The Network Build Grow Podcast: Relationships that Scale

In this episode of the Network Build Grow Podcast , host Melissa Taylor sits down with Michael Barbero , Regional Vice President with Primerica, to explore how relationship-based networking fuels long-term business growth especially in financial services. Michael shares his journey from owning a bar and grill to building a thriving financial services business, highlighting how consistency, trust,...

In this episode of the Network Build Grow Podcast , host Melissa Taylor sits down with Wayne Coolidge , founder of Wayne Coolidge Health Promotion , and Kim Twity Rodes , co-creator of Shield Maiden Life , to explore how networking, reputation, and community-building drive long-term business success. With decades of experience in personal training, health coaching, and now online membership commun...

In this episode of the Network Build Grow Podcast , host Melissa Taylor sits down with Samie Worthington , co-founder of EMILY Revolutionary Marketing Group and a no-BS marketing expert who specializes in AI, SEO, and the future of search (AEO/GEO). Samie shares why authentic networking, not cold pitching or forced follow-ups is still one of the most powerful drivers of sustainable business growth...

In this episode of the Network Build Grow Podcast , host Melissa Taylor welcomes Melinda McVaden , founder of Mojo Brand Magic and former award-winning television news anchor, to explore how authentic storytelling transforms networking, branding, and business growth. With more than 15 years in broadcast journalism, explaining everything from presidential campaigns and municipal budgets to prize ca...

In this episode of the Network Build Grow Podcast , Melissa Taylor sits down with business leader Ken Myers to explore what it truly means to get out of your own way and build authentic, people-first relationships. Drawing from over 25 years of leadership experience across Fortune 500 companies, startups, and entrepreneurial ventures, Ken shares powerful lessons on asking for help, building a pers...

In this episode of the Network Build Grow Podcast , Melissa Taylor sits down with Beth Johnson , founder of Firefly Consulting Group , to discuss how intentional networking, clear boundaries, and strategic referrals create sustainable business growth. Beth shares how she builds trusted referral networks without making decisions for clients, why honoring boundaries in networking conversations matte...

In this episode of the Network Build Grow Podcast, Melissa Taylor sits down with Don Grothoff —Speaker, EFT Practitioner, Mindset Coach, and co-host of the Focused Healthy Family podcast. With over 14 years of experience, Don specializes in helping families and entrepreneurs manage stress, overwhelm, and the emotional load of caregiving. Don shares how networking, community, and genuine relationsh...

In this inspiring episode of the Network Build Grow Podcast, host Melissa Taylor sits down with Shannon Arney, brand photographer, entrepreneur, introvert, gymnastics coach, and mom of four to explore how she built a thriving photography business while balancing family life and overcoming the challenges of networking. Shannon shares the real story behind launching her brand photography business, h...

In this episode, we sit down with Chanelle Tompkins , founder of Mz Nelle's Virtual Solutions and the administrative strategist known as the “human ibuprofen” for business owners. Chanelle shares the story behind her career, how she built a thriving virtual support company, and how networking played a central role in every stage of her growth. From connecting with entrepreneurs to collaborati...

In this episode of Network Build Grow , host Melissa Taylor sits down with Nick Reynolds to explore how consistent networking, community involvement, and meaningful relationships have shaped his career in the ever-growing city of Charlotte. Nick shares why networking isn’t just a business growth tool, it’s a way to stay connected to Charlotte’s vibrant, constantly expanding community. From meeting...

In this episode of Network Build Grow , host Melissa Taylor speaks with Tanya Quinn about how small businesses can practice social responsibility with intention and alignment . Tanya explains why doing “good work” requires more than goodwill, it needs structure, education, and repeatable partnerships. She walks through the longer process she uses to onboard partners and clients (sharing educationa...

In this episode of the Network Build Grow Podcast , host Melissa Taylor talks with Kathy Lindert  who embodies what it means to grow your network with purpose and heart. Together, they explore how networking just like business is always evolving and why it’s important to stay open, flexible, and willing to meet new people. The conversation also highlights the guest’s powerful mission to serve firs...

In this episode of the Network Build Grow Podcast , host Melissa Taylor chats with Sandy from Bild a Better Business about one of the most overlooked — yet powerful — ways to build genuine relationships in business: the handwritten card . Sandy shares how sending personal notes to new connections has helped her stand out in the competitive world of real estate marketing . In an age of digital nois...

In this inspiring episode of the Network Build Grow Podcast , host Melissa Taylor sits down with Paula Lessa , founder of Personal Journey Coaching , to explore how women can rediscover clarity, confidence, and community during one of life’s toughest transitions - divorce. Paula shares how her personal experience fueled her passion to guide women through emotional and financial uncertainty with di...

In this episode of the Network Build Grow Podcast , host Melissa chats with Michael and Katie Catlow about one of the most overlooked keys to success in networking and business, your energy and presence . They share why showing up grateful, excited, and engaged creates stronger relationships, attracts new opportunities, and sets you apart in any room. This conversation is a powerful reminder that...

In this episode of the Network Build Grow Podcast , we explore how real success in business and networking comes from building authentic, long-term relationships,  not just collecting contacts. Our guest, Chris Vaughan, shares how forming genuine connections led to unexpected collaborations, speaking opportunities, and business growth. From casual conversations to meaningful partnerships, this epi...

In this episode of the Network Build Grow Podcast , host Melissa Taylor and guest  Rita Garnto explore a simple but powerful self-care practice that can make a huge difference in how you connect with others. Called the “double double” (or physiological sigh), this 30-second breathing technique helps lower stress, calm your mind, and bring you back to the present moment. And when you’re calmer, you...

In this episode of the Network Build Grow Podcast, host Melissa Taylor talks with Julie Trombley. Together, they dive into one of the most overlooked aspects of business growth: the power of follow-up. So many entrepreneurs and solopreneurs work hard to network, generate leads, and even host events, but they unintentionally leave money on the table because they don’t have a system for follow-up. F...

In this episode of the Network Build Grow Podcast , host Melissa Taylor talks with Kyle Romanat , founder of Health Market Genius LLC . Kyle shares his journey from nearly two decades in a large insurance agency to stepping out on his own to specialize in individual health insurance for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and anyone without employer coverage. Kyle opens up about the fear of leaving stabil...

What does it take to turn a lifelong passion for video into a thriving business rooted in faith, storytelling, and service? In this inspiring episode of the NBG Podcast , Melissa Taylor sits down with Phil Erhardt , founder of PW Erhardt Media, to explore his 50+ year journey in video editing and entrepreneurship. Phil reveals how he turned a love for storytelling into a career that has touched th...

In this inspiring episode, Melissa Taylor sits down with Peet Van Niekerk , founder of Designer Needed , to unpack the power of consistency, authentic networking, and the importance of seamless visual branding for every business. Peet shares his entrepreneurial journey, how global networking during the 2020 lockdowns led to lasting relationships, clients, and growth. He reveals: ✅ Why consistency...

In this episode of the NBG Podcast , Melissa Taylor sits down with Kristin Clark of Kristin Clark Consulting to talk about the real power of networking. Kristin shares her journey of guiding 16–26-year-olds to discover fulfilling career paths and why so many adults wish they’d had this kind of support earlier. She also dives deep into how to network with intention, the importance of building authe...

The Network Build Grow Podcast showcases the stories, insights, and strategies of business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals from our community. Each episode dives into the ‘why’ behind their work, hard-won lessons from their journey, and actionable tips on how to authentically build relationships, expand their circle of influence, and create meaningful business connections. Our goal is to...