Confessions of an Implementer

Preserving Culture And Aligning Your Company With Its Values with Brian Brown

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan.
 
Let’s dive in!
 
In this episode, I sit down with Brian Brown, the President and Partner at Ingredient Food Marketing, to learn more about why he wanted to use EOS at his company and how it has helped. He highlights how EOS helped him clarify his role, strengthen company culture, and integrate core values into every aspect of the business. Brian emphasizes the power of swift, consensus driven action and the importance of arranging people, clients, and decisions with a shared set of values.
 
03:21 The Early Days of Web Development
06:07 From Development to Agency Ownership
09:10 Embracing the Role of Visionary
12:31 The Need for Leadership Structure
15:06 Identifying Personal Strengths
17:40 Strengthening Company Culture with EOS
20:07 Living the Core Values
23:01 Navigating Growth and Transition
25:40 Embracing Core Values in Hiring
28:15 Navigating Client Relationships with Values
31:49 Turning Challenges into Opportunities
34:30 Implementing EOS: Lessons Learned
39:34 Overcoming Implementation Hurdles
42:56 The Right Time to Act
46:28 Understanding Ingredient: A Food Content Marketing Agency
 
Episode Resources
 
Website: https://ingredient.mn
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-brown

Helping Businesses Hit A Home Run with Evan J. Blumenthal

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan.
 
Let’s dive in!
 
In this episode, I sit down with Evan J. Blumenthal, a Certified EOS Implementer, to learn about how growing up in a fifth-generation entrepreneurial family and working at Walmart shaped his passion for business, leadership, and growth. From transforming a family business with EOS to guiding others as an implementer and advisor, he breaks down lessons on communication, sales, and the balance between ownership and functional roles in building sustainable businesses.
 
00:27 Growing Up Entrepreneurial
02:09 Walmart Experience: A Learning Ground
05:34 Transitioning to the Family Business
09:06 Implementing EOS for Clarity and Growth
12:11 Navigating Family Business Dynamics
19:02 Courage to Embrace Change
27:56 Balancing Roles in Family Business
30:02 Wearing Different Hats in Leadership
33:00 Setting Up for Success: The Owner’s Role
36:00 The Communication Bridge: Owners and Management
44:00 Influence Beyond the Boardroom
46:00 Navigating Tactical Decisions with Boards
51:00 The Power of Genuine Connection in Sales
54:00 Swinging the Bat: Taking Action in Business
 
Episode Resources
 
Website: https://www.eosworldwide.com/evan-j-blumenthal
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanblumenthal

Hiring, Firing, and Better Leadership: Keys To A Successful Business with James Wisdom

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan.
 
Let’s dive in!
 
In this episode, I sit down with James Wisdom, an experienced EOS Implementor, who shares about his experience with managing over large teams, hiring the right person, and how to fire someone that does not align with the company. Through breaking down his three strike rule, clarity breaks, being disciplined during the hiring process, and setting achievable goals for yourself and your business, James shows leaders what they need to do to build the high performing team that you need.
 
00:27 Right Person, Right Seat
01:51 The Three Strikes Framework
04:07 A Toxic Team Member
06:49 The Freedom to Leave
08:20 The Reality of Performance Changes
11:24 Documentation and Clarity
14:05 Addressing Issues Promptly
19:10 The Fear of Confrontation
23:26 The Art of Hiring
27:01 The Evolution of Hiring Practices
28:20 The Pressure of Hiring
29:49 Navigating the Resume Flood
31:07 The Power of Proactive Recruiting
32:48 A Journey Through Digital Marketing
37:43 Implementing EOS for Business Success
41:21 The Importance of Rocks in Business
46:14 Learning from Missed Goals
55:30 Finding the Right Fit for EOS Implementation
 
Episode Resources
 
Website: https://www.eosworldwide.com/james-wisdom
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameswisdom

Struggles That Build Success: From Wandering To Winning with Adam Pontrelli

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan.
 
Let’s dive in!
 
In this episode, I sit down with Adam Pontrelli, a Professional EOS Implementor, to follow his journey from having uncertainty early in his life to leading a business and becoming an EOS Implementor. As a 4th generation entrepreneur, Adam highlights the value of exploring diverse paths, building resilience through challenges, and embracing knowledge from mentors and systems like EOS to grow both personally and professionally. Learn how shifting from self focus to serving others leads to lasting success.
 
