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Ever wondered how a small-town upbringing can shape a big-time career in tech? In this episode of Small Business Pivots, we sit down with Kyle York, co-founder & CEO of York IE, to uncover his journey from growing up in a family-run athletic footwear business in New Hampshire to leading a strategic growth and investment firm for tech startups.

Kyle shares invaluable insights on entrepreneurship, scaling businesses, and the balance between stability and growth. Drawing from his deep-rooted experience in retail, investment, and tech advisory, he reveals how vertically integrated operations can create long-term success.

We also explore the evolving tech career landscape, where remote work and geographic flexibility are transforming traditional industry norms. Kyle’s own transition—from college football to tech entrepreneurship—highlights the iterative career steps that many professionals face. Learn how opportunities beyond Silicon Valley are fostering innovation in diverse locations and opening doors for aspiring entrepreneurs.

As we navigate the challenges of scaling a startup, Kyle contrasts startups' agility with the slow-moving nature of large corporations. He offers insights into the entrepreneurial mindset, problem-solving, and execution. Through the lens of York IE, he shares how startups can turn ideas into successful ventures, build high-performing teams, and redefine success in today’s digital-first economy.

Join us for this insight-packed conversation with Kyle York, and gain expert advice on growing, innovating, and thriving in the fast-paced world of tech entrepreneurship.

Kyle York: co-founder & CEO of York IE

Website: https://york.ie/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyork20/

Podcast: https://york.ie/podcasts/

Blog: https://york.ie/blog/

#Entrepreneurship #TechStartups #StartupGrowth #BusinessInnovation #KyleYork #YorkIE #TechEntrepreneur #ScalingBusinesses #BusinessLeadership #RemoteWork #VentureCapital #StartupSuccess #SmallBusinessPivots #FounderMindset #InvestmentFirm #BusinessStrategy #GrowthHacking #SiliconValley #TechIndustry #LeadershipDevelopment #CareerGrowth #BusinessPodcast #StartupLife #DigitalTransformation #EntrepreneurMindset #SmallBusinessSuccess #BusinessCoaching #TechInvesting #FutureOfWork #ScalingStartups #BusinessMentorship #SmallBusinessPivots #GrowYourBusiness #SmallBusinessCoach #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessSuccess #BusinessPodcast #MichaelDMorrison #BOSS #BusinessOwnership #OklahomaCity

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What does it take to build a thriving business as a solopreneur? In this episode of Small Business Pivots, we sit down with Joe Rando, Founder & CEO of LifeStarr, to explore the key lessons he's learned from decades of entrepreneurship.

Joe’s journey began in commercial real estate, where he leveraged creativity and relationships to develop shopping centers—without massive upfront investments. Growing up in a family of business owners, he honed his ability to adapt and find opportunities, even in tough economic climates.

But his entrepreneurial path didn’t stop there. Joe transitioned into the tech industry, launching retail site selection software that gained traction with a major mall developer and even contributed to the national expansion of CVS. While the venture ultimately faced challenges, the impact of his innovation endured, proving that setbacks can lead to lasting success.

In this episode, we break down:
- Smart hiring for small business owners – How to build a strong team by hiring people smarter than you
- Niche positioning for solopreneurs – Why specialization attracts better clients and increases profitability
- The solopreneur success cycle – Strategies for setting clear goals, staying agile, and fostering continuous learning

Joe also shares insights from the Aspiring Solopreneur podcast and LifeStarr’s resources, helping business owners build a business that runs efficiently—without burning out.

Listen now to discover how to pivot, scale, and sustain success as a solopreneur!

Joe Rando: Founder of CEO of LifeStarr

Website: https://www.lifestarr.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joerando/

Podcast: https://www.lifestarr.com/the-aspiring-solopreneur-podcast

Blog: https://www.lifestarr.com/blog

Email: joe@workstarr.com

#Solopreneur #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #BusinessGrowth #StartupSuccess #BusinessStrategy #SmartHiring #NicheMarketing #ScalingABusiness #LeadershipDevelopment #PodcastForEntrepreneurs #SmallBusinessPodcast #BusinessTips #SuccessMindset #EntrepreneurLife #JoeRando #LifeStarr #SmallBusinessPivots #GrowYourBusiness #SmallBusinessCoach #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessSuccess #BusinessPodcast #MichaelDMorrison #BOSS #BusinessOwnership #OklahomaCity

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Prepare to be inspired as Blair Nichols, the vibrant force behind BBN Creative Management, joins us on Small Business Pivots. He reveals his journey from a childhood curiosity about business to becoming a powerhouse in empowering entrepreneurs through speaking engagements. Blair opens up about his transition from a corporate career to full-time entrepreneurship, sharing how storytelling and communication can be pivotal tools for business growth. For those ready to harness their speaking potential, Blair offers invaluable tips on how to be the face of your business and the importance of connecting with your audience.

