エピソード

  • The Pros and Cons of Buying an Established Business - with Clint Rusch
    2025/11/04
    In this episode, Sean interviews Clint Rush, an award-winning business leader and decorated U.S. Army combat veteran, who shares his journey as an early-stage entrepreneur. Clint discusses his unique upbringing, influenced by his entrepreneurial mother, and how it shaped his perspective on business and life. He delves into the concept of entrepreneurship through acquisition, highlighting the benefits and challenges of taking over an established company. Clint emphasizes the importance of finding meaning in work, not just for himself but for his team and the community they serve. KEY TAKEAWAYS Entrepreneurship is not just about financial success; it's about finding meaning and fulfilment in the work you do every day. Focusing on the impact you have on others can provide motivation and purpose. Instead of solely focusing on payday, prioritise the daily experiences and relationships that bring joy and satisfaction. Building a culture that values meaningful work can lead to a more fulfilling life. Practical experience is invaluable. The importance of taking action and learning through real-world challenges is emphasised, as it leads to deeper understanding and growth. Building a cohesive team is essential for success. Hiring individuals who align with core values and fostering a culture of mentorship can enhance both individual and collective performance. Difficult situations, such as unexpected setbacks, should be approached as puzzles to solve rather than insurmountable problems. This mindset can lead to innovative solutions and growth within the business. BEST MOMENTS "The advantage of the ETA path is you get this great tailwind of a great reputation, established client base, right? You've got a portfolio of work, all of that stuff. The disadvantage is you get all of the other stuff that comes in with that path." "If you can find the way that you're doing something that is touching other people's lives, there's an opportunity for fulfillment going back to what your mom did." "You have to love the 28. If you don't love the 28, you're going to be unhappy." "People protect the thing that they have a stake in. When people have a stake in security, they're invested in security." "What charges you is the difference that you make in people's lives." HOST BIO Meet Your Host: Sean O’Hara, MBA – Entrepreneur, Sales Strategist, and Relentless Business Optimist. With over 20 years in the entrepreneurial trenches—guiding scrappy startups and Fortune 1000 giants alike—Sean brings a rare mix of strategic insight and real-world experience to every conversation. Known for his sharp sales acumen and down-to-earth style, he doesn’t just talk business—he lives it. Sean’s superpower? Asking the right questions, then stepping back to let the wisdom flow. His curiosity-driven interview style unlocks actionable insights, powerful stories, and the kind of truth today’s entrepreneurs actually need. If you’re serious about building a business that lasts, Sean’s the guide you’ll want in your corner. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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    48 分
  • The Power of Imperfect Action Now - with Art Harrison
    2025/10/28
    Today, Sean sits down with Art Harrison, a successful serial entrepreneur who built a thriving online social network with over 750,000 members before the advent of Facebook. Art shares his unique journey into entrepreneurship, driven by a mix of curiosity and necessity due to a sleep disorder that made traditional employment challenging. He discusses the importance of taking action, learning from experiences, and the value of questioning conventional wisdom. Art also reflects on his transition from building a community-focused platform to navigating the corporate world, ultimately leading to the launch of his latest initiative, the FSTEP initiative. KEY TAKEAWAYS Taking action is crucial for aspiring entrepreneurs. The journey involves trying things out, learning from failures, and continuously iterating on ideas. Just like stand-up comedy, where success comes from repeated attempts, entrepreneurship requires a willingness to experiment and face rejection. Knowing the underlying reasons for starting a business is essential. Whether it's for freedom, financial gain, or solving a specific problem, having a clear purpose helps guide decision-making and keeps entrepreneurs aligned with their goals. Gaining experience in a corporate environment can provide valuable insights into business operations, team dynamics, and problem-solving. This knowledge can be leveraged when starting your own venture, helping to identify gaps and opportunities in the market. While raising capital can accelerate growth, it can also lead to pressures that may not align with the entrepreneur's original vision. It's