Talking Business Now
576 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 12 ratingsGet the inside scoop on how America’s most successful entrepreneurs are transforming their industries. On each episode of Talking Business Now, you'll meet one of your fellow business owners, founders or entrepreneurs who's "been there done that." Along with host Kelly Scanlon, guests delve into a specific challenge they've dealt with, their strategies for handling it and how it changed their company. You'll be inspired by each guest's entrepreneurial journey—and, through their experiences and examples, you'll gain insights into innovative ideas you can put to work immediately to increase productivity, improve processes, expand your market share and generate more revenue. Tune in , , , it’s time to talk business!
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Episodes
Value As a Service, with Rob Bernshteyn
August 26, 2016 16:00 - 20 minutesRob Bernshteyn, CEO and President of Coupa, brings over two decades experience in the business software industry to this episode of Smart Companies Radio. He and host Kelly Scanlon discuss his new book, "Value as a Service”. Making predictions about the future is always tricky. But there is one prediction that author Rob Bernshteyn is quite confident in making: Across a host of industries, we will move to a model that he calls value as a service. Discover what that means and how to be prepar...
PointWorks Academy Expanding Opportunities Tech Careers in Kansas City
August 19, 2016 16:30 - 20 minutesContrary to popular belief, tech jobs are not just for people crunching code, enter, PointWorks Academy. Co-founder Chrys Sullivan the founder of user experience (UX) firm,Useagility visits with host Mary McKenna on this episode of Smart Companies KC. Discover why Sullivan who already runs one of KC's fastest-growing companies decided to open her second business and how PointWorks Academy will help fill the increasing need for employees with UX skills. Great software is dependent on great ...
There's Money in Maggots: Grubbly Farms Sees Sustainable Future In Bug Farming
August 19, 2016 16:00 - 21 minutesOn this episode of Smart Companies Radio with host Kelly Scanlon discover what food scraps, fly larvae and pet chickens have in common. Meet Patrick Pittaluga and Sean Warner, Georgia Tech graduates and cousins who have founded Grubbly Farms, which is breeding and selling larvae as a more sustainable protein and fat source for chickens, pigs and farmed seafood The entrepreneurs are also hoping to help stem America’s billion-dollar problem with food waste – produce and leftover foods being t...
NFL Hall of Famer Will Shields Finds Success As An Entrepreneur & Philanthropist
August 12, 2016 16:30 - 26 minutesChief's legend Will Shields talks with Smart Companies KC host Kelly Scanlon. Find out what drives this man who never missed an NFL game in 14 seasons and propelled him to 12 consecutive Pro Bowl games between 1995 and 2006 and ultimately landed him in the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton. Learn how and why wellness is so important to him and how he tries to make it available to everyone through philanthropic efforts. Discover how he has grown his business, 68 Inside Sports, which he bought i...
Be The Disrupter By Getting Ahead of The Curve With Author Pamela S. Harper
August 12, 2016 16:00 - 24 minutesOn this week’s Smart Companies Radio, with host Kelly Scanlon, meet Pamela S. Harper, internationally known business performance expert, author, and professional speaker. She is the founding partner and CEO of Business Advancement Inc. (BAI), based in Glen Rock, NJ. Pam is also the author of the critically acclaimed book, Preventing Strategic Gridlock®: Leading Over, Under & Around Organizational Jams to Achieve High-Performance Results. On this episode, gain insights into the common but mi...
No Mold, No Odors, No Nasty Chemicals - No Kidding, With Green Home Solutions
August 05, 2016 16:30 - 26 minutesMold can be a messy, toxic and expensive problem. Most mold remedies start with tearing out the walls and flooring of your home or office. Meet Terry Amerine, Owner and President of Green Home Solutions when he joins host Kelly Scanlon on Smart Companies-KC. Find out how Terry started his business and after learning about a green and safer alternative, why he decided to buy a Green Home Solutions franchise. To hear more shows with host Kelly Scanlon, please visit our archives. Learn mor...
