From working for GE in Yorkshire England to becoming an entrepreneur helping business owners sell their business, to becoming an ordained Deacon - Matt founded Brandywine Mergers & Acquisitions, LLC is a boutique M&A advisory providing sell-side representation to owner-led companies.

Brian and Matt discuss the four things you should know for when it's a good time to sell your business, and they touch on why now is a great time to sell. Matt also shares some of the emotions that come out during a closing, how to set expectations, and how to deal with unsolicited offers that usually sound too good to be true. 

Matt explains why and how he wrote a book titled “Straight Talk from the Front Lines”. The book teaches business owners how to make their business very saleable for more money and breaks down the business sales process. 

Matt Coyne is a wealth of knowledge, and shares great information for all entrepreneurs. 


HAPPY ½ HOUR DRINKS:
Costumes & Karaoke by Dogfish Head Brewery- Brian rates it a 3.5 out of 5 
Swell Joe Coffee - https://www.swelljoecoffee.com

Learn more about Matt Coyne and to purchase his book at https://www.bma1.com
The M&A Mastery Program  https://www.mastery-program.com
 
Learn more about Rivers Edge Advisors: https://riversedgeadvisors.com
Connect with Brian Carney on Instagram @riversedgeadvisors_llc
Connect with Brian on untappd.com -  brcarney7

Episode 12 - Matt Coyne | Brandywine Mergers & Acquisitions

After recently hurting himself around the house, Brian discusses with Arianne Missimer that he’s not as flexible as he should be and how nutrition - what you should or shouldn't be eating - is one of the most widely misunderstood topics by the general public. 

Who is Arianne Missimer? She’s a lot of things: cancer survivor, speaker, American Ninja Warrior contestant, ballroom dance competitor,  Doctor of Physical Therapy, a Registered Dietician, an author and the CEO and Founder of The Movement Paradigm.  

In this episode, Arianne and Brian talk about her relationship with cancer, her mantra “Challenge Accepted”, and the highs and lows of her enlightening journey to becoming a successful entrepreneur.

HAPPY ½ HOUR DRINKS:

Athletic Brewing - All Out Extra Dark (Non-Alcoholic) https://athleticbrewing.com/

Learn more about Arianne Missimer https://themovementparadigm.com/

 

Learn more about Rivers Edge Advisors: https://riversedgeadvisors.com/

Connect with Brian Carney on Instagram @riversedgeadvisors_llc
Connect with Brian on untappd.com -  brcarney7

Episode 13 -Arianne Missimer | The Movement Paradigm

For the majority of his career, Markevis was a “professional hustler” who started making $200 a week when he was 8 years old. Today, Markevis is a successful business owner and entrepreneur of Nerdit Now buying, selling and repairing computers, cell phones and tablets, all while giving back to his community.

In this episode, Markevis explains how he takes one of the worst days of his life, makes an impulsive decision to move to China, and within 4 months of having his first alcoholic drink he opened his first bar - YES in China!

Markevis also discusses how he had the opportunity to pitch an idea on Shark Tank and how he built his prototype kiosk in just 2 weeks before the show.

All of this started for Markevis when his teacher gave him a computer. That ultimately translated into him attending Howard High School of Technology, where he became a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer. Markevis’ story is amazing and inspirational! Don't miss it!


HAPPY ½ HOUR DRINKS:
Dogfish Head Hazy-O - Brian rates it a 3.75 out of 5 https://www.dogfish.com/brewery/beer/hazy-o
Markevis drinks a Jack & Coke


Learn more about Markevis Gideon at nerditnow.com
Watch his Ted Talk:  https://www.ted.com/talks/markevis_gideon_find_your_china

Learn more about Rivers Edge Advisors: https://riversedgeadvisors.com
Connect with Brian Carney on Instagram @riversedgeadvisors_llc
Connect with Brian on untappd.com -  brcarney7

Episode 14 - Markevis Gideon | NERDiT NOW

In this episode Brian and Joe talk about how Joe was working in construction while planning on going to law school to then become a partner of Whisman Giordano & Associates, LLC. 

Joe opens up and shares some of his darkest days when his wife passed away from mrsa pneumonia. Living in regret from working too much and not spending enough time with his wife before she passed away, he stresses the importance of not delaying a vacation with your family and to make time now. 

Joe’s journey is unlike most entrepreneurs - he never had a goal of making a certain amount of money at a certain age - that didn’t matter to him. What did matter was that he knew he didn’t want to work for someone else, and years later he finds out that what he enjoys most is working with his clients. 

Joe explains why he became a vegetarian and how he now loves to use his smoker for cooking meats. Get a cooking lesson on how to cook delicious chicken thighs, find out what mistakes not to make as a business owner, and more in this episode with Joe Giordano.

HAPPY ½ HOUR DRINKS:
Victory Brewing DirtWolf Double IPA - Brian rates it a 4 out of 5 https://victorybeer.com/beers/dirtwolf/
Jefferson's Reserve Bourbon - https://jeffersonsbourbon.com/jeffersons-reserve/

Learn more about Joe Giodano at https://www.whismangiordano.com/
Amy Giordano’s Fund: https://www.bgclubs.org/amy-l-giordano-fund/
  
Learn more about Rivers Edge Advisors: https://riversedgeadvisors.com/
Connect with Brian Carney on Instagram @riversedgeadvisors_llc
Connect with Brian on untappd.com -  brcarney7

Episode 15 -  Joe Giordano | Whisman Giordano & Associates, LLC

Episode 18 -  Lee Podolsky | Breakwater Accounting and Advisory Corp.

In this episode Brian shares a drink with Lee Podolsky, owner and founder of Breakwater Accounting and Advisory Corp. It wasn’t all rainbows and sunshine when Lee started her business six years ago with 2 employees and 16 clients, but today her business has over 200 clients, 40 employees and is steadily growing. 

After being laser-focused on her first career with Dupont for 10 years, Lee decided to go on her own and start freelancing for friends and family after she had her first child. Without a long term vision, Lee trusted her gut and jumped in with both feet, leaving all the naysayers behind. 

Find out how Lee’s psychology minor comes in handy and how she wound up with a majority of female employees - 38 women and 4 men.  

HAPPY ½ HOUR DRINKS:
Always Ready Hazy IPA from Cape May Brewing Company - 4 out of 5 
https://www.capemaybrewery.com/beers/

Barone Fini Pinot Grigio
https://baronefiniwines.com/

Learn more about  Breakwater Accounting and Advisory Corp. https://breakwatercorp.com/
Learn more about Rivers Edge Advisors: https://riversedgeadvisors.com/
Connect with Brian Carney on Instagram @riversedgeadvisors_llc
Connect with Brian on untappd.com -  brcarney7

Episode 18 -  Lee Podolsky | Breakwater Accounting and Advisory Corp.

