Tag: business

Operationally Svelte: Manage Costs to Increase Profit and Enhance Performance by Duane Deason Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Duane Deason shares the practical use of a cost management center to make a company leaner and more profitable in the book “Operationally Svelte: Manage Costs to Increase Profit and Enhance Performance.”

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The Synopsis

Operationally Svelte Unleashes Growth, Innovation, and Profit

An “operationally svelte” organization means it is lean, flexible, and efficient.

Organizational bloat creeps into companies as they grow. It dulls cutting-edge innovation, slows responses to changing economic conditions, whittles down profitability, and hinders growth. You will not curtail it by doing what you have always done. Companies need a new strategy.

In Operationally Svelte, author Duane Deason presents a refreshing approach to making an organization lean and unleashing its potential: create a Cost Management Center. Think of it this way—while your Sales team focuses on revenue, your Cost Management Center team focuses on managing and controlling costs throughout the organization.

Get step-by-step guidance to establish a Cost Management Center and eliminate the common culprits of waste and inefficiency. Then dive into strategies to maximize its effectiveness and transform your company for optimal performance, enhanced growth, superior innovation, and increased profit.

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The Review

This was such a powerful and insightful read for those in leadership roles within a business. The author found a great strategy that greatly balances the need to manage a business’s daily costs while also allowing staff to innovate and grow as a company. The author’s writing style is very detailed and practical, speaking to innovators and business leaders who have a firm grasp of the technical details but can connect with the author’s messaging and outline for the cost management center.

The concept of a svelte organization is a powerful one: running a lean, mean operation that improves sales and growth. Yet oftentimes, overreaching to cut costs inefficiently can stifle that growth. The author’s deep dive into the ways a cost management center would help create the necessary oversight over the expenses incurred by your business was remarkable to get into, from understanding the differences in costs per items/tasks, to tackling the use of technology and emerging AI, to creating a cost management center by finding key team members and outlining the responsibilities of the center going forward. The author also covers many areas in this realm, from those that incur higher costs to those on the horizon, giving readers a wealth of details to engage with.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, engaging, and memorable, author Duane Deason’s “Operationally Svelte” is a must-read nonfiction business read. The depth of information and the clear, precise way the author writes and conveys it through solid, insightful frameworks that business leaders can follow thoroughly. This is one book readers and leaders can return to time and time again for guidance. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

I am the author of Operationally Svelte: Manage Costs to Increase Profit and Enhance Performance. I wrote the book to take cost management out of the shadows, to explore why current strategies are failing, and to provide a more optimal solution. Companies owe their employees, customers, and shareholders an organization that is lean and best prepared to fend off competition, weather economic downturns, and adapt to organizational change. Svelte companies are not only more profitable but also experience a higher level of performance and innovation when compared to their peers.

I spend much of my time advocating, speaking, and educating on the topic of cost management. To pay the bills, I serve as President of The Efficacy Group, where I provide cost management advisory and consulting services. My early career was with PwC followed by starting my first business that provided financial support for companies undergoing transactions. After selling the business, I assumed the role of CFO at one of my former clients that was doing the typical titanic after the dot-com bust in the early 2000s. It was during that time as CFO when I fell in love with cost management. The feeling of saving a company from certain bankruptcy felt more rewarding than the prior acquisitions and initial public offerings that I had supported.

The last 25 years of my career have been dedicated to cost management in one form or another. I’ve had the privilege of working with many companies of varying sizes and industries. Through that, I observed patterns that resulted in success and others that led to deterioration. Among these patterns was the realization that companies that failed to prioritize cost management would eventually fail. Just like life, companies can’t outgrow their problems. Hence, I decided to dedicate my career to helping companies lower costs and operate more efficiently without hindering growth or innovation.

I am a Certified Public Accountant and have an MBA from Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business.

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https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/operationally-svelte-duane-deason/1148299225?ean=9798998846700

How Not To Flip A House by Jackie Coffey Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Jackie Coffey shares the lessons she learned to build a real estate empire by flipping houses in the book “How Not To Flip A House.”

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The Synopsis

Jackie has an incredible personal story. When she was 7, the FBI raided her house – her family had no idea her stepfather was a high-level heroin dealer. Her childhood was marked by financial instability, relocations, and survival.

