Aggie Growth Hacks Podcast

Providing Sustainable Livelihoods in Afghanistan with Keith Alaniz

Howdy, Ags! Keith Alaniz ‘04 returns to the show today to share the progress his company, Rumi Spice, has made and what actions he took to get the business where it is now. He describes the beginnings of the business, the lessons he’s learned and pivots he’s taken, as well as the importance of following your North Star, and much more. If you would like to connect with Keith and Rumi Spice, check out their website at https://www.rumispice.com/  or on Instagram @rumi_spice!           
About
Rumi Spice, direct source the highest quality spices from rural farmers and women in Afghanistan to help provide reliable wages and economic stability. Rumi Spice is on a mission to create connections to the vibrant culture of the Middle East, its delicious food, and its people.
Timestamps:
[00:00 - 01:36] Intro
[01:37 - 05:17] Starting Rumi Spice
[05:18 - 13:56] Changes Made to be Sustainably Profitable
[13:57 - 17:23] Impact, High-Quality, Transparency, Ethical Sourcing  
[17:24 - 21:33] Political Risk 
[21:37 - 25:58] Lessons Learned 
[25:59 - 29:44] Leveraging AI in Rumi Spice 
[29:45 - 31:16] BHAG & Connect with Keith   
[31:17 - 36:37] Chris and Greg’s Takeaways
[36:38 - 37:49] Outro
 
Resources:
Website: https://www.rumispice.com/            
AGH Website: https://www.aggiegrowthhacks.com/
 
Connect with Greg and Chris!
Apple: http://bit.ly/AGH-Apple
Spotify: http://bit.ly/AggieGH
Stitcher: http://bit.ly/AGH-Stitch
Podbean: http://bit.ly/AGH-PB
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCZx9NMwnBXs5RWC3Rwqkpw

Trusted, Accountable, Service, Memorable, Advisory, New & Innovative with Patrick Amante

Howdy, Ags! Patrick Amante ‘86, Owner of TASMAN Sign & Graphic Solutions, joins us to share the beginnings of his entrepreneurial journey, the realization of the need to be irrelevant to his business for it to grow and thrive, and the ability to let go of control. Do you know your next hire? If you would like to find out more information about Patrick and TASMAN Signs, check out https://tasmansigns.com/!
About
Tasman Sign & Graphic Solutions is a sign company in Houston, TX. With over 65 years of experience, TASMAN can provide an array of signs from lobby signs to vehicle wraps and much more. 
Timestamps:
[00:00 - 01:29] Intro
[01:30 - 02:59] Comradery at A&M 
[03:00 - 05:46] From Light Bulbs to Signs
[05:47 - 09:33] The Meaning Behind TASMAN 
[09:34 - 11:15] Providing Services For Good
[11:16 - 16:50] Making Choices to Expand the Business  
[16:51 - 18:29] BHAG
[18:32 - 22:59] Lightning Round
[23:00 - 23:55] Reach Out to Patrick and TASMAN  
[23:56 - 26:27] Chris and Greg’s Takeaways
[26:28 - 27:21] Outro
 
Resources:
Website:      https://tasmansigns.com/        
AGH Website: https://www.aggiegrowthhacks.com/
 
Connect with Greg and Chris!
Apple: http://bit.ly/AGH-Apple
Spotify: http://bit.ly/AggieGH
Stitcher: http://bit.ly/AGH-Stitch
Podbean: http://bit.ly/AGH-PB
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCZx9NMwnBXs5RWC3Rwqkpw

Pursue Excellence, Go the Extra Mile, Show Your Smarts, Lead with Kindness With Amy Walker

Howdy, Ags! Today we are joined by Amy Walker ‘91 from Walker Glantz! Amy talks on the “sweet gig,” that elevated her career and how she’s been ahead of the curve long before the remote and hybrid days in her industry. Amy drops some gems on how to transition from a lifestyle firm to one that serves many entrepreneurs. Listen on and let us know if you’ll add a taco leaderboard in your company!  To find out more information about Walker Glantz, check out their website at https://wgcpa.com/! 
About
Amy Walker and Paul Glantz are two entrepreneurs who came together to find the best accounting solution for their clients. Due to shared values and a passion for high-quality service, they were regularly referring clients to each other. It’s this partnership that laid the foundation for Walker Glantz, a collaborative environment where you get all your financial support under one roof.
Timestamps:
[00:00 - 01:41] Intro
[01:42 - 02:31] Memories at A&M 
[02:32 - 06:00] Family of Accountants, the Big 6 & the Sweet Gig
[06:01 - 09:42] The Lifestyle Firm Prior to COVID
[09:42 - 10:57] The Taco Leaderboard
[10:58 - 14:11] Core Values at Walker Glantz CPA 
[14:12 - 17:28] EOS & Why You Need It
[17:29 - 23:45] Natural Merger, More Services & Tech Stack
[23:46 - 26:28] BHAG
[26:33 - 30:03] Lightning Round
[30:04 - 30:36] Get In Touch w/ Amy 
[30:45 - 33:28] Chris and Greg’s Takeaways
[33:29 - 34:41] Outro
 
