In this episode of Taking Chances, Shaun Coe sits down with Andy Knapick to unpack a life and career built through movement, resilience, relationships, and business instinct.Andy’s story starts far from the normal path. Four high schools across France, Boston, and Chicago. A childhood shaped by change. A competitive athletic background. Then a shift into entrepreneurship that eventually led him through Jimmy John’s, Bar Louie, commercial real estate, franchise growth, site selection, and building serious authority in the business world.Shaun and Andy talk through the moments that shaped him, how he learned to bet on himself, and why networking is still one of the most powerful tools in business. They also get into storytelling, personal brand, content creation, and why the people who are willing to share their real story often create the most trust.This conversation is for entrepreneurs, operators, franchise owners, commercial real estate leaders, and anyone who knows they have a story but has been waiting too long to tell it.Key Topics:Andy’s early life and moving through four high schoolsHow instability and change shaped his business mindsetThe move from athletics into entrepreneurshipBuilding through Jimmy John’s, Bar Louie, and franchise growthWhy networking still creates real business leverageCommercial real estate, site selection, and smart growth strategyThe value of being underfunded and learning through pressureHow storytelling builds authorityWhy content creation is becoming a business advantageTaking the first step before you feel readyGuest: Andy KnapickHost: Shaun CoeChapters:00:00 Introduction and guest background02:03 Andy’s foundation years and early career04:13 Moving through four high schools06:21 Formative years across France, Boston, and Chicago10:14 Early business ventures with Jimmy John’s and Dunkin’ Donuts11:28 Realizing business had no ceiling12:18 Leadership, ownership, and building a legacy13:53 Growing while underfunded15:09 Andy’s current business portfolio20:19 Real estate, site selection, and franchise strategy28:33 Content strategy and personal branding34:06 Speech pattern recognition and authentic storytelling39:10 Authority, trust, and telling your story40:18 Future plans and final thoughtsSEO Keywords:entrepreneurship, networking, personal branding, restaurant growth, franchise growth, commercial real estate, site selection, business leadership, storytelling, content creation, Taking Chances, Shaun Coe, Andy Knapick

In this episode of Taking Chances with Shaun Coe, Shaun sits down with Bob Frankis, owner of Cirrus Consulting, for a conversation on relationships, entrepreneurship, and the technology reshaping hospitality.Bob shares how relationship-building and mentorship helped shape his path, from early business ventures to building Cirrus Consulting into a trusted partner for operators navigating finance, systems, and growth. Shaun and Bob also get into the realities of innovation in hospitality, including how COVID accelerated digital adoption, why operational transparency matters, and where cloud, automation, and AI are taking the industry next.This episode is a strong listen for operators, founders, and hospitality leaders looking to scale with better systems, stronger leadership, and a clearer view of what is coming.In this episode, Shaun and Bob cover:How relationships and networking opened doors early in Bob’s careerThe role mentorship played in shaping his entrepreneurial pathBob’s move from early ventures into cloud technology and automationThe evolution of Cirrus Consulting and the problems they solve for clientsHow COVID accelerated digital transformation across hospitalityWhy financial visibility, metrics, and SOPs are critical for scalingThe future of private, on-premise, and public cloud solutions in the industryHow leadership development and continuous learning support long-term growthWhere hospitality technology is headed next, including innovation in inventory and accounting systemsConnect with Bob Frankis:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-frankis-87392319b/Connect with Shaun Coe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-coe/

In this episode of Taking Chances with Shaun Coe, Shaun sits down with Jen Harb for a real conversation about where her story started, how she found her way into hospitality, and what shaped her into the operator and leader she is today.Jen grew up around the restaurant business, even though it was not the path she originally thought she would take. What started with early jobs and a strong work ethic turned into a career built on leadership, resilience, people skills, and a deep understanding of what makes hospitality work from the ground up.Shaun and Jen talk through her upbringing, the influence of family, her early experiences in the industry, and how those moments helped shape the way she leads teams today. They also get into the transition from frontline roles into management, the lessons learned along the way, and why strong culture, accountability, and connection still matter in a business that moves fast.This episode is about more than hospitality. It is about growth, perspective, and how the right experiences can prepare you for bigger leadership moments later on.If you are a hospitality leader, operator, entrepreneur, or someone building a career through hard-earned experience, this conversation will hit home.In This EpisodeJen Harb’s background and early lifeGrowing up around hospitalityThe early jobs that shaped her work ethicHow she found her way into restaurant leadershipHer transition from service roles into managementLessons from Bar Louie and early leadership experiencesThe role culture plays in building strong teamsHow family, values, and background shaped her leadership styleWhat operators need to understand about people, service, and growthWhy This Episode MattersJen’s story is a reminder that leadership is not built overnight. It is built through pressure, consistency, and learning how to lead people the right way. Her journey shows how powerful early life experiences can be when they are matched with discipline, humility, and the willingness to keep growing.

