You’ve heard that relationships are everything in business, but how do you turn them into real opportunity? For Kyle Cokinos and Taylor Mann of Cokinos Bond Agency, it all started with taking a risk on each other.

In this episode, they share how betting on each other, choosing integrity over quick wins, and focusing on trust turned them into one of Houston's newest success stories. You'll learn how they've gained credibility in a reputation-driven industry, earned client trust, and are continuing to scale through relationships!

Topics discussed:

● How they chose the name, Cokinos Bond Agency

● Why they took the leap into entrepreneurship

● Early challenges and their first office

● The surprising marketing moment that landed them on TV

● The importance of credibility in the bond industry

● How trust and integrity drive long-term success

● Partnership dynamics and how they balance their strengths

● Hiring intentionally and plans for growth

● Implementing EOS for structure and growth

Candus Hinderer and Carrie Ferroukhi are the co-founders of Arcus Advisors, a business consulting firm dedicated to helping Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies improve results by optimizing the accounting and finance functions through strategic guidance and practical solutions. For more information and resources, visit Arcus Advisors: https://arcusadvisors.com/home

This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

Why not?

That is the mindset that carried Chris ‘Buck’ Buckner from job rejections to turning small ideas into big companies. From building a sports app to partnering with an AI company, his career shows that being open to opportunity matters more than chasing a ‘perfect’ plan.

Today, he shares what he learned from every venture and how empathy has turned out to be his biggest advantage. We also explore Houston’s growing tech scene, how Buck avoids burnout, and what the future of entrepreneurship could look like with the rise of creators, influencers, and AI.

Topics discussed in this episode:

● How rejection led to his first startup

● Lessons on fundraising and standing out amongst the competition

● The shift that helped him find work-life balance

● How valuing relationships landed him an opportunity in AI

● Why integrity is his number one priority in business

● How he’s helping the next generation become entrepreneurs

● Social media and tech’s influence on entrepreneurship

Candus Hinderer and Carrie Ferroukhi are the co-founders of Arcus Advisors, a business consulting firm dedicated to helping Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies improve results by optimizing the accounting and finance functions through strategic guidance and practical solutions. For more information and resources, visit Arcus Advisors: https://arcusadvisors.com/home

This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

This isn’t your typical entrepreneur story. Patti Melcher co-founded a private equity firm during the 2009 economic crisis, but another incredible accomplishment has been launching The Joy School to support, first her daughter, and then hundreds of students with learning differences.

In this episode, she shares how her values and long-term strategy have shaped her career — from navigating the highs and lows of the energy market to building a culture of trust and collaboration not often found in private equity. Let’s dive into purpose, leadership, and embracing change to make a lasting impact!

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Patti’s early experience in private equity

• Founding The Joy School in Houston

• The growth and impact of The Joy School

• Early investments and challenges of starting EIV Capital

• EIV’s long-term approach to investing and growth

• Diversity, teamwork and leadership at EIV

• Creating a culture of diversity, collaboration, and support

• How they promote philanthropy within the company

• Why they invest in the volatile energy market

• How stepping back leads to more growth

• Employee development and empowerment

Connect with Patti Melcher:

https://eivcapital.com/

https://www.thejoyschool.org/

Candus Hinderer and Carrie Ferroukhi are the co-founders of Arcus Advisors, a business consulting firm dedicated to helping Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies improve results by optimizing the accounting and finance functions through strategic guidance and practical solutions. For more information and resources, visit Arcus Advisors: https://arcusadvisors.com/home

This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

Not every success story starts with confidence and a business plan. Today, you’ll hear how tenacity and grit helped Jentry Kelley turn a small side hustle into a multimillion-dollar business.

She shares how she carved out her own unique space in the beauty industry and grew Jentry Kelley Cosmetics through self-funding in a saturated market. We talk about how she keeps the lost art of customer service alive, how the industry has evolved, and why it's so hard to find people who work as hard as you do. Tune in to learn more about this bold, customer-first brand!

Topics discussed in this episode:

● Moving up in the beauty industry/career

● The first steps to starting Jentry Kelley Cosmetics

● Building a loyal customer base

● Growth challenges and personal sacrifices

● How the beauty industry has changed

● Managing inventory and operations

● Hiring a COO and building a strong team

● The lost art of customer service

● The future of social media marketing

Candus Hinderer and Carrie Ferroukhi are the co-founders of Arcus Advisors, a business consulting firm dedicated to helping Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies improve results by optimizing the accounting and finance functions through strategic guidance and practical solutions. For more information and resources, visit Arcus Advisors: https://arcusadvisors.com/home

This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

Shared leadership isn’t a risk—it’s a strategy for lasting impact. That’s the mindset behind one of Houston’s fastest-growing philanthropic movements: Impact100. In this episode, Co-founder Jessica Graham shares how they built a fully volunteer-led nonprofit that's raised more than $1 million in just five years.

