Cincinnati State’s Post

In this podcast work I have learned so much from the stories and life journeys of our guests. I'm always touched and humbled by their willingness to share both successes and often very personal challenges. Hope you enjoy! Ps...and please subscribe and share. 😁 #podcast #smallbusiness #entrepreneurship #mainstreet

CELEBRATING 7 CONSECUTIVE YEARS OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN WINE 🍷 And what a WILD RIDE it has been… ~~ Throw in learning another language, moving across the globe, navigating a divorce, a spiritual awakening, living in a van down by the river, travelling Australia (32 wine regions, by the way), moving to Asia, and now onto the next adventure ~~ But that’s what entrepreneurship is all about. The highs, the lows, the ADVENTURE! I’ve experienced so many twists and turns I cannot keep count… but you know what? It always seems to work out… And when it DOES work out… something else is right around the corner to humble you 😉 My business mentor once told me that if you’re feeling stuck, uncertain, uninspired and just BLAH about your business - soak up the rest time as you are most likely on the verge of a significant breakthrough, channelled idea, or season of ACTION… and it’s so true!!! Your business will have seasons, just like you do… and it’s so beautiful to create something that evolves as you do!! So, no matter how crazy this ride can feel, it’s worth it JUST for that ^^^^ 👏 where are our entrepreneurial people!? #australianwine #winebloggers #wineindustrypodcast #digitalmarketingpodcast #wineindustry #winebusiness #winemarketing #beveragebrand #beverageindustry #wine #spiritsindustry #spiritsbusiness #digitalmarketing

How do you cope with failure? When Michael’s life was flipped upside down nearing bankruptcy, he reframed his mindset and took action. His company not only survived its challenges, but now achieves tens of millions in annual sales. 🙌 As CEO of the four-generation family enterprise San Pedro Fish Market and star of the "Kings of Fi$h" docuseries, Michael Ungaro began his entrepreneurial journey in 1978 at age seven. Over the years, the company has faced numerous obstacles, including the loss of family members, economic downturns, and eviction from primary locations. Through Michael’s strategic focus on building the business internally and strengthening the brand externally, San Pedro Fish Market not only survived but thrived, achieving double-digit annual sales growth and reaching $30 million in sales by the end of 2022. His family business has grown to six locations and now serves over 2 million hungry customers each year. 🤗 Discover the challenges and triumphs of managing a multi-generational family-owned restaurant, along with strategies for achieving new success during difficult times. 🍽️ 🎧 Get excited for Episode 10 of The Pineapple Perspective dropping on all listening platforms tomorrow! 🎙️ This episode is hosted by Troy Hooper and sponsored by Pepper Lunch Restaurants Thank you to Michael Ungaro for being this week’s featured guest! 👏 Find out more about company San Pedro Fish Market and Restaurant here: https://lnkd.in/dfsrH9uc #ThePineapplePerspective #PepperLunch #restaurantindustry #businessgrowth #entrepreneurship #hospitality #optimizeoperations #linkedin #bankruptcy #seafood #docudrama #resilience #familybusiness #tips #familyowned #inspiration #leadership #successstory #overcome #smallbusiness #obstacles #entrepreneurship

Entrepreneur Spotlight. Meet Matt and Marshall Meier, father-son duo, entrepreneurs, and owners of Meier's Meats. Have you ever visited a business that just feels like home? That's Dixie's influence, who is Marshall's wife. What you'll find at Meier's Meats is a professional butcher, staff that is friendly and helpful, and owners who are completely dedicated to a great experience! It feels like home, not just because it's family owned, but because their culture is to treat everyone as family. Meier's Meat is now a 4th generation business that has always focused on family, freshness, and fair pricing. Nearly 100 years ago, Robert Meier started in the grocery business, and his son, Marshall, grew up working with his dad and always wanted to open his own grocery store. Marshall and Matt have now established that store in Highland, and if you haven't been, it is well worth the drive or detour, depending on where you live. They've expanded, and Krissy, Matt's wife, worked hard to establish a bakery that will keep you coming back for more. This quaint grocer is one of the best places to shop. Whether you are feeding a family or your community dinner, Meier's Meats provides the highest quality Meats for the grill, baked goods for the indulgent times, and everything in between. Matt's advice was simple. "It's a lot of work, and you better be ready for that commitment." It was nearly 2 years before they started paying themselves. He continued, "That's what you do when you love what you do and love those you do it for." Marshall, Dixie, Matt, Krissy, and the whole team at Meier's Meat are my pick for the entrepreneur of the week. #riseandgrind #entrepreneurs #wintheday #historymakers

