Ep. 236: Pain Points & Price Points – Winning The Objection Game Before It Starts Out Of The Hourglass podcast

49:09

Join us as we sit down with Mike Freeman, Co-Founder of Mike's Quality Painting and One Day Concrete Coatings, and newest Associate Coach with Nolan Consulting Group. From starting a lawn mowing business with his brother at age 11 to building multiple successful ventures in Albuquerque, Mike shares his journey of creating opportunity-driven businesses that operate without constant owner involvement. He discusses how he successfully transitioned day-to-day operations while focusing on real estate investments and coaching, demonstrating the importance of strategic partnerships and complementary risk tolerances. Mike's story shows how prioritizing relationships, embracing calculated risk, and building the right systems can help trades business owners truly get "out of the hourglass.”…

Out of the Hourglass

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Ep. 237: The Dual Impact – Safety Focus as a People Strategy and Business Advantage 47:28

11 days ago47:28

47:28

Implementing robust safety practices creates a powerful dual advantage—protecting your most valuable asset, your people, while simultaneously driving business growth and opportunity. Paul Cook and Darren Lottes of Painters USA and pioneers of Safety within the Summit group, share field-tested insights on transforming safety from a compliance burden into a strategic cornerstone that builds team trust, reduces costs, and creates competitive differentiation. This is about creating an environment where protection and production reinforce rather than compete with each other. Summit Members interested in Safety Certification, please contact Jen Ware, Jen@nolancg.com To learn more about Safety Reports by Align Ops : Click Here Special Pricing Offer for Summit Members & Out of the Hourglass Listeners: 25% off User Fees for their 1st year of Safety Reports. OR Visit Link https://www.safety-reports.com/?utm_source=NCG_Pod&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=website…

Out of the Hourglass

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Ep. 236: Pain Points & Price Points – Winning the Objection Game Before It Starts 51:01

18 days ago51:01

51:01

In this episode, Colin Nolan shares the importance of transforming objections into opportunities by mastering the art of uncovering customer pain. Discover why the most successful objection handling happens during discovery, not at the end of the sales process, and learn practical techniques to leverage emotional buying motives when facing resistance. If you're struggling with closing deals, this conversation reveals why the solution lies in how you open them.…

Out of the Hourglass

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Ep. 235: The Hourglass Scorecard – A Tool for Business Assessment and Growth 26:25

25 days ago26:25

26:25

Brian Nolan, Co-founder and President of Nolan Consulting Group, and Business Coach Sydney Bates discuss the rollout of the NEW Hourglass Scorecard, a dynamic assessment tool for trades businesses focused on building value and growth. They explain how this updated version of the Business Systems Checklist helps identify a company's current status and future goals, helps align expectations and develop customized strategies for companies at different revenue stages. It sets the stage for REAL implementation opportunities. Actually provides weight to the systems you’re looking to implement and the value of those opportunities To access the Hourglass Scorecard Resources, connect with Molly@nolancg.com !…

Out of the Hourglass

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Ep. 234: What Small Business Owners Should Know When Choosing a Financial Advisor 44:35

5 weeks ago44:35

44:35

Ever wonder how to find a financial advisor who really 'gets' your business? Join us as we chat with Michael Pallozzi of HFM Investment Advisors about navigating the financial advisory landscape as a small business owner. Michael shares his practical wisdom on why the right advisor should understand both your business and personal goals, how to spot red flags when interviewing potential advisors, and why having your wealth management and business planning under one roof creates powerful opportunities. To learn more about HFM Investment Advisors, check out https://hfmadvisors.com/…

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Ep. 233: The Rise of AI Search & Digital Marketing for Home Service Businesses 48:22

6 weeks ago48:22

48:22

Sarah Adkins, owner of Big Shark Marketing , discusses the evolution of digital marketing strategies, emphasizing the importance of adapting to AI-powered search and creating high-quality, authoritative content. She highlights the challenges businesses face in keeping up with marketing trends and offers advice on optimizing websites, utilizing AI tools, and implementing niche marketing approaches To learn more or connect with Sarah Adkins , check out https://bigsharkmarketing.com/…