At 22, as a broke single mom with zero real estate experience, she decided to flip a house. No connections. No mentors. Just grit and a willingness to learn the hard way. One flip at a time, she went from living paycheck-to-paycheck to building a multi-million-dollar real estate empire.

The book is:

  • Laugh-out-loud funny (even when things go horribly wrong)
  • Packed with red-flag checklists and practical “don’t do what I did” wisdom
  • Fast-paced and story-driven
  • Relatable for anyone who’s ever tried to build a business from the bottom
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The Review

What immediately struck me upon reading this book was the honesty and upfront way of writing (or talking, depending on how you read it). The author presented the lessons and experiences that she accrued over her time flipping houses. The writing feels both descriptive and real, as if the reader is in the midst of a full-on conversation with the author. This, combined with the book’s fast pacing, allows the reader to feel invested in the author’s lessons and messaging.

The way the author presented each lesson through a personal experience really drove home the realities of real estate investing and flipping houses. That honest approach works so well in this context, allowing readers to see both the harsh realities and the rewarding aspects of this field. One chapter early on really stood out, speaking on the integrity she held onto in the face of a seemingly lucrative offer, only to find her moral stance paying off later on. The book hones in on the ethical and moral stances that arise in this business, as well as the physical and mental toll it takes, and the author expertly lays out the process with honesty and ease. 

The Verdict

A memorable, heartfelt, and engaging read, “How Not To Flip A House” by author Jackie Coffey is a must-read nonfiction book on real estate and investment. The authenticity and relatability of the author’s experiences and writing voice, as well as the in-depth detail the author provided for the lessons found in each chapter, will keep readers returning to this book time and time again to learn what not to do and what to do in this real estate field. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Do you ever catch yourself dreaming of the type of life you want to live? Filled with the excitement of endless possibilities. The Magic of success, the Freedom of time, the freedom to live YOUR life on YOUR terms, and achieve the happily ever after you dream about and IGNITE your entrepreneurial spirit! 

You close your eyes and let this thought resonate through you until you can feel the butterflies piling up inside of you and the excitement wrapping around you like a warm summer day. Then the moment you open your eyes, a harsh reality sets in. One full of fear and uncertainty. You begin tell yourself all of the reasons you can’t, should’nt, or don’t deserve that life. 

If you feel this way, you are not alone.

Jackie understands the personal struggle of self-limiting beliefs. Striving for a future she could picture and that she wanted so badly, but everyone telling her it wasn’t possible, feeling like she couldn’t, or even worse, telling herself she didn’t deserve it. 

After seemingly constant insurmountable adversities, starving for her own success, and not being able to give her daughter the life she deserved, She reached her breaking point and decided she had to flip her mindset if she wanted to flip the narrative of her future. 

She knew anything was possible with enough nerve, and it was time.  Time to IGNITE her inner entrepreneur! 

She had enough of the self-limiting thoughts, enough of the excuses, enough of the fears. It was time to show up. She set out on an adventure to discover her value, and strength and test her courage to find out what she was made. It was time to face her fears, hold herself accountable, and come to terms with failing and trying again, and most importantly, it was time to learn her true value. 

After two decades and flipping her narrative to achieve personal and professional success, Jackie’s mission is to Flip YOUR mindset so you can change the narrative. She believes in a life fueled by persistence, passion, and the courage to take risks. With Jackie’s framework, she will give you practical strategies so you can develop an optimistic mindset and learn to use accountability to gain control of adversities, Learn to Harness fear and use it in your favor as a means of motivation. You will find the freedom in failure and gain the understanding that you must fail to succeed and finally Learn the power and value of your worth all while igniting confidence, excitement, and empowerment within you. Through her insights, you’ll face adversities head-on, self limiting beliefs, and embrace success so you can live a life you want on YOUR terms. 

If you are ready to IGNITE your inner entrepreneur and live the life you deserve on your terms, let Jackie show you how. 

Never Fire Anyone: A Leader’s Guide on How to Lead People Not Companies by Mark Kenneth Morgenfruh Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Mark Kenneth Morgenfruh shares the power of leading a business by working with people and not focusing on the company’s optics and bottom line in the book “Never Fire Anyone: A Leader’s Guide on How to Lead People Not Companies.”

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The Synopsis

Delightfully obvious, just like All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. This book takes some unique and colorful perspectives on Leadership, Business, Talent, Communication, Artificial Intelligence, Contradictions, DEI, Giving Up, Slowing Down, Forgiveness and the Stupidly Obvious. A lot we may already know, but forget to practice.

