Afleveringen

  • Colin Raja is the Owner of RIMSports, a brand and manufacturer of workout gear and exercise equipment. With a shared love for sports and fitness, Colin and his wife launched RIMSports’ products on Amazon before expanding into large-scale e-commerce and other online platforms. As a seven-figure seller and Amazon growth consultant, he has experience in brand strategy, product launches, e-commerce marketing, and the customer journey.

    In this episode…

    Before launching products on Amazon, you must identify the keywords required to rank and generate optimal sales. How can you optimize your keyword rankings on the backend of your site to maximize conversions and sales?

    Having tested various keywords in his Amazon business, Colin Raja recommends identifying your competitors’ keyword strategies to stay ahead consistently. Each keyword consists of scores like relevancy, sales, item type, rating, and review. To enhance your site's performance, it's essential to identify which competitor brands ranked in the top 10 and then individually prioritize your keywords based on their supporting words. Deconstructing keywords separately allows you to perform higher in your category.

    In the second installment of the What The Teck? series on improving product rankings, Rolando Rosas welcomes Colin Raja, the Owner of RIMSports, back to discuss his keyword ranking strategy. Colin describes how to prioritize keyword types to improve your rankings, how to boost conversions and sales with high-performing keywords, and the keyword discovery process.

  • Colin Raja is the Owner of RIMSports, a brand and manufacturer of workout gear and exercise equipment. With a shared love for sports and fitness, Colin and his wife launched RIMSports’ products on Amazon before expanding into large-scale e-commerce and other online platforms. As a seven-figure seller and Amazon growth consultant, he has experience in brand strategy, product launches, e-commerce marketing, and the customer journey.

    In this episode…

    Investing thousands of dollars into an Amazon product launch only to watch it fail can be disheartening. Yet more sellers have experienced this following Amazon’s algorithm changes, which reconfigures SEO rankings. How can you navigate these updates to boost your product rankings?

    With Amazon’s new keyword update, brands have noticed that even the most basic keywords aren’t ranking, and their products aren’t performing to previous standards. Data-driven Amazon seller Colin Raja explains that Amazon requires brands to assign their keywords to specific categories and subcategories to compete against those with similar products. This entails restructuring your SEO strategy on the backend of each product to align with Amazon’s categories and browser nodes. You can then relaunch your products by linking keywords to social ads like TikTok and Instagram.

    In this episode of What The Teck?, Colin Raja, the Owner of RIMSports, joins Rolando Rosas for the first segment of a three-part series about improving your product rankings. Colin talks about social signals, keyword linking, and how Amazon’s keyword ranking updates impact future product launches.

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  • James Morrison is the Senior Director of Security Programs at Intelisys, a hybrid technology distributor owned by ScanSource. For more than 20 years, he was a Computer Scientist for the FBI, where he served as a local tech expert to Special Agents and Task Force Officers, assisted in computer intrusion investigations, and reverse-engineered software to determine the source and purpose of malignant codes. James was also a UNIX/Database Administrator with the US Air Force.

    In this episode…

    The internet’s rapid growth has fueled elaborate and sophisticated cyber attacks using AI, which can hack into company software systems at alarming speeds. With the rising rate of threats and attacks, companies struggle to identify vulnerabilities, and 71% of organizations lack knowledge of proper cybersecurity measures. How can you cross-collaborate with internal teams to build a robust cybersecurity program for your business?

    Having successfully managed major cyber threats to the FBI, computer scientist James Morrison understands firsthand the dangers of relying solely on insurance companies to mitigate damage caused by attackers. The companies often don’t reimburse everything, and they can’t cover reputational damages or devastation resulting from individuals exploited by the attackers. Instead, companies must take a proactive approach by advocating for robust security measures. This involves separating IT from security efforts, aligning these efforts with organizational goals, obtaining external expertise, and communicating company threats in a universal language.

    Welcome back to What The Teck? with Rolando Rosas, who interviews James Morrison, the Senior Director of Security Programs at Intelisys, about the importance of security in protecting your company from growing cyber threats. James delves into the sophistication of modern attacks, the cyber threats that plague the FBI, and why companies struggle with cybersecurity.