important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of taking on investors and to consider whether the business can thrive without external funding. This initiative aims to help individuals develop an entrepreneurial mindset through a series of challenges that encourage action, self-promotion, and risk-taking. It provides a supportive community for aspiring entrepreneurs to practice and refine their skills in a safe environment. BEST MOMENTS "I just figured there's gotta be a different way to get it done." "The only way to do it is to start taking action." "If you know that you want to do this, then you go in there and you treat that place as your source of education." "We were so proud in the first three years, we didn't raise any money." "You have to get comfortable doing the uncomfortable." HOST BIO Meet Your Host: Sean O’Hara, MBA – Entrepreneur, Sales Strategist, and Relentless Business Optimist. With over 20 years in the entrepreneurial trenches—guiding scrappy startups and Fortune 1000 giants alike—Sean brings a rare mix of strategic insight and real-world experience to every conversation. Known for his sharp sales acumen and down-to-earth style, he doesn’t just talk business—he lives it. Sean’s superpower? Asking the right questions, then stepping back to let the wisdom flow. His curiosity-driven interview style unlocks actionable insights, powerful stories, and the kind of truth today’s entrepreneurs actually need. If you’re serious about building a business that lasts, Sean’s the guide you’ll want in your corner. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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    49 分
  • Adapting Your Website Strategy for the Age of AI - with Wes Towers.
    2025/10/21
    Today, Sean interviews Wes Towers, founder of Uplift360, to discuss the transformative impact of AI on digital marketing and website development. With over two decades of experience, Wes shares insights on how early-stage entrepreneurs can leverage AI to enhance their core messaging and stand out in a crowded digital landscape. He emphasises the importance of producing fresh, unique content to establish brand authority and the need for strategic repurposing of ideas across various platforms. KEY TAKEAWAYS AI can enhance business operations by streamlining processes and improving efficiency. It's essential to integrate AI thoughtfully into your business strategy to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. To stand out in a crowded market, businesses must produce fresh, unique content that adds value. Simply regurgitating existing information will not suffice; instead, aim to provide original insights and perspectives that resonate with your audience. Building authentic relationships with clients is crucial. Use AI to free up time for more meaningful interactions, allowing for a deeper understanding of client needs and fostering trust. Clearly define and communicate your core message to attract your ideal clients. Tailoring your website and content to speak directly to your target audience can lead to higher quality inquiries and better business outcomes. Engage potential customers across various platforms, but ensure that your website remains the central hub for conversions. Use social media and other channels to drive traffic to your website, where meaningful interactions and transactions can occur. BEST MOMENTS "People don't buy uncertainty. Therefore, I need to value your business super low because a few years ago it was just kind of the rise of AI in a way in which people understood the context." "You've got to go very deep with your clients, I would think on content, and the days of basically having a website that is something like a promotional brochure seems like it's almost over." "There's a risk and the danger people make is they get lazy because it's so easy to create content. So they do, and we're seeing it now, obviously with videos as well." "If you can have the bios and photographs of the key team members, that's really powerful, particularly for trades and construction. They like to see the people they're working with." "You can use social media to get to the website, but you really have to be strategic about putting all of this together." HOST BIO Meet Your Host: Sean O’Hara, MBA – Entrepreneur, Sales Strategist, and Relentless Business Optimist. With over 20 years in the entrepreneurial trenches—guiding scrappy startups and Fortune 1000 giants alike—Sean brings a rare mix of strategic insight and real-world experience to every conversation. Known for his sharp sales acumen and down-to-earth style, he doesn’t just talk business—he lives it. Sean’s superpower? Asking the right questions, then stepping back to let the wisdom flow. His curiosity-driven interview style unlocks actionable insights, powerful stories, and the kind of truth today’s entrepreneurs actually need. If you’re serious about building a business that lasts, Sean’s the guide you’ll want in your corner. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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    54 分
