growthfirepodcast

Matthew Connor, Founder and CEO of CyberLynx, began his programming career at 12 while working as a coder for his father’s company. His passion led him to develop his own company, which focuses on offering premium IT services — specializing in protecting growing businesses from ransomware.

CyberLynx, previously known as Your IT Department, continues to provide cybersecurity and professional IT and support services for expanding companies. Matthew is on a mission to assist business leaders in increasing their profitability using cutting-edge technology. He served in the US Army for 17 years as a human intelligence officer and received his bachelor’s in business administration and management from the University of Maryland Global Campus.

In this episode…

Whether you’ve graduated with a formal education or not, some of the most valuable lessons learned have been from peers. Peers can be a great source of learning, offering knowledge and experience through workshops, forums, and events.

Entrepreneur Matthew Connor shares that he didn’t obtain success on his own in his entrepreneurial journey. He found participating in peer groups offers advice, encouragement, and a sense of community — sharing in one another’s failures and successes. Business leaders face many challenges when trying to build a successful company. Learning from your peers is a valuable experience, helping you grow and develop. Additionally, peers are essential in providing feedback from a network of like-minded professionals.

Join Kevin Hourigan in today’s episode of the Growth Fire Podcast as he chats with Matthew Connor about the positive influence of peer groups. Matthew reflects on his background and military experience and discusses why his podcast is the source of his inspiration.

Hugh Campbell is the President of AC4S Technologies, a hybrid cloud company providing technology solutions such as IT network management, data migrations, and hardware and software solutions. Hugh has experience in planning, designing, and implementing large-scale telecommunications networks for commercial and government sectors. Prior to starting AC4S, he held executive leadership roles at Intermedia Communications and Accelacom. Hugh is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and spent 10 years on active duty as a Communications Officer in the US Army.

In this episode…

Most of us have heard the term “natural born leader,” but leadership is usually a learned skill we adopt from watching others. In addition to parents, elders, teachers, and managers have a profound impact on our lives. For business leader Hugh Campbell, he attributes his successful career path to his parents, a former teacher, and the military.

Not only did the military teach Hugh discipline, but it also taught him the difference between poor and effective leadership. Positive or effective leaders know how to inspire and foster purpose, while weak leadership fails to garner results. Once Hugh understood these different leadership methods, he implemented them to lead his company.

In this episode of the Growth Fire Podcast, Kevin Hourigan welcomes Hugh Campbell, President of AC4S Technologies, to discuss the impact of effective leadership. Hugh discusses his tenure at West Point, how he transitioned from the military to entrepreneurship, and the leaders who have influenced him throughout his career.

Dwayne Allen is the Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Unisys, a global technology solutions company devoted to helping its customers reach innovative breakthroughs via intellectual property, patents, and strategic planning. Dwayne has exercised his expertise in digital transformation in various fields including healthcare, financial services, government, manufacturing, and hospitality. Additionally, he is an active member of the George Washington University Leadership Advisory Council, and sits on the Cross Country Healthcare board of directors. Dwayne formerly served on the board of directors for KPIT, an India-based technology and engineering company.

In this episode…

Enrolling in a graduate program is the next step for many students after completing their bachelor’s degree. Some students pursue their master’s degree to stay connected with peers while others continue their education because they’re not ready to enter the workforce. Although many agree it’s the traditional path to take, is pursuing a master’s degree right for you?

If you’re someone contemplating the next step in your life — whether reentering the classroom or switching careers — business leader Dwayne Allen recommends giving your decision deep thought. If you’re not passionate about your plan it’s probably not the right course of action. The key is to be intentional and understand how to apply those plans to your life’s purpose.

In this episode of the Growth Fire Podcast, Kevin Hourigan welcomes Dwayne Allen, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Unisys, to discuss living life with purpose. Dwayne shares how an MBA program changed his life, the challenges of continuing his education while working full-time, the values he’s adopted from previous employers, and the mentors who have impacted his life.

Jamie Harden is the CEO and President of Creative Sign Designs, a company specializing in the production of architectural design solutions by providing consultation, design, project management, fabrication, and installation services. Before his CEO tenure, Jamie held executive leadership roles, including Senior Vice President of Bank of America and Vice President of Nations Bank/NCNB, where he achieved a Six Sigma Green Belt. Jamie is also actively involved in the community through YPO, the CEO Council of Tampa Bay, and the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce.