In this episode Brian shares a beer with serial entrepreneur, Glenn Fedale. Growing up, Glen was the oldest of ten children and started his roofing company 20 years ago when he did his first roof for his now mother in law - good thing it went well! 

Glen shares how he grew his roofing business from $350k the first year to now generating $30 million dollars in revenue. So how did he get his empire started?  Don’t burn any bridges, slow to hire, fast to fire and keep your finger on the pulse.  Having the best people on your team and learning from all your mistakes is key to success. 

Today, Glen owns several successful companies including GFP Mobile Mix Supply which provides concrete materials and service; and Bumpboxx, a bluetooth speaker company that blends old school designs with the latest technology. 

Glen also shares how he started a successful charity with his brother called “Roof from the Heart” and working with celebrities like Drake, Snoop Dogg, Trae tha Truth, and so many more - this episode is full of great stories which give you an inside perspective of how Glen became so successful. 

HAPPY ½ HOUR DRINKS:

Yards Brewing Company Big Hayes-y Double  IPA - 4 out of 5 
https://yardsbrewing.com/products/big-hayes-y

Miller Lite 
https://www.millerlite.com/

Learn more about G. Fedale: https://www.gfedaleroof.com/
https://www.gfpmobilemix.com/

Learn more about Roof from the Heart: https://www.gfedaleroof.com/about-us/roofs-from-the-heart/

Learn more about bumpboxx: 
https://bumpboxx.com/

Learn more about Rivers Edge Advisors: https://riversedgeadvisors.com/
Connect with Brian Carney on Instagram @riversedgeadvisors_llc
Connect with Brian on untappd.com -  brcarney7

Episode 19 -  Glenn Fedale | G. Fedale Roofing and Siding

Over 15 years ago Tom wanted a stereo system bigger and louder than his friends, and like many guests on this show, entrepreneurship just happened. Graduating college in 2009, Tom worked a gig literally right after his graduation ceremony, and eventually smaller gigs turned into bigger gigs which turned into a full time job.

Early on in his career, Tom invested in digital audio technology versus analog audio which proved to be advantageous for him, his team and clients. Today Tom is the president and lead project manager for Electro Sound Systems, which in 2019, provided audio services for 328 events. Like many of us, Tom was unsure of how the pandemic would play out, but he kept busy and found new ways to generate income. 

Tom goes on to explain how he became Joe Biden's audio engineer during the presidential campaign and after he was elected President - spending 5 days a week in D.C. away from his family. Listen today to learn more about Tom’s entrepreneurial  journey and his biggest moment as an audio engineer. 

HAPPY ½ HOUR DRINKS:
Conehead from Zero Gravity Beer - 2.5 out of 5 
https://www.zerogravitybeer.com/conehead

Learn more about Tom at : https://electrosoundsystems.com/

Learn more about Rivers Edge Advisors: https://riversedgeadvisors.com/
Connect with Brian Carney on Instagram @riversedgeadvisors_llc
Connect with Brian on untappd.com -  brcarney7

Episode 20 -  Tom Manchester | Electro Sound Systems

In this episode Brian and Chris discuss how ego and pride go out the window when it comes to running a successful business, and that the result is most important. Having pride in your work is so important to Chris that he came up with his own acronym for the word: People Rationalizing Internal Doubts and Excuses. 

Before starting his business Chris was an actor, host, and professional mascot for the University of Delaware where he then went on to work for the Washington Wizards. Today Chris owns and operates King Creative out of Wilmington, DE. King Creative is a full scale Video Production Company and Audio Recording Studio specializing in connecting with audiences through the development, production, and delivery of content geared for TV, Social Media, Online and Streaming Platforms.

Brian and Chris also discuss Chris’s experience having a baby during COVID lockdown in April of 2020 and how she’s been an incredible addition to the family.

Episode 21 -  Chris Bruce | King Creative

This episode is unlike all previous episodes Brian has had to date - Brian has a drink with Edrees Siddiqi of The South Jersey Group. What makes Edrees Siddiqi's story so unique? Well for starters he fled Kabul, Afghanistan with his mother when he was 3 years old to Pakistan, then into India and then the United States. 

Fast forward 19 years and Edrees voluntarily goes back to Afghanistan as a Pashto interpreter for the Department of Defense Marine Corps. 

When he returned to the United States 13 months later, and 77 pounds lighter, he used the money he earned to start a demolition business that would take him and his partner to opening South Jersey Recycling. 

Edrees story is unlike most, but as many entrepreneurs on Brian’s show - he didn’t want to work for anyone else and as a first child to immigrant parents, working at Costo wasn’t going to  cut it.  

HAPPY ½ HOUR DRINKS:
Dewey Beer Company’s Starboard VIP Pale Ale - Brian gave it a 4 out of 5
https://deweybeerco.com/beer
Don Julio Tequila - https://www.donjulio.com/en-us/
Learn more about Edrees at : https://www.thesouthjerseygroup.com/
Instagram: thesjgroup
Learn more about Rivers Edge Advisors: https://riversedgeadvisors.com/
Connect with Brian Carney on Instagram @riversedgeadvisors_llc
Connect with Brian on untappd.com -  brcarney7

Episode 23 - Edrees Siddiqi | South Jersey Group

Episode 24 -  Ed Wallace | Human Capital, AchieveNEXT

In this episode, Brian is asked by Managing Director of Human Capital, AchieveNEXT, Ed Wallace - “What made you guys successful?”  

As a best selling author of 4 books, Ed consults with and speaks for corporations and associations across the globe, and explains to Brian that “people don’t love to be sold but they love to buy stuff.”  As a matter of fact, Ed talks about how he landed a Fortune 500 company (DOW Chemicals), as a client by not selling. 

Ed also walks Brian through “Ask, Ask, Ask, Tell” - a process created to help you learn someone’s GPS to build or strengthen relationships - after all relationships are everything, 

Listen to hear the most common mistakes Fortune 500 company professionals make in attempting to build relationships. 

HAPPY ½ HOUR DRINKS:
Pills Mafia by Thin Man Brewery - Brian gave it a 3.5 out of 5
https://thinmanbrewery.com/

Learn more about Ed at : https://www.achievenext.com/

Learn more about Rivers Edge Advisors: https://riversedgeadvisors.com/
Connect with Brian Carney on Instagram @riversedgeadvisors_llc
Connect with Brian on untappd.com -  brcarney7

Episode 24 -  Ed Wallace | Human Capital, AchieveNEXT

From starting her career as a TV producer to opening her own business that led her to being featured in Boston Magazine, Travel and Leisure and the New York Times - Nikki Dalrymple of Acquire Interior Design out of Boston, MA and Brian have a great conversation about  entrepreneurship.

