Close Up Radio

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Close Up Radio Spotlights Leadership Coach and Author Shannon Carver of Lean Leaders Plus

Posted January 7, 2026 • 00:30:48

Alvarado, TX - Shannon Carver is a seasoned leadership consultant, executive coach, and the founder and president of Lean Leaders Plus. He boasts more than 25 years of experience developing leaders and guiding organizations towards growth and improvement. He has transformed and strengthened top executives, teams, and entire cultures with his insights and coaching strategies.Recently Mr. Carver added best-selling author to his list of accomplishments. His book is titled Your Leadership Currency of TCR: Gain Ultimate Influence by Building Trust, Credibility and Respect. He will discuss this book as well as the leadership philosophy behind it in his podcast. The TCR model infuses leaders with the capacity to lead more effectively, communicate fluently with all levels of talent, and deliver optimal results. In addition to coaching and writing, Mr. Carver has an engaging style that has earned him many keynote speaking engagements.Mr. Carver holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State University and an MBA from the University of Minnesota. While much of his background was in Engineering, Manufacturing, and Continuous Improvement, today he influences leaders across a spectrum of industries that include manufacturing, construction, healthcare, logistics and distribution, and more. He says that his core purpose is to develop leaders and improve their effectiveness.“I love seeing those light bulbs go moments. When a leader gets it, and I can track his or her success, it is so rewarding. There are many ways to track that, such as increased self-awareness and leadership effectiveness, getting promoted to the next level or achieving significant improvements in team performance.”Leadership Development is the main portion of the advisory work that Mr. Carver does, however the consulting firm also supports strategic planning, process improvement and team development. The consulting firm was launched in 2016, but Shannon Carver had been working in the consulting space since 2008. He also held management positions in Quality Management, Continuous Improvement Management, and the Strategic Planning Chairperson during his career. Movement is ingrained in his soul; as the child of a Naval officer, he moved around a lot. Mr. Carver was born in Hawaii, then lived in Michigan, Washington state, southern California, Iowa, and Minnesota before arriving in Texas about a dozen years ago.Beyond his coaching work, his favorite things to do are spend time with his wife and adult children, and engage in outdoor activities, such as hiking and skiing. Anything he says, that gives you an adrenaline rush, is a sport he’d try.Shannon Carver states that he delights in being a personal influence for change and has had many people that helped to shape and transform him as well. One was Pastor Craig Groeschel, the founder and senior pastor of Life.Church, noted for his evangelical and leadership views. There are other mentors-- like Donna Gilligan, a cohort who taught him to see the grey back when he was a pretty black and white young engineer—that he mentions in his new book. Mr. Carver says that mentors and career guides are important, and he was lucky to have several in the organization where he cut his professional teeth.Lean Leaders Plus stands apart for having the ideal combination of people and processes. While there are other lean or leadership consulting firms out there, many consultants are siloed in their thinking, meaning they only know one side of success, such as continuous improvement or team development. His firm has the knowledge, strength, and proven ability to cultivate acute leaders, so that clients can transform into high performance organizations.Learn more in his breakout podcast for the new year.For more information about Shannon Carver, his work and his book, visit his website:www.leanleadersplus.com

