View From The Top

Do you know how to celebrate? On our 100th episode, we share transformative stories about significant financial windfalls that taught us the power of celebration. Discover why celebrating your wins, big or small, can skyrocket your motivation and satisfaction in both business and personal life.  Raised to remain humble and private, we initially found it challenging to share our successes openly. However, joining communities like Iron Sharpens Iron (ISI) helped us embrace a culture of celebration and transparency that spurred on us to true success.  Key Takeaways: * The best spaces to share your wins in business–and how it's hard to find * Why it's important to celebrate your wins in business * Ideas and tips on how to celebrate well * The profound influence of giving back through personal gestures We delve into how supportive environments can uplift each other, making it easier to share even smaller, meaningful victories. Reflecting on cultural norms and personal upbringing, we discuss how shifting our mindset about celebration can positively impact our overall happiness. From repairing strained relationships to achieving business milestones, celebrating wins isn't just about the big moments. We explore practical ways to commemorate your successes and promote a generous attitude of giving back through personal gestures and charitable contributions.

"You've been selling to the kitchen table, and you need to be selling to the board room." When the real estate market came to a grinding halt during the COVID-19 pandemic, Bobby, a seasoned real estate developer, faced unprecedented challenges. Listen to his raw and emotional recount of navigating through financial turmoil, making tough decisions like laying off a lot of his staff, and the immense weight of responsibility he felt for his employees and their families.  Bobby's story isn't just about a business struggle; it's a heartfelt journey of resilience and leadership in the face of adversity. Key Takeaways: * How COVID-19 took hotel occupancy from 80% to less than 10% and what Bobby did about it * The best way to approach a "Black Swan" business catastrophe * How do you build relationships with the right market segment of investors?  * Bobby needs to go BIG on selling to larger investors than he's ever sold to before Despite exhausting initial investor funds, Bobby underscores the importance of maintaining momentum and refining strategies to attract private equity investors. He shares the significance of building a robust investor base and the challenges of transitioning from small to larger investors, all while staying true to mission-driven goals. Get valuable insights on the delicate balance between mission and profit, the art of crafting a compelling elevator pitch, and the nuances of investor relations in this episode of THE FORGE. Join the Iron Sharpens Iron Community: https://go.viewfromthetop.com/community [https://go.viewfromthetop.com/community] Connect with Anthony Witt: witthouse.com [http://witthouse.com/] or anthonywitt.com [http://anthonywitt.com/] Anthony Witt is a professional licensed counselor and a business owner with a deep understanding of how entrepreneurship impacts personal health and those around them. Having bought, sold, and started multiple businesses, he has gained valuable experience at the intersection of personal health and business. His belief that "a healthy business owner creates a healthy business" underscores his approach to helping entrepreneurs thrive. Connect with Bret Barnhart: Barnhartexcavating.com [https://barnhartexcavating.com/] Bret’s Calendar Link [https://calendly.com/barnhartexcavating/view-from-the-top] Bret’s Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-barnhart-027a4821/] Bret Barnhart, Jr. is the fourth generation in his family to start his own excavation company. He began Bret Barnhart Excavating (BBE) in 2002 with $1,500, a single backhoe and truck, and a trailer. Since then, BBE has grown to an entire fleet of heavy machinery and trucks, averages just under 20 employees, and grosses $4mil annually. Being specialized, along with having a personal mentor and joining a mastermind, has helped shape not only Bret's company but also himself as well. Bret and his wife Crystal have been married for 16 years and have two children, Cole and Adelyn. Connect with Big A and Wally: View From The Top Website: https://www.viewfromthetop.com/ [https://www.viewfromthetop.com/] Big A’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronwalkerviewfromthetop/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronwalkerviewfromthetop/] Wally’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinwallenbeck/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinwallenbeck/] What Do I Want Challenge: https://go.viewfromthetop.com/whatdoiwantchallenge [https://go.viewfromthetop.com/whatdoiwantchallenge]

