In this episode, guest-host Johnny Gwin talks with Tommy Wetjen about how he built Gamers N Geeks, the Gulf Coast’s largest gaming store specializing in card games, board games, dice games, miniatures, and video games. Tommy also shares how he has…Read More…
In this episode, guest host Johnny Gwin talks with Scotty White about how he takes another step in building his business empire of Geekdom with his new Scotty’s Toy Shopspecializing in action figures and other pop culture collectibles. Scotty is not…Read More…
Business owners and employees leave money on the table year after year by not having the right retirement plan in place. In this episode, Karen talks with the Mobile, Alabama employer, employee, and personal retirement plan TPA specialist Crystal Sears…Read More…
On this episode, Karen talks with Trey Byrum, owner of the Alabama Pipe Welders Academy and Scottsman Tools in Mobile, Alabama, about the importance of learning a trade, creating a product, having faith, and giving back to your community. Trey details how his welding…Read More…
The most valuable resource for any business is their customers, and while new customers are essential, acquiring new ones can cost as much as 7 times more than retaining a customer you already have. On this episode, guest host Johnny…Read More…
On this episode, guest host Johnny Gwin talks with singer/songwriter, music producer, session guitarist, and professional music businessman Eric Erdman about creating a career where he is the brand, product, factory, and the skilled labor. Eric demystifies the rock star mythos with…Read More…
Everyone is talking about Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, and alt-coins. What the heck is this mass hype, and are you missing out if you are already not in “crypto”? On this episode, guest host Johnny Gwin talks with Mobile’s serial entrepreneur, Scott Tindle, about…Read More…
In this episode, Karen talks with the bold and dynamic Bridgette Jerkins of Royal Barbers located in Mobile, Alabama. She explains her unique style of training and guiding her customers’ behaviors and expectations to benefit their experience and her bottom line. Bridgette…Read More…
On this episode, Karen and show producer Johnny Gwin have picked out the strongest and most brilliant moments of the most listened to guest of Cheers To Business, Dr. Gia Wiggins of Morale Resources. Gia is not just just an HR expert she…Read More…
On this special installment of The Best of Cheers To Business, Karen and show producer Johnny Gwin have gone thru two and half seasons to find some of the finest moments from one of their favorite things to talk…Read More…
On this very special first-ever best off episode, Karen and show producer Johnny Gwin have picked the best moments (so far) from the show talking about and giving insights on sales. Some of our brilliant guests share their knowledge on…Read More…
On this episode, Karen talks all things marketing with Sarah Bumgarner, Marketing Director at Saad Healthcare Hospice. Sarah shares her marketing experience and insights from inside a company and from an outside agency perspective. She and Karen discuss the importance of CFOs,…Read More…
On this episode. Karen talks with Cheers To Business podcast producer Johnny Gwin about his newfound interest in a Fixed vs. Growth Mindset. A Fixed Mindset sees an overall intelligence, talent, or skill to be a fixed entity – something that…Read More…
On this episode, Karen talks with author and entrepreneur advocate Christoper Ray Coleman. Chris gives his insights on the how he doesn’t look at business and decisions as good or bad but in terms of healthy or unhealthy. Chris stresses the…Read More…
On this special episode, the host of the radio show What’s Working with Cam Marston, Cam Marston, and he takes over the Cheers To Business microphones to have an in-depth interview and conversation with Karen Simmons. Karen shares about her childhood, somethings…Read More…
On this episode, Karen talks with Cam Marston, President of Generational Insights and host of the radio show and podcast What’s Working with Cam Marston. Cam Marston is the leading expert and speaker on the impact of generational change and its impact on the…Read More…
On this episode, Karen talks with Tricia Petteys, COO/Co-founder of Payroll Vault Franchising, about the Employee Retention Tax Credit and how it can help your small business financially impacted by COVID-19. Overshadowed by the PPP loan program, the lesser-known and used Employee Retention…Read More…
The last Cheers episode with Brandon Maye was so good that Karen asked him back to share more of his story from the football field to the business field. On this episode, Brandon talks more about his transition and lessons learned from…Read More…
On this episode, we hear the ups and downs of Brandon Maye’s life journey from the football field to the field of business. A top high school recruit from a tough neighborhood, Brandon signed with Clemson University and eventually transferred…Read More…
On this episode, Karen talks with Sherrica Hunt, the Director of Institutional Advancement at Bishop State Community College. Sherrica shares her career journey from Mobile, AL to literally around the world and back to Bishop State, where she says she has found…Read More…