Part 1: Close Up Radio Spotlights Top Lawyer John R. Teakell

Posted January 7, 2026 • 00:36:58

Dallas, TX - John R. Teakell is an often-honored lawyer, with a number of inclusions and accolades on his resume, such as Top 100 Attorney, Super Lawyer and Elite Lawyers. From his legal office in Dallas, TX, he has provided criminal defense services to hundreds of individuals charged with Texas or Federal felonies. Choosing an experienced attorney, he stresses, is important when people are facing Federal criminal charges. He has extensive Federal experience that can increase the changes of a dismissal. Mr. Teakell currently practices in Texas but also worked for a few years as an Assistant US Attorney, both locally and in Puerto Rico.“I was interested in the law and law enforcement at a young age and aspired to work for the FBI or the U.S. Attorney’s Office. I spent my days working in firms like banks while attending law school at night. I later worked at the State Prosecutor’s Office and just kept moving up.”His career began back in 1985. He now has broad experience as a state and federal prosecutor and has handled thousands of cases ranging from misdemeanors to death penalty cases. Among the many charges he has handled are drug cases, SEC cases, and fraud and white collar cases. Some cases are mundane while others are rather unusual, such as a Federal case related to the sale of wellness products without being registered with the FDA . His trial experience includes white collar cases, fraud, computer intrusions, tax evasion, securities fraud, conspiracy, security clearance hearings, and more.The National Trial Lawyer Association recognized Mr. Teakell as a top rated criminal defense attorney and gave him the title Super Lawyer. He has also appeared in numerous media including Forbes and Time magazines and Who’s Who. The Close Up Radio team recognized Mr. Teakell for his many legal achievements as well as his public speaking manner. His cultivated way of speaking started with his trials and prosecutorial discussions and later led to media appearances and other podcasts.John R. Teakell has returned to his Texas roots after spending years in Oklahoma and outside the states. His father was a Deacon in The Baptist Church and also raised quarter horses, which became a passion for the attorney too.John R. Teakell has served as a Criminal Defense Attorney and former Federal, State, and SEC Prosecutor. This results in a unique combination of expertise that enables him to provide expert legal services to financial institutions, corporations, and government agencies. He believes that after all his years of Federal and State criminal prosecution experience, he thoroughly understands the investigative and prosecution processes, as well as the strategies needed for the defense of a company or individual who may be under investigation.Mr. Teakell has represented over 2500 clients and was voted Super Lawyer for 16 years running. He is respected for being hands on with every case and does not pass work off to junior or external partners. No matter how complex or lengthy the case is, his tireless dedication makes the difference.“I thought I would be a state prosecutor for life, but eventually the challenges from certain cases made me realize I too had to move on. I’ve been in private practice ever since, about 20 years now, and there are no regrets.”Learn more about all that John R Teakell has accomplished in his career and hopes to in the future in his two New Year podcasts.For more information about Lawyer John Terkell visit his website www.teakelllaw.com or profile on LinkedIn

Part 1: Close Up Radio Spotlights Food Safety Expert Kevin Forrest of Bevara High-Processing Tolling Services

