In this episode, I’m joined by Dan Hillenbrand, the owner of Spring Green Lawn Care, Majestic Pool and Spa Service, and The Olie Gathering Place. Dan shares his journey from managing lawn services to building multiple successful businesses in Oklahoma City. He talks about the importance of consistency, the advantages of choosing a franchise model, and how he balances his time across three businesses. Dan also provides tips on overcoming challenges, strategic planning, and the role of supportive relationships in his success.

Timestamps

[00:45] Dan's background: From Las Vegas to Oklahoma City

[02:07] How Dan started his first business in college

[05:26] Choosing a franchise vs. starting from scratch

[07:41] Marketing support from the franchise system

[10:49] How Dan achieved significant growth in the franchise system

[15:00] How Dan acquired The Olie Gathering Place and made it an event space

[20:45] Dan’s decision-making process behind expanding from one business

[26:37] How Dan approached managing multiple businesses

[30:15] How L10 meetings helped Dan transform his business from a solo operation to a systematic organization.

[33:44] Tools and methods used by Dan to manage tasks and time

[37:29] One Technology Dan can’t live without

Quotes

● I've always been an entrepreneur at heart, even from being a kid. I feel comfortable in the home service industry, and that's why I took on Majestic Pools.

● Consistency in everything you do is the biggest thing I can say about success. Whether waking up at the same time every day or showing up for work, just staying consistent is key.

● Every little move I make is like playing chess. I'm playing chess all day long. I'll make this move, and we will have an effect on that move. And I'll have to continually move all over the game piece to make things work to my advantage.

● I don't know where the chess game came to me, but it feels like every time I make a move, I'm looking out to what's going to happen because of that move and then what's my next move after that.

Resources

Spring Green Lawn Care- www.spring-green.com

Majestic Pool and Spa Service- https://majesticpoolsokc.com/

The Olie Gathering Place- https://www.theolieokc.com/

Connect with Dan Hillenbrand on LinkedIn- linkedin.com/in/danhillenbrand

Networking Queen Sybil Hale on Building Connections and Running a Successful Sanitizing Business

In this episode, I’m joined by Sybil Hale, the founder and owner of Pros Make Ready Sanitizing Services, to discuss her journey as a business owner, her passion for connecting people, and the success of her networking group, Mix & Mingle Business Networking. Sybil shares her story of transitioning from a housekeeping service to a sanitizing business, the importance of networking, and how she finds balance in her busy life. She offers valuable insights and practical tips for anyone looking to grow their business through genuine connections and networking.

Timestamps:

[0:44] Sybil’s background

[1:43] Sybil's journey from starting a housekeeping service to becoming a connector

[3:19] How Sybil's compassion for elderly clients sparked Pros Make Ready Sanitizing Services

[6:00] Sybil's marketing strategy and the importance of referral-based business

[9:34] The benefits of whole-office or whole-home sanitizing systems

[13:58] The power of networking and community support

[18:56] Sybil's advice for networking effectively and following up after events

[21:51] How Sybil recharges and finds inspiration through prayer, music, and walking

[24:23] Sybil's openness to suggestions and valuing her team's input

[25:29] What Sybil wants to be known for

[26:49] How to connect with Sybil and attend Mix & Mingle Business Networking events

Quotes:

● It makes me very happy when I can connect somebody with somebody that is going to make a world of a difference in their life that they need. I love connecting people. That makes my heart probably the happiest.

● We are not a fly-by-night type of business. We are a long-term business. so therefore, it's getting that word out there, educating people why they need us.

● "Build relationships first. It's really the opposite of what I thought initially."

● During Covid, people understood the value of us, us. The thing is, covid is not a thing anymore. Right. I mean, I know it's still there, but it's not the scare of what it was. Right. But there's always gonna be something coming down the pike.

● Be genuine because if you're really there just to sit down and have a sales appointment, that's not how you network. People will not sit down with you when they find out you're gonna sit there and sell them.

● Get a buddy. It's so much easier when you have someone to go with you.

Resources:

Lets connect with Sybil Hale's on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554387150812

Mix & Mingle Business Networking website: https://mnmbusinessnetworking.com/

Pros Make Ready Sanitizing Services: https://www.prosmakeready.com/

An Inside Look at Strategic Communications with Linda Wesley

In this episode, I'm joined by Linda Wesley, the owner of Story Path Communications, who discusses her journey into strategic communications and the unique needs of small businesses and nonprofits. She shares insights into her approach to understanding client goals, crafting compelling stories, and the challenges and lessons she's learned as a business owner. Linda further discusses her journey of starting her own business, Story Path Communications, after moving back to Oklahoma City from St. Louis. She shares her initial hesitation, the valuable advice she received from other women business owners, and the moment she knew her business would succeed. Linda also provides tips on managing travel and work-related stress and her must-have technology for running her business.

Timestamps:

[00:44] Linda's focus on strategic communications for small businesses and nonprofits

[03:32] How Linda develops a customized communications strategy

[07:00] Benefits of emotional storytelling for nonprofits and small businesses

[14:01] Linda's insights on work-life balance and foundational systems

[19:36] The value of finding the right tools and platforms to streamline operations

[24:00] How Linda started her business in Oklahoma

[25:12] Linda's decision to resign from her state agency job and start her own business

[27:35] The most valuable advice ever received from other women business owners

[28:25] Overcoming self-doubt and finding reassurance from supportive individuals

[39:12] Linda's strategies for managing stress and unwinding as a business owner

Quotes:

● Different people perceive different things about those different words. Um, but I chose communications because it really is about every aspect of communications. And so it's the words you put on paper that come out of your mouth. It's the image you put forward for your company. And I feel like communications really encompasses all of those pieces.

● The reason I started my business and the reason I focus on small businesses and small nonprofits was that I knew that in this market, there really wasn't a lot of strategic support for those organizations at a price point they could afford.

● Communications plan and the full implementation, always start with who's your audience? What are your goals? What are we trying to do? And how can I help?

● I knew going into owning my own business, okay, there's a lot of work ahead of me. Yeah. There are many lean months when you start 'cause you must build a clientele, get your name out there, and make those connections.

● There's always that voice in the back of your head that questions, what if it doesn't work?

● Stubbornness is a helpful trait for a small business owner sometimes.

● I try to manage my stress on the front end so it doesn't build as much. That's not always possible. Um, but I try to get to the gym and swim, go for some walks with my husband and then, um, try to work in the garden a little bit and just get out in nature.

● I'd be lost, I'd be lost without my project management system. I would not be able to keep track of every client project in my head and where it is.

Resources:

Story Path Communications

Website: https://www.storypathcommunications.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StoryPathCommunications

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storypath-communications

Let's connect with Linda Wesley on:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindawesley

Click up project management tool: https://clickup.com/