Bill Himmelstein is the Founder and CEO of Tenant Advisory Group, a commercial real estate brokerage for tenants and buyers. With more than two decades of experience in representing tenants, he has led Tenant Advisory Group to complete over $1 billion in transactions for clients ranging from professional service firms to technology companies. Bill is also a Certified Commercial Investment Manager.

Entrepreneurial journeys often begin at moments of uncertainty, shaped as much by values as by timing. Leaders must decide whether to follow conventional paths or design businesses around principles that prioritize people, relationships, and long-term trust. How can you make sound business decisions amid economic pressure and market changes?

According to commercial real estate expert Bill Himmelstein, building a durable business requires clarity of purpose, discipline in execution, and a willingness to learn quickly from mistakes. Focusing on client outcomes, delegating to the right people, and nurturing strong mentor relationships can unlock sustainable growth. Bill recommends keeping professional relationships at the center of decision-making.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Heather Bennett chats with Bill Himmelstein, Founder and CEO of Tenant Advisory Group, about building a values-driven business amid uncertainty. Bill talks about starting a company during the 2008 crisis, why relationships will outlast AI in commercial real estate, and how sale-leaseback strategies can fuel business growth.

Susan Kearney is the Managing Director, Board Member, and Partner at Newport LLC, a business advisory firm helping middle-market companies grow and exit. Before Newport, she was the COO of Network for Good, where she achieved 40% annual recurring revenue growth, and the Co-founder of Voxant, a digital media company acquired by Blinkx. Susan also held executive positions at Paragren Technologies and IRI Software.

Heather Bennett is the Managing Director and Partner at Newport LLC, where she advises CEOs and business owners on brand marketing, revenue growth, and leadership development. With over 20 years of experience, she has led P&L management for brands with over $100 million in revenue and driven innovation at companies like Kraft Heinz Company, Instant Brands, and Unilever. Heather is also the author of the Amazon bestseller Fun and Fulfilling Careers One Question at a Time and serves on the boards of the Foundation for Hearing & Speech Resources and Slipstream.

Strong leadership isn't just about strategy; it's about people, perspective, and personal growth. As companies scale and evolve, leaders are challenged to balance vision with execution while staying grounded in what matters. What does it take to lead effectively through growth, uncertainty, and change?

Leaders must make intentional choices and develop continuous self-awareness. Eric Brown recommends starting by intentionally hiring people who complement your weaknesses while staying engaged enough to value their work. Danguole Altman emphasizes choosing partners with aligned vision and values before moving forward, urging leaders to pause and confirm mutual understanding. Matt Vuckov suggests setting a clear vision, energizing your team around it, and then stepping back so they can execute without micromanagement. Jody Jankovsky encourages leaders to identify areas of unconscious incompetence and actively invest in continuing education to move up the competence ladder. As Lisa Mascolo observes, leaders should model consistency and empathy at all times, reinforcing trust by communicating the same values whether doors are open or closed.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Susan Kearney and Heather Bennett look back on their most insightful episodes. Featuring Eric Brown, Danguole Altman, Matt Vuckov, Jody Jankovsky, and Lisa Mascolo, they discuss valuing people and complementary leadership, aligning vision with partners and teams, and building consistent, empathetic leadership practices that support long-term growth and exits.

Mark Bealin is the Founder and CEO of SearchLab, a digital marketing agency specializing in local SEO and paid search. Under his leadership, the company was awarded Microsoft Advertising's 2022 Global Emerging Partner of the Year Award and appeared on the Inc. 5000 list. With over a decade of experience as a search marketer, Mark specializes in SEO, paid search, analytics, and entrepreneurship.

Founders often reach a point where growth feels both exhilarating and overwhelming; profitability is visible, but the path forward is uncertain. Markets shift, teams expand, and the skills that got the business started no longer guarantee what comes next. How can leaders evolve without losing momentum?

Digital marketing leader Mark Bealin focuses on perspective and discipline. He emphasizes shifting from doing the work to building the system, hiring people who've already achieved the next stage of growth, and grounding decisions in customer needs rather than tactics. Mark also recommends embracing uncomfortable skills and adopting long-term thinking over daily perfection to build resilience and clarity.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Heather Bennett chats with Mark Bealin, Founder and CEO of SearchLab, about scaling a marketing agency by evolving as a leader. Mark discusses shifting from operator to owner, using thought leadership and hiring to accelerate growth, and applying customer-first thinking to navigate AI-driven change.

John Fairclough is the Founder of Resicom Group, a facility maintenance, construction, and brand-protection company that helps retailers optimize and maintain their store environments. Under his leadership, the company evolved from a local construction company into an international provider of facility maintenance and construction services. John has also been inducted into the Chicago Area Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame.

Building a business from the ground up takes not just strategy, but tests identity, resilience, and leadership under pressure. Many founders chase growth without pausing to assess the leader they're becoming in the process. How does focusing on discipline and self-awareness create stronger, more sustainable leadership?

