Innovating Beyond Boundaries Ft William Klehm Parallel Entrepreneur With Mark Cleveland podcast

58:04

Looking for inspiration on juggling multiple business passions? Tim Ozgener might just be your blueprint. He helped take CAO Cigars from a basement startup to a global best-seller and then founded OZ Arts, a cutting-edge contemporary arts hub in Nashville. Now launching Oz Family Cigars, Tim blends art, science, and storytelling into every venture. In this episode, he and Mark Cleveland explore: Following Your Heart: Why Tim chose cigars and contemporary art Improv & Entrepreneurship: Leveraging “Yes, And” to handle surprises & spark creativity Exiting at the Top: Inside the CAO sale, key lessons in valuation & deal structure Nonprofit vs. For-Profit: Contrasts in building teams, mission, and sustainability Staying Centered: Yoga, mindful scheduling, and choosing environments that fuel innovation Parallel Entrepreneurs, subscribe now and tell us in the comments which Oz insight struck your fancy—was it engineering meets art, or harnessing improv in daily business? Show Notes: CAO Cigars - https://www.caocigars.com/ OZ Arts - https://www.ozartsnashville.org/ Crowned Heads Cigars - https://www.crownedheads.com/ Oz Family Cigars - https://ozfamilycigars.com/ The Revenge of the Tipping Point: Overstories, Superspreaders, and the Rise of Social Engineering by Malcolm Gladwell - https://www.amazon.com/Revenge-Tipping-Point-Overstories-Superspreaders/dp/0316575801/ Headway app - https://headwayapp.co/ Art Basel - https://www.artbasel.com/ Ken Cope Consulting, LLC - https://kencopeconsultingllc.com/ Chapters List: 00:00:00 Meet Tim Ozgener: Nashville’s Multi-Passionate Unicorn 00:01:14 Why Follow Your Passions? 00:02:23 The Art & Science of Cigars 00:05:09 Improv Skills in Business 00:07:14 Launching OZ Arts: A Different Kind of Startup 00:09:22 The Power of Authentic Connection 00:12:13 Lessons from Dad: Engineering Meets Entrepreneurship 00:15:18 Time Management & Team Trust 00:19:00 Nonprofit vs. For-Profit: Contrasting Cultures 00:22:00 Building Global Distribution 00:29:08 The CAO Exit Story 00:37:14 Yoga, Flow & Mindful Entrepreneurship 00:42:00 Embracing Failure & Authenticity…

Parallel Entrepreneur with Mark Cleveland

1
From EdTech to CyberTech: Justin’s Parallel Entrepreneur Path 1:08:47

8 days ago1:08:47

1:08:47

AI and security compliance could make or break your next venture. In this episode of The Parallel Entrepreneur, Mark Cleveland sits down with Justin Beals, co-founder of Strike Graph, to dive into frameworks, data risk, and that special systems-thinking spark that turns small wins into scalable success. Leveraging his EdTech expertise to tackle security compliance for billion-dollar enterprises, Justin’s story is a masterclass in spotting trends and executing effectively. Key Highlights: Opportunity Filtering – The three questions Justin always asks before launching a new product. AI as Internal Auditor – How Strike Graph deploys large language models to verify compliance automagically. Co-Founder vs. Solo Act – Winning arguments for teamwork, board partnerships, and the joys of not going it alone. Music & Mental Health – Surprising ways that daily creative outlets (and old-school Ashtanga yoga) keep Justin’s energy fresh. Ready to sharpen your parallel potential? Subscribe now and share which insight resonated most—AI? Mentoring? Or making that “hundredth monkey” leap? Show Notes: Secure Talk podcast - https://www.strikegraph.com/secure-talk-podcast StrikeGraph – https://www.strikegraph.com/ Roundbox Global - https://roundbox.com/ Koru - https://www.koru.global/ Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snow_Crash Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth by Reza Aslan - https://www.amazon.com/ZEALOT-Life-Times-Jesus-Nazareth/dp/140006922X Europe Between the Oceans: 9000 BC – AD 1000 by Barry Cunliffe - https://www.amazon.com/Europe-Between-Oceans-9000-BC-AD/dp/0300170866 The Three Body Problem by Liu Cixin - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Three-Body_Problem_(novel) Hundredth Monkey Effect - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hundredth_monkey_effect…

