Beyond the Mark

The 6’8” Giant of Networking: Farmer Jeff on Presence, Relationships, and Reputation

What do baseball cards, commercial lighting, and beef have in common? Farmer Jeff. In this episode of Beyond the Mark, Joe Toma sits down with Farmer Jeff—a towering figure in every sense—who shares how he's built a powerful reputation simply by being present, staying sincere, and caring more than most. From flipping cards as a teenager to becoming a connector of connectors in Southeast Michigan, Jeff explains how to make networking meaningful (and even fun). ✅ How to stand out without shouting ✅ Why sincerity beats strategy ✅ The right way to give a business card ✅ What not to do when you're new to a group ✅ Why Farmer Jeff doesn’t accept referral fees—and what he asks for instead Whether you're a small business owner, sales pro, or serial networker, this episode is packed with timeless takeaways. 🔗 Listen now and don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe!

Ep. 05 From Candles to Community: Carla Hurd’s Wellness Revolution

Carla Hurd went from selling candles as a single mom to building a wellness movement that’s helping thousands live healthier, more energized lives. In this episode of Beyond the Mark, she shares how her health transformation began with one reluctant meeting, one protein shake—and a whole lot of heart. We talk about: * How Carla built a business by showing up, serving others, and being herself * The "wellness wheel" and how to find your missing pieces * Simple first steps to improving your health (hint: start with protein and walking) * Why community and connection are the real secret to long-term success * How events and networking turned into a national business strategy Whether you're feeling stuck, burnt out, or just ready to level up your health and business, Carla’s story will inspire you to take the first step. 🎧 Listen now and learn why comfortable isn’t always safe—and why the right community can change everything. Connect with Carla: 📸 Instagram – @carlahurd22 [https://www.instagram.com/carlahurd22] 🌐 Website – www.carlahurd.com [https://www.carlahurd.com]

Ep. 04 From One Truck to 25: How Tony Built a Multi-Million Dollar Landscape Company

In this episode, you’ll learn: How Tony went from nearly becoming an auto designer to launching a landscaping company in college Why his first $200 shopping center contract changed everything The key lesson from a winter season that nearly broke his team How he earned and kept high-profile contracts like Providence Hospital for over two decades Why he’s not afraid to fire high-paying clients who cause chaos His unique approach to team culture, scheduling, and client communication The secret to leaving a lasting brand impression — even with a pack of gum Tony’s passion for community involvement and charitable giving Mentioned in this episode: Artistic Outdoor Services Monarch Butterfly Garden in Southfield, MI Michigan Green Industry Association (MGIA) Hot Pink Helpers (Breast Cancer Awareness initiative) 🔗 Connect with Tony Konja: LinkedIn – Tony Konja [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-konja-b117894/] Instagram & Facebook – @artisticoutdoorservices [https://www.instagram.com/artisticoutdoorservices/] and @tonykonja_artisticoutdoor [https://www.instagram.com/tonykonja_artisticoutdoor/] Website – Artistic Outdoor [https://artisticoutdoor.com/] Phone – 248-855-8575 🎧 Beyond the Mark is a podcast hosted by Joe Toma, helping business leaders, marketers, and entrepreneurs grow unforgettable brands through smart strategy, bold storytelling, and better swag.   For guest inquiries, sponsorships, or to learn how we can help elevate your brand: 📩 Email: beyondthemark@logoclothingshop.com 🌐 Visit: logoclothingshop.com [https://www.logoclothingshop.com] 📱 Follow on Instagram: @logoclothingshop [https://www.instagram.com/logoclothingshop] 💼 Connect on LinkedIn: Joe Toma [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-toma-7a524056/]   Thanks for listening—and remember: keep showing up, keep learning, and keep making your mark.