Leadership development expert John Fairclough emphasizes the importance of mastering cash flow early, embracing constraints as teachers, and designing systems that allow people to succeed consistently. He also encourages leaders to delegate to strengths, not convenience, and to redefine success to include peace and sustainability rather than just growth. With these strategies, entrepreneurs can build strong, adaptable, and human-centered businesses.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Heather Bennett chats with John Fairclough, Founder of Resicom Group, about building scalable businesses through disciplined leadership. He discusses growing from scrappy beginnings to national scale, navigating inflection points like the 2008 financial crisis, and developing leaders through intentional training and delegation.

Joe Flanagan is a Growth Partner at Distributed Ventures, an early‑stage venture capital firm. He is also the former Chairman of Acquirent, which he sold in November 2025, a leading provider of outsourced sales and marketing services. With over 25 years of experience founding and scaling sales‑driven businesses, Joe also built and led JP Flanagan Corporation into one of Chicago's largest insurance agencies with offices throughout the US before successfully selling to Hub International.

Starting and growing a successful business is never a straight path. Entrepreneurs often face immense challenges, from economic downturns to managing people and resources effectively. Resilience, adaptability, and a clear sense of direction are essential for navigating these hurdles. What sets apart those who thrive from those who struggle to keep their businesses afloat?

Business sales expert Joe Flanagan emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and determination, two key attributes for overcoming adversity in business. He also advocates for being decisive, especially in times of uncertainty, by leveraging your network and staying focused on cash flow. Joe's advice for leaders is to lead by example, prioritize people, and stay adaptable during challenging transitions.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Heather Bennett sits down with Joe Flanagan, Growth Partner at Distributed Ventures, to discuss leadership, scaling businesses, and navigating exits. Joe shares insights on the importance of resilience in business, advice on making tough decisions, and how he prepared his business for sale.

Tom Parker is the Co-founder and CEO of Alined Consulting Group, LLC, an IT consulting and staffing firm that helps organizations align talent, technology, and strategic execution. Before co-founding Alined, he held leadership roles at companies such as Hirewell and York Solutions, LLC. Tom is also a board member for ELEVATE, Alined Consulting Group's networking organization for IT leaders and executives.

Launching a business during a period of massive uncertainty takes more than optimism; it requires timing, resilience, and a willingness to move before all the answers are clear. Many founders wonder how to navigate volatile markets, shifting client needs, and the personal pressures that come with entrepreneurship. How can you build your company from scratch when the timing isn't ideal?

According to consulting and staffing veteran Tom Parker, progress begins when you stop waiting for perfect conditions and start acting on informed conviction. He emphasizes the importance of leaning on trusted relationships, staying adaptable as markets shift, and committing to consistent routines to maintain clarity and momentum. Tom's approach encourages founders to pair ambition with disciplined habits, helping them make smarter decisions and avoid common early-stage pitfalls. Sustainable growth comes from grit and thoughtful strategies.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Heather Bennett sits down with Tom Parker, Co-founder and CEO of Alined Consulting Group, LLC, to discuss navigating entrepreneurship in uncertain times. He shares why he launched his company during market volatility, how mentors shaped his risk tolerance, and the routines that keep him productive.

Craig Snyder is the Chairman and Founder of VIKOR, a full-service wireless infrastructure construction company that builds and services telecommunications, renewables, and utility infrastructure across the United States. Under his leadership, VIKOR has been named to the Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Companies list for four consecutive years. Over his more than 30-year career, Craig has emphasized a people-first culture dedicated to cultivating talent and leadership from within.

Many founders begin with nothing more than a vision and the determination to pursue it, but the journey rarely unfolds the way they expect. Early wins can vanish overnight, and unexpected crises can threaten to derail even the most committed entrepreneurs. What does it take to build a resilient company that can withstand volatility and growth?

Telecommunications industry pioneer Craig Snyder emphasizes perseverance, diversification, and disciplined leadership. He highlights the importance of expanding beyond a single major customer, adopting technology early, and building strong operational systems. Setbacks can become catalysts for innovation, and principle-driven decision-making sets the foundation for long-term growth.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Heather Bennett sits down with Craig Snyder, Chairman and Founder of VIKOR, to discuss building and scaling a resilient business. He shares how losing a key customer strengthened his strategy, why adopting new technology accelerated growth, and how establishing a board shaped his company's future.

Jeff Janicik is the Founder, CEO, and Chairman of Innoflight, a leading space Non-traditional Defense Contractor (NDC). Under his leadership, Innoflight has partnered with national security programs and commercial space missions. Jeff served in the United States Air Force for 33 years, where he helped pioneer unmanned X-vehicle and advanced satellite communications programs.

The space industry is evolving and reshaping how technology is built, secured, and launched. What does it take to grow a company in such a high-stakes, rapidly shifting environment? How can leaders stay grounded while navigating the industry?

According to aerospace technology expert Jeff Janicik, growth begins with disciplined organization, a long-term vision, and the humility to adapt. Leaders must avoid becoming fixated on a single idea and instead stay flexible, open to recalibration, and aligned with a clear mission. Jeff emphasizes the importance of choosing the right people, building a culture where talent thrives, and maintaining a work-life balance to avoid burnout.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Heather Bennett sits down with Jeff Janicik, Founder, CEO, and Chairman of Innoflight, to discuss scaling a business in the space industry. Jeff shares how early Air Force experience shaped his career path, the turning points that established Innoflight's market credibility, and how cybersecurity and resilience are driving the future of space technology.