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In this episode of Retained Trust, host Karl Hughes sits down with Kurt Schnakenberg, co-founder of Chicago Brass and ADBM, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey and the innovative approaches he’s using to redefine his industries. From building a niche architectural consulting firm to launching ADBM—a pioneering agency offering ethical offshore staffing solutions—Kurt shares insights into scaling businesses, creating value through specialization, and maintaining authenticity in leadership. He emphasizes the importance of empathy in global workforces and discusses how to navigate challenges like onboarding, customer resistance, and balancing multiple ventures. Tune in for actionable strategies, hard-won lessons, and a candid look at the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.
Key Points From This Episode:
[00:00:00] Karl introduces Kurt Schnakenberg and starts with a light-hearted conversation about hats and personal presentation.
[00:02:45] Kurt discusses his role at Chicago Brass and how appearance has influenced his interactions in the industry.
[00:05:12] Kurt describes the founding of Chicago Brass and its focus on high-end architectural hardware.
[00:06:58] Challenges in the building materials industry spark the creation of ADBM to address inefficiencies.
[00:08:42] Kurt explains the pivot to staffing and the importance of simplicity in the business model.
[00:10:33] Indicators of product-market fit: strong early demand and straightforward sales conversations.
[00:13:17] Ethical offshoring: maintaining fair wages, treating offshore staff with respect, and building long-term relationships.
[00:17:05] Navigating challenges in onboarding remote staff and addressing resistance within client companies.
[00:18:55] Tapping Kurt's network for initial growth and scaling the new business.
[00:24:05] Balancing time and emotional energy between Chicago Brass and ADBM.
[00:30:02] The advantages of niche focus and how it strengthens credibility and client trust.
[00:36:15] Managing the emotional highs and lows of entrepreneurship through metrics and reflection.
[00:40:15] Structured decision-making through assigning roles like optimist, pessimist, and pragmatist.
[00:43:50] Book recommendations for entrepreneurs: Rework by Jason Fried and Boutique by Greg Alexander.
[00:46:15] Kurt shares his one-year goals for ADBM: reaching 150 placements and delegating the sales role.
Links:
Kurt Schnakenberg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtschnakenberg/ ADBM: https://adbm.agency/ Karl Hughes on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karllhughes Production and editing by The Podcast Consultant: https://thepodcastconsultant.com
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In this episode of Retained Trust, host Karl Hughes invites his business partner and close friend, Manuel Weiss, to share their dynamic journey of entrepreneurship, partnership, and building lasting businesses. From Manuel’s early days in Vienna founding a tech startup to Karl’s evolution from software engineer to content marketing entrepreneur, the duo discusses their shared experiences, lessons learned, and the foundational trust they’ve built along the way. They reveal the intricacies of starting and scaling businesses like Draft.dev and The Podcast Consultant, emphasizing the importance of transparency, strategy, and leveraging strengths in a partnership. Tune in to explore their vision for building a portfolio of niche service businesses and hear candid insights on navigating work-life balance, acquisitions, and team building.
Key Points From This Episode:[00:00:00] Manuel shares his entrepreneurial background and early career in Austria.
[00:02:14] Karl introduces his career trajectory and the foundation of Draft.dev.
[00:07:03] How Karl and Manuel reconnected and the origins of their partnership.
[00:10:50] Initial experiments, including an online course, and the shift to buying businesses.
[00:16:30] The decision to focus on podcast production as a scalable niche service.
[00:20:15] Challenges and insights from the acquisition of The Podcast Consultant.
[00:27:45] Manuel and Carl discuss the importance of building strong team culture.
[00:35:20] Raising prices and refining client portfolios to optimize revenue and margins.
[00:41:12] The value of documentation, systems, and async work in a remote partnership.
[00:45:48] Balancing entrepreneurial ambitions with the realities of family life.
[00:52:30] Their long-term vision for a portfolio of sustainable niche businesses.
Links:Manuel Weiss on LinkedIn: https://at.linkedin.com/in/manuelweissKarl Hughes on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karllhughesProduction and editing by The Podcast Consultant: https://thepodcastconsultant.com
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In this episode of Retained Trust, host Karl Hughes is joined by Jared Gibson, co-founder of Outworks, a marketing agency helping founders and executives build influence on LinkedIn. Jared shares his transition from a traditional sales role to entrepreneurship and discusses the journey of launching Outworks, from initial networking strategies to developing scalable, targeted content. They explore Jared’s approach to personal branding, tactics for leveraging LinkedIn’s algorithms, and the importance of building a consistent presence. Jared also dives into the role of partnerships and the mental resilience required for early-stage founders, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the Outworks strategy and growth model. Whether you're a founder looking to grow your LinkedIn audience or curious about agency life, this episode offers key insights on navigating the modern digital landscape.
Key Points From This Episode:
[00:01:03] Jared’s video strategy for LinkedIn: creating short-form, conversational content.
[00:06:10] Insights on LinkedIn’s algorithm and how engagement drives reach.
[00:07:11] The mission of Outworks: helping founders build networks and consistent content on LinkedIn.
[00:12:19] Jared’s journey from VP of Sales to marketing strategist and entrepreneur.
