In this episode of Beyond The Deal, host Jill Yahnite sits down with attorney and entrepreneur Rocco Cozza, founder of the Cozza Law Group. Rocco shares his journey from the traditional corporate world to building a thriving firm grounded in authenticity, strategic growth, and empathy.They dive deep into how business owners can step outside the frame — gaining clarity, aligning people and processes, and building real freedom as leaders. Rocco also opens up about the mindset shifts that helped him transform his career and guide clients through major pivots.
Guest Introduction:Rocco Cozza is the founder of the Cozza Law Group and a strategic advisor helping founders build sustainable, scalable companies. With over 20 years of experience in corporate law and entrepreneurship, Rocco has counseled hundreds of business owners through growth, culture change, and leadership challenges. His “Step Outside the Frame” framework helps leaders gain clarity, align teams, and reclaim freedom in their businesses.
Key Takeaways:• You can’t grow your business if you’re stuck inside the frame—clarity and alignment must come first.• Most business problems boil down to people, process, and culture—not unique circumstances.• Authenticity and direct honesty build deeper trust than polished sales tactics ever will.• Social media, especially Instagram, can humanize professional brands when you lead with vulnerability.• True leadership means creating freedom—for yourself and your team—by letting go of control.• AI is a powerful tool, but it should enhance your skills, not replace them.
Chapter Markers:0:00 Intro0:11 Guest Introduction – Meet Rocco Cozza2:40 Leaving Corporate and Starting Cozza Law Group5:20 Identifying Opportunity and Redefining Legal Services7:00 The Shift to Strategic Advising10:20 Rocco’s “Step Outside the Frame” Process13:40 Common Patterns in Business Owner Struggles14:50 Finding Clients Ready for Change15:30 How Instagram Became His Most Powerful Business Tool18:30 Building Trust and Showing Authenticity Online19:10 Leading with Empathy and Honest Communication20:10 Training Teams and Creating Client-Centric Culture22:00 Lessons Learned in Business Transformation23:00 The Role (and Risk) of AI in Modern Business24:30 Closing Thoughts and Takeaways
Keywords:Jill Yahnite, Rocco Cozza, Beyond the Deal, Cozza Law Group, business transformation, leadership, entrepreneurship, legal services, business advising, adapting business strategy, strategic consulting, business growth, Instagram marketing, mindset shift, AI in business

Hey there, Beyond the Deal listeners! It’s Jill Yahnite, and I’m pumped to bring you Episode 3 with John Bernatovicz, a serial entrepreneur who’s shaking up the HR world. We dive into his journey from ADP sales to owning an HR consulting firm and a water vending business—talk about variety! John’s book, HR Like a Boss, is all about making work meaningful, and he shares how to build a purpose-driven culture that employees love. We also unpack his “Purpose is Paramount” talk, showing why your business needs a clear “why” to thrive. If you’re a business owner or leader wanting to boost employee engagement and align your team with a bigger mission, this episode’s for you! Like, subscribe, and hit that bell for more tips to take your business beyond the deal!
 
Guest Introduction:
I’m thrilled to introduce John Bernatovicz, a family man, entrepreneur, and golf lover like me! John’s built businesses like Willory, an HR and payroll consulting firm, and even a water vending company. From his sales roots at ADP to 15 years as a full-time entrepreneur, he’s now the author of HR Like a Boss and a keynote speaker passionate about transforming how people feel at work. His insights on purpose and leadership are game-changers!
 
Key Takeaways:
John’s mission is to fix the global epidemic of people not loving their jobs—HR pros can lead the charge by owning their role and thinking like strategic business leaders.
His diverse path from ADP to running multiple businesses shows how a strong sales foundation fuels entrepreneurial success.
Purpose is everything! John’s “Purpose is Paramount” talk teaches us to define a clear, concise purpose (four words or less!) to guide decisions and inspire teams.
Small businesses, listen up: don’t just check HR boxes—use fractional resources to create a culture where employees thrive and tell their friends, “You gotta work here!”
Align your business with a societal cause, like John’s work with Youth Opportunities Unlimited, to attract talent and customers who share your values.
Employee engagement skyrockets when you foster relationships at work—think shared interests like golf or volunteering together at a Habitat for Humanity event.
 