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Ep. 232: Planning for the Unplanned – Every Business Owner Needs a Crisis Plan 17:25

7 weeks ago17:25

17:25

Crisis planning should be non-negotiable for every business owner, regardless of age or company size. On today’s episode with Brian Nolan we discuss why having a comprehensive crisis plan isn't just about preparing for worst-case scenarios, but a strategic tool that protects your business, provides peace of mind, and ensures your team (and family) can confidently navigate unexpected challenges in your absence.…

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Re-Release Episode #196: Unlocking the World of Crucial Conversations – High Stakes, Disagreeing Opinions and High Emotions 41:47

8 weeks ago41:47

41:47

Whether it be a tough conversation you need to have with an employee or need to de-escalate an issue or job gone awry with a customer, we are unlocking the tools to better prepare ourselves for the dynamic of crucial conversations. With a passion for this topic, NCG Sr. Business Coach Colin is here to share key points from “ Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking when the Stakes are High ” with practical application to the relationships and conflicts we often encounter.…

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Ep. 231: Budget B Agility – Preparing Your Business for Whatever Comes Next 36:12

9 weeks ago36:12

36:12

Discover the importance of Plan B Budgeting with Kathryn Freeman, Senior Business Coach and Director of Operations, as we transition from Q1 to Q2. Learn why financial contingency planning is essential in today's market conditions and how having alternative budget scenarios ready can help business owners navigate uncertainty with confidence and be better leaders.…

Out of the Hourglass

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Re-Release #179: Job Site Leadership – Their System vs. Our System and the 3-Legged Stool 24:09

10 weeks ago24:09

24:09

For many businesses who experience the swing of seasonality, the wheels of the busy season are quickly starting to roll and it’s a great time to ensure your production team is prepared to lead effectively. We released an episode focusing on Job Site Leadership as a workshop preview back in December 2023 for one of our upcoming programs at the time. As we think about getting our field teams in the headspace to manage jobs, customers and employees- it is the perfect time for a re-release! Today we are revisiting that valuable conversation about Job Site Leadership with Colin Nolan, Sr. Business Coach. We delve into the core elements of effective job site leadership, explore who benefits most from understanding these concepts and why getting this role right is crucial for project success.…

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Ep. 230: From Trades to Real Estate — How Dan Brady Built a Second Seven-Figure Business in the Short Term Rental Space 1:13:28

11 weeks ago1:13:28

1:13:28

In this episode, we sit down with Dan Brady, owner of Dan Brady Painting and Adventure North Vacation Rentals, to explore his journey from CEO of Painting business to real estate investor. Dan shares how he built a thriving short-term rental business generating seven figures in annual revenue while maintaining his successful painting company in Northern Michigan. Discover the strategies, challenges, and creative solutions Dan employed when expanding into real estate, including his approach to property selection, renovation, and management. Whether you're considering diversifying your business or curious about the vacation rental market, Dan's practical insights and experience offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs looking to grow their portfolios.…

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Ep. 229: A Journey to CEO & Intentionality – How Eric Tilghman Transformed His Leadership & Mindset Approach 55:12

12 weeks ago55:12

55:12

This impactful conversation with Eric Tilghman, CEO of Tilghman Builders, walks us through his transformative journey over the last 10 years of becoming more intentional, goal-driven and embracing "the ideal day" concept that revolutionized his leadership approach. Eric offers practical insights on how this mindset shift has enhanced both his leadership approach and Tilghman Builders' company culture Whether you're looking to enhance your leadership, improve work-life integration, or build a stronger company culture, Eric's candid experiences offer a blueprint for translating personal philosophy into leadership success.…

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Ep. 228: How I Show Up as a Leader 39:39

