Randy Vlasic, founder and CEO of LIWMI Logistics, joins Mark Perkins on The Necessary Entrepreneur to break down why logistics is one of the most misunderstood advantages in business. Most companies treat it as a cost to minimize. Randy explains why it is actually a core driver of customer experience and long-term growth.

Randy shares his unconventional path into entrepreneurship, from early setbacks to building a disciplined and high-performing logistics company. His approach is simple but uncommon. Work only with clients who understand the strategic value of logistics, focus on execution, and build relationships that go beyond transactions.

The conversation dives into what it really takes to operate at a high level. Precision, consistency, and operational discipline are not optional in logistics. They are the business. Randy also reflects on navigating the uncertainty of COVID, making tough decisions, and using adaptability and relationships to continue growing while others pulled back.

This episode is a sharp reminder that great businesses are built on systems that work, not just ideas. If you are responsible for delivering results at scale, this conversation will change how you think about execution, partnerships, and the role logistics plays in every company.

Hiring is broken, and most companies do not realize how much it is costing them.

In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark Perkins sits down with Ryan Hogan, founder and CEO of Talent Harbor, to unpack what is really happening inside today's hiring market and why traditional recruiting methods are failing both companies and candidates.

Ryan brings a clear, operator-level perspective on talent acquisition, sharing how businesses can compete for top talent in a market defined by noise, inefficiency, and misalignment. From outdated hiring processes to the disconnect between employers and candidates, this conversation exposes the hidden friction points that slow growth and create costly mistakes.

You will learn how high-performing companies are rethinking recruitment, what actually attracts top-tier candidates today, and why speed, clarity, and positioning matter more than ever. Ryan also breaks down how technology is reshaping hiring, where most organizations go wrong, and what leaders must do to build teams that can scale.

This episode is not about theory. It is about execution. If you are an entrepreneur, founder, or operator responsible for hiring and building a team, this conversation will give you a sharper lens on how to win in today's talent market.

📌 Connect With Us:
Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod
X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167

📌 Find Out More About Ryan Hogan & Talent Harbor:
https://talentharbor.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/talentharbor/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanehogan/

What happens when the future of cybersecurity collides with the reality of financial risk?

In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark Perkins sits down with Arthur Miller to unpack one of the most urgent and misunderstood shifts in modern business: quantum encryption and the coming wave of post-quantum cybersecurity threats.

As quantum computing accelerates, the encryption systems that protect today's financial institutions are rapidly approaching obsolescence. Arthur explains what that actually means without the hype and delivers a practical roadmap for leaders who cannot afford to get this wrong.

You will learn why post-quantum encryption is not a future problem. It is a current leadership responsibility. You will also hear how forward-thinking organizations are preparing for a world where traditional cryptography no longer holds.

Arthur outlines the four essential moves every financial institution and data-driven business must make:

• How to assess your current security infrastructure before it is exposed
• What quantum-ready technology actually looks like in practice
• How to build a real implementation strategy instead of a buzzword initiative
• Why trust, compliance, and competitive advantage all depend on acting early

This conversation goes beyond theory and into execution, covering risk, regulation, infrastructure, and leadership mindset in a rapidly shifting tech landscape.

If you are an entrepreneur, operator, or executive responsible for protecting data, building trust, or staying ahead of systemic risk, this episode will change how you think about security and the future of your business.

📌 Connect With Us:
Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod
X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167

📌 Find Out More About Arthur Miller:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-miller-64b32165/

What separates businesses that scale from those that stall? According to Damon Flowers, it comes down to ownership, clarity, and the systems you build behind the scenes.

In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Damon, founder of Modern Operators, to break down how entrepreneurs can move from chaos to clarity by building better operating systems, leveraging AI, and developing a true ownership mindset.

Damon shares how business is not just a vehicle for profit, but a vehicle for personal growth. He explains why adopting a long-term perspective is critical for success, how leaders can foster accountability and ownership within their teams, and how AI is transforming the way modern companies operate.

This conversation is packed with practical strategies for entrepreneurs looking to scale smarter, improve operational efficiency, and build resilient, high-performing organizations in today's rapidly changing business landscape.

What You'll Learn:

• Why ownership is the foundation of successful businesses
• How to implement an AI-driven operating system in your company
• The role of leadership in building accountability and culture
• Why long-term thinking creates sustainable growth
• How to streamline operations and eliminate inefficiencies
• The connection between personal growth and business success

Key Topics Covered:

• Entrepreneurship and leadership
• AI in business operations
• Scaling and operational excellence
• Ownership mentality in teams
• Long-term strategy and vision
• Building modern business systems

Actionable Takeaways:

• Reflect on your personal growth as a leader
• Implement AI tools to improve efficiency and decision-making
• Build systems that create clarity and consistency
• Foster a culture of ownership within your organization
• Focus on long-term outcomes instead of short-term wins

Who this is for:
Entrepreneurs and leaders who want to build something meaningful, sustainable, and built to last.

