82. Shannon Black | The Hiring Secrets Every Small Business Owner Needs to Know

82. Shannon Black | The Hiring Secrets Every Small Business Owner Needs to Know

What do a rattlesnake bite, building a successful Montessori school, and helping entrepreneurs launch thriving businesses have in common? In this episode of Rock Solid, host Bryan Eisenberg sits down with Shannon Black, Chair of SCORE Austin, entrepreneur, former educator, and business mentor, to discuss what it really takes to start, grow, hire, and eventually sell a successful business. Shannon shares her incredible story—from starting a Montessori school because she couldn't find the right one for her son, to growing it into two successful locations before selling the business. She also opens up about a recent rattlesnake bite that nearly kept her from recording this episode. Whether you're launching your first business or struggling to find great employees, this conversation is packed with practical advice you can use immediately. In this episode you'll learn: • Why Shannon started a business with no formal business background • How SCORE provides free mentoring for entrepreneurs • The biggest mistakes new business owners make • Hiring strategies that actually work in today's job market • The best day and time to post job openings • How SEO impacts your job listings • Simple interview questions that reveal the best candidates • Building a company culture that attracts and retains great employees • When it's time to make your first hire • Why being "firm and kind" creates better leaders If you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or planning to start a company, this episode is full of actionable insights that can save you time, money, and frustration. Learn more about SCORE and find a free mentor at SCORE.org. 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and Share it with another entrepreneur. #RockSolidPodcast #BryanEisenberg #SCORE #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Hiring #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #RoundRock #AustinBusiness #CompanyCulture #SmallBusinessTips #HiringEmployees #StartupAdvice Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.

81. Ennis Wright | A TikTok Insider Reveals How Small Businesses Can Grow Without Going Viral

Is TikTok really just a dancing app for teenagers? Not anymore. On this episode of Rock Solid, host Bryan Eisenberg sits down with Round Rock native Ennis Wright, an account executive at TikTok, to uncover how businesses of every size can use TikTok to tell better stories, reach new audiences, and grow. After speaking at the Round Rock Chamber’s Founders Forum, Ennis shares the biggest misconceptions business owners have about TikTok — including the belief that “my customers aren’t there.” Bryan and Ennis discuss: • Why TikTok is becoming a powerful discovery platform • How storytelling beats traditional selling • Why businesses don’t need to go viral to succeed • How TikTok creates a “halo effect” across Google, websites, and other platforms • The difference between organic content, paid ads, creators, and TikTok Shop • How AI is making authentic storytelling even more valuable • Why local businesses — from banks to roofers to studios — should rethink their content strategy Ennis also shares his journey growing up in Round Rock, attending Stony Point High School, and watching the city transform into the thriving community it is today. Whether you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, marketer, or someone who still thinks TikTok “isn’t for you,” this conversation may change how you think about the future of social media and customer connection. Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.

80. Kelly Moreno | How to Find, Train & Keep Great Employees in 2026

Hiring is changing faster than ever—and many businesses aren't prepared. In this episode of Rock Solid, Bryan Eisenberg sits down with Kelly Moreno, Chief Solutions Officer at Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area, to discuss the future of work, workforce development, AI, skilled trades, internships, apprenticeships, and the biggest hiring challenges facing employers today. Kelly shares how businesses can access free workforce resources, upskill employees, improve retention, connect with interns, and rethink outdated hiring practices. She also explains why parents, educators, and students should take a fresh look at career pathways beyond the traditional four-year college degree. Whether you're a business owner, HR leader, educator, parent, or job seeker, this conversation is packed with practical advice for navigating today's rapidly changing workforce. * Why employers struggle to find qualified talent * The growing demand for skilled trades and manufacturing careers * How AI is changing the workforce * Apprenticeships vs. traditional college pathways * Teacher externships and internship programs * Workforce retention strategies for employers * Free workforce resources available to Texas businesses * Why job descriptions need a major update * Preparing students for careers that don't exist yet If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share to help more business leaders discover conversations that strengthen the Round Rock business community. Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio. In this episode:

79. Kim Pollok | From Layoff to CEO

What does it take to go from an entry-level position to CEO? In this episode of Rock Solid, host Bryan Eisenberg sits down with Kim Pollok, CEO of SWBC Payroll & HR, to discuss her remarkable journey from helping employees through a company shutdown to leading one of the region’s premier payroll and HR organizations. Kim shares powerful lessons on leadership, mentorship, workplace culture, managing multiple generations in today’s workforce, and navigating the rapid rise of AI in business. She also reveals one of the most impactful pieces of advice she ever received: “Stop letting people give you dead birds.” From building a successful career without a college degree to becoming a trusted leader and mentor, Kim’s story is filled with practical wisdom for entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals at every stage of their careers. In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ How saying “yes” created unexpected opportunities throughout Kim’s career ✅ The importance of mentorship and how to find the right mentors ✅ Why relationships remain the foundation of business success in an AI-driven world ✅ How employers can better understand and motivate multiple generations of employees ✅ What employees value most in today’s workplace ✅ How SWBC is thoughtfully adopting AI while protecting sensitive data ✅ Why Round Rock continues to be one of the strongest business communities in Texas Whether you're growing a company, leading a team, or looking to advance your own career, this conversation offers valuable insights on leadership, culture, and the future of work. Learn more about SWBC Payroll & HR: https://www.swbcpeo.com [https://www.swbcpeo.com] #RockSolidPodcast #BryanEisenberg #KimPollok #SWBC #Leadership #HumanResources #Payroll #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #FutureOfWork #AI #WorkplaceCulture #RoundRockTX Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.

78. Caroline Harris Davila | From Round Rock Kid to State Representative

What does it take to go from a lifelong Round Rock resident to serving your community at the Texas Capitol? In this episode of Rock Solid, Bryan Eisenberg sits down with Caroline Harris Davila to discuss growing up in Round Rock, the values that shaped her leadership, and why community involvement matters more than ever. Caroline shares the story of how she unexpectedly entered public service at just 27 years old, the lessons she learned overcoming her fear of public speaking, and why helping neighbors remains at the heart of everything she does. Topics include: * Growing up in Round Rock * Community leadership and service * Faith, family, and civic engagement * Supporting nonprofits and local organizations * Young people in public service * Housing affordability and workforce opportunities * Building confidence and overcoming fear * Why relationships matter in leadership Whether you're interested in leadership, entrepreneurship, community building, or personal growth, this conversation is packed with practical insights and inspiration. Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.