The Third Growth Option with Benno Duenkelsbuehler and Guests-logo

The Third Growth Option with Benno Duenkelsbuehler and Guests

Business & Economics Podcasts

Welcome to The Third Growth Option, a podcast for and by business owners and leaders. We share ideas and insights that help you in your growth journey. In our podcast guests, we look for heart, curiosity, and the desire to share growth lessons. No platitudes and cliches, but stories about growth or tools that helped grow a business or improve the industry or become a better leader, and how they came to embrace an insight. During three decades as a merchant and entrepreneur your host Benno Duenkelsbuehler has built and scaled many growth opportunities from zero (or something) to 8-figure (or bigger) thriving businesses. Our guests are battle-proven leaders in product design, in manufacturing or product sourcing, in marketing and brand building, in operational, technology and executive leadership positions. Want to learn more? Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realignexpansionsherpas/ Follow Benno on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/benno1/ or Checkout https://realignforresults.com/

Location:

United States

Description:

Welcome to The Third Growth Option, a podcast for and by business owners and leaders. We share ideas and insights that help you in your growth journey. In our podcast guests, we look for heart, curiosity, and the desire to share growth lessons. No platitudes and cliches, but stories about growth or tools that helped grow a business or improve the industry or become a better leader, and how they came to embrace an insight. During three decades as a merchant and entrepreneur your host Benno Duenkelsbuehler has built and scaled many growth opportunities from zero (or something) to 8-figure (or bigger) thriving businesses. Our guests are battle-proven leaders in product design, in manufacturing or product sourcing, in marketing and brand building, in operational, technology and executive leadership positions. Want to learn more? Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realignexpansionsherpas/ Follow Benno on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/benno1/ or Checkout https://realignforresults.com/

Language:

English

Contact:

5134075436


Episodes

Grow and Build-to-Sale: an Investment Banker's View, with Brent Rippe

3/28/2024
You've spent years building your business, pouring every ounce of your energy into fostering its growth. But, it's time to move on. The decision to sell your business is a significant one, and it's crucial to understand the journey you're about to embark on. In this candid conversation with Brent Rippe, partner at RKCA, an investment banking firm in Cincinnati, OH, we delve into the intricate M&A process. From pre-planning to navigating the market, Brent guides us through the complex terrain of business transition. Learn from Brent's detailed description of the build-to-sale process. He streamlines the path for owners and stakeholders to attain their objectives, breaking down the multi-step and multi-year process in preparation for a successful sale, and the importance of clarity in decision-making for optimal valuation. We wrap up with an inspiring story of a business merger that resulted in a nine-figure outcome, a testament to the power of transparency and stakeholder involvement in facilitating a prosperous merger. Brent's insights are a treasure trove for business leaders and entrepreneurs. This episode helps to demystify the process of selling a business and provides a roadmap for those considering the leap to a successful business transition.

Duration:00:32:38

Growth Between Comfort- and Panic Zones, with John Baines

3/21/2024
John Baines, a remarkable leader who ascended from engineer to president by the age of 29, shares his compelling journey to growth by embracing the unfamiliar, the uncomfortable, and even the panic-inducing aspects of leadership. John offers invaluable insights into leadership evolution. In our reflective dialogue, we delve into the iceberg metaphor of personal development and leadership, emphasizing the hidden depths where our true selves reside. Navigating beyond the surface requires conscious effort, encouraging self-discovery, questioning, seeking, and being open to both giving and receiving advice.

Duration:00:40:52

Blueprint for Growth: Go as Yourself - with Jeffrey Sackenheim

3/14/2024
The blueprint-to-finished-building analogies are unavoidable when speaking both personal and corporate growth, with Jeffrey Sackenheim, the visionary CEO of SHP. Jeff is an architect's architect, and he's turning a 123-year-old design and architecture firm into a national trailblazer in educational design in both a humble and talented way. Jeff's journey from hands-on architect to leading a firm with adaptability and innovation, punctuated by resilience and strategic foresight, gives insight into both the human side of architectural design and the importance of authenticity to fuel the evolution of a business within ever-changing landscapes. Don't miss this conversation that connects the personal with the professional, a symphony of lessons in strategic growth and genuine leadership.