Parallel Entrepreneur with Mark Cleveland

1
The Human Side of Hustle Ft Robert Hartline 1:00:38

15 days ago1:00:38

1:00:38

What happens when a merger you can't control threatens to destroy your 22-year business overnight? Meet Robert Hartline—parallel founder who scaled his wireless stores to $100 million, only to face a brutal T-Mobile merger that forced him to shut down half his locations in months. In this candid episode of The Parallel Entrepreneur, Robert reveals why he believes in dancing through chaos, harnessing AI for decisions, and leading from a place of love. Key Highlights: Secrets of a $100M Scale – How Robert powered up his cell phone stores with EOS and big-picture “why.” Dark Night of the Merger – The day Google listings vanished, store traffic plummeted, and Robert sold to survive. Harnessing AI as "Idea Manager" – Why we should treat AI like a creative partner, not a threat. Mindset & Breathwork – Tools Robert swears by to stay calm, refocus, and unlock “superhero energy.” The Clark Kent vs. Superman Moment – Overcoming shame, embracing authenticity, and letting your real self shine. If you’re juggling multiple ventures—or dreaming of it—hit Subscribe and share in the comments which breathwork or AI tip resonates most with you! Show Notes: The Decision Experience - https://thedecisionexperience.com/ Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) - https://www.eosworldwide.com/ Soma Breath Guided Breathwork Training and Certification- https://www.somabreath.com/ Wim Hoff Breathing - https://www.wimhofmethod.com/breathing-exercises Strategic Coach by Dan Sullivan - https://www.strategiccoach.com/book-a-call Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman - https://www.eosworldwide.com/traction-book Driven: Understanding and Harnessing the Genetic Gifts Shared by Entrepreneurs, Navy Seals, Pro Athletes, and Maybe You by Douglas Brackmann and Randy Kelley - https://www.iamdriven.com/ 10x Is Easier Than 2X: How World-Class Entrepreneurs Achieve More by Doing Less by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy - https://10xeasierbook.com/ The Three Marriages: Reimaging Work, Self and Relationship by David Whyte - https://davidwhyte.com/store/book/the-three-marriages/ Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert - https://www.elizabethgilbert.com/books/big-magic/ CallProof, sales tracking app - https://callproof.com/…

Parallel Entrepreneur with Mark Cleveland

1
Surviving to Serve: A Parallel Entrepreneur’s Comeback Ft Michael Sprintz 1:00:49

22 days ago1:00:49

1:00:49

How do you launch a thriving medical practice, then pivot to a fast-scaling software startup—all while staying laser-focused on patient care, personal growth, and 24 years in recovery? In this episode, Mark Cleveland welcomes Dr. Michael Sprintz, an anesthesiologist-turned-tech-entrepreneur tackling chronic pain, addiction, and complicated billing structures in healthcare. Dr. Sprintz shares how resiliency, authentic leadership, and “flow” guide his parallel ventures. Highlights: From OR to Revenue Tech – Why Michael traded the surgical suite for software code. 24 Years Sober – How recovery principles shape his resilience in business. Nail Compliance, Stop Revenue Bleed – The healthcare billing problem Michael solves. Mindset Hacks – Handling stress, negativity, and “the shadow self” with unshakable resolve. Chasing Flow – Moving from “hustle 24/7” to deeper creativity and real presence. Show Notes: Cellarian Inc., healthcare software that improves diagnosis, treatment, documentation and risk-management for substance use disorder and other diseases - https://www.cellarian.com/ A Life of Meaning: Relocating Your Center of Spiritual Gravity by James Hollis - https://jameshollis.net/hollisBooks.html Living with Borrowed Dust: Reflections on Life, Love and Other Grievances by James Hollis - https://jameshollis.net/hollisBooks.html The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho – https://www.amazon.com/Alchemist-Paulo-Coelho/dp/0062315005/ Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended on It by Chris Voss – https://www.amazon.com/Never-Split-Difference-Negotiating-Depended/dp/0062407805 Mark’s 2025 Bhavana – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twS9UpeqeF0…

