise with 25 locations and proven revenue, Ryan lost a prospective franchisee to a competitor with fewer systems and a popular YouTube channel. Ryan breaks down how that realization pushed him to invest heavily in YouTube — growing from 5,000 to over 600,000 subscribers in under a year — while continuing to strengthen the backend systems that allow his business to expand from Omaha to Michigan. This episode is a powerful reminder that real growth in 2026 requires both visibility and infrastructure. You need SOPs that train people and a content strategy that builds trust with potential clients. Connect with Ryan: @tiptopk9 • Instagram Tip Top K9 | Facebook Tip Top K9 on TikTok Tip Top K9 on YouTube Ryan Wimpey | LinkedIn Chapters: 00:00 – Topic Teaser 01:29 – Tip Top K9 Training Dogs and People 03:51 – Early Hiring Decisions That Limit Scale 04:30 – Solving Real Problems With Operational Systems 06:27 – The Core Functions of Any Scalable Business 07:18 – Bootstrapping Growth Without Investors 08:05 – Training for Consistency Across Multiple Locations 09:09 – Turning Experience Into Documented SOPs 11:13 – Knowing When a Business Is Ready to Expand 12:05 – Technology, AI, and Changing Search Behavior 14:31 – Losing a Client to a Bigger YouTube Presence 16:09 – Why Visibility Builds Trust Faster Than Credentials 18:48 – Building a YouTube Strategy That Supports Scale 19:22 – Coaching, Conferences, and Ongoing Training 22:35 – Preventing Burnout Through Better Systems 30:10 – Revenue First, Refinement Second 33:11 – Iteration Beats Perfection 34:20 – What Sustainable Growth Looks Like Next Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

41 min

11/09/2025

From MWBE Certification to County Contracts with Matthew Burrell

Ep. 10 You didn’t get MWBE certified just to put the certificate on your wall. You got it to win contracts, grow revenue, and change your business trajectory. But if you still feel stuck learning how to actually do business with the county — this live episode is your roadmap. In this LIVE recording of Elevating Enterprise from the Aligned Entrepreneur Pod-A-Thon, hosts Jazzy T and RJ Williams sit down with Matthew Burrell, Supplier Diversity Manager and MWBE Officer for Monroe County. Under his leadership, the county has certified 855 MWBE firms and set a concrete goal to award 21% of contract dollars to minority, women, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. You’ll learn: ✅ Why relationship-building matters just as much as paperwork✅ Why you should focus on what you do best✅ How Apex Accelerator helps match your business with RFP's✅ Government contracts are more than just construction.Mental health providers, cleaning companies, consultants, tech, logistics, event services — the county needs you too. If you’re an MWBE ready to go from “certified” to “contracted,” this episode gives you the blueprint. 📌 Resources mentioned: Search “Monroe County MWBE” to apply or check status Apex Accelerator for bid match + proposal support Small Business Development Centers for startup help Ep. 9 Bank on It: How M&T Bank Fuels Business Growth Ep. 8 Business Operations with Albert Rivera, Paychex Chapters: 0:00 What are Supplier Diversity Programs 6:15 Effective Strategies for Winning Government Contracts 8:14 Streamlining MWBE Certification and Ensuring Diversity goals 13:13 Building Government Contracting Relationships 21:19 Crafting Winning Proposals and Avoiding Common Mistakes 26:06 Strategic Insights for Business Growth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

