While the cloud may have once been an unfamiliar concept, it has now become the baseline for operations for businesses of all sizes. In this new era, where priorities have shifted to increasing the efficiency and agility of innovation, developers and businesses are finding ways to level up their own platforms by integrating apps from the marketplace. 
 
In this episode, Ian is joined by Grant Shirk, Head of Product Marketing at Cisco Meraki, and Miriam Kung, SMB Product Marketing at Meraki, to discuss this new era of the cloud and how small businesses can take advantage of these developments to accelerate the growth of their businesses.

Learn more about Cisco SMB solutions: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/small-business.html?ccid=cc004168

Small Business, Big Solutions: The Future is Cloudy

Hailing from the vibrant community of Land O Lakes, Florida, Hugh "Hobby" Barndollar stands as a multifaceted business owner, CEO, and financial expert with a passion for helping others achieve their dreams. With over fifteen years of industry experience and an unquenchable thirst for business innovation, Hobby is a driving force in his field, leaving an indelible mark on both the financial sector and the culinary world.

At the helm of his professional journey is his role as CEO and part owner of PurePath Wealth, a financial firm that sets its sights on making clients' ideal retirements a reality. Under Hugh's guidance, PurePath Wealth adopts a holistic approach to financial planning, offering an array of services ranging from estate planning and probate to life insurance, annuities, and long-term care. As an Investment Advisor, Hugh is dedicated to helping clients achieve their financial goals, with his expertise shining particularly in tax planning, income planning, and Social Security planning. His commitment to crafting comprehensive and understandable financial plans is a testament to his client-centric philosophy.

Hugh's responsibilities extend beyond his role as CEO. He takes charge of handling compliance matters and oversees the day-to-day operations of PurePath Wealth, ensuring that the company functions seamlessly to deliver top-notch service to its clients.

Hugh's journey to becoming a financial expert was paved with education and certifications. He earned his stripes by obtaining life, health, and annuity licenses, as well as passing the Series 7, 63, 24, and 65 securities exams. His academic foundation was built at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, where he majored in Marketing and Management. His thirst for knowledge led him to Georgia State University, where he earned an MBA in finance, equipping him with the tools to excel in his field.

Beyond his financial pursuits, Hobby's entrepreneurial spirit thrives as part-owner of HotRocks Pizza, a venture that reflects his diverse interests. HotRocks Pizza, founded by firefighters Denny and Marvin, stands as a testament to their passion for food and entrepreneurship. Hobby's involvement in the venture is a natural extension of his business acumen and his willingness to embrace opportunities that align with his passions.

Hobby's journey is enriched by his early exposure to business lessons from his father, which instilled in him a strong work ethic and an unwavering commitment to building meaningful relationships. When it comes to his own family, Hobby's dedication shines even brighter. As a devoted husband and father of four, his personal life is a harmonious blend of family time, sports, and community engagement.

Whether he's diligently leading PurePath Wealth, co-owning HotRocks Pizza, or spending time with his family, Hugh "Hobby" Barndollar remains a force to be reckoned with. His enduring commitment to excellence, his holistic approach to financial planning, and his entrepreneurial prowess make him a role model for aspiring business professionals. As he continues to shape the business landscape, Hobby's impact is felt not only by his clients but also by the community he so passionately serves.

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