Unlock Your Inner Mogul - Learn From the Best & Forge Your Own Entrepreneurial Path Today's Story: Danny Meyer, founder of Shake Shack I still remember the first time I bit into a Shake Shack burger, I knew it was something special. I was in New York for work and stumbled upon what was then their newly-opened Theater District location. I sat down at one of their famous long tables, hip-to-hip with other New Yorkers. I got into a conversation with a group of strangers, only to find out one of them was from California. You should have seen the look on her face when I told her I preferred Shake Shack to In-N-Out! The burger joint has a back story that’s equally as shocking, and involves... - Carting ground meat out of a Michelin Star awarded kitchen and into a kiosk in the middle of an urban park - A hot dog stand as a four-year social experiment - A million-dollar failed attempt to create the world’s best french fry Here's my hot take-away from learning Danny’s story: 1. When he opened his first restaurant in 1985, he didn’t know anything about how to run one. What he did know was how to make people feel better when they left than they did when they came in. 2. He became a master at getting out of his own way. He’d seen others fail to do this, and it taught him to surround himself with people who could complement his strengths, and make up for his deficiencies. 3. Chasing perfection was a tough lesson. The company spent 2 years and $1M developing the best possible fresh-cut French fry, all because of one critic’s bad review. In the end, everyone hated them, and they had to abandon the idea. 4. He saw that top talent was drawn to a leader who made it fun to show up for work. He appointed Randy Garutti as CEO once he realized how committed he was to leaving the posh world of fine-dining behind and going all-in on burgers. This decision would set the stage for Shake Shack's enormous growth. #FounderStories #Entrepreneurs #SuccessStory #HowToSucceed #BusinessGrowth

Day 2/5: Building the Foundation Welcome back to Day 2 of my entrepreneurial journey! Today, I want to delve into the process of building the foundation for my bakery business. 1. Research and Planning: Before diving headfirst into the world of baking, I spent countless hours researching the market, analyzing consumer trends, and studying successful bakery models. This phase helped me understand my target audience, identify potential competitors, and carve out a unique niche for my bakery. 2. Crafting the Vision: With a clear understanding of the market landscape, I began crafting my vision for the bakery. From the type of products I wanted to offer to the ambiance of the storefront, every detail was thoughtfully considered to reflect my passion for baking and create an unforgettable experience for customers. 3. Securing Resources: One of the biggest challenges I faced was securing the resources needed to turn my vision into reality. From finding the perfect location to sourcing quality ingredients and equipment, every aspect required careful consideration and strategic planning. 4. Building a Support Network: Throughout this journey, I leaned heavily on the support of my family, friends, and mentors. Their guidance, encouragement, and unwavering belief in my vision kept me motivated during the most challenging moments and reminded me that I was not alone in this pursuit. 5. Embracing the Unknown: As I laid the groundwork for my bakery(on land my grandparents gave to me in their yard) I quickly realized that entrepreneurship is a journey filled with uncertainty and unexpected twists and turns. While daunting at times, I embraced the unknown with a sense of excitement and anticipation, knowing that every challenge was an opportunity for growth and learning. Moving Forward: As I reflect on the foundation we've built together, I'm filled with gratitude for the support and encouragement that surrounds me. With each brick laid and every hurdle overcome, we're one step closer to bringing our vision to life. Join me tomorrow as we explore the power of passion and perseverance in the face of adversity. Together, we can achieve anything! Let me know below your thoughts on building your foundation. 💪🍰 #EntrepreneurshipJourney #BuildingTheFoundation #PassionAndPerseverance