In this episode of Taking Chances, Shaun Coe sits down with Matvey Sukhanov, founder of Nevermind Media, for a real conversation on modern marketing, personal branding, and what it takes to win attention in 2026.Matvey breaks down why networking is still the fastest path to opportunity, and why storytelling is the skill that separates forgettable brands from brands people actually trust. We talk about how his love for film shaped the way he approaches marketing strategy, pacing, emotion, and audience retention, and how those same principles apply to B2B marketing just as much as consumer.You’ll also hear Matvey’s take on AI in marketing: where it can speed up content creation and execution, and where it can quietly kill authenticity if leaders rely on it as a replacement for real thinking. We get into executive personal branding for C-level leaders, what’s changing in demand gen, why community matters more than followers, and what Matvey is seeing in the European market as it catches up to modern content and positioning.If you’re a founder, operator, marketer, or sales leader trying to build pipeline, build trust, and build a brand that lasts, this episode is for you.What we coverNetworking strategies that create real leverage (not fake “connections”)Storytelling for marketing, sales, and brand positioningFilm influence in marketing: pacing, emotion, retention, and framingPersonal branding for founders and C-level executivesB2B marketing that earns attention and builds credibilityAI tools in marketing: how to use them without losing the human edgeOmnichannel content creation and distribution that does not feel spammyBuilding community around a brand and turning it into momentumLessons from building Nevermind Media and growing in a fast marketThe future of marketing in Europe and where the opportunity is opening upSound bites“The power of networking is immense.”“We had to come up with a product.”“We want to do it with omnichannel.”Chapters00:00 The Power of Networking00:26 Building a Community: The Ring of GrimmIf you drop me 6–10 more timestamp markers (even rough ones), I’ll format a full chapter list that looks clean on both platforms.

In this episode of Taking Chances, Shaun Coe sits down with Cosmin Stoica to unpack how cross-cultural experience, technology, and strategic relationships are reshaping recruitment, especially for hospitality and hourly staffing.Cosmin shares his journey from Alaska fishing to working across multiple countries, and how those experiences shaped his confidence, leadership, and recruiting mindset. Shaun and Cosmin also break down the real-world impact of automation inside HC-Resource, why the market is shifting fast, and what the next two years could look like as AI and integrated workflows disrupt traditional recruiting models.They close with a practical conversation on partnerships, global talent pipelines, and the realities of immigration and visa complexity for operators trying to staff at scale.What You’ll LearnHow cross-cultural work experience builds recruiting instincts and entrepreneurial confidenceWhy hourly and hospitality recruiting is being rebuilt around automation and workflow designWhat’s changing now in recruiting tech, and what’s coming nextHow strategic networking and partnerships accelerate growth in talent acquisitionThe basics of global talent pipelines, plus visa and immigration realities for employersKey Topics CoveredCosmin’s international background and how it shaped his approach to recruitingThe shift from sourcing to end-to-end recruitment enabled by automationBuilding hourly staffing solutions with innovative tools and integrated systemsImmigration and visa complexity for global hiring strategiesForecasting the next two years: disruption, platforms, and the tech stack operators will needTimestamps / Chapters (Spotify-friendly)00:00 — Intro: Shaun and Cosmin’s background and friendship01:24 — Cosmin’s journey: Alaska fishing to global recruitment02:53 — The Uber meeting story and the power of networking04:58 — Working across countries: perspective, confidence, and growth06:21 — Working conditions: Europe vs. the U.S.07:56 — Visa challenges and international work realities08:47 — Early recruitment lessons and skill-building in Europe10:23 — Automation at HC-Resource: the shift from sourcing to full-cycle recruiting12:34 — Building hourly staffing solutions with tech14:29 — The future: AI, automation, integration, and market trends16:42 — Inside the tech build process and workflow optimization19:09 — Predictions: the next two years of transformation22:00 — Final thoughts: partnerships, innovation, and staying aheadResources & LinksHC-Resource: https://www.hc-resource.com/Cosmin Stoica on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosmin-stoica-3a100419a/Topics referenced: automation in recruitment, ATS/HRIS integrations, workflow optimizationUpcoming platform launch (Ascendium) mentioned in the episode

