Ep169 Barbara Casey Lane - When Legacy Meets Innovation: A Multi-Generation Business Keeps Its Edge

Dan Marks isn't your typical executive. His journey from a humble repair shop to the CEO of a leading locomotive company is as inspiring as it is unconventional. In this episode of Get Unstuck & On Target, host Mike O'Neill explores the tracks of Dan’s career, revealing how the lessons learned in a hands-on family business can illuminate the path to corporate leadership.Starting in the electric motor repair business founded by his father, Dan absorbed the nuances of locomotives and the value of hard work. His progression wasn’t just a climb up the corporate ladder but a journey through various roles, each adding a layer of understanding and skill that proved essential as he ascended to his role as CEO. Dan shares how these experiences shaped his approach to leadership, emphasizing the importance of connecting with employees and fostering a culture of innovation and dedication.Mike O'Neill, with his insightful questioning, draws out the essence of leadership that transcends industries: it’s about understanding people, building trust, and being genuinely involved at every level of the organization. They delve into the specifics of running a specialized manufacturing and repair business, discussing the challenges and triumphs of maintaining a workforce that is as robust as the locomotive parts they manufacture.Listeners will also gain a behind-the-scenes look at the manufacturing of critical locomotive components and the cyclical nature of these massive machines that power our economies. Dan's narrative is peppered with personal anecdotes, from Thanksgiving dinners dominated by railroad talk to the philosophies that guide his leadership at Bohr Electronics.Key points to look for in this episode:- Explore Dan Marks' unique career trajectory from working in his father's repair shop to becoming the CEO of Bohr Electronics, highlighting the real-world lessons that shaped his leadership style.- Uncover the inside workings of a locomotive manufacturing and remanufacturing company, learning how critical components are made and maintained to last decades.- Delve into the challenges and strategies of managing a specialized workforce, fostering a culture of innovation, and the impact of thoughtful leadership on employee retention and company growth.This episode isn't just for those interested in railroads or manufacturing; it's for anyone who seeks a blueprint for leadership that's grounded in real-world experience and genuine passion for one's field. Join us as Dan Marks demonstrates how traditional paths can lead to extraordinary destinations in the modern corporate landscape.

When food meets family, tradition isn't just maintained; it thrives. Join host Mike O’Neill as he welcomes Barbara Casey Lane, CEO of LTI - a pivotal leader in custom food service equipment manufacturing. Nestled in the heart of Jonesboro, Georgia, LTI’s story is one of resilience, ingenuity, and a steadfast commitment to quality that spans nearly eight decades. This episode of “Get Unstuck & On Target” delves deep into the heart of what makes a family business outlast its founders, as Barbara shares her journey from the ground up in a company deeply rooted in family values and innovation.Discover how under Barbara’s leadership, LTI has maintained its ethos of close-knit community values within the expansive scope of industrial manufacturing. From early innovations in refrigeration to today’s versatile serving solutions that adapt from hot to cold in mere minutes, LTI’s trajectory mirrors Barbara's own path through various roles, ultimately leading her back to her roots. Mike and Barbara explore the profound impact of consolidating operations "under one roof" and how physical proximity can enhance workflow and employee relationships.This dialogue is more than just a business case study; it's a testament to the human spirit's ability to adapt, innovate, and lead with heart. Whether discussing the tactical shifts in product lines or the strategic importance of visibility in leadership, Barbara’s insights offer a masterclass in nurturing a workplace where legacy and innovation coexist beautifully.Key points to look out for in this episode:Barbara Casey Lane's strategic insights into leading a third-generation family business, her return to LTI, and how the company has evolved while maintaining a strong connection to its roots and core values.Discussion of the significant impact of consolidating operations under one roof, improving both operational efficiency and employee interaction and how physical proximity can foster a more cohesive and supportive work environment.Exploration of the unique challenges and opportunities presented by manufacturing custom food service equipment, including the adaptation and innovation necessary to stay relevant in a competitive industry.Tune in to discover how LTI has navigated changes across generations, remaining a cornerstone in its community and an example of how businesses can thrive on the principles of respect, craftsmanship, and familial loyalty.

