Networking Unleashed: Building Profitable Connections. An Interview with Elias Curtis and Michael A Forman
- mforman521
- 6 days ago
- 17 min read
Welcome to Networking Unleashed, Building Profitable Connections, the show where relationships create opportunity, leadership creates influence, and purpose creates lasting impact. I'm your host, Michael Forman. In today's world, success is often measured by revenue, titles, awards, and accomplishments. But what if success without purpose isn't success at all?
What if the greatest challenge isn't building a business, but building one without sacrificing your values along the way? My guest today brings a refreshing perspective on leadership, mentorship, and personal growth. We're talking about how to build a successful business while staying true to who you are How adversity shapes stronger leaders, and how some of life's meaningful victories happen beyond financial success.
We'll also explore how authentic relationships become the foundation for both business growth and personal fulfillment. If you've ever wondered whether it's possible to grow your business, lead with integrity, and still find meaningful meaning in the journey, this episode is for you. I'd like to welcome to the podcast today Elias, and why don't you give us a little a little cliff notes of how you got where you are today?
Sure. Thank you for having me on, Michael, appreciate that. And so just a little introduction about myself. My name's Elias Curtis. I'm a father I'm a husband, I am a grandfather. And yeah, the journey has been very good. It's ups and downs, of course, as we walk with you things.
But but as far as the business side of things, I would say, having the company for about 17 years, right? When my wife and I started it back in 2009, we just had the, a vision of just wanting to be able to help businesses, with their brand design, logos, and websites and whatnot.
Learning through a lot of that in the beginning was important, because, to your point, you're mentioning purpose, right? So it's okay, what are we doing with our lives? How's this fit and everything else we got going on our faith as well. And so it was a very interesting journey, I could tell you.
So Transform Design back in 2009, we just, we start out in our home, and I got really busy with work, with projects, and then we expanded out. I started hir- hiring contractors to come alongside us to, to help us with projects. And then I, we got to a place where we, bottleneck, right?
It's okay we have to pivot. We have to expand. We have to do something different. And so we got into more services, as far as like websites and SEO and marketing, and really unpacking, a lot of the pain points that clients have, especially in the business world. So we targeted service-based businesses.
We're like, okay, they're pretty straightforward what they want. So that's where leads came in and it's oh, okay. This kind of works out the same way with our business. It's if we have somebody that we can work with, then, we can build a working relationship and we can also see together with scaling and so forth.
But yeah, there's just a lot of technical parts of that and what we're doing now currently. But yeah it's been a great journey. Sounds great. Sounds wonderful. My wife does exactly what you do. She's been doing it for 40 years, oh, wow. Okay. Yeah. And she moved up the, with the ranks of, into director, project management, and all this kind of stuff.
And it wasn't until recently where she left that and she started her own thing. But my entire business was built with her behind me. With her giving me the right, right answers. But, okay. So let me get some of these questions. Okay. Many people chase success at any cost. How can someone build a successful network and business without compromising their values?
Yeah, I think it's important to stay true to yourself and what you believe, right? But also at the same time, know where you stand, as a person in a world or e- even in the market if we're talking business. What value are you bringing to the table, right? And so to your point, having a wife, that helped and supported me even in business, was very important and very good, right?
Because I just think that motivation was helping me to go ahead and ke- continue to work. Yes, we make the sacrifices but we don't have to compromise our values in that process. So we plan things out efficiently. We have our terms, we have our conditions, we have our policies and things in place to help with a lot of the, prevention me- methods, if you will to not get too caught up in a lot of different things that, that go against what we believe, number one.
And number two, that possibly is not a good fit. So there, there has to be an alignment when it comes to working relationships. And so flushing that, a lot of that out, we were doing that all before AI integration technology even started, right? So this is way back, in, in 2000s, but early 2000s.