  • Build a Low-Cost Referral Machine - with Billy Sammons
    2025/10/14
    In this episode, Sean sits down with Billy Sammons, a seasoned entrepreneur who shares his unique approach to building a low-cost referral machine that has driven consistent business growth for over a decade. Billy discusses his journey from being a teacher to a real estate professional, highlighting how he began helping local businesses by creating promotional videos at no charge. He emphasises the importance of community support and the power of personal connections in a saturated market dominated by large corporations. KEY TAKEAWAYS Building a business around supporting local businesses can create a strong network and foster community engagement. By providing value to local entrepreneurs, you can differentiate yourself from larger corporations. Success in business requires patience and active involvement. It's essential to build relationships and trust over time, rather than expecting immediate results. Utilising low-cost tools and strategies, such as creating videos with minimal equipment, can effectively promote local businesses without the need for large advertising budgets. Focusing on what you can give to others, rather than what you can get, can lead to organic growth and referrals. This mindset fosters long-term relationships and community support. Embracing a counterintuitive approach to marketing and business development can set you apart. By thinking creatively and being willing to pivot from traditional methods, you can find unique opportunities for growth. BEST MOMENTS "I just want to help. Our community needs more of you people, like out there, local business owners being productive." "It's a very crowded space that you're operating in, and you have, through your own agility, created these one-on-one connections that really differentiate you." "You have to have patience to develop the relationships, to build the trust, and then it's going to happen long-term." "I want to bring to light these businesses to my audience. The pillars in your community that make us and build the character of Southern Maryland." "You looked at it and you were thinking, you know, this isn't really very productive. No. And so you did something very innovative in your mindset and your approach to the market." HOST BIO Meet Your Host: Sean O’Hara, MBA – Entrepreneur, Sales Strategist, and Relentless Business Optimist. With over 20 years in the entrepreneurial trenches—guiding scrappy startups and Fortune 1000 giants alike—Sean brings a rare mix of strategic insight and real-world experience to every conversation. Known for his sharp sales acumen and down-to-earth style, he doesn’t just talk business—he lives it. Sean’s superpower? Asking the right questions, then stepping back to let the wisdom flow. His curiosity-driven interview style unlocks actionable insights, powerful stories, and the kind of truth today’s entrepreneurs actually need. If you’re serious about building a business that lasts, Sean’s the guide you’ll want in your corner. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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    47 分
  • Creating Demand. Creating a New Market. - The Scent-sational Success of Tiffany Rose Goodyear.
    2025/10/07
    In this episode, Sean interviews Tiffany Rose Goodyear, the founder of Scent-Ex, a pioneering company specializing in 'scent-scaping' and fragrance experiences for events. Tiffany shares her unique journey from a background in advertising and baking to creating immersive scent experiences that elevate events by engaging all five human senses. She discusses the importance of olfaction in creating memorable experiences, the challenges of introducing a new service to clients, and the role of educational marketing in her business. KEY TAKEAWAYS Scent is often overlooked in event planning, yet it plays a crucial role in creating immersive experiences. Engaging all five senses, including olfaction, enhances the overall atmosphere and emotional impact of an event. As a pioneering entrepreneur in the scent industry, educating potential clients about the significance of scent is essential. This involves demonstrating how scent can elevate experiences and encouraging clients to consider it as a vital component of their events. The process of creating a scent for an event involves a detailed discovery call to understand the client's vision, followed by sending scent samples. This personalized approach helps clients select fragrances that align with the emotions and themes of their events. The company provides on-site fragrance technicians during events to ensure the scent is perfectly executed, taking into account variables like airflow and temperature. This