Unfinished Business with Eric Mulvin

[Family-Owned & Locally Grown Series] The Secret to Building a Business That Runs While You Travel | Kim Coates & Isaac Navias

What if the secret to scaling your business visibility was actually spending less time behind your computer screen? In this episode of Unfinished Business, host Eric Mulvin sits down with Kim Coates and Isaac Navias, the founders of LocalFi SEO and creators of the Full Time to Travel Time podcast. They dive deep into the reality of building a thriving brand while traveling the world, exploring all 63 national parks, and adapting to the massive shifts brought on by AI. Kim and Isaac share candid, funny, and pivotal moments from their entrepreneurial journey, including a networking disaster that forced them to restructure their company and an accidental winery tour in Italy that sparked an entire brand. Tune in to learn how to successfully merge human creativity with technology, optimize your role within your business, and design a life focused on freedom and passion. Episode Highlights 00:01 The Vision Behind the Podcast 04:12 The Antidote to Negative News Feeds 08:45 The Intersection of Human Intelligence and AI 14:30 The Problem with Zoom AI Transcribers 19:15 The Dynamic Pricing Lego City 23:40 Eric's Entrepreneurial Roots 28:10 Disrupting the Taxi Industry Pre-Uber 34:55 Building a Cult-Like Brand Loyalty 39:20 The Pivot from True Cab to Pac Biz 46:54 The $50 Italian Menu Mistake 52:10 The Next Tech Frontier 56:15 The Agency Sell-Off Phenomenon 59:08 The Wrong Seats and Networking Disasters 1:07:45 The Last Blockbuster Left Standing 1:14:30 The Infinite Game Follow Kim & Isaac / LocalFi:  LinkedIn:  Kim Coates - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-coates-3b15b8b4/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-coates-3b15b8b4/] Isaac Navias - https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaacnaviasmarketingexpert/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaacnaviasmarketingexpert/] Website: https://localfiseo.com  [https://localfiseo.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/localfi.llc/ [https://www.instagram.com/localfi.llc/] Follow Unfinished Business with Eric Mulvin:  Instagram: @bizwitheric  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560126743830 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.facebook.com/profile.php%3Fid%3D61560126743830]  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bizwitheric [https://www.tiktok.com/@bizwitheric]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BizWithEric [https://www.youtube.com/@BizWithEric]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mulvin/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mulvin/] Unfinished Business with Eric Mulvin If you enjoy conversations with leaders who are building businesses, reinventing themselves, and creating impact, make sure to subscribe and turn on notifications. * Instagram: @bizwitheric [https://www.instagram.com/bizwitheric/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560126743830 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560126743830] * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bizwitheric [https://www.tiktok.com/@bizwitheric] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BizWithEric [https://www.youtube.com/@BizWithEric] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mulvin/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mulvin/] Powered by Pac Biz Outsourcing Pac Biz Outsourcing helps transportation, SaaS, software, and eCommerce companies scale customer support and back-office operations with dedicated teams in the Philippines. 🌐 Learn more: https://pac-biz.com [https://pac-biz.com]📩 Email: info@pac-biz.com 🎧 Podcast: https://pac-biz.com/podcast [https://pac-biz.com/podcast]

[Family Owned Series] In Memory of My Dad, Willy & The Stories My Dad Left Behind | Eric Mulvin

Today’s episode of Unfinished Business is deeply personal. My dad, William “Willy” Mulvin, passed away Monday evening after a long battle with dementia and several recent health complications. He was surrounded by family, love, and prayer in his final moments. Instead of releasing our scheduled interview this week, I wanted to dedicate this episode to him. In this episode, I share a few stories about how my dad shaped my life and entrepreneurial journey — from helping spark my passion for photography as a kid, to helping me build parts of my very first business, to the countless quiet ways he supported our family over the years. Near the end of the episode, I’ve also included a special family video we recorded almost 10 years ago for his 80th birthday, where we shared memories and stories about his life. My dad was less than three months away from turning 90 years old. Thank you to Aspire Care Home LLC, Alix, and the caregivers who cared for him with compassion during his final months. And thank you to everyone who has reached out with prayers, messages, and support for our family. Rest in peace, Dad. You will be missed by many. — Eric Mulvin   Episode Highlights 00:00 Introduction to Unfinished Business Podcast 00:29 A Personal Tribute: Remembering My Father 01:53 The Impact of Family on Entrepreneurship 10:23 Building Dreams: The Role of Family in Business 12:50 Legacy and Unfinished Business: Reflections on Life 17:06 Celebrating a Life Well-Lived: A Tribute to My Dad 30:07 Celebrating Life and Family 30:22 Looking Forward to the Future  Unfinished Business with Eric Mulvin If you enjoy conversations with leaders who are building businesses, reinventing themselves, and creating impact, make sure to subscribe and turn on notifications. * Instagram: @bizwitheric [https://www.instagram.com/bizwitheric/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560126743830 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560126743830] * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bizwitheric [https://www.tiktok.com/@bizwitheric] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BizWithEric [https://www.youtube.com/@BizWithEric] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mulvin/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mulvin/] Powered by Pac Biz Outsourcing Pac Biz Outsourcing helps transportation, SaaS, software, and eCommerce companies scale customer support and back-office operations with dedicated teams in the Philippines. 🌐 Learn more: https://pac-biz.com [https://pac-biz.com]📩 Email: info@pac-biz.com 🎧 Podcast: https://pac-biz.com/podcast [https://pac-biz.com/podcast]