And so working through that, it was like, wow, that's amazing, having to do all of that manually. Looking back, I'm like, wow we put in the work. But it was worth it, because we really w- not in a sense forced to work together, but we had to work together in order to succeed. And also too, I noticed that you are a US Air Force veteran I respect that, man, and I appreciate your service and what you've done.
My oldest son, he just got out of the Air Force too. He's been in for eight years. So now he's in cybersecurity and doing well for himself, and what does he do in the Air Force? He's missiles engineer. He was into, a lot of the automation a lot of the technical engineering side of things, so he took a little bit of that into his career in cybersecurity, so that, that's helped him a lot. But yeah, it's been good. Yeah. I was in for nine years. Okay. And I came out as a master sergeant. I was a security policeman. Wow. So I got to see all sorts of things. But so how do you handle, because you work with your wife- Yeah
how do you handle that work- Life, work-life balance. H- how do you balance that? So it helps that we do work together, and so expectations are understood as far as what our role and responsibilities as far as especially in the home or in the business side of things. And so it really is, being in agreement with what's important.
Setting goals, setting expectations. We share same values and beliefs, so that helps a lot. And then just working through a lot of that as well. So as far as, disconnecting the two, as far as like a clean cut, I- you have to be intentional, right? I have to, I speak for myself, plan date nights, gotta get away from the business, go travel, whether you do a spa day or go out to a nice restaurant and just travel.
Just do different things. Just get away from the day-to-day work ethic. Because, especially as business owners, we love to just get, jump into it and just work hard and then it's oh man, we lose track of time. So Forget about everything else. You forget about everything else. It's- You jump in, and before you know it, it's 11 o'clock at night exactly. So it's that- And where'd the day go?
I know, and it does affect the marriage, it does affect the home, and it, yeah. So it's definitely that balance, for sure. Of course. And that communication has to be open, absolutely. Absolutely. Absolutely. How do personal values influence the types of relationships you build and the opportunities you attract?
Yeah. First and foremost as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, it's our faith is essential, right? So when I'm working and I'm dealing with relationships or dealing with anyone at all it's God first, right? My responsibility is do good to any- everyone- everybody in the walk in love and walk in respect and that.
So it's it's not always good and it's not always right , especially when it comes to working relationships. So I think setting expectations and just having that open communication with anyone, saying, "Look, we may not share the same values, we may not even share the same beliefs, we may not even share the same goals, but how can we work together to do something that's worthwhile in order to move this thing forward?"
So I'm always open to discussions about that without having to argue and debate but to have a healthy conversation. Yeah, I think that's important. Yeah. Are you... i, you're younger than I am, but I can tell. But do you remember the Brian song? I think so. The movie Brian song with Brian Piccolo, Gale Sayers?
It sounds familiar, but if I haven't seen it- Okay. Well- ... I'll have to see it ... he had, there's a chart, there's a verse. He goes, "The Lord is first, my family is second, and I am third." And the name of the book was I Am Third. And- That's a good order ... whole big thing on that. So it was j- right along the same lines of what you're talking about.
Can people sense when someone is networking with an agenda versus networking with genuine intent? And what are the signs? Absolutely, yeah. It's, we pick up on it. It's, you can't hide it, right? It's- Immediately Right away, yeah. So they know if you're in it for the money, for just the sales and, or they know that you're in it for them, right?
So we always make it our aim to help others and to meet them where they're at to close gaps, to fix systems, to really do high-quality work for our client base. And so genuine of it is so important, knowing people is very important. That's like the first step, right? You gotta get to know them first, right?
And so listening helps a lot just to understand where they're coming from and try- and just, do what you can. Do your best to work through that. If you get to a place where it's just you know what? We've done everything. We've talked about a lot of things, but yet things are just not working out then, that's when, that's a discussion that has to be had too, it's hard- Yeah. It's called... when you go to a networking event- Yeah ... it's called having a servant's heart. You're looking to give and not looking for to receive. You're looking to say, "Okay, how can I help whomever I'm talking to? How can I help you?" And there's, of course, there's a whole sequence of, how you get to that point.