Time To Make the Jump to Entrepreneur With Award-Winning Author, Pamela Slim
August 05, 2016 16:00 - 28 minutesOn this week’s Smart Companies Radio with host Kelly Scanlon, you’ll meet Pamela Slim, an award-winning author, speaker and business consultant who has been an entrepreneur for twenty years. In the last ten years, she helped hundreds of people to start successful businesses. She built a powerful online presence at Escape from Cubicle Nation, a site designed for corporate employees who wanted to make the shift to entrepreneur. On this episode, they’ll discuss Pam’s most recent book, “Body of W...
Big Wheels & High Heels: IXT Trucking Keeps Things Moving Around the Globe.
July 29, 2016 16:30 - 24 minutesKaren Duff, President, and CEO of International Express Trucking or IXT sees a need, meets it and then exceeds it. As the head of IXT since 1993, she continues to explore ways to make the company bigger and better. Today, IXT continues to be the largest women-owned intermodal drayage business within the six-state Midwest region. Duff and IXT's Vice President of Operations, Martha Schmidt on this episode of Smart Companies - KC, visit with host Kelly Scanlon to talk about the business that ...
The State of Small Business in America 2016: Babson Professor Donna Kelly Guests
July 29, 2016 16:00 - 23 minutesIf you're starting a business, where do you go to finance it? Donna Kelly, Professor of Entrepreneurship with Babson College talks with host Kelly Scanlon on Smart Companies Radio this week to discuss new and diverse sources of capital available to entrepreneurs, plus tried and true old school methods that are more popular than you might think. Who’s leading the way with business startups and find out why women more often than not start their new companies with half the cash on hand than the...
Weave Gotcha Covered Uncovering New Opportunities In Kansas City
July 22, 2016 16:30 - 25 minutesMeet the women behind Kansas City Company, Weave Gotcha Covered, afull-service custom soft furnishings company. Owners Lonnie Vanderslice and Kelly Wilson join Smart Companies – KC host Kelly Scanlon to talk about their business success as well as their mission as social entrepreneurs. Weave Got You Covered was recently honored as a member of the 2016 Class of 25 Under 25 by Thinking Bigger Business. Find out what's next for this 10-year old overnight success. To hear more shows with host ...
Changing the World With Just a Chat: Bishop McCann's CEO & President Rob Adams.
July 22, 2016 16:00 - 17 minutesOn this episode of Smart Companies Radio with host Kelly meet Rob Adams a former executive with Microsoft now President & CEO with Bishop McCann in Kansas City. Find out why the company initiated the popular CHAT series and how it’s working to empower young men and women to achieve their potential and be positive change-makers in their families and communities. To hear more shows hosted by Kelly Scanlon, please visit our archives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adcho...
Eat, Play, Pickle in Kansas City North with Restaurateur Bill Crooks
July 15, 2016 16:30 - 26 minutesMeet Bill Crooks, the man behind PB&J Restaurants, Inc. The company started in 1987 with notable establishments such as The Paradise Diner, Yia’s Yia’s, Red Robin franchises, PB&J’s Steakhouse, and the Grand Street Café. Bill visits with Smart Companies-KC host Kelly Scanlon to discuss his latest endeavor, bringing his quarter-century of food knowledge to Chicken and Pickle in North Kansas City and his art of “Pickle Ball”. Plus tune in and find out all about Bill’s latest venture, Good Food...
4000 Miles Across America, Entrepreneur & Author Michael Glauser Defines Success
July 15, 2016 16:00 - 28 minutesMeet Michael Glauser, author of Main Street Entrepreneur: Build Your Dream Company Doing What You Love Where You Live. Glauser has distilled hours of interviews with more than 100 entrepreneurs in 100 cities during his 4000-mile cross country bicycle journey and shares some of those stories on this episode of Smart Companies Radio with host Kelly Scanlon. Discover Glauser's nine keys for success including building a purpose-driven business, giving mind-boggling customer service and ultimat...
Sweet Treats Hit the Streets. Meet The Funnel Cake Man, Michael Bradbury.
