Executing the Vision

Brad Hunter

Welcome to Executing the Vision, where host Brad Hunter uncovers the journeys of owners and C-suite executives transforming regional companies into national powerhouses. Through insightful interviews, we dive into the strategies, challenges, and triumphs that define their success—from the spark of inspiration to the execution of their bold vision. Each weekly episode delivers practical wisdom and actionable insights, inspired by Brad’s proven consulting framework, to help you scale your business and thrive in today’s competitive landscape. Explore leadership alignment, operational excellence, financial optimization, talent recruiting, world-class training, and cutting-edge technology as our guests share real-world tactics for growth. Whether you’re a founder, executive, or aspiring leader, tune in to gain the tools and inspiration to navigate the complexities of business and achieve success in both your professional and personal life. Subscribe now to unlock the secrets to building a thriving, scalable enterprise.

  1. FEB 19

    25 - Building a Brand with Purpose: Jenny Coates on Leadership, Growth, and Made-in-USA Apparel

    Your host, Brad Hunter, sits down with Jenny Coates, President of Boathouse Sports, to discuss leadership, business growth, and the future of U.S.-made apparel. Jenny shares insights from her career journey, her approach to team building, and how Boathouse is expanding its retail presence nationwide. Jenny Coates has built an impressive career in sales and brand management, working with industry leaders like Macy’s, Martha Stewart Living, and Storebound. Now at Boathouse Sports, she is focused on revitalizing the company’s retail strategy, growing its footprint beyond team sports, and emphasizing the importance of American-made products. This episode explores the evolution of sales strategies, the role of digital content in retail success, and the importance of networking and mentorship. Jenny also discusses the integration of AI in business operations, from product development to marketing. She shares her philosophy on leadership, the key traits she looks for in employees, and how businesses can stay competitive in a shifting retail landscape. To learn more about Boathouse Sports and its made-in-the-USA apparel, visit their website: https://www.boathouse.com Connect with Jenny Coates on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jennylynncoates/ Think you'd be a great guest on the podcast? Apply here: https://emergelabs.us/podcast-guest/ For more information about Brad Hunter’s work at Emerge Labs, visit: https://emergelabs.us/

    28 min
  2. JAN 20

    24 - AI-Powered Health: Taking Control with Brent Eck of Sage

    Your host, Brad Hunter, sits down with Brent Eck, CEO & President, a visionary consumer healthcare & technology executive with over 20 years of global business leadership experience. Brent is a strategic, results-driven leader with deep expertise in healthcare, personalized medicine, wellness, and medtech. He has a proven track record of leveraging market-based, data-driven strategies to sustain a novel, consumer-centric product pipeline. As a transparent and empowering leader, he is committed to creating and leading positive-impact companies. Brent is the founder of Sage, an innovative health platform designed to help users track their health data, analyze biomarkers, and gain actionable insights for proactive health management. With a background in healthcare and nutrition, Brent shares his frustrations with traditional healthcare systems and how Sage aims to bridge the gap between patients and optimal health outcomes. Sage leverages AI to compare past and present health data, ensuring users are well-prepared for doctor visits and equipped with relevant questions for their physicians. This episode dives into how AI and personalized health data can revolutionize preventive healthcare. Brent shares how Sage is making an impact by providing users with meaningful health insights, preparing them for medical consultations, and expanding its capabilities to include metabolic health and DNA analysis. He also unpacks actionable strategies for leveraging AI in healthcare and building tools that empower individuals with data-driven health autonomy. To learn more about Sage and its cutting-edge health solutions, visit their website.  Connect with Brent Eck on LinkedIn. Think you'd be a great guest on the podcast? Apply here. For more information about Brad Hunter’s work at Emerge Labs, visit their website.

