The Think Small Podcast

por The Think Small Podcast

Beyond the Boardroom: Why Your Best Business Decisions Come From Outside Your Industry (Gene Bohensky (CEO, Archers Contact Solutions / TAB Advisor) & Cheryl Marks-Young (Managing Director, eWomen Network New Jersey / Former Vistage Chair)

In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Denise Steinbring sits down with Gene Bohensky, CEO of Archers Contact Solutions and TAB Advisor, and Cheryl Marks-Young, Certified Business Coach, Managing Director of eWomen Network New Jersey, and former Vistage Chair, to explore why no business owner should scale alone. Drawing from decades of experience leading peer advisory groups, they discuss how trusted communities of fellow CEOs provide the accountability, outside perspective, and real-world experience that help leaders navigate difficult decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and build stronger businesses. From challenging assumptions to solving operational bottlenecks, they explain why some of the most valuable business advice comes from people outside your industry. The conversation also dives into the personal side of leadership, revealing how peer advisory groups can improve not only business performance but also work-life balance, delegation, and long-term leadership growth. Gene shares lessons from his upcoming book Delegate or Die, while Cheryl reflects on how peer coaching transformed her own career and the lives of countless business owners. Whether you're overwhelmed by day-to-day operations, looking to build a stronger leadership team, or searching for a trusted network of fellow entrepreneurs, this episode offers practical insights into the power of surrounding yourself with the right people. Connect: Gene Bohensky CEO, Archers Contact Solutions | TAB (The Alternative Board) Advisor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugenebohensky Archers Contact Solutions: https://archerscontactsolutions.com/ The Alternative Board (TAB): https://www.thealternativeboard.com/ Cheryl Marks-Young Certified Business Coach | Managing Director, eWomen Network New Jersey | Former Vistage Chair Website: https://cherylmarksyoung.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylmarksyoung eWomen Network New Jersey: https://www.ewomennetwork.com/ Learn More Delegate or Die (Gene Bohensky's upcoming book): Coming soon on Amazon.

28 ago 2026

33:23

Building a Safer Workforce with AI and Smart Hiring (Ken Monroe, CEO, BCHEX)

In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Ken Monroe, CEO of BCHEX, shares how his journey from witnessing a $100 million fraud led him to build a workforce safety company that leverages technology, AI, and smarter background screening to help organizations make better hiring decisions. From preventing costly hiring mistakes to creating a culture of safety and trust, Ken explains why workforce protection starts long before an employee's first day. The conversation also explores how AI is reshaping small businesses beyond automation. Ken discusses using AI agents to coach sales teams, improve operational efficiency, and empower employees to innovate without technical backgrounds. Along the way, he shares lessons on building a high-performing company culture, embracing remote and global talent, and why investing in your people ultimately leads to better products, happier customers, and sustainable growth. Whether you're a small business owner, HR leader, or entrepreneur, this episode offers practical insights into hiring smarter and building a business that's prepared for the future. Connect: Website: https://www.bib.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-monroe/

26 ago 2026

26:01

The Branding Strategy That Turned an Underdog Into an Industry Giant (Mat Zucker, Chief Marketing Officer, Prophet)

In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Mat Zucker, Chief Marketing Officer at Prophet, shares how the world's most successful brands create lasting competitive advantages by aligning strategy, customer experience, and organizational culture. Drawing on decades of experience helping global companies unlock what Profit calls "uncommon growth," Mat explains why branding is far more than logos or advertising—it's about building a compelling story that customers believe and consistently delivering on that promise. He takes listeners behind the scenes of one of the firm's most iconic success stories: helping develop T-Mobile's groundbreaking "Un-carrier" strategy, a bold repositioning that transformed the company from a struggling challenger into one of the fastest-growing wireless providers in the industry. Along the way, Mat reveals why understanding customer behavior, uncovering meaningful insights, and creating memorable experiences are the real drivers of brand loyalty. The conversation also explores the challenges businesses face as they scale, from preserving company culture during rapid growth to helping employees embrace organizational change. Mat discusses why culture must evolve alongside strategy, how leaders can reinforce shared values through intentional communication and consistent behaviors, and why successful brands begin on the inside before they resonate with customers on the outside. Looking ahead, he shares how AI is reshaping the future of marketing—not simply by improving productivity, but by unlocking entirely new ways to solve business problems and accelerate growth. For entrepreneurs and business leaders looking to build brands that stand out in crowded markets, this episode offers practical insights into creating meaningful customer connections, leading through change, and developing organizations capable of sustaining long-term growth. Connect: Website: https://prophet.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matzucker