Parallel Entrepreneur with Mark Cleveland

1
Mastering Leadership, AI, and Organizational Alignment Ft John Farkas 44:38

29 days ago44:38

44:38

Wondering how to nurture alignment throughout M&A integration? In this episode John Farkas, founder of Ratio and Candor—two companies that help businesses master M&A integration—discusses how to unlock growth-ready alignment. From creating synergy across different offerings to leading teams through high-stakes transformations, John shares real-world lessons on balancing purpose with performance, leveraging “context switching,” and staying ahead of rapid market shifts. Highlights: Parallel Mindset – John runs two consultancies that fuel each other. M&A Mastery – Turning chaotic post-acquisition phases into opportunities for deeper alignment. Keeping Pace with Change – Simple practices to handle lightning-fast market shifts without burning out. AI & the Future – How advanced tech is reshaping value propositions—and why you need to adapt now. Leading with Love – The surprising “sticky note” that guides John’s leadership style. Ready to supercharge your multi-venture game? Like, subscribe, and drop a comment on your biggest aha moment from John’s journey. Show Notes: Ratio, a growth marketing consultancy helping B2B healthtech and fintech companies - https://goratio.com/ Candor, a growth architecture firm - https://www.candorgrowth.com/ 99% Invisible podcast - https://99percentinvisible.org/ The Power Broker by Robert Caro - https://99percentinvisible.org/club/ Conclave by Robert Harris - https://www.amazon.com/Conclave-novel-Robert-Harris/dp/1101972904 John's "walk on" song - Beautiful Day by U2…

Parallel Entrepreneur with Mark Cleveland

1
From Startup to $90M Exit: Silas Deane on Innovation, Risk, and Resilience 51:54

5 weeks ago51:54

51:54

Are you a serial entrepreneur juggling multiple ventures and hungry for breakthrough growth? In this candid conversation, Silas Deane reveals his battle-tested blueprint—from bootstrapping a game-changing fintech solution in an unlikely industry to executing a $90M exit without investors. If you’re ready to unlock the secrets of scaling, pivoting, and innovating across diverse markets, this episode is your must-watch playbook. Highlights include: How Silas bootstrapped VendEngine from idea to digital disruption An innovative approach to transforming inmate financial transactions Scaling strategies that grew the business from county jails to 425 facilities Merging startup agility with corporate synergy at Tyler Technologies Critical lessons on embracing failure, pivoting, and mastering time management Leadership insights on integrity, mentorship, and building winning teams The mindset behind taking calculated risks and seizing future opportunities, including AI trends Don't miss out! If you find value in these insights, hit the Like button, share your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe for more game-changing strategies from today’s top parallel entrepreneurs. Show Notes: VendEngine Inc. - https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210901005799/en/ Tyler Technologies (NYSE:TYL) - https://www.tylertech.com/ KPMG - https://kpmg.com/us/en.html Deane/Smith & Partners, a Nashville-based, award-winning public relations, marketing and advertising agency - https://deanesmith.agency/ NIC transaction management solution - https://www.florida.egov.com/services.html University of Kentucky, Gatton College of Business and Economics, Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship - https://vace.uky.edu/node and https://vace.uky.edu/bootcamp/mentors/silas-deane Junior Achievement of Middle Tennessee, a nonprofit that inspires and prepares young people for success - https://jausa.ja.org/index The Power of Broke: How Empty Pockets, a Tight Budget, and a Hunger for Success Can Become Your Greatest Competitive Advantage by Daymond John - https://daymondjohn.com/pages/power-of-broke…