Duration:00:27:00

Changing Lanes - Career Growth Perspectives with David Garascia

2/29/2024
Listen to David Garascia, a seasoned consumer products commercial leader with a $3.5B sales record, share his secrets of successful sales strategies, growth perspectives and the importance of occasionally changing lanes. He'll walk us through the fundamentals of sales, from the importance of consistency and follow-up to influencing actions through words. Garascia understands the art of persuasion, importance of staying curious, and the necessity of distilling knowledge - insights that are invaluable in today's competitive business landscape.

Duration:00:29:08

A CEO's Growth Mindset, Discomfort, Other Leadership Tools with Gavin Marks

2/15/2024
Gavin Marks is the forward-thinking CEO and Lightbulb Moment Igniter of DM Merchandising. Gavin shares how he became a growth mindset evangelist for his team and customers, and how embracing discomfort can be a leader's most potent tool. This episode is filled with real world insights, from his evolution in the family business to igniting those light bulb moments with his team, to the unexpected ways in which cold plunges into Lake Michigan in January clear the mind and prepare one for daily challenges.

Duration:00:24:26

Market Pulse - Looking Ahead to 2024 with 4 Industry Leaders

2/1/2024
We asked three consumer executives who had just returned from two important January 2024 tradeshows, to share their observations (on product trends, consumer behaviors, sourcing-, buyer-, and marketing shifts) and their outlook for 2024. Laurie Gilner (President/CEO of Transpac Brands and exhibitor at Atlanta Market among others), Rick Haase (Founder/CEO of Patina Stores and its chief buyer), and Bob Watson (SVP of Link Companies representing dozens of brands that make their way to retail shelves) shared their thoughts, discussed, and provided insights that can help other consumer product leaders plan and optimize their 2024 growth strategy. Growth never happens in a vacuum. All of us together are smarter than any of us alone.

Duration:00:38:56

An Officer & an Entrepreneur - Growth Lessons for Each, with Andy Bjork

1/18/2024
We talk about the role of leadership and training within organizations of all sizes. From the deck of a Navy ship to the corridors of Ivystone (an entrepreneurial multiline sales agency), Andy Bjork, a Navy-Captain-turned-Chief-Sales-Officer, shares methodologies and real life examples that nurture effective growth. Learn how the Navy's allowance for mistakes in high-stakes situations shapes leaders, and how this hands-on experience contrasts with the innovative strides being made in the entrepreneurial world, where traditional ROI is not the only benchmark of success. In company cultures and structures, these elements evolve together as a business expands. We talk about Andy's journey from the regimented world of the Navy to the nimble environment of Ivystone, examining the blending of autonomy and structure. Clear expectations and the quest for guidance help teams to flourish in both large and small organizations. The power and importance of diverse voices in decision-making keeps coming up throughout our discussion. Andy and I discuss nurturing the next generation of leaders, taking cues from corporate trailblazers like IKEA, and how fostering employee growth is tantamount to retention. Join us as we piece together the mosaic of leadership, growth, and the pathways to securing an organization's legacy.

Duration:00:27:32

Writing and Living our "Book" on Life and Work, with Kristina Stevens

1/4/2024
Kristina Stevens loves to challenge norms, so clearly not your average Operations and Supply Chain leader. Kristina's big vision for life, unconventional perspective, and unwavering ambition for improvement shape the core of our discussion. Our conversation reveals a compelling narrative of Kristina's life - conquering a demanding career, raising young children, and training for a marathon - a living testament to the power of self-belief and the audacity to demand what you need. We talk about self-imposed limitations, as mere figments of our imagination. Kristina's story is a call to action, inspiring us to invest in ourselves and take that first step towards our dreams, leaving the 'how' for later. Towards the end, we pivot towards the power of intentional friendships and the growth they facilitate. Kristina muses about her aspirations to pen a book for her kids. To connect with this dynamic personality, Kristina's LinkedIn details are shared in our chat. Don't miss out on this episode brimming with wisdom and inspiration. Always remember, growth is a constant journey; keep moving, keep growing!