00:43 Finding the Entrepreneurial Path
03:37 The Post-College Journey
07:45 Lessons from Exploration
10:05 The Search for Direction
12:36 The Birth of AP World Marketing
18:02 Navigating Challenges and Growth
22:14 The Power of Community
25:30 Implementing EOS
29:00 The Drive to Help Others
30:12 Lessons from Past Ventures
31:14 Becoming an EOS Implementer
32:39 Common Challenges in Implementation
34:40 Finding the Right Fit
36:01 Virtual vs. In-Person Sessions
38:00 Facilitation Techniques for Success
40:04 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
41:31 Connecting with Adam
42:35 Closing Thoughts and Reflections
 
Episode Resources
 
Website: https://www.eosworldwide.com/adam-pontrelli
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adampontrelli/

People Over Profits: Building A Team That’s Meant to Thrive with Mike Abercrombie

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan.
 
Let’s dive in!
 
In this episode, I sit down with Mike Abercrombie, a certified EOS Implementor and Community Leader, to explore how having a people first mindset can completely transform a businesses culture. Mike pulls from his personal experience, as a co-founder and CEO of a multi million dollar company, of all the actions he did wrong before finding EOS, and how finding it has changed everything for him. He also shares about the impact peer groups have had on him, why they’re so important, and why prioritizing personal well being is essential for your businesses success.
 
03:17 The Aha Moment
07:40 Learning from Experience
10:20 The Role of Passion in Business
15:20 Founder-Led vs. Private Equity
19:00 The Importance of a Vision
23:30 Navigating Change in Leadership Roles
29:31 Finding Your Sea Legs
31:21 Lessons from the Pandemic
34:03 The Illusion of Diversification
36:30 The Power of Peer Groups
41:10 Building Functional Peer Networks
45:01 Transitioning from Doing EOS to Running on EOS
51:44 Finding the Right Clients
 
Episode Resources
 
Website: https://www.eosworldwide.com/mike-abercrombie
Email: mabercrombie@eosworldwide.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-abercrombie/

What Tech Knows About Business Success with Anne Schoolcraft

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you an inside look at the systems’ successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. Let’s dive in!In this episode, I sit down with Anne Schoolcraft, a Certified EOS Implementer with a background in software engineering and business integration. Anne shares her journey from working in medical device software to stepping into the integrator role for her husband’s IT managed services company. Her story is one of evolution, from fixing code to fixing businesses, and ultimately, helping companies scale with EOS.We explore:The Transition from Tech to Business – How Anne’s engineering mindset shaped her approach to business operations and leadership.Turning Around a Family Business – The pivotal moment that led to implementing EOS and seeking external expertise to save the company.The Challenges of Dual Roles – Navigating the complexities of being both a spouse and an integrator, and the hard decision to step away.Leadership vs. Management – The key traits that separate great managers from true leaders, emphasizing transparency and genuine care for people.The Visionary-Integrator Relationship – Why success hinges on both roles being filled and aligned.Common EOS Challenges – The biggest hurdles companies face in the early stages of implementation, from commitment issues to maintaining focus.What Makes a Great Client? – The two non-negotiables Anne looks for: a growth mindset and a deep care for their people.Anne’s insights offer a candid look into the realities of EOS adoption, the importance of clear leadership structures, and why some businesses thrive while others struggle.If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Instructions on how to do this are here.This episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Winning Formula: Purpose, People, Process with Mark Xavier

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor, where we dive into the stories of implementers and business leaders who’ve shaped successful organizations using the EOS system. I’m your host, Ryan, and in this episode, I sit down with Mark, a Professional Implementer and former professional blackjack player, who shares his fascinating journey from the world of high-stakes gambling to building purpose-driven businesses.We explore:From Blackjack to Business: Mark shares how his background in professional blackjack shaped his approach to systems thinking and leadership.Purpose-Driven Leadership: Mark discusses how aligning business values with operations is key to preventing burnout and building a lasting impact.Building Trust and Culture: Drawing from his experience managing blackjack teams, Mark emphasizes the importance of trust, culture, and people in business success.Navigating Burnout: Mark offers insights into why entrepreneurs struggle when disconnected from their core mission and how to reconnect with your purpose.Long-Term Success: Mark reveals the importance of optimizing for value, not just profits, and how sustainable growth comes from prioritizing people and relationships.This episode offers a unique perspective on how entrepreneurs can use purpose, process, and people to build businesses that not only succeed but thrive. Tune in to hear Mark’s story and gain valuable insights for your own entrepreneurial journey.If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Instructions on how to do this are here.This episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