Parallel Entrepreneur with Mark Cleveland

1
Scaling Success: Leadership, Acquisitions, and Culture with John Cerasuolo 43:08

6 weeks ago43:08

43:08

Unlock the secrets of building an acquisition empire from someone who's done it well. In this exclusive interview, John Cerasuolo, CEO of Leap Partners, reveals the unconventional strategies and hard-won lessons that propelled his journey from the Naval Academy to leading a thriving home services network. If you're a parallel entrepreneur looking to scale or dreaming of launching your own network, this conversation is your blueprint for success. Highlights include: His transformative journey from the Naval Academy to leading a multipreneur empire How Leap Partners was born out of a shared vision and 45+ acquisition successes Proven strategies for identifying quality businesses and integrating diverse cultures Lessons learned from early exits and the importance of “begin with the end in mind” The secret to balancing rapid growth, due diligence, and celebrating success Insights on building a people-first, family-centric company culture Rapid-fire insights on must-read books and what fuels his day-to-day drive Whether you're running multiple businesses or planning your next big leap, this conversation is packed with actionable wisdom for every ambitious entrepreneur. Show Notes: Leap Partners, a Family of Service Companies - https://www.theleappartners.com/ Fossil Future by Alex Epstein - https://www.forbes.com/sites/johntamny/2022/09/29/book-review-alex-epsteins-excellent-and-essential-fossil-future/ Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand - https://aynrand.org/novels/atlas-shrugged/ Joe Scarlett, former President and Chairman of Tractor Supply Company - https://joescarlett.com/…

Parallel Entrepreneur with Mark Cleveland

1
How Caitlin MacGregor is Unlocking Human Potential with Plum.io 1:08:17

7 weeks ago1:08:17

1:08:17

Ready to discover how to hire for potential rather than past credentials—and why it could transform your business? In this episode of Parallel Entrepreneur, Mark Cleveland sits down with Caitlin MacGregor, CEO and Co-Founder of Plum, to talk about building a high-growth company while raising a family and defying the usual startup playbook. If you’re juggling multiple ventures—or planning to—Caitlin’s journey will inspire you to embrace change, experiment with collaboration, and double down on what really drives success. Highlights: Power Couple: Why being married to her co-founder is Caitlin’s superpower (despite investor skepticism). 13 Years of Growth: Balancing fundraising with customer-driven revenue, and why sales might matter more than venture capital. People Over Résumés: How Plum’s behavioral data approach uncovers “diamonds in the rough” for any role. Authentic Leadership: Leading with love, care, and collaboration to break down silos and foster real engagement. GenAI & the Future: Why tasks, not jobs, are being automated—and how to reinvent your organization for exponential success. Don’t miss these candid insights from a founder who’s rewriting the rules on entrepreneurship and talent strategy. Show Notes: Plum, a revolutionary talent platform - https://www.plum.io/ EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women - https://www.ey.com/en_us/entrepreneurial-winning-women-north-america/class-of-2024 Blitzscaling: The Lightning-Fast Path to Building Massively Valuable Companies by Reid Hoffman - https://www.blitzscaling.com/ Bo Burlingham - https://boburlingham.com/ The Revenue Engine: Fueling a B2B High Octane Pipeline by Kara Smith Brown - https://therevenueengine.com/ The Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros - https://rebeccayarros.com/fourthwing About Plum: Dive into a fresh take on talent strategy with Plum, the durable skills company. Our robust talent assessment platform, PlumThrive, helps you harness the lasting impact of the core competencies that matter. By focusing on durable skills, we transform your company into a skills-based powerhouse, allowing you to make better talent decisions across the employee journey. Are you ready to boost your hiring precision and extend employee tenure? Explore PlumThrive and transform your workforce strategy today: https://www.plum.io/book-demo…