Duration:00:23:12

Storytelling and Entrepreneurial Growth - Harry Cunningham's GoodMRKT Journey

12/21/2023
Ever wondered how one transitions from a corporate job to being a purpose-driven entrepreneur? Or how iconic brands like Saks Fifth Avenue create unforgettable shopping experiences? I sat down with Harry Cunningham, the brain behind Saks' stunning Christmas windows and co-founder of GoodMRKT. Harry unveils the mysteries of visual merchandising and its role in shaping consumer emotions. He also shares the story of GoodMRKT, a retail brand that’s using its platform to champion good causes and positively impact society. We both traded corporate comfort for the thrilling world of entrepreneurship, and we have an open conversation about our experiences and the unique challenges and rewards that come with being your own boss. From exploring the creative landscape within a corporation, to the freedom and accountability of creating your own purpose-driven brand, these insights are priceless. We also take a closer look at GoodMRKT as a case study for blending multiple purpose-driven brands into one cohesive experience. So, if you've been eyeing the entrepreneurial world, listen in.

Duration:00:26:50

Biz Lessons from the E.R.: Jeff Sands on Turnarounds

12/7/2023
Ever wondered what it's like to be an ER doctor, but in the business world? Witness the high-stakes, high-pressure arena of corporate turnarounds in our latest episode with Jeff Sands, the founding partner of Dorset Partners. Jeff illuminates the unique challenges faced and the speed and creativity required to execute successful turnarounds. He draws a compelling comparison between turnaround specialists and ER doctors - both dealing with urgent, existential situations that demand swift and effective action. In the midst of financial turmoil, understanding the tools at your disposal is crucial. Jeff expertly guides us through how the cash cycle can be employed in different types of turnarounds. We debunk misconceptions around financial restructuring and delve into the nitty-gritty of collecting receivables in a business under financial strain. This episode goes beyond just surviving a crisis— it's about thriving through adversity. We reiterate the significance of a clear mission and a sense of urgency, whatever be your business context. The lessons and strategies shared by Jeff not only serve as a potential lifeline during financial dire straits but also as a roadmap for sustained growth and success. As always, we encourage you to subscribe, rate, review, and share our podcast. For those eager to learn more, Jeff provides his contact details - jeff@dorsetpartners.com - and he'll be happy to share his cashflow forecast tool to any TGO listener, free of charge. Brace yourself for practical tips in this enlightening episode.

Duration:00:28:48

Building a Digital Community for Local Retailers

11/23/2023
Imagine being a small business, fighting against the tide of big retail giants in the digital space. What if there was a platform designed to level the playing field, geared towards a community-focused digital solution for local retailers? This episode is a heart-to-heart chat with Kate Giovambattista, visionary founder of Beyond Main, who has been championing the cause of small retailers with her innovative platform. As a former Vera Bradley executive, she brings her deep insights on changing consumer behavior and the digital struggle small businesses experience. You’ll learn about Beyond Main's subscription model, different from typical commission-driven models. We delve into the highs, lows, and everything in-between, of running a bootstrapped start-up. Tune in to hear about the crucial role of customer feedback in shaping the platform, and the exciting journey of onboarding 615 businesses. With perseverance, passion, and a will to support local businesses, Kate's story serves as a beacon for any small business owner seeking a digital edge or anyone curious about the dynamic world of e-commerce.

Duration:00:29:38

Scaling Everest and Corporate Growth: Transformation Lessons

11/9/2023
Imagine scaling Everest Base Camp, not just for the thrill of it, but to draw deep life and leadership lessons. Our guest, Ketul Patel, is a seasoned supply chain and operations executive, and a climber who dared to reach the Everest Base Camp despite naysayers pointing out his age. The challenges he faced, the motivations that propelled him, and the importance of a strong 'why' in his journey, all parallel the rigors of a transformative corporate journey. Patel's narrative takes an interesting turn as he delves into how his expedition shaped his perspective on team leadership, conflict resolution, and the essence of cultural contribution in building successful teams. His experience with his group of hikers, guides, and Sherpas is remarkably relatable to corporate dynamics, providing profound insights on selling transformation internally. This episode isn't just about a thrilling climb; it's about how Patel's journey serves as a unique lens to view personal and business transformations. So join us, as we traverse in Patel's footsteps, scaling not just a mountain, but a metaphor for corporate success.