Resources:
Website:              https://wgcpa.com/
AGH Website:      https://www.aggiegrowthhacks.com/
 
Connect with Greg and Chris!
Apple: http://bit.ly/AGH-Apple
Spotify: http://bit.ly/AggieGH
Stitcher: http://bit.ly/AGH-Stitch
Podbean: http://bit.ly/AGH-PB
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCZx9NMwnBXs5RWC3Rwqkpw

Be the Guide, Stay Positive, Never Stop Learning with Katie & Buck Paolino

Howdy, Ags! Today we are joined by Katie and Buck Paolino ‘09 from Hotel Solutions! The duo share their experience and how Hotel Solutions came to fruition, the company values that have helped them grow, and the benefits of focusing on the small changes you can make. To find out more information about Hotel Solutions, check out their website at https://www.hotelsolutions.info/! 
About
Hotel Solutions takes the frustrations out of your hotel books, so you never have to stress about your hotel financials again. They provide full monthly bookkeeping services and simple, easy-to-follow online training so hotel owners and management companies can focus on the continual growth of their hotels. Whether you want to build a stellar in-house bookkeeping department or outsource it to us, Hotel Solutions will help you reach your hotel's goals, build a team you love, and save loads of money along the way!
 
Timestamps:
[00:00 - 01:51] Intro
[01:52 - 04:02] Memories at A&M 
[04:03 - 07:33] The Entrepreneurship Gene & Journey
[07:34 - 15:30] Be The Guide, Communication, Positivity 
[15:31 - 18:39] Streamlining with SOP’s   
[18:40 - 24:12] BHAG 
[24:16 - 29:20] Lightning Round
[29:21 - 30:44] Get In Touch w/ Katie & Buck 
[30:45 - 34:43] Chris and Greg’s Takeaways
[34:44 - 36:06] Outro
 
Resources:
Website:              https://www.hotelsolutions.info/ 
AGH Website:      https://www.aggiegrowthhacks.com/
 
Connect with Greg and Chris!
Apple: http://bit.ly/AGH-Apple
Spotify: http://bit.ly/AggieGH
Stitcher: http://bit.ly/AGH-Stitch
Podbean: http://bit.ly/AGH-PB
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCZx9NMwnBXs5RWC3Rwqkpw

Brutal Honesty and Integrity with Casey Sledge

Howdy, Ags! Founder and President of Sledge Engineering, Casey Sledge ‘93, joins us for today’s episode as he shares his expertise within construction projects. Casey states the need for owner representation in construction projects, the pushback from others in the industry, the tipping points that altered the path of Sledge Engineering, and the focus on eliminating taxpayer waste. For more information, check out Sledge Engineering at  https://www.sledge.biz/!
About
Sledge Engineering is a licensed engineering firm (F-7769) that was formed in 2004 specifically to represent public owners with facilities planning and construction. We don't take ourselves too seriously, but we are serious about protecting your projects.
Timestamps:
[00:00 - 01:13] Intro
[01:14 - 03:04] The Youthfulness At A&M
[03:05 - 11:31] Sledge Engineering- The Beginnings & Crazy Stories
[11:32 - 13:11] Growth From Company Values 
[13:12 - 19:25] The Tipping Point    
[19:26 - 21:28] BHAG
[21:33 - 24:17] Lightning Round
[24:18 - 25:06] How To Get In Touch w/ Casey & Sledge Engineering
[25:07 - 28:35] Chris and Greg’s Takeaways
[28:36 - 29:57] Outro
 
Resources:
Website:              https://www.sledge.biz/ 
AGH Website:      https://www.aggiegrowthhacks.com/
 
Connect with Greg and Chris!
Apple: http://bit.ly/AGH-Apple
Spotify: http://bit.ly/AggieGH
Stitcher: http://bit.ly/AGH-Stitch
Podbean: http://bit.ly/AGH-PB
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCZx9NMwnBXs5RWC3Rwqkpw