In this episode…

If you’ve contemplated pivoting to entrepreneurship, acquiring an existing company is one venture to consider. An acquisition involves purchasing and molding a business to suit your business model and values. It’s an innovative, efficient, and cost-effective transaction because it doesn’t involve building from the ground up. Financing is easier, too, when a company has a proven track record, existing customers, and immediate cash flow.

Acquisitions have many benefits, but it’s not exempt from challenges. Jamie Harden,banker-turned-entrepreneur, quickly learned this after acquiring an architectural design firm. The company lacked service and product options and had limited customer reach, among other challenges. Instead of dwelling on the negative and panicking when profits were low, Jamie learned the art of leverage.

Join Kevin Hourigan for this episode of the Growth Fire Podcast, where he welcomes Jamie Harden, President and CEO of Creative Sign Designs, to discuss his business acquisition experience. Jamie shares criteria to consider before purchasing a business, the risks associated with buying a company, and the challenges to expect as a new business owner.

George Spowart is the Chief Marketing Officer at Red Rover, a moving and storage solutions company more affordable and convenient than traditional options. He directs all marketing and sales activities, including brand strategy, creative development, media planning/buying, website, call center, and public relations. George’s skill for developing strong working relationships has contributed to his experience growing brands through strategy, implementing innovative tactics, and building high-performing marketing teams. Prior to Red Rover, he was the CMO at The Perfect Workout and PODS (Portable on Demand Storage).

In this episode…

Do you feel like you have a good product or service but still struggle to make the desired sales? It's probably because of how you are marketing and branding yourself.

According to George Spowart, good branding and marketing strategies are fundamental for the success of any company. His experience in the marketing field has given him the knowledge to grow brands, implement strategies, and build teams. The marketing tips he shares are beneficial for brands wanting to grow and scale their business.

In this episode of the Growth Fire Podcast, host Kevin Hourigan sits down with George Spowart, Chief Marketing Officer at Red Rover, to discuss marketing tips that will help your business thrive. George shares his career background in marketing, the genesis of Red Rover, marketing strategies for winning new customers, and the key KPIs Red Rover uses to measure the time and money they allocate to brand exposure.

Marc Reifenrath is the Co-founder and CEO of Spinutech, a full-service website design and digital marketing agency dedicated to developing customized and data-driven digital marketing solutions. Marc watched Spinutech grow from a college startup to one of the premier digital marketing agencies in the country, and he understands how culture plays a critical role in a company’s success. Outside of his role as CEO, Marc hosts the Culture Starts With U podcast and is an active member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO).

In this episode…

Company culture could make or break your business. How do you develop an outstanding culture and use it to drive your company forward?

When Marc Reifenrath and his friends started Spinutech in college, they created the company as a resume-builder. However, their passion for the industry grew substantially each year, and now Spinutech is one of the premier full-service digital marketing agencies in the country. The secret behind all of this growth? Strong company culture and core values. You can’t fake culture and shouldn’t change your values for anyone else. To become an industry leader, you must know who you are and use it to drive every action and decision.

In this episode, Chad Franzen of Rise25 interviews Marc Reifenrath, Co-founder and CEO of Spinutech, to talk about everything from culture to core values. Marc shares how Spinutech developed over time, the mistakes many companies make when it comes to culture, and why culture is an all-encompassing competitive advantage.

Shelia Reed is the Business Engagement and Strategy Lead at Ameritas, a mutual-based organization offering insurance, financial services, and employee benefits. As an experienced sales and marketing leader in both the financial and healthcare industry, Shelia helps companies identify brand strategies that leverage the most growth. She was chosen as a finalist for the Chief Marketer of the Year award due to the impact she’s had on the marketing industry.

In this episode…

Both private and public growth companies are diligent and responsible with corporate funding. The real challenge for private equity partners is the expectation for them to grow and provide results.

The good news is that there are tools available to help track performance. When evaluating and implementing strategy, measuring your progress is paramount. Shelia Reed has adopted resources designed to track growth, retention, and engagement using dialed-in marketing strategies to scale businesses.

