Make Your Passion Pay

Building a Business with Heart, Service, and Staying Power with Mark Nelson

What does it really take to build a business that not only succeeds, but genuinely serves? In this episode of Make Your Passion Pay, I sit down with Mark Nelson, owner of Service Pros Plumbing & Heating, to talk about what happens when passion, purpose, and customer care come together in a powerful way. Mark shares his journey from working in a toxic environment to being unexpectedly pushed into entrepreneurship, and how that moment became the catalyst for creating a business rooted in integrity, consistency, and exceptional service. With over four decades in the plumbing industry, Mark brings a wealth of experience and a clear vision: to create a better experience for both his customers and his team. We dive into what truly sets Service Pros apart, including their commitment to educating homeowners, offering transparent “good, better, best” options, and creating peace of mind through every interaction. Mark also opens up about the lessons learned along the way, from hiring challenges to redefining boundaries (including letting go of a “24/7” mindset that was burning him out). This conversation is a powerful reminder that your words, your values, and your vision shape the business you build. Mark’s story highlights the importance of aligning your work with your passions, creating a culture your team can thrive in, and being intentional about the experience you deliver every single day. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to grow your business in a way that feels good, this episode will inspire you to step into clarity, trust the process, and build something that truly reflects who you are. Join us as we explore what it means to lead with purpose, serve with heart, and create a business that works for your life, not the other way around. Let’s make your passion pay. Mark Nelson Bio: Mark Nelson is the owner of Service Pros Plumbing & Heating, LLC, with over 40 years of experience in the plumbing industry. His career has spanned everything from commercial construction management to hands-on service work, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the trade. Driven by a deep commitment to customer care, Mark founded Service Pros with the mission of delivering a better plumbing experience - one rooted in trust, education, and consistency. He is passionate about solving problems, supporting his team, and ensuring every customer feels confident and cared for. Through his leadership, Service Pros has grown into a trusted, community-focused business known for professionalism, transparency, and delivering true peace of mind. Connect with Mark: Service Pros Plumbing & Heating, LLC - https://www.serviceprosmn.com/ [https://www.serviceprosmn.com/] Thanks for tuning in! Remember to share and rate the episode if you enjoyed it. Don’t forget to visit LuAnnB.com and connect with me on Instagram and Facebook! Let’s spread the joy and build thriving communities together. Keep pursuing your passion with purpose! Thanks for tuning in! Remember to share and rate the episode if you enjoyed it. Don't forget to check out my website LuAnn.com [https://luannb.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGQxRFleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHfzoV4whMtsRQdP8fEi47K0RwaEQfrRVNhpJpNpR7ydOFfkViIPXeTWYUg_aem_kuIZ4CxL7pQZ7qC3AF0LFg] and connect with me on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/buechlerluann/] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/LuAnnBuechlerCoach]! Let's spread the joy and build thriving communities together. Keep pursuing your passion with purpose!

Thank God It’s Monday: Building a Business You Love with John Hewitt

What if you actually looked forward to Mondays? In this episode of Make Your Passion Pay, I sit down with legendary entrepreneur John Hewitt, the founder behind Jackson Hewitt and Liberty Tax, to talk about what it really takes to build a business you love and a life that excites you. With over 57 years in business and two $500 million companies under his belt, John shares not only the strategies behind his success, but the mindset that made it all possible. At the heart of John’s philosophy is a simple but powerful mantra: “Have fun and improve lives.” And throughout this conversation, he shows exactly how that principle has guided his leadership, his companies, and his impact on thousands of entrepreneurs. We dive into what separates great companies from good ones, and spoiler alert, it’s more than just strategy… it’s culture. John shares: * Why "Thank God it's Monday" should replace "Thank God it's Friday" * How company culture is the ultimate competitive advantage * Why employees should come first * The role of attitude and perseverance in long-term success * How to lead with strong core principles (not just values) * Why focusing on strengths creates extraordinary results We also explore how John built and scaled franchise empires, and how he ensures his message and culture reach thousands of locations without getting diluted. Now, as CEO of Loyalty Brands, John is focused on helping entrepreneurs step into their role as CEOs and build businesses that create both wealth and impact. If you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or someone searching for more fulfillment in your work, this episode will challenge you to think differently and bigger. Tune in and start building a business (and life) you can’t wait to wake up to. John Hewitt Bio: John Hewitt is a highly accomplished entrepreneur, business leader, and franchise pioneer best known for founding two of the largest tax preparation companies in North America—Jackson Hewitt Tax Service and Liberty Tax Service. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he has built multiple companies into nationally recognized brands, helping thousands of entrepreneurs succeed through franchising. John began his journey in the tax industry while attending the University at Buffalo, where a tax preparation course sparked his passion for business. He quickly rose through the ranks at H&R Block before launching Jackson Hewitt, which became one of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States and was eventually sold for approximately $500 million. He later founded Liberty Tax Service, growing it to over 4,000 locations across North America and further solidifying his reputation as a leader in business development and franchise systems. Today, John is the CEO of Loyalty Brands, a collection of franchise businesses spanning tax, accounting, and the rapidly growing pet services industry. Through his work, he is passionate about helping entrepreneurs become CEOs and build their own empires with purpose, strong leadership, and a focus on culture. He is also the author of the best-selling book iCompete: How My Extraordinary Strategy for Winning Can Be Yours, where he shares the principles and strategies behind his success. John’s mission is simple yet powerful: help people build successful businesses while having fun and improving lives. Connect with John: Website: https://loyaltybrands.com [https://loyaltybrands.com]Book: iCompete: How My Extraordinary Strategy for Winning Can Be Yours (available on his website) Thanks for tuning in! Remember to share and rate the episode if you enjoyed it. Don't forget to check out my website LuAnnB.com and connect with me on Instagram and Facebook! Let's spread the joy and build thriving communities together. Keep pursuing your passion with purpose! Thanks for tuning in! Remember to share and rate the episode if you enjoyed it. Don't forget to check out my website LuAnn.com [https://luannb.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGQxRFleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHfzoV4whMtsRQdP8fEi47K0RwaEQfrRVNhpJpNpR7ydOFfkViIPXeTWYUg_aem_kuIZ4CxL7pQZ7qC3AF0LFg] and connect with me on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/buechlerluann/] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/LuAnnBuechlerCoach]! Let's spread the joy and build thriving communities together. Keep pursuing your passion with purpose!

