Category: Startup

FEATURE
Gearing Up for the Fourth Industrial Revolution with Wajid Zakir (Ep. 11)

Gearing Up for the Fourth Industrial Revolution with Wajid Zakir (Ep. 11)

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Did you know that we’re currently in the midst of our Fourth Industrial Revolution?

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is a period of rapid transformation across industries, societies, and nations. Technology, connectivity, and automation have been at the forefront of this revolution.

In this episode, We make a virtual stop in the UAE to speak with Wajid Zakir, Co-Founder and Director of Quiz Infomatics. He discusses how the UAE is gearing up to lead the Fourth Industrial Revolution, some challenges businesses face when transitioning from traditional to digital, and strategies to overcome them. 

Wajid discusses: 

  • The three initiatives driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution in the UAE
  • Five strategies for successful digital transformation
  • COVID’s impact on technology adoption in the UAE
  • How companies could grow in a competitive market with digital initiatives
  • The need for education in field management tools and their implementation in every industry
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Michael Israel: 

Connect with Wajid Zakir

About our Guest: 

Wajid Zakir works with clients to help them transform their way of doing business. He uses technology to enhance customer experience, improve business processes, optimize costs, and maximize the use of tech opportunities.

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FEATURE
Streamlining Services in the Landscaping Industry with Ben Souva and Jacob Krum (Ep. 10)

Streamlining Services in the Landscaping Industry with Ben Souva and Jacob Krum (Ep. 10)

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The best businesses are created when you’ve identified a problem that needs solving. Our guests this week found their niche in the landscaping market as a result of their own frustrating experiences. 

In this episode, Ben Souva and Jacob Krum, the founders of Trim Landscaping, join Michael Israel to discuss the circumstances that made them start a landscaping business. They explain the usefulness of different technologies in solving the operational inefficiencies and business challenges that were getting in the way of achieving their goals. 

Ben and Jacob address: 

  • How they reinvented and modernized the way landscapers operate and manage their businesses
  • Their journey of how they started vs. where they are now 
  • What to look for in a technology partner that helps with scaling your business
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Michael Israel: 

Connect with Ben Souva and Jacob Krum:

About Ben Souva:

When it comes to growth and development strategies, Ben Souva never fails to bring his innovative approach to the table.

Ben used his extensive business development experience to develop new solutions for the back-end operations of his local landscaping business. Within one year of implementing Saas and Enterprise strategies, he saw business revenue increase by over five times its yearly average.

Today, Ben is proud to help landscapers around the country improve their operations, grow their revenues, and find success doing what they do best!

About Jacob Krum: 

Jacob Krum is a true magician in the world of business. A proven, passionate entrepreneur with an innate and unique ability to quickly assess and advise on growth strategies, Krum has demonstrated his expertise throughout his career by rapidly scaling multiple businesses from zero to over $650K MRR in as little as one year.

Combining his love for real estate with his drive to grow ventures, Krum is the owner and operator of Nvest realty. This firm identifies, targets, and purchases residential properties in the Phoenix metro area to renovate into profitable vacation rentals. Since its inception, Nvest has hosted more than 600 groups at Nvest branded assets. Forward-thinking and synergy-focused, Nvest added a burgeoning landscaping business to its portfolio in 2020 and has increased its gross revenue by more than 1,300% in its first year.



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FEATURE
Achieving Successful Digital Transformation with Israël Fontaine & Melanie Maquet (Ep. 8)

Achieving Successful Digital Transformation with Israël Fontaine & Melanie Maquet (Ep. 8)

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Embracing new technologies, software solutions, and automation of workflows can be daunting for many businesses. 

Lumio Intelligence is one of Zuper’s premier partners that helps small and medium enterprises integrate value-added ecosystems into business operations, allowing a faster return on investment and a better automation process.

In this episode, Michael Israel sits down with Melanie Maquet and Israël Fontaine. Melanie is the CEO and founder of Lumio Intelligence, and Israël is the solutions architect for Zoho and Zuper implementations. Together, they unpack the type of clients they help and how they distinguish themselves by meeting the challenges of digital transformation.

Israël and Melanie discuss: 

  • How they started Lumio Intelligence and the services they offer
  • Ways Lumio Intelligence specializes in integrating Zoho, QuickBooks, Google, and Zuper digital technologies
  • Their partnership experience with Zuper
  • Their process for taking on new clients
  • The importance of not rushing through the implementation of new technologies
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Michael Israel: 

Connect with Melanie Maquet: 

Connect with Israël Fontaine:

About Our Guests: 

Mélanie Maquet is the founder and CEO of Lumio Intelligence. She also deploys her expertise in process analysis and solution architecture with a solid experience in the Zoho environment, particularly in the areas of sales and data-driven marketing.

In addition, she acts as a Zoho expert and trainer for all aspects related to the optimization of sales and marketing processes and automation through Zoho applications.

Ingenious and pragmatic, Israël Fontaine and his team of developers and integrators deploy their Zoho expertise in automated management for retail merchants, e-commerce, and distributors. 