July 08, 2016 16:30 - 19 minutesMeet the man behind Kansas City’s Funnel Cake Truck. Michael Bradbury joins host Kelly Scanlon to talk about what brought to the food truck industry in 2009. Find out why funnel cakes, kettle corn, and deep-fried Twinkies keeps them lined up and wanting more. Bradbury explains his love for the business and why he co-founded the Kansas City Food Truck Association, paving the way for food truck entrepreneurs yet-to-come. To hear more shows with host Kelly Scanlon, please visit our archives. ...
How to Turn Your Leads into Sales with expert and author Justin Sturges.
July 08, 2016 16:00 - 26 minutesTune into Smart Companies Radio with host Kelly Scanlon and find out what you’re missing when building your website that could tank your business traffic. Justin R. Sturges, author of the Amazon Best Seller, “The Small Business Owners Guide to Local Lead Generation brings his more than 20 years experience in local marketing to Smart Companies Radio. Listen to discover effective and practical digital marketing recipes that will work for your business. To hear more shows with host Kelly Scanl...
The Best IT Disaster Defense Is An Offense. Huber & Assoc's Dean Bergman Guests
July 01, 2016 16:30 - 23 minutesFor more than 30 years, Huber and Associates has been helping companies with their technology questions and solving their problems. Dean Bergman, a senior sales executive with the company for more than 17 years explains simple steps to avert information disaster with your business before it strikes. On this episode of Smart Companies KC with host Kelly Scanlon discover how to choose a reliable backup system, as well as advice on password protection, and system updates for all the devices u...
Business Planning Expert Tim Berry Shapes Up Your Business Plan by Getting Lean.
July 01, 2016 16:00 - 26 minutesTune into Smart Companies Radio with host Kelly Scanlon and find out how to get more out of your business by getting lean. Tim Berry, the man some have called the Obi-wan Kenobe of business planning will share great advice on how Lean business planning though simple, is a powerful way to get what you want from your business. Berry, not only a business planning expert but also an entrepreneur will discuss his latest book, “Lean Business Planning: Get What You Want From Your Business”, and h...
Developer Matt Abbott Revitalizing Kansas City's East Crossroads
June 24, 2016 16:30 - 20 minutesMatt Abbott is out to change the face of Kansas City’s East Crossroads. An entrepreneur since childhood selling aluminum cans and newspapers to recycling companies in Quincy, Illinois. Matt, inspired by his father, worked hard saving his money and now buys distressed properties in Kansas City. His latest endeavor is the redevelopment of the Kansas City Costume Company at 2020 Grand Blvd. as a boutique hotel scheduled to open in the fall of 2016. Matt shares his mission, his philosophy and h...
Jeffery Shaw: The Freedom Fighter for The Uncommon Entrpreneur
June 24, 2016 16:00 - 27 minutesJeffrey Shaw is passionate about assisting small business and entrepreneurs. He speaks and coaches clients across the country, and is leading the charge in helping creative entrepreneurs succeed in business. Shaw specializes in helping creatives, freelancers, solopreneurs, and all those wanting to succeed in business as “the small guy” - the warrior. He refers to this trend, which predicts that 60% of the workforce will be individuals and freelancers by 2030, as The New Renaissance. On this...
K.C. Shrimp Company Rockets to Success With Live Saltwater Shrimp in the Midwest
June 17, 2016 16:30 - 20 minutesThis week on Smart Companies KC, host Kelly Scanlon welcomes Julie and Mitch Schieber, owners of KC Shrimp.The company just opened in May, and its product is already catching on across the metro! Tune in as the Schiebers discuss why they decided to raise saltwater shrimp in the landlocked Midwest, how they got the business off the ground and which local restaurants are offering it on their menus. To hear more shows hosted by Kelly Scanlon, please visit our archives. Learn more about your ...
Mom Made Food CEO Heather Stouffer Makes Mealtime Fun, Simple and Healthy.
