Episode #120: Kunze Analytics – Chris Kunze
Chris Kunze of Kunze Analytics: Using Data to Build Smarter Teams and Better Leaders Chris Kunze, founder of Kunze Analytics, joins the Clicks & Bricks Podcast to break down how data-driven hiring and leadership can transform teams. With years of experience in workforce analytics, Chris helps companies—from small businesses to Fortune 100 enterprises—predict employee performance and retain top talent. This Episode’s Highlights Hiring Smarter, Not Harder: Chris explains why hiring shouldn’t be a guess—and how leveraging predictive analytics can save businesses from costly hiring mistakes. The Power of Emotional Intelligence: Successful leaders blend cognitive ability with emotional intelligence to motivate their teams and drive results. Three Must-Have Leadership Traits: Great managers have strong reasoning skills, a natural “take charge” personality, and a healthy sense of urgency. From Corporate to Consultant: Chris shares his journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship, starting part-time and building his dream job with Kunze Analytics. Tech-Driven Talent Search: The future of hiring lies in AI-powered talent sourcing that goes beyond résumés to analyze a person’s entire digital footprint. Check out the full interview with Chris Kunze on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRCm4DMn5aE&list=PL-aGDTmvrRSNUYOSG_x0JG7BNLmjoLWZs&index=54 Memorable Quote: If you hire inaccurately, you’re investing in the wrong person—and that costs your business more than just money. Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Chris Facebook Linkedin Globe X-twitter
Episode #119: Nice-Pak – Nevin
Nevin Aurora of Nice-Pak: Marketing Leadership at a Billion-Dollar Wipes Empire Nevin Aurora, Marketing Lead for Household Wipes at Nice-Pak, joins Clicks & Bricks to share how a third-generation, family-owned company built a global footprint in the wipes industry. As the leader of a billion-dollar portfolio, Nevin breaks down practical marketing strategies and explains why staying fast, nimble, and consumer-focused is critical in today’s rapidly changing world. This Episode’s Highlights Wipes Are Everywhere: Nice-Pak manufactures household wipes for major retailers like Costco’s Kirkland and Walmart’s Equate—products most people use without even knowing it. Know Your Consumer Deeply: Nevin emphasizes building detailed customer personas to craft messaging and products that meet real consumer needs. Speed Wins: Whether it’s a pandemic or market shift, companies that move fast and adapt quickly capture the opportunity—those that don’t, miss out. Focus Before Patents: Instead of fixating on patents, get your product to market quickly, learn from real-world feedback, and refine as you go. Personalization Is the Future: As consumers demand more tailored solutions, companies must evolve to offer customizable products and experiences. Watch the full episode of Clicks & Bricks to hear Nevin’s practical advice on scaling product marketing and staying ahead of your competition. Check it out now at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUOrq2YoOXw&list=PL-aGDTmvrRSNUYOSG_x0JG7BNLmjoLWZs&index=53 Memorable Quote: Your ability to adapt and respond creates either an opportunity—or you completely miss the marketplace. Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Nevin Facebook Linkedin Globe X-twitter
Episode #118: IYLIA – Layla-Joy
Guest Spotlight: Layla-Joy Williams, Founder & CEO of IYLIA — From Footwear to Fine Wine Layla-Joy Williams is a creative powerhouse and the founder of IYLIA, a brand that began in the world of women’s luxury footwear and has since expanded into the adult beverage industry. With a background in industrial design and years of experience at top fashion brands like Nine West and Michael Kors, Layla-Joy has transformed her entrepreneurial drive into two thriving product lines. In this episode, she shares her journey from designing shoes in Spain to creating clean, high-quality wines that reflect her passion for craftsmanship and detail. This Episode’s Highlights From Footwear to Fine Wine: Layla-Joy transitioned from designing high-end shoes to producing Spanish wines when the pandemic disrupted global manufacturing. Pandemic Pivot: Stuck in Spain during COVID-19 lockdowns, she turned her energy toward learning the wine business from the ground up—right in the heart of Spanish wine country. Why Spanish Wine? She believes Spanish raw products offer superior quality and consistency compared to their Italian and French counterparts. Mindset for Success: Layla-Joy attributes her entrepreneurial growth to kindness and respect—treating everyone from servers to executives with equal dignity. Healthier Wine Habits: Her top tips to avoid wine hangovers? Stay hydrated, eat starchy foods, and get plenty of rest. Watch the full episode to hear Layla-Joy’s inspiring pivot story and business advice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99FVveuXBN8&list=PL-aGDTmvrRSNUYOSG_x0JG7BNLmjoLWZs&index=6 Memorable Quote: It’s important for you to be as respectful to the person that’s serving you food as the person who’s the executive at the company. Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Layla-Joy Facebook Linkedin Instagram
Episode #117: Stradea – Hugo Gatsby
Hugo Gatsby of Stradea: Turning Adversity Into Entrepreneurial Success Through Behavioral Science Web Design Hugo Gatsby is the founder of Stradea Design Labs, a web design company rooted in behavioral science. Diagnosed as non-verbal autistic until the age of 12, Hugo’s journey into entrepreneurship came later in life, but his impact has been nothing short of inspiring. With a strong focus on mindset, branding, and leading with purpose, Hugo helps small businesses build smarter, more impactful websites. This Episode’s Highlights Tell Your Brand Story: Hugo shares how weaving your personal story into your brand creates connection and trust. Mentorship Matters: He emphasizes the importance of finding a mentor to help you navigate the entrepreneurial journey. Fail Forward: Hugo embraces failure as a learning opportunity and encourages others to keep moving ahead despite setbacks. Optimize Your Website: He outlines three critical things every business owner should do to make their website effective. Lead with Purpose: Hugo believes in teaching others to lead and inspiring them to stay, creating a positive ripple effect in business and life. Don’t miss Hugo Gatsby’s incredible story of resilience and growth. Watch the full Clicks & Bricks Podcast episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9UM_4WjeUc&list=PL-aGDTmvrRSNUYOSG_x0JG7BNLmjoLWZs&index=51 Memorable Quote: I fail a lot—but I fail forward every time. Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Hugo Facebook Linkedin Instagram
Episode #116: Luvafoodie – Michelle Mazzara
Michelle Mazzara, Founder of Luvafoodie: From Dating for Foodies to Clean Eating Success Michelle Mazzara took a leap of faith when she left the security of corporate America to chase her entrepreneurial dreams. What started as a dating site for food lovers evolved into Luvafoodie, a thriving clean eating and holistic product brand. In this episode, Michelle shares her inspiring journey of pivots, passion, and perseverance, showing what it takes to build a brand from scratch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9GtX6Sh55g&list=PL-aGDTmvrRSNUYOSG_x0JG7BNLmjoLWZs&index=50 This Episode’s Highlights Big Leaps Pay Off: Michelle left her corporate career at Sara Lee to build something entirely her own—starting in a completely new industry with zero experience. Pivoting with Purpose: When the online dating space proved too competitive, she quickly shifted Luvafoodie into a consumer products company focused on clean, natural foods. Problem Solving with Passion: A short shelf life for her first product, caramels, led her to develop longer-lasting chocolates, spices, and eventually salt-free spice blends inspired by her personal health journey. Health-Driven Mission: After battling heart disease, Michelle became a champion for clean eating and created products that help others lead healthier lives, including a spice line for pets. Entrepreneurial Grit: Michelle built Luvafoodie without investors, driven by her passion to help people eat better and create products that genuinely make people smile. You have to want this more than anything else you’ve ever wanted, because you’re going to work harder than you ever anticipated. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9GtX6Sh55g&list=PL-aGDTmvrRSNUYOSG_x0JG7BNLmjoLWZs&index=50 Memorable Quote: You have to want this more than anything else you’ve ever wanted, because you’re going to work harder than you ever anticipated. Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Michelle Facebook Globe Instagram X-twitter
Episode #115: CrankWheel – Gilsi Sigvaldason
