Onward Nation With Stephen Woessner | Interviews With Todays Top Business Owners | Careers

I'm a Denver native and a graduate of Mullen High School and Regis University. I have been in the mortgage industry since 1997. I opened this branch in July of 2000 as a broker shop, and it has evolved over that time to become what is now Hallmark Home Mortgage in Colorado. Formerly the #1 one producer at other companies as well as my own branch until 2008, I now get more pride developing talented people to their full potential. My #1 job today is helping loan officers close more deals following systems that produce the career and life they wanted when they chose this industry. Our Core Purpose is to have a Profoundly Positive Impact on the lives of our staff, the clients we serve, our referral partners, business partners and vendors, and on the world in which we live. We live out that Core Purpose by embracing our Core Values in the approach we take to both our work and our lives. Embracing our core values is how we are able to deliver on our brand promise of closing loans on time, under budget with no surp

Kristian L. Finfrock is the Founder/Financial Advisor at Retirement Income Strategies. Kristian is an active member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) and Advisors Excel, a national group founded to provide guidance and education to the highest level of financial professionals in the industry. In his current practice, Kristian and his team help individuals and business clients establish sophisticated—yet easy to understand—solutions for protecting and preserving wealth while minimizing tax exposure.   Secret -- timesaving technique Our team has a strategy session at the start of the week -- we are able to tackle the financial service workload. ONWARD! Daily habit that contributes to success Kristian likes to have a power hour -- his power hour helps him to dial in on his business. Could have ruined your business -- but now -- an invaluable learning experience Kristian felt restricted as a captive agent -- and Kristian tells the whole story here. Most critical skill you think business owners need to mast

Carl founded the Wright Partners in 1998. Since then, his Team has developed Real Estate Projects valued at over $200 million and currently owns and manages a portfolio of over $100 million.   Secret -- timesaving technique Wake up early -- dive into your number one challenge for the day -- tackle the hardest task. ONWARD! Daily habit that contributes to success Constant learning and improvement -- try to be better than who you were last week. Could have ruined your business -- but now -- an invaluable learning experience Carl was heavily invested in the real-estate market of 2008 -- and Carl tells the whole story here. Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful “A business owner has to be able to listen to their clients -- ask them how you can help.” Most influential lesson learned from a mentor “Know your vital functions -- know when you're working inside of them -- know when you're working outside of them.”     Final Round -- “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”   What

Art Boulay is the CEO of Strategic Talent Management. Art helps leaders fully realize their own talent, and the talents of their employees. He brings practical ideas, humor and common sense solutions to each assignment.   Secret -- timesaving technique Hiring -- putting the right person in the right position at the right time can save a ton of time. ONWARD! Daily habit that contributes to success Present moment awareness -- try not to lose track of the current business environment. Could have ruined your business -- but now -- an invaluable learning experience Art had to overcome the recession of 2008 -- and Art tells the whole story here. Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful “A business owner has to understand cash-flow -- be able to take a long look in the mirror -- and communicate effectively.” Most influential lesson learned from a mentor “Get out of your own way -- get on with it -- just do it -- it’s your own personal responsibility to make it happen.”     Final

Dr. James Rouse is a naturopathic doctor, entrepreneur, wellness magazine founder, motivational speaker and trainer, author, impassioned athlete, Ironman competitor, father, and married to Debra for over 20 years. Dr. James Rouse is committed to inspiring everyone to imagine and achieve the vibrant, high-performance lives we all deserve. Through leading-edge ideas, practical life strategies, and superior products, Rouse’s mission is to help guide all into a healthy lifestyle. His vision is a world in which everyone has the opportunity to thrive.   Secret -- timesaving technique Shoot the arrow -- go to the most desired target -- envision your target -- remain focused. ONWARD! Daily habit that contributes to success Movement increases your dopamine -- thus making you more proactive -- become a sweaty genius. Could have ruined your business -- but now -- an invaluable learning experience James had to overcome the brain's innate negativity bias  -- and James tells the whole story here. Most critical skill you th

