Summary
On this engaging episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Victoria Dickerson, Jeff Amerine, and Harrison Kitson delve into the ever-changing world of cybersecurity with Eyal Gallico, founder of Apollo IT Services, a company that works with businesses to provide professional, proactive, and affordable IT and cybersecurity services for businesses of any scale or along any journey.
Eyal’s journey began fifteen years ago when he moved from Israel to the United States, settling initially in College Station, Texas. Eyal worked for a subsidiary of Apple Computers before relocating to the vibrant city of Austin where he engaged with various IT and medical software companies, accumulating a wealth of experience in the tech industry. However, Eyal eventually found that his career was neither financially nor personally fulfilling, prompting him to establish his own company.
Throughout the conversation, Gallico shares his insights on the latest threats, including the rise of AI-powered phishing attacks, ransomware, and the role of nation-states in cybercrime. Additionally, he provides practical tips for individuals and businesses to safeguard their digital assets, emphasizing the importance of strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and proper backup strategies. The conversation also touches on Gallico's personal journey, from his beginnings as a graphic designer to his entrepreneurial endeavors in the tech industry.
Show Notes
(0:00) Introduction
(0:50) About Eyal and How He Started Apollo
(2:31) The Process of Building Apollo
(4:26) The Progression of Cybersecurity
(9:37) Cybersecurity Preventative Measures
(12:27) About Apollo’s Services
(19:06) About Apollo’s Core Team
(24:33) How Eyal Ventured into IT Services
(26:23) Exploring the Nature of Cybersecurity Threats
(41:30) Advice to Younger Self
Links
Summary
On this episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Caleb Talley, Victoria Dickerson, and Harrison Kitson are joined by Scott Coffey, President and Founder of AccelePay, a platform that helps businesses turn accounts payable into profits. By capturing early payment discounts and utilizing an efficient payables process, AccelePay increases revenue while decreasing administrative costs. Additionally, cash flow and supplier relationships are strengthened, resulting in improved business performance.
Scott is also the President at Exchange Capital, a factoring company that offers business clients extremely effective tools to assist owners and managers with the growth of and decision making for their business. Exchange Capital’s services provide clients with a more predictable cash flow while simultaneously eliminating the burden of accounts receivable billing and clerical work.
Throughout the episode, Scott shares his entrepreneurial journey and insights into the world of invoice factoring and early payment solutions. His expertise and unique perspectives offer valuable insights for entrepreneurs, business owners, and any individuals interested in exploring innovative financing strategies. Listen now and discover how these alternative financing models can help businesses unlock cash flow, scale operations, and foster better vendor relationships!
Show Notes
(0:00) Introduction
(1:12) Scott Coffey’s Background
(2:24) Exchange Capital’s Origin Story
(5:57) An Explanation of Factoring and Its Impact
(10:23) About AccelePay and Its Timeline
(15:35) Accelepay’s Ideal Client
(24:06) Scott’s Relationship with His Dad
(26:50) Managing a Business Relationship with a Family Member
(29:03) COVID Challenges
(35:40) Advice to Younger Self
(37:54) Closing Question
Links
On episode two of the brand new Startup Junkie podcast series, host Daniel Koonce welcomes the founder and owner of Fossil Cove, Ben Mills. Daniel and Ben grab a few of Fossil Cove’s newest beers and discuss Ben’s journey from brewing beer in his dorm room for fun to running Tripadvisor’s #1 location for Nightlife in Fayetteville. Ben talks about some of his most creative brews, his company's unique branding, and his commitment to making sure his customers have fun. Join us for this special episode to learn about Fossil Cove’s community involvement, the latest trends in beer, and how Ben became a pioneer in the Northwest Arkansas brewing scene.
Summary
On this episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Caleb Talley, Jeff Amerine, and Harrison Kitson sit down with Amber Taggard, Founder of The Organizer Chicks, a company on a mission to create functional spaces, managed calendars, and intentional mindsets. After reading the statistic that the average American wastes seventeen minutes a day looking for lost items, Amber decided she wanted to use her Counseling Psychology background to help others reclaim their homes and spaces.
The Organizer Chicks believe that an organized life is a thriving life, inspiring it to utilize the power of organization to help its clients find space in their lives for the people and moments that matter most. With the values of empathy, non-judgmental service, and professionalism, The Organizer Chicks strive to make organization a positive and empowering experience for all its clients by increasing tangible productivity, emotional peace, and mental clarity by bringing order and simplicity to physical and mental spaces.
Throughout the conversation, Amber shares her inspiring journey from being a stay-at-home mom to building a thriving professional organizing business, and discusses the importance of delegation, finding the right team, and catering to individual client needs. Additionally, Amber delves into the challenges of working with extreme keepers (hoarders) and the potential for digital products and franchising.
Show Notes
(0:00) Introduction
(1:22) About Amber Taggard
(7:18) Expanding The Organizer Chicks
(12:41) The Organizer Chicks Customer Profile
(17:28) Ongoing Help from The Organizer Chicks
(22:44) Adapting to Individual Client Needs
(24:54) Crafting a Business Model
(28:50) Overcoming Challenges
(30:40) About The Organizer Chicks Podcast
(32:53) Advice to Younger Self
(35:33) Closing Question
Links
Summary
On this episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Caleb Talley, Jeff Amerine, and Harrison Kitson sit down with Randy Williamson, Senior SBA and Commercial Lender with Arkansas Federal Credit Union. AFCU is the largest credit union in Arkansas, boasting twenty-one branches with expansion plans already in the works. As a member-owned, tax exempt institute, it offers a full range of services that differ from traditional banks, and after sixty-eight years in service, Arkansas Federal Credit Union is approaching a 2.4 billion dollar footprint. AFCU aims to empower entrepreneurs through financial knowledge, putting them in the position to make educated business decisions.
Throughout the conversation, Randy dives into the important considerations and best practices for startups and small businesses seeking financing from lenders. He also shares insights on crafting a solid business plan, understanding industry benchmarks, seeking external guidance, and building relationships with lenders. Additionally, Randy emphasizes the importance of realistic financial projections, scalable pricing strategies, and retaining earnings for growth and resilience. The discussion highlights the value of candid feedback, market validation, and positioning your business idea for fundability, providing a roadmap for entrepreneurs navigating the lending process and increasing their chances of securing capital to fuel their ventures.
Show Notes
(0:50) Introducing Randy Williamson
(2:29) Credit Unions vs. Banks
(5:02) Advice for Startups to Become Bankable
(9:15) The Importance of Customer Discovery
(13:50) Running a Sensitivity Analysis
(17:18) Having a Good Relationship with Your Banker
(21:27) Accommodating to Digital Banking Trends
(26:26) The Do and Don’ts of a Business Plan
(31:56) Other Funding Alternatives
(39:40) Closing Question
Links