hands-on approach differentiates the service from others in the industry. Building a business in a niche market requires a growth mindset and the ability to adapt to challenges. Embracing rejection as data and being open to change are vital traits for entrepreneurs, especially when introducing innovative concepts that may not yet be widely accepted. BEST MOMENTS "Our sense of scent, being the fifth one, probably the least understood, gets left off. But my argument is, no, it is not an immersive experience if you haven't considered all five sensory receptors." "It seems like a subtle aspect of an event, but it would really elevate the experience of the people who are participating." "Every room, every space, has a fragrance." "I think the more we get away from using our bodies in our life to live our lives, the less human we're becoming." "You're on the cutting edge of anything. Education is a huge part of it. There's kind of a lack of a palette there." HOST BIO Meet Your Host: Sean O’Hara, MBA – Entrepreneur, Sales Strategist, and Relentless Business Optimist. With over 20 years in the entrepreneurial trenches—guiding scrappy startups and Fortune 1000 giants alike—Sean brings a rare mix of strategic insight and real-world experience to every conversation. Known for his sharp sales acumen and down-to-earth style, he doesn’t just talk business—he lives it. Sean’s superpower? Asking the right questions, then stepping back to let the wisdom flow. His curiosity-driven interview style unlocks actionable insights, powerful stories, and the kind of truth today’s entrepreneurs actually need. If you’re serious about building a business that lasts, Sean’s the guide you’ll want in your corner. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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    49 分
  • Crafting Quality: A Specialty Bakery Founder’s Guide to Purpose and Growth - with Arthur Chavez
    2025/09/30
    Sean sits down with Arthur Chavez today, the founder of No Cow Bakery, a unique business dedicated to creating delicious, allergy-friendly, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan treats. Arthur shares his inspiring journey from experimenting in his kitchen with friends to discovering the need for high-quality, healthy alternatives in the market. He recounts a transformative experience at a gluten fair that validated his mission and led to opportunities with major retailers. KEY TAKEAWAYS The journey of No Cow Bakery began from a desire to create delicious, allergy-friendly baked goods after witnessing the poor quality of existing options for those with dietary restrictions. This passion for solving a health problem drove the initial recipe development. The bakery not only serves customers with dietary restrictions but also creates a supportive community where individuals can share their stories and experiences. The emotional reactions from customers highlight the significant impact that quality food can have on people's lives. A commitment to high-quality ingredients is paramount. The bakery prioritises using fresh, speciality ingredients and avoids compromising on quality, even if it means facing challenges in sourcing and production. The business is poised for growth, with plans to expand distribution while maintaining product quality. The approach includes careful planning and a willingness to adapt to market demands, such as potentially opening a dedicated distribution centre if necessary. BEST MOMENTS "I knew our stuff was good, but for somebody to get that emotional over it... food is very emotional." "It's not that bad. If you're ever missing anything out there, just let us know, because we'd probably make it." "People don't talk anymore. They don't talk to their customers. We take time to talk to each person individually." "I just wanted the title of owner. I didn't want anything really to do with the business." "If you spread yourself too thin, you're not going to make it. So just one thing at a time." HOST BIO Meet Your Host: Sean O’Hara, MBA – Entrepreneur, Sales Strategist, and Relentless Business Optimist. With over 20 years in the entrepreneurial trenches—guiding scrappy startups and Fortune 1000 giants alike—Sean brings a rare mix of strategic insight and real-world experience to every conversation. Known for his sharp sales acumen and down-to-earth style, he doesn’t just talk business—he lives it. Sean’s superpower? Asking the right questions, then stepping back to let the wisdom flow. His curiosity-driven interview style unlocks actionable insights, powerful stories, and the kind of truth today’s entrepreneurs actually need. If you’re serious about building a business that lasts, Sean’s the guide you’ll want in your corner. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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    49 分
  • Rethink Retirement: Become Your Own Nonprofit - with Eric Walker.