In this episode of "Get Unstuck & On Target," host Mike O'Neill sits down with Joe Rare, a serial entrepreneur whose portfolio spans digital companies, wedding venues, and a plethora of real estate investments. Joe reveals his strategic approach to entrepreneurship that not only drives success but also ensures personal freedom and family time. From outsourcing to virtual assistants in crafting a business that operates almost autonomously, Joe's insights are a treasure trove for any entrepreneur aiming to break free from the daily grind.Mike, with his insightful questions, digs deep into the mechanics of building a business around your lifestyle rather than fitting your life around your business. They explore the critical aspects of why many entrepreneurs are tied down by their ventures and how Joe’s methods are a game-changer in achieving true freedom.Listeners will find valuable lessons on scalability, the importance of systemizing operations, and how to use global resources effectively to maximize both profit and time. If you're looking to transform your business model or just starting your entrepreneurial journey, this episode is your roadmap to a life of fulfillment and success beyond the conventional bounds.Tune in to discover:- How Joe's unique business model helps maintain a balance between success and quality family time.- The role of virtual assistants in revolutionizing business operations.- Insights into Joe's diverse business ventures and how they synergize with each other.- Strategies for minimizing your workload while maximizing business output.- Real-life challenges and triumphs from Joe’s journey, providing actionable advice for anyone looking to reshape their professional landscape.Ready to redefine success? Listen now and transform the way you think about work and life.

In this episode of Get Unstuck & On Target, host Mike O’Neill and guest Tanya Turner shatter the stereotypes surrounding HR and introverted leaders. As the director of Human Resources for Salto Systems, Tanya brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective that proves leadership isn't reserved for the loudest in the room.Mike, an extrovert himself, navigates the discussion with a genuine curiosity, aiming to uncover how Tanya, an introverted HR leader, leverages her natural inclinations to not only survive but thrive in her role.Tanya's insights into the introverted leadership style are a revelation. She speaks to the heart of introverts everywhere when she discusses the power of reflection, the importance of quiet creativity, and how these traits can lead to methodical, thoughtful leadership. It's not about changing who you are but embracing it to uncover your unique leadership capabilities.The discussion delves into the often misunderstood realm of HR, with Tanya illuminating how HR is far more than just hiring and firing. She paints a picture of HR as a place of growth, development, and fundamental human connection, where every interaction can lead to transformational changes in both personal and professional lives.Listeners are treated to Tanya’s personal story of growth, a testament to the episode's core message: embracing one’s natural tendencies, be they introverted or extroverted, can lead to profound success and fulfillment. This episode will help you understand the depth and breadth of what it means to be a leader and a human in the world of business.Three key insights to look for:- The transformative power of introverted leadership in HR and beyond, revealing how quiet reflection and thoughtful action can redefine effective leadership.- A fresh perspective on HR's role within organizations, illustrating its potential as a catalyst for personal and professional growth, far beyond its traditional hiring and firing stereotype.- Tanya Turner’s personal journey of growth and learning, offering tangible insights and encouragement for anyone questioning their path or how to leverage their natural tendencies for success.Mike’s warmth and Tanya’s wisdom combine to create an episode that feels like a roadmap for anyone feeling stuck in their career, offering practical advice, heartfelt stories, and a new way of viewing the role of HR and leadership through the lens of introversion. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to find their place in the leadership world, rethink HR's role in business success, or simply for those seeking inspiration to embrace their true selves.

In this compelling episode of Get Unstuck & On Target, host Mike O'Neill sits down with the remarkable Jay David, a fractional manufacturing CEO with a backstory that reads like a script for resilience and strategic brilliance. Jay's journey from a high school cook to a turnaround titan in the manufacturing world is not just inspiring; it's a lesson in leveraging unconventional paths for exponential growth.Mike, with his insightful queries, peels back the layers of Jay's career, revealing a narrative that challenges the conventional wisdom of career progression. From Jay's early realization that the restaurant management lifestyle wasn't for him to his audacious leap into college for love of baseball, his story is punctuated with decisions that seem risky but are deeply strategic.Jay shares how, without an immediate dive into college post-high school, he embraced the grind in restaurant management, honed his leadership skills, and later transitioned to manufacturing, where he applied his unique blend of operational savvy and financial acumen to lead turnarounds. His approach? A combination of hands-on problem-solving on the factory floor, innovative process optimizations, and fostering strong people management skills across teams. The conversation takes a deep dive into the essence of successful turnarounds. It’s not about sweeping changes but strategic, incremental improvements. Jay’s methodology, focusing on one or two areas for impactful change, underscores the importance of prioritization and engagement for lasting success. Mike and Jay also explore the transformative role of fractional leadership in driving strategic change. Through Jay’s lens, listeners learn about the nuanced balance between strategic oversight and operational excellence, the value of fresh perspectives in entrenched challenges, and the critical role of building a resilient bench strength for future growth.Key Takeaways:- The Path Less Traveled: Jay's journey underscores the value of unconventional paths to leadership and success, providing a refreshing perspective on career development.  - Turnaround Tactics: Strategic incrementalism and a focus on people management emerge as pivotal for turning struggling operations into success stories.  - Fractional Leadership: Jay's insights into fractional CEO roles reveal a potent strategy for small to medium-sized businesses to leverage expert strategic oversight without full-time executive costs.- Visibility and Incremental Improvement: The power of visual management and focusing on one challenge at a time for transformational change.This episode is more than a conversation; it’s a roadmap for those feeling stuck, looking for a way to pivot from operational challenges to strategic victories. It’s about finding success by doing business better, not just working harder. Join Mike and Jay as they unpack the layers of strategy, leadership, and resilience that define the journey from the kitchen floors to the executive doors.