On this episode, Karen talks to John Serda, owner of Serda Brewing. John talks about coming to grip with having to admit that his beer brands were not working with his market and audience. With tap room sales falling, retail production stopped,…Read More…
When no one is going to let the good times roll with Mobile’s month-long and city-wide Mardi Gras celebration, it’s more than just a city missing a great party. Not having Mardi Gras, and especially all the parades, means millions…Read More…
Last November, Karen talked with FOY Superfoods owner Liz Garza about the origins of Mobile, Alabama’s first and only Juicery and Fresh Eats Restaurant, how she is managing her 2 locations during COVID, and how she and her husband kept the store…Read More…
Karen has been screaming from the rooftops, “calm down during this COVID crisis. look around, and see if there is some opportunity for your business in this chaos!” On this episode, Karen talks with Ashley Smith, the Vice President of Wholesale…Read More…
On this episode, Karen talks with Dr. Darren Waters, owner and Medical Director of Greater Mobile Urgent Care. Dr. Waters discusses the challenges and opportunities that presented themselves to his Urgent Care practices when the COVID virus and lockdowns disrupted his…Read More…
On this episode, Karen and Dr. Gia Wiggins of Morale Resource, LLC, have a serious talk about what they know, as of today, about the FRCA (Family First Corona Response Act), PPP forgiveness, and creating an official company telecommuting policy for your employees and…Read More…
Tis’ the season for things to get pretty relaxed or hectic around the office and workplace. So, Karen invited HR strategist and guru Dr. Gia Wiggins of Morale Resources to deliver some essential Christmas do’s and end of year business and HR…Read More…
On this episode, Karen and Johnny let the listeners peek behind the podcast curtain when they share a Cheers To Business planning session for growing the show in the coming year. 2020 milestones will be reviewed, goals will be made,…Read More…
On this episode, Karen talks with Cheers To Business podcast producer Johnny Gwin about his Deep Fried Studio’s challenges, growth, and evolution in 2020. Johnny shares his struggles with his podcast studio into an internet media company due to his…Read More…
On this episode, Karen talks franchises and managing multiple locations with Michael Presson of 1-800-RADIATOR and A/C/. Michael describes his process for choosing 1-800-RADIATOR, handling the challenges of multiple locations, and his management and leadership style. Plus, Michael gives his…Read More…
According to American Songwriter Magazine, “Abe Partridge has established himself as one of the most respected songwriters and visual folk artists in the southeast.” Karen talks with this rising creative artist about how he has turned his passion for songwriting,…Read More…
On this Passion To Purpose episode, Karen talks to magazine owner/publisher and podcast host Joe Baya. Joe has turned his passion for hunting deer and turkeys in the woods and fishing for Cobia in the Gulf of Mexico into a business,…Read More…
On this episode, Karen talks with the writer, storyteller, and voice of the many with Our Southern Souls, Lynn Oldshue. Lynn has turned her passion for writing, art, and storytelling into a life of publishing and investigative journalism. After starting her magazine,…Read More…
From hobby to a job is one of our favorite topics here on the Cheers To Business podcast. On this episode, Karen talks with Scotty White, Chronicles of Limbo comic book writer, publisher, podcaster, and creative raconteur at his Mopcast Network. Scotty shares his…Read More…
On this episode, Karen and Dr. Gia Wiggins of Morale Resources LLC, have an energetic and freeform conversation in the Get Back Up series. Gia quizzes Karen on the role of a good CFO, how they should work with a company, and…Read More…
On this episode, Karen is still kicking around the theme of “get back up,” and is talking to returning guest Dr. Gia Wiggins of Morale Resources, LLC. Gia shares mindset and tactical insights on not only surviving the volatile 2020 events but…Read More…
On this episode, Karen is finally back in the studio with attorney and author of “Get Back Up” Rod Cate. Rod injured his spine in a football accident when he was 15 years and severed his spine. After being paralyzed for…Read More…
Between shutdowns, Hurricane Sally and Karen starting more companies, we have not been able to record in the studio, or we just couldn’t get the guests we wanted to be on the show. So, Johnny went lurking through the underground…Read More…
On this episode, Karen talks with Susan Shaw, President, and CEO at IMMIX Strategic, a digital experience platform marketing technology company that supports companies and other marketing agencies. Susan shares her business principle of building the relationship first, the strategy and tactics second,…Read More…
On this episode, Karen talks with Jerry Golden, Chief Administrative Officer of CNI, Coastal Neurological Institute, and OHC, Occupational Health Center. Jerry describes how his newest company Forefront Medical Management manages to efficiently streamline the business operations of multiple health…Read More…