Chapter Markers:
0:00 Intro
1:27 Guest Introduction
3:39 John’s Entrepreneurial Journey
6:57 HR Like a Boss: Transforming Work
9:22 Purpose is Paramount: Finding Your Why
12:32 HR Challenges for Small Businesses
18:38 Connecting Purpose to Business Success
28:20 Hiring with Purpose
33:39 Building Workplace Relationships
36:33 Q&A: AI, Writing, and Speaking
48:53 Q&A: Early Influences and Golf with Tiger
52:14 Closing
 
Keywords:
Jill Yahnite, John Bernatovicz, Beyond the Deal Podcast, HR Like a Boss, purpose-driven business, employee engagement, HR strategy, entrepreneurship, business leadership, workplace culture, strategic HR, nonprofit partnerships, business purpose, ADP sales, golf and business
 
Pull Quotes:
“John’s take on purpose hit home: ‘Get your team in a room, ask why your business exists, and boil it down to four words or less—it’s a game-changer!’”
“I loved John’s insight: ‘If your employees feel connected to your company’s purpose, they’ll tell their friends, You gotta work here!’”

Hey there, Beyond the Deal listeners! It’s Jill Yahnite, and I’m pumped to bring you Episode 3 with John Bernatovicz, a serial entrepreneur who’s shaking up the HR world. We dive into his journey from ADP sales to owning an HR consulting firm and a water vending business—talk about variety! John’s book, HR Like a Boss, is all about making work meaningful, and he shares how to build a purpose-driven culture that employees love. We also unpack his “Purpose is Paramount” talk, showing why your business needs a clear “why” to thrive. If you’re a business owner or leader wanting to boost employee engagement and align your team with a bigger mission, this episode’s for you! Like, subscribe, and hit that bell for more tips to take your business beyond the deal!
 
Guest Introduction:
I’m thrilled to introduce John Bernatovicz, a family man, entrepreneur, and golf lover like me! John’s built businesses like Willory, an HR and payroll consulting firm, and even a water vending company. From his sales roots at ADP to 15 years as a full-time entrepreneur, he’s now the author of HR Like a Boss and a keynote speaker passionate about transforming how people feel at work. His insights on purpose and leadership are game-changers!
 
Key Takeaways:
John’s mission is to fix the global epidemic of people not loving their jobs—HR pros can lead the charge by owning their role and thinking like strategic business leaders.
His diverse path from ADP to running multiple businesses shows how a strong sales foundation fuels entrepreneurial success.
Purpose is everything! John’s “Purpose is Paramount” talk teaches us to define a clear, concise purpose (four words or less!) to guide decisions and inspire teams.
Small businesses, listen up: don’t just check HR boxes—use fractional resources to create a culture where employees thrive and tell their friends, “You gotta work here!”
Align your business with a societal cause, like John’s work with Youth Opportunities Unlimited, to attract talent and customers who share your values.
Employee engagement skyrockets when you foster relationships at work—think shared interests like golf or volunteering together at a Habitat for Humanity event.
 
Chapter Markers:
0:00 Intro
1:27 Guest Introduction
3:39 John’s Entrepreneurial Journey
6:57 HR Like a Boss: Transforming Work
9:22 Purpose is Paramount: Finding Your Why
12:32 HR Challenges for Small Businesses
18:38 Connecting Purpose to Business Success
28:20 Hiring with Purpose
33:39 Building Workplace Relationships
36:33 Q&A: AI, Writing, and Speaking
48:53 Q&A: Early Influences and Golf with Tiger
52:14 Closing
 
Keywords:
Jill Yahnite, John Bernatovicz, Beyond the Deal Podcast, HR Like a Boss, purpose-driven business, employee engagement, HR strategy, entrepreneurship, business leadership, workplace culture, strategic HR, nonprofit partnerships, business purpose, ADP sales, golf and business
 
Pull Quotes:
“John’s take on purpose hit home: ‘Get your team in a room, ask why your business exists, and boil it down to four words or less—it’s a game-changer!’”
“I loved John’s insight: ‘If your employees feel connected to your company’s purpose, they’ll tell their friends, You gotta work here!’”

