Plant Your Flag with Bean Media

Hosted by Mike Bean & Jeremy Mountain

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Oct 2026

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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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38 recent

November 6, 2026Episode 858 min

PYF #38 The Opportunity Everyone Else Was Missing

Joe Russell found the opportunity everyone else was missing. Here on the 38th episode of the Plant Your Flag podcast, he is here to share that opportunity with us. Joe Russell, CEO and Founder of YieldHealth, speaks with Mike Bean about his journey and how he started his new business and grew it to great success right off the bat. Joe did this with smart strategy, AI systems, and a dedication that is only seen in those who have planted their flag. Joe talks about the opportunities that arose for him on his journey, and how he has pivoted from adventure to adventure, all to do the right things for the right reasons. In this episode, you will hear about: - Using AI to start your business - Planting your flag - Who you can rely on to help start a business - Entrepreneurial spirit - Doing the right things and making smart choices Starting a business is intimidating for entrepreneurs. Joe Russell serves as an example of an entrepreneur who knew he was doing the right thing by starting his company, and once he got over the fence to plant his flag, he never looked back. === CHAPTERS === (00:00) Intro (00:58) How AI Sparked the Idea for YieldHealth (04:06) Using AI to Validate a Business Opportunity (05:34) How His Healthcare and Political Experience Came Together (07:18) Why Entrepreneurs Need to Stay Flexible (08:45) Changing the Business Plan to Find the Right Market (10:58) The Dedication It Takes to Build a Business (12:30) Overcoming Career Setbacks and Finding a New Path (13:50) How Past Experiences Shape Your Future (17:17) Building a Successful Healthcare Network From Scratch (18:49) Turning an Unlikely Idea Into a Successful Business (21:19) Knowing When to Take a Leap (23:47) How Football Built His Entrepreneurial Mindset (27:48) Using AI and Building the Right Team (30:03) Funding a Startup and Preparing for Growth (32:09) Finding the Right Mentors and Business Advisors (35:10) Learning to Delegate and Trust Your Team (37:04) The Mission Behind His Healthcare Business (40:26) Why Home Healthcare Needs More Support (43:29) Helping Healthcare Providers Negotiate Better Contracts (48:11) Managing Clients, Expectations, and Boundaries (52:23) Joe's Advice for Anyone Afraid to Start a Business (55:53) How to Connect With Joe Russell 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 #podcast #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurmindset #businesssuccess 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!

October 16, 2026Episode 733 min

PYF #37 The Reality of Starting Your Own Business (What Nobody Tells You)

The reality of planting your flag and starting your own business can be daunting. When starting your own business, there is a lot that nobody tells you, and the reality of starting your business can give new entrepreneurs a whole cacophony of challenges. Here on the 37th episode of the Plant Your Flag podcast, Mike Bean and Jeremy Mountain recap the last two episodes with the owner of Estelle Esthetics, Morgan Brink, and Mike Ford, owner of Fora M&A Consulting. Join us as they discuss what starting a new business looks like for new entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and fresh business owners. In this episode of PYF, they discuss: - Finding fulfillment in the work you do - Overcoming doubt and pushing through failure - Building business relationships that lead to new opportunities - Knowing when it's time to hire and expand - Managing the financial and operational challenges of business ownership They go through the trials and triumphs that new business owners experience, such as hiring their first employee, managing finances, and learning to accept failure. All while they talk about how important it is for your role to be rewarding for these owners. Aside from the successes, Mike and Jer discuss the next steps for entrepreneurs to take after they start their solo business to grow beyond what they are now. 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 #podcast #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurmindset #businesssuccess 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!

September 10, 2026Episode 630 min

PYF #36 The Choice That Shocked Everyone But Turned Out to Be Correct

She made the choice in her career to start her own business. That shocked everyone, but it turned out to be correct. Plant Your Flag is back with its 36th episode, and we are joined by another outstanding entrepreneur, Morgan Brink, owner and operator of Estelle Esthetics. She had an amazing journey, beginning with her career in healthcare. She left that industry, focused on her education, and eventually started her own beauty company in Buffalo, NY, focusing on eyebrow waxes and Brazilian waxes. Additionally, she was named Buffalo Business First’s 2026 30 Under 30 and the Buffalo News Best of 716 in 2025. Needless to say shes impressive. On this episode of the Plant Your Flag Podcast, Mike Bean and Morgan Brink discuss her entrepreneurial journey into the world of business, along with what she's learned, what advice she has, and where she is going. Expect: - Entrepreneur Stories - Business Advice - Flag Planting - Motivation for starting your own business - And more on the 36th 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, Amazon Music, 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!

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!