WIN

Send us a text

Paul Schmidt uses Networking to WIN!
When the world seemed to crumble on September 11, 2001, Paul Schmidt embarked on a venture that would prove his resilience in the face of adversity. Tune in to hear how Paul's Uno Deuce Multimedia carved a niche in Lansing's entrepreneurial landscape, transforming crisis into opportunity with adaptability and a robust network. You'll be riveted by his candid account of starting a business during one of history's most trying periods, his evolution from a one-man operation to a thriving multimedia team, and the personal health hurdles that could have halted his journey but instead fueled his innovative spirit.
Our discussion with Paul is an inspiration to anyone navigating the business realm's ebbs and flows. Discover the fortuitous twists that led to his success, the power of community connections in Lansing - a hidden gem for entrepreneurs - and how close collaborations can blossom into lasting friendships. Whether you're a budding business owner or a seasoned professional, Paul's story underscores the importance of a supportive network and the magic that happens when you step outside your comfort zone and embrace the unpredictable path of entrepreneurship.

Carrie Richardson and Ian Richardson host the WIN Podcast - What's Important Now?
Serial entrepreneurs, life partners and business partners, they have successfully exited from multiple businesses (IT, call center, real estate, marketing) and they help other business owners create their own versions of success.
Ian is certified in Eagle Center For Leadership Making A Difference, Paterson StratOp, and LifePlan.
Carrie has helped create and execute successful outbound sales strategies for over 1200 technology-focused businesses including MSPs, manufacturers, distributors and SaaS firms.
Learn more at www.foxcrowgroup.com

Book time with either of them here: https://randr.consulting/connect
Be a guest on WIN! We host successful entrepreneurs who share advice with other entrepreneurs on how to build, grow or sell a business using examples from their own experience.

Send us a text

Welcome to this week's episode of W.I.N. with Ian Richardson from Richardson & Richardson Consulting!
This week join Ian as he sits down with West McDonald from Tigerpaw Software! West McDonald is the #4 ranked influencer in the Top 100 Influencers in the Managed Print Channel and Chief Noise Maker at Tigerpaw Software. His passion is helping his friends and partners find answers by asking questions while keeping an eye on helping their businesses grow in both new and innovative ways. He has a particular knack for helping entrepreneurs navigate a converging, consolidating I.T. channel, achieving subscription billing model success, and simplifying their diverse product portfolios. If you're looking to grow and evolve your business in today's new economy, West is happy to be a resource to help you WIN!
Learn more about our co-hosts, Carrie Richardson (Simpson), founder of Managed Sales Pros and Ian Richardson, managing partner of Richardson and Richardson Consulting by visiting us at https://randr.consulting!

Carrie Richardson and Ian Richardson host the WIN Podcast - What's Important Now?
Serial entrepreneurs, life partners and business partners, they have successfully exited from multiple businesses (IT, call center, real estate, marketing) and they help other business owners create their own versions of success.
Ian is certified in Eagle Center For Leadership Making A Difference, Paterson StratOp, and LifePlan.
Carrie has helped create and execute successful outbound sales strategies for over 1200 technology-focused businesses including MSPs, manufacturers, distributors and SaaS firms.
Learn more at www.foxcrowgroup.com

Book time with either of them here: https://randr.consulting/connect
Be a guest on WIN! We host successful entrepreneurs who share advice with other entrepreneurs on how to build, grow or sell a business using examples from their own experience.

Send us a text

Discover the keys to unlocking stellar decision-making in the corporate world with me, Carrie Richardson, as I sit down with Bart Justice, an innovator at the helm of Arise Forums.
Prepare to have your mind broadened as we traverse the landscape of the Judgment Index, an assessment tool that transcends your typical personality quizzes. Bart, with his deep roots in EOS and Traction, shares a treasure trove of experiences that harmonize the roles of visionary and integrator. He also uncovers the criticality of aligning personal values with job-specific necessities, a strategy that ensures businesses achieve their highest potential. This is an episode rich with insights on the delicate balance of core values within a company, and how these should mirror more than just aspirations, but the actual deeds shaping an organization's culture.
Then, we shift gears to look at how life's pivotal moments can drastically alter our values, examining through personal stories the evolution of my own principles in response to parenthood and the entrepreneurial journey. You'll hear a moving account of redemption and the potent effect of living out one's foundational values, a narrative that demonstrates the profound impact these ideals have on both personal growth and professional relationships. While we only scratch the surface on the future of AI in sales and marketing, you can anticipate a follow-up discussion that promises to delve into the innovative use of technology in streamlining business practices. So, if you're after a conversation that combines practical business wisdom with the transformative journey of personal values, then join us for an episode that's both enlightening and compelling.

Carrie Richardson and Ian Richardson host the WIN Podcast - What's Important Now?
Serial entrepreneurs, life partners and business partners, they have successfully exited from multiple businesses (IT, call center, real estate, marketing) and they help other business owners create their own versions of success.
Ian is certified in Eagle Center For Leadership Making A Difference, Paterson StratOp, and LifePlan.
Carrie has helped create and execute successful outbound sales strategies for over 1200 technology-focused businesses including MSPs, manufacturers, distributors and SaaS firms.
Learn more at www.foxcrowgroup.com

Book time with either of them here: https://randr.consulting/connect
Be a guest on WIN! We host successful entrepreneurs who share advice with other entrepreneurs on how to build, grow or sell a business using examples from their own experience.

