Inside the Vault - Presented by Enterprise Bank

Join host Dave Miller on this episode of Inside the Vault as he welcomes Ava DeMarco, CEO of Little Earth Productions. Ava shares her entrepreneurial journey and the evolution of her unique business.

In this episode, Ava discusses the origins of Little Earth, starting with her background in graphic design and her partnership with co-founder Rob. She highlights how the company began by creating products from recycled materials, such as bottle cap belts and purses made from license plates. Ava explains the major shift in their business model after securing licensing agreements with major brands like Harley-Davidson and the NFL. This allowed them to broaden their product offerings to include a variety of licensed sports accessories. Ava also shares with Dave the recent growth in the pet accessory market and how Little Earth has leveraged this trend. To learn more about Little Earth Productions and explore their innovative products, visit www.littlearth.com.

Thank you for listening to this episode of Inside the Vault. Subscribe today and follow us for updates, and if you have any questions or topics you would like to hear about, please email us at insidethevault@enterprisebankpgh.com! 

Join host Dave Miller on this episode of Inside the Vault as he welcomes Catherine Montague, founder and principal of Montague Design. Catherine shares her journey from Paris to Pittsburgh and the evolution of her interior design firm.

In this episode, Catherine discusses the critical role of interior design in commercial construction and renovation, emphasizing the importance of planning and assembling the right team. She highlights how thoughtful design can enhance employee well-being and productivity while aligning with a company's brand. Catherine also provides valuable insights on budgeting, material selection, and the collaborative process with architects and contractors. To learn more about Montague Design and explore their projects, visit www.montaguedesign.com.

Thank you for listening to this episode of Inside the Vault. Subscribe today and follow us for updates, and if you have any questions or topics you would like to hear about, please email us at insidethevault@enterprisebankpgh.com! 

Join Inside the Vault host Dave Miller as he talks with Dan Simkins and Doogie Levine from ATiiD. Dan and Doogie bring a wealth of experience in helping small businesses navigate the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI).

In this episode, Dan, Doogie, and Dave explore the intersection of technology and human productivity, focusing on how small business owners can effectively integrate AI into their operations. Doogie and Dan discuss the challenges faced by small businesses and emphasize the importance of understanding both the technical and human aspects of AI implementation. They also provide actionable insights on the importance of documenting processes and organizing data to prepare for an AI-driven future. To learn more and to connect with ATiiD, visit their website at www.atiid.com.

Thank you for listening to this episode of Inside the Vault. Subscribe today and follow us for updates. If you have any questions or topics you would like to hear about, please email us at insidethevault@enterprisebankpgh.com!

Join host Dave Miller on this episode of Inside the Vault as he welcomes Anne Flynn Schlicht, the director of the Center for Women's Entrepreneurship at Chatham University.

With nearly 20 years of experience in supporting women entrepreneurs, Anne shares her journey from Ireland to the U.S. and her commitment to empowering women in business. Anne tells Dave about the vital resources and programs offered by the Center for Women's Entrepreneurship. Anne highlights the common challenges faced by women business owners, such as navigating compliance, securing financing, and the importance of market research. She emphasizes the need for continuous learning and the value of seeking help from available resources. For more information or to connect with the Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship, visit cwe.chatham.edu or call 412-365-1253.

Thank you for listening to this episode of Inside the Vault. Subscribe today and follow us for updates, and if you have any questions or topics you would like to hear about, please email us at insidethevault@enterprisebankpgh.com! 

Join host Dave Miller on this episode of "Inside the Vault" as he welcomes Laurie Barkman, founder of Business Transition Sherpa. Laurie brings over 30 years of experience in both startup and corporate environments, specializing in guiding business owners through growth and succession planning.

In this episode, Laurie shares her insights on the critical importance of planning for business transitions from the very beginning. She discusses the common challenges small business owners face, such as being too focused on day-to-day operations to think about their exit strategy. She emphasizes the need for business owners to build with the end in mind, highlighting that proactive planning can significantly enhance the value of their business. Laurie provides actionable insights on how to prepare a business for a successful transition. To learn more about Business Transition Sherpa, visit www.btsherpa.com. Catch Dave's guest appearance on Succession Stories Podcast here: Succession Stories Podcast

Thank you for listening to this episode of "Inside the Vault". Subscribe today and follow us for updates, and if you have any questions or topics you would like to hear about, please email us at insidethevault@enterprisebankpgh.com!

Join host Dave Miller on this episode of "Inside the Vault" as he welcomes Vanessa Wallace Clunies from Tangible Property Tax Methods (TPTM).