30 min

08/14/2025

Bank on It: How M&T Bank Fuels Business Growth + Protects Your Cash Flow

Ep. 9 If your bank only knows you as an account number, you’re running your business with one hand tied behind your back. Your banker should be doing more than holding your money — they should be helping you lower fees, protect your cash flow, and connect you to resources that move your business forward. In this episode of Elevating Enterprise, Jazzy T + RJ sit down with Melissa Jordan, Senior Business Banking Relationship Manager at M&T Bank, to reveal why small business owners need more than just a place to deposit checks. From building your “B.A.I.L.” team to automating payments and planning for growth, Melissa shares insider strategies to help you stop leaving money on the table and start scaling smarter. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners 1️⃣ Your banker should be a partner — a single point of contact who understands your business, connects you to specialists, and streamlines your financial systems.2️⃣ Ditch unnecessary fees — banks can offer merchant services that rival or replace QuickBooks, saving you money and time.3️⃣ Automate your cash flow — use banking tools for payments, receivables, and vendor management to create efficiency and improve client experience.4️⃣ Build your B.A.I.L. team — banker, accountant, insurance rep, and lawyer working together to guide your growth.5️⃣ Stay fraud-ready — with the right relationship, your banker will proactively educate and protect you against evolving threats. Resources: Melissa Jordan Vice President | M&T Bank Rochester, NY Business Banking | Senior Relationship Manager (Cell) 585-734-7026 Schedule an appointment majordan@mtb.com | www.mtb.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

34 min

07/24/2025

Don’t Just Get Certified—Get Paid | Doing Business with the Government

Ep. 8 You’ve got the MWBE or DBE. Now what? This week on Elevating Enterprise, we’re cutting through the confusion. Join me, Jazzy T, as I sit down with someone I trust both in business and in life — my husband and co-host, RJ Williams, a seasoned expert in government contracting and procurement. While I bring the solopreneur POV, RJ breaks down what it really takes to scale into enterprise-level opportunities. 💡 Whether you're trying to land your first government contract or tired of bidding and losing, this episode is your playbook. We cover: ✔️ The difference between being certified and being prepared ✔️ Why most small businesses never graduate past “freelancer” mode ✔️ The power of reverse engineering your growth strategy ✔️ What it means to “look the part” when approaching decision-makers ✔️ Why we give you a 100,000-foot view — not just 30,000 — so you can see the whole picture, not just the next step 🎯 From Rochester Housing Authority to federal projects in California, RJ’s experience can help you navigate procurement and position your business to win. This is the why behind Elevating Enterprise — real conversations, real strategy, and a roadmap from solopreneur to CEO. ⏱️ Chapter Markers 00:00 – Why We Started: Helping Small Businesses Think Bigger05:11 – RJ’s Origin Story: From Telecom to Enterprise-Level Strategy08:42 – Game-Changing Business Lessons from the Inside10:58 – Government Contracting 101: What No One Tells You19:43 – Reverse Engineer Your Way to Better Project Management21:09 – Show Up Like a CEO: First Impressions & Leadership27:42 – Mentors Matter: How Leadership is Passed Down30:34 – Why We Give You a 100,000-Foot View — Not Just 30,000 #GovernmentContracts #SmallBusinessGrowth #MWBE #ElevatingEnterprise #RJWilliams #JazzyT #ProcurementStrategy #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

