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A Better Way to Host Virtual Events - Jarrod Goldsmith

Starting your own entrepreneur journey with Jarrod Goldsmith, founder of eSAX Virtual Events

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A Better Way to Host Virtual Events - Jarrod Goldsmith
Corporate photography of Jarrod Goldsmith for internet use by Claude Brazeau

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jarrod Goldsmith, founder of eSAX Virtual Events, located in Ottawa, ON, Canada.

Originally published on GoSolo January 30, 2023.

What’s your business, and who are your customers?

I am Jarrod Goldsmith, I have founded two businesses with cute names (Sax Appeal and eSAX Virtual Events), but both are in entirely different industries!

eSAX Virtual Events is an entrepreneur networking community for small businesses hosting virtual events for others on an interactive and inclusive (non-Zoom) platform with a specialization on corporate virtual conferences and virtual office space. As a background “stage manager,” and completely depending on a client’s unique needs, eSAX Virtual Events can moderate all aspects of a virtual event, including preparation and coordination of the platform, onboarding details, personalized demos to speakers, staff, stakeholders, sponsors, guests, and tech support on the “day-of” to help attendees experience an unbelievable event. This virtual event platform is as close as one can get to a real face-to-face networking event, conference, classroom, workshop, career fair, awards celebration, presentation, holiday event, or any other need to connect with people. Our ONLY role is to make sure your guests experience an exciting and trouble-free event from inception to completion. Our solution is perfect for employees to be more productive in individual virtual offices and to easily connect with colleagues. Customers range from governments, multi-national businesses, all kinds of organizations, charity/not-for-profits, small businesses, High School reunions, to someone hosting a virtual 50th-anniversary party. And everything in between!

For the other business, known as Canada’s Premier Saxophone Ensemble, Sax Appeal is a unique professional all-saxophone band located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. As the most extraordinary ensemble in the region, Sax Appeal is transforming the musical landscape in Canada with its distinctive sound, look and feel. Equally comfortable playing any musical genre ranging from jazz to classical to literally everything in between, the versatility of this saxophone ensemble is unmatched. We make every performance a true experience for attendees. We also hire any other kind of professional musicians to make an event a complete musical success!

Tell us about yourself

An archaeologist and musician by education, and now known by my signature fedora, I am a Canadian small business community builder. I am the embodiment of the small business spirit and have 700+ videos, podcasts, blogs, and interviews on entrepreneurship and networking for small businesses on the eSAX YouTube channel. I am living proof that if you follow what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. Hard work, coupled with unwavering persistence and commitment to branding, has led me to make my passion for the saxophone and virtual event planning viable businesses. Upon launching such a unique all-saxophone ensemble, I had to literally network to get work since very few people have ever heard of, let alone looking for, a saxophone group. From all the networking I have done since 2011, I have branded myself as one of Ottawa’s most well-known entrepreneurs. My commitment to community engagement was further recognized when I ran a strong campaign for Ottawa City Council in the October 2018 municipal election.

The number one motivation for why I work hard every day is so that I can continue to stay in business into the future. All of my musicians and virtual event tech support are contractors. That means if I am not actively promoting the businesses, no one is.

What’s your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

While I have worked with some high-profile organizations, won some awards, and had some amazing press coverage, one of my biggest accomplishments as a business owner was when I assisted US President Biden’s inaugural virtual Clean Energy gala on January 20, 2021. With ~3500 registrants, and content from Billy Eilish, Tom Hanks, Bruce Springsteen, Eva Longoria, Train, and many others, eSAX fielded 20 support staff to make it a complete success. I am known and recognized as a global expert on this virtual event platform.

What’s one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Work-life balance is always an issue. As a self-funded entrepreneur, if you’re not working and networking, you will have no clients. The feeling of not having a “safety net” really motivated me to prioritize work above all else. With no sick days, pension, insurance, or any other kind of benefit that most other people have, the pressure to hustle in order to stay in business was strong. COVID proved to be an excellent opportunity for me, who was a very early adopter of hosting virtual events. The business was booming! But so was my weight from the many hours in front of a computer. In the summer of 2020, I started walking hours a day in the forest near my house, often averaging ~15,000 steps. Exploring nature and losing weight helped me to feel more energized and focused. The elusive work-life balance that I so often neglected was finally found!