  • Sharon K. Gillenwater is a SaaS startup advisor, mentor, and coach for aspiring tech entrepreneurs. As a tech startup founder and executive, she built, scaled, and sold Boardroom Insiders — an award-winning Inc. 5000 SaaS business intelligence platform — for $25 million in 2022. Sharon recounts this journey in her book Scaling With Soul. After gaining experience in the tech and marketing space in San Francisco, she became an independent consultant working for major tech companies, including Cisco, Microsoft, Oracle, Adobe, Sun Microsystems, and Google.

    In this episode…

    Founding a business with investments from venture capital may make the process easier initially, but when it comes time to sell the company, you may not receive your fair share of the equity. How can bootstrapping your company lead to greater returns upon exiting?

    SaaS advisor and founder Sharon K. Gillenwater founded her VC-backed email newsletter company during the peak of the dot-com bubble. When the bubble burst, her investors dropped her business as a portfolio company despite Sharon’s attempts to restructure the business model. With this valuable lesson, she bootstrapped her next company, scaling it fast until she was approached by a private equity firm that offered to purchase the business. The exit process was grueling, but Sharon walked away with $9 million after a final sale of $25 million, a significantly higher personal return than if her company had been backed by VC. Bootstrapping your business allows you more control over each step of the process, from scaling to selling.

    Join Rolando Rosas and Dave Kelly in the latest episode of What The Teck? as they interview SaaS startup advisor and founder Sharon K. Gillenwater about selling her bootstrapped tech company. Sharon discusses the rising number of bootstrapped tech companies, how bootstrapping differs from venture capital, and how to integrate your team into an exit by offering them a portion of the equity.

  • Julian Ghadially is the Founder of Margin Geek, an AI-driven company that automates product decision-making for distributors and wholesale-driven e-commerce sellers. As a former strategy consultant, he spent his career helping large companies develop growth and enterprise initiatives. Julian holds a master’s degree in machine learning from the University of Texas at Austin.

    In this episode…

    AI is expected to surpass human intelligence in the coming decades, raising ethical questions about its role in job functions. How can you leverage AI in your business while considering its potential, dangers, and limitations?

    From creating scroll-stopping content and improving sales team performance to detecting early-stage cancers, AI has countless use cases. It can streamline these functions by personalizing customer experiences through tailored recommendations and using predictive analytics to forecast trends and customer behaviors. Yet since AI is still in its infancy, the data may not be completely accurate. AI pioneer Julian Ghadially advocates for an integrated approach in which humans collaborate with AI to enhance business processes. This involves testing and learning various models by consistently refining prompts and data for usage.

    In today’s episode of What The Teck? Rolando Rosas sits down with Julian Ghadially, the Founder of Margin Geek, to talk about the future of AI in business processes. Julian shares how AI can augment human work, its impact on operational efficiency, decision-making, and innovation, and how to avoid costly mistakes when implementing the technology.

  • Dolf de Roos is a real estate expert who teaches professionals to generate passive income and wealth by investing in real estate. With over 40 years of experience in the field, he has published 11 best-selling books, including Real Estate Riches,and has worked with Robert Kiyosaki to write the Rich Dad’s Advisors series on real estate. Dolf also teaches at events and institutions in over 16 countries, including Tony Robbins’ Wealth Mastery. He has been featured on over 5,000 global radio stations, and in 2003, he became a Visiting Professor of Real Estate at the University of North Texas.

    In this episode…

    Real estate has become a popular avenue for generating wealth as people stray away from traditional employment. Yet volatile markets, depreciated properties, and vacant spaces have made it challenging for people to establish recurring revenue and achieve long-term success. What strategies can you employ to create passive income and live the life of the wealthy?

    After obtaining his PhD, real estate investor and coach Dolf de Roos realized that traditional education wouldn’t make him wealthy. He studied the habits and strategies of upper-class professionals and began leveraging his degree as a problem-solving tool for creative wealth generation. Dolf maintains that while many are hesitant to request a loan from the bank, you can develop a partnership with these institutions by offering them a stake in your investment. Additionally, the number of vacant and abandoned properties has increased since people began working from home, so observing market trends and behaviors allows you to convert these properties into value-generating investments.

    Tune in to this week’s episode of What The Teck? as Rolando Rosas and Dave Kelly invite real estate expert Dolf de Roos to speak about leveraging real estate to generate wealth. Dolf shares his strategies for identifying lucrative properties, his role in Rich Dad Poor Dad and the book’s cultural resonance, and why he recommends restructuring traditional financial strategies in real estate.