First you listen. You listen intently. You answer what they're saying. You're always concentrating on them. There's an 80/20 rule. 80% they should talk, 20% you should talk. Yeah. And that 20% should be thinking of questions to ask the 80%. So it's all about them. And by doing that, you'll get so much more out of it.
Yeah. Yep. You've experienced adversity. How, h- how have life's challenges changed the way you build trust and connect with people? Yeah, it's just having a heart for people. It's you go through your own struggles, your own pains and your own suffering, but it's understanding that, no matter how bad it feels, right?
It's like we're not alone even though we may feel it. But it is also something that is important to reach out, to a point, give, it's better to give than receive. So it's always putting the other person above you which is humbling, right? It's a humili- humility thing, but it is a virtue that is worth pursuing.
And it does serve its purpose, and helping people to understand, okay, this person was actually for me, not against me, right? But adversity, yeah, we've tasted it so many times in so many different ways, right? Trials and tribulation. But, whether it's caring for someone who's suffering or, going through financial hardship.
And I can tell you, in the beginning of our business was rough. I don't think we even made that much money the first two years, and then it was really just working hard and over time and just to get to that place where, okay, we can now live off our business for everything now, without having to go back to the nine-five job, right?
And then over time, by the grace of God, it was just went up and up and then it, of course it dipped and, went through COVID and all this other stuff and, but yet we're still here, and so I'm thankful for that. Yeah I did it backwards way. I w- I was in the Air Force.
I came out, I started my own business. I had restaurants, pizzerias ice cream stores, all of that, and I got rid of all that and went corporate for about 15 years, and then I said, "Eh, no. I'm gonna stop that and go back on my own," so I kinda left the corporate world and went back on my own and I'm 100% happier for it.
Yeah. I can't work for anybody else. I think I'm too old to, yeah. There's a lot of things changing out there too, so A lot of things. It's like- A lot of things change. It's a- What role has mentorship played in your journey? And how can professionals intentionally build relationships with mentors?
Yeah, influence is leadership, so it's like you just, you look for people who is wow, okay, they're doing very well. So there's always a model to look at. For me and my church our lead pastor, he's done a great job, by grace of God to pour into my life, especially during the dark times, if you will.
And it's just, changed me tremendously going through that process. And so yeah, it's really, It's being mentored or, in the church we would call it discipleship. It's being mentored, but it's also being in a position to mentor others, right? So it's like I'm being mentored , okay, so who else can I mentor?
So it should carry over from generation to generation. And I think for the younger people in your audience, I would say trust. Trust is huge. All right? If you can build trust with people and they follow you and they believe what you're doing is worthwhile, then that's it, right?
At least to- in the beginning. And I've seen that proven time and time again, even in the business context. When clients are leaving five-star reviews left and right all over the place over the years, it's okay we've proven that we can do great work, right? Now it's they're putting a face to the work.
It's okay he's done very well, then may- perhaps we'll follow him. But others won't, right? Not everybody will do it. But that's part of it. And so we just wanna be able to show what goodness looks like, what trust looks like and, and where we can go, which is a good place, yeah. Tru- trust is a major factor. Yeah. You never stop learning, right? Now, if you're lucky, I'm fortunate I have a mentor. And- ... I'm an executive business coach. Sure. And here I am being coached by somebody else. And so I'm always looking for it. Now, I have a number of students, but it's, I, y- you never wanna stop learning.
You never wanna stop learning a different way, and you always have to be humble. And no matter how big and bad you get, you always have to remember where you came from. It's f- I think that mentoring is so important to me because you, I see where somebody else is thinking.
I don't have yes-men around me. I have people who say, "You're an idiot. What are you doing that for?" I'm like, "Oh, okay," and then I have others that I can do that with. So to me- ... that's so very important. How do strong leaders create meaningful connections without relying on their title, position, or authority?
