• Episode 36| Shannon Greer's Vision for Coffee and Community
    May 8 2024

    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

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    56 mins
  • Episode 35| Alice Draper: PR Pro on Storytelling, Copywriting and the Art of Connecting
    Apr 24 2024

    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.

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    57 mins
  • Episode 34| Lacey Harnar: Harnessing Relationships for Success
    Feb 23 2024

    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

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    43 mins
  • Episode 33| Alex Tam: A Chiropractor's Journey to Financial Independence Through Real Estate
    Jan 24 2024

    In this episode of The Art of Connecting Podcast, we explore a unique journey to financial independence with Dr. Alex Tam, a chiropractor who transcended the traditional path of medical practice. Dr. Tam shares his transformational story, beginning from his mom's struggle with trigeminal neuralgia and how it led him into the chiropractic field, to his eye-opening encounter with the concept of financial independence through real estate investing.

    We delve into how Dr. Tam pivoted from solely focusing on his chiropractic practice to embracing real estate investing, and how this shift not only changed his financial landscape but also his perspective on work and life. He discusses the importance of daily consistent action, networking, and learning from others' experiences. This episode is a testament to the power of financial literacy, the impact of masterminds and networking, and how stepping outside one’s professional bubble can open doors to unexpected opportunities and personal growth.

    00:00 Introduction
    01:21 Dr. Alex Tam's Journey
    02:39 Transition to Real Estate Investing
    03:37 Importance of Education in Investing
    06:38 Power of Networking and Connections
    00:00 Revisiting the Concept of Financial Independence
    08:54 Role of Real Estate in Achieving Financial Independence
    10:04 Impact of Real Estate Investing on Business Ownership
    16:20 Value of Mastermind Groups in Real Estate Investing
    18:14 Giving and Helping Others in Business
    19:53 Understanding the Concept of Mastermind Groups
    20:15 Importance of Choosing the Right Mastermind Group
    20:25 Explaining the Structure and Benefits of Mastermind Groups
    21:23 Discussing Personal and Business Goals
    21:40 Challenges and Strategies of Managing Multiple Businesses
    22:41 Importance of Proper Real Estate Operations
    23:53 Role of Trust in Business Partnerships
    25:07 Advantage of Being a Healthcare Professional in Business
    26:10 Understanding the Struggles of High-Income Earners
    26:59 Importance of Leveraging Personal Experiences in Business
    27:54 Power of Positive Thinking and Goal Setting
    28:49 Importance of Deep Conversations and Understanding Pain Points
    31:36 Role of Mindset in Health and Success
    32:06 The Impact of Chronic Stress on Health and Success
    35:07 Living a Balanced Life
    37:20 Power of Setting and Sharing Goals
    38:50 Importance of Knowing Your Team's Goals
    39:33 Power of Networking and Intentional Connections

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    44 mins
  • Episode 32| Casey Tuggle: The Unconventional Path to Marketing Success and Community Impact
    Jan 17 2024

    In this episode of The Art of Connecting Podcast, we sit down with Casey Tuggle, a dynamic individual whose journey from a car enthusiast to a marketing virtuoso exemplifies the power of connections and the beauty of unexpected career trajectories.

    Casey shares his compelling story, starting as a one-man auto brokerage, grappling with the challenges of scaling a business, and eventually pivoting to a career that leverages his passion for storytelling and marketing.

    Dive deep into discussions about the importance of personal connections, leveraging community ties, and how embracing change can lead to unforeseen successes.

    Whether you're an entrepreneur, marketer, or anyone interested in the art of building meaningful relationships, this episode offers unique insights and inspiration for turning passions into impactful careers.

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    48 mins
  • Episode 31| Lauren Schreiber: Making a Difference with Tiny Homes
    Jan 5 2024

    In this episode of the Art of Connecting podcast, I sit with Lauren Schreiber, a real estate investor and philanthropist. Initially trained as a pharmacist, Lauren was inspired to transition into real estate in search of financial freedom.

    As she ventured further into the field, she realized her true passion: helping underprivileged individuals secure safe and affordable housing.

    Lauren shares her journey of moving from pharmacy to real estate, discusses her current project of creating a tiny home community, emphasizes the value of attending in-person real estate meetups, and shares the people, groups, and experiences that have significantly impacted her.

    Tune in to learn about Lauren's mission to end the cycle of poverty and provide hope through affordable housing.