Posted January 7, 2026 • 00:32:53

Winston-Salem, NC - Kevin Forrest knows we are all entitled to food safety—so we can live in a world where the food we consume is safe, clean, and trustworthy. Food preservation matters. Fresh foods and juices, in particular, are highly susceptible to microbial contamination and spoilage, making innovative safety solutions essential.As the food industry continues to evolve, technologies that extend shelf life without compromising quality are in high demand. One such innovation is High-Pressure Processing (HPP), a true game changer that enhances product safety while preserving taste, freshness, and nutritional value.Thanks to the leadership and vision of Kevin and his company Bevara High Pressure Processing Tolling Services, food safety is advancing in meaningful ways. By expanding access to HPP technology, Bevara is helping manufacturers deliver safer, longer-lasting products and empowering consumers with greater confidence in the food they choose every day.Bevara High-Pressure Processing Tolling Services is a newly established facility in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, specializing in High-Pressure Processing (HPP) technology. This advanced, non-thermal process uses high isostatic pressure to inactivate harmful microorganisms and enzymes—without heat—allowing food products to achieve significantly extended shelf life while preserving their original taste, color, and nutritional value.As the first HPP tolling facility of its kind in North Carolina, Bevara fills a critical gap in the region’s food-processing infrastructure. The facility supports food and beverage manufacturers throughout the Southeast by providing comprehensive services, including HPP tolling, packaging, labeling, cold storage, and integrated logistics solutions.Bevara specializes in High-Pressure Processing (HPP)—a non-thermal food safety technology that uses extreme cold water pressure to eliminate harmful pathogens while preserving taste, color, and nutrition.As an example, explains Kevin, a fresh juice made with spinach and kale typically has a pH of around 4 and will only last 2–3 days without pasteurization. When that same product is brought to Bevara, it enters the facility at the same pH level and is placed into baskets that are loaded into a pressure vessel.The vessel is filled with cold water, sealed on both ends, and pressure is applied—up to 87,000 pounds per square inch—for approximately three minutes. During this process, the product is exposed to isostatic pressure, which inactivates pathogens such as E. coli and Listeria without compromising the product’s integrity.Once the pressure is released, the product emerges with the same taste, color, and nutritional value—but with two critical differences. It has now been fully pathogen-inactivated and Its shelf life can be extended up to 120 days.This process effectively “bullet-proofs” food when applied correctly, making it one of the safest food preservation methods available today.Bevara’s mission is to increase access to safer, cleaner, and longer-lasting food products while helping manufacturers bring high-quality, minimally processed offerings to market efficiently and affordably.Bevara is a high-pressure processing tolling facility that provides state-of-the-art HPP equipment and services to food and beverage manufacturers. By bringing this advanced technology to North Carolina, Bevara is helping introduce safer, cleaner, and longer-lasting food products to the region and beyond.Raised in a fourth-generation food service distribution family, Mr. Forrest developed an early and lasting connection to the food industry. His professional background includes food service distribution and business ownership, with deep operational experience across the supply chain. Although his family business was sold in 2016, his passion for innovation in food never waned.While implementing an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system at Village Juice, Kevin was introduced to High-Pressure Processing technology. The impact and potential of HPP immediately resonated with him, inspiring him to enter what remains a highly specialized and rapidly growing niche within the food industry. That vision ultimately led to the founding of Bevara High-Pressure Processing Tolling Services.Bevara is scheduled to be fully operational by the end of 2026.Kevin is deeply committed to helping consumers gain access to safer, healthier, and cleaner food. He believes awareness of HPP technology remains limited, even among manufacturers, despite its ability to open doors to green-label, minimally processed products at an affordable cost—without disrupting existing business models.Currently, there are very few independent HPP tolling providers in the United States, with Universal Pure being one of the largest operators in the space. Bevara aims to help close that gap by expanding access to this technology for food, beverage, raw food, and even pet food manufacturers—sectors that face increasing safety and regulatory challenges.Food has been part of Kevin's family legacy for generations. His mission is rooted in the belief that food should never be used as a weapon—and that clean, healthy, and accessible food should be readily available to everyone. Thanks to Kevin’s leadership and the work of Bevara, we are closer than ever to that vision becoming a reality.Don’t miss his upcoming podcast episodes with Jim and Doug to learn more about how he’s helping transform food safety and the future of what we eat.For more information, please visit www.bevarahpp.com

Part 4: Close Up Radio Welcomes Back Susan Schall of SOS Consulting

Posted January 6, 2026 • 00:31:53

Front Royal, VA - Susan O. Schall is a woman with an extraordinary set of skills and engineering education that she parlayed into an engineering career followed by a consulting practice. While her PhD is in industrial engineering, and manufacturing operations are a major segment of those she supports, her work impacts many different operations, processes and levels of leadership. She has delivered $250 million in results driven by process improvements and organizational health methods. In addition to providing operational management for SOS Consulting (clearly derived from her name) Susan volunteers for ABET, a nonprofit global accreditor of STEM education, aligned with her expertise in engineering and quality.Dr. Schall, informally known as just Susan, is also recognized as the founder and operations leader of SOS Consulting, where she works with manufacturing leaders to maximize their leadership potential and improve organizational performance. SOS Consulting was formed in 2004 in response to a friend who sought her out for assistance delivering Six Sigma training to a global food and beverage manufacturer. Recognizing her experiences and approaches have broad application, Dr. Schall diversified her offerings and provides training, coaching and thought leadership for a variety of clients and business segments.“SOS Consulting creates a means for everyone to contribute and create an organization that is more effective and positioned competitively. Most of the clients are smaller manufacturers and nonprofits; teams who have been ignored by the local, state and federal economic development groups. Everything is changing all at once for them. We enable these organizations to deal with productivity, quality, technology, and organization health in this sea of change.”While the bottom line is always ROI and turning a profit, people make it all happen. The best places to work recognize this, and create a workplace where everyone can flourish, which impacts the bottom-line. Those who understand and implement, see a higher return than those who do not (upwards of 13%). She enjoys making that kind of impact. This is one reason she was honored with the Medallion Award from Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers. This award recognizes those who make strides in leadership, education and mentoring programs, and plant productivity and quality.Dr Schall has over 30 years of experience that she leverages in all of her engagements. Client industries have included higher education, and non-profits as well as industrial operations.Dr. Schall met with our hosts before and will review some principles she discussed in the past. The last show in her extended series will be an opportunity to review who she is, how she became a consultant, and the type of client companies she focuses on. As she wraps up her shows, she will also talk about the honors and foresight that led to her being recognized as a thought leader in engineering and manufacturing.“There is a famous quote from Robert F Kennedy that meshes with my idea of possibilities. I have great foresight, I grasp systems and data, and I am not afraid to stand up and point things out.”RFK once said “Some see things as they are and say why? I see things as they could be and say why not?” This is what Susan demonstrates in her consulting approach.SOS Consulting is dedicated to solving problems with a six sided approach that appears in their logo and has been outlined in some prior shows. They include operational and leadership improvements and strengthening communication at every level of an organization. In addition to internal partners, she emphasizes the importance of external supplier and customer relations.Dr. Schall’s website further enforces the message: if we don’t execute on organizational health and process improvements, we cannot stay competitive in a sea of change. There are new challenges arising daily: digitization, tariffs, and geopolitical conflicts that impact manufacturers and their ability to thrive. With a new year starting, even more changes are bound to be on the horizon, and Susan O Scahll has the vision and experience it takes to make the most of it. She specializes in supporting the smaller companies and manufacturers who may have been overlooked by other consulting firms.For more information about Dr. Schall, please visit www.execute2compete.com

