The Arcus Arena

Hosted by Arcus Advisors

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May 2026

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About the show

Interesting stories of the how and why entrepreneurs chose to make the bold move to create their own businesses and change their destiny.

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24 recent

July 2, 202642 min

EP24:What Comes Next: Lauren Sparks on Resilience, Leadership, and Finding a New Path Forward

In this episode, Lauren Sparks shares her story of founding two businesses, walking away from one of them, and trying to change an industry from the inside. You’ll hear how she went from bank teller to founder of a women-led bank, what she'd tell anyone going into business with other people, and how she continues to empower women in business today.Topics discussed:(00:00) Introduction(01:52) From New York and to Houston(03:09) Why banking is hard for women(04:39) The appeal of consulting(07:18) Starting Third Party Resources(10:21) Building an all-women team(12:00) AI’s impact in banking(13:53) Co-founding Agility Bank(16:00) Why they struggled to raise $44 million(17:10) The business plan: a women-owned, women-led bank(19:23) Why she left the bank(20:45) Women's struggle to be taken seriously in business(26:00) Advice for going into business with others(28:41) Would she do it again?(30:07) How she's helping women and minorities now(33:30) What makes a successful bank (and where things goes wrong)(36:46) AI’s impact in bankingHome › Agility BankThird Party ResourcesHomeCandus Hinderer and Carrie Ferroukhi are the co-founders of Arcus Advisors, a business consulting firm dedicated to helping Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies improve results by optimizing the accounting and finance functions through strategic guidance and practical solutions. For more information and resources, visit Arcus Advisors: https://arcusadvisors.com/homeThis episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

May 13, 202655 min

EP23: Wild Growth, A Winning Exit and the Messy Middle: Scaling Chaos into Success with Craig Ceccanti

When you're scaling fast, success can feel a lot like chaos. For most founders, the wins start coming in faster than the systems to support them.In this episode, Craig Ceccanti shares how he and his co-founders built Pinot's Palette from a single Houston studio in 2009 into a 150+ location franchise. You'll learn the system that helped them regain control after scaling too quickly, how they built a business worth selling, and what most founders don’t think about before they exit.Topics discussed:● Pinot's Palette origin story and the early hustle● How they scaled so quickly in a new industry● Benefits of the franchise model● What they learned from implementing EOS● Why they decided to exit the business● How they pivoted through the pandemic● Becoming an EOS Implementer● Advice for founders scaling fastCandus Hinderer and Carrie Ferroukhi are the co-founders of Arcus Advisors, a business consulting firm dedicated to helping Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies improve results by optimizing the accounting and finance functions through strategic guidance and practical solutions. For more information and resources, visit Arcus Advisors: https://arcusadvisors.com/homeThis episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

April 8, 202653 min

EP22: How Page Parkes Built a Talent Agency Empire With No Business Plan (Just Instinct)

Ask Page Parkes what she does for a living and she won't say "talent agent." She'll say that she changes people's lives — and she's been proving it for 45 years.In this episode, she shares how she built a multi-city agency that launched the careers of Channing Tatum, Alexis Bledel, and thousands of others. You'll hear why her approach has stayed the same even as the industry has changed, and how her natural instincts (not strategy or training) helped her build a business around seeing potential before anyone else did.Topics discussed:• Starting a talent agency at 20 with no experience or connections• Her talent philosophy and what she sees that others miss• How she strategically built her team (and why some of her best people left)• Expanding from Houston to Dallas to Miami• How beauty standards have shifted over 45 years• The real cost of giving everything to the business• Succession and legacyArcus Advisors | Business Advisory for Private Equity CompaniesPucciPage Parkes Modeling and Acting School - Discover Your StageCandus Hinderer and Carrie Ferroukhi are the co-founders of Arcus Advisors, a business consulting firm dedicated to helping Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies improve results by optimizing the accounting and finance functions through strategic guidance and practical solutions. For more information and resources, visit Arcus Advisors: https://arcusadvisors.com/homeThis episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

February 26, 202646 min

EP21: The Hat Makes the Man — But Mastery Makes the Brand with Cameron Morris, Owner of Standard Hat Works

