Tom Parker is the Co-founder and CEO of Alined Consulting Group, LLC, an IT consulting and staffing firm that helps organizations align talent, technology, and strategic execution. Before co-founding Alined, he held leadership roles at companies such as Hirewell and York Solutions, LLC. Tom is also a board member for ELEVATE, Alined Consulting Group's networking organization for IT leaders and executives.

Launching a business during a period of massive uncertainty takes more than optimism; it requires timing, resilience, and a willingness to move before all the answers are clear. Many founders wonder how to navigate volatile markets, shifting client needs, and the personal pressures that come with entrepreneurship. How can you build your company from scratch when the timing isn't ideal?

According to consulting and staffing veteran Tom Parker, progress begins when you stop waiting for perfect conditions and start acting on informed conviction. He emphasizes the importance of leaning on trusted relationships, staying adaptable as markets shift, and committing to consistent routines to maintain clarity and momentum. Tom's approach encourages founders to pair ambition with disciplined habits, helping them make smarter decisions and avoid common early-stage pitfalls. Sustainable growth comes from grit and thoughtful strategies.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Heather Bennett sits down with Tom Parker, Co-founder and CEO of Alined Consulting Group, LLC, to discuss navigating entrepreneurship in uncertain times. He shares why he launched his company during market volatility, how mentors shaped his risk tolerance, and the routines that keep him productive.

Craig Snyder is the Chairman and Founder of VIKOR, a full-service wireless infrastructure construction company that builds and services telecommunications, renewables, and utility infrastructure across the United States. Under his leadership, VIKOR has been named to the Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Companies list for four consecutive years. Over his more than 30-year career, Craig has emphasized a people-first culture dedicated to cultivating talent and leadership from within.

Many founders begin with nothing more than a vision and the determination to pursue it, but the journey rarely unfolds the way they expect. Early wins can vanish overnight, and unexpected crises can threaten to derail even the most committed entrepreneurs. What does it take to build a resilient company that can withstand volatility and growth?

Telecommunications industry pioneer Craig Snyder emphasizes perseverance, diversification, and disciplined leadership. He highlights the importance of expanding beyond a single major customer, adopting technology early, and building strong operational systems. Setbacks can become catalysts for innovation, and principle-driven decision-making sets the foundation for long-term growth.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Heather Bennett sits down with Craig Snyder, Chairman and Founder of VIKOR, to discuss building and scaling a resilient business. He shares how losing a key customer strengthened his strategy, why adopting new technology accelerated growth, and how establishing a board shaped his company's future.

Jeff Janicik is the Founder, CEO, and Chairman of Innoflight, a leading space Non-traditional Defense Contractor (NDC). Under his leadership, Innoflight has partnered with national security programs and commercial space missions. Jeff served in the United States Air Force for 33 years, where he helped pioneer unmanned X-vehicle and advanced satellite communications programs.

The space industry is evolving and reshaping how technology is built, secured, and launched. What does it take to grow a company in such a high-stakes, rapidly shifting environment? How can leaders stay grounded while navigating the industry?

According to aerospace technology expert Jeff Janicik, growth begins with disciplined organization, a long-term vision, and the humility to adapt. Leaders must avoid becoming fixated on a single idea and instead stay flexible, open to recalibration, and aligned with a clear mission. Jeff emphasizes the importance of choosing the right people, building a culture where talent thrives, and maintaining a work-life balance to avoid burnout.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Heather Bennett sits down with Jeff Janicik, Founder, CEO, and Chairman of Innoflight, to discuss scaling a business in the space industry. Jeff shares how early Air Force experience shaped his career path, the turning points that established Innoflight's market credibility, and how cybersecurity and resilience are driving the future of space technology.

Stephen Goldberg, CVA, is the Managing Partner of Sun Business Valuations, a boutique firm specializing in valuations and exit-strategy advisory for privately held, middle-market companies. With over 30 years of M&A and business valuation experience, he has overseen more than 250 company sales and provided valuation consulting to over 1,000 clients nationwide. Stephen is a frequent lecturer and writer on M&A and business valuation issues and serves regularly as an expert witness in cases involving business valuation disputes.

Tom Theurkauf, CPA, ABV, ASA, CVA, CFA, is a Partner at Sun Business Valuations, where he leads valuation engagements and contributes to the firm's investment-banking advisory practice. He has completed more than 1,000 valuation assignments across diverse purposes, ranging from M&A and succession planning to estate and gift tax issues. Tom also serves as a witness and speaks about business valuation disputes.

Many business owners focus on driving growth but overlook the steps required to make their companies marketable and transferable. What does it take to build a business that attracts buyers, withstands scrutiny, and maintains strong valuation potential over time?

With decades of experience in M&A and valuation, Stephen Goldberg and Tom Theurkauf have developed solutions to help owners protect and increase their companies' worth. They explain that strengthening recurring revenue, developing a capable leadership bench, and normalizing financials can immediately reduce buyer concerns and boost valuation. Tom and Stephen encourage entrepreneurs to build a company that's transferable, resilient, and attractive long before a sale is on the horizon.

