summary

In this conversation, Will Berry shares his journey from a young athlete to the owner of Berry Insurance Group. He discusses his early life, the transition from education to the insurance industry, and the challenges he faced while building his agency. Will emphasizes the importance of personal networks, team culture, and values in driving business success. He also highlights the significance of lead generation and adapting to market changes as he looks to the future of his agency.

takeaways

• Will Berry's journey began in Batesburg, Leesville; where he played baseball and pursued education.
• He transitioned from a physical education major to business administration, leading to a career in insurance.
• Starting at State Farm, Will learned the ropes of the insurance industry from experienced colleagues.
• His first year in insurance was focused on learning and building trust with clients.
• After five years at State Farm, he ventured into entrepreneurship with Berry Insurance Group.
• Will's experience with partnerships taught him valuable lessons about trust and control in business.
• The first year of Berry Insurance Group was about learning and establishing a client base.
• Hiring his office manager, Debora, allowed Will to focus on sales and growth.
• The team culture at Berry Insurance Group is built on shared values and effective communication.
• Will emphasizes the importance of making clients feel valued and understood.

Visit stoneydigital.com and schedule a free conversation if you're ready to build a marketing machine

In this episode, Virgil Sweat interviews Chelsea Lanigan Williams, the owner of Southern Pines Pet Lodge. They discuss Chelsea's journey of purchasing and running a pet daycare and boarding facility. They cover topics such as the inspiration behind the purchase, the business model, pricing strategies, employee management, and personal finance management. In this conversation, Chelsea Williams discusses the financial aspects of running a business and the importance of outsourcing tasks that are not within your expertise. She emphasizes the value of hiring professionals, such as bookkeepers and accountants, to provide advice on saving taxes and optimizing spending. Chelsea also shares her experience of accidentally becoming an entrepreneur and the importance of embracing failure and continuous improvement. She discusses the growth of her business over the years and her plans for expansion, including building a second facility and increasing capacity for daycare services.

Visit stoneydigital.com and schedule a free conversation if you're ready to build a marketing machine

Tim and Tamayah Goodwin share their journey of building three successful businesses: TNT Martial Arts and Fitness, Cayce's Best After School and Summer Camp, and Dynamite Kids After School and Summer Camp. They started their entrepreneurial journey by rebranding a small karate school into TNT Martial Arts and Fitness. They used guerrilla marketing tactics, such as posting on social media, teaching at daycares, and even dressing up in costumes to attract attention. They reinvested all their resources back into the business and didn't pay themselves for the first two years. In 2018, Tim left his job as a firefighter and they expanded TNT. In 2020, they started Cayce's Best After School due to the impact of COVID-19. Despite the challenges, they believe it was worth it and continue to focus on delivering a high-quality product and maintaining a strong culture. Tim and Tamayah Goodwin share their experiences and insights on managing multiple businesses, the challenges they faced, and the strategies they implemented for growth and success. They emphasize the importance of persistence, realistic expectations, and being coachable. They also discuss the impact of YouTube advertising on their businesses and the value of investing in coaching. The Goodwins provide advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and share where listeners can find their businesses online.

Takeaways

• Starting a business requires sacrifice and a willingness to learn and try new things.
• Building a successful business takes time and dedication, and it's important to have a strong belief in yourself and your abilities.
• Investing in marketing and delivering a high-quality product are key to attracting and retaining customers.
• Challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but with perseverance and a focus on continuous improvement, success is possible. Managing multiple businesses requires sacrifice, time, and adaptability.
• Having realistic expectations and being persistent are key to success.
• Investing in coaching and staying coachable can provide valuable guidance and support.
• YouTube advertising can be an effective marketing strategy for local businesses.
• Continuous learning and staying up-to-date with industry trends are crucial for growth and innovation.
• Building a strong online presence and engaging with customers through various platforms is essential.
• Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: have realistic expectations, be persistent, and seek guidance from experienced coaches.

Visit stoneydigital.com and schedule a free conversation if you're ready to build a marketing machine