25 ago 2026

22:08

The $100 Gift Card That Sparked a Multi-Million Dollar Entrepreneurial Journey (Inaas Arabi, President and CEO, Block & Associates Realty)

In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Inaas Arabi, President and CEO of Block & Associates Realty, shares how an unexpected career pivot from software development to real estate launched a decades-long journey of building, scaling, acquiring, and selling businesses through one consistent principle: relentless innovation. After creating a multimillion-dollar software platform early in his career and receiving little more than a thank-you letter and a gift card in return, Inaas decided to channel his entrepreneurial mindset into building companies of his own. Throughout the conversation, he explains why innovation isn't reserved for billion-dollar technology companies or revolutionary inventions—it often comes from identifying small operational improvements that create outsized competitive advantages. Drawing from experiences at companies including Zillow, RealPage, and Block & Associates Realty, he shares how rethinking traditional business models, restructuring teams, and embracing scalable systems enabled organizations to grow faster, operate more efficiently, and dramatically increase enterprise value. The discussion dives into practical examples that every business owner can apply, from redesigning team structures and centralizing operations to using AI as a productivity multiplier rather than a replacement for people. Inaas explains how simple innovations—whether digitizing payments, improving customer convenience, leveraging global talent, or automating repetitive tasks—can transform profitability without requiring massive investments. He also challenges entrepreneurs to stop accepting "the way it's always been done" and instead build a culture that continuously questions existing processes. For business owners looking to break through growth plateaus, this episode delivers a compelling reminder that sustainable competitive advantage rarely comes from working harder—it comes from thinking differently, embracing change, and making innovation part of the company's everyday operating philosophy. Connect: Website: https://www.blockrealty.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/inaas-arabi

24 ago 2026

21:11

Why Great Businesses Still Fail: The Hidden Gaps Every Founder Misses (Adam Tartt, President & CEO, CAP3)

In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Adam Tartt, President and CEO of CAP3, shares why even the most passionate entrepreneurs often struggle—not because they lack vision, but because they lack the financial and operational systems needed to scale. Drawing on decades of experience in finance and business leadership, Adam explains how CAP3 helps organizations nationwide by providing outsourced accounting, CFO advisory, and full-service marketing support. He discusses why founders typically excel at delivering their product or service but often find themselves overwhelmed by functions like accounting, financial reporting, and strategic marketing. Through real client stories, Adam illustrates how inaccurate financial reporting can lead to costly expansion decisions, while proactive financial management and strategic marketing can dramatically improve profitability, customer acquisition, and long-term growth. He also highlights the importance of having trusted advisors who understand the realities of entrepreneurship and can provide objective guidance as businesses evolve. The conversation explores the critical role that accurate financial data plays in business decision-making and why many organizations unknowingly operate with flawed accounting systems. Adam shares how CAP3 helped a decades-old company recover after discovering significant financial misstatements that had fueled costly expansion decisions, as well as how they partnered with a startup roofing company from its earliest days through a successful acquisition after helping it more than double in size. He also discusses the growing impact of AI on marketing, reputation management, and customer visibility, emphasizing that successful businesses are those willing to adapt while remaining grounded in sound strategy. For entrepreneurs trying to navigate growth, Adam offers a compelling reminder that building a successful business doesn't mean mastering every discipline yourself—it means surrounding yourself with experts who can strengthen the areas where your business is most vulnerable. Connect: Website: https://www.gocap3.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-tartt-mba-734aa630/

21 ago 2026

16:17

From 2 Employees to 20: The Leadership Shift That Fueled 400% Growth (Ben Bertram, Owner & President, Fiberglass Solutions, LLC)