What are the top tips you’d give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. You don’t have to do everything yourself. There are many people and resources available to assist in a wide variety of ways. Ask people for assistance or connections through your contacts and social media. Source the many entrepreneurial programs offered in your area, perhaps through your municipality or local Chamber of Commerce.
  2. Outsource tasks that you don’t like to do or do not have knowledge of. Sure, you can learn accounting or graphic design, but the time it would take to be efficient at every task required to start and run a business can be overwhelming. Partnering through barter and collaboration with others is a wise way to go.
  3. Find others who have “been there, done that.” Learn from other successful entrepreneurs and hang around where they hang out. Do successful business/community leaders frequent free networking events, or would they more often be found at paid events? Choose your time wisely, and keep networking!! Oh, and check out the eSAX YouTube channel for many more great entrepreneurial tidbits!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://eSAX.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eSAXnetworking
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eSAXnetworking/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/eSAXnetworking
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eSAXnetworking/

eSAX Virtual Events
eSAX Virtual Events
eSAX Virtual Events

Celebrating Success During Covid

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I’ve always thought celebrating success when so many are struggling is not appropriate. Maybe it’s a Canadian thing, or maybe its the thought that it may come across as bragging. But here’s a short story on how I’ve pivoted during Covid that hopefully will provide inspiration to others.

As a full-time musician (Sax Appeal Ottawa) and in-person event planner (eSAX)…two of the most hard-hit industries due to Covid, I switched my entire small business model the week of March 20, 2020 to host virtual events on an interactive non-Zoom platform and rebranded as eSAX Virtual Events.

Being a sole proprietor with no employees, it was simple to make the decision overnight to entirely pivot my small business. Everyone in the world at that time was looking for one of three things. Toilet paper; hand sanitizer; and an alternative to Zoom. It was the latter that I specialized in, and in the last 11 years, was the best business decision I’ve ever made.

From the number of high-profile clients we have served (including assisting US President Joe Biden’s inaugural virtual gala on Jan 20, 2021, and other clients such as Chambers of Commerce, multinationals, municipalities, governments and many more), eSAX has positioned itself as an early global leader in the virtual event industry & scaled accordingly in 2021. Gross revenue in 2021 alone was more than the years 2011–2020 COMBINED.

Yes have won some awards and recognition along the ways, but accolades are not what motivates me. Becoming known as a resource for small business to help others learn from my mistakes (….some call it wisdom), fuels my passion.

We now have >700 eSAX YouTube videos to help the entrepreneur ecosystem by providing knowledge, wisdom & motivation to smallbiz. Providing free and accessible business knowledge to help the world’s small business community has always been one of my priorities.

Have also launched a new Podcast series in partnership with TCC Canada during Covid titled ‘Pivoted Success’, interviewing entrepreneurs / community leaders who have successfully adapted to COVID to share their story & provide inspiration.

So the way I see it now, celebrating success should be viewed as a way to provide much-needed inspiration to others during these difficult times.

About Jarrod

Known by his signature fedora, Jarrod Goldsmith is a Canadian small business community builder and is the embodiment of the small business spirit. He founded Sax Appeal (Canada’s Premier Saxophone Ensemble), hosts the eSAX Podcast, Pivoted Success Podcast, Talk to the Fedora, has >700 videos on the eSAX YouTube channel on entrepreneurship, small business knowledge and networking, and also founded eSAX (The Entrepreneur Social Advantage Experience); Ottawa’s largest entrepreneur networking community for small business. Using an interactive and novel virtual event platform, and now known as eSAX Virtual Events, Jarrod has pivoted to hosting exciting virtual events for others.

eSAX #virtualevents #smallbusiness #success #inspiration #inspirational

eSAX podcast featuring Catherine Priestman of CP Business Solutions with Jarrod Goldsmith

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Jarrod is joined in the studio with Catherine Priestman from CP Business Solutions. They talk about some of her interesting background, what defines success and more!