In this episode of the Growth Fire Podcast, host Kevin Hourigan sits with Business Engagement and Strategy Lead at Ameritas, Shelia Reed to discuss levels of business strategy. Shelia talks about the differences between working for public and private companies, tools to track performance, and various opportunities for marketers in today’s market.

Steve Weintraub is the Founder and CEO of Gold & Diamond Source, a family-owned fine gold and diamond jewelry store. Steve was introduced to the jewelry business by a friend from high school and began making gold-plated seashells. In 1983, they built a 10,000-square-foot building and Steve began producing fine jewelry. After joining forces with his wife Julie, Steve’s business grew from a small jewelry store to one of the most successful standalone family operations in the US.

Julie Weintraub is the Vice President of Gold & Diamond Source. She is also the President and Founder of Julie Weintraub’s Hands Across the Bay, a nonprofit organization with a mission to positively impact the lives of Tampa Bay residents and organizations by advocating for change and providing resources for those in need. Recognizing needs within their community, but not having money to donate, she and her husband Steve started the organization to be able to give away jewelry and help victims of domestic violence.

In this episode…

Did you know that diamonds are available in all colors of the rainbow and that 24-carat gold is soft enough to move with your hands? If you are a lover of jewelry, you know that there’s a piece for all occasions, it can complete any outfit, and it’s customizable. But more than anything, jewelry is personal and has its own story.

Veteran jewelry store owner Steve Weintraub understood all of this more than three decades ago when he first entered the jewelry business. The industry was also a source of success and devastation for him. But when his lovely wife, Julie Weintraub, entered his life, they combined their talents to create a fine jewelry wonderland. So what’s the secret behind the store’s success?

Join host Kevin Hourigan of the Growth Fire Podcast as he chats with husband and wife business duo Steve and Julie Weintraub. Steve is the CEO and Founder of the Gold and Diamond Source, and Julie is the Vice President of the Gold and Diamond Source and the President and Founder of Hands Across the Bay. Together, the two discuss the golden nuggets of their store’s success, advertising and branding strategies, why jewelry stores still thrive as brick and mortar, and why they’re passionate about giving back.

Mary Harris is the Vice President of Marketing at SRS Real Estate Partners, a firm building upon its retail foundation to provide commercial real estate solutions to tenants, owners, and investors. Mary is a results-oriented marketing executive skilled in client and business development, quantitative analysis, negotiations, strategic planning, and branding. Before her years in the commercial real estate industry, Mary served as head of marketing at BankUnited, responsible for the bank’s corporate communications, advertising, and public relations.

In this episode…

Are you in a leadership position? What can you do to lead your team better?

Throughout her career and entrepreneurial journey, Mary Harris has had the privilege of holding different leadership positions. She’s discovered that to thrive as a leader she needs to prioritize the people she leads. She has also learned leaders need to surround themselves with mentors who have more experience and ask for guidance when necessary.

In this episode of the Growth Fire podcast, Kevin Hourigan sits down with Mary Harris, Vice President of Marketing at SRS Real Estate Partners, to discuss her leadership journey. Mary shares her career and entrepreneurial background, the importance of networking, her career transition from banking to real estate, and her experience as the Vice President of Marketing at SRS Real Estate Partners.

Kevin Hourigan is the President of Spinutech, a full-service website design and digital marketing agency dedicated to developing customized and data-driven digital marketing solutions. Before merging his business with his current business partner, Kevin founded Bayshore Solutions, which he operated for over two decades. When Kevin is not leading his digital agency, he spends his time boating, skiing, golfing, and enjoying other outdoor activities.

In this episode…

As the adage goes, find something you love to do, and you’ll never work a day in your life. Many people struggle to realize their passions, let alone convert them into a career, but Kevin Hourigan is one of the fortunate ones. What is his passion, and how did he turn it into a successful career?

For Kevin, it was building websites in the early 1990s when websites were something of a novelty. Since then, websites have evolved into a phenomenon and just about everyone has their own, from aspiring artists to global organizations. Websites can be utilized for multiple purposes. Using a data-driven approach, Spinutech was founded to craft measurable results — taking your business to the next level.