Parallel Entrepreneur with Mark Cleveland

1
How Multipreneur Christian Paro Built the Coolest Co-Working Space in Nashville 40:35

8 weeks ago40:35

40:35

Get ready for a masterclass in multi-venture entrepreneurship from Christian Paro, founder of Center 615, Studio 615, Five Points Alley Shops—three of the most dynamic co-working and creative spaces in Nashville—and a new 49-acre trail-oriented development, featuring artist lofts. Hosted by Mark Cleveland, this episode of Parallel Entrepreneur explores how Christian turned a park-management background into a cutting-edge real estate empire that thrives on community, collaboration, and creativity. What You’ll Learn: Banker Skepticism → Big Vision: How Christian overcame early financing doubts to build Nashville’s go-to coworking hub. The Power of Celebration: Why throwing parties and embracing small wins keeps your team and tenants inspired. Mindful Pauses & Ping Pong: Christian’s secret to staying calm under pressure (including his favorite “reset” technique). Mentoring vs. Micromanaging: How giving autonomy attracts long-term staff and nurtures a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Expanding Into Events & Arts: From a single building to 49 acres of innovation—Christian’s massive new development plan. If you’re a Parallel Entrepreneur seeking fresh ideas on managing multiple ventures, fueling creativity, and building authentic communities, you won’t want to miss these insights. Leave a comment below if something resonates with your own entrepreneurial journey! Show Notes: C615, a driving force in building and shaping community in Nashville - https://c615.co/ Artist Sergey Gordienko (the art behind Mark) - https://www.instagram.com/dowhatyoulove.artist/ Joanna Barbera, Nashville Musician and Mindfulness Mentor - https://www.joannabarbera.com/ 8 Decisions (Conscious Entrepreneur Tribe) by Robert Hartline - https://8decisions.com/ Nasty Girl by Iglesias - https://open.spotify.com/track/5MghBTWUogtorQqmKBwaBn All about Love: New Visions by Bell Hooks - https://www.amazon.com/All-About-Love-New-Visions/dp/0060959479 The Optimist by Sophie Kipner – https://www.amazon.com/Optimist-Sophie-Kipner-author/dp/1783525584 The Madness of Crowds: A Novel by Louise Penny - https://www.gamacheseries.com/books/the-madness-of-crowds/ Do One Thing Every Day That Scares You: A Journal - https://www.amazon.com/One-Thing-Every-That-Scares/dp/0385345771 “Jenny’s Answer (867-5309)” female empowerment parody song by Jenny Pruitt - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qi2Ru6vvZo0 Tiny Happy Things: Poems by Jenny Pruitt - https://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Happy-Things-Jenny-Pruitt/dp/B0DLD78L24…

Parallel Entrepreneur with Mark Cleveland

1
The Journey of FreightWaves Ft Craig Fuller 1:08:40

9 weeks ago1:08:40

1:08:40

In this episode of the Parallel Entrepreneur podcast, host Mark Cleveland interviews Craig Fuller, founder of FreightWaves, a pioneering company in the logistics and transportation sector. They discuss Craig's entrepreneurial journey, the innovative business model of FreightWaves, and the importance of real-time data in the freight industry. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in media and logistics, the significance of shared experiences in entrepreneurship, and the lessons learned from failures. All this and more in this episode of Parallel Entrepreneur.…

Parallel Entrepreneur with Mark Cleveland

1
Small Ideas, Big Wins: Nitin Rai’s Blueprint for Multi-Venture Success 46:01

10 weeks ago46:01

46:01

How do you juggle multiple ventures and keep your cool under pressure? Meet Nitin Rai — seasoned founder, investor in 70+ startups, and champion of underrepresented talent. In this eye-opening episode, host Mark Cleveland uncovers Nitin’s secrets to mastering delegation, cultivating mindful leadership, and building “small” ideas into life-changing success stories. Discover why he believes failure is not an option, why women-led startups excel, and how a single headstand (yes, you read that right!) can sharpen entrepreneurial intuition. If you’re a Parallel Entrepreneur hungry for both impact and inner balance, this conversation is your roadmap to thriving in the fast-paced world of multi-venture leadership. In this conversation, we dive into: How openness and authenticity drive healthier board relationships and better decision-making Why failure isn’t an option for many minority entrepreneurs Why relinquishing control is essential for founders who juggle multiple ventures—and how to do it effectively Why women-led ventures often outperform expectations and attract strong investor support What’s happening outside of Silicon Valley in today’s startup world Show notes: Kishau Rogers, Founder of Time Study - https://kishau.com/about/ Ania Rodriguez, Founder of JourneyTrack - https://www.journeytrack.io/about Allie Magyar, Founder of Hubb - https://www.linkedin.com/company/hubb/ Monica Enand, Founder of Zapproved - https://zapproved.com/about-us/company/ Nat Parker, Founder of Globe Sherpa (changed to Moovel North America) - http://moovelus.com/ Ganesh Shankar, Entrepreneur & Investor - https://www.responsive.io/about/ "Anarchy" by William Dalrymple - https://www.amazon.co.za/Anarchy-Company-Corporate-Violence-Pillage/dp/1635573955 White Mughals by William Dalrymple - https://www.amazon.com/White-Mughals-Betrayal-Eighteenth-Century-India/dp/014200412X Light on Life by B.K.S. Iyengar - https://www.amazon.com/Light-Life-Journey-Wholeness-Ultimate/dp/1594865248…

