Advertise on podcast: Becoming Preferred

SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 13 Episode Overview: Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast dedicated to helping you move from being an option to being the preferred choice in your industry. If you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or a professional, you know the market is saturated. The only thing that truly differentiates you isn't your product; it’s your story. How clearly you tell it determines your entire ceiling for growth. That’s why I am thrilled to welcome a man who is the master architect behind some of the world's most influential narratives. Our guest today is Bill Blankschaen, the founder and Chief Story Architect of StoryBuilders. Bill is a New York Times Bestselling writer, and his work impacts millions. His client roster reads like a masterclass in influence: we’re talking John C. Maxwell, Kevin Harrington from Shark Tank, Michael Hyatt, Zig Ziglar's family, and countless corporate leaders and successful business coaches. They all go to Bill to refine the single most valuable asset they have: their narrative. Bill and his team craft books and learning experiences that turn ideas into greater impact, greater influence, and significantly greater income. He’s here today to discuss the roadmap laid out in his new book, Your Story Advantage: A Proven Path to Maximize Your Impact, Influence, & Income. Join me for my conversation with Bill Blankschaen. Guest Bio: Bill is the founder and Chief Story Architect of StoryBuilders, a creative team of storytellers who share his passion for helping people live a story worth telling and serving them with excellence in genuine, high-trust relationships. StoryBuilders tells stories that make the world a better place by creating compelling books and learning experiences that turn ideas into greater impact, influence, and income. A New York Times Bestselling writer, Bill and his team work with a variety of influencers like John C. Maxwell and Maxwell Leadership, Kevin Harrington from Shark Tank, Lewis Howes, Michael Hyatt (Full Focus), Rory and AJ Vaden, Zig Ziglar and family, Jeff Allen, Stu McLaren, entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, business coaches and consultants, political figures, cultural voices, athletes, comedians, fitness gurus, psychologists, and even faith leaders at some of the largest churches in America. The books, resources, and experiences they have created have already impacted millions of people—and they’re just getting started! Resource Links: Website: https://mystorybuilders.com/Product Link: https://amzn.to/47JMfiy Insight Gold Timestamps: 02:27 I can sit down and blow through a book in a matter of hours 04:49 Your breakthrough begins when you start with your story 07:02 That's why I like to lean into what I created called the storytelling structure 08:45 Your message, whatever it is that you're sharing, is about you, but it is not for you 10:10 We like to say that we tell stories that make the world a better place 10:40 As I like to say, if you want to elevate, you have to collaborate 12:59 I call it the confidence trap 16:48 Once you get clarity, then develop it out, and then monetize it from there 18:21 The amount of information in the world is doubling every day now 20:44 What's a typical, average process? 22:23 We believe every story matters, and every story is different and unique 23:41 The very first question I ask any of these people that we work with...

SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 12Episode Overview: Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast where we talk to the leaders and visionaries who refuse to settle for 'good enough.' Today, we’re tackling a psychological trap that captures thousands of high-performing professionals every single year. It’s called 'The Dependence Dilemma'. That invisible ceiling of financial obligations and the false sense of security that keeps brilliant people stuck in survival mode. Our guest today is a man who didn't just break that ceiling; he shattered it. He started in the classroom as a high school math teacher, crunching numbers just to make ends meet. But he decided to stop playing it safe and started playing it big. That shift led him to found a direct sales empire that has cleared over a billion dollars in global sales. He is a world-renowned philanthropist, a cancer survivor who turned his battle into a multi-million-dollar research mission, and the author of the transformative new book, Life of Your Dreams. He’s here to show us that the gap between where you are and where you want to be isn't a matter of luck—it’s a matter of mindset and seven specific, transformative steps. Join me for my conversation with Mark Pentecost. Guest Bio: Mark Pentecost went from being a high school teacher to becoming a billionaire, a nationally-recognized philanthropist, and a world-renowned thought leader. From founding a direct sales company that has surpassed over a billion dollars in sales globally, to surviving cancer (and donating millions of dollars toward cancer research along the way), Mark knows just how precious life is and has dedicated his own life to helping other people achieve their dreams. Resource Links: Website: https://pentecostgroup.com/our-story/Product Link: https://pentecostgroup.com/life-of-your-dreams-book/ Insight Gold Timestamps: 01:50 In your new book, Life of Your Dreams 03:04 I was one of those guys always reading a book 05:29 He said, if you don't do something different, in 20 years, you're going to be doing the same thing with the same issues 08:19 My daughter had come and said, D ad, we've got to tell your story 11:18 I didn't know I was an entrepreneur until later in life 12:55 If you're not happy then nobody around you is happy 16:41 He (my grandpa) would say, Mark, you can't force a horse to drink, but you can salt the oats 17:11 I have a whole chapter on Say It and See it 19:22 Being a CEO was like a head coach 21:01 I decided to live on the offence, and that changed everything 23:33 I would start naming our issues 25:00 I realized sometimes my greatest strength was my greatest weakness 27:39 Do you have a rudder on your ship or is the wind just blowing you wherever you go? 29:37 My point today is if you really want something, there's ways to do it 29:55 in the book, I call it Grit-Q. What is, I don't care about your IQ, what's your Grit-Q? 30:58 I think dreaming is like a muscle, the more you dream, the bigger it gets 33:17 Life's full of pivots 34:50 I always say the dream you're most proud, is the one you're afraid to say out loud 36:12 You know, the scariest day and the best day of my life was the day I...

SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 11 Episode Overview: Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast that arms you with the strategies to stop chasing and start attracting your ideal clients! I’m your host, Michael Vickers, and if you're a business professional or entrepreneur, you know the struggle: you have an incredible service, but cutting through the noise to establish yourself as the trusted authority feels impossible. Today, we are tackling the single most powerful B2B platform: LinkedIn. It’s time to stop using your profile as a dusty online resume and start transforming it into a definitive lead generation engine. Our guest and his team have cracked the code on building genuine authority and measurable revenue through a high-conversion LinkedIn strategy. He's here to share the secrets to becoming the preferred provider in your niche. We’re diving into everything: from the critical shift your profile must make, to the high-converting framework for direct messaging, and Shay's simple, actionable advice you can implement today. Get ready to take notes, because this episode is how you master the art of B2B LinkedIn. Join me for my conversation with Shay Thieberg! Guest Bio: Shay is the Co-Founder of MAIA Digital - a LinkedIn Marketing Agency. Specializing in LinkedIn marketing, Shay holds a Masters degree in Social Psychology & Decision-Making. Shay is among 30 Global LinkedIn Certified Experts and Faculty members at Reichmann University where he teaches “B2B Marketing for Tech”. Resource Links: Website: https://team-maia.com/Product Link: https://team-maia.com/b2b-linkedin-strategy/ Insight Gold Timestamps: 03:31 That was a lesson that I learned by myself that I can control my own life and path 05:21 My ADHD is my superpower 07:43 LinkedIn picked me 10:07 So, we're calling it the LinkedIn trifecta 11:33 The only thing that I did is post valuable insightful tips, hacks, and content for people to be able to use 17:16 I'm calling it T to B: Trust to Business 18:43 He wrote the post, I'm riding his wave, but I'm writing a thoughtful comment 23:00 I built a program that analyzes your entire LinkedIn analytics 24:37 And it's got to be authentic and you've got to be transparent with it 25:58 Stop thinking about posting content and start thinking about sharing your thoughts 28:58 I'm also a certified psychologist 34:36 People want to purchase, they don't want to be sold 38:10 The main two mistakes that people actually do... 39:21 Try to diversify your content because eventually people buy from people 41:17 I'm measuring my LinkedIn success, my ROL (Return On LinkedIn) by the amount of messages that I'm getting in my inbox 46:30 The website is team-maia.com Connect Socially: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shay-thieberg/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MAIA.DIGITAL.LINKEDIN YouTube: a href="https://www.youtube.com/@maia-digital" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 9 Episode Overview: Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast where we help you become preferred in the markets you serve. If you thought the flower business was quaint, slow, or low-tech, get ready for a wake-up call. Our guest today is Michael Jacobson, CEO of French Florist. He didn't just take over an old business; he engineered a dramatic transformation. Starting from a struggling $600,000 operation, he built a high-performance franchise model that now generates millions in annual revenue and triples the profitability of traditional flower shops. Michael’s mastery is the fusion of timeless artistry with modern operational technology. In this episode, Michael is going to share his framework on how to spot a broken business model ready for 10x growth and how to design a high-tech performance franchise that protects quality while maximizing margins. If you’re ready to learn how to apply disruptive tech and scalable systems to any industry, old or new, you’ve come to the right place. Join me for my conversation with Michael Jacobson. Guest Bio: What’s possible in one of the world’s oldest industries. Under Michael Jacobson's leadership, French Florist has transformed the traditional flower shop model by putting technology, innovation, and operational excellence at the heart of its franchise system. The results speak for themselves: French Florist franchise locations generate triple the revenue of standard flower shops—while operating at higher margins. With a career spanning entrepreneurship, investment, and leadership, Michael is passionate about helping the next generation of business owners succeed through entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA). He brings a fresh perspective to how small business ownership can be reinvented for the modern age, leveraging digital tools, streamlined operations, and strong brand strategy to unlock sustainable growth. Michael’s mission is simple: to empower franchise owners with a proven system that blends timeless beauty with cutting-edge innovation. Whether speaking about the future of franchising, how technology reshapes consumer-facing industries, or why flowers are a surprisingly powerful business opportunity, Michael shares candid insights that inspire entrepreneurs to think bigger and build smarter. Resource Links: Website: https://www.frenchflorist.comProduct Link: https://frenchfloristfranchise.com/ Insight Gold Timestamps: 03:53 I found that intersection between how to live a purposeful life and a life full of intentionality 09:08 We're in the business of love 10:02 You've coined a phrase, entrepreneurship through acquisition and creative playbook 12:27 We want to build something for the world that's kind of fun and cool 19:33 It was really cool, just solving actual real pain points 20:01 The root of everything is how do we enhance the client experience? 25:16 As a franchisor, our primary responsibility is creating a community of owners 26:49 95% of startups fail 27:43 What I look for is what's your why? 29:23 How do you avoid getting distracted by shiny objects? 30:35 Saying no is more important than saying yes 31:39 Tom Peters, who's the management guru, who wrote In Search of Excellence 34:56 What we want to do from a feelings...

SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 9 Episode Overview: Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast where we focus on the mindset and strategies that help you become preferred in the markets you serve. Our guest today has built a legacy on that very concept. For over 30 years, he co-founded and grew 1-800-DENTIST, a company that generated over one billion dollars in revenue by solving a simple, painful customer problem. He's an expert in making a brand remarkable. But here's the kicker: He’s spent the last decade distilling that business success into a personal superpower that anyone can learn. Fred Joyal is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Superbold: From Under-Confident to Charismatic in 90 Days. Fred has the rare experience of both conquering a niche industry and teaching the mindset to repeat that process. Get ready to learn how to inject boldness into your business, your team, and your life. Join me for my conversation with Fred Joyal. Guest Bio: Fred Joyal is the co-founder of Futuredontics, the parent company of 1-800-DENTIST, which, over 30 years, generated over $1 billion in revenue. He is currently a business advisor and keynote speaker. His latest book, Superbold: From Under-Confident to Charismatic in 90 Days, is an Amazon and Wall Street Journal bestseller. He is also the author of two books for the dental industry, Everything is Marketing: The Ultimate Strategy for Dental Practice Growth, and Becoming Remarkable: How to Create a Dental Practice Everyone Talks About. Fred has been a keynote speaker for his industry for over 15 years, and now speaks on the power of boldness and how anyone can harness it to radically increase their success and fulfillment in life. His humble brags are he once beat Sir Richard Branson in chess and was also a question on Jeopardy. Resource Links: Website: https://www.fredjoyal.comProduct Link: https://www.amazon.com/Superbold-Under-Confident-Charismatic-90-Days/dp/1544523076 Insight Gold Timestamps: 02:25 I got introduced to the advertising world by a friend of mine who was a storyboard artist 05:49 When you create a great culture, the employees sustain it 08:27 We were smart about the advertising, but the marketing side was to create that first impression 09:26 With any business, you've got to identify the problem 09:37 That's why the title of my first book was Everything is Marketing 11:08 The more senses you can...

SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 8 Episode Overview: Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast dedicated to helping you reach your highest professional potential. Today, we're talking about the ultimate business credential: the high-impact non-fiction book. Our guest has mastered the art of turning expertise into intellectual property. He's a #1 national bestselling author himself, a Harvard-trained scholar, and the CEO of a firm that helps public figures and top professionals land deals with major publishers. He is the person leading literary agents and corporate leaders call when the message must be perfect. Kevin Anderson is here to reveal the secrets to leveraging your knowledge. He'll show you why a quality book is the single most effective way to elevate your authority, attract premium clients, and transform your business model. If you have a powerful message that needs to be heard, Kevin is the bridge between your expertise and the bestseller list. Let's learn how to make your book the foundation of your legacy. Join me for my conversation with Kevin Anderson. Guest Bio: Kevin is an accomplished ghostwriter, #1 national-bestselling author, editor, and entrepreneur with a wealth of industry knowledge and professional experience. He has worked with numerous bestselling and award-winning authors, prominent literary agents, Big-5 publishers, and a long list of public figures, successful professionals, and aspiring authors. He is also a contributing author by invitation to Publishers Weekly’s Book Publishing Almanac 2022: A Master Class in the Art of Bringing Books to Readers and the author of the #2 Wall Street Journal, #1 Barnes & Noble, and #1 Amazon bestseller, PhDone: A Professional Dissertation Editor’s Guide to Writing Your Doctoral Thesis and Earning Your PhD. Both a creative writer and a scholar, Kevin earned his master’s degree at Harvard University with a concentration in literary theory and criticism. While at Harvard, he studied under Poet Laureate and critical theorist, Professor Michael D. Jackson, and honed the literary criticism skills upon which he built his career in the book-writing and editing business. As CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Kevin oversees all operations at our firm. He enjoys working closely with clients and makes himself readily available by

SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 7 Episode Overview: Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast where we equip you to lead with influence, not just authority. If you’re an entrepreneur or business professional whose growth is stalled by employee turnover, poor communication, or the sheer struggle of transitioning from a high-performing doer to an effective leader, then you're going to enjoy this episode.  Today, we are happy to welcome Courtney Ramsey, a renowned leadership development expert, speaker, and consultant who has spent two decades transforming companies. Courtney's mission is simple: to stop the bleeding caused by low engagement and high turnover by giving leaders the concrete communication and people skills they desperately need. She doesn't just talk theory; she delivers tangible, behavioral shifts that save companies millions. Get ready to learn how to master the art of tough feedback, delegate strategically, and truly lead the team that's destined to become your dream team. Join me for my conversation with Courtney Ramsey.  