Enterprise Builders Podcast

Mayor Bobby Dyer is the Mayor of Virginia Beach, a city consistently rated as one of the best places to live in the US. Virginia Beach has seen incredible growth both in business and recreational offerings. He was elected mayor in November 2018 and re-elected in 2020. Mayor Dyer is the first Veteran with a PhD in organizational leadership to be elected Mayor of Virginia Beach. He has a diverse background, including experience as a healthcare executive, business consultant, and professor. In this episode… What do managing a business and governing a city have in common? An effective leadership style. So, what can you learn from the Mayor of Virginia Beach about how to lead a thriving city or run a successful business? According to Mayor Bobby Dyer, you can’t foresee every circumstance, but you can adapt your leadership style to changes. As mayor of Virginia Beach, Mayor Dyer says that successful leaders have good communication skills, are resilient, know how to react to crises by improvising, adapting, or overcoming challenges, and surround themselves with remarkable teams. On this episode of The Enterprise Builders Podcast, Scott Swearingen welcomes Mayor Bobby Dyer, Mayor of Virginia Beach, to discuss leadership traits he's learned as mayor that you can use in any business. Mayor Dyer shares how he became a Mayor, how his military experience impacts his leadership style, and his approach to fostering a motivating and engaging environment.

Michael Rotch is the Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis at Bonaventure, a vertically integrated real estate company specializing in property management, investment management, architectural design, and development of multifamily rental properties. Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, Bonaventure is considered one of the top 15 most experienced HUD developers in the US and has completed over $2.25 billion in transactions, $500 million in HUD loans, and manages over 5,800 units. Before Bonaventure, Michael spent five years in investment banking, focusing on mergers and acquisition analysis and turnaround management. He established the financial planning department at Bonaventure, concentrating on merger and acquisition analysis, turnaround management, and strategic initiatives for the company. Michael also served as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, where he was deployed in Iraq. In this episode… Real estate is a volatile industry, with price increases and rising interest rates affecting housing acquisitions. As a business in this industry, how can you scale to achieve continued success? Many people are considering multifamily housing due to the high-priced market. Michael Rotch believes this is a profitable trend investors should leverage to grow their business and maximize return on capital. When developing multifamily housing, it’s crucial to acquire joint venture partnerships to mitigate risks and competition. For a successful investment, business owners must also facilitate a satisfying tenant experience. On this episode of The Enterprise Builders Podcast, Scott Swearingen welcomes Michael Rotch, Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis at Bonaventure, to discuss how to succeed in the real estate industry through multifamily housing. Michael explains considerations for the development and acquisition of multifamily housing, how to evaluate joint venture partnerships, and the benefits of an upgrade transaction.

Dr. Josh Funk is the Founder and CEO of Rehab 2 Perform, a physical therapy and personal training center that provides solutions to improve movement and increase physicality and performance. As a lifelong athlete, he became interested in becoming a physical therapist while going through PT treatments as a D1 lacrosse player at Ohio State. Dr. Funk earned a BS degree from The Ohio State University before earning his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. After avoiding shoulder surgery for a torn labrum and rotator cuff, Dr. Funk has been entrenched in the world of physical therapy and sports performance. He has grown Rehab 2 Perform to eight locations and has been recognized twice as an Inc. 5000 entrepreneur. Dr. Funk is also the host of the High Performers Podcast. In this episode… Are you a passionate expert in your industry? Do you have what it takes to start and grow a business? According to Dr. Josh Funk, there are three fundamental requirements of owning a successful business: social capital, financial capital, and intellectual capital. Social capital entails building a network of dedicated people to provide value for your company. With intellectual capital, it’s crucial to manage and promote your services in your designated marketplace. Business owners must also understand how to separate their personal and business finances. By implementing these standards, Dr. Funk has scaled his physical therapy business to multiple locations. On this episode of The Enterprise Builders Podcast, Scott Swearingen welcomes Dr. Josh Funk, Founder and CEO of Rehab 2 Perform, to discuss his journey of starting and running a successful physical therapy business. Dr. Funk shares how he became a physical therapist, the three C’s required to start and run a business, how he scaled his business and retained employees, and his key takeaways from participating in business programs.

