In this episode of the 'Art of Connecting' podcast, we interview Shannon Greer, the owner of Cadence Coffee Company in Chattanooga. Shannon shares his journey from starting a coffee shop to fostering community engagement and social change through partnerships with local nonprofits. He delves into his transition from a church planter to a coffee shop owner, expanding to multiple locations, and his initiative, the Oasis Center, aimed at creating a collaborative space for non-profits. The conversation highlights the importance of building relationships, giving back to the community, and the transformative power of offering more than just a cup of coffee, but an opportunity for connection and positive change. Shannon’s story exemplifies how business and community impact can go hand in hand.

00:00 Intro
01:22 From Church Planter to Coffee Entrepreneur
05:32 The Birth of a Coffee Passion
07:53 From Insurance Sales to Coffee Connection
12:26 Building Community Through Coffee
19:39 Introducing the Oasis Center
25:48 The Historical Significance of the Oasis Center
30:41 Challenges and Funding Strategies
32:53 Expanding the Coffee Business
34:07 Innovative Hiring Practices
38:14 Creating Community
44:24 Lessons in Helping
49:06 The Story of Cadence Coffee Company

In this episode of the 'Art of Connecting' podcast, we talk with Alice, the founder of Hustling Writers, a PR firm focused on publicizing underrepresented entrepreneurs. We discuss the significance of storytelling and personalized communication in various forms, including writing, podcasting, and networking.


Alice shares her journey from a freelance journalist to creating a PR firm, highlighting the importance of dealing with rejection and the power of community. She reveals her strategy for pitching and connecting clients with larger audiences through crafted, personalized pitches that focus on story development and understanding the target audience.

The conversation covers the challenges and strategies in breaking into writing and publication, emphasizing the role of copywriting and its impact.

In this episode of the Art of Connecting podcast, guest Lacey Harnar, a successful CPA and business owner. Highlights the critical role of networking in her career journey, from homeschooling mom to establishing a nationally oriented CPA business within five years. She also discusses how her technique pivoted from initial networking at BNI meetups and real estate events to focusing on genuine engagements in areas of personal passion. The discussion also explores identifying and leveraging mentors, making connections to serve the larger community, and the personal fulfillment and business growth derived from investing in oneself and others.

00:00 Introduction
00:24 A CPA's Journey
01:30 Lacey's Life Story
02:16 The Power of Homeschooling and Entrepreneurship
05:34 The Leap of Faith
07:57 Role of Networking in Business Growth
09:45 The Art of Connecting
17:21 Volunteering and Networking: A New Approach
20:12 Navigating Business Challenges and Finding Mentors
21:59 The Art of Networking and Finding Mentors
23:18 The Importance of Giving Before Receiving
25:05 Leveraging Social Media to Connect with Influencers
26:50 The Power of Showing Genuine Interest
27:23 The Impact of Mentorship on Confidence and Growth
28:19 The Value of Connections in Business
30:56 Pivoting and Finding Your Passion in Business
32:39 The Role of a CFO in Business Growth
37:49 Building a National Client Base Through Word of Mouth
38:45 Reflecting on the Impact of Connections

You can connect with Lacey on -
💼 LinkedIn: /Lacey Harnar

🐦 Twitter: /LaceyHarnarCPA