The Faces of Business

In this episode of The Faces of Business, Angela Thurman, Founder & CEO of Thurman Co., dived into the complex and critical efforts underway to rebuild America’s semiconductor supply chain and what these investments mean for business owners navigating a shifting industrial landscape. Angela is a seasoned aerospace and telecom program leader with over 25 years of experience managing multimillion-dollar contracts and supplier systems for major players like Collins Aerospace, Boeing, Airbus, and Sprint. As a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Lean Master, her career has been defined by solving big technical problems with strategic insight and operational rigor. At Thurman Co., Angela guides clients through supplier assessments, process improvements, and risk management all critical capabilities as U.S. manufacturing doubles down on semiconductor self-reliance. Join us to gain actionable insights on how these national investments are reshaping supply chains and what that means for your business operations, vendor relationships, and future growth. Check out the Blog post here: Rebuilding America's Chip Supply: Inside Planned Semiconductor Investments Thanks for taking the time to listen today. Find Damon Pistulka on LinkedIn talking about life & building businesses you can sell or succeed. Find out more about Damon when he's not working. @damonpistulka on Instagram, or Damon Pistulka on Facebook. More information on building businesses you can sell or succeed and the Exit Your Way method on our website Email us for more information info@exityourway.com

In this episode of The Faces of Business, Thane Isaacs, Executive Coach and Founder at Innovations Tomorrow, talked about how coaching, masterminds, and collaboration can be transformational tools to help you grow as a leader and build a stronger business. Thane is a seasoned leadership coach with over 30 years of experience developing high-performing teams and turning businesses into thriving organizations. He has personally helped more than 300 business owners, especially landscape and snow management, achieve real, lasting results. Thane’s personalized coaching approach equips leaders to overcome performance challenges, increase team engagement, and create cultures that drive growth. As a John Maxwell Certified Coach and former Branch Manager at ValleyCrest Companies, he brings powerful, real-world leadership insights and proven strategies. Check out the Blog post here: The Power of Coaching, Masterminds, and Collaboration for Business and Life Thanks for taking the time to listen today. Find Damon Pistulka on LinkedIn talking about life & building businesses you can sell or succeed. Find out more about Damon when he's not working. @damonpistulka on Instagram, or Damon Pistulka on Facebook. More information on building businesses you can sell or succeed and the Exit Your Way method on our website Email us for more information info@exityourway.com

In this episode of The Faces of Business, Jen Hamilton, Fractional COO and Founder of Hamilton COOs, shared how to grow your business with the right executive leadership, without the chaos. Jen helps business owners shift from being the hub of everything to building confident, accountable teams that run smoothly, so owners can step back and finally breathe. Her experience as a CPA, COO mentor, and founder of the Fractional COO Collective makes her a go-to expert for operational excellence and scalable growth. Jen brings over two decades of experience in business operations, helping leadership teams get out of overwhelm, implement effective systems, and drive sustainable results. Her passion stems from her own family’s business story and a mission to help small businesses win in today’s competitive world. Check out the Blog post here: Identifying Fractional Executive Resources for Your Business Thanks for taking the time to listen today. Find Damon Pistulka on LinkedIn talking about life & building businesses you can sell or succeed. Find out more about Damon when he's not working. @damonpistulka on Instagram, or Damon Pistulka on Facebook. More information on building businesses you can sell or succeed and the Exit Your Way method on our website Email us for more information info@exityourway.com