Moreover, his expertise also applies to the design of web platforms and applications related to Zoho. He is also a great asset in syncing web apps with Zoho apps for enhanced customer experience.

Finally, in 2020, he improved his expertise in task scheduling and production management for manufacturing SMEs.



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FEATURE
Incorporating Field Service Tools Into Smart Video Surveillance with Amanda Harris & Myles Osswald (Ep. 7)

Incorporating Field Service Tools Into Smart Video Surveillance with Amanda Harris & Myles Osswald (Ep. 7)

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We know how important it is to protect your property when you’re not around. 

While incorporating technology into the process is a must, how are experts within the surveillance industry streamlining their workflow to provide you and your business with the best security? 

In this episode, Myles Osswald and Amanda Harris from Pro-Vigil, join David Nour to unveil their experience working alongside Zuper as their primary field service tool. Amanda and Myles shed light on some best practices they use to support technicians in the arena while highlighting ways their processes and systems align with Zuper’s vision and mission. 

Amanda and Myles discuss:

  • Ways Zuper acts as a provider to those in the security and surveillance industry 
  • Best practices for the use of new technology
  • Their relationship with Field Nation and how that has integrated with Zuper
  • How Zuper supports Pro-Vigil’s workflow
  • What’s to come for the team at Pro-Vigil
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Michael Israel: 

Connect with Amanda Harris:

Connect with Myles Osswald:

About Our Guests: 

Myles Osswald is the chief financial officer, and Amanda Harris is the accounts receivable supervisor at Pro-Vigil.

Pro-Vigil was founded in 2006 with the mission to be the leading provider of comprehensive surveillance solutions. Headquartered in San Antonio, TX, the company has deployed 30,000+ cameras and has 3,500+ customers. With a team of expert designers and engineers, Pro-Vigil specializes in designing, installing, and operating cutting-edge surveillance systems to meet their customer’s unique needs.



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FEATURE
Inflation’s Impact on the Field Service Industry with Michael Blumberg (Ep. 6)

Inflation’s Impact on the Field Service Industry with Michael Blumberg (Ep. 6)

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Before March 2020, the word inflation was considered taboo. Fast forward two years, inflation has seeped into every aspect of our lives. 

So, has inflation impacted the field service management industry, too? 

Sure it has. 

In this episode, Michael Blumberg, the President and CEO of Blumberg Advisory Group Inc, joins Michael Israel to unveil how inflation has impacted the field service industry. Michael explores ways technological solutions can assist companies and details ways field professionals can prepare for increased costs.

Michael discusses: 

  • Some of the biggest challenges in the field service arena
  • How field service professionals can mitigate supply chain issues and prepare for rising fuel costs 
  • Ways field service companies can recruit and retain top talent
  • What you should know about the Great Resignation
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Michael Israel: 

Connect with Michael Blumberg:

About Our Guest:

Michael Blumberg is the President of Blumberg Advisory Group, Inc., a research and consulting firm in the field service industry. Michael’s firm provides clients with strategic guidance and tactical assistance for improving the overall profitability and quality of field service operations through procedural and systemic improvements and optimized service marketing strategies. Michael is a prolific author and frequent speaker at industry events and conferences.



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FEATURE
The Value of Technology & Relationships in Field Service Management (Ep. 5)

The Value of Technology & Relationships in Field Service Management (Ep. 5)

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How much do you know about technology in the field service management industry? 

How much do you care about human connection and maintaining relationships as a field service management professional?

In this episode, Michael Israel interviews David Nour, the CEO of The Nour Group. David highlights his career in field service management while unveiling everything you need to know about technology and the importance of nurturing relationships as a field service management expert. 

David discusses: 

  • The importance of strategic relationships 
  • Relationship economics and its benefits to business leaders
  • The pros and cons of technology in the field service management arena
  • Ways to get people and businesses to buy into change
  • The role his books have played in his career 
  • Wisdom words for business leaders
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Michael Israel: 

Connect with David Nour: 

About our Guest: 

A senior leadership/board advisor, educator, executive coach, and bestselling author, David Nour is internationally recognized as the leading expert on applications of strategic relationships in profitable growth, sustained innovation, and lasting change. The author of eleven books, including bestsellers Relationship Economics® (Wiley) – forthcoming in its 3rd edition, Co-Create (St. Martin’s Press), and Curve Benders (Wiley, 2021), Nour serves as a trusted advisor to global clients and coaches corporate leaders. He is an adjunct professor at the Goizueta Business School at Emory University and was named to the Global Gurus Top 30 Leadership Professionals and the Thinkers 50 Radar Class of 2021 lists. A Forbes Leadership contributor on the Future of Work and an Inc. contributor on Relationship Economics, Nour’s unique insights have been featured in various prominent publications, including The Harvard Business Review, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Fast Company, Huffington Post Business, Entrepreneur, and Knowledge@Wharton. He’s also the host of the popular Curve Benders podcast.

Born in Iran, Nour immigrated to the U.S. as a teenager with $100, limited family ties, and no fluency in English. He graduated from Georgia State University with a bachelor’s degree in business management and went on to earn an Executive MBA from the Goizueta Business School at Emory University. He resides in Atlanta, GA, with his family. 