36 min

07/17/2025

Business of Making Movies with Kendrick Foxx, FLX Studios

Ep. 7 🎬 Hollywood’s calling — will your business pick up? Filmmaker Kendrick Foxx moved to Rochester, NY, to build more than movies — he’s building momentum for local businesses. In this episode of Elevating Enterprise, Kendrick shares how small businesses — from caterers and cleaners to stylists and shuttle drivers — can plug directly into the multi-billion dollar film industry. With New York’s new tax incentives and the launch of FLX Studios across from RIT, Rochester is poised to become the East Coast’s next production hotspot. 📌 What’s in it for your business? If you’ve got a service, there’s a crew that needs it. Kendrick breaks down exactly how entrepreneurs can get ready — and why now is the time to show Hollywood what Rochester can do. 🎯 3 Key Takeaways: Film crews hire local — if you're set-ready, you're on the list. Pre-production is where the battle is won. Planning saves money and earns trust. Rochester has the talent, the terrain, and the tax breaks to attract big-budget films. 💬 Notable Quotes: “If you’ve got a service — food, wardrobe, security, cleaning, whatever — there’s a film set somewhere that needs it. You just have to be ready.” “I know you want to be the star or the director — but if you can get on set as an extra, you can literally rub elbows with the person who gives you your next opportunity.” - Jazzy T “The battle of production is won in pre-production. If you plan for the landmines you can see, the ones you can’t won’t be as deadly.” - Kendrick 🎞️ About Kendrick Foxx:Kendrick Foxx is a seasoned film producer and President of Entertainment at FLX Studios in Rochester, NY. Originally from Jackson, Alabama, his journey spans LA, Atlanta, and now Upstate NY. His feature film RIFT, shot in just five days during the Covid pandemic, now streams on Paramount+, Apple TV, Showtime, and more. Kendrick is committed to telling stories that matter — and building creative economies that last. 🎬 Watch RIFT now streaming on Tubi, Apple TV, and Paramount+ 📍 Learn more about FLX Studio, opening soon in Rochester, NY Email: Ken@FLXStudiosNY.com Instagram: @KendrickFoxx_1 Website FLX Studios | Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

48 min

05/22/2025

Building Equity: HR & Housing with Maurice Barrett, SHRM (NYS HCR)

Ep. 6 In a time when diversity programs are under fire and economic equity feels out of reach, Maurice Barrett is doing the work where it matters most — in housing policy and human resources. Named the Top Diversity Officer in America (2025), Maurice is the Chief Diversity Officer at New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR). In this episode, he shares how inclusive hiring practices, strategic HR systems, and equitable housing developments are powerful drivers of business growth across New York. Whether you're a small business owner, MWBE, or veteran entrepreneur trying to get certified, win contracts, or build a team — this conversation offers real-world insight on how to move forward, even when the system feels stacked against you. 🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn: Why DEI isn’t dead — it’s just evolving How affordable housing is a foundation for entrepreneurship What career mapping and the employee lifetime value scale can do for your retention strategy How NYS HCR’s DECO division is helping MWBEs and SDVOBs get certified and secure contracts Let this episode remind you that the system may shift — but your opportunity is still out there. And now, you know where to find it. 🔔 Follow Elevating Enterprise podcast so you never miss an episode. New episodes every other Thursday. 🔗 Helpful Links 🏛️ Explore HCR Contracting & DECO Divisionhttps://hcr.ny.gov/opportunity-deco 📑 Get Certified as a NYS MWBE (Empire State Development)https://esd.ny.gov/ 🎖️ Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) Programhttps://ogs.ny.gov/veterans 💼 Connect with Maurice on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mauricekbarrett Chapters: 00:00 – Topic Teaser 01:30 – Meet Maurice Barrett: Housing Leader, HR Veteran, Inclusion Expert 05:15 – What “Top Diversity Officer in America” Really Means in 2025 09:00 – Why DEI Work Was Diluted 13:10 – Affordable Housing as Economic Strategy for Entrepreneurs 16:00 – Programs & Pathways: MWBE & SDVOB Certification at HCR 20:00 – Maurice’s Journey: From Intern to Chief HR Officer Before Age 26 23:45 – Why Payroll and HR Are Not DIY Jobs for Small Business Owners 25:30 – Employee Lifetime Value Scale: Grow Your People, Grow Your Business 27:30 – No Ceilings Leadership: Managing With Equity and Intention 30:00 – The Coach’s Perspective: Building Grit, Agility, and Communication 33:30 – Final Advice for Entrepreneurs and Emerging Leaders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

38 min

05/15/2025

What’s Agentic AI and Why Are IBM Partners Talking About Quantum Computing Already?