  • Neil Patel is the Co-founder of Neil Patel Digital, where he helps companies grow through innovative digital strategies. His clients include renowned companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Airbnb, Google, NBC, and SalesForce. As a New York Times best-selling author, Neil has been named a top influencer on the web by The Wall Street Journal and one of the top 10 marketers by Forbes. President Obama has recognized Neil as a top 100 entrepreneur under 30, and the United Nations recognized him as a top 100 entrepreneur under 35. He has spoken at over 310 global conferences and hosts the Marketing School podcast.

    In this episode…

    The digital marketing space is inundated with complex algorithms, an endless sea of competitors, and content that seems to evaporate unnoticed. In the digital world's hustle and bustle, how can the average creator navigate through the noise and leave a lasting impression?

    According to industry-trusted digital marketer Neil Patel, AI has overpowered the content creation space, so content creators must test and learn various AI-driven platforms to remain competitive in the rapidly shifting landscape. Yet many industry professionals overestimate AI’s capabilities, so recognizing its limitations and integrating personal creativity into the process is crucial. Additionally, content creators often overlook less popular platforms like Facebook or Pinterest, focusing exclusively on Instagram and TikTok. Demand Sage has reported that the average consumer spends two hours and 27 minutes a day on social media and uses 6.6 social media networks. Digital marketers can reach a wider audience by expanding content creation to diverse social platforms.

    In today’s What The Teck? episode, Rolando Rosas and Dave Kelly sit down with Neil Patel, the Co-founder of Neil Patel Digital, to discuss the evolution of content creation and the digital marketing landscape. Neil addresses the effectiveness of lead generation, the value of a podcast for digital marketing, and how to increase sales on Amazon.

  • Nick Gezzar is an independent brand consultant who owns Gezzar Consulting LLC. As a versatile business leader, he has over 10 years of experience leading people and projects in retail, marketing, advertising, and intelligence. Nick has worked for leading brands like Amazon, Lindt, Procter & Gamble, and The Hershey Company.

    In this episode…

    Are you struggling to keep your Amazon products in the spotlight and ahead of the competition? A strategic approach to Amazon sponsored ads can make your brand visible and increase sales. What role do sponsored display ads play in this process, and how can you incorporate them into your strategy?

    Having worked at the helm of Amazon sponsored ads, former executive Nick Gezzar understands the secrets behind influential sponsored ads strategies. He emphasizes the value of a tiered approach, beginning with sponsored products, followed by sponsored brands, and employing sponsored display ads as the finishing touch. Sponsored display allows you to position your products above your competitors by promoting category bestsellers and upselling similar products. For instance, leading companies like Black & Decker and HP have acquired significant real estate on the platform by positioning their products strategically to appear on competitors’ PDPs. This ensures instant visibility and potential sales.

    Join Rolando Rosas for the final installment of the What The Teck? Amazon sponsored ads series with Nick Gezzar of Gezzar Consulting. In this episode, Nick talks about optimizing sponsored display ads. He also touches on product positioning, defensive advertising strategies to keep competitors at bay, and the common sponsored display myths.

  • Nick Gezzar is an independent brand consultant who owns Gezzar Consulting LLC. As a versatile business leader, he has over 10 years of experience leading people and projects in retail, marketing, advertising, and intelligence. Nick has worked for leading brands like Amazon, Lindt, Procter & Gamble, and The Hershey Company.

    In this episode…

    While sponsored products promote visibility on the first page of Amazon’s search results, sponsored brands build exposure and awareness. What is the secret to profitability with sponsored brands?

    Sponsored brands give Amazon sellers a pervasive presence on the platform and other sites, ensuring your products appear first in your selling category. Former Amazon Ads executive Nick Gezzar advocates for a unified Amazon Ads strategy that integrates both sponsored brands and products. Each tactic for sponsored ads should align with your overall approach and goals, so creative campaigns must be deliberate and calculated. A comprehensive strategy also entails structuring your Amazon storefront to feature top-selling products first, leading to more clicks, views, and purchases.

    In the third installment of the What The Teck? Amazon Ads series, Rolando Rosas continues his discussion with Nick Gezzar about maximizing the impact of Amazon sponsored ads. Nick talks about practical examples of sponsored brand campaigns, how to place ads and bid on keywords, and sponsored brands’ new vertical video feature.