In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Ben Bertram, co-owner of Fiberglass Solutions, shares how he and his wife Amy transformed a small, two-person fiberglass shop into a rapidly growing manufacturing business by focusing on people, leadership, and continuous improvement. After leaving a successful corporate career, Ben chose an unconventional entrepreneurial path—not by launching a startup, but by acquiring an existing business. He explains why buying a business can be an overlooked opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs and reflects on the steep learning curve of running a company with no prior ownership experience. From expanding their operation from a 9,000-square-foot facility to a 34,000-square-foot manufacturing plant during the height of COVID, Ben discusses how saying "yes" to opportunities, empowering experienced employees, and embracing mentorship allowed the company to grow by nearly 400%. He also shares why business owners must eventually stop doing everything themselves and learn to delegate if they want to build a business rather than simply create another job. The conversation explores the leadership mindset required to sustain long-term growth. Ben discusses why every business owner has a moral responsibility to create successful careers for their employees, how investing in personal development and leadership opportunities strengthens retention, and why understanding what motivates different generations is more valuable than relying on outdated stereotypes. He also reflects on the lessons that transformed his own leadership style—from learning to embrace failure as a growth tool to recognizing that every challenge within the business ultimately falls on the owner's shoulders. One of his most impactful insights is the practice of intentionally focusing on each employee's strengths rather than their shortcomings, a simple shift that fundamentally changed the way he leads. For entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses, this episode is a powerful reminder that sustainable growth comes from developing people, building trust, embracing accountability, and creating systems that allow the business to thrive beyond its founder. Connect: Website: https://www.fiberglasssolutions.us/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benbertram/

20 ago 2026

24:38

How Thinking 3 Years Ahead Built a $300M Company (Eugene Holtzman, Founder & CEO, Mitchell Martin Inc.)

In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Gene Holtzman, Founder and CEO of Mitchell Martin, shares the remarkable journey from working in social services to building one of the nation's largest privately held staffing firms. After beginning his career helping unemployed individuals through government-funded workforce programs, Gene found himself at a crossroads when federal funding disappeared in the early 1980s. Rather than abandon his passion for helping people, he transitioned into the staffing industry, eventually launching Mitchell Martin in 1984. Over the next four decades, the company grew into a $300 million business serving many of the world's largest financial institutions while navigating economic downturns, the dot-com crash, 9/11, the financial crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Gene explains why he never measured success solely by revenue, choosing instead to build a company centered on long-term relationships, employee loyalty, and a culture that encourages experimentation, innovation, and calculated risk-taking. The conversation also explores Gene's unconventional approach to succession planning and leadership. Instead of selling the business to private equity or a large staffing competitor, he chose to transition 40% ownership to employees through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), creating long-term wealth opportunities while preserving the company's independence and culture. Gene discusses why he believes business leaders should constantly think several years ahead, embrace failure as part of innovation, and use emerging technologies like AI to empower employees rather than replace them. He also reflects on the importance of differentiating a business in crowded markets, maintaining an entrepreneurial mindset even at scale, and building organizations designed to outlast their founders. For entrepreneurs considering their own growth strategy or eventual exit, Gene offers valuable insights into leadership, employee ownership, and creating a business that thrives for generations. Connect: Website: https://www.mitchellmartin.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geneholtzman/

19 ago 2026

16:44

Don't Wait for a Lawsuit: The Legal Strategy Every Growing Business Needs (Damien H. Weinstein, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Weinstein + Klein)