Send us a text

In today's episode of "What's Important Now," we had the pleasure of speaking with Josh Kotler, a seasoned investor in the managed services space and a partner at Axial Reade. Josh shared his journey from founding Western Digitech to his recent ventures, providing valuable insights into the MSP industry and the M&A process.
Josh's story began in 1998 when he joined Western Digitech, a company founded by his partner in 1994. Starting as a small garage-based operation, they grew the business into a successful MSP. In 2014, Josh bought out his partner, and under his leadership, Western Digitech experienced significant growth, reaching a run rate of about $7 million upon his exit.
The decision to sell Western Digitech was not taken lightly. Initially, Josh had no intention of selling, but an unsolicited offer from a peer in early 2019 sparked the idea that it might be time to consider an exit. After weighing multiple offers and engaging in deep discussions with Compass MSP, Josh found the right strategic fit and closed the deal on December 23, 2019.
Josh played a pivotal role in Compass MSP's growth, serving as COO and interim CEO, and leading several successful add-on acquisitions.
Eventually, Josh decided to step back from his active role at Compass MSP, allowing him to focus on other investments and opportunities. In February 2023, he co-founded Sansom Street Capital and acquired Elevative Networks, diving back into the MSP business. Additionally, he invested in channel companies and joined Axial Reade as an operating partner, focusing on building strong MSP brands through strategic acquisitions.
Josh and I discussed the challenges facing smaller MSPs, particularly those with EBITDA below $1 million. He emphasized the importance of scale in managing risk effectively and the tough decision owners face: either work hard to grow their business or roll their equity into a larger organization for better appreciation and security.
We also touched on the impending "bubble" of older MSP owners looking to exit in the next few years. Josh warned that a rush to sell could depress prices due to supply and demand dynamics. He advised owners to plan ahead and consider exiting before the bubble hits or commit to a longer-term strategy to build value.
As the conversation wrapped up, Josh highlighted t

Carrie Richardson and Ian Richardson host the WIN Podcast - What's Important Now?
Serial entrepreneurs, life partners and business partners, they have successfully exited from multiple businesses (IT, call center, real estate, marketing) and they help other business owners create their own versions of success.
Ian is certified in Eagle Center For Leadership Making A Difference, Paterson StratOp, and LifePlan.
Carrie has helped create and execute successful outbound sales strategies for over 1200 technology-focused businesses including MSPs, manufacturers, distributors and SaaS firms.
Learn more at www.foxcrowgroup.com

Book time with either of them here: https://randr.consulting/connect
Be a guest on WIN! We host successful entrepreneurs who share advice with other entrepreneurs on how to build, grow or sell a business using examples from their own experience.

Send us a text

Carrie Richardson, partner at Richardson & Richardson Consulting and founder of the content collaboration company, Croocial, hosts today's episode of WIN!
Angela Chryplewicz, the co-owner of Lasting Impressions in Canton Michigan is the second entrepreneur from this business to appear on WIN!
Listen to Carla Ejaz's WIN recording about Lasting Impressions and the challenges they have experienced - including a major Covid pivot, and a total loss fire!
Step into the world of promotional marketing, where branding comes alive in the most creative and unexpected ways. Our guest, Angela Chryplewicz, is one of the owners of Lasting Impressions.
Angela has mastered the art of making brands memorable, from stamping logos on socks to crafting custom hot sauces. She shares the story of her transition, from being an employee in her father's business to becoming a co- owner, an experience that comes with its fair share of challenges and lessons.
Family and business might seem like oil and water, but Angela's story tells us otherwise. With her firsthand experience in a family-owned business, she brings us the reality of keeping family ties intact while running a thriving business. Angela frankly discusses the complexities involved in purchasing a family business, the value of professional evaluations, and the significance of establishing clear boundaries when mixing family and business. She talks about the roles and responsibilities each family member assumes and how they support each other through this journey.
This episode isn't just about the highs and lows of a family-run business.
Angela also gives us an insider's view into the promotional marketing industry. Tune in to hear about Angela's journey, the lessons she's learned, and the creative ways in which she's helping businesses make lasting impressions.
Don't miss this insightful episode, where family, creativity, and business come together in an extraordinary way.

Carrie Richardson and Ian Richardson host the WIN Podcast - What's Important Now?
Serial entrepreneurs, life partners and business partners, they have successfully exited from multiple businesses (IT, call center, real estate, marketing) and they help other business owners create their own versions of success.
Ian is certified in Eagle Center For Leadership Making A Difference, Paterson StratOp, and LifePlan.
Carrie has helped create and execute successful outbound sales strategies for over 1200 technology-focused businesses including MSPs, manufacturers, distributors and SaaS firms.
Learn more at www.foxcrowgroup.com

Book time with either of them here: https://randr.consulting/connect
Be a guest on WIN! We host successful entrepreneurs who share advice with other entrepreneurs on how to build, grow or sell a business using examples from their own experience.