On the Flywheel

Jonathan Mahrt
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

On the Flywheel is a weekly podcast hosted by Jonathan Mahrt of Flywheel Consulting. Each week we talk to professionals and entrepreneurs about the practical things they do to build and maintain momentum in their personal and professional lives.

  1. Feb 22

    Hope Is Not a Strategy

    Summary In this episode, Mike Hansen, a commercial real estate broker with Sotheby's International Realty, shares his unique journey from the fitness industry to specializing in vineyard and winery sales. He discusses the challenges facing the wine industry, the importance of understanding financial metrics, and the role of institutional investors and lifestyle buyers in the market. Mike emphasizes the value of building connections, providing value to the community, and the complexities involved in selling wineries. He also shares insights on using CRM tools and leveraging LinkedIn for networking, concluding with life advice on being present and enjoying life. Takeaways Mike Hansen transitioned from the fitness industry to real estate. An MBA can enhance financial understanding in real estate. The wine industry is facing significant challenges. Institutional investors are interested in large vineyards. Lifestyle buyers are becoming more discerning in their purchases. Selling wineries involves complex due diligence. Building connections is crucial in the wine industry. CRM tools help streamline sales processes. LinkedIn is a valuable platform for networking. Being present in the moment is essential for well-being. Chapters Introduction to Mike Hansen and His Journey 00:00:00 From Fitness to Real Estate: A Unique Path 00:04:02 The Value of an MBA in Real Estate 00:08:41 Understanding the Wine Industry 00:12:11 Current Challenges in the Wine Market 00:15:10 Institutional Investment in Vineyards 00:18:09 The Role of Lifestyle Buyers in Wine 00:22:02 The Complexity of Selling Wineries 00:25:04 Building Connections in the Wine Industry 00:26:56 Financing Family Farms 00:32:30 Using CRM for Sales Success 00:34:43 Leveraging LinkedIn for Networking 00:38:10 Final Thoughts and Life Advice 00:46:11 Links Michael Hansen– Website Jonathan Mahrt – LinkedIn | Instagram | Website Book recommendation: Links to all books mentioned on the show Thank you for joining us on this episode of On the Flywheel! If you enjoyed our discussion, please rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us continue to bring you insightful conversations with inspiring guests. Until next time, keep building momentum in your personal and professional lives!

    44 min

  2. Jan 10

    Why Great Businesses Are Built by Teams

    Summary In this episode of On the Flywheel, I’m joined by Paul Herrerias, Founder and CEO of Herrerias & Associates. We talk about leadership, team building, and why strong businesses are built by teams—not individuals. Paul shares lessons from growing up in agriculture, his path through accounting and executive search, and what he’s learned about hiring, accountability, and building high-performing teams. We also discuss communication, culture, and the mindset leaders need to create long-term momentum. Takeaways Growing up in agriculture teaches responsibility, ownership, and value creation early in life. Businesses are built by teams, not individuals or budgets alone. Great leaders understand themselves before they can effectively lead others. Hiring well requires understanding strategy, culture, momentum, and leadership style. How and why someone leaves a job reveals as much as why they joined it. High-performing teams address conflict directly and communicate constructively. Accountability—clear roles and expectations—is a defining trait of great CEOs. The difference between a group and a team is shared commitment and continuous improvement. Strong teams balance communication, commitment, and competency. An attitude of gratitude fuels leadership, resilience, and hope in organizations and communities. Chapters Welcome to On the Flywheel 00:00:00 Paul Herrerias’ Early Life & Agricultural Roots 00:01:30 FFA, 4-H, and Early Leadership Lessons 00:05:30 Education, Accounting, and the CPA Path 00:10:30 Why Teams Build Businesses (Not Individuals) 00:14:30 Executive Search & Understanding Team Fit 00:18:30 Interviewing for Self-Awareness and Values 00:23:30 Common Team Mistakes & The Role of Coaching 00:28:30 Accountability, Roles, and CEO Effectiveness 00:32:30 The Three C’s of High-Performing Teams 00:36:00 Groups vs. Teams & Continuous Improvement 00:39:30 Books, Leadership, Learning & Final Wisdom 00:42:30 Links Paul K. Herrerias – Website | Website Jonathan Mahrt – LinkedIn | Instagram | Website Book recommendation: Links to all books mentioned on the show Thank you for joining us on this episode of On the Flywheel! If you enjoyed our discussion, please rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us continue to bring you insightful conversations with inspiring guests. Until next time, keep building momentum in your personal and professional lives!

