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Ever wonder why finding a good health insurance broker feels impossible, especially as a small business owner? Alice Rhodes from AUI pulls back the curtain on the often-mysterious world of employee benefits with refreshing candor and deep expertise from her 25-year career.

"I never just send stuff because their head's going to pop off," Alice explains, highlighting her personalized approach to guiding small businesses through the complex insurance landscape. While most brokers overwhelm clients with 80-page quotes and disappear until renewal time, Alice emphasizes the importance of regular communication and truly understanding each business's unique needs.

The podcast tackles common misconceptions head-on. Contrary to popular belief, working with a broker doesn't increase your insurance costs – carriers set the commissions regardless of whether you work directly with them or through an agency. Alice shares a compelling success story where shopping around helped a 20-employee business upgrade from a $3,000 deductible plan to a $500 deductible while simultaneously saving 20% on premiums.

For businesses under 50 employees (where health insurance isn't legally required), Alice outlines various options beyond traditional group plans, including Health Reimbursement Arrangements and voluntary benefits that cost employers nothing while giving employees access to valuable group rates. She explains how self-funded plans provide valuable insights into utilization patterns, allowing businesses to better educate employees about preventive care and other benefits.

The conversation serves as both a wake-up call and a roadmap. If you haven't heard from your benefits broker since your last renewal, you're likely missing opportunities for significant savings and improved coverage. Your broker should be reaching out approximately every six months, not just when it's time to renew your policy.

Whether you're a business owner frustrated with rising premiums or an HR professional trying to maximize your benefits budget, this episode delivers practical insights you can implement immediately. Connect with Alice on LinkedIn or call 1-800-671-7665 to transform your approach to employee benefits from a necessary evil into a strategic advantage.

🎙️ Connect with Chrissy Myers and discover how resilience, expertise, and community can transform your world:

🔗 Follow Chrissy on LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes insights, leadership tips, and updates on her journey as the CEO of two thriving businesses.

📘 Grab your copy of 'Reluctantly Resilient' to learn how Chrissy turned challenges into opportunities and how you can do the same in your life and business.

🤝 Explore Clarity HR and discover how Chrissy’s team simplifies HR for small businesses, giving you peace of mind to focus on what matters most.

💼 Visit AUI to see how Chrissy's employee benefits expertise can help you build a healthier, happier workforce.

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Bill Snow's entrepreneurial journey begins with a moment many of us can relate to—a family vacation derailed by car trouble. That frustrating experience sparked a revelation that transformed his career path and led to multiple successful businesses.

"When you're saying no to something, you're saying yes to something else," Bill shares, highlighting one of his hard-won lessons about entrepreneurial focus. As a franchise developer for Rad Air Complete Car Care, co-owner of Atomic Autosports, and host of the Late to Grid podcast, Bill knows firsthand the challenges of balancing multiple ventures without burning out.

The conversation explores how genuine transparency revolutionized his approach to customer service in the automotive repair industry. Through digital vehicle inspections, online estimates, and automated updates, Bill's businesses build trust in an industry often viewed with skepticism. This commitment to clear communication extends to his team as well, creating a culture where everyone understands the bigger picture.

Bill's evolution in time management offers practical wisdom for overwhelmed entrepreneurs. Moving away from anxiety-inducing to-do lists to strategic calendar blocking, he emphasizes the importance of creating "white space" for thinking and reflection. His candid discussion about preventing burnout includes recognizing warning signs and incorporating regular self-care practices like exercise and pursuing personal interests.

Perhaps most valuable is Bill's closing advice: "Figure out who's in your room and make sure it's the right people." He emphasizes that surrounding yourself with supporters who elevate rather than drain you is crucial for sustainable growth. Sometimes this means making difficult decisions about business relationships, even with friends.

Whether you're managing multiple businesses or just starting your entrepreneurial journey, this episode offers actionable strategies to help you maintain focus, build customer trust, and achieve your ambitious goals—all while preserving your wellbeing along the way.

🎙️ Connect with Chrissy Myers and discover how resilience, expertise, and community can transform your world:

🔗 Follow Chrissy on LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes insights, leadership tips, and updates on her journey as the CEO of two thriving businesses.