When you grow up in Vineland, NJ you grow up everything Philly. Broad Street Bullies. Today’s Brotherly Shove. Sarcasm that can almost pierce skin. It really is the City of Brotherly Love. Tough Love. Mark Morgenfruh lives and writes in blunt, colorfully-worded, provocative and logical Philly-style prose. Not everyone’s cup of tea, to be sure.

But if you can get past the initial cold-water shock, and believe kick-ass leaders can be taught to stop the avoidant “happy talk” that’s fatal to teams and organizations, the level of success you’ll have is obscene.

Let’s disagree. Let’s even get angry. Then when all the cards are on the table, let’s talk it out and solve problems, lead others with clarity, and go have an ice-cold beer when it’s all done for the day.

The Review

The first thing that stood out about this book was the author’s straightforward writing. The unapologetic way the author confronts the need to step up as a leader in business was powerful to feel, covering everything from the bias that exists when hiring, to being able to be empathetic to others in a work environment, and even how to confront and properly work with those who may be underperforming in their duties. 

The author’s honesty and bold writing style really do a great job of connecting with readers. Authenticity and accountability seem to be two cornerstones of the author’s leadership philosophy, tackling the truth behind why DEI in the workplace is so important and why it needs to be appropriately utilized to maximize potential and foster a culture of growth. The book also tackles topics such as AI integration and so much more.

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The Verdict

Detailed, compelling, and thought-provoking, “Never Fire Anyone” by author Mark Kenneth Morgenfruh is a must-read nonfiction book on leadership and business. The practical applications managers can apply to their leadership skills, and the way the author relates to those in management positions and connects with them to confront the things that make life difficult, make this book invaluable and well-written. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Mark Morgenfruh is an HR practitioner with more than 30 years of experience across mergers and acquisitions, strategic planning, compensation and benefits, cultural transformation, organizational development, performance metrics alignment, and HR technology. He is a trusted Senior Advisor to multiple organizations, offering expertise in human capital due diligence, post-close integrations, total rewards design, and HR strategy, delivery, and technology.

Since 2017, he has successfully operated his own consulting practice, building on a foundation of leadership experience from executive roles in prominent global and domestic organizations.

Recently publishing his first business book, Never Fire Anyone, Mark has started to distill more than three decades of observations and experience into his first of what he hopes will be many creative works. It is a brilliant new model and way to think about how we should stop leading “companies” and start to lead the people that are the cause of success.

https://amzn.to/47s3q6j

Team Up for Cloud Success: Building High-Performing, Customer-Obsessed Crews by Joe Vandermark Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Joe Vandermark shares the steps to take in order to create  customer-obsessed teams to work with in the book “Team Up For Cloud Success: Building High-Performing, Customer-Obsessed Crews.”

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The Synopsis

Team Up for Cloud Success shows how lasting impact comes from building teams with heart, trust, and a relentless focus on clients. Drawing on decades of experience at Microsoft and beyond, Joe Vandermark shares real-world stories of wins and setbacks, offering practical frameworks for hiring with empathy, empowering people to lead, uniting across silos, measuring what matters, staying resilient, thriving remotely, and fostering a culture of learning. The book’s core message is clear: when teams trust each other, obsess over customers, and grow together, they don’t just deliver results—they create a legacy of success that endures

The Review

The experience and detail were very prevalent in this book. The author did a great job o balancing personal nonfiction storytelling in using his own experiences both in business and in life with the experiences that drove home his knowledge of business and technical insight as well. The book even includes technical aspects of business, such as using Azure, and the use of metrics and so much more all came to fruition in this quick-paced guide.

The thing that really drove this book forward was the emphasis the author put on hiring with heart and leading with empowerment, two concepts that are inspiring and engaging to get behind. The way the author applies these lessons to remote workers as well to build a team and the details given to working with a customer first mindset was great to see, as it promoted a more natural approach to business that created clarity and purpose within a team setting.

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The Verdict

Insightful, honest, and driven, author Joe Vandermark’s “Team Up For Cloud Success” is a must-read nonfiction book on business. The knowledge, the engaging dialogue, and the personal connection the author is able to form with the reader makes this book the perfect guide for anyone looking to build a great team to drive business forward. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Joe Vandermark is a seasoned customer success and cloud technology expert with over three decades of experience. As a Managing Director of Cloud Solution Architecture at Microsoft, he specializes in transforming reactive support teams into proactive, customer-focused powerhouses.