    2025/09/23
    On this episode, Sean interviews Eric Walker, a full-time servant adventurer and entrepreneur who has dedicated his life to living as a "one-man nonprofit". Instead of retiring, Eric chose to pursue a life of profound meaning and contribution, using his skills to help others around the world. KEY TAKEAWAYS A life focused on significance can be more fulfilling than one focused solely on success, especially in later years. You can create a nonprofit lifestyle without the administrative burden by partnering with an umbrella organization that handles the paperwork and finances. To find your passion, do a personal self-assessment and look at the needs of the world. You can start by getting additional training, such as an English teaching certification, which can open many doors. The digital age allows individuals to build a personal brand and connect directly with supporters, creating a more personal and authentic relationship than with large corporations. BEST MOMENTS "Half of all small businesses fail in their first five years, but you are not going to be one of them." "I for one, I want to live till I die." "Sometimes people can tend to live smaller lives than they are capable of." "I don't want to retreat in my later years, I want to advance." "I don't think there's that much to be afraid of. God's just as able to take care of me over there as he is over here." HOST BIO Meet Your Host: Sean O’Hara, MBA – Entrepreneur, Sales Strategist, and Relentless Business Optimist. With over 20 years in the entrepreneurial trenches—guiding scrappy startups and Fortune 1000 giants alike—Sean brings a rare mix of strategic insight and real-world experience to every conversation. Known for his sharp sales acumen and down-to-earth style, he doesn’t just talk business—he lives it. Sean’s superpower? Asking the right questions, then stepping back to let the wisdom flow. His curiosity-driven interview style unlocks actionable insights, powerful stories, and the kind of truth today’s entrepreneurs actually need. If you’re serious about building a business that lasts, Sean’s the guide you’ll want in your corner. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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    43 分
  • Create a Remote Team with a Strong Culture- with Zach Wright.
    2025/09/16
    Sean sits down with Zach Wright, founder and CEO of Grapevine Software. They look at the evolving dynamics of the workforce, particularly the tug-of-war between remote work, hybrid models, and the push for a return to the office. Zach shares insights from his expertise in business operations technology and remote work, discussing the challenges businesses face when building remote teams and how Grapevine addresses these issues. Entrepreneurs can apply for the Untangled Vines Community here: https://nm3ce.share.hsforms.com/2E2cJ6QqgQqaQKa91LkxZ1w KEY TAKEAWAYS The pandemic has led to a significant shift in workforce dynamics, with many employees preferring remote or hybrid work models. Companies are now navigating the balance between employee preferences and organisational demands, often leading to a hybrid approach being favoured. Entrepreneurs face challenges in building remote teams, including communication barriers, the need for centralised information, and maintaining employee engagement. Tools that streamline communication and provide a single source of truth are essential for overcoming these hurdles. A centralised platform can enhance company culture by fostering communication and collaboration among remote teams. This helps employees feel connected and engaged, which is crucial for retention and productivity. Utilising a comprehensive tool like Grapevine can significantly reduce time spent searching for information and duplicating work. By centralising resources and communication, companies can improve operational efficiency and reduce overhead costs. The future workforce may increasingly rely on technology that integrates augmented reality and AI, allowing for seamless communication and task management. This evolution aims to create a more flexible, inclusive, and fulfilling work environment. BEST MOMENTS "The big reason that this is such a debate is, in my opinion, is we see that return to office has been disguised as layoffs." "If I would have just went off of like stereotypes about Pakistan, then I would be like, 'Oh, maybe I shouldn't work with them.' But now that I've worked with the Pakistan team, they're literally like us." "One of the biggest issues in organisations today is the ability to search and find information that their company already has." "It sounds like based on what you're saying, the struggle is real, but it's going to land somewhere middle ground." "We want to be the element that is whenever you sign in and start your workday, it's in Grapevine." HOST BIO Meet Your Host: Sean O’Hara, MBA – Entrepreneur, Sales Strategist, and Relentless Business Optimist. With over 20 years in the entrepreneurial trenches—guiding scrappy startups and Fortune 1000 giants alike—Sean brings a rare mix of strategic insight and real-world experience to every conversation. Known for his sharp sales acumen and down-to-earth style, he doesn’t just talk business—he lives it. Sean’s superpower? Asking the right questions, then stepping back to let the wisdom flow. His curiosity-driven interview style unlocks actionable insights, powerful stories, and the kind of truth today’s entrepreneurs actually need. If you’re serious about building a business that lasts, Sean’s the guide you’ll want in your corner. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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    50 分