13 weeks ago39:39

39:39

Nolan Consulting Group Co-Founder & President, Brian Nolan, explores the multifaceted dimensions of effective leadership - How do YOU show up as a Leader? Brian breaks down how leaders can better understand their personal leadership style through strengths identification, Working Genius assessments, DISC profiles, adapting to team needs and understanding blindspots. Discover practical frameworks to help you recognize blind spots and show up as your best leadership self.…

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Ep. 227: Values-First Leadership – Building a Foundation of Unreasonable Hospitality 29:17

14 weeks ago29:17

29:17

In this episode, our three guests - Brian Nolan, Sydney Bates & Maureen Richard - explore how principles from Will Guidara’s "Unreasonable Hospitality" can transform workplace culture beyond the restaurant industry. They discuss the critical distinction between basic service and genuine hospitality, emphasizing the importance of hiring for cultural fit and values over technical skills alone. The conversation highlights how leadership teams must prioritize caring for employees as the foundation for exceptional customer experiences, with practical insights on developing a unique company "way" that empowers team members to deliver personalized acts of kindness.…

Out of the Hourglass

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Ep. 226: Marketing Blueprint & the Painting Industry – From Digital Presence to ROI with Brandon Pierpont of Painter Marketing Pros 50:59

15 weeks ago50:59

50:59

Brandon Pierpont, Founder & CEO of Painter Marketing Pros and recipient of the PCA’s 2025 Industry Partner of the Year award, reveals game-changing strategies for painting contractors, including the critical role of Google Business Profile and Local Service Ads. Learn valuable tips about building a sustainable marketing blueprint, understanding ROI, and implementing effective digital strategies that can transform your painting business's growth trajectory. Connect with Brandon: Brandon@paintermarketingpros.com Check out the Diagnostic Assessment: https://diagnostic.paintermarketingpros.com/…

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Re-Release #116: What does it mean to get Out of the Hourglass? 39:43

16 weeks ago39:43

39:43

What does it actually mean to get OUT of the hourglass? It’s a phrase we speak to often here at Nolan Consulting Group and a core part of our mission statement. We released an episode on this topic back in July 2022 and its relevancy today remains at the forefront of conversations we continue to have with new clients and existing as they grow their businesses. In this episode re-release, Brian Nolan, President & Co-Founder of Nolan Consulting Group explains what it means to be stuck in the hourglass, in a variety of scenarios, and how NCG helps owners transition out of the hourglass at different points of their business lifecycle. This intriguing discussion will leave you with renewed motivation and inspiration to pursue your own vision ...or to create one if you haven't yet!…

Out of the Hourglass

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Ep. 225: The Learning Never Stops – A Chat with Business Coach Jim Bradley on His Love of Knowledge 43:42

17 weeks ago43:42

43:42

Jim Bradley, Business Coach at Nolan Consulting Group opens up about his ongoing love of learning, including what pushed him to go after his doctorate in business. Molly and Jim share insights about different learning approaches and discuss how to effectively balance theoretical knowledge with practical application - we know both are critical for success. They round out the conversation by offering valuable resources and recommendations for those looking to embrace continuous learning in their own lives.…

Out of the Hourglass

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Ep. 224: Shifting Your Financial Perspective — From Accounting to Strategic Management 31:36

18 weeks ago31:36

31:36

Join us as we dive deep into the crucial distinction between Accounting and strategic financial management with Senior Business Coach, Kathryn Freeman. Discover why looking at your business finances purely through an accounting lens might be holding you back, and learn how to adopt a more strategic approach that goes beyond tax compliance and historical transactions. We explore real-world examples of how this shift in perspective can transform your decision-making, from equipment purchases to cash flow management, helping you build a more financially sustainable business for the long term.…

Out of the Hourglass

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Ep. 223: Catching up with DASH Content Collective – The Ins and Outs of Social Media Marketing in 2025 55:29