Interior design wasn't on Nikki’s radar when she started a career in television (surprise!), but after traveling a lot and working on many different tv shows, she wanted to settle down. Nikki’s interest in interior design was sparked during her television career while she worked on set design for many different shows over the years.
After several business plan iterations, Nikki knew she wanted to open a brick and mortar store that was home-focused, sell antiques & modern pieces along with a design firm - and that’s exactly what she did. 
From complete gut renovations to new construction, Nikki and her team focus on the interior architecture of the home. This is a detail-oriented industry and having a mutual trust between the firm and the client is most important to Nikki.  

Listen to this episode for many great takeaways and to find out how covid impacted the design industry.

HAPPY ½ HOUR DRINKS:
County Line IPA by Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company - Brian gave it a 3.5 out of 5
Learn more about Nikki on her website  : http://www.acquireboutique.com/
Learn more about Nikki on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acquireboston/
Learn more about Rivers Edge Advisors: https://riversedgeadvisors.com/
Connect with Brian Carney on Instagram @riversedgeadvisors_llc
Connect with Brian on untappd.com -  brcarney7

Episode 25 - Nikki Dalrymple | Acquire Interior Design

In 1981 David Curtis was introduced to Leon Weiner by his professor while he was in graduate school - fast forward 40 years later and David is now the Co-Managing Partner of a company that has over 7000 units, of mainly affordable multifamily housing with a few hotels, in over 10 states.

“Doing good and doing well is a great thing,” David explains. Helping people have an opportunity that they otherwise may not have is great for both parties. Leon M. Weiner and Associates also provide educational support to their residents through tutoring and scholarships for private schools, trade schools and colleges. They also have a program that offers cultural opportunities for children ages 6-16. 

Listen in to hear the most important things David learned from Leon, and how David and Kramer from Seinfeld are alike. 

HAPPY ½ HOUR DRINKS:
Birra by Levante Brewing Company - Brian gave it a 3.75 out of 5 www.levantebrewing.com/
David - The Seeker Pinot Noir 2019 
https://www.vivino.com/US/en/the-seeker-pinot-noir/w/2522954?year=2019
Learn more about David: https://lnwa.com/
Learn more about Rivers Edge Advisors: riversedgeadvisors.com/
Connect with Brian Carney on Instagram @riversedgeadvisors_llc
Connect with Brian on untappd.com - brcarney7

Episode 28 - David Curtis | Leon N. Weiner and Associates

In this episode Brian has a beer with Rob Herrerra of The Mill, a co-working space in Delaware. 
Always wanting to be an architect since he was 10 years old, Rob landed a position at a big firm and was fortunate enough to have a front row seat to working through the ups and downs of a new startup - at the time, called WeWork. Today, WeWork is recognized as the industry standard for co-working spaces across the world. 
Rob explains in detail how the energy levels and culture were so infectious that he went from wanting to do architecture his whole life, to wanting to be a business owner; he caught the entrepreneurial bug. Today, Rob leases over 100,000 square feet of office space. 

HAPPY ½ HOUR DRINKS:
Baked Pumkin Ale by Lancaster Brewing Company - Brian gave it a 3 out of 5 https://www.lancasterbrewing.com/home/our-beer/baked-pumpkin/
Costumes & Karaoke by Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Ales  - Rob gave it a 4 out of 5 https://www.dogfish.com/brewery/beer/costumes-karaoke
Learn more about Robert: themillspace.com
Learn more about Rivers Edge Advisors: riversedgeadvisors.com/
Connect with Brian Carney on Instagram @riversedgeadvisors_llc
Connect with Brian on untappd.com - brcarney7
More episodes: happy-half-hour.com

Episode 29 - Robert Hererra | The Mill

There’s nothing like checking in at the front desk of a hotel just to confirm the credit card payment that you already confirmed online. We all just want to be able to walk into our hotel room and bypass the front desk altogether without any human interaction. That is what Luca Zambello set out to do with his company Jurny. 

Featured in Forbes, Bloomberg and Entrepreneur magazine, Luca’s mission is to fully-automate the guest experience and the daily needs of hotel managers and business owners. As Luca pitches it, “the Uber for hospitality.”

Starting his first business in Italy at the age of 19, and realizing that Italy does not offer many opportunities for young individuals with great ideas as the United States, he convinced his parents he could learn English by going to school in Los Angeles.

Listen to Luca’s amazing journey from immigrating to the United States to raising millions of dollars for his startup idea - Jurny.


HAPPY ½ HOUR DRINKS:
Still Night | Tonewood Brewing - Brian gave it a 4 out of 5 
https://untappd.com/b/tonewood-brewing-still-night/4019661
Learn more about Luca: https://www.jurny.com/
Learn more about Rivers Edge Advisors: riversedgeadvisors.com/
Connect with Brian Carney on Instagram @riversedgeadvisors_llc
Connect with Brian on untappd.com - brcarney7
More episodes: happy-half-hour.com

Episode 31 - Luca Zambello | Jurny

In this episode Brian has a beer with David Newman - speaker, author and co-founder of Do it Marketing, a sales acceleration company for solo experts.

Working with leaders and entrepreneurs, David and his team at Do It! Marketing help individuals get an entirely different take on the sales process, the sales attitude, and the sales methodology that they need to be successful as a solo consultant. 

Brian and David discuss “The Great Resignation” - why there are 4 million executive job openings that no one is applying for, and what modern day marketing and sales means. David also offers examples on how to sell.  Great takeaways for any entrepreneur or someone who is in the beginning stages of starting a business. 

HAPPY ½ HOUR DRINKS:
GingerBread Man (Imperial Stout) from the New Jersey Beer Company  - Brian gave it a 2.5 out of 5.  
https://njbeerco.com/
Learn more about David: https://doitmarketing.com/
Learn more about Rivers Edge Advisors: riversedgeadvisors.com/
Connect with Brian Carney on Instagram @riversedgeadvisors_llc
Connect with Brian on untappd.com - brcarney7
More episodes: happy-half-hour.com

Episode 32 - David Newman | Do It! Marketing

In this episode Lauren Owens, founder and owner of Tiny Onion Chef Services, brings the restaurant experience into your home. When Lauren was 14 she was mixing tuna, slicing pickles and washing dishes. Today, she is a successful in-home personal chef, working for herself by going into homes, teaching cooking classes and preparing delicious, healthy meals. 

It was long hours, hard work and no longer wanting to work for someone else that drove Lauren to go off on her own. Listen in on this episode as Brian and Lauren discuss why lifestyle and happiness is most important, not the money. 


