Becoming Preferred
In this informative and practical podcast, Michael and his guests share the latest strategies and tactics to help you become the preferred provider (the emotional favorite) in the markets you serve. The key insights and strategies discussed, come from Michael's experience working with many of the finest brands in business today and his guest interviews will inspire you, educate you, and give you the tools you need to be successful in today's turbulent and competitive marketplace.
Lisa Woodruff - The Cost of Mental Clutter: Bridging Home Management and Professional Growth
SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 21
Episode Overview:
Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast for the professional who wants to level up their skillset and focus on continuous improvement. Today, we’re tackling the silent killer of professional peak performance: The Invisible Quicksand.
We spend our lives optimizing our businesses, our processes, and our leadership teams. But what happens when you are being held back by a disorganized home? What is the cost of the 'mental clutter' that follows you from the kitchen table to the office?
Our guest today is a powerhouse who tr...
Jeffrey Panik - Escaping the Financial Fog: How to Take Inventory and Reclaim Your Future
SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 20
Episode Overview:
Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast for high-achieving professionals and entrepreneurs who want to level up their game and become the best versions of themselves.
Today, we are exploring a topic that is fundamental to our success, yet one that many of us often fail to properly plan: our financial foundation. Joining us is someone who brings a rare level of discipline to the table. Jeffrey Panik is a Master of Science in Financial Services and a Certified Financial Planner with over 25 years of experience.
But...
Sarah Jenneault - The Sourdough Method: A Recipe for Scalable Business Growth
SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 19
Episode Overview:
Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast where we talk to the business professionals who are preferred in the markets they serve. Today, we are diving into the intersection of high-stakes strategy and operational discipline.
Our guest today is a literal 'Top 10' leader. Sarah Jeanneault is the VP of Marketing at ProcedureFlow and a veteran of the fintech and technology worlds. With over 20 years of experience—including leading multi-billion dollar asset growth and successfully exiting two fintech ventures—Sarah knows exactly what it takes to scale a business with...
Returning Guest, Coach Jim Johnson - Level Up Your Game with the 8 Cs of Leadership
SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 18
Episode Overview:
Welcome back to another episode of Becoming Preferred, the show dedicated to helping you stand out in a crowded marketplace by becoming the provider—and the leader—of choice.
Today we are joined by Coach Jim Johnson, a returning favorite who truly understands what it means to lead under pressure. He’s a hall-of-fame basketball coach, and a world-class speaker, but whether he’s in a locker room or a boardroom, Coach Jim Johnson knows that winning isn't just about the score—it’s about the soul of the team.
...
Returning Guest, Mike Irving - Resistance Removal - Leadership Development Accelerated
SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 17
Episode Overview:
Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the show where we deconstruct the strategies that help you become the preferred choice in a crowded marketplace.
Now, we’ve all seen it: companies spending thousands on leadership retreats that result in a 'high' for three days and then… total stagnation. The missing piece isn't talent; it’s resistance.
Today, we are welcoming back, Mike Irving. Mike is the founder of Advanced Business Abilities, and he’s cracked the code on 'Resistance Removal'—a framework that delivers tangible leadership results in weeks, not...
Ron Kmetovicz - Ghost Money: The Pathway to Financial Independence
SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 16
Episode Overview:
Welcome to another episode of Becoming Preferred. Today we’re diving into a topic that every entrepreneur and professional eventually grapples with: the difference between building a high-income career and building true, lasting independence.
Our guest today is a master of the systems behind success. Ron Kmetovicz is a seasoned engineer with roots at Hewlett-Packard and Stanford, but he’s also a powerhouse entrepreneur and investor who has spent decades distilling complex financial principles into a blueprint for freedom.
He is the author of Ghost Money: The Path...
Reed Nyffeler - Lead Exponentially: Lessons in Leadership and Purpose
SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 13
Episode Overview:
Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast for entrepreneurs and professionals who are tired of being an option and are ready to become the preferred provider in the markets they serve.
Our guest today is a man who doesn't just build businesses; he builds ecosystems of opportunity. Reed Nyffeler is the Co-Founder and CEO of Signal, a global security powerhouse that he scaled from a local startup into a massive franchise network spanning hundreds of locations.
But Reed isn't your typical 'grind-until-you-break' CEO. He is a lifelong...
