• From Clients to Community: The Secret to Long-Term Loyalty
    Oct 22 2024

    In this episode of the Value Bridge Podcast by Aegis 360 Consulting, host Ned Parks converses with Jason Lennaarts, owner of RevFit (Revolution Fitness) in Stow, Ohio. Jason shares his journey from aspiring musician to successful fitness trainer and entrepreneur. They discuss the importance of creating a non-competitive, guilt-free fitness environment, the significance of building community among clients, and the relevance of understanding and catering to your ideal clients. Jason elaborates on his unique approach to fitness, which includes a holistic view of health, a focus on personal and semi-private training, and integrating nutrition as part of the overall fitness journey. They also touch on the cultural dynamics within the gym, the nuances of using social media for business, and share personal anecdotes, including the challenges and rewards of maintaining a supportive community in a fitness setting.

    00:00 Building a Community from Customers

    01:08 Meet Jason Lennaarts: Personal Trainer and Musician

    01:49 Jason's Journey: From Music to Fitness

    06:59 Creating a Unique Gym Culture

    21:02 The Role of Social Media in Business Growth

    25:11 The Impact of Edgy Content on Followers

    25:55 Understanding Instagram's Unique Dynamics

    27:29 Balancing Humor and Professionalism

    29:44 Navigating Cancel Culture and Sensitivity

    30:39 Gym Culture and Client Dynamics

    33:10 The Importance of Community in Business

    37:03 Identifying and Serving Your Ideal Client

    42:12 Personal Reflections and Fun Questions

    Connect with Ned:

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nedparks/

    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aegis360consulting2

    Website: https://a360c.com/

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    47 mins
  • Breaking the Mold: Women Thriving in Male-Dominated Fields Episode 6
    Oct 8 2024

    In this episode of the Value Bridge Podcast by Aegis 360 Consulting, host Ned welcomes Julie Brandl from Metis Construction to discuss navigating unconventional career paths and overcoming stereotypes in male-dominated industries. They delve into Julie's journey from an impromptu venture into construction during the 2008 recession to successfully running a company, her experiences confronting gender biases, and the importance of flexibility and adaptability in leadership. Julie also shares insights on mentorship, work-life balance, and how the construction industry is evolving in terms of sustainability. Join the wide-ranging conversation for practical advice and an engaging exploration of personal and professional growth.

    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

    00:57 Meet Julie Brandl: Overcoming Embarrassment

    02:45 Julie's Journey into Construction

    05:15 Facing Gender Bias in the Industry

    09:25 Encouraging Women in STEM and Construction

    18:36 Advice for Young Women in Male-Dominated Fields

    20:53 Fun Fact: Dollar General Projects

    21:44 Developer Partnerships and Branded Work

    23:14 Dollar General Projects Across the U.S.

    23:59 Sustainability in Construction

    26:39 Leadership Lessons and Business Challenges

    30:33 Navigating the Pandemic

    36:45 Impact on Education and Mental Health

    38:55 Lightning Round Questions

    40:55 Conclusion and Farewell


    Connect with Ned:

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nedparks/

    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aegis360consulting2

    Website: https://a360c.com/

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    42 mins
  • Unspoken Expectations = Unseen Resentment Episode 5
    Sep 24 2024

    In this episode of the Value Bridge podcast by Aegis 360 Consulting, host Ned sits down with retired Air Force Colonel Tom Dorl to discuss the criticality of setting clear expectations in leadership. Tom shares his experience as a group commander, overseeing hundreds of personnel, and the importance of clearly communicating with his team. The conversation touches on the necessity of being an advocate for your team, the value of listening over talking, and effective management strategies. Tom also shares personal anecdotes and lessons learned from his career, highlighting how leaders can better connect with their employees to foster a positive and productive work environment. The episode concludes with lighter moments, including Tom’s humorous recollection of his most embarrassing leadership blunder.

    00:00 Introduction to Leadership Mistakes

    00:39 Welcome to the Value Bridge Podcast

    02:21 Tom Doral's Military Background

    05:16 The Importance of Setting Expectations

    07:01 Crafting the Leadership Philosophy

    10:08 The Impact of Clear Communication

    16:22 Learning from Feedback and Mentorship

    19:47 Leadership Spins and Special Instructions

    20:03 The Importance of Listening

    20:34 Mid-Conversation Break: Fun Choices

    22:02 Handling Mistakes as a Leader

    25:28 Keeping Your Ear to the Ground

    30:38 Management by Walking Around

    33:29 Final Thoughts and Farewell

    Connect with Ned:

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nedparks/

    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aegis360consulting2

    Website: https://a360c.com/

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    38 mins
  • Why Can't I Hire Anyone? Spoiler Alert: It Could Be You Part 2 Episode 4
    Aug 27 2024

    In this episode of the Value Bridge Podcast, host Ned Parks continues the discussion on the challenges of hiring with career coach, Kathy Burik. The episode delves into common mistakes companies make in their recruiting processes, the emotional toll on job seekers, and actionable advice for employers to improve their hiring practices. Kathy shares her insights and experiences from both sides of the hiring process, highlighting the importance of clear communication, proper job descriptions, and effective interview skills. Interspersed with personal anecdotes and off-topic questions, this episode provides a humorous yet critical examination of the flaws in today's recruitment strategies.