Guest Profile: Gilsi Sigvaldason of CrankWheel — Simplifying Sales Calls with Instant Screen Sharing Gilsi Sigvaldason, co-founder of CrankWheel, joined the Clicks & Bricks Podcast to share how his bootstrapped Icelandic startup revolutionizes cold calls and sales demos. With over 60,000 users worldwide, Gilsi and his team help sales professionals close deals faster by making screen sharing instant, simple, and available on any device—no downloads required. If you’re in sales or lead a business frustrated by long sales cycles and no-show demos, this episode is for you. Gilsi’s down-to-earth approach to entrepreneurship, rooted in solving real problems, shows how focus and simplicity can win in tech. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-FNw5wSNk8&list=PL-aGDTmvrRSNUYOSG_x0JG7BNLmjoLWZs&index=49 This Episode’s Highlights Start Simple, Stay Focused: CrankWheel solves one problem—seamless screen sharing—and refuses to overcomplicate their product. Shorten the Sales Cycle: Instantly show prospects your solution during the first phone call, cutting multi-call sales processes down to one. Bootstrapped & Profitable: Instead of chasing venture capital, CrankWheel stayed lean, grew customer-first, and is now used on six continents. Sell the Solution, Not the Software: The team prioritizes creating real-world results over piling on features customers never asked for. Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Solve the frustrations you experience at work; chances are others feel the same pain and will pay for a fix. Catch the full conversation on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-FNw5wSNk8&list=PL-aGDTmvrRSNUYOSG_x0JG7BNLmjoLWZs&index=49 Memorable Quote: We are selling a solution, not a problem.” — Gilsi Sigvaldason Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Gilsi Facebook Linkedin Globe
Episode #114: PlyoJam – Jason Layden
Jason Layden, Founder of PlyoJam: Bringing Heart-Healthy Dance Fitness to the Masses Jason Layden, creator of the global dance fitness sensation PlyoJam, joined Clicks & Bricks Podcast to share how his passion for heart health inspired him to build a fitness brand with global reach. What started as a local dance class with a twist of plyometric jump training has grown into a worldwide movement, helping people rediscover the joy of movement and the importance of fitness in their lives. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuVkKbJCMJM&list=PL-aGDTmvrRSNUYOSG_x0JG7BNLmjoLWZs&index=48 This Episode’s Highlights PlyoJam’s Unique Blend: Jason combined follow-along dance routines with plyometric training to create a fun, heart-healthy workout for all skill levels. Your WHY Drives Success: Personal loss inspired Jason to focus on heart health and create a fitness platform with purpose. Finding the Right Partner: He emphasized the importance of partnerships, sharing how his business partner Stacy helped elevate PlyoJam beyond what he could do alone. Leaning on Technology: Long before the pandemic, Jason embraced digital fitness, allowing PlyoJam to thrive with live classes and on-demand content during lockdowns. The Power of PR: Celebrity shoutouts (including BTS on James Corden’s show!) and organic media helped build PlyoJam’s brand without heavy ad spend. Ready to learn how dance, business partnerships, and the power of your WHY can transform your career and your life? Watch the full episode with Jason Layden now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuVkKbJCMJM&list=PL-aGDTmvrRSNUYOSG_x0JG7BNLmjoLWZs&index=48 Memorable Quote: You have to be obsessed with your WHY—otherwise those hard days will break you. Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Jason Facebook Globe Instagram
Episode #113: Spectra Spray – Janet Ryan
Janet Ryan of Spectra Spray: Revolutionizing Wellness with Vitamin Spray Solutions Janet Ryan, founder of Spectra Spray, turned a personal family tragedy into a mission-driven business dedicated to improving health through innovative vitamin sprays. With over 25 years in wellness consulting and partnerships with healthcare professionals, Janet’s products solve real absorption issues that traditional supplements often miss. In this episode of Clicks & Bricks, she shares how patience, smart partnerships, and a bold leap of faith fueled her entrepreneurial journey. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTPN3aHQERY&list=PL-aGDTmvrRSNUYOSG_x0JG7BNLmjoLWZs&index=47 This Episode’s Highlights Solve a Real Problem: Janet’s sprays help people with malabsorption issues get the vitamins they need—quickly, conveniently, and effectively. Bootstrap with Purpose: She built her business step by step, including investing $1,500 on credit for a trade show that proved her product’s market demand. Find Your Niche: Despite vitamins being for “everyone,” she found traction focusing on the travel industry and on-the-go consumers. Patience & Persistence: Success didn’t happen overnight—Janet stresses the importance of small steps, SWOT analysis, and clear business planning. Leverage Technology & Delegation: Janet uses data-driven marketing and virtual assistants to amplify her reach while staying focused on what she does best. Want to hear Janet’s full story and get practical advice on starting your own business? Watch the full Clicks & Bricks episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTPN3aHQERY&list=PL-aGDTmvrRSNUYOSG_x0JG7BNLmjoLWZs&index=47 Memorable Quote: Do what you do best and try to delegate the rest. Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Janet Facebook Linkedin Globe Instagram
Episode #112: Texas Business Broker – Mike Feindmen
Mike Feinman of Texas Business Brokers: Mastering the Art of Buying & Selling Businesses Mike Feinman, Managing Partner at Texas Business Brokers, joins the Clicks & Bricks Podcast to break down what it really takes to minimize risk when buying or selling a business. With decades of hands-on leadership experience across the restaurant, fitness, and jewelry industries, Mike has helped countless entrepreneurs navigate complex deals—and build businesses that last. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7SfcGkBIjA This Episode’s Highlights Buying an existing business reduces risk compared to starting from scratch—if you do your homework. Understand whether a business is truly absentee-owned or still dependent on the seller’s day-to-day involvement. Asset purchases are safer than buying a company’s entire legal entity (LLC), reducing liability risks. The seller’s involvement post-sale should be limited to transition and training, not daily operations. Never underestimate the value of a strong attorney and clear personal guarantees to protect your investment. Catch the full conversation and hear more of Mike’s tips on managing business acquisitions the smart way. Watch now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7SfcGkBIjA Memorable Quote: You never buy a business high—you always want to buy a business with opportunity. Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Mike Linkedin Globe
Episode #111: Epigenetic Scan – Debra Crystal and Mary Cholock
Guest Profile: Debra Crystal & Mary Cholock of Epigenetic Scan: Transforming Preventive Health with Simple, Powerful Tech Meet Debra Crystal and Mary Cholock, the passionate entrepreneurs behind Epigenetic Scan, a game-changing wellness technology that’s making preventive health easier, more measurable, and more accessible. With backgrounds in pharmaceutical and medical sales, Debra and Mary are on a mission to bring cutting-edge cellular health technology into the hands of small business owners, fitness professionals, and wellness enthusiasts across the country. On Episode 111 of Clicks & Bricks, they share how their careers, life challenges, and a little bit of serendipity (thanks, Uber!) brought them into this innovative space. Their story is one of grit, passion, and a commitment to helping others measure and manage their health before disease strikes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URg69ZmSyBQ&list=PL-aGDTmvrRSNUYOSG_x0JG7BNLmjoLWZs&index=47 This Episode’s Highlights Preventive Health Made Simple: Epigenetic Scan measures carotenoid levels in your skin in 30 seconds—giving you a real-time glimpse of your antioxidant protection. A Business with Purpose: Debra and Mary focus on prevention, helping people track their nutrition and reduce metabolic risks without invasive tests. Integrity Drives Leadership: Their #1 leadership trait? Doing what you say you’ll do. Integrity is non-negotiable in their business. Accessible Opportunity: With an initial investment of under $3,000, small business owners can add a profitable wellness service and supplement line to their existing businesses. Future-Proof Tech: Epigenetic Scan is continually innovating, including upcoming genome-based personalization and more AI-powered health solutions. Want to hear how this revolutionary technology works and learn how you can be a part of it?Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INSERT_EPISODE_URL Memorable Quote: “If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.” — Debra Crystal Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Debra & Mary Facebook Linkedin