📘 Grab your copy of 'Reluctantly Resilient' to learn how Chrissy turned challenges into opportunities and how you can do the same in your life and business.

🤝 Explore Clarity HR and discover how Chrissy’s team simplifies HR for small businesses, giving you peace of mind to focus on what matters most.

💼 Visit AUI

🎙️ Connect with Chrissy Myers and discover how resilience, expertise, and community can transform your world:

🔗 Follow Chrissy on LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes insights, leadership tips, and updates on her journey as the CEO of two thriving businesses.

📘 Grab your copy of 'Reluctantly Resilient' to learn how Chrissy turned challenges into opportunities and how you can do the same in your life and business.

🤝 Explore Clarity HR and discover how Chrissy’s team simplifies HR for small businesses, giving you peace of mind to focus on what matters most.

💼 Visit AUI to see how Chrissy's employee benefits expertise can help you build a healthier, happier workforce.

Send us a text

Ever wonder what happens when entrepreneurs who've poured their hearts into building businesses finally step away? Financial advisor Gary Sirak tackles this crucial question head-on, revealing why some business owners literally die shortly after retirement—and how to ensure you don't become that statistic.

Gary shares the profound wisdom gained from decades helping business leaders prepare for life's next chapter. The conversation quickly moves beyond basic financial calculations to the more meaningful questions: What will you do with the 40 hours a week your business once consumed? Where will you find purpose and passion? How will you maintain your identity when you're no longer "the boss"?

Drawing from his own entrepreneurial journey, Gary explains how a pivotal conversation with his father transformed his approach to business: "I started waking up thinking, whose problem can I solve today? Not how much money can I make." This shift not only made him more successful but created the foundation for a fulfilling life beyond work. He introduces listeners to his practical "wish list" approach, encouraging everyone to rediscover forgotten passions and imagine new possibilities.

The discussion tackles the unique challenges business owners face—from their tendency to reinvest everything in their companies without building outside assets, to the impatience that makes traditional investment strategies feel frustratingly slow. Sirach offers actionable strategies for building financial security while maintaining the entrepreneurial spirit.

Whether you're decades from retirement or already contemplating your exit strategy, this episode delivers crucial insights about identity, purpose, and creating a life where business success becomes just one chapter in a much longer, equally rewarding story. Gary's expertise, combined with his refreshingly honest advice about family businesses, mentorship, and handling setbacks, makes this conversation essential listening for anyone building a business—and a life.

🎙️ Connect with Chrissy Myers and discover how resilience, expertise, and community can transform your world:

🔗 Follow Chrissy on LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes insights, leadership tips, and updates on her journey as the CEO of two thriving businesses.

📘 Grab your copy of 'Reluctantly Resilient' to learn how Chrissy turned challenges into opportunities and how you can do the same in your life and business.

🤝 Explore Clarity HR and discover how Chrissy’s team simplifies HR for small businesses, giving you peace of mind to focus on what matters most.

💼 Visit AUI to see how Chrissy's employee benefits expertise can help you build a healthier, happier workforce.

Send us a text

Freedom of choice may be entrepreneurship's greatest gift. While corporate employees rarely select their colleagues, business owners—especially franchisees—can intentionally choose their culture and community. This powerful insight anchors our conversation with Terese McGroarty, whose entrepreneurial journey began at just 21 when she and her husband borrowed family funds to purchase their first Shell auto care franchise.

Terese shares how they expanded to three locations before making a deliberate lifestyle choice: selling their 24/7 Shell stations to purchase a Goodyear franchise that allowed Sundays off. This decision exemplifies how business ownership enables alignment between work and personal priorities. Years later, after selling their Goodyear franchise and exploring different paths, Therese found her calling as a franchise consultant with FranNet—where she now helps others navigate similar journeys.

Drawing from decades of experience, Terese offers valuable wisdom about the dangers of closed-mindedness in business exploration. She recounts stories of potential franchise owners who completed thorough validation but allowed external opinions or unfounded fears to derail their plans. Her process helps clients systematically evaluate opportunities by speaking with franchisees at various performance levels—those excelling, those performing adequately, and those struggling—to gain comprehensive understanding before making commitments.