    29 min
  3. 11/26/2024

    23- Empowering Refugees Through Outsourcing: Tyler Clark’s Mission with Zawadie

    Your host, Brad Hunter, sits down with Tyler Clark, co-founder of Zawadie, to explore how mission-driven outsourcing is transforming businesses and empowering refugee communities around the globe. Tyler Clark is the co-founder of Zawadie, an innovative outsourcing company that connects skilled refugees with remote work opportunities at U.S. companies. Leveraging technologies like Starlink, Zawadie has already created meaningful work for over 200 refugees, providing them with stable income and a clear path to economic independence. Beyond Zawadie, Tyler is the founder of Village Libraries, where he built 22 libraries in eight countries through partnerships. His passion lies in using business as a force for good—uplifting marginalized communities while delivering top-tier services to clients. This episode dives into how purpose-driven outsourcing can create a win-win for businesses and underserved communities. Tyler shares how Zawadie is making an impact by providing reliable, high-quality outsourcing services while empowering refugees with meaningful work. He also unpacks actionable strategies for aligning profit with purpose, building impactful partnerships, and scaling socially responsible enterprises. To learn more about Zawadie and its impactful outsourcing solutions, visit their website [HERE]. Connect with Tyler Clark at tyler.clark@zawadie.com or on LinkedIn [HERE]. Think you'd be a great guest on the podcast? Apply [HERE]. For more information about Brad Hunter’s work at Emerge Labs, visit their website [HERE].

    27 min
  4. 10/09/2024

    22 - Celebrating the Dog-Human Connection and Shaping Future Leaders

    Your host, Brad Hunter, sits down with Gila Kurtz, serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Dog is Good, to talk about building a thriving global brand and empowering both business leaders and teenagers. Gila Kurtz is the co-founder of Dog is Good, an award-winning lifestyle brand that celebrates the dog-human connection. Recognized as one of the top women of influence in the pet industry, Gila has been featured in Success Magazine, Forbes, and Entrepreneur. She also mentors CEOs through Pinnacle Global Network, helping them scale their businesses and become effective leaders. As the founder of The BOLO Project, a non-profit for teens, Gila uses the dog-human bond to teach leadership, resilience, and personal growth. Gila lives in Seal Beach, CA, with her husband and two Labradors. In this episode, Gila dives into the journey of building Dog is Good into a globally recognized brand. She also shares how her passion for dogs led to her work with The BOLO Project, where she helps teens develop confidence and leadership skills. Gila talks about the importance of clarity, purpose, and taking inspired action in both business and life. To learn more about Dog is Good and shop their products, visit their website [HERE]. For inquiries, email Gila at gila@dogisgood.com. Think you'd be a great guest on the podcast? Apply [HERE]. For more information about Brad Hunter’s work at Emerge Labs, visit their website [HERE].

    40 min
  5. 10/03/2024

    21- Adapting Commercial Real Estate for the Future: Tod Lickerman on AI, Leadership, and Market Shifts

    Your host, Brad Hunter, sits down with Tod Lickerman, CEO of Cresa, to discuss the evolving landscape of commercial real estate and how technology, particularly AI, is reshaping the future of work. With over 37 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry, Tod Lickerman has played a pivotal role in shaping two of the world’s largest real estate firms—JLL and Cushman & Wakefield. Now leading Cresa, a top international occupier representation firm, Tod specializes in developing real estate strategies for corporations and institutions. Beyond Cresa, he’s the Founder and Chair of The Chicago Impact Development Co. and serves on the boards of FlagShip Facility Services and other cutting-edge companies like Ultra Small Fibers and EquipID. In this episode, Tod shares his journey from architecture to leading global real estate firms, offering insights into how businesses are adapting their office and industrial portfolios in response to market shifts accelerated by COVID-19. He discusses the surge in industrial real estate demand, the ongoing evolution of office space, and how Cresa is helping companies navigate these changes. The conversation dives deep into the transformative role of technology, highlighting how AI is revolutionizing the real estate sector and the workplace. Tod also emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and staying adaptable in today’s fast-changing environment. This episode is packed with valuable takeaways for anyone looking to understand the future of commercial real estate and workplace strategy. To explore Cresa’s tenant representation services and their innovative real estate strategies, visit their website [HERE]. Connect with Tod Lickerman on LinkedIn [HERE]. Think you’d be a great guest on the podcast? Apply [HERE]. For more information about Brad Hunter’s work at Emerge Labs, visit their website [HERE].

