Plant Your Flag with Bean Media

Hosted by Mike Bean & Jeremy Mountain

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Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-US

About the show

We wanted to start a show that helps tell the stories of the amazing people who chose to Plant Their Flag and become a business owner. We talk about what it means to plant your flag, through good and bad, and we meet internally and with guests around Western New York to hear what it means to them

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35 recent

August 21, 2026Episode 539 min

PYF #35 What Really Happens When Selling a Business?

When you're selling a business, what really happens? Well, a mergers and acquisitions specialist such as Mike Ford from M&A consulting is here to answer your questions on the 35th episode of the Plant Your Flag Podcast! Most successful business owners may get to the stage where they want to retire and sell their business. Alternatively, a business owner might be looking to expand and acquire a new business. Helping people buy and sell businesses is exactly what Mike Ford is here to do. Preparing for this business exchange can be a process; certain changes may need to be made, and ensuring a buyer and a seller are a good fit for eachother is very important for the success of the deal and the businesses. That's why M&A consulting can be such a valuable tool. Mike and Jer have known Mike Ford for a while, and it’s been exciting to witness his journey and plant his flag from the start to the present. He's an incredible person, and it's an honor to have him on the podcast! Reach out to Michael Ford: https://fordmaconsulting.com/ ===CHAPTERS=== 00:00 - Outtakes 00:54 - Intro 02:37 - Who or what inspired you to plant your flag? 06:05 - Building relationships 08:53 - What mergers and acquisitions actually are 12:50 - How has owning a business changed you? 15:09 - Athletes and business owners 17:30 - Getting the best results for both sides 19:27 - How to prepare to sell your business 23:30 - Caregivers across states 26:15 - Where M&A consulting is going 30:00 - Challenges with mergers and acquisitions 33:53 - Aligning company culture 35:43 - The NYS Self-Employment Assistance Program 37:36 - How can Mike Ford help you? Thanks again for joining us on another episode of the Plant Your Flag podcast. If you liked the podcast, be sure to check out our other podcast episodes on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. === Find Us! === Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeanMediaProductions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beanmedia/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bean-media-productions/ Website: https://www.beanmediaproductions.com/ Listen: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/762c1F00LAMJXBSTATQ8gL?si=7695a335d2044918&nd=1&dlsi=85f6ed7dae244c6f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-your-flag-with-bean-media/id1736171111 #podcast #business #smallbusiness #buffalo #entrepreneur Watch the video on YouTube on the Bean Media Channel! This podcast will be dedicated to the fearless ones who decided to stick their flag in the ground and start their venture. We will continue to talk about the entrepreneurship world and feature guests who inspire us and keep us going. Stay tuned!

July 17, 2026Episode 425 min

The Business Lessons People Often Learn Too Late PYF #34

Business lessons are often learned as you continue on your entrepreneurship journey, but some can be learned too late. The Plant Your Flag Back is back with its 34th episode to share with you some of those lessons and experiences that we've had in our over 20 years of business experience! In this episode, Mike Bean and Jeremy Mountain talk extensively about business owner, entrepreneur, writer, musician, and flag planter Robert Grant (O'mega Red), who was on the 33rd episode of our business ownership pod. His experiences and journey through business and life allow Mike and Jer to share their own insights about what matters in the world of networking, connections, transactions, and trust. So join us to hear the latest insights into our business, digital marketing, and the ever-growing world of connection. === CHAPTERS === 00:00 - Outtakes 01:23 - What we learned from O'mega Red 04:42 - What a business owner looks like 07:44 - Faith and confidence in yourself and your company 10:00 - Why we want to tell entrepreneurs stories on the podcast 13:00 - Being authentic and uniting 17:42 - Be yourself and truthful in all your endeavors 19:06 - Connections and networking 21:50 - Be comfortable being uncomfortable 23:20 - Closing thoughts Thanks again for joining us on another episode of the Plant Your Flag podcast. If you liked the podcast, be sure to check out our other podcast episodes on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. === Find Us! === Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeanMediaProductions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beanmedia/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bean-media-productions/ Website: https://www.beanmediaproductions.com/ Listen: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/762c1F00LAMJXBSTATQ8gL?si=7695a335d2044918&nd=1&dlsi=85f6ed7dae244c6f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-your-flag-with-bean-media/id1736171111 #podcast #business #smallbusiness #buffalo #entrepreneur Watch the video on YouTube on the Bean Media Channel! This podcast will be dedicated to the fearless ones who decided to stick their flag in the ground and start their venture. We will continue to talk about the entrepreneurship world and feature guests who inspire us and keep us going. Stay tuned!