    46 min

  3. 12/14/2025

    The Power of Customer Experience in Business

    Summary In this conversation, Ash Gomez, founder of Digital Twinners and co-founder of Orion Sky Studios, shares her journey from a sales career to running successful media companies. She emphasizes the importance of customer experience, building a strong team, and leveraging technology to enhance business operations. Ash discusses the impact of AI on the creative industry, lead generation strategies, and the significance of networking and partnerships. She also reflects on handling customer feedback and the diverse projects undertaken by Orion Sky Studios, concluding with insights on business philosophy and mindset. Takeaways Ash Gomez transitioned from a sales career to entrepreneurship. Digital Twinners focuses on real estate media, while Orion Sky Studios handles broader video production. Customer experience is crucial for business success. Building a strong team is essential for operational efficiency. AI can enhance creative processes but cannot replace human connection. Feedback from clients is vital for continuous improvement. Networking and partnerships are key to business growth. Authenticity and care differentiate small businesses from larger competitors. Choosing the right tools and processes can streamline operations. A positive mindset and following a plan are essential for overcoming challenges. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ash Gomez and her Journey 00:03:04 The Evolution of Digital Twinners and Orion Sky Studios 00:06:03 The Importance of Customer Experience in Business 00:09:01 Building a Strong Team and Effective Processes 00:12:01 Navigating Challenges in the Photography Industry 00:15:03 Leveraging Technology and Tools for Efficiency 00:17:53 The Role of AI in Creative Industries 00:20:55 Lead Generation Strategies for Business Growth 00:23:54 Handling Customer Feedback and Reviews 00:26:53 Exploring Orion Sky Studios' Diverse Projects 00:30:12 The Power of Networking and Partnerships 00:32:53 Final Thoughts on Business Philosophy and Mindset Links Ash Gomez – Website | Website | Instagram | Instagram | Instagram | Youtube Jonathan Mahrt – LinkedIn | Instagram | Website Links to all books mentioned on the show Thank you for joining us on this episode of On the Flywheel! If you enjoyed our discussion, please rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us continue to bring you insightful conversations with inspiring guests. Until next time, keep building momentum in your personal and professional lives!

    43 min

  4. 11/30/2025

    Systems, Structure, and Surviving Growth

    Summary In this episode, I sit down with consultant Jon Rickards to talk through his unique path—from the Navy’s nuclear program to decades in the wine industry—and how all of that led him into helping small and micro-businesses bring order to their chaos. Jon shares what most business owners struggle with, why understanding your numbers matters so much, and how he’s helping his wife build a community-focused salon business. Takeaways Non-linear paths create powerful skill sets. Exposure broadens character and capability. Small business owners often lack business foundations. Understanding your numbers is essential. HR is a major blind spot. Chaos is often a systems problem, not a people problem. Micro-business owners must learn to give up hats. Building simple, maintainable systems matters. The salon model Jon and his wife built is about community, not just services. Relationships are a business survival tool. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:02:05 Jon’s Early Life & Military Path 00:06:40 Lessons & Challenges from the Navy 00:10:55 Discovering a Passion for Finance 00:13:20 Trying Financial Advising & Realizing It Wasn’t a Fit 00:16:45 Entering the Wine Industry 00:21:30 Moving Toward Consulting 00:25:50 What Small Businesses Get Wrong 00:31:40 The Power of Systems & Delegation 00:36:10 Inside the Salon Business Model 00:41:45 Training, Compensation & Team Growth 00:46:30 Relationship Building in an Economic Downturn 00:49:00 Lightning Questions: Books & Billboards 00:51:15 Closing & Where to Find Jon Links Jon Rickards – Website Jonathan Mahrt – LinkedIn | Instagram | Website Links to all books mentioned on the show Thank you for joining us on this episode of On the Flywheel! If you enjoyed our discussion, please rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us continue to bring you insightful conversations with inspiring guests. Until next time, keep building momentum in your personal and professional lives!

