Welcome to another episode of The Beacon Way podcast! In this episode, host Adrienne Wilkerson is joined by Courtney De Ronde, founder and CEO of Forge Financial and Management Consulting and the creator of the Simple ScaleUp System. 

Courtney shares her journey from founder to CEO, discussing how success
often introduces complexity in business. She talks about her firm's evolution and the decision to split from a traditional CPA firm, focusing on financial, leadership, and management consulting. The conversation dives into the challenges of role alignment, productivity, and leveraging human intelligence within teams. 

Courtney offers practical insights and tools for business owners dealing with similar complexities, emphasizing the importance of understanding and aligning team strengths. 


LINKS
Tools and Assessments Mentioned:
Kolbe Index (conative assessment – how people take action)
🔗 https://www.kolbe.com

CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder)
🔗 https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/home.aspx

Integrative Enneagram (IEQ9)
🔗 https://www.integrative9.com

FREE Simple ScaleUp System Quiz by Forge
🔗 https://assessments.forgeahead.com

(Free tool to assess where complexity is coming from: leadership, finance, productivity, or team)

Learn more about Forge Consulting
🔗 https://forgeahead.com
🔗 https://www.forgeahead.com/simple-scaleup-system/

Connect with Courtney on LinkedIn! 
🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneyderonde/

In this short and heartfelt episode of The Beacon Way Podcast, CEO Adrienne Wilkerson shares a message of gratitude as the team reflects on
a year of massive change, AI disruption, and renewed purpose.

From marketing shifts to internal transformation, Adrienne offers her thoughts on where we’ve been, what we’re navigating now, and why—despite the uncertainty—there’s so much to be thankful for.

If you're a leader managing disruption or just looking to pause and reflect this holiday season, this episode is for you.

Wishing you a restful, meaningful Thanksgiving from all of us at Beacon Media + Marketing.

Join host Adrienne Wilkerson in this solo episode of the Beacon Way Podcast as she talks about the importance and impact of AI voice search on mental health practices. 

Discover why voice search is crucial for your practice, the evolution of AI search behaviors, and comprehensive strategies for optimizing your content for voice AI. Learn about the four primary pillars of modern search behavior, local voice optimization, visual content discoverability, and the shift towards generative engine optimization (GEO). 

Adrienne also discusses actionable steps to enhance your digital presence, including understanding your audience, developing quality content, and leveraging analytics. Don't miss this insightful episode that aims to help your practice thrive in the evolving digital landscape. 

In this episode of the Beacon Way podcast, host Adrienne Wilkerson welcomes a special guest, Steve Koscik, who has been the fractional CFO at Beacon for the past three years. Steve shares his extensive background, having previously served as a CFO for a Toyota-based material handling company. 

He discusses the substantial benefits of fractional CFO services, including financial clarity, KPI setup, cash flow optimization, and strategic decision
support. Steve explains the differences between fractional and full-time CFO roles, emphasizing mentorship and efficient financial systems. Additionally, the conversation covers how AI and tools like Giraffe are revolutionizing financial management. The episode concludes with insights on preparing effective business budgets and tips for financial planning. 

Don't miss out on understanding the significance of a fractional CFO and how it can transform your business!

Links mentioned in today's episode:
Think CFO: https://www.thinkcfo.net/ 
Connect with Steve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-koscik-cpa-mba/
Email Steve at: steve@thinkcfo.net

Most organizations focus on ROI—but what about VOI?

In this episode, CRO Ken Okonek breaks down the concept of VOI (Value on Investment) and why it’s essential for behavioral health organizations and mission-driven businesses to understand it.

While ROI tracks dollars in vs. dollars out, VOI looks at the real-world impact of your marketing: community trust, patient engagement, reputation, and long-term outcomes. If your marketing efforts are about more than just revenue, this episode is for you.

To learn more about measuring your VOI, check out our blog: https://www.beaconmm.com/2025/09/09/measuring-voi-in-behavioral-health-marketing-a-guide/

Join Ken Okonek, CRO of Beacon Media + Marketing, on this episode of the Beacon Way Podcast as he delves into the crucial subject of calculating a true ROI in digital marketing.

Ken discusses common misconceptions, important metrics, and practical
strategies for understanding and maximizing ROI beyond simple revenue calculations.

Learn about the significance of baseline business metrics, the complexity of multi-touch attribution, and the impact of factors like customer lifetime value and brand lift. Don't miss insights on how to navigate operational inefficiencies, leverage AI tools, and connect ROI to broader business goals for sustained growth.

