Tag: Entrepreneurship
Sonie Skogerson’s Journey on Building a Business with Heart & Hustle (Ep. 100)

Sonie Skogerson’s Journey on Building a Business with Heart & Hustle (Ep. 100)

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In this inspiring and relatable episode, Evan Wohl chats with Sonie Skogerson, a Budget Blinds franchise owner who turned a leap of faith into a thriving business. Sonie shares how she launched her window treatment company with minimal training, the value of early marketing hustle, and how her love for fabric and design fueled her first projects.

She dives deep into the support system provided by the franchise, including a strong coaching culture that evolves as your business grows. From tackling early challenges like cash flow and closing rates to navigating tariffs and scaling with the help of community and peer groups, Sonie highlights the power of mentorship, consistency, and social media—especially Instagram—as key drivers of success.

This conversation is packed with valuable takeaways for any entrepreneur, especially those navigating franchise ownership, marketing on a budget, and building a referral-based business.

Key takeaways:

  • The unique impact of a support system within a franchise network [00:08:13]
  • The transition from corporate fashion to entrepreneurship and the role of social media in marketing [00:01:49]
  • Tried and tested strategies for generating referrals [00:21:45]
  • An inside look into the essential support networks and business coaching that fuel her growth [00:13:55]

Connect with Evan Wohl:

Connect with Sonie Skogerson:

About Our Guest:

Sonie is a veteran of the fashion industry, having spent over 10 years crisscrossing North America and the globe for some of the biggest names in luxury sportswear.  She brings her energy, keen eye for quality, design, and detail, and an approachable design style to every personal consultation with Budget Blinds.  Sonie is an expert at understanding your needs and helping you express your own individual style without going over your budget.  She is a graduate of the Parsons School of Design and has studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology and the London College of Fashion.  Sonie owns three Budget Blinds Franchises in Northern New Jersey & has been covering windows for over 12 years. She is a mother of three and an avid downhill skier.

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The Power of Price Transparency Data in Medical Practice Growth

The Power of Price Transparency Data in Medical Practice Growth

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Is your medical practice reaping the rewards it deserves?

Listen in as Iván Watanabe hosts Mitch Spolan, founder of Payorology, to explore the intriguing intersection of healthcare and economics. Mitch shares his fascinating career journey from architecture to the Internet, and finally to entrepreneurship—where Payorology was born. Learn how this innovative approach can have a ripple effect, benefiting not just the doctors, but staff and patients as well.

Highlights include:

  • Mitch’s inspiring career shift story tied to his family’s interests [00:00:49]
  • The importance of data in negotiating payer rates for medical practices [00:16:35]
  • Unique ways Payorology uses transparency data to assist small practices [00:22:04]
  • Insight into Mitch’s vision for helping practices and communities thrive [00:24:26]

Connect with Iván Watanabe:

Connect with Mitch Spolan:

About Our Guest:

Mitch Spolan is the Founder and CEO of Payorology, where he helps medical practices optimize their payor contract negotiations by leveraging price transparency data. Through his work, he uncovers significant revenue opportunities by analyzing the current contracted rates of local peer practices, providing healthcare providers with actionable insights for successful negotiations.

Before founding Payorology, Spolan served as EVP of Partnerships at Chegg, Inc., leading business development and sales initiatives across multiple business lines. He also held leadership roles at Yahoo! and LivingSocial, gaining extensive experience in interactive media, sales, and marketing while driving growth and innovation.

Beyond his professional career, Spolan served on the Board of Directors for The Advertising Council, Inc., contributing to impactful public service campaigns. He holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in architecture from the University of Florida.

With a deep passion for supporting healthcare providers and a strong background in sales and marketing, Spolan leads Payorology in delivering value-driven solutions that empower medical practices to thrive.

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Building a Business from Scratch with Adam Tesser

Building a Business from Scratch with Adam Tesser

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How can a simple idea transform into a successful business?

Evan Wohl sits down with Adam Tesser, co-founder of Ostrich Chairs, to explore the entrepreneurial journey of two friends who turned a honeymoon discomfort into a national brand. In a candid conversation, Adam shares insights into starting a business, handling early challenges, and staying resilient amid unpredictability.

Tap into your entrepreneurial spirit and discover:

  • The origins of Ostrich Chairs and the initial challenges faced [1:53]
  • Overcoming financial struggles and warehousing solutions [11:03]
  • Transitioning to direct import programs and a pivotal Good Morning America feature [14:29]
  • Reflections on entrepreneurship and future aspirations [23:37]
  • And more

Connect with Evan Wohl:

Connect with Adam Tesser:

About Adam Tesser:

A former commodities options trader, Adam is now the Co-Founder and President of Deltess Corp, the makers of Ostrich Beach Chairs. Proud husband & father of two girls.

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