The Sharpen Podcast

The Power of Listening: Transforming Business Through Client-Centric Strategies

David Riggs, a seasoned business leader and CEO of Pneuma, discusses the transformative power of listening to clients in the business world. This episode explores whether ego can interfere with our ability to truly hear our clients' needs and how businesses can thrive by prioritizing client feedback.
David Riggs shares insights from his diverse career, highlighting his journey from corporate finance to founding Pneuma, a rapidly growing SEO, paid search, and website development firm. He emphasizes the importance of understanding customers' problems deeply and solving them effectively, advocating for a business model that goes against the grain of automation and embraces personalized client interactions.
Throughout the conversation, David and Steve delve into how listening to clients has shaped Pneuma's success, informed its growth into two major hubs in Denver and Indiana, and driven its client-focused approach. They also discuss the psychology of consumer behavior, the significance of customer feedback in refining marketing strategies, and the balance between entrepreneurial ambition and client satisfaction.
In the latter part of the episode, David opens up about his personal journey, sharing how his faith and values guide his leadership style and company culture. He emphasizes the importance of servant leadership, shared purpose, and supporting employees' personal aspirations as keys to fostering a dynamic and thriving work environment.
Join this insightful discussion to discover how listening to clients can lead to sustainable business growth and a fulfilling entrepreneurial journey.

The CEO-COO Dynamic: Strategies for Growth and Alignment

Host Dan Cooper sits down with Curt Sampson, Head of Growth for Monarch Inventory Services and Growth Catalyst at Acumen, to explore the intricate relationship between CEOs and COOs. As these roles are often referred to as the 'visionary' and 'integrator,' understanding their dynamic is crucial for business growth and success.
Curt shares insights from his diverse career, starting from his days with large corporations like Hallmark and Newell Rubbermaid to his journey as a consultant and entrepreneur. He delves into the importance of aligning visions, executing strategies, and maintaining healthy tension between the CEO and COO to drive business forward.
The discussion touches on the significance of communication, setting clear objectives, and the role of core values in achieving alignment. Whether you're a CEO considering the need for an operator or a COO navigating your position, this episode offers valuable takeaways on building a successful leadership team.

Navigating Business Acquisition: Lessons from a First-Time Buyer

Join Steve Van Diest, co-host of the Sharpen Podcast, as he dives into the intricacies of business acquisition with Jeremy Hunka, a member of the Summit team in Colorado. Jeremy, a former chemistry major turned entrepreneur, shares his journey of buying and running Summit Cabinet Coatings, a cabinet refinishing business in Northern Colorado.
In this episode, Jeremy discusses the transition from commercial real estate to owning a small business, the challenges he faced, and the importance of building trust with his new team. He offers valuable insights for both aspiring business buyers and current business owners considering selling their companies.
Discover the key criteria Jeremy looked for when purchasing a business, the significance of operational systems and company culture, and the personal growth he experienced through this entrepreneurial journey. Whether you're thinking about buying a business or preparing to sell, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration.

Integrating Real Estate into Your Business Strategy

In this episode, host Dan Cooper and guest Mike Farag delve into the strategic integration of real estate into business operations.
Mike is the owner of Fervor Marketing, a full-service marketing communications agency for Christian nonprofits. Mike shares his journey of diversifying his business portfolio by incorporating real estate, discussing the strategic benefits and challenges he faced along the way.
From the inception of the idea to the creation of a purpose-built meeting space called the Bonhoeffer, Mike explains how owning real estate has provided new opportunities for client engagement and business growth. He also offers practical advice on navigating the complexities of commercial real estate, from cost segregation to environmental studies.

Navigating the Goldilocks Zone of Mergers & Acquisitions

Steve Van Diest and Dennis Corsi dive into the "Goldilocks" principle in the context of mergers and acquisitions. Discover how Dennis, a seasoned business owner and Growth Catalyst, navigated through too hot, too cold, and just right acquisition attempts with his firm, Armstrong Consultants.
Learn valuable lessons on the importance of communication, maintaining focus during due diligence, and the significance of peer community support. Dennis also shares his personal journey post-acquisition, emphasizing the importance of taking time off for reflection and growth. Whether you're a maverick business owner or someone considering the next chapter in your career, this episode offers insights and inspiration for achieving extraordinary outcomes in business and life.

From President to CEO: Taking Over When Your Name's Not on the Door

In this episode, we delve into the journey of transitioning from a key executive role to becoming the CEO, especially when your name isn't on the door.
Our guest today is Darin Heyen, the diligent and meticulous CEO of Pearce Construction, a company he bought from its founder, Don Pearce. Darin shares his unique journey from an entry-level project manager to the sole owner of a reputable construction company. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of managing a business where the legacy name remains, and the importance of building a brand-centric rather than person-centric company culture.
Listen in as Darin recounts his relationship with Don Pearce, the intricate process of buying the company, and the lessons learned during a long transition period. Whether you're a key executive considering a buyout or a founder looking to sell, this episode offers valuable insights into making a successful transition and ensuring the longevity of your business.

The Joys and Challenges of Marriage with an Entrepreneur

Join Steve Van Diest, co-host of the Sharpen Podcast by Acumen, as he invites his wife, Christine Van Diest, to share about the unique challenges and rewards of being married to an entrepreneur! Christine, a business owner herself, shares her invaluable perspective and experiences from their 31-year journey together.
Christine discusses the emotional and logistical hurdles of supporting an entrepreneurial spouse, especially during the early years of business startups. She offers practical advice on maintaining a balanced family life, effective communication, and the importance of personal growth for both partners.
This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurial couples seeking to thrive both in business and in their personal lives. Tune in for heartfelt insights and actionable tips to navigate the complexities of marriage and entrepreneurship.

Accounting vs. Strategy: Demystifying Key Financial Roles for Business Growth

In today's episode, Dan Cooper invites Ben Olsen of Tarsus CFO Services to delve into the often confusing world of financial roles within a business. We discuss the differences between a bookkeeper, a controller, and a CFO, and why understanding these distinctions is crucial for any business owner. With wit and expertise, Ben provides clear insights into how these roles contribute to a company's financial health and strategic growth.
We explore topics such as the typical responsibilities of each financial role, when and why a business might need a controller versus a CFO, and the impact of efficient financial management on business decisions. Ben also shares practical advice for businesses experiencing growth pains and offers tips on how to assess your current financial setup to determine if you need additional expertise.