For more information, visit our blog: https://www.beaconmm.com/2025/10/08/how-we-calculate-true-roi-for-our-clients/

In this episode of The Beacon Way Podcast, host Adrienne Wilkerson sits down with Dr. Monica Estes, a Navy veteran, endodontist, and founder of a rapidly growing dental group with three South Carolina locations.

Dr. Monica shares her journey from dental school to military service to launching a practice straight out of residency—an uncommon but intentional leap. Together, they unpack the mindset shifts required to grow from solo practitioner to multi-location leader, the business skills dental school doesn’t teach you, and how to build a practice that’s both clinically excellent and scalable.

If you’re a dentist, specialist, or healthcare entrepreneur looking to grow your practice without losing your passion, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Beacon Way podcast, host Adrienne Wilkerson sits down with Scott and Brian Seideman to discuss their innovative new app, Theo, which leverages AI to support teens struggling with mental health issues.

Brian, a licensed therapist, shares his extensive background working with a variety of populations, while Scott explains the personal experiences that led to the development of Theo. They dive into the creation process, the urgent need for teen mental health resources, and how Theo provides real-time support between therapy sessions.

You’ll also hear how Theo is being built with HIPAA and SOC 2 compliance, clinician-approved scripts, and guardrails to ensure teens get emotionally safe, appropriate support. Plus, Theo is fully customizable to meet the unique needs of each user.

The app is fully developed and currently in pre-launch mode.
Beta testing begins at the end of September with broader testing through October.

If you're a clinician, parent, school, or organization interested in participating in the beta or learning more, reach out directly to the founders:

Brian: brian@pathwaywellnessinc.com
Scott: scott@pathwaywellnessinc.com

In this episode of the Beacon Way podcast, host Adrienne Wilkerson welcomes Loralyn Mears, co-founder of HELPipedia. They delve into HELPipedia's initiatives in transforming education for high school students, especially those with special needs. 

Loralyn shares the story behind the creation of HELPipedia, its mission to provide safe spaces and resources for youth development, and their pivot to focus on empowering parents and caregivers. They also discuss the importance of community events and small business involvement, and how these contribute to creating supportive environments for youth. 

Tune in to learn about the innovative solutions HELPipedia offers and how you can get involved in their mission.

Links mentioned in today's episode:
https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@Midlifesuccess⁩  
https://www.meetup.com/helpipedia-it-takes-a-community/
https://helpipedia.org/events/
https://steer.us/marketplace

Connect with Loralyn on LinkedIn: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/loralynmears/

Donate here: 
https://donate.stripe.com/6oEbLAaZqdW0dTaeUY

In this episode of the Beacon Way Podcast, CEO Adrienne Wilkerson is joined by CRO Ken Okonek to discuss exciting updates at Beacon Media + Marketing. 

They announce the transition of co-founder Jennifer Christensen to her new passion projects and share their enthusiasm for the future of Beacon. The discussion covers the company's renewed mission and vision, their commitment to quality in the rapidly changing AI marketing landscape, and their focus on deepening expertise in the behavioral health space. 

Tune in to hear about the new directions Beacon is taking and how they are aiming to foster deeper human connections through innovative marketing strategies.

In this episode of the Beacon Way Podcast, host Adrienne Wilkerson welcomes Josh Troche, owner of Pedal Stomper Productions, to discuss the intricacies of podcasting and video production for business marketing. 

Josh shares his journey from starting a YouTube channel at a semi-truck dealership to running a full-fledged production company specializing in photo, video, and podcast content. The conversation delves into essential tips for creating impactful video content, overcoming camera shyness, understanding the importance of preparation, and maintaining audience engagement with structured content. 

Whether you're a podcast newbie or looking to refine your skills, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you succeed. Don't miss out on Josh's expert advice on setting up your own podcast studio, leveraging intentionality in content creation, and navigating the challenges of pod fade.

In this episode of the Beacon Way podcast, Adrienne Wilkerson welcomes Gerry Gadoury, a 25-year veteran of the tech professional services industry. Gerry discusses his diverse career, which includes roles as a recruiter, salesperson, manager, consultant, trainer, executive, speaker, author, and business owner. He shares insights about his Destination Employer Methodology, aimed at helping startups and scaling companies attract and retain top talent. Gerry emphasizes the critical role of culture in building high-performing teams and discusses the importance of intentionality in business decisions. He also introduces the industry's first cybersecurity and tech-focused Recruitment and Retention as a Service (R-A-A-S) platform. 