Saahil Mehta - Redefining Success: The Journey Towards a Zero Regret Life
SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 14
Episode Overview:
Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast where we talk to the leaders who aren’t just playing the game, they are redefining it. We all want to reach the summit of our careers, but how many of us lose ourselves on the climb? Today’s guest has mastered the art of scaling mountains, literally and figuratively, without losing his peace of mind.
Saahil Mehta is a global citizen, a serial entrepreneur managing businesses across two continents, and a success coach for the world's most ambitious leaders. He is an a...
Bill Blankschaen - Elevate Your Influence: The Art and Science of Storytelling
SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 13
Episode Overview:
Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast dedicated to helping you move from being an option to being the preferred choice in your industry.
If you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or a professional, you know the market is saturated. The only thing that truly differentiates you isn't your product; it’s your story. How clearly you tell it determines your entire ceiling for growth. That’s why I am thrilled to welcome a man who is the master architect behind some of the world's most influential narratives. Our guest...
Mark Pentecost - Life of Your Dreams: Strategies to Escape Survival Mode
SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 12
Episode Overview:
Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast where we talk to the leaders and visionaries who refuse to settle for 'good enough.' Today, we’re tackling a psychological trap that captures thousands of high-performing professionals every single year. It’s called 'The Dependence Dilemma'. That invisible ceiling of financial obligations and the false sense of security that keeps brilliant people stuck in survival mode.
Our guest today is a man who didn't just break that ceiling; he shattered it. He started in the classroom as a high school math...
Shay Thieberg - LinkedIn Strategies, Tactics and Frameworks
SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 11
Episode Overview:
Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast that arms you with the strategies to stop chasing and start attracting your ideal clients! I’m your host, Michael Vickers, and if you're a business professional or entrepreneur, you know the struggle: you have an incredible service, but cutting through the noise to establish yourself as the trusted authority feels impossible.
Today, we are tackling the single most powerful B2B platform: LinkedIn. It’s time to stop using your profile as a dusty online resume and start transforming it into a de...
Michael Jacobson - Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition: A Smarter Path to Business Ownership
SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 9
Episode Overview:
Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast where we help you become preferred in the markets you serve. If you thought the flower business was quaint, slow, or low-tech, get ready for a wake-up call. Our guest today is Michael Jacobson, CEO of French Florist. He didn't just take over an old business; he engineered a dramatic transformation. Starting from a struggling $600,000 operation, he built a high-performance franchise model that now generates millions in annual revenue and triples the profitability of traditional flower shops. Michael’s mastery is the fusion of ti...
Fred Joyal - From Under-Confident to Charismatic: Your Roadmap to Build Boldness
SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 9
Episode Overview:
Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast where we focus on the mindset and strategies that help you become preferred in the markets you serve.
Our guest today has built a legacy on that very concept. For over 30 years, he co-founded and grew 1-800-DENTIST, a company that generated over one billion dollars in revenue by solving a simple, painful customer problem. He's an expert in making a brand remarkable.
But here's the kicker: He’s spent the last decade distilling that business success into a personal su...
Kevin Anderson - The Ghostwriter's Advantage: Buying Time and Expertise
SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 8
Episode Overview:
Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast dedicated to helping you reach your highest professional potential. Today, we're talking about the ultimate business credential: the high-impact non-fiction book.
Our guest has mastered the art of turning expertise into intellectual property. He's a #1 national bestselling author himself, a Harvard-trained scholar, and the CEO of a firm that helps public figures and top professionals land deals with major publishers. He is the person leading literary agents and corporate leaders call when the message must be perfect.
Kevin Anderson is...
Courtney Ramsey - Lead with Influence...Not Just Authority
SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 7
Episode Overview:
Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast where we equip you to lead with influence, not just authority. If you’re an entrepreneur or business professional whose growth is stalled by employee turnover, poor communication, or the sheer struggle of transitioning from a high-performing doer to an effective leader, then you're going to enjoy this episode.Â
Today, we are happy to welcome Courtney Ramsey, a renowned leadership development expert, speaker, and consultant who has spent two decades transforming companies.
Courtney's mission is simple: to stop the bleeding cau...
Neil Callanan - Unlocking Purpose: Transforming Passion into Business Growth
SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 6
Episode Overview:
Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast where we help you climb the revenue ladder and become the preferred provider in the markets you serve.