HAPPY ½ HOUR DRINKS:
Troegs Lucky Holler  - Brian gave it a 4  out of 5: https://troegs.com/beer/luckyholler/

Learn more about Lauren: https://www.tinyonion.net/

Follow Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheflaurenowens/

Learn more about Rivers Edge Advisors: riversedgeadvisors.com/

Connect with Brian Carney on Instagram @riversedgeadvisors_llc

Connect with Brian on untappd.com - brcarney7

More episodes: happy-half-hour.com

Episode 35 - Lauren Owens | Tiny Onion Chef Services

In 1989, Cheryl Ecton started working as a receptionist for a group of building owners, and she quickly realized what tenants complained about most - the temperature and cleanliness of the building.

Thirty three years later, Cheryl is the CEO/President of Elite Building Services, a commercial cleaning and building maintenance company which employs over 700 people in 19 states, servicing over 14 industries. In addition to her business, Cheryl is also a motivational speaker and author of “Choices Change Everything: Choose to Get Up When Life Knocks You Down.”

In this episode, Brian and Cheryl discuss how she was able to build a unique space in a male-dominated industry, and how she went from a one-person company to where she is now. They also talk about Cheryl’s biggest lessons along the way. Listen to hear how Cheryl is increasing diversity and inclusion in the workspace.

Key Takeaways:

- Cheryl started her business in 1989 when she was working during the day as a receptionist and raising a young family

- As an entrepreneur, you will face adversity, personal hardships and rough times all along the way. Determination and grit is what will get you through. 

- Cheryl has climbed a lattice, not a ladder, to success. 

- Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. 

- Don’t compare yourself to others; your timetable is your own.  

If you only have 10 minutes:

2:21 - After working all day as a receptionist, Cheryl would clean her office building each night, from 5pm - 11pm

7:25 - What was it like juggling a brand new business with being a wife and a mom (including to a newborn with health issues)?

10:30 - Could her company survive a divorce?

17:30 -  How does it feel to be one of the largest women-owned industries in the Mid-Atlantic?

24:45 - The importance of increasing diversity and inclusion in the workplace

30:00 -  What does the process look like of writing a book?

32:40 - The importance of authenticity and vulnerability

36:00 -  What happens to the thoughts, emotions, and memories that are brought up when writing a book? And what regrets does Cheryl have about bringing them up?

37:45 - Cheryl’s best advice for a woman thinking of starting her own business


HAPPY ½ HOUR DRINKS:
Day Trader Lite IPA from Evolution Craft Brewing Company - Brian gave it a 4.5 out of 5:  https://untappd.com/b/evolution-craft-brewing-company-day-trader/4085779

Read more about Cheryl: https://cherylecton.com/
Buy her book “Choices Change Everything: Choose to Get Up When Life Knocks You Down” 
https://www.amazon.com/Choices-Change-Everything-Choose-Knocks-ebook/dp/B09XKLXSH5

Learn more about Rivers Edge Advisors: riversedgeadvisors.com/
Connect with Brian Carney on Instagram @riversedgeadvisors_llc
Connect with Brian on untappd.com - brcarney7
More episodes: happy-half-hour.com

Episode 43 - Cheryl Ecton | Elite Building Services

On today's episode of Happy (half) Hour with an Entrepreneur, Brian shares a beer with Casey Jacox - an author, speaker, podcast host, and business owner. Casey runs a leadership and sales development coaching business, working with some of the biggest companies in the United States such as Stryker, Keller Williams and Taylor Made.

Casey shares what he thinks are the common traits of great leaders. You’ll want to hear his take on the reasons why people get stuck and how to get unstuck. Listen to find out about what Casey calls “the boomerang mindset” and how it can help you. They also go over the art of selling - no one likes “commission breath.” Casey offers great advice on how to grow your business and live a positive lifestyle.

Key takeaways:

 Humility + Vulnerability = Leadership

Relationships are the foundation of every transaction 

Leadership is influence, not a title 

If you only have 10 minutes:

2:09 -  What does Casey do? After 20 years in the corporate world, he says coaching found him

5:12 - Every business needs formed relationships, regardless of the industry

7:02 - The “Boomerang Mindset”

10:07 -  In leaving a 20 year, well-paying career in Corporate America, Casey had to listen to the voice in his head and disregard the metrics

13:33 - What does curiosity have to do with helping people get unstuck?

21:30 - A good coach is going to tell you what you don’t want—but need— to hear

27:20 - The book, Win the Relationship Not the Deal

31:44 - Discussing Casey’s podcast, THE QUARTERBACK DADCAST (and the things Brian learned during the recording of his upcoming episode)

Casey, it was a pleasure having you on the show, thanks for joining us! Cheers! 🍺

HAPPY ½ HOUR DRINKS:
Qualified Captain from Cape May Brewing Company - Brian gave it a 3 out of 5:  https://capemaybrewery.com/stories/the-qualified-captain

Read more about Casey:  https://www.caseyjacox.com/
Buy the Book: https://www.caseyjacox.com/win-the-relationship-not-the-deal
Connect with Casey on LInkedin: linkedin.com/in/caseyjacox/

Learn more about Rivers Edge Advisors: riversedgeadvisors.com/
Connect with Brian Carney on Instagram @riversedgeadvisors_llc
Connect with Brian on untappd.com - brcarney7
More episodes: happy-half-hour.com

Episode 44 - Casey Jacox | Coach, Speaker, Podcaster & Author

In this episode Brian has a beer with David Weaver, a franchising expert who focuses on teaching clients the secrets of starting, growing and exiting a profitable franchise business.  David walks Brian through the counseling and coaching process he takes with each candidate. 

Having relationships with over 200 different brands, David explains how he is able to help his clients decide which brand is a good fit for them and their long term success.  

Listen in to learn:

- Reasons why people decide to become a franchise owner 
- Common mistakes franchise owners make in the process
- Things a franchisee needs to focus on to ensure a good start 
- The two things you should focus on with sales and marketing 
- The hardest part of being a franchisee
- The game within the game - the only way to play is being a franchise owner. 

HAPPY ½ HOUR DRINKS:

FTIG Lager by Snitz Creek Brewery  - Brian gave it a 3 out of 5: 
https://untappd.com/b/snitz-creek-brewery-ftig-lager/4049034/

Read more about David: https://franchiseyourfreedom.com/

Contact David: DWeaver@FranChoice.com

Learn more about Rivers Edge Advisors: riversedgeadvisors.com/

Connect with Brian Carney on Instagram @riversedgeadvisors_llc

Connect with Brian on untappd.com - brcarney7

More episodes: happy-half-hour.com

Episode 46 - David Weaver | Franchising Expert

Growing up poor in the Chicago suburbs, David Marvin paid his way through college and graduate school by playing and teaching the organ (all while in the army reserves). By the time he was 33, David was running the largest mutual fund in the country, and then came Black Monday - the stock crash of 1987.

