In this episode, we have a frank discussion with Brian Simmons, Vice President of NDS Solutions, a family-owned, nationally ranked business-to-business print and promotional products provider. Initially, the company believed their only need was a succession plan for the transition of leadership from father to son. However, once the engagement began, an assessment revealed numerous opportunities for improvement. Their partner created a comprehensive strategic business roadmap, an accountability process, and provided 9-months of executive coaching, ultimately revitalizing the entire company. Tune in to hear how NDS Solutions went beyond succession planning to achieve transformative growth.For more information about NDS Solutions, its custom services, and branded promotional products, contact Brian Simmons at Brian@NDS-Solution.com or visit its website at NDS-Solutions.com. To learn more about ExecHQ and our services, please schedule a 15-minute introductory call with Baron Lukas at: https://calendly.com/baron-lukas-exechq/15-minute-consultation-with-baron.

In this episode, we delve into the role and benefits of an ExecHQ Chief of Staff (CoS) for your business. In today’s dynamic business environment, privately owned lower-middle-market companies face challenges that require coherent strategic planning, execution discipline, ethical accountability, and leadership development. To meet these complex requirements, business owners, fiduciary boards, and CEOs need an experienced senior executive leader who can work to augment and professionalize the leadership team. Our experienced senior executives assist the ownership in developing and executing a plan that mitigates the day-to-day chaos, puts the company on a clear path for growth and greater profitability, and establishes a culture that attracts the right talent and business opportunities. ExecHQ is introducing the Chief of Staff as a Service to fulfill this need in our advisory services portfolio. You can read the accompanying article at  The Role and Benefits of an ExecHQ Chief of Staff (CoS) for Your Business (or to schedule a 15-minute introductory call with Baron, use this link: https://calendly.com/baron-lukas-exechq/15-minute-consultation-with-baron). Baron Lukas bio:  An executive leader, board member, advisor, coach, and retired Marine Corps Colonel, Baron has 43 years of leadership, management, and mentoring experience.  His professional career spans a diverse spectrum of positions: fighter pilot, instructor, strategist, intelligence officer, professor, commander, and finally, business executive, entrepreneur, board member, and advisor.  Baron is a Principal at ExecHQ, a consulting firm comprised of senior executives in North America and globally with extensive C-Suite (e.g., CEO, CFO, COO, CMO, etc.) experience. ExecHQ delivers on-demand, cost-effective solutions for complex business problems that CEOs and business owners face. Baron’s advisory services include Chief of Staff as a Service, pre-transaction valuation improvement, strategy development and execution, executive coaching, corporate governance, and succession planning. Baron heads ExecHQ’s Chief of Staff as a Service, Executive Coaching, and Corporate Governance practices, and ExecHQ MULTIPLE, an advisory program specifically intended to prepare businesses for an M&A transaction or capital raise.Baron’s long history of business and military leadership positions gives him a unique perspective that blends the best practices of both worlds.  A native of Germany, Baron is bilingual (English and German) and holds two master’s degrees.

In this episode, we delve into the essence of reputation, often touted as a company's most valuable asset. Drawing wisdom from Warren Buffett's timeless advice on reputation management, our guest, Kathy Leech illuminates the intricate relationship between brand and reputation. We explore how a brand acts as the tree, while its reputation serves as the shadow — the perception formed by past actions and experiences. Delving deeper, we dissect the elements of brand and reputation, deciphering how they intertwine to shape consumer perceptions and business outcomes. Join us as we unravel the process of uncovering a purpose that resonates with stakeholders, from employees to investors, and how embedding it into every facet of operations can drive tangible results. From enhancing employee commitment to boosting community endorsement, discover the transformative potential of purpose in fortifying and enhancing company reputation.You can email Kathy at kathy.leech@exechq.com to receive her blog post on this topic (or to schedule a 15-minute introductory call with Kathy use this link: https://calendly.com/kathy-leech/introductory-call-1).Kathy Leech bio: Kathy Leech has deep experience in all aspects of the marketing process and is an expert in uncovering key insights and turning them into actionable plans that generate results. She has grown brands and corporate reputations at companies like Quaker Oats, Hunt Wesson, Comcast, and BP through impactful marketing strategies and award-winning integrated communications campaigns. She also has deep experience with particularly difficult brand challenges, including leading the brand, research, advertising, and social media response to the Gulf Oil Spill. Kathy’s pragmatic, common-sense approach, collaborative style, and client-side experience have helped brands to find fit-for-purpose solutions to their biggest marketing challenges. With a track record of successfully managing brands through both growthand crisis, she understands her client’s needs and pressures and can provide solutions. Kathy holds a master’s in business administration from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University. She brings a fresh perspective, objectivity, and a sense of urgency, all needed in today’s rapidly changing environment.

