Category: Uncategorized

Fred Copestake, Founder and CEO of Brindis, a small training, coaching & consulting company based in the U.K. recently joined The Savvy Entrepreneur Radio Show by phone to share the story of how he transitioned from a full-time employee to a gig contractor to his own independent company.

Brindis provides sales training, coaching and mentoring, focusing on larger, global companies with large sales forces that are seeking measurable improvement in their sales goals.

Fred candidly shares some of his challenges in building a consulting and training business.  He also talks about both successes and mistakes.  And he has plenty of great advice for other service business startups.

It's a great interview, plus his British accent is fun to listen to, and his sense of humor is wicked!  Click on the arrow to listen!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Whether you've retained a contractor vs an employee is an important question, and one that lots of businesses get wrong.  John Sartoris, principal of The Sartoris CPA Group, recently joined The Savvy Entrepreneur Radio Show live in the studio to discuss some of the issues.

It turns out that a lot of companies think they've hired a contractor, but what they really have is an employee, which can lead to lots of issues and significant costs.  John talks about the IRS and Department of Labor tests, and how the issue often comes to light later.

He talks about the costs and repercussions if you categorize the individual incorrectly.  He also shares the IRS requirements for any contractor you hire that you pay more than $600 in any given year.

John is articulate and often humorous as he explains some of the issues, and gives lots of practical examples.

Click on the arrow to the left to take a listen!

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Chelsea Brownridge, Co-Founder and CEO of DogSpot recently joined The Savvy Entrepreneur Show by phone to share the story of how this disruptive company was founded. 

DogSpot provides on-demand, temperature-controlled doghouses outside coffee shops, grocery stores, and other places. DogSpot allows owners to take their dogs on errands without tying them up or leaving them in a car or at home.

Chelsea candidly shares how the company went from bootstrapping to venture capital funding.  She also talks about some of the challenges and successes, and gives some great advice for other startups.

It's a great interview — click on the arrow to listen!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Marsha McVicker, Founder & CEO of Chicago's Errand Solutions joined The Savvy Entrepreneur Radio Show recently to share some of the challenges and stories of taking a business from a student business competition to a mature business.  Joining her was Micky York, Director of Marketing and Innovation.

Errand Solutions runs personal errands and helps employees as well as patients and their families, making their lives easier.  Over the past 2o years, they have done more than 7 BILLION chores and tasks for their clients.

They also talk about their upcoming book, which memorializes some of the many funny and touching stories that have become part of the company's lore.  The book is called “How to Save a Choking Iguana,” and will be available on Amazon soon.

They also share advice about starting up a business, and talk about some of the challenges that woman-owned startups face.

It's a great listen — click on the arrow to hear the show!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

 

John Miller and Kevin Dastic from Miller's Area Heating and Air Conditioning joined The Savvy Entrepreneur Radio Show recently to share some of the challenges of growing a second-generation family-owned business

in a highly competitive local products and services business.

They also share some pretty funny stories, and John shares candid advice garnered over the years since he took over the business from his father and uncle.

It's a great listen — click on the arrow to hear the show!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download