Most brands lose their edge the moment they try to scale - but not Standard Hat Works.In this episode, owner Cameron Morris shares how he's kept the 100+ year old business rooted in craftsmanship, quality, and the "perfect fit" even as demand grew. You'll hear what it's like to master a new skill, revive a legacy shop without turning into another "cheap and fast" brand.Topics discussed:How burnout led him to Standard Hat WorksRebounding after he couldn’t secure financingThe early business phase: learning hat-makingHow he’s grown the customer base without mass productionWhat defines quality and their brand differentiatorExpanding into events and the music industryOperational challenges of a premium brandHow customer behavior has evolvedHat care tips and how to wear with confidenceArcus Advisors | Business Advisory for Private Equity CompaniesStandard Hat Works InstagramMiranda Lambert Standard Works HatStandard Hat WorksCandus Hinderer and Carrie Ferroukhi are the co-founders of Arcus Advisors, a business consulting firm dedicated to helping Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies improve results by optimizing the accounting and finance functions through strategic guidance and practical solutions. For more information and resources, visit Arcus Advisors: https://arcusadvisors.com/homeThis episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

January 22, 202644 min

EP20: The Airbnb Side Hustle that Turned into a Global Tech Company w/Anthony Chow

What do you do when new regulations shut down your business? You start over with a new idea.After losing their short-term rental portfolio overnight, Anthony Chow and his partner pivoted. They dug into a problem every host knows too well, and created a Smart Access Lock designed to work at scale. In this episode, he shares how IGLOOHOME went from prototype to a global platform, landed a partnership with Airbnb, and is unlocking more and more markets every day.Topics discussed:● Anthony’s early Airbnb rental business● How a forced pivot led to a new business idea● Early product challenges and finding customers● How they landed a global partnership with Airbnb● Why they made a shift in their distribution strategy● How developing algoPIN unlocked new markets● The impact of COVID on their long-term strategy● Their move to Austin, Texas and expansion in the U.S.Candus Hinderer and Carrie Ferroukhi are the co-founders of Arcus Advisors, a business consulting firm dedicated to helping Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies improve results by optimizing the accounting and finance functions through strategic guidance and practical solutions. For more information and resources, visit Arcus Advisors: https://arcusadvisors.com/homeThis episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

December 18, 202541 min

EP19: More Than Skin Deep - How a passion for medicine and patients built a thriving practice with Dr. Kelly Duncan

Passion for healing is your “why,” but it won’t teach you the “how.” So how does a dermatologist become a practice owner and actually scale their business?In this episode, Dr. Kelly Duncan gets candid about the tough lessons and hard-earned wins of building a business with her co-founder, Dr. Sherry Ingraham. You'll hear how their path to growth differed from the norm, how incidents of fraud tested their leadership, and how their values played a role in every business decision.Topics discussed:● Where Kelly found her love for dermatology● The transition into practice ownership● Why they didn't go all in on cosmetic dermatology● Their unconventional approach to expansion and leadership● Business lessons on stealing and insurance fraud● How becoming a mother changed the practice● Sun exposure myths and how to prevent damage● Why they decided to sell the practiceCandus Hinderer and Carrie Ferroukhi are the co-founders of Arcus Advisors, a business consulting firm dedicated to helping Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies improve results by optimizing the accounting and finance functions through strategic guidance and practical solutions. For more information and resources, visit Arcus Advisors: https://arcusadvisors.com/homeThis episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

November 18, 202545 min

EP:18 Kyle Cokinos & Taylor Mann - How Knocking Down Doors Brought Business Success in Two Short Years

You’ve heard that relationships are everything in business, but how do you turn them into real opportunity? For Kyle Cokinos and Taylor Mann of Cokinos Bond Agency, it all started with taking a risk on each other.In this episode, they share how betting on each other, choosing integrity over quick wins, and focusing on trust turned them into one of Houston's newest success stories. You'll learn how they've gained credibility in a reputation-driven industry, earned client trust, and are continuing to scale through relationships!Topics discussed:● How they chose the name, Cokinos Bond Agency● Why they took the leap into entrepreneurship● Early challenges and their first office● The surprising marketing moment that landed them on TV● The importance of credibility in the bond industry● How trust and integrity drive long-term success● Partnership dynamics and how they balance their strengths● Hiring intentionally and plans for growth● Implementing EOS for structure and growthCandus Hinderer and Carrie Ferroukhi are the co-founders of Arcus Advisors, a business consulting firm dedicated to helping Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies improve results by optimizing the accounting and finance functions through strategic guidance and practical solutions. For more information and resources, visit Arcus Advisors: https://arcusadvisors.com/homeThis episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

