The Most Influential Franchise Leaders in 2020

The
Most
Inuential
Franchise
Leaders
in 2020
SEAN BUCKLEY
CHIEF EXECUTIVE
A Company Renowned for its
Auto Services
VOL | ISSUE | 2020
07 12
Is it Possible to
Control Threats
Qualities of
Visionary Leadership
FUTURISTIC
INSIGHTS
THE ART
OF LEADING

Helping Franchisees
During a Pandemic
t was December 2019, when the first human cases of
ICovid-19 were first reported by officials of Wuhan city,
China. Soon the tentacles of the virus reached Europe,
Asia, South and North America, and eventually started to
wreak havoc on the countries. Result? Millions of patients,
thousands of deaths. However, the socio economical effect
of the virus has also impacted the beautiful planet and its
people massively. Millions of people have lost their jobs,
markets around the world are closed, which are eventually
preventing people from being able to pay for any product or
services.
The pressure of this unprecedented situation is being felt by
both the franchisors and the franchisees. So, franchisors
must take some concrete actions to help franchisees survive
this never before situation. Below are few pointers on how
franchisors can help their franchisees during this Covid-19
pandemic situation.
Ÿ Reaching to new Franchisees: You might say, this is
not the proper time to spend money, and people
wouldn’t even want to spend money. However, with so
high rate of unemployment, targeted spending will
eventually expand and strengthen a group and can help
to go a long way, as many jobless people are trying have
more control on their career by investing some of their
savings.
Ÿ Cost Control: The main damaging factor for small
businesses are the fixed costs, which include rent,
payment of loans and others. So, as a franchisor one
must assist the franchisees in negotiations of these
recurring fixed costs. A small business, which is
witnessing a sales drop can quickly sink a business. It’s
a very important step that needs to be taken in order to
reduce cost and keep the business idea viable.
Ÿ Creating Customer Loyalty: With a severely impacted
economy, customers now a days are not looking to
spend much, so, it’s a good idea to give them some
benefits when it comes to the payment schedule.
Editor’s Desk
This too shall pass

Franchisees who provide economic benefits in
tough times to its clients for a product they enjoy,
create bonds, demonstrate their empathy and helps
to build a long term customer loyalty.
Ÿ Communication is the Key: The main troubling
aspect during a crisis is the uncertainty and lack of
communications. A franchisor can boost a
franchisees confidence just by communicating
more and more.
At the end, I can say this is the time for franchisors and
the franchisees to work together in order to get much
more stronger. This is the time, when customer
spending is low and uncertainty is at its peak, so each
franchisors should communicate with their franchisees
that this is also a good opportunity to build a brand
both they and their customers can trust.
So, in this edition, ‘The Most Influential Franchise
Leaders in 2020’ Insights Success has shortlisted
franchise leaders who are taking important steps
during this pandemic situations to help other thrive and
improve.
In this issue, we have Ultra Tune, which is an
Australia based auto service company as the Cover
Story. The company provides various automobile
solutions such as maintenance, repair, tyres, logbook
services, roadside assist, suspension and brakes, and
air conditioning.
Kaustav Roy

Leader’s Desk
28 34
Auto Services
UltraTune
08
Building an Entrepreneurial
Ecosystem for Women
Knowledge Keys
Sharpen Your Competitive
Edge and Improve Field Efﬁciency
with Hardware-as-a-Service
Cover Story

C O N T E N T S
ARTICLES
Futuristic Insights
Is it Possible to
Control Threats
22
The Art of Leading
Qualities of
Visionary Leadership
42
16
Baldur ingi
Striving to make
the Best Hot Dog in Town
Jordan Meinster
30
24
Jennifer Desloges
Shawn Hull
38
An Expert of Electrolysis with
Extensive Work Experience
Providing Business Owners
with Outstanding Support and Training
Combining Fun and
Fitness Together

sales@insightssuccess.com
July, 2020
Editor-in-Chief
Senior Sales Manager Business Development Manager
Marketing Manager
Technical Head
Technical Specialist Digital Marketing Manager
Research Analyst
Database Management Technology Consultant
Pooja M. Bansal
Managing Editor
Anish Miller
Executive Editor
Rohit Chaturvedi
Assistant Editors
Jenny Fernandes
Rohit Chaturvedi
Visualizer
David King
Art & Design Director
Amol Kamble
Associate Designer
Iresh Mathapati
Kshitij S Andy Mitter
John Matthew
Sales Executives
David, Kevin, Vishnu
Business Development Executives
Steve, Joe, Alan, Anup
Jacob Smile
Aditya Marry D'Souza
SME-SMO Executive
Amol Wadekar Frank Adams
Circulation Manager
Robert Brown Stella Andrew David Stokes
Kushagra Gupts
Co-designer
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“Ultra Tune is considered
the industry leader in its
technical eld.”
Auto Services
The Most
Leaders in 2020