So how did David transition into the world of investments — one which led him to starting a successful firm at the age of 46 — from being a truck repo driver? And what is David’s salami technique about?

Listen in on this interesting story David tells about how he matured early and made great decisions that helped pave the way for his success.

HAPPY ½ HOUR DRINKS: 

TSP Mocha Latte Stout - Brian gave it a  4.5 out of 5: 
https://untappd.com/b/2sp-brewing-company-wawa-mocha-latte-stout/4647406

Read more about David: https://www.marvinandpalmer.com/

Learn more about Rivers Edge Advisors: riversedgeadvisors.com/

Connect with Brian Carney on Instagram @riversedgeadvisors_llc

Connect with Brian on untappd.com - brcarney7

More episodes: happy-half-hour.com

Episode 51 -  David Marvin | Marvin & Palmer Associates Inc

In this episode, Brian shares a drink with Ginger Moxam, founder of Curated by Ginger. Based out of Naples, Florida, Ginger offers branding, marketing, web design, and social media management.

Ginger enjoyed working from a very young age, and having access to technology as many millennials did, she went on to start her own business offering a marketing team for small businesses who can’t afford to employ an in-house marketing team.

Key takeaways: 
- Consistency with marketing is everything
- There is a difference between branding and marketing
- The power of simplicity and authenticity

If you only have 10 minutes:

2:04 - Learn about Ginger’s background and why she started her business

7:30 - Being entrepreneurial from a young age, and the reason millennials aren’t afraid to try starting their own business

10:00 -  The types of industries Ginger works with, and — is it better to niche down or become an expert in everything?

14:00 -  How to get through to business owners who don’t like change and the difference between branding and marketing

18:10 - Most common website mistakes and the value of SEO

24:39 - What about trending content? Do you really need a TikTok presence? 

27:00 - The importance of delegating tasks and blocking time to focus on creative work and strategy/analytics

29:50 - Advice for others thinking of becoming entrepreneurs

HAPPY ½ HOUR DRINKS:

Voodoo Ranger IPA by New Belgium Brewing - Brian gave it a 4 out of 5:
https://untappd.com/b/new-belgium-brewing-company-voodoo-ranger-ipa/1743544
Dry Rose by Hailstone Vineyards - Ginger gave it a 10 out of 10: https://hailstonevineyards.com/

Read more about Ginger: https://www.curatedbyginger.com/
Learn more about Rivers Edge Advisors: riversedgeadvisors.com/
Connect with Brian Carney on Instagram @riversedgeadvisors_llc
Connect with Brian on untappd.com - brcarney7
More episodes: happy-half-hour.com

Episode 52 - Ginger Moxam | Curated by Ginger

In this episode, Brian has a beer with Mark Edelson, co-founder and owner of Iron Hill Brewery. Mark shares his entrepreneurial journey, and how it all started with his friend, and eventual partner, home brewing beer in 1989 as a hobby.From working for “the man” to becoming The Man, Mark walks us through the highs and lows of being a restaurant owner during the pandemic, with over 1600 employees to under 200 employees in 10 days.

Listen in on Mark’s experience working with private equity, the curse of being a midsize business, his favorite and not so favorite beers, and why it’s so important to have your spouse on board before committing to the restaurant business.

Key takeaways: 

- Opening a 2nd location is harder than opening your 20th

- Entrepreneurs succeed by pure force of will

- If you want to quit your day job to become an entrepreneur, make sure your family and support system are on board

If you only have 10 minutes:

2:00 - Learn about  the business, which just hit its 26th year!

6:00 - It all started with a home-brewing kit

11:40 - The challenges of working with a business partner

14:37 - The “iceberg” view of owning a restaurant

16:40 - The effects of the pandemic on the hospitality industry, plus the importance of pivoting, and taking care of your employees

22:00 - What happens when you’re in the middle of construction on 4 new restaurants and a pandemic hits?

30:20 - The evolution of a business

36:00 - A round of rapid-fire beer questions

Mark, thanks for joining us, it was a great show! Cheers! 🍻

HAPPY ½ HOUR DRINKS: 

Inkredibly Juicy by Iron Hill Brewery  - Brian gave it a 4.5 out of 5:
https://untappd.com/b/iron-hill-brewery-inkredibly-juicy-ipa/4206576
Learn more about Mark: https://www.ironhillbrewery.com/
Learn more about Rivers Edge Advisors: riversedgeadvisors.com/
Connect with Brian Carney on Instagram @riversedgeadvisors_llc
Connect with Brian on untappd.com - brcarney7
More episodes: happy-half-hour.com

Episode 55 - Mark Edelson | Iron Hill Brewery

In this episode, Brian has shares a transatlantic beer with Stefan Debois, CEO and founder of Pointerpro, based out of Belgium. 

Pointerpro is an assessment software platform that helps professional service companies automate their advisory process.  Stefan shares how it actually started from creating a quiz app for his daughter’s birthday, back when the iPad was first introduced. 

Listen in to hear how Stefan’s consulting background helps him as a business owner and how he grew his business to $3 million of recurring revenue. 

HAPPY ½ HOUR DRINKS: 

Stone Tangerine Express Hazy IPA  - Brian gave it a 3.5  out of 5:
https://untappd.com/b/stone-brewing-stone-tangerine-express-hazy-ipa/1512388

Learn more about Stefan at: https://pointerpro.com/

Connect with Stefan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefandebois/recent-activity/posts/

Learn more about Rivers Edge Advisors: riversedgeadvisors.com/

Connect with Brian Carney on Instagram @riversedgeadvisors_llc

Connect with Brian on untappd.com - brcarney7

More episodes: happy-half-hour.com

Episode 59 - Stefan Debois | Pointerpro

In this episode, Brian has a beer with tenured Professor at Virginia Tech’s School of Architecture Design - Michael Ermann. Michael is also the founder of Amber Book - a review course to help anyone pass the architecture licensing course. The company has had over 16,000 enrollees and has licensed their materials to over 500 architecture firms.

Michael shares his incredible journey - from bootstrapping a business idea while maintaining a full time job, to hiring investment bankers to help sell what he had created.

If you only have 10 minutes:

2:00 - Learn about Michael and Amber Book

8:30 - Building the business as a full-time college professor and as a state employee only permitted to work 8 hours/week outside of teaching

12:00 - For the first 7 years, all growth was organic, no paid marketing. Also, the importance of hiring the best employees and leaving them alone to do their job. 

17:15 - Michael’s entrepreneurial spirit

23:16 - Preparing for sale and then selling the company

35:00 - The feeling of seeing the money in the bank after settlement

38:45 - Whoever said money can’t buy happiness didn’t give away enough of it—the Michael and his wife decided to donate a bunch of the earnings from the sale of Amber Book.