Guest Bio: Courtney Ramsey is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the Learning & Development and Human Resources fields. Courtney brings a wealth of knowledge to audiences with her experiential programs that have a real impact on business results and inspire change. Over the years, she has successfully trained tens of thousands of associates in various areas such as leadership, business management, conflict resolution, communication skills, and operations helping companies like JCPenney, Toyota, Populus Financial Group, and Zales Corporation save millions of dollars. Courtney is the author of the book, Share Your Genius: 35 Tips to Create Training That Transforms. In it, she provides trainers with the tools they need to create engaging and effective training sessions. Resource Links: Website: https://courtneyramseyspeaks.com/Product Link: https://courtneyramseyspeaks.com/services/ Insight Gold Timestamps: 03:48  Professional development, helping people be better, that's what I love 05:50  No one's brave enough to have the tough conversation 10:32  I still think there's a pretty big bias out there in terms of promoting women up 12:21  There's really no defining line anymore of what is personal, what is work, it's so blended 13:47  You call this taking off the cape moment 15:57  Many leaders struggle to delegate because their fear of failure or inefficiency 18:17  That inverted pyramid approach to where the leader is essentially at the bottom... 19:58  You've got a popular TEDx talk called Why We Hit the Snooze on the Conversations that Matter 22:30  Is there a distance that leaders ought to maybe maintain and keep in order to be able to have that firewall 25:16  I call that setting your intention and saying your intention out loud 27:01  We do still see those people who don't quite get that things have changed in the last 20, 30 years 29:26  ChatGPT and the other AIs are pretty decent at being leadership coaches 30:37  So, every generation has its own learning style 32:30  You speak on the need to speak up and say it 33:47  Call the elephant out in the room 35:10 The one thing I would encourage people to start doing today to make a huge impact on your leadership is to stop avoiding...

SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 6 Episode Overview: Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast where we help you climb the revenue ladder and become the preferred provider in the markets you serve. Today, we're tackling a challenge every modern business leader faces: You have a passionate purpose, but does it actually move the needle? What if your brand could prove that activism and social impact don't just inspire; they reliably sell, grow market share, and reduce customer churn? Our guest is here to show you exactly how to do it. Neil Callanan is the founder of LooseGrip and the brilliant mind behind the Grasp Impact Framework. His work sits at the critical intersection of marketing, activism, and analytics. He doesn't just talk about having a mission; he equips you with the tools to measure what truly matters. Get ready to learn how the most impactful brands are connecting their values to tangible business growth. Join me for my conversation with Neil Callanan.  Guest Bio: Neil Callanan is the founder of LooseGrip and the creator of the Grasp Impact Framework, a system that helps mission-driven brands connect storytelling with measurable outcomes. Since 2009, he has guided organizations from global giants like Unilever and Ben & Jerry’s to emerging value-focused companies, showing how to align their campaigns with tangible business growth and impact. Neil’s work sits at the intersection of marketing, activism, and analytics. Where most teams drown in disconnected data or rely on anecdotes, he helps leaders find the middle ground—inspiring teams by turning data into stories, and stories into metrics that stand up in boardrooms. His goal is simple: equip leaders with tools to measure what truly matters so they can do more of it. Resource Links: Website:  https://loosegrip.netWebsite: https://www.graspyourimpact.com/Product Link: https://loosegrip.net/services/ Insight Gold Timestamps: 05:03  A little bit of intention and a little bit of luck 06:41  There are stories that need to be told 09:12 When we're figuring out whether a client's a good fit for our framework 10: 56 When people are connected with our brand, they buy more of our stuff 11:48  Most companies get stuck by not starting 14:11 They're kind of topic agnostic 15:20 I know you hate spreadsheets and you kind of pride yourself on hating spreadsheets 15:51  What would the perfect experience be? 19:20  I chair the board of a nonprofit called the I Am Able Foundation 23:22 We love to talk about data in the form of Legos 25:00 If you can turn that data into a story, I think you can connect with your audience a whole lot more 26:37 If I could know anything, what would I want to know? 30:04  Why did I choose Big Brother? 30:56  I think a lot of people are really inherently altruistic and they actually want to help other folks 33:24  If they get the value out of it, and we get to bring our best selves to the project, that's the win 34:44  You talk about writing through grief 34:55  My wife and I lost our son Shea, he was 4 1/2 35:43  I wrote a lot about the journey 42:12  AI has not yet replaced us entirely, but I think it has gotten a lot better at doing the first 60% of the work 43:13  Websites are a href="https://www.graspyourimpact.