Tune in to learn how to create a thriving culture in your tech company and achieve business success. 

Connect with Gerry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrygadoury/  

Be sure to check out his podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@GerryGadoury 

Purchase a copy of his book, Destination Employer: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CR352P8M?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_PC8459TN8BN3R8F94SRP&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_PC8459TN8BN3R8F94SRP&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_PC8459TN8BN3R8F94SRP&bestFormat=true&csmig=1 

Join host Adrienne Wilkerson in this *solo* episode of The Beacon Way podcast as we explore the critical role of authenticity and consistency in branding for behavioral health clinics. 

Learn how a strong, reliable brand presence can boost revenue, build trust, and connect with patients meaningfully. Discover practical tips on leveraging personal stories, digital marketing, and AI tools to enhance brand authority and recognition. 

Don't miss this insightful conversation that delves into why branding matters more than ever in the crowded mental health marketplace.

In this episode of The Beacon Way Podcast, host, Adrienne Wilkerson welcomes special guest Peter House, CEO & Founder of DeepTree, a managed IT and cybersecurity service provider. 

With a history dating back to fourth grade, the two professionals discuss the transition from wearing multiple hats as a founder to becoming a CEO. Peter shares his journey, including the pivotal moment of a traumatic brain injury that greatly impacted his career and life. They talk about the importance of empowerment within organizations, the synergy between technology and business processes, and the balance necessary to ensure both security and functionality in IT solutions. 

The discussion also touches on the challenges of starting a business, the value of character in forming partnerships, and the need to continually assess and adapt to new technologies and market demands. This episode is a must-watch for entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone interested in leadership and the evolving landscape of technology and cybersecurity.

Welcome to another episode of the Beacon Way Podcast! In this episode, host Adrienne Wilkerson dives deep into how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can revolutionize personalized marketing, making it accessible for small and medium-sized businesses. 

Learn about AI-driven strategies like predictive analytics, dynamic content creation, and advanced customer segmentation. Adrienne also discusses the importance of ethical AI use, data minimalization, and emerging trends. 

Whether you're new to AI or looking to enhance your current marketing efforts, this episode offers invaluable insights to help your business thrive in today's data-driven marketplace.

Join the award-winning executive team of Beacon Media + Marketing on The Beacon Way Podcast as they host Mitchell Beinhaker, a seasoned business law and estate planning attorney with over three decades of experience. 

In this episode, Adrienne and Mitchell discuss the vital aspects of legal considerations for business owners, from drafting contracts to handling commercial leases and structuring multi-generational family businesses. Mitchell sheds light on the importance of having legal documents in place, the pitfalls to avoid, and how to ensure smooth business operations. 

Whether you're a startup or an established business, this episode offers invaluable insights to help you avoid common legal mistakes and grow your business successfully. Don't miss this engaging conversation packed with practical tips and professional advice!

Check out Mitchell's podcast: https://mitchbeinhaker.com/podcast
Get a copy of his book: https://a.co/d/gcLvj7e

The way people search is changing fast — and if your content isn’t keeping up, you’re already falling behind.

In this solo episode of The Beacon Way, Adrienne breaks down the best practices for SEO and GEO optimization in 2025, and how AI is completely reshaping the game. Whether you’re a business owner, content creator, or marketer, this episode will help you understand how to stay relevant in search — and in front of the right audience.

From smarter algorithms to the rise of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), Adrienne shares practical tips you can apply now to future-proof your content strategy.

You’ll learn:
-Why traditional SEO isn’t enough anymore
-How to write content that sounds human and ranks well
-The role of AI in search visibility (and what to watch out for)
-How to structure your site and blog content for GEO
-Real-world examples from Beacon’s clients and industries

Check out our blog post for more insights: https://www.beaconmm.com/2025/07/16/b... 

Your website is more than a digital storefront—it’s often your only shot at winning a customer’s trust. But what really makes a website memorable (and effective)? In this solo episode of The Beacon Way, Adrienne Wilkerson breaks down the power of UX/UI design and why it’s absolutely essential for small business growth.

From boosting conversions to shaping your brand message, Adrienne shares practical insights into what makes a website work—and what makes visitors bounce. Plus, she dives into real-world examples from industries like mental health, home services, and tourism, straight from the Beacon portfolio.

Tune in for a straight-talking, insight-packed episode that will change the way you think about your website.

Join us for this dynamic episode of The Beacon Way Podcast, where host Adrienne Wilkerson sits down with Josh Pitchford, Principal at Sandler Training Atlanta – Sales Engine. Known for his practical, no-fluff approach to selling and leadership, Josh shares what really moves the needle in modern sales teams, and what holds most of them back.

