The GrowthPro Edge

When a crisis hits, how you communicate can determine whether people trust you, or never trust you again.   Communication strategist Julie Smith joins Denise Killian to share lessons from years of navigating public crises, reputational challenges, and high-pressure situations across government and business. From preparing for the unexpected to communicating difficult decisions, Julie explains why...

When everyone is responsible, sometimes no one is responsible, and that's where leads, customers, and opportunities fall through the cracks. Denise Killian talks with Antoine Campbell, founder of CEO 929 Business Solutions, about closing the ownership gap through clearer accountability, better handoffs, documented processes, and smarter use of CRM, automation, and AI. Head to CEO929.com for your f...

Gen Z isn't lazy, they're changing what employees expect from work, leadership, communication, and growth.   In this peer conversation, leaders from Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z break down the misconceptions surrounding today's youngest major workforce generation. From communication preferences and technology to feedback, autonomy, mental health, training, and employee retention, the panel explor...

In this episode of The GrowthPro Edge, Denise Killian talks with Vivian Conterio about how FECs can maximize Q4 through strategic planning, holiday group events, promotions, gift cards, and a fully aligned team.   What You'll Learn: How to use a 30-60-90 day marketing cycle to plan and execute Q4 promotions Why training your entire team is critical to turning marketing into sales How holiday event...

What's the highest-ROI investment you can make in your FEC? According to Amber Lambert of Betson, it's not a new attraction. It's not the latest game. It's your people. In this week's Think Tank Thursday, Denise Killian sits down with Amber — who has owned and operated her own family entertainment center, worked in corporate FEC management, and now helps operators grow their business through Betso...

Can technology make the customer experience better without making it feel less human? In this episode of The GrowthPro Edge , Denise Killian talks with John Keys of CenterEdge about balancing technology, efficiency, and hospitality, and why eliminating friction doesn't always mean automating everything. John shares why technology should be treated as a tool, not the entire solution. From simplifyi...

What if your manager meetings could solve problems, build leaders, and actually be worth everyone's time? In this episode of The GrowthPro Edge , Denise Killian sits down with Kevin Kochman of Semnox to tackle the dreaded manager meeting and share how to turn it from an information dump into an interactive coaching and development tool. Kevin shares lessons from decades in the entertainment indust...

What if the best team-building experience is one that gets people out of their usual roles and gives them permission to play? In this episode of The GrowthPro Edge, Denise Killian talks with Carlo D'Amore of Live in Theater about how immersive experiences can build stronger teams, break down workplace barriers, and help people see their colleagues in a completely different way. Carlo shares how hi...

What if the customers already coming through your doors are your biggest untapped opportunity for growth? In this episode of The GrowthPro Edge, Denise Killian talks with Brett Sheridan of ROLLER about the latest Pulse Report findings on customer loyalty, membership programs, and the rapidly changing role of AI in how guests discover and book attractions. Brett brings more than 30 years of operati...

Why are great candidates getting overlooked—and what can hiring managers do differently? In this episode of The GrowthPro Edge, Denise Killian talks with Amber Lambert of Betson about the frustrations on both sides of the hiring process. They explore why businesses may be looking for candidates in the wrong places, how AI and credentials can create barriers, and why personality, potential, flexibi...

What if AI could make your sales process more personal instead of less? In this episode of The GrowthPro Edge, Denise Killian sits down with Keith Moehring to explore practical ways AI can help sales professionals personalize outreach, prioritize leads, automate follow-up, and create better customer experiences without losing the human connection. Keith explains how sales teams can use customer no...

What does it take to build and lead multiple businesses across completely different industries? In this episode of The GrowthPro Edge , Denise Killian talks with entrepreneur Jim Lewis about building businesses in commercial real estate, natural foods and pharmacy, and family entertainment. Jim shares how unexpected opportunities shaped his entrepreneurial journey, including how a vacant property...

