Exploring Growth

Join our host, Lee Murray, in this episode of Exploring Growth as he speaks with Fred Cary, CEO of IdeaPros. Fred, a seasoned entrepreneur, shares his extensive experience in running companies and guiding others to success. They cover the challenges entrepreneurs face, key traits of successful leaders, and the importance of strategic planning and company culture. Have a guest recommendation, quest...

Join our host, Lee Murray, in the latest episode of the CEO series as he talks with Thomas Ward, CEO of Pigzza & Pig Floyd's. They discuss Thomas’ journey in the restaurant industry and the importance of social media in customer engagement. Thomas shares his approach to overcoming challenges and future restaurant concepts, emphasizing authenticity and storytelling. Have a guest recommendat...

In this episode of Exploring Growth, Lee chats with Jim Stevenson, founder and CEO of the Bletchley Group. Jim shares tips on boosting company valuation ahead of an exit. He highlights the importance of knowing your buyers and leveraging marketing effectively. Jim also reflects on his experiences with Bacardi and successful consulting projects. This episode offers valuable advice for entrepreneurs...

In this episode of Exploring Growth, host Lee Murray talks with Austin Reed, Digital Nomad and Founder of Horizon Development. Austin shares how AI can automate business processes to boost efficiency. They discuss the impact of AI on customer service and highlight tools for DIY automation. Austin also reflects on his digital nomad lifestyle, emphasizing minimalism and adaptability. The episode exp...

In this episode of Exploring Growth, our host Lee Murray chats with Michael DeLuca, founder and CEO of Otsy. Michael reveals how Otsy combines social media with travel booking to connect users with local communities and authentic experiences. He discusses the app’s development and the challenges of the travel industry. The conversation also covers Michael’s journey in raising capital and his visio...

This week, Lee Murray hosts a deep dive into the future of business alongside David G. Ewing, CEO of Motiv. Together, they explore how AI is reshaping customer experiences and job roles, emphasizing the importance of visionary thinking in an ever-evolving landscape. David advocates for stringent data privacy protections and delves into the potential of AI-powered marketing strategies. Have a guest...

Join our host, Lee Murray as he delves into hiring and retaining top talent with Suman Cherry, owner of Cherry Talent Group. They discuss crafting positive company culture and streamlining hiring processes. From remote work dynamics to the impact of social media, this episode offers essential insights for companies committed to attracting and retaining exceptional employees.  Have a guest recommen...

Join our host, Lee Murray in the latest episode of the CEO series as he sits down with Wilson Zehr, CEO of Zairmail.com. They explore the effectiveness of direct mail for business growth and highlight its role in targeted marketing strategies through personalized messaging and audience segmentation. Despite challenges such as rising postage rates, Wilson underscores the enduring relevance of direc...

Join our host, Lee Murray in the latest episode of the CEO series as he sits down with Lewis Cook, CEO of Catapult Print, a dynamic label manufacturer in Central Florida. Discover how Catapult Print achieved $55 million in revenue by prioritizing customer needs, leveraging cutting-edge technology, and maintaining a commitment to quality. Learn how they're revolutionizing label manufacturing fo...

Join our host, Lee Murray, in the latest episode of the CEO Series. In this episode, Astrid Jackson, owner of Venture Outdoor Florida, shares her journey from a tech career to starting her outdoor adventure business, driven by a diagnosis of osteoarthritis. They discuss Astrid's passion for providing unique experiences, the challenges of marketing as a solo entrepreneur, and her commitment to...

Join our host, Lee Murray in the latest episode of the CEO series. In this episode, Krista Shirley, CEO of The Yoga Shala, recounts her story of resilience and reinvention. After medical setbacks forced her to close her yoga studio, Shirley channeled her passion into teaching yoga for those with chronic conditions, demonstrating that adversity can pave the way for new opportunities and growth. Tha...

Join our host, Lee Murray in the latest episode of the CEO series as he sits down with Shamir Dover, CEO of Smart Panda Labs, about enhancing customer experiences for business growth. They cover optimizing post-click experiences, aligning marketing with customer needs, and leveraging feedback for improvement. Shamir also shared insights on nurturing long-term customer relationships and blending ph...