Gary Vaynerchuk builds businesses. Fresh out of college he took his family wine business and grew it from a $3M to a $60M business in just five years. Now he runs VaynerMedia, one of the world’s hottest digital agencies. Along the way he became a prolific angel investor and venture capitalist, investing in companies like Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Uber, and Birchbox before eventually co-founding VaynerRSE, a $25M angel fund. Gary also currently hosts The #AskGaryVee Show, a way of providing as much value as possible by taking questions about social media, entrepreneurship, startups, and family businesses and giving his answers based on a lifetime of building successful, multi-million dollar companies. The show is also available as a podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, and SoundCloud.   A Few Steps Ahead: Don’t be crippled by trying to quantify success -- use all the tools at your disposal -- try to be four to five years ahead of everyone else Technology and Innovation: The company’s of now will be done in eight y

Dr. Flint McGlaughlin the founder of MECLABS, the world’s largest independent research institution focused on offer response optimization. His work has led to many discoveries regarding the philosophy of human choice, experimental design, and the cognitive psychology of conversion. Dr. McGlaughlin has written or edited more than 250 articles and texts, he has won multiple awards, and he has been quoted in more than 13,000 online and offline sources.   Leadership: Don’t optimize offers or websites -- optimize thought-sequences -- by gauging the perception of value-force and value-cost Sustainability: You have to do something fundamentally different Limit internal arrogance at the leadership level derived from ignoring consumers Limit the all-in risk -- focus on small discoveries that compound Actionable Steps: Try to see through the lense of the consumer Employ the consumer mindset -- understand their thought-sequence Speak in their vernacular -- ineffective communication proves to be costly Articulate:

Avinash Kaushik is the co-Founder of Market Motive Inc and the Digital Marketing Evangelist for Google. His prior professional experience includes key roles at Intuit, DirecTV, Silicon Graphics in the US & DHL in Saudi Arabia. Through his blog, Occam’s Razor, and his best selling books, Web Analytics: An Hour A Day and Web Analytics 2.0, Avinash has become recognized as an authoritative voice on how marketers, executives teams and industry leaders can leverage data to fundamentally reinvent their digital existence.   Bounce Rate: The percentage of visitors to a particular website who navigate away from the site almost immediately -- (bounce route should be at or below 30 percent). Reduce Bounce Rate: Focus on optimizing your display campaigns through targeting Spend time optimizing your landing pages Understand why consumers come to your site Metrics: Measure your acquisition strategy Measure consumer behavior on the site Measure the outcome of a visit Digital Marketing: Humanise your advertisement

Steve Kleber is the founder and president of Kleber & Associates, an integrated marketing and communications agency. He has a deep passion for the home and building industry.   Secret -- timesaving technique Utilize cloud-based applications to keep your team connected -- the cloud is innately versed in virtual connectivity. ONWARD! Daily habit that contributes to success Aggregate content and employ thought-leadership techniques to bolster our client's image. Could have ruined your business -- but now -- an invaluable learning experience Steve dealt with an egregious economic cycle -- and Steve tells the whole story here. Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful “A business owner has to remain focused and become an expert at one specific trade.” Most influential lesson learned from a mentor “Focus on the fundamentals -- treat the customer with respect -- wake up early -- work passionately.”     Final Round -- “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”   What systems would

John Lee Dumas is the Founder and Host of EntrepreneurOnFire, an award winning Podcast revealing the journey of today’s most inspiring Entrepreneurs 7-days a week. EntrepreneurOnFire generates over $250,000 a month in revenue & offers a free 15-day course on Podcasting at FreePodcastCourse.com. With over 1 million unique listens a month, EntrepreneurOnFire has inspired Fire Nation to take control of their life and take the Entrepreneurial leap. Are YOU prepared to ignite? 5 Podcasting Tips -- with John Lee Dumas “Podcasting is a legitimate medium of communication.” Escape the Imposter Syndrome: ✭ Don’t be afraid of launching a podcast -- everyone has the right to launch an authentic podcast on any number of topics Jump In -- Try not to Delay the Launch: ✭ Disseminate your podcast -- it will be a truly gratifying moment that will help you conquer the initial learning curve Focus on a few Distribution Channels: ✭ Podcasts can be disseminated through a diverse group of channels, iTunes and Stitcher Radio bo