Thanks for joining us on the show, Michael, it was a great episode! Cheers! 🍻

HAPPY ½ HOUR DRINKS: 

Cape May White brewed by Cape May Brewing Co. -  Brian gave it a 2.5 out of 5:
https://untappd.com/b/cape-may-brewing-co-cape-may-white/3669303
Learn more about Michael at: amberbook.com
Learn more about Rivers Edge Advisors: riversedgeadvisors.com/
Connect with Brian Carney on Instagram @riversedgeadvisors_llc
Connect with Brian on untappd.com - brcarney7
More episodes: happy-half-hour.com

Episode 61 - Michael Ermann | Amber Book

In this episode, Brian has a beer with Elorm Ahiamadjie, the CEO and co-founder of Delaware Limo, the highest rated limousine company in Delaware that provides luxury transportation for weddings, events, birthdays, proms, rides to the airport, and corporate transportation.

Brian unpacks Elorm’s journey—from starting with one vehicle, to providing transportation for Biden’s inauguration and somehow maintaining a 5 star Google review after over 13K trips. Want to know how he does it, or how he grew 1500 times from 2019 to 2020? Listen today!

If you only have 10 minutes:

2:00 - Learn about Delaware Limo and find out what El was doing before he began his career in the transportation industry

5:52 - Surviving a bad business partner and becoming entrepreneurial from a young age

10:45 - From one town car to a fleet of sixteen vehicles and a staff of 21—learn about the company’s growth

20:00 - How DE Limo provides an experience and not “just a ride” and their commitment to maintaining a 5-star experience after 13,000 trips and over 1.5 million miles

25:45 - Providing transportation for President Biden’s inauguration 

30:00 - Revenue up by 1500% during a pandemic—how is that possible? 

35:45 - Don’t miss the rapid fire round! 

Thanks for joining us on the show, Elorm, it was great chatting with you! Cheers! 🍻


HAPPY ½ HOUR DRINKS: 
Dragon's Milk, Bourbon Barrel-Aged Stout: Brian gave it a 4.5 out of 5 https://untappd.com/b/new-holland-brewing-dragon-s-milk/123662
Learn more about Elorm at: https://www.delaware.limo/

Learn more about Rivers Edge Advisors: riversedgeadvisors.com/
Connect with Brian Carney on Instagram @riversedgeadvisors_llc
Connect with Brian on untappd.com - brcarney7
More episodes: happy-half-hour.com

Episode 62 - Elorm Ahiamadjie | Delaware Limo

In this episode of Happy Half Hour with an Entrepreneur, Brian enjoys a seltzer with Eric Starrett, the co-founder of Starrett Design Build—a design-build contracting firm specializing in major renovations and new builds for residential homes.

Eric shares the journey of how he and his wife, Rachel, started and grew the business all while raising two children, and how sobriety created a positive change for both of them. Brian and Eric also discuss how analytics plays a key role in their process and how their process separates them from their competition.

Measure twice, cut once. 

Learn more about Eric and Rachel at: https://starrettdesignbuild.com/
Learn more about Rivers Edge Advisors: riversedgeadvisors.com/
Connect with Brian Carney on Instagram @riversedgeadvisors_llc
Connect with Brian on untappd.com - brcarney7
More episodes: happy-half-hour.com

Episode 63 - Eric Starrett | Starrett Design Build

In this episode Brian chats with Dr. Christopher Paolino, a board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon who owns practices in Glen Mills, PA and Wilmington, DE. 

Listen in while Dr. Paolino shares his interest in oral surgery.  He explains the extensive training he went through to become a board-certified specialist.  Chris talks about the ups and downs of being an entrepreneur during the pandemic and how to prepare yourself for becoming a successful surgeon.  You’ll love Dr. Paolino’s incredible trauma stories from the emergency room. Find out why being an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is America’s best kept secret. 

HAPPY ½ HOUR DRINKS:

Juicy Little Thing IPA by Sierra Nevada Brewing Company - Brian rates it a 4 out of 5 : https://untappd.com/b/sierra-nevada-brewing-co-juicy-little-thing/5163117
Learn more about Dr. Chris Paolino: 
https://www.drpaolino.com/
https://www.instagram.com/drchrispaolino/
Learn more about Rivers Edge Advisors: riversedgeadvisors.com/
Connect with Brian Carney on Instagram @riversedgeadvisors_llc
Connect with Brian on untappd.com - brcarney7
More episodes: happy-half-hour.com

Episode 64 - Dr. Chris Paolino | Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

In this episode, Brian gets to hear behind-the-screen stories from Emmy Award-winning Camera Operator Howie Zales. Howie shares his entrepreneurial journey and how it all started with one opportunity - an opportunity that changed the trajectory of his career.

Learn how Howie started two companies - HJZ Productions, a nationwide provider of top broadcasting talent and Viridity Entertainment Services, a high-quality live-streaming service.

Brian and Howie take a look at how the consumption of media today is changing the world of sports. Howie also discusses his longtime relationship with John Gonzalez. You’ll hear about Howie’s TV Sports Course, and so much more, which explains why Howie is so good at what he does.

If you only have 10 minutes:

1:34 - Learn about Howie’s businesses and the background that led him to television sports

6:15 - The pandemic pivot to live-streaming and fully virtual productions with “remote capture kits”

12:00 - How did Howie end up shooting events like the Super Bowl, Kentucky Derby, Olympics, and Wrestle Mania?

16:00 - Media for a different generation

20:57 - Learn about Howie’s TV Sports Course

26:00 -  The lowest point of being an entrepreneur

27:00 - Don’t miss the rapid fire round which covers Howie’s favorite events, pro athletes, and workout routine!

Thanks for joining us on the show, Howie, it was great chatting with you! Cheers! 

HAPPY ½ HOUR DRINKS:

Mutant X by Oskar Blues Brewery  - Brian rates it a 3 out of 5 : https://untappd.com/b/oskar-blues-brewery-mutant-x/4688811
Learn more about Howie Zales: https:/www.howiezales.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardzales/
Learn more about Rivers Edge Advisors: riversedgeadvisors.com/
Connect with Brian Carney on Instagram @riversedgeadvisors_llc
Connect with Brian on untappd.com - brcarney7
More episodes: happy-half-hour.com

Episode 65 - Howie Zales | HJZ Productions & Viridity Entertainment Services

In this episode Brian has a beer with Anthony Raibick, the owner of Your Mosquito Pros in Parsippany, NJ. Listen along while Anthony shares his entrepreneurial journey. You’ll  appreciate hearing the touching story of how Anthony came up with the idea for Your Mosquito Pros.  It’s clear that family plays an important role in Anthony’s life, and his business.

Learn why building a business the right way and delivering the proper customer experience will always open doors and lead to success - but don’t miss the one key factor that you need, as Anthony explains. 