June 17, 2016 16:00 - 28 minutesOn this episode of Smart Companies Radio with host Kelly Scanlon, meet Heather Stouffer, the mastermind behind Mom Made Foods, a leading producer of family-favorite frozen meals and snacks. Find out why the former Shawnee Mission East graduate is winning so many prestigious awards, and what she's doing to turn her brand into a household name. To hear more shows hosted by Kelly Scanlon, we invite you to visit our archives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
LeagueAlly Founder Luke Wade Grows Rec Sports by Tossing out The Clipboard
June 10, 2016 16:30 - 22 minutesRecreational sports are fun, a great way to meet people and unwind and even network but who wants to step and manage the team? Luke Wade and LeagueAlly to the rescue. LeagueAlly is a software solution to handle the chores. What started as a time-saver has evolved into a full-fledged product of its own. Find out how it works and how the idea was developed. Discover Luke's best advice for young entrepreneurs. And learn what's next for this budding serial entrepreneur...including Zombies. ...
Catch the Next Market Wave & Surge to Success with Author Mike Michalowicz
June 10, 2016 16:00 - 26 minutesAfter launching and selling two multi-million companies, Mike Michalowicz, the author of “Profit First”, set out on a mission to eradicate entrepreneurial poverty through mentoring business leaders, and writing game-changing, “from the trenches” business strategy books that helped entrepreneurs save and grow their businesses—and their bank accounts. Surge is his latest book and he’ll discuss this new book which will be released June 20th with host Kelly Scanlon on Smart Companies Radio. If yo...
J Rieger Left For Dead: Resurection & Co-Founder Andy Rieger Toasts The Future.
June 03, 2016 16:30 - 30 minutesMeet Andy Rieger, Co-Founder of J. Rieger & Company, a distillery in the East Bottoms neighborhood of Kansas City, Missouri. Find out the secret of J Rieger’s quick success which launched less than two years ago in October of 2014. And hear all the details on a new partnership between J Rieger & Co. and Boulevard Brewing Company with the release of “Left For Dead”, a spirit distilled from Boulevard Beer. Left For Dead will be released for distribution on June 27th. Rieger Spirits are current...
Great Advice with Money Magazine & NBC Financial Correspondent Jordan Goodman
June 03, 2016 16:00 - 27 minutesAre you looking for answers for your small business? You’ve come to the right place. The Money Answers Man, Jordan Goodman will tell you where to find the answers you’ve been looking for because he has been answering Americans’ questions about personal finance for over 35 years. And he’ll be answering questions this week on Smart Companies Radio with host Kelly Scanlon. Goodman, the Wall Street Correspondent at MONEY Magazine for 18 years, was the financial commentator on NBC News for 9 y...
Passion For Making a Difference: A Driving Force for Entrepreneur, Carol Dobies
May 27, 2016 16:30 - 28 minutesThere are thousands of advertising and marketing companies across the country. Dobies Healthcare Group owner, Carol Dobies narrowed her niche and has focused her expertise on helping the healthcare industry shape its strategic message and brand. Discover her driving force after 24 years in business, how her business has changed and what she would have done differently. Dobies Healthcare Group is a member of Thinking Bigger Business’s 25 Under 25® class for 2016, recognizing the top 25 compani...
A Declaration of Independents: Businessman & Author Greg Orman Guests
May 27, 2016 16:00 - 29 minutesA Kansas businessman for most of his adult life, Greg Orman former independent candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2014 found his entrepreneurial spirit working summers in a furniture warehouse owned by his father in Stanley, Kansas. After graduating, Orman founded Environmental Light Concepts in 1992, which designs and installs energy-efficient lighting systems for commercial and industrial companies. He built the company into a multimillion-dollar business with over 120 employees in four yea...
McCrite Family: Three Generations of Commitment to The Best in Senior Living
May 20, 2016 16:30 - 26 minutesOn this episode of Smart Companies KC with host Kelly Scanlon, meet the McCrite Family, owners of Mcrite Plaza established in 1975 in Topeka, Kansas, and now in the northland at Briarcliff in Kansas City, Missouri. This three generation family-owned and operated business has remained committed to providing the best in senior living Learn how it started and how the commitment has been passed down from generation to generation. All the McCrite children have been involved on some level with the ...
