Aaron Bakken - MABC Member Profile

Aaron Bakken - Senior Franchising Consultant / Broker

The Franchise Consulting Company
http://www.aaronbakken.com/

Making the decision to become a business owner is a big step for most people. After years of working for someone else, it can sound exciting and liberating. But it isn’t simple. Which is why you’re giving some consideration to franchising. As someone who has had 12 different businesses over 22+ years, I bring this experience to every prospective franchise owner relationship. I truly enjoy coaching people interested in starting a business. I’m committed to helping you navigate the complex selection process & ultimately choosing the right franchise to invest in.

At the beginning of 2023 I sold my Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park franchise in Eagan, MN (Minneapolis/St. Paul Metro) and invested in 3 more, completely different franchise systems. I also spent 5 years as Rockin’ Jump’s Franchise Sales Director from 2013 – 2018. So, I know both sides of the franchise relationship, and can help you with setting expectations and understanding the nuances and responsibilities that come with buying a company’s concept.

While I have worked with a broad range of businesses, my deepest experience is with family entertainment & recreation, restaurants, spas, boutique hotels, resorts, travel & tourism, food, beverage and home services companies.

I have learned that the most important way to ensure you minimize your failure potential in business is to work with people who have been there, done that and lived to tell about it. I’m one of those people.

Services

Free franchise matchmaking for aspiring & existing entrepreneurs.
Helping existing business owners assess if franchising their business is the right growth strategy.
Working with franchisors long term to prepare them for exit.
Customer experience services including inbound/outbound domestic call center, LinkedIn lead generation, digital & social marketing, and one-of-a-kind direct mail solution

Background Info

Aaron has created/owned 13 companies since 2001 - 5 non-franchise business and 8 franchise.

Consulting Specialties

Business Strategy

Growth Management

Organizational Development & Planning

Communications

Strategic Planning

Kim Anderson - MABC Member Profile

Introduction

How did I get here? I’m glad you asked.

It all started when I was accepted to attend a writing and running retreat in Bend, Oregon hosted by Olympian Lauren Fleshman in May of 2020 … and you know the rest. At the time I was working as a middle school language arts teacher and was in the midst of burnout. Honestly, the pandemic was a welcome break from the breakneck speed of a normal school year and the ever increasing pressure of academic rigor. 

As school became virtual and hours reduced, I found myself with enough time to participate in “27 Wilder Days,” a virtual writing event hosted by Laurie Wagner of 27 Powers. The practice blew me away. It opened my eyes to a whole new world of processing emotions, events, feelings, thoughts, relationships, and perspectives. I spent just 15 minutes a day writing and I could not believe the words that came out of me.

I was hooked.

In the fall of 2020 I applied for one of ten seats in Laurie’s Wild Writing Teacher Training program in hopes of becoming certified to teach this incredible practice. To my delight, I was accepted and became part of a cohort of women from around the world that successfully completed a rigorous six month training program.

As I was completing the training during the spring of 2021, my burnout reached a level that was not sustainable. I was chronically stressed, starting to become disengaged, and felt myself purposely disconnecting from my career, my colleagues, and even my family. This was not me. I had lost myself, and as a result my family was losing me. So, I made the brave decision to leap into the unknown. I resigned from my 16 year teaching career in June of 2021 and launched The Unapologetic Pen that July.  

It was a fast and furious start and I have never looked back. This writing practice has grounded me, brought me relief during stressful times, helped me recall events from my past that shaped who I am, and created a record of small moments with my family that I don’t want to forget. I am honored to now lead other women through this life-changing practice.

Beyond writing, I love to spend time biking, reading, hiking, drinking coffee, helping my kids with their show calves and traveling with my husband.

And because I put in a lot of freaking work, I want you tell you that I have completed four Half Ironmans, five half marathons, two adventure races, and climbed one 14'er....and  lots of physical therapy (-:

I’m passionate about helping women find freedom through writing. I sincerely believe the act of putting pen to paper can change your life – because I’ve experienced it.