Close Up Radio Spotlights Author, Speaker, Chef, and Dog Mom Amber DiGiovanni

Posted January 6, 2026 • 00:29:27

Kansas City, MO - Close Up Radio is saluting Amber DiGiovanni, a U.S. Air Force veteran, author, and motivational speaker whose life is defined by resilience and reinvention. From military service to the culinary world—and now to transformational storytelling—Amber is known as “The Dog-Ma” due to her advocacy around canine nutrition, rescue, and the healing bond between people and their dogs. Her latest book, The Flower That Defied the Darkness, explores trauma, healing, and growth through the lens of timeless children’s classics. Please welcome Amber DiGiovanni.This powerful woman has been a U.S. Air Force veteran, executive chef, author, and motivational speaker, DiGiovanni’s life reflects a rare through-line of resilience and purpose. Raised in a family shaped by military service and culinary tradition, she first followed her father into the armed forces before later embracing her mother’s world of food and hospitality. Each chapter built upon the last, leading her to the work she does today—helping others transform adversity into meaning.DiGiovanni is also widely known as “The Dog-Ma,” a title earned through her deep commitment to canine nutrition, animal rescue, and the powerful bonds between people and their dogs. Her award-winning book, Dining with the Dog-Ma!, celebrates that bond through thoughtfully developed recipes designed for both humans and their canine companions. Portions of the book are written from the perspective of Simon, her beloved senior rescue dog, whose health and longevity inspired many of the recipes. It will be featured at the London Book Fair this year.Simon walked beside DiGiovanni through some of the most challenging periods of her life, embodying loyalty, healing, and unconditional love. Hamilton, her younger rescue, later entered her world with unbridled joy and light—together forming a family that reflects the restorative power of connection.DiGiovanni’s most recent book, The Flower That Defied the Darkness:Timeless Children's Classics as Guides to Life and the Power of Transformation, represents her most personal work to date and is set to be featured at the Frankfurt Book Fair this year as well. In it, Amber draws from her own journey through trauma, PTSD, and healing. The book uses iconic children’s stories as metaphors for growth, resilience, and becoming—again and again.“After EMDR therapy, I can look at certain memories now as postage stamps in the back of my mind, instead of the gorilla in the room,” DiGiovanni shares, describing the tools that helped her reclaim agency and perspective.Through 17 re-imagined stories—from The Very Hungry Caterpillar to The Velveteen Rabbit—the book explores how we move beyond pain, find authenticity, and choose growth even after profound hardship.DiGiovanni’s story is not one of erasure, but of integration—honoring the past while standing firmly in the present. As a speaker and author, she continues to inspire others to nurture what heals, to live with intention, and to bloom despite darkness.For more information about Amber, please visit https://diningwithdog-ma.com/