Parallel Entrepreneur with Mark Cleveland

1
Scale, Sell, Repeat: Roger Brown’s Playbook for Parallel Entrepreneurs 41:22

11 weeks ago41:22

41:22

How do you scale, sell, and still come back for more? Meet Roger Brown — a serial founder who’s built (and exited) four different ventures, from physician services to cannabis testing labs. In this power-packed interview, Roger reveals how to create genuine value in a business (not just revenue), the art of spotting the right time to sell, and why trusting your team is your ultimate superpower. He also dishes on where AI fits in modern marketing, the pitfalls of overvaluing your own company, and how a simple dose of salt water therapy can recharge an overworked mind. Whether you’re juggling multiple startups or dreaming of your first exit, Roger’s candid insights are a must-watch for any Parallel Entrepreneur. Tune in to gain insights from a leader who believes in doing the right thing, embracing change, and leaving a lasting legacy. Watch the full interview and subscribe to the Parallel Entrepreneur Podcast to hear more stories from inspiring entrepreneurs. Link in comments…

Parallel Entrepreneur with Mark Cleveland

1
Redefining Success Through Human-Centric Leadership Ft Jason Putnam 53:42

12 weeks ago53:42

53:42

I’m joined by Jason Putnam, a two-time award-winning executive (Globee Executive of the Year, Silver Stevie Award) and a 2024 Inspiring Leader. Jason’s the Chief Revenue Officer at Plum, where he’s revolutionizing the talent space with psychometric data to build inclusive, thriving teams. In this conversation, we dive into: Why “failing fast” can spark rapid innovation How psychometric data transforms hiring and retention Cultivating a culture that scales alongside your business Personal insights on mindfulness, leadership, and building strong teams Don’t miss Jason’s fascinating journey and powerful takeaways—perfect for any parallel entrepreneur aiming to juggle multiple ventures with clarity and impact. Be sure to subscribe to The Parallel Entrepreneur Podcast (links in the comments) on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode. Show notes: Plum - https://www.plum.io/ Caitlin MacGregor (Founder and visionary behind Plum) - https://www.plum.io/about Move Fast, Break Shit, and Burn Out by Dr. Tracey Lovejoy and Shannon Lucas - https://www.amazon.com/Move-Fast-Break-Shit-Burn/dp/1544515774 The Talent Fix by Tim Sackett - https://www.amazon.com/Talent-Fix-Tim-Sackett/dp/1586445227 Scythe by Neal Shusterman - https://www.amazon.com/Scythe-Arc-Neal-Shusterman/dp/1543617948 Spartan Up by Joe DeSena - https://www.amazon.com/Spartan-Take-No-Prisoners-Overcoming-Obstacles-Performance/dp/0544286170…