In this episode of The Faces of Business, Zack Miller, Managing Partner at Patriot Growth Capital, shares how he is helping U.S. Veterans unlock a path to business ownership and generational prosperity. Zack is a mission-driven leader with a powerful story. As the son of two U.S. Marines, he brings a deep sense of service, resilience, and discipline to his work. At Patriot Growth Capital, Zack is guiding Veterans to become business owners, offering more than opportunity; he is helping them build a legacy. With a strong background in high-growth leadership roles and a heart for mentorship, Zack understands what it takes to drive success. Through Patriot Growth Capital, he is helping Veterans apply their leadership skills in a new arena, empowering them to create wealth, lead companies, and transform their communities. Check out the Blog post here: Helping Veterans Build Their Future Through Business Ownership Thanks for taking the time to listen today. Find Damon Pistulka on LinkedIn talking about life & building businesses you can sell or succeed. Find out more about Damon when he's not working. @damonpistulka on Instagram, or Damon Pistulka on Facebook. More information on building businesses you can sell or succeed and the Exit Your Way method on our website Email us for more information info@exityourway.com

In this episode of The Faces of Business, Shawn Richards, Founder of Blue Sky Business Consulting and host of The Team Engagement Podcast, explored what truly defines great leadership, and how understanding yourself is the key to unlocking it. Shawn is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) with over 25 years of experience helping entrepreneurs grow and scale their businesses. Through his proprietary leadership strategy and coaching system, he helps business owners reclaim the dream that inspired them to start their business in the first place. At Blue Sky Business Consulting, Shawn empowers leaders by focusing on the four pillars of sustainable growth, financials, operations, leadership, and emotional well-being. His proven approach is designed to build stronger leadership teams, improve business performance, and narrow the value gap for business exits. Join us to learn how recognizing your personal leadership style can help you build a stronger team, operate with more clarity, and increase your business value. Check out the Blog post here: Leadership Strategy: Understanding What Makes YOU a Great Leader Thanks for taking the time to listen today. Find Damon Pistulka on LinkedIn talking about life & building businesses you can sell or succeed. Find out more about Damon when he's not working. @damonpistulka on Instagram, or Damon Pistulka on Facebook. More information on building businesses you can sell or succeed and the Exit Your Way method on our website Email us for more information info@exityourway.com

In this episode of The Faces of Business, Georgi Feidler, Founder of Hire.Train.Inspire., shares how you can break free from the “friends and family” stage and build a company ready to scale, or sell. Georgi is a trusted fractional COO and strategist helping founder-led businesses navigate inflection points with clarity and confidence. With over 20 years of experience, she’s guided dozens of owners through leadership transitions, sustainable growth, and successful exits, unlocking millions in value. At Hire.Train.Inspire., Georgi and her team act as a GPS for small to mid-sized businesses, placing A-players, developing people systems, and bringing structure that supports vision and growth. Check out the Blog post here: From Scale to Sale: Escape the Friends & Family Trap to Build a Deal-Ready Business Thanks for taking the time to listen today. Find Damon Pistulka on LinkedIn talking about life & building businesses you can sell or succeed. On Twitter as @dpistulka with inspiration and sharing thoughts. Find out more about Damon when he's not working. @damonpistulka on Instagram, or Damon Pistulka on Facebook. More information on building businesses you can sell or succeed and the Exit Your Way method on our website Email us for more information info@exityourway.com

In this episode of The Faces of Business, Greg Mischio, Founder and CEO of Winbound, shared strategies to help executives and founders build a stronger personal brand that drives business value. Greg is a seasoned marketing expert with over two decades of experience in content marketing, thought leadership, and executive ghostwriting. Through Winbound’s Bookbound program, Greg helps CEOs turn their ideas into powerful content and even books, boosting influence, visibility, and trust. Greg’s insights are especially valuable for business owners looking to expand their reach, strengthen their legacy, and increase company value by stepping into their role as the face of the business. Check out the Blog post here: Building a Better Executive Brand How and Why it Matters More Today Thanks for taking the time to listen today. Find Damon Pistulka on LinkedIn talking about life & building businesses you can sell or succeed. Find out more about Damon when he's not working. @damonpistulka on Instagram, or Damon Pistulka on Facebook. More information on building businesses you can sell or succeed and the Exit Your Way method on our website Email us for more information info@exityourway.com