    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction and Early Life

    00:43 Guest Introduction and Podcast Start

    01:58 Guest's Background and Journey to Real Estate

    02:57 Helping the Less Fortunate through Real Estate

    04:01 Mission and Challenges in Starting a Tiny Home Community

    05:02 Applying for Grants and Building a Team

    11:13 The Impact of In-Person Meetups

    13:58 The Role of Coaching in Personal Development

    18:57 The Next Steps in Developing a Tiny Home Community

    22:01 Connecting with Local Government for Project Support

    23:41 The Appeal of Micro Home Communities

    24:04 The Power of Connections and Relationships

    25:01 The Importance of Being Likable and Understanding Needs

    27:07 The Role of Connections in Real Estate

    29:13 The Impact of Real Estate Meetups

    30:21 The Journey into Real Estate

    34:52 The Power of Networking and Connections

    39:08 The Impact of Education and Personal Growth

    41:11 The Importance of Reviews and Networking Events



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    43 mins
  • Episode 30| Kohl Henke: Building Business Relationships Beyond the Sales Pitch
    Dec 22 2023

    Welcome to another episode of The Art of Connecting Podcast! In this episode, we're thrilled to have Kohl Henke, a dynamic professional who's made a significant impact in the insurance industry through the power of networking.


    Kohl shares his inspiring journey from his early days in college football to becoming a powerhouse in professional networking. He dives into the critical role of building relationships beyond the sales pitch and how his approach to connecting with others has fueled his career growth.

    Chapters:
    0:00 Introduction

    00:44 Introduction of the Guest - Kohl Henke

    01:41 Kohl Henke's Journey into the Insurance Industry

    02:25 The Art of Building Relationships in Business

    04:01 Kohl Henke's Future Goals and Aspirations

    04:44 The Power of Being a Connector and a Salesman

    06:00 Kohl Henke's Favorite Books and Their Impact

    07:02 Choosing the Right Industry and Making It Exciting

    09:23 The Power of Video Messaging in Connecting People

    15:07 The Strategy of Reaching Out to Potential Clients

    16:11 The Importance of Providing Value in Initial Outreach

    19:53 The Art of Cold Messaging

    20:29 Building Successful Connections

    21:20 Strategies for Meeting Clients

    22:21 Tracking and Managing Connections

    25:35 The Power of In-Person Meetings

    25:47 Transition from Introvert to Extrovert

    35:28 The Role of Faith in Business

    37:22 The Impact of a Fitness Community

    38:30 Connecting with the Audience

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    40 mins
  • Episode 29| Ben Kall: Career Shifts, Networking, Masterminds, and Real Estate Triumphs
    Dec 15 2023

    In this episode of 'The Art of Connecting' podcast, I had an enriching conversation with my mentor, Ben Kall, a successful licensed real estate agent, and entrepreneur.

    Ben Kall opens up about his journey from working as a football coach to becoming a full-time real estate investor, discussing the importance of building relationships and sharing his tactics on time management and continuous growth.
    Also discussed are his experiences with corporate jobs, his gradual transition to entrepreneurial roles, his foray into real estate and his many years of guiding other potential investors.

    The podcast ends with an inspiring note on how joining the right masterminds can propel you further in your chosen path.

    Chapters-

    00:00 Introduction and Background
    00:37 Podcast Introduction and Guest Presentation
    02:17 Guest's Early Life and Career in Sports
    00:00 Transition from Sports to Real Estate
    05:28 Building a Successful Real Estate Business
    06:39 Achieving Financial Freedom and Personal Growth
    07:44 Reflections on Career Progression and Personal Development
    10:33 The Importance of Building Relationships in Business
    14:24 Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
    15:31 Strategies for Success in Real Estate
    17:28 The Power of Networking and Building Connections
    20:52 Reflecting on Success and Future Goals
    28:11 Introduction to the Real Estate Team
    28:50 The Secret to Success in Real Estate
    29:52 The Importance of Time Management in Real Estate
    31:22 Balancing Client Needs and Prospecting
    31:34 The Struggle with Responsiveness and Time Management
    33:27 The Journey to the First Storage Deal
    36:24 Learning the Ropes of Storage Facility Management
    38:29 The Growth and Diversification of the Real Estate Portfolio
    41:42 The Impact of Masterminds and Networking
    49:39 The Power of Connections in Business Growth
    51:13 The Role of Books in Shaping a Business Mindset

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    53 mins