A grounded conversation for business owners thinking about what comes next and how to leave well.

Mark Miller, Founder and President of Cornerstone Environmental, Health and Safety, joins Scott Eckart to share the story behind building a people-first company and making a thoughtful decision to merge after nearly three decades of ownership.

Mark walks through the moments that shaped his path, from an unexpected start in environmental services to leading a team through growth, risk, and transition. You will hear how thorough preparation and a culture of trust influenced his approach to succession and why taking care of people mattered as much as the deal itself.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What culture reveals during a business transition
• How to think clearly about succession and timing
• Why preparation creates better options

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Meet Mark Miller

(03:24) How Cornerstone got started by chance

(06:43) What really drives entrepreneurs

(09:26) Why culture came before deal terms

(12:25) Learning what the business was truly worth

(15:57) Knowing when it was time to step back

(21:15) Trust, vulnerability, and servant leadership

(25:57) Testing succession plans under pressure

(31:17) Defining success beyond the business

(36:50) What comes next after stepping away from leadership

(43:20) The five dysfunctions of a team

(47:12) Early financial decisions that created long-term freedom

Resources:

Mark Miller’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-miller-6381a213/

Cornerstone Environmental, Health and Safety LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cornerstone-environmental-health-and-safety-inc./

Cornerstone Environmental, Health and Safety website: https://www.cornerstone-ehs.com/

Join the Velocity Network: https://www.velocoaches.com/

An inspiring story and strategies for entrepreneurs who want to turn their passion into purpose.

Ralph Balber, Founder and President of ALO Property Group LLC, joins Scott Eckart to tell his story of leaving a job that made him miserable to start his company, which has gone on to be a leading commercial real estate brokerage in Indiana.

Ralph shares the values that have helped him shape a fulfilling career, from respecting other people’s time and working harder than anyone else to giving back to the community and doing what you love. You’ll hear how these traits can help you make a career shift, build a business from the ground up, and focus on what matters most.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The Ralph Balber story
• Why you should love what you do and do what you love
• How harsh truths and criticism can be a gift
• Why time is the most valuable resource

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Meet Ralph Balber

(05:57) Entering the restaurant business

(08:24) Mistakes made and lessons learned in business

(11:49) The harsh truth Ralph needed to hear

(14:38) How Ralph changed the course of his career in 30 days

(19:51) The importance of doing what you love

(22:04) Finding the right people to work with

(25:06) A different approach to real estate

(30:41) Time is your only non-renewable resource

(34:20) Bringing family into the business

(42:40) The skills you need to enter real estate

Resources:

Ralph Balber’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralph-balber-b6bb0012/

ALO Property Group LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alo-property-group-llc/

ALO Property Group website: https://alopg.com/

Join the Velocity Network: https://www.velocoaches.com/

What can focusing on your people’s growth do for your company?

Mike Lantz, founder and CEO of trueU, sits down with Scott Eckart to share his philosophy that people are the greatest strategic advantages a company can have, shaped by his time developing culture and talent at Defenders Direct and F.C. Tucker Company.

Mike talks about the importance of supporting employees in becoming the best versions of themselves, driving strategy with culture, and committing to the company’s values and standards. You’ll hear about the traits a good leader should have, how people thrive when their leaders believe in them, and why companies should hire more than one type of person.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why culture isn’t just about what’s in your break room
• What you should ask to know if a new hire is a good fit
• The different kinds of workers you need on your team

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Meet Mike Lantz

(05:14) Investing in your people grows revenue

(07:13) The role of accountability in building high-performing teams

(10:45) Why culture should be your business strategy

(13:25) Helping people become the best versions of themselves

(21:58) Nature vs. nurture and spotting talent

(29:02) Lessons on diversity from playing in a band

(31:05) What assessment tools are good for

(33:15) The different roles that help a team succeed

(39:40) Feedback is a gift

Resources:

Mike Lantz’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeclantz/

trueU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trueu/

trueU website: https://trueu.com/

Join the Velocity Network: https://www.velocoaches.com/