How to Build a Business That Frees You with Renee Russo

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you an inside look at the systems’ successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. Let’s dive in!In this episode, I sit down with Renee Russo, an Expert EOS Implementer, founder of Rise Up Business Coaching, and author of Ready to Rise. Renee takes us through her inspiring journey of helping entrepreneurs unlock both business value and personal freedom.We explore:The Toothpaste Analogy: Renee shares how the realization that time is finite can change how entrepreneurs approach both their business and life.Energy Management: The crucial skill of aligning your energy with personal values and purpose, and why it’s key to sustainable success.The Daily Choice of Freedom: Renee discusses her journey from feeling trapped in her business to realizing that freedom is a daily choice, not a destination.The Five Pillars of Freedom: Purpose, people, growth, health, and wealth—and how entrepreneurs can integrate these pillars into their personal and business lives for greater balance.Self-Reflection: The importance of weekly planning and daily focus time to stay aligned with personal and professional goals.Trusted Owner Advisor: How trusted advisors can help business owners create transferable value and achieve personal freedom.Building Exit Strategies: Renee explains how entrepreneurs can build systems that allow for choice and control, and avoid feeling trapped in their businesses.This conversation is full of actionable insights for entrepreneurs seeking to break free from the limitations they’ve placed on themselves. Tune in to hear Renee’s powerful story and learn how you can start living the freedom you’ve been chasing.If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Instructions on how to do this are here.This episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Trust and Delegation in Business Growth with Darin Williamson

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan.Let’s dive in!In this episode, I sit down with Darin Williamson, a dedicated Professional EOS Implementer with a rich background in entrepreneurship. Darin takes us through his journey from his family's logging and auto repair businesses to his current role as an EOS Implementer.We explore:Darin's early entrepreneurial journey and how those formative experiences shaped his understanding of leadership and the importance of work-life balance.The critical need to protect personal time as an entrepreneur, with insights from Darin’s own struggles balancing work and family life.How the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) transformed Darin’s business operations, allowing him to focus on growth rather than getting bogged down in daily tasks.The challenges visionaries face when it comes to delegating and letting go of control, stressing the importance of trust and accountability in business success.The significance of building community among EOS implementers, and how Darin found support from fellow implementers in his new area.The role boredom plays in entrepreneurship, and how Darin used it as fuel for new ventures, including his wife’s successful apparel business and his own ventures in real estate development.How his experiences led him to become an EOS Implementer, helping others grow their businesses with EOS principles.This episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, leadership, and the practical application of EOS to transform businesses. Tune in to hear Darin’s inspiring story and learn how you can apply these lessons to your own entrepreneurial journey!If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Instructions on how to do this are here.This episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

From Founder-Led to Mission-Driven: Transforming Organizations with Rob Drynan

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. Let’s dive in!In this episode, I sit down with Rob Drynan, a Certified Implementer, to explore the power of core values in hiring, the role of board governance, and strategies for organizational growth. Rob shares his journey leading nonprofits and implementing the EOS framework to drive success. From overcoming founder-led challenges to fostering mission-driven cultures, this insightful conversation offers practical advice for leaders aiming to elevate their organizations to the next level.Rob Drynan is a seasoned business leader and a Certified EOS implementer with over 30 years of experience in business ownership and leadership. Having founded and led multiple companies, Rob specializes in helping small and medium-sized business owners overcome growing pains and achieve clarity, accountability, and alignment. A mission-driven leader, he has also held nonprofit leadership roles, including Executive Director of the Blue Jays Foundation (Jays Care). Rob is passionate about fostering purpose-driven organizations, empowering teams to row in the same direction, and enabling leaders to focus on the bigger picture while building stronger, more successful businesses.Episode ResourcesRob Drynan on LinkedInRob Drynan on EOS WorldwideApex Catalyst Group Website Ryan Hogan on LinkedInTalent Harbor WebsiteThis episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so