Ep. 5 Fresh off the IBM Think 2025 Global Conference, RJ Williams sits down with Cody Henehan, CEO of ROC AI and Silveray.AI for a rapid-fire recap of the future of artificial intelligence. 🚀 Cody shares what it was like networking with the best minds in tech, learning about the next wave of AI innovation—from agentic AI and small language models to quantum computing and photonics. Discover how IBM and its global partners are prioritizing collaboration, not competition, to close the technology gap for small businesses. 💡 Learn how AI is already transforming industries like construction, healthcare, and manufacturing—and what your business can do today to stay ahead. Whether you’re ready to integrate AI or still figuring it out, this episode breaks down complex topics into real-world impact. 🔗 Plus, Cody reveals how ROC AI is leveling the playing field with free tools, enterprise discounts, and the world’s first AI-powered GPO. 👉 Tap in to hear: How AI is driving 220% gains in business efficiency The shift from generative to predictive and agentic AI What “hybrid cloud” means for your data and budget Why small language models are a game-changer for SMEs How ROC AI is helping companies access affordable AI solutions 📲 Follow ROC AI on LinkedIn or explore AIGPO.com for free resources and savings. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro: Cody Henehan returns from IBM Think 2025 01:07 - Highlights from IBM Think Conference 02:12 - New AI tools: Salesforce agents & efficiency savings 03:02 - Quantum computing and the future of AI 03:54 - AI in construction and procurement 04:19 - Untapped enterprise data and AI potential 05:45 - Predictive and agentic AI 06:15 - 3 major AI shifts: Productivity, Hybrid Cloud, Quantum 07:48 - Hybrid models and cost efficiency 09:03 - Small language models & edge computing 10:12 - Projected 1 billion AI apps by 2028 10:53 - Use case: AI automating Toyota’s assembly line 11:40 - AI partnerships: IBM, Meta, Salesforce, more 12:28 - The need for inclusive AI adoption 13:08 - Educating the public about AI developments 14:08 - ROC AI and Silver Ray AI platforms 14:44 - Introducing the world’s first AI GPO 15:19 - GPO offerings across industries 16:00 - Closing thoughts and what’s next Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

18 min

05/01/2025

Protect Your Biz from Tax & HR Violations with Paychex Solutions for Small Business

Ep. 4 Are you unknowingly setting your business up for costly mistakes?From missing tax deadlines to compliance failures, many small business owners don’t realize what they don’t know until it’s too late. In this episode of Elevating Enterprise, Jazzy T + RJ WIlliams sit down with Albert Rivera, a seasoned Business Consultant at Paychex, to uncover how entrepreneurs can build a strong, compliant, and scalable foundation from day one. With over 15 years of experience in business consulting and small business lending, Albert shares actionable strategies to help you: ✅ Set up payroll and HR systems that grow with your business 🧾 Avoid penalties with proper quarterly tax filings 🤖 Use AI-powered tools to recruit smarter and onboard faster 📚 Tap into free resources like updated employee handbooks, training modules, and live webinars. Resources: Paychex: Paychex Business Soultions WebsitePaychex Recruiting Co-Pilot Paychex Flex Overview English Paychex Flex Overview Spanish Albert Rivera Email: Arivera6@paychex.com Small Business Development Center: SBDC Website SCORE Greater Rochester: Score Website Enterprise Center at Pathstone: Pathstone Website Access $300k in Small Business Funding Whether you're a solopreneur or scaling to a small team, this episode will help you protect your business and focus on what you do best — not paperwork. 📍 About the Guest: Albert Rivera is a Business Consultant at Paychex, specializing in human capital management for small businesses. With deep roots in business lending and consulting at Pathstone, Albert helps founders build sustainable operations through personalized support and practical solutions. Originally from New York City, and with professional experience driven by diverse cultural insights from having lived in Puerto Rico, Albert offers a formidable blend of professional acumen and personal commitment to aiding enterprises in their growth trajectories. Chapters: 00:00 – Intro + The Hidden Cost of DIY HR 01:38 – Albert Rivera: Business Startup Expert at Paychex. 03:15 – From New York to Puerto Rico: A Personal Business Journey 06:45 – Coming to Rochester & Making the Leap to Paychex 10:30 – The First Step for Every Startup: market research, business plan. 14:55 – Free Business Planning Resources in Rochester 16:40 – Paychex: More Than Just Payroll 19:22 – What Happens in a Business Consultation? 21:25 – Serving Spanish-Speaking Entrepreneurs 22:40 – Why businesses get fined — and how Paychex prevents it 26:15 – I-9 audits, employee handbooks, and OSHA safety manuals — 29:00 – Why outsourcing HR is a growth strategy, not an expense. 30:45 – Officer-Only Payroll for LLCs Filing as S-Corps 33:10 – HR Pro & Real-Time Handbook Updates 35:05 – AI Recruiting with Paychex Co-Pilot 36:37 – Key Takeaways with Jazzy T Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