ABOUT Catherine Priestman:

Catherine leads her team to uncover potential, inspire creativity, instill trust and develop solutions. She is driven by a tireless pursuit for creative results and is always looking for a fresh challenge. An authentic leader, she works diligently to elicit excellence for her clients. She is known for quickly gaining trust and respect from those around her and breaking through barriers to generate marketing solutions that get results.

ABOUT CP Business Solutions:

CP Business Solutions Inc. is a team of image strategists and creative problem solvers whose goal is to exceed your expectations with marketing excellence. We untangle and simplify, turn chaos into calm and create the extraordinary.

When you’re not sure where to start, CP Business Solutions Inc. will uncover your potential. We have a knack for seeing what others may not and perceiving the unique and subtle. We build on your competitive advantage and showcase what makes you different.

When your statement needs to be impactful, CP Business Solutions Inc. inspires creativity. We generate concepts to elevate your brand, image and organization. We create fresh, inspiring and eye-catching campaigns that celebrate what makes you unique and help you stand out.

When you’re hesitant to leap, you can trust CP Business Solutions Inc. We leap with you and keep you moving forward. We keep you informed and confident in the execution, cost, quality and timelines of each and every project, always going beyond to earn and keep your trust.

When you need engaging solutions that reach your target audience, CP Business Solutions Inc. develops solutions. We help you crystallize and reach your marketing goals. But we don’t stop at solutions – we’re dedicated to follow-up and growth, and fueled by a desire to do more.

Subscribe to the eSAX YouTube channel for more entrepreneur networking tips and connect with us on social media! Twitter (#eSAX) / Facebook / Instagram / LinkedIn

eSAX (The Entrepreneur Social Advantage Experience – https://eSAX.ca) is an entrepreneur networking community for small business located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. #eSAX Makes Networking Work!

eSAX was founded by entrepreneur and musician Jarrod Goldsmith. Jarrod is a Canadian small business community builder and is the embodiment of the small business spirit. He is one of Ottawa’s best known entrepreneurs and founded Sax Appeal (Canada’s Premier Saxophone Ensemble), Sax Appeal Productions (an agency for all live music in Ottawa and Gatineau providing live jazz music, classical music, Christmas and holiday music, cocktail music, or wedding music), eSAX (The Entrepreneur Social Advantage Experience); Ottawa’s largest entrepreneur networking community for small business, eXclusive eXperience and hosts both Ask the Fedora (a YouTube video series on entrepreneur networking for smallbiz) and the eSAX Podcast series.

This podcast was produced by Barking Monkey Studio.

eSAX podcast featuring Sam Laprade with Jarrod Goldsmith

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Jarrod is joined on the phone with Sam Laprade from 1310 AM news radio show ‘an hour to give‘ and Gryphon Fundraising to talk about her entrepreneurial journey, the importance of building trust, rapport and stewardship to maintain and build relationships. They also talk about the importance of having a philanthropic plan for your business.

ABOUT Sam Laprade:

Sam is approaching 30 years of fundraising, public relations, media relations and sponsorship work.

After graduating from Algonquin College with a PR Diploma, she was given an opportunity to work at CBC Radio and then at CBC Television. After that, she was hooked and went-on to coordinate telethons and events.

Through various positions including non-profit, municipal politics, media and the private sector Sam has built a strong community network in the Ottawa area.

Raising funds for important causes that save lives and change lives is the most rewarding part of her work. The hospital, the humane society and a homeless shelter are all important causes that she has worked for through the years.

She was never a ‘numbers person’ … until she started to work with donor data analytics through Gryphon Fundraising. Combining both the art and the science of fundraising has changed the way that she works. It has made her work more efficient, more timely and enabled her to raise more money!

