On the Flywheel

Summary In this episode, Mike Hansen, a commercial real estate broker with Sotheby's International Realty, shares his unique journey from the fitness industry to specializing in vineyard and winery sales. He discusses the challenges facing the wine industry, the importance of understanding financial metrics, and the role of institutional investors and lifestyle buyers in the market. Mike emphasize...

Summary In this episode of On the Flywheel, I’m joined by Paul Herrerias, Founder and CEO of Herrerias & Associates. We talk about leadership, team building, and why strong businesses are built by teams—not individuals. Paul shares lessons from growing up in agriculture, his path through accounting and executive search, and what he’s learned about hiring, accountability, and building high-perf...

Summary In this conversation, Ash Gomez, founder of Digital Twinners and co-founder of Orion Sky Studios, shares her journey from a sales career to running successful media companies. She emphasizes the importance of customer experience, building a strong team, and leveraging technology to enhance business operations. Ash discusses the impact of AI on the creative industry, lead generation strateg...

Summary In this episode, I sit down with consultant Jon Rickards to talk through his unique path—from the Navy’s nuclear program to decades in the wine industry—and how all of that led him into helping small and micro-businesses bring order to their chaos. Jon shares what most business owners struggle with, why understanding your numbers matters so much, and how he’s helping his wife build a commu...

Summary In this episode, I sit down with Adrian Gould, Practice Director at Robert Half, for a conversation about career pivots, productivity, and the evolving world of accounting and finance consulting. Adrian shares how he went from managing rental car branches to overseeing more than 60 active projects at once, and we dive into trends shaping the labor market today—from AI’s growing influence t...

Summary In this conversation, John Rushworth from Spark Plug Marketing shares his journey from startups to establishing a successful digital marketing agency. He discusses the importance of helping small businesses succeed, common mistakes they make in digital marketing, and how to maximize their online presence. Takeaways John's family has a long history in farming and marketing. He started Spark...

Summary In this conversation, Bill Vick, a Vistage Chair, discusses the importance of peer networks for business leaders, the role of accountability in driving growth, and the challenges faced by business owners today. He emphasizes the value of strategic planning, community connection, and the impact of AI on the business landscape. Vick shares insights on how Vistage helps members navigate these...

Summary In this engaging conversation, Kathleen Stafford shares her diverse career journey, from her early days at Wells Fargo to her experiences in the restaurant business and her current role as a realtor. She reflects on the importance of family, the challenges of navigating career changes, and the lessons learned along the way. The discussion emphasizes the value of hard work, independence, an...

Summary In this engaging conversation, Sean Langwell shares his journey from a corporate career in sales and marketing to becoming an author and confidence coach. He discusses the importance of maintaining a beginner's mindset, the process of writing and self-publishing his books, and introduces his five-step method for building confidence and overcoming fear. The conversation emphasizes the signi...

Summary In this episode of On the Flywheel, I chat with Ed Troxell about how to build confidence on camera and keep business simple. Ed shares his journey from tech and education to coaching others on showing up authentically through video. We talk about mindset, overcoming fear, and why connection matters more than perfection. If you’re ready to be seen, heard, and paid—this one’s for you. Topics...

Summary Michele LeSage has spent four decades helping organizations—from construction firms to Lucasfilm—turn branded merchandise into memorable, referral-generating experiences. In this conversation, she shares how creativity beats catalogs, why “sales without compassion” fails, and the routines and networks that keep her business moving. We also cover practical promo strategy (like why sticky-no...

SUMMARY In this episode, I talk with Allan Jaffe, VP of Technology at Top Speed Data, about his 40+ year career in telecom and tech. We cover what it means to be a technology advisor, how his team helps businesses solve problems without extra cost, and why cybersecurity is more important than ever. Allan also shares thoughts on work-life balance, daily routines, and how perspective and kindness go...

SUMMARY In this episode, I sit down with Russ Powell of Russ Powell Consulting to explore what it really takes to be an effective leader and team builder. Russ shares the winding path that led him from psychology and teaching to instructional design, the U.S. Coast Guard, and eventually into leadership development. We talk about why most people don’t think systemically, the value of simplicity in...