Discover how Josh uses the Sandler Selling System to help sales leaders stop chasing activity and start building impact-driven cultures rooted in coaching, clarity, and accountability.

Learn more about Sandler here: https://sandler.com/
Connect with Josh on LinkedIn:   / josh-pitchford-6163274  

Join us for an inspiring episode of the Beacon Way podcast, featuring Stephanie Sweeny, the founder of Women's Mental Health Specialists and a certified nurse midwife. Stephanie shares her journey, challenges, and the unique care model she has developed to address gaps in women's mental health care. 

From her personal experiences with depression and anxiety to her approach to holistic, compassionate care, Stephanie's insights are profound. She discusses the importance of sleep, exercise, and community support in cultivating mental well-being. Don't miss this enlightening conversation about empowering women's health at every stage of life.

Women's Mental Health Specialists serve patients in Tennessee, Kentucky, Florida, and Oregon. 

Learn more about the clinic here: https://womensmentalhealthspecialist.com/

Navigating Wealth Management with Dustin Serviss

Welcome to another episode of the Beacon Way Podcast, hosted by Adrienne Wilkerson. In this episode, Adrienne is joined by Dustin Serviss, the founder of Service Wealth, who shares his journey and insights into wealth management. Established in 2005, Service Wealth focuses on helping business owners and successful families navigate the complexities of wealth and insurance. Dustin discusses the evolution of the financial planning industry, the importance of lifestyle design, and how he helps clients achieve their financial goals. Tune in to hear valuable advice on personal branding, work-life harmony, and financial strategies for business owners.

https://a.co/d/4lJPrOd Dustin's book
https://www.servisswealth.com His company
https://www.thepictureofwealth.com/podcast His podcast
https://a.co/d/70NaHCl Why Greatness Cannot be Planned: The Myth of the Objective

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

02:04 Dustin's Journey to Starting Service Wealth

03:23 The Reality of Entrepreneurship

06:01 The Importance of Work-Life Harmony

08:30 Personal Branding and Authenticity

13:05 Evolving Financial Planning for Business Owners

16:38 Lifestyle Design and Financial Planning

24:20 The Impact of News and Stress on Financial Decisions

29:47 Spending Accelerator Exercise and Final Tips

34:25 Conclusion and Farewell

From Newsroom to Purpose-Driven Storytelling | Michael's Journey with Bipolar Advocacy & Media Entrepreneurship

In this episode of The Beacon Way: Founders Edition, we sit down with Michael, co-CEO of Pizzetta Media, who shares his remarkable transformation from a seasoned news professional to a purpose-driven entrepreneur amplifying mental health voices.

Michael opens up about his diagnosis with bipolar disorder, his journey through stigma in the corporate world, and how he turned personal struggles into a mission to uplift others. This conversation dives deep into mental health in the workplace, entrepreneurship with a cause, and finding harmony between family life and business.

🔥 Whether you're a therapist-turned-business-owner, a creative entrepreneur, or someone navigating mental health challenges, this episode is for you.

🔗 Connect with Michael:

• Website: https://pizzettamedia.com
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/pizzettamedia

🧠 Topics Covered:

• Mental health advocacy in business
• Starting a business after corporate burnout
• Building trust as a solo media entrepreneur
• Juggling creativity, family, and self-care
• Advice for aspiring founders with mental health considerations

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Meet Michael from Pizzetta Media
 01:45 – Michael’s media background & mental health journey
 03:40 – The moment he chose to become a mental health storyteller
 06:20 – Facing stigma in the workplace
 08:15 – Embracing vulnerability to help others
 10:00 – Feedback from the community on sharing his story
 11:20 – The challenge of building trust as a small media business
 13:10 – Overcoming fear: Why the mission outweighs nerves
 15:00 – On-camera fears & the importance of authenticity
 18:00 – Work-life harmony & being present with family
 21:30 – Creativity outside 9-to-5: When inspiration strikes
 24:10 – Advice for new entrepreneurs: Believe in your mission
 26:00 – What’s next: Collaborations, speaking, and nonprofit work
 27:50 – Managing bipolar while running a business
 29:45 – Practical mental health tools Michael uses
 31:30 – Leveraging the Chamber of Commerce for founder support
 33:00 – The value of transparency and community in entrepreneurship
 35:10 – Final thoughts & how to connect with Michael

Empowering Men's Mental Health: A Conversation with Justin Garber

In this episode of the Beacon Way podcast, we are joined by Justin Garber, a clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience in various settings, including the Department of Veteran Affairs. 