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 5 Episode Overview:  Welcome to the Becoming Preferred Podcast. Today, I am bringing you a special replay of one of my favorite conversations, and the timing couldn't be better. We just celebrated Thanksgiving a few days ago. For many of us, it was a time to gather with friends and family, share a meal, and reflect on our blessings. But here's what I've come to believe. Gratitude isn't meant to be a once a year event. It's a practice, a daily discipline that shapes how we see the world, and how we move through it. Every morning as part of my journaling routine, I'm prompted with a simple question, what am I grateful for? And I've discovered something profound in that practice. When you start your day with gratitude, you position yourself to see abundance. Not because your circumstances magically change, but because your perspective does. Now here's the thing. Gratitude is easy when life is good, but what about when you're in the middle of a storm? What about when the diagnosis is devastating? When the relationship is fractured? When the business is struggling? Can gratitude still work then? That's exactly what my guest, Sandie Eggers helps us understand. Sandie learned the transformational power of gratitude during one of life's hardest seasons, her husband's terminal illness. And what she discovered wasn't just a coping mechanism, it was a way to navigate adversity with strength, clarity, and even joy. So whether you're riding high from a wonderful Thanksgiving, or you're carrying a heavy burden into the season, I believe this conversation will meet you right where you are. Gratitude isn't about ignoring your struggles. It's about finding solid ground in the middle of them. Enjoy this conversation with guest, Sandie Eggers. Guest Bio:  “Do nothing and be dead in a few days,” were the words Sandie Eggers heard from her husband’s surgeon, words that began her greatest season of challenge to date. The two main things that enabled Sandie to weather this life storm were God and the transformational power of gratitude. Sandie is passionate about helping others by sharing what she’s learned so that they, too, can better navigate through their own life storms. In addition to having authored the book, “Live Boldly and Embrace Joy” about her life-altering experience, Sandie also shares her knowledge through online courses, webinars, and workshops. She speaks to civic, religious, and corporate groups. FUN FACT: Sandie now lives in the low country. By God’s grace and blessing, she has achieved one of her personal goals: living in a place where the only “white stuff” she sees is beach sand. Resource Links: Website: https://www.yourlifeabundant.comProduct Link: https://www.amazon.com/Embrace-Each-Day-Joy-Laughing-ebook/dp/B00LK9WKVC Insight Gold Timestamps: 04:37 The greatest adversity that I'd gone through was the terminal illness of my husband 05:55 While we couldn't control this monster called cancer…. 07:11 It's easy when we're living in an environment like we're living 09:38 Your work centers a lot on fostering an attitude of gratitude 11:12 You talk about gratitude being a practice 12:12 There's some specific techniques that you can use when you're a pessimist  14:09 You can begin to see the good out of a very bad situation 14:24 Declare an International Be Kind to (Fill in Your Name) Day! 15:40 Having gratitude to something outside yourself 18:48 How does the mechanism of gratitude get us out of that place, that...

SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 4 Episode Overview: Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast where we dissect the strategies and mindset of those who are not just successful, but irreplaceable in their markets they serve. Today, we have a true master of motivation and persuasion. Our guest is Mike Lipkin, president of Environics and a strategic coach to global CEOs, and the author of 18 books on leadership and high performance, including his latest book, The Potentiator. What makes Mike’s approach unique is his foundation in deep, social values research. He doesn't just rely on generic platitudes; he uses proprietary data on human behavior to show you exactly how and why people make decisions, trust certain leaders, and choose one provider over others. For our audience of entrepreneurs and business professionals, Mike is here to help us unlock the ultimate skill: how to create value from thin air, communicate with irresistible conviction, and transform every single conversation into a high-impact, trust-building event. If you are ready to stop chasing clients and start magnetically attracting opportunities, this is your masterclass. Join me for my conversation with Mike Lipkin. Guest Bio:  Mike Lipkin helps clients navigate complex change, build strong teams and develop their personal brands/executive presence. Mike is super-curious about clients’ hopes and dreams. He makes every conversation an uplifting experience. He uses metaphors and models to illuminate key messages. He focuses on immediate actions, while planning long-term strategies. Mike helps his clients tell their authentic story. In short, he excites clients into effective action. He is also always accessible – 24/7/365. Mike was a senior executive at WPP Advertising for 10 years. In 2002, he founded a joint venture communication and training company with Environics, a leading research house. He is also a strategic coach to CEOs of top tier companies and a marquee keynote speaker, delivering over 50 sessions per year. Mike is proud of his longstanding coaching relationships with CEOs and senior executives of world-class companies. He has written 18 books on leadership and high performance. He has also grown a multi-million dollar company from scratch. He has received feedback from hundreds of people that he has materially improved their lives. Mike works with anyone who has a passion for personal evolution. His clients range from leaders of billion dollar multinationals to leaders of small companies. He also works with managers at all levels – individually and in groups. Mike is a voracious reader of current affairs, personal biographies, and crime fiction. He works out seven days a week on the Peloton and Cross Trainer. He loves to travel with his wife to stylish destinations like Greece, France and Italy. He likes hiking in beautiful places. He mentors young talent and new immigrants to Canada. Resource Links: Website: https://www.mikelipkin.com/Product Link: https://www.mikelipkin.com/books/ Insight Gold Timestamps: 02:40 I wanted to be a speaker, and yet I also had a stutter 05:47 I got depressed, I literally got clinically depressed 06:29 He wrote a book called Darkness Visible about his experience with depression 06:37 I thought, well, I'm going to write my own book on depression, and I called it a...

SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 3 Episode Overview: Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast dedicated to transforming how you build, scale, and lead your business. Today, we have an entrepreneur whose journey proves that massive growth isn't about working harder; it's about building smarter. Our guest is Tyler Dunagin, a multifaceted founder, operator, and inventor. His success story is a masterclass in market selection and systemization. He took a historically manual service industry—and transformed it into a scalable, tech-enabled enterprise. Tyler doesn’t just chase revenue; he builds ecosystems. He focuses on purpose-driven solutions and culture-first leadership. If you're an entrepreneur looking to escape the "one-person hustle," or a business professional seeking the blueprint for achieving nearly 1000% growth through operational efficiency and an impressive long-term vision, this episode is your strategic guide. Join me for my conversation with Tyler Dunagin.  Guest Bio: Tyler Dunagin is a seasoned entrepreneur who has built and scaled multiple seven-figure companies, including Turnserv, a platform revolutionizing property turnover processes for the housing industry. His portfolio features brands like ApartmentPainters.com, LiquidLiner.com, and ApartmentFlooring.com, each designed to solve specific operational challenges in single-family and multifamily housing. With a track record of turning underperforming ventures into profitable enterprises, Tyler combines innovation, patented technology, and scalable systems to drive growth. He also shares his insights on entrepreneurship and market trends through podcasts, interviews, and blogs. Outside of business, Tyler is a devoted father and Cleveland sports fan who enjoys restoring vintage cars and collecting sports cards with his sons. Resource Links: Website: DunagincollectiveProduct Link: Turnserv Insight Gold Timestamps: 02:36 I've always been doing things as an entrepreneur 04:29 Eventually we were buying houses with these investors and flipping them 05:14 In the moment, it's tough to learn AND do 05:30 I got everything I asked for, and I don't like it at all 08:11 50% of renters move every single year 11:09 I got his blessing and I jumped out of corporate America 14:52 It is really hard to scale a business, to scale beyond one's own hands 15:37 I wanted to find something that was essential to everybody's daily life 18:33 We made it convenient, with a customer journey in mind 21:06 I think the very first thing is you have to understand their why 25:30 Being curious and trying to do something better in general 27:06 Giving them back more meaningful time in their day 28:50 You advise entrepreneurs to keep a visible list of delusional long-term visions 30:51 You can't work on what could be, when you are too overwhelmed by what is 32:08 I think that time lives in the margins 32:48 If it's only monetary, it's short-lived 35:53 You have to, have to, have to, understand where you're going 39:05 The second I'm into something, I'm all in 39:39 I view it more as work-life integration 42:19 The website is a href="http://dunigancollective.com/"...

SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 2 Episode Overview: Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast dedicated to uncovering the strategies that make entrepreneurs and professionals the emotional favorite in the markets they serve. Today, we’re shifting our focus from the boardroom to the hockey rink, but the lessons remain intensely relevant. Our guest today is Allan Kreda, a seasoned journalist with nearly two decades covering finance and the NHL for giants like the Associated Press, the New York Times and Bloomberg News. Allan has mastered the art of extracting the core truth, whether from a quarterly earnings report or a locker room. He’s here to talk about his latest project: the book, Ken Morrow: Miracle Gold, Four Stanley Cups, and a Lifetime of Islanders Hockey. Morrow is one of the most uniquely accomplished athletes in history, winning the Olympic 'Miracle on Ice' gold, and the Stanley Cup in the same year. We aren't here just for hockey stories, though. Allan's journey from investigative journalist to co-author provides a blueprint for every professional. Join me for my conversation with Allan Kreda. Guest Bio: Allan is a storyteller, author, and speaker who deeply values empathy and connection. Specializing in biographical storytelling, he seeks to ask the right questions and attentively listen to his subjects in order to craft accurate and heartfelt stories that honor their experiences. Growing up in Brooklyn in the 70s, Allan developed a strong passion for hockey. He fondly recalls attending New York Rangers games with his father and brother, witnessing legendary players like Jean Ratelle, Vic Hadfield, and Rod Gilbert taking the ice. This formative experience instilled in him a lifelong love for the sport and a commitment to sharing the stories of those who have dedicated their lives to the game. Resource Links: Website:  https://www.allankreda.com/Product Link: https://www.amazon.com/Ken-Morrow-Miracle-Lifetime-Islanders/dp/1637276435 Insight Gold Timestamps: 03:27 The professor at the time said, well, you've got to do something in the real world 04:51 I've always been about the long game, like long process, practice and process and incremental progress 07:58  What was the core compelling narrative gap that you identified that made this book a necessary project? 10:50  All he did is work at it, and quietly excel 11:22 That was 1980 with the Miracle on Ice 13:55  Memories vary 16:45  You can get involved with that story and then the lessons are learned 18:39  They might not always like it, but they can trust it 21:03 There's no limit to research 22:42 You started by listening, not interviewing 26:50  You kind of know when you have it, and you know when you don't quite have it 29:32 She was going through it with a different eye 31:30  If you're working with someone at a publishing house that's working with you, you're 80% there 32:06  It's like the endless term paper that never ends 34:44  Playing through pain, uncomplaining, and for the team 36:07  Always turning the page, always looking to the next game, thinking long term, not fearing losing 40:24  The perseverance sort of creates moments of happenstance 40:38  True success is really defined by compound persistence and consistency 41:17 The book is called Ken Morrow: Miracle Gold, Four Stanley Cups and a...

SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 1 Episode Overview: Welcome to Becoming Preferred, the podcast for entrepreneurs and business leaders dedicated to building a life of purpose and prosperity. Today, we have a guest whose journey proves that the most valuable lessons are often learned in the fire. My guest is Bennett Maxwell, a serial entrepreneur who went from door-to-door selling to building a nationwide franchise empire with Dirty Dough. He's a master of turning adversity into a competitive advantage, navigating a high-profile legal battle that ultimately propelled his brand into the national spotlight.  But his story is more than just business. Bennett is an advocate for mental health and believes that true success is about building a business that supports your life, not consumes it. Today, we're talking about how he built a franchise system from the ground up, the critical mindset shifts required for explosive growth, and why he’s now focused on helping other entrepreneurs find their path to financial freedom. Get ready to learn the business playbook from a man who's seen it all. Join me for my conversation with Bennett Maxwell. Guest Bio: Bennett Maxwell is an entrepreneur and investor that likes to move fast and grow with other like-minded leaders. Bennett is a serial entrepreneur, franchise mentor and mental‑health advocate. After exiting multiple companies (including Dirty Dough Cookies), Bennett now helps aspiring entrepreneurs build wealth through franchising while staying mentally resilient. Resource Links: Website: https://bennettmaxwell.com/Product Link: https://bennettmaxwell.com/franchise/  Insight Gold Timestamps: 03:31 I had purchased Dirty Dough with the intent of franchising it 05:54  Even working within an organization, you can still be an intrapreneur 07:19 T he emotion's typically attached with the journey rather than the destination 09:22 A lot of people  are chasing the thing that's going to fix their life 12:21  I've contemplated bankruptcy more days than I want to admit 14:39  I hired really good advisors that had been in the game 17:40  I guess the new mission statement is freedom from constant thought to live a life of ease and gratitude 22:46  I've always been able to do what I need to do whenever I need to do it 25:58  I couldn't fully enjoy it because I could never be present 29:54  Tell everybody what you're doing and try to find really good advisors 34:10 What are your goals? 35:54  it's really hard, I think to start something, because you just don't know what you don't know 38:29 Your website bennettmaxwell.com Connect Socially: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennett-maxwell-703717126/ Twitter: https://x.com/bennettmaxwell0?lang=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bennettmaxwell35 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyho7xB9vJbK7lsYCKz0iYw Instagram: a...

SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 36 Episode Overview: Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred podcast, where we help you become the emotional favorite in your market. Today we are in for a masterclass on a topic that is the very foundation of all business success: marketing. My guest is someone who has spent his entire career at the intersection of brand strategy, consumer behavior, and marketing innovation. We have the privilege of sitting down with Greg Licciardi. As the Vice President of Sponsorships and Partner Programs at the Association of National Advertisers, the ANA, he works with some of the most influential brands in the world, helping them elevate their campaigns and connect with their audience. With an MBA from Fordham and over a decade of experience as an Adjunct Professor of Marketing, he’s not just a practitioner; he's an educator who understands the principles behind what works. He’s also the author of the new book, The Holy Grail of Marketing. From American Express to Univision, Greg has consistently delivered award-winning results and today he's here to share his hard-won wisdom with all of us. Get ready to rethink how you approach your marketing efforts. Join me for my conversation with Greg Licciardi. Guest Bio: Greg Licciardi received his MBA from Fordham University and his undergraduate degree from Rutgers University. He has been an Adjunct Professor of Marketing at Fordham and Seton Hall universities for the past ten years. As Vice President of Sponsorships and Partner Programs at the ANA, Association of National Advertisers, he consults with leading brands on how to elevate their marketing campaigns using the ANA's vast resources and events. He has also held senior leadership roles at American Express, Univision and Worth Media Group where he has won numerous awards. Resource Links: Website: https://holygrailofmarketing.com/Product Link: https://www.amazon.com/Holy-Grail-Marketing-Greg-Licciardi/dp/B0F8KP9TNK/ref=sr_1_1?crid=4EP267K9ERYG&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gylKSSBpgd1EJTYsGOSWvsJ-OmqnSJ8W62eDJe8pD3d7tcz7MXDrpeX9AtE_ziw1KqzF_wMbRCy4EPL2ypRVQq4nYCMnoAOSol0dAEWtqSGlh9vfeJ74nYHuWGWqmlIKw3W-DIs  Insight Gold Timestamps: 03:37 This is a really good question because marketing has changed greatly 06:11 Your book is entitled The Holy Grail of Marketing 07:19 I  started researching other companies that were doing it really well 10:06 My goal with the book is to make it the must read modern day marketing book 11:08  I love the whole point of the right message at the right time, with the right individual and in the right environment 12:04  That's the positive side of AI, personalization with authenticity 14:18  How can we stop the customer from burning calories? 16:18 In that chapter I write about how sales and marketing are increasingly converging 21:10 I still teach the four Ps of marketing: Price, Product, Placement, and Promotion 23:30  I write about that in the book. I'm so happy you brought that up...the why 24:24  He calls it, What's your because? 25:30  A lot of today is about storytelling 28:05  Brands can't lose sight of the value of brand purpose 30:26  One campaign doesn't fit all niches 33:02  You also have to be...

SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 35 Episode Overview: Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred podcast! Do you ever feel like you've hit a ceiling in your business or career? You're successful, you've got a great team, but there's a nagging feeling that you're capable of more—if only you could get unstuck. Our guest to day understands that feeling better than anyone. He's the founder of Advanced Business Abilities, a coaching company built specifically for established business owners and professionals who are ready to b reak through to that next level of growth without sacrificing their health or their values. With over two decades of leadership experience—from launching his first business at 21 to managing a national sales force of over 300—he knows the entrepreneurial journey from the ground up. He's ditched the generic, one-size-fits-all approach to coaching in favor of something deeply personal and effective and he brings a refreshingly honest and grounded voice to the conversation, and he's here to help us do the work that actually works. Please join me for my conversation with the founder of Advanced Business Abilities, Mike Irving. Guest Bio: Mike Irving is the founder of Advanced Business Abilities, a coaching company designed for established business owners who know they’re capable of more—but haven’t yet found a support system that truly meets them where they are. With over two decades of leadership experience—from launching his first business at 21 to managing a national sales force of over 300—Mike understands the highs of entrepreneurial success and the hidden costs that often come with it: burnout, disconnection, and stalled progress. Frustrated by one-size-fits-all coaching programs that glossed over individual nuance, Mike set out to build something different. The result was Advanced Business Abilities: a coaching platform that combines deeply personal insight with practical, strategic execution. One of the unique aspects of ABA’s methodology is the Success Predictor Profile—a proprietary tool backed by 50+ years of scientific research—that helps easily and efficiently identify a person's strengths, weaknesses, and blindspots and allows ABA to give business owners a custom blueprint for growth, performance, and alignment. Today, Mike works with owners leading teams of 5 or more, who are not just chasing revenue but want to lead with integrity, improve decision-making, and grow without sacrificing their health or values. His approach resonates with founders who are practical, values-driven, and actively investing in their long-term success. Whether he’s coaching in a boardroom or speaking on a podcast, Mike brings a refreshingly honest, grounded voice to the leadership conversation—always focused on helping others do the work that actually works. Resource Links: Website: https://advancedbusinessabilities.com/Free Discovery Session: https://advancedbusinessabilities.com/individual-sales-coaching/ Insight Gold Timestamps: 03:36  I found a job that I could learn how to do, going door to door, doing sales and commission only 04:36  What does it take to be successful today? 08:19  If I have resistance within me, that resistance can and will activate resistance in the other person 08:40 You developed the Success Predictor Profile 12:28  It's kind of like looking at a person through the analogy of a helicopter 14:19  Identifying if there are blind spots in general, competency is super important 19:45  One of the things I was very interested in is what you call the...