Capital to the Coast BNI

Mike Manning

The Capital to the Coast BNI Podcast features conversations with business owners, entrepreneurs, and sales professionals about how they grow their businesses through relationships and referrals. Each episode shares real stories and practical insights on networking, clear messaging, and building a strong book of business. If you're a service-based business owner who wants more referrals and stronger business connections, this show is for you.

  1. Jun 23

    Building a Referral-Based Medicare Business with Bonnie Beliveau, Beliveau Insurance

    Most people don't think about Medicare until they have to. That's exactly why this conversation matters. In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, Mike Manning sits down with Bonnie Beliveau of Beliveau Insurance to discuss how she left a successful corporate accounting career and built a thriving Medicare insurance business centered on education, relationships, and referrals. Instead of confusing clients with industry jargon, Bonnie simplifies Medicare into understandable conversations that help people make confident decisions—and that simple approach has fueled consistent business growth through referrals. You'll learn: • The Medicare enrollment deadlines everyone should know• Common mistakes that can create lifetime penalties• Why working with a local specialist matters• How exceptional customer service creates loyal clients and referral partners• The role BNI played in growing a successful business• Why entrepreneurship often takes longer than expected—and why consistency wins You'll also hear Bonnie's entrepreneurial journey, lessons from leaving corporate America, how she built credibility from scratch, and why treating clients like family has become her greatest marketing strategy. If you're a small business owner, networking professional, or someone approaching Medicare, you'll leave with practical ideas you can put to work immediately. Capital to the Coast BNI features conversations with successful entrepreneurs and professionals from across North Carolina who are building businesses through referrals, relationships, and community. Hosted by business coach and BNI Trainer Mike Manning, each episode explores the stories, strategies, and simple ideas that help service-based business owners attract better clients, strengthen their messaging, and grow through trust instead of transactions. Medicare, Medicare Insurance, Health Insurance, Small Business, Referral Marketing, BNI, Networking, Customer Service, Business Growth, Entrepreneurship, Service Business, Raleigh NC, Durham NC, North Carolina Business

    47 min
  2. Jun 16

    From Craftsman to CEO: Todd Saunders, Saunders Construction and Renovation

    What does it take to turn a skilled trade into a thriving business? In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, host Mike sits down with Todd Saunders, owner of Saunders Construction & Renovation, to discuss his journey from commercial construction professional to successful business owner. Todd shares how referrals, networking, coaching, and continuous learning helped him grow his company, navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, and build a business that continues to thrive today. You'll learn: • Why being great at your craft isn't enough to grow a business • How referral marketing became Todd's most valuable source of new business • Lessons learned from wearing every hat as a small business owner • Why coaching and business education accelerated growth • How BNI helped sharpen his messaging and networking skills • The importance of systems, preparation, and continuous improvement Whether you're a contractor, consultant, coach, or service-based entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with practical insights on building stronger referral relationships and becoming a better business owner. Capital to the Coast BNI is the podcast dedicated to helping service-based business owners grow through networking, referrals, and the BNI philosophy of Givers Gain®. #BNI #ReferralMarketing #SmallBusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Networking #BusinessOwner #ConstructionBusiness #BusinessDevelopment

    49 min
  3. Jun 8

    From Staffing to Referrals: How John Ipock and Blue Arbor Build Trust, Teams, and Business Growth

    What does it take to build a business that lasts more than 45 years? In this episode of Capital to the Coast BNI, Mike Manning sits down with John Ipock of Blue Arbor, a staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions company serving businesses across North Carolina and beyond. John shares how Blue Arbor helps businesses find the right employees, why hiring is about more than filling positions, and how creating the right match benefits both employers and job seekers. The conversation also explores John's journey into sales, the lessons he learned through BNI, and how referral marketing transformed his approach to business development. If you're a service-based business owner looking to grow through networking, referrals, and stronger business relationships, you'll find practical takeaways throughout this episode. ✅ Hiring and recruiting best practices✅ Building a referral-based business✅ Networking and BNI success strategies✅ Why trust matters more than sales tactics✅ Workforce development and staffing insights✅ Creating long-term business relationships John Ipock is a member of the Business in the Bern BNI chapter in New Bern, NC and has been with Blue Arbor for nearly 14 years. Blue Arbor provides staffing, recruiting, drug screening, background checks, and workforce solutions that help businesses find and retain quality employees. 🎙 Capital to the Coast BNI highlights small business success stories, networking strategies, and referral marketing insights from entrepreneurs and professionals across central and eastern North Carolina. BNI • Business Networking • Referral Marketing • Staffing Agency • Recruiting • Hiring Employees • Small Business Growth • Workforce Development • Leadership • Sales Strategy • Employee Retention • Business Development • Networking Tips • North Carolina Business Podcast • Small Business Success Stories

    50 min

About

The Capital to the Coast BNI Podcast features conversations with business owners, entrepreneurs, and sales professionals about how they grow their businesses through relationships and referrals. Each episode shares real stories and practical insights on networking, clear messaging, and building a strong book of business. If you're a service-based business owner who wants more referrals and stronger business connections, this show is for you.