After 20+ years in corporate life, he purchased a manufacturing company in Massachusetts that fabricates outdoor structures, garden trellises, and pergolas. Kris explained that he serves as CEO while his brother, who lives locally, serves as president and handles day-to-day operations. The discussion focuses on business restructuring and systematization.

Kris discussed the challenges of taking over a business from its previous owner, who was primarily an artist without systematic processes. He implemented new systems, including a CRM system, order tracking, and inventory management, as well as upgrading time cards to an automated system, which significantly reduced weekly workload. The most difficult aspect of the transition was change management, particularly getting the team to fully utilize the new systems and track custom project details in the ERP system.

Kris uses these lessons, especially about being undercapitalized, with his business acquisition program that serves underserved people who desire business ownership. He leads and investment and coaching operation to help these people.

John Martinka
Jessica Martinka

Contact us via either website or give us a call and be sure to check out our videos

https://nokomisadvisory.com/
https://www.martinkaconsulting.com/

https://www.gddpodcast.buzzsprout.com
https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnAMartinka/videos

425-515-4903

Lisa Forrest is a regular guest on our show because she's one of the best and most knowledgeable business acquisition lenders.

The SBA keeps changing the rules so we keep discussing acquisition loans.

One big change in 2026 is that once a borrower or minority investor (even at 1%) is part of a bad SBA loan the are banned from anymore SBA loans for life. Believe me, investors have added another level of caution to their process.

Another fascinating discussion with Lisa.

John Martinka
Jessica Martinka

Contact us via either website or give us a call and be sure to check out our videos

https://nokomisadvisory.com/
https://www.martinkaconsulting.com/

https://www.gddpodcast.buzzsprout.com
https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnAMartinka/videos

425-515-4903

Peter Swimm, founder of ToilVille, discusses workplace automation and AI implementation strategies for small businesses. He emphasizes that successful AI adoption requires human oversight and proper measurement of outcomes, rather than treating AI as autonomous agents.

Peter shares examples from various industries, including contact centers and advisory services, demonstrating how AI can streamline operations while maintaining human touch points. He stresses the importance of understanding workflow patterns and measuring work to ensure AI implementations provide actual value rather than creating new problems.

He also highlights the need to consider both direct and indirect costs of AI adoption, and emphasized that AI should augment human capabilities rather than replace them.

John Martinka
Jessica Martinka

Contact us via either website or give us a call and be sure to check out our videos

https://nokomisadvisory.com/
https://www.martinkaconsulting.com/

https://www.gddpodcast.buzzsprout.com
https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnAMartinka/videos

425-515-4903