Sean Buckley
Chief Executive
Ultra Tune

The world is growing at a rapid pace, and daily
commute has become an essential need for our
lives. We travel places and expect our journey to go
hassle-free. It is vital to keep our vehicles in optimal
condition and maintained properly. Many times, just like
any other machinery, vehicles can breakdown along the
route. These mishaps are disappointing, and often
disruptive. So, to keep your journey easy-going Ultra
Tune, an Australia based auto service company comes with
solutions on the go. The company provides various
automobile solutions such as maintenance, repair, tyres,
logbook services, suspension and brakes, and air
conditioning.
Ultra Tune‘s Auto Service Centres are widespread across
Australia with some 270 service centres nationally
distributed. Ultra Tune provides both private and fleet
motorists with a full range of automotive services, each
designed to be performed in a structured series of operating
procedures ensuring faster, more efficient, and
performance-enhancing service.
Sean Buckley, Chief Executive of Ultra Tune, is an
Australian entrepreneur with vast experience in many areas
of business. He utilizes his expertise in diverse companies
he is passionate about. He has been the impetus behind the
often criticized but highly successful advertising
campaigns.
Below are the highlights of the interview between Ultra
Tune‘s Sean Buckley and Insights Success.
Describe your background and, what did you do before
you started or came into this business?
After graduating (with honors) from university with a
degree in marketing, I worked in various capacities for
organizations such as Thomas Cook around the world,
setting up international agencies before relocating back to
Australia and starting with Ultra Tune in a marketing role in
the early 1990s.
What are the cutting-edge franchise services/solutions
offered by Ultra Tune?
I often like to tell people, “Ultra Tune is an IT company that
just happens to service cars.” Car servicing is our stock in
trade, but where Ultra Tune has managed to stay ahead of
the competition over the years is by reading market trends
and staying ahead of the curve. In the early days we did this
by introducing “dyno-tuning” before anyone else, today we
aim to stay ahead of the competition by building a state-of-
the-art priority IT platform which handles every aspect of
the business – from booking a service to reviewing specific
vehicle’s service records to sending out reminders to clients
that their next booking is due, to invoicing. Our system is
world-leading and provides both franchisees and clients
with a seamless and complete service.
What people, what books, what life factors have
influenced and impacted you?
I appreciate the drive and focus of Donald Trump – his non-
political correctness, business type approach to politics is
refreshing and long over-due. Books – I loved the Art of
War, and from a “life factors” perspective; my father had a
massive influence on helping to establish my persona, work
ethic and long-term goals and objectives. It saddens me
daily that he passed away before having the opportunity to
see what has developed with Ultra Tune and various other
companies I‘ve founded over the years. I am buoyed by the
fact that I know he‘d be pleased with those
career/professional achievements I‘ve managed to achieve.
Also and equally influential for me has been the birth of my
three beautiful daughters, and I wait with bated breathe to
see how their lives unfold going forward.
What is the operating philosophy that the business has
been built on?
Always try to look to the future. Employ good, trustworthy,
hard-working people in crucial positions, give them some
autonomy, and only provide guidance rather than micro-
managing. A number of my staff have been with me for 15
years plus, some of the key innovations we’ve had within
the various enterprises I‘m involved in can be attributed to
my key staff members.
What is your vision for the business/company for the
next five years?
I see the business expanding rapidly over the next few
years. Some fundamental changes are occurring to
legislation here in Australia in 2020, which will ultimately
make for a far fairer playing field in the aftermarket auto-
servicing sector. I believe dealerships will contract, which
will open up more opportunities for Ultra Tune across the
country. We also have plans – which are already being
rolled out – to provide more trained auto-technicians into
the marketplace.
COVERSTORY

“I and anything I'm involved in, will
always aim to be on the cutting edge of
developments in whatever that industry
may be.”

What are some of the vital attributes, in your opinion,
that every leader should possess?
Focus, goal-setting, follow the data, build relationships,
employ expertise – listen to them, don‘t micro-manage
them, and remember; the best predictor of the future is the
past – learn from your mistakes and don‘t make them again
in the future.
How do you maintain the balance between your
professional & personal life?
This can be difficult; there‘s absolutely no doubt about it;
however, to me, it comes down to priorities. As I get older –
and probably a little less "hungry" from a professional
perspective, I am taking greater joy in becoming more
involved with my kids. It is a big contrast to me. My older
daughters are now in their late teens and looking to
establish their own careers – something I hope I‘ll be able
to help/influence them in, so they (hopefully) don‘t make
the same mistakes as I did as a younger man. Inversely my
youngest daughter is only two – watching her explore and
learn about the world is a joy – seeing someone so young
and unspoiled by society is wonderful. Being loved
unconditionally by a little person like this fills my heart
with happiness.
What is your greatest life achievement?
Behind my daughters? Taking a company (Ultra Tune),
which was on the verge of collapse and turning into
Australia‘s leading, independently owned after-sales
automotive service network, brings me joy daily from a
professional perspective. I also own “Ultra Thoroughbreds”
– a horse racing enterprise where we breed and race quality
thoroughbred horses all around the world. Having bought
and breed some of the most sought after horses in the world
(e.g., Ms. Andretti, Shamus Award, and Nature Strip) has
been an exciting and fulfilling experience.
As a CEO/leader, describe a challenge you overcame.
Ultra Tune has faced various challenges over the years, not
the least of which is an adverse legal finding after a court
case with the ACCC. I was overseas at the time for an
extended period and, unfortunately (my own fault), didn‘t
take an active enough role in the pending case. As a
consequence, the company was issued with a hefty fine.
This was an operational issue that, once I returned to
Australia, was immediately rectified and, thankfully, our
clientele has seen it for what it was – a glitch in an
otherwise stellar 40 years of operation. What it did show me
was the need to keep my finger on the pulse of the
organization at all times. The implications could have been
catastrophic; however, being such a well-established and
credible company allowed us to ride this setback out, and
after that, the company has come back even more stronger
than before.
How do you sustain your entrepreneurial/leadership
spirit in this changing technological era?
As indicated above – by (a) embracing it, (b) trying to stay
one step ahead of it (e.g., Looking at market trends) – for
example, a significant portion of our bookings now come
via mobile phones; consequently, we are moving with the
times and reallocating much of our marketing budget away
from “conventional” forms of marketing such as television
and radio and into digital platforms – which we see as “the
way of the future.” We aim to be leaders, not followers.
COVERSTORY