From finding new members to transitioning leadership, we talk about what it takes to scale a nonprofit and balance structure with flexibility to support ongoing growth. Tune in for a conversation on social impact, intentional growth, and the business side of nonprofits!

Topics discussed in this episode:

● Founding Impact100 Houston

● The power of collective giving

● Recruiting and retaining members

● Building a diverse and inclusive board

● Challenges of starting a nonprofit

● Grant application and review process

● Impact100’s collaborative leadership model

● Learning to step back as a founder

● Planning for long-term sustainability

Candus Hinderer and Carrie Ferroukhi are the co-founders of Arcus Advisors, a business consulting firm dedicated to helping Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies improve results by optimizing the accounting and finance functions through strategic guidance and practical solutions. For more information and resources, visit Arcus Advisors: https://arcusadvisors.com/home

This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

What began as a serious health challenge turned into a thriving business focused on real ingredients and real impact. Autumn Smith's healing journey exposed what was missing in the food industry: clean ingredients, clear labeling, and access.

In this episode, we discuss our broken food system and how Paleovalley is working to change it. You'll hear what most companies get wrong about “healthy” food, the real cost of cheap ingredients on our health, and why regenerative farming is on the rise. Find out how a purpose-driven business can scale without compromising its values!

Topics discussed in this episode:

● The impact of diet on health

● Founding Paleovalley and building a purpose-led brand

● Why sourcing matters and what most companies do wrong

● Regenerative vs. organic vs. grass-fed

● Problems in the American food industry

● Meat labeling and greenwashing

● Key growth phases and future plans

● Making clean food more affordable and accessible

● Business challenges and lesson learned

Candus Hinderer and Carrie Ferroukhi are the co-founders of Arcus Advisors, a business consulting firm dedicated to helping Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies improve results by optimizing the accounting and finance functions through strategic guidance and practical solutions. For more information and resources, visit Arcus Advisors: https://arcusadvisors.com/home

This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

There’s a fine line between mischief and mastery, and Ric Forman of Forman Vineyard walks it well. Driven by passion and a willingness to take risks, he built a legacy one bold decision at a time.

In this episode, Ric talks about the early days of California’s wine revival and the ups and downs of building Forman Vineyard. He shares the values and vision behind his decades-long career, and the lessons that come from doing things your own way. Hear how curiosity, dedication, and resilience all come together in the making of something that endures!

Topics discussed in this episode:

• History of the wine industry and ‘60s revival
• Rick’s unexpected career beginnings
• Founding Forman Vineyard
• Blending innovation and traditional wine techniques
• The mistake that almost ruined him
• Lessons from a lifetime of hands-on winemaking
• What it takes to build a family legacy

Find out more at https://formanvineyard.com/

Candus Hinderer and Carrie Ferroukhi are the co-founders of Arcus Advisors, a business consulting firm dedicated to helping Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies improve results by optimizing the accounting and finance functions through strategic guidance and practical solutions. For more information and resources, visit Arcus Advisors: https://arcusadvisors.com/home

This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

Systems and strategies are important, but people are the backbone of every business. For Trey Snider, Co-founder and CEO of O'Donnell/Snider Construction, success comes down to relationships, strong leadership, and company culture. In this episode, we talk about the key factors that led to the impressive growth of O'Donnell/Snider Construction. Trey draws from his 30+ years of leadership to highlight the importance of client engagement, nurturing the next generation of leaders, and scaling with intention.

Tune in to learn more about the vital role relationships play in fueling business growth and unlocking new opportunities!

Topics discussed in this episode:

● Choosing a career in construction over law

● Relationship building and business development

● Key factors for growth: leadership, hiring, and culture

● Scaling and diversifying in a cyclical market

● Trey’s vision for the future

Candus Hinderer and Carrie Ferroukhi are the co-founders of Arcus Advisors, a business consulting firm dedicated to helping Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies improve results by optimizing the accounting and finance functions through strategic guidance and practical solutions. For more information and resources, visit Arcus Advisors: https://arcusadvisors.com

This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com