20 weeks ago55:29

55:29

In this episode we dive into the Ins and Outs of Social Media Marketing for Small Business in 2025 with Shannon Hinderberger & Darlene Veenhuizen, the co-founders of Dash Content Collective. From highlighting challenges they see in the content creator space, to the increasing need to create authentic video content and how to capture audience attention, we focus on the importance of strategy and adapting to the ever-changing social media landscape. To learn more on this topic, check out their upcoming workshop “ Think Like a Content Creator” Date: January 28, 2 PM PST (will be LIVE for Q&A and recording sent out) Cost: $17 with tons of actionable tips for making short-form social media video. CODE for 50% off: CREATOR Sign up Here : https://dashcontentco.com/think-like-a-content-creator-class/…

Out of the Hourglass

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Ep. 222: Highlights from the Experience Mindset, a Book by Tiffani Bova – Where EX & CX are Intricately Intertwined 41:42

22 weeks ago41:42

41:42

We are kicking off 2025 and the first podcast of the year with a focus on The Experience Mindset, Changing The Way You Think About Growth, a book by Tiffani Bova. This is a read that several of us here at Nolan Consulting Group really enjoyed, it was part of an internal Book Club and we thought it was worthwhile to bring to the podcast table as an entry point for 2025. The book examines how Customer Experience (CX) and Employee Experience (EX) are intricately intertwined and interdependent - and it’s those companies that recognize this and work to find success in both areas that see true growth and success. From stories of Chipotle and the Ritz Carlton to sticking data points from organizational research , it hits home the importance of how we approach and implement new strategies and process in the year to come.…

Out of the Hourglass

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Ep. 221: The Sellers Peer Group – Maximizing Business Value in a Changing Market 41:48

25 weeks ago41:48

41:48

In this episode of Out of the Hourglass, Brian Nolan, Jim Bradley, and Molly Nolan delve into the trades industry's evolving landscape, and the influence of private equity on small business transitions. They announce the February launch of the Sellers & Acquisition Peer Group, designed to support business owners navigating valuation, sale preparation, and post-sale planning. The conversation explores the emotional and strategic aspects of exiting a business, the growing appeal of the trades, and the importance of building a network of advisors to maximize business value.…

Out of the Hourglass

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Ep. 220: AI Meets Small Business: Productivity, Culture, and Innovation - A conversation with Ross Hartmann of Kiingo AI 56:45

26 weeks ago56:45

56:45

In this episode of Out of the Hourglass , Molly sits down with Ross Hartmann, founder of Kiingo AI, to explore the transformative potential of AI and generative AI for small businesses. They discuss practical applications of tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, emphasizing strategies to integrate AI into company culture, optimize efficiency, and maintain brand authenticity in AI-generated content. With insights into AI's capabilities, limitations, and the importance of hands-on training, Ross offers a roadmap for leveraging AI to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and elevate both customer and employee experiences. This conversation sets the stage for the exciting future of AI in business.…

Out of the Hourglass

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Ep. 219: Safety First – Navigating an OSHA Audit and Building a Culture of Safety at Webfoot Home Improvements 51:43

27 weeks ago51:43

51:43

Our conversation this week features Travis Ulrich, the CEO and co-founder of Webfoot Home Improvements based in Bend, OR. A few weeks ago, Travis shared with his Mastermind Group that Webfoot experienced a random, very extensive and unexpected OSHA Audit. Today - we’re hearing about the experience straight from Travis - how it happened, what went down, what the process was like and we’ll spend some time talking about their safety program. The culture of the Webfoot Way prioritizes safety and they’ve made a point to implement this practice over the last 10 years, through ups, downs and various attempts to get the program right. Travis, his co-founder Gavin Hepp and their leadership team are champions of Safety within the organization and this investment in time and culture paid off with a glowing audit report.…

Out of the Hourglass

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Ep. 218: Breaking Sales Barriers – Mastering Mindset and Unlocking Potential, Highlighting an Upcoming Sales Workshops 46:27

29 weeks ago46:27

46:27

Join Mike Shannon and Molly Nolan as they delve into the transformative power of self-awareness in sales. They explore the role of mindset, emotional control, and belief systems in driving success, with insights from the Objective Management Group's assessments. Hear how overcoming limiting beliefs and setting clear expectations can unlock sales potential, and learn about the upcoming workshop in December, Mastering the Mindset, designed to help sales professionals improve performance and prepare for a successful year ahead.…

