Welcome back to Business Inspires! We asked George Cleary and George Cleary II to join us, to talk about The Cleary Company celebrating 30 years of ingenuity.

They've transformed home renovations, emphasizing relationships and sustainable growth. These industry pioneers have shifted from general contracting to an all-encompassing design-build model, revolutionizing client experiences.

With a culture that's won national accolades, the Clearys align deeply with community values, sponsoring events and championing vital causes like Pelotonia.

They're not just building homes; they're nurturing a legacy of innovation, community spirit, and relentless commitment to excellence.

Top Takeaways

**Embracing Growth and Innovation**: - The Cleary Company's shift from general contracting to offering design and architectural services illustrates the value of evolving business models to better serve customers.

**Intergenerational Wisdom**: - The partnership between George Cleary and George Cleary II highlights the synergy that can be achieved when experience and fresh perspectives combine within a family-run business.

**Cultural Pillars of Success**: - The company’s strong culture, commitment to problem-solving, and collaborative spirit are foundational to its national recognition and internal cohesion.

**Employee Development and Satisfaction**: - The Cleary Company’s emphasis on training and supporting staff in pursuing new opportunities contributes to a positive work environment and employee loyalty.

**Community Engagement and Responsibility** - The company's longstanding support for the TriVillage Chamber and participation in philanthropic endeavors reflects the importance of business roles as corporate citizens.

**Technology as a Lever for Industry Progress**: - George Cleary’s enthusiasm for technological advancements demonstrates the necessity of staying current with industry trends to remain competitive and improve problem-solving techniques.

**Vision for the Future**: - Looking ahead, The Cleary Company plans to focus on growth that emphasizes community impact and the well-being of both clients and employees while staying true to its core values and culture.

Memorable Moments

00:00 Found joy in renovating homes, pursued construction career.

04:57 Growing up in a business-oriented home.

09:27 Inspiring clients through personalized home design process.

10:23 Design process empowers client satisfaction and budget.

16:10 Value relationships, not just making money.

25:57 Supporting community through volunteer work and donations.

32:20 Unsure of future, but stays innovative.

To run a successful business, you need resources, valuable connections, and community recognition. Business Inspires will provide you with the tools, resources, and examples to inspire you to create the business you envision.

With more than 60 years as an integral part of the Grandview, Upper Arlington, and Marble Cliff communities, the Tri-Village Chamber Partnership is dedicated to a singular...

In this episode of Business Inspires, host Brett Johnson and cohost Katie Ellis are joined by Sierra Thomas, the owner of Touché Financial Solutions and the newly appointed Tri-Village Chamber treasurer.

Sierra shares her journey from starting in pre-med to establishing Touché Financial Solutions and empowering others through financial education.

She discusses the importance of a welcoming approach to finance and her goal of remaining small to deliver a personal touch to her services. With her expertise in QuickBooks, she also explores the exciting potential for financial reporting at the chamber.

Top Takeaways

1. Personal journey: Sierra's journey to establishing Touché Financial Solutions showcases the importance of finding one's true calling and the impact of mentorship in guiding career paths.

2. Importance of adaptability: Sierra's transition from pre-med to accounting highlights the value of being open to exploring new career paths and being adaptable to change.

3. Building a close-knit team: Sierra emphasizes the significance of hiring team members who share the same mission and mindset, indicating the importance of a unified team in delivering exceptional service.

4. Welcoming environment: Creating a welcoming atmosphere in the financial services industry can make a significant difference in alleviating client apprehensions and helping them feel comfortable seeking financial advice.

5. Client-focused approach: Sierra's emphasis on prioritizing the well-being and success of clients sets Touché Financial Solutions apart, highlighting the significance of a client-centered approach in financial services.

6. Continuous learning: The podcast emphasizes the importance of ongoing education and professional development in staying ahead of industry trends and providing innovative solutions to clients.