Baldur
Ingi Halldórsson
STRIVING TO MAKE THE BEST HOT DOG IN TOWN
æjarins beztu pylsur (English: The best hot dog in
Btown) often shortened to simply “Bæjarins beztu”,
is a popular hot dog stand in central Reykjavík,
Iceland. In August 2006, the British newspaper The
Guardian selected Bæjarins beztu as the best hot dog stand
in Europe. In an interview with Insights Success, the CEO
of Bæjarins beztu pylsur, Baldur Ingi Halldórsson has
shared few key insights about his organization.
Below are the highlights of the interview between Insights
Success and Baldur;
Describe your background and what did you do before
you started or came into this business?
th
I am the 4 generation running the company so before I
worked all sorts of jobs but the hot dog business has been
something, I've taken part in since I was a young kid. My
other background has been in owning and operating an
internet café in early 2000. And I use to operate a brick
layer contractor company and a net cafe before I went full
time into the family business. Those experience gave me a
good insight into making money and running a company.
Another thing that prepared me a lot for doing my job today
was working with addicts and alcoholics. Those years
taught me a lot about people and people communication
what motivates people and what people need to be content
in life. Since being a CEO these days requires a lot of
communication with different people as in my business a lot
of young people who work very differently from my
generation and the generation who use to be my boss.
What is your role in the company?
I am the CEO of the company and handle keeping the
engine running. I look at the company as an engine and
each location we have is a small money-making machine. I
like looking at my work as tending to a machine which has
ofc other inputs than regular engine's the inputs usually are
inspiration tough love fatherly advice and teaching life
lessons.
offered by Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur?
We offer a very in-depth teaching of how to make our hot
dogs and a personal communication with me. With low
employee costs small overhead and low cost for new units it
should be possible to grow very fast in a big market.
16 | JULY 2020 www.insightssuccess.com

Baldur Ingi Halldórsson
CEO
Bæjarins beztu pylsur
17
|
JULY 2020
www.insightssuccess.com

“
“Good price
Great service
and quality
product!”

How to fail at almost anything and still win bigly is a book
I am very fond of as well as the power of now teaching you
meditation in regular life.
I look at failure as a learning experience and take joy in
failing learning and adapting. I often say to my employees
when the mess up “That's great now you've learned
something and won't make that mistake again”
been built on?
Service quality and price! We strive to make the bezt hot
dog we can and make a point about not leaving any
customer behind! If your dog is not up to your standards,
we make you a new one free of charge.
We just want to sell people good hot dogs that's our number
1 goal!
Ego management, using mistakes as a teacher and
communication skills.
How do you maintain balance between your professional
& personal life?
Wake up very early every day to get in some gym/podcast
time for myself. Then I work throughout the day and spend
evenings and nights with family.
I find time every year a few times a year to take a week or
little more off and I spend the time with the family. As well
as trying to incorporate family into my hobbies like playing
badminton and mountain hiking.
th
I am 4 generation hot dog sales man. My biggest obstacle
in my current job as CEO was to get the company out of my
mothers and grandfather's pockets(mind).
Getting all that knowledge out of their heads and into
writing or appropriate format, as well as modernizing the
company.
I am young and grew up in the computer era so I don't see
this as changing more like things are finally coming
technology wise that I've been waiting for since I was
young.
For example, since we have a lot of young employees
communicating with them via “messenger or other online
messenger apps” results in better communication and more
clarity and ofc history of communication. I find it that I can
better communicate with the younger generation that way
rather than phone calls or face 2 face talking.
Hiking mountains alone gives me enthusiasm and strength
and doing it more and better than most gives me a lot of
enthusiasm for being a leader.
19
|
JULY 2020
The Most
Leaders in 2020