How Gut Health Can Transform Your Life with Teresa Firebaugh

Have you ever felt like you’re doing everything “right” for your health, but still not feeling your best? In this episode of Make Your Passion Pay, I sit down with Teresa Firebaugh to explore a powerful and often overlooked foundation of wellness: gut health. Teresa shares her journey from a 30+ year career in pharmacy to discovering a more holistic approach that truly changed her life, and now the lives of others. After years of frustration with simply adding more prescriptions without solving root issues, Teresa found herself on her own health journey, struggling with sleeplessness, brain fog, low energy, and chronic conditions. It wasn’t until she began focusing on her gut health that everything started to shift. Together, we unpack how the microbiome impacts far more than digestion, from mood and hormones to inflammation and chronic illness—and why so many common symptoms may actually trace back to what’s happening in your gut. Teresa also shares how following her passion led her into entrepreneurship, building a business centered around helping others reclaim their health. Her story is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to quit your job overnight, you can take intentional steps toward a path that aligns with your purpose. If you’ve been feeling stuck, low energy, or simply curious about how to feel better in your body, this episode will open your eyes to what’s possible. Your health, your energy, and your purpose are all connected. Let’s make your passion pay, starting from the inside out. Teresa Firebaugh’s Bio: Teresa Firebaugh is a pharmacist of over 30 years turned gut health educator and wellness advocate. After experiencing her own health challenges and frustration with traditional approaches that focused solely on symptom management, Teresa discovered the transformative power of supporting the body through gut health. Today, through her business TFire4GutHealth, she educates and supports individuals in understanding the vital role the microbiome plays in overall wellness, from digestion and energy to mood and chronic conditions. She partners with Plexus to provide products and guidance that help people restore balance, reduce inflammation, and feel their best. Teresa is passionate about helping others move beyond “just managing symptoms” to truly improving their quality of life. She is also building a growing community centered around education, support, and shared wellness journeys. Connect with Teresa: Website: www.tfire4guthealth.com [http://www.tfire4guthealth.com]Facebook: TFire4GutHealth Rochester, MN – Monthly in-person wellness community (3rd Saturday of the month at Hy-Vee Crossroads, 8:30–10am) Thanks for tuning in! Remember to share and rate the episode if you enjoyed it. Don't forget to check out my website LuAnnB.com and connect with me on Instagram and Facebook! Let's spread the joy and build thriving communities together. Keep pursuing your passion with purpose! Thanks for tuning in! Remember to share and rate the episode if you enjoyed it. Don't forget to check out my website LuAnn.com [https://luannb.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGQxRFleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHfzoV4whMtsRQdP8fEi47K0RwaEQfrRVNhpJpNpR7ydOFfkViIPXeTWYUg_aem_kuIZ4CxL7pQZ7qC3AF0LFg] and connect with me on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/buechlerluann/] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/LuAnnBuechlerCoach]! Let's spread the joy and build thriving communities together. Keep pursuing your passion with purpose!

