Business Decoded

This interview with Dan Sinawat, founder and CEO of AI Connex, delves into the practical applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in business and community development. Sinawat emphasizes that AI's primary impact lies in solving real-world business problems, not just technical complexities. He highlights how AI is revolutionizing various industries, from construction to sports, by enhancing efficiency, generating leads, and...

This podcast interview with Ollie Chandhok, President and Publisher of the Dallas Business Journal, covers the journal's role in the North Texas business community, its evolution beyond print, the region's dynamic economic landscape, and career advice. Chandhok emphasizes the Dallas Business Journal's commitment to informing and connecting business leaders through various platforms, including digital content and events....

This interview with Dr. Jayne Gardner, a mindset coach for founders and creators, emphasizes the crucial link between employee well-being and a company's bottom line. Dr. Gardner, author of "Best Job Ever," highlights that valuing employees, fostering a culture of accountability, and nurturing personal growth can lead to significant business growth, including revenue increases. She shares her unique approach to coachi...

This interview features Amber Gaige, founder and chief marketing advisor for Far Beyond Marketing, discussing her entrepreneurial journey and insights into effective marketing strategies. Gaige, who previously built and sold another marketing agency, emphasizes a "work is life" philosophy and a commitment to servant leadership in her new venture. She elaborates on how Far Beyond Marketing specializes in empowering entrepr...

This interview with Kevin Howard, former Senior Scientist at Dow Chemical, explores his extensive career in corporate R&D, focusing on new business and technology development. Howard shares insights into incubating and commercializing new products within a large global corporation, emphasizing the importance of understanding both technical and business aspects. He also discusses the value of mentorship, critical thinking, and c...

This episode of "Business Decoded" features Ronnie Spellman's discussion with Stan Crow, former CEO of Northrop Grumman Japan and a space and defense technology expert. Stan shares insights into the evolving private space industry, emphasizing the need for rapid innovation while maintaining safety. He discusses various entry points for entrepreneurs, from direct space-focused ventures to adapting existing capabilities...

This episode of the "Business Decoded" podcast features Ronnie Spellman interviewing Verona Widboom, founder and owner of Verona's Blooms and Pepperoni Peppers. Verona shares her unique background as a missionary kid who traveled the world, which deeply influenced her passion for diverse flavors and healthy eating. She discusses the origins of her hot sauce business, starting with a grow tent and expanding to a greenh...

This "Business Decoded" podcast episode features Ronnie Spellman's engaging conversation with Amber Gaige, founder of the marketing firm Far Beyond Marketing and author. Amber shares her unexpected journey from a dedicated opera singer to a successful entrepreneur in marketing, emphasizing how her diverse background, especially in performance, equipped her with unique business acumen. The interview delves into her phi...

This episode of the "Business Decoded" podcast features Ronnie Spellman interviewing Ricky Dickson, former CEO and President of Blue Bell Ice Cream and author of "One Scoop at a Time." Ricky shares personal anecdotes and leadership philosophies that contributed to his 43-year tenure at Blue Bell. The discussion highlights the importance of humility, empathy, and building strong relationships with employees, emph...

In this engaging interview, Daniel Lesser, co-founder, president, and CEO of LW Hospitality Advisors, provides a comprehensive overview of the hospitality industry, his journey into the field, and the various advisory services his firm offers. Lesser recounts his entrepreneurial spirit from a young age, his path to expertise through education and practical experience at Hilton and major real estate firms, and the founding of his ow...

In this engaging interview, Dr. Christopher P. Holstege from the University of Virginia discusses his multifaceted career spanning toxicology research, student health and wellness, and academic leadership. He highlights the unique research opportunities within a university setting, particularly focusing on leveraging diverse student data to proactively address health trends and ensure student well-being. Dr. Holstege emphasizes the...

John Renken, a business leader, leadership coach, retired professional athlete (MMA), and Army veteran, shares his diverse journey and current focus on transitioning military members into sales careers through his company, Sales Platoon. He highlights the significant earning potential in sales for veterans compared to average post-service employment, emphasizes the importance of mindset and a "no excuses" approach to busi...

In this insightful and engaging conversation, Lucy Billingsley, founder and partner at Billingsley Company, shares her journey in establishing and growing a highly successful commercial real estate development company since 1978. She recounts the company's evolution from land acquisition to large-scale, master-planned communities, emphasizing the importance of creating vibrant public realms and architecturally significant build...

Abigail DeJarnatt, the founder and CEO of Counteract USA, discusses the organization's mission to equip Generation Z Christians with a biblical worldview for cultural and political conversations. She shares her journey of building the nonprofit, emphasizing the importance of strategic events, authentic networking, and understanding the nuances of social media engagement with Gen Z. DeJarnatt highlights the significance of build...

In this second interview on Business Decoded, Ronnie Spellman continues his conversation with Kara Kimbrough, owner of TK's Comedy Club and Restaurant. The discussion focuses on the business side of the entertainment industry, Kara's journey from comedy to restaurateur, and the unique business model of TK's, which combines an elevated dining experience with live entertainment. Kara shares insights on building a followin...

In this episode of Business Decoded, Ronnie Spellman interviews Abigail DeJarnatt, the 24-year-old founder and CEO of Counteract USA, a nonprofit organization aimed at equipping Gen Z Christians with a biblical worldview to engage in cultural and political conversations. Abigail shares her inspiring journey from being a speech pathology student to leading a national organization, highlighting the role of faith, courage, and strateg...

This Business Decoded podcast interview features Ronnie Spellman interviewing Kara Kimbrough, a comedian, singer, musician, and the owner of TK's Comedy Club. Kara shares her journey into the world of comedy, starting from her early days in Los Angeles, navigating the competitive scene, and eventually opening her own comedy club with her husband, TK. The interview delves into the business aspects of running a comedy club, the i...

In this Business Decoded episode, Ronnie Spellman interviews Bobbie Lynn Weir, an accomplished educator with a significant business background, discussing her innovative "Hotel Hub" program. Weir, a National Board Certified CTE teacher and state board appointee, transformed a high school classroom into a simulated hotel lobby in partnership with Omni Hotels. This immersive environment, complete with professional ambiance,...

In this Business Decoded episode, host Ronnie Spellman interviews Chef John Coletta, founding chef of Quartino Restaurant, exploring his culinary philosophy and business insights. Chef Coletta discusses Quartino's value proposition ($35 average meal), its locations in Chicago and strategically chosen Grandscape, Texas, emphasizing the importance of growth markets. He delves into the critical role of high-quality ingredients, pr...