In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Damien Weinstein, co-founder of Weinstein + Klein, shares how a conversation between two college friends evolved into one of New Jersey's fastest-growing boutique law firms serving entrepreneurs and small businesses. What began in 2019 as a two-person practice has grown into a 25-person firm by intentionally focusing on the legal challenges that matter most to growing companies—from employment law and corporate transactions to mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, and commercial real estate. Damien reflects on the leap of leaving a stable legal career just as he and his wife were expecting their first child, the transition from being a practicing attorney to becoming a business owner, and why every entrepreneur eventually has to decide whether they're building themselves a job or building a company. He also explains how Weinstein + Klein positions itself as a fractional general counsel for clients, providing accessible, practical legal guidance that helps businesses make better decisions before small issues become expensive problems. The conversation explores what it really takes to scale a professional services business without sacrificing culture or responsiveness. Damien discusses the importance of hiring talented people earlier than feels comfortable, documenting systems and standard operating procedures before growth exposes operational weaknesses, and surrounding yourself with advisors who challenge your thinking rather than simply validate it. He also shares why the firm's ideal clients view legal counsel as a strategic investment instead of a last-resort expense, allowing the firm to build long-term partnerships that evolve alongside each client's business. For founders looking to professionalize their operations, Damien offers a practical reminder that sustainable growth isn't driven solely by expertise—it's built through intentional leadership, repeatable processes, and the willingness to invest in the people and systems that allow a business to thrive beyond its founders. Connect: Website: https://www.weinsteinklein.com/ LinkednIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damien-h-weinstein/

17 ago 2026

20:53

Private Equity, Global Delivery, and Healthcare Reinvented: How Greg Cathcart Is Scaling Innovation Across Borders (Greg Cathcart, SVP NNIT Inc - CEO, Excellis Health Solutions)

In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Greg Cathcart, Senior Vice President at NNIT, Inc. and CEO of Excellis Health Solutions, shares how decades of experience in healthcare technology, consulting, and international business have shaped his approach to building organizations that can adapt to constant change. Greg discusses the evolution of Excellis Health Solutions, its integration into NNIT, and how combining specialized healthcare expertise with global delivery capabilities has created new opportunities for healthcare providers, life sciences companies, and technology partners. He reflects on leading organizations through acquisitions, maintaining entrepreneurial agility inside a larger enterprise, and balancing innovation with the operational discipline required to deliver long-term value for clients. The conversation explores the realities of growing a healthcare technology business in an increasingly global market, where digital transformation, AI, and evolving regulatory requirements continue to reshape the industry. Greg explains how successful leaders must think beyond individual projects to build scalable systems, cultivate strong partnerships, and develop teams capable of solving complex healthcare challenges across international markets. He also shares why cultural alignment, continuous learning, and investing in people remain just as important as investing in technology, offering valuable insights for business leaders navigating growth, acquisitions, and the future of healthcare innovation. Connect: Website: https://www.nnit.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-cathcart-b310596/

14 ago 2026

31:51

Leading Global Healthcare Innovation Through People, Purpose, and Transformation (Anamaria Roxana Simion, Senior Director, Eli Lilly and Company)

In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Anamaria Roxana Simion, Senior Director at Eli Lilly and Company, shares how global healthcare organizations can create meaningful innovation by putting patients, partnerships, and long-term thinking at the center of business strategy. Drawing from her leadership experience across international pharmaceutical markets, Anamaria discusses the importance of building strong cross-functional teams, navigating complex healthcare ecosystems, and balancing commercial objectives with patient outcomes. She reflects on the evolving role of leadership in a rapidly changing industry, emphasizing that sustainable success comes from empowering people, fostering collaboration across cultures, and remaining adaptable in the face of constant transformation. Throughout the conversation, she highlights how organizations can create lasting impact by aligning innovation with real-world healthcare needs rather than simply responding to short-term market pressures. The discussion also explores the accelerating influence of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and data-driven decision-making within the healthcare sector. Anamaria explains how technology is enhancing patient engagement, improving operational efficiency, and enabling more personalized approaches to care while reinforcing that human expertise, empathy, and ethical leadership remain irreplaceable. She also shares valuable insights on leading through uncertainty, developing resilient teams, embracing continuous learning, and cultivating partnerships that drive innovation across industries. Whether you're leading a healthcare organization, managing organizational change, or growing a business in a highly regulated environment, this episode offers practical leadership lessons on navigating complexity, embracing innovation responsibly, and building organizations that create value for both customers and society. Connect: Website: https://www.lilly.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anamaria-simion-07263157/

13 ago 2026

22:29

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