The Minimalist CEO

Latest Episodes:

EP 010 Greta Bajrami: Going From Touch Industry To Best In The Business Feb 03, 2021

Show notes

Greta Bajrami is the CEO and founder of Golden Group Roofing. Greta Bajrami grew up in Worcester, Massachusetts where she attended Worcester State University. Greta Bajrami had no roots or prior connections to the world of exterior remodeling, when she recognized a need for quality, and implementing technology to expand the customer experience. Greta innovated the construction process and elevated the customer experience. Greta Bajrami's excellence and success within the construction industry has gained her local and national attention throughout the USA. Worcester Business Journal named Greta as 40 Under 40 Class of 2017. Remodelers Magazine recognized her innovation by awarding her the Big 50 award 2019, their most recent national award; the Bizz Award for 2020.

In our discussion we explored going from a tough industry to being best in the business.

Here are some of the other beneficial topics covered on this week’s show:

● Why business owners’ products need to make their customers feel good.

● How the energy businesses put out needs to be custom and unique to them.

● Why only thinking about numbers makes salespeople seem pushy.

● How salespeople need to focus on what’s proprietary about their product.

● Why structure is so important for entrepreneurs who are just starting out.

Connect with Greta:

Links Mentioned:

goldengrouproofing.com

Instagram: @goldengrouproofing

Facebook: facebook.com/GoldenGoupRoofing

Connect with Nate Lindquist

Website: http://www.theminimalistceo.com/

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EP 009 Kevin Godfrey: The Most Helpful Service For Gym-Owners EVER In History Jan 20, 2021

Show notes

Kevin Godfrey is an Occupational Health and Safety Expert specializing in biohazard remediation. He is, also, an active founder of TrustedSafe.org (an ATP Hygiene Testing & Monitoring company) and one of the largest distributors of Selectrocide (an EPA List N-approved chlorine dioxide disinfectant).

Kevin is also Director of Fitness Safe, handling oversight of COVID-19 cleaning protocol compliance for over 2,000 gyms throughout NYS.

In our discussion we explored the most helpful service for gym-owners in history.

Here are some of the other beneficial topics covered on this week’s show:

● How offering a unique selling position can put businesses into new markets.

● Why companies want the stamp that says they are clean and safe.

● How it’s important to find the right niche so you have fewer competitors.

● Why entrepreneurs have to delegate tasks so they can streamline and grow.

● How having systems in place is important when scaling a business.

Connect with Kevin:

Links Mentioned:

trustedsafe.org

Instagram

@trustedsafe

Facebook

facebook.com/trustedsafe

Connect with Nate Lindquist

Website: http://www.theminimalistceo.com/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP 008 Brandon Hurd: The Power of Exceptional Complimentary Services Jan 13, 2021

Show notes

Brandon Hurd is Founder & Managing Director of BHRS Companies, a real property services firm headquartered in Jacksonville, FL since 2014. His consortium of founded companies comprises of successful and complimentary commercial real estate, construction management, traditional and non-traditional contracting, and modular building manufacturing business units serving clients throughout the United States. After his departure from a leading global enterprise he is now able to focus his time and attention on developing and growing successful businesses of varying phases. Since inception his teams have transacted, advised, managed and built over $500M in projects for their clients.

He formed BHRS Companies and began to promote a dynamic, performance-based culture through team building after realizing the commercial construction and real estate industries had enormous potential for growth. He remains involved in all facets of the business from daily operations to strategic long-term planning. Brandon also participates in development of customer solutions and interactions with BHRS’ clients and team members on a regular basis. He believes in setting the high mark industry-wide and leading by example for both colleagues and clients. This environment has led to sustained growth in both construction management and contracting businesses. Brandon is a licensed general and building contractor in multiple states, as well as licensed real estate broker in the State of Florida.

In our discussion we explored the power of exceptional complimentary services.

Here are some of the other beneficial topics covered on this week’s show:

● Why assembling the right system is critical to a business’s success.

● How it’s important to build a strong network to gain organic growth.

● Why having the right customers is better than having the most customers.

● How honesty and integrity is important for any business relationship.

● Why it’s important to have a strategic growth plan to stick to.

Connect with Diana:

Links Mentioned:

bhrscompanies.com

Guest Contact Info:

Twitter

@bhrs_companies

Facebook

facebook.com/BHRSCompanies

linkedin.com/company/bhrs-companies

Connect with Nate Lindquist

Website: http://www.theminimalistceo.com/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP 007 Michael Rubino: Adding Science To Service To Scale Jan 06, 2021

Show notes

Michael Rubino is the President of All American Restoration. He has quickly become one of the nation's experts on mold remediation for individuals who are immunocompromised. He is a council certified Mold Remediator by IICRC and ACAC and a contributing member, sponsor, and speaker for the Indoor Air Quality Association. He works with roughly seventy-five to 100 families each year as they return to their homes after mold issues.

His upcoming book, "The Mold Medic: An Expert's Guide to Mold Removal" was released on November 10, 2020.

In our discussion, we explored adding science to restoration services to better serve customers.