Duration:00:29:20

B2B Customer Journey - Transforming Analog to Digital

10/26/2023
How did a traditional factory navigate the journey to digital touchpoint transformation? Meet Nuno Malheiro, Head of Global Sales at Tintex and founder of Expegy, who offers the frontline perspective on transforming a textile factory's sales process from analog to digital. This isn't just about tech - it's about how Nuno transplanted a customer-centric B2C mindset from his retail background into the B2B factory environment, and the significant enhancements in efficiency and visibility that came from it. Nuno reveals his strategy in managing the transition, from choosing suitable partners to the ultimate wins they chalked up. He emphasizes the significance of people development, illustrating how leadership has enriched him both professionally and personally. So join us, as we navigate this intricate digital sales process transformation journey with Nuno.

Duration:00:29:04

Nelson Warley: A Visionary's Leap from Corporate America to Startups

10/12/2023
Ready to discover what drives a man to pursue the startup life, learn inside corporate America for over a decade, then lean back into the startup world? Join us as we engage in an enthralling conversation with Nelson Warley, co-founder of True Places. Learn how this visionary is redesigning the consumer goods space by pioneering an asset-light model. Nelson shares the inside scoop on the highs and lows of his intriguing journey - breaking free from the corporate shackles, facing down the hurdles of entrepreneurship, and employing invaluable lessons from his corporate years. Fasten your seatbelts as we dive deeper into the True Places narrative. Experience the thrill of building a premium product - a high-end chair for outdoor use - and successfully filling a market gap. Nelson reveals the inspiration behind his brainchild and how a small, dedicated team and freelancers from across the globe are driving this dream. Listen closely as he sheds light on the intimate dynamics of his startup, the importance of embracing challenges and how he's shaking up conventions in the consumer goods industry. It's a journey you won't want to miss!

Duration:00:28:44

Making Process a Nutrient for Growth, with Brittany Toler

7/13/2023
Process, growth, and creativity - starting your career at 18 and scaling the corporate ladder to become a successful business executive and CEO - that's Brittany Toler's inspiring journey. She cut her teeth at Cape Craftsman, earned her stripes at Evergreen, and eventually led a direct-to-consumer company as CEO, running on the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). Together, we examine the tension between creativity and structure in entrepreneurial firms, and the challenges it presents. Have you ever tried to sketch out a three-year vision for your life or business? Brittany gives us a masterclass on how to do just that. We explore how to translate that vision into manageable quarterly goals, the need for alignment and effective communication within the team, and the art of prioritizing tasks using the big rocks, pebbles, and sand analogy. Brittany shares how EOS fueled growth in her business and invites listeners eager to learn more or discuss ideas to contact her - brittany.toler@eosworldwide.com. So tune in, soak up Brittany's wisdom, and don't forget to subscribe, rate, review and share this goldmine of an episode with your network.

Duration:00:27:00

Expanding Horizons: Navigating Personalities and Effective Communication

6/29/2023
Ever felt like your horizons were too wide or narrow, leading to both exhaustion and excitement? Join us as I chat with Diogo Teixeira, a financial crime fighter by day, and a pilot and polyglot with a passion for engineering, cultural differences, and exploring new horizons. Learn how Diogo's career has taken him across five countries and three continents, embracing chaos and bringing newfound peace to his life. Together, we dive into the Insights Model, a simple and powerful tool for understanding different personality types and improving communication in both our personal and professional lives. Diogo shares how the four main personality colors within the Insights Model—introverted rational (blue), rational extrovert (red), extroverted emotional (yellow), and emotional introvert (green)—can help us navigate interactions with others to achieve better harmony and collaboration. Finally, Diogo shares his wisdom on effective communication and conflict resolution through the lens of the Insights Model. Discover how becoming more aware of our own and others' personality types, stepping back to recognize and address conflicting views, and focusing on the end goal can lead to more productive disagreements. Don't miss this enlightening conversation with Diogo Teixeira, filled with valuable insights and lessons on growth, communication, and understanding personality types. You can reach out to Diogo via LinkedIn, or by emailing him at Diogo@ancilia.org