Out of the Hourglass

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Ep. 217: The Roadmap Reset – Gearing up your 2025 Planning 31:21

30 weeks ago31:21

31:21

Join us as we dive into the planning season with Molly Nolan and Jay Rogers. We’re speaking to what we’re seeing and how we’re involved with our clients; from budgeting tools, conversations and planning site visits, the essentials of effective business planning. We want to set the tone on the importance of this practice and empower teams through intentional goal-setting. Discover why getting aboard the planning schedule now can make all the difference in navigating growth, clarity, and team alignment for a successful year ahead!…

Out of the Hourglass

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Ep. 216: Inside the Coaching Room: Sales Leadership Strategies with Mark Repkin, Josh Cornell & Mike Green 1:03:35

32 weeks ago1:03:35

1:03:35

Step into the Coaching Room with Sales Coach Mark Repkin and two high performing Sales Leaders, Mike Green from Fitzpatrick Painting & Josh Cornell from Kennedy Painting, as they share real-world insights on effective selling strategies. In this episode, we explore the importance of preparation, engagement, value of quantifying competency, utilizing coaching sessions, and creating tailored one-on-one coaching experiences. Whether you're a seasoned leader or new to sales management, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on elevating your approach. You’ll get to hear, in real time, the challenges that Mike & Josh are currently working through and Mark’s feedback and recommendations, a collaborative approach to mastering their sales tactics.…

Out of the Hourglass

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Ep. 215: – An Acquisition Story Connecting with the Co-Owners at Central Oregon Garage Door 38:54

33 weeks ago38:54

38:54

Kim Merryman, Vice President of Central Oregon Garage Door and Kyle Fetzer, President, discuss their journey to becoming co-owners of Central Oregon Garage Door in April 2024. Highlighting the importance of trust, values alignment, and trusted advisors through this venture, Kim and Kyle share the timeline of closing the deal, the challenges and risks weighed and their future plans for the business. Their acquisition story is one of a roller coaster - ups and downs and unknowns along the way, it was their team of people and the culture of the organization that kept bringing them back every time.…

Out of the Hourglass

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Ep. 214: Organic Authenticity & Building Relationships with Jaclyn Rogers, Client Relations Manager at Ai Painting Plus 58:51

34 weeks ago58:51

58:51

We’re thrilled to welcome Jaclyn Rogers, Client Relations Manager at Ai Painting Plus in Columbia,MO , to today’s episode for a conversation focusing on her transition from retail management to the painting industry and her emphasis on providing an exceptional client experience. Known for her organic authenticity, Jacyln thrives off intentional, genuine connections within the relationships she makes and continues to foster. This has catapulted her business development success, in the most natural way and I wanted to know how she does it all! From balancing multiple networking groups and commitments, to generating leads for the business and making time for her family, she shows up each day with an adaptable attitude and a hope to make a positive impact with whomever she comes in contact.…

Out of the Hourglass

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Ep. 213: Retirement & Exiting Well – The Final Chapter with Kevin Nolan 54:01

35 weeks ago54:01

54:01

We are welcoming back Kevin Nolan, Former CEO of Nolan Painting & Co- Founder of Nolan Consulting Group to discuss a pretty momentous point in his life - On September 21st, Kevin celebrated his 65th birthday AND his official retirement from Nolan Painting. As he said in his speech and in today’s episode, it is time to pass the baton onto the next generation. This has been a well thought out, intentional exit from the business, something Kevin put in action 10+ years ago. He talks all about it Chapter 14 of his book Organizational Muscle, Exiting Well and I was curious to learn of his mindset now that this official date has passed and what he’s looking forward to in this next adventure of life. He doesn’t plan to be “too busy,” but he sure plans to have fun and live in the now.…

Out of the Hourglass

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Ep. 212: The Art of Sales Coaching, A Conversation with Jeff Cramer 48:18

36 weeks ago48:18