Specialties: Fund Development, Donor Analytics, Donor Relations, PR, Media Relations

ABOUT An Hour To Give:

Have you got an hour to give? We do. 1310 NEWS presents An Hour to Give. Saturday mornings from 7am – 8am this program is dedicated to charities, events, festivals and other non-profit organizations in our community. Certified Fundraising Executive, Sam Laprade hosts the show. She speaks with non-profit leaders about important community organizations and shares stories of the amazing work that is being done to change and save lives in Ottawa. For more information on getting involved with An Hour To Give contact Sam directly at samantha@gryphonfundraising.com

Subscribe to the eSAX YouTube channel for more entrepreneur networking tips and connect with us on social media! Twitter (#eSAX) / Facebook / Instagram / LinkedIn

eSAX (The Entrepreneur Social Advantage Experience – https://eSAX.ca) is an entrepreneur networking community for small business located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. #eSAX Makes Networking Work!

eSAX was founded by entrepreneur and musician Jarrod Goldsmith. Jarrod is a Canadian small business community builder and is the embodiment of the small business spirit. He is one of Ottawa’s best known entrepreneurs and founded Sax Appeal (Canada’s Premier Saxophone Ensemble), Sax Appeal Productions (an agency for all live music in Ottawa and Gatineau providing live jazz music, classical music, Christmas and holiday music, cocktail music, or wedding music), eSAX (The Entrepreneur Social Advantage Experience); Ottawa’s largest entrepreneur networking community for small business, eXclusive eXperience and hosts both Ask the Fedora (a YouTube video series on entrepreneur networking for smallbiz) and the eSAX Podcast series.

This podcast was produced by Podcast Wagon.

Welcome to the eSAX podcast series featuring Jarrod Goldsmith

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Join us on the eSAX Podcast with Jarrod Goldsmith to learn from respected entrepreneurs, community leaders, small business owners and others. They will share personal stories of success, failure and the lessons they have learned in entrepreneurship, networking and business. These entrepreneurs will impart wisdom, inspire and motivate you to take your business to the next level!

ABOUT Jarrod Goldsmith:

Jarrod Goldsmith is a Canadian small business community builder and is the embodiment of the small business spirit. He is recognized as one of Ottawa’s premiere champions for fostering a stronger small business community. As an active member of the Ottawa Board of Trade (as well as all previous regional Chambers of Commerce in the Ottawa, Ontario, Canada area), he is one of the region’s best known entrepreneurial networkers.

Jarrod’s commitment to community engagement was further recognized when he ran for Ottawa City Councillor (Orléans, Ward 1) in the October 2018 municipal election.

Jarrod is an in-demand speaker who offers inspiration (and practical) knowledge to help others achieve their dream of entrepreneurship. He has been featured in dozens of television, video and audio segments, as well as having articles published in newspapers, magazines and on-line forums promoting and motivating the entrepreneur community.

He regularly hosts workshops and seminars for students, startups, small business and community groups on the value of developing lasting professional relationships.

Jarrod’s passion for music, organizational abilities, public relation and leadership skills make for a perfect combination in creating not only Sax Appeal (Canada’s Premier Saxophone Ensemble), but also eSAX (The Entrepreneur Social Advantage Experience) – an entrepreneur networking community for small business.

In addition, Jarrod hosts eXclusive eXperience; a monthly networking opportunity for senior executives.

As another way to help encourage, promote and offer greater assistance to aspiring entrepreneurs, Jarrod also hosts a regular YouTube video series titled Ask the Fedora (subscribe now to learn about how to make YOUR networking work)!

Jarrod is an extremely enthusiastic and dedicated communications professional who is available for pubic speaking engagements and consulting. Contact Jarrod for any media requests, speaking engagements or to see how he can help your business or organization with marketing, branding, social media or networking!

eSAX podcast featuring Greg Weatherdon with Jarrod Goldsmith

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Greg Weatherdon is an author, keynote speaker, podcast host of the ‘Small Business Minute‘ and now “retired” entrepreneur who has founded seven enterprises and continues to learn everyday through networking and mentoring.

ABOUT Greg Weatherdon:

Greg knows what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur, because he proved it. From his roots as a long- haul truck driver, to a change agent in the package goods and media business, Greg has achieved what most entrepreneurs don’t – Freedom!