Writing calms my anxiety and helps me reflect on and reconcile my past. It gives me room to be curious and present about my life today. It creates space for a deep breath, to embrace who I am, to show up unapologetically.

Today, I use this practice often to help me navigate the rollercoaster of midlife: raising teenagers, rediscovering my purpose, reflecting on my relationships and processing all that comes with perimenopause and beyond. It helps me slow down and reflect on my life...the hard, the beautiful and everything in between.

http://www.theunapologeticpen.com/

Services

My goal is to help as many people as possible experience the healing power of Unapologetic Writing.

I offer 8 week sessions for small virtual groups, corporate workshops, and am launching five digital courses this spring. I have also been a workshop host at retreats and for several veterans groups.

Background Info

I graduated from UW- Madison with a BA in International Relations in 2002 and Aurora University with an MA in Education in 2005. I was a classroom teacher until 2021 when I decided start The Unapologetic Pen. I was trained in Wild Writing by Laurie Wagner in a 6 month intensive in the spring of 2021.

Consulting Specialties

• ·       Coaching & Personal Development
• ·       Employee Relations
• ·       Learning and Development
• ·       Writing & Editing

Eric Townley - Chief Marketing Officer/Marketing and Technology Consultant

Madison Area Business Consultants Member Profile

Introduction

Born to help businesses find and promote their individuality, Flamingo Theory is the premier Madison-area Digital Marketing and Creative agency.

We are a full-service digital marketing agency which means that you can handle all of your digital marketing needs through a single point of contact on our team.

​From services like Email Marketing, Social Media Management, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Paid Digital Advertising, Review Management, Branding, Strategy Development, PR, Website Production, and more, we have all the tools in the digital marketing toolbox to help your company's online presence Stand Unique.

Services

• In a world of increasing distractions and instant gratification, it’s important to use effective, strategic marketing to catch and hold your audience’s attention. We offer all that, and more.
  
  ​From services like Email Marketing, Social Media Management, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Paid Online Ads, Review Management, Branding, Strategy Development, Website Production, and more, we have all the tools in the digital marketing toolbox to help your company's online presence Stand Unique.In a world of increasing distractions and instant gratification, it’s important to use effective, strategic marketing to catch and hold your audience’s attention. We offer all that, and more.​From services like Email Marketing, Social Media Management, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Paid Online Ads, Review Management, Branding, Strategy Development, Website Production, and more, we have all the tools in the digital marketing toolbox to help your company's online presence Stand Unique.
• Advertising • Brand Marketing • Digital Marketing • Email Marketing • Marketing Consulting • Marketing Strategy • Search Engine Optimization (SEO) • Content Marketing • Lead Generation • Social Media Marketing

-Strategy Development
-Branding
-Website Production
-Email Marketing
-Social Media Management
-Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
-Paid Digital Advertising
-Review Management
-PR

Background Info

I am an experienced marketer with over 15 years of planning and executing worldwide marketing campaigns for some of the world's most renowned companies and products. From launching AAA video game titles with Electronic Arts, to iconic food brands with General Mills, or world-altering tech products with Apple, I was fortunate to embark on a career that took me all across the US and allowed me to learn marketing from some of the top minds in the business.

My most current role is as Chief Marketing Officer for Flamingo Theory Marketing which is a local full-service digital marketing agency that specializes in helping businesses throughout Dane County nail every aspect of their online marketing presence.

Born and raised in Waunakee, My main goal now is to take all the best components I’ve learned throughout the years and distill them into a company offering that elevates the digital acumen of the Madison-area business community.

Consulting Specialties

Marketing & Sales

Consulting Specialty

Direct-to-Consumer Marketing

Consulting Specialty

Competitive Analysis

Consulting Specialty

Brand and Product Management

Consulting Specialty

Business Strategy

About

In today’s ever-changing business environment, companies need Marketers who think like entrepreneurs, bravely lead their respective teams into new frontiers, and have the fortitude to push day-in and day-out to sell the value of a great idea.

Not only do I fit that description, but I am a hard-charging, forward-thinking, futurist who loves to apply my unique skillset to steer companies towards a brighter future.