In a world cluttered with repetitive success stories and conventional business advice, Mike O'Neill and Michelle Nedelec dare to disrupt. This episode isn't just another entrepreneurial pep talk; it's a deep dive into the realities of success, the illusion of control, and the profound process of finding one's footing in the aftermath of achievement.Mike O'Neill, with his astute facilitation, brings out the best in his guest, Michelle Nedelec – an author, podcaster, and the visionary founder of Awareness Strategies. Michelle's journey from steering her own series of companies since 1995 to helping others build multi-million dollar businesses is nothing short of inspiring. But the crux of this conversation is not her achievements; it's her insights into the often-overlooked facets of success.Michelle's profound understanding of the digital landscape and her unconventional approach to leveraging podcasts for business growth serve as a backdrop to a much larger narrative. The episode navigates through the evolution of consumer behavior, the strategic missteps businesses make in the digital age, and the importance of aligning tactics with strategy.But where this conversation truly distinguishes itself is in its exploration of the psychological and emotional terrain of the entrepreneur. Michelle delves into the paradox of success – how it can simultaneously be a source of validation and a trigger for existential crisis. Through her candid sharing and Mike's thoughtful probing, listeners are treated to a rare examination of what it means to be truly successful, beyond the financial metrics.The dialogue extends into the realms of identity, purpose, and the journey towards self-discovery post-success. Michelle's analogy of fighter pilots and their unique stress response mechanisms offers a fascinating parallel to the entrepreneurial mindset, challenging listeners to reconsider their perceptions of risk, control, and excitement.Three key points to look out for:- The Evolution of Digital Marketing and Podcasting- The Psychological Landscape of Success- Strategies for Navigating Change and UncertaintyEmbark on this journey with Mike and Michelle, and redefine what success means to you. Discover how to harness your past achievements as a foundation for future endeavors and navigate the complex emotions that accompany significant life transitions. 

Ever felt like you're drowning in tasks, struggling with too much to do? In this episode of Get Unstuck & On Target, host Mike O'Neill sits down with Jones Loflin, a seasoned speaker, trainer, and author who has dedicated his life to helping individuals and organizations navigate their way through this very struggle.Jones, with his 30+ years of experience, shares his insights on how to make better choices with our time, enabling us to thrive in our work and life. He's the author of four books, including "Always Growing", "Juggling Elephants", and "Getting to It", each offering unique perspectives on time management and personal growth.In a lively conversation, Jones and Mike delve into the heart of why we often feel overwhelmed. They explore the common mindset of believing we can get everything done and how this leads to a lack of intentionality in planning our time. Jones shares his belief that the problem isn't time management, but choice management, a concept that could revolutionize how you approach your day.But it's not all about work. Jones believes in being passionate about certain things in life, including family, spiritual beliefs, career, and relationships. He shares how this passion acts as a filter for everything he does, influencing every choice he makes.Three key topics to look out for:Struggling with Too Much to Do: Jones Loflin discusses the common issue of feeling overwhelmed with tasks and responsibilities. He suggests that this often stems from the mindset that everything can be accomplished within a given timeframe, leading to overloading and inefficiency.The Importance of Passion and Choice Management: Loflin emphasizes the role of passion in guiding our choices and how we spend our time. He argues that the problem is not time management, but choice management. He suggests that we should be more intentional in planning how we use our time, keeping in mind our passions and goals.Learning and Perspective from Travel: Loflin shares his experiences from traveling and how it has broadened his perspective. He emphasizes the importance of understanding different viewpoints and backgrounds, and how this can enrich our understanding of the world and influence our choices.This episode is a treasure trove of insights, stories, and data that add an extra layer of depth to the conversation. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just looking for ways to manage your time better, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to discover how to get unstuck and handle "too much to do" effectively.

