The Next Gen Collective

Brad Toms - Commitment to Premium Service

Wed, 27 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400

This week on the podcast, we sit down with Brad Toms, founder of Sunset Auto Detailing, to talk about what it really takes to build a business from the ground up. From turning a passion for cars into a growing brand, to the lessons learned through entrepreneurship, Brad shares the highs, challenges, and mindset behind his success. We also dive into customer experience, building a reputation in the community, and why attention to detail matters in both business and life. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, car enthusiast, or someone chasing a dream, this episode is packed with insight and motivation.

Britt Holmes - Meta, Google & LinkedIn Ads that Actually Convert!

Wed, 20 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we’re joined by Britt Holmes of Merit Media, a digital advertising expert with 14+ years of experience running high-performing campaigns across Google, Meta, and LinkedIn, managing more than $50M in ad spend along the way.

Britt shares the real truth about paid ads, why marketing doesn’t need to feel complicated or “salesy,” and how businesses can stop wasting money on strategies that simply don’t convert. From Fortune 500 brands to small service-based businesses and nonprofits, she’s helped organizations turn messy tracking, underperforming funnels, and confusing ad systems into clear, revenue-driving strategies.

If you’re a business owner, marketer, entrepreneur, or creative looking to better understand digital advertising, lead generation, and what truly drives ROI in today’s online landscape, this episode is packed with practical insights and no-BS advice you can actually apply.

Waxflower Floristry - Building a Business With Your Best Friend

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:00:00 -0400

From navigating the early days of entrepreneurship during a global pandemic to building a thriving floral brand rooted in creativity and connection, this episode dives into the real story behind Waxflower Floristry.

In this conversation, we sit down with the founders of Waxflower Floristry to talk about the highs and lows of running a business, the lessons learned through uncertain times, and what it takes to grow a brand while staying true to your vision. They share honest insights into entrepreneurship, resilience, creativity, and the evolution of their business over the years.

This episode is filled with candid stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and valuable takeaways for anyone building a business, pursuing a creative passion, or navigating the realities of entrepreneurship.

Topics covered:
• Starting and growing a business during the pandemic
• The early challenges of entrepreneurship
• Building a creative brand from the ground up
• Navigating business growth and change
• Lessons learned through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship
• Staying inspired while running a business

Emily Hlusko-Huard - The Art of Event Planning

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Next Gen Collective, we sit down with Emily Hlusko-Huard of @shaelynangus.events to talk all things events.

From the creative process behind bringing a vision to life to the behind-the-scenes realities of executing seamless experiences, Emily shares what it truly takes to succeed in the events industry. We dive into her journey, lessons learned along the way, and the passion that drives her to create memorable moments for every client.

Whether you're an aspiring event planner, business owner, or someone who appreciates the magic of a well-executed event, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and real talk.

Marcus McPhee - 10 Years in Photography

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we sit down with Marcus McPhee to dive into his 10-year journey in the photography industry and what it really takes to build a creative business that lasts.

Marcus shares how he got started, the challenges of turning passion into a profession, and the lessons he’s learned from a decade behind the lens. From navigating inconsistent income and client growth to developing a unique style and strong personal brand, this conversation is packed with honest insight for creatives and entrepreneurs alike.

We also talk about the mindset required to stay consistent, evolve with the industry, and keep pushing forward—even when things get tough.

Whether you’re a photographer, creative, or business owner, this episode offers real-world advice and inspiration you can apply to your own journey.

Riley Allen - Cancer Survivor, Entrepreneur, & Philanthropist

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:00:00 -0400

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Riley Allen, founder of Riley Socks Apparel, to share her incredible story of resilience, purpose, and turning pain into impact.

Diagnosed at just 18 months old with a rare form of cancer, Riley endured years of treatment, including chemotherapy, major surgery, and recovery that would shape her life forever. Today, she’s transformed that journey into a meaningful brand that stands for strength, faith, and perseverance.

Riley opens up about:
✨ Her cancer journey and the lessons it taught her
✨ Building a purpose-driven apparel brand
✨ The meaning behind “You Are Stronger”
✨ How adversity can fuel entrepreneurship
✨ Inspiring others through storytelling and community

This episode is a reminder that no matter what you face, you are stronger than you think.

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The Next Gen Collective highlights the entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals shaping what’s next in our community.

Brittney Megann - Head Socialista, Magnetic Marketing, & Finding Your Niche

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we sit down with Brit, the powerhouse behind Social & Stilettos, to talk all things confidence, community, and building a brand that actually feels like you.

Brit shares her journey into entrepreneurship, how she turned her passion for connection into a thriving platform, and the real behind-the-scenes of showing up online—consistently and authentically. From navigating self-doubt to creating meaningful relationships both online and offline, this conversation is packed with relatable moments and actionable insights.

Whether you're building a brand, growing your network, or just trying to show up with a little more confidence—this episode will leave you feeling inspired and ready to take up space.

🎧 Tune in to hear:

How Brit built Social & Stilettos into a community
Tips for showing up confidently online
The power of networking with intention
Real talk on entrepreneurship and growth

Myles Doak - Dragon's Den, Scaling Multiple Companies & How to Overcome Setbacks.

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 14:00:00 -0400

Myles Doak started his first business in high school and landed a deal on Dragon’s Den before most people know what they are going to do with their lives. Since then, he’s launched and scaled multiple companies, sold hundreds of thousands of units, and experienced both the highs of growth, and the hard lessons that come with entrepreneurship.

After navigating setbacks, ESPECIALLY during the pandemic, he took a step back to figure out where his true passions lied. This led to co-founding Neighbour Media, a modern local media company spotlighting the positive stories of people and businesses right here in our community.