In this episode of Riding Tandem, Vivian Kvam sits down with John Albert, a third-generation business owner with deep roots in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. From managing a family business that started in 1927 to navigating the challenges of COVID-19 and eventually transitioning ownership through the successful sale of his company, John shares his remarkable journey of adaptation, leadership, and resilience.

John dives into how to build a century-strong business legacy, adapt and lead through business challenges, and make tough decisions with confidence. He also shares how to use mentorship to propel your business forward, balance tradition and innovation, and pivot effectively during times of crisis. Listeners will gain valuable insights on creating a lasting impact as a business owner and navigating the emotional side of entrepreneurship.

Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories about growth, pivots, and building a meaningful legacy.

If you love this show, please leave us a review. Go to RateThisPodcast.com/ridingtandem and follow the simple instructions.

Reach out! Send your feedback and comments with this survey.

Unpacking this episode min by min:

00:00 Introduction to SCORE and Business Mentorship

06:06 The Evolution of Albert's Cleaners

12:01 Navigating Business Challenges and COVID-19

17:59 Generational Business Transition and Legacy

27:06 The Journey Begins: From Passion to Business

32:32 Acquisitions and Growth: Expanding the Business

38:42 Innovative Marketing: Creative Strategies for Success

47:32 Overcoming Procrastination: Tackling the Tough Tasks

53:13 Community Impact Through Businessf

01:07:59 The Future of Entrepreneurship

Related Episodes:

#62 8 Game-changing mindset shifts every entrepreneur needs to make for business success

Vivian Kvam:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/viviankvam/
• Email Vivian - vkvam@thetandemworks.com

John Albert:

• Website -SCORE.org/eastcentraliowa
• Email - john.albert@scorevolunteer.org

Tandem Works Team:

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TandemWorksTeam
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetandemworks/
• Email the team: RidingTandem@thetandemworks.com

FREE RESOURCES

Score mentors - https://www.score.org/find-mentor

Shop Our Favorite Tools and Things here https://thetandemworks.com/our-favorite-things

Receive the latest news, encouragement and inspiration from Vivian to your inbox by signing up here https://thetandemworks.com/newsletter-sign-up

Riding Tandem with Vivian Kvam

A podcast from Tandem Works

Email the team: RidingTandem@thetandemworks.com

Vivian Kvam and Machaela Clark dive into why it’s so important to have a solid marketing strategy—especially as a new year kicks off. They chat about how businesses can map out clear plans for marketing and communication, share how their consulting services have evolved, and stress the importance of truly understanding client needs.

The episode covers how their strategy sessions are structured, from identifying roadblocks to setting goals and exploring tools that can help bring those plans to life. Vivian and Machaela also discuss the value of leadership being on the same page with organizational goals, surprising takeaways from roadmap sessions, and what defining success really looks like.

They touch on how business coaching fits into marketing strategies, describe the types of clients who get the most out of roadmap sessions, and explain why follow-up support is key. Plus, they break down common mistakes in marketing strategies and share tips for businesses that might not be ready for a full-blown roadmap just yet. It’s all about building connections, fostering collaboration, and setting businesses up for success!

If you love this show, please leave us a review. Go to RateThisPodcast.com/ridingtandem and follow the simple instructions.

Reach out! Send your feedback and comments with this survey.

Unpacking this episode min by min:

05:52 The Evolution of the Tandem Works Marketing & Communications Roadmap

12:02 The Structure of Strategy Sessions

18:10 Tools and Resources for Implementation

24:33 The Importance of Leadership Alignment

30:48 Defining Success and Simplifying Metrics

36:38 The Value of Follow-Up and Ongoing Support

42:30 First Steps for Organizations Not Ready for Roadmaps

Related Episodes:

#62 8 Game-changing mindset shifts every entrepreneur needs to make for business success

Vivian Kvam:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/viviankvam/
• Email Vivian - vkvam@thetandemworks.com

Machaela Clark:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/machaela-clark-52984110/
• Email Machaela - mclark@thetandemworks.com

Tandem Works Team:

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TandemWorksTeam
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetandemworks/
• Email the team: RidingTandem@thetandemworks.com

FREE RESOURCES

Shop Our Favorite Tools and Things here https://thetandemworks.com/our-favorite-things

Receive the latest news, encouragement and inspiration from Vivian to your inbox by signing up here https://thetandemworks.com/newsletter-sign-up

Riding Tandem with Vivian Kvam

A podcast from Tandem Works

Email the team: RidingTandem@thetandemworks.com

In this episode of Riding Tandem, Vivian Kvam shares actionable insights from a recent workshop she led with SCORE mentors in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by marketing or unsure where to start, this episode is for you. She uncovers a high-level view of eight mindset shifts for marketing every entrepreneur needs to make for successful marketing.

🚀 Plus, Vivian announces an exciting offer: free 30-minute one-on-one brainstorming sessions to help you tackle your marketing roadblocks and clarify your next steps.

Resources Mentioned:

• Free 30-Minute Strategy Session
• 90-Minute Deep Dive with TandemWorks
• Learn more about SCORE Mentors
  
  

If you love this show, please leave us a review. Go to RateThisPodcast.com/ridingtandem and follow the simple instructions.

Reach out! Send your feedback and comments with this survey.

Unpacking this episode min by min:

00:00 Introduction to SCORE and Marketing Mindset

06:14 Eight Mindset Shifts for Marketing Success

22:30 Understanding Marketing and Sales as a Connection

Related Episodes:

# 55 How to Say No Without Guilt- Tips from Decision Master Kirsten Parker

#10 How to use storytelling to create social media content that engages your audience.

#2 The 3 most important pieces of advice that will directly impact your entrepreneurial experience

Vivian Kvam:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/viviankvam/
• Email Vivian - vkvam@thetandemworks.com

Tandem Works Team:

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TandemWorksTeam
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetandemworks/
• Email the team: RidingTandem@thetandemworks.com

FREE RESOURCES

Shop Our Favorite Tools and Things here https://thetandemworks.com/our-favorite-things

Receive the latest news, encouragement and inspiration from Vivian to your inbox by signing up here https://thetandemworks.com/newsletter-sign-up

Riding Tandem with Vivian Kvam

A podcast from Tandem Works

Email the team: RidingTandem@thetandemworks.com