Today, we're tackling a challenge every modern business leader faces: You have a passionate purpose, but does it actually move the needle? What if your brand could prove that activism and social impact don't just inspire; they reliably sell, grow market share, and reduce customer churn? Our guest is here to show you exactly how to do it.
Neil Callanan is the found...
Encore Episode - Sandie Eggers - Cultivating Gratitude, Even in Adversity
SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 5
Episode Overview:
 Welcome to the Becoming Preferred Podcast. Today, I am bringing you a special replay of one of my favorite conversations, and the timing couldn't be better. We just celebrated Thanksgiving a few days ago. For many of us, it was a time to gather with friends and family, share a meal, and reflect on our blessings.
But here's what I've come to believe. Gratitude isn't meant to be a once a year event. It's a practice, a daily discipline that shapes how we see the world, and how we mo...
Mike Lipkin - Become a Potentiator and Create Breakthroughs with Others
SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 4
Episode Overview:
Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast where we dissect the strategies and mindset of those who are not just successful, but irreplaceable in their markets they serve. Today, we have a true master of motivation and persuasion. Our guest is Mike Lipkin, president of Environics and a strategic coach to global CEOs, and the author of 18 books on leadership and high performance, including his latest book, The Potentiator.
What makes Mike’s approach unique is his foundation in deep, social values research. He doesn't just rely on generic plati...
Tyler Dunagin - How to Visualize and Achieve Delusional Success
SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 3
Episode Overview:
Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast dedicated to transforming how you build, scale, and lead your business. Today, we have an entrepreneur whose journey proves that massive growth isn't about working harder; it's about building smarter.
Our guest is Tyler Dunagin, a multifaceted founder, operator, and inventor. His success story is a masterclass in market selection and systemization. He took a historically manual service industry—and transformed it into a scalable, tech-enabled enterprise.
Tyler doesn’t just chase revenue; he builds ecosystems. He focuses on purpose-driven solu...
Allan Kreda - Gold Medals, Stanley Cups and Creating Miracles with Persistence
SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 2
Episode Overview:
Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast dedicated to uncovering the strategies that make entrepreneurs and professionals the emotional favorite in the markets they serve.
Today, we’re shifting our focus from the boardroom to the hockey rink, but the lessons remain intensely relevant. Our guest today is Allan Kreda, a seasoned journalist with nearly two decades covering finance and the NHL for giants like the Associated Press, the New York Times and Bloomberg News. Allan has mastered the art of extracting the core truth, whether from a quarterly ea...
Bennett Maxwell - Deeper Than Dough: Building Wealth Without Sacrificing Your Mental Health
SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 1
Episode Overview:
Welcome to Becoming Preferred, the podcast for entrepreneurs and business leaders dedicated to building a life of purpose and prosperity. Today, we have a guest whose journey proves that the most valuable lessons are often learned in the fire. My guest is Bennett Maxwell, a serial entrepreneur who went from door-to-door selling to building a nationwide franchise empire with Dirty Dough. He's a master of turning adversity into a competitive advantage, navigating a high-profile legal battle that ultimately propelled his brand into the national spotlight.Â
But his story is m...
Greg Licciardi - The Modern-Day "Holy Grail" of Marketing
SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 36
Episode Overview:
Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred podcast, where we help you become the emotional favorite in your market. Today we are in for a masterclass on a topic that is the very foundation of all business success: marketing. My guest is someone who has spent his entire career at the intersection of brand strategy, consumer behavior, and marketing innovation.
We have the privilege of sitting down with Greg Licciardi. As the Vice President of Sponsorships and Partner Programs at the Association of National Advertisers, the ANA, he works with...
Mike Irving - What the Best Business Owners Do Differently
SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 35
Episode Overview:
Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred podcast! Do you ever feel like you've hit a ceiling in your business or career? You're successful, you've got a great team, but there's a nagging feeling that you're capable of more—if only you could get unstuck. Our guest to day understands that feeling better than anyone. He's the founder of Advanced Business Abilities, a coaching company built specifically for established business owners and professionals who are ready to b reak through to that next level of growth without sacrificing their health or their va...
Alan Gregerman - The Unconventional Power of Outside Perspectives
SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 34
Episode Overview:
Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast where we talk to the people and hear the stories and insights that can help us build better professional and personal lives.