Discover the liberating shift from side hustle to full-blown business ownership, as Blair shares his personal experiences and strategic insights. He dives into the benefits of having control over client selection, work-life balance, and financial prospects, drawing on his own journey to replace his salary and gain autonomy. Blair's story illuminates the freedom and flexibility that remote work can offer, allowing entrepreneurs to sculpt their ideal lifestyle and enjoy the fruits of their labor on their own terms.

For anyone battling stage fright or imposter syndrome, Blair's candid advice is a beacon of encouragement. We explore practical strategies for overcoming these common hurdles and maximizing the impact of speaking engagements to drive business success. Blair emphasizes the power of preparation, practice, and presenting unique expertise to the right audience. From developing a compelling signature story to repurposing content for digital platforms, he outlines a sustainable speaking strategy that can unlock significant growth opportunities. Tune in to uncover how face-to-face interactions and strategic speaking can propel your business forward.

Blair Nichols: Founder of BBN Creative Management

Website: https://www.bbncreativemanagement.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blairbnichols/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbn_creativemgmt/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BBNCreativeManagement/

Email: blairbryant.nichols@gmail.com

#BusinessGrowth #PublicSpeaking #BlairNichols #CommunicationSkills #StorytellingForBusiness #EntrepreneurshipTips #BusinessCoaching #SuccessStrategies #OvercomeImposterSyndrome #SmallBusinessSuccess #PodcastForEntrepreneurs #SmallBusinessPivots #EmpowerEntrepreneurs #GrowYourBusiness #LeadershipDevelopment #SmallBusinessCoach #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessSuccess #MarketingStrategies #LeadershipTips #IntrovertSuccess #CustomerRelationships #AmazonBestseller #BusinessPodcast #MichaelDMorrison #BOSS #BusinessOwnership #OklahomaCity

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3. Want professional business coaching with our Host, Founder & CEO?
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-YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@businessownershipsimplified

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What happens when you combine a memorable nickname like "Muffler Mama" with the art of personal branding? Join us as we uncover the unique journey of Kay Miller, a trailblazer in male-dominated industries and a number one Amazon bestseller. Through her lens, we learn how personal stories and experiences can transform self-doubt into self-confidence, creating an uncopyable brand. Host Michael Morrison also shares his own story of overcoming challenges, including a traumatic childhood ordeal, to highlight the power of personal narratives in entrepreneurial success.

Entrepreneurs, especially those who identify as introverted, will find solace and inspiration in Kay's insights into relational selling. She challenges the traditional notions of the "know, like, and trust" factor, revealing how empathy and genuine interest can be the pillars of a thriving business relationship. Kay's experiences in earning respect in traditionally male environments provide a blueprint for anyone looking to carve out a distinctive space in their industry. Her practical advice on leveraging listening skills and focusing on product value presents a fresh perspective on sales strategies.

As we broaden the discussion, the episode touches on aligning personal and company brands, understanding customer needs, and fostering long-term client relationships. Kay shares how entrepreneurs can thrive by honing their unique characteristics and aligning them with their target audience, making their brand truly unforgettable. From storytelling tips to aligning core values with business goals, listeners are offered actionable strategies to navigate a competitive market landscape and build a brand identity that resonates. Don't miss out on the additional resources and special offers that promise to further enhance your branding journey.

Kay Miller: Uncopyable Best-Selling Author. Podcast Host. Speaker. Consultant. Trainer.

