Founder's Dinner Stas Balanevsky

Episode Summary:
Mike Davern, co-founder of the thriving digital marketing agency Incept, has a compelling entrepreneurial journey that began with selling pages from adult-oriented magazines he discovered on a trail as a child. His perspective on entrepreneurship is deeply rooted in a desire to help others, particularly parents with sick children, by connecting them with necessary resources and support. Having transitioned from corporate America to co-founding Incept with his college roommate, Davern has faced numerous challenges but believes firmly in the lessons learned from both mistakes and successes. He envisions a future where his ventures not only innovate and grow but also make a significant positive impact on the world, underpinned by continuous learning and a dedicated focus on community aid.

Here’s what to expect this episode:
• Learning from failures and the value of perseverance are crucial in the entrepreneurial world.

• Thorough research is essential before making business decisions to avoid analysis paralysis.

• Applying learned strategies and adapting lead to improved efficiency and success for clients.

• Having a close-knit group of trusted advisors is crucial for making critical decisions.

• Unwavering determination is key to achieving success despite skepticism from others.

• Maintaining a dynamic inner circle and being open to pivoting when necessary are essential for success.


Connect with Mike Davern:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-davern/

Connect with Stas Balanevsky:
https://www.eosworldwide.com/stas-balanevsky

Episode Summary:
Susan Duke’s entrepreneurial journey began
in her mother's retail business, planting the seeds of her desire to own a
business. Despite initially majoring in business administration, she found her
true passion in English and history, eventually leading her to pursue a law
degree. Her early legal career was fraught with challenges and a lack of
mentorship, but she took a leap of faith to start her own law practice, which
quickly became successful. Susan's experiences have taught her the importance
of trusting her gut instincts, strategic financial planning, and fostering a
strong company culture, all of which have shaped her resilient and adaptive
entrepreneurial mindset.
 
Here’s what to expect this episode: 
Seeking mentorship and guidance from legal professionals is crucial for entrepreneurship success.

Building a strong company culture and hiring based on values are key to maintaining a successful business.

Believing in abundance rather than scarcity is important for long-term business growth and success.

Financial planning and strategic growth are essential elements in building a successful law practice.
  
Core values and Three Unique’s can differentiate a business in a competitive market and shape its reputation and future growth.
 

Connect with Susan Duke:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-duke/
 

Connect with Stas Balanevsky:
https://www.eosworldwide.com/stas-balanevsky

Rodney Reisdorf, the CEO and co-founder of Verivend, a fintech company based in Buffalo, has been a pivotal force in revolutionizing B2B payments with innovative solutions. With a background steeped in high-growth startups across various industries, Rodney has positioned Verivend as a trailblazer in the private capital space, likening it to a Venmo for private capital transactions. Under his leadership, the company is on the cusp of a significant milestone, nearing $1 billion in total transaction volume, a testament to its secure and frictionless platform for asset managers and investment sponsors. Through strategic focus and specialization, Rodney believes that Verivend is fundamentally transforming the way capital transactions are raised and deployed, emphasizing the necessity of alignment with the company’s core mission to foster meaningful progress.

Here’s what to expect this episode:
• Verivend is a fintech company in Buffalo aiming to simplify and secure capital transactions in various asset classes.

• Verivend has processed over $1 billion in total transactions volume milestone, serving asset managers and investment sponsors.

• Focusing on a specific market segment first before expanding can lead to growth and success.

• Entrepreneurs should say no to opportunities that do not align with the business's core mission.

• Constantly raising capital is crucial for business growth and building trust with potential investors.

 
Connect with Rodney Reisdorf:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodneyreisdorf/
 

Connect with Stas Balanevsky:
https://www.eosworldwide.com/stas-balanevsky

Episode Summary:
Katharine Earnhardt embarked on her entrepreneurial journey ten years ago, establishing a thriving business now operating in four cities with a dedicated team of eight women. A self-motivated problem solver, Katharine finds inspiration in the stories of entrepreneurs from diverse fields, which has profoundly influenced her innovative business model. She values being surrounded by motivated women and places immense importance on guiding her clients through the process of building their art collections, positioning them as the heroes of their own stories. Defining success beyond financial achievements, Katharine emphasizes clarity, effective communication, and continuous personal and professional growth as the cornerstones of her business philosophy.