    54 min
  6. 09/24/2024

    20- Leading with Purpose: Jeff Jones on Twisted X's Journey from Boots to Sustainability

    Your host, Brad Hunter, sits down with Jeff Jones, CFO of Twisted X, Inc., to explore the company’s journey from a cowboy boot brand to a leader in sustainable lifestyle footwear. Jeff Jones is the Chief Financial Officer for Twisted X, Inc., a Texas-based footwear company. With extensive experience in high-growth SMEs, Jeff has held roles across finance, sales, HR, IT, logistics, and more. His leadership is driven by a passion for understanding his teams and helping them grow. Jeff holds a BBA in Accounting and an MA in Conflict Resolution, and he is currently pursuing certification in Coaching. In 2022, he was recognized as the Dallas Business Journal CFO of the Year. In this episode, Jeff discusses Twisted X’s evolution, focusing on the company’s core values: product, planet, philanthropy, and people. He highlights their commitment to sustainability, comfort technology, and how they’ve expanded into new markets while staying true to their Western heritage. Jeff also shares his leadership philosophy, SOC Leadership, which prioritizes self-improvement, teamwork, and fostering a culture where people can succeed. Jeff reflects on the challenges of leading diverse teams, the importance of listening, and his dedication to creating an environment of continuous growth. Looking to the future, he discusses his plans to transition into coaching and consulting to help others achieve personal and professional success. This episode is full of practical insights for leaders looking to build purpose-driven businesses and strong, collaborative teams. To learn more about Twisted X and shop their quality footwear, visit their website [HERE]. Connect with Jeff Jones on LinkedIn [HERE]. Think you’d be a great guest on the show? Apply [HERE]. Want to explore Brad Hunter’s work at Emerge Labs? Visit their website [HERE].

    37 min
  7. 09/12/2024

    19- A New Perspective on Family Health with Dr. Peter McCullough

    Your host, Brad Hunter, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Peter McCullough, a leading cardiologist and epidemiologist, about the controversial landscape of vaccines and public health. In this episode, Dr. McCullough, known for his extensive work in managing infectious diseases and the cardiovascular effects of COVID-19, raises critical questions about the current vaccine schedule. He challenges the assumption that vaccines are always necessary, noting that many diseases were already declining due to improved hygiene long before vaccines became widespread. Dr. McCullough also sheds light on the business dynamics behind vaccines, exposing how financial incentives and the absence of manufacturer accountability might be shaping public health policies. Advocating for a more personalized approach to vaccination, Dr. McCullough urges listeners to consider their individual health needs rather than blindly following blanket recommendations. Beyond vaccines, he delves into broader issues within the healthcare industry, questioning the ethics and safety of prevailing practices and offering his perspective on the future of public health. Discover more about Dr. McCullough's work and initiatives by visiting his website [HERE]. Join and support his causes by donating [HERE]. Think you have valuable insights to share? Apply to be a guest on the show [HERE]. Learn more about Brad Hunter’s work at Emerge Labs by visiting their website [HERE].

    31 min
5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to Executing the Vision, where host Brad Hunter uncovers the journeys of owners and C-suite executives transforming regional companies into national powerhouses. Through insightful interviews, we dive into the strategies, challenges, and triumphs that define their success—from the spark of inspiration to the execution of their bold vision. Each weekly episode delivers practical wisdom and actionable insights, inspired by Brad’s proven consulting framework, to help you scale your business and thrive in today’s competitive landscape. Explore leadership alignment, operational excellence, financial optimization, talent recruiting, world-class training, and cutting-edge technology as our guests share real-world tactics for growth. Whether you’re a founder, executive, or aspiring leader, tune in to gain the tools and inspiration to navigate the complexities of business and achieve success in both your professional and personal life. Subscribe now to unlock the secrets to building a thriving, scalable enterprise.