Going Global Without Losing Your Shirt With Payscout CEO Cleveland Brown
May 20, 2016 16:00 - 27 minutesOn this episode of Smart Companies Radio with host Kelly Scanlon, it’s time to go global. Cleveland Brown, CEO of Payscout, a global payment processing provider covering six continents, will discuss how small business owners can flourish globally and what the federal government needs to do to help them in this arena. Discover how small business owners can be involved globally without losing his or her shirts and find out what sort of red tape and regulations still needs to be eliminated. To ...
Hobby Turns Into Full-Time Award-Winning Business for Jowler Creek Winery
May 13, 2016 16:30 - 29 minutesMeet Colleen and Jason Gerke of Jowler Creek Vinyard and Winery of Platte City. Learn how a California girl and a Midwest farm boy decided to trade corn in for grape vines and grow a thriving business. Jowler Creek was a winner of the 25 Under 25 ® Award for 2016. Discover how these two entrepreneurs made the jump from the hobby they loved into a strong and successful business they love, and how they've continued to grow their business while building equity and value in the company. To hear...
We're Doing It All Wrong! A Bold New Business Approach with Author David Burkus
May 13, 2016 16:00 - 23 minutesPerformance reviews – Should you get rid of them?What about open floor plans - Do they really work?Should employees know each other’s salaries? Dr.David Burkus, an increasingly influential business school professor, and author after decades of research will address what he contends are outdated, or outmoded business practices with host Kelly Scanlon.They'll discuss his new book, “Under New Management, How Leading Organizations are Upending Business as Usual” on this episode of Smart Companies...
Bravo's Top Chef Alumni, Chef Renee Kelly, The Queen of Her Culinary Castle
May 06, 2016 16:30 - 28 minutesFresh from her role as a contestant on Bravo TV's Top Chef season 13th. Chef Renee Kelly continues to create and amaze her customers and culinary critics alike at her restaurant in western Shawnee. Learn how her family, small business owners supported and encouraged her path to entrepreneurship. After receiving her Culinary arts degree with honors at the Art Institute of Houston, Texas, Kelly set up shop in a quaint little limestone castle where farm-to-table, fresh and organic rein supreme...
Learn The Secrets to Successfully Managing Your Sales Force with Chris Cahill
May 06, 2016 16:00 - 30 minutesSmall business owners go through hell and high water at times looking for the right match and being able to put a top sales staff together. Sales Coach Chris Cahill knows what it takes to hire and manage a sales staff. Chris joins host Kelly Scanlon on this episode of Smart Companies Radio to share his tips and secrets to building a powerhouse sales staff for your company. Despite the fancy initials after his name – Chris learned sales management with his sleeves rolled up, chasing new busin...
Prairie Elder Care Growing to Meet the Needs of an Aging Community.
April 29, 2016 18:00 - 28 minutesPrairie Elder Care one of this year’s 25 Under 25 ® winners will join host Kelly Scanlon to discuss the company’s philosophy on care for the elderly and how two great ideas and businesses have joined as one serving the growing and demanding needs of the aging community in Kansas City. Mandy Shoemaker is the co-founder of Prairie Elder Care, which she founded with her sister in law, Michala Gibson in July of 2014. For 20 years Mandy worked as an elementary school teacher, consultant, and pri...
Profiting in a World Where Customers Rule with Author Tema Frank
April 29, 2016 16:00 - 29 minutesBest-selling author, international speaker and consultant, Tema Frank has over three decades’ experience in business & marketing strategy, usability testing and customer improvement. In 2012 she created the Frank Online Marketing Show, which has now become the Frank Reactions podcast, and extended her consulting, speaking and teaching services. She is also author of the best-selling book, Canada’s Best Employers for Women: A guide book for job hunters, employees and employers and will discu...
Major Disasters Have Met Their Match With Sage Restoration.