We, as humans, are
completely dependent on
the internet. We live in a
world where almost every facet of
our lives is connected to the internet
to some degree. Such is the situation
that nowadays we cannot even carry
out a simple task without using the
internet. When we want to listen to a
song, or even when we want to buy
some stuffs for our household need,
we often look towards the internet to
fulfill our needs.
Nowadays, Digital Identity has
evolved to a point that was hardly
imaginable even a decade back.
Today’s world may have narrowed
with the advent of the digital age, but
it also seems to have become a place
where the threats to our safety,
security and privacy have expanded.
Unfortunately, both individual
devices and networks are vulnerable
to attacks. These attacks often
compromise not just personal and
private information, but constantly
results in losses that compromise far
more than monetary possessions.
The internet has become a valuable
vehicle for criminals to anonymously
prey on victims through cyber
breaches and corporate espionage.
The world even possesses the ability
to store identification data including
fingertips, iris scan and others. But
thanks to attackers, nowadays, most
of our data is up for sale, most
definitely on the dark web.
Shockingly our whole identity
accounts and data from 11 different
groups from online shopping to
entertainment services, to personal
finances accounts and data
categorized as proof of identity.
Computer viruses, bugs-even the
term “hack” suggests illness. With
good reason: Cyberattacks are a new
st
kind of plague for the 21 century. In
2018, data breaches are a pervasive
and ever-present fact of life. Cunning
criminals can infiltrate electronic
files from across a room, or across
the globe, with nothing more than a
laptop or access to an IoT device,
while barely raising their pulse.
Government networks, specifically,
are susceptible – not just from
attackers, but also interconnectivity
issues, hardware snafus, user error,
and acts of God.
Cybercriminals are increasingly
turning towards highly-effective,
advanced cyber security weapons
such as ransomware, information
stealers, IoT exploits and TLS/SSL
encrypted attacks to target
organizations of all sizes around the
world. Cyber attacks have become
one of the biggest nuisances and
most potent threats that individuals,
organizations, and governments have
to contend with today.
Therefore, Cybersecurity is more
important than ever for every
business. It is one of the most
prominent issues and concerns for
organizations of all sizes, and for
their customers as well. As the world
becomes more connected,
Cybersecurity platforms will have to
struggle with increasingly
sophisticated attacks. Attackers have
access to more computing power and
have developed the ability to go after
businesses of any size, but focus
particularly on small and medium
sized enterprises that are not well
protected.
Cybersecurity professionals exist in
an increasingly complex world.
There are several application security
techniques available today, but not
all security vulnerabilities can be
found by any one of them. For
Cybersecurity solutions to be
successful in these environments, it
is important that the companies run
in real-time and have the ability take
immediate action to eliminate
problems. Visualization, speed, and
scalability are must-have
characteristics of an effective system.
The security services sector will
continue to grow as more people
understand and accept that
conducting business in the internet
age is fraught with Cybersecurity
risks. To tackle cybercrimes at
present and in future, the companies
should create a real-time database,
ensuring that the most up to date and
accurate information is provided to
its customers and clients. The cyber-
security service sector will continue
its phenomenal growth, right now,
there are hundreds or even thousands
of cyber-security companies.
However, down the line, unification
will occur where only the big players
will remain in the market.
To avoid these challenges, one needs
aware of knowledge of new security
systems, solid plans, and
comprehensive visibility. The more
work Cybersecurity companies can
do up front in the above mentioned
areas the better the chances of
success with lesser outages. So, with
more skilled professionals and by
filling the vacant positions, the cyber
threats can be minimized to a great
extent.

Is it Possible to
23
|
JULY 2020
Futuristic Insights

Jennifer
Desloges
An Expert of Electrolysis with
Extensive Work Experience
The Most
Leaders in 2020

Meet Jennifer Desloges, who is a prominent
name in franchising for permanent hair
removal with exceptional results. She
became an Electrologist in 1989 and has developed the
“Jade Method of Electrolysis” over that period. She is
the founder and president of Jade Clinics and loves
electrolysis as a career that values the need to be
efficient, safe and exact. In 2010, Jade Clinics began
franchising with the aim to provide a perfect cure for
unwanted hair and make people feel more confident.
Below are the highlights of the interview conducted
between Insights Success and Jennifer Desloges:
offered by Hair-Free for Life?
Electrolysis was invented in 1869 and is the only FDA
approved method for permanent hair removal. Many
people who have unwanted hair have tried some or all of
the temporary removal methods including waxing,
shaving, and laser which often lead to skin irritation,
ingrown hair, scarring and always, the return of the
problem hair. Consumers are frustrated with constant
appointments, false promises, expensive treatments, and
negative effects. They are seeking a better way and they
find it at Jade Clinics. Jade is also excited to offer a new
service to our clients seeking to sculpt areas resistant to
diet and exercise, with permanent fat reduction and skin
revision with micro-needling which corrects scars,
wrinkles, stretch-marks and sun damage.
Having polycystic ovaries at a young age was the reason
I started my first practice. And recently in 2020, my full
story was released in the book called Women of Worth
(book 6). Throughout the more recent years I have
referenced Brian Scudamore’s (founder of 1-800- JUNK)
book called WTF?! (Willing to Fail) on numerous
occasions. Other favourites of mine include “Good to
Great” by Jim Collins and “Shoe Dog” by Phil Knight.
The person I have looked up to and admired the most in
my life is my father-in-law Ramsey Withers, he was a
4-star General and the Chief of Defence Staff in the
Canadian Armed Forces.
What is the operating philosophy that the business
has been built on?
Help people feel good in their own skin. We accomplish
this by always respecting our clients and making sure
that the treatments that are being performed are fully
understood and that the clients know that they are in safe
hands.
Determination and respectful communication in my
opinion are the two most vital attributes a great leader
must possess. These will either make you or break you.
How do you maintain balance between your
professional & personal life?
Covid-19 has been challenging for everyone everywhere,
that being said it has been an opportunity for me to step
outside the business for a period longer than I have ever
allowed. It has shown a light on the areas I want to
improve in both my professional and personal life. In the
last 10 years, I have had to work very hard; I am looking
forward to a more standardized schedule and enjoying
my weekends with family and loved ones.
To date, coming out of Covid-19 with all our franchises
reopening successfully and with stronger bonds between
Head office and our franchisees feels like an amazing
accomplishment.
We have adopted many tech systems to help evolve our
brand through communication, finance, online booking
systems and operations. Without these tools our business
would not be where it is today. We are not afraid to grow
and evolve with the technology.
“I want Jade Clinics to
be the name people
can trust if they
are suffering from
body imperfections.”
25
|
JULY 2020

Testimonial from Client
“Jade is my rst experience with electrolysis and I'm very glad I tried it,
the results have been permanent and best of all...no ingrown hairs! The
ofce is easy to get to, always clean, comfy seats and current magazines to
read. Multiple visits are necessary so the cost does add up but so did years
of waxing! I looked into it because I was tired of waxing and plucking and
am not a good candidate for laser. Fabiola is personable, professional, and
patient. All key qualities in someone who you will be working very closely
with!” Martina D.