  • Nick Gezzar is an independent brand consultant who owns Gezzar Consulting LLC. As a versatile business leader, he has over 10 years of experience leading people and projects in retail, marketing, advertising, and intelligence. Nick has worked for leading brands like Amazon, Lindt, Procter & Gamble, and The Hershey Company.

    In this episode…

    When it comes to the digital landscape, why do some products sell while others rarely receive traffic? It all comes down to visibility, especially on a vast marketplace like Amazon, where appearing on the first page is key. What's the secret to landing that coveted spot, and can sponsored products really make a difference?

    According to ex-Amazon employee Nick Gezzar, sponsored products can make or break your sales, and developing a calculated strategy ensures consistent relevance. When capitalizing on this advertising strategy, prioritize your top-selling products to maximize sales and ROI. Additionally, Amazon’s search algorithm boosts high-rated products, so bidding on relevant keywords related to these products enhances visibility in search results. Your keyword strategy should be targeted toward your customers and contain related search terms from competitors.

    In this episode of What The Teck?, Nick Gezzar of Gezzar Consulting LLC returns for the second installment of the sponsored product series. Nick explains why brands must dominate the first page of Amazon’s search results, how to bid on specific keywords, and how category searches can target customers with granularity.

  • Nick Gezzar is an independent brand consultant who owns Gezzar Consulting LLC. As a versatile business leader, he has over 10 years of experience leading people and projects in retail, marketing, advertising, and intelligence. Nick has worked for leading brands like Amazon, Lindt, Procter & Gamble, and The Hershey Company.

    In this episode…

    90% of shoppers never venture beyond the first page of search results, so gaining immediate visibility is crucial for Amazon brands. How can you ensure your products make it onto the first page while maintaining profitability?

    With deep insights into Amazon’s search algorithms, Nick Gezzar says that sponsored ads are foundational to a brand’s visibility on the platform. He suggests beginning with sponsored products to establish a solid framework for your ad strategy before gradually implementing sponsored brands and display ads for broader exposure. While running campaigns, you can target misspelled versions of common keywords to capitalize on consumer search behavior and attract additional traffic at a lower cost, ensuring first-page visibility. By allocating your budget equally between sponsored products, brands, and display ads, you can maximize coverage and profitability.

    Today on What The Teck?, Rolando Rosas chats with two-time guest Nick Gezzar of Gezzar Consulting LLC about the new age of Amazon advertising. Nick shares the intricacies of Amazon’s search algorithms, why sponsored ads are mandatory, and how sponsored ads boost organic search results.

  • Blake Lawson is a Fractional COO at FullViz, where he provides operations leadership to growth-stage companies. With a track record of scaling businesses and building teams, he's worked in operations and product development roles with industry giants like Target, Amazon, and SAP. Blake's insights stem from firsthand experience in cutting-edge retail practices and transformation strategies.

    In this episode…

    With inflation on the rise, retailers must develop strategies to retain consumers while maintaining profitability. This includes integrating new technologies to address consumer needs and adapt to a shifting market. What strategies do retail giants concoct behind the scenes, and what can you learn from their efforts?

    With hands-on experience driving profitability for Amazon’s grocery and apparel arms, Blake Lawson discloses the operational secrets of AmazonFresh and Prime Now, including their banana alarm strategy that alerted the retailer to critical stock shortages. This inventory management approach drives sales consistency and customer retention. Retailers can also integrate AI and augmented reality into their operations to personalize the shopping experience and lower costs. Additionally, while offering free returns is considered a fundamental customer service strategy, they’re often costly, so finding a balance by incorporating limits is crucial to long-term sustainability.

    Join Rolando Rosas in this episode of What The Teck? as he sits down with Blake Lawson, the Fractional COO at FullViz, to talk about the winning strategies of prominent retailers. Blake shares the positive impacts of inflation on retailers, how to leverage data to understand customer motives, and the future of cashier-less shopping.

  • Steven Pope is the Founder of My Amazon Guy (MAG), a full-service marketing agency known as the “Wikipedia of Amazon knowledge” that serves 300-plus brands. MAG provides over 1,500 tutorial videos on YouTube, educating hopefuls on how to grow sales on Amazon. Steven helps clients grow through onsite and offsite channels, including SEO, SEM, and social media. With over a decade of experience in corporate marketing and e-commerce, he’s worked for multiple product brands, including serving as the Digital Marketing Manager for APMEX, Inc., which achieved 10 million additional website visits under his direction.

