Beyond the Business

CEO of First Reliance Bank, Rick Saunders joins Eric and Leslie for this week's episode of Beyond the Business. Calling in from Florence, South Carolina Rick shares his upbringing and the catalytic events of his eventual success. He also grants some great words of wisdom and advice for business people.
Follow Rick! Twitter and Instagram: @RickSaundersCEO
Check out First Reliance! Facebook, Instagram, and twitter @firstreliance

This episode of Beyond the Business features the Co-founder of Saleslare, a Belgian firm developing a powerful CRM for businesses. Jeroen Corthout shares stories from his upbringing with Eric and Leslie in this first of two episodes. Jeroen developed entrepreneurial aspirations from an early age and worked relentlessly to reach his goals.

Guest John McCauley joins Eric and Leslie for this second part episode of #BeyondtheBusiness. This second episode dives deeper into the early career of the eventual CEO of Highland Paving. John discusses the courage needed for entrepreneurship, the persistence that fuels growth, and the added difficulty of doing business in disastrous times. Perseverance is the only proven path. John shares stories and his personal philosophy of perseverance in this can't-miss episode of Beyond the Business.

Guest Wood Marchant, director of the Collegiate Recovery Program, joins Eric and Leslie for this second part on #beyondthebusiness. Wood outlines his graduate school experience and the events that led him to discover his passion to help those with addiction. He stresses that saying yes to support is the best way to further the path to recovery. Wood provides an essential social service to the young people of today who are experiencing the increasingly high pressure of substance abuse. This episode highlights some truly important life lessons applicable to not only entrepreneurs but everyone.

Episode II picks up with the origin story and early development of Fatty's Beer Works and the correlating decision of David McLain to work for himself. David combined his passion for craft beer, background knowledge in mechanical engineering, and the recognition of opportunity in the market to create Fatty's. It is imperative that entrepreneurs are persistent and willing to take calculated risk for potential reward. Even when up and running, entrepreneurs must practice flexibility and the ability to adapt. David stresses the need to stay humble in order to listen and learn.