Justin, who specializes in the relationship between psychological stress and the body's response system, shares his personal journey into the field of psychology and the founding of Restorative Psychological Services. The discussion delves into the unique challenges and strategies for engaging men in psychotherapy, as well as the importance of mental health awareness across different generations. 

Justin also shares insights into managing work-life balance as an entrepreneur and highlights the importance of focusing on core values and mission in business. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on mental health and entrepreneurship.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:44 Justin's Journey into Psychology
04:20 Veterans Affairs and Personal Connection
06:54 Starting Restorative Psychological Services
08:37 Challenges and Rewards of Entrepreneurship
12:54 Focus on Men's Mental Health
17:56 Balancing Work and Personal Life
24:47 Empowering Employees and Final Thoughts

Books referenced in today's podcast: 
https://www.aileadership.com/book
https://www.amazon.com/Who-Not-How-Accelerating-Teamwork-ebook/dp/B0867ZJ151
https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Revisited-Small-Businesses-About/dp/0887307280
https://www.amazon.com/ONE-Thing-Surprisingly-Extraordinary-Results/dp/1885167776

Learn more about Justin and Restorative Psychological Services:
https://restorativepsychservices.com/justin-garber-psyd/

_____________________________________________________________________

Beacon Media + Marketing is an Alaska-based digital marketing agency with a proven track record of success, harnessing the power of data and award-winning creative to deliver outstanding results for our clients. 

It all starts with data, because data drives results! We are a data-driven agency because we know that in the business world, success is measured by the numbers. We pride ourselves in award-winning work that marries the best of data analytics with stunning creative to deliver the right message, at the right time, to the right demographic. Our power lies in the clicks, leads, engagement, and conversions we produce for our clients!

Learn more about us at BeaconMM.com

The Beacon Way Podcast: Navigating Wellness for First Responders with Dr. Carrie Steiner

Welcome back to the Beacon Way podcast! In this episode, we continue our founders' edition with special guest Dr. Carrie Steiner, founder of the First Responders Wellness Center and a licensed clinical psychologist with 13 years of experience as a Chicago police officer. Dr. Steiner shares her journey from the police force to establishing a wellness center dedicated to helping first responders. She discusses the critical need for mental health support in the community, the challenges of finding the right clinicians, and how her center provides specialized care for police, firefighters, and paramedics. Dr. Steiner also highlights the importance of self-belief and community support when starting a business. Tune in for an insightful conversation about the intersection of mental health and first responder culture.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:54 Inspiration Behind First Responders Wellness Center

03:21 Challenges and Realizations in the Field

05:40 Establishing the Wellness Center

10:34 Growth and Expansion

19:00 Balancing Roles and Responsibilities

26:48 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

27:23 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of The Beacon Way Podcast, host Adrienne Wilkerson welcomes James Barry, founder, and CEO of Pluck Superfood Seasonings. James shares his journey from being a professional chef in Hollywood for nearly 20 years to founding Pluck. He explains the initial inspiration behind Pluck, which began with his desire to find nutritious food for his family, particularly organ meats. James elaborates on the challenges he faced, such as starting his business during COVID, the lessons learned from his previous meal delivery service, and the importance of incorporating health and family into his business plan. He discusses the efficacy of Pluck in providing nutrient-dense foods easily and the positive impact it has had on its customers. James also touches on his podcast 'Everyday Ancestral,' the importance of valuing one's journey, and respecting others' progress in their entrepreneurial paths.

Website - https://eatpluck.com/
Amazon- https://www.amazon.com/pluck-organ-meat-seasoning/s?k=pluck+organ+meat+seasoning
Podcast -https://eatpluck.com/everydayancestral/
Company Socials - @eatpluck
Personal Social - chefjamesbarry

00:00 Welcome to the Beacon Way Podcast
00:31 Meet James Barry: From Hollywood Chef to Entrepreneur
00:58 The Birth of Pluck Superfood Seasonings
10:06 Overcoming Challenges and Finding Success
12:26 Balancing Health, Family, and Business
18:19 Launching a Business During COVID
20:58 The Power of Podcasting in Marketing
22:02 The Vulnerability of Entrepreneurship
22:42 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
25:52 The Importance of Honoring Your Experience
30:16 Balancing Growth and Sustainability
36:51 Effective Customer Service Strategies
40:49 Conclusion and Where to Find Us