Website: https://www.beuncopyable.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/millerkay/

Podcast: https://www.uncopyablesales.com/podcast

Books: https://www.instagram.com/farbeyondmarketing/

Email Sign Up: http://beuncopyable.com/5-emails

Email: kay@uncopyablesales.com

#PersonalBranding #Entrepreneurship #RelationalSelling #KayMiller #MufflerMama #Uncopyable #SmallBusinessTips #BuildingConfidence #BusinessGrowth #SalesStrategies #BrandIdentity #EntrepreneurInspiration #OvercomingChallenges #StorytellingInBusiness #UncopyableBrand #SmallBusinessCoach #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessSuccess #MarketingStrategies #LeadershipTips #PodcastForEntrepreneurs #IntrovertSuccess #CustomerRelationships #TrailblazingWomen #AmazonBestseller #SmallBusinessPivots #BusinessPodcast #MichaelDMorrison #BOSS #BusinessOwnership #OklahomaCity

Support the show

1. Want more resources to grow your business faster?
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3. Want professional business coaching with our Host, Founder & CEO?
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Discover the art of simplifying strategic marketing with Amber Gaige, founder of Far Beyond Marketing and a third-generation entrepreneur from McKinney, Texas. With over 25 years of experience and an entrepreneurial legacy, Amber shares invaluable insights into navigating small business marketing challenges. Comparing effective marketing to a perfectly layered chocolate cake, she highlights the importance of thoughtful strategies at every level.

In this episode, Amber introduces her internationally bestselling book, revealing the "Four C’s of Effective Marketing"—a framework designed to help business owners avoid common pitfalls and achieve outstanding results. You'll also learn how to create repeatable sales funnels that automate marketing while maximizing efficiency, saving time and resources.

Join us as we delve into the role of AI in marketing and uncover how small businesses can use it strategically. Drawing inspiration from experts like Don Miller, Brian Tracy, and Michael Gerber, Amber explains the power of storytelling frameworks, systemization, and building a strong team. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or starting your first business, this episode is packed with actionable tips to optimize your marketing and drive small business growth.

Amber Gaige: Founder & CEO, Far Beyond Marketing

Website: https://farbeyondmarketing.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marketing-strategy-coaching-ambergaige/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachambergaige

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farbeyondmarketing/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ambergaige4

Email: amber@farbeyondmarketing.com

#SmallBusinessMarketing #MarketingStrategies #FarBeyondMarketing #Entrepreneurship #AmberGaige #SmallBusinessGrowth #MarketingAutomation #StrategicMarketing #AIinMarketing #MarketingTips #StorytellingInBusiness #StoryBrand #DonMiller #BrianTracy #MichaelGerber #BusinessSystemization #SalesFunnels #EntrepreneurTips #BusinessGrowth #MarketingForEntrepreneurs #MarketingInsights #DigitalMarketing #SmallBusinessSuccess #MarketingFrameworks #BusinessOptimization #SmallBusinessPivots #BusinessPodcast #MichaelDMorrison #BOSS #BusinessOwnership #OklahomaCity

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3. Want professional business coaching with our Host, Founder & CEO?
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Join us for a fascinating conversation with Adam Nathan, the innovative mind behind Blaze.ai, a game-changing AI-driven marketing tool crafted specifically for small businesses. Adam's journey from a family business background to spearheading his own venture is nothing short of inspiring. He opens up about how Blaze.ai empowers small business owners to navigate the digital landscape by simplifying content creation, scheduling, and posting, even if they lack marketing expertise. His insights reveal how AI is not just a tool but a transformative force leveling the playing field for entrepreneurs everywhere.

Our discussion takes you through the exhilarating but challenging path of building a successful small business. With anecdotes from his experiences with his previous venture, Almanac, Adam shares how finding the right product-market fit is crucial, and why persistence and customer feedback are more valuable than hefty financial resources. We delve into why a dedicated team with shared goals is essential, and how Adam's stints at giants like Apple and Lyft perfectly equipped him to embrace the entrepreneurial path with passion.

Explore how Blaze.ai is changing the game for small businesses, offering powerful marketing capabilities at an affordable price. Learn about Blaze.ai's mission to democratize marketing resources, enabling small businesses to compete with larger corporations. Adam walks us through Blaze.ai's innovative use of AI to create personalized, brand-consistent content, highlighting how even businesses without an established brand presence can benefit. Experience the excitement of discovering how AI can open new opportunities for growth in today's digital age, making a significant impact in the markets small businesses aim to conquer.