In this episode of Taking Chances, Shaun Coe sits down with Dan Kuglin, an HR leader who transitioned from teaching into nonprofit and healthcare HR, and is now preparing to launch his own consulting firm, Compass HR.They unpack the realities of HR in resource-constrained environments, why data ownership is becoming a critical issue, and how technology should support people instead of adding complexity.Dan shares how climbing shaped his approach to risk, leadership, and decision-making, and why building work around life matters more than ever. The conversation also explores the challenges of staffing and retention in rural healthcare, the evolving role of automation in HR, and the fear and uncertainty that come with entrepreneurship.This episode offers a grounded, practical look at HR leadership from someone who has lived it in the field — not just studied it.Key Topics Covered:Transitioning from teaching to HR leadershipHR challenges in nonprofits and healthcareData ownership and HR technologyAutomation vs. human decision-makingLaunching an HR consulting businessRisk, fear, and entrepreneurshipNotable Quotes:“I want to build my work around my life.”“I want to help organizations get compliance right without overwhelming them.”“I’m terrified… but I know this is the right move.”Chapters:00:00 – Introduction to Dan Kuglin02:51 – Moving to Colorado and the Role of Climbing05:31 – Transitioning from Teaching into HR08:25 – Building an HR Career Through Training10:55 – Technology’s Role in Modern HR13:46 – HR Challenges in Nonprofits and Healthcare16:26 – Why Data Ownership Matters19:13 – The Future of HR and Automation21:49 – Launching Compass HR24:33 – Fear, Risk, and Entrepreneurship45:16 – Closing ThoughtsKeywords:HR leadership, HR technology, nonprofit HR, healthcare HR, data ownership, entrepreneurship, career transition, compliance, workforce strategy, small business HR

In this special episode of Taking Chances, Shaun Coe sits down with Jerry Mazurowski for a reflective conversation on what it really looks like to grow up in hospitality and build a career one shift at a time.Jerry’s story starts early. His first real job was in hospitality at just 15 years old, long before he understood what the industry would give him or demand from him. From those early days, through bartending years, and eventually into opening Laurel, Jerry walks through the moments that quietly shaped his path.What stands out is not a master plan, but a series of conversations, opportunities, and decisions that only make sense looking backward. The episode explores how hospitality teaches resilience, confidence, and adaptability, often before you realize you are learning those lessons.This is a grounded conversation about growth, timing, and the compounding impact of showing up consistently in an industry that rewards presence.Key ThemesTaking ChancesHospitality careersPersonal growth through workBartending and leadershipCareer-defining momentsOpening a restaurantUnexpected opportunitiesKey TakeawaysEarly exposure to hospitality builds confidence faster than most industriesSmall moments, like the first big tip night, shape long-term perspectiveBartending teaches communication, pressure management, and ownershipCareer breakthroughs often start with a single conversationGrowth in hospitality rarely follows a straight lineReturning to familiar ground often reveals how much you have changedNotable Quotes“I grew up here.”“My first real job was in hospitality. I was 15.”“I’ll never forget the first Friday I made a hundred dollars in tips.”“I didn’t know that conversation was going to lead to that.”“We started in Laurel. We opened Laurel.”Chapter Breakdown00:00 – Welcome back and setting the context01:19 – Early roots and growing up around hospitality03:22 – First job at 15 and early lessons learned05:50 – Memorable moments that hooked him into the industry10:06 – Why hospitality pulled him in immediately12:12 – Bartending years and finding confidence13:44 – The road to opening Laurel

