Our most recent Pros Meetings have been a treasure trove of business acumen, leadership insights, and entrepreneurial spirit. We were fortunate to welcome three industry trailblazers as our guest speakers: Paul Self, Dan Hagaman, and Brad Martin. Each with their unique stories and expertise, they shared invaluable lessons that resonate far beyond the meeting room. 

From Paul's emphasis on consistency, to Dan's explorations of the promotional products industry, and finally, to Brad's journey from naval electrician to successful business owner - these meetings were a testament to the diverse routes to success and the wealth of wisdom to be found in shared experiences. Join us as we delve into the highlights and takeaways from these enlightening sessions.

A Deep Dive into the Power of Consistency

As always, our Pros Meetings are about sharing insights, honing our strategies, and strengthening our collective purpose. This time, we were fortunate to have Paul Self as our business moment speaker. With decades of experience in the finance industry and a proven record of transforming businesses at Primerica, Self certainly had wisdom to share.

Unearthing the Power of Consistency

Paul began his keynote focusing on the underestimated virtue of consistency. The concept of 'one more won't hurt' or 'I'll start tomorrow' often seeps into our lives, affecting our productivity and performance. Paul emphasized the importance of reshaping these procrastinating habits and embracing a consistent work ethic.

One way Paul suggested we start building consistency is through small, incremental changes, or "atomic habits." In recommending books such as "The Slight Edge" and "Atomic Habits," Paul outlined the transformative power of minute, regular actions that can eventually lead to massive change.

From Conscious Effort to Unconscious Competency

As Paul pointed out, the beauty of consistency lies in its progression. When you stick to a routine or a set of habits long enough, they become second nature. You reach a stage of unconscious competency - a state where your actions are no longer guided by conscious thought but by ingrained habit.

Quality, Confidence, and Quantity

A key takeaway from Paul's speech was the link between consistency, quality, and confidence. He emphasized that consistency fosters quality work, which in turn boosts confidence. Once this newfound confidence is instilled, it ultimately leads to an increase in output or quantity, creating a positive cycle of productivity.

Practical Steps Towards Greater Consistency

Paul didn't leave us without practical strategies to incorporate consistency into our lives:

• Setting Reminders: Create reminders for tasks that need to be done regularly. This way, it's harder to overlook them.
• Reward Small Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate small victories. It motivates you to continue the journey.
• Correct Mistakes: Don't shy away from your mistakes. Embrace them as learning opportunities and make necessary adjustments to improve.
• Use Motivational Tools: Incorporate tools like inspirational quotes, vision boards, or even motivational podcasts into your daily routine to keep your spirits high and your mind focused.
• Get Professional Help: If you're struggling with maintaining consistency, consider seeking guidance from a coach or mentor. Their expertise and advice can offer new perspectives and strategies.

In wrapping up, Paul left us with a simple yet profound truth: our greatest victories lie not in the big, dramatic moments, but in the consistent, small steps we take every day. In a world that often seems obsessed with quick results and shortcuts, this timeless wisdom couldn't have been more apt.

To learn more about Paul and his work, you can visit his Primerica page here or reach out to him directly at paulhself@gmail.com or 727-385-4325.

As we incorporate Paul's insights into our work, let's remember that the journey to success is not always a sprint, sometimes it's a marathon, and the power of consistency is our steadfast companion on that journey.

The Journey of Dan Hagaman

Our Pros Meetings are platforms for learning and growing together, offering an enriching experience for everyone involved. In our most recent session, we had the privilege of hosting Dan Hagaman as our business moment speaker. Dan is an industry leader, the face behind Hagaman Promotions & Awards, and an expert in promotional product strategies.

Dan Hagaman: Building a Promotional Empire

Dan’s presentation took us through his entrepreneurial journey, from the early days of joining the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI), to bootstrapping his own venture, Hagaman Promotions & Awards. His passion for giveaways, promotions, and advertising was not only palpable but also contagious. He showed us that starting a business might be challenging, but with resilience, hard work, and a passion for your craft, it can be a rewarding journey.