Watch on YouTube : Great teams aren't built by accident. They're built through consistent training and intentional leadership. In this episode of The GrowthPro Edge , Denise Killian talks with Davi Hecht, General Manager of Alley Cats Burleson and the 2025 FEC of the Year, about how ongoing coaching, accountability, and cross-training create high-performing teams, exceptional guest experiences, an...

Watch on YouTube . What if the biggest obstacle to your success isn't a lack of time, it's how you protect it? In this episode of The GrowthPro Edge , Denise Killian sits down with entrepreneur Chris Moyer to uncover the practical systems he uses to manage multiple businesses, a demanding career, and family life without losing focus. From time blocking to eliminating distractions, Chris shares the...

Watch on YouTube : What if the smartest move for your business is not something you do alone? In this episode of The GrowthPro Edge , Denise Killian sits down with Jim Tartal , owner of Scottdale Music Services and Secretary of AMOA , to talk about why industry associations are one of the most underutilized growth tools available to business owners. From advocacy and networking to problem-solving...

Watch on YouTube : What does it take to become FEC of the Year in today's highly competitive entertainment landscape? In this episode of The GrowthPro Edge , Denise Killian sits down with FEC of the Year winner Doug Mechling of Star Lanes Polaris , along with technology leaders Sara Paz from Embed and Sarah Malott from QubicaAMF . Together, they explore how strong partnerships, continuous innovati...

Watch on YouTube Supply chain concerns are not just a "big company" problem. Rising costs, changing tariffs, product availability, fuel prices, supplier disruption, and fast-moving AI tools are all affecting how businesses plan, purchase, sell, and grow. In this episode of The GrowthPro Edge , Denise Killian talks with Claudine Ogilvie, Co-Founder and CEO of Hivepix , about how business leaders ca...

Watch on YouTube What do young leaders actually want from work, and are you giving it to them? In this episode of The GrowthPro Edge, Denise Killian sits down with leadership development expert Genevieve Sullivan of The GrowthPro Group for an honest conversation about what motivates today's emerging workforce, how leadership expectations are shifting, and what companies can do right now to better...

Watch on YouTube Is Gen Z really lazy, or are we missing the point? In this episode of The GrowthPro Edge , Denise Killian sits down with Amber Lambert of Betson and her daughter Rila for an honest conversation about generational needs in the workplace. From recognition and flexibility to growth opportunities and brand reputation, this discussion breaks down what younger team members are really lo...

🎥 Watch on YouTube:  What's it really like taking over a family business? In this episode of The GrowthPro Edge , Denise Killian sits down with Luke Adams to talk about the realities of stepping into leadership inside a multi-generational company. From earning respect and navigating expectations to creating your own leadership style, Luke shares the challenges and opportunities that come with car...

Watch the full episode on YouTube :   Are memberships quietly hurting your business instead of helping it? In this episode of The GrowthPro Edge , Denise Killian sits down with Lasertron founder Jim Kessler to talk about why memberships often fail to increase revenue—and what actually drives guests to come back. Drawing from decades of real-world testing, Jim shares what many operators get wrong a...

Watch on  YouTube : What if you could have top-level marketing leadership—without the full-time cost? In this episode of The GrowthPro Edge , we break down the real role of a Fractional CMO and why more Family Entertainment Centers are turning to this model to drive smarter growth. If your marketing feels inconsistent, reactive, or disconnected from sales… this is the conversation you need to hear...

Watch on YouTube : Most operators track numbers. Very few actually use them. In this episode of The GrowthPro Edge , we break down one of the biggest issues holding teams back right now: KPIs that exist on paper but don't drive action. If your team is: Tracking numbers but not improving them Reviewing reports with no clear next step Setting goals that never turn into behavior You don't have a KPI...

Watch on  YouTube : What does it really take to build a successful entertainment center from the ground up? In this episode, Denise Killian sits down with Amber Lambert to break down what actually works when launching a new concept and what quietly kills it before it ever gains traction. This isn't theory. It's what operators get wrong every day and how to fix it early. In this episode: Why trying...