In his first book, A Guide to Cloud Success, Joe outlines strategies for building high-performing teams that prevent issues before they arise. He expands on this foundation in his latest book, Team Up for Cloud Success, which focuses on practical tactics for creating resilient, client-obsessed teams that drive significant impact in the cloud.

Known for his unique blend of deep listening skills and a talent for making complex tech topics engaging, Joe is a trusted advisor to clients across various industries. He lives in Minnesota with his family and is committed to bringing empathy, authenticity, and a good dad joke to every interaction.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joevandermark/

https://amzn.to/3JfHMKs

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/team-up-for-cloud-success-joe-vandermark/1147926695?ean=2940181082014

The Visible Ops Cybersecurity by Scott Alldridge Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Scott Alldridge shares the methods for integrating unique cybersecurity programs with business goals in the book “The Visible Ops Cybersecurity.”

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The Synopsis

Scott Alldridge, holds an M.B.A. in Cybersecurity and is a Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO), ITIL Certified expert, and Harvard Certified in Technology and Privacy and is a nationally renowned expert. Scott is a distinguished leader with over 30 years of experience in IT management and cybersecurity, specializing in protecting critical IT systems that businesses rely on today. As the CEO of IP Services, Scott has played a pivotal role in delivering advanced managed IT and cybersecurity solutions across various industries. His strategic use of the TotalControl™ framework aligns technology investments with business goals, ensuring enhanced security, operational excellence, and resilience.

“Cyber-defense is not a thing you buy, or something you learn. It’s an information-driven machine you must design and operate in order to create and manage visibility, changes, and improvement. In VisibleOps Cybersecurity, these foundational elements are brought together with cyberdefense techniques to allow organizations to manage the complexity of cyber risks by building a resilient, effective program of improvement – one that you will need no matter the attacker or threat.”

Tony Sager / Center for Internet Security (CIS)

Senior Vice President and Chief Evangelist

The Review

Instantly, this book distinguishes itself from typical cybersecurity books by being more business-driven than anything else. The author’s clear, direct, and informative writing style immediately delves into how this technology benefits businesses, particularly for small and aspiring entrepreneurs starting a new business in a technological age. Yet the author writes in a way that also cuts through the technical speak, instead worded in a way that companies and owners, from CEOs and board members to small online shops, can understand the technology fueling their businesses.

The world is moving at a rapid pace, and online business has accelerated this speed, making it even quicker. Therefore, developing a business with security in place to protect it is vital. The author clearly outlines the steps that business owners need to take, from the importance of automation to installing compliance frameworks that can improve IT departments’ operations and more. The emphasis it places on business owners is remarkable, and it even outlines what business owners need to ask their IT providers and develop plans and responses to incidents that occur, so that those unfamiliar with the tech scene can understand. 

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The Verdict

Thought-provoking, engaging, and insightful, author Scott Alldridge’s “The Visible Ops Cybersecurity” is a must-read nonfiction book on business and technology. The information and the fast-paced nature of the book serve as more than a guide, but a call to action for business owners to take control of their business from a cybersecurity perspective and understand the needs of their IT department, making things run much more smoothly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Scott Alldridge holds an M.B.A. in Cybersecurity and is a Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO), ITIL Certified expert, and Harvard Certified in Technology and Privacy, and is a nationally renowned expert. Scott is a distinguished leader with over 30 years of experience in IT management and cybersecurity, specializing in protecting critical IT systems that businesses rely on today. As the CEO of IP Services, Scott has played a pivotal role in delivering advanced managed IT and cybersecurity solutions across various industries. His strategic use of the TotalControl™ framework aligns technology investments with business goals, ensuring enhanced security, operational excellence, and resilience.

In his role as President of the IT Process Institute (ITPI), Scott co-authored the renowned VisibleOps series, with over 400,000 copies sold globally. His expertise spans IT management, cybersecurity, risk management, regulatory compliance, and cloud computing. Scott is also a recognized thought leader in modern cybersecurity strategies, including Zero Trust and Integrity Management, which are critical to safeguarding today’s complex IT environments.