7. Financial planning misconceptions: Addressing misconceptions such as the idea that financial planning is only for the wealthy or nearing retirement, Sierra stresses the importance of financial planning at every stage of life.

8. Building for impact: Sierra's aspirations for the future of Touché Financial Solutions reflect a desire to remain a smaller firm to maintain a personalized approach while looking to expand services and community partnerships for greater impact.

9. Financial reporting and QuickBooks expertise: Sierra's enthusiasm for utilizing QuickBooks to streamline financial reporting reinforces the pivotal role of technology in facilitating strategic decision-making and business guidance.

Memorable Moments

00:00 College struggle led to mentor, accounting career.

05:48 Building legacy, started freelancing, took leap, successful.

07:38 Touché Financial Solutions offers range of services.

14:09 Prefers small size, aims for greater impact.

15:42 Promoting financial education and collaboration with community.

To run a successful business, you need resources, valuable connections, and community recognition. Business Inspires will provide you with the tools, resources, and examples to inspire you to create the business you envision.

With more than 60 years as an integral part of the Grandview, Upper Arlington, and Marble Cliff communities, the Tri-Village Chamber Partnership is dedicated to a singular purpose - the success of the business community.

Thank you for downloading, listening, and following Business Inspires,

In this episode of Business Inspires, our hosts Katie Ellis and Brett Johnson are joined by Laura Oldham, the founder of Starburst Media, a web design company.

Laura shares her journey from aspiring journalist to becoming a successful entrepreneur, navigating the dynamic world of digital marketing and web design.

From bartending in Chicago to learning about monetizing social media, Laura's unconventional path has led her to work with a diverse range of clients, all the while infusing her storytelling and problem-solving skills into her work.

Laura also discusses the challenges of balancing entrepreneurship with personal life, emphasizing the importance of staying flexible and recognizing that not every day is perfectly balanced.

Additionally, she offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the significance of getting involved in things you're passionate about and staying organized from the start.

Laura sheds light on her goals and aspirations for Starburst Media, emphasizing her focus on finding fulfillment and joy outside of work as well.

Top Takeaways

1. Volunteering and participating in activities related to your passion can lead to valuable connections and potential clients. Consider engaging in events, committees, or boards to meet like-minded individuals and expand your network.

2. Staying organized and setting up a strong foundation for your business, including managing finances, invoicing, and expenses, is crucial from the very beginning. Starting with solid systems in place ensures smooth operations as your business grows.

3. Flexibility and adaptability are essential for entrepreneurs. Being willing to pivot and flow with changing trends and demands can lead to greater success and resilience in a competitive marketplace.

4. Balancing work and personal life as an entrepreneur, particularly when juggling parenthood, involves recognizing that not every day will be evenly split. It's about doing your best each day and realizing that many people are facing similar challenges.

5. Seeking fulfillment and motivation outside of work is important for a well-rounded life. Engaging in separate, personally fulfilling projects can provide a sense of purpose and personal growth beyond the daily responsibilities of entrepreneurship.

6. Recognizing the need for mental well-being and taking steps to address burnout are essential for maintaining long-term success. Implementing strategies to balance your workload and pursuing activities that bring joy and satisfaction are crucial in avoiding burnout.

7. For entrepreneurs who may struggle with self-promotion, consider alternative methods of networking, such as volunteering within your community. By aligning your passions with volunteer opportunities, you can connect with potential clients and expand your clientele base.

8. Demonstrating patience and resilience in handling the daily demands of entrepreneurship, particularly while managing tasks such as invoicing and financial management, are key attributes that contribute to long-term success.

9. Embracing personal interests and hobbies outside of work is vital for personal growth and maintaining a dynamic and interesting life.

10. Prioritizing flexibility and ongoing learning allows entrepreneurs to evolve with the changing landscape of technology, business, and market demands. Being willing to learn new tools and trends can give you a competitive edge and provide added value to your clients.

Memorable...