On this episode, Karen talks with JJPR founder and president Jennifer Jenkins. Jennifer shares her story of starting her PR and marketing firm, what it takes to build a good team, and her philosophies on managing her team members and a…Read More…
On this episode, Karen talks with Christopher Ray Coleman, entrepreneur and author of The 180 Effect. Christopher’s mission is to help student-athletes transition into their communities after college to leverage their personal brands and build profitable and sustainable businesses. Christopher…Read More…
On this episode, Karen talks with Co-Host of The Insurance Guys Podcast and founder of Portal Insurance, the incomparable Bradley Flowers. Bradley shares his “The Power of Podcasting” business insights, and “secrets” recently featured in Paradiso Presents “Last Agent Standing” Magazine. He discusses…Read More…
On this episode, Karen talks with Carita Koen, COO and Chief Marketing Officer for Green Magic Landscaping. Carita is a financial planner whose main job is to keep everyone accountable, focused on the company’s mission, and on track for success. Today…Read More…
On this episode, Karen talks with the Director of the Mobile, Alabama Mayor’s Innovation Team (I-Team) Terrence DeShaun Smith. Terrence is a legit Mobile mover and shaker who leads a local government problem-solving think tank whose mission is to find new ways…Read More…
On this episode, Karen talks with Employee Benefits Specialist at Colonial Life, Brandon Kiser. Brandon is a school friend of Karen’s daughter Cadie and has some “getting started” questions for his side hustle businesses. Karen lays out some LLC and…Read More…
Covid-19 looks like it is here to stay, and testing for individuals and companies is as important as ever to ensure a safe and healthy environment for our families, customers, and businesses. On this episode, Karen talks with Leitha Boutwell…Read More…
With possibly another COVID-19 business shutdown and disruption right around the corner finding new ways to get old and new customers to buy your products and services has never been more critical. Especially when foot traffic has evaporated, and normal…Read More…
On this episode, Karen talks with Josh Woods, the Executive Director at The Grounds and the Greater Gulf State Fair. Josh fills us in on how the Greater Gulf State Fair is planning to happen in 2020. Josh shares how The Grounds was…Read More…
It seems like everything is chaotic and scary in the business world these days. So, Karen thought we needed to hear some good vibes and inspirational messages. It was a no brainer to decided to replay the Christine Cumbie episode from…Read More…
In this episode, Karen talks with the CEO of DocRx and owner of Coastal Diagnostics, Brian Ward. Brian explains how he saw and seized an opportunity to grow his small medical lab by providing much-needed testing for COVID-19. By investing and…Read More…
On this special gameshow edition of Cheers To Business, Karen quizzes Chris and Laney Andrews, owners of Bienville Bites Food Tours, on a game called Deduction or No Deduction. Karen throws out a common business tax deduction and Chris and Laney…Read More…
Here is the PODCAST Link on APPLE and SPOTIFY This podcast is hosted by Dave Evans of RLC Global, featuring guests Karen Simmons, Kurt Rickhoff, Vince Howard, Eric Swick, Barb Gay, and Kevin Turnbull. As business owners in the middle of…Read More…
On this episode, Noell Broughton talks to Karen Simmons about how difficult the COVID-19 shutdown has been on his bar and restaurant businesses. Plus, he describes the mountains of PPP paperwork, figuring out the maze of government regulations, and how…Read More…
In this episode, Karen talks with strategic Information Technology consultant and specialist Abe Harper of Harper Technologies in Mobile, Alabama. Abe shares some simple and essential tools and procedures to ensure computer and network security, even when a company’s workforce is primarily…Read More…
In this “let’s get back to work” episode, Karen talks with Bienville Bites owners Chris and Laney Andrew. They created Bienville Bites to be a guided walking food tour of the best food spots in Mobile, Ala. You walk, eat, and learn…Read More…
On this episode, Karen talks with local attorney and host of Lawcall Bill Eiland of Eiland and Richie Law Firm in Mobile, Alabama. Bill gives his legal insights on business interruption insurance and how he is helping local businesses deal…Read More…
On this episode, Karen talks with HR expert and founder of Morale Resource, LLC, Dr. Gia Wiggins to discuss helping out employers, employees, and customers to transitioning back into the workplace after the mandated shutdown. What does this “new business normal” going to…Read More…
Tips for recording your Payroll Protection Plan funds as a deposit into your QuickBooks® and keeping up with what you do with it. Does all of this have you stressed out? Are you feeling a bit in over your head?…Read More…
