On the ValiantCEO Podcast, host George Wright III interviews Toni North, branch manager at SSB Bank in Pennsylvania, about relationship-based banking, small business growth, and community connection. Toni shares how she entered banking as a teller and stayed due to long-term customer relationships, contrasting big banks’ pressure to “sell, sell, sell” with SSB’s philosophy of “build a relationship, not a product.” She explains practical ways she builds trust—greeting customers by name, understanding life events, being honest when she needs to research answers, providing personal access (including her cell phone), and helping customers switch direct deposits and bills step-by-step. Toni highlights SSB’s local, high-touch service, including no-fee small business accounts and direct access to real people at the branch, and notes that even the bank’s president and CFO regularly interact with customers.

00:00 Build Relationships First

01:57 Toni’s Banking Origin Story

03:35 Why Community Banking Wins

05:34 Trust and Personal Service

07:05 Customers Like Family

08:19 Community Growth and Media

09:33 Helping Small Businesses Save

11:59 Switching Banks Made Easy

13:51 Small Bank Big Leadership

About Toni North:

Toni North is an Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager at SSB Bank. Drawing on years of experience across multiple banking institutions, she specializes in building lasting deposit relationships through personalized service and trust. Toni brings practical insight into how relationship-driven banking strengthens customer loyalty, communities, and long-term business growth.

Links

https://www.ssbpgh.com/

About George Wright III:

George Wright III is a Proven, Successful Entrepreneur- and he knows how to inspire entrepreneurs, companies, and individuals to achieve Massive Results. With more than 20 years of Executive Management experience and 25 years of Direct Marketing and Sales experience, George is responsible for starting and building several successful multimillion-dollar companies. He started at a very young age to network and build his experience and knowledge of what it takes to become a driven and well-known entrepreneur. George built a multi-million-dollar seminar business, promoting some of the biggest stars and brands in the world. He has accelerated the success and cash flow in each of his ventures through his network of resources and results driven strategies. George is now dedicated to teaching and sharing his Prosperity Principles and Strategies to every Driven and Passionate Entrepreneur he meets. His mission is to Empower Entrepreneurs Globally to create Massive Change and LIVE their Ultimate Destiny.

George Wright III interviews Mark Amell — former leader of an early US military AI project and founder of DMA Consulting and Local Business Rising — about helping small businesses avoid overwhelm and failure. Amell argues you "can't scale a mess," and explains that many owners struggle because marketing is complex, budgets are limited, and agencies often sell only a few services while successful businesses use many techniques to cover the full buyer journey. He recommends creating four guiding documents (business, marketing, financial, and health/wellness plans) to evaluate "shiny objects" and strengthen foundations, and outlines a buyer journey framework from awareness to credibility verification, onboarding, follow-up, and long-term nurturing. He also discusses the collaborative book "Biz Golden Nuggets" and emphasizes surrounding yourself with the right people.

• 02:28 Early AI Lessons
• 03:59 Why Small Businesses Fail
• 06:49 Four Plans Foundation
• 10:36 Shiny Objects and 80 20
• 12:00 Mapping the Buyer Journey
• 15:19 Credibility and Trust
• 16:37 Biz Golden Nuggets Book
• 19:02 Community and Lonely Top
• 21:37 Final Advice and Wrap

About Guest

Mark Amell is an entrepreneur, engineer, and AI pioneer with a master's degree in Computer Engineering and bachelor's degrees in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mathematics. He helped lead the U.S. Air Force's first artificial intelligence project before founding a software company that has maintained customer relationships for more than 20 years. Today, he also leads a marketing company focused on helping small businesses solve real business challenges through practical, low-risk solutions. Mark is the author of an upcoming book that will be distributed free to more than 200,000 small businesses to help simplify their path to growth.

Get the FREE Book

https://bizgoldennuggets.com/free-copy

Links

Website: https://localbusinessrising.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markamell/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DMAMarkAmell

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/localbusinessrising

In this episode of the ValiantCEO Magazine podcast, host George Wright III interviews successful entrepreneur Jed Morley, CEO and managing member of PLA Pay. Jed shares his journey from a real estate broker to a pioneering figure in the payment processing industry. They discuss the importance of building relationships, leveraging authority, and utilizing technology to scale businesses. Jed also sheds light on his innovative venture, Payment Cowboys, and how it's making waves in the FinTech space. Additionally, he offers valuable insights on the current market landscape, the impact of AI, and the significance of finding purpose and fulfillment in both personal and professional life.

00:50 Welcome to the Authority Formula Podcast

02:11 Jed Morley's Background and Career Journey

04:04 Transition from Real Estate to Payment Processing

06:01 Innovations in Payment Processing

10:56 The Birth of Payment Cowboys

13:22 The Importance of Relationships in Business

14:37 Building Authority and Brand Strategy

16:28 Building Authority Through AI and Machine Learning

16:52 Interviewing Kathy Ireland: From Script to Friendship

17:08 The Importance of Trust and Credibility in Business

17:56 Opportunities in FinTech and Banking

19:23 Creating a Personal Brand and Legacy Asset

22:58 Leveraging AI for Business Success

24:32 Finding Purpose and Value in Business and Life

25:51 Advice for Entrepreneurs and Business Owners

28:34 The Impact of Personal Passions on Business

About the Guest: Jed Morley

Jed Morley is a seasoned entrepreneur, brand strategist, and FinTech leader. As the CEO of PlatPay and co-founder of Payment Cowboy, Jed has spent over two decades helping businesses navigate the complexities of secure payment solutions and brand scaling. He is a featured contributor for Entrepreneur and ValiantCEO, specializing in high-volume transaction platforms and authority positioning.

Guest Resources

Published Works

Book: Building a Brand That Scales: How to Unlock the Hidden Value in Your Brand and Business (Fast Company Press)

Framework: Creator of the Backstory Brand Wheel™ Framework

Connect Online

Website: JedMorley.com / Backstory Branding

LinkedIn: Jed Morley on LinkedIn

Business: PlatPay (Platinum Payment Systems)

About George Wright III:

George Wright III is a Proven, Successful Entrepreneur- and he knows how to inspire entrepreneurs, companies, and individuals to achieve Massive Results. With more than 20 years of Executive Management experience and 25 years of Direct Marketing and Sales experience, George is responsible for starting and building several successful multimillion-dollar companies. He started at a very young age to network and build his experience and knowledge of what it takes to become a driven and well-known entrepreneur. George built a multi-million-dollar seminar business, promoting some of the biggest stars and brands in the world. He has accelerated the success and cash flow in each of his ventures through his network of resources and results driven strategies. George is now dedicated to teaching and sharing his Prosperity Principles and Strategies to every Driven and Passionate Entrepreneur he meets. His mission is to Empower Entrepreneurs Globally to create Massive Change and LIVE their Ultimate Destiny.