    In this episode…

    According to a study conducted by Marketplace Pulse, only 0.003% of the top 50 Amazon sellers reach $100 million in sales, and only 23% of the platform’s bottom sellers achieve $100,000. These astoundingly unfavorable statistics are often influenced by Amazon’s shifting logistics landscape in response to competition. How can you achieve profitability without exhausting your resources?

    Having sold an Amazon brand after experimenting with various product categories, Steven Pope says that while Amazon is still the industry giant, platforms like TikTok and Walmart are rising in consumer popularity. Amazon sellers must diversify their portfolios and sell on multiple e-commerce platforms. However, as competition thickens, Amazon will raise its fees, so you should respond by identifying new products and categories to remain nimble and innovative. Additionally, while Steven once disputed retail arbitrage, he now maintains that you can make hundreds and thousands of dollars a month by buying and selling profitable products from other retailers.

    Join Rolando Rosas in the latest episode of What The Teck? as he sits down with Steven Pope, the Founder of My Amazon Guy, to talk about selling on Amazon in a shifting landscape. Steven addresses the future of the platform, the importance of embracing and learning from strategic failures, and the characteristics of successful Amazon sellers.

  • CJ Rosenbaum is an Attorney and Partner at Rosenbaum & Segall, PC, which helps Amazon sellers protect their accounts from suspensions and trademark, patent, and copyright infringements. With over 25 years of experience representing entrepreneurs, he has written six books on Amazon product sales and account suspensions and has participated in dozens of global Amazon speaking events. Before venturing into the Amazon space, CJ was a trial lawyer. He has been quoted about Amazon suspensions and appeals in publications and media outlets, including Forbes, CNBC, FOX Business, The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Huffington Post, International Business Times, Daily Journal, and The Seattle Times.

    In this episode…

    Losing money to an unauthorized Amazon seller can be infuriating, and going head-to-head with them in court may seem enticing. While brands that take this route may win in the end, it’s an arduous process that’s rarely profitable. How can you protect your brand against third-party sellers and adapt to the changing landscape?

    Having spent his career in the trenches of the Amazon legal space, CJ Rosenbaum recognizes the risks and hidden stipulations behind legal proceedings. Before filing a lawsuit, he says to conduct asset searches to ensure you can receive payment upon winning the case. After evaluating the assets, you may find that the third-party seller lacks the funds to compensate you appropriately. In this case, rather than fighting it out in court, include your exclusive distribution rights in your warranty, denying third-party sellers delivery rights. This gives you the legal right to remove these sellers from your listing.

    In the latest episode of What The Teck?, Rolando Rosas interviews CJ Rosenbaum, an Attorney and Partner at Rosenbaum & Segall, PC, about Amazon legal regulations. CJ explains Amazon’s algorithm changes, the ramifications of the FTC lawsuit against Amazon, and the challenges of becoming profitable on Amazon.

  • Adriana Rangel is an Amazon Seller and the host of the Serious Sellers Podcast at Helium 10, which empowers entrepreneurs to start and scale businesses on Amazon. She became the first Latina to represent Helium 10 as a brand evangelist. As an Amazon seller and marketer, Adriana leverages branding and technology to grow her brand internationally across Amazon, Walmart, and her e-commerce site. She has spoken at multiple e-commerce events and offers coaching and consulting services to professionals interested in launching an Amazon brand.

    In this episode…

    Amazon is gaining rapid popularity in Mexico, overtaking the country’s main media channels. Additionally, the NAFTA Treaty has reduced the barrier to entry for brands in the US. How can sellers break into this emerging market?

    Mexico is a less competitive and more cost-effective market, making it attractive to companies in North America and beyond. With deep involvement in Mexican market trends, Adriana Rangel says you can create global product listings on Amazon. Yet to scale a brand in this market, you must develop inventory warehouses and fulfillment centers in Mexico. Adriana also notes that consumer cultures vary between countries. For instance, purchasing habits differ between Spanish speakers in the US and native Spanish speakers in Mexico, so your branding, messaging, and marketing must target each market appropriately. When starting out, Adriana recommends leveraging a Mexican agency to help you navigate the regulations.