Just today I had a young and enthusiastic women call
me up asking for advice and maybe some pointers on
how to bring her vision to life. During the call I could
almost see her deflating while I piled up the list of
challenges that came with fundraising, developing tech
products and gathering the right team. I know exactly what
that feels like because I, myself, have experienced it many
times before. The mountain of work that faces an
entrepreneur is sheer unfathomable, and that’s probably a
good thing: who knows how many companies would still be
out there if the founders had known what awaited them!?
That feeling in mind, I did leave the call on an uplifting
note (I hope), but what I also did was send her a list of
female founder groups as well.
Having a female led and populated ecosystem that can
absorb some of the pains any female entrepreneur has to
face can be the difference between succeeding and giving
up. I choose the words ‘giving up’ on purpose, because we
can all fail, but it should be for technicalities all start-ups
face, and not because we are lonely, overwhelmed and
unsupported women.
From experience I have recognized three sorts of female
ecosystems that are important for different challenges
within the journey, each adding their own individual value,
and I am grateful for each and every one of them:
The Community: these groups are more motivational and
empowering than having an actual impact on your business.
Especially at the beginning of founding a company they are
important. You get to meet other women, hear their stories,
recognized that it’s not only you and make friends along the
way. I think these groups are very important for your
mental health, especially when your new company also
means a change of lifestyle. You can meet other women and
have a tea or a drink without feeling like you should be
working because you ARE. Panels with talks, meetups and
even workspaces distinguish these groups from strictly
social events. My favourite one: Blooming Founders.
The Educators: these groups offer talks, workshops and
one-on-one’s with highly successful men and women in the
start-up world. Here you need to bring your pen or laptop
and stay on top of what is being said because the
lecturer/guest speaker will dump large amounts of wisdom
on you. Sometimes there are drinks afterwards, but the
emphasis is on learning from and networking with the
speakers. I have made the best out of them by targeting
events with speakers that could be important for my
business and that I would otherwise have difficulties
accessing. To my greatest sorrow many events are early
morning breakfast meetings at 7 or 8, where I pretend that
it’s a normal hour to be about for me. My favourite one:
SheWorx
The Platformers: These groups offer mostly awards and
events. While on the surface you often don’t win anything
tangible like prize money, the award itself ads huge value
because it is highly respected in the field and opens doors.
During the events you get to network from a privileged
position which is invaluable for companies that are
fundraising. It is also one of the few visible social markers
that all your hard work, blood, sweat and tears has been
acknowledged and rewarded - something you can show to
your painfully neglected friends and family. My favourite
one: TechWomen100
During the development, the fundraising and the pivot of
my digital mental health company with our emotional
fitness game, eQuoo, there have been multiple times that
these groups were there at the right time and place, offering
me support, information and a platform. Women are still
vastly underrepresented in the tech world, and while the
#MeToo movement has unearthed many of the people
abusing their power against women, it can still be a hostile
environment if you’re unlucky. And statistically speaking
you will be unlucky a few times.
The VC world is slowly starting to understand that a
mentally health founder is a productive one and having
communities that support us is a vital ingredient to our
wellbeing.
It takes a village to raise a child? Well, it takes a city to
build a start-up.

Silja Litvin is the Psychologist, Founder and CEO of PsycApps
Digital Mental Health, a company that uses AI, gamication and
psychology to help people help themselves. She is a developer of the
multi-award winning eQuoo – the Emotional Fitness Game.
Silja was born in Germany but moved to southern California early in
her life. Exposed to many diverse cultures early in life, she developed
an insatiable curiosity for the human condition leading to her pursuing
a degree in psychology. During her 17 years of international
modelling she began her Masters at the Ludwig Maximilian
University in Munich, graduating in Clinical Psychology and
Systemic Family Therapy in 2013. Alongside her education
as a Systemic Family Therapist in 2015, she
began her PhD in Clinical Psychology.
A child of the digital generation, Silja was
looking for ways to use apps and social
media to help people suffering from
mental issues. She went on to create a
psychological mobile app that helps
users identify and self-manage
depression. With this idea, she undertook
her PhD thesis, thus ensuring it to be
evidence based and ethically sound.
Now she is venturing into the world of AI,
gamication and chatbots to nd a way to be
able to help people help themselves,
launching her emotional tness game eQuoo
in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia. The
game has been featured in major news
outlets such as Forbes and TechCrunch
and she won multiple prizes with
PsycApps such as THE EUROPAS Pitch
Awards and Pitch@Palace on Tour.
About the Author
Silja Litvin
Founder & CEO
PsycApps Digital
Mental Health
Leader’s Desk
29
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JULY 2020

