Riding Tandem

In their milestone 50th episode (technically the 51st), Vivian and Michaela dive into an engaging Q&A session where they answer 25 questions that reveal more about their personal lives and the inner workings of their business. They explore the origins of their entrepreneurial journey, critical moments that shaped their careers, and how they balance the demands of work with their personal lives...

Join me for an engaging conversation with Rachel, the owner of Anytime Tees, a custom apparel company that has grown from a home-based business to a 4,200 square foot facility. This episode of Riding Tandem is all about the journey of scaling a business, the challenges of expansion, and the power of delegation and trust in a team. Rachel shares her unique story of starting and growing her business...

In this episode of Riding Tandem, Vivian Kvam sits down for a candid chat with Josh Kallsen, the go-getting president of PowerTech. They dive into Josh's journey through the construction world, starting from the life lessons he picked up from his grandfather, to his ambitious moves in buying and growing PowerTech. The heart of their conversation beats around PowerTech's Power to Give initiative, a...

In this episode of "Riding Tandem," Vivian Kvam engages in a deeply inspiring conversation with Jennifer Lea, the innovative founder of Entry Envy. Jennifer's journey from the structured world of law firm management to the creative realm of entrepreneurship is not just a career change; it's a life transformation fueled by passion, resilience, and a desire to bring joy and functionality to homes ev...

Join Vivian Kvam for an enriching dialogue with Kaylee Williams, an entrepreneur and business strategist for early-stage startup companies. She is the Investment Director for InnoVenture Iowa, a $30 million co-investment fund allocated primarily for Seed and Series A financing. Kaylee candidly shares her remarkable journey from studying English to thriving in the tech industry. On this episode we...

Join Lisa Even and Vivian Kvam in a heartfelt conversation about finding joy in both life and work. Lisa shares her transformative framework for prioritizing joy, shedding light on the impact of burnout and offering practical tips for infusing daily life with happiness. As they delve into Lisa's journey of writing and publishing her book, they explore overcoming obstacles and embracing the unique...

Tune in to hear an inspired conversation with Alejandra Valdez, the visionary behind Viva Fit Kitchen. Discover her journey to scalable success through smart business systems and how her network, Embolden, fuels collaboration. Alejandra is an entrepreneur and change-maker on a mission to create a more equitable world.   If you love this show, please leave us a review. Go to RateThisPodcast.com/rid...

Meet incredible Charista Baye, a serial entrepreneur turned franchise matchmaker. We unravel the myths surrounding franchises – spoiler: they're not all about hefty investments and burgers! Charista shares her journey, from breaking free from the corporate grind to becoming the ultimate business matchmaker. We explore the lesser-known facets of franchises, from diverse industry options to the impo...

Step into the world of press releases with our latest episode of Riding Tandem!  Have you heard these press release myths? Myth 1: Press releases are only for big businesses. Myth 2: Press releases are outdated in the digital age. Myth 3: Press releases are expensive and time-consuming. Mickie  Kennedy is here to set the record straight. 🎙️ In this insightful conversation, Mickie dispels common my...

In this candid and insightful episode, we tackle the pervasive issues of stress and burnout that often accompany the entrepreneurial journey. Drawing from personal experiences and real stories, Vivian delves into many entrepreneurs' challenges, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing burnout before it becomes overwhelming. With a touch of humor and wisdom, Vivian explores practica...

One entrepreneur dared to defy the norm in a world of generic marketing and cookie-cutter copy, Jennifer Curfman's perspective on how to write compelling copy for your business is so refreshing!  Jennifer's journey began with a work-life balance quest, but she discovered a hidden talent that would change the game. Her unique approach breathed life into the businesses she works with by infusing the...

Troy Burrus, (Vivian's husband) ventured into the world of entrepreneurship, trading his daily grind for the pursuit of his passion in Landscape Photography. He shares the genuine ups and downs of his recent venture putting together a booth and manning it for 11 days at the Iowa State Fair.  In this episode, Troy candidly recounts the challenges he navigated, from last-minute booth creation to fig...