"Work to find the truth." Do you ever harbor bitterness or apathy toward your wife for not giving support in building your business? Is she often more afraid for the future when discussing business ventures?  Big A and Wally recount times in both their lives when their wives didn't want anything to do with the business–and how they got through those seasons. Big A confesses a frustrating disagreement with Robin that left him unable to focus on his business, while Wally explains how Sonia's last-minute stress before his travels affected his crucial client meetings.  We dig deep into how personal growth and faith journeys shape our experiences, highlighting the importance of acknowledging the unseen efforts of our spouses. Whether your partner is a homemaker or a career individual, their role is indispensable.  Key Takeaways: * What happens when we don't prioritize our wife above our business * Realistic conversations to have with your wife * What your wife really wants from you when you're running a business * The crucial role boundaries play for an entrepreneur's wife Join us as we turn the tables and reveal how your marital strife may be the hidden culprit behind those off days at work. We underscore why cultivating a strong, supportive relationship at home could be the ultimate productivity hack for your business success. Iron Sharpens Iron Community: https://go.viewfromthetop.com/community [https://go.viewfromthetop.com/community] LinkedIn Group: https://www.viewfromthetop.com/group [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14378351/] Connect with Big A and Wally: View From The Top Website: https://www.viewfromthetop.com/ [https://www.viewfromthetop.com/] The Climb Newsletter: https://www.viewfromthetop.com/climb [https://www.viewfromthetop.com/climb] Big A’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronwalkerviewfromthetop/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronwalkerviewfromthetop/] Wally’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinwallenbeck/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinwallenbeck/]

"If you’re facing financial problems, relationship problems, starting your business… what do you do to simplify your life?" Charlie Cichetti shares his transformative, chaotic journey from a tech start up to a successful business exit. How did he simplify his life from starting his business to selling it?  Key Takeaways: * How do you get rid of the fear that if you don't follow the next fad, you'll lose your customers?  * How do you let go of opportunities when you're too busy to do everything?  * Charlie's crucial decisions that lead to starting a business in 2008 and then trying to sell it in 2023 * When is the right time to sell your business?  Charlie opens up about his battles with cash flow issues and toxic partnerships, sharing how mentors and the Iron Sharpens Iron (ISI) community provided crucial support. He teaches us about resilience and the power of staying focused on our unique paths amidst FOMO. Our discussion wraps up with insights into creating financial security, setting clear boundaries, and building a leadership team that shares your company's vision. Don't miss this episode filled with practical strategies for achieving entrepreneurial success and personal growth! Iron Sharpens Iron Community: https://go.viewfromthetop.com/community [https://go.viewfromthetop.com/community] LinkedIn Group: https://www.viewfromthetop.com/group [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14378351/] Connect with Charlie Cichetti: Green Building Matters Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-green-building-matters-podcast-with-charlie-cichetti/id1346854349 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-green-building-matters-podcast-with-charlie-cichetti/id1346854349] Charlie's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliecichetti/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliecichetti/] Charlie advocates for LEED and the green building movement to thousands of people monthly as they tune in to listen to his weekly podcast, Green Building Matters. Charlie Cichetti is truly a green social entrepreneur who is motivated by elevating people and the industry to be the best they can be! Connect with Big A and Wally: View From The Top Website: https://www.viewfromthetop.com/ [https://www.viewfromthetop.com/] The Climb Newsletter: https://www.viewfromthetop.com/climb [https://www.viewfromthetop.com/climb] Big A’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronwalkerviewfromthetop/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronwalkerviewfromthetop/] Wally’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinwallenbeck/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinwallenbeck/]

"It’s not too late going forward, just focus on what’s ahead of you, not what’s behind you." Guys think about four things: sex, finances, time, and relationships. We're skipping over sex today to discuss HOW to think about the other 3 on the list to become a successful man who adds significance and value to the world around him.  Hear firsthand how regular conversations and planning with your wife can reduce stress, foster harmony, and reveal unexpected opportunities for more time for what matters. Key Takeaways: * What turning to a vice will do for you * What do we do with our anxieties?  * How to move forward from past mistakes * How to manage your time well We reflect on the early, challenging days of starting a business, and the powerful role of faith and community support. A heartwarming story of family prayer and an anonymous act of generosity highlights the importance of prioritizing relationships and time. We delve into strategies for balancing personal time, nurturing relationships, and achieving both success and significance. Tune in for actionable insights and join our ISI Iron Sharpens Iron community for ongoing support and engagement. Iron Sharpens Iron Community: https://go.viewfromthetop.com/community [https://go.viewfromthetop.com/community] LinkedIn Group: https://www.viewfromthetop.com/group [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14378351/] Connect with Big A and Wally: View From The Top Website: https://www.viewfromthetop.com/ [https://www.viewfromthetop.com/] The Climb Newsletter: https://www.viewfromthetop.com/climb [https://www.viewfromthetop.com/climb] Big A’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronwalkerviewfromthetop/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronwalkerviewfromthetop/] Wally’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinwallenbeck/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinwallenbeck/] Episode 50: Is a Sexless Marriage Really a Marriage?: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/view-from-the-top/id1649249589?i=1000628482116 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/view-from-the-top/id1649249589?i=1000628482116]