Duration:00:27:24

Heartland Mfg. Innovation to Digital Transformation

6/15/2023
In this episode, we are chatting with Trent Guyer, VP of Marketing and Digital Strategy at Grasshopper Mowers in Moundridge, KS—a small town in the heart of the United States. Theirs is a third-generation family business that has embarked on an exciting journey from old-school manufacturing to cutting-edge product and market innovation. Trent takes us on a fascinating tour of the company's history, which began with his grandfather Elbert Guyer as a custom harvester who developed a groundbreaking solution that found its way into farms across the country. In the 1970’s their head engineer invented the iconic lever-operated steering system for zero-turn mowers, and Grasshopper mowers have become an iconic product. Other innovation and manufacturing advancements followed and Trent provides valuable insights into the journey from product and manufacturing innovations to thrive driven by digital transformation. 5:36 - “We’re in a really tight labor market… our factory is located (in a county that) is usually an entire percent lower than all the surrounding counties in unemployment. So we had to find ways to be incredibly efficient.” 10:42 - “Are there cultural barriers to overcome to drive a digital strategy? - There have been some because when we build a product, we generally look at it ‘as is’, it's in finality…When it comes to… digital things… it's harder to get people on board because they figure well we've already developed our marketing. So why should we need to change it if we think like we do with our product?” 11:38 - “Marketing is evolving at an exponential pace these days. We need to not only be the easiest to work with, be that company that is easiest to do business with… how a dealer might submit something to us instead of faxing in a paper sales order or a claim or whatever, all that's become digital. If we don't, somebody else will do that.” 22:57 - “Approach everything you do Digital First, your source of truth should be digital.” 25:19 - “It's a mindset change. Take it one day at a time, take it one interaction at a time, and never stop digitizing.”

Duration:00:26:56

Grow Your Own Business – or Career?

6/1/2023
Welcome back, podcast aficionados! In this episode with Cheri Lantz, we're diving deep into the world of recruitment and talent acquisition, with a dash of entrepreneurial growth mindset. We understand that many of our listeners are eager to bridge the talent gap and become true magnets for exceptional individuals. In this riveting episode, before we talk about Cheri’s growth mindset in her entrepreneurial journey, we explore the evolving dynamics of the labor market and how they've transformed the hiring process. Gone are the days of a buyer's market. Today, it's low unemployment and an abundance of opportunities. We'll discuss the powerful impact of technology on the recruitment landscape. With platforms to post job openings and effortlessly connect with interested candidates, technology has truly revolutionized the hiring game. But skills alone are no longer the sole focus. The game-changer lies in the concept of cultural fit and cultural contribution. The dynamics between companies and candidates have shifted, with both sides seeking that perfect match in terms of culture, values, and work environment. Culture is the secret sauce that doesn't surface on resumes or LinkedIn profiles, and we'll reveal how to unveil it through meaningful conversations. Join us as we navigate the labyrinth of the labor market, debunk common misconceptions, and unlock the secrets to successful recruitment. We'll unveil how cultural fit and flexibility enhance productivity, boost employee satisfaction, and lead to long-term success for businesses. So, buckle up and get ready for an insightful journey through the ever-changing world of recruitment. Tune in to our latest episode, where we'll uncover the strategies and stories that will revolutionize your approach to hiring, making you a true talent magnet in today's competitive landscape. Let's dive in and unlock the secrets of finding the perfect match between companies and candidates. 4:52 – “It (culture) has even become a greater importance after COVID, and flexibility is a simple word, but it can mean a lot to different people.” 5:23 – “A couple of things that have changed since COVID. One is childcare… and a lot of people are taking care of their parents…they need to know that they can do that and not have the guilt that can go with that… That is kind of the glue that makes any relationship work… that it kind of goes both ways, right?” 8:07 – Talking about the gig economy “we see more contractor-, 1099 roles on the creative side of the business… and on the sales side.” 17:45 – “You said I need other people to help me grow… you're talking about… a network of people who can help you not only with advice, but also help you by pushing back and challenging and helping you grow in lots of different ways.” 19:39 – “Even the most beautiful garden that you see, has to have the weeds pulled out of it daily… you have to take time to pluck out those doubting thoughts, those negative thoughts and maybe even that could be people in your life that maybe you're not cutting them out, but you're not giving them as much airtime.” 23:20 – “Sometimes it's just flying five seconds east to get out the window. Instead of crashing our head against banging our head against the wall.” 26:28 – “You have to first identify what you want, be aware of where you started, and then really be intentional about the steps that you need to take to get there.” You can find Cheri Lantz on LinkedIn, or just email her at clantz@grncovington.com.