Unleashing her expertise and grace, ballet instructor Natasha Gregory pirouettes her way through the virtual dance world, captivating audiences, and defying expectations as she educates, inspires, and challenges the status quo of traditional dance instruction. From a professional dancer to a virtual teacher, Natasha Gregory's journey took an unexpected turn. As the pandemic shut down dance studios...

Jeffrey Tadlock, is an experienced photographer who successfully taken a passion from "just a hobby" to a successful business. Together, we dive deep into the key strategies and insights that can help you make that transition as well. We discuss the importance of mindset, being true to yourself, and finding the courage you need to make the transition. Of course, we also dive into tactical ideas li...

In this episode, we debunk some common financial literacy myths and discuss the vital art of navigating borrowing for small businesses. Jamel Hamilton, reveals the truth behind many financially related misconceptions (read things that feel scary!) and offers invaluable insights into how even the smallest ventures can effectively manage their finances. We talk about what it takes to construct a rob...

In this episode of Riding Tandem, I'm joined by HR experts Bryn Reed and Lynn Owen, members of HRAM, to demystify HR for your business. HR isn't just about hiring and firing; it's the secret ingredient that shapes your company's culture. Discover practical resources through HRAM and learn when it's time to bring in HR expertise. 🌟 We also spill the beans on crafting standout job descriptions and...

Do you want to master the art of captivating pitch competitions and leave a lasting impression on potential investors? Look no further! This episode is all about Pitch competitions. I'm talking with Kelsey Stupfell, from Treynor State Bank, and Niki Fergeson, with Advanced South West Iowa all about the REV Pitch competition they collaborate on. We have a candid conversation about what it's like to...

Elizabeth Pooley and son Jack Pooley join me on the podcast to share 8 ingredients for creating a successful business from scratch.  From an aversion to sugar and early mornings to an unexpected encounter with mouthwatering donuts, Elizabeth's path took a sweet twist into a new and unexpected business venture.  Working through doubts and limited baking knowledge and building a tasty experience, th...

Do you dream of your product on the shelves at Big-Box stores like Target, Home Goods, or Home Depot? Then this episode is sure to inspire you! Christi and I talked about how her business took a surprising turn, and she landed her greeting cards on the shelves of Home Goods. She shares her journey from "I don't have a plan" to building her successful but unexpected greeting card business.  She sha...

Are you a multi-passionate entrepreneur struggling to navigate the challenges of running multiple businesses? Have you been told that the key to success is to focus on just one industry, leaving your other passions behind? But, deep down, you know that following this advice would mean sacrificing a part of who you are. You're feeling the pain of unfulfilled potential and the frustration of not bei...

Have you heard these myths about leveraging AI for small businesses? Let's debunk them and uncover the truth!  Myth #1: AI is only for large corporations with big budgets.  Myth #2: Implementing AI requires technical expertise and is too complex for small businesses.  Myth #3: AI will replace human workers and lead to job losses. But fear not! My guest, Susan Pitts, shares the truth about how smal...

Welcome back to a delicious episode of Riding Tandem! This episode reveals the inspiring story of Amber and Jeremy Tkaczuk, the power couple behind the irresistible ice cream and coffee shop in Bennington, Nebraska. This delectable conversation explores the triumphs, challenges, and unexpected turns this entrepreneurial family encountered while turning their dream into a reality. Amber and Jeremy...

There are so many myths about business owners and partners with ADHD. So business partners Vivian Kvam and Machaela Clark, share the truth about how ADHD could be your secret weapon in business success and a unique asset in a business partner by busting through three common myths which are:  Myth: ADHD is a disorder that hinders all forms of productivity. Myth: ADHD is only a negative attribute. M...

Just when entrepreneur Shannon Jackson was launching her barber shop, life threw her an unexpected and violent twist. What could have been the downfall of her business turned out to be a test of the power of the team and community she had built as well as her own grit. But how did she navigate this unexpected turn of events? Tune in to find out.  In this episode, you will be able to: Discover the...

Are you tired of feeling like you're not reaching your full potential as a business leader? Have you been told to just be more self-aware without any actionable steps to get there? It's time to ditch the ineffective advice and join us in this episode, where Dr. Jennifer Churchill and I uncover the crucial role self-awareness plays in leadership and business success and how to grow in this area. We...