April 22, 2016 16:30 - 26 minutesMeet another 25 Under 25® winner, class of 2016. Stephanie and Alan Sage with Sage restoration will talk about their company and how they help their clients get back to normal after a major disaster. Discover how this Overland Park based business suits up against some of the country’s largest cleaning companies and comes out smelling like a rose. From sewer back up to floods and fire damage and beyond, Alan and Stephanie Sage are there to clean it up. Find out their secrets to growing the bus...
CEO Afterlife:Are You Ready? with Author and Business Consultant Susan Spaulding
April 22, 2016 16:00 - 26 minutesAfter you’ve been a business owner, a CEO, or any kind of corporate executive, how do you reinvent yourself for the next chapter of your life? Author and business consultant Susan Spalding guests with host Kelly Scanlon on Smart Companies Radio. Spaulding will discuss her new book, “Recalibrate for Life 2.0: Transition Stories for Business Leaders”. Spaulding explains how we are rapidly approaching an epidemic of business owners and leaders who because of age or burnout are asking the questi...
Economic Visionary, Dr. Troy Nash Always Asking,What's Next For Kansas City?
April 15, 2016 16:30 - 25 minutesThis week on Smart Companies KC, with host Kelly Scanlon, meet Dr. Troy Nash, a visionary economic development professional, deeply committed public servant, and volunteer with a passion for improving the quality of life of all of the world's people. The awards, commendations and recognitions he has received are almost too numerous to mention. Kelly and Troy will discuss his involvement within the entrepreneurial community of Kansas City. Quoting one of his favorite authors, Les Brown Dr. Na...
How to Hire the Best in Rural America With Author Dr. Sabrina Starling.
April 15, 2016 16:00 - 25 minutesHiring employees is a stumbling block for any small business but doubly so in small rural communities. Dr. Sabrina Starling, author of, "How to Hire the Best: The Rural Small Business Owner's Ultimate Guide to Attracting Top-Performing Employees" works across the country with rural business owners. She'll explain on this episode of Smart Companies Radio with guest host, Mary McKenna, what you need to do to find the best in your community and how to keep them on staff, and it doesn't always bo...
Embracing Diversity to Change the World with Guest Mindy Corporon
April 08, 2016 16:30 - 28 minutesOn this episode of Smart Companies KC, host Kelly Scanlon talks with Mindy Corporon, managing member and co-founder of Boyer and Corporon Wealth Management LLC, where she serves as the Chief Executive Officer. On this episode learn about Mindy’s passion, leading the Faith Always Wins Foundation and the Reat Griffin Underwood Memorial fund. You’ll learn more about both organizations as well as the upcoming series of events - a weeklong celebration entitled “Seven Days - Make a Ripple to Change...
New Rules of the Game, HGTV Co-Founder Susan Packard Shares Workplace Strategies
April 08, 2016 16:00 - 28 minutesOn this episode of Smart Companies Radio, meet Susan Packard, co-founder of Scripps Networks Interactive and former chief operating officer of HGTV, the leading developer of lifestyle-oriented content for television and the Internet. Susan was also president of worldwide distribution for the Scripps cable brands. Packard will be the keynote speaker this year at the 2016 Central Exchange Lyceum April 26th in Kansas City. And after twenty years helping to launch HGTV, Packard is now an author ...
Preventing Fraud Before It Happens with Security Expert & Author Michael Tabman
April 01, 2016 16:30 - 26 minutesDiscover what the biggest issue is behind company theft. Retired Special Agent in Charge Michael Tabman says business owners shouldn't worry about the fox getting inside the hen house but instead should concern themselves with one of the hens they've hired going rogue. He shares advice on this episode of Smart Companies Radio-KC on how to keep your company secure, and how to respond effectively to a crisis should it strike your company. Tabman rose through the ranks of the FBI reaching the l...
How to Select the Right Exit Strategy, Succession Advice From Bank of the West
April 01, 2016 16:00 - 25 minutesMany Small Business Owners believe they’ll never retire and in turn, don’t bother to address an exit strategy or succession plan for their business. On this episode of Smart Companies Radio with host Kelly Scanlon you’ll learn the basic steps you need to address with your legal and or banking representative to put together a strategy for retirement and selling your business. Kristin Nelson, Head of Private Business Owners Solutions in the Wealth Management Group at Bank of the West says first...
