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Interview with Carl Iberger, Manager of Wright Leeds

Published

10 months ago

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Interview with Carl Iberger, Manager of Wright Leeds

Mr. Iberger currently manages the consulting firm Wright Leeds, LLC. Wright Leeds specializes in assisting healthcare entrepreneurs and private entities in establishing and growing their companies. Enabling businesses and CEO’s to deliver on their business mission is the cornerstone of Mr. Iberger’s experience. Mr. Iberger partners with senior management, brings focus to the business strategy, builds the pathway for investment capital and develops cross-functional department workflows that yield the necessary operational efficiencies and output instrumental to a company’s success.

Where did the idea for Wright Leeds come from?

Wright Leeds – just a play on words…..

Wright – Wright (“right” as in the right direction matters)
Leeds – Leads (lead through experience and know-how)

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

I compartmentalize my daily work effort and strive to maintain a balanced structure. Doing this allows me the opportunity to manage unplanned customer issues or topics of concern that often arise.

Early morning: Stay focused on the events at hand.
First, let’s start at the end of the day. I end each day by creating a “to-do” list of activities and problems related to each customer that need attention for the next day. I make it a priority to read this list before going to bed each evening. Often, I find the items on the “to do” list easier to manage in the morning.

Mid-morning: It’s all about communication.
Second, communication is important to consulting and assisting management as a company grows. Effective communication combined with structured routines helps to keep everyone on the same page. To this end, I have separate daily 30 minute scheduled calls at (or in office meetings) with key departments. The meeting allow for issues and problems to be raised and uncovered. Most problems center around internal issues and cross functional activities/concerns. Follow-up on key items are then scheduled as needed.

Afternoon – evening: Big Picture Activities
Third, focus on the big picture with the C-Team. Coming events over the next 30 to 45 days – what needs to be prepared, researched and what decisions need to be made. In addition management meetings, activity reports, external initiatives, FP&A, employee issues, legal, strategy, system improvements

How do you bring ideas to life?

Listen to each and every employee as if they were the CEO. It is important to foster a working relationship built on respect and trust. Be honest and upfront with everyone. If I can accomplish that, then ideas can be raised and I can build consensus with all concerned parties. With any idea, it is critical to moderate the speed of incorporating change to maximize success. Measured steps can be more important than giant leap. Build on that success to continue with related follow-on changes. Basically, don’t bite off more than the organization can chew and always, always consider the impact to the customer.

What’s one trend that excites you?

Making any plan. For example: Sales plan; Cash Flow breakeven; System integrations.

In a new company, as it surely is in a growing company, find successes throughout the organization. After finding the “trend” communicate that achievement.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

I can compartmentalize my work effort. I do not let nonrelated issues interfere with the task at hand.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Pick your battles. You don’t have to win every discussion. Concentrate on winning the war. The long game is where success is the sweetest.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

Hire your replacement as soon as you can.

Two good things come from this: One: Initiatives can be accelerated which will greatly impact the overall success of the company. Two: you can expand your personal impact on strategic projects which will set strategic direction.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

Be armed with the facts. You are entitled to your opinion, but not your own facts.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

It’s the long game that matters. Don’t turn yourself into a pretzel by compromising your integrity over a near term issue. Simply put: “When is doubt, do what’s right”.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

Trusting and not verifying. Business is business. If my internal radar is buzzing, I verify.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

Businesses struggle with effective communication. This encompasses their customers, their investors and most often to their ever changing employees. In each industry there are communication gaps and lapses that hold companies back and tend to create turmoil. Whatever your chosen field may be, the mousetrap to build is “communication”. Be that person; be that driving force and you will be indispensable.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

I recently sent a card and an Amazon gift certificate (actually $500, not $100) to our contact person in India. The person I sent the gift to is subcontracted by our healthcare billing contractor. He goes by “Roger”. I don’t know his Indian name, but I did get his personal email so I could send the “thank you note and certificate”. It was important to me to personally thank him. I simply told him how much his efforts on the project meant to my client’s Reimbursement team. Roger, on his own time went above and beyond in supporting my team and the company. I know it’s only $500, but his reaction was very moving. Best $500 spent in 25 years.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

Excel. (yes…Excel) I use it to develop reporting and analytics that eventually migrates it way onto customers platforms.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

Good to Great. The author provides disciplined thought. Straightforward discussion of how to grow a company.

What is your favorite quote?

“Work to live…..do not live to work”
I think I work hard…I enjoy what I do….but I work to live and always put family first….especially the grand kids

Originally published on IdeaMensch.
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Interviews

Interview with Jack Carlson, Founder of Rowing Blazers: History, Tradition, and Innovation

Published

4 days ago

on

March 27, 2023

By

Interview with Jack Carlson, Founder of Rowing Blazers

Table of Contents

Introduction

Jack Carlson is the founder and creative director of Rowing Blazers, a fashion brand that combines classic American style with a contemporary edge. Jack Carlson, a former national team rower, and scholar of history draw inspiration from vintage sportswear and traditional Ivy League fashion. His passion for design and fashion, combined with his unique background. Jack Carlson has resulted in the creation of a brand that stands out in the industry.