The Power of Authenticity in Business with Tena Pettis

Ever feel like you’re trying to follow someone else’s blueprint for success, only to realize it doesn’t quite fit? What if the real key to success isn’t doing more, but becoming more you? In this episode of Make Your Passion Pay, I sit down with the bold and authentic Tena Pettis to explore the idea of “cheat codes”, the unique strengths, stories, and quirks that set you apart and accelerate your success when you fully own them. Tena shares her powerful journey from building a seven-figure business to realizing that success without alignment isn’t true success at all. We dive into the importance of embracing what makes you different (even if it’s a little “black licorice”, you’re either loved or not, and that’s the point!) and how leaning into your authenticity can actually deepen connection and attract the right people. We also unpack how confidence isn’t something you wait for, it’s something you reveal by recognizing and owning your personal cheat codes. Many of the stories and insights shared in this episode come from Tena’s book, Remind Them of No One, where she dives deeper into what it means to stand out, embrace your uniqueness, and build a life and business that truly fits who you are. If this conversation resonates with you, her book is a powerful next step to continue uncovering and owning what makes you unforgettable. From stories about her networking-savvy dad to building businesses rooted in truth and faith, Tena brings both heart and strategy to the conversation. If you’ve ever struggled with comparison, people-pleasing, or trying to fit into a mold that isn’t yours, this episode will give you permission (and practical insight) to step fully into who you were created to be. Let’s make your passion pay, by being unapologetically YOU. Meet Tena: Tena Pettis is an author, speaker, and business coach who helps women entrepreneurs step into the one thing no one else can compete with—their authenticity. After hustling her way to seven figures in her 30s, Tena realized success without alignment wasn’t really success at all. Now, she inspires audiences to embrace their “cheat codes”—the unique strengths, quirks, and stories God has given them—to grow businesses that actually fit their lives. Tena is the founder of FLOW, a coaching community for women in business, and the author of Remind Them of No One. She’s known for her real-talk style, 80s/90s throwback stories, and ability to leave audiences both laughing and teary-eyed—all while handing them practical strategies to take home. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband Preston and their three teenagers, and she’ll never turn down a night filled with laughter and good conversation. Connect with Tena: Instagram: www.instagram.com/tenapettis [http://www.instagram.com/tenapettis]Website: www.tenapettis.com [http://www.tenapettis.com] Thanks for tuning in! Remember to share and rate the episode if you enjoyed it. Don't forget to check out my website LuAnnB.com and connect with me on Instagram and Facebook! Let's spread the joy and build thriving communities together. Keep pursuing your passion with purpose! Thanks for tuning in! Remember to share and rate the episode if you enjoyed it. Don't forget to check out my website LuAnn.com [https://luannb.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGQxRFleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHfzoV4whMtsRQdP8fEi47K0RwaEQfrRVNhpJpNpR7ydOFfkViIPXeTWYUg_aem_kuIZ4CxL7pQZ7qC3AF0LFg] and connect with me on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/buechlerluann/] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/LuAnnBuechlerCoach]! Let's spread the joy and build thriving communities together. Keep pursuing your passion with purpose!

Know Your Numbers, Grow Your Business with Suzanne Allen

Do your numbers feel overwhelming… or maybe something you’d rather avoid altogether? What if understanding them could actually bring you clarity, confidence, and a stronger path forward? In this episode of Make Your Passion Pay, I sit down with Suzanne Allen, fractional CFO and President of Allen CFO Services, to unpack what your numbers are really telling you, and how to use them to make smarter, more aligned decisions in your business. Together, we break down the often-confusing world of finances, clarifying the roles of a bookkeeper, CPA, and CFO, and talk about when it’s the right time to bring in support. Suzanne shares how business owners can move from simply tracking the past to proactively planning for the future through forecasting and financial strategy. This conversation is full of those powerful “aha” moments: like realizing your numbers aren’t something to fear, but a tool to help you grow. We also explore how aligning your financials with your vision, values, and goals creates a more sustainable and successful business. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your cash flow, struggled to make sense of your financials, or found yourself avoiding the numbers altogether, this episode will give you a fresh perspective and practical steps to move forward with confidence. Join us as we connect the dots between clarity, strategy, and financial empowerment, and show you how knowing your numbers can truly help you make your passion pay. Suzanne Bio: Suzanne Allen is a fractional CFO and President of Allen CFO Services, helping business owners understand what their numbers are really saying and what to do about it. With over 25 years in finance, she brings both sides of the brain to the table: pairing data-driven insight with creative thinking to drive smarter decisions and stronger results. She’s also a proud new grandma, an avid reader, and a musician, because spreadsheets aren’t her only form of rhythm. Connect with Suzanne: Smart Card: https://bit.ly/AllenCFOSmartCard [https://bit.ly/AllenCFOSmartCard]LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/LinkedInProfileSuzanneAllen [https://bit.ly/LinkedInProfileSuzanneAllen]Website: https://bit.ly/AllenCFOhomepage [https://bit.ly/AllenCFOhomepage]Strategic Financial Partner: https://bit.ly/StrategicFinancialPartner [https://bit.ly/StrategicFinancialPartner] Thanks for tuning in! Remember to share and rate the episode if you enjoyed it. Don't forget to check out my website LuAnnB.com and connect with me on Instagram and Facebook! Let's spread the joy and build thriving communities together. Keep pursuing your passion with purpose! Thanks for tuning in! Remember to share and rate the episode if you enjoyed it. Don't forget to check out my website LuAnn.com [https://luannb.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGQxRFleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHfzoV4whMtsRQdP8fEi47K0RwaEQfrRVNhpJpNpR7ydOFfkViIPXeTWYUg_aem_kuIZ4CxL7pQZ7qC3AF0LFg] and connect with me on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/buechlerluann/] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/LuAnnBuechlerCoach]! Let's spread the joy and build thriving communities together. Keep pursuing your passion with purpose!