In this episode of The Faces of Business, Thomas Ellis, Chief Sales Coach at EWC Consultants, shared how his proven sales boot camp approach can help you develop winning sales habits, drive consistent growth, and build a more valuable business. Thomas is a sales leadership expert with over 25 years of experience transforming underperforming sales teams and helping small business owners master the sales process. Through his proprietary B.U.D. Sales System—Better, Unique, and Desirable—Thomas teaches entrepreneurs and sales professionals how to connect, convert, and close with confidence. At EWC Consultants, Thomas has empowered countless clients by combining structured, repeatable methods with personalized coaching that helps teams and owners sell more with less stress. His expertise spans sales strategy, follow-up systems, and LinkedIn lead generation. Join us to learn how you can apply these principles to grow sales, free yourself from being the sole rainmaker, and scale your company the right way. Check out the Blog post here: Using Sales Boot Camp Knowledge to Help Your Business Grow Thanks for taking the time to listen today. Find Damon Pistulka on LinkedIn talking about life & building businesses you can sell or succeed. Find out more about Damon when he's not working. @damonpistulka on Instagram, or Damon Pistulka on Facebook. More information on building businesses you can sell or succeed and the Exit Your Way method on our website Email us for more information info@exityourway.com

In this episode of "The Faces of Business," Erika Andresen, Founder of EaaS Consulting, shared how business continuity planning can help you protect your operations and keep your cash flow steady, even when the unexpected strikes. Erika is a Certified Business Continuity Professional, attorney, and decorated U.S. Army veteran with over a decade of experience leading disaster response and continuity planning. At EaaS Consulting, she helps companies create strategies that allow them to secure, survive, and thrive in crisis situations. Erika is also the best-selling author of How to Not Kill Your Business and a two-time guest lecturer at MIT. Drawing from her military background and deep expertise in emergency management, Erika helps businesses assess risk, plan for disruption, and recover faster. Her practical approach makes continuity planning not just a safety measure, but a competitive advantage. Join us to learn how Erika’s insights can help you build stronger systems, protect your team, and keep your business running in any environment. Check out the Blog post here: Building Resilient Operations with Business Continuity Planning Thanks for taking the time to listen today. Find Damon Pistulka on LinkedIn talking about life & building businesses you can sell or succeed. On Twitter as @dpistulka with inspiration and sharing thoughts. Find out more about Damon when he's not working. @damonpistulka on Instagram, or Damon Pistulka on Facebook. More information on building businesses you can sell or succeed and the Exit Your Way method on our website Email us for more information info@exityourway.com

In this episode of The Faces of Business, Sara Murray, CEO of Sara Murray, Inc. and host of the top-ranked Prospecting on Purpose podcast, will show you how to shift your sales approach from product-focused to model-driven to win long-term business. Sara is a dynamic sales strategist with years of experience leading sales for high-end global brands and launching innovative solutions in competitive industries. At her firm, she helps business leaders and sales teams break free from transactional tactics and start building profitable, trust-driven client relationships. Through her Prospecting on Purpose framework, Sara teaches how to create value-based conversations that resonate with decision-makers, connect across generations, and grow repeat business. Her insights will help you turn your product or service into a profit-driving solution for your customers. Join us to learn how Sara’s strategies can help you lead sales conversations with confidence and build a business your customers can’t live without. Check out the Blog post here: How to Sell a Business Model Rather Than a Product Thanks for taking the time to listen today. Find Damon Pistulka on LinkedIn talking about life & building businesses you can sell or succeed. Find out more about Damon when he's not working. @damonpistulka on Instagram, or Damon Pistulka on Facebook. More information on building businesses you can sell or succeed and the Exit Your Way method on our website Email us for more information info@exityourway.com