JORDAN
MEINSTER
Combining Fun and Fitness Together
PickUp USA stands out in the gym industry because of our unique specialization,” says Jordan.
Jordan Meinster is the Founder and President of PickUp USA Fitness, which is a fitness
club concept operating in the United States and aims to create a better way for people to play
basketball. In the company, Jordan is accountable for developing high quality business strategies and
plans to ensuring their alignment with short-term and long-term objectives. He is overseeing all
operations and business activities to ensure they produce the desired results and are consistent with
the overall strategy and mission.
Basketball is an immensely popular sport, and has very strong participation rates with over 30 million
annual participants. PickUp USA is the only basketball focused fitness club, so for those consumers
that play basketball, the company is a natural choice. Jordan asserts “we provide fun yet challenging
basketball boot-camps and results-oriented private training sessions for our athletes to learn and
develop their skills to achieve their goals.” Another key differentiator is the company’s organized and
Officiated PickUp Games. The members have the opportunity to play in daily competitive PickUp
Games that retains all of the fun aspects of pickup basketball yet cuts out all of the hassle. The
company combines these basketball services with full weight/cardio rooms, and deliver a true full
service fitness club to its members.
Below are highlights of the interview conducted between Insights Success and Jordan Meinster:
Describe your background and what did you do before you started or came into this business?
In high school, I worked in restaurants, as a window washer, and at a Jiffy Lube. I put myself through
college managing a fine dining restaurant. This is also where I met my wife, Casey. She was the
cocktail waitress. After college, I worked in banking and finance positions at College Loan
Corporation, HSBC, and Citibank. I served in a variety of roles, including as a licensed financial
advisor. In 2011, I left corporate America to launch PickUp USA - a business concept I had been
developing since I was 19.
What people, what books, what life factors have influenced and impacted you?
My colleagues in the corporate office and our team of franchise owners have a strong influence on
me. It’s a powerful thing to watch these individuals relentlessly work to bring PickUp USA to
communities across the country. I can take credit for the idea of PickUp USA, but we would be
nothing without the corporate team and franchise owners continuing to help refine the business and
TM
deliver A Better Way to Play to our customers across the country.
“

31
|
JULY 2020

been built on?
PickUp USA Fitness is for the basketball lovers. PickUp
USA was founded to create a better way for people to play
basketball. PickUp USA puts the customer first. Every
decision we make is in the interest of being as customer
friendly as possible. This creates a positive reputation for
our clubs that allows word of mouth and referrals to really
take off. When you take care of the customer, they will take
care of you. We go out of our way to wow our members and
guests in every interaction with them, and they have
referred friends and family, and the result is a continuously
growing business.
Being passionate about your business is incredibly
important to succeed as an entrepreneur, but if you can’t get
your team to operate with that same level of passion, you
will not reach your potential as a business owner. Being
able to recruit, train, and continuously motivate and develop
a team is key for success.
PickUp USA seeks individuals who really believe in our
concept. What we do is unique, and there is a huge market
for our services. We spent years refining our brand before
offering franchise opportunities, and we are looking for
franchise owners that will be as passionate about our
product as we are. We also look for individuals capable of
building and developing a strong team for their club. The
staff at PickUp USA is critical to the customer experience,
and it is very important for our club owners to select and
develop team members that will deliver world-class service
to our customers.
How do you maintain balance between your professional
& personal life?
I’m very fortunate to have a job that I love. It’s a lot of
work, and there are certainly challenges, but I love what I
do, and I truly “look forward to Mondays.” With that, I
don’t feel compelled to deliberately set boundaries so that I
can escape work.
I do always ensure that I have time to get “off the grid”
whether that’s a hike, playing basketball, or a getaway with
my wife. Those quick refreshes keep me on my game.
The development process that brought us from an initial
concept to where we are now has been a challenging yet
valuable journey. We’ve learned countless lessons through
the rough road of trial and error as to how to best meet our
customer’s needs and thrive as an independent gym. Name
an obstacle and we’ve probably overcome it. From site
location to construction, to scheduling, to staffing, to
training, to sales; we’ve encountered the whole gamut of
challenges and can now confidently implement our tried
and true system to fitness entrepreneurs looking to avoid
those same pitfalls. Most importantly, we have learned from
the customers and always structured our services based on
what the consumers are demanding. After seven years of
operating experience, we have a business model in place
that has been crafted through experience and adapting to
consumer preferences.
“Recruit good people and
create highly specialized roles
for them so that they can
focus on being the best in that
area of the business.”
The Most
Leaders in 2020

Sharpen Your Competitive Edge
and Improve Field Efciency with
Hardware-as-a-Service
Monthly subscrip on model ma es it easier and more affordable
to acquire the latest mobile technology
o thrive in today’s ‘always-on’ world, field service
Tproviders require speed and efficiency across all
facets of business, including technology
infrastructure. One of the best ways to ensure peak
performance for on-the-go technicians, meet sky-high
customer expectations and boost profitability is to use the
most up-to-date software, hardware and devices.
State-of-the-art mobile devices and wireless mobile printers
empower technicians with the flexibility they need to work
more productively as well as anticipate and respond to
customer needs more efficiently. On-demand access to
information means field technicians can resolve issues on
the spot, answer questions, upsell services and comply more
easily with any applicable regulations. They can quickly
and easily print a broad range of invoices, receipts,
instructions, special offers, photos and compliance
documents. The result is a better customer experience – and
more satisfied employees.
But deploying the most advanced business technology can
be a challenge for field service providers from pest
management to utilities, due to cash flow or competing
budgetary priorities. As a companies result, businesses large
and small are looking to the Hardware-as-a-Service (HaaS)
model to solve common procurement roadblocks.
What is HaaS and why is it needed?
With HaaS, acquisition costs are shifted to operational
expense (OpEx) rather than capital expenses (CapEx). The
Dave Crist
President
Brother Mobile Solutions