Through his leadership, Scott has guided organizations in strengthening their security postures and navigating the complexities of today’s threat landscape. His contributions, including white papers, keynote addresses, and innovative frameworks, continue to shape the cybersecurity industry and influence best practices for protecting essential IT systems.

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Boomer Sells The Business: A Step-by-Step Guide to Cashing Out & Living Large by Frank Felker and Marty M. Fahncke Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Authors Frank Felker and Marty M. Fahncke share the best way to sell your business and maintain your legacy on your own terms in the book “Boomer Sells The Business: A Step-by-Step Guide to Cashing Out & Living Large.”

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The Synopsis

Every business owner will exit someday. The only question is: will it be on your terms – or someone else’s?

Boomer Sells The Business is your step-by-step guide to selling your business for the highest possible price—to the perfect buyer—while protecting your team, your legacy, and your peace of mind.

Whether you’re years away from selling or ready to cash out soon, this practical, no-fluff guide walks you through everything you need to prepare for a profitable and purposeful exit.

Co-authors Frank Felker and Marty M. Fahncke combine decades of entrepreneurial experience, over $450 million in executed buy/sell transactions, and firsthand advisory insights to help you avoid the most common – and most costly – mistakes owners make when it’s time to sell.

Inside, you’ll learn:

  • How to avoid the #1 mistake business owners make when exiting
  • The 7 steps to building a “sale-ready” business
  • Who’s most likely to buy your business—and who to avoid
  • How to emotionally and financially prepare for life after the sale

You’ll also discover how to protect your employees’ futures, create an exciting post-exit lifestyle, and learn from real-world stories of business owners who sold successfully—and those who didn’t.

Don’t leave your life’s work to chance.

With over 80% of businesses never being sold, Boomer Sells The Business gives you the tools, strategies, and mindset shifts to beat the odds—and create the future you deserve.

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The Review

This was such an insightful and engaging read. One thing most businesses probably don’t think about is the longevity of the company should something happen, whether that is a change in the economy or the passing of the business owner or something else beyond a person’s control. The authors brilliantly highlight the need to make a person’s business sell-ready, even if you aren’t looking to sell yet. The straightforward, honest, and detailed writing style spoke to the business itself, utilizing numerous case studies to emphasize each point made in the book. 

The guide itself worked well on so many levels, not only exploring why businesses need to make their businesses ready to sell, but also how to utilize this method to maximize business now and give owners peace of mind, as well as the team helping the business thrive. I also appreciated the authors taking the time to recognize when a good time to sell is versus a bad one, such as acknowledging the existence of burnout in business and why selling because of it can be detrimental to the business you spent so long building. 

The Verdict

Engaging, thought-provoking, and expertly crafted, authors Frank Felker and Marty M. Fahncke’s “Boomer Sells the Business” is a must-read nonfiction book on business. The expertise and knowledge readers gain, the sense of peace of mind the guide gives to companies overall, and the way readers can read through this book and then return to it time and time again for references make this a compelling guide to have when building a business and then ensuring it is ready to sell. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!


Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Frank Felker is an author, educator and lifelong entrepreneur with more than 50 years experience starting, running and helping small businesses. 

The bestselling author of five books on marketing, sales, and entrepreneurship, he is also the creator and host of what is arguably the longest-running small business podcast anywhere, Radio Free Enterprise, which first started dropping episodes in 2004 and continues to this day.

In addition to working with hundreds of small business owners, Frank has also consulted to or presented for large corporations and organizations such as Texas Instruments, Microsoft, Constant Contact, The International Center for Entrepreneurial Development, Printing Industries of America, GBC Corporation, Isagenix, America Online, Xerox, and IBM.

Over 26,000 entrepreneurs from 170 countries are enrolled in his online business courses and he has presented before thousands more across the United States, in South America, Britain, and Europe at venues including the Kennedy Center, The Venetian Las Vegas, and the headquarters of America Online and Texas Instruments.

Frank encourages his readers to reach out to him on LinkedIn and Facebook – be sure to tell him you’re a reader so he’ll be sure to accept your invitation to connect.

