Opportunity Knocks

Episode 26: Runyon's: A Community Staple

Today's Guest is Kevin O'Connor! The owner of Runyon's restaurant. They discuss the history and culture of Runyon's, the importance of customer service, and the challenges of running a restaurant. Kevin shares his journey from starting as a busboy to becoming the owner of the restaurant. They also talk about the menu and the creative process behind creating new dishes. The conversation ends with Todd expressing his admiration for Kevin and the impact Runyon's has on the community.

Episode 25: The Importance of Humility in Business

In this episode of Opportunity Knocks, Todd interviews Rod Davis, the CEO of the South Florida chapter of the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Rod shares his journey from working in the home building sector to becoming involved with the BBB and eventually becoming the president of the headquarters organization. He discusses the role of the BBB in helping businesses and consumers, including providing mediation and arbitration services for disputes and offering resources and training for small businesses. Rod also highlights the importance of humility and constantly searching for better solutions in business.

Episode 24: The man who brought the SUPER BOWL and WORLD CUP to Miami...

Rodney Barretto, a trailblazer in business and relationships, shares his journey of seizing opportunities. He started out in a family of police officers and became a policeman at 19 years old. After working off-duty at a popular restaurant, he was offered a job by the owner and took the chance. This led him to become a successful entrepreneur, involved in various industries such as hospitality, real estate, and electronic medical records. Rodney also discusses his role in bringing Super Bowls to Miami and his current involvement in chairing the FIFA World Cup committee.

Episode 23: High School Calculus Teacher turned Entrepreneur

Ginger Flesher-Sonnier shares her journey from teaching high school math to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the entertainment industry. She discusses her transition from teaching to starting an escape room business and later expanding into axe throwing and social entertainment venues with “THRōw Social”! Ginger's strategic and bold approach to business, along with her focus on creating immersive and family-friendly experiences, has led to her success in the industry.

Episode 22: Empowering Communities and CHANGING LIVES

The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including personal anecdotes, family updates, career journeys, and insights into the operations of the Urban League of Broward County with Dr. Germaine Smith-Baugh. She shares valuable advice on team building, attracting and retaining talent, and the importance of authentic relationships in business. She also discusses the Urban League's impact on the community, its future plans, and the resources it provides to small business owners and families in need.

Episode 21: Syd Levitt; A World War II Hero's Journey

Syd Levitt, a World War II hero, shares his stories and experiences in this conversation. From his military service to his entrepreneurial ventures, Syd's journey is filled with humor and resilience. The conversation also touches on topics like Honor Flight, the welcome home for veterans, and the current situation in Palestine and Israel. Syd's sharp memory and optimistic outlook on life make him a true treasure.

Episode 20: Livello Restaurant; Passion, Craft, and Family

In this episode of Opportunity Knocks, host Todd Paton interviews Bruno, the owner of Livello, a restaurant in Coral Springs, Florida. Bruno shares his passion for the restaurant industry and his commitment to providing excellent service and quality food. He discusses his background in cooking, his love for fusion cuisine, and the inspiration behind Livello. Bruno also talks about the importance of preparation and continuous learning in the restaurant business. The episode concludes with a discussion about Livello's menu and the unique dishes they offer, including their popular pizzas.

Episode 19: In-Person Events: Bringing the Mission to Life

Tariq Myers, the founder of Untapped and Best of Local Delray Beach, shares his journey from growing up in Boston to working at Lyft and Coinbase in Silicon Valley, and eventually starting his own company. He emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities for others and expanding the opportunity landscape. Tarek's current venture, Best of Local Delray Beach, is a hyperlocal discovery app that curates recommendations from locals, providing a trusted source for finding the best businesses and services in the area. The app aims to support mid-market cities and keep dollars local.

Episode 18: You'll Never "Hunt" for Business Again Once You Learn How to "Farm"

Todd discusses the debate between sales and marketing and compares it to farming and hunting. He explains that marketing is like farming, a long-term strategy that involves creating content to educate and build trust with prospects. On the other hand, sales is like hunting, a more immediate approach that involves outbound efforts to find and close deals. Todd emphasizes the importance of inbound marketing and the power of content in attracting leads. He also provides insights on how to repurpose content for different platforms and use it in the sales process.

Episode 17: How a Debate Student Shocked Everyone When Opportunity Came Knocking

Alex Smith shares her journey from seizing opportunities in education to overcoming challenges in sales and transitioning to tech sales. She also discusses her experiences with spirituality and yoga, as well as her current ventures in podcasting and consulting. Alex envisions a future of growth and impact, focused on improving the health and happiness of the world.