Can you tell us about your background and how you became interested in fashion?

I’ve always had a passion for fashion and design, even while pursuing my other interests. I grew up in Connecticut and started rowing at a young age, eventually competing at the national level. While studying history at Harvard, I became interested in the traditional clothing worn by rowers and began to collect vintage rowing blazers. This sparked my interest in fashion and led me to start designing my own clothing. After completing a Ph.D. in archaeology, I decided to pursue fashion full-time and founded Rowing Blazers in 2017.

What inspired you to start Rowing Blazers?

I wanted to create a brand that celebrated the rich history and tradition of American fashion, particularly the preppy style of the Ivy League. At the same time, I wanted to bring a contemporary edge to classic designs and challenge the boundaries of traditional fashion. I was inspired by the vintage rowing blazers that I collected and wanted to create my own versions that were both authentic and modern.

Can you walk us through the design process of creating a new collection?

The design process always starts with research and inspiration. I spend a lot of time looking at vintage clothing, archival photographs, and historical documents to get a sense of the styles and aesthetics of a particular time period or culture. From there, I sketch out ideas and work with my team to refine the designs and select fabrics. We always strive to balance classic elements with modern twists and unexpected details. It’s a collaborative process that involves a lot of trial and error, but we always end up with something that we’re proud of.

How do you stay true to your brand’s identity while also keeping up with current fashion trends?

For us, it’s not about following trends, but rather creating timeless pieces that will never go out of style. Although we draw inspiration from the past, we don’t limit ourselves to it. We’re always looking for ways to innovate and push boundaries while staying true to our brand’s core identity. We’re not interested in fast fashion or disposable clothing – our pieces are meant to last and be treasured for years to come.

Can you tell us about a particular challenge you faced while growing Rowing Blazers and how you overcame it?

One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced is scaling the business while maintaining the quality and craftsmanship that we’re known for. We’ve had to find the right partners and suppliers who share our values and are able to produce our garments to our high standards. We’ve also had to be very strategic about our growth, taking things one step at a time and not rushing into anything too quickly. It’s been a learning process, but we’ve been able to grow the business in a sustainable way that we’re proud of.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own fashion brand?

My advice would be to stay true to your vision and never compromise on quality. It’s also important to be strategic about your growth and not try to do everything at once. Start small and focus on doing one thing really well before expanding. And always be willing to learn and adapt – the fashion industry is constantly changing, so it’s important to be flexible and open to new ideas.

What’s next for Rowing Blazers?

We’re always working on new designs and collaborations, but we’re also focused on expanding our brand beyond just clothing. We want to create a lifestyle brand that encompasses all aspects of American style, from furniture to home decor to travel accessories. We’re excited to continue growing and evolving while staying true to our brand’s identity and values.

Closing Paragraph

Jack Carlson’s passion for fashion and history has resulted in the creation of a unique and innovative brand that stands out in the industry. His dedication to quality and craftsmanship, as well as his commitment to sustainability, sets Rowing Blazers apart from other fashion brands. To stay up to date with Jack Carlson and Rowing Blazers, you can follow him on LinkedIn.

Liked this interview? Check out this interview with Gracie Cedres

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Interview with Gracie Cedres: Insights on Entrepreneurship and Work-Life Balance

Published

4 days ago

on

March 27, 2023

By

Interview with Gracie Cedres, Founder of G.R.A.C.E.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Gracie Cedres is the founder and CEO of G.R.A.C.E., a company that provides virtual assistance and project management services to entrepreneurs and small business owners. With a degree in communications, Gracie has always been interested in helping others succeed in their businesses. Her passion for helping entrepreneurs led her to create G.R.A.C.E., which has been helping entrepreneurs and small business owners increase their productivity and profitability. In this interview, Gracie will share more about her journey as an entrepreneur and the success of G.R.A.C.E.

Can you tell us about yourself and your journey as an entrepreneur?

Sure, my name is Gracie Cedres, and I am the founder and CEO of G.R.A.C.E. I have always been interested in helping others, especially entrepreneurs and small business owners, succeed in their businesses. After completing my degree in communications, I worked as a virtual assistant for various entrepreneurs and realized that there was a need for high-quality virtual assistance and project management services. That’s how the idea for G.R.A.C.E. was born, and since then, I have been working hard to help entrepreneurs and small business owners achieve their goals.

How did you come up with the idea for G.R.A.C.E.?

After working as a virtual assistant for several entrepreneurs, the idea for G.R.A.C.E. came to me. I realized that many entrepreneurs were struggling to manage their time effectively and needed high-quality virtual assistance and project management services to help them become more productive and profitable. I saw an opportunity to help entrepreneurs and small business owners by providing them with top-notch virtual assistance and project management services, and that’s how G.R.A.C.E. was born.

What are some of the challenges you faced in starting and growing your business?

One of the biggest challenges I faced in starting and growing my business was finding the right team members. It’s important to have a team that shares your vision and is passionate about what they do. I also faced challenges in marketing my services and reaching out to potential clients. However, I overcame these challenges by networking, building relationships, and creating high-quality content that showcased the value of my services.