[Asian Biz Leadership Series] Disrupting the Phoenix Food Scene | David Vu

What happens when a corporate leader decides to stop building someone else’s dream and starts building a dynasty of their own? In this episode of Unfinished Business, Eric Mulvin sits down with David Vu, the creative force behind Eggroll Xpress and the visionary founder of the Vu Dynasty. David shares his transition from a diverse career path, spanning roles as an airline gate agent and a parole supervisor to becoming a full-time entrepreneur in the Phoenix food scene. Before launching his own empire, David served as the only non-Japanese trained chef under a Master Chef Shono San to help launch the world-renowned Mensho Ramen. The conversation explores the "Aha moment" David experienced when he identified a massive void in the market for a dedicated, high-quality eggroll concept that goes beyond standard restaurant appetizers. David dives deep into the strategic vision of the Vu Dynasty, explaining his goal to build a franchisable infrastructure that supports multiple unique culinary concepts while navigating the grueling permitting and inspection process for his first physical storefront in Tempe. Show Notes 04:15 The "Push" to Entrepreneurship 08:30 Leadership Roots 12:00 The Content Creator Origin 18:45 The Pivot from Catering 22:30 Concept Innovation 29:15 Filipino Culinary Influence 36:45 Franchising the Vision 42:10 The Phoenix Night Market Scene 48:50 The Final Stretch 55:00 Defining the Dynasty 58:30 Giveaway Details Connect with David Vu * Instagram: @Eggroll_Xpress [https://www.instagram.com/eggroll_xpress/] (Follow for a chance to win a free "Global Combo" for the first 100 followers) Unfinished Business with Eric Mulvin If you enjoy conversations with leaders who are building businesses, reinventing themselves, and creating impact, make sure to subscribe and turn on notifications. * Instagram: @bizwitheric [https://www.instagram.com/bizwitheric/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560126743830 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560126743830] * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bizwitheric [https://www.tiktok.com/@bizwitheric] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BizWithEric [https://www.youtube.com/@BizWithEric] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mulvin/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mulvin/] Powered by Pac Biz Outsourcing Pac Biz Outsourcing helps transportation, SaaS, software, and eCommerce companies scale customer support and back-office operations with dedicated teams in the Philippines. 🌐 Learn more: https://pac-biz.com [https://pac-biz.com]📩 Email: info@pac-biz.com 🎧 Podcast: https://pac-biz.com/podcast [https://pac-biz.com/podcast]

[Making an Impact Series] How Solari Is Becoming the Blueprint for Crisis Care | Justin Chase