Have you ever wondered what separates a good idea from a truly brilliant one? Or how some companies seem to effortlessly innovate while others struggle to survive? Our guest today has made it his life’s work to answer those very questions.
Today, we're joined by Alan Gregerman, a renowned author, speaker, and consultant who believes we all ha...
Returning Guest, Cat Mulvihill – The Momentum Formula
SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 33
Episode Overview:
Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast dedicated to empowering you to become the preferred choice in your industry, your business, and your life. Today we're tackling a topic that is essential for every entrepreneur and business professional striving for significant growth: momentum. We all have ambitious goals, but sometimes the path forward feels muddled by roadblocks, self-doubt, or just plain inertia. How do you consistently take action that truly matters? How do you move forward with genuine clarity and unwavering confidence?
Our guest today is an expert in...
Peggy Sullivan – How to Beat the Busyness Addiction
SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 32
Episode Overview:
Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred podcast, the show dedicated to helping you achieve more and reach your highest potential. Today, we have an incredible guest who is going to challenge everything you think you know about success and productivity.
In our fast-paced world, we're taught that being busy is a badge of honor, but what if that very belief is holding you back from your true potential? Our guest is here to show us a new way. Peggy Sullivan is a renowned keynote speaker, author, and researcher who...
Amy Kemp – Are Your Thought Habits Holding You Back?
SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 31Â
Episode Overview:
Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast for professionals and entrepreneurs who are ready to build their expertise and dominate their industry. Have you ever felt like you're doing all the right things, but still not getting the results you want? What if the key to unlocking your next level of success isn't about working harder, but about understanding the invisible habits of thought that are running the show?
Our guest today is a world-class expert on this very topic. She is a best-selling author of the book I S...
Ken Rusk – The “Blue-Collar” Mindset for Business Success
SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 30
Episode Overview:
Welcome back to Becoming Preferred podcast. The podcast dedicated to providing business professionals and entrepreneurs with the strategies and mindset to not just succeed, but to truly thrive and create the life they desire. Today, we have a guest whose journey completely redefines conventional wisdom. He's a living testament that success isn't confined to traditional paths. In fact, sometimes, the most profound insights come from those who forge their own way.
Our guest is Ken Rusk, the bestselling author of "Blue-Collar Cash," host of the "Comfort, Peace & Freedom" podcast...
Greg Weinger – The Introverted Professional’s Advantage
SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 29
Episode Overview:
Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred podcast. The podcast that helps business professionals and entrepreneurs go from being just another option to being the emotional favorite. Today we're addressing a topic that so many of us navigate daily: the power of quiet leadership. The business world often celebrates the loudest voice in the room, but what if the most powerful leaders are actually the ones who are thinking, listening, and observing?
Our guest today is a living testament to this idea. With over two decades as a successful product...
Gavin Lance Topp – The “Fight Like a Pro” Mindset in Business
SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 28
Episode Overview:
Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred podcast, the show dedicated to helping you master your mindset, amplify your influence, and become the undisputed champion in your field. Today, we have a great guest who embodies the fighting spirit of true success. He’s a former professional boxer who has taken the discipline, resilience, and strategic thinking of the ring and translated it into a powerful framework for entrepreneurs and business professionals.
My guest is a high-performance coach, a motivational speaker, and the founder of the Man Challenge. His philosophy is...
Glenn Poulos – Winning Sales Factors to Grow a Business
SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 27
Episode Overview:
Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred podcast, where we bring you the insights and strategies to help you elevate your business and become preferred. Today, we have a true expert of sales and entrepreneurship joining us.
Glenn Poulos is here to share his unparalleled wisdom on sales strategy, consumer behavior, and how to build truly successful companies. Get ready to take notes, because Glenn is about to drop some serious insights. Join me for my conversation with Glenn Poulos.
Guest Bio:
Glenn Poulos is the...
David Greer – How Stepping Back Propels You Forward
SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 26
Episode Overview:
Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred podcast. The show that's dedicated to helping you become the preferred choice in your industry, and in your life. Today, we have a truly remarkable guest who embodies the spirit of a long term vision, profound transformation, and impactful leadership.
Our guest, David J. Greer, is a 40-year veteran of the entrepreneurial world. He joined a young software startup at just 22, and for two decades he helped build it into a global powerhouse. After a powerful exit, David embarked on a two year...