🌮 Happy #NationalTacoDay, my fellow business aficionados! 🌮 Let’s taco ‘bout the crunchy journey of entrepreneurship, shall we? 🚀 Imagine your business as a taco. The shell, crisp and often underappreciated, is your foundation - the hard work, the sleepless nights, and the relentless pursuit of goals. It’s what holds everything together amidst the chaos of the fillings! 🌪️ The fillings? Ah, that’s your unique flavor, your USP, spiced with innovations, marinated in strategies, and garnished with a dash of daring risks! 🌶️🔥 But here’s where it gets saucy - the toppings, the extras that transform a good taco into a GREAT one. That’s your network, your connections, your loyal clientele, and yes, even your critics! 🥑🧀 Now, let’s not salsa around the point here. 🕺 Building a business, much like crafting the perfect taco, is an art. It’s a blend of the traditional and the innovative, the safe and the spicy, the expected and the utterly surprising. 🎨🔥 And just like that first bite of a really good taco, embarking on a new business venture can be MESSY, chaotic, and things might spill out in directions you didn’t anticipate. 🤯 But oh, the FLAVORS, the experiences, the learnings, and the journey - it’s worth every single drop of sauce that dribbles down your chin and every bit of lettuce that tries to escape! 🎉 So, on this National Taco Day, let’s celebrate not just this fabulous dish, but the messy, flavorful, and utterly unpredictable journey of entrepreneurship! 🚀🌮 And remember, much like tacos, your journey is best shared with others! So, share your own entrepreneurial taco story below and let’s create a feast of inspiration, learning, and perhaps, a bit of hot sauce induced discomfort together! 🌶️🔥 #NationalTacoDay #TacoAboutBusiness #EntrepreneurialFeast #SpicyBusinessTales #LetsTacoBoutIt #BusinessJourney #MessyYetFlavorful

**How BuzzBallz Drinks Went From A Fun Side Hustle To $400 Million Fortune** It's always inspiring to see a story of someone turning an inventive idea into astounding success. Former public school teacher Merrilee Kick exemplifies this, having recently joined the ranks of America's richest self-made women. Merrilee transformed her fun side hustle into a full-fledged business empire, BuzzBallz Drinks, culminating in its sale this past May. Starting from a single product—a ready-to-drink cocktail in a unique, ball-shaped can—Merrilee tackled the competitive beverage market with creativity and tenacity. Despite numerous challenges along the way, her determination led BuzzBallz Drinks to skyrocket in popularity and revenue. In just a few years, her vision has grown into a $400 million fortune. Merrilee's journey from the classroom to the boardroom is a powerful reminder that innovative thinking and hard work can lead to extraordinary achievements. Her story is an inspiration to entrepreneurs and go-getters everywhere, proving that sometimes the most unexpected paths lead to the grandest destinations. Check out the full story on Forbes to learn more about Merrilee Kick's incredible journey: [How BuzzBallz Drinks Went From A Fun Side Hustle To $400 Million Fortune](https://lnkd.in/eAAYnvmz) #Entrepreneurship #SuccessStory #WomenInBusiness #InnovativeThinking #BuzzBallz #Forbes #ReadyToDrink

“A lot of people come to us with an interest in food, but food can be very complicated. Some of the issues include potentially tight margins and a high number of employees, (most of them being part-time), when you run a full-on food business. But we're seeing a lot of fun and simple food, such as models similar to a food truck, or maybe you're only serving milkshakes. Our experience with those types of businesses has been business owners who want to get their families involved. We’ve had more people lately saying, ‘I want a business where I can teach my kids about business’. ‘I want a business where my children can be involved so we can have fun together’.” Folks tend to be attracted to food because it’s everywhere, so it’s easy to think that is your primary option. The other reason could be that we all love to eat and there are many feel-good emotions around food. There are so many other opportunities out there, though. Fun and simple food is a nice hybrid. You get to do food but in a less challenging way. Have you ever considered opening a food business but changed your mind? Are you open to learning about other options that can be a good fit? If so, please reach out. The link to the full episode is in the comments below 👇 #dfwfranchiseexperts #franchising #entrepreneurship #diversifyincome