Small Business Confidential

[1:15] Mike opens the weekly sales meeting by discussing price, customer budgets, and why the number a customer gives is not always the final number. [13:15] A’marri explains why knowing the product, the audience, and the customer’s hot words is important when marketing properties. [20:30] Bob and Mike shift to the contracting side, using a recent estimate to discuss how to offer value instead of...

[1:15] Mike opens the episode by introducing the sales meeting and framing the discussion around how small business owners can better sell their services, products, and value. [4:45] Mike explains why closing strategy starts with asking the right questions, identifying the customer’s urgency, budget, and “hot word” theme. [13:30] Brook shares an estimate story where listening carefully helped turn...

Mike leads our weekly sales meeting and we talk  [1:15] Mike introduces the weekly sales meeting and explains how the team uses sales feedback to adjust marketing. [6:45] A’marri explains how marketing helps communicate RPC’s value, proactivity, and problem-solving approach to customers. [9:30] Mike explains why sales and marketing work together, and how customer questions reveal what people reall...

[3:10] Mike introduces the topic of sales and explains why selling should not be viewed negatively, emphasizing that strong sales skills help build long-term customer relationships. [11:20] Mike compares sales to investigative journalism, explaining that great salespeople ask questions, listen carefully, and uncover the real problem before offering solutions. [20:05] Mike explains the concept that...

Mike, Brook, Mac, and A’marri break down how AI is transforming business and everyday life — from workouts and financial planning to marketing and content creation. The conversation highlights proactive leadership, requiring AI adoption in the workplace, and why adapting to technology isn’t optional — it’s survival. 1:15 Mike introduces the discussion on AI tools and explains why being proactive i...

We break down how leadership, culture, and accountability drive success—using the Cleveland Browns as a case study—why creating a culture matters more than schemes and products 0:30 Mike opens the episode by defining what real leadership looks like — from small businesses to the Cleveland Browns — and why management matters more than schemes. 3:00 Mike uses Bill Walsh and the 49ers’ culture as a m...

Mike, Brook and A'marri talk about managing, leadership and the Cleveland Browns. There is irony in the statement from Kevin Stefanski's first press conference as The Browns coach, "Personality is welcome, production is required." as all we see is platitudes and "personality" in the Browns organization and no production. There is plenty to learn from this as the owner...

Mike and Brook discuss setting your goal, setting your script, extreme ownership and connecting daily goals to your strategic goal for the year. Fail to plan, plan to fail. 02:15 Brook explains how planning and budgeting in everyday life applies to business and investing. 04:30 Mike and Brook discuss the savings from quitting smoking and the importance of measuring progress. 07:00 The team highlig...

Mike, Brook, and A’Marri share how they personally and professionally use AI — from handling emails and financial reports to streamlining business processes and even creative work. 2:30 A’Marri explains how ChatGPT helps solve work problems and create podcast notes more efficiently. 5:30 Brook describes using AI for workout plans, financial schedules, and even relationship advice. 7:00 Mike compar...

Mike, Brook and A'marri talk about collections and problem customers. How do you collect the money owed to you? When to do a deposit or a prepay? How to make sure you don't run into the same problems with the same customers. 1:15 Mike kicks off the discussion on unpaid bills, asking Brook how to handle clients who don’t pay. 2:15 Brook shares prevention tactics like deposits, credit card...

Part 1 involves a meeting with Alex who works in consulting and providing solar energy for businesses. Part 2 is a recap and follow up from Brook and Amarri on what they would like to see in Cleveland Heights as young residents. 1:45 Mike lays out Cleveland Heights’ housing and vacancy problems, linking crime, retail decline, and lack of city action. 4:30 Discussion on eliminating point-of-sale in...

Brook and Amarri talk about what they are looking for from the new mayor of Cleveland Heights once they are elected. 2:30 Brook introduces the topic: what younger Cleveland Heights residents want in the next mayor, highlighting the need for action and better leadership. 5:00 Brook shares a personal story about how potholes affect daily life and how simple planning could fix them. 8:30 Brook and A’...