Gee Ranasinha – Think Like Your Customer, Not Like Your Company
SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 25
Episode Overview:
Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred podcast, where we bring you the insights you need to stand out from the competition and thrive. Today, we have an incredible guest who has not only witnessed but actively shaped the evolution of marketing over the last few decades. From the very early days of the internet our guest has been at the forefront, adapting and innovating.
He's Gee Ranasinha, the CEO of KEXINO, an award-winning marketing agency that has been the secret weapon for over 400 startups and small businesses across 20 countries...
Leslie Hassler – Making Your Biz Rule: The Core Philosophy
SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 24
Episode Overview:
Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred podcast. In today's dynamic business landscape, simply doing business isn't enough to stand out. To truly thrive, to become the preferred choice, you need a strategy that elevates your brand, optimizes your operations, and magnetizes your ideal clients. But how do you make that leap from overwhelmed entrepreneur to empowered CEO? How do you build a business that truly "rules" your market?
Today, we have an absolute master of business strategy joining us.Someone who has guided countless entrepreneurs and leaders to not...
Ron Stotts – Leveraging Ancient Wisdom for Modern Business Challenges
SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 23
Episode Overview:
Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast dedicated to empowering business professionals and entrepreneurs to achieve their highest potential. Have you ever felt that true leadership extends beyond just strategies and spreadsheets? That there's a deeper, more profound dimension to unlocking peak performance and genuine impact?Â
Today, our guest has dedicated decades to exploring exactly that. Dr. Ron Stotts is a three-time bestselling author, with a PhD in Psychology. Ron isn't just an academic; he's a transformational guide who has delved into ancient wisdom, cutting-edge neuroscience, and the very e...
Tye Degrange – Startup to Scale: Secrets to High-Impact Digital Marketing
SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 22
Episode Overview:
Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred Podcast! Today, we have a true titan in the world of digital marketing and growth—a master architect of scale renowned for transforming data into undeniable results. If you're a business professional or entrepreneur seeking your next breakthrough, looking to optimize customer acquisition, or aiming to understand the mechanics of sustainable scaling, you're in for a treat.
Our guest is the visionary founder of Round Barn Labs, a growth marketing agency that has been instrumental in scaling some truly impressive businesses. He is al...
Tad Nelson – How to Build Trust and Client Advocacy – Legally
SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 21
Episode Overview:
Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred podcast, where we look into the strategies and mindsets that drive success for business professionals and entrepreneurs. Today, we have an extraordinary guest who embodies justice, advocacy, empathy, and results: Tad Nelson.
Tad is a legal luminary with over 33 years of experience in criminal and family law. What sets Tad apart is his unique blend of sharp legal acumen and forensic science expertise, allowing him to transform daunting legal crises into pathways of empowerment. He’s not just about conventional representation; he’s abou...
Stephanie Smith – Unlock Your Cash Flow Potential
SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 20
Episode Overview:
Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred Podcast. In this episode, we have a true financial powerhouse in the studio, ready to illuminate the often-murky waters of cash flow and profitabilityÂ
Stephanie is not just a CFO; she's a business owner herself, giving her a unique, boots-on-the-ground perspective on the challenges you face every day. Through her company, New Light Financial Solutions, Stephanie has a knack for seeing right through the surface-level issues and identifying the core reasons why your business might be struggling with profitability and cash flow.
Jack & Jill Johson – Unlocking Franchise Success: Beyond the Shiny Object
SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 19
Episode Overview:
Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred Podcast. In this episode, we have not one, but two incredible minds joining us. A dynamic duo who have dedicated their careers to empowering business professionals and entrepreneurs like you to achieve remarkable success through the world of franchisingÂ
Jack and Jill Johnson are the powerhouse co-founders of The Franchise Insiders! Together, they bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record in guiding individuals to build generational wealth and gain genuine professional freedom through strategic franchise ownership.
So, if y...
Brandi Heather – The Science of Play at Work
SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 18
Episode Overview:
Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred Podcast. In this episode, I will be speaking with the incredible Brandi Heather. Brandi is an award-winning former college professor who has transformed into a leading voice on the science of play at work. With over two decades of experience across business, education, and healthcare, she now travels the globe, showing professionals how play can unlock mental wellness, genuine connection, and build resilience.
Brandi doesn't just talk the talk; she truly activates play in her engaging keynotes and training sessions, all grounded in...