In this episode of The Faces of Business, Nolan Bradbury, Principal at Bradfield Accounting, shared how understanding the right financial numbers can unlock real freedom for business owners. Nolan is a seasoned financial expert and business coach with over two decades of experience helping owners go beyond profit to achieve clarity, control, and confidence. As a CPA and CGMA, he has guided businesses from rapid growth through uncertainty to intentional success. At Bradfield Accounting, Nolan empowers owners who feel stuck—working harder but getting less—or those who sense things are “off” despite profitability. His approach helps identify what’s draining resources and shift business finance from stress to strategy. Join us to discover how Nolan’s insights can help you create a business that supports your life instead of consuming it. Learn what numbers truly matter, and how they can help you gain the freedom you set out to build in the first place. Check out the Blog post here: The Numbers for Increasing Business Owner Freedom Thanks for taking the time to listen today. Find Damon Pistulka on LinkedIn talking about life & building businesses you can sell or succeed. On Twitter as @dpistulka with inspiration and sharing thoughts. Find out more about Damon when he's not working. @damonpistulka on Instagram, or Damon Pistulka on Facebook. More information on building businesses you can sell or succeed and the Exit Your Way method on our website Email us for more information info@exityourway.com

In this episode of The Faces of Business, John Browning, CEO of Guardian Rock Wealth and #1 Amazon Best-Selling Author, shared crucial insights to help business owners avoid hidden tax pitfalls that can sabotage success. John brings over 30 years of experience from Wall Street and has dedicated the last decade to helping business leaders build the life they want through values-based financial strategies and tax-smart investing. At Guardian Rock Wealth, John’s team works as fiduciary partners, helping clients create and execute sound financial plans tailored to their goals. During the show, John will break down how financial success can unintentionally trigger costly tax consequences—and what you can do to avoid them. He’ll share real-world strategies to help you reduce tax burdens, build wealth efficiently, and prepare your business for long-term success or exit. John’s mission is clear: empower business owners to build lives—not just portfolios—by making smart financial decisions that align with their values. He has spoken across the country, is a certified John Maxwell Speaker, and is widely recognized for demystifying complex financial topics with clarity and compassion. Join us to learn how to keep your financial success from becoming your biggest liability. Check out the Blog post here: When Success Backfires: Tax Traps for Business Owners Thanks for taking the time to listen today. Find Damon Pistulka on LinkedIn talking about life & building businesses you can sell or succeed. On Twitter as @dpistulka with inspiration and sharing thoughts. Find out more about Damon when he's not working. @damonpistulka on Instagram, or Damon Pistulka on Facebook. More information on building businesses you can sell or succeed and the Exit Your Way method on our website Email us for more information info@exityourway.com

In this episode of The Faces of Business, Coach Dan Gordon, Executive Business Coach & Speaker at Dan Gordon Enterprise, shared how to stop dreading sales conversations and start building authentic connections that drive real business growth. Coach Dan is a nationally recognized sales coach who’s helped over 1,000 business leaders transform the way they sell—by ditching outdated scripts and mastering heart-led sales strategies. With decades of experience in leadership development, public speaking, and sales performance, Dan empowers entrepreneurs to sell with confidence, clarity, and integrity. At Dan Gordon Enterprise, his no-fluff approach teaches how to dissolve limiting beliefs, unlock influence, and gain powerful buy-in from clients—without sounding pushy or transactional. Join us to learn how you can shift from fear-based selling to authentic conversations that build trust and consistently convert. Coach Dan’s insights are designed to help owners grow their business, create more freedom, and step into the leader their team and clients need. Check out the Blog post here: Selling Authentically Build Trust Win Clients Thanks for taking the time to listen today. Find Damon Pistulka on LinkedIn talking about life & building businesses you can sell or succeed. On Twitter as @dpistulka with inspiration and sharing thoughts. Find out more about Damon when he's not working. @damonpistulka on Instagram, or Damon Pistulka on Facebook. More information on building businesses you can sell or succeed and the Exit Your Way method on our website Email us for more information info@exityourway.com