Join our host, Lee Murray in the latest episode of the CEO series as he sits down with CEO Brian Carlson to talk about the power of visual storytelling in branding. Together they discuss the shift towards authenticity, using real people to capture genuine moments that resonate with audiences. Brian also shares his insights from working with diverse brands and his transformative experiences in Ethi...

Join our host, Lee Murray in the latest episode of the CEO series as he sits down with Dick Batchelor, Consultant and Founder, as he shares insights on the power of networking and relationship-building. He discusses his journey from campus politics to the Florida House of Representatives, highlighting the importance of trust and personal connections in business success. Batchelor emphasizes the va...

Join our host, Lee Murray in the latest episode of the CEO series as he sits down with Hernan Tagliani, CEO of The Group Advertising. Together, they explore the intricacies of multicultural advertising, emphasizing the importance of cultural resonance in brand campaigns. Moving beyond simple translation, they advocate for authentic connections with diverse audiences. They also highlight the agency...

Join our host Lee Murray in another episode in the CEO series. This week he interviews Amanda Stone, the CEO of Grounding Roots. Discover the inspiring story behind this juice shop, rooted in Amanda's personal health journey. Together, they discuss the ups and downs of the business's evolution, highlighting Amanda's unwavering dedication to offering health-centric products. Gain valuab...

Join host Lee Murray in this week's episode of our CEO series for an insightful conversation with Richard Glover, CEO of Central Florida Zoo. The organization is focused on creating connections that inspire people to take action for wildlife. Together, they discuss the complexities of running a non-profit zoo, highlighting conservation efforts, educational programs, and the challenges of engag...

In this week's episode of our CEO series, enjoy host Lee Murray's insightful conversation with Dennis Goedheid, CEO of Casiola, a full-service vacation home management company based in Central Florida. They discuss the evolution of the vacation rental market and how Casiola differentiates itself from giants like Airbnb by offering comprehensive services to homeowners. He emphasizes the imp...

In this week's episode of our CEO series, host Lee Murray had an insightful conversation with Chuck Link, CEO of Link Outdoor Lighting, as he shared his inspiring business journey. From Christmas lighting to becoming a leader in landscape lighting distribution, Chuck shares the secrets of his success: hard work, meticulous attention to detail, and a commitment to exceptional customer service....

In this week's episode of our CEO series, host Lee Murray had a really interesting conversation with Carla Greenway, Chief Executive Officer of Interfaith Emergency Services. She shared insights into nonprofit management, fundraising strategies, community involvement and the power of personal connections in donor engagement. Thank you for watching. If you are enjoying what you hear, please con...

In this week's episode of our CEO series, host Lee Murray engages in a captivating discussion with Ray Ortega, CEO of Grata Software as they discuss the realities of AI. They clarify AI versus machine learning and highlight AI's role in marketing. Discover the challenges of creating AI models and its potential in various industries. Thank you for watching. If you are enjoying what you hear...

In the week episode of our CEO series, host Lee Murray engages in a captivating discussion with Rey Ortega, founder of Grata Software, as he shares the journey from freelancing to a successful tech consulting firm. Learn about the importance of an engineering-first approach, building client relationships, and transitioning from engineering to leadership. Discover Grata Software's expansion pla...

n the first episode of our CEO series, host Lee Murray engages in a captivating discussion with Jesse Brashear, the CEO of Brashear's Pharmacy, exploring the growth challenges within the pharmacy industry. The conversation delves into critical issues involving pharmacy benefit managers, federal regulations, and the emphasis on patient care. Jesse shares insightful reflections on overcoming obs...

Welcome to another episode of Exploring Growth! This week, our host, Lee Murray, engages in a captivating conversation with Nick Petros, Principal at PinchForth. Together, they explore the critical concept of using the buyer's journey as a guiding force to navigate the course of your marketing campaigns and shape the content they encompass. They also discuss the significance of nurturing leads...

Over the course of the previous four episodes, our host, Lee Murray has had the privilege of hosting some very esteemed business experts. Each one of them brought their extensive knowledge and experience to the table.  This episode serves as a comprehensive recap of these episodes. Join Lee as he condenses the key takeaways, actionable strategies, and expert tips shared by his guests so far this s...