Mike, Brook and A'marri talk about the mentality infecting a lot of Cleveland Heights residents that accepts the status quo and how the presence of Laura Hong who is running for mayor will hopefully shake things up. 1:30 Mike introduces the episode and explains why Cleveland Heights’ upcoming mayoral election is critical for local investors and property owners. 3:45 A’marri talks about the ap...

Mike, Brook and A'marri discuss their new process for hiring as well as learning lessons from the past, how people spend all their time looking for jobs instead of working them, how hiring is a stress tester for your managers as well as a quick journey into the similarities between managing and being a father. 1:15 Mike introduces the concept of “time wasters” and how they show up in business...

The 2% Club: where 2% of your customers give you 98% of your problems. How to recognize what it is and what to do about it. 1:30 Mike introduces the concept of the "2% Club"—the small percentage of customers who create most of your problems—and explains why handling them is key to business success. 6:00 Brook reflects on a past job where the customer had a valid complaint and how owning...

MIke, Brook, and A’marri discuss what makes a great leader from a male perspective—drawing on books, movies, real-life work experience, and generational lessons. From setting expectations to leading with accountability, they unpack what leadership really means. 2:15 Brook shares insights from a leadership book by a Navy SEAL and how she's applying clear communication and ownership at job site...

Brook and A’marri talk about the importance of being decisive in business—how to manage your time, cut out stress, and stop letting small issues snowball. From management habits to mindset shifts, they share real tools for working smarter, not harder. 6:30 Brook shares a quote from Mark Cuban about how adaptability is key to business success—and how real-life problems force you to change plans. 11...

One of the key pillars of success in business or real estate is knowing how to manage people. If you can’t manage people—or don’t learn how—it’s going to be an uphill struggle, to say the least. In this episode, Mike, Brook, and A’marri break down what real-world management actually looks like. 3:00 Brook opens the discussion with a key management rule: be friendly, not friends, and learn how to b...

Brook, Mike, and A’marri discuss the productivity benefits of mid-day naps, workouts, and unplugging—plus how recharging can lead to better problem-solving in business and real estate. 1:00 Mike shares how business changes and legacy software led them to reimagine company systems—and why their new programmer is now required to nap. 3:30 Brook explains how his afternoon runs help reset his energy a...

Brook and Mike discuss the power of scripting and planning for quick Airbnb turnarounds and for selling properties. 2:00 Mike introduces the idea of scripting your day and how vital it is for managing real estate and small business operations effectively. 3:00 Brook breaks down how she handles violation lists—deciding what can be done in-house, what needs to be outsourced, and the importance of be...

More of a general meeting between A'marri and Brook as they discuss the week, work they have, working with software developers, how to solve problems creatively, qualities needed to manage and lead and much more. 2:00 Mike and Brook discuss their love for the movie Heat and its deeper life lessons beyond crime. 4:20 Mike compares being an entrepreneur to a lifestyle rather than just a career...

In this episode of Small Business Confidential, A'marri and Brook have a laid-back chat about their week at work, covering time management, goal setting, and getting things done. Brook talks about balancing work with having a newborn and how routines help him stay productive. They also discuss the ups and downs of work life and share insights from Scott Galloway about focusing on mastering yo...

Mike and Brook get into the details of why young people, or people who are fixated with their passion, they've got a vision, they're going to be an artist, but they don't have anything back office. They don't have any concept of money or paying their bills, or just overly focused on that vision in front of them. 01:10 Mike introduces the topic of why artists struggle financiall...

Mike, Brook and A'marri discuss goal setting and strategic planning for your  business. Your data should tell a story. Within that story are learning lessons that  need to be applied to your new strategies. This goes for your business as well as your personal life. Some things are black and white and others are gray and nuanced. Be disciplined in your routine, but allow new ideas and creativi...

In this episode of Small Business Confidential, hosts Mike and Brook Reilly explore the financial realities of running a business, focusing on managing cash flow, setting goals, and evaluating profitability. They share their experiences in contracting, rental properties, and overcoming financial hurdles. They highlight the importance of planning, monitoring key metrics, and addressing inefficienci...