Perhaps most compelling is Terese's perspective on franchise culture. "When you're going into business for yourself, you get to decide about the culture," she explains, noting how different franchise systems develop distinct personalities—some more faith-based or fun-oriented, others more corporate. This often-overlooked consideration can significantly impact long-term satisfaction, as franchisees become part of a community that shapes their growth.

For established business owners, Terese advocates scheduling intentional recharge time to build longevity. Whether through morning devotionals, scheduled workouts, or daily walks with audiobooks, she demonstrates how deliberate self-care prevents burnout. Her parting wisdom resonates deeply: always focus on your clients' needs rather than your own, and consistently put one foot in front of the other to achieve incremental improvement.

Whether you're considering franchise ownership or seeking to strengthen your existing business, this conversation offers practical guidance for making intentional choices that align with your values and vision. The entrepreneurial path may be challenging, but with proper due diligence and self-awareness, it offers unparalleled freedom to create the business—and life—you truly desire.

🎙️ Connect with Chrissy Myers and discover how resilience, expertise, and community can transform your world:

🔗 Follow Chrissy on LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes insights, leadership tips, and updates on her journey as the CEO of two thriving businesses.

📘 Grab your copy of 'Reluctantly Resilient' to learn how Chrissy turned challenges into opportunities and how you can do the same in your life and business.

🤝 Explore Clarity HR and discover how Chrissy’s team simplifies HR for small businesses, giving you peace of mind to focus on what matters most.

💼 Visit AUI to see how Chrissy's employee benefits expertise can help you build a healthier, happier workforce.

Send us a text

What happens when you take a successful small business owner and give them the tools to think bigger? The transformation can be extraordinary.

Most entrepreneurs reach a critical point where they've mastered the startup phase but feel stuck in day-to-day operations, unable to achieve the next level of growth. The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program at Tri-C addresses this exact challenge through comprehensive executive education specifically designed for established small business owners.

Erika Hill, Executive Director of the program, explains how this unique curriculum differs from traditional business education. Rather than studying distant corporate case studies, participants directly apply business principles to their own operations. From leadership development to financial management, the program forces owners to step back and take a holistic view of their business—considering not just growth metrics but how business decisions impact their personal lives and long-term goals. The curriculum encourages participants to explore various growth paths, whether adding locations, developing complementary products, or entering new markets.

What makes this opportunity truly extraordinary is that it's completely free, funded by the Goldman Sachs Foundation with clear objectives: strengthen the economy by helping businesses increase sales and create jobs. Graduates consistently report that the program was life-changing, providing not just business skills but a powerful network that sustains them through both growth periods and economic challenges.

Connect with Erika on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikahill/

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🎙️ Connect with Chrissy Myers and discover how resilience, expertise, and community can transform your world:

🔗 Follow Chrissy on LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes insights, leadership tips, and updates on her journey as the CEO of two thriving businesses.

📘 Grab your copy of 'Reluctantly Resilient' to learn how Chrissy turned challenges into opportunities and how you can do the same in your life and business.

🤝 Explore Clarity HR and discover how Chrissy’s team simplifies HR for small businesses, giving you peace of mind to focus on what matters most.

💼 Visit AUI to see how Chrissy's employee benefits expertise can help you build a healthier, happier workforce.

🎙️ Connect with Chrissy Myers and discover how resilience, expertise, and community can transform your world:

🔗 Follow Chrissy on LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes insights, leadership tips, and updates on her journey as the CEO of two thriving businesses.

📘 Grab your copy of 'Reluctantly Resilient' to learn how Chrissy turned challenges into opportunities and how you can do the same in your life and business.

🤝 Explore Clarity HR and discover how Chrissy’s team simplifies HR for small businesses, giving you peace of mind to focus on what matters most.

💼 Visit AUI to see how Chrissy's employee benefits expertise can help you build a healthier, happier workforce.

Send us a text

Ever wondered how embracing quirks and a dash of humor can lead to entrepreneurial success? Julie Gates, a real estate investor and property manager from Savannah, Georgia, enlightens us with her fascinating journey.

Julie's story is a testament to the power of standing out. Her willingness to try new things and knack for turning ordinary ideas into extraordinary ventures make her a notable figure in Savannah's real estate scene and a great follow on Instagram. Julie's experiences reflect the importance of resilience, humor, and adaptability in business.