Adam Nathan: Founder & CEO, Blaze

Website: https://www.blaze.ai/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adampnathan/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Blaze-ai

#AdamNathan #BlazeAI #SmallBusinessMarketing #AIMarketing #ContentCreation #DigitalMarketing #SmallBusinessGrowth #AIForEntrepreneurs #StartupSuccess #MarketingInnovation #BusinessSuccess #SmallBusinessOwners #BusinessGrowthTips #BusinessStrategy #EntrepreneurshipTips #SmallBusinessPivots #BusinessPodcast #MichaelDMorrison #BOSS #BusinessOwnership #OklahomaCity

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1. Want more resources to grow your business faster?
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3. Want professional business coaching with our Host, Founder & CEO?
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Join us for an insightful conversation with a remarkable entrepreneur, Ryan Chute, who has successfully navigated the retail, furniture, and automotive industries. Discover how our guest's personal growth journey has been instrumental in overcoming business challenges and transforming high-pressure environments into opportunities for success. You'll learn how the intersection of brand and culture is pivotal in reducing business friction, and how lessons from the Wizard Academy shifted traditional advertising mindsets toward creating genuine connections through storytelling and experience.

Uncover the essential elements of defining business values and the profound impact it has on personal and professional realms. Through a metaphor of navigating life's ocean, our discussion highlights the diverse approaches to business and life, encouraging listeners to become navigators guided by their personal North Star. By understanding what we stand for and against, we lay the groundwork for authentic leadership and meaningful impact, leading to more effective decision-making and clarity in defining success.

Explore the power of core business principles grouped into helping people win, being trustworthy, and living gratefully. We delve into how innovation and trustworthiness propel progress, while gratitude enhances happiness and growth. Learn strategies for building emotional brand connections that resonate with consumers and employees alike. By prioritizing a holistic approach to brand-building and focusing on emotional storytelling, your business can foster lasting relationships and ultimately build a brand legacy that stands the test of time.

Ryan Chute: Partner, Wizard of Ads for Services

Website: https://www.ryanchute.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wizardryanchute/

TikTok: https://www.youtube.com/@wizardryanchute/featured

YouTube: agruen@agfinancialcpa.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wizardryanchute/

#Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #PersonalDevelopment #LeadershipSkills
#BrandBuilding #Branding #Storytelling #Marketing #Advertising #BuildAn Empire #CoreValues #CultureAndBrand #BusinessGrowthTips #BusinessStrategy #SmallBusinessOwner #EntrepreneurshipTips #SmallBusinessPivots #BusinessPodcast #MichaelDMorrison #BOSS #BusinessOwnership #OklahomaCity

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3. Want professional business coaching with our Host, Founder & CEO?
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Unlock the secrets to financial clarity and strategic growth for your small business as we sit down with Ahuva Gruen, a seasoned CPA and the mastermind behind AG Financial Services. Gruen reveals the misleading nature of relying solely on a bank balance and emphasizes the power of clean financial books and understanding your finances in depth. This episode promises to transform your perspective on financial management and introduce you to the invaluable role of a fractional CFO in guiding your business towards sustainable growth.

Accountants are more than just number crunchers—they're strategic partners in your business's success. We shift the narrative from mere tax compliance to a dynamic partnership that enhances your financial health. By closing books regularly and forecasting financial futures, accountants can uncover cost-saving opportunities and investment potentials that you might overlook. This episode champions the idea of viewing an accountant as a vital investment in your business's financial well-being, helping you navigate potential pitfalls and achieve your business goals.

Scaling your business isn't just about growth—it's about doing it right. We explore the distinctions between scaling and growing, focusing on the efficiency and financial planning required to scale successfully. With real-life examples of businesses that have faced challenges in scaling, we provide insights into managing debt wisely and using credit lines effectively. For business owners feeling stuck, this episode also delivers strategies to regain momentum and commit to your entrepreneurial dreams with financial clarity and sound planning.

Ahuva Gruen: Fractional CFO & Founder of AG Financial

Website: https://agfinancialcpa.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahuvagruen/

Podcast: https://agfinancialcpa.com/podcast/

Email: agruen@agfinancialcpa.com

#BusinessGrowthTips #FractionalCFO #BusinessScaling #CleanFinancialBooks #EntrepreneurMindset #AccountingTips #BusinessStrategy #SmallBusinessOwner #SmartBusinessMoves #CashFlowManagement #FinancialPlanning #GrowYourBusiness #BusinessSuccess #ScalingSuccess #EntrepreneurshipTips #SmallBusinessGoals #FinancialFreedom #MoneyManagement #SmallBusinessPivots #BusinessPodcast #MichaelDMorrison #BOSS #BusinessOwnership #OklahomaCity

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1. Want more resources to grow your business faster?
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3. Want professional business coaching with our Host, Founder & CEO?
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