    43 min

  5. 11/23/2025

    Inside the World of Modern Recruiting

    Summary In this episode, I sit down with Adrian Gould, Practice Director at Robert Half, for a conversation about career pivots, productivity, and the evolving world of accounting and finance consulting. Adrian shares how he went from managing rental car branches to overseeing more than 60 active projects at once, and we dive into trends shaping the labor market today—from AI’s growing influence to why companies are running leaner than ever. Takeaways Career trajectories don’t need to be linear Project-based staffing is on the rise Time-blocking is Adrian’s productivity superpower AI is reshaping accounting & finance teams Companies are running leaner Hiring is increasingly filtered by AI tools LinkedIn remains Adrian's top networking tool The labor market is cyclical ERP and accounting system upgrades are everywhere Don’t fear change Chapters 00:00 Welcome to the podcast; Jonathan introduces guest Adrian Gould. 01:20 From business school to Enterprise Rent-A-Car and into recruiting at Robert Half. 06:45 Overview of the company’s structure, specializations, and consulting partnership with Protiviti. 10:20 Explaining the Loan Staff Program, consulting projects, and client engagement. 13:40 Stories from the field: acquisitions, ERP implementations, fires, surprises, and project chaos. 20:00 NetSuite, Dynamics, Intacct, Workday—what companies choose and why. 24:30 Success factors and unexpected challenges that derail initiatives. 28:50 Why companies bring in outside help. 30:20 Adrian’s workflow, Salesforce notes, and time-blocking system. 36:45 How he builds flexibility into his schedule without losing focus. 39:50 How much is inbound vs. self-generated, cold calling tactics, and LinkedIn strategy. 46:00 AI’s impact, layoffs, efficiency, and role elevation in finance teams. 51:40 Resume tailoring, ATS screening, mistakes to avoid. 57:00 Observations from San Francisco and beyond. 1:01:30 Books, dad jokes, and wisdom for a billboard: don’t fear change. Links Adrian Gould – LinkedIn | Website Jonathan Mahrt – LinkedIn | Instagram | Website Links to all books mentioned on the show Thank you for joining us on this episode of On the Flywheel! If you enjoyed our discussion, please rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us continue to bring you insightful conversations with inspiring guests. Until next time, keep building momentum in your personal and professional lives!

    44 min

  6. 11/02/2025

    Starting Small, Scaling Smart

    Summary In this conversation, John Rushworth from Spark Plug Marketing shares his journey from startups to establishing a successful digital marketing agency. He discusses the importance of helping small businesses succeed, common mistakes they make in digital marketing, and how to maximize their online presence. Takeaways John's family has a long history in farming and marketing. He started Spark Plug Marketing to help small businesses succeed. Common mistakes include underutilizing assets like email lists and social media. Clients typically see returns within three months of working with Spark Plug Marketing. Maintaining an active online presence is crucial for small businesses. AI is changing the landscape of digital marketing. Google search ads provide the best ROI for small businesses. Effective budgeting is key to successful marketing campaigns. Influencer marketing can be a powerful tool for small businesses. Physical exercise can enhance mental clarity and productivity. Chapters Family Legacy in Farming and Marketing 00:00:00 The Journey to Spark Plug Marketing 00:03:10 Helping Small Businesses Succeed 00:06:05 Common Mistakes in Digital Marketing 00:09:05 Maximizing Online Presence 00:12:02 The Impact of AI on Marketing 00:14:58 Finding Value in Ad Spend 00:17:56 Tools and Processes for Success 00:20:57 Unique Selling Points of Spark Plug Marketing 00:23:45 Leveraging Social Media Platforms 00:26:58 Influencer Marketing Strategies 00:29:48 Budgeting for Digital Marketing 00:33:00 Advice for Budget-Constrained Businesses 00:36:05 Final Thoughts and Recommendations 00:38:49 Links John Rushworth – Website Jonathan Mahrt – LinkedIn | Instagram | Website Links to all books mentioned on the show Thank you for joining us on this episode of On the Flywheel! If you enjoyed our discussion, please rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us continue to bring you insightful conversations with inspiring guests. Until next time, keep building momentum in your personal and professional lives!

