Welcome to "Cosmos and Commerce," the podcast where business and fun converge. Hosted by Michele Cook of Body Ache Escape Massage Center and Janis Francis of The Humble Crate. Join us as we engage with some of the most creative and influential minds in the business arena. In today's episode, we're thrilled to have Heather Lipe, the creative force behind Woodchuck Arts. Heather's unique talent lies in weaving together the aesthetics of design and the pragmatics of business, enabling small companies to flourish in the digital landscape. With a knack for creating websites that are not just visually stunning but also highly functional, Heather has become an expert for entrepreneurs eager to expand their digital presence. 

1. Introduction:
   • Michele Cook introduces the podcast and guest Heather Lipe from Woodchuck Arts.
   • Overview of Heather's expertise.
2. Heather Lipe's Journey:
   • Heather shares her background and journey to becoming a business owner.
   • Her evolution from aspirations in hairstyling to a passion for art and graphic design.
   • Family influence and entrepreneurial spirit.
3. Starting Woodchuck Arts:
   • The inception of Woodchuck Arts in 2012.
   • The story behind the unique name and its branding impact.
4. Websites and Entrepreneurship:
   • Discussion on common issues entrepreneurs face with their websites.
   • Heather’s approach to solving website design and functional problems.
   • Importance of content for SEO and user engagement.
5. Effective Website Design:
   • Strategies for adding content without clutter.
   • The role of FAQs in website design.
   • Tailoring website content for Google and users.
6. Challenges in Web Design and Small Businesses:
   • Heather's insights on market valuation of design and art.
   • Balancing client needs with financial sustainability.
7. Success Stories:
   • Heather shares examples of successful projects and client experiences.
   • The impact of comprehensive digital marketing on client success.
8. Favorite Tools and Techniques:
   • Heather's preferred tools for digital marketing, like Canva.
   • Insights on copyright issues and safe image sourcing.
9. Working with Heather:
   • The process of collaborating with clients.
   • Customizing services based on client needs and projects.
10. Future Trends and Goals:
    • Predictions for web design trends and future business directions.
    • Heather's personal goals and aspirations for her business.
11. Fun and Personal Questions:
    • A series of lighthearted and personal questions to explore Heather's interests and perspectives outside of work.
12. Closing

Links

Woodchuck Arts
Earthing Mat
7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Canva
123RF

https://cosmosandcommerce.com
https://www.facebook.com/cosmosandcommercepodcast

Guest:

• Peg Tobin, a healthcare recruiter, educator, writer, and public speaker, owner of Tobin and Associates.

In this episode of "Cosmos and Commerce," hosts Janis Francis and Michele Cook interview Peg Tobin, a seasoned healthcare recruiter and the visionary behind Tobin and Associates. Peg shares her unexpected journey into healthcare recruitment, a path that began with her granddaughter's health crisis and led to the founding of her successful company. Over the course of the episode, Peg shares the challenges and triumphs of growing her business, the evolution of healthcare recruitment practices, and the importance of leadership and staff development. Her personal anecdotes and insights, combined with a quick-fire round of questions, paint a vivid picture of her professional journey and personal ethos. This episode not only sheds light on the nuances of healthcare recruitment but also celebrates Peg's dedication and innovative approach to improving the healthcare industry.

Discussion Topics:

1. Introduction and Background of Peg Tobin:
   • Peg shares her journey into healthcare recruitment, initially sparked by her granddaughter's illness. She left her corporate job to be available for her granddaughter and started her own business, Tobin Associates, which has grown nationwide over 26 years.
2. Challenges and Growth:
   • Peg discusses early challenges, particularly financial ones, and the growth of her business, including the involvement of her two sons.
3. Evolution of Tobin Associates:
   • The company evolved from placing people in temporary positions within Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky to nationwide placements, coaching, and high-level executive recruitments.
   • Peg highlights the changes in healthcare recruitment, including the challenges of guaranteeing human lives and adapting to a new generation of workers.
4. Leadership and Staff Development:
   • Emphasizes the importance of fostering leadership within the team, investing in staff development, and adapting to generational differences in the workplace.
5. Personal Stories and Insights:
   • Peg shares personal anecdotes, including her motivation to start the business, her approach to leadership, and her commitment to improving healthcare through recruitment.
6. Future Plans and Advice:
   • She expresses her interest in coaching and inspiring new healthcare professionals, stressing the importance of diversifying their skill sets.
   • Offers advice to those starting a business in the healthcare sector and to individuals interviewing for high-level positions.
7. Quick Fire Round:
   • A series of rapid-fire questions reveals more about Peg's personality, preferences, and life philosophy, including her love for champagne, her first job as a bank teller, and her passion for healing and nurturing.

Conclusion:

• The hosts thank Peg for her valuable insights and anecdotes, highlighting the inspirational and humorous aspects of her journey in healthcare recruitment.

This podcast episode provides an in-depth look at the challenges and rewards of healthcare recruitment, leadership, and the personal journey of Peg Tobin, showcasing her dedication to the healthcare industry and her innovative approach to business.

Links

Tobin and Associates
Facebook
Linked IN
The Bible
Mandisa- Good Morning

https://cosmosandcommerce.com
https://www.facebook.com/cosmosandcommercepodcast

Hosts: Janis Francis and Michele Cook

Guest: Nate Hux, a pharmacist and entrepreneur

Key Points:

1. Background and Career Shift: Nate Hux, initially a corporate pharmacist, shifted to an independent pharmacy. He bought Pickerington Pharmacy from Dale Schultz, aiming to focus more on patient care rather than corporate profits.
2. Launching Freedom Pharmacy: In 2020, Nate launched Freedom Pharmacy, a separate entity from Pickerington Pharmacy, to offer medications at more affordable prices by bypassing insurance companies. This approach aimed to reduce administrative costs and focus on direct consumer transactions.
3. Challenges and Decisions: Funding Freedom Pharmacy was challenging due to the unavailability of loans during COVID-19. Nate had to invest personal funds. He considers opening Freedom Pharmacy as his best business decision.
4. Marketing Strategy: Nate's effective marketing strategies include media relations and grassroots efforts. He emphasizes personal connections and community involvement over traditional advertising.
5. Employee Satisfaction: Nate believes in creating a positive work environment and making employees feel part of the company's success. He values employee feedback and aims to foster a culture where staff feel invested in patient care.
6. Growth and Customer Base: Freedom Pharmacy caters to a wide range of customers, including self-employed individuals and seniors, especially those with high-deductible insurance plans. Nate foresees balanced growth between Pickerington and Freedom Pharmacy in the coming years.
7. Compounding and Veterinary Services: Freedom Pharmacy offers compounding services, creating personalized medication forms and also caters to veterinary prescriptions, reflecting a growing segment in their business.
8. Advice for Aspiring Pharmacists: Nate advises new graduates to minimize personal debt, giving them more career options and flexibility. He stresses the importance of financial prudence for aspiring entrepreneurs.
9. Future Plans: Nate's future goal is to train others in establishing similar business models, freeing them from reliance on the traditional healthcare payment system.
10. Personal Insights: Nate enjoys downtime with activities like reading and playing strategy games. His approach to life is influenced by a philosophy that prioritizes family, faith, and meaningful work over material achievements.
11. Contact Information: Nate does not engage in social media personally but can be reached through his pharmacies’ websites or directly at the Pickerington and Freedom Pharmacy locations.

Episode Links

Pickerington Pharmacy
Freedom Pharmacy
The Real Anthony Fauci by Robert F. Kennedy Jr
Civilization 6
Brewdog Punk IPA

https://cosmosandcommerce.com
https://www.facebook.com/cosmosandcommercepodcast