Goes back to humility, right? It takes us right back there again, because it's like we're not doing this for accolades and titles and recognition and applauses of people and the fame which the world can give you, and you can receive that and try to push yourself up there. But I strongly believe, in the Lord's strength, right?
And so if God's building it in a- building it in us and allowing this to take place, then I'm just like that's where, He gets all the glory, and I just trust Him and thank Him for it, right? So that's where we're heading, right? So staying humble. Absolutely. Okay. Absolutely.
Good piece of advice. What happens when someone's definition of success is based solely on achievement or financial results, and how does that affect relationships? Yeah. I think, it comes down to a heart, the heart behind it. If that's the goal is to be famous and to get accolades and to have success and, that's, and people are not part of that equation and care for them and doing well for them, then that's a very shortsighted thinking, right? It's very small, and even though it may be grandiose in, in one's mind it's very short-thinking. Or shortsighted, if you will. So yeah it's more than that, right?
It comes down to significance. It comes down to value, and it also comes down to purpose. So and then ultimately legacy, right? So if I pass away, what am I leaving behind? What are people gonna remember me by? So you know, I'm intentional when it comes to that, at least nowadays. It wasn't always that way.
Because, you know- Of course not ... I was very selfish for a long time, so it's like I think about me, right? Well- ... you got older, you got wiser, and certain things had to happen to you. ... I'm a firm believer everything happens for a reason. Yes. You are where you are today because of who you were yesterday.
And you had to get through that to get to be the person who you are today. So it's very important. So you know, when somebody asks you if you were to change this or that in your life, h- how would you like, if that could happen?" I said if it changes the way that I am right now, don't do it."
Don't take it out of my life because it took that because you learn so much more from your failures than your successes that, don't change a thing. I lived it. I'm here, I'm living- ... but don't take that away. How can professionals align their networking efforts with a deeper sense of purpose instead of simply pursuing transactions?
Goes to the why. Why am I doing this? And what am I doing it for, right? Or who am I doing it for? Okay. Who I'm doing it for, right? So these are questions we just have to ask ourselves. It's like a self-examination question or introspection or whatever we do on the inside. It's the why, it's okay, I know I enjoy doing this.
I love doing it, and I'm good at it or perhaps I'm even gifted at it. So it's worth pursuing. If the desire's there, it's just a matter of just walking in that and seeing where it goes. But yeah, it's having a plan and having a purpose, but it's also knowing who is this for, right?
Absolutely. Otherwise, why are you doing it? Exactly. If you ask yourself why are you doing this? You're doing it just to make money? You could do anything just to make money, and you can make money, but you have to see what's important to you. So yeah. What qualities do you look for in relationships that have the potential to become long-term partnerships?
It's a good question. All right, so at the moment we do have partnerships and clients that we've been working with for many years. So it goes back to trust. We can go through virtues and talk about, what that looks like as far as a high-quality relationship, and especially in the context of business.
But it is, communication. It is hard work. It is discipline, right? It's being consistent over a long period of time. Because as we build a relationship with people in general, the longer you work together, the more you know more about each other, right? And so to continue to keep, that goal and objective in place helps that out, out a lot, especially when it comes to expectations.
So if I'm planning something out with a business, for example, and we're saying, "Hey, th- these are the goals that we have for over the next year," right? We don't necessarily have to go five, 10 years, but, okay, can we make it through this first year together as a business is working together and scaling together?
Because if the que- if the answer is no, then the working relationship is not gonna work, right? So for us it's a very long-term solution, right? We solve problems in the market for businesses, but it's can we work together over the next year, right? We've been in business for 17 years, we plan on being in business, Lord willing, for another 10 more years. And we have ideas and plans at the r- about that. But, but the way things are going, we're still in this. And so yeah, it's planning, seeing how we're aligned, and big-picture goals. Yeah. Consistency and persistence, the two main functions in business.
Yeah. It's, you have to, if you o- overdeliver and underpromise, if you don't promise it, but you give them, a lot. It's little things like that will show somebody else all right, he's not just a one-trick pony. He's gonna consistently do this, and he's persistent in doing things correctly.
