In this episode of Business Inspires, host Brett Johnson and co-host Katie Ellis sit down with the dynamic Yasmine Robles, owner and lead (self-proclaimed!) digital nerd of Robles Designs.

Yasmine shares her journey as a solopreneur to becoming the head of a growing team at Robles Designs. She dives into the ups and downs she's faced as an entrepreneur and how personal and business challenges have intersected along the way.

Yasmine emphasizes the importance of networking, building relationships, and creating drool-worthy websites for small businesses "hell-bent" on taking over the world.

She also discusses her strong values on education, team management, and the future aspirations for Robles Designs.

Top Takeaways

1. Personal and professional challenges are often intertwined. Yasmine Robles highlights how personal ups and downs influenced her business journey, emphasizing the importance of resilience and determination to reach business success.

2. Networking is key. Yasmine's commitment to networking has not only helped her business grow but has also enabled her to support and inspire others within her community, emphasizing the power of genuine connections.

3. Business values matter. Yasmine emphasizes the significance of providing support and education to clients, prioritizing relationship building over sales pitches, and striving to empower clients with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions for their businesses.

4. Embracing a progressive work culture. Yasmine values her team and demonstrates this through flexible work hours, unlimited PTO, and by offering comprehensive benefits, portraying a people-first approach to business management.

5. Multifaceted inspiration. Yasmine's background as an industrial designer has imbued her design process with a focus on diverse sources of inspiration, from physical objects to user experiences, driving the creativity in her work.

6. Continuous learning and adaptability. By being attuned to the latest tech trends and relying on her team for input, Yasmine highlights the importance of staying relevant in a fast-paced industry.

7. Long-term strategic planning. Yasmine's participation in the Goldman Sachs entrepreneurship program reinforced her understanding of her balance sheet and strengthened her strategic business planning abilities, providing invaluable insight into financial management.

8. Pursuing diverse projects. Beyond her passion for serving b2b clients, Yasmine is open to a variety of projects and clients, reflecting her adaptability and ability to find joy in new experiences, particularly in product-based businesses like seasonings and coffee products.

9. Ambitious yet grounded aspirations. Yasmine's vision for the future combines business growth with a balanced personal lifestyle, maintaining a remote work environment and a focus on recurring clients.

Memorable Moments

00:00 Personal ups and downs affect business success.

05:16 Corporate culture breeds competition, unlike business ownership.

08:50 Flexibility and benefits matter more than pay.

12:38 Using user feedback to improve website usability.

15:52 Personal connections and budget flexibility for projects.

18:18 Team ensures staying current with AI and design.

21:40 Exceeding goals,...

Welcome back to Business Inspires! We asked George Cleary and George Cleary II to join us, to talk about The Cleary Company celebrating 30 years of ingenuity.

They've transformed home renovations, emphasizing relationships and sustainable growth. These industry pioneers have shifted from general contracting to an all-encompassing design-build model, revolutionizing client experiences.

With a culture that's won national accolades, the Clearys align deeply with community values, sponsoring events and championing vital causes like Pelotonia.

They're not just building homes; they're nurturing a legacy of innovation, community spirit, and relentless commitment to excellence.

Top Takeaways

**Embracing Growth and Innovation**: - The Cleary Company's shift from general contracting to offering design and architectural services illustrates the value of evolving business models to better serve customers.

**Intergenerational Wisdom**: - The partnership between George Cleary and George Cleary II highlights the synergy that can be achieved when experience and fresh perspectives combine within a family-run business.

**Cultural Pillars of Success**: - The company’s strong culture, commitment to problem-solving, and collaborative spirit are foundational to its national recognition and internal cohesion.

**Employee Development and Satisfaction**: - The Cleary Company’s emphasis on training and supporting staff in pursuing new opportunities contributes to a positive work environment and employee loyalty.

**Community Engagement and Responsibility** - The company's longstanding support for the TriVillage Chamber and participation in philanthropic endeavors reflects the importance of business roles as corporate citizens.

**Technology as a Lever for Industry Progress**: - George Cleary’s enthusiasm for technological advancements demonstrates the necessity of staying current with industry trends to remain competitive and improve problem-solving techniques.

**Vision for the Future**: - Looking ahead, The Cleary Company plans to focus on growth that emphasizes community impact and the well-being of both clients and employees while staying true to its core values and culture.

Memorable Moments

00:00 Found joy in renovating homes, pursued construction career.

04:57 Growing up in a business-oriented home.

09:27 Inspiring clients through personalized home design process.

10:23 Design process empowers client satisfaction and budget.

16:10 Value relationships, not just making money.

25:57 Supporting community through volunteer work and donations.

32:20 Unsure of future, but stays innovative.

To run a successful business, you need resources, valuable connections, and community recognition. Business Inspires will provide you with the tools, resources, and examples to inspire you to create the business you envision.

With more than 60 years as an integral part of the Grandview, Upper Arlington, and Marble Cliff communities, the Tri-Village Chamber Partnership is dedicated to a singular...

In this episode of Business Inspires, host Brett Johnson and cohost Katie Ellis are joined by Sierra Thomas, the owner of Touché Financial Solutions and the newly appointed Tri-Village Chamber treasurer.

Sierra shares her journey from starting in pre-med to establishing Touché Financial Solutions and empowering others through financial education.

She discusses the importance of a welcoming approach to finance and her goal of remaining small to deliver a personal touch to her services. With her expertise in QuickBooks, she also explores the exciting potential for financial reporting at the chamber.

Top Takeaways

1. Personal journey: Sierra's journey to establishing Touché Financial Solutions showcases the importance of finding one's true calling and the impact of mentorship in guiding career paths.

2. Importance of adaptability: Sierra's transition from pre-med to accounting highlights the value of being open to exploring new career paths and being adaptable to change.

3. Building a close-knit team: Sierra emphasizes the significance of hiring team members who share the same mission and mindset, indicating the importance of a unified team in delivering exceptional service.

4. Welcoming environment: Creating a welcoming atmosphere in the financial services industry can make a significant difference in alleviating client apprehensions and helping them feel comfortable seeking financial advice.

5. Client-focused approach: Sierra's emphasis on prioritizing the well-being and success of clients sets Touché Financial Solutions apart, highlighting the significance of a client-centered approach in financial services.

6. Continuous learning: The podcast emphasizes the importance of ongoing education and professional development in staying ahead of industry trends and providing innovative solutions to clients.

7. Financial planning misconceptions: Addressing misconceptions such as the idea that financial planning is only for the wealthy or nearing retirement, Sierra stresses the importance of financial planning at every stage of life.

8. Building for impact: Sierra's aspirations for the future of Touché Financial Solutions reflect a desire to remain a smaller firm to maintain a personalized approach while looking to expand services and community partnerships for greater impact.

9. Financial reporting and QuickBooks expertise: Sierra's enthusiasm for utilizing QuickBooks to streamline financial reporting reinforces the pivotal role of technology in facilitating strategic decision-making and business guidance.

Memorable Moments

00:00 College struggle led to mentor, accounting career.

05:48 Building legacy, started freelancing, took leap, successful.

07:38 Touché Financial Solutions offers range of services.

14:09 Prefers small size, aims for greater impact.

15:42 Promoting financial education and collaboration with community.

To run a successful business, you need resources, valuable connections, and community recognition. Business Inspires will provide you with the tools, resources, and examples to inspire you to create the business you envision.

With more than 60 years as an integral part of the Grandview, Upper Arlington, and Marble Cliff communities, the Tri-Village Chamber Partnership is dedicated to a singular purpose - the success of the business community.

Thank you for downloading, listening, and following Business Inspires,