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FEATURE
SEO Tips for Field Service Management Companies with Rob Freedman (Ep. 4)

SEO Tips for Field Service Management Companies with Rob Freedman (Ep. 4)

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When you hear the acronym SEO — What is the first thing you think about? 

If you didn’t come up with search engine optimization, you’re not alone. In fact, a lot of field service management companies don’t really know what’s SEO and how it could benefit their business. 

This week, Rob Freedman, the head of growth at Zuper, sheds light on all things SEO. Rob provides best practices for field service management companies to implement SEO for their firm’s growth.

Rob discusses: 

  • The definition of search engine optimization (SEO) 
  • Why content is still king
  • The value of utilizing key phrases
  • The importance of quality over quantity when it comes to content
  • How using videos instead of  blogs is beneficial for SEO
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Rob Freedman: 

About Our Guest: 

Rob Freedman serves as the head of growth at Zuper. Rob is a marketing and revenue operations executive with nearly 20 years of experience. He loves growing brands, developing all-star teams, and helping people achieve their professional and personal goals. Rob is a frequent contributor to articles on digital marketing trends, team leadership, and branding. As if all that weren’t enough, he also has two daughters to keep him busy.

He spends his free time listening to music (he’s got eclectic tastes), traveling (he’s been everywhere from San Francisco to Kampala), reading books about the latest innovations in business, or drinking coffee (black).

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FEATURE
Here’s What You Need To Know About The Field Service Management Industry with David Nour and Michael Israel (Ep. 3)

Here’s What You Need To Know About The Field Service Management Industry with David Nour and Michael Israel (Ep. 3)

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Sales, repair and maintenance, customer support, and regular inspections are just a few branches of the field service management industry. 

But is this a viable career path?

In this episode, David Nour, the CEO of The Nour Group, Inc, interviews Michael Israel. Together, they explore Michael’s journey in the field service management arena and reasons it can be a viable career path for incoming professionals.

David and Michael discuss: 

  • What drew Michael into the field service management path
  • How mentorship, leadership, and sponsorship can shape your career journey
  • The development of the field service management industry
  • Wisdom words for those who want to pivot and promote new technologies 
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Michael Israel: 

Connect with David Nour: 

About Our Guest: 

A senior leadership/board advisor, educator, executive coach, and bestselling author, David Nour is internationally recognized as the leading expert on applications of strategic relationships in profitable growth, sustained innovation, and lasting change. The author of eleven books, including bestsellers Relationship Economics® (Wiley) – forthcoming in its 3rd edition, Co-Create (St. Martin’s Press), and Curve Benders (Wiley, 2021), Nour serves as a trusted advisor to global clients and coaches corporate leaders. He is an adjunct professor at the Goizueta Business School at Emory University and was named to the Global Gurus Top 30 Leadership Professionals and the Thinkers 50 Radar Class of 2021 lists. A Forbes Leadership contributor on the Future of Work and an Inc. contributor on Relationship Economics, Nour’s unique insights have been featured in various prominent publications, including The Harvard Business Review, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Fast Company, Huffington Post Business, Entrepreneur, and Knowledge@Wharton. He’s also the host of the popular Curve Benders podcast.

Born in Iran, Nour immigrated to the U.S. as a teenager with $100, limited family ties, and no fluency in English. He graduated from Georgia State University with a bachelor’s degree in business management and went on to earn an Executive MBA from the Goizueta Business School at Emory University. He resides in Atlanta, GA, with his family. 

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FEATURE
Investing in Field Service Technology with Kellan Carter (Ep. 2)

Investing in Field Service Technology with Kellan Carter (Ep. 2)

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What do venture capitalists and field service professionals have in common? 

They both have wondered why they should invest in software that aids the field service industry. 

In this episode, Michael Israel welcomes Kellan Carter, founding and general partner at FUSE. Together, they explain why investing in technology in the field service industry is a huge opportunity for investors and field service professionals alike.

Michael and Kellan discuss: 

  • The opportunity in the field service market
  • Reasons FUSE decided to invest in Zuper
  • How software can help field management professionals provide the best service
  • Why excellent customer service is integral, regardless of the industry
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Michael Israel: 

Connect with Kellan Carter: 

About Your Host:

Michael Israel is a Senior Management Executive and a lifelong expert in Field Service operations and software-related issues. He is proficient at identifying inefficiencies, developing new processes, and providing best practices, right solutions, and recommendations to meet clients’ technical and business objectives.

Michael is an analytical and goal-driven professional with broad-ranging experience in the Field Service ecosystem. Specifically in providing leadership, guidance, and key consultations regarding overall operations, sales and marketing activities, business systems analysis, and software implementation within the Field Service and customer service sector.

About Our Guest:

Kellan Carter is the founding and general partner of Fuse Venture Partners. Prior to launching Fuse Venture Partners, he joined Ignition as an associate in 2013 after several years of working in technology, investment banking, and finance. Fuse recently led the Series A funding round for Zuper and is a valued advisor on the Zuper board. 

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