If that sounds like someone you’d like to work with, then hit that Connect button and let's start talking!

https://www.flamingotheory.com/

https://www.thinkinprompts.com/

Madison Area Business Consultants Member Profile - David K. Biel III, CPA

Welcome to my professional space! After working in several corporate finance roles, ranging from planning and analysis, P&L management, treasury, and controllership, I knew I wanted to work with small to mid-sized businesses where I could make more of an impact. So, I earned my CPA license and transitioned to private practice.

It's been a great road so far. The following are a few examples of businesses that I've worked with:

Controller/CFO of a growing hospitality company: Developed budgeting process, monthly review process, and management reporting. Presented to Board of Directors.

Controller/CFO of a recently-acquired manufacturing company: Cleaned up books to public company standards and successfully transitioned to new divisional CFO.

Controller of a cash constrained manufacturer: Developed detailed cash flow management tools/schedule and managed cash budgeting.

System implementation lead: Transitioned manufacturer off of legacy accounting system and onto QuickBooks Online.

Controller of growing IT company: Cleaned up books, developed estimated tax schedule for single-member LLC and ongoing close, P&L, and planning support.

Financial analyst: Took existing financials for rapidly-growing service provider, built out a five-year model with detailed assumptions and valuation.

I provide fractional controller and CFO services to clients across various industries. I have over 15 years of corporate finance experience in roles such as FP&A, treasury, controller, marketing finance, and commodities analysis. I am also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) with a MBA from University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Certificate in Accounting from University of Washington.

My skills and expertise enable me to deliver high-quality results and solutions for my clients. Some of my current projects include streamlining the month-end close process and analyzing balance sheet accounts for a startup manufacturing company, implementing Fathom as a consolidation, reporting, and budgeting tool for a multi-entity organization, and providing financial analysis and insights for strategic decision making. In addition, I have a strong background in operations and management, thanks to my 24.5 years of service in the Air Force Reserve, where I currently hold the rank of Captain and serve as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer. I am passionate about teambuilding, process improvement, and business growth.

Qualifications

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

QuickBooks ProAdvisor

I have worked in the private sector in finance/accounting roles since 2007. My background has made me the “swiss army knife” of finance/accounting, having worked as a controller, treasurer, and in several different roles as an analyst. This diverse background has developed a key strength of jumping into a new situation and quickly understanding what needs to be done, as well as making me versatile and scalable, easily transitioning from G/L accounting, analysis, and reconciliation to understanding the key drivers of a business, planning, and budgeting. I am both a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA). Also, I am a certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor.

In addition to accounting/finance, I have served in the Air National Guard/Air Force Reserve since 1999 as an aircraft maintenance officer. I’ve gone on several deployments and am comfortable rolling up my sleeves and getting to work.

I look forward to learning how I can partner with you and and your firm to improve your finance function and streamline your business!

Services

I provide freelance financial planning/accounting. I work primarily in Quickbooks Online and Desktop and am a certified ProAdvisor. Current projects include 1) accounting cleanup for a startup company and 2) implementation of consolidation/budgeting tool (Fathom), as well as developing a first-ever budget for another growing organization.I provide freelance financial planning/accounting. I work primarily in Quickbooks Online and Desktop and am a certified ProAdvisor. Current projects include 1) accounting cleanup for a startup company and 2) implementation of consolidation/budgeting tool (Fathom), as well as developing a first-ever budget for another growing organization.…see more

Accounting • Bookkeeping • Financial Accounting • Financial Analysis • Financial Planning • Financial Reporting • Budgeting

November Program Presentation

Unapologetic Writing Workshop

with Kim Anderson, The Unapologetic Pen

Our November Member meeting is all about embarking on a journey of self-reflection, stress relief, and gratitude.

We will explore the use of Unapologetic Writing to close the open tabs in our brains so we can return to work and home feeling more present and purposeful. You do not have to be a writer to have success with this practice!