Or, I- I'm a military guy, so I conduct my meetings, I'm very simple. If you're on time, you're late. If you're early, you're on time. Yeah. So I have, people coming to the meeting at, right at 2:00 PM, right at 1:00 PM, right at, and I'm like, "How can you prepare for this meeting?"
Yeah. How can you do preparation work for this meeting if you're just coming in that late Yeah. And and after that, I, I was in a mortgage company and my brother and I started it. And we had, I think, 15 loan officers. And 15 minutes before the meeting, it was packed.
Everybody was in there. Everybody was going over their notes. Everybody, and it was it was very interesting because I only had to say it once. Only had to say it once. Okay, so let's bring this podcast full circle. Okay. If a listener wants to build a network that supports both professional success and personal fulfillment over the next 90 days, what one change would you encourage them to make?
Wow, that was a loaded question, but I'll do my best to answer it. So 90 days- Save the best for last. Yes, like I said, come up with a plan and all those things, but it really is thinking deliberately through, through this. Take some time to really process what's going on, right? Because you're making a long-term commitment.
If we're talking business and we're serious about building a strong business that lasts throughout, pandemics, if you will, right? We have to be very intentional as far as the plan what we're doing. We have to ask questions, hard questions. Why am I doing this? What am I doing it for? And so forth, and really come to terms with that.
And it's gonna be very difficult if we just jump right into a business without really considering what's going on Absolutely. You're so right. I can't even add onto that because you're so on point. If somebody wanted to contact you, wanted to be mentored by you, wanted to partner with you, how would they get ahold of you?
Very easy to get ahold of me. So I have my website transformdesign.com. I'm also on all the social media channels under Transform Design, LinkedIn, Alignable, all different networks. So yeah, you can feel free to even shoot me an email, elias@transformdesign.com. And yeah, I'll be happy to answer any questions and help, navigate through any of these things.
Perfect. Perfect. This conversation is a reminder that success is about more than numbers. At the end of the day, most people won't remember how many deals you closed, how much revenue you generated, or how many awards you won. They'll remember you treated the- treated people, the lives you impacted, and the relationships you built along the way.
The strongest networks aren't built on transactions. They're built on trust, shared values, and a genuine h- desire to help others succeed. Take one step this week. Reach out someo- to someone in your network, and with no agenda other than strengthening the relationship. Those are often the conversations that create the greatest opportunities.
So if you found value in today's episode, make sure you like, follow, and subscribe to Networking Unleashed: Building Profitable Connections so you continue getting the best insights on networking and communication, and share this episode with someone who believes success should include both achievement and purpose.
If you'd help strengthening your communication, building your stronger professional relationships, and creating opportunities through meaningful connections, visit michaelaforman.com. So until next time, lead with integrity, grow with purpose, and build connections that matter long after the business c- card game is gone.
Elias, you were a great guest, and I just wish you all the luck in the world. Thank you. Appreciate it. Thank you for having me on, Michael.
That's a wrap, folks. A huge thank you to our guests for sharing such incredible insights today. And of course, a big shout-out to you, our amazing listeners, for tuning in and spending your time with us. If you're interested in my digital courses, being coached, or having me come and talk to your company, just go to MichaelAForman.com and fill out the request form.
Remember, networking isn't about being perfect. It's about being present. So take what you've learned today, get out there, and make some meaningful connections. If you've enjoyed this episode, please don't forget to subscribe, leave us a review, and share it with someone who could use a little networking inspiration.
Let's keep the conversation going. You can find me on Apple, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube, or my website, michaelaforman.com/podcast
Michael is a business networking expert specializing in enhancing professionals' networking and communication skills to drive profitability. As a leading authority in this field, he is highly sought after for his dynamic presentations and workshops. His extensive experience has consistently led to significant improvements in corporate profitability by empowering individuals and organizations to connect more effectively and efficiently.
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