    40 min

  7. 10/05/2025

    The Power of Peer Networks in Business

    Summary In this conversation, Bill Vick, a Vistage Chair, discusses the importance of peer networks for business leaders, the role of accountability in driving growth, and the challenges faced by business owners today. He emphasizes the value of strategic planning, community connection, and the impact of AI on the business landscape. Vick shares insights on how Vistage helps members navigate these challenges and highlights the importance of caring for employees and fostering a supportive business environment. Takeaways Vistage is the largest peer network in the world. Isolation is a common challenge for CEOs. Accountability can significantly boost business performance. Strategic planning is essential for long-term success. Understanding business valuation is crucial for owners. Regulatory challenges can threaten small businesses. Community involvement enhances business success. AI presents both opportunities and risks for businesses. Peer support is vital for personal and professional growth. Caring for employees is a priority for successful leaders. Chapters Introduction to Vistage and Bill Vick 00:00:00 The Role of a Vistage Chair 00:02:43 The Power of Peer Networks 00:05:57 Accountability and Growth in Business 00:08:45 Strategic Planning and Business Valuation 00:11:48 Common Challenges for Business Owners 00:14:44 Navigating Regulations and Employee Relations 00:18:01 The Importance of Community and Connection 00:20:55 AI and Its Impact on Business 00:23:53 Final Thoughts and Recommendations 00:26:49 Links Bill Vick – Website | LinkedIn Jonathan Mahrt – LinkedIn | Instagram | Website Links to all books mentioned on the show Thank you for joining us on this episode of On the Flywheel! If you enjoyed our discussion, please rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us continue to bring you insightful conversations with inspiring guests. Until next time, keep building momentum in your personal and professional lives!

    38 min

  8. 09/21/2025

    Family First, Business Second

    Summary In this engaging conversation, Kathleen Stafford shares her diverse career journey, from her early days at Wells Fargo to her experiences in the restaurant business and her current role as a realtor. She reflects on the importance of family, the challenges of navigating career changes, and the lessons learned along the way. The discussion emphasizes the value of hard work, independence, and the impact of personal experiences on shaping one's life path. Takeaways We are the sum of our experiences and the roads we've taken. It's never too late to start over and try something new. The importance of family and being present in children's lives. Navigating career changes can lead to unexpected opportunities. Running a restaurant is both rewarding and physically demanding. Teaching financial literacy to kids is crucial. The balance between work and family life is essential. Embracing independence and allowing children to find their own paths. Life is about making choices based on circumstances. Nothing easy is worth having; hard work is essential. Chapters Journey Through Life's Roads 00:00:00 Navigating Career Changes 00:10:03 The Restaurant Experience 00:19:50 Lessons in Parenting and Independence 00:29:53 Reflections on Life and Wisdom 00:39:55 Links Katherine Stafford - LinkedIn | Website Jonathan Mahrt – LinkedIn | Instagram | Website Links to all books mentioned on the show Thank you for joining us for this episode of On the Flywheel! If you enjoyed our discussion, please rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us continue to bring you insightful conversations with inspiring guests. Until next time, keep building momentum in your personal and professional lives!

    47 min
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About

On the Flywheel is a weekly podcast hosted by Jonathan Mahrt of Flywheel Consulting. Each week we talk to professionals and entrepreneurs about the practical things they do to build and maintain momentum in their personal and professional lives.

Information

  • Creator
    Jonathan Mahrt
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © On the Flywheel
  • Show Website
    On the Flywheel