Tune in to this episode of Growth + Exit as Heather Bennett hosts Stephen Goldberg and Tom Theurkauf of Sun Business Valuations to discuss creating a business buyers want. Together, they share strategies for improving marketability, uncovering cash flow, and adapting to shifts in the M&A landscape.

Kevin Fleming is a Partner at Newport LLC, a business advisory firm helping middle-market companies grow and exit. He is also a Chief Financial Officer and board member at ThinkBio.AI, an AI technology enablement firm. Previously, Kevin was the President and Turnaround Executive Leader at Paradigm, a full risk-bearing accountable care organization specializing in catastrophic injury and chronic pain management cases. Under his leadership, Paradigm established industry-leading performance benchmarks for clinical outcomes and financial efficiency, including increases in revenue and EBITDA.

Transforming a struggling company into a thriving, high-value enterprise requires vision, resilience, and the courage to lead through uncertainty. Many leaders wrestle with balancing purpose and profit while navigating shifting markets and internal resistance. What does it take to turn risk and complexity into lasting growth?

According to experienced CEO and financial strategist Kevin Fleming, clear data, smart risk management, and bold leadership can drive transformation. He emphasizes the importance of using analytics to inform decisions, pricing accurately for risk, and surrounding yourself with a strong team. Quick turnarounds start with aligning purpose, performance, and measurable value.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Heather Bennett welcomes Kevin Fleming, Partner at Newport LLC, back to the show to talk about leading successful business transformations. Kevin discusses using AI-driven analytics to manage risk, replacing legacy leadership to drive growth, and crafting strong exit strategies that attract top buyers.

Kyle Marinkovich is the Founder and CEO of Northern Diversified Solutions, which specializes in hemp-derived functional specialty ingredients and emulsions. Before founding Northern Diversified Solutions, he held leadership roles at Cargill, Inc., where he focused on commercial development of food-ingredient solutions. With over two decades of experience in ingredient science, Kyle serves on Minnesota's cannabis advisory council and contributes to evolving regulatory and innovation efforts in the industry.

Building a business from scratch takes more than a bold idea; it demands grit, creativity, and a willingness to leap into uncertainty. How can a first-time founder navigate the transition from a comfortable corporate role to entrepreneurship while managing risk and purpose simultaneously?

Kyle Marinkovich, an experienced leader in the ingredient and hemp industries, believes that curiosity and conviction can turn anxiety into opportunity. He emphasizes the importance of managing risk with a clear safety net, surrounding yourself with mentors who have walked in your shoes, and leading with passion that outlasts early adrenaline. According to Kyle, resilience, clarity, and purpose drive sustainable growth.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Susan Kearney hosts Kyle Marinkovich, Founder and CEO of Northern Diversified Solutions, to discuss his transition from corporate executive to entrepreneur. Kyle shares how he raised capital and built investor trust, the lessons he learned from scaling in a new industry, and the personal habits that keep him grounded as a leader.

Whitney Opperman is the General Manager of Opperman & Son, Inc., a fourth-generation family-owned dealership that provides new and used heavy trucks, trailers, parts, and repair services. She joined the business in 2013 as an inside sales rep focused on new equipment before leading daily operations. Whitney's leadership emphasizes the company's core values of quality, service, and integrity.

Running a multigenerational business involves balancing legacy with innovation and evolving leadership. As industries shift and new generations step up, how can leaders honor the past while driving future growth and stability?

As a fourth-generation leader, Whitney Opperman has adopted a grounded yet forward-thinking perspective on leadership and company transitions. She emphasizes patience and communication in family succession planning, staying adaptable through shifting regulations, and maintaining integrity. Whitney also advises building a strong, values-driven team and investing time in a long-term strategy rather than just focusing on daily operations.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Heather Bennett talks with Whitney Opperman, General Manager of Opperman & Son, Inc., about family business succession and leadership growth. Whitney discusses navigating generational transitions, applying core values to business decisions, and adapting to new industry regulations and technologies.

Kelly Schrad is the Founder and Chairman of DataVizion, a managed IT solutions and cybersecurity firm. He is also the CEO of CapStone Technologies, LLC, and has spent more than 25 years building technology-driven businesses. As the Owner and Senior Advisor of The Owner's Advisory, Kelly also supports business owners in value-building and exit planning.

Founders often struggle to grow their companies while innovating and maintaining a strong culture. What does it take to evolve from a hands-on entrepreneur to a strategic leader who empowers others to thrive?

Technology and business operations expert Kelly Schrad believes that systems, self-awareness, and servant leadership drive sustainable growth. He highlights the importance of hiring for character rather than pure skill, creating space for reflection, and learning to let go as teams mature. To scale a company, leaders must first scale themselves.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Heather Bennett hosts Kelly Schrad, Founder and Chairman of DataVizion, to discuss leadership evolution and sustainable growth. Kelly explains how he transitioned from operator to chairman, why hiring for culture builds stronger teams, and how reflection fuels long-term growth.