HAPPY ½ HOUR DRINKS:

Dogfish Head Beer Pilsner Blue Hen  - Brian rates it a 4 out of 5 :
https://untappd.com/b/dogfish-head-craft-brewery-blue-hen-pilsner/4183834

Learn more about Anthony: https://www.yourmosquitopros.com/
https://www.instagram.com/yourmosquitopros/

Learn more about Rivers Edge Advisors: riversedgeadvisors.com/
Connect with Brian Carney on Instagram @riversedgeadvisors_llc
Connect with Brian on untappd.com - brcarney7
More episodes: happy-half-hour.com

Episode 66 - Anthony Raibick | Your Mosquito Pros

In this episode, Brian has a beer with Jon Ohilger, the founder and CEO of VEEPIO, a content optimization tool for athletes. Listen in while Brian and Jon discuss Jon’s journey to this point in his business career. You’ll enjoy hearing Jon’s insightful stories.

Jon talks about building his company and why the technology experience needed to be frictionless and seamless. You’ll be impressed when you hear how Jon’s company is one of the few companies allowed to capture first party data in third party apps. You also get to hear about Jon’s painstaking-process of acquiring a patent.

If you only have 10 minutes:

1:27 - Learn about Jon’s company + the journey and experiences that led him there

12:12 - The decision process from idea to execution + breaking into the NFL

15:45 - Working through the pandemic

16:50 - Behind the strategy to monetize the capture of first party data

22:00 - The patent process and the impact of AI

24:00 - Jon’s background in sports and how it impacted his entrepreneurial journey 

26:20 - Was there ever a fear of failure?

28:34 - The rapid fire round!

Thanks for joining us on the show, Jon, it was great chatting with you! Cheers! 🍻

HAPPY ½ HOUR DRINKS:

Lawn Boy - Tonewood Brewing  - Brian rates it a 3.5 out of 5 :
https://untappd.com/b/tonewood-brewing-lawn-boy/3373299

Learn more about Jon: https://veep.io/

Learn more about Rivers Edge Advisors: riversedgeadvisors.com/
Connect with Brian Carney on Instagram @riversedgeadvisors_llc
Connect with Brian on untappd.com - brcarney7
More episodes: happy-half-hour.com

Episode 67 - Jon Ohliger | VEEPIO

Episode 68 - Joe Zahn | Wired Up Entertainment

In this episode, Brian enjoys a Freshies Pale Ale by Tonewood Brewing while chatting with Joe Zahn, aka “Mr. Wired Up.” 
You may have heard of Joe, the owner of Wired Up Entertainment, from one of his viral mashups. You’ll hear the story of how Wired Up went from doing 200 weddings, to being hit with the pandemic, to going viral.
Joe shares his incredible story, how he got started, and the steps he took to get to where he is now. He also explains how he grew his online social media presence, which has given him the opportunity to open up for acts like Journey and Flo Rida.
If you only have 10 minutes:
1:45 - Learn about Joe’s company (from the beginning to the rebrand in 2015) and the journey that led him there
8:05 - The impact of the pandemic 
13:10 - Going viral on TikTok—we’re talking 50k views within 2 hours
18:50 - The less glamorous side of being an influencer: the exhaustion behind churning viral content
21:26 - Funneling content creation into sales
24:30 - Find out the most difficult part of Joe’s entrepreneurship journey 
26:15 - How did Joe end up opening for major acts? Spoiler, it’s thanks to the extensive reach of social media.
27:50 - Rapid fire round: staying active, favorite event, least favorite wedding song
Thanks for joining us on the show, Joe, it was great chatting with you! Cheers! 

HAPPY ½ HOUR DRINKS:
Freshies Pale Ale by Tonewood Brewing  - Brian rates it a 4 out of 5 :
https://untappd.com/b/tonewood-brewing-freshies/2506826

Learn more about Joe: https://justgetwired.com/
https://www.facebook.com/wiredupentertainment/
https://www.youtube.com/@wiredupentertainment5006
https://www.instagram.com/wired_up_entertainment/

Learn more about Rivers Edge Advisors: riversedgeadvisors.com/
Connect with Brian Carney on Instagram @riversedgeadvisors_llc
Connect with Brian on untappd.com - brcarney7
More episodes: happy-half-hour.com

Episode 68 - Joe Zahn | Wired Up Entertainment

In this episode Brian enjoys a Rise IPA by Whalers Brewing Company while chatting with Alex Sonkin, founder of Due Diligence Project - a revolutionary platform of vetted resources that supports over 700 tax focused CPA firms and family offices around the country.

The two discuss how sophisticated and meticulous tax planning really is, and how understanding the tax code is nearly impossible. 

Listen in on where the breakdown is between financial advisors, estate planning/tax attorneys and accountants that are working as one collaborative unit. One person should be the quarterback but who should it be?  Listen to find out.

HAPPY ½ HOUR DRINKS:

Rise IPA by Whalers Brewing Company - Brian rates it a 4 out of of 5 :
https://untappd.com/b/whalers-brewing-company-rise/1519133

Learn more about Alex:
https://duediligenceproject.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexsonkin/

Learn more about Rivers Edge Advisors: riversedgeadvisors.com/
Connect with Brian Carney on Instagram @riversedgeadvisors_llc
Connect with Brian on untappd.com - brcarney7
More episodes: happy-half-hour.com

Episode 69 - Alex Sonkin | Due Diligence Project

In this episode of Happy Half Hour with an Entrepreneur, Brian has a drink with John Gooden, President and COO of MDavis, Inc. - an industrial construction, fabrication, and maintenance contractor based out of Kennett Square, PA. MDavis is a family-owned business that was started in 1870 and is currently in their fifth generation.

Brian and John have an interesting conversation about having a female CEO in a male dominated industry. John explains how they implement their values and work with the clients they like. You’ll also find out how MDavis maintains the loyalty of multi-decade customers. Listen to find out that John means when he says there is endless opportunity right out of high school.

If you only have 10 minutes:
2:12 - Learn about MDavis, their strategic plan, and John’s role in the company

7:21 - John’s career path; from the army, through college, starting at Mdavis (then leaving), and returning and working his way from the field into the office. 

11:12 - Working for a 5th generation trades business with a female CEO

17:10 - Overseeing operations and handling employees - secrets of success!

