73 and Sunny

73 and Sunny

Verse.ai

Imagine a world where every step you take in business hits that sweet spot of success—that's the essence of '73 and Sunny.' Join us as we sit down with industry leaders to discuss the world of tech, sales, and marketing. We unveil cutting-edge strategies, practical advice, and industry insights in each and every episode. Join us for biweekly conversations as we navigate the path toward perfect balance.

Episode 24: Mike Bills

Episode 24: Mike Bills

In this episode of 73 and Sunny, host Damien welcomes entrepreneur, backcountry skier, and higher education expert Mike Bills. Mike shares his incredible journey of entrepreneurship, starting with an unexpected career in telemarketing and rising to the role of Chief Information Officer at just 22 years old. He discusses pivotal moments in his life, including buying and turning around businesses, navigating higher education governance, and balancing risk with reward.

Dec 17, 2024 • 32:36

Episode 23: Morgan J Ingram

Episode 23: Morgan J Ingram

Can influencers make a difference in B2B sales? In this episode of '73 and Sunny,' we sit down with Morgan Ingram, founder and CEO of Amp Creative, to explore why influence is becoming the new outbound. Morgan, a four-time LinkedIn Top Sales Voice, shares how building a personal brand and leveraging subject matter expertise can transform sales outreach and foster trust with potential clients. Tune in as Morgan breaks down strategies for creating impactful executive-led content, engaging

Dec 10, 2024 • 41:46

Episode 22: John Barrows

Episode 22: John Barrows

How do you go from selling tools copiers at Xerox to becoming one of the top sales trainers in the industry? In this episode of '73 and Sunny,' we sit down with John Barrows, founder of JB Sales, who shares his journey through decades of sales experience, transforming sales training for tech giants like Salesforce, LinkedIn, and Google. With over 25 years in the field, John discusses the evolution of sales, the power of authenticity, and why he believes core values and enthusiasm are cri

Nov 19, 2024 • 57:35

Episode 21: Jonathan Hafemann

Episode 21: Jonathan Hafemann

What does it take to scale a startup from zero to $40 million in just four years? In this episode of '73 and Sunny,' we sit down with Jonathan Hafemann, a revenue leader who has brought four different startups through the highs and lows of growth and innovation. Jonathan shares his experiences from pioneering LED retrofits to his current role at NEXT Energy Technologies, where he’s transforming windows into solar power sources. Tune in as Jonathan discusses the critical importance of pro

Aug 27, 2024 • 38:28

Episode 20: Stefan Burak

Episode 20: Stefan Burak

How do today's sales leaders navigate the expanding web of decision-makers in enterprise sales? In this episode of '73 and Sunny,' we sit down with Stefan Burak, a sales veteran with two decades of experience across a variety of company sizes, from startups to large corporations. Stefan shares his journey from a college classroom influenced by a professor to the forefront of sales innovation, where he navigated through the early days of salesforce automation to today's necessity

Jul 30, 2024 • 34:54

Episode 19: Erik Aberg

Episode 19: Erik Aberg

What does it take to unite sales professionals in a collaborative network that tackles today's go-to-market challenges? Join us on this episode of '73 and Sunny' as we chat with Erik Aberg, founder of Avant Garde Kollaborative and a seasoned sales expert with over 18 years of experience. Erik delves into the formation of his business, a platform designed for sales and go-to-market professionals to share successes, learn from failures, and leverage a fractional go-to-market model. Thi

Jul 16, 2024 • 49:32

Episode 18: Sara Malo

Episode 18: Sara Malo

What's the secret to juggling multiple executive roles in the competitive digital marketing landscape? In this episode of '73 and Sunny,' we welcome Sara Malo, a marketing veteran with 23 years of experience, currently serving as the President and COO of LinkUnite and VP of Partnerships at LeadGenWorld. Sara shares her journey from starting in affiliate marketing to leading major industry initiatives that support executive women in digital marketing. She discusses the challenges of m

Jul 2, 2024 • 37:52

Episode 17: Jason Rushforth

Episode 17: Jason Rushforth

How do the grit and work ethic of today's sales professionals compare to those of previous generations? In this episode of '73 and Sunny,' we sit down with Jason Rushforth, a seasoned sales leader with over 25 years of experience at major companies like Salesforce and Oracle. Jason shares his insights on navigating the complexities of the sales industry, mentoring the new generation entering the workforce, and the role of personal connections in career development. As his own daughte