In this episode of the Growth Fire Podcast, Chad Franzen of Rise25 flips the script and interviews Kevin in this Thought Leadership episode to discuss the early days of web design and digital marketing, how Spinutech sets itself apart from the competition, and why Kevin decided to start a podcast.

Matthew (Matt) Brown is the President and CEO of ThumbStopper, a technology solution created for brands to boost content traction on social media and search networks at the local level. A serial entrepreneur since the mid-1990s, Matt remains active in digital media markets and SaaS companies. His 20-plus years as an entrepreneur have sharpened his skills in team development, B2B integration, business management, and mergers and acquisitions. Matt is also the President of Trucks.com, which has the vision to help revolutionize how enthusiasts find the perfect truck, SUV, or van.

In this episode…

As an entrepreneur, are you struggling to grow your business? Have you considered leveraging social media marketing to increase organic reach and connect with customers?

According to Matt Brown, many businesses are struggling to scale. Having been an entrepreneur since the mid-1990s, he has discovered simple and actionable ways brands can utilize technology for their benefit. Using this information and his passion for helping others succeed, he founded ThumbStopper to enable brands to optimize and amplify their existing content by distributing it to their retailers’ social and search presence.

In this episode of the Growth Fire podcast, Kevin Hourigan sits down with Matt Brown, President and CEO of ThumbStopper, to discuss how brands can leverage social media marketing. Matt talks about the purpose of ThumbStopper, social media tactics that increase customer engagement, how to measure your organic reach from social media marketing, and Matt’s go-to-market approach for acquiring new customers.

Ed Buckley is the CEO of FitOn, formerly known as Peerfit, the largest health and wellness platform on a mission to empower individuals to live healthy lifestyles by providing instant access to a variety of workout programs taught by top-of-the-line fitness professionals and celebrities. Noticing gaps in health and wellness, Ed’s passion for problem-solving allowed him opportunities to work with talented teams in the industry. His experience leveraging advanced data methods, identifying new market solutions, and building and launching effective solutions will add value to any team.

In this episode…

Are you wanting to venture into the health and wellness industry as an entrepreneur? What do you need to know to succeed in this space? 

Upon graduating college, Ed Buckley found his passion as an entrepreneur in the health and wellness industry. His experience scaling a business and leading teams has earned him a wealth of knowledge in his field. After merging Peerfit with FitOn, he shares his success in leading the team and company to greater heights.

In this episode of the Growth Fire podcast, Kevin Hourigan sits down with Ed Buckley, CEO of FitOn, to discuss what it takes to thrive in the health and wellness industry. Ed shares how he became an entrepreneur, the idea behind Peerfit, how to raise capital, the merger between FitOn and Peerfit, and the secret behind its rapid growth.

Ken Clinton is the President of Intrepid Powerboats, the leading boatbuilder focusing on innovative designs, superior performance, and safety. Ken began his career in the marine industry immediately after graduating high school, working as a machinist manufacturing submarines for the U.S. Navy. In 1991, he was hired by Intrepid to work on the assembly line and continued to move up the ranks.

Driven by his passion for the marine industry, Ken’s hands-on management style has been described as truly unique for his position in the marine industry.

Ken received his degree in business administration and management from the University of Tampa. When time allows, he spends his free time pursuing his passion for Harley Davidson motorcycles, sports cars, and travel.

In this episode…

Do you find fulfillment in enjoying sunny days on a boat floating in open water? Where can you purchase a boat that reflects your unique personality and provides the commodities you desire?

According to Ken Clinton, Intrepid Powerboats has continued to pioneer the boatbuilding industry since 1983. As a boatbuilder, he is fortunate to be part of the Intrepid team designing and building powerboats equipped with the latest features and technologies to deliver unmatched speed, fuel efficiency, and performance. His passion for the marine industry and dedication to leadership sets him apart from other experts in his field.

In this episode of the Growth Fire podcast, Kevin Hourigan sits down with Ken Clinton, President of Intrepid Powerboats, to discuss how he’s come to thrive in the boatbuilding industry. Ken shares his journey to becoming the president of Intrepid, provides leadership tips, advises leaders on how to motivate their team, and the benefits of social media marketing.