40 min

04/24/2025

How to Qualify for $300K in New Small Business Funding from Enterprise Center at Pathstone

Ep. 3 💳 Thinking about taking out a business loan? Hit pause—because this episode might save you from making an expensive mistake. In this episode of Elevating Enterprise Jazzy T + RJ catch up with Yahaira Zapata, Deputy Director of Economic Development at the Enterprise Center at Pathstone in Rochester, NY, who shares insider tips every MWBE and small business owner should know before signing on the dotted line. From accessing your share of $300,000 in new SBA funding, to rebuilding your credit after the pandemic, Yahaira drops gems on how to fund smart, avoid predatory pitfalls, and grow with strategy. 💸 From micro-loans to pitch competitions, and credit rebuilding to relationship-building—this episode will show you how access + education = elevation. 🔑 In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ Why “how much can I get?” is the wrong question to ask ✅ How to make your business funding-ready—even with shaky credit ✅ Free technical assistance and training programs that give you a competitive edge ✅ What lenders actually want to see in your projections and business plan 📌 Resources Mentioned: 🏢 Enterprise Center at Pathstone: TheEnterpriseCenterInc.org 📆 National Small Business Week Events (May 4–10): NSBWROC.com Chapters: 0:00 – Fueling Dreams: How Microloans + Education Empower Entrepreneurs 2:51 – Funding Our Future: Resources for Diverse & Underserved Founders 6:02 – Facing Credit Hurdles? Here's Why You're Not Alone 7:59 – Bounce Back Better: Rebuilding Business Credit After the Pandemic 9:50 – From Confused to Confident: Free Business Education That Works 16:03 – Why Smart Entrepreneurs Show Up for Free Programs 19:45 – Money on Your Terms: How Flexible Loans Can Help You Grow 22:22 – Fund Smart, Not Fast: Strategies to Secure the Right Support 26:35 – Relationships Over Rejections: How to Stay Top of Mind and Get Funded 30:15 – Your Playbook: 3 Must-Do Moves to Get Funding-Ready Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

34 min

04/20/2025

From Scratch: How Create A Pizza Outlasted the Competition in Fast Casual Dining

Ep. 2 🍕Create A Pizza is the last fast-casual pizza shop still standing in Rochester. So what did they do right that others didn’t—and how can you follow their lead? This episode of Elevating Enterprise is your behind-the-counter blueprint for navigating the real world of food service entrepreneurship. We sat down on location with owners Katelyn and John to unpack how they launched their pizza shop without startup capital, survived a pandemic, and built loyal customer trust while others shut their doors. 🎯 You’ll learn: 🔹 Why sweat equity can open more doors than startup capital 🔹 The hidden cost of delivery apps like Grubhub 🔹 How zoning laws can make or break your restaurant dreams 🔹 How consistency and an owner-operator model can outlast competition 🔹 What most first-time business owners wish they knew about leases and location Whether you're still tossing dough in the back or sketching out your dream restaurant, this episode gives you the real talk and proven strategies to help you build smarter—and stay in business. Create A Pizza's Social Media and Website: Instagram: @createapizza585 Facebook: Create A Pizza Website Create A Pizza - Rochester, NY - 766 Monroe Ave Chapters: 0:00 Starting and Sustaining a Successful Pizza Business 7:21 Resilience and Networking in Building a Business 12:19 Negotiating Commercial Leases and Location Importance 16:00 Consistency and Local Sourcing Define Create a Pizza's Success 21:26 Adapting a Pizza Business During Covid Challenges 26:12 Building Community Connections Through Pizza and Business Innovation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