Parallel Entrepreneur with Mark Cleveland

1
Bridging Passion and Purpose in Business Ft Francisco Gonzalez 41:11

13 weeks ago41:11

41:11

In this engaging conversation, Mark Cleveland and Francisco Gonzalez explore the essence of entrepreneurship, focusing on the importance of community, mentorship, and the entrepreneurial mindset. Francisco shares his journey from early entrepreneurial experiences to founding Fearless Journeys, a community aimed at connecting aspiring entrepreneurs. They discuss the emotional aspects of entrepreneurship, the significance of listening to customers, and the role of fear in decision-making. The conversation also touches on the importance of spirituality, mindfulness, and the impact of books on personal growth. Throughout, they emphasize the value of relationships and the need for an adventurous spirit in the entrepreneurial journey. Show notes: Fearless Journeys Website: fearlessjourneys.org Agents of Innovation Podcast - https://agentsofinnovation.org/ Economic Club of Miami - https://www.econclubmiami.org/ The Heart of the American Dream by Francisco Gonzalez - https://www.amazon.co.za/dp/B0DNMHVGXB The American Dream is a Terrible Thing to Waste by Francisco Gonzalez - https://www.amazon.com/American-Dream-Terrible-Thing-Waste/dp/B0BRDCCNHM The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho - https://paulocoelhoblog.com/ Atomic Habits by James Clear - https://jamesclear.com/…

Parallel Entrepreneur with Mark Cleveland

1
Serial Exits & Roll-Ups: John McDonald’s M&A Roadmap for Parallel Entrepreneurs 1:03:10

14 weeks ago1:03:10

1:03:10

How do you build a company that buyers can’t wait to acquire—and still keep your entrepreneurial spark alive? In this episode of The Parallel Entrepreneur, we sit down with John McDonald, Co-Founder and Senior Managing Director of Kensington Park Capital, who’s closed 300+ M&A transactions. John shares: Highlights: The biggest mistakes founders make when selling How to spot the perfect buyer (it’s not just about price!) The HVAC & Home Services roll-up wave: Who’s buying and why Tactical exit-prep moves that boost your valuation The “buy side” strategy—growing your biz by acquiring rivals Whether you’re a serial founder eyeing your next sale or a trailblazer itching to acquire, John’s insights will help you maximize value, protect your team, and maintain the creativity that powers your parallel ventures. Don’t miss these real-world lessons from one of the industry’s most seasoned M&A advisors! Show Notes: Learn more about Kensington Park Capital - https://kensingtonpark.com/ John is currently reading "You Like It Darker" by Stephen King - https://stephenking.com/works/collection/you-like-it-darker.html…

Parallel Entrepreneur with Mark Cleveland

1
Building a Competitive Edge Ft Ania Rodriguez 42:18

15 weeks ago42:18

42:18

Join me, Mark Cleveland, as I sit down with Ania Rodriguez, CEO & Founder of JourneyTrack.io, to discuss her journey as a serial entrepreneur and her mission to revolutionize customer experience. Ania shares her insights on building enterprise-grade SaaS platforms, raising capital as a female founder, and scaling multiple businesses simultaneously. Highlights: How Ania leveraged her background in customer experience and innovation to launch JourneyTrack. The importance of listening to your customers and tying Customer Experience to ROI. Her strategies for building a winning team and thriving as a Parallel Entrepreneur. If you're an entrepreneur, leader, or innovator, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration. Show Notes: The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan - https://gapandgainbook.com/ Life Force by Tony Robbins - https://tr.tonyrobbins.com/life-force…

Parallel Entrepreneur with Mark Cleveland

1
Innovating Beyond Boundaries Ft William Klehm 1:00:06

19 weeks ago1:00:06

1:00:06

In my very first episode, I sit down with visionary Parallel Entrepreneur, William Klehm, to unpack the lessons he learned from building, scaling, and selling multiple businesses. From spinning off a $28 billion asset at Ford Motor Company to leading groundbreaking startups in e-bikes and artificial intelligence, Bill shares his journey of innovation, leadership, and impact. This candid and inspiring conversation explores themes of courage, resilience, and the drive to make a lasting impact. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business leader, there's something here for everyone. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon** for more thought-provoking conversations with industry leaders who are redefining entrepreneurship.…

Parallel Entrepreneur with Mark Cleveland

1
Welcome to the Parallel Entrepreneur Podcast with Mark Cleveland! 0:37

29 weeks ago0:37