Business Sense (BS) with Brad

On this episode Ryan Bartlett talks to Milligan University business strategy students. He answers questions regarding the impacts of proposed tariffs, True Classic Tee's recent $850 million valuation, meeting Simon Sinek, and the AI skills students will need in the near future. Host Website: https://businesssenseconsultingjc.com/

On this episode I welcome Matthew Albritton, MBA, founder of Valor Financial Planning, to discuss what customers should look for in a financial advisor. We discuss Registered Investment Advisors (RIA) vs Broker-Dealers, family financial planning, and more!

On this episode I interview David Isaacs, owner of Isaac's Pools and Spas, who has annual employee turnover of around 11% in a 50% turnover industry. We discuss his strategy and how Herzberg's Two Factor Theory can be applied in today's labor environment. Business Page: https://businesssenseconsultingjc.com/

On this episode I welcome Jennifer Sweet, owner of Jeremiah Cafe, located in Johnson City, Tennessee. Jeremiah Cafe's mission is "to create an inclusive environment for the autistic in our community." We talk about the mission, business formation and type (LLC vs Nonprofit), obstacles and opportunities. Note: The business hours changed from the video, Saturday is 8am-4pm (not 7am). Host Page: http...

On this episode I welcome Andrew Ervin, Generative AI Manager at Eastman Chemical Company. We talk how it is being used in industry, what software and coding students should be learning, and dive into both the philosophical and practical aspects of AI moving forward.

On this episode I interview City Commissioner Joe Wise, who was previously interviewed in 2022 by Yahoo Finance regarding Johnson City's emerging housing market, and local Realtor Rachel Smith. We discuss housing affordability, politics, infrastructure, jobs, and more! Can local residents afford to live in a city that is deemed #1 best place to live by USA Today? Host Page: https://www.linkedi...

On this episode I speak with Dr. Mark Cawman, professor and certified quality manager, about Six Sigma projects that failed and lessons learned. He also describes the impact AI will have on Six Sigma related jobs. Host Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-ward-dba-lssbb-b6a3751a2/ Book Page: https://www.amazon.com/Motivated-Worker-Managers-Improving-Satisfaction/dp/1476680213

On the episode I welcome Dr. Lori Mills, Professor of Psychology, to talk about the problems and uses of personality testing for career advancement. Should employers use them to help in recruiting and promoting? Should students use them to find their dream career/degree? The Big Five, Myers Briggs, Enneagram, DiSC, and Holland's Interest inventories will be explored.

On this episode True Class Tees CEO Ryan Bartlett talks to a Business Strategy class about building community, the power of story, and business expansion.

On this episode I follow up with Slaughterhawk who has increased his social media following from 10k-70k followers in a year, all without paying to advertise! Slaugtherhawk resides in the small town of Cadillac, MI, yet his beaded hats and accessories have been worn by celebrities like Geno Smith (Seattle Seahawks) and the cast of Reservoir Dogs. Podcast Website: https://www.businesssensejc.com/

On this episode I welcome Adam O’Neill, who owns Adam O’Neill and Associates located in Fairfax Virginia. He is a Psychiatric Physician Assistant and is author of The Mind After Eden: Psychiatry in a Post-Fall World. You can find out more about him at Aoavirginia.com. At the core of our episode, we discuss if neural networks truly represent the human brain and how machine "learning" will...

On this episode I welcome Ronda Paulson, Founder and Executive Director of Isaiah 117 House. We talk about her surprise visit from Mike Rowe, describe how Isaiah 117 positively impacts children in the foster care system, and identify business issues that emerge from expansion (especially into Battle Creek, MI) across the United States.

On this episode I welcome Ronda Paulson, Founder and Executive Director of Isaiah 117 House. We talk about her surprise visit from Mike Rowe, describe how Isaiah 117 positively impacts children in the foster care system, and identify business issues that emerge from expansion (especially into Battle Creek, MI) across the United States.

On this episode I welcome Change of Scenery Founder and CEO Jamie Banks, formerly of Kate Spade, to discuss the various marketing methods she uses to grow her brand. Included is a discussion of mission and branding, in-home sales parties, LTK and influencer advertising, supply chain and sustainable manufacturing, and the power of story as it relates to her women's' swimwear brand. Jamie wi...

On this episode I welcome Change of Scenery Founder and CEO Jamie Banks, formerly of Kate Spade, to discuss the various marketing methods she uses to grow her brand. Included is a discussion of mission and branding, in-home sales parties, LTK and influencer advertising, supply chain and sustainable manufacturing, and the power of story as it relates to her women's' swimwear brand. Jamie wi...

On this episode I interview Luke Thompson, COO for Action VFX. Luke shows us how to use ChatGPT including: automated presentations, python coding, and creating advertisements. The impact to educators and ethical implications are also discussed. Whether you know nothing at all about AI or ChatGPT, or are dabbling with this chatbot, this episode is for you. No experience required!

On this episode I interview Luke Thompson, COO for Action VFX. Luke shows us how to use ChatGPT including: automated presentations, python coding, and creating advertisements. The impact to educators and ethical implications are also discussed. Whether you know nothing at all about AI or ChatGPT, or are dabbling with this chatbot, this episode is for you. No experience required!

On this episode, Co-Founder and CEO of True Classic Ryan Bartlett talks to an upper level, undergrad Business Strategy class, about strategic marketing. True Classic has achieved $250 million in sales over its first 3 years and has no plans of slowing down growth. Ryan talks about effective social media campaigning, conversion rate optimization, incrementality testing, SEO, customer acquisition an...

On this episode, Co-Founder and CEO of True Classic Ryan Bartlett talks to an upper level, undergrad Business Strategy class, about strategic marketing. True Classic has achieved $250 million in sales over its first 3 years and has no plans of slowing down growth. Ryan talks about effective social media campaigning, conversion rate optimization, incrementality testing, SEO, customer acquisition an...

On this episode I welcome Logan Burns, an NFL agent who currently represents Houston Texans defensive back Jacobi Francis. We discuss his career, job duties, NILs, and the relevance of an MBA to his career.  

On this episode I interview theologian Dr. Paul Blowers regarding the meaning of work and the relevance of the Protestant Work Ethic. Do menial jobs matter? Are Protestants, and more particularly Calvinists, more likely to be entrepreneurial than Catholics? What role does the Reformation have on modern day labor? We try to cover it all!

On this episode I interview Milligan University president Dr. Bill Greer to talk about one of the most unsung economists of all time, Frank Knight. We discuss four schools of economic thought (Marxism, Keynesianism, the Chicago School, and the Austrian School), Frank Knight's impact on Milton Friedman, and much more! 

On this episode I interview Dr. Shannon Hogan, Professor of Leadership, regarding the validity of "Who Moved My Cheese" and if it should be labeled as a business book. Uses, applications, and criticisms are included! 

On this episode I welcome Master of Divinity student Sam Guy to talk about what Jubilee meant to the ancient Hebrews and if its description in Leviticus is relevant to today's globalized economy. If you hear barking in the background that is my Yorkie who desperately wanted to join the conversation. 

On this episode I welcome Janay Williams, a Corporate Strategy Analyst at Eastman Chemical Company and University of Tennessee Professor, to discuss artificial intelligence and machine learning. First, we define what these terms actually mean. Then, we discuss if new technology will fully automate humans out of jobs, how A.I. is impacting various industries, and what skills will be needed of futur...