*SUMMARY * In this episode, I chat with Jeff Arnold from the Armstrong Company about his unique path through retail sales, tech, cannabis consulting, and eventually landing in the world of professional moving. Jeff opens up about lessons learned from early jobs, why he keeps gravitating toward sales, and how becoming a dad reshaped his priorities. We dive into the wild economics of cannabis, what...

*SUMMARY * In this episode, I sit down with Brynn Wilson, an estate planning attorney. Brynn walks us through her unique journey into law, starting as a high school receptionist at a law firm, and how she found her passion in estate planning. We talk about what it really means to be a partner at a law firm, the emotional challenges of estate litigation, and the nuances of helping families navigate...

Summary In this episode, I sit down with Jessica Hart of Jessica Hart Consulting to explore the world of HR for small and medium-sized businesses. Jessica shares insights on the most common HR pitfalls, what drives her passion for human resources, and how she navigates the constantly changing legal landscape—especially in California. She also opens up about launching her own consulting practice, j...

Summary In this episode, I chat with Roxanne Alban, owner of Applied Financial Services, Inc., to explore the critical financial challenges businesses face and how to overcome them. Roxanne shares her journey from working in a domestic violence organization to becoming an entrepreneur helping nonprofits and businesses streamline their financial processes. She also provides actionable advice for bu...

Summary This week I'm thrilled to share my conversation with Cynthia Riggs of the Biz Diva. Cynthia’s entrepreneurial journey is nothing short of inspiring. From an unexpected start at a flea market to building a multi-million dollar clothing line, Cynthia shares the lessons and challenges she faced, particularly in creating high-quality, stylish clothing for plus-size women when such options were...

Summary On Episode 7 of On the Flywheel we have an exciting guest, Barry Bierman of Lockstone Media. We dive into Barry's fascinating journey from his roots in Saskatchewan to founding his own video production company. Barry shares his unique path, from working on oil rigs to yachts, and eventually becoming a self-taught director of photography. Tune in to hear how he navigated these diverse exper...

Summary In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Larrabure from Larrabure Construction and Design. Ryan shares his inspiring journey from starting as a painter in Petaluma to running a successful construction business. We delve into the importance of finding the right people, offering opportunities for growth, and the challenges of managing a small business. Ryan's passion for design and his unique a...

Summary In this episode, I sit down with Ramsay Brown, a Commercial Relationship Manager at a local community bank. We dive into Ramsay's fascinating career journey, from his MBA days to his current role where he thrives on helping businesses secure the financing they need to grow. Ramsay shares valuable insights into the banking industry's unique aspects, the importance of relationship management...

In this episode, I chat with Kyle Masterpole, the founder of The Bay Fitness. Kyle shares his journey from working at Dairy Queen in high school to becoming a strength and conditioning coach for college athletes and ultimately starting his own mobile fitness business. We discuss the unique aspects of his business, the importance of detailed observation and personalized training, and how he maintai...

Welcome back to On the Flywheel! In episode 3, we dive into an engaging conversation with Matthew Larrabure, who shares his unique journey from running a hot dog cart in college to becoming a successful financial advisor. Matthew recounts his early entrepreneurial ventures, the importance of setting clear goals, and the impact of surrounding yourself with good people. He also provides insights int...

Show Notes On the Flywheel is a weekly podcast hosted by Jonathan Mahrt of Flywheel Consulting where each week we talk to entrepreneurs and professionals about the practical things they do to build and maintain momentum in their personal and professional lives. In episode 2 of On the Flywheel , we sit down with guest Stephen McNeil, EVP of Strategic Partners & Programs at TRUE Network Advisors...

Episode Notes On the Flywheel is a podcast hosted by Jonathan Mahrt of Flywheel Consulting where we talk to entrepreneurs and professionals about the practical things they do to keep and build momentum in their personal and professional lives. On episode 001, we talk to Dan Ancheta, President of Sequence Mortgage. Join us as Dan shares his journey from entrepreneurial ventures like owning a CrossF...