The Stability of a Kitchen Table: On Trauma and the Power of a Hug

In this episode of Manager Memo, we chat with Matt Stafford, the founder of Vincent James Mentoring. Matt shares a deeply personal journey of overcoming a traumatic childhood, substance abuse, and illiteracy to build a community outreach program focused on providing stability and "the embrace of family" to those in need.

"The moment you speak to me or any of my staff... you are family. And we'll give you what we have to help you in any way shape or form." — Matt Stafford

Along the way we discuss adoption and the impact of losing a father and surviving family tragedy (1:30), definition of family (3:00), servant leadership and emotional availability (3:45), learning to read and write at age 28 (6:30), 7 deaths in 6 years (7:45), emotional vulnerability in men (11:30), "Earl" and the clean house (15:15), and a five-year vision for the Vincent James Mentoring (18:30).

Matt is "old school" and encourages anyone in need of help—or those looking to partner with the organization—to reach out directly @ Phone: 262-720-8961

· Location: Waukesha, Wisconsin area

· Online: Reach out @ Vincent James Mentoring website.

We are proud to partner with LukeLeaders1248, a nonprofit providing scholarships for the children of military Veterans. Donate via PayPal/Venmo: @LukeLeaders1248. Visit: www.lukeleaders1248.com

Credits

Music intro and outro from the creative brilliance of Kenny Kilgore. Featured tracks: "Lowriders" and "Beautiful Rainy Day."

Amos Balongo is a keynote speaker and communication coach who empowers senior leaders to master their verbal skills. In this conversation, he explains how managers can break through their own leadership "lids" to foster an environment where teams thrive.

Along the way we discuss $500 and a suitcase (2:15), the importance of stories (6:45), situational leadership (14:30), don't disappoint the leader (18:000, Inside vs. Outside Communication (22:45), Camp Ohana – giving hope (29:45), and exposure to Aviation opportunities (33:45) .

Looking to motivate, inspire and transform? Reach out to Amos @ Amos Balongo.org

Learn more about Balongo's charity @ Camp Ohana.

Listen to Africa's First @ Ukulele Orchestra.

We are proud to partner with LukeLeaders1248, a nonprofit providing scholarships for the children of military Veterans. Donate via PayPal/Venmo: @LukeLeaders1248. Visit: www.lukeleaders1248.com

Credits

Music intro and outro from the creative brilliance of Kenny Kilgore. Featured tracks: "Lowriders" and "Beautiful Rainy Day."

What happens when a bartender discovers a knack for numbers and becomes a leading "Sales Tax Lady"? In this episode, we sit down with Holly Hoffman, the founder of SalesTaxLady.com, to discuss the high stakes of sales tax and the strategic power of accurate data. Holly shares her journey from a bar in Central Wisconsin to state tax auditing—explaining why sales tax isn't just a yearly chore, but a daily necessity for business health.

Holly Hoffman is an independent sales tax consultant with over 20 years of accounting experience. Formerly an auditor for the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, she now specializes in helping businesses navigate complex state regulations. She currently serves as the Committee Chair for the Wisconsin Institute of CPAs Taxation Committee.

Along the way we discuss Bartender to Auditor (3:15), Accounting Opportunities (4:00), Sales Tax (7:45), Fraud Alerts (16:00), Accurate Data (20:30), and filling the Sales Tax Education Gap (26:30).

Looking to audit-proof your business? Reach out to Holly @ SalesTaxLady.com

We are proud to partner with LukeLeaders1248, a nonprofit providing scholarships for the children of military Veterans. Donate via PayPal/Venmo: @LukeLeaders1248. Visit: www.lukeleaders1248.com

Music intro and outro from the creative brilliance of Kenny Kilgore. Featured tracks: "Lowriders" and "Beautiful Rainy Day."