Greg is a sought after speaker and business advisor because he has overcome most of the challenges entrepreneurs face and survived. Greg cuts through the noise around entrepreneurship to get his audience and clients to focus on what’s really important.

Greg’s book – Get More LIFE Out of Your Business, is a must read for new and existing entrepreneurs.

Greg regularly shares his insights in the podcast The Small Business Minute that he produces and is highly ranked on Apples iTunes and available on all major podcasting platforms.

Greg’s expertise and insights have been published in major industry trade magazines, and association newsletters. Of the many successes Greg has enjoyed, one of the highlights was being nominated for the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.

Greg on Leadership

Greg has been referred to as a natural leader by many. What he realized long ago is that leaders must lead in such a manner that people are willing follow because they want to, not because they have to. It doesn’t matter if it’s in a corporate environment, a volunteer organization or a business situation, the same skills are required.

Greg is often called upon to present his unique take on leadership which he delivers in a straight forward manner that is easily understood and implemented. Greg’s presentation is based on what he learned watching and working with great, and not so great leaders throughout his corporate and entreprenerial careers, as well as his many volunteer roles.

The uniqueness of his presentation has elicited comments such as “We’re being treated to a hugely inspirational talk on leadership…” or “Very impressive speaker presentation. Great advice on being a leader”.

If you’re looking for a more pragmatic common sense approach to leadership check out Greg’s videos https://gregweatherdon.com/topics

Subscribe to the eSAX YouTube channel for more entrepreneur networking tips and connect with us on social media! Twitter (#eSAX) / Facebook / Instagram / LinkedIn

eSAX (The Entrepreneur Social Advantage Experience – https://eSAX.ca) is an entrepreneur networking community for small business located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. #eSAX Makes Networking Work!

eSAX was founded by entrepreneur and musician Jarrod Goldsmith. Jarrod is a Canadian small business community builder and is the embodiment of the small business spirit. He is one of Ottawa’s best known entrepreneurs and founded Sax Appeal (Canada’s Premier Saxophone Ensemble), Sax Appeal Productions (an agency for all live music in Ottawa and Gatineau providing live jazz music, classical music, Christmas and holiday music, cocktail music, or wedding music), eSAX (The Entrepreneur Social Advantage Experience); Ottawa’s largest entrepreneur networking community for small business, eXclusive eXperience and hosts both Ask the Fedora (a YouTube video series on entrepreneur networking for smallbiz) and the eSAX Podcast series.

This podcast was produced by Barking Monkey Studio.

eSAX podcast featuring Steve Cody of Ruckify and Better Software Company with Jarrod Goldsmith

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Jarrod is joined by Steve Cody who shares his story of entrepreneurship. Steve starting running businesses at a young age and has not stopped since. Steve and Jarrod discuss the value of networking and going all-in when you are starting a new business.

ABOUT Steve Cody:

Serial entrepreneur, Steve Cody, has started several local and national successful businesses in the technology, rental, service, e-commerce and retail markets which have generated hundreds of millions in sales.

Steve launched his career with humble roots; he was 15 years old when he turned his entrepreneurial aspirations into reality with just $1200, a squeegee, a bucket, and a dream.

ABOUT Ruckify:

why buy when you can Ruckify?

Ruckify is the world’s largest online peer-to-peer rental marketplace, empowering its members to embrace the sharing economy and leave unnecessary purchases behind. Designed with both people and businesses in mind, anyone can post their items and spaces on Ruckify for people in their community to rent. Founded in Ottawa, Canada in 2018 on a foundation of community building, environmentalism, education, and freedom, Ruckify is dedicated to changing the world and curtailing the spread of unsustainable consumerism. The platform has also launched TreeProject, a commitment from Ruckify to plant a tree for every transaction made on the app, allowing anyone to be a part of the mission towards a greener, healthier earth.