Andrew Salmon is the Chief Future Officer at SALMON Health and Retirement, a senior living and healthcare facility that addresses older adults at different stages of their lives. In his role, Andrew has scaled the company by sourcing the acquisition of SALMON VNA & Hospice. Additionally, he has forged numerous exclusive and preferred vendor relationships with partners that have helped the company grow sustainably. Andrew is an experienced healthcare service professional skilled in nonprofit organizations, event planning, customer service, coaching, and Medicaid. He is a father and a world-class athlete who has completed six Ironman Triathlons and competed in two world championships in 2008 and 2012. In this episode… According to a study conducted by The Conway Center for Family Business, only 12% of all family businesses are operational by the third generation. So, how can family businesses succeed amid industry shifts in today’s volatile marketplace? As a third generation business owner of a senior healthcare and living facility, Andrew Salmon strives to be the premier provider of senior healthcare and housing in New England. To accomplish this goal, he has acquired a hospice and intimate care center that promotes independence and comfortable living through innovative technology catered to residents’ needs, yoga and fitness classes, and memory care. When facing challenges and competition in the market, Andrew recommends focusing on the aspects of your business you can control to adapt effectively to industry changes. On this episode of The Enterprise Builders Podcast, Scott Swearingen welcomes Andrew Salmon, the Chief Future Officer at SALMON Health and Retirement, to discuss how to succeed as a family business in the senior healthcare and housing industry. Andrew shares three takeaways from previous generations of his family business, how SALMON provides high-quality care and services for their clients, and the challenges the business faced and how they overcame them.

Kirk Williamson is a Franchisee at P3 Cost Analysts, an expense reduction consulting franchise specializing in reducing businesses’ telecom, waste, and utility bills. After college, he worked for a department store before working as a banker. Before P3, Kirk worked in the oil and gas industry for four years and later joined the investment industry as a stockbroker, where he worked for 38 years. In this episode… Owning a business in the financial industry can be challenging. So, what does it take to thrive as an entrepreneur in this space? With a mission to satisfy his desire to own a business, Kirk Williamson acquired a franchise company in the cost-reduction industry. He has faced many challenges in acquiring clients, maintaining relationships, initiating transactions, and generating strategic growth. Kirk advises other entrepreneurs not to seek motivation by setting and achieving goals. Instead, he maintains the importance of possessing keen determination to obtain partnerships on a consistent basis so you can scale your business. On this episode of The Enterprise Builders Podcast, Aaron Stahl welcomes Kirk Williamson, a Franchisee at P3 Cost Analysts, to discuss how to become a successful entrepreneur. Kirk shares his personal and professional background and the inspiration to become an entrepreneur, tips for owning a successful business, the challenges of starting a business from scratch, and advice for future entrepreneurs.

Kirk McJunkin is a Business Owner at P3 Cost Analysts, an expense reduction consulting franchise specializing in reducing businesses’ telecom, waste, and utility bills. After graduating from The University of Texas at Austin with a degree in business administration and finance, Kirk was drafted as an offensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Before P3, he was the Executive Athletic Director at Trinity Christian Academy, the Director of Business Development at Oldcastle, and the Vice President of JE Dunn Construction. In this episode… Are you trying to start a business? Have you considered owning a franchise? What does it take to manage a franchise company successfully? After being employed and managing his dad's business for some time, Kirk McJunkin was still unsatisfied with his occupations. In search of financial and personal freedom, he decided to acquire a franchise business in the cost-reduction space. After overcoming challenges faced in transactions, partnerships, and strategic growth, Kirk advises others to start off collaborating with small, private businesses to gain skills and expertise. On this episode of The Enterprise Builders Podcast, Aaron Stahl welcomes Kirk McJunkin, a Business Owner at P3 Cost Analysts, to discuss his journey to becoming a successful franchisee. Kirk shares his background and the inspiration to become an entrepreneur, the importance of having clarity and accountability in company roles, the challenges faced and lessons he learned starting a business in the cost-reduction space, and his advice for up-and-coming entrepreneurs.