[00:16:17] The role of adaptability and learning in starting Outworks.
[00:19:26] How partners influence Jared’s approach to business and Outworks’ service expansion.
[00:22:11] The importance of maintaining a consistent pipeline for growth.
[00:24:27] Diversifying lead generation through referrals and partner networks.
[00:31:13] Outworks’ client strategy: creating LinkedIn content through interviews and ghostwriting.
[00:34:09] Building repeatable systems for LinkedIn optimization and content management.
[00:40:35] Reflections on the mental resilience needed for entrepreneurship.
[00:42:08] Benefits and challenges of having business partners in a startup.
[00:49:34] Book recommendations and resources for founders focused on growth and resilience.
Links:
Jared Gibson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredoutworks/Outworks: https://outworks.io/Karl Hughes on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karllhughesProduction and editing by The Podcast Consultant: https://thepodcastconsultant.com
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In this episode of Retained Trust, host Karl Hughes sits down with Shannon Beasley, founder of Acorn to Oak Strategies, to discuss her path from a biomedical engineering student to a local SEO agency owner. Shannon shares how her experiences in project management and sales eventually led her to build a business that focuses on empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Together, they delve into the nuances of local SEO, client acquisition, and the importance of personal growth as an entrepreneur. With insights into managing client expectations, balancing family life, and setting impactful goals, Shannon’s journey offers inspiration for anyone considering their entrepreneurial leap. Join the conversation to learn actionable strategies for digital growth and the mindset shifts that fuel long-term success.
Key Points From This Episode:
[00:02:01] Shannon explains the meaning behind “Acorn to Oak” and her company’s mission.
[00:03:45] Diving into local SEO and its importance for small businesses.
[00:04:55] Challenges and educational aspects of working with local clients.
[00:06:23] Balancing technical knowledge and client expectations in digital marketing.
[00:07:30] Shannon’s unexpected path from engineering to local SEO.
[00:08:55] Gaining experience in marketing through an early role at a global retailer.
[00:12:05] Shannon’s transition from corporate project management to starting her own business.
[00:15:22] Key strategies Shannon used to acquire her first clients, including networking.
[00:17:00] Testing cold-calling approaches and client-specific outreach techniques.
[00:20:01] The role of business networking groups like BNI in early client acquisition.
[00:22:07] Karl and Shannon discuss SEO as a long-term strategy for agency growth.
[00:23:00] Setting and checking quarterly goals for business progress.
[00:24:55] Managing time and prioritizing tasks to balance client work and business growth.
[00:27:10] Navigating challenges with partnerships and maintaining high standards.
[00:30:55] Client relationships and challenges of scaling service delivery.
[00:33:05] Hiring specialists and setting up a supportive team structure.
[00:35:40] Shannon's approach to finding talent and balancing cost and quality.
[00:38:47] Potential and challenges in hiring sales and delivery roles overseas.
[00:41:15] Reflections on entrepreneurship, family, and balancing roles.
[00:43:45] The mindset shift from employee to business owner.
[00:46:16] The importance of continuous learning and seeking mentors.
[00:47:54] Karl and Shannon discuss influential books and ongoing learning as entrepreneurs.
[00:51:15] Shannon’s one-year vision for Acorn to Oak, focusing on growth and client relationships.
Links:
Shannon Beasley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonpbeasley/Acorn to Oak: https://www.acorntooakstrategies.com/Karl Hughes on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karllhughesProduction and editing by The Podcast Consultant: https://thepodcastconsultant.com
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In this episode of Retained Trust, host Karl Hughes sits down with Sunny Shah, founder of SunnyCreators, a digital marketing and personal branding agency. At just 28, Sunny has built his name in Chicago’s entrepreneurship and creator space through authentic community-building efforts like his Chicago Dinner Club. The conversation explores Sunny’s path from academia and entrepreneurship education to leading a personal branding agency, highlighting his passion for social media, psychology, and marketing. Sunny shares practical insights on scaling personal brands on LinkedIn, the power of organic networking, and the challenges and joys of entrepreneurship. Listen in as they delve into the emotional side of building a business, scaling efforts, and finding a balance between passion and profitability.
Key Points From This Episode:
[00:00:57] Introduction of Sunny Shah and SunnyCreators
[00:02:04] Sunny’s early attraction to entrepreneurship and community building
[00:03:52] Journey into starting a digital marketing agency and building SunnyCreators
[00:04:58] Sunny’s approach to social media marketing, short-form videos, and personal branding
[00:08:00] Building community through Chicago Dinner Club and networking
[00:09:56] Transition from teaching entrepreneurship to starting an agency
[00:12:04] Lessons from landing clients and developing personal branding strategies
[00:22:58] Viral success on TikTok and Instagram and what it takes to replicate it
[00:36:01] Why personal branding on LinkedIn is key for business leaders
[00:42:00] Sunny’s leap into Full-time Entrepreneurship and handling uncertainty
Links:
Sunny Shah on LinkenIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunnyshahflow Sunny Creators: https://sunnyteams.com/Karl Hughes on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karllhughesProduction and editing by The Podcast Consultant: https://thepodcastconsultant.com