Investing for Impact: Put Your Money Where Your Heart IsDo you find yourself avoiding conversations about money and finances?You're not alone. Many people struggle with the taboo surrounding financial discussions.In this thought-provoking episode, Mike O'Neill sits down with financial advisor Mike Wapner.They dive deep into the underlying reasons why people hesitate to seek financial guidance, even when facing major life transitions.Mike Wapner shares powerful insights from his own journey, revealing how a long-term client-advisor relationship inspired him to pursue a career in financial planning.He emphasizes the importance of understanding each client's unique goals and priorities, rather than simply chasing returns."The reason I start out with the planning is because I need to know the purpose of the money before I know how to invest the money."Wapner also tackles the complex world of socially responsible investing, debunking myths and offering practical strategies for aligning investments with personal values.From navigating the terminology minefield to evaluating company performance beyond glossy sustainability reports, he provides a candid look at the challenges and opportunities in this rapidly evolving field.Key Points in this episode:Overcoming the reluctance to discuss finances and seek professional guidance, especially during major life transitions.Understanding the true purpose of your money to guide how it should be invested, rather than chasing returns or getting rich quick.Navigating the complex world of socially responsible investing by aligning investments with personal values and evaluating companies beyond sustainability reports.Whether you're just starting your financial journey or seeking to refine your approach, this episode is a must-listen. Wapner's insights will challenge your assumptions and inspire you to take control of your financial future, mindfully and intentionally.Don't miss this chance to gain clarity and confidence in an area that impacts every aspect of your life.

At 26 years old, Eric Wirks had lost everything - his businesses, his home, and almost $30K in debt. Living out of an extended-stay hotel, he hit rock bottom. But it was this "gift of desperation" that fueled his meteoric rise as an entrepreneur. With just $3000 and a repossessed truck, Eric started a moving company in Atlanta that would become a multi-million dollar empire.In this inspiring interview, Eric pulls back the curtain on his against-all-odds journey:The brutal 18 months of 15-hour workdays, multiple roles, and personal sacrifices to get his business off the groundWhy developing the right culture and core values is the lifeblood of any successful organization His transition from doer to leader, and eventually chairman - and the importance of letting goEye-opening lessons from his latest business setback that put him $500K in debt (and how he bounced back)Host Mike O'Neill, a leadership coach who helps executives get unstuck, skillfully extracts wisdom and hard-won insights from Eric's entrepreneurial roller coaster.Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or CEO determined to take your company to the next level, you'll find radical motivation and game-changing strategies in this real-talk podcast. Buckle up for Eric Wirks' no-BS, no-excuses blueprint to outrageous business success against all odds.

In an era where the relentless pursuit of growth often leads businesses astray, this episode of Get Unstuck & On Target with Mike O'Neill will show you how you can achieve consistent business growth while successfully maintaining your values and growing a cohesive company culture.In this compelling episode, Mike welcomes Judah Regenstreif, the principal of Regency Supply, a testament to the power of values-driven growth and the strength of family bonds in business.From the outset, Judah's story captivates, revealing the journey of a family-owned company that dares to defy the norms, prioritizing integrity, relationships, and the personal growth of its team over mere revenue spikes. He shares how Regency Supply has been nurturing a business culture that thrives on mutual respect, shared values, and the collective pursuit of excellence.Mike O'Neill, with his insightful questioning, peels back the layers of Regency Supply's success, uncovering the challenges and triumphs of maintaining a people-centered approach in a profit-driven world. Judah's reflections on the company's evolution, from its roots in lighting to its strategic expansion into a broader supply entity, underscore a pivotal lesson: growth, when anchored in core values, is not only sustainable but also deeply fulfilling.Listeners will be treated to a rare glimpse into the dynamics of running a family business, the complexities of navigating growth through acquisitions, and the critical importance of aligning new ventures with the company's soul. Judah's candid sharing of the lessons learned from their first major acquisition illuminates the path for others embarking on similar journeys, emphasizing the significance of cultural compatibility and the courage to adapt.But this episode offers more than just business insights. It's a heartfelt reminder of the human element in leadership. Judah's personal anecdotes, from his unexpected career path to his passion for mentoring the next generation, resonate with anyone striving to find meaning in their work and make a lasting impact.Key elements to look for in this episode:The Importance of Values-Driven Growth in Business: Judah Regenstreif shares insights into how Regency Supply, a family-owned company, prioritizes integrity, relationships, and personal growth over mere revenue spikes, emphasizing the significance of maintaining core values in the pursuit of business growth.Navigating Family Dynamics in Business: The episode delves into the complexities and challenges of running a family-owned business, including navigating relationships, differing opinions, and visions for the company among family members, while remaining committed to shared goals and values.Strategies for Healthy Business Expansion: The conversation covers Regency Supply's strategic approach to growth, including the shift from lighting to a broader supply focus and the lessons learned from acquisitions. It highlights the importance of aligning new ventures with the company's core values and the necessity of understanding cultural compatibility in acquisitions.Join Mike and Judah in this enlightening episode as they explore the essence of healthy growth, the power of understanding across generations, and the unbreakable strength of a values-driven, people-centered company.