Meet Marty M. Fahncke, a seasoned world-class Marketer with over 35 years of experience in growing & scaling businesses, and over 25 years of experience in Mergers and Acquisitions. Marty{s first taste of success in acquisitions came early on when a business he co-launched with some friends was acquired for 7 figures after just 18 months in business. But he quickly learned that the acquisition process is not always as easy as it seems. Fast forward to today and Marty has helped businesses scale to over $1 Billion in revenue and executed over $450 million in Mergers and Acquisitions transactions. Along with his partners, they are actively acquiring businesses across various industries including e-commerce, consumer goods, health & wellness, agencies, SaaS, and more. In addition, Marty offers his expertise as an M&A Advisor, assisting business owners in the successful process of selling OR acquiring businesses. He knows that buying or selling a business can be time-consuming, stressful, and can occasionally be a roller-coaster of emotions. But with expert guidance from Marty and the team from Westbound Road, it can also be rewarding and lucrative.

As a Sell-Side Advisor, Marty helps business owners get a top valuation for their business with the least amount of stress and risk. He advises on selling strategy, marketing the business for sale, deal negotiation, due diligence, and every other step of the way until the deal is done and your money is in the bank.

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https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/235860418-boomer-sells-the-business

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Palms Up Leadership: Developing Our Future Leaders by Rich Plumery Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Rich Plumery shares a new take on leadership development in the book “Palms Up Leadership: Developing Our Future Leaders.”

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The Synopsis

Palms Up Leadership: Developing Future Leaders is not just another business book—it’s a transformative leadership manifesto designed for today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape.

In this compelling work, Rich Plumery draws from a wealth of experience shaped by real-world adversity, elite performance environments, and high-stakes leadership roles. At its core are the Palms Up tenets—Enable, Engage, and Embrace—a simple yet powerful framework that empowers leaders to navigate complex challenges with authenticity and purpose.

Plumery masterfully integrates principles from servant leadership, project management, sports psychology, elite military team-building, and entrepreneurship to offer a fresh, actionable approach to leadership development. Whether you’re a C-suite executive, a team leader, or an emerging talent, this book equips you with practical strategies to:

  • Cultivate a thriving and resilient workplace culture
  • Empower others through clarity, trust, and collaboration
  • Address pressing challenges like wisdom loss, remote work, and AI disruptions
  • Lead with integrity, purpose, and impact

If you’re ready to lead boldly, build better teams, and shape the next generation of leaders—Palms Up Leadership is your essential guide.

The Review

This was a truly insightful and compelling nonfiction book. The author wrote in a way that felt honest and personal while also conveying essential lessons along the way. The impact the author’s late brother had early on in his career, as well as the foundational work that went into his businesses, made the experiences that were put down on the page that much more impactful and meaningful. These lessons included things like making the minimum decision necessary to keep things moving, which was paired with a personal interaction with someone who caused him to rethink how reactive actions can have adverse consequences if not thought through carefully.

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The theme and foundation for both this book and the method of Palms Up leadership that stood out for this reader was the concept of servant leadership. The concept was new to me, but it was so inspiring. The idea of selfless leadership is so unheard of by so many companies these days. Yet, the concept is beneficial both morally and monetarily, allowing employees to feel wanted and appreciated and motivating them to contribute more to the company. Leadership is meant to work with and serve the community, including the one within a business, and the author’s expertise and strategies really do a great job of aligning with that.

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The Verdict

Memorable, insightful, and engaging, author Rich Plumery’s “Palms Up Leadership” is a must-read nonfiction business and leadership book. The fast pacing of the book, the action-driven steps the author lays out to help develop this unique brand of leadership, and the personal nature of the author’s experiences will keep readers invested and connected to the author and the journey this book takes them on. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Rich is a published author, thought leader, and international speaker who presents on various topics, including business recovery, performance management, and his Palm’s Up LeadershipTM brand of servant leadership. Rich has been a founder, investor, and operator in several successful businesses, including one of the first voice-controlled computers, a tactical supply company supporting elite military units (with partners who were some of the plankowners of SEAL Team Six and Red Cell). He also owned and operated a sports performance coaching business that served hundreds of professional athletes across the NFL, NHL, MLB, and MLS. He applied what he had learned from his expert coaches and other world-class specialists, such as Greg Roskopf, the man who retooled Bryson DeChambeau, to develop elite corporate coaching skills.

Being an obsessed problem solver, Rich is passionate about developing a new generation of leaders to help us improve our corporate cultures. At this point in our history, we are dealing with many new dynamics, such as pandemics forcing remote work environments, global work sharing, emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, and an aging workforce, which is continually draining our wisdom bank and jeopardizing quality in many of our key industries, including manufacturing, engineering, construction and healthcare.  Rich presents his solutions to these challenges, based on his unique experiences in the corporate and entrepreneurial worlds.