Joy, Inc. author Richard Sheridan, has never shied from challenges or opportunities. Rich's focus has always been on technology, his passion is process, and teamwork with the goal of Joy.   Secret -- timesaving technique Check your email at the start of the day -- build relationships through your inbox. ONWARD! Daily habit that contributes to success Follow a habitual routine -- collaborate with team-members -- try to make a  synchronized schedule. Could have ruined your business -- but now -- an invaluable learning experience Rich had to crawl his way out of the trough of disillusion -- and Rich tells the whole story here. Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful “A business owner has to master the fundamental skills derived from authenticity and transparency.” Most influential lesson learned from a mentor “Treat everyone with the utmost respect -- build a joyful business with an exceptional culture.”     Final Round -- “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”   What system

I provide the blueprints, strategies, and game plans that take corporate and independent business women from struggling to do more with less to ABSOLUTELY CRUSHING IT on all fronts by creating AMAZING strategic blueprints, reengaging their subordinates, and developing unstoppable game plans. My latest book “The SUCCESSFUL Thinker” lays out the 7 Laws of 21st Century that serve as a roadmap for getting the best out of yourself and your team. Visit www.TheSuccessfulThinker.com to learn more. Using my Prescription For Sanity System, the busy executive no longer has to struggle to figure out how to be all things to all people.   Secret -- timesaving technique Identify a few periods of free-time during the workday -- focus on 15 minute blocks -- measure the value of these time blocks. ONWARD! Daily habit that contributes to success Corey likes to pre-frame his day, which saves a tremendous amount of time. Start the day off in full stride. Could have ruined your business -- but now -- an invaluable learning experie

David Mylrea has extensive experience in complex commercial finance transactions involving offerings of debt and equity, leases, loans and project financing. He handles all facets of complex, multimillion-dollar financings, including origination, negotiation and preparation of definitive documentation, closing and funding.   Secret -- timesaving technique Reflect on your time spent on a task -- entering your time spent into an automated system is a regular practice for lawyers. ONWARD! Daily habit that contributes to success David likes to plan for the day ahead through scheduling and becoming immersed in his priorities. Could have ruined your business -- but now --  an invaluable learning experience David had a client that filed bankruptcy -- and David tells the whole story here. Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful “A business owner has to be able to understand the intricacies of their business -- how is the business going to work.” Most influential lesson learned fr

Amy Tierce is celebrating her first year anniversary with Wintrust Mortgage as Regional VP in New England where she is growing a team from the ground up, she is enjoying her 30th year in the industry!   Secret -- timesaving technique If you can do it in three minutes or less then get it done -- it’s just easier to do it in real time. ONWARD! Daily habit that contributes to success Amy checks her personal channels of communication with an emphasis on Facebook, LinkedIn, and blogs pertinent to her industry.” Could have ruined your business -- but now --  an invaluable learning experience Amy had to find a way to gauge commitment -- and Amy tells the whole story here. Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful “A business owner has to be empathetic, connected, and understanding of their client base through meaningful communications.” Most influential lesson learned from a mentor “Inches apart -- don’t get angry when you are inches apart -- meet in the middle and stay calm.”    

Rory Vaden: Cofounder of Southwestern Consulting™, New York Times bestselling author of Take the Stairs and Procrastinate On Purpose, international speaker, and the worlds leading expert on overcoming procrastination and improving self-discipline. Secret -- timesaving technique The real magic comes from a significance calculation -- multiply time by thinking about significance over a period of days. ONWARD! Daily habit that contributes to success Rory believes in counting your blessings -- envisioning the future -- and making choices through the “focus-funnel.” Could have ruined your business -- but now --  an invaluable learning experience Rory had to rethink the purpose of his business -- and Rory tells the whole story here. Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful “A business owner has to be inspired, able to communicate their corporate vision, and remain self-disciplined.” Most influential lesson learned from a mentor “You have to think about your margins -- don’t make

