Discover actionable strategies from Robert Brown, former global executive and SCORE Houston mentor, as he shares with Dr Jeffrey Ricken how to build customer intimacy, generate aftermarket revenue, and create trust that drives business growth. In this episode, you’ll learn how small businesses can boost customer retention, manage cash flow, and set clear goals for sustainable success. Robert explains why hiring for attitude and cultural fit is essential, and how transparent communication and mentorship can help you lead your team through change. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, or aspiring leader, you’ll gain practical tips on service excellence, customer loyalty, and the fundamentals of P&L management. Don’t miss Robert’s expert advice on transforming one-time buyers into loyal advocates and building a business that thrives.

Robert's Core Philosophy:

"Large corporations have a cushion for bad decisions. Small businesses don't. You can't run negative cash flow for months—it will cripple or kill your business."

"Customer intimacy isn't just for big companies. Whether you're multinational or a solo plumber, it's what drives referrals and repeat business."

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Corine Short is the founder and CEO of That Stuff Nutrition and the 2025 Houston District Veteran Business Owner of the Year. A former US Air Force Captain and fitness nutrition officer, Corine has built a thriving health and wellness brand in Houston with 2 locations, a food truck, a TSU campus partnership, and 13 employees. Her journey? Corporate layoff in 2018 → Used severance to start business → Built award-winning nutrition empire with SCORE Houston mentorship.

Corine shares how she transformed setbacks into opportunities and built a purpose-driven brand with strong community impact:

→ Military discipline in business - How Air Force training shaped her systems-driven approach
→ Turning layoff into opportunity - The courage to invest severance in herself instead of waiting
→ "You can't out-train a bad diet" - Why she pivoted from fitness to functional nutrition
→ Working with SCORE mentor Bill Horwitz - How mentorship helped her focus and accelerate growth
→ PhD-driven innovation - Using health science research to design functional products
→ Purpose-driven leadership - Creating positive community impact through nutrition

Corine's Success Formula: "Systems matter more than motivation. Cash flow is the oxygen of business. And find a community and mentorship to accelerate your growth and keep you grounded."

Corine credits SCORE Houston for helping her "slow down to speed up." Bill helped her separate activities from meaningful progress, refine her systems, pricing, and growth decisions. This is a beautiful example of SCORE mentorship in action!

Key Quote About SCORE: "I truly believe in mentorship. I don't think anyone builds anything meaningful alone. SCORE offered access to experience without ego or ulterior motives."

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Join us for an insightful conversation with Kevin Rosenberg, a seasoned CPA and SCORE Houston mentor, as he shares his expertise on the critical role of financial literacy and exceptional service in driving small business success. In this episode, Kevin draws from over 40 years of experience in accounting and finance, offering practical advice for entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners.

Discover why understanding the "why" behind business decisions is just as important as knowing the "what," and learn how focusing on value and quality—rather than competing on price—can set your business apart. Kevin discusses common pitfalls faced by new business owners, the importance of knowing your cost structure, and how to develop a clear vision for long-term growth.

Whether you're launching a startup, growing your business, or seeking mentorship, this episode is packed with actionable tips on financial management, business planning, and customer service excellence. Tune in to gain valuable insights from Kevin Rosenberg and take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level.

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