“We are passionate about giving everyone the opportunity to start their own rental business through the Ruckify app, while helping the environment. Renting instead of buying helps lower our carbon footprint, and we believe that the sharing-economy will ultimately have a profound, positive impact on our planet.” – Ruckify Founder, Steve Cody

#letsRuckify

Subscribe to the eSAX YouTube channel for more entrepreneur networking tips and connect with us on social media! Twitter (#eSAX) / Facebook / Instagram / LinkedIn

eSAX (The Entrepreneur Social Advantage Experience – https://eSAX.ca) is an entrepreneur networking community for small business located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. #eSAX Makes Networking Work!

eSAX was founded by entrepreneur and musician Jarrod Goldsmith. Jarrod is a Canadian small business community builder and is the embodiment of the small business spirit. He is one of Ottawa’s best known entrepreneurs and founded Sax Appeal (Canada’s Premier Saxophone Ensemble), Sax Appeal Productions (an agency for all live music in Ottawa and Gatineau providing live jazz music, classical music, Christmas and holiday music, cocktail music, or wedding music), eSAX (The Entrepreneur Social Advantage Experience); Ottawa’s largest entrepreneur networking community for small business, eXclusive eXperience and hosts both Ask the Fedora (a YouTube video series on entrepreneur networking for smallbiz) and the eSAX Podcast series.

This podcast was produced by Barking Monkey Studio.

First time business networking tips by Jarrod Goldsmith of eSAX

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Jarrod shares three tips for going to your first networking event. When should you arrive? Who to connect with first? How to make your first networking connection?

ABOUT Jarrod Goldsmith:

Jarrod Goldsmith is a Canadian small business community builder and is the embodiment of the small business spirit. He is recognized as one of Ottawa’s premiere champions for fostering a stronger small business community. As an active member of the Ottawa Board of Trade (as well as all previous regional Chambers of Commerce in the Ottawa, Ontario, Canada area), he is one of the region’s best known entrepreneurial networkers.

Jarrod’s commitment to community engagement was further recognized when he ran for Ottawa City Councillor (Orléans, Ward 1) in the October 2018 municipal election.

Jarrod is an in-demand speaker who offers inspiration (and practical) knowledge to help others achieve their dream of entrepreneurship. He has been featured in dozens of television, video and audio segments, as well as having articles published in newspapers, magazines and on-line forums promoting and motivating the entrepreneur community.

He regularly hosts workshops and seminars for students, startups, small business and community groups on the value of developing lasting professional relationships.

Jarrod’s passion for music, organizational abilities, public relation and leadership skills make for a perfect combination in creating not only Sax Appeal (Canada’s Premier Saxophone Ensemble), but also eSAX (The Entrepreneur Social Advantage Experience) – an entrepreneur networking community for small business.

In addition, Jarrod hosts eXclusive eXperience; a monthly networking opportunity for senior executives.

As another way to help encourage, promote and offer greater assistance to aspiring entrepreneurs, Jarrod also hosts a regular YouTube video series titled Ask the Fedora (subscribe now to learn about how to make YOUR networking work)!

Jarrod is an extremely enthusiastic and dedicated communications professional who is available for pubic speaking engagements and consulting. Contact Jarrod for any media requests, speaking engagements or to see how he can help your business or organization with marketing, branding, social media or networking!

Subscribe to the eSAX YouTube channel for more entrepreneur networking tips and connect with us on social media! Twitter (#eSAX) / Facebook / Instagram / LinkedIn

eSAX (The Entrepreneur Social Advantage Experience – https://eSAX.ca) is an entrepreneur networking community for small business located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. #eSAX Makes Networking Work!

eSAX was founded by entrepreneur and musician Jarrod Goldsmith. Jarrod is a Canadian small business community builder and is the embodiment of the small business spirit. He is one of Ottawa’s best known entrepreneurs and founded Sax Appeal (Canada’s Premier Saxophone Ensemble), Sax Appeal Productions (an agency for all live music in Ottawa and Gatineau providing live jazz music, classical music, Christmas and holiday music, cocktail music, or wedding music), eSAX (The Entrepreneur Social Advantage Experience); Ottawa’s largest entrepreneur networking community for small business, eXclusive eXperience and hosts both Ask the Fedora (a YouTube video series on entrepreneur networking for smallbiz) and the eSAX Podcast series.

This podcast was produced by Barking Monkey Studio.

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