📌 Connect With Us:
Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod
X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167

📌 Find Out More About Damon Flowers & Modern Operators:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonflowers/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/modernoperators/
modernoperators.com
https://go.modernoperators.com/companyos

What if the way customers discover products is completely broken?

In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Al Schuster, Co-Founder of SampleFinder, to unpack how brands can rethink product discovery, customer acquisition, and engagement in today's crowded marketplace.

Al shares the story behind building SampleFinder and how the company is helping brands connect directly with consumers through smarter sampling strategies. He explains why traditional marketing channels are losing effectiveness and how experiential marketing, targeted sampling, and data-driven insights are becoming critical for growth.

This conversation dives into entrepreneurship, startup growth, and what it takes to build a company that bridges the gap between brands and consumers. Al also breaks down the importance of feedback loops, understanding your customer, and creating meaningful touchpoints that actually drive conversions.

If you are an entrepreneur, brand builder, or marketer looking to stand out and create real connections with your audience, this episode will give you practical strategies and a fresh perspective.

What You'll Learn:

• Why traditional product discovery is failing brands
• How sampling can drive customer acquisition and loyalty
• The role of data in modern marketing strategies
• How to build stronger connections between brands and consumers
• The fundamentals of scaling a startup in a competitive space
• Why feedback loops are critical for growth

Key Topics Covered:

• Product sampling and consumer engagement
• Startup growth and entrepreneurship
• Customer acquisition strategies
• Data-driven marketing
• Brand positioning and differentiation
• Experiential marketing
• Building scalable platforms

Actionable Takeaways:

• Rethink how customers discover your product
• Use sampling as a strategic growth lever
• Build feedback loops to understand your audience
• Focus on meaningful engagement over impressions
• Leverage data to refine your marketing strategy

Who this is for:
Entrepreneurs and leaders who want to build something meaningful, sustainable, and built to last.

📌 Connect With Us:
Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod
X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167

📌 Find Out More About Al Schuster & SampleFinder:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aschuster4379/
https://samplefinder.com/

What if the biggest growth lever in your business isn't sales, marketing, or operations but communication?

In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, host Mark Perkins sits down with Joshua Altman, Managing Director of Beltway Media, to break down how entrepreneurs can use strategic communication to build trust, shape perception, and accelerate growth.

Joshua explains why communication is not a support function. It is a core business function. He expands the definition of PR beyond media coverage to include every stakeholder interaction. From navigating today's rapid news cycle to preparing for high stakes media appearances, this conversation is packed with practical insights for entrepreneurs at every stage.

You will also learn how to use modern tools like AI, including platforms from OpenAI, without losing the human element. Joshua makes a strong case that authenticity and transparency are now major competitive advantages.

Whether you are building a startup, scaling a brand, or refining your personal message, this episode will help you communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact.

What You'll Learn:

• Why communication is a foundational pillar of every successful business
• A modern, expanded definition of PR and stakeholder engagement
• How to craft messaging that resonates in a fast moving digital world
• The importance of preparation for media interviews and on camera appearances
• How AI is transforming communication, research, and creativity
• Why authenticity and transparency are critical for long term brand trust

Key Topics Covered:

• Strategic communication for entrepreneurs
• Media relations and public perception
• Crisis communication and business pivots
• The evolution of the 24 hour news cycle
• Media training and storytelling
• AI in communication and content strategy
• Authentic branding and trust building

Actionable Takeaways:

• Start building your communication strategy early
• Practice and refine your media presence
• Use AI tools to enhance, not replace, your thinking
• Prioritize authenticity in every message you put out
• Create feedback loops to continuously improve your communication

📌 Connect With Us:
Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod
X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167

📌 Find Out More About Joshau Altman & beltway.media
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuaialtman/
https://beltway.media/

What does it look like to build a business and a life over decades with real intention?

In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark Perkins sits down with Ron Rubin, CEO of The Republic of Tea, entrepreneur, educator, and author of Gold in Your Backyard.

Ron has spent more than 40 years studying, building, and refining what actually works in business. He has read over 1,500 business books and, more importantly, applied those lessons in the real world. This conversation is not about theory. It is about execution, discipline, and playing the long game.

Ron also shares the story behind River Road Family Vineyards & Winery, a lifelong goal that came together through patience, persistence, and clarity of vision.

This episode focuses on what most entrepreneurs overlook. The small decisions. The daily habits. The culture you build when no one is watching.

You will hear how Ron thinks about leadership, brand experience, and why the greatest opportunities are often already sitting right in front of you.

Key Takeaways:

• Why consistent learning compounds over time
• How to apply ideas from books into real business decisions
• The importance of culture and attention to detail
• Why patience and long-term thinking win
• How to recognize and act on the "gold in your backyard"

Who this is for:
Entrepreneurs and leaders who want to build something meaningful, sustainable, and built to last.

📌 Connect With Us:
Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod
X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167

📌 Find Out More About Ron Rubin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronrubin/
https://www.republicoftea.com/
https://www.instagram.com/republicoftea/
https://www.facebook.com/RepublicofTea
https://goldinyourbackyard.com/