HaaS model helps alleviate budgetary stresses and
roadblocks caused when managers compete for
technologies and can remove concerns about the cost and
timing of investing in new or upgraded hardware. Instead of
paying for technology up front and in a lump sum,
companies can take advantage of a predictable monthly
payment for hardware, accessories and even warranties.
Instead of having to justify a capital equipment expenditure
(CapEx) to purchase hardware, HaaS enables the program
to become part of the company’s operating expense (OpEx),
as a recurring budget line item.
Operations managers are realizing that HaaS offers a better
alternative to business as usual and potentially holding onto
older technology longer than they should. Small and mid-
size organizations often pay an especially high price in
terms of reduced productivity, agility and revenue when
they continue to rely on outdated legacy equipment.
Making the Shift to HaaS
When evaluating the best method for acquiring the desired
technologies, it’s important to distinguish between options
for the best way to pay for them. When using a HaaS
model, procurement is treated as an operating expenditure
(OpEx) – which is usually associated with assets needed for
the day-to-day functioning of a business. On the other hand,
capital expenditures (CapEx), are often larger investments
incurred to create benefit in the future. OpEx and CapEx are
treated differently for accounting purposes, an important
consideration for any business.
Clear Advantages of OpEx
For a lot of field services businesses, CapEx funds are
usually harder to come by and require more supporting
justification, plus more stringent approval requirements can
be attached to it. CapEx expenditures are often linked to the
source of the funding such as debt or stock, so CFOs or
financial managers tend to reserve their CapEx budgets for
big ticket items. Oftentimes, they prefer not to spend CapEx
funds on technologies where new innovative features are
needed more frequently to improve the functionality and
performance of the business. Utilizing a HaaS subscription
facilitates the acquisition of modern technology via OpEx
where it can be more aligned to the regular business
processes that it supports.
The Latest Technology – All the Time
Perhaps the biggest benefit is that the HaaS model makes it
possible for any size field services business to utilize the
latest, best-performing technology – at all times. Not only
is it possible, it's now relatively easy to scale up to meet
growing needs; an essential tactic for operations managers
under intense competitive pressure to increase technician
productivity and improve the customer experience.
Sharpen Your Competitive Edge
Brother Mobile Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of
Brother International Corporation, and premier provider of
thermal print and labeling technology, is now offering the
Shift & Print Subscription Service* through its channel
partner network. Brother Mobile Solutions' customizable
HaaS program includes these components:
Ÿ Versatile, high-performance mobile, desktop and
handheld thermal printers
Ÿ Brother’s comprehensive world-class limited warranties
that cover device replacement or repair
Ÿ A full complement of Brother accessories including
chargers, cables and cases
Ÿ Flexible and scalable end of contract options for
upgrades, add ons and more
Plans are in the works to add hardware-compatible third-
party products including smartphones, tablets, rugged
handhelds and mounts, as well as software from Brother or
a third-party vendor to the solution in the near future.
With Brother’s extensive experience and proven track
record serving field services and a broad cross-section of
other industries, as well as our deep technology expertise
and commitment to innovation, you can trust Brother to
deliver the HaaS solution you need to improve technician
efficiency and deliver the best possible customer
experience.
For more information and to speak to a Brother HaaS
expert, visit us at brothermobilesolutions.com
*Shift & Print Subscription Service is subject to credit
approval.
35
|
JULY 2020
Knowledge Keys

Shawn Hull
Founder & CEO

Shawn
Hull
Providing Business Owners with Outstanding
Support and Training
In an interview with Insights Success, Shawn
Hull the founder and CEO of Blue Coast
Savings Consultants shares the story of his
company’s world-class business model and the secrets
behind the unique savings opportunities.
The company takes pride in providing its advisors
with outstanding support and training. The process
begins with training and mentoring, continues with
marketing, and then finishes with a National Account
Managers that help the advisors engage their clients
and manage their business.
Describe your background and what did you do
before you started or came into this business?
I am the definition of a lifelong entrepreneur. While
still a student at the University of Arizona, I became
one of the country's youngest scuba instructors and
began running my own diving business.
In the early 1990s, I founded my first business
venture, Custom CardTel, one of the first companies to
introduce customized prepaid phone cards to the U.S.
market. My next business venture was New Century
Marketing, an Internet marketing company which I
founded, that consulted with some of the largest
Internet companies at that time in the world such as
Yahoo, Tucows and Network Solutions.
In 2001, I founded Taxback, a tax savings company
that helped clients claim refunds in their tax refunds.
Five years later, our services outgrew tax savings and
Blue Coast Savings Consultants was born. For almost
15 years, Blue Coast has been the nation’s largest
cost-savings company and has been recognized by
Inc. Magazine as one America’s fastest-growing
companies.
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|
JULY 2020

What is your role in the company?
I am the founder and CEO of Blue Coast Savings
Consultants. I run the day-to-day operations of the
business, helping our advisors grow their business by
guiding them through our unique process and services.
It’s not about me, it’s about a great team I have
around me that makes all this work. I build a custom
business plan for each advisor to fit their individual
needs and financial goals. I’m a visionary, so my main
role is to create incredible value by finding services
that companies want and need, but can’t do
themselves. I also find valuable marketing programs
rd
through 3 parties so our advisors can talk with
companies that need and want their services, so they
don’t have to cold call.
Our multiple
services and new
products make long-
term relationships a
natural fit.
The Most
Leaders in 2020