Jun 18, 2024 • 39:46

Episode 16: Tina Miller

Episode 16: Tina Miller

How is one of the nation's largest universities partnering with OpenAI to take higher education into the future? In this episode of '73 and Sunny,' we're joined by Tina Miller, Executive Director of Creative and Communications for Enterprise Technology at Arizona State University. Tina discusses ASU's innovative use of AI tools to enhance educational outcomes and the unique challenges of integrating cutting-edge technology across various academic and administrative platforms.

Jun 6, 2024 • 35:09

Episode 15: Debbie Conrad

Episode 15: Debbie Conrad

When it comes to lead generation, where is the balance between quality and volume? In this episode of ’73 and Sunny’, we’re joined by Debbie Conrad, head of new business development for The Lead Group and founding member and advisory board member for Link Unite. Debbie shares her experiences in the affiliate marketing and lead generation space, as well as thoughts on making and maintaining authentic professional connections.

May 14, 2024 • 27:00

Episode 14: Erik Lyon

Episode 14: Erik Lyon

Can virtual reality create the ultimate sales environment? Join us in this episode of '73 and Sunny', where we sit down with Erik Lyon, who brings a decade of experience in managing sales teams and a background in entrepreneurship. Now at Verse.ai, Erik navigates the integration of advanced technologies with traditional sales roles, exploring how AI is transforming the landscape. This episode delves into the evolving role of Sales Development Representatives (SDRs) in the era of automati

Apr 23, 2024 • 33:58

Episode 13: William Schoeffler

Episode 13: William Schoeffler

Can the discipline of a pilot steer the future of fintech? In this captivating episode of '73 and Sunny,' we sit down with William Schoeffler, founder of Hitch, a trailblazing fintech platform. William shares his unique path from aspiring fighter pilot and EMT to pioneering in the fintech space, revealing the adrenaline and discipline behind his ventures. His journey underscores the importance of preparation, from the cockpit to the market, and how it's possible to tackle uncertainti

Apr 11, 2024 • 35:16

Episode 12: Steve Frost

Episode 12: Steve Frost

Are sales roles becoming obsolete in the age of AI? Find out in this thrilling episode of "73 and Sunny," where we're joined by the extraordinary Steve Frost. With a career that has spanned the revolutionary changes in tech over the past 25 years, Steve, a former researcher at TSIA and now a consultant specializing in B2B SaaS models and outcome-driven engagement, brings a wealth of knowledge from his time at iconic companies like Netscape and Google. Dive into an insightful discus

Mar 28, 2024 • 45:12

Episode 11: James Buckley

Episode 11: James Buckley

Ever wondered about the secret ingredient to skyrocketing your sales career? In the latest episode of "73 and Sunny," we delve deep into the dynamic world of sales with none other than James Buckley, the vibrant co-host of the Sell Better Daily Sales Show. Renowned for his expertise in elevating the sales profession, James spends his days absorbing wisdom from the industry's best, offering a treasure trove of knowledge through engaging content and enlightening interviews. Join us a

Mar 14, 2024 • 43:32

Episode 10: Jack Markham

Episode 10: Jack Markham

How do you make some life's biggest decisions, like choosing a mortgage for your first home? It's a complex process, often navigated with little guidance. In this episode of "73 and Sunny," Damien Swendsen sits down with Jack Markham, Senior Director of Performance Marketing and Business Strategy at Red Ventures, a powerhouse behind brands like Bankrate, CNET, and The Points Guy. Through a blend of strategic partnerships and a commitment to quality content, Red Ventures is simp

Feb 27, 2024 • 39:09

Episode 9: Eric Troutman

Episode 9: Eric Troutman

Join us in this week's episode as we sit down with Eric Troutman, the undisputed TCPA Czar and one of the country’s prominent class action defense lawyers. Eric, the creator of TCPA World, shares his unparalleled expertise in navigating the complexities of TCPA compliance, advocacy, and defense. With a career dedicated to shaping the landscape of telemarketing regulations, Eric offers a deep dive into the challenges and intricacies of consent, lead generation, and the impact of recent FCC ru

Feb 13, 2024 • 39:05

Episode 8: Scott Leese

Episode 8: Scott Leese

Join us in this week's episode as we sit down with Scott Leese, a distinguished sales leader and four-time founder renowned for his dynamic approach to sales strategy and content creation. In a candid discussion, Scott unveils his journey from leveraging LinkedIn as a powerful networking tool to hosting the innovative Surf and Sales Summit. Dive into insights on evolving customer engagement, the art of authentic connection, and the delicate balance of efficiency and personalization in sales.

