Ep 9: Local Insights with Author and Entrepreneur, Carrie Rollwagen

My guest today is entrepreneur and author, Carrie Rollwagen. Her new book, The Localist, documents her journey as she shopped at only locally owned businesses for an entire year. I wanted to interview Carrie because, in addition to leading a company (Church Street Coffee and Books) she is also leading a movement. Her voice for small businesses and local shopping has encouraged her wide following to think about the purchases they make and their impact on the community. We need more people like Carrie speaking out and I am excited to share her insights with you. 


What you'll learn in this episode: 

Why truly listening and responding to your community of customers is crucial.

The importance of thinking past personal preference for product offerings.

Why we need both big businesses and small shops for a healthy community. 

Thoughts on how to publish a book and why you should consider it.

The importance of books and the future of the book publishing industry.


Get to know Carrie:

carrierollwagen.com

Carrie on Facebook

Carrie on Twitter

Church Street Coffee and Books



Thanks for listening!


Ep 7: Surviving and Growing a Startup with Jonathan Robinson, CEO, FreeTextbooks.com

Jonathan Robinson is a straight up awesome dude. I've had the opportunity to get to know him over the last few years and I've been extremely impressed by his passion for people, growth and entrepreneurship. No doubt, running a startup is difficult and Jonathan gives us some great behind the scenes insights on how he thinks as a leader and what he wrestles with. The outlook for FreeTextbooks.com is very bright with him at the helm and I'm excited to see where he takes it. 

In this episode you'll hear thoughts on:

  • Why delegation is so important for company growth despite its difficulty
  • The difference in Founder and CEO and why it matters
  • What it's like to move a team across the country and how to keep them united
  • The importance of mindset and what might help startups in Birmingham
  • How to juggle work and family in the context of a startup

Connect with Jonathan and learn more about FreeTextbooks.com

Jonathan on Twitter

Jonathan on Instagram

FreeTextbooks.com

FreeTextbooks on Twitter

FreeTextbooks on Instagram

 

Thanks so much for listening!

I am in the process of thinking through Season 2 for the podcast and I would love to get your help. If you could hear from any leader, who would it be? The qualifications are pretty straightforward: effective leaders with a compelling story we can learn from. Please let me know if you have any suggestions by sending an email to  jeremy@boldfuture.co Thanks!

Episode 5: Lessons From the Farm with Grant Brigham, Executive Director, Jones Valley Teaching Farm

Jones Valley Teaching Farm is on a mission to empower children to be the next generation of critical thinkers and change agents in their communities. They do this by connecting standards-based education to real-world food issues and partnering with schools to provide innovative hands on programs for students. At the helm is Executive Director, Grant Brigham. His entrepreneurial mindset and deep concern for people are truly inspiring. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

  • How to use transparency and vulnerability as a tool for building trust 
  • The importance of making unpopular decisions when they're the right decisions
  • What to do when you lose sight of your core mission
  • Why you should be yourself and only yourself 
  • How to empower your team to accomplish big goals

Links to books mentioned in this episode:

More on Jones Valley Teaching Farm: 

Facebook

Instagram

Website

Thanks so much for listening!

I'd love to hear what you learned. Please feel free to leave a comment or drop me an email at jeremy@boldfuture.co

You're the best. 

Episode 4: Lessons from Innovation Depot with CEO, Devon Laney

Our guest today is Devon Laney, CEO of Innovation Depot, a business incubator in Birmingham, Alabama. Devon shares insights from his experience watching the habits of both successful and unsuccessful entrepreneurs. The lessons from each are extremely valuable and I'm excited to share them with you.

In this episode you'll learn: 

  • Why flexibility is vitally important to long term sustainability
  • The importance of validating ideas beyond your friends and family
  • Work habit tweaks to maximize your productivity
  • Why you should think like an entrepreneur and how it can apply to any job

Learn more about Devon and Innovation Depot:

Devon on Twitter

Innovation Depot on Twitter

Innovation Depot Website

 

Thanks for listening!

Episode 3: The Power of Small with Caleb Chancey, Musician, Photographer, Impresario

Caleb Chancey is a musician, photographer, impresario and just all around incredible guy. In this episode, we use his music projects as a springboard to discuss how he overcomes the fear of perfection and judgement to get his ideas out into the world. Spoiler alert: it's all about making big ideas smaller. I've learned a ton from him over the years, and I have no doubt you will, too.

What you'll learn in this episode:

Why you shouldn't apologize for not being as good as you're going to be

Why thinking small will actually help you accomplish big things

When it's OK to quit and why sometimes you should

How to redefine success to help you gain momentum without getting overwhelmed

Learn more about Caleb:

Caleb Chancey Photography

Caleb on Twitter

War Jacket

Gray Haven

Support War Jacket!

Caleb and his band, War Jacket, are working on a new album. They're raising money to finish it on IndieGoGo and are getting close to the deadline. If you connect with Caleb and his message, please support them by making a small donation here:

Let's Finish This Record!

Episode 2: The Power of a Tribe with Forrest Walden, CEO, Iron Tribe Fitness

Forrest Walden is on a mission to change the world through fitness. Five years ago he started Iron Tribe, a group fitness concept out of his garage. To say that customers love Iron Tribe is an understatement; they are truly raving fans. I interviewed him about how he used the tribe mindset to build a fanatical customer base and a rapidly expanding business. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

  • The power and effectiveness of delegating and letting go
  • The importance of being your own customer
  • Why it's OK that your business isn't for everyone
  • Why building a tribe in your business or project should be a top priority

Links to books mentioned in this episode:

Total Recall: My Unbelievable True Life Story by Arnold Schwarzenegger

More on Iron Tribe: 

Facebook

Twitter

Website

Forrest's Book - Iron Tribe: From Garage Hobby To Fitness Franchise

Thanks so much for listening!

I'd love to hear what you learned. Please feel free to leave a comment or drop me an email at jeremy@boldfuture.co

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