Ep. 03 Startup Hustle, Second Chances & Smart Growth with Mark & Emily

Ep. 3: Startup Hustle, Second Chances & Smart Growth  with RJ Telecommunications In this episode of Beyond the Mark, host Joe Toma sits down with Mark Friday and Emily Ostroski of RJ Telecommunications — and this one’s a masterclass in perseverance, reinvention, and people-first leadership. Mark’s journey started with breaking computers at age 5 and ended (well, continues!) with owning and scaling a Michigan-based telecom company. In between? He flipped a house, opened a sandwich shop, ran a Family Video store, and made a few tough but defining calls in business. Emily, who joined as Mark prepared to buy out the original owner, brings a fresh perspective on financial systems, contracts, and the backbone of company operations. Whether you’re growing a small business, leading a team, or just love stories about real-world entrepreneurship, this episode delivers. 🔑 What We Talk About: Mark’s wild ride from food service to full ownership of RJ Telecommunications Why flipping a house during the 2008 crash led to opening a sandwich shop The painful but necessary decision to let go of a long-time employee How RJ chooses clients based on values, not just revenue Emily’s growth from new hire to key operations leader — and how she rewrote their legal agreements from scratch Why taking care of people (not just customers) drives growth What the future of RJ looks like — and why it’s about systems, service, and strategy 💬 Quotables: “I’ve never run away from responsibility. I just keep adding more and more and more.” – Mark “We’re not looking to nickel-and-dime anyone — we’re here to do the right thing.” – Emily “I don’t hire people to be yes men or yes women. I hire smart people to help me lead better.” – Mark 📣 Connect with RJ Telecommunications: @rjtelecommunications [https://www.instagram.com/rjtelecommunications/] 🔗 https://now.rj10.com 📞 (248) 442-2100  📍 Michigan-based, serving clients nationwide 🎧 Like what you hear? ✅ Subscribe to Beyond the Mark ⭐ Leave a review on Apple or Spotify 🔁 Share this episode with someone growing a business 📩 Want to be a guest? Reach out at beyondthemark@logoclothingshop.com 🎧 Beyond the Mark is a podcast hosted by Joe Toma, helping business leaders, marketers, and entrepreneurs grow unforgettable brands through smart strategy, bold storytelling, and better swag.   For guest inquiries, sponsorships, or to learn how we can help elevate your brand: 📩 Email: beyondthemark@logoclothingshop.com 🌐 Visit: logoclothingshop.com [https://www.logoclothingshop.com] 📱 Follow on Instagram: @logoclothingshop [https://www.instagram.com/logoclothingshop] 💼 Connect on LinkedIn: Joe Toma [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-toma-7a524056/]   Thanks for listening—and remember: keep showing up, keep learning, and keep making your mark.

Ep. 02 From Furloughed to Fully Booked: How Avery Built Refreshing Health Cleaning Solutions

Episode Notes – From Furloughed to Fully Booked In this episode of Beyond the Mark, we sit down with Avery Huckaby, founder of Refreshing Health Cleaning Solutions, to hear how he transformed a furlough into a full-time business using grit, hustle, and a little help from YouTube. 🔹 Topics Covered: How Avery discovered carpet cleaning on YouTube Why he chose service over safety The lessons from his very first cleaning job Tools, processes, and chemistry that separate pros from amateurs Why bigger isn’t always better in the cleaning industry Building trust and long-term client relationships The power of word-of-mouth and customer education Where he’s taking the business next (think stone polishing & epoxy floors) 🔹 Connect with Avery: https://www.facebook.com/RefreshingHealth @refreshinghealth https://refreshinghealth.com 🔹 Follow Beyond the Mark: Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! Got a guest idea or want to be featured? Reach out at beyondthemark@logoclothingshop.com. 🎧 Beyond the Mark is a podcast hosted by Joe Toma, helping business leaders, marketers, and entrepreneurs grow unforgettable brands through smart strategy, bold storytelling, and better swag.   For guest inquiries, sponsorships, or to learn how we can help elevate your brand: 📩 Email: beyondthemark@logoclothingshop.com 🌐 Visit: logoclothingshop.com [https://www.logoclothingshop.com] 📱 Follow on Instagram: @logoclothingshop [https://www.instagram.com/logoclothingshop] 💼 Connect on LinkedIn: Joe Toma [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-toma-7a524056/]   Thanks for listening—and remember: keep showing up, keep learning, and keep making your mark.