October 15, 202550 min

EP:17 From Sports to AI: How to Pivot as an Entrepreneur w/ Chris Buckner

Why not? That is the mindset that carried Chris ‘Buck’ Buckner from job rejections to turning small ideas into big companies. From building a sports app to partnering with an AI company, his career shows that being open to opportunity matters more than chasing a ‘perfect’ plan.Today, he shares what he learned from every venture and how empathy has turned out to be his biggest advantage. We also explore Houston’s growing tech scene, how Buck avoids burnout, and what the future of entrepreneurship could look like with the rise of creators, influencers, and AI.Topics discussed in this episode:● How rejection led to his first startup● Lessons on fundraising and standing out amongst the competition● The shift that helped him find work-life balance● How valuing relationships landed him an opportunity in AI● Why integrity is his number one priority in business● How he’s helping the next generation become entrepreneurs● Social media and tech’s influence on entrepreneurshipCandus Hinderer and Carrie Ferroukhi are the co-founders of Arcus Advisors, a business consulting firm dedicated to helping Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies improve results by optimizing the accounting and finance functions through strategic guidance and practical solutions. For more information and resources, visit Arcus Advisors: https://arcusadvisors.com/homeThis episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

September 16, 202546 min

EP16: Patti Melcher on Leadership, Longevity and Giving Back

This isn’t your typical entrepreneur story. Patti Melcher co-founded a private equity firm during the 2009 economic crisis, but another incredible accomplishment has been launching The Joy School to support, first her daughter, and then hundreds of students with learning differences.In this episode, she shares how her values and long-term strategy have shaped her career — from navigating the highs and lows of the energy market to building a culture of trust and collaboration not often found in private equity. Let’s dive into purpose, leadership, and embracing change to make a lasting impact!Topics discussed in this episode:• Patti’s early experience in private equity• Founding The Joy School in Houston• The growth and impact of The Joy School• Early investments and challenges of starting EIV Capital• EIV’s long-term approach to investing and growth• Diversity, teamwork and leadership at EIV• Creating a culture of diversity, collaboration, and support• How they promote philanthropy within the company• Why they invest in the volatile energy market• How stepping back leads to more growth• Employee development and empowermentConnect with Patti Melcher:https://eivcapital.com/https://www.thejoyschool.org/Candus Hinderer and Carrie Ferroukhi are the co-founders of Arcus Advisors, a business consulting firm dedicated to helping Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies improve results by optimizing the accounting and finance functions through strategic guidance and practical solutions. For more information and resources, visit Arcus Advisors: https://arcusadvisors.com/homeThis episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

August 12, 202552 min

EP:15 From Makeup Counter Manager to Founding a Multimillion-Dollar cosmetics brand: The Jentry Kelley Story

Not every success story starts with confidence and a business plan. Today, you’ll hear how tenacity and grit helped Jentry Kelley turn a small side hustle into a multimillion-dollar business.She shares how she carved out her own unique space in the beauty industry and grew Jentry Kelley Cosmetics through self-funding in a saturated market. We talk about how she keeps the lost art of customer service alive, how the industry has evolved, and why it's so hard to find people who work as hard as you do. Tune in to learn more about this bold, customer-first brand!Topics discussed in this episode:● Moving up in the beauty industry/career● The first steps to starting Jentry Kelley Cosmetics● Building a loyal customer base● Growth challenges and personal sacrifices● How the beauty industry has changed● Managing inventory and operations● Hiring a COO and building a strong team● The lost art of customer service● The future of social media marketingCandus Hinderer and Carrie Ferroukhi are the co-founders of Arcus Advisors, a business consulting firm dedicated to helping Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies improve results by optimizing the accounting and finance functions through strategic guidance and practical solutions. For more information and resources, visit Arcus Advisors: https://arcusadvisors.com/homeThis episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com