Chris Atkinson is a Franchisee at P3 Cost Analysts, an expense reduction consulting franchise specializing in reducing businesses’ telecom, waste, and utility bills. Since 1991, P3’s auditors have performed expense reduction audits for over 30,000 clients located nationwide, generating hundreds of millions in savings for companies across all industries, including notable clients like Sonic, KFC, Coca-Cola, and Jefferson Pilot. Chris is also the former Vice President of Sales at P3 when it was known as P3 Waste Consulting. He received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from University of Arkansas. As an avid scuba diver, Chris was issued the PADI Divemaster certification in 2004. In this episode… Many professionals start a franchise business, but not everyone has what it takes to succeed. So, what are some strategies you can establish to manage your business effectively? As a successful franchisee, Chris Atkinson maintains the importance of building mutually beneficial relationships with clients and stakeholders. This allows him to obtain profitable business deals and help others succeed in the process. Chris advises other entrepreneurs to sustain perseverance in any opportunity or endeavor — be it transactions, partnerships or strategic growth. On this episode of The Enterprise Builders Podcast, Aaron Stahl welcomes Chris Atkinson, a Franchisee at P3 Cost Analysts, to discuss achieving success as a franchisee. Chris explains how he got started in the cost reduction space — and how he built his business portfolio, the mistakes he made and the lessons he learned from them, how to maintain good relationships with clients, and his advice for rising entrepreneurs.

Shannon Taylor is the Franchise Owner of P3 Cost Analysts, a national cost reduction franchise focused on reducing telecom, waste, merchant processing, and utility bills inside businesses. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensed in South Carolina and North Carolina with a mission to help his clients grow their profits. Shannon has experience working with businesses in numerous industries, including real estate, property management, logistics, retail, distribution, and SaaS companies. In this episode… Launching a business and successfully running it can be challenging. So, what does it take to have a profitable business? Shannon Taylor has worked with companies in numerous industries. After starting his own business, he struggled to build client relationships and advertise his services. Now, Shannon maintains the importance of dedication and tenacity to identify business opportunities and scale. On this episode of The Enterprise Builders Podcast, Aaron Stahl welcomes Shannon Taylor, the Franchise Owner of P3 Cost Analysts, to discuss tips for a successful business. Shannon explains the process of starting a business, the challenges of managing a business and how to overcome them, the traits a good businessman should have, and advice to prospective entrepreneurs.

Benjamin Dunn is the Chief Executive Officer for Brookshire International Academy, which is dedicated to providing educational opportunities to students who have been unable to find success in education. For more than 12 years, he has championed Brookshire’s Dean of Education role. Benjamin has extensive experience running an innovative, cutting-edge distance education program through an online private high school for over 2,000 students across the US. He earned his PhD in theology and a Doctorate in divinity from Seminary at ULC. Benjamin saw a greater need for innovation in education and founded Brookshire International Academy in 2009, where he has shown tireless dedication to the goal of eliminating the cycle of poverty one student at a time In this episode… Every student has a right to a quality and affordable education. So, where can you find schools that cater to all populations? Noticing a discrepancy in the number of educational opportunities available to underserved communities, Benjamin Dunn founded Brookshire International Academy. In doing so, he provided career opportunities to high school students who had previously been denied employment due to a lack of education. With a variety of learning options that cater to individual needs, students can forge their own paths to success. On this episode of The Enterprise Builders Podcast, Scott Swearingen welcomes Benjamin Dunn, the Chief Executive Officer for Brookshire International Academy, to discuss his journey running a school that provides great educational opportunities to all populations. Benjamin explains why he founded the academy, the major turning points that influenced its growth, and how the academy overcame challenges as early adopters of remote learning.

AJ Moses is the CFO at Esch Sonic Group, which was founded by Pete Esch when he built his first Sonic Drive-In at the age of 40. Since that time, the Esch Sonic Group has grown to own and operate 72 Sonic Drive-Ins spanning eight states from Chattanooga, TN to Lincoln, NE, and everywhere in between. AJ attended the University of Arkansas and started with the Esch Sonic Group in 2009. During his time with ESG, AJ has held numerous positions, including working in accounts payable and acting as the controller before becoming CFO in 2011. In this episode… How can you effectively manage a national franchise to maintain consistent operations across all channels? What are some strategies you can leverage to meet both employee and customer demands? Building and demonstrating a strong company culture throughout all levels of your business is critical to navigating challenging times. When executives understand how each role operates in a company, they can determine how best to structure their culture to serve everyone. When operating during unprecedented times, an enduring and positive culture can maintain stability for each member. On this episode of The Enterprise Builders Podcast, Scott Swearingen welcomes AJ Moses, CFO at Esch Sonic Group, to discuss how to successfully manage a franchise business. AJ reflects on navigating the pandemic, the importance of building relationships both within your company and with your customers, and offers advice on accepting opportunities even if you might not be ready for them.