Here are some of the other beneficial topics covered on this week’s show:

● Why many remediation jobs have to be re-done after hurricanes.

● How it’s important to choose a niche within your given field.

● Why mold damage can actually make people really sick.

● How following your passion will lead to outstanding work.

● Why mold has to be remediated in the correct manner.

Connect with Michael:

Links Mentioned:

allamericanrestoration.com

Guest Contact Info:

Instagram

@allamerican.restoration

Facebook

facebook.com/AllAmericanRestorationTM

Connect with Nate Lindquist

Website: http://www.theminimalistceo.com/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP 006 Diana Rodriguez-Zaba: Double Opening, Recovery & Giving Back Dec 30, 2020

Show notes

Diana Rodriguez-Zaba, President of ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba, stands as a pillar of strength for her staff, clients, family and community. In the middle of the 2008 recession, she launched two ServiceMaster brands. Her business has grown to become one of Illinois' most successful franchises, proudly serving one of the largest territories in the Chicagoland area and Suburbs.

With an extensive background in real estate rehabbing, human resource development, business management and franchising, Diana brings a unique perspective to running her company. Most recently, she quickly shifted gears and focused on helping area businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic. Her re-opening strategies have also targeted much-needed restoration work in minority neighborhoods impacted by waves of riots and protests.

Growing the franchise into a profitable disaster restoration business is one of Diana's proudest achievements. She continually develops marketing initiatives and builds solid relationships with local and national insurance carriers.

In our discussion we explored the double opening of ServiceMasters, recovery, and giving back.

Here are some of the other beneficial topics covered on this week’s show:

● Why having a great website and blogs helps businesses get noticed.

● How a good website can be as effective as a good salesperson.

● How COVID-19 has changed the service and cleaning industries.

● Why any business owner needs to understand who their audience is.

● How having a lot of good reviews can lead to more business for people.

Connect with Diana:

Website: servicemasterbyzaba.com

Twitter: @servicemasterz

Facebook: facebook.com/servicemasterz

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/servicemasterchicagoland

Connect with Nate Lindquist

Website: http://www.theminimalistceo.com/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP 005 Michael La-Van: Building Business With The Trust Factor Dec 23, 2020

Show notes

Michael La-Van began as a Realtor in 2015 after working 8 years in the correctional field and became one of the top realtors in Orange County, NY. He began to take on new challenges as he learned the business and started his own investment company, Homes BY LV LLC, Rehabbing properties in the local area. This experience has lead him to starting his own construction business formulating HLV Contractors. He has renovated over 30 homes in the past three years and has gained a positive reputation in the area as one of the most trustworthy contractors. Not only does Michael help people purchase their home, he also helps them renovate it.

In our discussion we explored building businesses with the trust factor.

Here are some of the other beneficial topics covered on this week’s show:

● Why it’s important for people to lock into something and give themselves a target.

● How the first steppingstone to starting a business is to be mentally involved.

● How contracting and building homes is a serious endeavor not for everyone.

● How people can get two checks as the investor and realtor when selling a house.

● Why keeping positive relationships with people is vital for any business.

Connect with Michael:

Links Mentioned:

lavangotthekeys.com

homesbylvllc.com

Guest Contact Info:

Instagram

@pophlv_realestate

Facebook

facebook.com/MichaelLaVantherealtor

facebook.com

Connect with Nate Lindquist

Website: http://www.theminimalistceo.com/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP 004 Mike Reedy: Letting Your Business Tell You To Grow Dec 16, 2020

Show notes

Mike Reedy is a self-made business success who went from swinging a hammer to overseeing hundreds of workers. He knows how to build something great. Mike is a natural entrepreneur, who by age 20 had opened his own electronics store and grew it into the biggest cell phone retailer in the region. He then moved into real estate, accumulating and flipping properties—and learning the ins and outs of the home industry along the way.

By 2005, Mike realized he could combine his management and customer service experience with his home-building knowledge, and found his niche. While many contractors have a narrow range of knowledge, he had a wealth of insight on the numerous categories of home exteriors. Working right alongside his crews, Mike began constructing a business that specialized in quality exterior work but also customer service—advising homeowners on when to repair v. replace, and the value of their different options, especially the savings when combining multiple projects such as roofs and gutters.

The business took off, and in 2013, Quality Built Exteriors broke its first million. By 2018, Mike was doing over $4 million in sales. Over 60 percent of his business is from repeat customers, which confirms Mike has created a winning formula.

In our discussion we explored letting your business tell you to grow.

Here are some of the other beneficial topics covered on this week’s show:

● How a good salesman can help turn a business around and make more profit.

● Why business owners must know the life span of their business and when to exit.

● How it’s important to have customers who are the right fit for your business.

● Why it’s vital to focus on the relationship and doing the right thing for customers.

● How having a marketing system in place will only benefit your business.