Are you building systems to help millions or just focused on a few thousand?  Justin Chase walks you through how he transformed a sinking organization into a national blueprint for crisis care from his start as a clinical social worker to managing massive state level healthcare systems. Justin Chase is the President and CEO of Solari Crisis and Human Services, a non profit organization dedicated to helping people in crisis through 24/7 contact centers. He is a clinical social worker turned executive leader who has successfully scaled crisis care systems while navigating complex political landscapes and technological shifts. Chapters 00:00 Introduction.  05:30 From Social Worker to CEO: Justin’s Career Path 09:11 The Sinking Ship: Taking Over an Organization in Crisis 11:46 Building the Right Team: Hiring for Your Weaknesses 12:23 Avoiding Founder Syndrome: Ensuring Organizational Longevity 15:09 Leadership Vulnerability: Owning Strengths and Weaknesses 17:22 Turning the Tide: Connecting with Frontline Staff 21:14 Managing Structural Change: The Hard Shift in Middle Management 23:08 Building Political Trust: Working with the Governor’s Office 24:44 The Six Day Miracle: Launching the COVID Hotline under Pressure 26:24 The Lesson of No: Staying True to the Core Mission 27:47 Solutions vs. Sustainability: Managing the Bright Shiny Object Syndrome 29:04 Balancing Growth and Innovation with the Flagship Mission 31:46 Navigating Budgetary Cuts and Gut Reactions in Public Health 35:07 Planning for Worst Case Scenarios in the Nonprofit Sector 48:15 The Ethics of AI: Why Solari Refuses to Use Front End Bots 52:53 Global Impact: Addressing Suicide Crisis and Policy Internationally 58:28 Future Guardrails: Partnering Tech with Subject Matter Experts 59:30 Unfinished Business: Removing Administrative Burdens from Providers 01:02:53 How to Connect with Justin Chase and Solari Follow Justin Chase:  LinkedIn: Justin Chase [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jnchase/]  Website: Solari-inc.org [http://solari-inc.org]  Email: justin.chase@solari-inc.org [justin.chase@solari-inc.org] Unfinished Business with Eric Mulvin If you enjoy conversations with leaders who are building businesses, reinventing themselves, and creating impact, make sure to subscribe and turn on notifications. * Instagram: @bizwitheric [https://www.instagram.com/bizwitheric/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560126743830 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560126743830] * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bizwitheric [https://www.tiktok.com/@bizwitheric] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BizWithEric [https://www.youtube.com/@BizWithEric] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mulvin/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mulvin/] Powered by Pac Biz Outsourcing Pac Biz Outsourcing helps transportation, SaaS, software, and eCommerce companies scale customer support and back-office operations with dedicated teams in the Philippines. 🌐 Learn more: https://pac-biz.com [https://pac-biz.com]📩 Email: info@pac-biz.com 🎧 Podcast: https://pac-biz.com/podcast [https://pac-biz.com/podcast]

[Transportation Series] The Future of NEMT and the Power of Data | David Reinkensmeyer

Are you running your transportation fleet or is it running you into the ground? In this episode, Eric Mulvin is joined by David Reinkensmeyer, the CEO of MediRoutes. David shares his "Aha moment" of transitioning from running a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation business to building the software that is now revolutionizing space. They break down the very real ROI of automation, why tech is no longer optional for fleet survival, and the hard truth about work life balance when you are building a new team from scratch. If you are an operator looking to scale or a founder trying to survive the storming phase of your startup, this episode is a masterclass in execution. Episode Highlights 00:00 Host’s Introduction and Setup 03:22 The Aha Moment. David discusses his transition from being a transportation provider to building MediRoutes after realizing the industry lacked efficient scheduling software.  12:15 The ROI of Automation. How moving away from manual dispatching can save thousands of dollars in payroll and drastically reduce human error.  25:40 Adapt or Die. The upcoming shifts in the NEMT industry and why technology is becoming a strict requirement for survival rather than just a convenience.  36:15 The Sine Wave of Balance. The brutal truth about the forming and storming phases of a business. Why you have to work sunrise to sunset before you ever get to take your foot off the gas.  42:10 Real Culture vs Fake Culture. David shares his philosophy on building a company culture that actually retains employees rather than just putting a ping pong table in the breakroom.  58:30 Unfinished Business. David shares his personal vision for the future of MediRoutes and his goal to continue providing accessibility to those who need it most. Connect with David Reinkensmeyer * Email: david@mediroutes.com [david@mediroutes.com] * Website: MediRoutes.com [http://mediroutes.com] Resources Mentioned * MediRoutes. The leading scheduling and dispatch software for the NEMT industry. * MJ Reliables. Leading logistics and consulting experts specializing in NEMT operational efficiency. Unfinished Business with Eric Mulvin If you enjoy conversations with leaders who are building businesses, reinventing themselves, and creating impact, make sure to subscribe and turn on notifications. * Instagram: @bizwitheric [https://www.instagram.com/bizwitheric/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560126743830 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560126743830] * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bizwitheric [https://www.tiktok.com/@bizwitheric] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BizWithEric [https://www.youtube.com/@BizWithEric] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mulvin/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mulvin/] Powered by Pac Biz Outsourcing Pac Biz Outsourcing helps transportation, SaaS, software, and eCommerce companies scale customer support and back-office operations with dedicated teams in the Philippines. 🌐 Learn more: https://pac-biz.com [https://pac-biz.com]📩 Email: info@pac-biz.com 🎧 Podcast: https://pac-biz.com/podcast [https://pac-biz.com/podcast]