Practical applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Intelligent Automation, Robotic Process Automation, and other technologies can help your business achieve significant returns on your investment.To schedule an introductory call with Jim use this link: https://exechq.clientpoint.co/v/595361/1299Jim Hoggatt Bio:Jim is the CEO of ExecHQ, a global consulting firm that helps for-profit and non-profit organizations get to the next level through the use of ExecHQ EXaaS™ (Executives as a Service) and other solutions.

Business owners are a unique breed.  They are smart and bright bright people.  If your business is over two years old, especially if it started before the pandemic, you are doing some things right. You have a dedicated, hardworking team... good folks.  But there can be problems – Businesses facing new issues, new circumstances for the first time, have a curve ball thrown at them when they expect a fastball. This is particularly applicable to younger businesses, ones that have experienced success and growth, but suddenly, out of the blue, something unexpected and new hits you. Now what?To schedule an introductory call with Mark use this link: https://calendly.com/mark-derr/15minMark Derr Bio:Mark Derr has many years of experience as a business consultant, CFO, corporate senior executive, and business owner.  He provides CEO/CFO advisory and consulting services to entrepreneurial privately held companies in various industries including aviation, healthcare, retail, and services. As an executive coach, he has trained over 200 senior executives and sales teams in consultative sales methodologies. His corporate experience includes 10 years in the aviation industry as a Chief Financial Officer for a commercial aviation services firm and 10 years in the defense industry in Management Systems. He has an MBA in Finance. Mark is a Principal at ExecHQ, a global consulting firm that helps for-profit and non-profit organizations get to the next level.

Episode Description:In this episode, we explore the application of behavioral psychology in marketing strategies with Ellza Malok (https://linkedin.com/in/ellzamalok), a principal at ExecHQ (www.exechq.com). Join us for an insightful discussion as we delve into the intricacies of leveraging psychological principles to build trust and influence purchase decisions for impactful growth. Discover effective tactics for crafting psychology-based messaging that enhances credibility and resonates with target audiences.To schedule an introductory call with Ellza use this link: https://calendly.com/ellza-malok/consultation-with-ellza-malokEllza Malok Bio:Ellza Malok is a principal and CMO recognized for her data science background and expertise in behavior science research. Ellza's expertise has led her to scale and transform organizations comprehensively, from optimizing marketing and sales functions to enhancing intelligence departments, resulting in holistic organizational growth. With a passion for psychology-based approaches, Ellza leads the International Group and co-chairs the marketing group at ExecHQ. Based in Chicago, Ellza's global reach extends across Europe and the Middle East, where she supports clients in navigating the complexities of business growth and evolving their organizations to their next phase. As a refugee immigrant to the US from Kosovo, Ellza's journey has instilled in her a unique outlook on the differences between perception, data, and reality, driving her dedication to empathetically understanding perspectives, thus ensuring impactful results through strategic marketing initiatives.