    In this episode of What The Teck?, Rolando Rosas speaks with Adriana Rangel, an Amazon Seller and podcast host at Helium 10, who shares insights into the Amazon market in Mexico. Adriana explains how selling in this market differs from selling in the US, the cultural significance of Mexico’s nearshoring boom, and how to break into the market without paying additional taxes.

  • Jason Friedman is the Founder and CEO of CXFormula, which specializes in helping fast-growing entrepreneurial companies gain a competitive edge by enhancing customer experiences. Recognized as Ernst and Young's New Jersey Entrepreneur of the Year in Business Services, his portfolio includes work with prestigious brands like Foot Locker, Adidas, Nike, W Hotels, Universal Studios, and Disney. Before diving into the world of customer experience, Jason built various business ventures, including shoveling snow and building elevated beds for fellow college students, which he grew into a million-dollar business.

    In this episode…

    The entertainment industry has gained a reputation for crafting memorable encounters through shared experiences. From tailgating at concerts to capturing moments in photos and videos, everyone’s journey is unique. What can brands learn about the customer experience from the entertainment industry?

    Having worked alongside Fortune 500 brands, celebrities, and artists, customer experience entrepreneur Jason Friedman maintains that it’s not about creating an interesting product or service. Instead, you must demonstrate interest in your customers’ wants and needs to personalize their experiences. When positioning your product or service in front of your target customers, guide their journeys by focusing on the desired end results and the feelings associated with those objectives. Jason equates customer personas with fictional characters, stating that you must learn about your customers the way actors study their characters.

    In the latest episode of What The Teck? Rolando Rosas invites Jason Friedman, the Founder and CEO of CXFormula, to speak about creating next-level customer experiences. Jason shares how to convey a compelling brand story, why the customer experience is a collaborative process, and how to generate customer loyalty.

  • Jason Mandel is the Founder and CEO of Mandel Family Office, a firm dedicated to providing comprehensive financial services to high-net-worth individuals and families. As a Wall Street insider and private financial advisor, he has held senior positions at the LeFrak Organization, D.E. Shaw, and Cantor Fitzgerald. Jason has over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience in financial services and risk management. Additionally, he is the President of Caretrust Financial and the author of DEMAND TRANSPARENCY: Stop Wall Street Greed and Rising Taxes From Destroying Your Wealth.

    In this episode…

    Traditional investment vehicles are primarily controlled by Wall Street and overseen by corporate entities that levy a charge to administer your equity and bond portfolios. These corporate entities derive profits from your investments even in a bear market, and they advocate a wait-and-watch approach while you continue to experience losses. How can you build and maintain wealth without relying on Wall Street?

    Former Wall Street executive Jason Mandel realized there had to be a way to invest without losing considerable amounts of money in the process. After leaving the Wall Street scene, he discovered absolute return investments. This alternative investment stream involves purchasing untaxed products like life insurance, allowing you to invest and borrow funds with limited loss and risk. These assets generate a higher return and are protected against creditors. By investing in life insurance rather than a traditional 401k, you can receive tax-free income in retirement and leave a monetary legacy for your family.

    In today’s episode of What The Teck?, Jason Mandel, the Founder and CEO of Mandel Family Office, joins Rolando Rosas and Dave Kelly to share Wall Street insights and how to invest without risk. Jason reveals the investor secrets Wall Street won’t tell you, the importance of transparency and honesty on Wall Street, and why he left Wall Street after becoming diabetic.

  • Dr. Randy Ross is the Founder and CEO of Remarkable!, a consulting and advisory firm specializing in team development and organizational health. He is also a speaker, consultant, coach, and the best-selling author of Remarkable!, a leadership parable guiding organizations toward a compelling and collaborative culture. As a former Chief People and Culture Officer, Randy has worked with renowned brands like Chick-fil-A and Keller Williams to inspire and enable people to find passion and purpose in their work, work together, and maximize their impact and influence.

    In this episode…

    With the US social and economic environment in disarray, companies are either laying off or losing their employees. Yet amid the turmoil, nationally celebrated brands like Chick-fil-A and Southwest continue to deliver first-class customer service while retaining their top talent. The solution is company culture. What are the nuances of a robust culture, and how can you apply them to your business?