Vanessa brings a wealth of experience in accounting and real estate tax strategies to help businesses and real estate investors optimize their tax planning through effective cost segregation. In our discussion, we dive into the core principles of cost segregation, an IRS-approved method that allows property owners to accelerate depreciation on their real estate investments. Vanessa explains the importance of engineering-based studies in accurately classifying property components and highlights the types of properties that can benefit most from this approach. Vanessa shares actionable insights on conducting a cost segregation analysis, including the required documentation and the potential tax savings.

To learn more about Tangible Property Tax Methods (TPTM), visit their website at www.taxmethodexperts.com

Thank you for listening to this episode of "Inside the Vault". Subscribe today and follow us for updates, and if you have any questions or topics you would like to hear about, please email us at insidethevault@enterprisebankpgh.com!

Join host Dave Miller on this episode of "Inside the Vault" as he welcomes Juan Garrett, the Executive Director of the Riverside Center for Innovation (RCI). Juan shares his journey from accounting to leading RCI, an organization dedicated to empowering small and diverse businesses in the Pittsburgh area.

The discussion highlights RCI's evolution from the Northside Industrial Development Company to its role as a regional hub for entrepreneurship. Juan details the various services, resources, and programs that RCI offers to the Small business community. Juan walks Dave through RCI's BizFIT Entrepreneurial Cohort Training, which is designed to assist disadvantaged business owners in both the non-construction and construction industries with the skillset to operate their businesses from start-up to becoming a sustainable enterprise. Juan also offers valuable insights on persistence and networking for entrepreneurs.

For more information about RCI and its programs, visit www.riversidecenterforinnovation.com

Thank you for listening to this episode of “Inside the Vault”. Subscribe today and follow us for updates, and if you have any questions or topics you would like to hear about, please email us at insidethevault@enterprisebankpgh.com! 

Join host Dave Miller on this episode of "Inside the Vault" as he welcomes Rich Inman, President of Inman Medical Insurance Connections. Rich brings a wealth of experience from various industries, including finance and real estate, and is dedicated to helping individuals navigate the complexities of Medicare.

 

In this episode, Dave and Rich delve into the intricacies of Medicare, exploring its history, eligibility criteria, and the distinctions between the original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. Rich also highlights the role of business owners in educating their employees about Medicare options, ensuring they are well-informed during their transition to retirement. Rich provides actionable insights on how to navigate the Medicare landscape effectively, stressing the importance of personalized guidance in making informed decisions. To connect with Rich, you can reach him at 724-316-8802 or visit www.inmanmedins.com for more information.

 

Thank you for listening to this episode of “Inside the Vault”. Subscribe today and follow us for updates, and if you have any questions or topics you would like to hear about, please email us at insidethevault@enterprisebankpgh.com! 

Join host Dave Miller on this episode of "Inside the Vault" as he welcomes Rashid Hassan, the owner of the newly opened Rashid Hassan Tennis Center in Monroeville. Rashid shares his remarkable journey from Zimbabwe, where he grew up in a tennis family, to becoming a successful coach and entrepreneur in Pittsburgh. 

 

The discussion focuses on Rashid's extensive background in tennis, including his experiences as a player and coach. He highlights the challenges he faced while operating multiple training facilities, which ultimately led to the decision to open his own dedicated space. Rashid provides valuable insights into coaching youth athletes and the significance of physical fitness. To learn more about Rashid and his tennis programs, visit Rashid Hassan Tennis Center at www.rashidhassantenniscenter.com.

 

Thank you for listening to this episode of “Inside the Vault”. Subscribe today and follow us for updates, and if you have any questions or topics you would like to hear about, please email us at insidethevault@enterprisebankpgh.com! 

Join host Dave Miller on this "Inside the Vault" episode as he welcomes Justin Krane and Brent Blewitt of Green Apple Barter. Founded in 1991, Green Apple has become a vital resource for small businesses in Western Pennsylvania, operating a membership-based barter network that connects thousands of local companies.

 

Dave, Justin, and Brett discuss the mechanics of bartering within the Green Apple Network, highlighting how businesses can leverage things like excess inventory, services, and capacity to gain new customers. Justin and Brent explore the diverse range of industries that benefit from this system and how you can utilize and spend your trade credits within the network. The group also talks about the personal touch that Green Apple offers, acting as a concierge service to help businesses navigate the bartering process effectively. This episode provides valuable insights into how bartering can serve as a strategic tool for small businesses, allowing them to thrive in a competitive market. 

 

For more information about Green Apple Barter, visit www.greenapplebarter.com or call 412-821-2900.

 

Thank you for listening to this episode of "Inside the Vault." Subscribe today and follow us for updates, and if you have any questions or topics you would like to hear about, please email us at insidethevault@enterprisebankpgh.com!