Most organizations focus on three things when assessing their value: their balance sheet, leadership, and position in the marketplace. I challenge every organization to set those metrics aside and focus on identifying the core values that exist when operating at its highest level and operationalizing those values throughout every level of the organization. The benefits of this approach are explosive: teams become more cohesive, leaders learn to trust their people and their people become more trusting of the leaders, and leaders empower people to solve their problems because who is better equipped to come up with solutions than those who are responsible for implementing them?To schedule a 15-minute call with Elizabeth, you can use the following link: https://calendly.com/whatsnextbiz/let-s-meet-free-consultationElizabeth Souder's Bio: Elizabeth McJimsey Souder is a “recovering” attorney and organizational health consultant and coach who helps companies and leaders realign the disconnect between who they say they are and how they behave. She has worked with some of Kansas City’s leading organizations as they launched, prepared for growth, prepared for expansion, addressed COVID and post-COVID relatedinterruptions, reimagined who they were, restructured how they functioned, and rebuilt the culture in which they worked. Elizabeth also enjoys working with new managers and their teams to build trust, align and operationalize values, empower one another, and win together. Elizabeth brings 20+ years as a corporate lawyer with two of Kansas City’s largest employers where she witnessed and experienced the relationship between an organization’s health and alignment and its success.

Learn how to navigate pain points in the healthcare landscape today. ExecHQ Principal Doug Morse shares an assessment of the healthcare environment and strategic steps you can take to achieve your business goals. The impact of technology and new healthcare entrants will be discussed as well as ExecHQ Healthcare Consulting expertise to position your organization for the future. To schedule an introductory call with Doug, use this link: https://calendly.com/doug-morse Doug Morse bio: Doug is a relentless learner with decades of CEO and executive strategic and execution experience. He brings assessment expertise, actionable ideas, and measurable ongoing support to solve problems such as Strategic Planning, Innovation, Operational Improvements, and Human Capital Management.  A results–oriented professional with a track record of success across multiple industries including healthcare (hospitals and physician clinics) and higher education, he is an expert listener with the patience to hear people out and identify solutions for improved results. Doug believes success is rooted in listening to the customer. His philosophy is "Take care of the customer and the customer will take care of you".

It is often not intuitive for business owners to shift from a profit-growth perspective of their business to an asset value perspective. However, this is potentially the best single investment a business owner can make. Jon helps his clients enhance their strategy to consider the entire Enterprise Value opportunity. You can reach out to him for a complimentary initial consultation at this link:Book time with Jon Rothbart: 10 minute call with Jon Also, if you would like to join a cohort of companies that are getting ready for a high Multiple exit, this podcast is offering listeners the opportunity to waive the first year's fee. The High Multiple Exit portal is a space where you can educate yourself about the techniques to influence your valuation Multiple and connect with professionals, like Jon,  who can help. Immediate benefits include 2 complimentary consultations, one focused on your Valuation Multiple and the other a CFO analysis that identifies immediate opportunities to improve Enterprise Value. In addition, we offer an extension of a Group Purchasing program that may result in substantial savings. Long-term benefits include a Multiple Strategy framework, opportunities to engage with pros, and, potentially, a premium Multiple exit. Use the referral code EOTF24 to sign up at this link.John Rothbart Bio: While Jon was an executive at a fast-growing investment holding company, he reviewed hundreds of businesses eager to be acquired. He passed on the vast majority of them. The few that advanced to the deal stage had great fundamentals and synergies but were presented in a way that justified deep discounts.  As a strategy consultant, Jon has developed a methodology that enhances the conventional profit-growth strategy of most successful middle-market companies. Identifying the factors that influence the Valuation Multiple, and giving sufficient time to implement, ensures that his Clients have a playbook to position themselves for a premium Multiple exit.