Kansas City a More Beautiful Place to Live with Leopold Gallery Art Consulting
March 25, 2016 16:30 - 24 minutesSince 1991, the nationally ranked Leopold Gallery has helped Kansas City’s private collectors and corporate clients build art collections of enduring quality. On this episode of Smart Company KC, host Kelly Scanlon speaks with Paul Dorrell, the owner of Leopold Gallery and Art Consulting. Paul works to attract private collectors building their art collections with a focus on local creators. Leopold Gallery has been inspiring business owners and homeowner for 25 years and was named part of th...
Creating Client Success: With Core Catalysts Founder Jim Wadella
March 25, 2016 16:00 - 25 minutesCore Catalysts helps clients with business challenges that are often tied to their core business operations, costing them time and money. As former consultants with national firms, Jim Wadella tells Smart Companies Host Kelly Scanlon how he and his staff at Core Catalysts bring experienced professionals who are nimble, smart and focused on their clients' business problems. Discover how Core Catalysts brings tangible results and real outcomes to businesses across the country. To hear more sho...
It Only Takes 5 Seconds to Change Your Life and Mel Robbins Tells You How.
March 18, 2016 16:30 - 29 minutesShe's been called a Tedx phenom and an award-winning commentator for CNN, Mel Robbins joins Smart Companies host Kelly Scanlon to talk about improving your lot in life and getting ahead and all you have to do is stop hesitating. Best known as the creator of the 5-second rule, Mel will explain how we are our own worst enemies and how to overcome it. Discover how you can change your life in as little as 5 seconds. When Robbins is not on stage, she's on television and has appeared numerous nati...
Injured Veteran Bringing Learning Back to Play Time With Ollies Blocks
March 18, 2016 16:00 - 26 minutesHaran Yaffe is the creator of Ollies Blocks, named after his almost 2-year-old daughter. This wounded veteran turned father, turned inventor grew up playing with the blocks made by his father’s small toy company. As a vet who sustained life-threatening injuries, Yaffe returned home with a newfound inspiration to rekindle his father’s work and create a toy that reintroduces a simplistic and hands-on approach to playtime.Ollies Blocks are quickly making an impact beyond recreation, they are als...
Fine Wine & Rich Chocolate Unite with Expertise from The Chocolate Cork.
March 11, 2016 17:30 - 24 minutesKeri Lauderdale Olson is the Founder and CEO of Chocolate Cork, www.thechocolatecork.com, where chocolate meets wine in interactive chocolate and wine pairing classes, kits and events. Keri’s lifelong love of chocolate began when her mom started her own small chocolate business while Keri was only 8 years of age. After16 years in Marketing and Product Development, Keri decided to try something new, bringing her two passions together, wine and chocolate and started her business once she had b...
Dont Brainstorm Your Company Out of Biz with Best Selling Author Stephen Shapiro
March 11, 2016 17:00 - 25 minutesWhat is innovation? Best-selling business author and speaker Stephen Shapiro talks with Smart Companies host, Kelly Scanlon. On this episode, Shapiro will explain why businesses struggle and at times fail at breakthrough innovations and what needs to change. Discover how to cultivate innovation at your company and how to approach, tackle and solve your business challenges. Shapiro is the author of five books, including “Best Practices Are Stupid," which was named the best innovation and crea...
CREMA, An Award Winning Digital Shop In Kansas City That Goes Above & Beyond
March 04, 2016 17:30 - 29 minutesMeet the guys behind one of the best digital shops in Kansas City. George Brooks and Daniel Linhart are co-founders of Crema and winners of 25 Under 25 ®, Class of 2016. Discover what they believe brought them their success and it’s not what you may think. And learn how Crema gives back to their Kansas City community on this week’s Smart Companies – KC with host Kelly Scanlon. To hear more shows with host Kelly Scanlon, please visit online and check out our archives. Learn more about your a...