The Sharpen Podcast

Scaling with Purpose: An Honest Growth Story

Join us as we delve into the fascinating journey of Billy Hodes, who transformed Midland Industries from a distressed company to a platform of success. In this episode, we explore the stages of revenue growth from $5 to $150 million, discussing key strategies, challenges, and insights on scaling a business. Billy shares valuable experiences from his role as a CEO, his partnership with private equity, and the importance of cultivating a strong company culture.

When Nothing Else Works: Unveiling the Power of Purpose

This episode features Lindsay Howerton, owner of How Consulting LLC. Lindsay shares her extensive experiences in transforming organizations through effective leadership and strategic alignment, uncovering the profound impact of having a deep sense of purpose. Tune in to explore key insights into the significance of trust, cultural alignment, and overcoming fear to drive organizational success.

A Full Circle Journey

Drew Hiss, Chairman of Acumen, discusses his unique journey from founding Acumen to rejoining the CEO ranks within another organization. Dive into Drew's origin story, learning from entrepreneurial challenges and the critical role of community and wise counsel in achieving business success.
Together, Drew and host Dan Cooper explore the values driving Acumen, the power of aligning peers with shared principles, and the innovative tools and strategies Drew implemented during his time as a CEO. Discover how Drew navigated organizational transformations, built a cohesive leadership team, and balanced the dynamics of personal faith and professional excellence.
This episode offers rich insights into leadership, the journey of growth, and the transformative impact of staying connected to purpose and community in business endeavors.

Unlocking the Future: AI and Business Leadership

Join us as we explore the future of business leadership and the integration of AI with special guest John Scott Dixon, CEO of Aidan Taylor Marketing. Discover practical strategies for upskilling your team and leveraging AI technologies to drive business success. Dixon shares insights from his course, 'Mastery of AI,' and discusses the transformative impact of AI on industries worldwide. Get ready to delve into the world of AI-driven innovation and learn how to position your business at the forefront of this technological revolution.

Navigating Family Business: From Forklift to CEO

Growth Catalyst Russ Meinhardt shares about the complexities of professionalizing and eventually selling a family business. Learn how Russ rose from driving a forklift to leading the company, Old World Spices, and how he managed the intricate family dynamics along the way. Discover valuable lessons about growth strategies, dealing with private equity, and maintaining the family culture within a professional environment.
Russ candidly shares his experiences of selling the business during the pandemic, the challenges of finding the right fit with private equity, and the emotional and strategic decisions involved in the process. This episode sheds light on integrating personal beliefs in business and offers key advice for those contemplating similar transitions.

From Operator to Force Multiplier: An Intrapreneur’s Leadership Shift

Jeff Phillips, the Chief Lending Officer at Landmark National Bank and the Market President of Kansas City, shares his journey of becoming an intrapreneur within a banking organization, discovering the balance between working on the business versus in the business.
Delve into Jeff's experiences and insights on leading a team, the transition from managing daily tasks to strategic planning, and how to cultivate a culture of learning and connection within a community-oriented financial institution. He reveals strategies for redefining personal success and prioritizing strategic thinking over routine tasks.
Jeff and Dan also explore themes of mentorship, leadership, and fostering a supportive work environment driven by shared values and purpose. Tune in to uncover how faith and business intermingle and how you can transform your leadership style to become a force multiplier in your organization.

Leading Through Tragedy

Fred Jentgen is launching a new Acumen team in Phoenix, Arizona! Fred shares his journey from a technology leader to an EOS implementer and founder of Unleashed Consulting Group.
The conversation dives into the challenges and learning experiences Fred faced throughout his career, particularly leading through tragedy. He recounts the story of a key team member, Eric, who battled cancer at a young age, and how the team rallied together during this difficult time. Fred discusses the importance of role clarity, trust, and communication, and how these elements helped the team to persevere through adversity.
Fred also touches on his personal faith journey and how it integrates with his professional life, offering hope and guidance during life's toughest moments. This episode is a deep dive into how leaders can prepare for and navigate through unexpected challenges while supporting their teams with empathy and understanding.

Mastering Growth Without Sacrificing Quality

Nick Usher, President of GQue BBQ, delves into the intricacies of business growth. Discover how this barbecue brand, renowned for its authentic and high-quality offerings, has expanded from a single location to multiple outlets while maintaining its signature taste and culture.
Nick shares invaluable insights on teaching the art of barbecue across various locations, handling exponential growth, and ensuring consistency in quality and customer experience. He emphasizes the importance of hiring from the heart, building a resilient support system, and developing emergency plans to tackle unforeseen challenges.
This episode is rich with lessons on leadership, employee empowerment, and strategic planning that business owners across industries can apply for sustainable growth.