Jonathan Almanzar, new CEO of Iron Forums, discusses his entrepreneurial journey with Chicken Cone and business leadership insights.

Key Takeaways

– Jonathan co-founded Chicken Cone, an innovative chicken and waffle cone concept that grew rapidly through franchising
– Key success factors: embracing ambiguity, hard work, leveraging mentorship, and being selective about opportunities
– Jonathan is transitioning to CEO of Iron Forums, a Christian business owner mastermind group, starting December 2nd
– Advice for entrepreneurs: daily actions matter, partnerships are valuable, and community support is crucial

Topics

Chicken Cone Origin Story

– Idea conceived during a hike in 2012 – popcorn chicken in a waffle cone
– Co-founded with Josh Liner, starting with fairs and festivals
– Got lucky break appearing on Food Network show at first fair
– Expanded to New York City holiday market, leading to viral social media growth

Franchising Journey

– Rapid growth after NYC success – 25,000 Instagram followers in 2 weeks
– Attended franchise expo by chance, leading to franchise development
– Sold 53 units in one year through partnership with development company
– Expanded internationally to Dubai and Qatar

Business Challenges and Lessons

– Struggled with scaling internal team to support rapid growth
– Learned importance of proper documentation and financial preparation
– Shifted focus from dense foot traffic areas to drive-through models
– Realized not every opportunity is good – became more selective over time

Keys to Franchisee Success

– Comfort with ambiguity is crucial for small business owners
– Hard work is essential – “opportunity shows up in overalls”
– Balancing business growth with family life requires sacrifices in other areas

Mentorship and Personal Growth

– Initially resistant to advice, but became more open after facing challenges
– Learned to be curious and listen to experienced mentors
– Book recommendations: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Iron Forums Role and Vision

– Jonathan starts as CEO on December 2nd
– Attracted by opportunity to build community and support for business owners
– Aims to meet every Iron Forums member in next 12 months

Bryce Batts, co-founder of Career Collective, an AEC staffing firm, discusses leveraging culture, mentorship, and coaching for rapid growth.

Key Takeaways

– Career Collective is a fast-growing AEC staffing firm founded in 2022, now with 20 employees across offices in Raleigh and Tampa
– The company emphasizes culture-building through team activities, performance incentives, and a collaborative work environment
– Key challenges included initial hiring mistakes and partner dynamics; solutions involved implementing structured hiring processes and defining clear roles
– Bryce advocates for leveraging mentorship, coaching, and mastermind groups to support business growth and personal development

Topics

Company Overview and Growth

– Founded Career Collective in early 2022, an AEC (architecture, engineering, construction) staffing firm
– Grew from 2 to 20 employees in under 3 years
– Offices in Raleigh (HQ) and Tampa, working with clients nationwide
– Focus on permanent placements for degree-holding professionals, especially those with 3-8 years of experience

Hiring and Team Building Strategies

– Initially made hiring mistakes due to rapid growth and inexperience
– Implemented a 3-stage interview process:
1. 15-30 minute initial call with founders
2. Longer interview with Director of Operations, focusing on KPIs
3. In-person meeting with business partner and/or location director
– Hire in “classes” of 4 for peer support and healthy competition
– Emphasize culture fit alongside performance metrics

Company Culture and Benefits

– Monthly team days for out-of-office activities
– Annual President’s Club trip (international, all-inclusive) for top performers
– Holiday party in December (previously held in Pinehurst, NC)
– Unlimited PTO policy
– Hybrid work schedule (work from home Wednesdays and Fridays)
– Production-based incentives (e.g., half-day Fridays)

Business Partnership Dynamics

– Bryce and her co-founder were former competitors who learned to work collaboratively
– Emphasize clear role definition: Bryce focuses on marketing and business development, while her partner excels in sales and floor management
– Likened business partnership to a marriage, requiring ongoing communication and adjustment

Financial Management

– Utilize a fractional CFO for financial guidance and hiring decisions
– Emphasize understanding key financial metrics to avoid overextension during growth phases

Work-Life Balance for Entrepreneurs

– Bryce balances business ownership with raising two daughters (ages 14 and 10)
– Recommends setting clear boundaries around time and energy
– Advocates for being fully present whether at work or with family
– Utilizes career coaching and therapy to manage demands and improve leadership skills

Leveraging Mentorship and Personal Growth

– Participates in a women’s business mastermind group, meeting remotely with periodic in-person gatherings
– Recommends seeking out mentors through professional networks or LinkedIn
– Suggests leveraging free resources like books, podcasts, and online content for those unable to invest in paid coaching

Book Recommendation

– “Radical Candor” by Kim Scott – Provides a framework for direct communication with care, building trust and promoting growth in business relationships

Next Steps

– Bryce to consider potential podcast guests from her network, particularly her mastermind group
– Matthew to include promotion of Bryce’s podcast “Wine After Work” in the episode introduction
– Matthew to send Bryce promotional materials (clips, thumbnails) for sharing once the episode is ready for release (estimated 6-8 weeks)
– Interested listeners can connect with Bryce on LinkedIn or through the Career Collective website (MyCareerCollective.com) for recruiting needs or potential job opportunities

Discuss marketing strategies and business growth with Wes Gay, a StoryBrand certified consultant and marketing expert.

Key Takeaways

– Focus on solving specific customer problems rather than broad marketing approaches

– Clarify messaging using the StoryBrand framework to make customers the hero of the story

– Prioritize profitability and bottom-line metrics over top-line revenue growth

– Leverage mentorship and networking to accelerate business growth and avoid common pitfalls

Topics

Wes Gay’s Background and Business

– Transitioned from church work to marketing consulting in 2016 after StoryBrand certification

– Built full client load within 6 weeks of starting his business

– Now operates as a fractional CMO and marketing consultant, focusing on messaging and strategy

StoryBrand Framework Overview

– 7-part communication framework based on storytelling principles

– Key elements: character (customer), problem, guide (business), plan, call to action, success/failure

– Helps businesses clarify messaging and make customers the hero of the story

– Example application: Allstate’s “Mayhem” campaign effectively positions the problem and solution

Business Growth Strategies

– Narrow focus rather than trying to be too broad in offerings

– Identify most profitable products/services and double down on those

– Analyze client profitability and consider new offerings for low-margin clients

– Aim for consistent profit margins (e.g. 20%) to enable reinvestment and predictable growth

Marketing and Sales Approach

– Focus on solving specific customer problems rather than company accolades

– Create clear, step-by-step plans for customers to follow

– Use “ideal client stories” to identify best-fit customers and refine messaging

– Consistently show up and be known for solving problems in your niche

Mentorship and Networking

– Seek mentors at different stages: peers, those ahead, and those behind

– Ask specific questions to learn from others’ successes and failures

– Find mentors who understand the unique challenges of business ownership

Work-Life Integration for Entrepreneurs

– “Balance” is a myth; embrace productivity and flexibility

– Set boundaries but be willing to work non-traditional hours when needed

– Design the business to support desired lifestyle and family priorities

Next Steps

– Connect with Wes at wesgay.com or email [email protected] for marketing consulting

– Sign up for Wes’s weekly email for ongoing marketing and sales tips

– Business owners should regularly ask: What can I do to get paid today, tomorrow, and improve?

– Analyze business profitability and focus on increasing bottom-line metrics

– Seek mentorship and networking opportunities to accelerate growth and avoid common pitfalls