20:20 - The “Cool Customers”

24:00 - The effects of the pandemic

26:20 - Team members being recognized for their work

28:00 - The rapid fire round (fitness, community involvement, negotiation skills, job satisfaction)

HAPPY ½ HOUR DRINKS:
Hazy Cannon by Heavy Seas Beer - Brian rates it a 4 out of of 5 :
https://untappd.com/b/heavy-seas-beer-hazy-cannon/4040628

Manhattan with Knob Creek Smoked Maple Bourbon: https://www.knobcreek.com/our-products/smoked-maple-bourbon-whiskey/

Learn more about John: https://www.mdavisinc.com/

Learn more about Rivers Edge Advisors: riversedgeadvisors.com/
Connect with Brian Carney on Instagram @riversedgeadvisors_llc
Connect with Brian on untappd.com - brcarney7
More episodes: happy-half-hour.com

Episode 70 - John Gooden | MDavis

In this final episode of our podcast, Brian takes the show on the road in front of a live audience at McGlynns Pub in Greenville, DE.

Brian shares his final Happy Half Hour with an Entrepreneur beer with Bob Ashby, Marc Ashby, and Jeremy Hughes, the owners of Ashby Hospitality Group which started out with one restaurant over 35 years ago and has grown to 6 restaurants, a food truck and over 300 employees.

If you only have 10 minutes:
2:29 - Learn about the (mostly) family run business from its start in 1983 to its current legacy

8:00 - The secret to success in the often brutal restaurant industry + the dynamic of entering into a family business as an outsider

12:16 - The process of succession in the Ashby Family following Bob’s retirement

17:45 - Attracting and maintaining talent (spoiler alert: social media plays a role) + the role of the pandemic on the hospitality industry (and subsequently laying off almost 300 people)

24:15 - Acquiring and restoring a landmark in the heart of the University of DE campus

30:00 - Find out what happens when you close a restaurant people love

33:00 - Don’t miss the rapid fire round - community involvement, favorite memories, and the award they’re most proud of!

Thanks for joining us gentlemen, it was a great conversation! Cheers! 🍻

And, that’s a wrap! Sending a massive THANK YOU to our listeners (in 47 countries! 😲)  and past guests (we loved every single conversation 💙)! Cheers! 

To watch the full episode, head to our YouTube channel!

HAPPY ½ HOUR DRINKS:
Taylor's Grog by Mispillion River Brewing Company  - Brian rates it a 4 out of of 5 :
https://untappd.com/b/mispillion-river-brewing-company-taylors-grog/1917751

Learn more about McGlynns: https://www.mcglynnspub.com/

Learn more about Rivers Edge Advisors: riversedgeadvisors.com/
Connect with Brian Carney on Instagram @riversedgeadvisors_llc
Connect with Brian on untappd.com - brcarney7
More episodes: happy-half-hour.com

Episode 71 - Bob, Marc & Jeremy | McGlynns Pub

Considering himself a “lifer”, Carl found out as a teenager that he loved taking care of people and making them happy. He got his start at the Hyatt hotel in Cherry Hill, NJ in 1985 as a busboy when he was 16.  Young, full of energy and ambition, yet naive and broke - Carl set a goal to have a restaurant by the time he was 30, and 1996 at the age of 29 he opened his own restaurant - Eclipse. Little did he know that when he opened Eclipse that it would lead him to Platinum Dining Group, a full service hospitality company that owns and operates 6 multi-concept restaurants, a full service special events/catering company and specialty retail markets in northern Delaware. 

Carl explains how social media outlets can serve a common good in the industry, even after he’s been stung a few times - don't ignore the reviews Carl explains, sift through them and make adjustments. “ I’m not interested in being right, I just want to get it right”  mentality and keeping his ego out of the way paved a path to his success. 

Brian and Carl talk about his successful entrepreneurial leadership style -  allowing his employees to feel empowered to make their own decisions and giving his team a sense of ownership is just one of the ways Carl gains success.

In this episode, Carl also reveals how he had to tell 407 of his employees, some who have been working for him for 20+ years, that they didn’t have a job due to the raging COVID-19  pandemic. “Is this the end?”  Not for Carl Georgi!  

HAPPY ½ HOUR DRINKS:
Stone Delicious IPA - https://www.stonebrewing.com/
Isole e Olena Chianti classico https://www.totalwine.com/wine/red-wine/sangiovese/isole-e-olena-chianti-classico/p/18188750

Learn more about Carl and Platinum Dining Group: https://www.platinumdininggroup.com/
Learn more about Rivers Edge Advisors: https://riversedgeadvisors.com/
Connect with Brian Carney on Instagram @riversedgeadvisors_llc

Episode 1 - Carl Georigi | Platinum Dining Group

During the great depression In 1932, Joe D’Amico’s great grandfather purchased a stone quarry in Avondale, PA which had existing mushroom houses on the property. While working as a mason on the quarry and trying to provide for his family, he decided to use the existing mushrooms and started growing mushrooms and called it To-Jo Mushrooms. 

Four generations later, Joe and his brother have taken the once small family business to now delivering 850,000 pounds of mushroom each week with 425 employees. 

In this episode Brian and Joe talk about how he got into the family business and how culture can’t be copied. It has to start from the top down - you have to live it everyday in your actions and how you treat your employees. 

HAPPY ½ HOUR DRINKS:
Dogfish Head 60-Minute IPA: https://www.dogfish.com/
Victory Dirtwolf: https://victorybeer.com/beers/dirtwolf/

Learn more about To-Jo Mushrooms at https://to-jo.com/
Learn more about Rivers Edge Advisors: https://riversedgeadvisors.com/
Connect with Brian Carney on Instagram @riversedgeadvisors_llc

Episode 4 - Joe D'Amico | To-Jo Mushrooms

Listen to Brian’s first international episode with Karen Roy from Infograph ED whose company specializes in graphic design services for healthcare communications. Never having planned to move to the United States from the UK, Karen and Brian discuss her path to success, the lowest point of her career and what she did when she realized her consulting company wasn't going to grow with an “eat what you kill” mentality.  

Being mindful about her employees’ needs during the pandemic, Karen reveals how she dealt with the dynamics of moving the team totally virtual, and how it affects everyone's ability to work. 

HAPPY ½ HOUR DRINKS:
Harp Irish Lager - https://www.handfamilycompanies.com/harp-lager
Dingle Gin with grapefruit and rosemary tonic: https://dingledistillery.ie/gin/

Learn more about Karen and Infograph ED: http://infograph.infograph-edtest.com/
Learn more about Rivers Edge Advisors: https://riversedgeadvisors.com/
Connect with Brian Carney on Instagram @riversedgeadvisors_llc

Episode 9 - Karen Roy |  Infograph ED

Every entrepreneur understands the extreme highs and lows that come along with starting and owning a business.

Join Financial Planner and Co-Owner of RiversEdge Advisors, Brian Carney, for a virtual (half) happy-hour as he and a guest pour a drink and get real about business ownership. 

You'll be entertained and educated as Brian interviews various entrepreneurs willing to dish out first-hand insight into the good, the bad, and the ugly of entrepreneurship.

Happy Half Hour

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