Connect with Mike:

Links Mentioned:

qualitybuiltexteriors.com

Guest Contact Info:

linkedin.com/in/mike-reedy-6012b42

Connect with Nate Lindquist

Website: http://www.theminimalistceo.com/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP 003: Matt DiBara: From Bricklayer to CEO-Making The Switch Dec 09, 2020

Show notes

The Minimalist CEO Podcast with Nate Lindquist Episode 003 with Matt DiBara

Matt DiBara mixed his first bag of concrete at age 9 and from then on, spent most of his childhood learning the trade. He attended a vocational high school for bricklaying and placed 2nd in the country before branching out to enroll at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, where he earned a degree in Construction Management and Environmental Design. After graduating, Matt took over his family's construction business and relocated to Los Angeles, where he went on to be mentored by the likes of marketing guru Jay Abraham and business tycoon Mike Agugilaro of CEO Warrior fame. Since then, he has built up DiBara Masonry to become the leading masonry and concrete company in the county, working on some of the most prestigious and well known celebrity homes in the city, in addition to restoring a number of Hollywood's most famous cultural landmarks. Matt's true passion, however, rests in educating homeowners by empowering them with in-depth industry insight, much of which can be found in his upcoming book The Undercover Contractor: How To Not Get F*cked By Your Contractor and his recent podcast, The Undercover Contractor Podcast.

In our discussion we explored being a fourth-generation mason.

Here are some of the other beneficial topics covered on this week’s show:

● How working as a laborer gives people a sense of humility.

● Why becoming CEO forces people to tap into what they are good at.

● How choosing who to hire is an important and long process.

● Why communication is important for any leader to be successful.

● How it’s important to be the first one on the job and the last one to leave.

Connect with Matt:

Links Mentioned:

dibaramasonry.com

Guest Contact Info:

Facebook

facebook.com/dibaramasonry

Connect with Nate Lindquist

Website: http://www.theminimalistceo.com/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP 002 Russ Stephens: Mastering The Builders Growth Blueprint Dec 02, 2020

Show notes

Russ Stephens is the co-founder of the Association of Professional Builders, a business coaching company dedicated to improving the residential construction industry for both builders and consumers. Russ is a firm believer that residential home builders deserve to be earning more money for the service they are providing and that consumers deserve a superior service than they currently receive. The problem is the difficulty of delivering world-class service on tiny margins, or without having the proper systems in place.

In order to maximize client experience and overcome these difficulties, the Association Of Professional Builders helps builders systemize their building company. The result is an improved client experience which leads to more demand. This allows an increase in margins and ultimately the ability to scale their businesses into desirable building companies that possess real value and can be sold as an asset.

In our discussion we explored mastering the builder’s growth blueprint.

Here are some of the other beneficial topics covered on this week’s show:

● How teaching builders to generate and close more leads improves their margins.

● Why building new homes creates huge amounts of positive cashflow.

● How there are many intricacies to setting up residential construction businesses.

● Why people shouldn’t put all their eggs in one basket or only commit to one thing.

● How the builders who are struggling don’t have a sales and marketing plan.

Links Mentioned:

apbbuilders.com/minimalistceo

Connect with Russ:

Guest Contact Info:

Twitter

@apbbuilders

Instagram

@apbbuilders

Facebook

facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuilders

linkedin.com/in/russstephens

Connect with Nate Lindquist

Website: http://www.theminimalistceo.com/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP 001 JD Summa: How Culture & Commitment Wins Over College & Credentials Nov 25, 2020

Show notes

JD Summa is the Founder and CEO of Kings Capital Construction Group, Inc, established in 2009. He is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organization, defining the culture, promoting a safe & healthy environment and driving customer engagement. His drive to elevate KINGS, powerful leadership, and a tireless commitment to excellence has helped build a solid reputation and earn the attention of repeat clients and industry leaders. Amongst other accolades, JD was named one of Westchester's 2013 40 under 40 Rising stars, KINGS chosen by INC 5000, US fastest growing companies for 4 consecutive years (2014-2017) and included as one of Forbes Magazine's New York Business Leaders in 2014.

A consistently effective leader and entrepreneur, he is presently the principal owner of several successful companies and a real estate developer and investor in commercial and multi-family properties. He believes in the importance of civic responsibility and is a champion of many important community initiatives, not just with our clients but our neighbors as well. With a dedication to these values, KINGS is notably host to its Annual Holiday Benefit in support of underprivileged neighborhood families. KINGS is also a corporate partner with PCNY & Garden of Eden, supplying 16,000 turkeys & 40,000 pounds of food to neighborhoods and schools from the Bronx, NY to Boston, MA. Amongst his support in other local and regional causes, JD is actively involved in the advocacy of the community and is a Board member to the Youth Bureau of White Plains, Promise to Aid and 100 Donors.

In our discussion we explored how culture and commitment wins over college and credentials.

Here are some of the other beneficial topics covered on this week’s show:

● Why people need to speak to their current clients to achieve organic growth.

● How construction workers shouldn’t step outside of their expertise.

● oHow Why small projects and large projects require different skill levels to complete.

● How demonstrating that your company is exceptional leads to more jobs.

● Why surrounding yourself with experts will help you succeed in every way.

Connect with JD:

Links Mentioned:

KingsCapitalGroup.com

Guest Contact Info:

Twitter