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https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/palms-up-leadership-rich-plumery/1147996088?ean=9798349539824

Life by Design: Automate to Master Time, Health, Money, and Unlock Personal Success by Marlon Buchanan Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Marlon Buchanan shares how technology can be used to help manage the everyday tasks that consume our lives so that we can pursue the things that we are passionate about in the book “Life by Design: Automate to Master Time, Health, Money, and Unlock Personal Success.”

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The Synopsis

Imagine a life where you spend less time managing tasks and more time pursuing your passions.

In Life By Design, you’ll discover how to leverage technology to automate the everyday tasks that consume your time—so you can focus on what truly matters to you. Whether you want to spend more time with family, improve your health, or get ahead at work, this book provides the tools to help you streamline your life.

Inside, you’ll learn how to:

  • Automate your daily tasks, from finances to household chores, and free up your time for the things you love
  • Master time management by automating your schedule and staying on top of important tasks effortlessly
  • Optimize your health and fitness routines with smart tech to track and improve your well-being
  • Simplify your work life with automation tools that increase productivity and reduce stress
  • Improve your financial management by setting up automatic savings, investing, and bill payments
  • Enhance your travel experiences by automating bookings, reminders, and packing lists


Stop letting life’s demands overwhelm you. Life By Design will help you take control, create more time, and focus on what truly matters.

Start designing the life you want today—buy your copy now and unlock your potential!

The Review

This was an insightful and engaging read. The fast-paced nature of the book and the inspirational messaging of its core theme were truly empowering. The author effectively delved into a multitude of different topics, from broader social issues like FOMO and the myth of multitasking to more technical aspects, such as utilizing the climate control function for your house’s AC and freezing meals for later in the week to save time on preparation. 

The balance the author was able to find between the technical and social aspects of the book was outstanding to see. The author’s background in computer science and engineering helps showcase the importance of sales and properly utilizing technology to benefit one’s home life, without succumbing to excessive screen time that detracts from critical social moments in life. The fast pace of work life and its dominance often overshadow our connections to family and friends, and maintaining a healthy balance is crucial to a more balanced overall life. This is something the author’s book does an excellent job of addressing.

The Verdict

Honest, memorable, and engaging, author Marlon Buchanan’s “Life By Design” is a must-read nonfiction guide to time management and social skills. The technical skills and daily life improvements were both empowering and thoughtful, and this is a book readers can return to time and again for both reference and improvement in their daily lives. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Marlon Buchanan, bestselling author and IT Director, holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering from MIT and master’s degrees in Business Administration and Software Engineering from Seattle University. With over 25 years of experience in IT, software development, and smart home automation, he helps busy professionals harness technology to create more time, reduce stress, and design lives they love.

He has been automating things around his house since he was a kid. Now, his wife and kids get to enjoy the fruits of his automation and efficiency exploits. He is best known for his smart home, home networking, and cybersecurity articles on his blog HomeTechHacker and his bestselling books The Personal Cybersecurity Manual, The Home Network Manual, and The Smart Home Manual.

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PRESS RELEASE: BAD DEAL FOR AMERICA BY DR. DAVID D. SCHEIN NOW IN AUDIOBOOK FORMAT

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Creative Edge Publicity Press Releases, PRESS RELEASESLeave a comment

BAD DEAL FOR AMERICA 

An inside look into the games politicians are playing with America’s money by critically acclaimed author, Dr. David D. Schein

Released and published by the Claremont Management Group!

The book is available worldwide in all formats

Now a new audio book!!!

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   ABOUT DR. DAVID SCHEIN:

 Dr. David D. Schein is an author, professor, consultant and public speaker. He is a tenured Professor and the Cameron Endowed Chair of Management and Marketing at the University of St. Thomas’ Cameron School of Business. He is also the President and General Counsel of Claremont Management Group, a Human Resources consulting firm in Houston, TX. He often speaks on employment and consumer matters. While Conservative radio loves to bash Ivy League academics, Dr. Schein is an Ivy League graduate and a full-time academic, plus a solid conservative. He has radio experience and hosts the podcasts “Saving America” and “Business Law 101.”