In this episode of The Faces of Business, Leslie Hassler, Founder of Your Biz Rules, will share strategies to help business owners build and manage teams that drive success while avoiding burnout. Leslie is a business growth strategist, speaker, and author with over 17 years of entrepreneurial experience. Through Your Biz Rules, she helps small businesses achieve predictable profits and sustainable growth without sacrificing their quality of life. Leslie’s expertise in team leadership, financial strategy, and operational efficiency has helped countless business owners break through financial barriers and scale effectively. She is the author of First This, Then That and the upcoming Scaling Rich™, and an alumna of the Goldman Sachs 10K Small Business program. Leslie has been recognized on national stages like NAWBO and WBENC for her innovative approach to business transformation. Join us as Leslie shares practical strategies for reducing burnout, building strong teams, and unlocking hidden profits so your business can thrive. Check out the Blog post here: Building and Managing a Team to Reduce Burnout Thanks for taking the time to listen today. Find Damon Pistulka on LinkedIn talking about life & building businesses you can sell or succeed. Find out more about Damon when he's not working. @damonpistulka on Instagram, or Damon Pistulka on Facebook. More information on building businesses you can sell or succeed and the Exit Your Way method on our website Email us for more information info@exityourway.com

In this episode of The Faces of Business, Pete/r Armstrong, Founder of Peter Armstrong Coaching, shared how business leaders can achieve real success—without sacrificing their peace, presence, or purpose. Pete/r works with high-performing fathers and professionals who feel disconnected at home despite their business achievements. His focus? Helping them reclaim joy, connection, and purpose in both their personal and professional lives. As a TEDx speaker, Certified Positive Intelligence Coach, and Trauma-Informed Coach, Pete/r brings a powerful blend of emotional intelligence, leadership insight, and lived experience. He’s helped countless leaders break through mental blocks, heal emotional pain, and build legacies rooted in strength, compassion, and authenticity. Join us to learn how Pete/r's proven mindset and emotional mastery strategies can help you feel more fulfilled, become a present father or partner, and create a success story that feels whole—not hollow. Check out the Blog post here: Success Without Sacrifice: Building a Life That Feels Whole Thanks for taking the time to listen today. Find Damon Pistulka on LinkedIn talking about life & building businesses you can sell or succeed. Find out more about Damon when he's not working. @damonpistulka on Instagram, or Damon Pistulka on Facebook. More information on building businesses you can sell or succeed and the Exit Your Way method on our website Email us for more information info@exityourway.com

In this episode of The Faces of Business, Spencer Marona, Managing Partner at Mohr Partners, Inc., will reveal why automatically renewing your business lease could quietly be costing your company more than you realize—and what strategic leaders are doing instead to protect and grow their bottom line. Spencer is a commercial real estate expert with over 20 years of experience and more than $1 billion in sales across roles in brokerage, leadership, and consulting. From leading revenue growth of nearly 300% at HFO Investment Real Estate to co-founding a consulting firm focused on sales and leadership performance, Spencer brings powerful insights that help business leaders make better real estate decisions. At Mohr Partners, Spencer leads the Seattle office, guiding CEOs and executive teams through complex corporate real estate strategies. He is known for helping clients uncover hidden risks, cut unnecessary costs, and turn lease management into a competitive advantage. Join us to discover the pitfalls of lease auto-renewals and the proactive steps that can help you align your real estate strategy with long-term business value. Check out the Blog post here: Why Smart CEOs Don’t Auto-Renew Leases Thanks for taking the time to listen today. Find Damon Pistulka on LinkedIn talking about life & building businesses you can sell or succeed. Find out more about Damon when he's not working. @damonpistulka on Instagram, or Damon Pistulka on Facebook. More information on building businesses you can sell or succeed and the Exit Your Way method on our website Email us for more information info@exityourway.com