Hey everyone, it's Jill Yahnite here on Beyond the Deal, where we dive deep into the strategies that take businesses further. In this episode, I sit down with my longtime acquaintance Barbara Vankirk, founder of IQ Inc., a custom software development firm she's grown over 30 years. We chat about weathering economic storms from 9/11 to COVID, building lasting client relationships, fostering a flexible employee culture, and harnessing AI for smarter product development and skills tracking. Barbara shares how in-person connections still matter in sales, the differences in working with startups versus big corporations, and why failing fast with new tech is key. If you're a business owner navigating uncertainty or curious about AI's role in tech, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!
Guest Introduction:I've known Barbara Vankirk for nearly 20 years, and it's great to have her on the show. She's the founder and leader of IQ Inc., a powerhouse in custom software solutions for industries like medical devices, transportation, and energy. Starting with just a handful of employees, she's scaled it to a team of 50-70 full-timers, focusing on excellence and flexibility. Her insights on leading through economic ups and downs are spot on for any entrepreneur.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaravankirk/ 
Key Takeaways:• Building strong relationships is crucial, especially in tough times—stay connected with clients even when they're not buying, and help them through personal challenges too.• Flexibility in work culture pays off; we talked about how allowing 'closet coders' to work their optimal hours helped IQ thrive, even pre-COVID.• With larger companies, adapt to their processes, but bring diverse ideas; for startups, offer more mentoring and best practices to guide their growth.• AI isn't a threat—it's a tool for identifying skill gaps in employees, speeding up product development, and even matching team skills to client needs quickly.• Face-to-face meetings still beat virtual for big-picture strategy, but screen time gets things moving faster in sales cycles.Follow-up is key in sales; don't let opportunities slip by not asking the right questions or collecting data for quick yes or no decisions.
Chapter Markers:0:00 Intro0:54 Guest Introduction3:00 Company Growth and Overview5:00 Economic Shifts Over the Years6:00 Leading Clients Through Tough Times9:00 Digging Deeper on AI and Delays10:00 Employee Side: Conversations and Culture13:00 Flexibility in Tech Work Pre- and Post-COVID17:00 Building Trust and Recognition in Teams18:00 Engaging Big Companies vs. Startups21:00 Adapting to Processes and Trends23:00 Face-to-Face vs. Virtual Meetings25:00 Working with Global Clients26:00 AI's Impact on Business and Development29:00 Tools for Skills and RFPs30:00 Closing and Golf Dreams
Keywords:Jill Yahnite, Barbara Vankirk, Beyond the Deal podcast, software development, economic shifts, client relationships, employee culture, AI in tech, custom software, IQ Inc, business flexibility, sales strategies, product development, COVID impact, startup consulting

Hey everyone, it's Jill Yahnite here on Beyond the Deal, where we dive deep into the strategies that take businesses further. In this episode, I sit down with my longtime acquaintance Barbara Vankirk, founder of IQ Inc., a custom software development firm she's grown over 30 years. We chat about weathering economic storms from 9/11 to COVID, building lasting client relationships, fostering a flexible employee culture, and harnessing AI for smarter product development and skills tracking. Barbara shares how in-person connections still matter in sales, the differences in working with startups versus big corporations, and why failing fast with new tech is key. If you're a business owner navigating uncertainty or curious about AI's role in tech, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!
Guest Introduction:I've known Barbara Vankirk for nearly 20 years, and it's great to have her on the show. She's the founder and leader of IQ Inc., a powerhouse in custom software solutions for industries like medical devices, transportation, and energy. Starting with just a handful of employees, she's scaled it to a team of 50-70 full-timers, focusing on excellence and flexibility. Her insights on leading through economic ups and downs are spot on for any entrepreneur.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaravankirk/ 
Key Takeaways:• Building strong relationships is crucial, especially in tough times—stay connected with clients even when they're not buying, and help them through personal challenges too.• Flexibility in work culture pays off; we talked about how allowing 'closet coders' to work their optimal hours helped IQ thrive, even pre-COVID.• With larger companies, adapt to their processes, but bring diverse ideas; for startups, offer more mentoring and best practices to guide their growth.• AI isn't a threat—it's a tool for identifying skill gaps in employees, speeding up product development, and even matching team skills to client needs quickly.• Face-to-face meetings still beat virtual for big-picture strategy, but screen time gets things moving faster in sales cycles.Follow-up is key in sales; don't let opportunities slip by not asking the right questions or collecting data for quick yes or no decisions.
Chapter Markers:0:00 Intro0:54 Guest Introduction3:00 Company Growth and Overview5:00 Economic Shifts Over the Years6:00 Leading Clients Through Tough Times9:00 Digging Deeper on AI and Delays10:00 Employee Side: Conversations and Culture13:00 Flexibility in Tech Work Pre- and Post-COVID17:00 Building Trust and Recognition in Teams18:00 Engaging Big Companies vs. Startups21:00 Adapting to Processes and Trends23:00 Face-to-Face vs. Virtual Meetings25:00 Working with Global Clients26:00 AI's Impact on Business and Development29:00 Tools for Skills and RFPs30:00 Closing and Golf Dreams
Keywords:Jill Yahnite, Barbara Vankirk, Beyond the Deal podcast, software development, economic shifts, client relationships, employee culture, AI in tech, custom software, IQ Inc, business flexibility, sales strategies, product development, COVID impact, startup consulting