What is your vision for G.R.A.C.E. in the next five years?

My vision for G.R.A.C.E. in the next five years is to become the go-to virtual assistance and project management service provider for entrepreneurs and small business owners worldwide. I want to expand my team and services to be able to help more entrepreneurs and small business owners increase their productivity and profitability. I also want to continue building strong relationships with my clients and providing them with top-notch services.

Can you share with us some of your favorite success stories from working with your clients?

One of my favorite success stories is working with a small business owner who was struggling to manage their time effectively. By providing them with virtual assistance and project management services, we were able to help them increase their productivity, improve their marketing strategies, and ultimately grow their business. It’s always fulfilling to see my clients succeed and achieve their goals.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to educate themselves and never stop learning. It’s important to constantly learn new skills, stay up to date with industry trends, and seek out new opportunities. It’s also essential to have a strong work ethic, be persistent, and not be afraid to take risks. Don’t let failure discourage you, instead use it as a learning opportunity and keep pushing forward.

How do you maintain a work-life balance as a busy entrepreneur?

Maintaining a work-life balance can be challenging as a busy entrepreneur, but it’s essential for your well-being and the success of your business. One of the things I do is prioritize my tasks and delegate when necessary. I also set aside time for self-care activities like exercise, reading, and spending time with family and friends. It’s also important to know when to disconnect from work and focus on other aspects of your life.

Closing Paragraph

Gracie Cedres is an inspiration to entrepreneurs and small business owners worldwide. Her dedication to helping others and passion for entrepreneurship has led to the success of G.R.A.C.E. With a vision for continued growth and success, Gracie is sure to make an impact in the virtual assistance and project management industry. To learn more about Gracie Cedres and G.R.A.C.E., visit her website and follow her on LinkedIn.

Liked this interview? Check out this interview with Evan Cagner

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Interview with Evan Cagner: Insights into the World of Tech and Entrepreneurship

Published

4 days ago

on

March 27, 2023

By

Interview with Evan Cagner, CEO of TechBlue

Table of Contents

Introduction

Evan Cagner is the founder and CEO of TechBlue, a company that provides managed IT services to businesses of all sizes. Evan has over 15 years of experience in the tech industry and has helped numerous businesses grow by leveraging technology. He is a thought leader and innovator in the IT industry, with a keen eye for emerging trends and technologies. In this interview, Evan Cagner shares his insights into the world of tech and entrepreneurship.

What inspired you to start TechBlue?

I’ve always been passionate about technology and how it can be used to solve business problems. I started my career working for a large IT consulting firm, and I quickly realized that there was a big gap in the market for managed IT services. Small and medium-sized businesses often struggle to keep up with the latest technology trends, and they don’t have the resources to hire full-time IT staff. That’s why I decided to start TechBlue – to help these businesses leverage technology to grow and succeed.

What sets TechBlue apart from other managed IT services companies?

There are a few things that set TechBlue apart from other managed IT services companies. First and foremost, we are incredibly focused on customer service. We believe that building strong relationships with our clients is the key to our success. Second, we have a team of highly skilled technicians who are constantly learning and staying up to date with the latest technologies. Finally, we are very flexible and can customize our services to meet the unique needs of each of our clients.

How do you stay on top of emerging trends in the tech industry?

I’m always reading and staying up to date with the latest news and trends in the tech industry. I attend conferences and meet with other thought leaders in the industry to discuss new technologies and how they can be used to solve business problems. I also encourage my team to stay up to date and share their knowledge with each other.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the IT industry?

The pandemic has had a significant impact on the IT industry. With so many people working remotely, there has been a huge demand for cloud-based services and virtual private networks (VPNs). There has also been an increased focus on cybersecurity, as remote workers are more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Overall, the pandemic has accelerated the shift toward digital transformation and has highlighted the importance of having a reliable and secure IT infrastructure.

What advice do you have for entrepreneurs looking to start their own businesses?

My advice would be to focus on building a strong team and never stop learning. Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you and who have different skill sets. Be willing to take risks and make mistakes, but also be willing to learn from those mistakes. And finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice from other entrepreneurs who have been through it before.

What is your vision for the future of TechBlue?

My vision for TechBlue is to continue to grow and expand our services to meet the changing needs of our clients. I want to stay at the forefront of emerging technologies and continue to be a thought leader in the industry. Ultimately, I want to help as many businesses as possible leverage technology to achieve their goals.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and staying active. I’m an avid runner and I also enjoy playing basketball and golf. I’m also a big fan of music and enjoy going to concerts and discovering new artists.

Closing Paragraph

Evan Cagner is a true leader and innovator in the IT industry. His passion for technology and customer service has helped TechBlue become one of the most respected managed IT services companies in the business. With his keen eye for emerging trends and technologies, Evan is sure to continue to make an impact in the industry for years to come. To learn more about Evan Cagner and TechBlue, you can visit their website or follow them on LinkedIn.

Liked this interview? Check out this interview with Makayla Gordon

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