Key Topics to Highlight:

1. Origins of Flamingo Pools

• Dallin’s motivation for starting the business and his journey from idea to execution.

1. Customer-Centric Approach

• Emphasizing customer relationships and treating them as heroes in their pool ownership journey.

1. Innovative Services

• Unique offerings like mineral treatments and quick-turnaround estimators that set Flamingo Pools apart.

1. Leadership and Team Building

• Dallin’s approach to fostering a motivated, aligned, and high-performing team.

1. Navigating Challenges

• Lessons learned from setbacks and how he overcame obstacles during the business’s growth.

1. Future Vision

• Goals and exciting projects that showcase what’s next for Flamingo Pools.

Takeaways for the Audience:

• The importance of aligning business strategies with customer needs.
• How to innovate within a traditional industry to stand out.
• Leadership tips for building a cohesive team and scaling a service-based business.
• Practical advice for entrepreneurs on balancing growth with day-to-day operations.

Guest Highlights:

• Name: Nishchal (Nish) Banskota
• Title: Founder, Nepal Tea Collective
• Website: nepalteacollective.com
• Instagram: @nepalteacollective
• LinkedIn: Nishchal Banskota

Key Topics Covered:

1. Origins of Nepal Tea Collective: Nishchal’s background as a second-generation tea producer and how family inspired his mission.
2. Bridging the Gap: Tackling the disconnect between primary producers and global consumers.
3. Challenges: Overcoming barriers to creating a transparent, tech-enabled tea trade.
4. Sustainability Focus: Aligning Nepal Tea Collective’s practices with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
5. Entrepreneurial Lessons: The importance of persistence, passion, and surrounding yourself with the right team.
6. Global Impact: Reflections on being featured in The New York Times and Forbes.
7. Practical Advice: Key tips for starting a mission-driven business.

Memorable Quotes:

• "Tea is more than just a drink; it’s a way to connect people and cultures."
• "Transparency isn’t just a business value; it’s a necessity in today’s world."
• "If you want to make a global impact, start with your local roots."

Key Takeaways for Listeners:

• The importance of aligning your business with a meaningful mission.
• How sustainability can be a core differentiator in building a brand.
• The value of storytelling in connecting with consumers.
• Why resilience and adaptability are critical in entrepreneurship.

Call to Action:

• Visit Nepal Tea Collective’s website to learn more about their teas and mission.
• Follow their journey on Instagram and LinkedIn for updates and stories.
• Share this episode with someone who values sustainability and entrepreneurship.

This episode of What It Takes features Natalie Griffin and Amy Philpott, co-founders of Gerry’s Cafe, a nonprofit cafe that provides employment opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Natalie, a former special education teacher, and Amy, a seasoned business professional, joined forces to address the high unemployment rate within this community. Opened in 2023, Gerry’s Cafe combines a mission-driven purpose with excellent craft food and beverages.

The discussion focuses on their journey, from overcoming challenges like grassroots fundraising and pandemic delays to building a supportive community and creating an inclusive workspace. Natalie and Amy emphasize perseverance, collaboration, and the power of a mission-driven vision.

Key Themes:

1. Inspiration and Founding Story

• Natalie’s special education background highlighted the talents of individuals with disabilities and the stark lack of job opportunities available to them.
• Amy brought her business expertise, and together they built the nonprofit Brewing Opportunities, later rebranded Gerry’s Cafe in memory of Natalie’s aunt, Geralyn Weimer.

1. Challenges and Perseverance:

• Major hurdles included legal and nonprofit setup, fundraising, and building community support.
• The pandemic became a time for strategic planning, board development, and organizational strengthening.

1. Impact:

• Since opening in August 2023, the cafe has employed 37 adults with disabilities, providing skill development and fostering confidence and joy.
• Community testimonials reflect how transformative the cafe is for both employees and customers.

1. Balancing Mission and Business:

• The cafe maintains its nonprofit mission but also strives to run as a successful business.
• High payroll costs from hiring employees with disabilities are offset by community fundraising and commitment to quality products.

1. Advice for Entrepreneurs:

• Perseverance: Keep going despite roadblocks.
• Collaboration: Surround yourself with experts and supportive community members.
• Patience and Planning: Build your vision methodically, with a realistic timeline and strong foundation.
• Grit: Success demands resilience and hard work.

Memorable Quotes:

• “If every single person on the earth could walk into Gerry’s Cafe, the world would be a different place.”
• “That deposit of time [customers give us] will redeposit into their heart and into the community.”

Actionable Takeaways:

• Building a mission-driven business requires persistence, strategic partnerships, and the support of your community.
• Combining a clear social mission with operational excellence can lead to a greater impact.

In this episode of What It Takes, we sit down with Adam Povlitz, CEO and President of Anago Cleaning Systems, a leading global commercial cleaning franchise. Adam shares his inspiring journey from the corporate world at IBM to stepping into his family’s business and leading it to international success.