Hey, dealmakers! Join me, Jill Yahnite, on Beyond the Deal as I dive into the inspiring journey of Steven Orvis, a serial entrepreneur who’s traded the W-2 grind for farm ownership and business acquisitions. From learning the hard lessons of cattle farming to navigating the acquisition of a 34-year-old business, Steven shares actionable insights on entrepreneurship, trust in deals, and finding the right business fit. Curious about escaping the 9-to-5 or scaling your side hustle? This episode is packed with tips to fuel your entrepreneurial fire. Subscribe, like, and share to keep exploring Beyond the Deal!
Guest Introduction:I’m thrilled to introduce Steven Orvis, a software executive turned serial entrepreneur who’s mastered the art of building wealth. From owning a grass-fed beef farm to closing in on a new business acquisition, Steven’s journey is a masterclass in pivoting from W-2 life to entrepreneurial success. His knack for problem-solving and passion for serving others make him the perfect guest to kick off Beyond the Deal!
Key Takeaways:• Don’t just make it—sell it first! Steven learned the hard way that pre-selling, like taking deposits for next year’s beef, is key to a sustainable business.• Trust is everything in acquisitions. Look for sellers and brokers you vibe with to avoid headaches down the road.• Buying an established business can fast-track your wealth. Steven’s targeting businesses with solid cash flow and longevity for instant profitability.• Invest in yourself through books and local meetups. Steven swears by audiobooks on 2x speed and Bigger Pockets groups for real estate wins.• Balance data with gut instinct. Steven’s real estate deals taught him to crunch numbers but trust his intuition when the math feels off.• Local businesses matter. Acquiring existing companies keeps communities thriving and builds your equity faster than starting from scratch.
Chapter Markers:0:00 Intro0:56 Guest Introduction2:05 Steven’s Entrepreneurial Journey8:08 Lessons from Farm Ownership11:00 Navigating Business Acquisitions20:13 Advice for W-2 Employees23:00 Real Estate and Networking Tips27:16 Market Research Strategies32:16 Rapid-Fire Q&A32:28 Closing
Keywords:Jill Yahnite, Steven Orvis, Beyond the Deal, serial entrepreneur, business acquisition, entrepreneurship, farm ownership, grass-fed beef, real estate investing, W-2 escape, business broker, trust in business, Bigger Pockets, financial independence, local business

Hey, dealmakers! Join me, Jill Yahnite, on Beyond the Deal as I dive into the inspiring journey of Steven Orvis, a serial entrepreneur who’s traded the W-2 grind for farm ownership and business acquisitions. From learning the hard lessons of cattle farming to navigating the acquisition of a 34-year-old business, Steven shares actionable insights on entrepreneurship, trust in deals, and finding the right business fit. Curious about escaping the 9-to-5 or scaling your side hustle? This episode is packed with tips to fuel your entrepreneurial fire. Subscribe, like, and share to keep exploring Beyond the Deal!
Guest Introduction:I’m thrilled to introduce Steven Orvis, a software executive turned serial entrepreneur who’s mastered the art of building wealth. From owning a grass-fed beef farm to closing in on a new business acquisition, Steven’s journey is a masterclass in pivoting from W-2 life to entrepreneurial success. His knack for problem-solving and passion for serving others make him the perfect guest to kick off Beyond the Deal!
Key Takeaways: Don’t just make it—sell it first! Steven learned the hard way that pre-selling, like taking deposits for next year’s beef, is key to a sustainable business.Trust is everything in acquisitions. Look for sellers and brokers you vibe with to avoid headaches down the road.Buying an established business can fast-track your wealth. Steven’s targeting businesses with solid cash flow and longevity for instant profitability.Invest in yourself through books and local meetups. Steven swears by audiobooks on 2x speed and Bigger Pockets groups for real estate wins.Balance data with gut instinct. Steven’s real estate deals taught him to crunch numbers but trust his intuition when the math feels off.Local businesses matter. Acquiring existing companies keeps communities thriving and builds your equity faster than starting from scratch.
Chapter Markers:0:00 Intro0:56 Guest Introduction2:05 Steven’s Entrepreneurial Journey8:08 Lessons from Farm Ownership11:00 Navigating Business Acquisitions20:13 Advice for W-2 Employees23:00 Real Estate and Networking Tips27:16 Market Research Strategies32:16 Rapid-Fire Q&A32:28 Closing
Keywords: Jill Yahnite, Steven Orvis, Beyond the Deal, serial entrepreneur, business acquisition, entrepreneurship, farm ownership, grass-fed beef, real estate investing, W-2 escape, business broker, trust in business, Bigger Pockets, financial independence, local business