Melissa Massa is the Vice President of Sales at Lenovo, a multinational technology company specializing in designing, manufacturing, and marketing consumer electronics, personal computers, software, business solutions, and related services. She is an experienced sales executive with ten years of leading global and US sales teams in IT hardware, software, and services. Melissa is a trusted voice in the industry due to her in-depth knowledge of cloud providers and business transformation. She was nominated for the Women in IT Award in Silicon Valley, given the Hero Award by her CEO at Lenovo, and was a finalist for the Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Technology in 2021.

In this episode…

As an IT company, how can you increase your revenue? Have you considered hiring a sales and marketing expert to help? 

For companies to thrive in any industry, they need sales professionals who understand the product and the market to help them make more sales. Having been a leader and sales executive in the IT space, Melissa Massa has gained knowledge and experience from helping companies succeed. She now shares how other firms can flourish by hiring a sales professional to help sales teams meet their goals. 

In this episode of the Growth Fire podcast, Kevin Hourigan sits down with Melissa Massa, Vice President of Sales at Lenovo, to discuss how she helps Lenovo’s Cloud Service Provider thrive as the VP of sales. Melissa talks about Lenovo and her role in the company, her go-to-market strategy, and Lenovo’s approach to hiring, motivating, and retaining sales team employees.

South African native Sean Magennis is the CEO of Mutual Capital Alliance, a financial services firm that assists private companies to establish shareholder value and liquidity through its exit advisory and management services. Before moving to MCA, Sean served as the Global President and COO at YPO, a global community of chief executives spanning more than 30,000 members across 138 countries.

Sean credits his skills in team building, psychology, and sociology to his time in the military, which later evolved into his entrepreneurial strengths. Sean has cultivated over 14 years as a lucrative business owner and is an active member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization.

In this episode…

Think about what you seek in an employer or company you desire to work for. Aside from livable compensation, work-life balance, and autonomy, working for an organization with integrity, great leadership, and support are desirable traits in a company. Did you know that chief executives also desire these same standards when searching to lead an organization?

YPO, formerly known as the Young Presidents Organization, aims to give chief executives working in the C-suite the tools and support to lead with integrity and compassion. The members of YPO believe that in order to lead with compassion, they must first experience compassion. After all, senior leaders also experience hardships. Additionally, the YPO community firmly believes that it’s important to treat people the way they want to be treated. So what else does YPO offer, and why is it such a desirable community? 

Join host Marc Reifenrath in this episode of the Growth Fire Podcast, as he sits with the CEO of Mutual Capital Alliance, Sean Magennis, to discuss YPO. Together, they talk about the positive effects of YPO’s personal connection and support, the organization’s culture and core values, characteristics of strong leadership, and more.

Bob Murphy is the Chief Revenue Officer at Patra Corporation, the leading provider of technology-enabled services for the insurance industry. Patra powers insurance processes by optimizing the application of people and technology, supporting insurance organizations as they sell, deliver, and manage policies and customers through the PatraOne platform.

Bob leads all sales, marketing, and strategic initiatives to help scale Patra's business, develop new technologies, and continue to provide top-level service to Patra's customers. Prior to Patra, Bob served as the CRO for Cloud Lending Solutions and held numerous positions in the financial and technical services industry. In total, Bob has 40-plus years of professional experience in the sales and marketing industry.

In this episode…

As an insurance company, it’s essential to have the technology and automation that allows you to provide quality service to your clients. In the insurance landscape, it’s imperative to combine your services with the right technologies to compete. What technology is available to help your company thrive and grow?

Implementing simple, effective processes and a strategic marketing plan can take your company to the next level. Patra Corporation combines insurance processes and technology to drive profitability and new customer acquisition, assisting insurance companies to scale their businesses. With the insurance climate in transition, you want to be prepared with resources that are going to drive your business ahead of the competition.

In this episode of The Growth Fire Podcast, Kevin Hourigan sits down with Bob Murphy, Chief Revenue Officer at Patra Corporation, to discuss his insights on growing a profitable business and what he’s learned along the way. Bob talks about his role at Patra, his competitive strategy, and the lasting effects of the pandemic.