The Sharpen Podcast

Meet Jon Schram, an Acumen Growth Catalyst and successful serial entrepreneur who sold the same company - three times. Discover the significance of branding, exemplified by Jon's former company, The Purple Guys, and learn how a simple color transformed into a memorable brand. Understand the complexities and emotional aspects of selling a business and how Jon adapted to each sale, maintaining his attachment and evolving with every transition. Gain insights into the value of simplicity in branding, achieving successful exits, and the importance of planning the next steps in business ventures.

Dale Hahs, leader of AIS Industrial and Construction Supply, explores the challenges and triumphs of navigating an 80-year-old family business through technological, economic, and industry changes. Dale shares personal stories from his journey starting as an apprentice under his grandfather to stepping into the CEO role, and how his faith and leadership style guided the company through pivotal moments.

In this episode we explore the concept of "sacrificing sacred cows" in business, with a humorous nod to the barbecue industry. Travis Carpenter, President & CEO of Jack Stack BBQ, details the company's transformative changes during COVID and shares insights on navigating internal resistance to change, leveraging team input for successful adaptations, and maintaining a forward-thinking mindset in a complex business environment. 

This episode explores whether ego can interfere with our ability to truly hear our clients' needs and how businesses can thrive by prioritizing client feedback. David Riggs, CEO of Pneuma, shares insights from his diverse career and emphasizes the importance of understanding customers' problems deeply and solving them effectively, advocating for a business model that goes against the grain of automation and embraces personalized client interactions.

Host Dan Cooper sits down with Curt Sampson, Head of Growth for Monarch Inventory Services and Growth Catalyst at Acumen, to explore the intricate relationship between CEOs and COOs. As these roles are often referred to as the 'visionary' and 'integrator,' understanding their dynamic is crucial for business growth and success.

Dive into the intricacies of business acquisition with Jeremy Hunka, chemistry major turned entrepreneur,  as he shares possible challenges and practical advice around the business buying and early ownership journey. Discover the key criteria he looked for when purchasing a business, the power of operational systems and company culture, and the personal growth he experienced along the way. 

In this episode, host Dan Cooper and guest Mike Farag delve into the strategic integration of real estate into business operations. Mike is the owner of Fervor Marketing, a full-service marketing communications agency for Christian nonprofits. Mike shares his journey of diversifying his business portfolio by incorporating real estate, discussing the strategic benefits and challenges he faced along the way.

Dennis Corsi shares how he navigated through too hot, too cold, and just right acquisition attempts with his firm, Armstrong Consultants. Learn valuable lessons on the importance of communication, maintaining focus during due diligence, and the significance of peer community support. Dennis also shares his personal journey post-acquisition, emphasizing the importance of taking time off for reflection and growth. 

Our guest today is Darin Heyen, the diligent and meticulous CEO of Pearce Construction, a company he bought from its founder, Don Pearce. Darin shares his unique journey from an entry-level project manager to the sole owner of a reputable construction company. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of managing a business where the legacy name remains, and the importance of building a brand-centric rather than person-centric company culture.

Join Steve Van Diest, co-host of the Sharpen Podcast by Acumen, as he invites his wife, Christine Van Diest, to share about the unique challenges and rewards of being married to an entrepreneur! Christine, a business owner herself, shares her invaluable perspective and experiences from their 31-year journey together.

Ben Olsen of Tarsus CFO Services delves into the often confusing world of financial roles within a business, discussing the differences between a bookkeeper, a controller, and a CFO, and why understanding these distinctions is crucial for any business owner.

Guest Sean Taylor provides insights into work-life and relational boundaries, business growth, and personal wellness as he shares about the ins of outs of launching and running a faith-based counseling practice alongside his wife.

Join us for another down-to-earth conversation packed with wisdom and humor! Dan Cooper interviews Levi Messer on his movement from a trailblazing, sales-superhero style of leadership to something more collaborative, humble, and sustainable. One key takeaway: the value (and necessity) of a strong operating system!

What can it look like for balance and calm to prevail, even in the chaotic and joyful times of business growth and raising a family? Steve Van Diest interviews Jonathan Hachmeister about his experience as the son of a founder, as the father of young children, and as the leader of a growing company in this episode of the Sharpen Podcast.

Our desire to add value to the world doesn't just vanish after we exit the business leadership seat. So what can a meaningfully productive retirement look like? Dan Cooper interviews Augie Grasis about his experience in this episode of the Sharpen Podcast.

Steve Van Diest interviews Justin Donat about his experience of twisting the classic business advice, "Hire out of your weaknesses," in negative ways.

Join Dan Cooper and Roper DeGarmo for a frank discussion of AI and its practical applications in the world of business leadership.

How can you ensure your marketing team is directly impacting the bottom line? What are the best and most profitable applications of AI in the marketing sphere? Robin Emiliani, Co-Founder & CMGO at Catalyst Marketing Agency, explores these questions and more in this insightful conversation with our co-host, Steve Van Diest.

Sean Miller, Chairman of the Miller Group, dives into succession planning, values-based business leadership, and how to set a company's next generation of leaders up for success in this insightful conversation with Acumen CEO Dan Cooper.