Dignity, Empowerment, Purpose, Solidarity, Justice with Jeff Schiefelbein

Howdy, Ags! Jeff Schiefelbein ‘00, the most Aggie’d out Aggie, drives us through the past on the nation’s largest college safe-ride program to reduce drunk driving, CARPOOL. Through 2 grueling years as a student, Jeff unveils the lessons and stories that helped shape his consulting company, Undivided Life.  Get connected with Jeff and his team at: https://www.undivided.life/ !
About
Making business human through strategy and culture consulting. 
Since the beginning of their friendship in 2016, Jeff Schiefelbein and Nick Bezner felt called to build better organizations to positively impact the world and promote human flourishing. Their combined experience covers a wide array of expertise including culture-building, servant leadership, conscious capitalism, business planning, financial modeling, strategy creation, executive coaching, and faith formation. 
Timestamps:
[00:00 - 01:53] Intro
[01:54 - 04:19] Catch Me At Rudder Fountain
[04:20 - 11:03] Starting The Country’s Best Designated Driver Program 
[11:04 - 19:37] Transforming Carpool Into What It Is       
[19:38 - 23:22] The Culture & Values of Undivided Life
[23:23 - 24:21] BHAG 
[24:26 - 27:30] Lightning Round
[27:31 - 29:09] How To Connect with Jeff
[29:10 - 31:39] Chris and Greg’s Takeaways
[31:40 - 33:08] Outro
 
Resources:
Website:             https://www.undivided.life/ 
AGH Website:    https://www.aggiegrowthhacks.com/
LinkedIn:            https://www.linkedin.com/in/schiefelbein 
 
Connect with Greg and Chris!
Apple: http://bit.ly/AGH-Apple
Spotify: http://bit.ly/AggieGH
Stitcher: http://bit.ly/AGH-Stitch
Podbean: http://bit.ly/AGH-PB
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCZx9NMwnBXs5RWC3Rwqkpw

Arete (Excellence), Integrity, Honesty, Commitment, Discipline with Jake Carlile

Howdy, Ags! Jake Carlile ‘ 23 joins us today to share his focus and drive for entrepreneurship as a current student at Texas A&M! He details his path of entrepreneurism,  how A&M Alumni have supported him along the way, and where he plans to be in the future. Get connected with Jake Carlile and Arete at https://aretepropertygroup.com/! 
About
Arete Property Management is a full-scale real estate investor in Bryan, TX. Arete is the partner you can trust. Arete wants the process of selling your house in Bryan, TX to us to be easy, which is why we work with a team that will help in every way possible. When you need to sell your home fast, there is no better option than working with Arete. You’ll get an upfront offer and know exactly what you will make on the sale right away!
Timestamps:
[00:00 - 01:32] Intro
[01:33 - 03:18] Entrepreneurial Spirit at A&M
[03:19 - 05:05] How Alumni Have Supported Jake    
[05:06 - 15:05] About Arete     
[15:06 - 18:46] The Values That Create Excellent Homes 
[18:47 - 21:32] BHAG 
[21:36 - 27:31] Lightning Round
[27:32 - 28:50] Connect w/ Jake
[28:51 - 31:29] Chris and Greg’s Takeaways
[31:30 - 32:39] Outro
 
Resources:
Website:              https://aretepropertygroup.com/ 
AGH Website:        https://www.aggiegrowthhacks.com/
 
Connect with Greg and Chris!
Apple: http://bit.ly/AGH-Apple
Spotify: http://bit.ly/AggieGH
Stitcher: http://bit.ly/AGH-Stitch
Podbean: http://bit.ly/AGH-PB
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCZx9NMwnBXs5RWC3Rwqkpw

Providing the Next Generation of Leaders who will Change the World with Ashley Dunkerley

Howdy, Ags! Ashley Dunkerley ‘13 joins us today to share her excitement and passion for Texas FFA. Ashley expands on FFA- the long-standing values, the student success through education and hands-on experience, and the importance of leading the next generation. Do you want to get involved with Texas FFA? Check out their website at https://www.texasffa.org/ for more information!
About
FFA is a dynamic student-led leadership development organization for students of agricultural education. The FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.
Timestamps:
[00:00 - 01:15] Intro
[01:16 - 02:16] The Ease and Comfort of Aggieland
[02:07 - 05:14] Where Ashley’s Passion For FFA Comes From   
[05:15 - 06:55] FFA Values   
[06:56- 10:40] The Growth & Tipping Point of FFA
[10:41 - 15:07] How FFA Teaches Entrepreneurial Experience & Discipline  
[15:08 - 16:49] BHAG
[16:50 - 19:12] 2023 Convention 
[19:16 - 22:23] Lightning Round
[22:24 - 24:19] Connect w/ Ashley & Get Involved with FFA
[24:20 - 27:04] Chris and Greg’s Takeaways
[27:05 - 28:07] Outro
Resources:
Website:              https://www.texasffa.org/  
AGH Website:        https://www.aggiegrowthhacks.com/
 
Connect with Greg and Chris!
Apple: http://bit.ly/AGH-Apple
Spotify: http://bit.ly/AggieGH
Stitcher: http://bit.ly/AGH-Stitch
Podbean: http://bit.ly/AGH-PB
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCZx9NMwnBXs5RWC3Rwqkpw