Feb 1, 2024 • 39:59

Episode 7: Cassandra Pazderny

Episode 7: Cassandra Pazderny

Join us in this week's episode as Daniel Cross sits down with Cassandra Pazderny, VP of Customer Success at Verse.ai. As colleagues at Verse.ai, Daniel and Cassandra delve into the transformative journey of turning a product with notable churn into a customer-centric renewal powerhouse. They discuss Verse.ai's customer-centric approach, the importance of collaborative culture, and the critical role of customer feedback in shaping services. Key topics include customer onboarding, complian

Jan 16, 2024 • 39:29

Episode 6: Josh Braun

Episode 6: Josh Braun

Join us in this episode as Daniel Cross sits down with Josh Braun, founder of Braun Training and a renowned figure in the sales landscape. Josh delves into his journey from teaching kindergarten to working at Nickelodeon Studios, exploring how these experiences shaped his approach to sales and content creation. Josh shares his insights on the evolution of cold emailing, the importance of storytelling in sales, and how understanding your customer's problems is key to successful selling. He al

Jan 2, 2024 • 29:19

Episode 5: Mandy Basra

Episode 5: Mandy Basra

Join us in this week's episode as Daniel Cross sits down with Mandy Basra, Director of Carrier Relations at Verse.ai, to delve into the recent FCC ruling and its impact on consumer engagement. With over ten years of experience in carrier relations, Mandy discusses the FCC's move to close the lead generator loophole, a decision aiming to enhance consumer protection and reshape how businesses gain customer consent. Learn about the implications for businesses, especially those relying on th

Dec 19, 2023 • 35:43

Episode 4: David Tal

Episode 4: David Tal

Join us in a very special episode as Daniel Cross sits down with David Tal, CEO and co-founder of Verse.ai. Dive into David's journey from UCLA to founding an AI-driven customer engagement platform, driven by his ambition to position San Diego as a hub for tech and innovation. Discover how he navigated the 2008 housing crisis to innovate in real estate and tech, the impact of AI and SMS in business communication, and adapting to a remote-first work culture. Daniel and David also explore the

Dec 5, 2023 • 49:37

Episode 3: Scott Payne

Episode 3: Scott Payne

Join us in this week's episode as Daniel Cross and his co-host Paul Love sit down with Scott Payne, Chief Product Officer at Shape CRM. Drawing from his extensive experience in lead management, Scott delves into the nuances of lead response systems, discussing the transformative impact of AI on CRM technology. Scott also shares compelling insights from his secret shopping and shadowing experiences, shedding light on the subtleties of customer engagement and response tactics. Tune in for an i

Nov 21, 2023 • 40:24

Episode 2: Andrew Pawlak

Episode 2: Andrew Pawlak

Join us in this episode as Daniel sits down with Andrew Pawlak, CEO and co-founder of Rebel IQ. With nearly two decades in the lead generation and marketing space, Andrew delves into the intricacies of online inquiries, the human element behind every lead, and the challenges of capturing consumer attention in the digital age. As they discuss the evolution from Lead Pops to Rebel IQ, Andrew emphasizes the importance of understanding the customer journey beyond just generating leads. Tune in to un

Nov 7, 2023 • 41:14

Episode 1: Joey Liner

Episode 1: Joey Liner

Join us in this episode as Joey Liner, founder of Liner Connections, discusses the realities of tech, sales, and marketing. With a wealth of experience, Joey talks about creating real connections, understanding customers, and adapting to changes in marketing rules. His practical advice and personal journey offer a down-to-earth perspective on succeeding in a competitive field.

Oct 24, 2023 • 34:46

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