Episode 104: Richard Strauss, CEO, Teakdecking Systems, Inc.

Episode 105: "The Document That's Failing 80% of Patients and the Doctor Who Built the Fix" - Dr. Ferdinando Mirarchi, CEO and Chief Medical Officer, MIDEO Health

In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Dr. Ferdinando Mirarchi, board-certified emergency physician and founder and CEO of MIDEO Health, shares the deeply personal clinical experiences that drove him to uncover one of healthcare's most overlooked patient safety crises: the widespread misinterpretation of advanced directives and living wills. Through his landmark TRIAD research series, a peer-reviewed national study spanning more than 13 publications, Dr. Mirarchi proved that clinicians misinterpret these critical documents at a rate of 80%, leading to patients being resuscitated against their wishes, or denied life-saving care they clearly wanted. His work exposed a systemic failure that affects tens of millions of Americans and their families, and set the foundation for a technological solution decades in the making. The conversation explores how Dr. Mirarchi built MIDEO Health and its patented platform, MIDEO, which stands for My Informed Decision on Video, now deployed across 43 states and five countries. By placing the patient's own voice at the center of the advanced care planning process through short, clinically validated videos, MIDEO Health gives providers the clarity they need to honor a patient's true wishes in life-or-death moments. Dr. Mirarchi discusses the enormous challenges of driving adoption in a resistant, heavily regulated industry, the limitations of education alone as a solution, and why technology, strategic partnerships, and relentless persistence are the only path forward. He also offers candid advice for founders navigating walls that seem immovable: go around them, find like minds, and brace for impact. Connect: Website: https://mideohealth.com/ [https://mideohealth.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ferdinando-mirarchi-d-o-f-a-a-e-m-f-a-c-e-p-6b20a258 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ferdinando-mirarchi-d-o-f-a-a-e-m-f-a-c-e-p-6b20a258]

Episode 104: Richard Strauss, CEO, Teakdecking Systems, Inc.

In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Richard Strauss, CEO of Teak Decking Systems, shares the remarkable story of a company that has spent over four decades crafting precision teak and composite decks for yachts, super yachts, and some of the most iconic vessels in the world. Founded in 1983 and now operating as a fully matured employee-owned ESOP, Teak Decking Systems has built its reputation on meticulous craftsmanship, serving ultra-high-net-worth clients across the United States and Europe. Richard discusses how the company navigated the disruptions of COVID-19, post-pandemic supply chain challenges, and the seismic shift in the global teak market following sanctions on Myanmar, while maintaining its commitment to quality and protecting its highly skilled workforce. The conversation explores how Teak Decking Systems is evolving to meet a changing marketplace by expanding its material offerings to include composite decking, cork, and sustainably sourced green teak, while also embracing technology and artificial intelligence to streamline operations and enhance the client experience. Richard shares how the company is building a custom client portal, developing AI-powered engineering and quoting tools, and empowering younger team members to lead the charge in digital innovation. He also reflects on some of the company's most extraordinary projects, including decks for museum warships like the USS Alabama and USS Iowa, as well as one of the largest privately owned sailboats in the world. Connect: Website: https://www.teakdecking.com/ [https://www.teakdecking.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-strauss-82425926 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-strauss-82425926]

Episode 103: The 25-Year Overnight Success: How a Freight Tech Company That Survived Everything Finally Had to Learn How to Grow (Josh Asbury, Chief Operating Officer, BrokerPro)

In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Josh Asbury, Chief Operating Officer of Infinity Software Solutions, shares how the company has evolved from a trusted transportation management software provider into a broader growth platform for freight brokers and third-party logistics companies. As the team behind BrokerPro, one of the freight industry's longest-standing transportation management systems, Infinity Software Solutions has spent more than 25 years helping customers streamline operations, manage carrier relationships, and navigate the complexities of the transportation market. Josh discusses the lessons he's learned scaling software companies, building commercial operations, and helping organizations transform customer loyalty into sustainable growth. The conversation explores the launch of BrokerOS, Infinity Software Solutions' ambitious expansion into marketing, customer relationship management, data intelligence, and AI-powered business tools designed specifically for freight brokers. Josh explains how the company identified opportunities beyond traditional transportation management systems and leveraged customer feedback to build solutions that help clients grow their businesses, strengthen their brands, and compete more effectively in an increasingly digital marketplace. He also shares practical insights on marketing, revenue operations, AI adoption, and why curiosity, adaptability, and continuous learning remain essential for business leaders navigating rapid technological change. Connect: Website: https://www.brokerpro.com/ [https://www.brokerpro.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshasbury [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshasbury]

Episode 102: Michelle Howard, Owner & CEO, Southern Hospitality Home

In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Michelle Howard, owner of Southern Hospitality Home, shares how a people-first philosophy has transformed a small residential assisted living facility into a place where residents truly feel at home. With a dedicated team, remarkably low staff turnover, fresh chef-prepared meals, personalized activities, and hands-on leadership, Michelle explains why continuity of care is the foundation of exceptional senior living. She also discusses the unique advantages of small Type B residential assisted living homes, where meaningful relationships, individualized attention, and a family-like atmosphere create better outcomes for residents and peace of mind for their loved ones. Michelle also opens up about the challenges of growing a business built on deeply personal care. While demand for high-quality senior living continues to rise with an aging population, she shares her concerns about scaling without sacrificing the culture, compassion, and hands-on approach that define Southern Hospitality Home. This inspiring conversation offers valuable insights into leadership, service, and building a business that puts people first, making it a must-listen for entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals, and anyone passionate about creating lasting impact through exceptional care. Connect: Website: https://www.southernhospitalityhome.net/ [https://www.southernhospitalityhome.net/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mhojnacki [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mhojnacki/?isSelfProfile=false]

Episode 101: Joe Terry, CEO, Culture Partners

In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Joe Terry, CEO of Culture Partners, shares how their company can unlock extraordinary results by creating clarity, alignment, and accountability around purpose, strategy, culture, and outcomes. Drawing from years of experience helping companies of all sizes, Joe explains why many leadership teams are unknowingly misaligned and how culture becomes a powerful driver of performance when it moves beyond slogans and into everyday behaviors. He introduces the concept of the “Results Pyramid,” revealing how experiences shape beliefs, beliefs drive actions, and actions ultimately determine results. The conversation also explores themes from Joe’s USA Today bestselling book, Surrender to Lead, which challenges leaders to let go of fear, scarcity, and ego in favor of leading from a place of love, abundance, and gratitude. Joe discusses the research-backed connection between purpose, culture, and business performance, why adaptable cultures consistently outperform rigid ones, and how personal growth is essential for organizational growth. Filled with practical leadership insights and powerful personal stories, this episode offers a compelling perspective on building high-performing organizations while creating meaningful impact in the lives of others. Connect: Website: https://culturepartners.com/about/bio-joe-terry/ [https://culturepartners.com/about/bio-joe-terry/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-terry [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-terry/?isSelfProfile=false] Book: https://www.surrendertolead.com/ [https://www.surrendertolead.com/]