Duration:00:28:24

The Creative Process – Starts and Re-Starts

5/18/2023
Curious about the creative process? How does it apply to innovation and teamwork in general? Enter Nick DeSario, a deeply experienced and talented furniture designer, whose work has been featured in Architectural Digest and Elle Decor. Nick and I talk about the creative process, collaboration, how to blend and pair ideas and influences to bring fresh solutions to sometimes tricky and complex problems. 1:57 - “The creative process… is filled with constant starts and restarts and refresh and retake… you use the expression of ‘shedding your skin’ to start again.” 2:46 - “You’ve got to have a dissociative sort of presence when creating collectively… and then sometimes it’s that perspective that you just didn’t consider that wins the day.” 3:43 - “In an ideal collaborative environment, everybody walks into the room with an opinion, with a vision of how it ought to be done… and most everybody walks out of the room with a different opinion.” 6:27 - “There are certain routines, parts of the process that repeat themselves. But the trick is to not get stale, to mix it up and… start, restart and shed your skin.” 9:12 - “I (as a designer) have opinions about what I think should happen next, through lots of visual data points or what I’m seeing in the world. They (retailers and wholesalers) have Excel. They have proof that this unit sold x units in x months.” 12:21 - “At Pottery Barn Gary Friedman would always talk about when he was at The Gap, the designers would try to make a Polo shirt that’s a little bit different, but it’s still a Polo shirt. You don’t want it to be so avant garde that this is not a Polo shirt.” 16:37 - “Part of your creative process is being an alchemist and borrowing and stealing from everybody… the true path is selectively pairing and blending different genres, periods of history, crafted in just that way, this alchemy, this melting pot of historical things.” Feel free to reach out to Nick DeSario via email - NdeSario@gmail.com.

Duration:00:25:34

Reigniting a Classic Brand with a Start-up Mindset

5/4/2023
Reigniting the spark of a 48-year-old legacy company, whose founder had passed away some years ago, is a difficult balancing act. Chuck Fraelich, president of tag - a legendary tabletop and seasonal decor brand founded by David Glassberg - in this episode is walking me through both the brand relaunch, and the 4 stages in his career that prepared him for the task at hand: 3:33 - in the engineering phase “It required a lot of adaptive thinking. We had to keep improving. It was curiosity, I was very inquisitive, I was always asking questions.” 16:54 - “There was a transition period, and you come in and you’re trying to reinvent and reinvigorate and refresh enough… but not so much that it becomes unrecognizable. That’s a real balancing act.” 18:56 - “...an older company that’s got this new startup kind of mindset, and what this meant is we didn’t want to lose the past.” 20:24 - “We had a third party facilitator come in and we did Mission, Vision, and Brand statements. That was an enlightening and fun project for our employees and it gave us all again direction, the North Star.” 22:05 - “Nothing drives creative people more crazy than if you give them so much freedom that there is no direction, and no sandbox within which to be super creative.” You can find Chuck on LI, or feel free to email him at C.Fraelich@tagltd.com.

Duration:00:29:42