You will be asked to leave all of your expectations at the door and show up as your authentic self. We will leave feeling like a weight has been lifted from our shoulders and with a new tool to help us process life.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Kim Anderson

Kim Anderson is passionate about helping women, in particular, find freedom through writing. She sincerely believes the act of putting pen to paper can change your life – because she's experienced it.

Writing calms anxiety and helps you reflect on and reconcile you past. It gives you room to be curious and present about your life today. It creates space for a deep breath, to embrace who you are and show up unapologetically.

Hope to see you there!

November  14, 2024      8:00am - 10:00am CST

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Agenda

_____________________________________

8:00-8:30 a.m. CST  - Open Zoom Networking

8:30-9:00 a.m. CST - Meeting opening remarks

9:00-9:45 a.m. CST - Program

9:45-10:00 a.m. CST - Questions & Answers

____________________________________________________________

Program Logistics

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Who. For all B2B consultants craving collegiality, collaboration, and real conversation. Guests welcome!

What. Monthly program providing networking, relevant education, and personal and professional growth opportunities. 

When. Thursday, November 14 • 8:00 AM–10:00 AM CST

Where. Zoom Meeting ID will be in your registration confirmation email

Cost. Free for Members & Guests

RSVP. Register Today!

Guests always welcome!

Melanie Schmidt - Owner Timpano Consulting
Madison Area Business Consultants Member Profile

Introduction

Timpano Consulting is an excellent resource when you’ve tried something and it didn’t move you forward; when you’re ready to grow, yet not sure where to go; or, when you’ve been given a charge, and it seems overwhelming. Enjoy working with a consultant who asks the right question, listens for the answers, delivers a plan of action, and helps move your organization forward.

The firm's tested processes leverage creative facilitation and strategic analysis in order to help organizations quickly discern frameworks for progress. It’s about distilling a basis for clear decision-making and a platform for consistent communication. The approach is engaging; the results can be empowering.

Clients praise Melanie Schmidt for her ability to get to the core of issues, provide practical solutions, deliver beyond business as usual, and help people not only re-focus but also re-charge in order to make progress.

Bring Melanie in to get things started, hire her to shepherd the process, retain her for creative problem-solving, keep her around to hold your feet to the fire, or contract with her to move things forward.

Services

Timpano Consulting leverages various techniques and processes in clarifying and aligning intentions, actions and impressions in order to:

- help leaders think strategically or get ‘unstuck’
- facilitate complex issues & help articulate solutions
- provide perspective & insight on organizational issues
- articulate a strategic plan to guide activities & shape success
- engage stakeholders to move the mission forward
- infuse energy and direction on initiatives
- build brands, craft messaging strategies & integrate outreach
- leverage communication as a strategic business tool

What that looks like might include any or all of the following:

- meeting & retreat facilitation (in-person and/or virtual)
- organizational assessment & re-engineering
- ideology review (i.e., purpose, vision, intended impact)
- strategic thinking and practical planning (i.e., strategic planning)
- project mapping and resource planning
- leadership and ‘momentum’ consulting (a/k/a consultative coaching)
- brand development & integration
- communications strategy (internal & external)
- workforce strategies, succession planning, and executive recruitment
- interim or fractional service (i.e., CxO)

Background Info

Melanie Schmidt is a whole-brained thinker who brings energy and focus to the people and projects around her. She has over 30 years of professional experience and offers expertise in management consulting, facilitation design, group dynamics, organizational strategy, brand development, and communications.

Melanie’s early career involved work within statewide government agencies focused on organizational development, policy analysis, and framing stakeholder engagement on issues related to health care, insurance, transportation, and workforce development. Her creative side flourished while working at an award-winning advertising agency, handling account management, creative strategy, and business operations. Her analytic nature was brought to bear during her work with a publicly owned utility, providing leadership in commodity forecasting, operational planning, and business performance. She has experience consulting with and working in higher education. Plus, she had the unique opportunity to direct hundreds of committed public servants who delivered the State of Wisconsin COVID-19 emergency response.

Melanie began her consulting practice in 2003 to focus on helping people and organizations become more effective through a combined application of facilitation, strategic thinking, practical planning, and intentional communication.