    00:00 Introduction to Part Two

    00:23 Meet Catherine Burek: Career and Job Search Coach

    01:50 Catherine's Life on a Boat

    02:34 The Biggest Work Screw-Up

    03:47 Catherine's Role and Experience

    04:42 Hiring Practices and Company Failures

    10:35 The Ghosting Epidemic in Hiring

    16:14 The Importance of Clear Job Descriptions

    22:25 Life on a Boat: Challenges and Joys

    24:16 Anchored Out: A Memorable Experience

    25:08 The Impact of Poor Hiring Practices

    25:43 Emotional Toll on Job Seekers

    27:40 Overqualified: A Double-Edged Sword

    31:54 Effective Hiring Strategies

    38:24 The Importance of Communication

    43:33 Closing Thoughts and Advice

    Connect with Ned:

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nedparks/

    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aegis360consulting2

    Website: https://a360c.com/

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    46 mins
  • Why Can't I Hire Anyone? Spoiler Alert: It Could Be You Part 1
    Aug 19 2024
    This episode of the Value Bridge Podcast by Aegis 360 Consulting kicks off a two-part series exploring the challenges faced in the hiring process. The podcast highlights key issues from the perspective of Samantha Parks, who spent three years searching for a job after completing her MBA. Samantha recounts numerous frustrations with disorganized, disrespectful, and non-communicative hiring practices, including ghosting, unrealistic job descriptions, and lack of salary transparency. The episode aims to offer insights and suggestions for companies to improve their hiring processes and underscores the importance of professionalism and transparency in recruitment. Future episodes will feature insights from Catherine Burek, an HR professional with extensive experience, offering a broader industry perspective.

    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
    01:01 Meet the Guest: Samantha Parks
    01:15 The Job Search Journey Begins
    04:27 Frustrations with the Hiring Process
    12:12 The Ghosting Phenomenon
    15:46 A Positive Interview Experience
    17:46 Reflecting on a Unique Job Interview Experience
    18:11 The Importance of Professionalism in Rejection
    18:48 Seeking Feedback After Rejection
    21:42 Travel Plans and Adventures
    23:19 Setting Up Effective Recruiting Practices
    26:30 A Positive Experience with a Recruiting Company
    31:33 Closing Thoughts and Fun Questions
    32:58 Conclusion and Upcoming Episode

    Connect with Ned:
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nedparks/
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aegis360consulting2
    Website: https://a360c.com/
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    34 mins
  • Not Just Business: Supporting Employees Through Grief
    Jul 30 2024
    In this episode of the Value Bridge Podcast, hosted by Aegis 360 Consulting, Reverend Jill Smith, chaplain and community education outreach coordinator for Buckeye Hospice Care, shares vital insights on handling grief in the workplace. The discussion covers practical advice on communicating tragic news, organizing memorial services, and providing support resources for employees. Reverend Smith emphasizes the importance of honesty and sensitivity in these situations, sharing personal anecdotes to highlight common pitfalls and best practices. The episode also humorously touches upon personal stories and lighter moments to balance the heavy topic.

    00:00 Introduction to Grief in the Workplace
    00:18 Meet Reverend Jill Smith
    01:09 Lighthearted Beginnings
    02:55 Handling the Initial Shock
    05:33 What Not to Say
    08:34 Organizing Memorial Services
    10:18 Finding Grief Support
    16:58 Ensuring Workplace Safety
    19:34 Lightning Round and Closing Thoughts

    Connect with Ned:
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nedparks/
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aegis360consulting2
    Website: https://a360c.com/

    Connect With Jill:
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-a-smith-581a8441/
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    25 mins
  • Beyond the Paycheck: Building a Culture That Sticks
    Jul 16 2024
    In this episode of the Value Bridge Podcast by Aegis 360 Consulting, host and guest Adam LaFaber, founder of Digital Sandwich, discuss the critical importance of company culture, especially in small businesses. LaFaber shares his experience of instilling a strong and positive culture from the beginning stages of his business and the significant role it plays in employee satisfaction, motivation, and company success. The episode also explores the challenges of maintaining culture, hiring for cultural fit, and the impact of unconventional yet impactful practices in promoting a positive workplace environment.

    00:00 Introduction: The Missing Culture in Business Plans
    00:38 Meet Adam LaFaber: A Culture-First Entrepreneur
    02:29 The Importance of Culture in Small Businesses
    05:58 Hiring for Culture Fit: Beyond Skills and Experience
    10:58 Creating a Positive Work Environment
    19:23 Aligning Personal and Company Goals
    23:54 Discussing Office Culture and Waste Baskets
    24:54 Empowering Team Members
    26:39 Handling Missteps and Learning from Failures
    32:18 Balancing High Skill and Cultural Fit
    33:20 Remote Work and Communication Challenges
    36:18 Building a Fun and Engaging Culture
    40:52 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

    Connect with Ned:
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nedparks/
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aegis360consulting2
    Website: https://a360c.com/

    Connect with Adam:
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamlafaber/
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@digitalsandwichagency
    Website: https://digitalsandwich.agency/
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    44 mins