35 min

04/10/2025

The Rise of ROC AI: What’s Next for Business Tech Integration in Rochester

Ep. 1 What if Rochester is on the brink of another tech revolution—and your business could be part of it? In this premiere episode of Elevating Enterprise, hosts Jazzy T and RJ Williams sit down with ROC AI co-founders Cody Henehan and Brendon Frazer, two Rochester natives building powerful AI solutions for businesses like yours. With support from Microsoft and a mission rooted in community and innovation, ROC AI is helping businesses integrate Artificial Intelligence to streamline operations, secure bigger contracts, and grow with confidence. From working with local governments to partnering with global giants, this conversation proves that the next wave of tech leadership is happening right here in Western New York. "2025 is the Year of the AI Agent" and with partners like ROC AI your SME can be ahead of the curve of the business tech revolution. 🎯 Action Steps from This Episode: Get in the room – Attend conferences and meetups where innovation is happening. Invest in relationships – Building community opens doors to major partnerships. Think enterprise, act local – Position your business to scale by thinking bigger while staying rooted in community. Take your time – Quality data builds quality tools—don’t rush the process. 💡 AI solutions like Microsoft Copilot can streamline your business operations—start small but think big. Resources: ROC AI Website: https://rocai.us/ Cody Henehan – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-henehan-bbab13271/ Brendon Frazer – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendon-frazer/ 🎧 Listen now and learn how to scale with intention—because success isn’t overnight, it’s strategic. AI, enterprise, innovation, automation, networking, AI conference, enterprise growth, local innovation, strategic investments, AI models, how to reduce AI bias, importance of networking in business, building AI solutions in Rochester, strategies for enterprise success, 2025 AI agent trends Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

33 min

TRAILER

Don’t Get Left Behind—It’s Time to Elevate Your Enterprise!

Are you a Small to Medium Sized Enterprise (SME) ready to level up? Elevating Enterprise is here to equip you with the strategies you need to stay ahead in today’s rapidly changing tech and policy landscape. In our trailer, we’re giving you a sneak peek of what’s to come—including actionable insights from the founders of ROC AI on navigating these shifts. This podcast is your go-to resource for growth, with real advice on leveraging your M/WBE status, securing bigger contracts, and scaling up smarter and faster. 🎧 Listen now, subscribe, and get ready to scale! #ElevatingEnterprise #WBE #ScaleSmarter #TechSavvy #PolicyReady #AI #DEI #SME #MWBE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2 min

Elevating Enterprise

Episodes

Systems + Social Proof = Scalability

From MWBE Certification to County Contracts with Matthew Burrell

Bank on It: How M&T Bank Fuels Business Growth + Protects Your Cash Flow

Don’t Just Get Certified—Get Paid | Doing Business with the Government

Business of Making Movies with Kendrick Foxx, FLX Studios

Building Equity: HR & Housing with Maurice Barrett, SHRM (NYS HCR)

What’s Agentic AI and Why Are IBM Partners Talking About Quantum Computing Already?

Protect Your Biz from Tax & HR Violations with Paychex Solutions for Small Business

How to Qualify for $300K in New Small Business Funding from Enterprise Center at Pathstone

From Scratch: How Create A Pizza Outlasted the Competition in Fast Casual Dining

The Rise of ROC AI: What’s Next for Business Tech Integration in Rochester

Don’t Get Left Behind—It’s Time to Elevate Your Enterprise!

Trailer

Don’t Get Left Behind—It’s Time to Elevate Your Enterprise!

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