In this episode of The Faces of Business, we welcome Walter Crosby, CEO of Helix Sales Development, to discuss how aligning your marketing and sales messaging can drive business growth and improve sales performance. Walter is a sales performance expert with a deep understanding of sales process improvement, sales training, and team development. He helps mid-market CEOs build high-performance sales organizations that generate revenue without their constant involvement. Through Helix Sales Development, Walter has guided businesses in transforming their sales teams, implementing repeatable processes, and creating accountability-driven sales cultures. Join us as Walter shares how misalignment between marketing and sales can lead to lost revenue, and how businesses can fine-tune their messaging to attract and convert the right customers. His insights will help you create a seamless customer journey that turns prospects into loyal clients. Check out the Blog post here: Aligning Your Marketing and Sales Message for Success Thanks for taking the time to listen today. Find Damon Pistulka on LinkedIn talking about life & building businesses you can sell or succeed. Find out more about Damon when he's not working. @damonpistulka on Instagram, or Damon Pistulka on Facebook. More information on building businesses you can sell or succeed and the Exit Your Way method on our website Email us for more information info@exityourway.com

In this episode of The Faces of Business, John D. Hanson, Business Growth Navigator, Workshop Facilitator, Speaker, and Author, will share how AI is revolutionizing marketing and business operations, helping companies streamline processes, improve customer engagement, and accelerate growth. John is a strategic business leader who helps small to mid-sized businesses cut through complexity and implement AI-powered strategies that attract ideal customers, automate workflows, and drive revenue. With years of experience in business growth, sales, and marketing execution, John provides clarity and action plans that empower companies to scale effectively. Join us to learn how AI can enhance your marketing strategies, simplify operations, and position your business for long-term success. Check out the Blog post here: How AI is Changing Marketing and Business Operations Thanks for taking the time to listen today. Find Damon Pistulka on LinkedIn talking about life & building businesses you can sell or succeed. Find out more about Damon when he's not working. @damonpistulka on Instagram, or Damon Pistulka on Facebook. More information on building businesses you can sell or succeed and the Exit Your Way method on our website Email us for more information info@exityourway.com

In this episode of The Faces of Business, we welcome Dasha Tyshlek, a seasoned growth strategist and innovation leader, to discuss how businesses can build a culture of innovation to drive long-term success. Dasha has a track record of transforming ideas into revenue. As a Fractional Chief Revenue & Growth Officer, Consultant, and Entrepreneur in Residence at UVA Darden School of Business, she has helped companies streamline R&D, accelerate commercialization, and enhance revenue operations. From leading multi-million-dollar growth initiatives to securing key defense and technology contracts, her expertise in innovation-driven business strategy is unmatched. Join us as Dasha shares insights on how to foster innovation, improve go-to-market strategies, and align teams for sustained growth. Whether you're scaling your business, launching new technologies, or navigating market shifts, this conversation will offer actionable strategies to drive progress. Check out the Blog post here: Building a Culture of Innovation Thanks for taking the time to listen today. Find Damon Pistulka on LinkedIn talking about life & building businesses you can sell or succeed. Find out more about Damon when he's not working. @damonpistulka on Instagram, or Damon Pistulka on Facebook. More information on building businesses you can sell or succeed and the Exit Your Way method on our website Email us for more information info@exityourway.com

In this episode of The Faces of Business, Dennis Riley, Founder of Goals to Results, shared insights on how businesses can use marketing automation and data-driven strategies to increase sales and streamline operations. With over 30 years of experience in software development, CRM integration, and business automation, Dennis has helped countless companies turn disorganized data into actionable insights. At Goals to Results, he specializes in building smart, efficient systems that help businesses maximize their leads, automate key processes, and make data-driven decisions that drive growth. Dennis understands that many business owners struggle with inefficient marketing and sales processes that waste time and money. His expertise in CRM automation, workflow optimization, and data strategy enables companies to increase sales without increasing workload. Join us to learn how automation can help you close more deals, improve customer engagement, and scale your business effectively. Check out the Blog post here: Marketing Strategies and Automation that Drive Sales Thanks for taking the time to listen today. Find Damon Pistulka on LinkedIn talking about life & building businesses you can sell or succeed. Find out more about Damon when he's not working. @damonpistulka on Instagram, or Damon Pistulka on Facebook. More information on building businesses you can sell or succeed and the Exit Your Way method on our website Email us for more information info@exityourway.com