Drew McLellan is a 25-year marketing veteran who helps clients create authentic love affairs with their customers. In 1995, Drew started his own agency -- McLellan Marketing Group. He also helps other agency owners learn how to take their business to the next level through the consultancy -- Agency Management Group. Drew is also one of the world’s top marketing and branding bloggers, according to AdAge’s Top 150 index. He’s written the book 99.3 Random Acts of Marketing and co-edited the Age of Conversation series of books. He has appeared in the New York Times, Entrepreneur Magazine, Businessweek and Fortune Small Business. The Wall Street Journal calls him one of 10 bloggers that every entrepreneur should read.   Secret -- timesaving technique Wunderlist is an excellent application that can be used to optimize your schedule. ONWARD! Daily habit that contributes to success Drew believes in maintaining a level of gratitude during the workday -- return the kindness. Could have ruined your business -- but now -

Brian Safdari is America’s Leading College Admissions and Funding Expert. He has helped over 25,000 families get their child accepted into their dream college while making the cost affordable.   Secret -- timesaving technique Go to bed thinking about what you're going to do the next day -- identify your vital priorities -- you have to be eager. ONWARD! Daily habit that contributes to success Brian enjoys working out daily -- he has also learned to work the “NO” muscle -- saying no will help you remain focused. Could have ruined your business -- but now --  an invaluable learning experience Brian learned to overcome obstacles during his early life  -- and Brian tells the whole story here. Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful “A business owner has to empathize with their target-audience -- follow their passion -- and want to make a difference in the world.” Most influential lesson learned from a mentor “Go beyond your own knowledge -- expand your horizon -- and utilize a

Frank Bria helps consultants and coaches turn their 6-figure practice into a 7-figure business. He has built and sold tech start ups as well as consulted for the largest international corporations in high tech, finance, and retail on 4 continents. A former university math instructor turned entrepreneur, he now takes what he used to teach the Fortune 500 and applies it to other entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses. He is a 3-time author, speaker, strategist, and host of the podcast, 6 to 7 Figures Show. He is also star of the new TV show Startup Relaunch.   Secret -- timesaving technique Focus on one task a day -- set your schedule up while placing emphasis on that specific task. ONWARD! Daily habit that contributes to success Frank likes to start of his morning by reading about something new -- it’s about setting up a daily routine versed in priority. Could have ruined your business -- but now --  an invaluable learning experience Frank learned to walk away from the big-money project -- and Frank t

Darren Hardy is the visionary force behind SUCCESS magazine as its Publisher and Founding Editor. Darren mentors many of today’s high-performing CEOs, advises many large corporations and sits on the board of several companies and non-profit organizations. Darren is also a highly sought after keynote speaker, media contributor and the New York Times bestselling author of The Compound Effect and Living Your Best Year Ever.   8 MONEY DRAINING WEBSITE MISTAKES …AND HOW TO FIX THEM IMMEDIATELY   8 Money Draining Mistakes NO BASELINES OR S.M.A.R.T. GOALS. LACK OF DISTINCTION. HIGH BOUNCE RATE. SEO DONE POORLY. NOT KNOWING YOUR CUSTOMER. POOR CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE. TOO MUCH INSTITUTION SPEAK. AMBIGUOUS CALLS TO ACTION. http://predictiveroi.com/money-draining-mistakes-online This free video training series is based on over 20-years of research, analysis, and application. Learn how to fix the money draining mistakes — and in doing so — you will expand your website traffic, generate more qualified leads, and increase y

Josh Turner is the founder of Linked Selling, a B2B marketing firm specializing in fully outsourced LinkedIn lead generation campaigns.   Secret -- timesaving technique Delegate your duties -- focus on the most important task -- gain control of the entrepreneurial mind. ONWARD! Daily habit that contributes to success Josh likes to exercise daily with an emphasis on running and meditative techniques. Could have ruined your business -- but now --  an invaluable learning experience Josh was the CFO of a construction company that had to shut it’s doors in 2009 -- and Josh tells the whole story here. Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful “A business owner has to learn how to grow their organization through marketing and sales.” Most influential lesson learned from a mentor “It’s a whole life -- you have to have other interests outside of the business realm.”     Final Round -- “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”   What systems would you go back and put into place sooner?