On this quarantine special episode, Karen and Cadie are talking surviving and thriving through this coronavirus crisis, and business shutdown with the sage-like, hilarious, and Mobile, Alabama Radio Legend Uncle Henry. Uncle Henry shares what he is seeing now inside his…Read More…
In this special episode, Karen takes a different perspective on the COVID-19 quarantine and its effect on businesses, specifically on young entrepreneurs. She talks with 10-year-old fashion and snack entrepreneur Anthony Allen, creator and owner of Snocks. Taking his hobby of fashion…Read More…
This episode is such a WIN-WIN-WIN Coronavirus business story that has gone viral and become a regional, national, and feel good media story. Karen and guest co-host Stacy Wellborn talk with Joe Calagaz of Calagaz Printing, a Mobile, Alabama commercial printer known for their menu…Read More…
April 1 has always just been April Fool’s Day. But now, if you’re a small or medium-sized business owner, it has taken on a whole new meaning. What are your requirements with this Coronavirus pandemic concerning your employees if they’re…Read More…
In this critical COVID-19 business survival episode, Karen and guest co-host Michelle Crow of e-worc marketing and advertising talk about the changing economy during this time of quarantines and mandatory “social-distancing,” and the disaster loans and relief resources becoming available.…Read More…
On this episode, Karen has a crucial conversation with HR management specialist Gia Wiggins (Morale Resource LLC) about employers and employees and what they need to do to keep their businesses healthy during this COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the nature of news,…Read More…
On this episode, Karen and Cadie continue their Knowledge Nuggets Series with a discussion on the 12 (and more) steps to starting a business. Using and commenting on an article by entrepreneur.com Associate Editor Matthew McCreary, the Cheers ladies run through what…Read More…
On this episode, Karen and Cadie uncork their Knowledge Nuggets Series and talk income management. Karen and Cadie explain what is and is not business income. Plus, Karen shares the ins and outs of Alabama Sales Tax. Key Takeaways: >…Read More…
Everybody’s business numbers sing, and they tell a story. Find out your KPIs or hire someone to help you. – Karen Simmons On this episode, Karen and Cadie admit that they didn’t know that KPIs stood for Key Performance Indicators, so…Read More…
On this episode, Karen and Cadie are back in the studio together, and they are talking to food blogger, Instagram influencer, photographer, and wanna-be podcaster Amanda “Birdie” Gibson of the Lemon Baby food blog. Stuffed with Amanda’s own original recipes, food photography, and thoughts…Read More…
On this episode, Karen talks with CPA John Calderone, and he shares three ways on how to get the most out of your CPA when preparing your taxes and tips on keeping your tax bill lower. Plus, John reveals the…Read More…
In this raucous episode, the Cheers Ladies laugh and learn with John Serda, owner of Serda’s Coffee and Serda Brewing Company. John tells the origins of his love and knowledge of the coffee business, becoming a teenage brewmaster, and dispels some common entrepreneurial myths.…Read More…
On this episode, Karen talks about starting a retail shop from scratch, dealing with the challenges of retail, and pivoting when necessary with Elizabeth and Jennifer O’Brien of Opulence Designs. After opening her dream art and gift shop, Elizabeth found out…Read More…
On this delicious episode, Karen and Cadie get real with The Salsa King of Alabama, Chef Tony Ingram of Tony’s Tejas Salsa. Claiming to make “The World’s Best Salsa” Tony shares the origin story of his tasty salsa product empire, building a food…Read More…
On this episode, Karen and guest co-host Michelle Crowe pick the brilliant legal mind of Jennifer Holifield of Speegle Hoffman Holman, and Holifield. She and her firm specialize in helping small businesses with all business formation, employment law, and other corporate legal…Read More…
In this episode, Karen speaks with Mary Grothe, Sales Coach, National Keynote Speaker and CEO of BQ®. Mary’s superpower is uncovering the core selling abilities and sales DNA of the reps and managers she works with, developing high-growth sales strategies, and then…Read More…
On this week’s episode, Karen talks with Pound Cake Maven and entrepreneur baker Carla Able of Cakes By The Pound. Carla shares her baking origins, leaping by faith into a cottage food baking business, and her recipe for business success. …Read More…
Need help to develop or refine your company culture, future view, and Best Model for your firm in 2020? Then this special international version of Cheers is just for you. In this episode, Karen “get’s real” with the dynamic duo…Read More…
The Cheers To Business Ladies got caught up in the holiday season and couldn’t get into the studio this week. So, we are re-airing an oldie but goodie holiday do’s and don’ts episode from 2018. This Dec.18th, 2018 show is…Read More…
Friday, January 22, was surely a night to remember for Karen Simmons as family, friends, co-workers, dignitaries and members of SouthWest Mobile County Chamber of Commerce honored her as 2015 Citizen of the Year. After Chamber President Donna Abercrombie welcomed…Read More…