Dan started his business by leaning into his strengths: networking and building relationships. He understood the power of promotional products in boosting a company's brand visibility and worked tirelessly to help businesses get their brand recognized. Now, he boasts access to over 3000 vendors and a diverse range of offerings - everything from apparel to awards.

A World of Promotional Possibilities

At the heart of Dan's business lies the concept of SWAG (Stuff We All Get), a term commonly used to describe promotional merchandise. SWAG items can be anything, from pens and keychains to t-shirts and hats - as long as they can be branded, Dan can deliver.

Dan believes in the potential of these small, seemingly insignificant items to leave a lasting impression. They not only work as effective advertising tools but also as instruments to build goodwill and strengthen relationships.

The Power of Branding

An essential takeaway from Dan’s talk was the power of branding. As he aptly put it, “Anything that can be branded, I can brand." In an era where brand recognition plays a crucial role in a company's success, Dan’s services are more important than ever. He helps businesses communicate their values and vision through unique, tangible, and memorable promotional products.

To learn more about Dan Hagaman and his work, you can visit his website here or contact him directly at dan@hagamanpromotions.com or 727-785-9424.

The journey of Dan Hagaman serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of resilience, passion, and relationship-building. We look forward to applying these valuable insights in our respective journeys, and can't wait to see what our next Pros Meeting will bring.

The Sparkling Journey of Brad Martin

We were graced with the presence of Brad Martin, an accomplished electrician and the driving force behind Palm Harbor and Dunedin Electric. Brad's story of transformation and professional evolution offers an incredible example of resilience, adaptability, and foresight in business.

Brad Martin: The Journey from Vermont to Florida

Brad's story began in Vermont, where he faced the all-too-familiar crossroads after graduation - to work or join the services. His early work experience spanned from well drilling to trucking. However, life had different plans for Brad. When he was drafted by the army, he decided to make a bold move by enlisting in the Navy - a decision that eventually led him down an unexpected path.

During his time with the Navy, Brad became certified as an electrician, a role that he enjoyed and found rewarding. After leaving the service, he continued to work as an electrician. His journey took an interesting turn when he accepted a short-term job in Alaska for well drilling. Unfortunately, the job fell through, but the situation nudged him towards a new adventure: Florida.

The Birth of Palm Harbor and Dunedin Electric

In Florida, Brad worked with several companies and observed their operations closely. He began to see recurring mistakes and inefficiencies that convinced him that he could do things differently - and better. From this revelation, Dunedin Palm Harbor Electric was born.

Brad's dedication to delivering top-notch service and his expert knowledge of the trade resulted in remarkable success for his business. The impact was so profound that the company has flourished across generations.

Shedding Light on LED vs. Fluorescent Bulbs

Apart from sharing his personal journey, Brad also enlightened us with his technical knowledge. He explained the differences between fluorescent and LED lights, highlighting the superior cost-effectiveness and efficiency of LEDs. LEDs not only save money over time but also generate less heat, making them a safer, more sustainable choice for homes and businesses.

To learn more about Brad and his services, visit Dunedin Electric's website or get in touch with him directly via email at bradmartin@dunedinelectric.com or call 727.773.1622.

Brad's journey is a testament to the value of flexibility, observation, and tenacity. He took each unexpected turn as an opportunity to learn and grow, eventually building a thriving, multi-generational business. As we absorb the insights from Brad's talk, let's remember his key lesson: there's always a way to do things better. We look forward to carrying this spirit of continuous improvement into our next Pros Meeting.

Join us at Our Next Meeting

To learn, grow, and network with a community of professionals committed to excellence, join us at our next PROs meeting. We meet every Friday from 8 am to 9 am at 1190 Georgia Ave, Palm Harbor, FL 34683. RSVP at PRO Networking – we look forward to seeing you there!

If you are looking to join a business networking group in the Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, East Lake area, visit our networking group. RSVP at https://www.pro-networking.org/contact.