A great conversation with ExecHQ (www.exechq.com) principal Baron Lukas (linkedin.com/in/juergenbaronlukas) who shares his expertise on bringing maturity to your company so you can achieve your business goals. The challenge is that companies sometimes cannot transition from the start-up/entrepreneurial stage to the desired high growth, high professionalism stage. They have no documented business processes, no formal planning and execution process, and no disciplined meeting rhythm for the leadership team.  To schedule a 15-minute call with Baron, you can use the following link: 15-Minute Consultation with Baron - Baron Lukas, ExecHQ PrincipalBaron Lukas bio: An executive leader, advisor, coach, and retired Marine Corps Colonel, Baron has 42 years of leadership, management, and mentoring experience. His professional career spans a diverse spectrum of positions: fighter pilot, instructor, strategist, intelligence officer, professor, commander, and finally, business executive, entrepreneur, board member, and advisor. Baron’s advisory services include pre-transaction valuation improvement, strategy development and execution, executive coaching, corporate governance, and succession planning. Baron also heads “ExecHQ MULTIPLE,” an advisory program specifically intended to prepare businesses for an M&A transaction or capital raise. Baron’s long history of business and military leadership positions gives him a unique perspective that blends the best practices of both worlds. A native of Germany, Baron, is bilingual (English and German) and holds two master’s degrees. Baron and his wife, Tanya, an award-winning author, live on a small ranch just west of Fort Worth, Texas.

Podcast Description SectionMany privately held start-ups and high-growth companies struggle with their financial landscape. Financial reporting, profitability analysis, cost control, and debt and equity funding are difficult to understand and manage.  Compounding the problem, business owners/CEOs wait too long to get a strategic CFO assessment, let alone hire senior financial executives. In this podcast episode, we talk to Lisa Cobb.  Named one of the top CFOs in Fort Worth, you will enjoy the conversation with Lisa Cobb (linkedin.com/in/lisakcobb) as we discuss how quickly a fractional CFO can improve the financial landscape and understanding of these companies.To schedule a 15-minute call with Lisa, you can use the following link: https://calendly.com/lisa-cobb-1/15-minute-chat Lisa Cobb bio: An enterprising financial leader with extensive experience in guiding corporate finance, M&A, growth, and restructuring initiatives at large and smaller businesses, Lisa Cobb has been a Principal with ExecHQ for close to two years. Lisa has served in CFO roles for over 20 years, leading full P&L operations and reporting to the CEO and board of directors. She navigates day-to-day operations through organic growth and acquisitions, managing short- and longer-term business strategic objectives to meet cash and financing needs. She has started, grown, and reorganized businesses to meet changing industry dynamics and customer needs. Lisa has delivered financing solutions to small businesses, operationalized human resources departments, led marketing campaigns, and driven M&A and divesture strategies to grow businesses and organizations or reposition them more competitively. In 2017, Fort Worth Business Press honored Lisa as one of the top CFOs in Fort Worth, TX.

A great conversation with Baron Lukas (linkedin.com/in/juergenbaronlukas) who exemplifies outstanding leadership. Baron discusses the role of how ExecHQ’s (www.exechq.com) fractional executives can accelerate business growth while keeping costs low. ExecHQ® is a C-suite consulting firm providing elite executives for your business, whether to have a “fresh eye” on complex business challenges and goals or provide a trusted senior executive to lead an existing team. To schedule a 15-minute call with Baron, you can use the following link: 15-Minute Consultation with Baron - Baron Lukas, ExecHQ PrincipalBaron Lukas bio:An executive leader, advisor, coach, and retired Marine Corps Colonel, Baron has 42 years of leadership, management, and mentoring experience. His professional career spans a diverse spectrum of positions: fighter pilot, instructor, strategist, intelligence officer, professor, commander, and finally, business executive, entrepreneur, board member, and advisor.Baron’s advisory services include pre-transaction valuation improvement, strategy development and execution, executive coaching, corporate governance, and succession planning. Baron also heads “ExecHQ MULTIPLE,” an advisory program specifically intended to prepare businesses for an M&A transaction or capital raise. Baron’s long history of business and military leadership positions gives him a unique perspective that blends the best practices of both worlds.A native of Germany, Baron, is bilingual (English and German) and holds two master’s degrees. Baron and his wife, Tanya, an award-winning author, live on a small ranch just west of Fort Worth, Texas.