Here’s what to expect this episode:
• Dedication, clear vision, and surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals can lead to significant growth and personal fulfillment in the entrepreneurial world.

• Trusting one's instincts and making decisions aligned with values can lead to success beyond financial gain and personal fulfillment.

• Acting as a guide rather than a hero in business leadership can empower clients to achieve their goals.

• Trusting intuition and making decisions aligned with values is crucial in business decision-making.

• Confidence and self-awareness are essential in transforming personal and professional life.

• Continuously evaluating decisions in light of new information leads to sound choices for successful outcomes.

• Engaging with art can enhance skills like curiosity, creativity, problem-solving, listening, and self-awareness for personal and professional growth.


Connect with Katharine Earnhardt:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kearnhardt/


Connect with Stas Balanevsky:
https://www.eosworldwide.com/stas-balanevsky

Episode Summary:
Adria Goldman Gross, a distinguished expert in the health insurance industry, collaborates with the Expert Institute, where her extensive knowledge is highly valued. Surprised but grateful to be approached by the organization, Adria works closely with lawyers, providing deep insights and guidance on complex legal matters. Her extensive experience, including co-authoring the book "Apparently Different" and founding Medwise Insurance Advocacy, underscores her commitment to helping others navigate financial challenges, especially in healthcare. Adria's positive perspective on her involvement with the Expert Institute reflects her humility and dedication to leveraging her expertise for the benefit of others.
 
Here’s what to expect this episode:
· Adria Goldman Gross collaborated with the Expert Institute to work with lawyers, showcasing her expertise in legal matters.
 
· Adria is releasing a book called 'Apparently Different' featuring personal stories focusing on diversity and uniqueness.
 
· Adria Gross advocates for individuals facing high medical bills to prevent bankruptcy and ensure fair billing practices.
 
· Good credit is essential for obtaining car insurance and managing financial transactions, as discussed by Stas Balanevsky.
 
· Adria founded Medwise Insurance Advocacy to help individuals navigate complex medical billing processes and avoid financial hardship.
 
Connect with Adria Goldman Gross:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriagross/
 
Connect with Stas Balanevsky:
https://www.eosworldwide.com/stas-balanevsky

Episode Summary:
Paul Grenauer's entrepreneurial journey began with a youthful landscape business, reflecting his early passion and his family's strong entrepreneurial spirit. His perspective on the entrepreneurial journey emphasizes a relentless drive, a passion for new challenges, and the fulfillment that comes from helping others. Grenauer acknowledges the difficulties along the way but believes that setbacks offer valuable lessons, which he shares with other entrepreneurs to aid their journeys. His diverse ventures, from a salon and spa in Buffalo to real estate development, showcase his ability to strategically navigate and sustain growth while balancing daily tasks with long-term planning, often through delegating responsibilities.

Here’s what to expect this episode:
• Paul Grenauer diversified his business ventures from landscaping to salon, day spa, cosmetology school, and real estate development showcasing evolution and growth.

• Transitioning from salon and spa business to real estate development was a strategy for diversification and risk mitigation in entrepreneurship.

• Entrepreneurs need to delegate tasks, like hiring a bookkeeper, to focus on strategic decision-making and business direction for success.

• Taking clarity breaks in business is essential for making strategic decisions and seeing the bigger picture, leading to effective decision-making and growth opportunities.

• Transitioning from tactical work to strategic decision-making is crucial for efficiency and growth, emphasizing the importance of financial stability before delegating tasks.

Connect with Paul Grenauer:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-grenauer-2b029b11/


Connect with Stas Balanevsky:
https://www.eosworldwide.com/stas-balanevsky