We’ll explore what it takes to transition from a corporate career to entrepreneurship, the leadership lessons Adam has learned along the way, and how he scaled Anago into the global powerhouse it is today. Adam also dives into the challenges of growing a competitive franchise, staying innovative, and his role as a thought leader in the industry.

If you’re curious about leadership, scaling a franchise, or learning what it takes to thrive as an entrepreneur, this episode is for you.

Guest: Adam Povlitz

Title/Role: CEO & President of Anago Cleaning Systems

Website: www.anagocleaning.com

LinkedIn: Adam Povlitz

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Adam’s early career at IBM and the skills he developed there.
2. Why Adam decided to leave the corporate world and join his family’s business.
3. The challenges of transitioning from corporate to CEO and growing into leadership.
4. Key turning points in scaling Anago Cleaning Systems into a global franchise.
5. Adam’s leadership philosophy and how it has evolved over time.
6. Staying competitive and innovative in the commercial cleaning industry.
7. How Adam uses his platform as a thought leader to contribute to Entrepreneur and Forbes.
8. The biggest challenges he’s faced while scaling a franchise.
9. The importance of innovation and vision when building a business.
10. Adam’s best advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders.

Takeaways for Listeners:

• The value of skills learned in the corporate world for entrepreneurial success.
• How to lead and scale a family business into a global brand.
• The mindset and strategies needed to compete in a growing market.
• Lessons on leadership, innovation, and resilience in entrepreneurship.

Call to Action:

If you’re inspired by Adam’s story, check out Anago Cleaning Systems at www.anagocleaning.com and follow Adam on LinkedIn.

Guest: Glenn Poulos

• Co-founder of Gap Wireless.
• Author of Never Sit in the Lobby: 57 Winning Sales Factors to Grow a Business and Build a Career Selling.
• Sales expert with 40 years of experience in the field, including starting and selling two successful businesses.

1. Glenn’s Journey into Sales

• Began in 1985 after a government mentor told him he “needed to sell things for a living.”
• Learned the power of leverage in sales—income is based on performance, not just education.
• Took the entrepreneurial leap in 1991 after realizing his value and ability to lead his own sales team.

1. The Entrepreneurial Leap and Building Businesses

• Co-founded his first business in 1991 after leaving his job.
• Sold the company after 15 years to a public entity and later started Gap Wireless in 2007.
• Sold Gap Wireless in 2022 to private equity, marking his second successful exit.

1. Biggest Early Challenges:

• Paying Yourself: You need a nest egg, low expenses, and/or an understanding partner during the early days.
• Failure to Launch: People often delay action due to fear; commitment and execution are critical for success.
• Overcoming fear of failure propels you forward once you take the first step.

1. Core Principles from Never Sit in the Lobby

• “Never Sit in the Lobby”: Be proactive, be prepared, and never waste opportunities when meeting clients.
• Always have something in your hand (like a product quote) and something in your mind (a clear purpose).
• Sales is about “staying in front of the customer” and building trust—even when you don’t win the deal.

1. Adapting to Change in Sales:

• Technology evolves, but “people buy from people”—face-to-face interactions still close high-value deals.
• Distinguish between sales (closing deals with clients) and marketing (generating leads). Salespeople need to be in front of customers, not behind desks.

1. Team Leadership and Hiring Salespeople:

• Hire slowly, fire quickly: If you’re considering letting someone go, you probably should.
• Compensation drives behavior: Build plans that align with business goals and motivate sales teams.
• The best recruit you can make is the sales manager—let them build a team that works for them.

1. What It Takes to Succeed in Business:

• Take the first step—most people fail because they never start.
• Always do “the next right thing” and operate as though every impression is a first impression.
• Be a pleasure to do business with—even when you lose a deal—so clients come back or refer you to others.

• “People buy from people. Face-to-face wins the deal most of the time.”
• “Failure to launch is what holds most people back. Take the leap, and let the fear of failure drive you forward.”
• “Always have something in your hand and something in your mind when meeting a customer.”
• “You only get forever to make another impression.”

1. Entrepreneurs:

• Have a financial runway to sustain yourself when starting out.
• Commit fully—don’t let fear stop you...

Guest Highlights:

• Name: Rhonda Kallman
• Title: Founder of Boston Harbor Distillery, co-founder of The Boston Beer Company (maker of Samuel Adams beer).
• Industry Contributions:
• Pioneering figure in the craft beer revolution.
• Recognized as one of the first women to make an impact in the male-dominated beer and spirits industry.
• Current focus on producing unique craft spirits at Boston Harbor Distillery.
• Awards/Recognitions:
• Named among INC Magazine’s “25 Entrepreneurs We Love.”
• Featured in “Beer Wars” documentary.
• Recipient of the Maverick Award from Beer Business Daily.