June 25, 2026Episode 336 min

What Successful People Understand About Relationships | O'mega Red

Success rarely happens alone; that's why relationships are so important. In this episode of the Plant Your Flag Podcast, entrepreneur, author, musician, and business leader Robert Grant (O'mega Red) shares his life experiences and story with the podcast! Robert Grant has planted many flags in his entrepreneur journey. Through his experience with finance and in entertainment, he is the owner of F & E Consulting. But that is just one part of his vast story. From hosting the Celebration of Summer to doing collaborative concerts, O'mega Red has a wide perspective on the world, business, music, and more! It was a huge honor having him on the show, and the more you talk with him, the more it becomes clear how impressive and successful he is! Join O'mega Red along with Mike Bean as he shares his full story and how relationships, networking, and surrounding yourself with the right people helped shape his career across business and entertainment. Thanks for joining us on another episode of the Plant Your Flag podcast. If you liked the podcast, be sure to check out our other podcast episodes on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. === Find Us! === Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeanMediaProductions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beanmedia/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bean-media-productions/ Website: https://www.beanmediaproductions.com/ Listen: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/762c1F00LAMJXBSTATQ8gL?si=7695a335d2044918&nd=1&dlsi=85f6ed7dae244c6f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-your-flag-with-bean-media/id1736171111 Watch the video on YouTube on the Bean Media Channel! This podcast will be dedicated to the fearless ones who decided to stick their flag in the ground and start their venture. We will continue to talk about the entrepreneurship world and feature guests who inspire us and keep us going. Stay tuned!

June 4, 2026Episode 233 min

What Businesses Are Actually Doing with AI PYF#32

Welcome to the 32nd episode of the Plant Your Flag Podcast! In this Episode, we talk about what Businesses are actually doing with AI. Join Mike Bean and Jeremy Mountain as they navigate the new business landscape powered by artificial intelligence. AI has been infiltrating every business and industry since neural network transformers were discovered in 2017. This allowed key models like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok, and so many more AI systems to enter the public space, where entrepreneurs have access to them. How are private and public businesses leveraging these and other AI systems? Mostly through automation and optimizing their work processes. So far, what we see is not often businesses looking to replace people but using AI to make everyday tasks much more efficient. In this episode, we will discuss: - How businesses are actually using AI - Using AI as an entrepreneur - How AI can improve a business's workflow - Why AI is not as threatening as it seems - What Meta is doing with their Andromeda AI - And more AI topics We hope you enjoy this deep dive into AI systems and how real businesses (like us) are actually using AI to improve how they operate themselves. If you want to learn more about AI and Business, watch the 31st episode of the podcast with John Porter, a tech leader who breaks down exactly how he is helping non-technical founders use AI solutions for their business. ---===CHAPTERS===--- 00:00 - Intro 01:23 - Improving our business with AI 03:26 - Work Process Management 05:01 - AI is not replacing you 07:55 - Connecting systems with Artificial Intelligence 09:42 - Snake oil salesmen and AI gurus 12:04 - AI after the AI boom 14:05 - Meta Andromeda 17:15 - Humans are capable 19:00 - AI and layoffs 20:20 - What is the Plant Your Flag Podcast 24:07 - Things are ever-changing in SEO, digital marketing, and AI 29:18 - The immeasurable effects of marketing 31:32 - Outro 32:17 - Outtakes Thanks again for joining us on another episode of the Plant Your Flag podcast. If you liked the podcast, be sure to check out our other podcast episodes on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. === Find Us! === Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeanMediaProductions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beanmedia/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bean-media-productions/ Website: https://www.beanmediaproductions.com/ Listen: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/762c1F00LAMJXBSTATQ8gL?si=7695a335d2044918&nd=1&dlsi=85f6ed7dae244c6f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-your-flag-with-bean-media/id1736171111 #podcast #business #smallbusiness #buffalo #entrepreneur Watch the video on YouTube on the Bean Media Channel! This podcast will be dedicated to the fearless ones who decided to stick their flag in the ground and start their venture. We will continue to talk about the entrepreneurship world and feature guests who inspire us and keep us going. Stay tuned!