What are the cutting-edge franchise
services/solutions offered by Blue Coast Savings
Consultants?
Blue Coast offers a full suite of innovative cost-
savings solutions. Our services include specialized tax
incentives, expense reduction, and revenue gains. Best
of all, if we cannot find a company savings, we charge
no fee. Essentially, we provide a no-risk services for
companies that are looking for much-needed savings.
We bring services that are in the early adoption phase,
but will become widely adopted and pay our advisors
monthly for the next 8-12 years. The key is that we
have services that our clients can’t do themselves,
which in turn creates value no matter how big or small
the company may be.
I was fortunate to learn a good work ethic early on in
my life. God has always driven my path as all things
come from him. In my early businesses, I looked for
mentors that were much more successful than myself
and learned invaluable lessons to avoid costly
mistakes. As an avid reader, I loved the classics like
Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich” and Dale
Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence
People” just to name a few.
What is the operating philosophy that the business
has been built on?
I believe that everyone can be their own boss. Being
an entrepreneur myself, I believe that everyone can be
in business for themselves and love what they do. I
learned early on in my life that residual income was
the best and smartest way to make money and that I
could teach others how to do the same.
What are some of the vital attributes, in your
opinion, that every leader should possess?
I believe that work ethic is crucial to be a successful
leader. Being willing to go the extra mile and put in
the extra effort for clients and customers is the most
important thing if you want to succeed in business.
I also believe that business leaders should be willing
to take risks, no matter the situation. Being a scuba
diver, I’m no stranger to risk-taking.
How do you sustain your
entrepreneurial/leadership spirit in this changing
technological era?
What Blue Coast offers is a business opportunity that
is relevant no matter the technological advances or the
state of the economy.
While technology is constantly changing, the keys to
being a successful businessman is fairly consistent.
Hard work and a love of what you do will always be
important, no matter what technology you use. We are
constantly finding the most innovate cost-savings
services in the country that can provide more value to
our advisors and their clients.
Provide one line that best describes your vision and
approach to business.
I show willing and passionate individuals a smarter
business model by offering services that companies
need in any economy, keeping their overhead low and
profits high, so that our advisors can do the work once
and get paid monthly for the next decade or more.
41
|
JULY 2020

Qualities
of Visionary
Leadership

Leaders at every stage demands qualities like
optimism, vision, and being motivational to the
people. It is these qualities that make a leader
believe in him. Even a Sportsperson, Doctor, Teacher is a
leader because of these qualities. As being a sportsperson,
require few specific skill sets of understanding each player,
the strengths and weakness of him. Same goes for a doctor,
he needs to be an optimistic person and of course teacher is
the one who moulds the students.
Just like them, in the business there are leaders whom we
know and some of them are Elon Musk, Steve Jobs and Jeff
Bezos, etc. They navigate through all the challenges and
with their dedication they strive in their respective fields.
Through this article we will see the qualities that make a
leader great.
Communication: It has to be the primary quality of any
leader. Effective communication with all the levels of the
management is essential. Listening to employees,
understanding their requirements is really important
for the foundation of leadership.
Empathy: Empathy is having an open-
mindedness to understand the problems of
the people. This develops a deep connection
between the people. Some of the examples
can be identifying needs, make people feel
comfortable, and finding the creativity out
of the employees.
Vision: Good business leaders own the
vision and works towards it turn into
reality. Decision-making sets the
organizational direction ensuring team
members with goals and mission in front of
them. True leaders share their vision and remind
everyone of the big picture with enthusiasm and
commitment.
Optimism: A good leader leads by example at
all times. Leaders inspire their team with their
attitude in any given situation. This comes
down to positivity. It is important how leaders react in
certain stressful times with a positive outlook.
Confidence: If you lack leadership the company will not be
able to achieve growth. The more leaders believe in
themselves more they can bring best out of the team
members. As they say about confidence “Make it, “till you
make it,” is 100% true.
Commitment and Passion: If leaders are not fully
committed it would be a difficult task to motivate the
employees to achieve the goal. Commitment and Passion
gains respect of the team members and bring new energy in
the team.
Creativity and Innovation: How is a leader different from
a follower? “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and
a follower.”- says Steve Jobs. Creative thinking and
constant innovation is what today’s fast paced world needs.
Thinking out of the box and coming up with unique ideas
answers the questions to turn ideas and goals into reality.
Lastly, innovation and creative thinking, as well as
futuristic vision that make up a great leader.
Self-Confidence: Leadership grows from self-confidence.
Any company can move forward towards the desired goal
only when the leader is confident. It is the bridge between
the leader and its goal. It is the fundamental basis and all
about having confidence to make decisions.
These leadership skills can be developed from an early age
and are impacted by natural talents and by personal
experiences. Indeed, everyone must be a leader of his own
life. In conclusion a leader is a person with high values,
believes in him, highlighting on the vision. It is integral part
of human life. These characteristics should be adopted in a
consistent way. It is not easy to be a successful leader; one
must have all the qualities to be a good leader. These
leadership skills are much needed skill in any field, whether
it is an organization or an institution. As a whole leadership
plays a vital role in the success and development of an
organization.
43
|
JULY 2020
The Art of Leading

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