Melanie is an experienced cross-sector consultant and a frequent speaker on issues related to change leadership, constructive innovation, sustainable transformation, organizational strategy, brand development, Board governance, and communications. She has a Lean Six Sigma green belt and continues to research and advance models for enhancing organizational effectiveness.

Melanie is equally comfortable providing direct service to clients and working as part of a consultant team to address broader needs.

Get Social:

http://bit.ly/TimpanoFacebook (Fan on Facebook)

https://twitter.com/melanieschmidt (Follow on Twitter)

https://www.linkedin.com/in/creativestrategist/ (Connect via LinkedIn)

Beyond Burnout: Finding Balance and Resilience in Entrepreneurship

with Sarah Giencke, Nervous System & TRE® Coach

October Program Presentation

• When

  October 10, 2024

•  8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
• Location

  Zoom meeting

• Registered

  17 registrants

Register Here

We are more stressed than ever - especially as entrepreneurs. With today's fast-paced business landscape, entrepreneurs often find themselves teetering on the edge of burnout, grappling with the pressures of building and sustaining their business.

In this session, we'll explore the science behind how we get stressed & triggered, and practical strategies to build resilience - equipping you with proactive tools to help you go from surviving to thriving.

Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting your entrepreneurial journey, this webinar is for you! Don't miss out on this opportunity to unlock the secrets of well-being as an entrepreneur.

Candy Phelps - Owner Bizzy Bizzy - MABC Member Profile

Bizzy Bizzy is a Madison, WI-based experiential creative marketing agency. We help busy business owners and entrepreneurs with their branding, graphic design and website development needs. But we do it in unusual ways. What makes us different than everyone else? Well, pretty much everything. We have developed innovative and experiential methods to fit the needs of entrepreneurs who are too busy to spend weeks or months emailing back and forth about marketing projects. We work in person at our office with our clients for most projects to achieve extraordinary results in surprisingly little time. We are the creators of the 1 Day Website and the 1 Day Branding.

info@bizzybizzycreative.com

Please send us an email to schedule a call!

Our normal business hours are 9am – 5pm Mon. through Fri. 

Our office is open by appointment only.

2002 Atwood Ave. Suites 211 and 210
Madison, WI 53704

Where is your phone number?

We spend many of our work days in 1 Day® Websites, devoting a whole day to a single client. Due to our focused schedule, we are not always available to answer a call. Please send us a message or email and we’ll get back to you lickity split!

MABC Live!

3 Ways to Use AI to Tell Your Business Story (Text, Audio, and Video)

Thursday October 24th from 4pm-6pm
An interactive workshop experience.

With Heidi Strangberg and Danielle Goldsmith
Dynamic Training Resources, LLC

REGISTER HERE/NOW FOR THIS FREE EVENT!

Join us on October 24 at the Goodman Community Center in Madison for our Fall MABC Live! event, where we'll get the latest tips and techniques on utilizing AI to help tell the story of your business. Anyone that writes documentation such as presentations, articles and training could benefit from generating text and audio to supplement their project using AI. Our expert presenters will offer guidance, insight, and plenty of examples!

ABOUT THE PRESENTERS

Dynamic Training Resources (DTR) creates custom eLearning courses, explanatory videos, and training animations, on virtually any subject.

Heidi Strangberg is the CEO/Owner of Dynamic Training Resources, LLC. Heidi founded DTR in 2005, located in Kenosha, WI. Heidi has degrees in Business Administration and Marketing from Carthage College. She is certified in instruction design and adult learning. DTR is a Woman-Owned-Small-Business (WOSB).

Danielle Goldsmith has several years of experience in instructional design and development and employee training. She has designed and developed learning programs for a variety of organizations from non-profits to Fortune 500 companies. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Communications and a graduate certificate in instructional design from the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

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What: MABC Live! Event | 3 Ways to Use AI to Tell Your Business Story

Date:  Thursday, October 24

Time:  4:00 pm - 6:00 pm 

Location:  Goodman Community Center, 214 Waubesa Street, Madison, WI 53704