May 8, 2026Episode 134 min

PYF#31 Tech Leader Reveals The Truth About AI in Business

Tech Leader John Porter explains what AI actually does for business and how companies are really using artificial intelligence to optimize workflows, improve scalability, and solve operational problems. Luckily for us, he has joined us for the 31st episode of the Plant Your Flag podcast!! In Episode 31 of the Plant Your Flag podcast, Mike Bean sits down with John Porter to discuss using AI tools safely and responsibly in businesses. They also discuss the business John Porter founded, Squared Sigma, which helps other businesses optimize work processes, solve business problems, and improve scalability for large clients and small solo entrepreneurs. John Porter is a veteran in the tech industry, working for major companies like Oracle, SAP, DecisionLink, and Xfactorio. Now he has founded his new business, Squared Sigma, where he provides AI solutions to everyday business problems to give entrepreneurs and employees their time back and to improve efficiency for everyone. In this episode, we'll discuss: - How businesses are actually using AI today - Common mistakes companies make when adopting AI - How AI improves productivity and scalability - Why AI isn’t replacing jobs the way people think - How entrepreneurs can leverage AI without technical experience Thank you for joining us on episode 31 of the Plant Your Flag podcast. If you want to see more of the podcast, be sure to check out our other podcast episodes on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. —-===CHAPTERS===— 00:00 - Intro 01:06 - Building business solutions 03:53 - Optimizing value opportunities 05:42 - AI in the tech industry 06:47 - How to correctly use AI in your business 07:42 - What John Porter and Squared Sigma does for technology and business 09:58 - Not using AI recklessly 11:44 - Becoming an entrepreneur 13:06 - Solving problems and optimizing work processes 14:53 - What motivates John Porter 16:08 - Helping businesses thrive 18:34 - Curiosity and corporate tech 21:45 - The support system behind a successful entrepreneur 25:58 - Being stuck in the corporate world 26:59 - AI is not causing layoffs in tech 28:11 - The good and bad ways to use AI in business 30:04 - Why should I use a solution 31:30 - How to contact John Porter about leveraging AI 33:22 - Outro 33:57 - Outtakes === Find Us! === Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeanMediaProductions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beanmedia/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bean-media-productions/ Website: https://www.beanmediaproductions.com/ Listen: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/762c1F00LAMJXBSTATQ8gL?si=7695a335d2044918&nd=1&dlsi=85f6ed7dae244c6f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-your-flag-with-bean-media/id1736171111 Watch the video on YouTube on the Bean Media Channel! This podcast will be dedicated to the fearless ones who decided to stick their flag in the ground and start their venture. We will continue to talk about the entrepreneurship world and feature guests who inspire us and keep us going. Stay tuned!

March 26, 2026Episode 1356 min

PYF #30 How I went from an Entrepreneur and Real Estate Agent to a Family Hero

Bill Neu, an entrepreneur, real estate agent, and now family hero, is our newest addition to our collection of outstanding entrepreneurs on the Plant Your Flag Podcast! On the 30th episode of the podcast, old coworkers and friends Bill Neu and Jer speak about Bill's new business, Gramma's house. Gramma's house isn't your regular construction business. Bill started this concept to help the elderly age in place by making modifications to their homes. Bill Neu is adamant that no one wants to go to a nursing home, and through his business, he can help your grandparents live in their homes much longer and much safer. Starting a business is a very hard thing to do, but if you do something you love that gets you out of bed each morning that truly matters to you, there is nothing more rewarding. Thanks for joining us on another episode of the Plant Your Flag podcast if you liked the podcast, be sure to check out our other podcast episodes on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. === Find Us! === Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeanMediaProductions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beanmedia/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bean-media-productions/ Website: https://www.beanmediaproductions.com/ Listen: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/762c1F00LAMJXBSTATQ8gL?si=7695a335d2044918&nd=1&dlsi=85f6ed7dae244c6f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-your-flag-with-bean-media/id1736171111 Watch the video on YouTube on the Bean Media Channel! This podcast will be dedicated to the fearless ones who decided to stick their flag in the ground and start their venture. We will continue to talk about the entrepreneurship world and feature guests who inspire us and keep us going. Stay tuned!

March 5, 2026Episode 1242 min

PYF #29 What Really Happens When you Bet on Yourself

To find out what really happens when you bet yourself, you may have to try to find success the hard way. Starting your own business might be the riskiest and hardest thing you can do. On the Plant Your Flag podcast, we seek out these incredible entrepreneurs who bet on themselves and take that leap to plant their flags. On the 29th episode of the Plant Your Flag Podcast, Mike and Jer discuss the most recent business owners, entrepreneurs, and flag planters who told their business startup stories. Thanks for joining us on another episode of the Plant Your Flag podcast if you liked the podcast, be sure to check out our other podcast episodes on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. Want to be a guest on PYF? https://youtu.be/53spFvBjlJk === Find Us! === Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeanMediaProductions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beanmedia/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bean-media-productions/ Website: https://www.beanmediaproductions.com/ Listen: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/762c1F00LAMJXBSTATQ8gL?si=7695a335d2044918&nd=1&dlsi=85f6ed7dae244c6f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-your-flag-with-bean-media/id1736171111 Watch the video on YouTube on the Bean Media Channel! This podcast will be dedicated to the fearless ones who decided to stick their flag in the ground and start their venture. We will continue to talk about the entrepreneurship world and feature guests who inspire us and keep us going. Stay tuned!