Taking Chances continues with a grounded look at how technology actually gets built, deployed, and trusted in the real world.In this episode, Shaun Coe sits down with Robert Jamieson, founder of CSM International, for a conversation that connects military discipline, critical thinking, and modern business ownership.Robert’s path into IT did not start in Silicon Valley. It started in the Marine Corps, where technology is tested under pressure, decisions matter immediately, and failure is not theoretical. That foundation shaped how he approaches systems, troubleshooting, leadership, and ultimately entrepreneurship.Together, Shaun and Robert unpack the transition from military tech to civilian enterprise, what it really takes to launch a business during the pandemic, and why adaptability has become the most important trait in both hiring and leadership.They also dig into the uncomfortable but necessary conversations business owners need to be having right now about cloud dependency, data ownership, AI hype versus reality, and why intuitive, operator-friendly systems win in the long run.They cover:How military technology often outpaces civilian systems by yearsWhy critical thinking matters more than certifications in ITThe reality of launching and scaling a business during the pandemicHiring for adaptability in fast-changing technical environmentsWhy data ownership is becoming a defining issue for modern businessesWhere AI actually adds value and where it is being oversoldThe role of intuitive software in hospitality and ops-heavy industriesWhy “technology is the business,” not just a support functionThis episode is for founders, operators, and leaders who want a clearer understanding of how technology should support growth without creating fragility.Less hype. More signal.Follow Taking Chances and stay close as we continue breaking down how real businesses are navigating technology, ownership, and change in real time.

Taking Chances continues with a conversation at the intersection of legacy business, modern tech, and real-world execution.In this episode, Shaun Coe sits down with Sebastian Fleischmann, his co-founder at Ascendium Tech, to unpack the journey that led them to build together.Sebastian’s story is not a straight line. Raised around a legacy family business, he was exposed early to how companies actually run, where they break, and what leadership really looks like under pressure. That foundation pushed him into entrepreneurship at a young age, then into consulting, leadership roles, and eventually deep work in AI and systems design.What emerges is a builder who understands both sides of the table: operators who need things to work today, and technologists who are designing what work looks like tomorrow.Together, Shaun and Sebastian explore how that background shaped the creation of Ascendium, why enterprise clients are now demanding smarter systems instead of more headcount, and how AI is quietly reshaping organizational structures across hospitality, staffing, and ops-heavy industries.They dive into:How early exposure to real businesses builds entrepreneurial instinctsThe role of confidence, ownership, and accountability in scaling companiesSebastian’s transition from consulting into AI-driven problem solvingWhy most organizations are not “behind,” they are just overloadedHow AI is changing operations without replacing the human layerWhat hospitality teaches us about speed, margin, and systems under stressWhy adaptability matters more than tools in the AI eraThe real risks and realities around data, infrastructure, and cyber threatsThis episode is less about hype and more about how builders actually think when they’re designing systems meant to survive real-world pressure.If you’re a founder, operator, or leader navigating growth, tech adoption, or the collision between legacy business and AI, this conversation will feel familiar in the best way.Follow Taking Chances, share this episode with someone building alongside you, and stay close. These conversations are just getting started.

Taking Chances is back — and it’s evolving.In its first run, the show highlighted people willing to bet on themselves.From here on out, Taking Chances is a show about entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs — the builders and operators reshaping how we work.In this first episode back, host Shaun Coe sets the stage with his own journey: relocating from Europe back to the U.S., getting married, living through two hurricanes and four moves, and stepping into his role as CEO and founder of HC-Resource and Ascendium Tech. That chaos, resilience, and reinvention frame a new, sharper focus on entrepreneurship, staffing, AI, and the labor market.To bridge the past and the future of the show, Shaun brings back Jeremy Friedman of Instawork — a leading tech-based staffing marketplace — for a candid conversation on how recruitment and hourly work are being rebuilt in real time.They dive into:How Instawork built a tech-first staffing marketplace and workforce solutionWhere AI, automation, and smarter vetting are changing recruitment speed and qualityWhy “the system is broken” for both workers and employers — and what it looks like to fix itThe role of feedback loops in improving the experience for workers, operators, and platformsThe rise of flexible scheduling and what today’s workforce is really asking forHow Ascendium Tech is designing tools to automate hourly recruiting at scaleWhy informed consent and transparency will define the future of recruitmentIf you’re an entrepreneur, founder, or operator in staffing, HR tech, or workforce solutions, this episode is your on-ramp into the new era of Taking Chances — and a preview of where the labor market is headed.Follow the show, share this episode with a fellow builder, and tap into the community we’re creating to fix what’s broken in work.