Julie shares her insights on teaching practical skills and cultivating a positive mindset to overcome life's hurdles. She emphasizes the value of building a supportive network, particularly among women entrepreneurs, and recounts how connecting with like-minded individuals has been transformative for her business growth.

Julie's unique approach to leadership, infused with humor and positivity, not only creates a vibrant work environment but also fosters meaningful connections. Tune in to learn how her story of embracing uniqueness and quiet confidence can inspire you on your entrepreneurial journey.

🎙️ Connect with Chrissy Myers and discover how resilience, expertise, and community can transform your world:

🔗 Follow Chrissy on LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes insights, leadership tips, and updates on her journey as the CEO of two thriving businesses.

📘 Grab your copy of 'Reluctantly Resilient' to learn how Chrissy turned challenges into opportunities and how you can do the same in your life and business.

🤝 Explore Clarity HR and discover how Chrissy’s team simplifies HR for small businesses, giving you peace of mind to focus on what matters most.

💼 Visit AUI to see how Chrissy's employee benefits expertise can help you build a healthier, happier workforce.

Send us a text

Fred Hubler's journey from IT professional to pioneering financial advisor is nothing short of inspiring. On the anniversary of 9/11, Fred found himself unintentionally stepping into the world of finance, where he developed a contrarian mindset that thrives on challenging conventional investment strategies. We explore how Fred's transition from a traditional sales-driven brokerage firm to establishing Creative Capital Wealth Management Group was heavily influenced by the alternative investment strategies of Harvard and Yale.

In this episode, we tackle the complexities surrounding alternative investments. Fred dives into the legal hurdles that individuals with lower net worths face and how these barriers can be navigated. From understanding the importance of FINRA and SEC-regulated options to evaluating investments, Fred offers his insights into how these strategies can be adapted to the ever-changing economic landscape.

Fred's passion for challenging the status quo is evident as he draws inspiration from luminaries like Elon Musk and Henry Ford. We discuss the courage needed to take massive action and embrace discomfort, as well as the power of honest conversations about financial goals and risks. Fred encourages listeners to think differently and grow both personally and professionally, sharing personal anecdotes that highlight his entrepreneurial spirit. This episode is a call to embrace change and innovation in the pursuit of success, making it a must-listen for anyone eager to expand their financial horizons.

This episode is not nor does it contain financial advice.

🎙️ Connect with Chrissy Myers and discover how resilience, expertise, and community can transform your world:

🔗 Follow Chrissy on LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes insights, leadership tips, and updates on her journey as the CEO of two thriving businesses.

📘 Grab your copy of 'Reluctantly Resilient' to learn how Chrissy turned challenges into opportunities and how you can do the same in your life and business.

🤝 Explore Clarity HR and discover how Chrissy’s team simplifies HR for small businesses, giving you peace of mind to focus on what matters most.

💼 Visit AUI to see how Chrissy's employee benefits expertise can help you build a healthier, happier workforce.

Send us a text

Unlock the secrets to successful career paths for young people as we chat with Chris Canova, the Executive Director of Jobs for Ohio Graduates (JOG).

Learn how JOG's innovative programs empower youth aged 14 to 24 through structured work-based learning experiences and robust job coaching. Chris shares fascinating insights into JOG's collaboration with small businesses and their unique funding model, all aimed at fostering meaningful career opportunities. Discover the long-term community impact of JOG graduates, particularly in Summit County Ohio, and how the program is part of the larger Jobs for America's Graduates network.

Explore how building strong relationships is the cornerstone of success, both in nurturing young talent and in growing a nonprofit organization. We delve into the critical elements of creating supportive environments, balancing guidance with freedom, and investing in organizational infrastructure.

🎙️ Connect with Chrissy Myers and discover how resilience, expertise, and community can transform your world:

🔗 Follow Chrissy on LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes insights, leadership tips, and updates on her journey as the CEO of two thriving businesses.

📘 Grab your copy of 'Reluctantly Resilient' to learn how Chrissy turned challenges into opportunities and how you can do the same in your life and business.

🤝 Explore Clarity HR and discover how Chrissy’s team simplifies HR for small businesses, giving you peace of mind to focus on what matters most.

💼 Visit AUI to see how Chrissy's employee benefits expertise can help you build a healthier, happier workforce.