    Having studied applied axiology — the philosophy of value creation — culture driver Dr. Randy Ross maintains that people don’t quit jobs, they quit managers. He defines culture as an expression of values, beliefs, and behaviors each individual must embody to drive transformational change within an organization. Businesses exist to solve problems and improve the human condition, and exceptionally skilled people drive success, so rather than cutting back your talent base, eliminate the processes that hinder your team’s growth. However, sometimes employee layoffs are unavoidable, so Randy advises educating them about the circumstances and providing them with resources to make a smooth transition. When you cultivate employee trust and align your goals, values, and incentives, your team will provide unparalleled customer service in return.

    Welcome back to another episode of What The Teck? as Rolando Rosas and Dave Kelly host Dr. Randy Ross, the Founder and CEO of Remarkable!, who talks about building an intentional company culture. Randy shares examples of well-known brands with exceptional employee experiences, his predictions for the future of work culture, and how to navigate competing values.

  • Luke Komiskey is the Founder and CEO of DataDrive, a consulting firm specializing in managed analytic services. With over a decade of experience, Luke has played a pivotal role in making data analytics more accessible to various businesses. Under his leadership, DataDrive has evolved into a global team of professionals, supporting over 150 organizations, including healthcare, public education, manufacturing, and software. Luke’s approach emphasizes transforming data into actionable insights, aiding organizations in making faster and more informed decisions. His passion for simplifying complex data challenges has been central to DataDrive’s mission of fostering a data-informed society.

    In this episode…

    Companies are inundated with data, and the rapid adoption of AI has allowed them to extract insights. However, as businesses struggle to trace the origin of their data, attribution remains a challenge. Additionally, AI is still in its infancy and requires human input to be utilized effectively. How can you optimize AI to unravel your data for informed decision-making?

    As an expert in decoding data, Luke Komiskey imparts the value of AI in writing code and analyzing data sets to identify insights and trends and make the appropriate recommendations. Yet before AI can perform these analytics, you must gather end-to-end data by tracking the customer journey to connect individual touch points. Making impactful decisions to drive business growth requires integrating sound AI and data strategies. Luke recommends transitioning from performing analytics through spreadsheets and other manual work to leveraging AI reporting platforms that allow you to ask insightful, data-driven questions.

    In today’s What The Teck? episode, Rolando Rosas and Dave Kelly sit down with Luke Komiskey, the Founder and CEO of DataDrive, to talk about decoding data using AI. Luke shares how Amazon’s use of AI impacts vendors, the meaning of machine learning, and the risks of not investing in AI.

  • James (Jim) Keyes is a business and social change agent and the Senior Consultant at Back to Space, which promotes STEM education and enrichment. He previously served as the CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster and created a strategic consumer product in collaboration with Walmart. Passionate about aerospace and aviation, Jim has been a pilot for 40 years and is involved in new tech initiatives, including the Hyperspace startup through Lockheed Martin.

    As a seasoned board member, he continues to serve on the board of organizations like Rithem, the Dallas Symphony Association, and Education is Freedom, a nationally recognized college, career, and life readiness provider he founded. James is also the author of Education is Freedom, which outlines the importance of education for all.

    In this episode…

    Blockbuster’s demise caused a national uproar. Many people assumed the company’s bankruptcy arose from a failure to keep up with competitors like Netflix, which had adopted streaming services. However, Blockbuster’s collapse stemmed from poor cash flow management during the 2008 recession. How can entrepreneurs persevere through financial hardships?

    Having grown up in poverty, progressed to the CEO of two Fortune 500 companies, and managed debt and an economic crisis, adaptable entrepreneur James (Jim) Keyes has seen it all. Entrepreneurs and company executives often don’t recognize that debt occurs in many forms, including failing to return money borrowed from banks and investors and violating credit terms from suppliers. Jim recommends managing cash flow thoroughly and establishing emergency funds to afford interest rate increases. Additionally, education creates business opportunities, so by investing in your education, you’re more likely to raise money for your startup.

    Welcome back to the latest episode of What The Teck? as Rolando Rosas and Dave Kelly host James (Jim) Keyes, the former CEO of Blockbuster and 7-Eleven, who shares his experience managing Fortune 500 brands. Jim explains how he gained strength through adversity, the inner workings of the investment market, and how his father influenced his career.