February 13, 2026Episode 1143 min

PYF #28 Breaking Depression Stigma: Dan Lukasik’s Mental Health Journey

Depression and mental health have long been stigmatized in America. Dan Lukasik is here to share his depression journey on the 28th episode of the Plant Your Flag podcast. He has gone through his own battle with depression as a lawyer and has made it his mission to help those with mental illness all over the country. He has made two documentaries about depression and mental illness, one about his brother, "My Brother Lost in Time: a Bipolar Life," and another about a young boy Dan Lukasik mentored titled "Travels with George: A Journey Through Depression Connection and Friendship." Dan Lukasik is now the NYS Judicial Wellness Coordinator, Lawyer, a Filmmaker, a Law Professor, a Well-Being Advocate & CLE Presenter, and a Keynote Speaker who addresses problems with mental illness and depression in the legal world and far beyond. Dan sat down with Mike today to tell his story of his journey with depression, but also to share the motivation and making of his two films, as well as how businesses can and should care about mental health in the workplace. Dan also shares many more insights, stories, and more on the 28th episode of the Plant Your Flag podcast. Thanks for joining us on another episode of the Plant Your Flag podcast if you liked the podcast, be sure to check out our other podcast episodes on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. === Find Us! === Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeanMediaProductions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beanmedia/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bean-media-productions/ Website: https://www.beanmediaproductions.com/ Listen: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/762c1F00LAMJXBSTATQ8gL?si=7695a335d2044918&nd=1&dlsi=85f6ed7dae244c6f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-your-flag-with-bean-media/id1736171111 Watch the video on YouTube on the Bean Media Channel! This podcast will be dedicated to the fearless ones who decided to stick their flag in the ground and start their venture. We will continue to talk about the entrepreneurship world and feature guests who inspire us and keep us going. Stay tuned!

January 22, 2026Episode 1055 min

PYF #27 Something Electrifying | How Nic Lalich turned his Dream into a Business Reality

The Plant Your Flag Podcast returns in 2026 with our newest guest, Nic Lalich! Nic is the founder and business owner of 86400 Entertainment. A company focused on producing shows for concerts and musicians. Nic has been a long-time ally for us at Bean Media Productions, so its an honor having him on to talk about how he started his business. Nic has worked in many roles in his life, including being a representative for Meta, and he has translated his skills and his relationships into his business. This is another long one, so get strapped in and stay tuned for another amazing story about business, success, achieving your dreams, and planting your flag! Thanks for joining us on another episode of the Plant Your Flag podcast if you liked the podcast, be sure to check out our other podcast episodes on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. Watch the video on YouTube on the Bean Media Channel! This podcast will be dedicated to the fearless ones who decided to stick their flag in the ground and start their venture. We will continue to talk about the entrepreneurship world and feature guests who inspire us and keep us going. Stay tuned!

January 1, 202632 min

Plant Your Flag; The Best of 2025

The business podcast of Buffalo is back! This episode is a compilation of the best moments from all of our guests and all of the diffrent episodes from 2025. We look forward to seeing how the podcast evolves in 2026, and we hope you'll join us for more business stories, expert advice, and exciting Buffalo action! Thank you for joining us on another episode of the Plant Your Flag podcast. If you liked this podcast, be sure to check out our other episodes on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. === Find Us! === Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeanMediaProductions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beanmedia/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bean-media-productions/ Website: https://www.beanmediaproductions.com/ Listen: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/762c1F00LAMJXBSTATQ8gL?si=7695a335d2044918&nd=1&dlsi=85f6ed7dae244c6f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-your-flag-with-bean-media/id1736171111 Do you want to be a guest on the podcast? https://youtu.be/53spFvBjlJk Watch the video on YouTube on the Bean Media Channel! This podcast will be dedicated to the fearless ones who decided to stick their flag in the ground and start their venture. We will continue to talk about the entrepreneurship world and feature guests who inspire us and keep us going. Stay tuned!