Episode Themes:

1. Breaking Barriers: Rhonda shares her experiences as a trailblazer for women in the alcohol beverage industry.
2. The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Insights into her journey co-founding Boston Beer Company and creating Boston Harbor Distillery.
3. Resilience and Leadership: How she navigated setbacks, including her battle with the FDA over caffeinated beer and the challenges of launching during 9/11.
4. Craft and Community: The importance of creating innovative products and connecting them to local history and culture.
5. Empowering Women: Advice for aspiring female leaders on building credibility and success in male-dominated fields.

Takeaways:

• Believe in yourself, even when others doubt you.
• Entrepreneurship requires resilience and a willingness to pivot when challenges arise.
• Building something meaningful often comes with personal sacrifices, but it can be deeply fulfilling.
• Leadership involves empowering others—Rhonda is most proud of the inclusive sales team she built at Boston Beer Company.
• Success in business often hinges on passion, differentiation, and a unique value proposition.

Title: Hydration, Sustainability, and Scaling with Purpose: Ralph Marucci of Hydr8

In this episode of What It Takes, host Jamie Seeker welcomes Ralph Marucci, co-founder and CEO of Hydr8, a company revolutionizing hydration and sustainability in the workplace. Ralph shares his entrepreneurial story, beginning with early lessons in equity, transitioning into the medical sales world, and eventually co-founding Hydr8 in 2017 to tackle single-use plastics and deliver cutting-edge hydration solutions.

Ralph discusses how Hydr8 differentiates itself with multi-stage water filtration systems, their commitment to reducing plastic waste, and the innovative Zero Waste Pantry Initiative, which includes sustainable coffee stations, snacks, and eco-friendly disposables. The company is well on its way to achieving its mission to save 1 billion bottles by 2030, with 300 million bottles already eliminated.

Throughout the episode, Ralph highlights the importance of strategic partnerships, scaling through strong hires, and balancing work with personal priorities like family. He offers actionable advice for business owners: establish core values, surround yourself with a trusted team, and focus on long-term growth without sacrificing balance.

This episode is perfect for entrepreneurs and leaders seeking inspiration to grow a purpose-driven, sustainable business while maintaining their work-life balance.

Key Takeaways:

1. Ralph’s Background & Hydr8’s Creation:

• Started in water systems under a venture capitalist at 22 but learned hard lessons about equity.
• Gained valuable experience in medical sales (J&J), then co-founded Hydr8 with his best friend to disrupt the bottled water industry.
• Hydr8 launched in 2017 with a mission to reduce single-use plastics and improve workplace hydration.

1. Hydr8’s Differentiators:

• Advanced Multi-Stage Filtration: Removes contaminants (lead, arsenic, pharmaceuticals, microplastics) and reintroduces essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
• No Plastic Waste: Provides high-quality water without bottles or 5-gallon jugs.
• Hydr8 offers flavored, sparkling, and ice water solutions for businesses.

1. Sustainability Commitment:

• Goal: Save 1 Billion Bottles by 2030; current progress: 300 million bottles saved.
• Hydr8 provides environmental impact reporting: measures CO₂ reduction, trees saved, and plastic diverted from landfills.
• Zero Waste Pantry Initiative:
• Sustainable coffee systems (bean-to-cup, no pods).
• Compostable disposables (PLA, bamboo, sugarcane-based products).
• Single-ingredient healthy snacks with compostable wrappers.
• Bulk snack dispensers to eliminate packaging waste.

1. Pivoting & Scaling the Business:

• Pandemic Pivot: Developed touchless water systems with a foot pedal, catering to essential workers and hospitals.
• Strategic hires (like a coffee guru) allowed Hydr8 to expand its product offerings.
• Grew customer base with major clients like JP Morgan, Kirkland Ellis, and the Brooklyn Nets.

1. Work-Life Balance & Leadership Lessons:

• Ralph emphasizes the importance of work-life balance, coaching his

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

1. Rajeev's journey from student to global business leader.
2. How to overcome cultural barriers when managing international teams.
3. The importance of building trust during mergers and acquisitions.
4. Key strategies for scaling businesses from startup to multimillion-dollar revenue.
5. Why mutual respect and clear outcomes are essential in leadership.
6. How to balance passion and purpose in your career.
7. Practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders looking to expand globally.

Connect with Rajeev Mudumba:

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rajeevmudumba
• Podcast: Plan B Success
• Website: Cooey Health

Quotes from the Episode:

• “Treat others the way you’d like to be treated.”
• “Passions evolve, but purpose becomes clearer as you execute every day.”
• “It’s not about warm and fuzzy all the time—business is about making tough decisions with respect and integrity.”

Action Items for Listeners:

1. Check out Rajeev’s podcast Plan B Success for more leadership insights.
2. Reflect on how you build trust and foster respect in your own teams.
3. Apply Rajeev’s strategies to scale your business or navigate global expansion.
4. Share this episode with a colleague or friend who could benefit from these insights.

Subscribe & Review:

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